SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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The Gap, Inc. | ||
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Notice of Annual Meeting |
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Proxy Statement |
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May 17, 2016 |
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
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DATE AND TIME | Tuesday, May 17, 2016 |
PLACE | Gap Inc. Headquarters |
ITEMS OF BUSINESS | • Elect to the Board of Directors the ten nominees named in the attached Proxy Statement;
• Ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending on January 28, 2017;
• Hold an advisory vote to approve the overall compensation of the named executive officers;
• Approve the Amendment and Restatement of The Gap, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan; and
• Transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
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RECORD DATE | You must have been a shareholder of record at the close of business on March 21, 2016 to vote at the Annual Meeting. |
INTERNET AVAILABILITY | In accordance with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules, we are using the Internet as our primary means of furnishing our proxy materials to most of our shareholders. Rather than sending those shareholders a paper copy of our proxy materials, we are sending them a notice with instructions for accessing the materials and voting via the Internet. We believe this method of distribution makes the proxy distribution process more efficient, less costly and limits our impact on the environment. This Proxy Statement and our 2015 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at: www.gapinc.com (follow the Investors, Financial Information, Annual Reports & Proxy links). |
PROXY VOTING | Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote as soon as possible. As an alternative to voting in person at the Annual Meeting, you may vote via the Internet, by telephone or, if you receive a paper proxy card in the mail, by mailing the completed proxy card. |
ADMISSION TO THE | You are entitled to attend the Annual Meeting only if you were a Gap Inc. shareholder as of the close of business on March 21, 2016 or you hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting. Photo identification is required for admittance. In addition, if you are not a shareholder of record but hold shares through a broker, bank, trustee or nominee (i.e., in street name), you will be required to provide proof of beneficial ownership as of the Record Date. Proof of beneficial ownership can take the form of your most recent account statement prior to the Record Date, a copy of the voting instruction card provided by your broker, bank, trustee or nominee, a copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials if one was mailed to you, or similar evidence of ownership. |
WEBCAST | You may listen to our Annual Meeting by webcast at www.gapinc.com (follow the Investors, Financial News and Events, Webcasts links). The webcast will be recorded and available for replay on www.gapinc.com for at least 30 days following the Annual Meeting. |
| By Order of the Board of Directors,
Julie Gruber |
PROXY SUMMARY
References in this Proxy Statement to “Gap Inc.,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to The Gap, Inc.
These proxy materials are being delivered in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of The Gap, Inc. for use at our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 17, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., San Francisco Time, at Gap Inc. Headquarters, Two Folsom Street, San Francisco, California 94105 and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (the “Annual Meeting”).
On or about April 5, 2016, we commenced distribution of this Proxy Statement and the form of proxy to our shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
Agenda
Items of Business | Management Recommendation | Page No. |
The election of the ten directors nominated by the Board of Directors | The Board recommends you vote FOR each of the ten nominees. | Page 1 |
The ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 28, 2017 | The Board recommends you vote FOR the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm. | Page 16 |
The approval of the overall compensation of the Company’s named executive officers | The Board recommends you vote “FOR” the approval of the overall compensation of the Company’s named executive officers. | Page 18 |
The approval of the Amendment and Restatement of The Gap, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan | The Board recommends you vote “FOR” the approval of the Amendment and Restatement of The Gap, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan. | Page 49 |
Voting Shares
The holders of common stock at the close of business on March 21, 2016 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to one vote per share on each matter voted upon at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. As of the Record Date, there were 397,873,269 shares of common stock outstanding.
You may vote your shares by:
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By Internet | By Mail | By Phone | In person |
www.proxyvote.com | Sign and return a proxy card (for shareholders of record) or voting instruction card (for beneficial owners of shares) | 1-800-690-6903 | At the meeting: |
If you vote by Internet or by phone, you do not need to return a proxy card or voting instruction card, but you will need to have it, or the Notice of Internet Availability, in hand when you access the voting website or call to vote by phone. Specific voting instructions are found on the proxy card, voting instruction card, or the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROPOSALS REQUIRING YOUR VOTE |
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| PROPOSAL NO. 1 — Election of Directors
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| Nominees for Election as Directors
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| Corporate Governance
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| Policies and Procedures with Respect to Related Party Transactions
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| Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
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| Compensation of Directors
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| PROPOSAL NO. 2 — Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
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| Principal Accounting Firm Fees
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| Report of the Audit and Finance Committee
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| PROPOSAL NO. 3 — Advisory Vote on the Overall Compensation of The Gap, Inc.’s Named Executive Officers
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND RELATED INFORMATION |
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| Compensation Discussion and Analysis
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| Compensation Committee Report
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| Summary Compensation Table
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| Grants of Plan-Based Awards
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| Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
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| Option Exercises and Stock Vested
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| Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
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| Potential Payments Upon Termination
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| Equity Compensation Plan Information
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| PROPOSAL NO. 4 — Approval of the Amendment and Restatement of The Gap, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan
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| Purpose of the Request for Approval
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| Material Features of the 2016 Plan
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| Plan Benefits
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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES |
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| Beneficial Ownership Table
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| Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
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OTHER INFORMATION |
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| Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting and Voting
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PROPOSALS REQUIRING YOUR VOTE
PROPOSAL NO. 1 — Election of Directors
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS
Election Process
Directors will be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve until the next Annual Meeting and until their successors are elected. The Governance and Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors has nominated the persons whose names are set forth below, all of whom are current directors.
Director Nominations
The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable to serve. However, if any nominee should for any reason be unavailable to serve, the Board of Directors may reduce the number of directors fixed in accordance with our Bylaws, or the proxies may be voted for the election of such other person to the office of director as the Board of Directors may recommend in place of the nominee. Set forth below is certain information concerning the nominees, including age, experience, qualifications and principal occupation during at least the last five years, based on data furnished by each nominee.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION |
| Domenico De Sole, age 72. Chairman of Tom Ford International, a luxury retailer, since 2005. President and Chief Executive Officer of Gucci Group NV, 1995-2004. Chairman of Sotheby’s. Director of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. Former director of The Proctor & Gamble Company, 2001-2005, Delta Air Lines, Inc., 2005-2007, and Telecom Italia, 2004-2008. As the former chief executive officer of a fashion retailer and the current chairman of a retailer, Mr. De Sole has many years of global experience as a senior executive in the retail industry. In addition, as a former director of The Proctor & Gamble Company and as a director of Newell Rubbermaid Inc., he has insight into the global consumer goods market. |
| Robert J. Fisher, age 61. Non-executive Chairman of the Board since February 2015. Managing Director, Pisces, Inc., an investment group, since 2010. Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Gap Inc., January 2007-August 2007. Non-executive Chairman of Gap Inc., 2004-August 2007. Executive of Gap Inc., 1992-1999. Various positions with Gap Inc., 1980-1992. Former director of Sun Microsystems, Inc., 1995-2006. Mr. Fisher has extensive retail experience, including experience specific to Gap Inc., as a result of his many years serving in a variety of high-level Gap Inc. positions, including Chief Operating Officer, President of Gap Division, Chairman of the Board, and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. |
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| William S. Fisher, age 58. Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Manzanita Capital Limited, a private equity fund, since 2001. Various positions with Gap Inc., 1986-1998. Mr. Fisher brings extensive global retail experience to the Board as a result of his years serving in a variety of high-level Gap Inc. positions, including President of the International Division, as well as his service on the boards of a number of private retail companies, including Space NK and Diptyque. |
| Tracy Gardner, age 52. Principal of Tracy Gardner Consultancy, since 2010. Chief Executive Officer of dELiA*s Inc., an omni-channel retail company primarily marketing to teenage girls, 2013-2014. dELiA*s Inc. filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 in December 2014. Former executive of J. Crew Group, Inc., 2004-2010. Various positions with Gap Inc., 1999-2004. Former director of Lands' End, 2014-2015. With over 30 years of experience in the retail industry, Ms. Gardner brings deep product expertise and vast experience as a merchant, creative director and leader in growing multi-channel brands. In addition, her experience as a former senior leader within Gap Inc., and more recently as an advisor to Gap brand, provides Ms. Gardner with an in-depth understanding of the Company's business and operations. |
| Isabella D. Goren, age 55. Chief Financial Officer of AMR Corporation and American Airlines, Inc., 2010-2013. AMR Corporation and American Airlines, Inc. successfully completed a reorganization under Chapter 11 in December 2013, for which a voluntary petition was filed in November 2011. Senior Vice President of Customer Relationship Marketing of American Airlines, 2006-2010. Various positions with AMR Corporation and American Airlines, Inc., 1986-2006, including President of AMR Services, previously a subsidiary of AMR, 1996-1998. Director of LyondellBasell Industries N.V. and MassMutual Financial Group. Ms. Goren has broad experience in a number of key corporate functions, including finance, marketing, human resources and international operations. She brings extensive expertise in leadership, management of complex operations, building of customer loyalty programs, financial functions and global strategies. |
| Bob L. Martin, age 67. Lead Independent Director from 2003 to 2015. Operating Partner of Stephens Group, Inc., a private equity group, since 2003. Chief Executive Officer (part-time) of Mcon Management Services, Ltd., a consulting company, since 2002. Independent Consultant, 1999-2002. President and Chief Executive Officer of Wal-Mart International, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 1984-1999. Director of Conn’s Inc. Former director of Dillard’s, Inc., 2003-2004, Edgewater Technology, Inc., 1999-2005, Furniture Brands International, Inc., 2003-2010, Guitar Center, 2004-2007, Sabre Holdings Corporation, 1997-2007, and SolarWinds, Inc., 2009-2010. Mr. Martin has over 35 years of work experience in the retail industry. As the former chief executive officer of Wal-Mart International, during which he ran operations in 12 countries across four continents, Mr. Martin acquired extensive global governance experience. As the former executive vice president and chief information officer for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Mr. Martin has extensive insight into the areas of IT and supply chain capabilities and strategies for a retail company. |
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| Jorge P. Montoya, age 69. President, Global Snacks & Beverages, and President, Latin America, of The Procter & Gamble Company, a consumer products company, 1999-2004. Director of The Kroger Co. Former director of Rohm & Haas Company, 1996-2007. Mr. Montoya spent over 30 years working for The Proctor & Gamble Company, during which time he acquired extensive experience in management, international growth, consumer products, and marketing. |
| Arthur Peck, age 60. Chief Executive Officer of Gap Inc. since February 2015. President, Growth, Innovation and Digital division of Gap Inc., November 2012 to January 2015. President, Gap North America, February 2011 to November 2012. Executive Vice President of Strategy and Operations of Gap Inc., May 2005 to February 2011. President, Gap Inc. Outlet, October 2008 to February 2011. Acting President, Gap Inc. Outlet, February 2008 to October 2008. Senior Vice President of The Boston Consulting Group, a business consulting firm, 1982 to 2005. As a result of his service as Gap Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer, as well as his service in other senior positions at Gap Inc. and his experience as a Senior Vice President of The Boston Consulting Group, Mr. Peck has extensive management and leadership experience and a deep knowledge of the complex financial and operational issues facing retail companies. |
| Mayo A. Shattuck III, age 61. Non-Executive Chairman of Exelon Corporation, an energy company, since 2013. Executive Chairman of Exelon Corporation, 2012-2013. Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Constellation Energy Group, 2002-2012. Chief Executive Officer and President of Constellation Energy Group, 2001-2002. Director of Capital One Financial Corporation and Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. Mr. Shattuck’s experience on the boards of directors of two other public companies, along with his experience as the former chief executive officer of an investment bank and Constellation Energy Group, and his current position as non-executive Chairman of Exelon Corporation, provides him with extensive knowledge of a number of important areas, including leadership, finance, risk assessment, compliance and governance. |
| Katherine Tsang, age 58. Principal of Max Giant Limited, an investment company, since 2014. Chairperson of Greater China Standard Chartered Bank, 2009-2014. Chairperson of Standard Chartered Bank (Taiwan) Ltd., 2009-2014. Chairperson of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd., 2011-2014. Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank (China) Ltd., 2005-2009. Former director of Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. Limited, 2006-2012. Ms. Tsang possesses over two decades of work experience in the global banking industry. As the principal of an investment company and a former senior executive at an international bank, Ms. Tsang possesses extensive financial expertise. In addition, she has held global and regional roles in human resources spanning 56 countries. Ms. Tsang brings significant experience in management and international growth to the Board. In addition to her former position as an independent non-executive director of Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. Limited in China, Ms. Tsang has also served on the boards of three Standard Chartered Bank subsidiaries. |
Robert J. Fisher and William S. Fisher are brothers. Information concerning our executive officers who are not also directors is set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016.
