UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment

(Amendment No. )

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Preliminary Proxy Statement

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

Definitive Proxy Statement

Definitive Additional Materials

Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12§240.14a-12

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

 

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NOTICE of ANNUAL MEETING and 2021 PROXY STATEMENT Wednesday, May 12, 2021 10:00 a.m., Central Daylight Saving Time Online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GPI2021

 

Cover Photo courtesy of Audi North Miami

 

North Miami, Florida, USA

 

April 6, 2021


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Dear Fellow Stockholder:Shareholder

 

We are pleased to invite you to attend Group 1 Automotive’s 20212022 Annual Meeting of StockholdersShareholders to be held virtually on Wednesday, May 12, 2021,18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Saving Time. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Annual Meeting will be held completely online. Please see the Notice of Annual Meeting for more information on how to attend and participate in the Annual Meeting.

OVERVIEW

Through the unprecedentedFiscal year of 2020,2021 was another record year for Group 1 adapted, evolved,Automotive. Despite the ongoing pandemic and emerged stronger as a Company. Our team has worked tirelesslywell documented supply-chain disruptions, we were able to navigate the unique challengesachieve significant growth in most of the COVID-19 pandemic. After executing an aggressive cost reduction plan to preserve liquidity in our U.S., U.K. and Brazil regions, the Company adapted by reengineering its processes and achieved solid results in 2020, which includedfinancial metrics.

Key accomplishments included: (i) revenue of $10.9$13.8 billion, and an increase of 27%, (ii) adjusted earnings per share of $15.51,$35.02, an increase of 66.0% compared94%, (iii) adjusted net income of $642 million, an increase of 93%, and (iv) $755.5 million adjusted operating cash flow, an increase of 50%(1). These results were attributable to 2019. Our solid performance, through theexpanded margins in our new market realities of 2020, is theand used vehicle sales, continued growth in our aftersales and finance and insurance businesses, and strong cost control. As a result of our continued focus on2021 financial performance, the controllable elementsCompany generated strong cash flow which allowed us to grow the business by acquisitions as well as the repurchase of approximately 6% of our business model, including optimizing cost control, enhancingshares.

The Company completed major acquisitions in both our digital platform,U.S. and capitalizing onU.K. markets in 2021, resulting in an increase in our total dealership count as of December 31, 2021 to 218 from 184 at year-end 2020. The Company increased its footprint in the experience and expertisenortheast United States with the acquisition of 33 dealerships, further diversifying our geographic footprint in the United States. In the United Kingdom, the Company added additional scale with the acquisition of 7 dealerships. These transactions represented, in the aggregate, $2.5 billion of annualized revenues. The Company also announced the divesture of our team.Brazilian operations with an expected closing date in the second quarter of 2022.

INITIATIVES

Our digital retail platform, Acceleride®, has been instrumental in allowing our Company to adapt to consumers’ needs during the restricted social distancing environment. Acceleride® allows customers to complete vehicle transactions entirely online or start the process online and finish the transaction at one of our dealerships. During 2020, Acceleride® U.S. total retail unit sales were up more than 100% compared to 2019. Despite a significant reduction in our employee head count and operating capacity, we evolved by improving the productivity of our sales and service departments, which resulted in a 19.0% increase in technician productivity and a 22.0% increase in salesperson productivity as compared to 2019. In 2021, we will continuecontinued our work to focus on the controllable elementsprepare for increasing sales volumes of alternative fuel and electric vehicles (“EV”) by working with local utility companies and auto manufacturers to increase vehicle charging capacity. We also made additional investments in EV service equipment and training for our employees.

In furtherance of our business model while prioritizing acquisitions, improving sales penetrationHuman Capital initiatives, we appointed our first Chief Diversity Officer in Acceleride®, increasing partsMay 2021 to continue the development and service gross profit, and growing our used vehicle business.

HUMAN CAPITAL

As we continue to operate through these unprecedented times, we remain guided by our core values: Integrity, Transparency, Professionalism, Teamwork, and our most recently identified core value, Respect. We are committed to treating everyone, customers and colleagues alike, with dignity and respect.

In 2020, we took significant steps in supportexecution of our new core value. Approximately 7,600 U.S. employees participated in anti-bias training from a diversity, equity, and inclusion expert in a program specifically developed for(“DEI”) strategy throughout the Company. The expert also conducted a two-part interactive training session with over 150 members of management. We established the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council to ensure that the Company’s activities, policies, and communications supportorganization. This new role integrates our goal of a more diverse and inclusive organization. As a partDEI strategy into every aspect of the DEI Council, we also formed the Group 1 Women’s Initiative, which focuses on increasing female employee lifecycle from recruitment and retention, providing a diverse and inclusive

platform along with creating networking and mentorship opportunities. The Board regularly reviews our Respect-driven programs, initiatives, and processes to ensure continual improvement. We believe a diverse workforce and inclusive culture are key competitive advantages that will help us drive our team’s full potential.

BOARD REFRESHMENT

As our Company continues to evolve, so do the perspectives, skills, and experiences that the Board seeks in its director nominees. Since 2016, we have welcomed five new independent directors to the Board, each of whom brings extensive experience and fresh perspectives to enrich Board dialogue and enhance the Board’s ability to continue effectively overseeing the business.

retention.

We hope you are ablelook forward to participateyour participation in theour 2022 virtual Annual Meeting, but if you cannot participate, we look forward to hearing your voice viasolicit your participation in votingto vote on the business items set forth in the attached notice. Regardless of the number of shares you own, your vote matters. We encourage you to sign and return your proxy card or use telephone or internet voting features prior to the meeting to assure that your shares are represented and voted at the meeting.

On behalf of theour Board of Directors and all Group 1 Automotive team members, thank you for your continued dedication of timeinterest and interestsupport in Group 1.

1 Automotive, Inc.

Sincerely,

 

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Stephen D. Quinn

Earl J. Hesterberg

Chairman of the Board

  

Earl J. Hesterberg

President & Chief Executive OfficerCEO

 

 

Notice of
Annual Meeting
of Stockholders(1)

Adjusted earnings per common share, adjusted net income, and adjusted operating cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures. Information regarding these non-GAAP financial measures, including reconciliation to most directly comparable GAAP measures, is included in Appendix A.

 

Wednesday, May 12, 2021LOGO

10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Saving Time

Online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GPI2021


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Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders

 

Matters to be voted on:

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MATTERS TO BE VOTED ON:

 

1.

To elect the nine director nominees named in the proxy statement, each for a term expiring at the 20222023 Annual Meeting of StockholdersShareholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal;

2.

To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, our executive compensation;

3.

To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021;2022; and

4.

To transact such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting.

StockholdersShareholders of record at the close of business on March 16, 2021,21, 2022, will be entitled to notice of and to vote during the Annual Meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.

We are pleased this year to conduct the Annual Meeting solely online via the Internet through a live webcast and online stockholdershareholder tools. We are conducting the Annual Meeting solely online due to the continuing impact of and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic and to support the health and well-being of our stockholders. We also believe a virtual format facilitates stockholdershareholder attendance and participation by leveraging technology to allow us to communicate more effectively and efficiently with our stockholders.shareholders. This format empowers stockholdersshareholders around the world to participate at no cost. We have designed the virtual format to enhance stockholdershareholder access and participation and protect stockholdershareholder rights, as described in more detail in the proxy statement.

The proxy materials, including this Notice of Annual Meeting, the proxy statement, a proxy card, and our Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20202021 are being distributed and made available beginning on April 6, 2021.

12, 2022.

Your vote is important. We urge you to review the accompanying materials carefully and to vote by telephone or internet as promptly as possible. Alternatively, you may complete, sign and return the proxy card, by mail.

Houston, Texas

April 6, 202112, 2022

By Order of the Board of Directors,

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Beth Sibley

Corporate Secretary

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the StockholderShareholder Meeting to be held on May 12, 2021.18, 2022.
The Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders,Shareholders, our Proxy Statement and form proxy card
for the Annual Meeting and our Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 20202021 are available at www.proxyvote.com.


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Table of Contents

 

BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS9
 1 
20212022 PROXY SUMMARY10
 3 
PROXY STATEMENT7
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR BOARD
OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES
19
 9 
ENVIRONMENTAL AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY27
SUSTAINABILITY   16 
PROPOSAL 1ELECTION OF DIRECTORS30
 17 
PROPOSAL 2ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION37
 25 
PROPOSAL 3RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM38
 27 
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE40
 29 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS41
 31 
20202021 COMPENSATION DISCUSSION
AND ANALYSIS
43
   33
Compensation and Corporate Governance4333
Role of the Compensation and& Human Resources Committee, itsIts Consultant and Management4334
Objectives ofCalibrating Our Executive Compensation Program4434
Compensation Components4637
Employment Agreements, Severance Benefits and Change in Control Provisions5345
Hedging and Pledging Prohibitions5446
Policy on Payment or Recoupment of Performance-Based Cash Bonuses and Performance-Based Stock Bonuses in the Event of Certain RestatementsAwards5446
Stock Ownership Guidelines5447
Tax Deductions for Compensation5547
Risk Assessment56
 48 
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION AND& HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE49
56EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
50 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION57
2021 Summary Compensation Table50 
2020 Summary Compensation Table57
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 202020215951
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table6052
Outstanding Equity Awards at
December 31, 20202021
6153
20202021 Stock Vested6254
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation6354
Potential Payments upon Termination
or Change in Control
6456
Termination and Change in Control Tables
for 20202021
68
 60 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION69
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION62 
20202021 Director Compensation Table6962
Retainers and Fees7063
Equity-Based Compensation7063
Stock Ownership Guidelines7063
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation7164
Compensation Changes for Fiscal 2020202271
 64 
CEO PAY RATIO DISCLOSURE73
 65 
Methodology73
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS74
 66 
Transactions74
Transactions66
Policies and Procedures75
 67 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP INFORMATION76
 68 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management76
 68 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT
THE ANNUAL MEETING
78
 70 
STOCKHOLDERSHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 20222023 ANNUAL MEETING82
 73 
20202021 ANNUAL REPORT82
 74 
HOUSEHOLDING83
HOUSEHOLDING74 
OTHER MATTERS83
OTHER MATTERS74 
APPENDIX A –A: NON-GAAP
FINANCIAL MEASURES
84
75 

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Proxy Statement 2022  |  1

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 8

Business and Financial Highlights

 

Despite the unique challenges of the COVID-19coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic, Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (“Group 1” or the “Company”) continued to deliver record settingrecord-setting financial results and increased operational effectiveness in 2020.2021. The Company achieved solid results by successfully expanding its omnichannel marketing, closing attractive acquisitions involving approximately $2.5 billion in acquired revenues, executing an aggressive cost reduction plan and reengineering its processes. Our 20202021 financial results compared to 20192020 included:

 

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Actual (GAAP)

  All-time record GAAP EPS for 20202021 was $15.51,$30.11, a 66.0%94.1% increase;

  Adjusted EPS for 20202021 was $18.06,$35.02, a 65.2%93.9% increase;

Actual (GAAP)

  All-time record GAAP net income for 20202021 was $286.5$552.1 million, a 64.6%92.7% increase;

  Adjusted net income for 20202021 was $333.5$642.1 million, a 63.9%92.5% increase;

Achieved all-time U.S. Finance and Insurance (“F&I”) performance record of $1,951$2,155 per retail unit;

Increased same store used vehicle total gross profit by 8.6%71.0%;

  Increased same store parts and service gross profit by 15.5%;

Issued annualquarterly dividends of $.60totaling $1.33 per share (excludesfor the second and third quarters of 2020 when our dividend program was suspended);

full year;

Repurchased 863,5721,103,417 shares of common stock at an average price per share of $92.86,$190.82, representing approximately 5%6% of total share float;

Actual (GAAP)

  GAAP operating cash flow of $805.4$1,259.6 million, a 117.1%56.4% increase;

  Generated record adjusted operating cash flow of $503.7$755.5 million, a 51.7%50.0% increase;

Reduced SG&A as a % of gross profit from 74.8%65.6% in 20192020 to a record 66.1%60.5% in 2020;2021; and

  Acquired approximately $2.5 billion in annual revenues, an all-time annual record for the Company.

Refinanced $850.0 million of bond debt due 2022/2023 with a combination of bond and mortgage debt due 2027/2028, resulting in interest expense savings of over $15.0 million annually; and
Reduced non-floorplan debt by $196.0 million, excluding finance leases.

*Please see Appendix A for an explanation and reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures.

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2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 
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Proxy Statement 2022  |  3

20212022 Proxy Summary

 

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This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider, and you should read this entire proxy statement carefully before voting.

This proxy statement is being distributed and made available beginning on April 6, 2021 in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. for use at our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

DATE & TIMEPLACERECORD DATE
May 12, 2021, 10:00 a.m.
Central Daylight Saving Time
Online at
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GPI2021
March 16, 2021

VOTING

StockholdersShareholders as of the record date are entitled to vote. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote for each director nominee and each proposal. All elections of directors shall be decided by a majority of votes cast by stockholdersshareholders entitled to vote. All other matters submitted to the stockholdersshareholders shall be decided by vote of a majority of the shares present online or represented by proxy.

COMPENSATION AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Independent Chairman of the BoardClawback Provisions for Certain Restatements
No Excise Tax Gross-UpsBoard & Committee Attendance of 93% during 2020
Say on Pay Advisory Vote Conducted AnnuallyNo Stockholder Rights Plan (Poison Pill)
Annual Board, Committee, and Individual Director Performance EvaluationsAdded ESG Oversight to the Governance & Corporate Responsibility Committee
Annual Review for Board and Committee RefreshmentIndependent Compensation Consultant
Pay for Performance through Use of Performance SharesNo Automatic Single-Trigger Vesting of Equity Awards
Robust Stock Ownership Guidelines for our Officers and DirectorsCompany Policy Prohibits Directors and Employees from Pledging or Hedging Group 1 Common Stock
Director Resignation Policy for Directors who do not receive a Majority Vote in an Uncontested Director ElectionDiversity, Equity & Inclusion Training for over 7,600 Senior Leaders and Employees
Annual Election of our Board of DirectorsWomen’s Initiative and Mentorship Program

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

While we have always focused on delivering strong financial results, we remain committed to doing so in a way that respects the communities and environments in which we operate. We believe that strongly considering environmental and social factors in making investment and operating decisions will help our business operations have a positive impact on the planet, the people whose lives we touch and our bottom line. In an effort to better inform our stockholders and the investment community of the numerous activities of our corporate office and dealerships, we have set up websites that provide pertinent data on our environmental and social commitments. Please visit our websites at www.group1corp.com/ESG and www.group1auto.com/group1cares, for more detailed information on our environmental and corporate social responsibility practices, including our charitable and philanthropic efforts. A summary of our 2020 environmental and social efforts follows:

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 10
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Our Sustainable Business Priorities

LED LIGHTINGRECYCLESOLAR ENERGYELECTRIC VEHICLESWATER-BASED PAINT
We improve our lighting while reducing our greenhouse emissions by using LED lighting company-wide.We recycle automotive waste, including oil, tires, batteries, antifreeze, and paints, wherever possible.We aim to improve our communities and planet by using sustainable energy options like solar panels at several dealerships.We strive to offer our customers all electric and hybrid vehicle options as our manufacturer partners make them available.We actively seek to improve the products we use. In 2020, we replaced our solvent-based paints with eco-friendly, water- based paints.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council

Encouraged by our Board, we established the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council. The Council’s mission is to treat everyone with respect and foster a diverse and inclusive culture where we value and develop employees of all backgrounds. We will enhance employee engagement in the areas of diversity and inclusion by offering innovative training, recruitment, and career path development where a sense of belonging is apparent throughout the organization. Each of the four committees of the Council, depicted below, has an employee chairperson and executive sponsor.

More information about our Environmental and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives may be found in the “Environmental and Corporate Social Responsibility” section on page 27.

VOTING MATTERS AND BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS

 

Board’sPage

Management Proposals:

RecommendationBoard’s
Recommendation
Page
(for more detail)

Election of Nine Director Nominees

FOR3017

Approval, on a Non-Binding Advisory Basis, of our Executive Compensation

FOR3725

Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

FOR3827

GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Board Composition and
Independence

Board and Committee

Practices

Board Oversight of Risk
Management

  Separation of the Chair and CEO roles

  7 of 9 director nominees are independent

  100% independent Audit, Compensation and Governance Committees

  Mandatory retirement age

  Limits on Board member service on other public company boards

  Annual Board and Committee evaluations

  Director orientation and continuing education

  Robust stock ownership guidelines

  Executive sessions provided for all quarterly Board and Committee meetings

  Philosophy of continuous Board refreshment to ensure a mix of skills, experience, tenure and diversity

  Board has significant interaction with senior management and access to other employees

  Annual review of enterprise risk management program

  Quarterly review of Cybersecurity program

  Quarterly review of ESG and Health and Safety programs

  Quarterly review of DEI program

  Quarterly review of PAC and GPI foundation income (donations) and contributions

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SUSTAINABILITY HIGHLIGHTS

We strongly believe that our environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) actions will help our business operations positively impact the planet, the people whose lives we touch and our bottom line. In an effort to better inform our shareholders and the investment community of our current initiatives and the actions we’ve taken, we recently released our inaugural 2021 Sustainability Report which may be found at www.group1corp.com/ESG. The report reflects the ESG progress we’ve made through 2021 and the things we hope to achieve in the future. A summary of our current ESG priorities and our respective 2021 accomplishments follows:

Our ESG Priorities

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FOSTER DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Appointed our first Chief Diversity Officer for executive oversight of our DEI strategy and actions

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SUPPORT OUR EMPLOYEES AND COMMUNITIES

Continued to encourage our employees to volunteer and to use our dealerships for community gatherings

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MAINTAIN STRONG GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES

Established the ESG Working Group that reports to the Governance & Corporate Responsibility Committee on a quarterly basis

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REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF OUR FACILITIES

Installed an additional 800 solar panels to bring our current total to more than 6,400 panels

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CONDUCT BUSINESS IN A SUSTAINABLE MANNER

Established a team responsible for improving our electric vehicle infrastructure

 

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 
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Election of Directors (Proposal 1)


Proxy Statement 2022  |  5

DIRECTOR NOMINEES

The following table provides summary information about our nominees for election to the Board of Directors.Directors (the “Board”).(1) Additional information for all of our directors may be found beginning on page 30.17.

 

  
  Committee Memberships
 Committee Memberships
DirectorsDirector
Since
AgeOther Public
Directorships
AuditCompensation and
Human Resources
Committee
Finance/Risk
Management
Governance
& Corporate
Responsibility
Committee
 Director
Since
 Age Other Public
Directorships
 Independent Audit
Committee
 Compensation
& Human
Resources
Committee
 Finance/Risk
Management
Committee
 Governance
& Corporate
Responsibility
Committee
Carin M. Barth2017582  2017 59 2  LOGO  LOGO LOGO
Earl J. Hesterberg*2005670  
Steven C. Mizell(2)2021611 
Lincoln Pereira*2013610   

Earl J. Hesterberg

 2005 68 0    LOGO 

Steven C. Mizell1

 2021 62 1   LOGO  LOGO

Lincoln Pereira Filho

 2013 62  12    LOGO 
Stephen D. Quinn2002651  2002 66 1  LOGO LOGO  LOGO
Steven P. Stanbrook(3)2019632 

Steven P. Stanbrook

 2019 64 1  LOGO LOGO LOGO 
Charles L. Szews2016643   2016 65 2  LOGO  LOGO 
Anne Taylor2018652  2018 66 2  LOGO LOGO  
MaryAnn Wright(4)2014592 

MaryAnn Wright

 2014 60 2    LOGO LOGO LOGO

*Non-Independent Director

  ChairLOGO   Chair    LOGO   Member

 

 

(1)1Effective as of the Annual Meeting, the Board size will be reduced to nine members as one current director, Max P. Watson, Jr., has reached the Company’s mandatory retirement age for non-management directors and will not stand for re-election.
(2)

Mr. Mizell joined the Board in March 2021; his committee memberships shall be determined following2021. He was appointed to the Annual Meeting.

(3)Mr. Stanbrook joinedGovernance & Corporate Responsibility Committee and the Compensation and& Human Resources Committee in May 2020.2021.

(4)2Ms. Wright joined

Mr. Pereira serves on the Finance/Risk Management Committee in May 2020.Board of Boa Vista Serviços S.A.-SCPC, a public company listed on the Brazil Stock Exchange.

 

Our Board of Directors Recommends a Vote “FOR” the Election of each of the Nominees for Director.LOGO

 

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 
  12

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Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Proposal 2)LOGO

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

We are asking our stockholdersshareholders to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers.officers (“NEOs”). We believe that our compensation policies and practices are effective in achieving our Company’s goals of rewarding significant financial and operating performance, leadership excellence and aligning the executives’ long-term interests with those of our stockholders.shareholders. Our compensation philosophy is to set the fixed compensation of our named executive officers competitively for their demonstrated skills and industry experience. Our variable compensation, both annual and long-term, reflects the results of performance against a combination of quantitative and subjective measures. At last year’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, our stockholders approvedShareholders, the compensation of our named executive officers was approved with a substantial majority of our stockholders (95%shareholders (97% of votes cast) voting in favor.

COMPENSATION COMPONENTS

TypeFormTerms
CashSalarySet annually based on market conditions, peer data and other factors
CashAnnual Incentive BonusLinked to financial-based and mission-based goals; discretionary factors are considered when appropriate
EquityLong-Term Incentive Awards

Restricted stock with restrictions lapsing over a five-year period:

0%-40%-20%-20%-20%, to reward performance and promote retention of certain key employees

Performance Shares (implemented in 2019), vesting over a three-year period

OtherSeverance and Change of Control ArrangementsDouble-trigger Change of Control payment equal to 30 months base salary for our CEO and 12 months base salary for our President, U.S. and Brazillian Operations; 24 months base salary for our CFO upon his severance
OtherDeferred Compensation PlanAllows deferral of up to 50% base salary and 100% of incentive bonus; effective January 1, 2021, an annual contribution limit of $300,000 was implemented for all employee deferrals
OtherPerquisites

Demonstrator vehicle(s) and/or vehicle allowance

Our CEO may use our Company aircraft for up to 40 hours of personal use, provided he reimburses us based on the published standard industry fare level valuation method; we pay for club membership privileges that are used for business and personal purposes by our CEO

Our President, U.S. and Brazilian Operations may use our Company aircraft for up to 20 hours of personal use, provided he reimburses us based on the published standard industry fare level valuation method

OtherBenefitsOn substantially the same terms as other employees, including our employee stock purchase plan

favor of our executive compensation program.

In evaluating this year’s “say-on-pay”“say-on-pay” proposal, we recommend that you review the section entitled “2020“2021 Compensation Discussion and Analysis” (“CD&A”) beginning on page 43,33, as well as the Summary Compensation Table and related compensation tables and narratives, which explainsexplain how and why the Compensation and& Human Resources (“CHR”) Committee arrived at its executive compensation actions and decisions for 2020.2021, and provide detailed information on the compensation of our named executive officers.

2021 SUMMARY COMPENSATION

For more information, visit the section titled “Executive Compensation – 2021 Summary Compensation Table” on page 50.

       

Name and Principal Position

  

Salary

($)

   

Stock
Awards

($)

   

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

($)

   

Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)

   

All Other
Compensation

($)

   

Total

($)

 

Earl J. Hesterberg

President and Chief Executive Officer

   1,240,000    3,799,959    2,480,000    849,078    208,220    8,577,257 

Daryl A. Kenningham

President, U.S. and Brazilian Operations

   760,000    1,999,994    1,121,000    342,173    174,355    4,397,522 

Daniel McHenry

Senior Vice President

and Chief Financial Officer

   575,000    499,925    661,250    859    34,557    1,771,591 

Frank Grese, Jr.

Senior Vice President, Human Resources,

Training and Operations Support

   633,450    699,807    715,799    373,425    32,605    2,455,086 

Peter C. DeLongchamps

Senior Vice President, Manufacturer

Relations, Financial Services and Public Affairs

   530,450    799,821    610,018    142,794    29,663    2,112,746 

 

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2020 SUMMARY COMPENSATIONLOGO

 

Set forth below is a summary of the compensation granted or earned for each named executive officer during 2020, but which is not intended to replace the 2020 Summary Compensation Table included in the Executive Compensation section of this proxy statement:Proxy Statement 2022  |  7

Name and
Principal Position
Salary(1)
($)
Stock
Awards(2)
($)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation(3)
($)
Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings(4)
($)
All Other
Compensation(5)
($)
Total
($)
Earl J. Hesterberg900,000 3,646,040 2,400,000 292,530 60,009 7,298,579 
President and            
Chief Executive Officer            
Daryl A. Kenningham604,500 1,772,418 1,080,000 806,776 171,939 4,435,633 
President, U.S. and            
Brazilian Operations            
Daniel J. McHenry(6)375,317 450,026 349,506  7,982 1,182,831 
Senior Vice President and            
Chief Financial Officer            
John C. Rickel(7)563,333 2,796,733  255,210 26,360 3,641,636 
Former Senior Vice President            
and Chief Financial Officer            
Frank Grese, Jr.558,625 708,927 707,250 157,112 34,764 2,166,678 
Senior Vice President, Human            
Resources, Training and            
Operations Support            
Peter C. DeLongchamps467,792 708,927 592,250 54,561 30,613 1,854,143 
Senior Vice President,            
Manufacturer Relations,            
Financial Services and            
Public Affairs            

(1)Reflects adjustments made to 2020 base salary in response to COVID-19 pandemic.
(2)The amounts in the “Stock Awards” column reflects the required accounting expense for the Restricted Stock Awards and the Performance Share Awards and do not correspond to the actual value that may be recognized. These amounts represent the grant date fair value of awards computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. Assumptions made in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 4 to the audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. Certain of these awards have no intrinsic value to the recipient until the performance or vesting schedule is met. Vesting schedules for equity awards can be found in the footnotes to the “Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2020” table. This amount includes the grant date probable value of the return on invested capital portion of the performance awards granted to each Named Executive Officer (“NEO”) as part of their long-term incentive compensation. With respect to Mr. Rickel, an additional amount of $1,783,893 has also been included in this column due to the incremental expense as a result of the modification of his outstanding equity awards in June 2020 in connection with his Separation Agreement. Pursuant to SEC rules, this modification value is added to the original grant date value of the awards in this column, therefore appearing to increase the grant date value for his 2020 awards.
(3)Annual cash incentive awards based upon the achievement of financial and mission-based goals. This is discussed further under “2020 Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Annual Incentive Compensation Plan.”
(4)Amounts reflect above-market earnings on the Deferred Compensation Plan. Amounts are reflective of earnings in excess of 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate, with compounding, of 2.49%. We do not offer a pension plan.
(5)Includes 401(k) savings plan matching contribution, automobile allowance, use of demonstrator vehicle, personal airplane use and club membership and dues.
(6)Mr. McHenry was promoted from Finance Director of Group 1 Automotive UK Limited on August 15, 2020 to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
(7)Mr. Rickel resigned as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective August 14, 2020 when he transitioned into the role of Corporate Finance Director until his retirement from the Company on December 31, 2020.

Our Board of Directors Recommends a Vote “FORProxy Statement” the Non-Binding Advisory Approval of our Executive Compensation.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 14
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Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2021 (Proposal 3)

 

As a matter of good corporate governance, we are asking our stockholders to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2021.

Ernst & Young LLP (“Ernst & Young”) served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2019. In February 2020, our Board of Directors appointed Deloitte to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Set forth below is summary information with respect to Deloitte’s fees for services provided in 2020.

Type of Fees2020
Audit Fees$ 2,125,000
Audit Related Fees100,000
Tax Fees308,000
All Other Fees
TOTAL$ 2,533,000

Set forth below is summary information with respect to Ernst & Young’s fees for services provided in 2019.

Type of Fees2019
Audit Fees$ 2,519,800
Audit Related Fees
Tax Fees81,400
All Other Fees
TOTAL$ 2,601,200

More information about the audit fees for Deloitte and Ernst & Young may be found in the “Audit and Other Fees” section on page 39.

Our Board of Directors Recommends a Vote “FOR” Ratification of the Appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2021.

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800 Gessner, Suite 500
Houston, TX 77024

Proxy
Statement

This proxy statement is being furnished to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (“Group 1” or the “Company”) for use at our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. Proxy materials were first sent to stockholders beginning on April 6, 2021.

20212022 ANNUAL MEETING DATE AND VIRTUAL LOCATION

Our 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) will be held virtually at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GPI2021GPI2022, on Wednesday, May 12, 2021,18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., Central Daylight Saving Time, or at such other time and place to which the meeting may be adjourned.

As you are aware, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect travel and gatherings. For that reason, weWe have decided to conduct the Annual Meeting solely online via the Internet through a live webcast and online stockholdershareholder tools. While we are conducting the Annual Meeting solely online to support the health and well-being of our stockholders, we alsoWe believe a virtual format facilitates stockholdershareholder attendance and participation by leveraging technology to allow us to communicate more effectively and efficiently with our stockholders.shareholders. This format empowers stockholdersshareholders around the world to participate at no cost. We have designed the virtual format to enhance stockholdershareholder access and participation and protect stockholdershareholder rights. Specifically,

We Encourage Questions.Stockholders have multiple opportunities to submit questions for the meeting. Stockholders may submit a question online in advance or live during the meeting, following the instructions below. During the meeting, we will answer as many appropriate stockholder-submittedWe Encourage Questions. Shareholders have multiple opportunities to submit questions for the meeting. Shareholders may submit a question online in advance or live during the meeting, following the instructions below. During the meeting, we will answer as many appropriate shareholder-submitted questions as time permits. Following the Annual Meeting, we will publish an answer to each appropriate question we received on our Investor Relations website at www.group1corp.comas soon as practical.
We Believe in Transparency.Although the live webcast is available only to stockholders at the time of the meeting, following completion of the Annual Meeting, a webcast replay, final report of the inspector of election, and answers to all questions asked by investors in connection with the Annual Meeting will be posted to our Investor Relations website at www.group1corp.com.
We Proactively Take Steps to Facilitate Your Participation.During the Annual Meeting, we will offer live technical support for all stockholders attending the meeting.

Attending Online.If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, online, please be awarewe will publish an answer to each appropriate question we received on our Investor Relations website at www.group1corp.comas soon as practicable.

We Believe in Transparency. Although the live webcast is available only to shareholders at the time of what you will need to gain admission, as described below. If you do not comply with the procedures described here for attendingmeeting, following completion of the Annual Meeting, online, you will not be ablea webcast replay, final report of the inspector of election, and answers to participateall appropriate questions asked by investors in the Annual Meeting. Stockholders may participate inconnection with the Annual Meeting by visiting will be posted as soon as practicable to our Investor Relations website at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GPI2021www.group1corp.com. To attend online and participate in

We Proactively Take Steps to Facilitate Your Participation. During the Annual Meeting, stockholderswe will offer live technical support for all shareholders attending the meeting.

ATTENDING THE ANNUAL MEETING

To attend, vote and submit questions during the Annual Meeting, shareholders of record must use their control number on their proxy card to log into www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GPI2021GPI2022; beneficial stockholdersshareholders who do not have a control number may gain access to the meeting by logging into their brokerage firm’s website and selecting the stockholdershareholder communications mailbox to link through to the Annual Meeting; instructions should also be provided on the voting instruction card provided by their broker, bank, or other nominee.

We encourage you toOnline access the meeting prior to the start time. Please allow ample time for online check-in, whichmeeting will begin at 9:30 a.m., Central Daylight Saving Time. We will have technicians ready to assist if you have difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in time or during the Annual Meeting. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in or course of the Annual Meeting, a phone number will be posted on the website to connect you to technical support.

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Asking Questions Online.Stockholders have multiple opportunities to submit questions for the Annual Meeting. StockholdersShareholders who wish to submit a question in advance may do so either by emailing our head of Investor Relations Sheila Roth at ir@group1auto.com by 5:00p.m.00 p.m., Central Daylight Saving Time, Tuesday, May 11, 2021,17, 2022, or onvisiting our Annual Meeting website, www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GPI2021GPI2022. Stockholders Shareholders also may submit questions live during the meeting. We plan to reserve some time for stockholdershareholder questions to be read and answered by Company personnel during the meeting. In submitting questions, please note that we will only address questions that are germane to the matters being voted on at our Annual Meeting.

Voting Online.Stockholders who attend the virtual Annual Meeting should follow the instructions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GPI2021to vote or submit questions during the meeting. Voting online during the meeting will replace any previous votes.

References in this proxy statement to the Annual Meeting also refer to any adjournments, postponements or changes in location of the meeting, to the extent applicable.

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DELIVERY OF PROXY MATERIALS

The proxy materials, including this proxy statement, the Notice of Annual Meeting, the form proxy card, and our Annual Report to Stockholders on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 are being distributed and made available to stockholders of record beginning on April 6, 2021.

The proxy card provides instructions on how to inform us to send future proxy materials to you electronically by email. If you choose to receive future proxy materials by email, you will receive an email next year with instructions containing a link to those materials and a link to the proxy-voting site. Your election to receive proxy materials by email or printed form will remain in effect until you terminate it.

Choosing to receive future proxy materials by email will allow us to provide you with the information you need in a timelier manner, save us the cost of printing and mailing documents, to you, and conserve natural resources.

 

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Proxy Statement 2022  |  9

Information about Our Board of

Directors and its Committees

 

Meetings of the Board of Directors and its Committees

MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES

In 2020,2021, the Board held ten meetings, and acted by unanimous written consent eightnine times. The committees of the Board held a combined total of 2824 meetings. Each incumbentWith the exception of three directors that were unable to attend one ad hoc Board meeting, each director attended 93% or more100% of the aggregate of all of the meetings of the Board and the committees on which he or she served during the periods in which he or she served during 2020.2021. Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our directors are encouraged to attend the annual meeting of our stockholders.shareholders. All of our then current directorsdirector nominees attended our 20202021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.Shareholders.

BOARD PERFORMANCE PROCESS

Board Performance Evaluation Process

As required by our Corporate Governance Guidelines, ourOur Board and each of its committees annually conduct a self-evaluation to assess and identify opportunities to improve their respective performance. The Governance & Corporate Responsibility (“GCR”) Committee is tasked with the oversight of the annual performance evaluation and to assist in designing and implementing such evaluations. The GCR Committee has the authority to retain advisors or consultants and to provide for compensation to such consultants by the Company, as it shall deem appropriate.

In 2018, the GCR Committee reviewed and discussed the Board and committee evaluation format and process and decided to add individual director performance evaluations. The GCR Committee and the Board elected to conduct the 2018 performance assessments through the use of electronic, written questionnaires. The GCR Committee elected to conduct the performance assessments electronically again in 2019 and 2020. The 2020 Board and committee evaluations process follows.

AWe engage a third party preparedto assist us by preparing the performance assessments for electronic delivery, compiledcompiling the responses, and aggregatedaggregating the results. Among other topics addressed, the Board and committee questionnaires solicitedevaluations solicit director opinions related to Board and committee effectiveness, director preparedness, strategic oversight, risk management, scope and content of presentations, access to management, and CEO and Board succession planning for the Board.planning.

Following completion by the directorsAs part of the performance assessments, the results were reviewed and aggregated by an independent third party. The third party provided a memorandum to the Chair of the GCR Committee summarizing the results ofevaluation process, the Board committee and individual director evaluations and also discussed the results with the Chair of the GCR Committee.

In early 2021, the Chair of the GCR Committee metmeets individually with each committee chair to discuss the results of his or her committee’s evaluation. The results of the committee evaluations wereare then reviewed by each committee chair with his or her committee members. The GCR chair also discussedBoard Chair then meets with each individual director the comments pertainingindividually to his or her director evaluation. Thediscuss the results of the Board evaluation. In addition, the results of the Board and committee evaluations were presented toare discussed at the Board.full Board and committee meetings.