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Director Independence
The Board of Directors has determined that the following directors are independent under the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules and have no direct or indirect material relationships with the Company:
Domenico De Sole | Isabella D. Goren | Mayo A. Shattuck III |
Robert J. Fisher | Bob L. Martin | Katherine Tsang |
William S. Fisher | Jorge P. Montoya | Padmasree Warrior |
In particular, the Board has determined that none of these directors has relationships that would cause them not to be independent under the specific criteria of Section 303A.02 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. In making this determination with respect to Robert and William Fisher, the Board considered the following factors: (i) with the exception of Robert Fisher’s brief period of service during 2007 as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company during a CEO transition, neither Robert nor William Fisher has served as an officer of the Company in over 15 years; (ii) Donald Fisher (a founder of the Company and their father) ceased being an executive officer of the Company prior to his passing in September 2009; (iii) NYSE guidance indicates that ownership of even a significant amount of stock does not preclude a finding of independence; and (iv) the lease agreements with Doris Fisher (a founder of the Company and their mother) for the display of her personal art collection (further described on page 7) provided benefits to the Company, and no financial benefit to Robert or William Fisher. After consideration of these factors, the Board concluded that there is no material relationship between the Company and Robert and William Fisher that would impact their independence under NYSE rules.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Corporate Governance Guidelines
We have adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines that outline, among other matters, the role and functions of the Board, the responsibilities of the various Board committees, and the procedures for
reporting concerns to the Board. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines are available at www.gapinc.com (follow the Investors, Governance, Guidelines links).
Additional Corporate Governance Information
If you would like further information regarding our corporate governance practices, please visit the
Governance and Corporate Compliance sections of www.gapinc.com (follow the Investors link). Those sections include:
Hotline (866) GAP-CODE or online at speakup.gapinc.com. Callers from outside North America must dial their country’s AT&T Direct Access Code which can be found at
speakup.gapinc.com. Code Hotline calls are answered by a live operator from an outside company, and are free, confidential and may be made anonymously. Accounting, auditing, and other significant concerns are referred by the Global Integrity department to the Audit and Finance Committee.
Risk Oversight
Board Oversight of Risk
The Board has an active role in overseeing the management of the Company’s risks. Annually, the Company’s Internal Audit department performs a comprehensive enterprise risk assessment encompassing a number of significant areas of risk, including strategic, operational, compliance, financial, and reputational risks. The assessment process is designed to gather data regarding the most important risks that could impact the Company’s ability to achieve its objectives and execute its strategies. Primary assessment methods include interviews with key executives and Board members, review of critical Company strategies and initiatives, and monitoring of emerging industry trends and issues. The assessment is reviewed by the Company’s CEO, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), and Chief Compliance Officer and presented to the Board to facilitate discussion of high risk areas. It provides the foundation for the annual Internal Audit plan, management’s monitoring and risk mitigation efforts, and ongoing Board oversight. In addition, on a regular basis, management communicates with the Board, both formally and informally, about key initiatives, strategies and industry developments, in part to assess and manage the potential risks.
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While the Board of Directors has the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, various committees of the Board also have responsibility for risk management. In particular, the Audit and Finance Committee focuses on financial and compliance risks, and the Compensation and Management Development Committee sets employee incentives with the goal of encouraging an appropriate level of risk-taking, consistent with the Company’s business strategies.
Compensation Risk Assessment
On an annual basis, management conducts a comprehensive overall review of each of the Company’s compensation policies and practices for the purpose of determining whether any risks arising from those policies and practices are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. As a part of this review, each of the Company’s compensation policies and practices were compared to a number of specific factors that could potentially increase risk, including the specific factors that the SEC has identified as potentially triggering disclosure. The Company balanced these factors against a variety of mitigating factors. Examples of some of the mitigating factors are (i) compensation policies and practices are structured similarly across business units; (ii) the risk of declines in performance in our largest business units is well understood and managed; (iii) incentive compensation expense is not a significant percentage of any significant unit’s revenues; (iv) for executives, a significant portion of variable pay is delivered through long-term incentives which carry vesting schedules over multiple years; (v) a mix of compensation vehicles and performance measures is used; (vi) stock ownership requirements for executives are in place; (vii) significant incentive plans are capped at all levels; (viii) threshold levels of performance must be achieved for the bulk of variable pay opportunities; and (ix) a clawback policy with respect to financial restatements is in place. Management’s assessment was also presented to the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer and the Chair of the Board’s Compensation and Management Development Committee. As a result of management’s review, the Company determined that any risks arising from its compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Communication with Directors
Interested parties can send direct communications to our Board of Directors (through our Chairman and Corporate Secretary) by email to: board@gap.com.
Code of Business Conduct
Our Code of Business Conduct is designed to promote a responsible and ethical work environment for all Gap Inc. employees and directors. The Code contains guidelines on conflicts of interest, legal compliance, Company information and assets, and political contributions and activities. Our Code of
Business Conduct is available at www.gapinc.com (follow the Investors, Corporate Compliance, Code of Business Conduct links).
Policies and Procedures with Respect to Related Party Transactions
The Board is committed to upholding the highest legal and ethical conduct in fulfilling its responsibilities and recognizes that related party transactions can present a heightened risk of potential or actual conflicts of interest. The Compensation and Management Development Committee’s charter requires that the members of that Committee, all of whom are independent directors, approve all of the Company’s executive compensation policies and programs and all compensation awarded to executive officers. The Audit and Finance Committee’s charter requires that the members of the Audit and Finance Committee, all of whom are independent directors, review and approve transactions with the Company involving management and/or members of the Board of Directors that are not otherwise subject to the
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approval of the Compensation and Management Development Committee and would require disclosure under SEC rules. In the event a transaction involves a committee member, that member will recuse him or herself from the approval of the transaction.
In addition, the Audit and Finance Committee oversees the Company’s Corporate Compliance Program, which includes procedures for the (i) receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and (ii) confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters and other matters under the Company’s Code of Business Conduct.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Pursuant to the approval of the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board, Doris F. Fisher leased approximately 26,000 square feet of space in our One Harrison and Two Folsom, San Francisco headquarters locations under agreements, the last of which expired on January 31, 2016, primarily to display portions of her personal art collection. Mrs. Fisher is a co-founder of the Company, an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Board of Directors, and the mother of Robert J. Fisher and William S. Fisher. The lease agreements provided for base rent ranging from $30.00 to $42.35 per square foot per year over a 15-year term. Based on the Company’s headquarters space needs and Mrs. Fisher’s space needs, the Audit and Finance Committee reviewed and approved the terms of agreements to terminate the lease for a portion of the space in 2014. The remaining portion of the space (approximately 9,300 square feet) continued to be leased by Mrs. Fisher at a base rent of $42.35 per square foot on the same terms as originally agreed, expiring January 31, 2016. Rental income from this leased space for fiscal 2015 was approximately $420,000. We believe that these rental rates were at least competitive when the agreements were entered into. The agreements also provided us and our employees significant benefits, including use of the space on a regular basis for corporate functions at no charge.
During 2015, prior to the effective date of her appointment to the Company's Board of Directors, Ms. Gardner provided consulting services to the Company. The Company paid Ms. Gardner approximately $600,000 during 2015 for these services. The Company and Ms. Gardner terminated this consulting services arrangement as of November 1, 2015.
Board Leadership Structure and Succession
Our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that our Chairman of the Board shall not be an officer or employee of the Company. Robert Fisher, an independent director, has served as our Chairman of the Board since February 2015.
We believe in the importance of independent oversight. We ensure that this oversight is truly independent and effective through a variety of means, including:
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In fiscal 2015, Mr. De Sole turned 72 years old. While our Corporate Governance Guidelines would normally provide that he not stand for re-election at the next annual meeting, the Board exercised its discretion to nominate Mr. De Sole to serve, once elected, on the Board for one year for the following reasons: our CEO and Chairman of the Board assumed their roles in fiscal year 2015; other recent management succession changes; Mr. De Sole’s deep experience in the retail apparel and fashion industries; and Ms. Warrior is not standing for re-election at the next annual meeting given her additional responsibilities in her new position as a chief executive officer.
The Board of Directors has three standing committees: the Governance and Sustainability Committee, the Audit and Finance Committee, and the Compensation and Management Development Committee, each described below.
Governance and Sustainability Committee
The Board’s Governance and Sustainability Committee is composed solely of independent directors, as defined under NYSE rules.
This Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to the Company’s corporate governance matters, including the development of corporate governance guidelines, periodic evaluation of the Board, its committees and individual directors, identification and selection of director nominees, oversight of the Company’s programs, policies and practices relating to social and environmental issues, impacts and strategies, and such other duties as directed by the Board of Directors.
The Committee’s charter is available at www.gapinc.com (follow the Investors, Governance, Board of Directors, Board Committees links).
Nomination of Directors
The Governance and Sustainability Committee has the responsibility to identify, evaluate, and recommend qualified candidates to the Board. The Chairman, CEO, and at least two independent directors interview any qualified candidates prior to nomination. Other directors and members of management interview each candidate as requested by the Chairman, CEO, or chair of the Committee.
The Committee may also engage third-party independent consultants to identify potential director nominees based on identified criteria and a needs assessment. These consultants have also assisted the Committee in identifying a diverse pool of qualified candidates and in evaluating and pursuing individual candidates at the direction of the Committee.
The Committee will also consider director nominees recommended by shareholders. Our Bylaws provide that in order for a shareholder to propose director nominations at the meeting of shareholders in 2017, the shareholder must give written notice to our Corporate Secretary by no later than the close of business (San Francisco Time) on February 16, 2017, and no earlier than January 17, 2017 (i.e., not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of our 2016 Annual Meeting). The notice must contain information required by our Bylaws about the identity and background of each
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nominee and the shareholder making the nomination, including interests in derivative securities or arrangements with persons holding derivative securities, relationships or arrangements between the nominee and the shareholder making the nomination, and information that would enable the Board to determine a nominee’s eligibility to serve as an independent director. The notice also must contain other information that must be disclosed in proxy solicitations for election of directors under the proxy rules of the SEC (including information regarding the director nominee’s experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills), the nominee’s consent to the nomination and to serve if elected, and certain other information required by our Bylaws. If a shareholder fails to submit the notice by February 16, 2017, then the proposed nominee(s) of the shareholder will not be considered at our Annual Meeting in 2017 in accordance with our Bylaws. Notifications must be addressed to our Corporate Secretary at Gap Inc., Two Folsom Street, San Francisco, California 94105. A copy of the full text of the Bylaw provisions relating to our advance notice
procedure may be obtained at www.gapinc.com (follow the Investors, Governance links) or to any shareholder on request by writing to our Corporate Secretary at the above address.
Qualifications and Diversity of Board Members
All director nominees must possess certain core competencies, some of which may include experience in retail, consumer products, international business/markets, real estate, store operations, logistics, product design, merchandising, marketing, general operations, strategy, human resources, technology, media or public relations, finance or accounting, or experience as a CEO or CFO. In addition to having one or more of these core competencies, Board member nominees are identified and considered on the basis of knowledge, experience, integrity, leadership, reputation, background, qualifications, gender, race/ethnicity, personal characteristics, and ability to understand the Company’s business. The Board believes that this overall professional, personal, gender, and racial/ethnic diversity is important to the effectiveness of the Board’s oversight of the Company. Accordingly, diversity is a factor that is considered in the identification and recommendation of potential director candidates. In this regard, of the ten nominees for director, three are female and two are ethnically diverse. In addition, all director nominees are pre-screened to ensure that each candidate has qualifications that complement the overall core competencies of the Board. The screening process also includes conducting a background evaluation and an independence determination. The Board believes that its criteria for selecting board nominees are effective in promoting overall diversity.
Evaluation of Directors
The Governance and Sustainability Committee is responsible for overseeing a formal evaluation process to assess the composition and performance of the Board, each committee, and each individual director on an annual basis. The assessment is conducted to identify opportunities for improvement and skill set needs, as well as to ensure that the Board, committees, and individual members have the appropriate blend of diverse experiences and backgrounds, and are effective and productive. As part of the process, each member completes a survey that includes Board, committee, and individual assessments. In addition, members of senior management complete a similar survey to assess Board performance. While results are aggregated and summarized for discussion purposes, individual responses are not attributed to any individual and are kept confidential to ensure honest and candid feedback is received. The Committee discusses opportunities and makes recommendations for improvement as appropriate to the full Board, which implements agreed upon improvements. The Committee Chair also meets privately with individual Board members to provide feedback specific to each director received during the evaluation process. A director will not be nominated for reelection unless it is affirmatively determined that he or she is substantially contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Board.
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Sustainability
The Governance and Sustainability Committee is also responsible for reviewing and evaluating Company programs, policies and practices relating to social and environmental issues, impacts and strategies to support the sustainable growth of the Company’s businesses. The Committee regularly discusses social and environmental issues at its meetings, and oversees the Company’s development of industry-leading programs and initiatives. For more information regarding our commitment to sustainability,
please see our website and most recent Sustainability Report available at www.gapinc.com (follow the Sustainability link).
Audit and Finance Committee
The Board’s Audit and Finance Committee is composed solely of independent directors, as defined under SEC and NYSE rules.
This Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to the integrity of our financial statements, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, independence and performance, the performance of the Internal Audit function, the effectiveness of the corporate compliance program, finance matters, and such other duties as directed by the Board of Directors. In addition, the Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm.
The Committee’s charter is available at www.gapinc.com (follow the Investors, Governance, Board of Directors, Board Committees links).
Audit Committee Financial Expert
Our Board of Directors has determined that the Audit and Finance Committee has two members who are “audit committee financial experts” as determined under Regulation S-K Item 407(d)(5) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: Mr. Shattuck and Ms. Goren, both of whom are independent directors as determined under applicable NYSE listing standards.
Compensation and Management Development Committee
The Board’s Compensation and Management Development Committee is composed solely of independent directors, as defined under SEC and NYSE rules.
This Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to executive officer and director compensation, succession planning for senior management, development and retention of senior management, and such other duties as directed by the Board of Directors. The
Committee’s charter is available at www.gapinc.com (follow the Investors, Governance, Board of Directors, Board Committees links).
The Committee approves all of the Company’s executive compensation policies and programs and all compensation awarded to executive officers. Our CEO evaluates each executive officer and discusses with the Committee his assessment and recommendations for compensation. The CEO is not present during the Committee’s deliberations about his own compensation. The Committee also oversees senior management development, retention, and succession plans. The Committee approves grants of stock units to employees at the Vice President or above level, and has delegated authority, within defined parameters, to the CEO or Committee Chair to approve grants of stock units to employees below the Vice President level (see “Long-Term Incentives” beginning on page 26 for more details). The Committee has also delegated authority, within defined parameters, to the Company’s Human Resources personnel to make certain non-material changes to the Company’s employee benefit plans.
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The Committee has engaged Frederic W. Cook & Co. as its independent executive compensation consultant. The consultant provides advice to the Committee from time to time on the compensation program structure and specific individual compensation arrangements (see the “Role of the CEO and Compensation Consultant” section on page 32 for more details). In addition, under NYSE rules, the Committee can only retain a compensation advisor after considering six independence factors: (a) whether the advisor’s firm provides other services to the Company, (b) the fees received by the advisor’s firm from the Company as a percentage of the firm’s overall revenue, (c) the policies and procedures of the advisor’s firm designed to prevent conflicts of interest, (d) any business or personal relationship between the advisor and a member of the Committee, (e) any stock of the Company owned by the advisor, and (f) any business or personal relationship of the advisor or advisor’s firm with an executive officer of the Company. Based on a review of the Committee’s relationship with its compensation consultant and an assessment considering these six independence factors, the Committee has identified no conflicts of interest and confirmed the independence of Frederic W. Cook & Co.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During fiscal 2015, Mr. De Sole, Mr. Martin, Ms. Tsang, and Ms. Warrior (who is not standing for reelection) served on the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors. During fiscal 2015, none of our executive officers served on the board of directors of any company where one of that company’s executive officers served as one of our directors.
Board Meetings
The Board met eight times during fiscal 2015. The following table lists the current members of each of the committees and the number of committee meetings held during fiscal 2015:
Name | Audit & | Compensation & | Governance & |
Domenico De Sole |
| X |
|
Robert J. Fisher |
|
| Chair |
William S. Fisher |
|
|
|
Tracy Gardner |
|
|
|
Isabella D. Goren | X |
|
|
Bob L. Martin |
| Chair | X |
Jorge P. Montoya | X |
|
|
Arthur Peck |
|
|
|
Mayo A. Shattuck III | Chair |
| X |
Katherine Tsang |
| X |
|
Padmasree Warrior (not standing for reelection) |
| X |
|
Number of Meetings | 8 | 7 | 5 |
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Each director nominee attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and committees on which he or she served. In addition, individual Board members often work together and with management outside of formal meetings.
The non-management directors are typically scheduled to meet without the presence of management during each regularly scheduled Board meeting. Our Chairman, Robert Fisher, is responsible for organizing, managing and presiding over the non-management and director sessions of the Board, and reporting on outcomes of the sessions to the CEO, as appropriate.
Attendance of Directors at Annual Meetings of Shareholders
Our policy regarding attendance by directors at our Annual Meeting of Shareholders states that our Chairman and committee chairs should attend and be available to answer questions at our Annual Meeting, if reasonably practicable. Our policy also encourages all other directors to attend. Nine directors attended our 2015 Annual Meeting in person.