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Corporate GovernanceCORPORATE GOVERNANCE

We are committed to seeking excellence in corporate governance which includes the highest standards of professional and personal conduct. OurThe Board has adopted several governance documents to guide the operation and direction of our Board and its committees, which include our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct and charters for thea standing Audit Committee, Compensation and Human ResourcesCHR Committee, Governance & Corporate ResponsibilityGCR Committee and Finance/Risk Management (“FRM”) Committee. Each committee may form and delegate some or all of these documents is available onits authority to subcommittees when it deems appropriate. Each committee also has the authority to obtain advice and assistance from internal or external legal, accounting or other advisors, to approve the fees and expenses of such outside advisors, and to cause the Company to pay the fees and expenses of such outside advisors. The CHR Committee additionally has the sole authority to retain and terminate any compensation consultant to be used to assist in the evaluation of the compensation of our website at www.group1auto.com senior corporate officers and stockholders may obtain a printed copy, free of charge, by sending a written requestalso has the sole authority to Group 1 Automotive, Inc., 800 Gessner, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77024, Attn: Corporate Secretary.approve the consultant’s fees and other retention terms.

Board Leadership Structure

BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

The Governance & Corporate Responsibility Committee’s charter provides that the committee willGCR Committee annually assessassesses and approveapproves the leadership structure of the Board. In 2020,2021, the GCR Committee conducted that assessment, and determined that having an independent director serve as non-executive Chairman of the Board Chair continues to be in the best interest of our stockholdersshareholders at this time. Our Chief Executive Officer is responsible for setting our strategic direction and providing day-to-day leadership, while the Chairman of the Board Chair sets the agenda for Board meetings, presides over meetings of the full Board and provides guidance to our Chief Executive Officer. We believe this structure at this time,currently ensures a greater role for the independent directors in the oversight of our Company and active participation of the independent directors in setting agendas and establishing priorities and procedures for the work of our Board. We discuss our directors’ qualifications and characteristics under “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors”.

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Board DiversityDIRECTOR QUALIFICATIONS AND DIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS

Our Governance & Corporate Responsibility Committee is responsible for identifying and recommending to our Board qualified individuals to be nominated to serve on our Board. Our Board’s objective is to select individuals that have a demonstrated record of integrity, sound business judgment, leadership, objectivity, independence of mind, and commitment. In selecting potential Board candidates, our Board seeks independent directors who represent a mix of backgrounds and experiences that will enhance the quality of our Board’s deliberations and decisions. Board membership should reflect diversity in its broadest sense, including persons diverse in perspectives, personal and professional experiences, geography, gender, and ethnicity. This process has resulted in a Board that is comprised of highly qualified directors that reflect diversity as we define it. The GCR Committee assesses the effectiveness of this approach as part of our Board’s annual self-evaluation process.

Independence of the Members of Our Board

The Board has analyzed the independence of each director. It has affirmatively determined that Mses. Barth, Taylor and Wright and Messrs. Mizell, Quinn, Stanbrook, Szews and Watson (all of our non-employee directors) are independent directors under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). As part of its analysis, the Board determined that none of these directors has a material relationship with our Company. Mr. Hesterberg was determined not to be independent because he is our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Pereira, who was appointed to the Board following our acquisition of UAB Motors Participações, S.A. (“UAB”) in 2013, was determined not to be independent because he is our Regional Vice President, Brazil and the Chairman of UAB. Prior to his retirement as of our 2020 Annual Meeting, Mr. John L. Adams was determined by our Board to be independent under the listing standards of the NYSE.

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Charitable Contributions

We have in the past, and may, in the future, make donations to various charitable organizations. From time to time, some of our directors, officers and employees have been, and in the future may be, affiliated with such charities. During the annual independence review, our GCR Committee determined that any such affiliations did not impact the independence of our directors. We did not make any charitable donations to any organizations affiliated with our directors or officers in 2020.

Director Resignation Policy

Under our director resignation policy, in an uncontested election of directors, any nominee who receives a greater number of votes “against” than votes “for” his or her election will, promptly following the certification of the stockholder vote, tender his or her written resignation to the Board for consideration by the GCR Committee. The GCR Committee will consider the resignation and will make a recommendation to the Board concerning whether to accept or reject such resignation.

In determining its recommendation to the Board, the GCR Committee will consider all factors it considers relevant, which may include:

the stated reason or reasons why stockholders who cast withhold votes for the director did so;
the qualifications of the director; and
the results of the most recent evaluation of the tendering director’s performance by the GCR Committee and other members of the Board.

Under our director resignation policy, the Board will take formal action on the recommendation no later than 90 days following the certification of the results of the stockholders’ meeting. In considering the recommendation, the Board will consider the information, factors and alternatives considered by the GCR Committee and any additional information that the Board considers relevant. The Company will promptly disclose to the public the Board’s decision whether to accept or reject the director’s tendered resignation. If applicable, the Board will also disclose the reason or reasons for rejecting the tendered resignation.

Executive Sessions of Our Board

The independent directors meet in executive session at each regularly scheduled meeting of our Board. Mr. Quinn, our independent Chairman of the Board, presides over these meetings and is responsible for preparing an agenda for the meetings of the independent directors in executive session.

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Risk Oversight

We have a robust Enterprise Risk Management Program, concentrating primarily in five principal areas that are significant to our business: (1) safety and property damage risk; (2) strategic planning and operational risk; (3) financial and accounting risk; (4) information technology and cybersecurity risk; and (5) governance, regulatory and legislative risk. Risk profiles are formally updated annually and as needed when significant risks emerge like COVID-19 pandemic risks in 2020. Management updates the Finance/Risk Management Committee as new risks are identified, and on the steps taken to mitigate such risks. On an annual basis, management reviews results from tests of key risks with the full Board and the steps taken to mitigate new risks which have been identified.

Further, outside counsel advises our Board periodically on an as-needed basis to keep our directors informed concerning legal risks and other legal matters involving our Company. Finally, we have robust internal audit systems in place to review adherence to policies and procedures, which are supported by a separate internal audit department.

Much of our Board’s oversight work is delegated to various committees, which meet regularly and report back to the full Board. All committees have significant roles in carrying out the risk oversight function. Each committee is comprised entirely of independent directors, except the Finance/Risk Management Committee, and is responsible for overseeing risks associated with its respective area of responsibility as further detailed below.

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Cybersecurity and Information Security Risk Oversight

Our Board recognizes the importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our customers, vendors, stockholders and employees, and devotes significant time and attention to oversight of cybersecurity and information security risk. At each of its meetings, the Finance/Risk Management Committee receives presentations from our VP, Information Technology, on cybersecurity and information security risk, and on our cybersecurity initiatives. We also engage cybersecurity experts to review, evaluate and provide recommendations on our cybersecurity program. Additionally, to assure compliance with our policies and procedures members of our internal audit department regularly visit our dealerships to ensure that our customers’ personal information is protected and secured appropriately. The results of those dealership visits are reported to the Audit Committee. In March 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, all dealership visits were suspended. As of March 2021, our internal audit department resumed conducting dealership visits in accordance with CDC guidelines and local regulations. In 2020, our Board, the Finance/Risk Management Committee and the Audit Committee received cybersecurity and information security risk reports at least quarterly.

 

Committees of Our Board

Our Board has established four standing committees to assist it in discharging its responsibilities: the Audit Committee, the Compensation and Human Resources Committee, the Governance & Corporate Responsibility Committee and the Finance/Risk Management Committee.

Each of the committee charters is available on our website at www.group1auto.comand stockholders may obtain printed copies, free of charge, by sending a written request to Group 1 Automotive, Inc., 800 Gessner, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77024, Attn: Corporate Secretary.

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AUDIT COMMITTEE

Pursuant to its charter, the purposes and responsibilities of our Audit Committee are to:

oversee the quality, integrity and reliability of the financial statements and other financial information we provide to any governmental body or the public;
oversee our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
oversee the qualifications, performance and independence of our independent registered public accounting firm;
oversee the effectiveness and performance of our internal audit function;
produce the Audit Committee Report for inclusion in the proxy statement, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations; and
perform such other functions as are set forth in the Audit Committee’s charter or which our Board may assign to the Audit Committee from time to time.

In addition to, and in connection with, the purposes and responsibilities described above, the Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of our independent registered public accounting firm.

All members of the Audit Committee are independent as that term is defined in the NYSE’s listing standards and by Rule 10A-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Our Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate and that Ms. Barth has the necessary accounting and financial expertise to serve as Chairman.

Our Board has also determined that each of Ms. Barth and Messrs. Quinn and Szews is an “audit committee financial expert” following a determination that Ms. Barth and Messrs. Quinn and Szews met the criteria for such designation under SEC rules and regulations. For information regarding the business experience for Mses. Barth and Taylor and Messrs. Quinn, Stanbrook and Szews, please read “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors.” The Audit Committee held eight meetings during 2020, and acted by unanimous written consent three times.

The Report of the Audit Committee is set forth on page 40 of this proxy statement.

COMPENSATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Pursuant to its charter, the purposes and responsibilities of our Compensation and Human Resources (“CHR”) Committee are to:

review, evaluate, and approve our agreements, plans, policies, and programs to compensate our senior corporate officers;
identify, manage and mitigate any potential risks in the Company’s executive compensation plans designed for the Company’s senior corporate officers;
review and discuss with our management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (the “CD&A”) to be included in our proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and to determine whether to recommend to our Board that the CD&A be included in the proxy statement, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations;
produce the Compensation and Human Resources Committee Report for inclusion in the proxy statement, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations;
oversee risks relating to employment policies, our compensation policies and programs, and our benefit systems;
provide oversight of the Company’s compensation philosophy and practices and human capital initiatives, including employee engagement and talent development, pay equity, and the DEI Council that focuses on fostering a diverse and inclusive culture;
otherwise discharge our Board’s responsibility relating to compensation of our senior corporate officers; and
perform such other functions as our Board may assign to the CHR Committee from time to time.

The CHR Committee works with the management team, our Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Training and Operations Support, to implement and promote our executive compensation strategy; however, members of management do not participate in decisions regarding their own compensation.

Under its charter, the CHR Committee has the sole authority to retain and terminate any compensation consultant to be used to assist in the evaluation of the compensation of our senior corporate officers and also has the sole authority to approve the consultant’s fees and other retention terms.

The CHR Committee has engaged Pearl Meyer & Partners, LLC (“PM&P”) to conduct a compensation analysis which involved the comparison of long-term, short-term and total compensation of our named executive officers with a selected group of peer companies. While we do not think it is appropriate to establish compensation based solely on market analysis, we believe that this practice is useful for two reasons.

First, our compensation practices must be competitive in order to attract and retain executives with the ability and experience necessary to provide leadership and to deliver strong performance to our stockholders. Second, reviewing market analysis allows us to assess the reasonableness of our compensation practices. This process allows us to achieve one of our primary objectives of maintaining competitive compensation to ensure retention of highly qualified and high performing executives, and rewarding the achievement of Company objectives so as to align with stockholder interests. PM&P is an independent compensation consulting firm and does not provide any other services to us outside of matters pertaining to executive officer and director compensation. PM&P reports directly to the CHR Committee, which is the sole party responsible for determining the scope of services performed by PM&P and the directions given to PM&P regarding the performance of such services.

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In February 2021, the CHR Committee considered the independence of PM&P in light of SEC rules and listing standards of the NYSE. The CHR Committee requested and received a letter from PM&P addressing the consulting firm’s independence, including the factors set forth in the listing standards of the NYSE. The CHR Committee discussed these considerations, among other things, and concluded that the work of PM&P did not raise any conflict of interest.

All members of the CHR Committee are independent as that term is defined in the NYSE’s listing standards, including the heightened standards applicable to compensation committee members. The CHR Committee held ten meetings during 2020 and acted by unanimous written consent four times.

The Report of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee is set forth on page 56 of this proxy statement.

GOVERNANCE & CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE

Pursuant to its charter, the purposes and responsibilities of our Governance & Corporate Responsibility (“GCR”) Committee are to:

assist our Board by identifying individuals qualified to become members of our Board and recommend director nominees to our Board for election during the Annual Meetings of stockholders or for appointment to fill vacancies;
recommend to our Board the appropriate composition of our Board and its committees and Board committee membership and leadership;
advise our Board about and recommend to our Board appropriate corporate governance guidelines and practices and assist our Board in implementing those guidelines and practices;
lead our Board in its annual review of the performance of our Board and its committees;
direct all matters relating to the succession of our Chief Executive Officer and other key officers of the Company;
review the Company’s policies governing political contributions and lobbying, and review political contributions and expenditures made by the Company and its political action committee;
routinely review matters relating to the Company’s governance and corporate responsibility to confirm compliance with emerging best practices;
review sustainability matters, including significant issues of corporate social and environmental responsibility and safety, as they pertain to the Company’s business and long-term value creation for the Company and it’s stockholders;
review the Company’s material community participation and charitable efforts, including matters relating to the Group 1 Foundation;
establish, review and approve the compensation of our directors and make appropriate adjustments based on Company performance, duties and responsibilities of the directors and the competitive environment; and
perform such other functions as our Board may assign to the GCR Committee from time to time.

All members of the GCR Committee are independent as defined under the NYSE’s listing standards. The GCR Committee held four meetings during 2020.

FINANCE/RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Pursuant to its charter and other applicable policies, the purpose of our Finance/Risk Management Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities across the principal areas of corporate finance and risk management for the Company, including:

review, oversee, advise and report to our Board regarding our financial status and capital structure, debt and equity financings, cash management and other banking activities, compliance with covenants of material debt instruments, investor/stockholder relations, relationships with various financial constituents and securities repurchase activities, and authorize transactions related thereto within limits prescribed by our Board;
review return on investment for our stockholders through dividend and stock repurchase programs;
review and assess risk exposure, including cybersecurity and insurance related to our operations, and authorize transactions within limits prescribed by our Board; and
review capital expenditures and other capital spending plans, including significant acquisitions and dispositions of business or assets, and authorize transactions within limits prescribed by our Board.

All members of the Finance/Risk Management Committee, except for Mr. Hesterberg, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Pereira, our Regional Vice President, Brazil, are independent as defined under the NYSE’s listing standards. The Finance/Risk Management Committee held six meetings during 2020 and acted by unanimous written consent once.

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Communications with Directors

Our Board welcomes communications from our stockholders and other interested parties. Stockholders and any other interested parties may send communications to our Board, to any committee of our Board, to the independent Chairman of the Board (who presides over the executive sessions of our independent and non-management directors), or to any director in particular, to:

c/o Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

800 Gessner, Suite 500
Houston, Texas 77024
Attn: Chairman of the Board

Any appropriate correspondence addressed to our Board, to any committee of our Board, to the independent Chairman of the Board, or to any one of the directors in care of our offices will be forwarded to the addressee or addressees.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 26

Environmental and Corporate Social Responsibility

Responsible business practices are central to our success, the continuous improvement of our operations, and our relationships with our employees and the communities we call home.Our core values, integrity, transparency, professionalism, teamwork and respect, underlie our commitment to conduct our business in ways that are principled and accountable to key stakeholders and the communities in which we do business. We are committed to responsible business practices and continuous improvement of our operations and our relationships with our employees and the communities in which we live and work.

 

In an effort to better inform our stockholders and the investment community of the numerous activities of our corporate office and geographically dispersed dealerships, we maintain and update websites that provide pertinent data on our environmental and social efforts. Please visit our websites at www.group1corp.com/ESG and www.group1auto.com/group1cares.

Community

Community participation and charitable donations that enrich the communities we serve have always been a priority for Group 1, and are continuously encouraged and supported by our directors and senior management. We are proud of these efforts and our employees from our corporate office, business centers and dealerships in the U.S., U.K., and Brazil who generously give of their time and resources to benefit others.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 27
Environment and Safety

We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and continually look for more opportunities where good environmental stewardship improves our long-term financial results. We also have an obligation to spend our stockholders’ money wisely. When constructing our various facilities, while considering the nature of our operations, we carefully choose projects that are environmentally responsible, economically viable and good for the Company’s long-term financial success. In 2020, we continued to focus on energy-saving initiatives such as LED lighting and installing solar panels at several stores. We also supported our commitment to the environment through a robust recycling program and our water-based paint initiative.

Additionally, we have robust workplace safety policies at our dealerships and collision centers. The Company has engaged a third-party consultant, who regularly conducts training and performs quarterly visits, to assure our workplaces remain compliant with environmental and safety regulations.

Investor Outreach

Each year, management interfaces with prospective investors, existing stockholders, and buy-side and sell-side investment research analysts in a variety of event formats, to discuss the Company’s publicly disclosed performance, business strategy and outlook, and corporate governance. These events include earnings teleconferences; investor calls, meetings, and conference events; non-deal road trips; and, occasionally site visits. Key topics include discussions regarding sales of new and used vehicles, market trends, parts and service strategies, successful implementation of our Acceleride® and Val-u-Line® vehicle sales programs, success with hiring technicians, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations, the impact of Brexit in the U.K., our digital retail strategies, capital allocation, and profitability. We address these topics with slide data in our roadshows and talking points on our earnings calls, conferences, and investor meetings. This interaction ensures that management and the Board understand and consider the views of our stockholders, perception of the investment community, and industry and economic outlook from the Company’s Wall Street covering analysts, while enabling the Company to dynamically operate in an evolving industry and economy with respect to maximizing return for our stockholders.

Workplace

Our employees are the heart of our company. We know that actively supporting the success and well-being of our employees is one of the best investments our company can make in its own sustainability. We also recognize the importance of training in the workplace to develop skills, promote best practices and support the success and advancement of our employees.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 28

Governance

We are committed to responsible business practices and continuous improvement of our operations and our relationships with our employees and the communities in which we live and work. Our core values - integrity, transparency, professionalism, teamwork and respect - underlie our commitment to conduct our business in ways that are principled and accountable to key stakeholders and the business community. Our Governance & Corporate Responsibility Committee advises the Board on appropriate corporate governance guidelines and practices and assists our Board in implementing those guidelines and practices.

Group 1 Foundation

Group 1 Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of our business, was formed in 2005 (in response to Hurricane Katrina) to provide guidance and financial assistance to Group 1 employees and their immediate families who suffer hardship due to natural disasters, emergencies, extended illness, injury, fire, flood or other special situations beyond their control. Funds are made available through fundraisers and contributions from employees, Board members and vendors, and are distributed to help employees and their families with temporary, critical expenses. In 2017 and 2018, affected employees were provided temporary living and related expenses after Hurricanes Harvey and Michael. In 2019, we assisted employees in southeast Texas who were affected by Tropical Storm Imelda. Since 2017, we have disbursed over $1.4 million to over 400 employees.

COVID-19 Response

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected our operations in all three of our markets in the U.S., U.K., and Brazil. At the onset of the pandemic, the Board and management met weekly to ensure the Company protected the health and safety of its employees, adjusted its cost structure to adapt to market conditions, and preserved its core values during this unprecedented time. In 2020, the Company spent over $1 million on personal protective equipment, established remote working arrangements where possible, and adhered to its aggressive cost reduction plan to preserve liquidity in all regions. In addition to the compensation adjustments described in the CD&A, we reduced advertising expenses by over 33%. As announced in April 2020, we furloughed or terminated approximately 8,000 employees, suspended our dividend, and cancelled our share repurchase program. As market conditions improved, the Company reversed many of these cost reductions and improved productivity.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 29
Proposal 1Election of Directors

Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws currently provide for annual elections of directors. Our Board of Directors has nominated nine directors for election at this Annual Meeting to hold office until the next annual meeting and the election of their successors. All of the nominees are currently directors. With the exception of Mr. Mizell who joined our Board in March 2021, all of the nominees were elected directors by a vote of the stockholders at the last annual meeting of stockholders which was held on May 13, 2020. Each nominee agreed to be named in this Proxy Statement and to serve if elected. All then-current directors attended the 2020 Annual Meeting.

The following table sets forth certain information, as of the date of this proxy statement, regarding our director nominees.

Director Position and Offices with Group 1 Director Since Age
Carin M. Barth Director 2017 58
Earl J. Hesterberg Director, President and Chief Executive Officer 2005 67
Steven C. Mizell Director 2021 61
Lincoln Pereira Director, Regional Vice President, Brazil 2013 61
Stephen D. Quinn Director, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board 2002 65
Steven P. Stanbrook Director 2019 63
Charles L. Szews Director 2016 64
Anne Taylor Director 2018 65
MaryAnn Wright Director 2014 59

We have no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable or unwilling for good cause to serve if elected. However, if any nominee should become unable for any reason or unwilling for good cause to serve, proxies may be voted for another person nominated as a substitute by the Board, or the Board may reduce the number of directors.

The number of directors on our Board is reviewed annually and fixed by our Board from time to time. We currently have ten directors serving on our Board. Effective as of the Annual Meeting, the Board size will be reduced to nine members as Mr. Watson has reached the Company’s mandatory retirement age for non-management directors. The Board will continue to evaluate the size of the Board and make adjustments as needed to meet the current and future needs of the Company.

Stockholders may not cumulate their votes in the election of our directors. Under Delaware law and our Bylaws, a majority of votes cast by stockholders entitled to vote in the election of directors is required for the election of directors. This means that director nominees who receive more “for” votes than “against” will be elected for that position. You may vote “for” or “against” with respect to the election of directors. Only votes “for” or “against” are counted in determining whether a majority has been cast in favor of a director. Abstentions are not counted for purposes of the election of directors.

We have adopted a majority vote director resignation policy, which is described in greater detail under “Director Resignation Policy.”

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 30

Our Board of Directors

Our Board believes that each of our directors is highly qualified to serve as a member of our Board. Each of our directors has contributed to the mix of skills, core competencies and qualifications of our Board. Our directors are highly educated and have diverse backgrounds and talents and successful records of accomplishment in what we believe are highly relevant positions with well-regarded organizations. Our Board has also considered the fact that all of our directors have worked for, or served on the boards of directors of, a variety of companies in a wide range of industries. Many of our directors also have served as directors of Group 1 for many years and benefit from an intimate knowledge of our operations and corporate philosophy. Our Board believes that through their varying backgrounds, our directors bring a wealth of experiences and new ideas to our Board.

Described on the following pages are the principal occupations, positions and directorships for at least the past five years of our director nominees, as well as certain information regarding their individual experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led our Board to conclude that they should serve on our Board. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or named executive officers.

Skills and Qualifications of Our Board of Directors

The following table includes the breadth and variety of business experience that each of our director nominees brings to our Board.

  Board Member
  BarthHesterbergMizellPereiraQuinnStanbrookSzewsTaylorWright
Experience/Knowledge:         
# of Other Public Company Boards
Currently Serving On
2-1-12322
Former President or CEO   
Public Company Executive Position    
Automotive  IB  
Retail IB  
Engineering/Product Development    
Expertise:         
International IB 
Finance      
Human Resources/Cultural     
Legal        
Mergers & Acquisitions 
Accounting   IB   
P&L/Income Statement Responsibility   
SOX Financial Expert      
Technology     
Attributes:         
Independent  
Diversity     

The lack of a for a particular item does not mean that the director does not possess that qualification, characteristic, skill or experience.

We look to each director to be knowledgeable in these areas; however, the indicates that the item is a specific qualification, characteristic, skill or experience that the director brings to the Board.

IB – covered industry as Investment Banker

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 31

Director Qualification and Considerations.The GCR Committee actively seeks individuals qualified to become members of our Board, seeks to implement the independence standards required by law, applicable listing standards, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (“Certificate of Incorporation”), our Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Bylaws”) and our Corporate Governance Guidelines, and identifies the qualities and characteristics necessary for an effective Chief Executive Officer.

In considering candidates for our Board, the GCR Committee, which identifies and recommends board candidates to the full Board, will consider the entirety of each candidate’s credentials. There is currently no set of specific minimum qualifications that must be met by a nominee recommended by the GCR Committee, as different factors may assume greater or lesser significance at particular times and the needs of our Board may vary in light of its composition and the GCR Committee’s perceptions about future issues and needs. However, while the GCR Committee does not maintain a formal list of qualifications, in making its evaluation and recommendation of candidates, the GCR Committee may consider, among other factors, diversity, age, skill, experience in the context of the needs of our Board, independence qualifications, moral character and whether prospective nominees have relevant business and financial experience or have industry or other specialized expertise.

The GCR Committee considers the diversity of the Board when identifying director nominees in accordance with its charter. We believe board membership should reflect diversity in its broadest sense, including persons diverse in perspectives, personal and professional experiences, geography, gender, race and ethnicity. This process has resulted in a Board that is comprised of highly qualified and diverse directors.

BOARD INDEPENDENCE

The Board determined that all non-employee directors are independent directors under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). As part of its analysis, the Board determined that none of the directors have a material relationship with our Company. Each of Messrs. Hesterberg and Pereira was determined not to be independent because they are employees of Group 1.

The Board has determined that each of the members of the Audit Committee, CHR Committee and GCR Committee are independent under applicable NYSE and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules for committee memberships, and that each member of the Audit Committee also meets the additional independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All members of the Finance/Risk Management Committee, except for Messrs. Hesterberg and Pereira, are also independent as defined under the NYSE’s listing standards. The Board has also determined that each of Ms. Barth and Messrs. Quinn and Szews qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined under SEC rules.

We have in the past, and may, in the future, make donations to various charitable organizations. From time to time, some of our directors, officers and employees have been, and in the future may be, affiliated with such charities. During the annual independence review, our GCR Committee determined that any such affiliations did not impact the independence of our directors. We did not make any charitable donations to any organizations affiliated with our directors or officers in 2021.

DIRECTOR RESIGNATION POLICY

Under our director resignation policy, in an uncontested election of directors, any nominee who receives a greater number of votes “against” than votes “for” his or her election will, promptly following the certification of the shareholder vote, tender his or her written resignation to the Board for consideration by the GCR Committee. The GCR Committee will consider the resignation, as well as all factors it considers relevant, and will make a recommendation to the Board concerning whether to accept or reject such resignation.

The Board will take formal action on the recommendation no later than 90 days following the certification of the results of the shareholders’ meeting. The Company will promptly disclose to the public the Board’s decision whether to accept or reject the director’s tendered resignation. If applicable, the Board will also disclose the reason or reasons for rejecting the tendered resignation.

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COMMITTEES OF OUR BOARD

Our Board has established four standing committees to assist it in discharging its responsibilities: the Audit Committee, the CHR Committee, the GCR Committee and the Finance/Risk Management Committee. Each committee is required to perform the key functions summarized below as well as other such functions set forth in its charter or assigned by our Board from time to time.

Audit Committee

Our Audit Committee assists the Board in oversight of Group 1’s:

financial statements and other financial information provided by us to any governmental body or the public;

compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;

the qualifications, performance and independence of our independent registered public accounting firm; and

the effectiveness and performance of our internal audit function.

In addition, the Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of our independent registered public accounting firm.

The Audit Committee held nine meetings during 2021 and acted by unanimous written consent one time.

The Report of the Audit Committee is set forth on page 29 of this proxy statement.

Compensation & Human Resources Committee

Our CHR Committee’s responsibilities are to:

review, evaluate, and approve senior corporate officers’ compensation;

identify, manage and mitigate any potential risks in the Company’s executive compensation plans;

oversee all matters relating to the succession of the key corporate officers of the Company other than our Chief Executive Officer;

review and discuss with our management the CD&A to be included in our proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and to determine whether to recommend to our Board that the CD&A be included in the proxy statement, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations;

produce the Compensation & Human Resources Committee Report for inclusion in the proxy statement;

oversee the Company’s human capital resources management strategy, including the recruitment, development and retention of personnel, talent management, and diversity, equity and inclusion; and

otherwise discharge our Board’s responsibility relating to compensation of our senior corporate officers.

For additional information regarding the role of management in the CHR Committee process, please see “2021 Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Role of the Compensation & Human Resources Committee, its Consultant and Management.”

The CHR Committee held seven meetings during 2021 and acted by unanimous written consent one time.

The Report of the CHR Committee is set forth on page 49 of this proxy statement.

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Governance & Corporate Responsibility Committee

Our GCR Committee’s responsibilities are to:

assist our Board by identifying individuals qualified to become members of our Board and recommend director nominees to our Board;

recommend to our Board the appropriate composition of our Board and its committees and Board committee membership and leadership;

advise our Board about and recommend to it appropriate corporate governance guidelines and practices and assist in implementing the same;

oversee the succession of our Chief Executive Officer;

review the Company’s policies governing political contributions and lobbying, and review Company and political action committee political contributions and expenditures;

review matters relating to the Company’s governance and corporate responsibility to confirm compliance with emerging best practices;

review ESG matters, including significant issues of corporate social and environmental responsibility and safety;

review the Company’s material community participation and charitable efforts, including matters relating to the Group 1 Foundation; and

establish, review and approve the compensation of our directors.

The GCR Committee held four meetings during 2021.

Finance/Risk Management Committee

Our Finance/Risk Management Committee assists our Board in its oversight of corporate finance and risk management, including:

review, oversee, advise and report to our Board regarding our financial status and capital structure, debt and equity financings, cash management and other banking activities, compliance with covenants of material debt instruments, investor/shareholder relations, relationships with various financial constituents and securities repurchase activities, and authorize transactions related thereto within limits prescribed by our Board;

review return on investment for our shareholders through dividend and stock repurchase programs;

review and assess risk exposure, including cybersecurity and insurance related to our operations, and authorize transactions within limits prescribed by our Board; and

review capital expenditures and other capital spending plans, including significant acquisitions and dispositions of businesses or assets, and authorize transactions within limits prescribed by our Board.

The Finance/Risk Management Committee held five meetings during 2021 and acted by unanimous written consent one time.

RISK OVERSIGHT

We have a robust Enterprise Risk Management Program, designed to identify, assess, monitor, manage, and mitigate our significant business risks by concentrating primarily in five principal areas: (1) safety and property damage risk; (2) strategic planning and operational risk; (3) financial and accounting risk; (4) information technology and cybersecurity risk; and (5) governance, regulatory and legislative risk. Risk profiles are formally updated annually and as needed when significant risks emerge like COVID-19 pandemic risks in 2020. Management updates the Finance/Risk Management Committee as new risks are identified, and on the steps taken to mitigate such risks. On an annual basis, management reviews results from tests of key risks with the full Board and the steps taken to mitigate new risks which have been identified.

Further, outside counsel advises our Board periodically on an as-needed basis to keep our directors informed concerning legal risks and other legal matters involving our Company. Finally, we have robust internal audit systems in place to help identify and mitigate risk and improve our internal controls, including reviewing our adherence to policies and procedures.

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Each Board committee has a significant role in assisting the Board in overseeing the risks that impact Group 1. Each committee is responsible for overseeing risks associated with its respective area of responsibility as further detailed below.

Committee

Responsibilities

Finance/Risk Management Committee

 Oversight of our operations risk, including quarterly reviews of cybersecurity and data protection, litigation management, and enterprise risk management strategies.

 Monitors our finance-related activities and provides guidance to management and the Board concerning our capital structure, capital allocation and our long-range financial policies and objectives.

 Oversees the formal process to identify risks company-wide, allocate them to the appropriate Board committee, and ensure that risk mitigation activities are being followed.

Audit Committee

 Oversight of risks relating to accounting matters, financial reporting and legal and regulatory compliance.

 Meets with our management and independent registered public accounting firm regarding the adequacy of our financial controls and our compliance with legal, tax and regulatory matters, as well as our significant financial and accounting policies.

 Meets with our vice president of internal audit and with other members of management, to review the identified risk areas and scope and results of the internal audits.

 Audit Committee Chair routinely meets between formal Audit Committee meetings with our chief financial officer, general counsel, corporate controller, vice president of internal audit and our independent registered public accounting firm.

Compensation & Human Resources Committee

 Oversight of succession planning for our key corporate officers (except our Chief Executive Officer) and the associated risks.

 Responsible for overseeing risks relating to employment policies, our compensation policies and programs, including the DEI Council, and our benefits systems.

 Has retained its own compensation consultant and meets regularly with management to understand the financial, human resources and shareholder implications of compensation decisions being made.

 A separate discussion regarding the risk considerations in our compensation programs, including the processes that are put in place by the CHR Committee and management to identify, manage and mitigate potential risks in compensation, can be found beginning on page 48 of this proxy statement.

Governance & Corporate Responsibility Committee

 Oversight of succession planning for our Chief Executive Officer and the associated risks.

 Responsible for identifying diverse and qualified Board candidates and other matters related to Board succession planning.

 Conducts a review of the performance of the Board and its committees and reviews and reassesses the adequacy of the corporate governance guidelines and recommends any proposed changes to the Board.

 Reviews matters relating to the Company’s governance, corporate compliance, and corporate responsibility, including ESG.

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CYBERSECURITY AND INFORMATION SECURITY RISK OVERSIGHT

Our Board recognizes the importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our customers, vendors, shareholders and employees, and devotes significant time and attention to oversight of cybersecurity and information security risk. At each of its meetings, the FRM Committee receives presentations from our VP, Information Technology, on cybersecurity and information security risk, and on our cybersecurity initiatives. We also engage cybersecurity experts to review, test, evaluate and provide recommendations on our cybersecurity program. Additionally, to assure compliance with our policies and procedures members of our internal audit department regularly visit our dealerships to ensure that our customers’ personal information is protected and secured appropriately. The results of those dealership visits are reported to the Audit Committee. In 2021, our Board, the Finance/Risk Management Committee and the Audit Committee received cybersecurity and information security risk reports at least quarterly.

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TRANSPARENCY AND ENGAGEMENT

Governance Documents

Our key governance documents including our Corporate Governance Guidelines and committee charters are available on our Investor Relations website at www.group1corp.com and shareholders may obtain a printed copy, free of charge, by sending a written request to Group 1 Automotive, Inc., 800 Gessner, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77024, Attn: Corporate Secretary.

Communications With Directors

Our Board welcomes communications from our shareholders and other interested parties. Shareholders and any other interested parties may send communications to our Board, to any committee of our Board, to the independent Board Chair (who presides over the executive sessions of our independent and non-management directors), or to any director in particular, to:

c/o Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

800 Gessner, Suite 500

Houston, Texas 77024

Attn: Chair of the Board

Any appropriate correspondence addressed to our Board, to any committee of our Board, to the independent Board Chair, or to any one of the directors in care of our offices will be forwarded to the addressee or addressees.

Investor Outreach

Each year, management interfaces with prospective investors, existing shareholders, and buy-side and sell-side investment research analysts in a variety of event formats, to discuss the Company’s publicly disclosed performance, business strategy and outlook, and corporate governance. These events include earnings teleconferences; investor calls, meetings, and conference events; non-deal road trips; and occasionally site visits. Key topics include discussions regarding capital allocation, share repurchases, company growth through acquisitions, the impact of our inventory supply on new and use vehicle sales, market trends, parts and service strategies, successful implementation of our AcceleRide® and Val-u-Line® vehicle sales programs, success with hiring technicians, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations, our digital retail strategies, capital allocation, and profitability. This interaction ensures that management and the Board understand and consider the views of our shareholders, perception of the investment community, and industry and economic outlook from the Company’s Wall Street covering analysts, while enabling the Company to dynamically operate in an evolving industry and economy with respect to maximizing return for our shareholders.

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Sustainability

Our core values of integrity, transparency, professionalism, teamwork and respect underlie our commitment to conduct our business in ways that are principled and accountable to key stakeholders, the environment and the communities in which we do business. We are committed to transparency in sharing out sustainability progress. For updates on our progress and to access our 2021 Sustainability Report, please visit www.group1corp.com/ESG.