Stock Ownership Guidelines for Directors
We have adopted minimum stock ownership guidelines for our directors. Each non-management director should, within three years of joining the Board of Directors, hold stock (which includes deferred stock units) of the Company worth at least five times the annual base retainer then in effect. Management directors are required to own stock of the Company in accordance with our stock ownership requirements for executives, described on page 30. Our insider trading policy, which is applicable to directors, prohibits speculation in the Company’s stock, including short sales, hedging or publicly-traded option transactions, and holding the Company’s stock in a margin account as collateral for a margin loan or otherwise pledging Company stock as collateral.
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COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Retainer and Meeting Fees
The table below shows the annual retainer, attendance fees, and committee chair retainer we paid to our non-employee directors in fiscal 2015, as well as the amounts payable for fiscal 2016:
Fiscal Year 2015 and 2016 Director Cash Compensation | |||||||
| 2015 | 2016 | |||||
Annual Retainer | $ | 75,000 | $ | 75,000 | |||
Additional Annual Retainer for Committee Chairs |
|
| |||||
| Audit and Finance Committee | 20,000 | 20,000 | ||||
| Compensation and Management Development Committee | 20,000 | 20,000 | ||||
| Governance and Sustainability Committee | 15,000 | 15,000 | ||||
Additional Annual Retainer for Chairman of the Board | 200,000 | 200,000 | |||||
Fee per Board Meeting (1) | — | — | |||||
Fee per regularly scheduled Committee Meeting | 2,000 | 2,000 |
Footnote | |
(1) | This amount does not include a fee of $2,000 that is paid to non-employee directors who reside primarily outside of North America for attendance at each Board and/or committee meeting requiring travel to the United States. |
Employee directors are not eligible for the annual retainer or attendance fees, and are not eligible to serve on committees.
Equity Compensation
Non-employee directors receive the following under our 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan:
The annual stock units granted to continuing non-employee directors following the Company’s annual shareholders’ meeting, as well as the initial grant made to any non-employee director who is first elected to the Board at the Company’s annual shareholders’ meeting, are granted on June 30 of each year; provided, however, that if the Company’s annual shareholders’ meeting takes place after June 30, then the related stock unit grants will be granted on the first business day following that meeting. All initial stock units to new non-employee directors who are appointed other than at the annual shareholders’ meeting are granted on the date of appointment. The number of stock units is rounded down to the nearest whole share. These stock units are fully-vested but are subject to a three-year deferral period. During the deferral period, the stock units earn dividend equivalents which are reinvested in additional units annually. Following the deferral period, shares in an amount equal in value to the stock units, including units acquired through dividend equivalent reinvestment, will be issued to each non-employee director unless a further deferral election has been made; provided, however, that shares and accumulated dividend equivalents will be issued immediately upon ceasing to be a director of the Company.
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Expense Reimbursement and Other Benefits
We also pay for or reimburse directors for approved educational seminars and for travel expenses related to attending Board, committee, and approved Company business meetings. Additionally, we provide non-employee directors access to office space and administrative support for Company business from time to time.
Directors and their spouses are eligible to receive discounts on our merchandise on terms similar to the Gap Inc. corporate employee merchandise discount policy.
We established The Gap, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (“DCP”) whereby highly compensated employees, including executive officers, and non-employee directors may elect to defer receipt of certain eligible income. The DCP allows eligible employees to defer a percentage of their salary and bonus on a pre-tax basis, and allows non-employee directors to defer their retainers and meeting fees. The deferred amounts are indexed to reflect the performance of the participant’s choice of approved investment funds. Non-employee director deferrals are not matched, and above-market or preferential interest rate options are not available on deferred compensation.
Directors are eligible to participate in our Gift Match Program available to all employees, under which we match contributions to eligible nonprofit organizations, up to certain annual limits. In fiscal 2015, Art Peck, our CEO, had an annual matching limit of $100,000. The annual limit for non-employee directors was $15,000 under the Gift Match Program.
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Director Compensation Summary
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the compensation of our directors in fiscal 2015, which ended January 30, 2016.
Name (1) | Fees | Stock | Option | Change in | All Other | Total | ||||||||||||
Domenico De Sole | 83,000 | 139,969 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 222,969 | ||||||||||||
Robert J. Fisher | 298,000 | 139,969 | 0 | 0 | 15,000 | 452,969 | ||||||||||||
William S. Fisher | 75,000 | 139,969 | 0 | 0 | 15,000 | 229,969 | ||||||||||||
Tracy Gardner | 18,750 | 139,994 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 158,744 | ||||||||||||
Isabella D. Goren | 91,000 | 139,969 | 0 | 0 | 14,519 | 245,488 | ||||||||||||
Bob L. Martin | 115,000 | 139,969 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 254,969 | ||||||||||||
Jorge P. Montoya | 101,000 | 139,969 | 0 | 0 | 12,500 | 253,469 | ||||||||||||
Mayo A. Shattuck III | 119,000 | 139,969 | 0 | 0 | 15,000 | 273,969 | ||||||||||||
Katherine Tsang | 97,000 | 139,969 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 236,969 | ||||||||||||
Padmasree Warrior | 81,000 | 139,969 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 220,969 |
Footnotes | |
(1) | Mr. Peck was compensated as our CEO and received no additional compensation as a director. Mr. Peck’s compensation is reported in the Summary Compensation Table and related executive compensation tables, beginning on page 35. |
(2) | This column reflects the aggregate grant date fair value for awards of stock during fiscal 2015, computed in accordance with FASB ASC 718. All stock awards reported in this column were granted in fiscal 2015. The following directors had outstanding stock awards as of fiscal 2015 year-end: Mr. De Sole (10,389), Mr. Robert Fisher (10,389), Mr. William Fisher (10,389), Ms. Gardner (5,257), Ms. Goren (10,389), Mr. Martin (10,389), Mr. Montoya (10,389), Mr. Shattuck (14,957), Ms. Tsang (10,389), and Ms. Warrior (9,661). For the period during which the payment of these units is deferred (see page 13), they will earn dividend equivalents which are reinvested in additional units annually. Please refer to Note 10, “Share-Based Compensation,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 21, 2016 for the relevant assumptions used to determine the valuation of our stock awards. |
(3) | No stock options were granted to our directors in fiscal 2015. None of our directors had outstanding option awards as of fiscal 2015 year-end. |
(4) | Amounts in this column include any Company matching contributions under the Company’s Gift Match Program (see “Expense Reimbursement and Other Benefits,” on page 14). |
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PROPOSAL NO. 2 — Ratification of Selection of
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Audit and Finance Committee of the Board of Directors has selected Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 28, 2017. Deloitte & Touche LLP (or its predecessor firm) has been retained as our independent registered public accounting firm since 1976. If shareholders fail to ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Audit and Finance Committee will reconsider the selection. If the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP is approved, the Audit and Finance Committee, in its discretion, may still direct the appointment of a different independent auditing firm at any time and without shareholder approval if the Audit and Finance Committee believes that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE |
Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to be present, available to make statements, and available to respond to appropriate shareholder questions at the Annual Meeting.
Principal Accounting Firm Fees
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees paid and accrued by us for audit and other services for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015 provided by our principal accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, and their respective affiliates (collectively “Deloitte & Touche”).
Fiscal Year 2015 and 2014 Accounting Fees | ||||||
Fees (see notes below) | Fiscal Year 2015 | Fiscal Year 2014 | ||||
Audit Fees | $ | 4,792,223 | $ | 4,873,960 | ||
Audit-Related Fees | 233,401 | 256,222 | ||||
Tax Fees | 106,617 | 86,595 | ||||
All Other Fees | 4,500 | 4,782 | ||||
Total | $ | 5,136,741 | $ | 5,221,559 |
“Audit Fees” consists of fees for professional services rendered in connection with the integrated audit of our consolidated annual financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting, the review of our interim condensed consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports, and the audits in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. |
“Audit-Related Fees” consists primarily of fees for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our employee benefit plans, audit procedures required by store leases and capital verification reports. |
“Tax Fees” consists of fees billed for professional services rendered for tax compliance and tax advice. These services include assistance regarding federal, state and international tax compliance, and competent authority proceedings. |
“All Other Fees” consists of fees for products and services other than the services reported above. |
The Audit and Finance Committee approves the terms, including compensation, of the engagement of our independent registered public accounting firm on an annual basis, and has a policy to pre-approve all services performed by the firm. This policy requires that all services performed by Deloitte & Touche, whether audit or non-audit services, must be pre-approved by the Audit and Finance Committee or a designated member of the Audit and Finance Committee, with any such services reported to the entire Audit and Finance Committee at the next scheduled meeting.
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Rotation
The Audit and Finance Committee periodically reviews and evaluates the performance of Deloitte & Touche’s lead audit partner, oversees the required rotation of the lead audit partner responsible for our audit and, through the Committee’s Chair as representative of the Audit and Finance Committee, reviews and considers the selection of the lead audit partner. In addition, the Audit and Finance Committee periodically considers whether there should be a rotation of the independent registered public accounting firm. At this time, the Audit and Finance Committee and the Board believe that the continued retention of Deloitte & Touche to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm is in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders.
Report of the Audit and Finance Committee
The Audit and Finance Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to the integrity of our financial statements, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent registered public accounting firm qualifications, independence and performance, the performance of the Internal Audit function, the effectiveness of the corporate compliance program, finance matters, and such other duties as directed by the Board of Directors. The Committee
operates under a written charter (available at www.gapinc.com, follow the Investors, Governance, Board of Directors, Board Committees links) adopted by the Board of Directors. The Committee is composed exclusively of directors who are independent under New York Stock Exchange listing standards and Securities and Exchange Commission rules.
The Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 with the Company’s management. In addition, the Committee has discussed with Deloitte & Touche, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, the matters required to be discussed by the applicable Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and Securities and Exchange Commission requirements.
The Committee also has received the communications, including written disclosures and the letter from Deloitte & Touche, required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Committee concerning independence, and the Committee has discussed the independence of Deloitte & Touche with that firm.
Based on the Committee’s review and discussions noted above, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Company’s audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Mayo A. Shattuck III (Chair)
Isabella D. Goren
Jorge P. Montoya
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any of the Company’s previous or future filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that might incorporate this Proxy Statement or future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in whole or in part, this report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any such filing.
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PROPOSAL NO. 3 — Advisory Vote on the Overall Compensation of
The Gap, Inc.’s Named Executive Officers
Pursuant to Section 951 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Company is providing shareholders with an advisory (non-binding) vote on the overall compensation of our named executive officers. Accordingly, the following resolution will be submitted for a shareholder vote at the 2016 Annual Meeting:
“RESOLVED, that the shareholders of The Gap, Inc. (the ”Company“) approve, on an advisory basis, the overall compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, the accompanying compensation tables, and the related narrative disclosure pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, set forth in the Proxy Statement for this Annual Meeting.”
The Board and the Compensation and Management Development Committee, which is comprised entirely of independent directors, will consider the outcome of the shareholders’ non-binding advisory vote when making future executive compensation decisions to the extent they can determine the cause or causes of any significant positive or negative voting results.
As described in detail under the section entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” our executive compensation program is designed to provide the level of compensation necessary to attract and retain talented and experienced executives, and to motivate them to achieve short-term and long-term goals, thereby enhancing shareholder value and creating a successful company. We are committed to tie pay to performance. Reflecting this commitment, due to the fact that the Company did not meet its performance objectives in 2015, certain compensation components to our named executive officers paid out below established targets, as further described on page 20 of the following Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Overall, we believe our executive compensation program meets each of our compensation objectives.
We were pleased to have received over 99% of all votes cast in support of the overall compensation of our executives at our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Compensation and Management Development Committee continued to apply the same philosophy and protocol it used in prior years to determine fiscal 2015 compensation. In addition, as described on page 22, we have several compensation governance programs in place to manage compensation risk and align the Company’s executive compensation with long-term shareholder interests.
Shareholders are encouraged to read the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement, the accompanying compensation tables, and the related narrative disclosures, which more thoroughly discuss how our compensation policies and procedures implement our compensation philosophy.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS |
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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This Compensation Discussion & Analysis explains the key elements of our executive compensation program and compensation decisions for our named executive officers (“Executives”). The Compensation and Management Development Committee of our Board of Directors (the “Committee”) oversees these programs and determines compensation for our Executives.
Introduction
In this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we discuss the following:
• Executive Summary
| page 19 |
• Compensation Objectives
| page 21 |
• Elements of Compensation
| page 23 |
• Promotions and Retention
| page 30 |
• Compensation Analysis Framework
| page 31 |
Executive Summary
Fiscal 2015 was a year of leadership transition. Fiscal 2015 at a glance:
Management Succession – New Leadership for the Future After seven years of service as CEO, Glenn Murphy was succeeded at the beginning of fiscal 2015 by long-time executive Arthur Peck. In connection with this CEO transition, we established a new leadership team and the next generation of brand leaders by making several internal promotions. Jeff Kirwan and Andi Owen, both long-time employees of the Company, were each promoted to the position of Global President for Gap and Banana Republic, respectively. In October 2015, Stefan Larsson stepped down as Global President of Old Navy and Jill Stanton, EVP of Global Product at Old Navy, was selected to lead the division on an interim basis. In light of these leadership changes, we took certain actions to promote retention as described on page 30. | Executives • Arthur Peck, Chief Executive Officer
• Sabrina Simmons, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
• Jeff Kirwan, Global President, Gap
• Stefan Larsson, Global President, Old Navy (until October 2015)
• Andi Owen, Global President, Banana Republic
• Sonia Syngal, Executive Vice President, Global Supply Chain & Product Operations
|
19
Financial Performance & CEO Pay Fiscal 2015 was a challenging year for much of the retail industry. Notwithstanding strong foreign exchange headwinds, we continued our investment in digital capabilities, continued right-sizing the Gap-brand store fleet and expanded globally in key markets. The charts below show the directional relationship between Company performance, based on Net Sales and Diluted EPS, and our CEO’s year-over-year compensation (Mr. Murphy (2013 & 2014) and Mr. Peck (2015)). | Pay for Performance In fiscal 2015, we did not meet the performance targets in our incentive compensation plans, so our CEO did not receive a bonus and our other Executives received bonuses that were significantly below target, except for Mr. Larsson who left the Company and was not eligible to receive a bonus. Stock options granted to our Executives during the year have an exercise price well above the closing stock price at the end of the fiscal year, which means our stock price must increase significantly for our Executives to realize any value from these awards. Our Long-Term Growth Program (“LGP”) awards with a 2013-2015 performance period paid out below target. Similarly for our 2015 LGP awards, even if target is achieved in future periods, the actual awards earned will be below target based on our fiscal 2015 performance. | ||
|
|
| |
Say On Pay – 99% Approval At the 2015 Annual Meeting, shareholders were very supportive of the structure and philosophy of our pay program. Other than aligning the compensation structure for our new CEO with our other Executives, we have made no material changes. | Change in CEO Pay - Total Reported Compensation Fiscal 2014 (Mr. Murphy): $16,064,312, of which 89% was performance based. Fiscal 2015 (Mr. Peck): $6,140,798, of which 78% was performance based. |
Listening to Our Shareholders
Our experienced Committee is comprised solely of independent directors and has established effective means for communicating with shareholders, including the opportunity for shareholders to cast a non-binding advisory vote regarding executive compensation at our Annual Meeting.
The Committee is very interested in the ideas and concerns of our shareholders regarding executive compensation. An advisory vote regarding executive compensation was presented to our shareholders at last year’s Annual Meeting and approved by over 99% of shareholder votes, consistent with prior advisory votes by our shareholders regarding executive compensation.
CEO Compensation Summary
In connection with the appointment of Mr. Peck as our CEO, effective February 1, 2015, we established a compensation package that is structurally similar to that of our other Executives. The package is intended to reward him for sustained improvement of the Company’s financial performance and returns to shareholders while helping to promote alignment of interests across the executive team. The Committee used the same factors outlined under “Compensation Analysis Framework” below, as well as its judgment, to determine the structure and value of the package. Over 50% of the target long-term incentive compensation is in the form of performance shares and most of the total compensation opportunity requires achievement of performance goals or share price appreciation. Mr. Peck receives essentially the same
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benefits and limited perquisites provided to our other Executives. The Committee received advice from its independent compensation consultant on the compensation structure, which is described more fully below:
The chart below shows the proportion of each component of our CEO’s fiscal 2015 compensation, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table on page 35, the majority of which is weighted toward incentive compensation tied to our financial performance and the long-term return realized by shareholders.
Compensation Objectives
Our compensation program is intended to align total compensation for executives with the short- and long-term performance of the Company and to enable us to attract and retain executive talent. Specifically, the program is designed to:
• Support a performance-oriented culture;
• Support our business strategy by motivating and rewarding achievement of annual short- and long-term objectives, as well as individual contributions;
• Attract and retain executive talent;
• Link executive rewards to shareholder returns; and
• Promote a culture of executive stock ownership.
|
Our program rewards executives for the achievement of corporate and divisional financial and non-financial objectives, for their individual contributions to these results, and for optimizing long-term returns to shareholders. The majority of each executive’s total compensation opportunity is weighted toward incentive compensation tied to the financial performance of the Company and the long-term return realized by shareholders. When we do not achieve targeted performance levels and/or our stock price does not appreciate, compensation that can be realized by our executives is substantially reduced. When we exceed
21
targeted performance levels and/or our stock price appreciates, compensation that can be realized by our executives is substantially increased. We believe that this is the most effective means of aligning executive incentives with our shareholders’ interests.
Overall, we believe our executive compensation program met each of our compensation objectives and continues to demonstrate our strong commitment to pay for performance. The table below highlights key compensation practices – both the practices we believe support strong governance principles and the practices we have not implemented because we do not believe they would serve our shareholders’ long-term interests.
Compensation Governance
What we do | What we don’t do |
✓ Pay for Performance ✓ Tally Sheets ✓ Recoupment Policy ✓ Culture of Ownership ✓ No Hedging ✓ No Pledging ✓ Independent Compensation Consultant | X No Long-Term Employment Agreements with Guarantees X No Golden Parachute Tax Gross-Ups X No Repricing X No SERP X No Change in Control Arrangements X No Material Compensation Risk X No Dividends on Unearned Performance Awards |
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Elements of Compensation
The main components of our executive compensation program are:
We have chosen these elements because we believe each supports achievement of one or more of our compensation objectives, and that together they have been and will continue to be effective in this regard. We also provide our Executives with benefits and limited perquisites that are available to a broader group of employees or that are intended to maximize productivity.
The use and weight of each compensation element is based on the judgment of the Committee regarding the importance of each compensation objective in supporting our business and talent strategies, as well as the structure of these elements for executives at other companies. Base salary, benefits and perquisites represent less than half of each Executive’s potential compensation at target performance levels, to emphasize the importance of performance-based compensation.
Base Salary
Base salaries are set at a level that the Committee believes will effectively attract and retain top talent, considering the factors described below under “Compensation Analysis Framework.” In addition, the Committee considers the impact of base salary changes on other compensation components where applicable. The Committee reviews base salaries for Executives in the first fiscal quarter, and as needed in connection with promotions or other changes in responsibilities. The table below summarizes base salaries during fiscal 2015, and changes that occurred during the year.