SUSTAINABILITY GOVERNANCE

We are committed to responsible business practices and continuous improvement of the sustainability of our operations and our relationships with our employees and the communities in which we live and work. While our GCR Committee oversees our ESG policies and practices, other Board committees also play a role in our sustainability efforts, relating to cybersecurity, human capital management, health & safety and corporate risk management. In addition, our management team and other employee subject matter experts are responsible for the implementation of our ESG strategy, initiatives and communications.

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PROPOSAL 1

Election of Directors

Our Board of Directors has nominated nine directors to be elected to serve on our Board until the next annual meeting and the election of their successors. Each nominee was elected to our Board at our last annual meeting on May 12, 2021. Each nominee agreed to be named in this Proxy Statement and to serve if elected.

For more information on the director nominees, please see the section entitled “Qualifications of Our Board of Directors” beginning on page 19.

If any nominee should become unable for any reason or unwilling for good cause to serve, proxies may be voted for another person nominated as a substitute by the Board, or the Board may reduce the number of directors.

The number of directors on our Board is reviewed annually and adjusted by our Board from time to time to meet the current needs of the Company.

A majority of votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote in the election of directors is required for the election of directors. This means that director nominees who receive more “for” votes than “against” will be elected for that position. You may vote “for” or “against” with respect to the election of directors. Only votes “for” or “against” are counted in determining whether a majority has been cast in favor of a director. Abstentions are not counted for purposes of the election of directors.

Please see “Director Resignation Policy” on page 10 for a description of our majority vote director resignation policy.

DIRECTOR SKILLS AND DEMOGRAPHICS

Our Board believes that each of our directors is highly qualified to serve as a member of our Board. Our directors are highly educated and have diverse backgrounds and talents and successful records of accomplishment in what we believe are highly relevant positions with well-regarded organizations. Our Board has also considered the experience our directors have from working for, or serving on the boards of, a variety of companies in a wide range of industries. Many of our directors also have served as directors of Group 1 for many years and benefit from an intimate knowledge of our operations and corporate philosophy. Our Board believes that through their varying backgrounds, our directors bring a wealth of experiences and new ideas to our Board.

Described on the following pages are the principal occupations, positions and directorships for at least the past five years of our director nominees, as well as certain information regarding their individual experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led our Board to conclude that they should serve on our Board. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or named executive officers.

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Skills and Demographic Matrix

The following table includes the breadth and

variety of business experience that each of

our director nominees brings to our Board.

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Experience / Knowledge

                           

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# of Other Public Company Boards Currently Serving On

 2 - 1 1* 1 1 2 2 2

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Former President or CEO

            

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Public Company Executive Position

              

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Automotive

       IB      

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Retail

      IB      

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Engineering/Product Development

         
          

Expertise

                           

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International

      IB    

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Finance

               

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Human Resources/Cultural

              

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Legal

                 

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Mergers & Acquisitions

         

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Accounting

        IB       

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P&L/Income Statement Responsibility

            

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SOX Financial Expert

               

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Technology

         
          

Attributes

                           

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Independent

         
          

Identity (self-identified in D&O Questionnaire)

                           

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Gender Identity (Male/Female)

 F M M M M M M F F

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LGBTQ+ (Yes/No)

 N N N N N N N N N

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Race/Ethnicity (White, African American/Black, Latino, Multiracial)

 W W AA/B W/L/M W W W W W

The lack of a for a particular item does not mean that the director does not possess that qualification, characteristic, skill or experience. We look to each director to be knowledgeable in these areas; however, the indicates that the item is a specific qualification, characteristic, skill or experience that the director brings to the Board.

IB – covered industry as Investment Banker

*Company is listed on the Brazilian Stock Exchange

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DIRECTOR QUALIFICATION AND CONSIDERATIONS

The GCR Committee actively seeks individuals qualified to become members of our Board, seeks to implement the independence standards required by law, applicable listing standards, our Certificate of Incorporation, our Bylaws and Corporate Governance Guidelines. For more information, visit the section titled “Information about Our Board of Directors and its Committees – Director Qualifications and Diversity Considerations” on page 10.

The GCR Committee may consider candidates for our Board from any reasonable source, including from a search firm engaged by the GCR Committee or stockholder recommendations, provided that the procedures set forth below are followed.shareholder recommendations. The GCR Committee does not intend to alter the manner in which it evaluateswill evaluate candidates based on whether the candidate is recommended by a stockholdershareholders using the same criteria as for other candidates recommended by its members, other members of the Board, or not. However, in evaluating a candidate’s relevant business experience, the GCR Committee may consider previous experience as a member of our Board.other persons. Any invitation to join our Board must be extended by our Board as a whole, by the Chairman of the GCR Committee Chair and by the Chairman of the Board.Board Chair.

StockholdersShareholders or a group of stockholdersshareholders may recommend potential candidates for consideration by the GCR Committee. For additional information on such requests and the applicable timing, please see “Stockholder“Shareholder Proposals for 20222023 Annual Meeting.”

QUALIFICATIONS OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

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CARIN M. BARTH

Co-Founder and President of LB Capital, Inc., a private equity investment firm

Audit Committee Chair

Age 58
59

Director Since:Since 2017

Independent Director

Audit Committee Financial Expert

Other Current Directorships:Directorships

 Enterprise Products Holdings, LLC

 Black Stone Minerals, L.P.

 

Other Directorships Within Thethe Last Five Years:Years

 BBVA USA Bancshares, Inc.

 Halcón Resources Corporation

  Bill Barrett Corporation

 Strategic Growth Bancorp Inc.

  Western Refining, Inc.

Degrees

 

B.S. in Economics, University of Alabama; M.B.A, Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management

 

Career Highlights:Highlights

  Co-Founder and President of LB Capital, Inc. since 1988

  Currently serves on the boardsboard of The Welch Foundation

  Former board member and current Emeritus board member of Ronald McDonald House of Houston

  Commissioner of the Texas Department of Public Safety from 2008 to 2014

  Appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from 2004 to 2005

 

Degrees: B.S. in Economics, University of Alabama; M.B.A, Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management

Ms. Barth has extensive experience in a variety of financial matters, including as chief financial officer for several entities. She also has a history of corporate and civic governance, which provides additional depth and financial expertise to our Board. Her experience with mergers and acquisitions, in operating a private equity company, her previous and currently held board positions on other publicly traded companies and her audit committee experience are key attributes, among others, that make her well qualified to serve on our Board.

 

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EARL J.

HESTERBERG

President and Chief Executive Officer of Group 1 Automotive. Inc.

Age 6768

Director Since:Since 2005

 

Other Current Directorships:Directorships

None

 

Other Directorships Within Thethe Last Five Years:Years

 Stage Stores, Inc.

Degrees

B.A. in Psychology, Davidson College;

M.B.A, Xavier University

Career Highlights:Highlights

  CEO and President of Group 1 since 2005

  Served as Group Vice President, North America Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford Motor Company since October 2004. From July 1999 to September 2004, he served as Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford of Europe, and from 1999 until 2005, he served on the supervisory board of Ford Werke AG

  Previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Gulf States Toyota, an independent regional distributor of new Toyota vehicles, parts and accessories

  Held various senior sales, marketing, general management, and parts and service positions with Nissan Motor Corporation in U.S.A. and Nissan Europe, both of which are wholly owned by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

  Currently serves on the board of the Greater Houston Partnership

  Past member of the Board of Trustees of Davidson College

 

Degrees: B.A. in Psychology, Davidson College; M.B.A, Xavier University

As our President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hesterberg sets the strategic direction of our Company under the guidance of our Board. He has extensive senior executive management experience in the automotive industry. His successful leadership of our Company and extensive knowledge of the automotive industry provides our Board with a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges we face and makes him well qualified to serve on theour Board.

 

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STEVEN C. MIZELL

Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Merck & Co., Inc., a multinational pharmaceutical company

Age 61
62

Director Since:Since 2021

Independent Director

 

Independent Director

Other Current Directorships:Directorships

 Allegion plc

 

Other Directorships Within Thethe Last Five Years:Years

 Oshkosh Corporation

 

Degrees

B.S. in Industrial Management, Georgia Institute of Technology;

M.S. in Management, Carnegie Mellon University

Career Highlights:Highlights

  Responsible for all aspects of human resources at Merck & Co. since 2018, which has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Best Workplaces in Health Care and Biopharma by Fortune and Great Place to Work, Best Workplace for Innovators by Fast Company;Company magazine, Best Companies for Multicultural Women by Working Mother magazine, Top Veteran-Friendly Companies by U.S. Veterans Magazine and Companies that Care by People Magazine

  Joined Monsanto, a global leader in sustainable agriculture, as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer in 2004; served as Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer from 2007 to 2018

  Previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Resources Officer for AdvancePCS, a pharmaceutical company

  Currently serves on the board of the United Way Charmaine Chapman Society of St. Louis

  Recognized as one of St. Louis’s most influential Diverse Business Leaders

  National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Directorship Certified

 

Degrees: B.S. in Industrial Management, Georgia Institute of Technology; M.S. in Management, Carnegie Mellon University

Mr. Mizell’s human resource management expertise from his position with an international, publicly traded company makes him well qualified to serve as a member of our Board. His extensive, global leadership experience and knowledge of human capital management provides our Board with valuable insights. Mr. Mizell was identified as a potential Board candidate by a current member of the Board.

 

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LINCOLN PEREIRA FILHO

Regional Vice President, Brazil of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

Age 61
Director Since: 2013

 

Age 62

Director Since 2013

 

Other Current Directorships:Directorships

 Boa Vista Serviços S.A.-SCPC

 Tempo Telecomunicações

 Associação Brasileira dos Concessionários BMW

 Associação Brasileira dos Distribuidores Toyota

Other Directorships Within Thethe Last Five Years:Years

None

 

Degrees

LL.B, Faculdade de Direito do Largo de São Francisco;

London Business School

Career Highlights:Highlights

  Regional Vice President, Brazil of Group 1 since 2013

  Served as a legal representative of United Auto do Brasil Ltda, a public auto group operating in São Paulo and controlled by United Auto Group, from 1999 to 2005

  Previously practiced law with Cunha Pereira Advogados, representing professional athletes and international racecar drivers, from 1995 through 2005

  Founded Atrium Telecomunicações Ltda, a provider of local exchange telecommunication services, in 1999. Atrium was sold to Telefónica of Spain in December 2004

  Founded E-Vertical Tecnologia, a leading provider of high tech facilities management services to commercial properties

  Serves as Vice President of the São Paulo Chamber of Commerce (ACSP)

  Held numerous positions with various banks, both in Brazil and abroad, from 1978 through 1995

 

Degree: LL.B, Faculdade de Direito do Largo de São Francisco; London Business School

Mr. Pereira has extensive automotive retailing and manufacturer relations experience, as well as legal, finance, business and management expertise. He also has a deep understanding of the Brazilian finance, trade and legal sectors. Mr. Pereira’s experience and expertise in the automotive industry make him well qualified to serve as a member of theour Board.

 

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STEPHEN D. QUINN

Former General Partner and Managing Director of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Non-Executive Chair of the Board

Age 65
66

Director Since:Since 2002

Independent Director

Audit Committee Financial Expert

Other Current Directorships:Directorships

 Zions Bancorporation

 

Other Directorships Within Thethe Last Five Years:

  NoneYears

 

None

Degrees

B.S. in Economics, Brigham Young University;

M.B.A., Harvard University Graduate School of Business

Career Highlights:Highlights

  Joined Goldman, Sachs & Co., a full-service global investment banking and securities firm, in August 1981, where he specialized in corporate finance

  Served as a General Partner and Managing Director of Goldman, Sachs & Co. from 1990 until his retirement in 2001

 

Degrees: B.S. in Economics, Brigham Young University; M.B.A., Harvard University Graduate School of Business

Mr. Quinn was selected to serve as a director on our Board due to his valuable financial expertise and extensive experience with capital markets transactions. His judgment in assessing business strategies and the accompanying risks is an invaluable resource for our business model. Mr. Quinn also has significant historical knowledge of our Company as a result of his role at Goldman Sachs, an underwriter for our initial public offering. The Board believes his experience and expertise in these matters make him well qualified to serve as a member and Chair of theour Board.

 

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STEVEN P. STANBROOK

Former Chief Operating Officer, International Markets of S.C. Johnson, Inc.

Age 63
64

Director Since:Since 2019

Independent Director

    

 

Other Current Directorships:Directorships

  Imperial Brands plc

 Primo Water Corporation

 

Other Directorships Within Thethe Last Five Years:Years

 Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

 Hewitt Associates, Inc.

 

 Imperial Brands plc

Degrees

HNC in Business Studies, Thames Valley University, U.K.

Career Highlights:Highlights

  Retired from S.C. Johnson, Inc., a global manufacturer and marketer of household products, in 2015, following a distinguished 19-year career serving in various roles, including most recently as Chief Operating Officer, International Markets

  Previously held a variety of senior leadership positions with both Sara Lee Corporation, including Chief Executive Officer of Sara Lee Bakery, and CompuServe, the leading, global Internet Service Provider

  Over 30 years of experience operating across the global consumer package goods sector

 

Degree: HNC in Business Studies, Thames Valley University, U.K.

Mr. Stanbrook was selected to serve on our Board due to his extensive international operational experience and his background in business development. His previous and current board positions on other publicly traded companies, combined with his global operational experience in a variety of senior management positions, have provided him with a wealth of knowledge in dealing with complex strategic, business matters.

 

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CHARLES L. SZEWS

Former Chief Executive Officer of Oshkosh Corporation

FRM Committee Chair

Age 64
65

Director Since:Since 2016

Independent Director

Audit Committee Financial Expert

Other Current Directorships:Directorships

 Commercial Metals Company

 Allegion plc

  Valaris plc

Other Directorships Within Thethe Last Five Years:Years

 Rowan Companies plc

 Valaris plc

Degrees

B.B.A. in Comprehensive Public Accounting, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire

Career Highlights:Highlights

  Joined Oshkosh Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies serving access equipment, defense, fire and emergency, and commercial markets, as Vice President and CFO in 1996; appointed Executive Vice President in October 1997; appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in October 2007

  Served as Chief Executive Officer at Oshkosh Corporation from January 2011 until his retirement in 2016

  Vice President and Controller at Fort Howard Corporation during its leveraged buyout

  Began his career with Ernst & Young

 

Degree: B.B.A. in Comprehensive Public Accounting, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire

Mr. Szews was selected to serve on our Board due to his extensive operational and financial experience and his background in public accounting, auditing and risk management. His previous and current board positions on other publicly traded companies have provided many years of audit committee experience, including as chair. Mr. Szews’ extensive financial and audit experience in a variety of senior management positions, combined with his global operational experience in vehicle manufacturing and distribution, including autonomous and electric vehicles, have provided him with a wealth of knowledge in dealing with complex strategic, financial and accounting matters.

 

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ANNE TAYLOR

Former Vice Chairman and Managing Partner -of the Houston office of Deloitte, LLP

CHR Committee Chair

Age 65
66

Director Since:Since 2018

Independent Director

 

Independent Director

Other Current Directorships:Directorships

 Southwestern Energy Company

 Whiting Petroleum Corporation

 

Other Directorships Within Thethe Last Five Years:

  NoneYears

 

None

Degrees

B.S. in Engineering, University of Utah;

M.S. in Engineering, University of Utah;

Attended Princeton University, pursuing Ph.D studies in Transportation Engineering

Career Highlights:Highlights

  Joined Deloitte, a leading global provider of audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax and related services in 1987, serving as Regional Managing Partner, Chief Strategy Officer and Global Leader for e-business; served as Vice Chairman and Managing Partner of the Houston office from 2013 until her retirement in 2018; chaired the strategic review of the proposed transaction to separate Deloitte Consulting while serving on Deloitte’s Board of Directors

  Became the first woman to serve on Deloitte’s US executive committee and the management committee of Deloitte Global

  Currently serves on the board of Memorial Hermann Hospital System and Central Houston, Inc. and previously served on the boards of the Greater Houston Partnership and United Way of Greater Houston

  President and sole owner of ATStrategies, LLC, a private consulting firm

  Currently serves on the Board of Directors of Conway Mackenzie and as a consultant for Flynn Heath Leadership

  Previously served as the strategic partner advisor to the World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneer Program

Degrees: B.S. and M.S. in Engineering, University of Utah; attended Princeton University, pursuing Ph.D studies in transportation engineering

Ms. Taylor is financially literate and has participated in audit committee meetings of many Deloitte clients. She was selected to serve on our Board due to her management and leadership experience, extensive background in global technology, development and execution of business strategy, and corporate governance experience.

 

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MARYANN WRIGHT

Former Group Vice President of Johnson Controls International

GCR Committee Chair

Age 59
60

Director Since:Since 2014

Independent Director

 

Independent Director

Other Current Directorships:Directorships

  Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

 Micron Technology, Inc.

 

 Brunswick Corporation

Other Directorships Within Thethe Last Five Years:Years

 Delphi Technologies

 

 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

Degrees

B.A. in Economics and International Business;

M.S. in Engineering, University of Michigan;

M.B.A., Wayne State University

Career Highlights:Highlights

  Worked for Johnson Controls Power Solutions, the global leader in automotive lead-acid and advanced batteries, from 2007 through 2017, served as Group Vice President of Engineering & Product Development from 2013 through 2017, and Vice President of Technology and Innovation from 2009 to 2013. She served as Vice President and General Manager for Johnson Controls Hybrid Systems business and as CEO of Johnson Controls-Saft from 2007 through 2009.

  Previously served as Executive Vice President Engineering, Product Development, Commercial and Program Management for Collins & Aikman Corporation

  Served as Director, Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs at Ford Motor Company from 1988 through 2005; Chief Engineer of the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, the industry’s first full hybrid SUV; led the launch of Ford’s first hydrogen-powered fuel cell fleet program

  Owner of TechGoddess, LLC, a technical consulting firm

  Board Chair of the Friends of Animals for Metro Detroit

 

Degrees: B.A. in Economics and International Business and M.S. in Engineering, University of Michigan; M.B.A., Wayne State University

Ms. Wright was selected to serve on our Board because of her extensive experience and her knowledge of the automotive industry, having been named one of the “Leading 100 Women in the Automotive Industry” by Automotive News. Her unique business, manufacturing, engineering and technology background and her extensive global automotive experience make her well qualified to serve as a member of theour Board.

Our Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR“FOR” the Election of each of the Nominees for Director.

 

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Proposal 2Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

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PROPOSAL 2

Advisory Vote on Executive

Compensation

In accordance with the requirements of Section 14A of the Exchange Act, our stockholders are entitledshareholders have the opportunity to cast an annual advisory vote during the Annual Meeting to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed in this proxy statement. As an advisory vote, this Proposal 2 is not binding on our Board or the Compensation and Human Resources (“CHR”) Committee, will not overrule any previous decisions made byGroup 1, our Board or the CHR Committee, or require our Board or the CHR Committee to take any future or remedial action. Although the vote is non-binding,Committee. However, the CHR Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future compensation decisions regarding our named executive compensation decisions.

officers.

Our Board recognizes that executive compensation is an important matter for our stockholders.shareholders. As described in detail inyou consider this Proposal 2, we urge you to read the CD&A section of this proxy statement for additional details on executive compensation, including the more detailed information about our compensation philosophy and objectives, the decisions made by the CHR Committee is taskedin 2021, and the tabular disclosures regarding our named executive officers’ compensation together with the implementationaccompanying narrative disclosures in the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement.

As described in the CD&A, we believe our compensation program is effective, appropriate and strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our executiveshareholders and that the total compensation philosophy. The core of that philosophy has been and continuespackage provided to be to pay our named executive officers compensation that is competitive with amounts paid by our peer companies based on individual and Company performance. In particular, the CHR Committee strives to attract, retain and motivate talented executives, to reward past performance measured against established goals, to provide incentives for future performance, and to align executives’ long-term interests with the interests(including potential payouts upon a termination or change of our stockholders. To do so, the CHR Committee uses a combination of short- and long-term incentive compensation to reward near-term performance and to encourage our executives’ commitment to our long-range, strategic business goals. It is always the intention of the CHR Committee that our named executive officers be compensated competitively and in a manner thatcontrol) is consistent with market practice. We also believe our strategy, sound corporate governance principles,executive compensation is reasonable and stockholder interests and concerns. Our Board believes that our compensation policies and practices are effective in achieving our Company’s goals of rewarding sustained financial and operating performance, leadership excellence and aligning the executives’ long-term interests with those of our stockholders.

competitive.

We believe that it is appropriate to seek the views of our stockholdersshareholders on the design and effectiveness of our executive compensation program, and we value your opinion. Based on the stockholdershareholder vote on the frequency of an advisory vote on executive compensation that took place at our 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders,Shareholders, our Board determined to continue holding the vote on executive compensation annually until the next stockholdershareholder vote on the frequency of such advisory vote.

At our 20202021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, 95%Shareholders, 97% of the shares voted on the say-on-pay vote (as defined below) were in favor of the compensation paid to our named executive officers. The CHR Committee believes this vote strongly endorses the compensation philosophy, policies and practices of the Company and, therefore, it did not make any significant changes in the structure of our executive compensation program as a result of this say-on-pay vote.

As described in the CD&A, we believe our compensation program is effective, appropriate and strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our stockholders and that the total compensation package provided to our named executive officers (including potential payouts upon a termination or change of control) is consistent with market practice. We also believe our executive compensation is reasonable and competitive.

As you consider this Proposal 2, we urge you to read the CD&A section of this proxy statement for additional details on executive compensation, including the more detailed information about our compensation philosophy and objectives and the past compensation of our named executive officers, and to review the tabular disclosures regarding our named executive officers’ compensation together with the accompanying narrative disclosures in the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement.

say-on-pay vote.

In light of these reasons, we are recommending that our stockholdersshareholders vote FOR“FOR” the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to our Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion, is hereby Approved.”

Our Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR“FOR” the Non-Binding Advisory Approval of our Executive Compensation.

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PROPOSAL 3

Proposal 3

Ratification of the Appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

In early 2020, the Audit Committee performed its annual evaluation of the external auditor as part of its responsibilities. After careful consideration, the Audit Committee determined that a different perspective would be beneficial to the Company. The Audit Committee chose not to renew the engagement of Ernst & Young following the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K in February 2020.

Ernst & Young’s reports on the financial statements for fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 did not contain any adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and the subsequent period through February 14, 2020 (the date of Ernst & Young’s dismissal), (i) there were no “disagreements” (as defined in Item 304(a) (1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) with Ernst & Young on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, any of which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Ernst & Young, would have caused Ernst & Young to make reference thereto in its reports on the consolidated financial statements for such fiscal years; and (ii) there were no “reportable events” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

Following extensive discussion, the Audit Committee appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) as of February 14, 2020 as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. Our

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Audit Committee believes that the engagement ofhas reappointed Deloitte as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2021 is in the best interestand as auditors of the Company and its stockholders. We have been advised by Deloitte that the firm is independent and has no relationship with Group 1 or its subsidiaries other than that arising from the firm’s engagement as auditors, tax advisors and consultants.Company’s consolidated financials for 2022. The Audit Committee has also discussed Deloitte’s independence with Deloitte since its appointment. Duringreviews the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf consulted with Deloitte regarding anyperformance of the matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i) or (ii)independent registered public accounting firm annually. In making the determination to re-appoint Deloitte for 2022, the Audit Committee considered, among other factors, the independence and performance of Regulation S-K.Deloitte, and the quality and candor of Deloitte’s communications with the Audit Committee and management. Deloitte has served as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm since 2020. Representatives of Deloitte will be present during the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement and respond to appropriate questions from stockholders. Representatives of Ernst & Young will not be present at the Annual Meeting.shareholders.

The ratification of our Audit Committee’s appointment of Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 requires our receiving the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal. Although ratification is not required, by our bylaws or otherwise, as a matter of good corporate governance, we are asking our stockholdersshareholders to approve the selection of Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm. The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders ratify the selection of Deloitte as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for 2021. If the selection is not ratified, the Audit Committee will consider whether it is appropriate to select another independent registered public accounting firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in our best interest and the best interest of our stockholders.

shareholders.

Our Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR“FOR” Ratification of the Appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2021.2022.

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Audit and Other FeesFEES PAID TO AUDITORS

Set forth below is a summary ofThe following table shows the fees paid for professional services provided byto Deloitte for services related to the fiscal yearyears ended December 31, 2020.2020 and 2021. In determining the independence of Deloitte, the Audit Committee considered whether the provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining Deloitte’s independence.

 

Type of Fees 2020 
Audit Fees(1) $2,125,000 
Audit Related Fees(2)  100,000 
Tax Fees(3)  308,000 
All Other Fees(4)   
TOTAL $2,533,000 

   

Type of Fees

  2021   2020 

Audit Fees1

  $2,740,000   $2,125,000 

Audit Related Fees2

   125,000    100,000 

Tax Fees3

   140,000    308,000 

All Other Fees4

        

TOTAL

  $3,005,000   $2,533,000 
(1)1

Audit fees consisted of amounts accrued for services performed in association with the integrated audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for 2020 and 2021, and attestation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (including required quarterly reviews). Other procedures included consultations on audit or accounting matters that arise during or as a result of the audit or quarterly reviews. Audit fees for 2021 also include fees related to acquisition and divestiture activity during the year. Also included in audit fees are amounts accrued for assurance and related services that are related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements or that are traditionally performed by the independent registered public accounting firm, consisting primarily of statutory audits. Audit fees exclude reimbursed expenses of $63,000 and $85,000 for 2020 and 2021, respectively, in conjunction with their services.

(2)2

Included in Audit Related Fees are amounts billed for assurance and related services that are related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements, or that are traditionally performed by the independent registered public accounting firm, consisting primarily of statutory audits, services performed in connection with SEC registration statements, periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or other documents issued in connection with securities.securities offerings.

(3)3

Tax fees consisted of amounts billed in 2020 and 2021 for tax planning and consultation and tax compliance services.

(4)4

There were no other fees in 2020.2020 or 2021.

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Set forth below is a summary of fees paid for professional services provided by Ernst & Young for services related to fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. In determining the independence of Ernst & Young, the Audit Committee considered whether the provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining Ernst & Young’s independence.


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Type of Fees 2019 
Audit Fees(1) $2,519,800 
Audit Related Fees(2)   
Tax Fees(3)  81,400 
All Other Fees(4)   
TOTAL $2,601,200 

(1)Audit fees consisted of amounts accrued for services performed in association with the integrated audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for 2019 and attestation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (including required quarterly reviews). Other procedures included consultations relating to the audit or quarterly reviews. Also included in audit fees are amounts accrued for assurance and related services that are related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements or that are traditionally performed by the independent registered public accounting firm, consisting primarily of statutory audits, services performed in connection with SEC registration statements, periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or other documents issued in connection with securities. Audit fees exclude reimbursed expenses of $35,500 for 2019, to Ernst & Young in conjunction with their services.
(2)There were no audit related fees in 2019.
(3)Tax fees consisted of amounts billed in 2019 for tax preparation and compliance services.
(4)There were no other fees in 2019.

 

The Audit Committee considered whether the provision of these services was compatible with maintaining Ernst & Young’s independence and Deloitte’s independence and has determined such services for fiscal 20192020 and 20202021 were compatible. All of the services described above were pre-approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act.

The Audit Committee has established a policy requiring pre-approval by the Audit Committee of all services (audit and non-audit) to be provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm. In accordance with this policy, the Audit Committee had given its annual approval for the provision of audit services by Ernst & Young for 2019 and by Deloitte for 2020 and 2021 and had also given its approval for up to a year in advance for the provision of particular categories or types of audit-related, tax and permitted non-audit services, in each case subject to a specific budget.

Any proposed services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm not covered by one of these approvals, including proposed services exceeding pre-approved budget levels, requires special pre-approval by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee does not delegate its responsibilities to pre-approve services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm to management. All of the services listed above were pre-approved pursuant to this policy.

 

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Proxy Statement 2022  |  29

Report of the Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to our accounting policies, reporting policies, internal controls, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, selection of the independent registered public accounting firm and the integrity of Group 1’s financial reports. The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of its Governance & Corporate Responsibility Committee, has determined that each member of the Audit Committee has the requisite independence and other qualifications for audit committee membership under New York Stock Exchange corporate governance listing standards, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Audit Committee Charter and the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines.

Each year, the Audit Committee reviews the work and status of its independent accounting firm with the Company. In 2019, after careful consideration, the Audit Committee determined that a different perspective with in-depth auto retail experience would be beneficial to the Company. The Audit Committee reviewedhas the qualifications of the remaining public accounting firms with experienceduties and powers described in our industry and decided to interview Deloitte & Touche LLP. After several discussions between the Audit Committee, members of our senior management team and members of Deloitte who would service our account, the Audit Committee decided to retain the accounting services of Deloitte for the fiscal year beginning in 2020. Deloitte also provides non-audit services, including among others, tax planning and consultation and tax compliance.

The Audit Committee acts under aits written charter adopted and approved by the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee reviews and reassesses the adequacyA copy of the charter on an annual basis. Based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board approved updates to the Audit Committee charter at a regularly scheduled meeting in February 2021. The Audit Committee charter is posted on our Investor Relations website, www.group1auto.comwww.group1corp.com, and you may obtain a printed copy of the Audit Committee charter by sending a written request to Group 1 Automotive, Inc., 800 Gessner, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77024, Attn: Corporate Secretary.

The Audit Committee assists the Board’s oversight and monitoring of the Company’s system of internal controls, including the internal audit function. The Audit Committee discussed with our internal auditors the overall scope and plans for the 20202021 audit. At each Audit Committee meeting, the Audit Committee is provided the opportunity to meet with the internal auditor with, and without, management present. During 2020,2021, management made updates to its internal control documentation for changes in internal control and completed its testing and evaluation of the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting in response to the requirements set forth in Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related regulations. The Audit Committee has kept apprised of the progress of the evaluation and provided oversight and advice to management during the process. In connection with this oversight, the Audit Committee received updates provided by management and the independent auditor at each regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting and met in executive session separately with the internal and the independent auditor to discuss the results of their examinations, observations and recommendations regarding internal control over financial reporting.

The independent registered public accounting firm is accountable to the Audit Committee, and the Audit Committee has the ultimate authority and responsibility to select, evaluate and, where appropriate, replace the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee engages in an annual evaluation of the independent public accounting firm’s qualifications, assessing the firm’s quality of service, the firm’s sufficiency of resources, the quality of the communication and interaction with the firm, and the firm’s independence. The Audit Committee makes its selection based on the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.shareholders. The Audit Committee participates in the selection and annual evaluation of the leadLead Audit Partner (the “Lead Partner”) of the independent registered public accounting firm through its review of the Lead Partner’s professional qualifications, experience, and prior performance on the Company’s audit (if any), through in-person meetings with the Lead Partner, and through discussion between the Audit Committee and management regarding the selection of the Lead Partner.

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management and Deloitte, our audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020.2021. The Audit Committee also discussed with Deloitte the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the Commission.

Deloitte submitted to the Audit Committee the written disclosures and the letter required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning its independence. The Audit Committee discussed with Deloitte such firm’s independence. The Audit Committee also considered whether the provision of non-audit services to our Company by Deloitte was compatible with maintaining their independence.

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Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements referred to above be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020,2021, for filing with the SEC.

Respectfully submitted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Group 1,

Carin M. Barth (Chair)

Carin Barth (Chairman)
Stephen D. Quinn

Steven P. Stanbrook

Charles L. Szews

Anne Taylor

 

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Proxy Statement 2022  |  31

Executive Officers

 

Except as described under the heading “Executive Compensation — Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table”, our named executive officers serve at the discretion of our Board. The following table setsbiographies set forth certain information as of the date of this proxy statement regarding our named executive officers:officers other than Mr. Hesterberg whose biography can be found on page 20:

 

NameAgePosition
Earl J. Hesterberg67President and Chief Executive Officer
Daryl

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DARYL A. Kenningham

56KENNINGHAM

President, U.S. and Brazilian Operations

Daniel J. McHenry(1)46Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
John C. Rickel(2)59Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Frank Grese, Jr.69Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Training and Operations Support
Peter C. DeLongchamps60Senior Vice President, Manufacturer Relations, Financial Services and Public Affairs

(1)Effective August 15, 2020, Mr.  McHenry was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, having served as Finance Director of Group 1 Automotive UK Limited, since 2007.
(2)Mr.  Rickel resigned as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective August 14, 2020, when he transitioned to the role of Corporate Finance Director until his retirement from the Company on December 31, 2020.

Mr. Hesterberg’s biographical information may be found on page 33 of this proxy statement.

 

Age 57

Appointed in 2019

 

DARYL A. KENNINGHAM
President, U.S. and Brazilian
Operations

Appointed in: 2019

Previous Group 1 Positions Held:Held

  President, U.S. Operations from 2017 to 2019

  Regional Vice President – West Region from 2016 to 2017

Regional Vice President – East Region from 2011 to 2016

Degrees

B.A. in Psychology, University of Michigan; M.B.A, University of Florida

 

 

Experience:

 

Experience

Prior to joining Group 1, he most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Ascent Automotive

Held a variety of executive positions from 1998 to 2011, including Senior Vice President of Gulf States Toyota, President of Gulf States Financial Services, and President of USA Logistics (previously known as Gulf States Transportation)

Began his career at Nissan Motor Corporation in 1988

Degrees: B.A. in Psychology, University of Michigan; M.B.A, University of Florida

 

   
  

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DANIEL J. MCHENRY

Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer

 

Age 47

Appointed in:in 2020

 

Previous Group 1 Positions Held:Held

U.K. Finance Director from 2007 to 2020

  

Degrees

 

Experience:

Member of the Association of Charted and Certified Accountants in the U.K.
Joined Chandlers BMW in 2004 before its acquisition by Group 1 in 2007
Prior to entering the auto retail business, he spent five years with KPMG

Degrees: BSc in Economics, Queens University Belfast; MSc in Accounting & Management, Southampton University

 

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Experience

  Member of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants in the U.K.

  Joined Chandlers BMW in 2004 before its acquisition by Group 1 in 2007

  Prior to entering the auto retail business, he spent five years with KPMG

  
  

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FRANK GRESE, JR.

Senior Vice President, Training, Operations Support and Employee Communications

Age 70

Appointed in 2022

 

JOHN C. RICKEL
Former Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Appointed in: 2005

Retired in 2020

Previous Group 1 Positions Held:Held

  None

Experience:

Serves on the Board of Directors of U.S. Xpress, a large truckload carrier providing services primarily throughout the United States
Held a number of positions with Ford Motor Company from 1984 to 2005 including serving as Chief Financial Officer of Ford Europe
From 2002 to 2004, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ford Russia and a member of the Board of Directors of Ford Otoson, a publicly traded automotive company located in Turkey and owned 41% by Ford

Degrees: B.S.B.A. in Finance and M.B.A, The Ohio State University

FRANK GRESE, JR,
Senior Vice President, of
Human Resources, Training and
Operations Support from 2016 to 2021

 

Appointed in: 2016

Previous Group 1 Positions Held:

  Regional Vice President – West Region from 2006 to 2016

  Platform President of Group 1 Atlanta from 2004 to 2005

 

Degrees

B.A. in Journalism, University of Georgia

 

Experience:

Experience

 

Immediately prior to joining Group 1 in 2004, he served as Director of Dealership Operations for a large, private dealer group

Previously held various executive positions, including Chief Operating Officer and District President, with large public and private dealer groups

Joined Nissan in 1982, where he ultimately served as National Dealer Advertising Manager until 1986

Began his automotive career in the Ford Management Training Program in 1974

Degree: B.A. in Journalism, University of Georgia

 

   
  

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PETER C. DELONGCHAMPS

Senior Vice President, Manufacturer
Relations, Financial Services and
Public Affairs

 

Age 61

Appointed in:in 2018

 

Previous Group 1 Positions Held:Held

  Vice President, Manufacturer Relations, Financial Services and Public Affairs from 2012 to 2017

  Vice President, Manufacturer Relations and Public Affairs from 2006 to 2011

  Vice President, Manufacturer Relations from 2004 to 2005

Degrees

B.B.A. in Marketing, Baylor University

 

Experience:

Experience

 

Prior to joining Group 1, he was President of Advantage BMW, a Houston-based automotive retailer, from 1997 to 2004

Began his automotive retailing career in 1980, having held several positions, including District Manager for General Motors Corporation and Regional Operations Manager for BMW of North America

Serves on the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas, Houston Christian High School and the Texas Bowl

 

Degree: B.B.A. in Marketing, Baylor University

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2020 Compensation Discussion and AnalysisLOGO

 

ThroughProxy Statement 2022  |  33

2021 Compensation Discussion

and Analysis

Following the unprecedented yearevents of 2020, Group 1 adapted, evolved, and emerged stronger as a Company.Company in 2021. Our team worked tirelessly to navigate the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, executing an aggressiveespecially supply chain disruptions, by maintaining strong cost reduction plan to preservecontrol and preserving liquidity, in our U.S., U.K. and Brazil regions andwhile making significant investments to keepincrease the size and improve the strength of our employees and customers safe.Company. As a result of reengineering its processes,these efforts, the Company achieved solid results in 2020, which included revenue of $10.9 billionrecord sales and an earnings per share of $15.51, an increase of 66.0% as compared to 2019.profits. Our solidstrong performance was the result of an experienced, focused management team and dedicated employees that responded to the continued focus by executive management and the operating team on the controllable elements of our business model.

challenges we faced.