Name | Base Salary | Base Salary | Comments | ||||
Arthur Peck | $ | 950,000 | $ | 1,300,000 | Mr. Peck’s salary was increased when he was appointed as CEO on February 1, 2015. Mr. Murphy’s salary on January 31, 2015 was $1,500,000. | ||
Sabrina Simmons | $ | 825,000 | $ | 875,000 | Salary was increased in March 2015 as part of the annual review in light of expanded responsibilities and to position Ms. Simmons appropriately relative to other executives. | ||
Jeff Kirwan | $ | 850,000 | $ | 850,000 |
| ||
Andi Owen | $ | 850,000 | $ | 850,000 |
| ||
Sonia Syngal | $ | 600,000 | $ | 750,000 | Salary was increased in February 2015 in light of expanded responsibilities. | ||
Former Executive |
|
| |||||
Stefan Larsson | $ | 1,000,000 | N/A | Mr. Larsson ceased to be an Executive in October 2015. |
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Annual Incentive Bonus
Fiscal 2015 Annual Bonus
We have an annual cash incentive bonus program for Executives to motivate and reward achievement of financial and individual objectives and to provide a competitive total compensation opportunity. Mr. Peck’s annual incentive bonus was based exclusively on earnings and net sales performance (weighted 75% and 25%, respectively) given his role as CEO and direct accountability for operating results. For Executives other than Mr. Peck, the annual incentive bonus was based on two components:
1. | 75% of their total opportunity was based on the financial performance of the Company or a division of the Company (of this, 75% was based on earnings, given the importance of accountability for operating results, and 25% on net sales, to drive top-line focus). |
2. | 25% of their total opportunity was based on subjective individual and organization objectives, to recognize results outside of the earnings and net sales goals. |
In setting the fiscal 2015 annual bonus structure, the Committee considered our business priorities and the factors described below under “Compensation Analysis Framework.” The table below describes the target annual bonus and potential payout range for each Executive.
Name | Target | Potential | ||||
Arthur Peck | 175 | % | 0 – 200 | % | ||
Sabrina Simmons | 100 | % | 0 – 200 | % | ||
Jeff Kirwan | 100 | % | 0 – 200 | % | ||
Andi Owen | 100 | % | 0 – 200 | % | ||
Sonia Syngal | 80 | % | 0 – 200 | % | ||
Former Executive |
|
| ||||
Stefan Larsson | 100 | % | 0 – 200 | % |
Financial Performance Component
Bonus payments based on financial performance are generally made under the Executive Management Incentive Compensation Award Plan (“Executive MICAP”). The Committee approves threshold, target and maximum performance goals at the beginning of each performance period. Bonuses are paid under the financial performance component only if threshold goals are exceeded. Actual bonuses are generally paid in March of each year.
Bonuses for fiscal 2015 financial performance were based on earnings (weighted 75%) and net sales (weighted 25%) goals. Earnings and net sales were used to measure both Company and division performance, in both cases subject to potential adjustment for certain items such as extraordinary and non-recurring items. The earnings measure was selected for fiscal 2015 and weighted more heavily because the Committee believed that earnings should continue to be a focus of Executives and is a good measure of actual operating performance within their control and accountability. The net sales measure is intended to
24
drive top-line focus and to promote continued focus on growing market share. Measuring both earnings and net sales diversifies performance metrics, and we believe it provides an appropriate balance between cost management and top line performance.
The following table shows fiscal 2015 earnings and net sales goals expressed as a percentage of fiscal 2014 actual results. Goals for fiscal 2015 were set at levels that required improvement from 2014 results for Executives to earn target payouts given our expected performance at the time goals were established. Goals were also set at a level intended to provide a meaningful incentive to Executives to improve performance. Also shown are the actual weighted percentages achieved expressed as a percentage of fiscal 2014 actual results after adjustments to exclude charges related to strategic actions and the impact of west coast port delays. These adjustments did not impact bonus payouts. No other adjustments to the results were made other than neutralization of foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Mr. Larsson, who left the Company in October 2015, was not eligible to receive a payout and has been excluded from the table below.
|
| 2015 Earnings / Net Sales Goals as a | Actual Fiscal 2015 | |||
Name | Company / | Threshold | Target | Maximum | Earnings | Net Sales |
Arthur Peck | Gap Inc. | 91% / 103% | 107% / 106% | 111% / 106% | 85% | 100% |
Sabrina Simmons | Gap Inc. | 91% / 103% | 107% / 106% | 111% / 106% | 85% | 100% |
Jeff Kirwan | Gap Global | 97% / 104% | 114% / 106% | 120% / 107% | 70% | 99% |
Andi Owen | Banana Republic Global | 98% / 103% | 109% / 107% | 114% / 107% | 73% | 94% |
Sonia Syngal | Gap Inc. | 91% / 103% | 107% / 106% | 111% / 106% | 85% | 100% |
Individual Objectives Component
Executives other than the CEO were eligible to receive bonuses based on individual performance and organization objectives. At the beginning of the year, 26 objectives were established for Gap Inc. with shared accountability by Executives. These objectives consisted of initiatives centered on three key themes: (i) product, which included objectives on product design, production and distribution; (ii) customer experience, which included objectives for store digital enablement, mobile advancements and future store design; and (iii) talent, which included objectives on talent retention, leadership assessment and development, and recruiting.
For Executives other than Mr. Peck, the extent to which these objectives were met, partially met, or exceeded was assessed qualitatively by Mr. Peck after the end of the fiscal year. In this regard, while certain of the objectives had quantitative components, there was no formulaic link between the extent to which a particular objective was satisfied and the ultimate payout that an Executive received. The CEO also had the discretion to consider some goals more heavily than others. In addition, in judging each Executive’s individual performance, the CEO took into account any additional initiatives and challenges that the Executive faced over the course of the year, as well as earnings performance, in determining a recommended payout. Payout amounts were then recommended to the Committee for consideration and approval.
Actual Bonuses
For fiscal 2015, performance against target earnings and net sales goals applicable to each Executive was well below targeted levels. The following table describes the calculation of the actual bonus for fiscal 2015 for each eligible Executive. Mr. Larsson, who left the Company in October 2015, was not eligible to receive a payout and has been excluded from the table below.
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Name | Base | x | Target | x | ( | Actual | x | Weight | + | Actual | x | Weight ) | = | Actual |
Art Peck | $1,300,000 | x | 175% | x | ( | 0% | x | 100% | + | N/A | x | N/A ) | = | $0 |
Sabrina Simmons | $868,269 | x | 100% | x | ( | 0% | x | 75% | + | 60% | x | 25% ) | = | $130,241 |
Jeff Kirwan | $850,000 | x | 100% | x | ( | 0% | x | 75% | + | 60% | x | 25% ) | = | $127,500 |
Andi Owen | $850,000 | x | 100% | x | ( | 0% | x | 75% | + | 50% | x | 25% ) | = | $106,250 |
Sonia Syngal | $750,000 | x | 80% | x | ( | 0% | x | 75% | + | 60% | x | 25% ) | = | $90,000 |
Footnotes | |
(1) | Actual percentages achieved are rounded for presentation. |
Long-Term Incentives
Stock-based long-term incentives align executive compensation and shareholder returns by linking a significant portion of total compensation to the performance of our stock. Unlike some of the members of our peer group, we do not have a pension plan, and we rely on long-term incentives to provide a substantial percentage of each Executive’s potential retirement savings. Long-term incentives have typically consisted of stock options, stock units or performance shares. It has been our practice to grant long-term incentives to Executives on an annual basis usually in the first quarter of each fiscal year. This timing was selected because it follows the release of our annual financial results and completion of annual compensation reviews. We also grant long-term incentives on other dates to newly hired Executives and periodically in connection with promotions or for special recognition and retention. Grants are typically approved by the Committee at a meeting and are effective on the meeting date or, if approved by unanimous written consent, the date of the last signature on the consent. However, the effective date for new hires is no earlier than the first day of employment. Stock-based awards are granted under our 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”), which was approved by our shareholders. On February 23, 2016, the Plan was amended, restated, and renamed the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), subject to shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting. A description of the Plan is located on page 49 of this Proxy Statement.
In determining the long-term incentive structure and award amounts, the Committee considered the factors described below under “Compensation Analysis Framework,” including a review of each individual’s accumulated vested and unvested awards, the current and potential realizable value over time using stock appreciation assumptions, vesting schedules, comparison of individual awards between Executives and in relation to other compensation elements, shareholder dilution and accounting expense.
Stock Options
We believe stock options focus Executives on managing the Company from the long-term perspective of an owner. Stock options provide value to the recipient only if the price of our stock increases. Because of this inherent linkage to increased shareholder returns, we believe stock options are an important component of executive long-term incentive compensation. However, we believe that this component as a percentage of total long-term incentive grant value should typically be weighted at less than 50% to balance performance focus and mitigate potential compensation-related risk, so that the majority of long-term incentive value at grant is placed on full-value awards including those subject to achievement of performance goals. Award amounts were differentiated based on the Executive’s role in the organization and competitive practice. All stock options granted to employees during fiscal 2015 had an exercise price equal to the closing price of our stock on the date of grant. The stock option grants received by our Executives are described in more detail in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards on page 39.
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Stock options typically vest based on continued service at a rate of 25% annually beginning one year from the grant date, which we have determined helps meet our retention objectives. We have also used other vesting schedules to align with timing of compensation being forfeited at a prior employer for new hires or to align with critical retention periods. Stock options are typically granted for a maximum term of ten years and vested options are exercisable for three months following employment termination. Vesting is generally accelerated upon death or retirement if the stock options are held for at least one year.
Stock Units and Performance Shares
A portion of long-term incentives is delivered in units representing full-value shares of our stock to drive performance, promote retention and foster a long-term ownership perspective. Unlike stock options, full-value share awards, in combination with stock ownership requirements, subject Executives to the same downside risk experienced by shareholders but still encourage retention if our stock price does not appreciate, and help to focus Executives on sustaining the value of the Company. In general, we believe the grant or vesting of a significant percentage of full-value shares for Executives should be based on performance against annual or long-term objectives unless they are made to offset compensation from prior employment in the case of new hires. However, to balance our performance, retention, and ownership objectives, in the past we have granted stock units or other full-value shares that vest only for continued service with the Company, and we may do so in the future. The stock unit grants received by our Executives are described in more detail in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards on page 39.
Stock units that are granted to Executives other than the CEO have in most cases been scheduled to vest over three years, but the schedule may differ based on critical retention or performance periods, or the vesting of compensation being forfeited at a prior employer for new hires. Executives generally must be employed on the vesting date or awards are forfeited. Vesting is generally accelerated upon death or retirement if the awards are held for at least one year and any performance conditions have been previously satisfied. Additional circumstances under which vesting on long-term incentives may be accelerated is described on pages 45-47 of this Proxy Statement.