This Compensation Discussion and AnalysisCD&A provides a detailed description of our executive compensation philosophy, and programs, the compensation decisions the Compensation and Human Resources Committee (the “CHR Committee”) has made under those programs and the factors considered in making those decisions.compensation determinations of the CHR Committee. As discussed in greater detail below, our compensation plans are designed to reward our named executive officers for the achievement of these results for our Company and our stockholders.results. The Compensation Discussion and AnalysisCD&A focuses on the compensation of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2020,2021, who were:

 

Earl J. Hesterberg —

Earl J. Hesterberg

President and Chief Executive Officer;

Daryl A. Kenningham

President, U.S. and Brazilian Operations;

Daniel McHenry

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;

Frank Grese, Jr.

Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Training and Operations Support; and

Peter C. DeLongchamps

Senior Vice President, Manufacturer Relations, Financial Services and Public Affairs.

COMPENSATION AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Our executive compensation and governance programs are designed to link pay with operational performance and increases in long-term shareholder value while minimizing incentives that could lead to excessive risk-taking. We have adopted the following policies and practices over time to accomplish such objectives:

Daryl A. Kenningham — President, U.S. and Brazilian Operations;
Daniel J. McHenry — Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;Compensation Highlights
John C. Rickel — Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;
Frank Grese, Jr. — Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Training and Operations Support; and

Peter C. DeLongchamps — Senior Vice President, Manufacturer Relations,

No Excise Tax

Gross-Ups

No Single-Trigger

Equity Vesting

Say-on-Pay Advisory Vote

Conducted Annually

Robust Stock Ownership

Guidelines for Our Officers

and Directors

Company Policy Prohibits

Directors and Employees from

Pledging or Hedging Group 1

Common Stock

Independent Compensation

Consultant

Performance-Based Shares

Clawback Provisions for

Certain Restatements

Incentive Program Includes

Both Financial Services and Public Affairs.

Mission-Based Goals

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ROLE OF THE COMPENSATION & HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE, ITS CONSULTANT AND MANAGEMENT

The CHR Committee continuously reviews best practices in executive compensation and has made several adjustments to elements of our compensation programs over the past several years to further align our executive compensation structure with our stockholders’ interests and current governance practices, including:

COMPENSATION HIGHLIGHTS

Role of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee, its Consultant and Management

Our Board has entrusted the CHR Committee with overall responsibility for establishing, implementing and monitoring our executive compensation program. Our Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Training and Operations Support alsowork with the CHR Committee to implement and promote our executive compensation strategy and play a role in the implementation of the executive compensation process, by overseeing the performance and dynamics of the executive team and keepinginforming the CHR Committee informed.Committee. All final decisions regarding our named executive officers’ compensation remain with the CHR Committee, except in the case of our Chief Executive Officer. TheBased on a performance evaluation, the CHR Committee determinesreviews and approvesrecommends the compensation for our Chief Executive Officer based on his performance evaluation, and after consultation withfor approval by the independent members of the Board.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 43

The CHR Committee has engaged Pearl Meyer & Partners, LLC (“PM&P”), an executive compensation firm, to serve as its independent compensation consultant and to advise on executive compensation matters. In 2018, PM&P was engaged to conduct a competitive compensation analysis for the named executive officers, which was used in making 2019 and 2020 compensation decisions. During that time, PM&P reviewedreviews compensation data for our peer companies (“Peer Companies”) in comparison to our current compensation practices and mademakes compensation recommendations to the CHR Committee. The ongoing servicesBased on the analysis of PM&P, generally include advising onno changes were recommended to the designCompany’s current peer group of our executive compensation program and evolving industry practices, providing market data and analysis regarding the competitiveness of our executive compensation program, and evaluating proposed compensation decisions and program updates.companies for 2021. PM&P also attends certain meetings of the CHR Committee orand has discussions with members of the CHR Committee or its Chair throughout the year to assist with the review and discussion of executive compensation matters.

ThePM&P is an independent compensation consulting firm and does not provide any other services to us outside of matters pertaining to executive officer and director compensation. PM&P reports directly to the CHR Committee, retainswhich is the sole party responsible for determining the scope of services performed by PM&P directly, althoughand the directions given to PM&P regarding the performance of such services. However, in carrying out assignments PM&P may interact with our management when necessary and appropriate.

In February 2022, the CHR Committee considered the independence of PM&P does not provide any services to our Company other than executive compensation consulting services.in light of SEC rules and listing standards of the NYSE. The CHR Committee has determinedrequested and received a letter from PM&P addressing the consulting firm’s independence, including the factors set forth in the listing standards of the NYSE. The CHR Committee discussed these considerations, among other things, and concluded that nothe work of PM&P did not raise any conflict of interest exists between PM&P and our Company. Please see “Information About our Board of Directors and its Committees — interest.

CALIBRATING OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation and Human Resources Committee” for additional information on the role of the CHR Committee, its consultant and management in setting executive compensation.

Objectives of Our Executive Compensation Program

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy

The CHR Committee believes that the most effective executive compensation program is one designed to recruit, retainbe reasonable and motivate capable leadershipcompetitive, and rewardshould balance our goal of attracting, motivating, rewarding and retaining top-performing senior executives with our goal of aligning their interests with those individuals upon the achievement of their personal and functional objectives, as well as upon our Company’s achievement of specific annual, long-term and strategic goals.shareholders. The CHR Committee annually evaluates both market competitiveness, as well as individual and Company performance,our executive compensation program to ensure that we maintainit is consistent with our ability to attract, retainshort-term and motivate talented employeeslong-term goals. We provide short-term incentive compensation opportunities in key positions.the form of annual cash bonuses, which focus on our achievement of annual corporate goals. We also provide long-term incentive compensation opportunities in the form of equity awards, which have historically consisted primarily of restricted stock and performance-based shares, with time-based vesting provisions. By maintaining competitive compensation and rewarding for performance, the CHR Committee strives to support our overall business objectives and provide our stockholdersshareholders with a superioran attractive rate of return over time. As we continue to focus on delivering strong financial results, we remain committed to doing so in a way that is consistent with our Company’s values and respects the communities and environments in which we operate.

Our strategic business focus during the fiscal year ended December 31, 20202021, consisted of the following objectives:

 

increase total same store gross profit through focused efforts in the new vehicle, used vehicle, finance and insurance, parts, service and collision departments;

increasing total same store gross profit through focused efforts in the new vehicle, used vehicle, finance and insurance, parts, service and collision departments;
continuing

continue to consolidatestandardize key operating processes and systems to improve our customer responsiveness, provide omni-channel sales abilities (Acceleride(AcceleRide®), create greater efficiencies and reduce expenses;

maintaining a cost level that aligns with the anticipated level of business activity;
implementing additional health and safety measures to protect our employees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
seeking strategic acquisition and divestiture opportunities within the automotive retail market so that we can continue to optimize our business operations in the U.S., the U.K. and Brazil.

 

maintain a cost level that aligns with the anticipated level of business activity;

implement additional health and safety measures to protect our employees and customers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;

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seek strategic acquisition and divestiture opportunities within the automotive retail market so that we can continue to optimize our business operations in the U.S. and the U.K.; and

maintain a balanced capital allocation strategy including share repurchases, dividends and effective capital spending.

Our named executive officers’ individual or functional goals for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20202021, generally consisted of one or more of the following criteria, which provide support for our business objectives:

 

sustain sales momentum;
maximize strategies of recently acquired dealership operations;
continue to strengthen our processes and management for improved operating effectiveness and efficiency;
control costs and expenses as sales levels fluctuate;
dispose of underperforming dealerships and deploy the proceeds into other capital appreciation opportunities with better return potential; and
drive the capital allocation process, which seeks investments that maximize return to our stockholders.

sustain sales momentum;

 

STOCKHOLDER INPUT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION MATTERSmaximize performance of recently acquired dealership operations;

 

In accordancecontinue to strengthen our processes and management for improved operating effectiveness and efficiency;

control costs and expenses as sales levels fluctuate;

dispose of underperforming dealerships and deploy the proceeds into other capital opportunities with applicable law and as described in more detail in Proposal 2 above, our stockholders havebetter returns;

drive the rightcapital allocation process, which seeks to vote, on an advisory non-binding basis, on the approval of the compensation of our named executive officers at specified intervals (the “say-on-pay vote”). Stockholders last voted on this matter at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. In accordance with the frequency vote at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders we hold our say-on-pay vote every year. In 2020, 95% of the votes cast were in favor of our executive compensation program; therefore the CHR Committee did not make any significant changesmaximize returns to our compensation program as a result of such a vote. The Committee will continue to consider on an annual basis the vote results for say-on-pay proposals when making compensation decisions for our named executive officers.shareholders; and

 

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 44
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identify and successfully close acquisition targets.

In addition to such consideration given to the results of the say-on-pay vote, at various times throughout the year the CHR Committee considers any input it may receive from stockholders and other stakeholders, and more general developments in executive compensation principles, in the development and implementation of the Company’s executive compensation philosophy, policies and programs. For additional information on the say-on-pay vote with respect to the compensation paid to our named executive officers in 2020, see Proposal 2 above.Market Analysis

MARKET ANALYSIS

We periodically engage PM&P to conduct an independent market-based analysis of our executive compensation program. The&P’s market analysis process involves the comparison of long-term, short-term andthe total compensation elements (base, annual incentive, long-term incentive and executive perquisites) with a selected group of peer companies (“Peer Companies”). Compensation data was compared at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles of the market.

Companies.

While we do not think it is appropriate to establish compensation based solely on market analysis, we believe that the practice of comparing our compensation program to the programs of our peers can be useful for two reasons. First, our compensation practices must be competitive in order to attract and retain executives with the ability and experience necessary to provide leadership and to deliver strong performance to our stockholders.shareholders. Second, comparisoncomparative analysis allows us to assess the reasonableness of our compensation practices. This process allows us to achieve one of our objectivesobjective of maintaining competitive compensation, to ensure retention and assists inwhile aligning compensation with stockholdershareholder interests.

Our Peer Companies include all of the publicly traded automotive consolidators and specialty retailers associated with automotive sales, and automotive parts and service against whom we most directly compete for executive talent.compete. The list of our Peer Companies is periodically reviewed and updated by the Committee. Our 2020 Peer CompaniesThe Committee discussed the Company’s peer group with PM&P in 2021. Based on that discussion, no changes were made to the Company’s peer group of companies for 2021, which were:

 

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

Lithia Motors, Inc.

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

LKQ Corporation

AutoNation, Inc.

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.

AutoZone, Inc.

Penske Automotive Group, Inc.

CarMax, Inc.

Rush Enterprises, Inc.

Genuine Parts Company

Sonic Automotive, Inc.

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When evaluating the compensation data and making compensation decisions, the CHR Committee has taken into consideration the variance in revenue size among the entities comprising our Peer Companies. Additionally, when calculating a market value, the CHR Committee has considered other differences between our Peer Companies and us, such as corporate structure, tenure of officers, variance in scope of duties for each officer and other factors. However, any application of market analysis data is tempered by our basic staffing philosophy, which is to remain as lean as practical. This guiding principle results in certain of our named executive officers having a broad range of job responsibilities, which, at certain of our Peer Companies, may be divided among multiple executive officers. The CHR Committee’s use of market analysis data for specific compensation components is described in more detail below.

Comprehensive Compensation Reviews

TALLY SHEETS

In 2020,The CHR Committee and PM&P reviewed a variety of data points and information when making 2021 executive compensation tally sheets fordecisions, including historical and estimated future compensation values, in order to get a thorough understanding of realizable pay in various circumstances. Our human resources department was able to prepare a historical compensation analysis of realizable compensation (rather than the grant date or accounting values that may have been presented in previous compensation tables) that our named executive officers were prepared by our human resources department and reviewed byhave received over the CHR Committee and PM&P. This review consists of a twelve month summary of cash compensation earned, employee benefits provided, stock granted (with value at grant), andlast year, as well as the hypothetical value of stock released (with value at release). Total sharescompensation and present value of unvested equity awards are also presented for review. Information from these tally sheets was considered bybenefits that could become payable upon both voluntary and involuntary termination scenarios or upon a change in control event. This information assisted the CHR Committee in making compensation decisionsdetermining whether the structure of pay for the named executive officers,2021 year would be market-based, fair and appropriate, as well as guidingto determine the designdesired mix of cash and non-cashequity-based compensation and benefit programs. The CHR Committee specifically used tally sheets infor the following contexts for each named executive officer:2021 year.

To determine the historical value of compensation paid;
To determine the value of equity-based compensation stock awards forfeited in the event of a voluntary termination when making decisions regarding grants to encourage retention;
To understand total compensation potentially payable to the named executive officers under all possible scenarios, including death/disability, retirement, voluntary termination, termination with and without cause and changes of control; and
To ensure that the structure of pay at different levels is fair and appropriate.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 45

Compensation Components2021 Say-on-Pay Vote Results

COMPENSATION PROGRAM STRUCTURE

WeOur shareholders have developed and implementedthe right to vote, on an executiveadvisory non-binding basis, on the approval of the compensation program that directly aligns the interests of our named executive officers at specified intervals (the “say-on-pay vote”). In accordance with the long-term interestsfrequency vote at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders we hold our say-on-pay vote every year. In 2021, 97% of the votes cast were in favor of our stockholders.executive compensation program; therefore, the CHR Committee did not make any significant changes to our compensation program or our general compensation philosophy following the vote. The objectivesCommittee will continue to consider on an annual basis the vote results for say-on-pay proposals when making compensation decisions for our named executive officers and in setting our compensation goals and philosophy.

In addition to such consideration given to the results of the say-on-pay vote, at various times throughout the year the CHR Committee considers input from shareholders and other stakeholders as well as more general developments in executive compensation principles. The CHR Committee uses this information to develop and implement the Company’s executive compensation program arephilosophy, policies and programs. For additional information on the say-on-pay vote with respect to attract, motivate and retain talentedthe compensation paid to our named executive officers who will improve the Company’s performance and provide long-term strategic leadership. in 2021, see Proposal 2 above.

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COMPENSATION COMPONENTS

Compensation Program Structure

Our executive compensation program includesconsists of annual cash compensation and long-term equity-based compensation. Annual cash compensation consists of annual base salary and payments under ouran annual cash incentive plan. Our long-term equity-based compensation consists of both restricted stock and performance-based equity awards, made under our long-term incentive plan.with time-based vesting parameters. In addition, our named executive officers are eligible to (i) participate in our health and welfare plans, our Employee Stock Purchase Plan and our retirement plans (401(k) Savings Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan), (ii) receive a vehicle allowance and/or demonstrator vehicle(s), depending on the position held, and (iii) receive limited perquisites and other personal benefits as described under “Other Benefits” below.

NEONamed executive officer compensation is composed of threefour primary components:

 

Long-Term Incentive

Base Salary

+

Annual Cash Incentive Plan

+

Performance Shares

+

Restricted Stock

Competitive pay to attract and retain talented executives

An opportunity to earn an annual cash award based on the Company’s financial performance and mission-based business objectives; there will be no payout unless a minimum financial goal is achieved

A mix of restricted stock and performance-based shares, with time-based vesting provisions, to align management’s interests with long-term shareholders’ interests

 

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Approximately 87% of Mr. Hesterberg’s 2020 total compensation was variable and/or at-risk compensation, including 25% of long-term incentives in the form of performance stock awards.

2020 CEO COMPENSATION ELEMENTS

COMPENSATION CHANGES IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

The CHR Committee did not make significant changes to our compensation strategy for fiscal 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as part of its capital preservation efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, effective April 1, 2020, the Company reduced base salaries of executive officers and corporate and field support personnel, and eliminated the cash component of the Board’s compensation. The Company also suspended the employer matching contributions under the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 401(k) Plan and reduced the declared interest rate from 8.0% to 3.0% under the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan.

Following improvements in economic indicators and after reviewing reports pertaining to the Company’s financial status, effective September 1, 2020, base salaries were restored for corporate and field support personnel. The CHR Committee also approved reinstatement of base salaries for members of executive management effective September 15, 2020. Effective October 1, 2020, the CHR Committee reinstated Mr. Hesterberg’s base salary, and the cash component of the Board of Director’s compensation, increased the Deferred Compensation Plan rate of return from 3.0% to 4.0% and reinstated the 401(k) Plan employer matching contributions. There was no recoupment by employees or the directors of the temporary compensation reductions. Effective November 1, 2020, the CHR Committee increased the declared interest rate from 4.0% to 8.0%.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 46

BASE SALARY

Base Salary

Design

We provide our named executive officers with ana competitive annual base salary to compensate them for services rendered during the year. Our goal is to set base salaries for our named executive officers at levels that are competitive with comparable companies for the skills, experience, and requirements of similar positions, using market analysis as previously discussed, in order to attract and retain top talent. So as toTo achieve this goal, we have generally sought to provideset base salaries that fall near the 50th percentile of our Peer Companies. We believe this supports competitive compensation and ensures retention. To ensure that each officer is appropriately compensated, the CHR Committee, when setting base salaries, considers individual performance, tenure and experience and our financial performance in addition to the compensation review of the Peer Companies. Individual base salary levels are generally reviewed each November and are adjusted as appropriate based on an analysis of current market salary levels at the Peer Companies, local market conditions, individual performance and experience, and our financial performance.

20202021 Results and Fiscal 20212022 Changes

Following the comprehensive compensation review, and considering certain economic conditions impacting the Company at that time, the CHR Committee approved a 3% increase to the base salaries for our named executive officers, except for Mr. Hesterberg whose increase was approved by the independent directors of the Board. The increases became effective January 1, 2021.

In November 2019,2021, after reviewing and discussing a competitive analysis prepared by PM&P, the CHR Committee elected to increaseadjust the base salaries for our named executive officers, effective January 1, 2020,2022 to levels that remained near the 50th percentile compensation of our Peer Companies. However, due to the economic and operational concerns over the anticipated negative implications of the COVID-19 outbreak, our senior executive officers elected to take a voluntary decrease in their base salaries. Accordingly, the base salaries for our named executive officers were decreased, effective April 1, 2020, as follows: Mr. Hesterberg – 50%, Mr. Kenningham – 35%, and Messrs. Rickel, Grese and DeLongchamps – 20%. Mr. McHenry’s base salary was reduced by 10% while he was still serving as Finance Director in the U.K., but his base salary following his promotion effective August 15, 2020 to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer was not impacted. Salaries were restored to January 1, 2020 levels for Messrs. Kenningham, Rickel, Grese and DeLongchamps, effective September 15, 2020, and for Mr. Hesterberg effective October 1, 2020.

In November 2020, after reviewing the tally sheets and certain economic conditions affecting the Company, the CHR Committee elected to increase the base salaries for our named executive officers effective January 1, 2021 to levels that remained near the 50th 50th percentile compensation of our Peer Companies. Accordingly, the base salaries for our named executive officers were increasedadjusted as noted in the table below:below. Mr. Grese’s salary for 2022 reflects a change in his responsibilities, as effective January 1, 2022, he is no longer responsible for Human Resources.

 

 
Named Executive Officer2019 Base Salary
($)
2020 Base Salary
($)
Adjusted Base Salary
in Response to

COVID-19
($)
2021 Base Salary
($)
  

2021 Base Salary

($)

   

2022 Base Salary

($)

 
Earl J. Hesterberg 1,150,000  1,200,000  600,000  1,240,000    1,240,000    1,265,000 
Daryl A. Kenningham 655,200 720,000 468,000 760,000    760,000    775,000 
Daniel J. McHenry(1)  575,000(1)   575,000 
John C. Rickel(2) 629,700 650,000 492,000  

Daniel McHenry

   575,000    620,000 
Frank Grese, Jr. 595,400 615,000 520,000 633,450    633,450    596,119 
Peter C. DeLongchamps 492,650 515,000 412,000 530,450    530,450    541,059 

(1)Reflects Mr.  McHenry’s base salary upon becoming Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective August 15, 2020. His 2020 base salary (not reflected in the chart) was reduced by 10% while he was still serving as Finance Director in the U.K., but the base salary he received upon becoming Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer was not impacted. His base salary for 2021 was not increased.
(2)Mr.  Rickel resigned as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective August 14, 2020, when he transitioned to the role of Corporate Finance Director until his retirement from the Company on December 31, 2020.

ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

Annual Incentive Compensation Plan

Annual cash incentive awards are intended to align our annual performance and results with the compensation paid to persons who are most responsible for such performance, and to motivate and reward achievement of Company and individual or functional performance objectives. Meaningful, performance-related goals are established so that attaining or exceeding the performance targets is not assured, requires significant effort by each of our named executive officers, and if accomplished, contributes to the ongoing overall improvement and success of the Company.

For 2020,2021, the annual incentive compensation plan was based upon achievement of financial and individual, or functional,mission-based, goals approved at the beginning of the year by the CHR Committee. The financial and mission-based portions of the annual incentive awards could be awarded independently so that achievement of one was not predicated on the achievement of the other. There is, however, a minimum financial goalearnings level established by the CHR Committee at the beginning of each year which has tomust be achieved before any incentive award is paid.

 

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The following is a description of the 20202021 performance metrics under the annual incentive compensation plan:

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 47

Financial Goal

The CHR Committee meets in November to determine appropriate financial metrics for the upcoming year, and has a general compensation philosophy of setting challenging, yet attainable, performance goals. PM&P provides the CHR Committee with market data and other information about the Company’s peers, which the CHR Committee reviews in the context of the Company’s short-term and long-term strategy, along with the metrics used in previous years. The CHR Committee evaluates information and analyses provided by management and PM&P to assess which metrics are expected to properly motivate management to produce short-term and long-term value for its shareholders.

For 2020, theThe CHR Committee selected adjusted net income* as our financial goal portion of ourfor the 2021 annual incentive compensation planplan. In setting the 2021 annual incentive award performance goal, the Committee considered historical performance levels, industry trends and forecasts, and our strategic plan. The Committee believes that this financial performance measure is effective and appropriate because it reflects income statement performance, which is consistent with the interests of our shareholders. The Committee selected this metric to be transparent and to provide clarity and consistency in calculating the cash incentive award. When set, threshold was based on achievement of adjusted net income.* considered achievable, target was considered challenging yet attainable and maximum was considered possible, but not without significant effort.

Under the 20202021 annual incentive compensation plan, the CHR Committee may, in its sole discretion, adjust the Company’s adjusted net income when determining achievement of the financial goal metric for extraordinary or unusual items that would be included in our annual operating results, but not typically considered at the time the targets were set, such as certain asset impairments or extraordinary dilutive events which materially affect adjusted net income.

The CHR Committee believes that adjusted net income is the best metric for our financial goal portion of the annual incentive compensation plan, because it incentivizes our named executive officers to maximize stockholder return and only rewards our named executive officers if our stockholders are rewarded. Further, no payments are made under the financial goal portion of the award unless a threshold level of adjusted net income is achieved. The threshold, target and maximum levels of performance for the adjusted net income metric set by the CHR Committee for 20202021 were as follows:

 

Threshold
($)
Target
($)
Maximum
($)
Threshold
($)
Target
($)
Maximum
($)

Adjusted Net IncomeIncome*

210.0260.0 million220.0280.0 million230.0330.0 million

*

Please see Appendix A for an explanation and reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures.

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Mission-based Goals

Mission-based goals typically include specific goals that are related to the individual’s functional area and are established at the beginning of each fiscal year jointly by the named executive officer and our Chief Executive Officer and reviewed by the CHR Committee, or in the case of the Chief Executive Officer, by the CHR Committee and the Board. These goals are integral toward achieving key business objectives, such as those listed on page 44pages 34-35 which help improve our financial performance, promote corporate efficiencies and contribute to the growth of our Company. In 2020,2021, the following mission-based goals were assigned to each of our named executive officers:

 

NameIndividual/Functional Performance Targets
Earl J. HesterbergAchieve meaningful profit improvement in U.S. operations
 

Name

Individual/Functional Performance Targets

Earl J. Hesterberg

Communicate corporate growth strategy to investment community and execution of same

 Continued focus on technological excellence to improve effectiveness and efficiency of operations

Focus on U.K. support organization,human capital, including consolidated call center, central marketingDEI goals and actions; training and development of recent additions to leadership team and aftersales support group; Hire experienced U.K. managing director

Achieve meaningful profit improvementgrowth in U.K.U.S. used vehicle operations

 Evaluate strategic options for Brazilian operations

Achieve selling, general and administrative cost reduction target

Daryl A. Kenningham

•   Develop and implement succession plan for key operating leaders
  

 Achieve meaningful growth in U.S. used vehicle operations

Increase U.S. aftersales gross profit

•   Increase U.S. used vehicle gross profit

   Develop management capabilities Continued focus on technological excellence to improve effectiveness and improve operating execution in Brazil

efficiency of operations

 Continued focus on corporate growth strategy and acquisition eligibility

Improve variable compensation as a % Focus on human capital, including DEI goals and actions; continued training and development of gross profit

operations leadership

Achieve selling, general and administrative cost reduction target

Daniel J. McHenry•   Lead strategic asset review with CEO

Daniel McHenry

•   Support U.K. management team in development of 2021 budget/measurement of 2020 cost objectives
  

Collaborate with President, U.S. Review and Brazillian Operationsupdate accounting controls framework through artificial intelligence

 Evaluate strategic options for Brazilian operations

 Develop funding support plan for strategic growth initiatives

 Develop technological improvements at the business support center

 Focus on human capital, including DEI goals and actions, in development of 2021 budget

succession planning

Support transition of new finance directors in the U.K. and Brazil

•   Achieve selling, general and administrative cost reduction target

John C. Rickel(1)•   Implement bond replacement strategy
•   Lead strategic review of Company assets
•   Develop and implement IT security actions
•   Support operating team to improve variable compensation as a % of gross profit
•   Achieve selling, general and administrative cost reduction target

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 48
NameIndividual/Functional Performance Targets
Frank Grese, Jr.

Coordinate with procurement department to identify and achieve cost savings goal

Improve employee retention for key dealership personnel

•   Support greater employee engagement and development through employee recognition programs
programs; development of DEI Council

Achieve recruiting objectives for various dealership service employees

roles

Support service development center Succession planning to achieve improved efficiency; improve CDC closing rates

recruit and develop SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer

Expand Enhance and expand employee training program to include leadership training for key dealership personnel

assist in employee development

Achieve selling, general and administrative cost reduction target

Peter C. DeLongchamps

Achieve F&I per retail unit target

Maintain capital expenditure projects within budget while maintaining positive relationships with manufacturers

Focus on DEI and ESG initiatives; continued focus on corporate philanthropy efforts

Continued focus on communication and relationships with manufacturers and investment community

 Develop and launch online financial service compliance and training program

Achieve selling, general and administrative cost reduction target

(1)As part of his retirement agreement, Mr. Rickel was not eligible for a payout under the Company’s 2020 annual incentive compensation plan.

The CHR Committee determined that for 20202021 as long as adjusted net income was at least $180.0$238.0 million, the mission-based portion of the award would be payable from 0% to 100% according to individual goal achievement levels. As a result, assuming all mission-based goals were attained, the following table sets forth the threshold, target and maximum annual incentive compensation plan potential payouts for 2020,2021, as a percentage of base salary. The target performance level was set such that, if attained, the total cash compensation paid to our named executive officers would approximate the median paid to named executive officers at our Peer Companies.

 

 How the Annual Incentive is Paid (as a % of Salary)
  Financial Based Total Opportunity
(Assumes 100% Payout on
Mission Based)
Named Executive OfficerMission
Based
ThresholdTargetMax ThresholdTargetMax
Earl J. Hesterberg50.0%25.0%50.0%150.0% 75.0%100.0%200.0%
Daryl A. Kenningham50.0%25.0%50.0%100.0% 75.0%100.0%150.0%
Daniel J. McHenry(1)50.0%16.7%33.3%65.0% 66.7%83.3%115.0%
John C. Rickel50.0%16.7%33.3%65.0% 66.7%83.3%115.0%
Frank Grese, Jr.50.0%16.7%33.3%65.0% 66.7%83.3%115.0%
Peter C. DeLongchamps50.0%16.7%33.3%65.0% 66.7%83.3%115.0%

 

(1)Pursuant to his offer letter with the Company, entered into on June 1, 2020, effective as of his appointment date, Mr. McHenry became eligible for an annual bonus at a maximum opportunity level of 115% of his base salary.
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   How the Annual Incentive is Paid (as a % of Salary) 
         Financial Based     Total Opportunity
(Assumes 100% Payout on
Mission Based)
 

Named Executive Officer

  Mission
Based
      Threshold  Target  Max      Threshold  Target  Max 

Earl J. Hesterberg

   50.0      25.0  50.0  150.0      75.0  100.0  200.0

Daryl A. Kenningham

   50.0      25.0  50.0  100.0      75.0  100.0  150.0

Daniel McHenry

   50.0      16.7  33.3  65.0      66.7  83.3  115.0

Frank Grese, Jr.

   50.0      16.7  33.3  65.0      66.7  83.3  115.0

Peter C. DeLongchamps

   50.0      16.7  33.3  65.0      66.7  83.3  115.0

Results

For 2020,2021, we achieved the maximum level of our financial goal (adjusted net income). Adjusted net income was $333.5$642.2 million, exceeding the maximum target performance level of $230.0$330.0 million.

In connection with its review of the performance of our Chief Executive Officer, the CHR Committee determined that Mr. Hesterberg had achieved 100% of his 20202021 mission-based goals, resulting in a 100% payment of the mission-based payout. Following extensive discussion with our Chief Executive Officer regarding his evaluation of the performance of our named executive officers, in accordance with the discretion granted to the CHR Committee, the CHR Committee determined that in light of the pandemic, priorities for 2020 shifted and the relevantmission-based goals for Messrs. Kenningham, McHenry Grese and DeLongchamps were met, resulting in 100% payout of the mission-based payout.payout, and Messrs. Kenningham and Grese had achieved a 95% and 96% payout, respectively, of their mission-based goals. In making these determinations, the CHR Committee specifically considered each named executive officer’s leadership in achieving each of the goals. As part of his retirement agreement, Mr. Rickel was not eligible for a payout under the Company’s 2020 annual incentive compensation plan.

Based on the CHR Committee’s evaluation of the performance of each of our named executive officers, it determined the degree to which each named executive officer had achieved his goals and the following amounts of incentive compensation were paid with respect to the 20202021 year:

 

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 49

2020 EARNED ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION(2)

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(1)1

The % of salary is based on employee salaries on December 31, 2020 with the exception of Mr. McHenry’s salary which is a blend of his U.K. salary and Group 1 corporate salary. This does not take into consideration any voluntary salary reductions taken during 2020.2021.

  
(2)As part of his retirement agreement, Mr. Rickel was not eligible for a payout under the Company’s 2020 annual incentive compensation plan.

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Annual Incentive Compensation Plan Changes for Fiscal 2021

2022

In February 2021,January 2022, the CHR Committee with the help of PM&P, reviewed the performance metrics (mission-based and financial-based) under the Company’s Annual Incentive Compensation Plan. The CHR Committee continues to believe that the mission-based goals set for each of the Company’s named executive officers are integral toward achieving key business objectives and contribute to the growth of the Company. The CHR Committee discussed a variety of financial metrics and determined that adjusted annual net income (as disclosed in the fourth quarter earnings release filed with the Securities & Exchange CommissionSEC following year-end), continues to be an appropriate metric for aligning the management team’s financial-based goals with the Company’s success for 2021.2022. In November 2021, the CHR Committee made changes to the annual incentive compensation program for our named executive officers to increase the portion of the annual incentive program based on financial goals from 50% to 70%, and to reduce the portion of the annual incentive program based on mission-based goals from 50% to 30%.

LONG TERM EQUITY INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

Long Term Equity Incentive Compensation

Design

To align the compensation of our named executive officers with the attainment of our business goals and an increase in stockholdershareholder value, we award long-term equity incentive grants to our named executive officers as part of our total compensation package. These awards have been made pursuant to the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended (the “LTIP”).

We believe that restricted stock, subject to time-based vesting requirements, appropriately aligns management’s interests with those of our Company and our stockholders,shareholders, while helping to motivate and retain key members of our management team. Additionally, beginning in 2019, after extensive discussions between the CHR Committee and the compensation consultant,PM&P, the CHR Committee determined that the annual equity awards made to certain executive officers should include a performance-based award component. Accordingly, in 2021, 25% (increased to 50% in 2022, as discussed below) of each NEO’snamed executive officer’s equity compensation annual grants under the LTIP iswere subject to performance-based criteria under performance shares. These performance shares have been granted at the recommendation of our compensation consultantPM&P in order to better align our incentive compensation with the incentive compensation of our peers.

When determining the size of the awards, we typically consider amounts that would provide our named executive officers with long-term incentive opportunities that, when performance is above target, results in pay above the median of our peer companies.Peer Companies. We then take into account individual performance, the position and value of the named executive officer to our Company, experience and length of service to us, our desire to incentivize the officer to remain with our Company, and the amount of equity previously awarded to the officer.

Restricted Stock Awards

Vesting of equity-based awards are intended to facilitate retention, and the restricted stock shares vest over a five-year period with the restrictions relating to the awards lapsing 40% after two years and 20% in each year thereafter. Since 2008, our vesting provisions have been based on the passage of time. Under the terms of the current restricted stock award agreements, in the event of death or disability of any employee with unvested awards, all granted but unvested restricted stock awards will automatically vest.

In addition, Certain qualified retirements will also result in the eventacceleration of a “qualified retirement,” which is a retirement after a minimumvesting.

For more information on the potential vesting (or forfeiture) of ten years of service with our Company andoutstanding Restricted Stock Awards, please see the executive attaining the age of 63,section entitled “Executive Compensation — Potential Payments upon satisfaction of a two year non-compete and certain non-disclosure covenants, all unvested shares of restricted stockTermination or restricted stock units (grantedChange in prior years) held by the named executive officer as of his retirement date will vest. However, beginning with awards granted in 2018, any restricted stock granted to the executive must have been received at least six months prior to his notification of his intent to terminate his employment due to Qualified Retirement, and at least six months prior to the effective retirement date, in order to be eligible for vesting as provided above.

Control — GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE 2014 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN.”