LGP (Long-Term Growth Program)
Executives are eligible to participate in the LGP, which is intended to promote sustained improvement in financial performance and long-term value creation for shareholders, while taking into account the inherent difficulty in setting long-term performance goals in the volatile retail industry. Mr. Kirwan and Ms. Owen were appointed as Global Presidents and each received their first LGP grant in fiscal 2015. Mr. Peck’s LGP target was increased to 450% of base salary in connection with his appointment as CEO, a level which in the Committee’s judgment positioned him appropriately internally and relative to the peer group. The key features of the program are described below:
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The table below describes the potential payout range as a percentage of the target award for the fiscal 2015-2017 performance period. The target number of shares was determined using our closing stock price on the date of grant and a percentage of base salary. The performance share grants represent only an opportunity to earn actual shares of our stock based on achievement of performance goals over three years. The associated amount listed in the Summary Compensation Table under Stock Awards is the grant date fair value for accounting purposes, which is the required disclosure under SEC rules, not necessarily the compensation that will be actually realized by each Executive. The same threshold, target, and maximum earnings goals described above under “Fiscal 2015 Annual Bonus” applied to the 2015 performance year under the LGP. We use earnings for both annual cash awards and performance-based long-term incentives because we believe that it is the best metric to drive shareholder value. The use of annual goals over a three-year period maintains our ability to set realistic goals while creating focus on results over a longer time horizon and a strong linkage to overall long-term Company results. All payments are made in shares at vesting and dividends are not paid or accrued on unvested shares. Mr. Larsson, who left the Company in October 2015, is not eligible to receive a payout under any outstanding LGP awards.
Fiscal 2015 Award Potential Payout | |||||||
Name | Percentage | Target | Potential | ||||
Arthur Peck | 450 | % | 141,749 | 0 – 300% | |||
Sabrina Simmons | 150 | % | 31,802 | 0 – 300% | |||
Jeff Kirwan | 150 | % | 30,894 | 0 – 300% | |||
Andi Owen | 150 | % | 30,894 | 0 – 300% | |||
Sonia Syngal | 100 | % | 18,173 | 0 – 300% | |||
Former Executive |
|
|
| ||||
Stefan Larsson | 150 | % | 36,346 | 0 – 300% |
The following table describes the actual achievement levels and actual shares for the LGP awards for the completed fiscal 2013-2015 performance period for each eligible Executive.
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Fiscal 2013 Award Achievement | ||||||||
Name | Target | Year 1, Year 2, & Year 3 | Three | Actual | Actual | Actual | ||
Arthur Peck | 37,037 | 84% | 59% | 0% | 48% | -20% | 38% | 14,159 |
Sabrina Simmons | 33,950 | 163% | 64% | 0% | 76% | -20% | 61% | 20,596 |
Sonia Syngal | 3,224 | 163% | 64% | 0% | 76% | -20% | 61% | 1,955 |
Footnotes | |
(1) | In 2013, the Committee used discretion to reduce the payouts to a level equal to what would have been achieved if certain adjustments at the Gap Inc. level for foreign exchange fluctuations had not been included. If the Committee’s discretion had not been applied, the actual percentage achieved for 2013 would have been 234% for Ms. Simmons and Ms. Syngal. |
(2) | Actual percentage achieved is rounded for presentation and is the three-year average increased by the cumulative Company earnings goal modifier. Actual shares is the product of the target shares and the actual percentage achieved. |
The table below describes, for each eligible Executive, the actual percentage achievement levels for the completed fiscal years under the LGP awards for the fiscal 2014-2016 and fiscal 2015-2017 performance periods. Final achievement and actual shares for the outstanding fiscal 2014-2016 and fiscal 2015-2017 performance periods are still subject to the remaining performance periods and the cumulative Company earnings goal over the same three-year performance period.
| Fiscal 2014 Award | Fiscal 2015 Award | |||
|
| Year 1 | Year 2 |
| Year 1 |
Name | Target | Actual | Actual | Target | Actual |
Arthur Peck | 33,767 | 59% | 0% | 141,749 | 0% |
Sabrina Simmons | 29,324 | 64% | 0% | 31,802 | 0% |
Jeff Kirwan | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30,894 | 0% |
Andi Owen | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30,894 | 0% |
Sonia Syngal | 14,218 | 64% | 0% | 18,173 | 0% |
Benefits and Perquisites
Executives generally are eligible for the same health and welfare plans as other full-time Gap Inc. employees, including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, and retirement plans. Although not a significant part of total compensation, we also provide limited additional benefits and perquisites to our Executives, which we believe are reasonable and consistent with our overall compensation objectives. These perquisites and benefits include: financial planning services or an allowance, as Executives typically have more complex financial planning requirements; participation in a deferred compensation plan that is offered to all highly compensated employees, as a means to help meet retirement savings goals; and matching charitable donations, up to certain annual limits, which are available to all employees.
Various agreements, as described in more detail beginning on page 45, provide for severance benefits in the event of a termination of employment. These benefits were selected in light of competitive conditions and customary practices at the time of their implementation.
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The value of the benefits and perquisites received by our Executives are described in more detail in the footnotes to the Summary Compensation Table on page 38.
Promotions and Retention
We granted promotion stock units of 75,000 to each of Mr. Kirwan and Ms. Owen in February 2015 in connection with their promotions to Global President.
The Committee also considered potential retention risk for other Executives created by the announced departure of our previous CEO, as well as an increasingly challenging business environment and highly competitive market for executive talent. In light of this, we granted retention stock units of 75,000 shares to each of Mr. Larsson, Ms. Simmons and Ms. Syngal in February 2015. These awards vest based on continued service, 50% two years following the grant date to create a retention incentive for a shorter time horizon and 50% three years following the grant date to promote longer-term retention. In addition, retention payments of $1,000,000 with repayment provisions were made to Mr. Larsson and Ms. Simmons to promote short-term retention. The payments are repayable in full to the Company in the case of a voluntary termination or termination for Cause within one year of the payment date, and half must be repaid should such a termination occur between one and two years from the payment date.
When Mr. Larsson left the Company, his retention payment was repaid in full and his retention stock unit grant was forfeited.
Stock Ownership Requirements for Executive Officers / Hedging and Pledging Prohibitions
We have minimum stock ownership requirements for certain executive positions to more closely link executive and shareholder interests, to balance potential rewards and risks, and to encourage a long-term perspective in managing the Company. Each executive has five years from the date of his or her appointment to reach the requirement.
As of January 30, 2016, all Executives had either met the shares requirement in the table below or had remaining time to do so.
| Requirements |
CEO | 300,000 |
Global President | 75,000 |
Corporate Executive Vice President | 40,000 |
Executives not meeting the requirement must retain 50% of their after-tax shares acquired through stock compensation programs until the requirement is reached.
For purposes of determining stock ownership levels, in addition to shares held directly, certain forms of equity interests in the Company count towards the stock ownership requirement, including non-performance-based stock units (vested or unvested) and shares held within our 401(k) Plan. A complete description of the requirements, including a complete list of accepted forms of ownership, is located at
www.gapinc.com (follow the Investors, Governance, Executive Stock Ownership links).
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Our insider trading policy applicable to executives prohibits speculation in our stock, including short sales, hedging or publicly-traded option transactions. We also prohibit executives from pledging Company stock as collateral for a loan or for any other purpose.
Termination Payments
Various agreements, as described in more detail beginning on page 45, provide for severance benefits in the event of a termination of employment. These benefits were selected in light of competitive conditions and customary practices at the time of their implementation. We have no severance arrangements specific to a change-in-control.
Compensation Analysis Framework
The Committee reviews executive compensation at least annually. The Committee’s review includes base salary, annual incentives, long-term incentives and the value of benefits and perquisites. Each element is considered individually and in total using tally sheets, which are intended to summarize all of the elements of total actual and potential compensation and wealth accumulation. The tally sheets present the dollar value of each compensation component, including accumulated vested and unvested long-term incentive gains and potential gains using stock price assumptions, vesting schedules for long-term incentive awards, accumulated deferred compensation and potential severance benefits.
The Committee also uses a summary of compensation data covering other companies to support its analysis. The Committee selected a broad spectrum of retail and consumer products companies for purposes of comparing market compensation levels (the “peer group”) because we have both recruited from and lost executive talent to these industries in the past, and to ensure appropriate scope and complexity relative to the Company. Because the size of the peer group companies varies considerably, regression analysis is used where appropriate to adjust the compensation data for differences in Company revenues.
The peer group is reviewed by the Committee each year. The peer group used in 2015 was comprised of the companies listed below and reflects only one change from the prior year (replacement of Aeropostale with PVH Corporation) to better align with Gap Inc.’s global presence.
Abercrombie & Fitch American Eagle Outfitters Avon Products Best Buy Children’s Place Retail Stores Coach Coca-Cola Costco Wholesale Estee Lauder Companies Disney General Mills | J.C. Penney J. Crew Kellogg Kimberly Clark Kohl’s Levi Strauss L Brands Macy’s McDonald’s Nike Nordstrom | PepsiCo Polo Ralph Lauren PVH Corporation Ross Stores Sears Holdings Staples Starbucks Target TJX Companies Williams-Sonoma YUM! Brands |
The majority of the peer group provides compensation data through surveys conducted by Towers Watson, an international consulting company. The surveys provide levels of base salary, annual incentives, and long-term incentive grant values in a summarized form, and we believe that this data provides a reasonable indicator of total compensation values for the peer group. This data is supplemented by information obtained through proxy statement disclosures and other public sources. The Committee uses
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the peer group data along with the tally sheet data as a frame of reference to inform compensation decisions, but compensation is not set to meet specific benchmarks or percentiles.
In conducting its analysis and determining compensation, the Committee also takes into account the following factors where relevant:
As described below, the Committee also considers management’s recommendations and advice from the Committee’s independent compensation consultant when appropriate. The Committee periodically reviews the accounting and tax implications of each compensation element, and shareholder dilution in the case of equity awards.
Role of the CEO and Compensation Consultant
The CEO evaluates each Executive using relevant factors described above under “Compensation Analysis Framework” and makes recommendations to the Committee about the structure of the compensation program and individual arrangements. The CEO is generally present at Committee meetings when compensation, other than his own, is considered and approved. However, approval rests solely with the Committee.