Performance Share Awards

We designed 50% of the performance shares or 12.5% (50% x 25%) of the total 2021 annual equity-based grant, to be based on Group 1’sthe Company’s return on invested capital (“ROIC”), and 50% of the performance shares of the equity award or 12.5% of the total annual equity-based grant to be based on the Company’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) relative to a comparator group of five domestic automotive retailers.retailers included in the Peer Companies.

 

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These performance criteria are to be measured over a two-year performance period forfrom the beginning of 2021 through the end of 2022. In addition, the 2021 performance share grants made in 2020 is two fiscal years (2020 and 2021), but theare subject to a three-year time-based vesting period for the performance shares is three years. The CHR Committee will certify performance at the February 2022 meetingschedule. As a result, following the end of the two-year performance period, and anyat the February 2023 meeting the CHR Committee will assess performance. Any awards that became eligiblehave satisfied the performance-based criteria will then continue to vest as a result of performance will remainbe subject to athe time-based vesting requirement, until year-end. Full vesting of anywhich lapses at year end. Any 2021 performance shares earned will fully vest on December 31, 2022.

2023.

The 20202021 awards were generally designed to vest from 0% to 200% of the target award granted, based on performance.the ROIC and TSR performance achieved against our Peer Companies. However, the portion of the awards subject to TSR performance were also granted withsubject to a supplemental cap on the maximum fair market value rather thanof the awards that become earned. This maximum value cap would limit the upside value of each award in an environment where the stock price has increased substantially above the expected levels at the time of grant, limiting the number of shares that could become settled with respecteligible to be issued to the award. Notwithstanding the performance levels actually achieved during the performance period,recipient upon settlement. As a result, the maximum fair market value (determined as of the last day of the applicable performance period) of the shares (or restricted stock, as further described below) that may be issued with respect to the performance share award may not exceed four times the fair market value of the target number of shares subject to TSR performance originally granted to the named executive officer (the “Maximum Value”). The Maximum Value is calculated separately with respect to each half of the award that is subject to a separate performance measure. If the fair market value of the number of such shares (or restricted stock, as applicable)stock) exceeds that Maximum Value, with respectthen the number of TSR-based shares eligible to one or both halves of the award, the sharesvest will be reduced to a number of whole shares that is equal to or less than the Maximum Value relatingValue. However, if on the vesting date for the award, the aggregate fair market value of the shares payable to the applicable halfindividual is less than the Maximum Value, all or halvesa portion of the award.number of share that were previously reduced due to the cap will become payable to the employee to the extent that the aggregate fair market value of the shares to be issued as of the vesting date does not exceed the Maximum Value.

For details regarding the potential vesting (or forfeiture of) the Performance Share Awards, please see the section entitled “Executive Compensation – Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control – GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE 2014 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN.” The performance share agreements under the LTIP for our named executive officers provide that upon a named executive officer’s termination due to death or disability, the performance shares will pay out following the performance period based on actual performance. If a named executive officer’s employment is terminated due to a planned retirement (generally defined as a mutually agreed upon retirement by the officer and the Company), the performance shares will convert to time-based restricted stock awards that will continue to vest, subject to the officer’s compliance with applicable restrictive covenants, until the second anniversary of the named executive officer’s termination of employment. Such a conversion will occur based on the actual performance achieved during the performance period. All other terminations of employment will result in a forfeiture of the performance shares without payment.

 

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2021 Awards

In February 2020,2021, the CHR Committee reviewed the tally sheets and the competitive analysis prepared by PM&P and the Company’s comprehensive compensation review to determine how each named executive officer’s base salary and total compensation compared to their peers and in order to assesspeers. The CHR Committee also assessed all elements of each executive’s pay relative to total compensation. TheWhen making the decision as to the size of the equity award for each named executive officer the CHR Committee also considered each executive’s current equity position for purposes of reward and retention and considered other factors, such as size of previous awards, contribution to corporate results, leadership and Company performance during the year when making the decision as to the size of the equity award for each named executive officer.year. Based on the analysis and review described above, on February 17, 2020,19, 2021, the CHR Committee granted the following restricted stock and performance share awards to the named executive officers:

 

 
  2021 Long Term Equity Incentive Compensation 
 2020 Long Term Equity Incentive Compensation
Named Executive Officer Restricted
Stock Awards
(#)
 Value(3)
($)
 Performance
Share Awards
(#)
 Value(3)
($)
  Restricted
Stock Awards
(#)
   Value1
($)
   Performance
Share
Awards (at
Target)
(#)
   Value
(at
Target)1
($)
 
Earl J. Hesterberg 27,479  2,699,949  9,160  900,016    19,377    2,849,969    6,459    949,990 
Daryl A. Kenningham 13,358 1,312,490 4,453 437,530    10,199    1,500,069    3,399    499,925 
Daniel J. McHenry(1) 4,611 450,026   
John C. Rickel(2) 7,633 749,980 2,545 250,059 

Daniel McHenry

   2,550    375,054    849    124,871 
Frank Grese, Jr. 5,343 524,976 1,781 174,992    3,569    524,929    1,189    174,878 
Peter C. DeLongchamps 5,343 524,976 1,781 174,992    4,079    599,939    1,359    199,882 

 

(1)1In connection with Mr. McHenry’s promotion to Chief Financial Officer, he was granted an award of 2,067 shares of restricted stock on August 20, 2020; he previously received a restricted stock award of 2,544 shares in February 2020.
(2)As part of his retirement agreement, Mr. Rickel forfeited the performance share awards granted to him in 2020.
(3)

Value of awards reflect market rates on date of grant.

For more information on the 20202021 equity awards, please see the section entitled “Executive Compensation — Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2020.2021.

Changes for Fiscal 2022

In November 2021, after reviewing a competitive analysis prepared by PM&P and following discussions with PM&P , the CHR Committee increased the mix of performance based long term incentive from 25% to 50%. The financial metrics remained the same, with 25% (50% x 50%) of the total annual equity-based grant, to be based on Group 1’s ROIC, and 50% of the performance shares of the equity award or 25% of the total annual equity-based grant to be based on the Company’s TSR relative to a group of five domestic automotive retailers. The other fifty percent of the long term incentive, restricted stock awards, remains time vesting over five years.

401(K) PLAN

Plan

We maintain the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (the “401(k) Savings Plan”) to assist eligible employees in providing for their retirement. Matching contributions may be in the form of cash or shares of our common stock or a combination of both, as determined by the CHR Committee. All of our matches have been in cash for all employees. Amounts that we contributed to each named executive officer’s 401(k) Savings Plan account are disclosed within the Summary Compensation Table. Effective April 1, 2020, the CHR Committee suspended matching contributions for all plan participants due to the economic and operational concerns over the anticipated negative implications of the COVID-19 outbreak. The CHR Committee reinstated matching contribution levels for prospective contributions, effective October 1, 2020.

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EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Generally, under the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, all employees, including our named executive officers, are offered the opportunity to purchase up to $25,000 annually of our common stock at a 15% discount to market, provided that the maximum number of shares that may be purchased by an employee shall not exceed 3,000 shares of common stock per quarter. This is an additional equity incentive we offer to all of our employees to further promote their interest in enhancing stockholdershareholder value. These shares may not be sold by the employee for a minimum of six months following purchase.

 

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
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Deferred Compensation Plan

The Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) is designed as a retention tool for our corporate and regional officers, dealership general managers, and other key employees. It allows participants the opportunity to accumulate additional savings for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. One investment option is a declared interest rate which was initially set by the CHR Committee at 8.0% for 2020. Effective April 1, 2020, the CHR Committee reduced this declared interest rate to 3.0% in connection with the anticipated negative implications of the COVID-19 outbreak, but this rate was later restored to 4.0% effective October 1, 2020, and fully restored to 8.0%, effective November 1, 2020. Pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan, certain corporate officers, including our named executive officers, may defer up to 50% of their base salary and up to 100% of their incentive compensation, and we may make contributions to the participants’ accounts. In 2020,2021, the CHR Committee approved an amendment and restatement toof the Deferred Compensation Plan effective as of January 1, 2021, to incorporate certain changes such as imposing a limitation on the maximum amounts that may be contributed by a participant under the plan, eliminatingwhich eliminated all investment options except the declared rate option and a money-market fund, discontinuingdiscontinued the ability of participants to elect and schedule in-service withdrawals, eliminating eliminated non-discretionary employer matching contributions under the plan and eliminatingdiscontinued future participation by our non-employee directors. For a more detailed discussion of the Deferred Compensation Plan, please see the section entitled “Executive Compensation — Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.”

Other Benefits

OTHER BENEFITS

Health and Welfare Benefits

Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in our standard medical, dental, vision, disability insurance and life insurance plans to meet their health and welfare needs. These benefits are provided so as to assure that we are able to maintain a competitive position in terms of attracting and retaining executive officers and other employees. This is a fixed component of compensation and the benefits are provided on a non-discriminatory basis to all of our full-time employees.

Vehicle Allowance

Under his employment agreement, our Chief Executive Officer is provided with two vehicles for his use. Our President, U.S. and Brazilian Operations also receives the use of two vehicles. Our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, our Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Training, and Operations Support and Employee Communications, and our Senior Vice President, Manufacturer Relations, Financial Services and Public Affairs, as well as our other Senior Vice Presidents, receive a vehicle allowance of $15,000 per year and the use of one vehicle. Vice Presidents are provided with a vehicle allowance of $11,300 per year, or a vehicle, and in certain limited cases, both.

Other Limited Perquisites and Personal Benefits

We provide certain named executive officers with perquisites and other personal benefits that the CHR Committee believes are reasonable and consistent with our overall compensation programs and philosophy. These benefits are provided in order to enable us to attract and retain these executives. For example, we pay for club membership privileges that are used primarily for business but also for occasional personal purposes by our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hesterberg. In addition, we own a fractional interest in an aircraft which is primarily used for business purposes. However, we make a portion of our time available to Messrs. Hesterberg and Kenningham for personal use during the year. In 2020,2021, Mr. Hesterberg was allowed a maximum of 40 flight hours for personal use of the aircraft; however, his actual personal usage was 4.713.8 hours. In 2020,2021, the CHR Committee approved 20 hours for personal use of the aircraft during the year for Mr. Kenningham. In 2020,2021, Mr. Kenningham’s personal usage was 7.816.2 hours of personal flight time. Messrs. Hesterberg and Kenningham reimburse usthe Company for personal use based on the published standard industry fare level valuation method. We provide thisThis benefit is provided to Messrs. Hesterberg and Kenningham because it optimizesto optimize the use of their time and is consistent with similar benefits provided by our Peer Companies.

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Employment Agreements, Severance Benefits and Change in Control Provisions

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS, SEVERANCE BENEFITS AND CHANGE IN CONTROL PROVISIONS

We maintain employment and other compensatory agreements with certain named executive officers to ensure they will perform their roles for an extended period of time. Certain provisions contained in these agreements, such as non-competition and non-solicitation provisions, as well as change in control severance payments, are essential to retaining our talent and protecting our stockholders.shareholders. We believe that it is appropriate to compensate individuals to refrain from working with competitors following termination, and that compensation enhances the enforceability of such agreements. These agreements and our severance terminology are described in more detail elsewhere in this proxy statement.

 

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Please read “Executive Compensation — Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table — Employment, Incentive Compensation and Non-Compete Agreements.” These agreements provide for severance compensation to be paid if the officer’s employment is terminated under certain conditions, such as following a corporate change, involuntary termination, termination by us for “cause,” death or disability, each as defined in the applicable executive’s agreement. The employment and other compensatory agreements between our Company and our named executive officers and the related severance provisions are designed to meet the following objectives:

CORPORATE CHANGE

Corporate Change

In certain limited scenarios, the potential for merger or being acquired may be in the best interests of our stockholders.shareholders. As a result, we provide severance compensation to certain named executive officers if the officer’s employment is terminated following a corporate change transaction. Our intent is to promote the ability of the officer to act in the best interests of our stockholdersshareholders even though his or her employment could be terminated as a result of the transaction. However, as previously discussed, we do not provide any excise tax gross-ups to any of our named executive officers.

TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE

Termination Without Cause

If we terminate the employment of certain named executive officers “without cause” as defined in the applicable agreement, we are obligated to pay the officer certain compensation and other benefits as described in greater detail in “Executive Compensation - Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.” We believe these payments are appropriate because the terminated officer is bound by confidentiality, non-solicitation and non-compete provisions ranging from one to two years after termination. Parties with existing agreements have mutually agreed to a severance package that would be in place prior to any termination event. This provides us with more flexibility to make a change in senior management if such a change is in the best interests of our Company and its stockholders.shareholders.

EXECUTIVE TRANSITION

On May 29, 2020, John C. Rickel, our former Chief Financial Officer, provided notice of his resignation from this position, effective no earlier than August 14, 2020, and entered into a Transition and Separation Agreement, effective June 1, 2020 to govern his transition into the role of Corporate Finance Director until his retirement from the Company on December 31, 2020 (the “Transition Agreement”). Pursuant to the Transition Agreement, Mr. Rickel (i) is entitled to continue vesting in previously granted, but unvested, shares of restricted stock, (ii) agreed to forfeit any annual bonus for 2020, and (iii) waived his right to all outstanding performance shares, all of which are subject to certain terms and conditions more particularly described therein. Please see the discussion below regarding “Executive Compensation - Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” for additional details relating to Mr. Rickel’s transition.

On June 1, 2020, the Board approved the appointment of Daniel J. McHenry as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective August 15, 2020 or shortly thereafter, following Mr. Rickel’s transition to the role of Corporate Finance Director. Pursuant to an Offer Letter entered into with Mr. McHenry, he is entitled to certain elements of compensation, as described in Executive Compensation – Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” below. In addition, the Company entered into a retention agreement on August 20, 2020 that relates to certain severance and restrictive covenant obligations, which is also discussed in more detail under the headings “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” and Executive Compensation - Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 53

Hedging and Pledging Prohibitions

HEDGING AND PLEDGING PROHIBITIONS

Our Directorsdirectors and named executive officers, in addition to any of our employees or their designees, are prohibited from engaging in “short sales” of our stock or otherwise hedging the risk of ownership of our stock. Hedging is generally defined as purchasing a financial instrument that does, or is intended to, hedge or offset any decrease in the market value of our stock, regardless of the manner in which those individuals hold that stock (i.e., as an award from our LTIP, a gift, or from a direct purchase of the stock in the open market). We have also adopted a policy that prohibits our directors and officers from pledging their Company stock or engaging in any other transaction that has the effect of using Group 1 securities as collateral.

Policy on Payment or Recoupment of Performance-Based Cash Bonuses and Performance-Based Stock Bonuses in the Event of Certain Restatements

POLICY ON PAYMENT OR RECOUPMENT OF PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS

The CHR Committee has adopted a policy on payment or recoupment (or “clawback”) of performance-based cash bonuses and performance-based stock bonuses in the event of certain financial restatements, excluding those required by a change in generally accepted accounting principles, which provides that we will require the payment or reimbursement (to the extent permitted by governing law) of all or a portion of any performance-based cash or performance-based stock bonus where: (a) the payment was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a material restatement and (b) a higher or lower payment would have been made to the employee based upon the restated financial results. In each of these instances, we will, to the extent practicable: (a) either make a payment of, or seek to recover, the cash amount by which the individual employee’s annual performance-based bonus was recalculated based on the restated financial results; provided that we will not pay or seek to recover bonuses paid more than three years prior to the date the applicable restatement is disclosed; (b) cause the award or cancellation of any performance-based stock awards; and (c) seek reimbursement of any unearned gains realized on the vesting of performance-based stock attributable to such awards.

 

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Proxy Statement 2022  |  47

STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES

Our Stock Ownership Guidelines

Our Board has adopted Stock Ownership Guidelines that apply to our named executive officers, as well as other officers within our Company. The guidelines require our named executive officers to maintain a minimum number of shares of our common stock (CEO – 6x base salary; other named executive officers – 3x base salary) while they are employed by us. The guidelines reinforce the importance of aligning the longer-term interests of our named executive officers with the interests of our stockholdersshareholders and are expressed in terms of the dollar value of their equity holdings as a multiple of each named executive officer’s base salary.

The dollar value of stock ownership is based on base salary times a multiple divided by the previous 36-month average stock price as calculated on December 31st of each year. Unvested restricted stock awards or restricted stock units are counted towards each named executive officer’s ownership requirement. Unvested performance shares are not considered in this calculation. Stock ownership levels should be achieved by each officer within five years of the adoption of these guidelines, or within five years of the individual’s appointment as an officer. Each of our named executive officers was in compliance with current guidelines on December 31, 2020,2021, as indicated below, except for Mr. McHenry who was appointed to his position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on August 15, 2020 and who is on track to achieve the required ownership levels within the requisite 5-year period.below.

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2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 154

NEO STOCK OWNERSHIP

(1)Includes 7,2822,282.53 shares held by the Hesterberg Management Trust, for which Mr. Hesterberg and his spouse are co-trustees, 65,517.61 shares of common stock held in gift trusts for the benefit of Mr. Hesterberg’s children, for which he serves as Trustee, 4,953 shares held by Mr. Hesterberg’s spouse, and 65,517.86 shares held by the 2019 Family Trust for which Mr.  Hesterberg’s spouse serves as Trustee.
(2)Mr. McHenry has five years from his appointment to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer to achieve his ownership requirement.

Tax Deductions for Compensation

TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR COMPENSATION

In conducting our executive compensation programs, prior to 2018 the CHR Committee considered the effects of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), which denied publicly held companies a tax deduction for annual compensation in excess of $1 million paid to certain covered employees unless their compensation was based on performance criteria. Section 162(m) of the Code was modified in connection with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and beginning with the 2018 calendar year there is no longer an exception for performance-based compensation arrangements that are not deemed to be grandfathered pursuant to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Therefore Section 162(m) of the Code did not have an impact on the compensation decisions thatemployees. While the CHR Committee made in 2020. The CHR Committee retainsconsiders the abilitydeductibility of compensation paid to evaluate the performance of our named executive officers as one factor in its determinations, the CHR Committee will ultimately structure compensation in a manner that meets our business, retention and to pay appropriate compensation,incentive goals, even if some of it may be non-deductible, to ensure competitive levels of total compensation is paid to certain individuals.non-deductible.

 

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 
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Risk AssessmentLOGO

 

RISK ASSESSMENT

We annually review our compensation policies and practices for all employees, including our named executive officers, and have determined that our compensation programs are not reasonably likely to cause behaviors that would have a material adverse effect on our Company. Moreover, we believe that several design features of our compensation programs and policies reduce the likelihood of excessive risk-taking:

 

The program design provides a balanced mix of cash and equity, annual and longer-term incentives, and performance metrics.

Annual and long-term incentive payouts are capped at industry standard levels.

We currently do not grant stock options.

The CHR Committee has discretion to modify the reward if the payout isn’t commensurate with performance.

The compensation recovery policy (which extends to all employees participating in the incentive plan) allows our Company to “claw back” payments made using materially inaccurate financial results.

Our named executive officers are subject to robust stock ownership guidelines.

Compliance and ethical behaviors are integral factors considered in all performance assessments.

We set the proper ethical and moral expectations through our policies, values and procedures and provide various mechanisms for reporting issues.

We maintain an evaluation program, including periodic reviews and audits of our dealership sales, parts and service and finance departments, which enables us to verify that our compensation policies and practices are aligned with expectations.

A cap is placed on the number of shares of common stock that may be awarded to an individual in any calendar year.

We believe that, for all employees, our compensation programs do not encourage excessive risk and instead encourage behaviors that support sustainable value creation.creation aligned with our shareholders’ interests.

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Proxy Statement 2022  |  49

Report of the Compensation and& Human

Resources Committee

 

During the last fiscal year, and this year in preparation for the filing of this proxy statement with the SEC, the Compensation and& Human Resources Committee:

 

reviewed and discussed the disclosure set forth under the heading “2020 Compensation Discussion and Analysis” with management; and
based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, recommended to the Board of Directors that the disclosure set forth under the heading “2020 Compensation Discussion and Analysis” be included in this proxy statement and incorporated by reference into Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

reviewed and discussed the disclosure set forth under the heading “2021 Compensation Discussion and Analysis” with management; and

 

based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, recommended to the Board of Directors that the disclosure set forth under the heading “2021 Compensation Discussion and Analysis” be included in this proxy statement and incorporated by reference into Group 1 Automotive, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

Respectfully submitted by the Compensation and& Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors,

Anne Taylor (Chairman)(Chair)

Steven C. Mizell

Stephen D. Quinn

Steven P. Stanbrook

Max P. Watson, Jr.

MaryAnn Wright

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2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 56


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Executive Compensation

 

2020 Summary Compensation Table

2021 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table summarizes, with respect to our named executive officers, information relating to the compensation granted or earned for services rendered in all capacities during 2021, 2020 2019 and 2018.2019. Our named executive officers consist of five senior corporate officers, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer.

 

Name and
Principal Position
Year Salary(1)
($)
 Stock
Awards(2)
($)
 Non-Equity
Incentive Plan  
Compensation(3)
($)
 Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings(4)
($)
 All Other
Compensation(5)
($)
 Total
($)
Earl J. Hesterberg
President and
Chief Executive Officer
2020  900,000   3,646,040   2,400,000   292,530   60,009   7,298,579 
2019  1,150,000   3,600,029   2,127,500   361,583   685,290   7,924,402 
2018  1,150,000   3,599,959   1,437,500   337,607   378,588   6,903,654 
Daryl A. Kenningham
President, U.S. and
Brazilian Operations
2020  604,500   1,772,418   1,080,000   806,776   171,939   4,435,633 
2019  655,200   1,121,992   982,800   164,068   177,153   3,101,213 
2018  624,000   987,935   780,000   181,560   26,745   2,600,240 
Daniel J. McHenry(6)
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
2020  375,317   450,026   349,506      7,982   1,182,831 
                         
                         
John C. Rickel(7)
Former Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
2020  563,333   2,796,733      255,210   26,360   3,641,636 
2019  629,700   960,028   724,155   360,087   26,294   2,700,264 
2018  599,700   873,943   689,655   395,460   26,210   2,584,968 
Frank Grese, Jr.
Senior Vice President,
Human Resources, Training
and Operations Support
2020  558,625   708,927   707,250   157,112   34,764   2,166,678 
2019  595,400   683,993   684,710   197,769   33,618   2,195,490 
2018  572,500   683,955   658,375   193,206   31,914   2,139,950 
Peter C. DeLongchamps
Senior Vice President,
Manufacturer Relations,
Financial Services and
Public Affairs
2020  467,792   708,927   592,250   54,561   30,613   1,854,143 
2019  492,650   647,980   566,548   77,961   24,489   1,809,628 
2018  478,300   645,958   550,045   82,345   24,952   1,781,600 
        

Name and Principal Position

  Year   

Salary

($)

   Stock
Awards2
($)
   Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation3
($)
   

Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings4

($)

   All Other
Compensation5
($)
   

Total

($)

 

Earl J. Hesterberg

President and Chief Executive Officer

   2021    1,240,000    3,799,959    2,480,000    849,078    208,220    8,577,257 
   2020    900,000    3,646,040    2,400,000    292,530    60,009    7,298,579 
   2019    1,150,000    3,600,029    2,127,500    361,583    685,290    7,924,402 

Daryl A. Kenningham

President, U.S. and Brazilian Operations

   2021    760,000    1,999,994    1,121,000    342,173    174,355    4,397,522 
   2020    604,500    1,772,418    1,080,000    806,776    171,939    4,435,633 
   2019    655,200    1,121,992    982,800    164,068    177,153    3,101,213 

 

Daniel McHenry

Senior Vice President And Chief Financial Officer

   2021    575,000    499,925    661,250    859    34,557    1,771,591 
   2020    375,317    450,026    349,506        13,607    1,188,456 

Frank Grese, Jr.1

Senior Vice President, Human Resources,

Training and Operations Support

   2021    633,450    699,807    715,799    373,425    32,605    2,455,086 
   2020    558,625    708,927    707,250    157,112    34,764    2,166,678 
   2019    595,400    683,993    684,710    197,769    33,618    2,195,490 

Peter C. DeLongchamps

Senior Vice President, Manufacturer

Relations, Financial Services and Public Affairs

   2021    530,450    799,821    610,018    142,794    29,663    2,112,746 
   2020    467,792    708,927    592,250    54,561    30,613    1,854,143 
   2019    492,650    647,980    566,548    77,961    24,489    1,809,628 
(1)1Reflects adjustments made to 2020 base salary in response to COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective January 1, 2022, Mr. Grese was no longer responsible for Human Resources.

(2)2

The amounts in the “Stock Awards” column reflects the required accounting expense for the restricted stock and performance share awards and do not correspond to the actual value that may be recognized by our named executive officers. These amounts represent the grant date fair value of awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 in connection with awards granted under the Group 1 Automotive, Inc. 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan.LTIP. Assumptions made in the calculation of these amounts in fiscal years 2018, 2019 and 2020 are included in Note 4 to the audited financial statements included in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Assumptions made in the calculation of these amounts in fiscal year 2021 are included in Note 5 to the audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. Certain of these awards have no intrinsic value to the recipient until the performance or vesting schedule is met. For example: as of December 31, 2020,2021, our named executive officers had not realized any value from their 20202021 restricted stock awards because vesting will not begin until 2022,2023, when forfeiture restrictions will lapse as to 40% of the awards. Forfeiture restrictions will lapse as to the remaining 60% of the 20202021 awards in 20% increments in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2025.2026. Regarding performance share awards granted in 2020,2021, assuming performance is satisfied, they are scheduled to vest on December 31, 20212022 and vested shares will be released on December 31, 2022.2023. With respect to the one-half portion of the performance share awards that are based on “performance conditions” for accounting purposes (as opposed to “market conditions”)market conditions), if we assumed that the probable accounting value was based on the maximum payout for the awards, the grant date values would have been as follows: Mr. Hesterberg, $902,626;$949,990; Mr. Kenningham, $438,799;$499,925; Mr. Rickel, $250,784;McHenry, $124,871, Mr. Grese, $175,500;$174,878; and Mr. DeLongchamps, $175,500.$199,882. Vesting schedules for equity awards can be found in the footnotes to the “Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2020”2021” table. With respect to Mr. Rickel, an additional amount of $1,783,893 has also been included in this column due to the incremental expense as a result of the modification of his outstanding equity awards in June 2020 in connection with his Separation Agreement. Pursuant to SEC rules, this modification value is added to the original grant date value of the awards in this column, therefore appearing to increase the grant date value for his 2020 awards.

(3)3

Annual cash incentive awards based upon the achievement of financial and mission-based goals. This is discussed further under “2020“2021 Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Annual Incentive Compensation Plan”. Mr. Rickel was not eligible to receive a 2020 award pursuant to his Separation Agreement (described below).

(4)4

Amounts reflect above-market earnings on the Deferred Compensation Plan, as defined by earnings in excess of 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate, with compounding, of 2.49%1.56%. We do not offer a pension plan.

 

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 
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Proxy Statement 2022  |  51

5 
(5)

The following table contains a breakdown of the compensation and benefits included under “All Other Compensation” for 2020:

2021:

NameYear 401(k)
Savings Plan
Matching
Contribution(a)
($)
 Automobile
Allowance
($)
 Use of
Demonstrator
Vehicle(b)
($)
 Airplane
Use(c)
($)
 Club
Membership
and Dues
($)
 Total
($)
Earl J. Hesterberg2020  8,550      24,157   14,247   13,055   60,009 
Daryl A. Kenningham2020  8,250      19,408   144,281      171,939 
Daniel J. McHenry(6)2020  2,159   5,625   5,823         13,607 
John C. Rickel(7)2020  8,550   15,000   2,810         26,360 
Frank Grese, Jr.2020  7,828   15,000   11,936         34,764 
Peter C. DeLongchamps2020  7,613   15,000   7,999         30,612 

        

Name

  Year  401(k) Savings
Plan Matching
Contribution
($)
  Automobile
Allowance
($)
  Use of
Demonstrator
Vehiclea
($)
  Airplane
Useb
($)
 Club
Membership
and Dues
($)
  Total
($)

Earl J. Hesterberg

  2021  8,700    29,431  150,404 19,685  208,220

Daryl A. Kenningham

  2021  8,700    23,475  142,180   174,355

Daniel McHenry

  2021  8,700  15,000  10,857     34,557

Frank Grese, Jr.

  2021  7,111  15,000  10,494     32,605

Peter C. DeLongchamps

  2021  8,700  15,000  5,963     29,663
a (a)The values in this column reflect the Company’s temporary suspension of 401(k) plan matching contributions for a portion of 2020.
(b)

Represents the incremental cost for personal use of one or more Company demonstrator vehicles. The incremental cost is determined by multiplying the annual lease value of the vehicle by the percentage of personal use, which we track through travel logs.

b (c)

While we do not have formal arrangements regarding airplane use with our named executive officers other than Messrs. Hesterberg and Kenningham, in the event that the executives or their family members make use of the airplane they will reimburse usthe Company for their personal costs. Amounts within this column represents the incremental cost to us of providing this benefit, which is generally the difference between the amount paid by the executive for the use of our leased airplane under the standard industry fare level (“SIFL”) method and the lease cost to usthe Company for such use.

(6)Mr. McHenry was promoted from Finance Director of Group 1 Automotive UK Limited on August 15, 2020 to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
(7)Mr. Rickel resigned as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective August 14, 2020 when he transitioned into the role of Corporate Finance Director until his retirement from the Company on December 31, 2020.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 58

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2020

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS IN 2021

The following table provides information concerning each grant of an award made to our named executive officers under our annual incentive compensation plan and 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan during 2020, as well as restricted stock awards granted to Mr. McHenry upon his appointment as Chief Financial Officer:2021:

 

  

 

 

Possible Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards(1)
 

 

 

Possible Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan
Awards(2)
All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of Shares
of Stock
or Units
(#)
Grant Date Fair
Value of Stock
and Option
Awards
($)
NameGrant DateThreshold
($)
Target
($)
Maximum
($)
 Threshold
(#)
Target
(#)
Maximum
(#)
Earl J. Hesterberg1,200,0002,400,000 
 02/17/2020 27,4792,699,949
 02/17/2020 4,5809,16018,320   946,091
Daryl A. Kenningham720,0001,080,000 
 02/17/2020 13,3581,312,490
 02/17/2020 2,2274,4538,906   459,928
Daniel J. McHenry(3)280,851349,506 
 08/18/2020  2,067   200,065
 02/17/2020  2,544   249,961
John C. Rickel(4)541,666747,500 
 02/17/2020  7,633   749,980
 02/17/2020 1,2732,5455,090   262,860
 06/01/2020        1,783,893
Frank Grese, Jr.512,500707,250 
 02/17/2020  5,343   524,976
 02/17/2020 8911,7813,562   183,951
Peter C. DeLongchamps429,166592,250 
02/17/2020  5,343   524,976
 02/17/2020 8911,7813,562   183,951

       
       

 

Possible Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards1

      

 

Possible Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan
Awards2

   All
Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of
Shares
of
Stock or
Units
(#)
   Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock
and
Option
Awards
($)
 

Name

  Grant Date   Threshold
($)
   Target
($)
   Maximum
($)
       Threshold
(#)
   Target
(#)
   Maximum
(#)
 

Earl J. Hesterberg

       930,000    1,240,000    2,480,000                         
   02/19/2021                                19,377    2,849,969 
   02/19/2021                    3,230    6,459    12,918        949,990 

Daryl A. Kenningham

       570,000    760,000    1,140,000                         
   02/19/2021                                10,199    1,500,069 
   02/19/2021                    1,700    3,399    6,798        499,925 

Daniel McHenry

       383,525    478,975    661,250                         
   02/19/2021                                2,550    375,054 
   02/19/2021                    425    849    1,698        124,871 

Frank Grese, Jr.

       422,511    527,664    728,468                         
   02/19/2021                                3,569    524,929 
   02/19/2021                    595    1,189    2,378        174,878 

Peter C. DeLongchamps

       353,810    441,865    610,018                         
   02/19/2021                                4,079    599,939 
   02/19/2021                    680    1,359    2,718        199,882 
(1)1

Estimated possible payouts under the 20202021 annual incentive compensation plan. The “Threshold” column shows dashes because the ultimate value of the annual incentive compensation payouts could be reduced to effectively zero. The amounts shown in the “Threshold”, “Target” and “Maximum” columns assume achievement of 100% of the mission-based goals for each named executive officer. See the “Non-Equity“Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the 20202021 Summary Compensation Table for actual amounts paid to named executive officers under the annual incentive compensation plan for 20202021 and “2020“2021 Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Annual Incentive Compensation Plan” beginning on page 4738 of this proxy statement for a description of the annual incentive compensation plan and how the payouts were determined. Although Mr. Rickel received a “grant” of an award pursuant to the annual incentive plan, pursuant to his Separation Agreement (described below), he was not eligible to receive a payout for the 2020 year.

(2)2

These columns reflect the threshold, target and maximum numbers of performance share units granted in 2020.2021. The “Threshold” column reflects 50% of the target award; the “Target” column reflects 100% of the target award; and the “Maximum” column reflects 200% of the target number of the award, as this is the number of shares that could be earned based solely on the performance levels achieved. However, the awards were designed with a Maximum Value, a supplemental maximum payout formula that is described further within the Compensation Discussion and AnalysisCD&A above. This Maximum Value could potentially alter the number of shares of underlying common stock that could become payable pursuant to the award under any of the performance levels.

(3)Mr. McHenry was promoted from Finance Director of Group 1 Automotive UK Limited on August 15, 2020 to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
(4)Mr. Rickel resigned as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective August 14, 2020 when he transitioned into the role of Corporate Finance Director until his retirement from the Company on December 31, 2020. The June 1, 2020 grant date value of $1,783,893 does not represent a new equity award grant, but is the accounting modification expense associated with his outstanding equity awards that was incurred in connection with his entry into his Separation Agreement.

 

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Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards TableLOGO

 

NARRATIVE DISCLOSURE TO SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE AND GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS TABLE

The following is a discussion of material factors we believe are necessary to an understanding of the information disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table for 2020.2021.

EMPLOYMENT, INCENTIVE COMPENSATION AND NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS

Employment, Incentive Compensation and Non-Compete Agreements

Earl J. Hesterberg

Effective May 19, 2015, we entered into anOur employment agreement with Mr. Hesterberg. On May 17, 2018, we entered into an amendment to the employment agreement with Mr. Hesterberg. Under the terms of the employment agreement, as amended, the employment agreement was extended for a one-year term, and continuing through May 19, 2019, unless earlier terminated as provided therein. Following May 19, 2019, the agreement will continuecontinues in effect until terminated by either Group 1 or Mr. Hesterberg upon delivery of six-months advanced written notice of termination no later than six months prior to the date of termination set forth in such notice. Provisions of Mr. Hesterberg’s employment agreement, as amended, related to termination and change in control are discussed in “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” beginning on page 64 of this proxy statement.

termination.

Daryl A. Kenningham

Effective June 6, 2011, we entered into an incentive compensation, confidentiality, non-disclosure and non-compete agreement with Mr. Kenningham (the “Incentive Agreement”). The Incentive Agreement initially granted Mr. Kenningham 7,000 shares of restricted stock (which vested in full in 2016) in exchange for his agreement to certain non-competition restrictions and other customary restrictive covenants such as a confidentiality provision. The non-competition restriction within the Incentive Agreement is in effect during Mr. Kenningham’s employment and will continue in effect for a period of two years following his termination of employment for any reason.

The Incentive Agreement also provides for the payment of certain severance benefits in the event of an “Involuntary Termination” or a termination by us without “Cause,” as defined and discussed further below within the section titled “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” beginning on page 64 of this proxy statement.

Daniel J. McHenry

On June 1, 2020, we entered into an offer letter with Mr. McHenry (the “Offer Letter”), effective as of his appointment date. The Offer Letter provides that Mr. McHenry will receive an annual salary of $575,000 and will be eligible for an annual bonus opportunity equal to a maximum of 115% of his base salary. In connection with his promotion, and as an inducement to move to the U.S., on August 20, 2020, we entered into a “Retention, Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreement with Mr. McHenry (the “Retention Agreement”). Pursuant to the Retention Agreement, Mr. McHenry was granted an initial restricted stock award of 2,067 shares, which was determined by dividing $200,000 by the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. This initial restricted stock award will vest 40% on the second anniversary of the date of grant, with an additional 20% vesting on each subsequent annual anniversary date thereafter. The Retention Agreement provides that Mr. McHenry will also be eligible to receive future annual restricted stock awards, which will be based on his performance and subject to approval by the CHR Committee and which are expected to be granted at the same time and with similar vesting provisions as applicable for our other executive officers. Potential severance and change in control provisions applicable to Mr. McHenry, as well as all restrictive covenants applicable to Mr. McHenry, are discussed in “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” beginning on page 64 of this proxy statement.

John C. Rickel

Effective January 1, 2009, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Rickel, which governed the terms of his employment with us until we entered into a Transition and Separation Agreement on June 1, 2020 (the “Separation Agreement”). Provisions of Mr. Rickel’s Separation Agreement related to his retirement are discussed in “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” beginning on page 64 of this proxy statement. As noted above, the treatment of Mr. Rickel’s outstanding equity awards within the Separation Agreement resulted in an accounting modification expense that has been reflected in the tables above.

Additional Information

Our NEOs are also entitled to participate, on the same basis generally as our other employees, in all general employee benefit plans and programs that are made available to all or substantially all of our employees while they are employed. In addition, Messrs. Hesterberg and Kenningham are entitled to the use of two demonstrator vehicles of their choice, and Messrs. McHenry, Grese and DeLongchamps (and Mr. Rickel, during his employment in 2020) are each entitled to one demonstrator vehicle of their choice and a vehicle allowance totaling $1,250 per month.

All incentive compensation awards payable to Messrs. Hesterberg and Kenningham will be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion in accordance with the terms of our annual incentive compensation program, and all payments pursuant to this program shall be made on or before March 15th of the year following the year of service to which the incentive compensation relates.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 60

We have not entered into an employment or non-compete agreement with Mr. Grese or Mr. DeLongchamps. However, the equity-based compensation awards granted to our named executive officers could receive accelerated vesting in connection with certain qualifying terminations or change in control events.

 

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Please see the section below titled “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” beginning on page 64 of this proxy statement for more detailed information on our outstanding equity awards.


 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at DecemberOUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2020

2021

The following table provides information concerning restricted stock awards and performance share awards for our named executive officers. As of December 31, 20202021 none of our named executive officers held any stock options.

 

 Restricted Stock Awards(1) Performance Share Awards(4)
NameGrant Date Number of Shares or
Units of Stock That
Have Not Vested
(#)(2)
 Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested(3)
($)
 Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned Shares
or Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested
(#)
 Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market Value
of Unearned
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested(3)
($)
Earl J. Hesterberg02/17/2016  7,000   917,980       
 03/01/2017  10,176   1,334,481       
 02/20/2018  28,423   3,727,392       
 02/19/2019  43,860   5,751,800       
 02/17/2020  27,479   3,603,596   9,160   1,201,242 
Daryl A. Kenningham02/17/2016  1,600   209,824       
 02/28/2017  4,906   643,373       
 02/20/2018  7,800   1,022,892       
 02/19/2019  21,916   2,874,064       
 02/17/2020  13,358   1,751,768   4,453   583,966 
Daniel J. McHenry(5)11/08/2016  600   78,684       
 02/28/2017  1,400   183,596       
 02/20/2018  2,400   314,736       
 02/19/2019  4,000   524,560       
 02/17/2020  2,544   333,620       
 08/20/2020  2,067   271,066       
John C. Rickel(6)02/17/2016  2,886   378,470       
 02/28/2017  4,312   565,476       
 02/20/2018  6,900   904,866       
 02/19/2019  11,696   1,533,813       
 02/17/2020  7,633   1,000,992       
Frank Grese, Jr.02/17/2016  1,600   209,824       
 02/28/2017  3,004   393,945       
 02/20/2018  5,400   708,156       
 02/19/2019  8,333   1,092,790       
 02/17/2020  5,343   700,681   1,781   233,560 
Peter C. DeLongchamps02/17/2016  2,000   262,280       
 02/28/2017  3,322   435,647       
 02/20/2018  5,100   668,814       
 02/19/2019  7,895   1,035,350       
 02/17/2020  5,343   700,681   1,781   233,560 

   
   Restricted Stock Awards1   Performance Share Awards2 

Name

  Grant Date   

Number of Shares
or Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested

(#)

   Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested3
($)
   Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned Shares
or Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested
(#)
   Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market Value
of Unearned
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested3
($)
 

Earl J. Hesterberg

   03/01/2017    5,088    993,279         
   02/20/2018    18,949    3,699,224         
   02/19/2019    26,316    5,137,410         
   02/17/2020    40,532    7,912,657         
   02/19/2021    19,377    3,782,778    6,459    1,260,926 

Daryl A. Kenningham

   02/28/2017    2,453    478,875         
   02/20/2018    5,200    1,015,144         
   02/19/2019    8,203    1,601,390         
   02/17/2020    19,703    3,846,420         
   02/19/2021    10,199    1,991,049    3,399    663,553 

Daniel McHenry

   02/28/2017    700    136,654         
   02/20/2018    1,600    312,352         
   02/19/2019    2,400    468,528         
   02/17/2020    2,544    496,640         
   08/20/2020    2,067    403,520         
   02/19/2021    2,550    497,811    849    165,742 

Frank Grese, Jr.

   02/28/2017    1,502    293,220         
   02/20/2018    3,600    702,792         
   02/19/2019    5,000    976,100         
   02/17/2020    7,880    1,538,334         
   02/19/2021    3,569    696,740    1,189    232,117 

Peter C. DeLongchamps

   02/28/2017    1,661    324,260         
   02/20/2018    3,400    663,748         
   02/19/2019    4,738    924,952         
   02/17/2020    7,880    1,538,334         
   02/19/2021    4,079    796,302    1,359    265,304 
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(1)

Forfeiture restrictions on our restricted stock awards lapse over a five-year period: 40% of the award on the second anniversary of the grant date, and 20% on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date, respectively.

(2)This column includes Unvested shares granted on February 17, 2020 include performance share awards granted in 2019. Theshares which satisfied the performance period for the 2019 performance share awards endedvesting requirement as of December 31, 2020 but remain subject to time-based vesting which will lapse on December 31, 2020 and the achievement was certified (at 200% of return on invested capital and 161.7% of total shareholder return which produced a final performance of 181% of target). These awards will fully vest upon the satisfaction of the remaining time-based vesting schedule on December 31, 2021. In connection with his retirement, Mr. Rickel forfeited all performance share awards.2022.

(3)2Calculated using value of our common stock at close of market on December 31, 2020 (the last trading day of the 2020 year) of $131.14.
(4)

Performance shares are earned with respect to measures over a designated performance period, as described in more detail within the Compensation Discussion and AnalysisCD&A section above. Regarding the February 17, 202019, 2021 award, the performance period begins on January 1, 20202021 and ends on December 31, 2021.2022. The vesting date is December 31, 2022.2023. Values here are reported at maximumTarget payout amounts.

(5)3Mr. McHenry was promoted from Finance Director

Calculated using value of Group 1 Automotive UK Limited to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officerour common stock at close of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. on August 15, 2020.

(6)Mr. Rickel resigned as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective August 14, 2020 when he transitioned into the role of Corporate Finance Director until his retirement from the Companymarket on December 31, 2020. In connection with his retirement, Mr. Rickel forfeited all performance share awards.2021 (the last trading day of the 2021 year) of $195.22.

 

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2021 STOCK VESTED

The following table provides information relating to the vesting of restricted stock during 20202021 on an aggregated basis for each of our named executive officers. Our named executive officers currently do not hold stock options and our performance shares were not eligible to vest in 2020.options.

 

 
  Performance Shares   Restricted Stock Awards 
Stock Awards
NameNumber of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting(1)
(#)
 Value Realized
on Vesting(2)
($)
  

Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting1

(#)

   

Value Realized
on Vesting2

($)

   

Number of
Shares Acquired
on Vesting1

(#)

   

Value Realize on
Vesting2

($)

 
Earl J. Hesterberg 38,036   3,852,323    26,440    5,121,957    39,106    5,811,914 
Daryl A. Kenningham 10,853 1,081,280    8,239    1,596,059    12,120    1,799,709 
Daniel J. McHenry(3) 3,400 355,640 
John C. Rickel(4) 12,528 1,250,192 

Daniel McHenry

           3,700    580,102 
Frank Grese, Jr. 8,302 830,858    5,024    973,249    8,235    1,222,636 
Peter C. DeLongchamps 8,985 895,238    4,758    921,720    8,518    1,265,827 
(1)1

Represents the gross number of shares acquired upon vesting of restricted stock and performance shares, without taking into account any shares withheld to satisfy applicable tax obligations.

(2)2

Represents the value of the vested restricted stock and performance shares, calculated by multiplying (a) the number of vested shares of restricted stock by (b) the average of the high and low sales prices of our common stock on the vesting date, which is how we calculate market value for purposes of this table.

(3)Mr. McHenry was promoted from Finance Director of Group 1 Automotive UK Limited to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. on August 15, 2020.
(4)Mr. Rickel resigned as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective August 14, 2020 when he transitioned into the role of Corporate Finance Director until his retirement from the Company on December 31, 2020.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 62

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth our named executive officers’ information regarding the Deferred Compensation Plan, including, with respect to each officer: (1) the aggregate contributions made by the officer, (2) the employer contribution, (3) the aggregate interest or other earnings accrued, and (4)(3) the total balance of the officer’s account.

 

Name Executive
Contributions
in Last FY(1)
($)
 Employer Match
Contributions
in Last FY(2)
($)
 Aggregate
Earnings
in Last FY(3)
($)
 Aggregate
Balance
at Last FYE(4)
($)
Earl J. Hesterberg  1,680,000      543,274   11,277,050 
Daryl A. Kenningham        922,942   5,126,771 
Daniel J. McHenry(5)            
John C. Rickel(6)  140,833      494,402   9,921,870 
Frank Grese, Jr.  316,469      286,642   5,598,388 
Peter C. DeLongchamps  31,802      105,701   2,131,458 

    

Name

  Executive
Contributions
in Last FY1
($)
   Aggregate
Earnings
in Last
FY2
($)
   Aggregate
Balance
at Last
FYE3
($)
 

Earl J. Hesterberg

       1,043,265    13,809,565 

Daryl A. Kenningham

       425,470    5,552,241 

Daniel McHenry

   127,938    1,073    129,011 

Frank Grese, Jr.

       462,891    6,061,279 

Peter C. DeLongchamps

   34,214    177,413    2,324,689 
(1)1

Reported as compensation to the named executive officer in the Summary Compensation Table for 20202021 (including any non-equity incentive plan compensation earned during 2020,2021 but paid in 2021)2022).

(2)2Represents the portion, if any, of Company 401(k) savings plan matching contributions that could not be contributed into the 401(k) savings plan for the individuals due to Code restrictions.
(3)

The following portions of the aggregate earnings in the last fiscal year were reported in the 20202021 “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column of the 20202021 Summary Compensation Table because they were above-market earnings: Mr. Hesterberg ($292,530)849,078), Mr. Kenningham ($806,776)342,173), Mr. RickelMcHenry ($255,210)859), Mr. Grese ($157,112)373,425), and Mr. DeLongchamps ($54,561)142,794).

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Proxy Statement 2022  |  55

3

The following portions of the aggregate balance amounts for each of the following named executive officers were reported as compensation to the officer in the Summary Compensation Table in previous years:

 

  Earl J.
Hesterberg
($)
 Daryl A.
Kenningham
($)
 Daniel J.
McHenry(5)
($)
 John C.
Rickel(6)
($)
 Frank
Grese, Jr.
($)
 Peter C.
DeLongchamps
($)
 2019   1,850,833   164,068      486,027   197,769   92,740 
 2018   1,487,607   181,560      395,466   808,644   151,699 
 2017   622,403   621,360      846,330   614,089   95,928 
 2016   1,084,057         1,187,302   450,932   148,501 
 2015   1,094,001         860,786      137,899 
 2014   494,519         716,268      127,009 
 2013   202,527         545,859      89,271 
 2012   233,611         381,271      97,419 
 2011   178,285         540,389       
 2010            630,284       
 2009   500,000         603,014       
 2008   147,159         177,920       
 2007   179,235         179,519       
 2006   525,465         58,617       
 2005   205,240                

(5)Mr. McHenry was promoted from Finance Director of Group 1 Automotive UK Limited on August 15, 2020 to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. Mr. McHenry did not participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan in 2020.
(6)Mr. Rickel resigned as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective August 14, 2020 when he transitioned into the role of Corporate Finance Director until his retirement from the Company on December 31, 2020.

      
    Earl J.
Hesterberg
($)
   Daryl A.
Kenningham
($)
   Daniel
McHenry
($)
   Frank
Grese, Jr.
($)
   Peter C.
DeLongchamps
($)
 

2020

   1,972,530    806,776        473,581    86,363 

2019

   1,850,833    164,068        197,769    92,740 

2018

   1,487,607    181,560        808,644    151,699 

2017

   622,403    621,360        614,089    95,928 

2016

   1,084,057            450,932    148,501 

2015

   1,094,001                137,899 

2014

   494,519                127,009 

2013

   202,527                89,271 

2012

   233,611                97,419 

2011

   178,285                 

2010

                    

2009

   500,000                 

2008

   147,159                 

2007

   179,235                 

2006

   525,465                 

2005

   205,240                 

Pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan, certain corporate officers, including named executive officers, may defer up to 50% of their base salary and up to 100% of their incentive compensation. Deferral elections are to be made no later than the last day of the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which such compensation is earned. Atearned, or the plan administrative committee’s discretion, deferral elections with respect to certain performance-based compensation may be made not later than six months prior to the endfirst day of the performance period in which such compensation is earned. In addition, for eachnext calendar year, we contribute an amount on behalf of each executive equal toquarter where the amount ofemployee becomes eligible during the employer match the executive forfeited under the

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 63

401(k) Savings Plan in order for the 401(k) Savings Plan to comply with the nondiscrimination requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, though this feature has been eliminated, effective January 1, 2021.calendar year. Currently, 100% of each named executive officer’s account is vested. We may also make discretionary credits to an officer’s account from time to time, which credits will be subject to a vesting schedule established by us at the time of such credit. We did not make any discretionary contribution credits during the 2019, 2020 or 2020 year. If no vesting schedule is established, the officer will be vested in a percentage of the discretionary employer deferral equal to the officer’s vested interest in his “employer contribution account” under the 401(k) Savings Plan. If we undergo a corporate change, the officer will become fully vested in his account under the Deferred Compensation Plan.

2021 calendar years.

Benefits under the Deferred Compensation Plan will be paid no earlier than upon the executive’s termination of service, or, for deferrals made prior to January 1, 2021, upon a certain date elected by the officer. Benefits will be paid, at the participant’s election, in a lump sum or in annual installments, although all distributions will be paid in cash. Payments upon an executive’s termination of service may be delayed for six months to the extent necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Except in the event of unforeseeable financial emergencies, effective January 1, 2021, in-service withdrawals are generally not permitted in the Deferred Compensation Plan, although the necessary portion of a participant’s vested account balance may be distributed in order to satisfy certain employment, federal or state taxes. An unforeseeable financial emergency shall allow a participant to access vested funds in his accounts upon the occurrence of: (1) a severe financial hardship of the participant that results from an illness or accident of the participant, or the participant’s beneficiary, spouse or dependent; (2) loss of the participant’s or the beneficiary’s property due to casualty; or (3) a similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstance as described in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code arising as a result of events beyond the participant’s control. Effective as of January 1, 2021, the ability to schedule an in-service withdrawal has been eliminated.

annual contribution limit of $300,000 was implemented for all employee deferrals with an employee lifetime maximum contribution amount of $3.5 million.

Deferred amounts will be deemed to be notionally invested in such fund aseither the participants shall designate. The Group 1 Guaranteed Crediting Rate investment option is the only investment option available in the Deferred Compensation Plan. On July 1, 2020, the CHR Committee determined that it would be in the best interests of the Company and the Deferred Compensation Plan participants to modify the investment options and the CHR Committee approved eliminating all investment options except for the Guaranteed Crediting Rate investment option.or a money market fund. The Group 1 Guaranteed Crediting Rate investment option is a declared interest rate, which is set by the Committee annually, and was set by the Committee at 8.0% for 2020. Effective April 1, 2020, in response to the economic and operational concerns over the negative implications of the COVID-19 outbreak2021.

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Deferred Compensation Plan Changes for Fiscal 2022

In November 2021, the CHR Committee reducedreviewed a market analysis prepared by PM&P. Following extensive discussion between management, the CHR Committee and PM&P, the CHR Committee set the declared interest rate from 8.0% to 3.0%. On October 1, 2020,for the Deferred Compensation Plan at 6.5% for 2022. The 2022 rate was increased to 4.0%,reflects current interest rate changes and the rate was restored to 8.0% effective November 1, 2020.Company’s cost of capital.

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

We believe providing certain senior corporate officers with severance payments and accelerated vesting of equity awards in certain circumstances are important retention tools. In addition, we believe that providing for double-trigger“double-trigger” (defined below) payments and equity award vesting to certain key executives in connection with a change in corporate control“corporate change” helps maximize stockholdershareholder value by encouraging our executives to objectively review any proposed transaction, whether or not that executive will continue to be employed. A “double-trigger” payment or benefit becomes due in the event of a qualifying event such as an involuntary termination of employment without “cause” or a termination of employment with “good reason” in connection with a corporate change. Executive officers at other companies in the general market against which we compete for executive talent commonly have equity compensation plans that provide for accelerated vesting upon a corporate change and post-termination payments, and we have consistently provided this benefit to certain senior corporate officers in order to remain competitive in attracting and retaining skilled professionals.

The discussionDisclosed below disclosesis the amount of compensation and/or other benefits that would be payable to each of our named executive officers in the event of termination of their employment under the following scenarios: death, disability, with and without cause, for certain constructive termination events, andin each case, following a corporate change. AllThese potential payments to the named executive officers upon termination of their employment or upon a corporate change that could have occurred on December 31, 2020 are governed by the 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan and the 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan pursuant to which various equity incentive awards were issued and, with respect to Messrs. Hesterberg, Kenningham, McHenry and Rickel,McHenry, the terms of employment agreements or other individual written arrangements, as described below.arrangements. None of our named executive officers is entitled to an excise tax gross-up payment. For additional information regarding the employment agreements, see “2020“2021 Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Employment Agreements, Severance Benefits and Change in Control Provisions.”

EMPLOYMENT AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS

We maintained employment or severance agreements with Messrs. Hesterberg, Rickel and McHenry during 2020. However, Mr. Rickel transitioned from his role as an executive officer of the Company, effective August 14, 2020, so this disclosure only describes the payments payable in connection with his termination of employment and not other triggering events that were no longer a possibility as of December 31, 2020.

Employment And Severance Agreements

Mr.Hesterberg’s Employment Agreement.Mr. Hesterberg’s agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) provides that in the event the executive is terminated due to an Involuntary Termination or the executive terminates his employment following a Constructive Termination Event, the executive will be entitled to the following:

a lump sum payment equal to the executive’s base salary divided by 12 and multiplied by a severance multiplier. The “severance multiplier” in the case of Mr. Hesterberg, is 12 months or the remaining months in the term of the employment agreement. The payment will be made on the first day of the seventh month following the termination of employment;

 

2021 PROXY STATEMENT 64
a lump sum payment equal to the executive’s base salary divided by 12 and multiplied by a severance multiplier. The “severance multiplier” in the case of Mr. Hesterberg, is 12 months or the remaining months in the term of the employment agreement. The payment will be made on the first day of the seventh month following the termination of employment;

a pro rata bonus calculated in accordance with our Annual Incentive Compensation Plan, paid in a single lump sum payment at the later of (1) the first day of the seventh month following the executive’s separation from service, or (2) March 15th of the year following the release of earnings for the year in which the separation of service occurred;

immediate vesting of all unvested restricted stock awards or stock options, which will be exercisable as if the executive had continued to be employed by us for the full term of his employment agreement; and
the use of a demonstrator vehicle for a period of six months.

 

immediate vesting of all unvested restricted stock awards or stock options, which will be exercisable as if the executive had continued to be employed by the Company for the full term of his employment agreement; and

the use of a demonstrator vehicle for a period of six months.

In the event that the executive terminates employment following an involuntary reduction of his salary or incentive compensation targets within six months after a Corporate Change, the executive will be entitled to the same payments and benefits as described in the first three bullets above, except the severance multiplier will be 30 months. Each agreement further provides that if the executive’s employment is terminated due to Death or Disability, then the executive is entitled to:

 

his pro rata salary through the date of such termination and a pro rata bonus (based on his termination date), calculated in accordance with our Annual Incentive Compensation Plan, paid in a single lump sum payment at

LOGOProxy Statement 2022  |  his pro rata salary through the date of such termination and a pro rata bonus (based on his termination date), calculated in accordance with our Annual Incentive Compensation Plan, paid in a single lump sum payment at 56


Proxy Statement 2022  |  57

the later of (1) the first day of the seventh month following the executive’s separation from service, or (2) March 15th of the year following the release of earnings for the year in which the separation of service occurred;
immediate vesting of all unvested restricted stock awards or stock options, which will be exercisable as if the executive had continued to be employed by us for the full term of his employment agreement; and
in the case of Disability, the use of a demonstrator vehicle for a period of six months, or in the event of the executive’s Death, the use of the vehicle would go to the surviving spouse, if any, for a period of twelve months.

 

immediate vesting of all unvested restricted stock awards or stock options, which will be exercisable as if the executive had continued to be employed by us for the full term of his employment agreement; and

in the case of Disability, the use of a demonstrator vehicle for a period of six months, or in the event of the executive’s Death, the use of the vehicle would go to the surviving spouse, if any, for a period of twelve months.

Mr. Hesterberg’s agreement also provides that if he resigns at any time after May 18, 2018, all unvested equity awards held by Mr. Hesterberg will vest upon satisfaction of certain post-termination employment obligations set forth in his non-compete agreement (discussed below); provided, however, that beginning with the awards granted in 2018, any restricted stock awarded to the executive must have been granted at least six months prior to the date the executive provides notification of his intent to terminate his employment due to qualified retirement, and at least six months prior to his effective retirement date to be eligible for vesting as provided above. In addition, if Mr. Hesterberg’s employment is terminated for any reason, other than cause, after May 18, 2018, he will receive his pro rata bonus through the date of his termination, calculated in accordance with the annual incentive compensation plan and paid in a single lump sum payment.

In the event of a termination by the Company for Cause or a Voluntary Termination by the executive, all compensation and benefits will cease as of the respective date of termination. In these circumstances, the executive would only receive base salary earned but not yet paid.

The employment agreements contain a covenant that the executives will not sue or lodge any claim against usthe Company based upon an Involuntary Termination for any payments in addition to those described above. In the event that the executive breaches this covenant, we will be entitled to recover from that executive all sums we or any of our subsidiaries or affiliates have expended in relation to such action. We will also be entitled to offset any amounts expended in relation to defending such claim against any amounts owed to the executive prior to a final determination of the arbitration provisions provided for in the employment agreement.

Mr. Hesterberg has agreed not to disclose, during or at any time after their employment with us, any of our confidential information or trade secrets. The executive will return all proprietary materials, and all copies thereof, to usthe Company upon a termination of employment for any reason, and all copyrighted works that the executive may have created during his employment relating to usthe Company or our business in any manner shall remain our property.

Mr.Kenningham’s Incentive Compensation, Confidentiality, Non-Disclosure and Non-Compete Agreement.Effective June 6, 2011, Mr. Kenningham entered into an The Incentive Compensation, Confidentiality, Non-Disclosure and Non-Compete Agreement (“Incentive Agreement”) providingprovides for certain potential severance payments and includingincludes customary restrictive covenants. In the event that Mr. Kenningham is terminated by the Company without Cause or incurs an Involuntary Termination (generally defined as a termination by Mr. Kenningham due to the Company breaching any material provision of the Incentive Agreement, a Constructive Termination Event, or an involuntary reduction in his base salary or incentive compensation targets (other than a reduction in such target that is applied consistently to other executive officers to reflect changes in relative EPS projections as a result of such Corporate Change) within six months following a “Corporate Change” that is not cured by the Company within 30 days of written notice from Mr. Kenningham), the Company shall pay to Mr. Kenningham a cash payment equal to one year of base salary at the most recent rate of pay, subject to Mr. Kenningham’s compliance with certain restrictive covenants within the Incentive Agreement and Mr. Kenningham’s execution of a general release in the Company’s favor; in addition, upon such a qualifying termination, Mr. Kenningham shall also be entitled to accelerated vesting of outstanding restricted stock awards, which is conditioned upon his compliance with the terms of such awards, and a pro-rated bonus calculated in accordance with the Company’s annual incentive compensation plan. In the event that Mr. Kenningham incurs a Disability, he shall be paid his regular salary in effect at the start of such Disability up to the first 120-day period of his Disability.

Mr.McHenry’s Retention and Severance Agreement. Effective August 20, 2020, Mr.  McHenry entered into a Retention, Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreement (“The Retention Agreement”) providing provides for certain potential severance payments and includes customary restrictive covenants. In the event that Mr. McHenry incurs a “Qualifying Termination” (generally defined as a termination without Cause or due to Mr. McHenry’s death or Disability), the Company shall pay to Mr. McHenry a cash payment equal to the average annual base salary that Mr. McHenry received

 

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Mr. McHenry received over the 24-month period immediately preceding the date of the applicable termination, subject to Mr. McHenry’s compliance with certain restrictive covenants within the Retention Agreement and upon Mr. McHenry’s execution of a general release in the Company’s favor.

As used in the above-described agreements for Messrs. Hesterberg, Kenningham and McHenry, as applicable, the following terms shall generally have the meaning provided below, which could impact the amount of compensation that the executive receives at or following his separation from service from us:

 

“Cause” shall mean, for purposes of the Employment Agreement and the Retention Agreement, any of the following: (1) conviction or plea of nolo contendere to a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (2) breach of any material provision of either an agreement with us or our Code of Conduct or certain other material policies; (3) the use, for his own benefit, of any confidential or proprietary information of ours, or willfully divulging for his benefit such information; (4) fraud or misappropriation or theft of any of our funds or property; (5) willful refusal to perform his duties; or (6) gross negligence; provided, however, that we, before terminating the executive under (2), (5), or (6) must first give written notice to him of the nature of the alleged breach or refusal and must provide him with a period of time (15-20 days) to correct the problem, unless correction is inherently impossible.

“Cause” shall mean, for purposes of the Employment Agreement and the Retention Agreement, any of the following: (1) conviction or plea of nolo contendere to a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (2) breach of any material provision of either an agreement with us or our Code of Conduct or certain other material policies; (3) the use, for his own benefit, of any confidential or proprietary information of ours, or willfully divulging for his benefit such information; (4) fraud or misappropriation or theft of any of our funds or property; (5) willful refusal to perform his duties; or (6) gross negligence; provided, however, that we, before terminating the executive under (2), (5), or (6) must first give written notice to him of the nature of the alleged breach or refusal and must provide him with a period of time (15-20 days) to correct the problem, unless correction is inherently impossible.

“Cause” shall mean, for purposes of the Incentive Agreement, any of the following: (1) indictment or conviction of any felony or any crime involving dishonesty, (2) participation in any fraud or act of dishonesty against the Company, (3) a violation of any Company policy that causes a material detriment to the Company, (4) a breach of the executive’s duties to the Company, including but not limited to unsatisfactory performance of job duties that is not corrected within 30 days after written notice, (5) intentional damage to any property of the Company, (6) conduct by the executive that demonstrates gross unfitness to serve, and (7) a material breach of the Incentive Agreement.
“Corporate Change” shall mean the first to occur of any of the following events: (1) any person acquires 50% or more of our common stock or voting securities, other than (a) any acquisition directly from or resulting from an acquisition of our shares by us, (b) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by us or any entity controlled by us, or (c) any acquisition by any entity pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (a) or (b); (2) the occurrence of a merger, reorganization, consolidation or disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, unless our stockholders prior to such transaction hold more than 50% of the equity and voting power of the resulting entity or entity holding such assets, no person (other than benefit plans of such entity) holds 50% or more of the equity or voting power of such entity and at least a majority of the board of directors of such entity were members of the Incumbent Board; (3) our stockholders approve our complete liquidation or dissolution; or (4), under the Incentive Agreement, within any period of 24 consecutive months and subject to certain exceptions, a change in the composition of the board of directors of the Company such that the incumbent board ceases for any reason to constitute a least a majority of the board.
“Constructive Termination Event” shall occur upon: (1) the failure by us to pay the executive’s compensation as provided in the applicable agreement; (2) relocation without his consent of his primary employment location of more than 50 miles; (3) our request that the executive perform any illegal activity or sign-off on any inappropriate financial statement or acknowledgement; (4) a material diminution in the executive’s position, duties, responsibilities, reporting status, or authority; or (5) a material negative reduction in base salary or incentive compensation targets within six months after a Corporate Change, except that before exercising his right to terminate the employment relationship pursuant to any of the previous provisions, he must first give written notice to our Board of the circumstances purportedly giving rise to his right to terminate and must provide us with a minimum of thirty days (fifteen days under the Incentive Agreement) to correct the problem, unless correction is inherently impossible.
“Disability” under the Employment Agreement and Retention Agreement shall mean the executive’s becoming incapacitated by accident, sickness or other circumstance that in the reasonable opinion of a qualified doctor approved by our Board, renders him mentally or physically incapable of performing the essential functions of the executive’s position, with or without reasonable accommodation, and that will continue, in the reasonable opinion of the doctor, for a period of no less than 180 days.
“Disability” under the Incentive Agreement means any ailment or condition that prevents the executive from actively carrying out his duties under the Incentive Agreement for a continuous period of 120 days.
“Involuntary Termination” shall mean, for purposes of the Employment Agreement and Retention Agreement, a termination by the executive due to a Constructive Termination Event by itself or in relation to a Corporate Change, or by us for any reason without Cause, at the discretion of our Board; an “Involuntary Termination” also includes the nonrenewal of the executive’s employment agreement by the Board. Under the Incentive Agreement, an Involuntary Termination has the meaning defined in the description of such agreement above.
“Voluntary Termination” shall mean a termination by the executive other than for a Constructive Termination Event.

Mr. Rickel’s Transition and Separation Agreement.Effective June 1, 2020, Mr. Rickel entered into a Transition and Separation Agreement (“Separation Agreement”) with the Company, in connection with his resignation as Chief Financial Officer and his transition into the role(3) a violation of Corporate Finance Director until his retirement fromany Company policy that causes a material detriment to the Company, (4) a breach of the executive’s duties to the Company, including but not limited to unsatisfactory performance of job duties that is not corrected within 30 days after written notice, (5) intentional damage to any property of the Company, (6) conduct by the executive that demonstrates gross unfitness to serve, and (7) a material breach of the Incentive Agreement.

“Corporate Change” shall mean the first to occur of any of the following events: (1) any person acquires 50% or more of our common stock or voting securities, other than (a) any acquisition directly from or resulting from an acquisition of our shares by the Company, (b) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any entity controlled by the Company, or (c) any acquisition by any entity pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (a) or (b); (2) the occurrence of a merger, reorganization, consolidation or disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, unless our shareholders prior to such transaction hold more than 50% of the equity and voting power of the resulting entity or entity holding such assets, no person (other than benefit plans of such entity) holds 50% or more of the equity or voting power of such entity and at least a majority of the board of directors of such entity were members of the Incumbent Board; (3) our shareholders approve our complete liquidation or dissolution; or (4) under the Incentive Agreement, within any period of 24 consecutive months and subject to certain exceptions, a change in the composition of the board of directors of the Company such that the incumbent board ceases for any reason to constitute a least a majority of the Board.

“Constructive Termination Event” shall occur upon: (1) the failure by us to pay the executive’s compensation as provided in the applicable agreement; (2) relocation without his consent of his primary employment location of more than 50 miles; (3) our request that the executive perform any illegal activity or sign-offon December 31, 2020. Pursuantany inappropriate financial statement or acknowledgement; (4) a material diminution in the executive’s position, duties, responsibilities, reporting status, or authority; or (5) a material negative reduction in base salary or incentive compensation targets within six months after a Corporate Change, except that before exercising his right to terminate the employment relationship pursuant to any of the previous provisions, he must first give written notice to our Board of the circumstances purportedly giving rise to his Separationright to terminate and must provide us with a minimum of thirty days (fifteen days under the Incentive Agreement) to correct the problem, unless correction is inherently impossible.

“Disability” under the Employment Agreement Mr. Rickel became eligible for continued vesting under his outstanding time-based restricted stock awards, subject to Mr. Rickel’s compliance with certain restrictive covenants throughand Retention Agreement shall mean the second anniversary of his retirement and Mr. Rickel’s executionexecutive’s becoming incapacitated by accident, sickness or other circumstance that in the reasonable opinion of a general releasequalified doctor approved by our Board, renders him mentally or physically incapable of performing the essential functions of the executive’s position, with or without reasonable accommodation, and that will continue, in the Company’s favor. Mr. Rickel was not entitled toreasonable opinion of the doctor, for a period of no less than 180 days.

“Disability” under the Incentive Agreement means any other severance benefitsailment or payments uponcondition that prevents the executive from actively carrying out his retirement, and forfeited all performance share awards.duties under the Incentive Agreement for a continuous period of 120 days.

 

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 
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GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE 2014 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

Proxy Statement 2022  |  59

 

The“Involuntary Termination” shall mean, for purposes of the Employment Agreement and Retention Agreement, a termination by the executive due to a Constructive Termination Event by itself or in relation to a Corporate Change, or by us for any reason without Cause, at the discretion of our Board; an “Involuntary Termination” also includes the nonrenewal of the executive’s employment agreement by the Board. Under the Incentive Agreement, an Involuntary Termination has the meaning defined in the description of such agreement above.

“Voluntary Termination” shall mean a termination by the executive other than for a Constructive Termination Event.

Group 1 Automotive 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan provides that, upon

Upon the occurrence of a Corporate Change, the CHR Committee may fully vest any restricted stock awards then outstanding and, upon such vesting, all restrictions applicable to the restricted stock will terminate. Further, the Committee may determine that the performance conditions are satisfied for the performance share awards upon a Corporate Change if the participant is also terminated without cause or for good reason in connection with the Corporate Change, or the participant’s award is not assumed or converted by the controlling entity following the Corporate Change.

The 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan provides that aA Corporate Change occurs if (1) we are dissolved and liquidated; (2) we are not the surviving entity in any merger or consolidation (or we survive only as a subsidiary of an entity); (3) we sell, lease or exchange all or substantially all of our assets to any other person or entity; (4) any person, entity or group acquires or gains ownership or control of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of our voting stock; or (5) after a contested election of directors, the persons who were directors before such election cease to constitute a majority of our Board of Directors.

Our named executive officers do not currently, and at December 31, 20202021 did not, hold any unvested stock options, and therefore there are no amounts to report with respect to acceleration of stock option awards by the CHR Committee in connection with a Corporate Change.

The award agreements for restricted stock under the Company’s 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan also establish vesting provisions applicable to termination of employment. The award agreement for all grants of restricted stock to our named executive officers, provides for accelerated vesting if the named executive officer’s employment is terminated due to death or disability. The award agreements also provide for accelerated vesting in the case of death or disability during the two-year period following a qualified retirement. A “qualified retirement” iswith respect to the 2021 awards generally means a retirement after attaining the age of 63 and following the date on which the sum of the executive’s age and years of service equals or exceeds the age of 70, and so long as the executive has completed in aggregate, five years of service, and upon satisfaction of a two year non-compete and certain non-disclosure covenants. A “qualified retirement” with respect to awards granted prior to 2021 generally means a termination of employment on a date that is on or after the employee’s attainment of age 63 and following the employee’s completion of at least ten years of service with the Company and upon satisfaction of a two year non-compete and certain non-disclosure covenants. Additionally, awards granted during the year employment is terminated will vest, provided the executive received such award at least six months prior to termination.

The performance share agreements under the 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan for our named executive officers provides that upon a named executive’s officer’s termination due to death or disability, the performance shares will pay out following the performance period based on actual performance. If a named executive officer’s employment is terminated due to a “planned retirement” (generally defined as a mutually agreed upon retirement by the officer and the Company), the performance shares will convert to time-based restricted stock awards that will continue to vest, subject to the officer’s compliance with applicable restrictive covenants, until the second anniversary of the named executive officer’s termination of employment. Such a conversion will occur based on the actual performance achieved during the performance period. All other terminations of employment (other than as described above in connection with a Corporate Change) will result in a forfeiture of the performance shares without payment. TheAs described in the CD&A above, the 2021 performance shares were also granted with thea Maximum Value limitation. For performance share awards granted prior to 2021, a supplementalsimilar maximum payout formulavalue limitation applied, but that is described further within the Compensation Discussionlimitation applied to both TSR and Analysis above. The Maximum ValueROIC-based awards, to be calculated separately. These value limits could potentially alter the number of underlying common stockshares that could become payable pursuant to the award under any of the performance levels in connection with an acceleration or payment event.

 

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Non-Competition Agreements

Along with their respective employment agreements, Mr. Hesterberg has entered into a Non-Compete Agreement and Messrs. Kenningham Rickel and McHenry have entered into an Incentive Compensation and Non-Compete Agreement with us,the Company, each of which provide that for a period of two years following the executive’s termination of employment, the executive will not compete with usthe Company or induce any of our employees to leave his or her employment with us or hire any of our employees.

If Mr. Hesterberg violates this agreement, he will also forfeit his rights to any restricted stock and stock options granted pursuant to his employment agreement, and we will have the right to refrain from making any further payments under that agreement, as well as to receive back from Mr. Hesterberg the full value of any payments which were made to him in the previous twelve months as well as the value of any restricted stock or stock options that may have vested during the past twelve months from the date of Mr. Hesterberg’s termination. If Mr. Rickel or Mr. McHenry violates his agreement, we will have the right to demand forfeiture of any cash or equity award realized during the twelve months prior to the violation. If Mr. Kenningham violates his agreement, we will have the right to refrain from making any further payments under his Incentive Agreement.

Messrs. Hesterberg and Grese are eligible for a “qualified retirement”, as previously described under “2020“2021 Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Long Term Equity Incentive Compensation,” and therefore would be subject to the two year non-compete agreement described therein. Messrs. Kenningham, McHenry Rickel and DeLongchamps were not eligible for a qualified retirement as of December 31, 2020. However, in connection with Mr. Rickel’s retirement from the Company, the Committee elected to treat him as incurring a “qualified retirement” for purposes of his outstanding restricted stock awards, allowing him to continue to vest in such awards, subject to his compliance with the two-year restrictive covenant requirement described in his award agreement.2021.

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Termination and Change in Control Tables for 2020

TERMINATION AND CHANGE IN CONTROL TABLES FOR 2021

The following tables summarizepresent for each named executive officer, the compensationestimated payments and other benefits that would have becomebeen payable to each named executive officer assumingas of the end of 2021 in the event of a termination of employment and a Corporate Change, as narratively described above.

These estimated amounts have been calculated as if the individual’s employment had been terminated, or a Corporate Change had occurred, onas of December 31, 2020, or his employment had terminated for2021, the reasons specified below on December 31, 2020, given, if applicable, the named executive officer’s base salary aslast business day of that date2021, and theusing a closing price of the Company’s common stock on December 31, 2020 (the last trading day of the year),2021 which was $131.14.

In addition,$195.22. The equity award calculations in the following tables summarize the compensation that would become payable to Mr. Hesterberg assuming that a Corporate Change of the Company coupled with an involuntary reduction of his salary or incentive compensation target had occurred on December 31, 2020. These calculationstable below do not include performance shares because the performance period has not been fulfilled. Finally, the amounts disclosed in the following table for Mr. Rickel reflect only the amounts he was eligible to receive in connection with his retirement from the Company on December 31, 2020.

 

 
Earl J. Hesterberg Involuntary
Termination
($)
 Constructive
Termination
($)
 Corporate
Change(1)
($)
 Death and
Disability
($)
  Involuntary
Termination
($)
 Constructive
Termination
($)
   Corporate
Change1
($)
   Death and
Disability
($)
 
Salary and Bonus  3,600,000   3,600,000   5,400,000   2,400,000    3,720,000   3,720,000    5,580,000    2,480,000 
Equity Compensation(2)  15,335,249   15,335,249   15,335,249   15,335,249 

Equity Compensation2

   18,977,141   18,977,141    18,977,141    18,977,141 
Use of Vehicle  10,733   10,733   10,733   21,466    17,574   17,574    17,574    35,148 
TOTAL  18,945,982   18,945,982   20,745,982   17,756,715    22,714,715   22,714,715    24,574,715    21,492,289 
                       
 
Daryl A. Kenningham                  Involuntary
Termination
($)
 Constructive
Termination
($)
   Corporate
Change1
($)
   Death and
Disability
($)
 
Salary and Bonus  1,800,000   1,800,000   1,800,000   —     1,881,000   1,881,000    1,881,000     
Equity Compensation(2)  5,420,541   5,420,541   5,420,541   5,420,541 

Equity Compensation

   7,694,206   7,694,206    7,694,206    7,694,206 
TOTAL  7,220,541   7,220,541   7,220,541   5,420,541    9,575,206   9,575,206    9,575,206    7,694,206 
                       
Daniel J. McHenry                
 

Daniel McHenry

  Involuntary
Termination
($)
 Constructive
Termination
($)
   Corporate
Change1
($)
   Death and
Disability
($)
 
Salary and Bonus  322,526(3)      —    322,526    475,1593           475,159 
Equity Compensation(2)        1,706,263   1,706,263 

Equity Compensation

          2,315,504    2,315,504 
TOTAL  322,526      1,706,263   2,028,829    475,159       2,315,504    2,790,663 
                
John C. Rickel                
Salary and Bonus            
Equity Compensation(2)        4,383,617   4,383,617 
Use of Vehicle            
TOTAL        4,383,617   4,383,617 
                
Frank Grese                
Equity Compensation(1)        3,105,395   3,105,395 
TOTAL        3,105,395   3,105,395 
                
Peter C. DeLongchamps                
Equity Compensation(1)        3,102,772   3,102,772 
TOTAL        3,102,772   3,102,772 

 

(1)
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Proxy Statement 2022  |  61

     

Frank Grese, Jr.

  Involuntary
Termination
($)
   Constructive
Termination
($)
   Corporate
Change1
($)
   Death and
Disability
($)
 

Equity Compensation2

           3,711,913    3,711,913 

TOTAL

           3,711,913    3,711,913 
        
     

Peter C. DeLongchamps

  Involuntary
Termination
($)
   Constructive
Termination
($)
   Corporate
Change1
($)
   Death and
Disability
($)
 

Equity Compensation

           3,752,324    3,752,324 

TOTAL

           3,752,324    3,752,324 
1

For Mr.Messrs. Hesterberg and Kenningham, the amounts in this column reflect the cash payments and acceleration value of equity award benefits that would become payable upon a qualifying termination following a Corporate Change. ForUpon a Corporate Change without an accompanying qualifying termination, Messrs. Hesterberg and Kenningham, along with the rest of the Named Executive Officers, it assumes the Committee determinesremaining named executive officers, would also be eligible to acceleratereceive accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards in connection with a Corporate Change. The amountChange only upon the sole discretion of any such equity compensation was calculated by multiplying $131.14 by the unvested sharesCHR Committee, which we have assumed to have occurred for purposes of restricted stock held by such Named Executive Officers on December 31, 2020.this table.

(2)2This amount was calculated by multiplying $131.14 by the unvested shares of restricted stock held by the Named Executive Officer as of December 31, 2020.

Although Messrs. Hesterberg and Grese have attained the age for a qualified retirement, and pursuant to the terms of his Separation Agreement, Mr. Rickel was treated as having a qualified retirement for purposes of his restricted stock awards, each executive would be eligible to receive unvested restricted stock only if he remained compliant with his restrictive covenants. On December 31, 2020, the date of retirement, Mr. Rickel held restricted stock awards valued at $4,383,617, calculated based on the closing price of our stock on December 31, 2020 of $131.14 per share, and the continued vesting of which remains subject to his compliance with certain restrictive covenants.

(3)3

For Mr. McHenry, this amount only relates to a termination by the Company without Cause.Cause, or in the event of Death and Disability.

 

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Director Compensation

 

2020 Director Compensation Table

2021 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table sets forth a summary of the compensation we paid to our non-employee directors in 2020.2021. Directors who are our full-time employees, currently Messrs. Hesterberg and Pereira, receive no compensation for serving as directors. The only current employees serving as directors are Earl J. Hesterberg, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Lincoln Pereira, Regional Vice President, Brazil, and Chairman of UAB. AllMr. Hesterberg’s compensation paid to Mr. Hesterberg as an employee may be found aboveis shown in the Summary Compensation Table and information regardingrelated tables above and Mr. Pereira’s compensation may be foundis discussed in the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”

 

 
Name Fees
Earned
or
Paid in
Cash
($)
 Stock
Awards(1)(2)
($)
 All Other
Compensation(3)
($)
 Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings(4)
($)
 Total
($)
  Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash1
($)
   Stock
Awards2,3
($)
   All Other
Compensation4
($)
   Change in
Pension Value
and Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings5
($)
   Total
($)
 
John L. Adams(5)  11,342        199,908       10,000       31,227   252,477 
Carin M. Barth  35,092   199,908   20,000   4   255,004    70,021    199,979    20,000    11    290,011 

Steven C. Mizell6

   37,698    167,598    16,722        222,018 
Stephen D. Quinn  77,592   199,908   20,000   9,865   307,365    158,771    199,979    20,000        378,750 
Steven P. Stanbrook  22,592   199,908   20,000      242,500    45,021    199,979    20,000        265,000 
Charles L. Szews  30,092   199,908   20,000      250,000    60,021    199,979    20,000        280,000 

Max P. Watson, Jr.7

   22,521    199,979    10,000        232,500 
Anne Taylor  26,342   199,908   20,000   203   246,453    60,021    199,979    20,000    1,794    281,794 
Max P. Watson, Jr.  26,342   199,908   20,000      246,250 
MaryAnn Wright  22,592   199,908   20,000   8   242,508    51,271    199,979    20,000    20    271,270 
1

The amounts in this column include the cash value of a fractional share awarded as part of the equity-based compensation retainer as described in more detail in the narrative.

 

(1)2

The amounts included in the “Stock Awards” column represent the grant date fair value of awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions made in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 45 to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20202021, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(2)3

Our directors are offered the option of taking their annual retainer in restricted stock or restricted stock units. In 20202021 each non-employee director received 1,9941,576 shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units in payment of the equity portion of the 20202021 annual retainer. Mr. Mizell joined the Board March 1, 2021, and received a prorated retainer of 1,069 shares for 2021.

(3)4Reflects

The amounts in this column reflect the annual vehicle stipend.

(4)5

Amounts reported reflect above-market earnings on the Deferred Compensation Plan. Amounts are reflective of earnings in excess of 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate, with compounding, of 2.49%1.56%. We do not sponsor a pension plan.

(5)6

Mr. AdamsMizell was appointed to the Board on March 1, 2021.

7

Mr. Watson retired from the Board effective May 13, 2020.12, 2021.

 

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 
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Proxy Statement 2022  |  63

Retainers and Fees

RETAINERS AND FEES

The table below sets forth the compensation components we paid to our non-employee directors which governed the 20202021 compensation program. As previously described, in April 2020, the cash component of the non-employee directors’ compensation was suspended in response to the economic and operational concerns over the anticipated negative implications of the COVID-19 outbreak. The cash component of our non-employee directors’ compensation was restored on October 1, 2020. There was no recoupment of the temporary compensation reductions:program:

 

Retainer and Meeting Fees(1)1

  20202021
($)

Annual Retainer

     

Annual Cash Retainer

   45,000 

Equity Retainer(2)2

   200,000 

Additional Annual Retainers

     

Non-Executive Chairman Chair of the Board3

   100,000 

Audit Committee Chair

   25,000 

Compensation and& Human Resources Committee Chair

   15,000 

Finance/Risk Management Committee Chair

   15,000 

Governance & Corporate Responsibility Committee Chair4

   10,000 
Board and Committee Meeting Fees(3)

Annual Vehicle Stipend

   20,000 

(1)1

All cash retainer amounts are paid quarterly.

(2)2

The equity portion of the retainer is paid annually in restricted stock or restricted stock units valued at approximately $200,000 at the time of the grant pursuant to the 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan.

(3)Effective March 2020, all meeting fees have been eliminated.

 

3

The annual retainer for the Non-Executive Chair of the Board was increased to $135,000, effective November 16, 2021.

4

The annual retainer for the GCR Committee Chair was increased to $15,000, effective November 16, 2021.

Equity-Based Compensation

EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

The equity portion of our non-employee directors’ retainers is paid annually in restricted stock or restricted stock units valued at approximately $200,000 at the time of the grant pursuant to the 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan. In 2020,2021, directors could elect whether to receive the equity retainer in restricted stock or restricted stock units. In 2020,2021, all of our then current Directorsdirectors elected to receive their annual retainer in restricted stock, except for Ms. Barth, Mr. Mizell, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Wright, who each elected to receive restricted stock units. The grant was effective January 2, 20204, 2021 and was determined based on the average of the high and low market price of our common stock on that date. Accordingly, each non-employee director received 1,9941,576 shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units in payment of the equity portion of the 20202021 annual retainer.

Mr. Mizell was elected to the Board on March 1, 2021. Upon his election, he received a pro rata annual retainer of 1,069 shares of restricted stock units.

Restricted stock or restricted stock units granted to our directors vest immediately upon issuance. All vested restricted stock unitsawards held by a director will settle upon the retirement, death or disability of the director. Under grants of restricted stock units made prior to 2019, the vested restricted stock units held by a director are settled in cash or shares of our common stock upon the termination of the director’s membership on our Board of Directors. Beginning with grants of restricted stock units made following January 1, 2019, all restricted stock units are settled in cash.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES

Our Board has adopted Stock Ownership Guidelines that apply to our non-employee directors. The guidelines currently requireIn November 2021, following discussion with PM&P, upon the recommendation of the GCR Committee, the Board approved updates to the Stock Ownership Guidelines. Under the updated Stock Ownership Guidelines, our non-employee directors are required to own and hold 10,000maintain stock ownership value of $450,000 (“Director Ownership Requirement”) within five years. Once the Director Ownership Requirement is achieved, directors may sell or otherwise dispose of any shares in excess of the $450,000 value. In the event a director’s stock ownership value falls below the Director Ownership Requirement because of a decline in stock price, the director is prohibited from selling or otherwise disposing of shares of ourthe Company’s common stock. The holding requirement was determined based on competitive stock until the Director Ownership Requirement is reestablished through open

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market practice. Stock ownership levels should be achieved by eachpurchases or annual director within five yearsequity grants. Restricted stock granted to directors as part of first appointmentthe annual retainer counts toward the Director Ownership Requirement without regard to the Board.vesting or other liquidity provisions related thereto. Stock that applies toward satisfaction of these guidelines includes: (1) shares of common stock owned outright by the director and his or her immediate family members who share the same household, whether held individually or jointly and (2) awarded restricted stock and restricted stock unit shares. Each of our directors has met, or will meet within the applicable timeframe, our current stock ownership requirements for non-employee directors.Director Ownership Requirements.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 70

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

In November 2020, the CHR Committee approved an amendment and restatement to the Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2021. Under the amended and restated plan, non-employee directors can no longer defer director compensation under the plan. However, previously deferred amounts remain deferred under the plan until the originally scheduled payment date. Please see the section entitled “Executive Compensation — Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

Messrs. Adams and Quinn and Ms. Taylor have elected to participate inCompensation” for a more fulsome description of the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan described in greater detail above. and the material changes approved under the amended and restated plan.

Prior to amending the Deferred Compensation Plan effective January 1, 2021, the plan provided those directors who elected to participate an opportunity to accumulate additional savings for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. The non-employee directors could defer any portion of the cash compensation (annual retainer or meeting fees) that he or she received with respect to the services provided to our Board, including any committee services, and the director would be 100% vested in his account at all times. We have complete discretion over how the deferred funds are utilized and they represent our unsecured obligation to the participants.

COMPENSATION CHANGES FOR FISCAL 2022

Deferred amounts were deemed to be notionally investedAs described above, in such fund as the participants designated. Most of the funds were also available in the Group 1 401(k) Savings Plan except for the Group 1 Guaranteed Crediting Rate investment option which is the default investment option and only available in the Deferred Compensation Plan. The Group 1 Guaranteed Crediting Rate investment option is a declared interest rate, which is set by the CHR Committee annually. The deferred interest rate for 2020 was set at 8.0%. Effective April 1, 2020, the CHR Committee reduced the declared interest rate from 8.0% to 3.0% due to the economic and operational concerns over the anticipated negative implications of the COVID-19 outbreak. The declared interest rate was increased to 4.0% on October 1, 2020, and effective as of November 1, 2020, the declared interest rate was reinstated to 8.0% on a prospective basis.

Ms. Barth, and Ms. Wright, while not elected plan participants, have the cash portion2021, following review of a marginal share from the annual equity retainer deferred into the Deferred Compensation Plan.

In November 2020, the CHR Committee approved an amendment and restatement to the Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2021. Under the amended and restated plan, non-employee directors can no longer defer director compensation under the plan. However, previously deferred amounts remain deferred under the plan until the originally scheduled payment date. Please see the section entitled “Executive Compensation — Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” for a more fulsome description of the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan and the material changes approved under the amended and restated plan.

Compensation Changes for Fiscal 2020

In November 2019, the Governance & Corporate Responsibility Committee reviewed Board compensation trends for Scompetitive market analysis prepared by PM&P, 500 directors. The GCR Committee noted that the Board’s current total compensation for non-employee directors was lower than the average total compensation paid to S&P 500 directors. The GCR Committee also noted that the Board’s compensation had not changed since 2017. After extensive discussion, the GCR Committee recommended an increase in the annual retainers paid to the Non-Executive Chair of the Board and the Board approved, slight modifications toGCR Committee Chair. Accordingly, the Board’s annual compensation to bring it in line with current compensation levels for S&P 500 directors. The Board approved an increase in the equityannual retainer for the Non-Executive Chair of the Board from $190,000$100,000 to $200,000, an increase in$135,000 and for the vehicle stipendGCR Committee Chair from $17,600$10,000 to $20,000, and eliminated payment of meeting fees. However, due$15,000. The increases to the economic and operational concerns over the anticipated negative implications of the COVID-19 outbreak, on March 24, 2020, the Board determined that it was appropriateannual retainers were approved in order to eliminate the chairman, committee chair, and cash retainer fees for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, effective April 1, 2020, the cash component of the director compensation was temporarily eliminated. The cash component of the Board’s compensation was reinstated effective October 1, 2020. There was no recoupment by directors of the temporary compensation reductions. The Board’s compensation for 2020 is set forth below:maintain market competitiveness.

 

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 
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Retainer and Meeting Fees(1) 2020 Board
Fees
Effective
01/01/2020
($)
 Adjusted
Board Fees in
Response to
COVID-19
($)(3)
Annual Retainer        
Annual Cash Retainer  45,000    
Equity Retainer(2)  200,000   200,000 
Additional Annual Retainers        
Non-Executive Chairman of the Board  100,000    
Audit Committee Chair  25,000    
Compensation and Human Resources Committee Chair  15,000    
Finance/Risk Management Committee Chair  15,000    
Governance & Corporate Responsibility Committee Chair  10,000    
Annual Vehicle Stipend  20,000   20,000 

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(1)All cash retainer amounts, if any, are paid quarterly.
(2)The equity portion of the retainer is paid annually in restricted stock or restricted stock units valued at approximately $200,000 at the time of the grant pursuant to the 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan.
(3)Effective April 1,2020, the cash component of the Board’s compensation was eliminated. The cash component of the Board’s compensation was restored effective October 1, 2020.

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2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 72

CEO Pay Ratio Disclosure

 

SEC regulations require that we provide a comparison of the annual total compensation of Earl J. Hesterberg, our Chief Executive Officer in 2020,2021, to the annual total compensation of an individual identified as our median compensated employee. For purposes2021, our last completed fiscal year:

Mr. Hesterberg’s annual total compensation was $8,577,257

Our median employee’s total compensation was $54,880

The ratio of providing the comparison in accordance with SEC regulations, we identified a “median employee” and compared Mr. Hesterberg’s annual total compensation to thatour median employee’s annual total compensation was 156 to 1.

SEC rules allow us to use the employee identified in 2020 for three years. However, this individual was on leave for a substantial part of 2021. Therefore, for 2021 we selected an employee with substantially similar compensation to the 2020 identified median employee. For

We identified our 2020 median compensated employee based on our last completedpopulation as of December 31, 2020. We used a consistently applied compensation measure which included total gross wages using our payroll records for fiscal year:2020. We converted the amount of compensation paid to non-U.S. employees to U.S. dollars using average foreign currency exchange rates for 2020. We annualized compensation for employees hired during 2020.

Mr. Hesterberg’s annual total compensation was $7,298,579
Our median employee’s total compensation was $49,350
The ratio of Mr. Hesterberg’s annual total compensation to our median employee’s annual total compensation was 148 to 1.

The methodology that weAnnual 2021 total compensation for the identified median employee and our CEO was calculated according to the SEC rules used to identify the median employee is described below. Annual total compensation is calculated in the same manner as the amount set forth incalculate the “Total” column in the 2020 Summary Compensation Table.

We believe the pay ratio information set forth above constitutes a reasonable estimate, calculated in a manner consistent with applicable SEC regulations.

Because other companies may use different methodologies to identify their median employees, the pay ratio set forth above may not be comparable to the pay ratios used by other companies.

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Methodology


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Employee PopulationFor purposes of identifying the median employee, we selected December 31, 2020 to be the date as of which we would determine our employee population. As of such date our employee population consisted of approximately 12,107 individuals located in Brazil, the U.K., and the U.S.

Pay Data UsedTo identify the median employee, we derived compensation information from our payroll records for fiscal 2020. We used a consistently applied compensation measure which included total gross wages. We converted the amount of compensation paid to non-U.S. employees to U.S. dollars using average foreign currency exchange rates for 2020. We annualized compensation for employees hired during 2020.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 73

Certain Relationships and Related

Transactions

 

Transactions

TRANSACTIONS

During fiscal year 20202021 we were not, and we are not currently, a party to a transaction or series of transactions in which the amount involved did or may exceed $120,000, in which any of our directors, executive officers, any holder of more than 5% of our common stock or any member of the immediate family of any of these persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, except as described below and the compensation arrangements (including with respect to equity compensation) described in “2020“2021 Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation.”

Information below pertains to certain related party transactions related to the operations of our subsidiary UAB, which we acquired in February 2013. All of the operations of UAB are in Brazil. The conversion of amounts expressed in Brazilian Reais to U.S. Dollars was calculated by using the average currency exchange rate for 2020,2021, as provided by Oanda. R$5.14955.3950 = USD$1.00.

LINCOLN PEREIRA ANDLincoln Pereira and UAB

During 20202021 we paid Lincoln Pereira, a Director of our Company, R$961,173.901,107,778.00 (USD$186,653.83)205,334.20) cash compensation for his services as our Regional Vice President, Brazil and as Chairman of our Brazilian subsidiary, UAB, and R$166,619.28158,997.90 (USD$32,356.40)29,471.34) for health insurance.

Mr. Pereira’s brother, Ricardo Ribeiro da Cunha Pereira, serves as Commercial Vice President, Paraná.Honda’s General Manager. During 20202021 the Company paid Mr. Ricardo Pereira R$583,945.17706,650.55 (USD$113,398.42)130,982.49) in total compensation, consisting of R$534,464.70 (USD $103,789.63)648,497.61 (USD$120,203.45) of cash compensation and R$49,480.4758,152.94 (USD$9,608.79)10,779.04) for health insurance.

Mr. Pereira’s brother, Andre Ribeiro, servesserved as Commercial Operations Director.Director until his death in May 2021. During 2020,2021, the Company paid Mr. Ribeiro R$1,025,331.90653,320.69 (USD$199,112.90)121,097.44) in total cash compensation, and R$179,036.92228,290.92 (USD$34,767.83)42,315.28) for health insurance.

UAB leases office and retail space at market rates from Santorini Negócios Imobiliários Ltda. (“Santorini”), a real estate company which was co-founded by Mr. Pereira. The lease provides for monthly payments of R$156,172180,000 (USD$30,327.60)33,364.23) and is adjusted annually pursuant to the IGP-M/FGV index. The lease expires in February 2029 but can be terminated with one-month prior notice, subject to a three month early-termination penalty payment. Current owners of Santorini include Mr. Pereira’s wife, Anna Luiza Flecha de Lima da Cunha Pereira, who also manages the property, Irene Maria Flecha de Lima, Mr. Pereira’s mother-in-law, and Andrea Maria Flecha da Lima, Mr. Pereira’s sister-in-law. Total payments to Santorini in 20202021 are R$1,608,8422,387,193.40 (USD$312,426.84)442,482.55). Mr. Pereira holds no ownership interest in Santorini.

UAB also leases office space at market rates from Irene Maria Flecha de Lima, Mr. Pereira’s mother-in-law, and managed by Anna Luiza Flecha de Lima da Cunha Pereira (Mr. Pereira’s wife) and Andrea Maria Flecha da Lima (Mr. Pereira’s sister-in-law). The lease provides for monthly payments of R$16,124.0017,302.66 (USD$3,131.18)3,207.16) and is adjusted annually pursuant to the IGP-M/FGV index. The lease expired in October 2015 but can be terminated at any time with one-month prior notice. Total payments in 20202021 are R$158,010211,512.68 (USD$30,684.53)39,205.32).

Mr. Pereira’s cousin, Joao Candido Cunha Pereira, represents UAB in legal court cases solely relating to the State of Paraná. These legal services are governed by a contractual relationship signed in January 2012 for an undetermined term and can be terminated at any time with 90 days’ notice. All legal rates are at or below the current market rate for such legal services. NoTotal payments were made to Joao Candido Cunha Pereira in 2020.2021 are R$6,150 (USD$1,139.94). UAB previously was also represented in legal matters by Cunha Pereira Law Firm, which was controlled by Mr. Pereira and his father. Mr. Pereira closed the Cunha Pereira Law Firm in 2016.

 

UAB previously purchased newspaper and radio advertising space from RPC Comunicações (“RPC”), a communications group in the state of Parana owned by Therezinha Cunha Pereira, Guilherme Cunha Pereira and Ana Amelia Cunha Pereira, Mr. Pereira’s aunt and two cousins, respectively. The prices were negotiated based on a price list published by RPC. UAB’s marketing department purchased the advertising space directly from RPC without any involvement from Mr. Pereira, at or below current market rates for such services, on an “as-needed” basis. There were no payments to RPC in 2020.

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Policies and Procedures

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

We review all relationships and transactions in which we and our directors and named executive officers or their immediate family members are participants to determine whether such persons have a direct or indirect material interest. Our General Counsel’s office is primarily responsible for the development and implementation of written procedures and controls to obtain information from the directors and named executive officers with respect to related person transactions and for subsequently determining, based on the facts and circumstances disclosed to them, whether we or a related person has a direct or indirect material interest in the transaction. As required under the SEC’s rules, transactionsTransactions that are determined to be directly or indirectly material to us or a related person are disclosed as required in documents, including our proxy statement, filed with the SEC when required, and disclosed in our proxy statement.

SEC.

Our Code of Conduct discourages all conflicts of interest, requires disclosure and provides guidance on handling conflicts of interest. Under the Code of Conduct, conflicts of interest occur when private or family interests interfere in any way, or even appear to interfere, with the interests of our Company. Our restrictions on conflicts of interest under the Code of Conduct include related person transactions.

We have multiple processes for reporting conflicts of interests, and related person transactions. Under the Code of Conduct, all employees are required to report any actual or apparent conflict of interest, or potential conflict of interest, to their supervisors and all related person transactions involving our regional or market executives must be communicated in writing as part of their quarterly representation letter. This information is then reviewed by our Internal Audit Department, General Counsel, Audit Committee, our Board or our independent registered public accounting firm, as deemed necessary, and discussed with management. As part of this review, the following factors are generally considered:

 

the nature of the related person’s interest in the transaction;
the material terms of the transaction, including, without limitation, the amount and type of transaction;
the importance of the transaction to the related person;
the importance of the transaction to a third party;
the importance of the transaction to us;
whether the transaction would impair the judgment of a director, named executive officer or employee to act in the best interest of our Company;
whether the transaction might affect the status of a director as independent under the independence standards of the New York Stock Exchange; and
any other matters deemed appropriate with respect to the particular transaction.

the nature of the related person’s interest in the transaction;

 

the material terms of the transaction, including, without limitation, the amount and type of transaction;

the importance of the transaction to the related person;

the importance of the transaction to a third party;

the importance of the transaction to us;

whether the transaction would impair the judgment of a director, named executive officer or employee to act in the best interest of our Company;

whether the transaction might affect the status of a director as independent under the independence standards of the NYSE; and

any other matters deemed appropriate with respect to the particular transaction.

Ultimately, all such transactions must be approved or ratified by our Board. Any member of our Board who is a related person with respect to a transaction is recused from the review of the transaction.

In addition, our legal staff annually distributes a questionnaire to our named executive officers and members of our Board requesting certain information regarding, among other things, their immediate family members, employment and beneficial ownership interests. This information is then reviewed for any conflicts of interest under the Code of Conduct. At the completion of the annual audit, our Audit Committee and the independent registered public accounting firm review with management, insider and related person transactions and potential conflicts of interest. In addition, our internal audit function has processes in place, under its written procedure policies, to identify related person transactions and potential conflicts of interest and report them to senior management and the Audit Committee.

We also have other policies and procedures to prevent conflicts of interest. For example, our Corporate Governance Guidelines require that our Board assess the independence of the non-management directors at least annually, including a requirement that it determine whether or not any such directors have a material relationship with us, either directly or indirectly, as defined therein and as further described under “Information about our Board and its Committees — Independence of the Members of our Board.Board Independence.

 

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Security Ownership Information

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table shows the amount of our common stock beneficially owned (unless otherwise indicated) by our directors and nominees, our named executive officers, our current directors and named executive officers as a group, and any stockholdersshareholders with over 5% of our common stock. Under SEC rules, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares “voting power,” which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, or “investment power,” which includes the power to dispose of, or to direct the disposition of, such security. A person is also deemed to be the beneficial owner of any security of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Under such rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities, and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which he or she may disclaim any beneficial interest. Except as otherwise indicated, directors and named executive officers possessed sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock in the table. In addition, except as otherwise indicated, all information is as of March 16, 2021.21, 2022.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) Aggregate Number
Of Shares Owned(2)
 Percent of Class
Outstanding(3)
Earl J. Hesterberg  268,323(4)              1.5%
Daryl A. Kenningham  48,062   * 
Daniel J. McHenry  17,975   * 
John C. Rickel  42,267(5)   * 
Frank Grese, Jr.  25,878   * 
Peter C. DeLongchamps  33,313   * 
Carin M. Barth  2,131   * 
Steven C. Mizell     * 
Lincoln Pereira  183,122(6)   1.0%
Stephen D. Quinn  49,646   * 
Steven P. Stanbrook  5,988   * 
Charles L. Szews  12,448   * 
Anne Taylor  807   * 
Max P. Watson, Jr.  53,316   * 
MaryAnn Wright  8,303   * 
All Directors and Named Executive Officers as a group (15 persons)  736,214(7)   4.1%
BlackRock, Inc.
55 East 52nd Street
New York NY 10055
  2,729,286(8)   15.0%
The Vanguard Group
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, PA 19355
  1,835,612(9)   10.1%
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP
6300 Bee Cave Road
Building One
Austin, TX 78746
  1,458,354(10)   8.0%
Eminence Capital LP
399 Park Avenue
25th Floor
New York, NY 10022
  1,071,988(11)   5.9%

   

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner1

  Aggregate
Number of
Shares
Owned2
  Percent of
Class Outstanding3
 

Earl J. Hesterberg

   257,6154   2.0

Daryl A. Kenningham

   53,5855   * 

Daniel McHenry

   20,118   * 

Frank Grese, Jr.

   22,624   * 

Peter C. DeLongchamps

   35,450   * 

Carin M. Barth

   2,131   * 

Steven C. Mizell

      * 

Lincoln Pereira

   153,1226   * 

Stephen D. Quinn

   50,676   * 

Steven P. Stanbrook

   7,018   * 

Charles L. Szews

   13,478   * 

Anne Taylor

   807   * 

MaryAnn Wright

      * 

All Directors and Named Executive Officers as a group (13 persons)

   627,5677   3.8

BlackRock, Inc.

55 East 52nd Street

New York, NY 10055

   2,983,6958   17.9

The Vanguard Group

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, PA 19355

   1,910,6409   11.5

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP

6300 Bee Cave Road

Building One

Austin, TX 78746

   1,331,04110   8.0
*

Represents less than 1% of the outstanding common stock.

(1)1

Except as otherwise indicated, the mailing address of each person or entity named in the table is Group 1 Automotive, Inc., 800 Gessner, Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77024.

 

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(2)

Includes restricted shares as to which the individual has voting, but not dispositive, power, as follows: Mr. Hesterberg (97,209(75,744 shares), Mr. Kenningham (39,413(33,429 shares), Mr. McHenry (12,461 shares), Mr.  Rickel (33,427(10,687 shares), Mr. Grese (19,014(13,910 shares), Mr. DeLongchamps (19,221(14,146 shares), and Mr. Pereira (148,682 shares held in escrow, of which 113,869 shares are designated for the UAB shareholders and 34,813 shares are designated for Mr. Pereira). Does not include restricted stock units as to which the directors do not have voting or dispositive power, as follows: Ms. Barth (7,133(10,803 shares), Mr. Mizell (1,069(2,099 shares), Ms. Taylor (7,133(8,163 shares) and Ms. Wright (7,133(16,466 shares). Does not include unvested performance shares, as follows: Mr. Hesterberg (28,479 shares), Mr. Kenningham (14,996 shares), Mr. McHenry (2,992 shares), Mr. Grese (4,970 shares), Mr. DeLongchamps (5,140 shares), or 2020 performance shares that have met the performance criteria requirement, but not the time-based vesting requirement, as follows: Mr. Hesterberg (13,071 shares), Mr. Kenningham (6,354 shares), Mr. Grese (2,541 shares) and Mr. DeLongchamps (2,541 shares).

(3)3

Based on total shares outstanding of 18,152,92616,672,323 at March 16, 2021.21, 2022.

(4)4

Includes 7,28245,680 shares held by the Hesterberg Management Trust, for which Mr. Hesterberg and his spouse are co-trustees, 65,517 shares of common stock held in gift trusts for the benefit of Mr. Hesterberg’s children, for which he serves as Trustee, 4,953 shares held by Mr. Hesterberg’s spouse, and 65,517 shares held by the 2019 Family Trust for which Mr. Hesterberg’s spouse serves as Trustee.

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5

Includes 18,156 shares held by the Kenningham 2018 Management Trust, for which Mr. Rickel inKenningham and his D&O Questionnaire dated January 20, 2021.spouse are co-trustees.

(6)6

Mr. Pereira has shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 148,309118,309 shares; all such shares are owned by Abbe Investments, Ltd., a British Virgin Islands company, owned 98% by Mr. Pereira and 2% by his spouse. In addition, Mr. Pereira has sole voting, but no dispositive, power with respect to 148,682shares held in escrow for the benefit of Mr. Pereira and João Alberto Gross Figueiró, the estate of André Ribeiro da Cunha Pereira, Maurício Vaz Rodrigues and Roger Penske, Jr., pursuant to a Stockholders’ Agreement dated February 28, 2013. Mr. Pereira has been designated the Stockholder Representative for those shares and directs voting of the shares. Of the 148,682, shares held in escrow, 34,813, shares have been designated for Mr. Pereira.

(7)7

Includes 220,745147,916 restricted shares as to which the named executive officers and directors currently have voting, but not dispositive, power, and 33,09437,531 restricted stock units as to which the named executive officers and directors do not have voting or dispositive power, although the restricted stock units do count towards the Company’s stock ownership requirements. Does not include 41,76063,874 performance shares as to which the named executive officers do not have voting rights or dispositive power or 22,468 restricted stock units as to which the directors do not have voting or dispositive power.

(8)8

As reported on Amendment No. 1214 to Schedule 13G as of December 31, 20202021 and filed with the SEC on January 26, 2021.27, 2022. BlackRock, Inc., as a parent holding company or control person, has sole voting power over 2,694,2092,927,107 shares, sole dispositive power over 2,729,2862,986,695 shares, and aggregate beneficial ownership of 2,729,2862,983,695 shares. The subsidiaries of BlackRock, Inc. that acquired the shares reported by BlackRock, Inc. are as follows: BlackRock Fund Advisors (which owns 5% or greater of the outstanding shares being reported in the Amendment No. 1214 to Schedule 13G), Aperio Group, LLC, BlackRock Life Limited, BlackRock Advisors, LLC, BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited, BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited, BlackRock (Netherlands) B.V., BlackRock Asset Management Ireland Limited, BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, National Association, BlackRock Japan Co., Ltd., BlackRock Fund Managers Ltd., BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., BlackRock Asset Management Schweiz AG and BlackRock Investment Management, LLC. The interest of one such person, iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, in the common stock of the Company, is more than 5% of the total outstanding common stock.

(9)9

As reported on Amendment No. 1314 to Schedule 13G as of February 26,December 31, 2021 and filed with the SEC on MarchFebruary 10, 2021.2022. The Vanguard Group, Inc. has shared voting power over 18,19616,051 shares, sole dispositive power over 1,803,5091,879,907 shares, shared dispositive power over 32,10330,733 shares and aggregate beneficial ownership of 1,835,6121,910,640 shares. The subsidiaries of The Vanguard Group that acquired the shares reported by The Vanguard Group are as follows: Vanguard Asset Management, Limited, Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company, Vanguard Global Advisors, LLC, Vanguard Group (Ireland) Limited, Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd, Vanguard Investments Canada Inc., Vanguard Investments Hong Kong Limited and Vanguard Investments UK, Limited.

(10)10

As reported on Amendment No. 1516 to Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 20202021 and filed with the SEC on February 12, 20218, 2022, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, or certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, “Dimensional”) serve as investment manager to certain other commingled group trusts and separate accounts (such investment companies, trusts and accounts, collectively referred to as the “Funds”). In its role as investment advisor, sub-adviser and/or manager, Dimensional possesses voting and/or investment power over shares of our common stock that are owned by the Funds, and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such shares held by the Funds. Dimensional has sole voting power as to 1,433,8911,312,153 shares and sole dispositive power as to 1,458,3541,331,041 shares. Dimensional disclaims beneficial ownership of all such securities. The Funds have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of the securities held in their respective accounts.

(11)As reported on Schedule 13G dated as of December 31, 2020 and filed with the SEC on February 16, 2021 by Eminence Capital, LP (“Eminence Capital”) and Ricky C. Sandler (“Mr. Sandler”). Eminence Capital beneficially owns 1,071,753 shares of common stock. Eminence Capital has shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 1,071,753 shares of common stock. Mr. Sandler is the beneficial owner of 1,071,988 shares of common stock, having sole voting power and sole dispositive power with respect to 235 shares of common stock and shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 1,071,753 shares of common stock. Eminence Capital serves as the management company or investment adviser to, and may be deemed to have shared voting and dispositive power over the shares of common stock held by, various investment funds and separately managed accounts under its management and control. The general partner of Eminence Capital is Eminence Capital GP, LLC, the sole managing member of which is Mr. Sandler.

 

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Questions and Answers about the

Annual Meeting

 

What is the purpose of the meeting?

At our Annual Meeting, stockholders will act upon the matters outlined in the notice of meeting, including the election of nine director nominees, the advisory vote to approve executive compensation, the ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021, and the consideration of any other matters properly presented at the meeting. In addition, senior management will be available to respond to questions regarding our business and financial performance during fiscal year 2020.

Who is entitled to vote at the meeting?

WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE MEETING?

Only our stockholdersshareholders as of 5:00 p.m., Central Daylight Saving Time, on March 16, 202121, 2022 (the record date) are entitled to receive notice of the Annual Meeting and to vote at the meeting. On March 16, 2021,21, 2022, there were 18,152,92616,672,323 shares of Group 1 common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting.

A list of stockholdersshareholders will be available and may be inspected during normal business hours for a period of at least 10 days prior to the Annual Meeting at our offices at 800 Gessner, Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77024. The list of stockholdersshareholders will also be available for your review during the Annual Meeting by accessing the meeting website during the Annual Meeting. In the event there are not sufficient votes for a quorum or to approve the foregoing proposals at the time of the Annual Meeting, the Annual Meeting may be adjourned in order to permit further solicitation of proxies.

How many votes may I cast?

You are entitled to one vote for each share of Group 1 common stock you owned at 5:00 p.m., Central Daylight Saving Time, on March 16, 2021, on all matters presented at the meeting.

What is the difference between a stockholder of record and a beneficial owner or street name holder?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHAREHOLDER OF RECORD AND A BENEFICIAL OWNER OR STREET NAME HOLDER?

If your shares are registered directly in your name with our registrar and transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, you are considered a stockholdershareholder of record with respect to those shares.

If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of those shares, and your shares are held in street name.

If you hold common stock in BOTH street name and as a stockholdershareholder of record, YOU MUST VOTE SEPARATELY for each position of common stock.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 78

How doHOW DO I vote my shares?

VOTE MY SHARES?

If you are a stockholdershareholder of record on the record date, you may vote in person online during the Annual Meeting or by proxy using any of the following methods:

 

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Telephone — within the United States (“U.S.”) or Canada, call the toll-free telephone number shown on the proxy card and follow the instructions at any time prior to 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Saving Time, on May 11, 2021;12, 2022; or
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Mail — if you receive a paper copy of the proxy materials, complete, sign and date the proxy card and return the proxy card in the prepaid envelope. Your proxy card must be received by the Company before the voting polls close during the Annual Meeting.

If you vote by internet or telephone, do not return your proxy card. The telephone and internet voting procedures are designed to authenticate stockholders’shareholders’ identities, to allow stockholdersshareholders to give their voting instructions and to confirm that stockholders’shareholders’ instructions have been recorded properly.

Submitting your proxy by internet or telephone will not affect your right to vote in person online should you decide to attend the Annual Meeting.

If you want to vote in person online during the meeting, you must have a control number and access our Annual Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GPI2021GPI2022.

If you hold your shares in street name, you will receive instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee describing how to vote your shares. Beneficial owners voting by telephone or internet are subject to the same deadlines as described above for holders of record. If you want to vote in person, you must obtain a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee and use the information provided on the legal proxy to access the Annual Meeting.

 

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CAN I change my vote or revoke my proxy?

CHANGE MY VOTE OR REVOKE MY PROXY?

If you are a stockholdershareholder of record on the record date, you can revoke your proxy prior to the completion of voting during the Annual Meeting by:

 

delivering an executed, later-dated proxy that is received by the Corporate Secretary of the Company before the voting polls close during the Annual Meeting;
resubmitting your proxy by internet or telephone at any time prior to 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Saving Time, on May 11, 2021;
delivering a written notice of revocation of the proxy to Beth Sibley, Corporate Secretary, Group 1 Automotive, Inc., 800 Gessner, Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77024 no later than May 11, 2021; or
voting in person online during the Annual Meeting.

delivering an executed, later-dated proxy that is received by the Corporate Secretary of the Company before the voting polls close during the Annual Meeting;

 

resubmitting your proxy by internet or telephone at any time prior to 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Saving Time, on May 17, 2022;

delivering a written notice of revocation of the proxy to Beth Sibley, Corporate Secretary, Group 1 Automotive, Inc., 800 Gessner, Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77024 no later than May 17, 2022; or

voting in person online during the Annual Meeting.

Only your latest dated proxy that we receive prior to the Annual Meeting will be counted. Further, your attendance during the Annual Meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy.

If you are a street name stockholdershareholder you must follow the instructions of your broker, bank or other nominee to revoke your voting instructions. You may also vote in person online during the Annual Meeting if you obtain a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee.

What is the effect of broker non-votes and abstentions and what vote is required to approve each proposal?

WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF BROKER NON-VOTES AND ABSTENTIONS AND WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE EACH PROPOSAL?

If you hold your shares in street name, you will receive instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee describing how to vote your shares. If you do not instruct your broker, bank or other nominee how to vote your shares, they may vote your shares as they decide as to each routine matter under the rules of the NYSE. Only Proposal No. 3 is considered a “routine” matter.

If you do not provide specific voting instructions to your broker on non-routine matters, your broker may not cast a vote on the proposal, resulting in a broker non-vote. Although any broker non-vote would be counted as present at the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum, it would be treated as not entitled to vote with respect to “non-routine”“non-routine” matters. If you are a beneficial owner holding shares through a broker, bank or other nominee and you do not provide voting instructions on certain matters, your broker may cast a vote on your behalf for Proposal No. 3, but may not cast a vote on Proposals No. 1 or 2. Abstentions occur when stockholdersshareholders are present during the Annual Meeting but fail to vote or voluntarily withhold their vote for any of the matters upon which the stockholdersshareholders are voting.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 79

The table below describes the vote required for approval of each matter to be brought before the meeting, as well as the treatment of abstentions and broker non-votes as to each matter.

 

Proposal
 Vote Required

Proposal

  Treatment of
AbstentionsVote Required
  Treatment of
Abstentions
Treatment
of Broker
Non-Votes

1

  Each nominee must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast by stockholdersshareholders entitled to vote in the election of directors. Nominees who receive more “for” votes than “against” votes are elected, subject to our director resignation policy described below  No Effect  Not taken into account

2

  The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person online or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter  Count as a vote “against”  Not taken into account

3

  The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person online or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the matter  Count as a vote “against”  Brokers have discretion

We have adopted a majority vote director resignation policy, which is described in greater detail under “Director Resignation Policy.”

Our Board has appointed Earl J. Hesterberg, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Daniel J. McHenry, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as the management proxy holders for the Annual Meeting. If you are a stockholdershareholder of record, your shares will be voted by the management proxy holders in accordance with the

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instructions on the proxy card you submit by mail, or the instructions provided for any proxy submitted by telephone or internet, as applicable. For stockholdersshareholders who have their shares voted by duly submitting a proxy by mail, telephone or internet, unless the stockholdershareholder appropriately specifies otherwise, the management proxy holders will vote all shares represented by such valid proxies as our Board recommends.

How does the Board recommend I vote?

Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote your shares “FOR” each of the director nominees; “FOR” the approval, on a non-binding advisory basis, of our executive compensation; and “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021.

What is a quorum?

WHAT IS A QUORUM?

There must be a quorum for the Annual Meeting to be held. A quorum will be present if the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote are present in person online or represented by proxy during the Annual Meeting. Our independent inspector of election, Broadridge Financial Solutions, will determine whether or not a quorum is present. There must be a quorum for the Annual Meeting to be held. Proxies received but marked as abstentions or broker non-votes will be included in the calculation of votes considered to be present during the Annual Meeting.

If less than a quorum is represented at the meeting, the ChairmanChair of the meeting or a majority of the shares so represented may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, and the persons named as proxies will vote the proxies they have been authorized during the Annual Meeting in favor of such an adjournment.

In the event a quorum is present during the Annual Meeting but sufficient votes to approve any of the items proposed by our Board have not been received, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies. A stockholdershareholder vote may be taken on one or more of the proposals in this proxy statement prior to such adjournment if sufficient proxies have been received and it is otherwise appropriate. If a quorum is present, the persons named as proxies will vote the proxies they have been authorized to vote on any other business properly brought before the meeting in favor of such an adjournment. If a quorum is initially established, but sufficient stockholdersshareholders withdraw such that the meeting is left with less than a quorum, the remaining stockholdersshareholders present during the meeting may continue to transact business until the meeting is adjourned or recessed.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 80

Who will bear the cost of soliciting votes for the Annual Meeting?

WHO WILL BEAR THE COST OF SOLICITING VOTES FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING?

We have engaged Alliance Advisors to assist with the solicitation of proxies for a fee not to exceed $6,000, plus reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. We will bear all expenses of soliciting proxies. We may reimburse brokerage firms, custodians, nominees, fiduciaries and other persons representing beneficial owners of our common stock for their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation material to such beneficial owners. Directors, officers and employees of Group 1 may also solicit proxies in person or by other means of communication. Such directors, officers and employees will not be additionally compensated but may be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with such solicitation.

Who will count the votes?

WHO WILL COUNT THE VOTES?

We have engaged Broadridge Financial Solutions to tabulate the votes and to serve as inspector of election during the Annual Meeting for a fee of approximately $3,500. Broadridge will separately tabulate “For,” “Against” and “Withhold” votes, abstentions and broker non-votes. Broadridge will also certify the election results and perform any other acts required by the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

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May I propose actions for consideration at next year’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders or nominate individuals to serve as directors?


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You may submit proposals for consideration at future stockholder meetings, including director nominations. Please read “StockholderProxy Statement 2022  |  73

Shareholder Proposals for 2022 Annual Meeting” for information regarding the submission of stockholder proposals and director nominations for consideration at next year’s Annual Meeting.2023

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 81

Stockholder Proposals for 2022 Annual Meeting

 

Pursuant to the various rules promulgated by the SEC, stockholdersshareholders interested in submitting a proposal for inclusion in our proxy materials and for presentation at the 20222023 Annual Meeting of StockholdersShareholders may do so by following the procedures set forth in Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act. In general, to be eligible for inclusion in our proxy materials, stockholdershareholder proposals must be received by our Corporate Secretary no later than December 7, 202113, 2022 and meet the requirements of Rule 14a-8. No stockholdershareholder proposal was received for inclusion in this proxy statement.

As more specifically provided for in our Bylaws, in order for a nomination of persons for election to our Board or a proposal of business (other than through Rule 14a-8) to be properly brought before our Annual Meeting of Stockholders,Shareholders, it must be either specified in the notice of the meeting given by our Corporate Secretary or otherwise brought before the meeting by or at the direction of our Board or by a stockholdershareholder entitled to vote and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in our Bylaws. Subject to the exception described below, a stockholdershareholder making a nomination for election to our Board or a proposal of business for the 20222023 Annual Meeting of StockholdersShareholders must deliver proper notice to our Corporate Secretary no earlier than the close of business 120 days and no later than the close of business 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the 20212022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.Shareholders. In other words, for a stockholdershareholder nomination for election to our Board or a proposal of business to be considered at the 20222023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders,Shareholders, it should be properly submitted to our Corporate Secretary no earlier than the close of business January 12, 202218, 2023 and no later than the close of business February 11, 2022.17, 2023. However, in the event that the date of an Annual Meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the anniversary date of the preceding year’s Annual Meeting, the stockholdershareholder notice must be delivered not earlier than 120 days prior to such Annual Meeting and not later than 90 days prior to such Annual Meeting or, if the first public announcement of the date of such Annual Meeting is less than 100 days prior to the date of such Annual Meeting, the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such Annual Meeting is first made by the Company.

If we increase the number of directors to be elected at an Annual Meeting and do not make a public announcement naming all of the nominees for director and specifying the size of the increased Board at least 80 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s Annual Meeting, a stockholder’sshareholder’s notice regarding the nominees for the new positions created by the increase will be considered timely if it is delivered to our Corporate Secretary not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which the public announcement is first made.

For each individual that a stockholdershareholder proposes to nominate as a director or propose other business (other than through Rule 14a-8) at the 20222023 Annual Meeting, the stockholder’sshareholder’s written notice to our Corporate Secretary must include the information required by and meet the detailed requirements set forth in our Bylaws. From time to time, the Governance & Corporate ResponsibilityGCR Committee may request additional information from the nominee or the stockholder.shareholder.

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2021 Annual Report

 

2020 Annual Report

A copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020,2021, including the financial statements and the financial statement schedules, if any, but not including exhibits, will be furnished at no charge to each person to whom a proxy statement is delivered or made available upon the written request of such person addressed to 800 Gessner, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77024, Attn: Corporate Secretary.

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 82

Householding

HOUSEHOLDING

We may send a single set of proxy materials, as applicable, and other stockholdershareholder communications to any household at which two or more stockholdersshareholders with the same last name reside, unless we have received contrary instructions from those stockholders.shareholders. This process is called “householding.” This reduces duplicate mailings and saves printing and postage costs as well as natural resources. The proxy materials and other stockholdershareholder communications may be householded based on your prior express or implied consent. StockholdersShareholders who participate in householding will continue to have access to and utilize separate proxy voting instructions.

If you wish to opt out of householding, and would like to have separate copies of the proxy materials mailed to each stockholdershareholder sharing your address, or if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive a single copy, please contact Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., by calling 1-800-542-1061 or by writing Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. Broadridge will promptly deliver the requested materials. Beneficial owners (street name stockholders)shareholders) sharing an address who are receiving multiple copies of the proxy materials, and other stockholdershareholder communications and who wish to receive a single copy of such materials in the future will need to contact their broker, bank or other nominee to request that only a single copy of such materials be mailed to all stockholdersshareholders at the shared address in the future.

However, please note that if you want to receive a paper proxy card or other proxy materials for purposes of this year’s meeting, you should follow the instructions included in the information that was sent to you.

Other Matters

OTHER MATTERS

As of the date of filing this proxy statement, our Board is not aware of any other business or nominee to be presented or voted upon during the Annual Meeting. If any other business or nominee is properly presented, the proxies solicited by our Board will provide the proxy holders with the authority to vote on those matters and nominees in accordance with such persons’ discretion. Where a stockholdershareholder has appropriately specified how a proxy is to be voted, it will be voted by the proxy holders in accordance with the specification.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

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Beth Sibley

Corporate Secretary

 

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 
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Proxy Statement 2022  |  75

Appendix A Non-GAAP Financial

Measures

 

In addition to reporting our financial information in our Annual Report on Form 10-K using U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), certain non-GAAP financial measures are used with respect to our annual incentive compensation and to evaluate the Company’s financial performance. Such non-GAAP financial measures include (i) adjusted operating cash flow, (ii) adjusted EPS, and (iii) adjusted net income, each of which are described further below. The Company does not intend for the information to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP financial measures. Other companies may define and calculate the measures differently than we do, limiting the usefulness of the measures for comparison with other companies.

In addition to evaluating the financial condition and results of our operations in accordance with U.S. GAAP, from time to time our management evaluates and analyzes results and any impact on the Company of strategic decisions and actions relating to, among other things, cost reduction, growth, profitability improvement initiatives, and other events outside of normal, or “core,” business and operations, by considering alternative financial measures not prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In our evaluation of results from time to time, we exclude items that do not arise directly from core operations, such as non-cash asset impairment charges, out-of-period adjustments, legal matters, gains and losses on dealership franchise or real estate transactions, and catastrophic events, such as hailstorms, hurricanes, and snow storms. Because these non-core charges and gains materially affect the Company’s financial condition or results in the specific period in which they are recognized, management also evaluates, and makes resource allocation and performance evaluation decisions based on, the related non-GAAP measures excluding such items. This includes evaluating measures such as adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, and constant currency. These adjusted measures are not measures of financial performance under U.S. GAAP, but are instead considered non-GAAP financial performance measures. Non-GAAP measures do not have definitions under U.S. GAAP and may be defined differently by, and not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by, other companies. As a result, any non-GAAP financial measures considered and evaluated by management are reviewed in conjunction with a review of the most directly comparable measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on such non-GAAP measures, but also to consider them with the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

In addition to using such non-GAAP measures to evaluate results in a specific period, management believes that such measures may provide more complete and consistent comparisons of operational performance on a period-over-period historical basis and a better indication of expected future trends. Our management also uses these adjusted measures in conjunction with U.S. GAAP financial measures to assess our business, including communication with our Board of Directors, investors, and industry analysts concerning financial performance. We disclose these non-GAAP measures, and the related reconciliations, because we believe investors use these metrics in evaluating longer-term period-over-period performance, and to allow investors to better understand and evaluate the information used by management to assess operating performance. The exclusion of certain expenses in the calculation of non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as an inference that these costs are unusual or infrequent. We anticipate excluding these expenses in the future presentation of our non-GAAP financial measures.

In addition, we evaluate our results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our underlying business and results of operations, consistent with how we evaluate our performance. We calculate constant currency percentages by converting our current period reported results for entities reporting in currencies other than U.S. dollars using comparative period exchange rates rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods. The constant currency performance measures

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should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Same Store amounts presented include the results of dealerships for the identical months in each period presented in comparison, commencing with the first full month in which the dealership was owned by us and, in the case of dispositions, ending with the last full month it was owned by us. Same Store results also include the activities of our corporate headquarters.

Certain amounts in the financial statements may not compute due to rounding. All computations have been calculated using unrounded amounts for all periods presented.

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES — CONSOLIDATED

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 84

Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Consolidated (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share data)

 

 Year Ended December 31, 2020 
(In millions, except per share data) U.S.
GAAP
  Dealership
and real
estate
transactions
  Severance
costs
  Legal
matters
  Out-of-
period
adjustment
  Asset
impairments
  (Gain) loss on
extinguishment
of debt
  Non-
GAAP
adjusted
 
SG&A expenses $1,169.3  $5.3  $(2.1) $2.7  $(10.6) $  $  $1,164.7 
Asset impairments $37.7  $  $  $  $  $(37.7) $  $ 
Income (loss) from operations $486.1  $(5.3) $2.1  $(2.7) $10.6  $37.7  $  $528.4 
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt $13.7  $  $  $  $  $  $(13.7) $ 
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes $370.3  $(5.3) $2.1  $(2.7) $10.6  $37.7  $13.7  $426.4 
Less: (Benefit) provision for income taxes  83.8   (1.1)  0.3   (0.6)  0.8   6.5   3.0   92.8 
Net income (loss)  286.5   (4.2)  1.8   (2.1)  9.7   31.2   10.7   333.5 
Less: Earnings (loss) allocated to participating securities  10.3   (0.2)  0.1   (0.1)  0.3   1.1   0.4   12.0 
NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO DILUTED COMMON SHARES $276.2  $(4.0) $1.7  $(2.1) $9.4  $30.1  $10.3  $321.6 
                                 
Diluted income (loss) per diluted common share $15.51  $(0.23) $0.10  $(0.12) $0.53  $1.69  $0.58  $18.06 
                                 
Effective tax rate  22.6%                          21.8%
                                 
SG&A as % gross profit(1)  66.1%                          65.8%
Operating margin(2)  4.5%                          4.9%
Pretax margin(3)  3.4%                          3.9%
                                 
Same Store SG&A expenses $1,143.0  $  $(2.1) $2.7  $(10.6) $  $  $1,133.0 
Same Store SG&A as % gross profit(1)  66.1%                          65.5%
                                 
Same Store income (loss) from operations $480.3  $  $2.1  $(2.7) $10.6  $33.8  $  $524.0 
Same Store operating margin(2)  4.5%                          4.9%
  
   Year Ended December 31, 2021 
    U.S.
GAAP
  Loss on
interest
rate swaps
  Catastrophic
events
  Dealership
and real
estate
transactions
  Acquisition
costs
  Legal
matters
  Asset
impairments
  Tax rate
changes
  Non-GAAP
adjusted
 

SG&A expenses

  $1,477.2  $  $(2.8 $4.4  $(13.4 $5.3  $  $  $1,470.7 

Asset impairments

  $1.7  $  $  $  $  $  $(1.7 $  $ 

Income (loss) from operations

  $884.4  $  $2.8  $(4.4 $13.4  $(5.3 $1.7  $  $892.6 

Floorplan interest expense

  $27.6  $(4.8 $  $  $  $  $  $  $22.9 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $800.9  $4.8  $2.8  $(4.4 $13.4  $(5.3 $1.7  $  $813.9 

Less: Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   175.5   1.1   0.6   (1.0  3.0   (1.2  0.4   1.9   180.3 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

   625.4   3.7   2.2   (3.4  10.5   (4.2  1.3   (1.9  633.7 

Less: Earnings (loss) allocated to participating securities

   21.0   0.1   0.1   (0.1  0.4   (0.1     (0.1  21.3 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations available to diluted common shares

  $604.4  $3.6  $2.1  $(3.3 $10.1  $(4.0 $1.3  $(1.8 $612.4 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations

  $34.11  $0.20  $0.12  $(0.19 $0.57  $(0.23 $0.07  $(0.10 $34.55 

Effective tax rate

   21.9         22.1

SG&A as % gross profit1

   60.5         60.3

Operating margin2

   6.6         6.6

Pretax margin3

   5.9         6.0

Same Store SG&A expenses

  $1,415.9  $  $(2.8 $2.1  $(13.4 $5.3  $  $  $1,407.1 

Same Store SG&A as %
gross profit1

   60.2         59.9

Same Store income (loss) from operations

  $858.0  $  $2.8  $(2.1 $13.4  $(5.3 $1.7  $  $868.5 

Same Store operating margin2

   6.6         6.7

 

(1)
LOGOProxy Statement 2022  |  76


Proxy Statement 2022  |  77

    
    U.S.
GAAP
  Non-GAAP
adjustments
   Non-GAAP
adjusted
 

Net (loss) income from discontinued operations

  $(73.3 $81.8   $8.5 

Less: (loss) earnings allocated to participating securities

   (2.5  2.8    0.3 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income from discontinued operations available to diluted common shares

  $(70.9 $79.1   $8.2 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $552.1  $90.0   $642.1 

Less: earnings allocated to participating securities

   18.5   3.0    21.6 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income available to diluted common shares

  $533.6  $87.0   $620.6 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share from discontinued operations

  $(4.00 $4.47   $0.46 

Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations

   34.11   0.45    34.55 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share

  $30.11  $4.91   $35.02 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
1

Adjusted SG&A as%as % of gross profit excludes the impact of SG&A reconciling items above.

(2)2

Adjusted operating margin excludes the impact of SG&A reconciling items above and asset impairment charges.

(3)3

Adjusted pretax margin excludes the impact of SG&A reconciling items above, asset impairment charges and (gain)a loss on extinguishment of debt.interest rate swaps.

RECONCILIATION OF CERTAIN NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES — CONSOLIDATED

(Unaudited)

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 85

Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Consolidated (Unaudited)(In millions, except per share data)

 

 Year Ended December 31, 2019
(In millions, except per share data)  U.S.
GAAP
   Catastrophic
events
   Dealership
and real
estate
transactions
   Legal
matters
   Asset
impairments
   Non-GAAP
adjusted
 
SG&A expenses $1,358.4  $(17.8) $4.1  $(1.3) $  $1,343.4 
Asset impairments $22.2  $  $  $  $(22.2) $ 
Income (loss) from operations $363.7  $17.8  $(4.1) $1.3  $22.2  $401.0 
                         
Income (loss) before income taxes $227.3  $17.8  $(4.1) $1.3  $22.2  $264.5 
Less: (Benefit) provision for income taxes  53.3   4.4   (1.7)  0.3   4.7   61.0 
Net income (loss)  174.0   13.4   (2.5)  1.0   17.6   203.6 
Less: Earnings (loss) allocated to participating securities  6.4   0.5   (0.1)     0.7   7.5 
NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO DILUTED COMMON SHARES $167.6  $12.9  $(2.4) $1.0  $16.9  $196.0 
                         
Diluted income (loss) per diluted common share $9.34  $0.72  $(0.13) $0.05  $0.94  $10.93 
                         
Effective tax rate  23.4%                  23.0%
                         
SG&A as % gross profit(1)  74.8%                  74.0%
Operating margin(2)  3.0%                  3.3%
Pretax margin(2)  1.9%                  2.2%
                         
Same Store SG&A expenses $1,338.9  $(17.8) $0.4  $(1.1) $  $1,320.3 
Same Store SG&A as % gross profit(1)  74.5%                  73.5%
                         
Same Store income (loss) from operations $364.4  $17.8  $(0.4) $1.1  $22.2  $405.2 
Same Store operating margin(2)  3.1%                  3.4%
  
   Year Ended December 31, 2020 
   U.S.
GAAP
  Dealership
and real
estate
transactions
  Severance
costs
  Legal
matters
  

Out-of-

period
adjustment

  Asset
impairments
  Loss on
extinguishment
of debt
  Non-GAAP
adjusted
 

SG&A expenses

  $1,138.2  $5.3  $(1.2 $2.7  $(10.6 $  $  $1,134.5 

Asset impairments

  $26.7  $  $  $  $  $(26.7 $  $ 

Income (loss) from operations

  $495.7  $(5.3 $1.2  $(2.7 $10.6  $26.7  $  $526.1 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

  $13.7  $  $  $  $  $  $(13.7 $ 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $380.8  $(5.3 $1.2  $(2.7 $10.6  $26.7  $13.7  $424.9 

Less: Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   84.2   (1.1  0.2   (0.6  0.8   5.5   3.0   92.0 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

   296.7   (4.2  1.0   (2.1  9.7   21.2   10.7   333.0 

Less: Earnings (loss) allocated to participating securities

   10.6   (0.2     (0.1  0.3   0.8   0.4   11.9 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations available to diluted common shares

  $286.0  $(4.0 $1.0  $(2.1 $9.4  $20.4  $10.3  $321.0 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations

  $16.06  $(0.23 $0.05  $(0.12 $0.53  $1.15  $0.58  $18.03 

Effective tax rate

   22.1        21.6

SG&A as % gross profit1

   65.6        65.4

Operating margin2

   4.7        5.0

Pretax margin3

   3.6        4.0

Same Store SG&A expenses

  $1,123.3  $  $(1.2 $2.7  $(10.6 $  $  $1,114.2 

Same Store SG&A as % gross profit1

   65.7        65.1

Same Store income (loss) from operations

  $493.8  $  $1.2  $(2.7 $10.6  $21.9  $  $524.7 

Same Store operating margin2

   4.7        5.0

 

(1)

LOGO


LOGO

    
    U.S.
GAAP
  Non-GAAP
adjustments
   Non-GAAP
adjusted
 

Net (loss) income from discontinued operations

  $(10.2 $10.8   $0.6 

Less: (loss) earnings allocated to participating securities

   (0.4  0.4     
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income from discontinued operations available to diluted common shares

  $(9.8 $10.4   $0.6 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $286.5  $47.1   $333.5 

Less: earnings allocated to participating securities

   10.3   1.7    12.0 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income available to diluted common shares

  $276.2  $45.4   $321.6 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted (loss) earnings per common share from discontinued operations

  $(0.55 $0.58   $0.03 

Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations

   16.06   1.97    18.03 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share

  $15.51  $2.55   $18.06 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
1

Adjusted SG&A as%as % of gross profit excludes the impact of SG&A reconciling items above.

(2)2

Adjusted operating margin and pretax margin excludeexcludes the impact of SG&A reconciling items above and asset impairment charges.

3

Adjusted pretax margin excludes the impact of SG&A reconciling items above, asset impairment charges and a loss on extinguishment of debt.

The following table reconciles cash flows on a GAAP basis to the corresponding adjusted amounts (in millions):

  
   

Years

Ended
December 31,

 
    2021  2020 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

   

Net cash provided by operating activities:

  $1,259.6  $805.4 

Change in Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other, excluding floorplan offset and net acquisitions and dispositions

   (491.5  (313.7

Change in Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates associated with net acquisitions and dispositions and floorplan offset activity

   (12.7  12.0 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted net cash provided by operating activities

  $755.5  $503.7 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

   

Net cash used in investing activities:

  $(1,251.7 $(74.7

Change in cash paid for acquisitions, associated with Floorplan notes payable

   137.9    

Change in proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment, associated with Floorplan notes payable

   (7.0  (8.6
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted net cash used in investing activities

  $(1,120.8 $(83.3
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

   

Net cash used in financing activities:

  $(74.0 $(668.1

Change in Floorplan notes payable, excluding floorplan offset

   373.2   310.3 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  $299.2  $(357.8
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

LOGOProxy Statement 2022  |  78


LOGO


    LOGO

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

800 GESSNER ROAD
SUITE 500
HOUSTON, TX 77024

    LOGO

VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above
Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information. Vote by 11:59 P.M. ET on May 17, 2022. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
During The Meeting - Go towww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GPI2022
You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions. Vote by 11:59 P.M. ET on May 17, 2022. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

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DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

LOGO

  For  

All

Withhold

All

For All

Except

To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following:

    ☐☐  
1.Election of Directors
Nominees:
01)  Carin M. Barth02)  Earl J. Hesterberg03)  Steven C. Mizell04)  Lincoln Pereira Filho05)  Stephen D. Quinn
06)  Steven P. Stanbrook07)  Charles L. Szews08)  Anne Taylor09)  MaryAnn Wright
The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3.    ForAgainstAbstain  
2.Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation.    ☐☐  
3.Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022.    ☐☐  
NOTE: In their discretion, such attorney-in-fact and proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]            Date

                    Signature (Joint Owners)

                                         Date


Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 are available at

www.proxyvote.com

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

 

2021
LOGO

GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS - MAY 18, 2022

THIS PROXY STATEMENT • 

IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned hereby revokes all prior proxies and appoints Earl J. Hesterberg and Daniel McHenry, and each of them, as proxies with full power of substitution, to represent and to vote all shares of common stock of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. which the undersigned is entitled to vote, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., Central Daylight Saving Time, virtually at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GPI2022, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, on any matter properly coming before the meeting, and specifically the matters described on the reverse side hereof.

This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned. If no direction is given, this proxy will be voted FOR the nominees set forth in proposal 1, FOR proposal 2 and FOR proposal 3. This proxy also delegates discretionary authority to vote upon such other matters as may properly come before the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. Please see the accompanying proxy statement for additional details.

 86

Continued and to be signed on reverse side

 

Reconciliation of Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Consolidated (Unaudited)

 Years Ended December 31,
  2020  2019 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $805.4  $370.9 
Change in Floorplan notes payable — credit facility and other, excluding floorplan offset and net acquisitions and dispositions  (313.7)  (42.8)
Change in Floorplan notes payable — manufacturer affiliates associated with net acquisitions and dispositions and floorplan offset activity  12.0   4.0 
ADJUSTED NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES $503.7  $332.1 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:        
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities $(74.7) $(291.6)
Change in cash paid for acquisitions, associated with Floorplan notes payable     25.2 
Change in proceeds from disposition of franchises, property and equipment, associated with Floorplan notes payable  (8.6)  (19.5)
ADJUSTED NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES $(83.3) $(285.9)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:        
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities $(668.1) $(67.0)
Change in Floorplan notes payable, excluding floorplan offset  310.3   33.1 
ADJUSTED NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES $(357.8) $(33.9)

2021 PROXY STATEMENT • 87