The Committee has engaged Frederic W. Cook & Co. as its independent compensation consultant to advise the Committee periodically on the compensation program structure and individual compensation arrangements. The consultant was selected by the Committee and does not provide any other services to the Company. In addition, we have conducted a review of the Committee’s relationship with its compensation consultant, and have identified no conflicts of interest. From time to time, the consultant attends Committee meetings, presents briefings on general and retail-industry compensation trends and developments, and is also available to the Committee outside of meetings as necessary. The consultant reports directly to the Committee, although the consultant meets with management from time to time to obtain information necessary to advise the Committee.
Accounting and Tax Considerations
Accounting, tax and related financial implications to the Company and Executives are considered during the analysis of our compensation and benefits program and individual elements. Overall, the Committee seeks to balance attainment of our compensation objectives with the need to maximize current tax deductibility of compensation that may impact earnings and other measures of importance to shareholders. The Committee determined that the accounting and tax impacts described below were reasonable in light of our objectives.
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In general, base salary, annual cash incentive bonus payments, and the costs related to benefits and perquisites are recognized as compensation expense at the time they are earned or provided. Share-based compensation expense is recognized in our consolidated statements of income for stock options, stock units, and performance shares.
Subject to the exceptions and limits below, we deduct for federal income tax purposes all payments of compensation and other benefits to Executives. We do not deduct deferred compensation until the year that the deferred compensation is paid to an Executive.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally does not allow a tax deduction to public companies for compensation over $1,000,000 paid to the principal executive officer or any of the other three most highly compensated executive officers (other than the principal financial officer) unless the compensation is based on attainment of pre-established objective performance goals and certain other requirements are met. It is our preference to qualify executive compensation as deductible under Section 162(m) where we determine it is consistent with our interests and compensation objectives. However, to maintain maximum flexibility in achieving compensation objectives, the Committee, while considering company tax deductibility as one of its factors in determining compensation, will not limit compensation to those levels or types of compensation that are intended to be deductible. Our compensation plans have generally been designed to permit awards that qualify as deductible under Section 162(m). However, the individual objectives component of the annual incentive bonus is qualitative in nature and is subject to the deduction limits of Section 162(m). In addition, stock units, other than performance shares, that have vesting based only on continued service are also subject to the deduction limits of Section 162(m). Because of the fact-based nature of the performance-based compensation exception and the limited amount of guidance, there is no guarantee that compensation that is intended to comply with the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) will in fact so qualify.
Section 4999 and Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code provide that executives could be subject to additional taxes if they receive payments or benefits that exceed certain limits in connection with a change in control of the Company and that the Company could lose an income tax deduction for such payments. We have not provided any Executive with tax gross-ups or other reimbursement for tax amounts the Executive might be required to pay under Section 4999.
Recovery and Adjustments to Awards
Subject to the approval of the Board, we will require reimbursement and/or cancellation of any bonus or other incentive compensation, including stock-based compensation, where all of the following factors are present: (i) the award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a restatement, (ii) in the Board’s view, the Executive engaged in fraud or intentional misconduct that was a substantial contributing cause to the need for the restatement, and (iii) a lower award would have been made to the Executive based upon the restated financial results. In each such instance, we will seek to recover the individual Executive’s entire annual bonus or award for the relevant period, plus a reasonable rate of interest. The Board is monitoring this policy to ensure that it is consistent with applicable laws, including any requirements under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation and Management Development Committee (the “Committee”) has reviewed and discussed this Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based on the review and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 and the Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Bob L. Martin (Chair)
Domenico De Sole
Katherine Tsang
Padmasree Warrior
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Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows compensation information for fiscal 2015, which ended January 30, 2016, for our CEO, CFO, the three other most highly compensated executive officers at fiscal year-end, and an officer who would have been one of the three other most highly compensated officers had he still been serving as an officer at fiscal year-end, as required under SEC rules (“named executive officers”). The table also shows compensation information for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, which ended January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively, for those named executive officers who also were named executive officers in either of those years.
Name and Principal Position (1) | Fiscal | Salary | Bonus | Stock Awards | Option | Non-Equity | Change in | All Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Arthur Peck | 2015 | 1,300,000 | 0 | 2,733,227 | 2,079,960 | 0 | 0 | 27,611 | 6,140,798 | |||||||||||||||||||
| CEO | 2014 | 943,269 | 0 | 1,397,332 | 656,576 | 419,411 | 0 | 93,424 | 3,510,012 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 900,000 | 0 | 3,029,232 | 658,920 | 1,072,869 | 0 | 51,998 | 5,713,019 | |||||||||||||||||||
Sabrina Simmons | 2015 | 868,269 | 0 | 4,156,533 | 625,194 | 130,241 | 0 | 64,810 | 5,845,047 | |||||||||||||||||||
| EVP and CFO | 2014 | 825,000 | 0 | 2,258,223 | 738,648 | 457,385 | 0 | 63,651 | 4,342,907 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 818,269 | 0 | 1,156,744 | 741,285 | 823,500 | 0 | 63,637 | 3,603,435 | |||||||||||||||||||
Jeff Kirwan | 2015 | 850,000 | 0 | 3,642,268 | 555,728 | 127,500 | 0 | 1,061,541 | 6,237,037 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Global President, Gap |
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Andi Owen | 2015 | 850,000 | 0 | 3,312,226 | 520,995 | 106,250 | 0 | 49,653 | 4,839,124 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Global President, Banana Republic |
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Sonia Syngal | 2015 | 750,000 | 0 | 3,378,237 | 243,131 | 90,000 | 0 | 67,541 | 4,528,909 | |||||||||||||||||||
| EVP, Global Supply Chain & Product Operations |
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Former Executive Officer |
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Stefan Larsson | 2015 | 673,077 | 0 | 4,391,007 | 625,194 | 0 | 0 | 44,519 | 5,733,797 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Former Global President, Old Navy | 2014 | 1,000,000 | 0 | 1,013,789 | 738,648 | 1,707,576 | 0 | 75,566 | 4,535,579 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 1,000,000 | 125,000 | 471,453 | 0 | 968,717 | 0 | 815,203 | 3,380,373 |
Footnotes | |
(1) | Mr. Peck became our CEO in February 2015. Mr. Larsson ceased to be an executive officer of the Company in October 2015. |
(2) | The amounts in this column for Ms. Simmons in fiscal 2013 and 2015, and for Mr. Peck in 2014, reflect the prorated payment of their salaries based on changes during the year. Base salary changes in fiscal 2015 are further described on page 23 of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section. The amount in this column for Mr. Larsson in fiscal 2015 reflects the prorated payment of his actual salary until his departure in October 2015. |
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Footnotes (continued) | |
(3) | Mr. Larsson received a special bonus of $125,000 in March 2013 in light of his fiscal 2012 performance. |
(4) | This column reflects the aggregate grant date fair value for awards of stock during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, computed in accordance with FASB ASC 718. These amounts reflect the grant date fair value, and do not necessarily represent the actual value that may be realized by the named executive officers. For 2013, this column includes (a) the grant date fair value of the target number of shares that may be earned under the LGP with respect to year 3 of a three-year performance period beginning with fiscal 2011 (“LGP 1”), (b) the grant date fair value of the target number of shares that may be earned under the LGP with respect to year 2 of a three-year performance period beginning with fiscal 2012 (“LGP 2”), and (c) the grant date fair value of the target number of shares that may be earned under the LGP with respect to year 1 of a three-year performance period beginning with fiscal 2013 (“LGP 3”). For 2014, this column includes (a) the grant date fair value of the target number of shares that may be earned under the LGP with respect to year 3 of LGP 2, (b) the grant date fair value of the target number of shares that may be earned under the LGP with respect to year 2 of LGP 3, and (c) the grant date fair value of the target number of shares that may be earned under the LGP with respect to year 1 of a three-year performance period beginning with fiscal 2014 (“LGP 4”). For 2015, this column includes (a) the grant date fair value of the target number of shares that may be earned under the LGP with respect to year 3 of LGP 3, (b) the grant date fair value of the target number of shares that may be earned under the LGP with respect to year 2 of LGP 4, and (c) the grant date fair value of the target number of shares that may be earned under the LGP with respect to year 1 of a three-year performance period beginning with fiscal 2015 (“LGP 5”). See pages 28-29 of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section for actual shares granted under LGP 3. Mr. Larsson joined the Company in October 2012 and was not entitled to a grant under the LGP in fiscal 2012. Ms. Owen and Mr. Kirwan received their first grants under the LGP in 2015. |
|
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| For Mses. Owen, Simmons, and Syngal, and Messrs. Kirwan, and Larsson, this column also includes the aggregate grant date fair value of any restricted stock units granted during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013. |
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| Details on the figures included in this column for 2015 are reflected in the following table. Details on the figures included in this column for 2014 and 2013 are included in our 2015 and 2014 Proxy Statements. |
| LGP 3 (FY 2013 Grant) | LGP 4 (FY 2014 Grant) | LGP 5 (FY 2015 Grant) | Grant Date Fair | Total Reported in |
Arthur Peck | 492,566 | 439,057 | 1,801,604 | 0 | 2,733,227 |
Sabrina Simmons | 451,508 | 381,284 | 404,178 | 2,919,563 | 4,156,533 |
Jeff Kirwan | 0 | 0 | 392,663 | 3,249,605 | 3,642,268 |
Andi Owen | 0 | 0 | 392,663 | 2,919,563 | 3,312,226 |
Sonia Syngal | 42,853 | 184,868 | 230,953 | 2,919,563 | 3,378,237 |
Stefan Larsson (a) | 547,308 | 462,191 | 461,945 | 2,919,563 | 4,391,007 |
| (a) | Mr. Larsson, who left the Company in October 2015, is not eligible to receive a payout under any outstanding LGP 3, LGP 4 or LGP 5 awards. |
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Footnotes (continued) |
The total grant date fair value of the LGP awards if maximum performance conditions were achieved over the entire three-year period under LGP 3, LGP 4 and LGP 5 are detailed in the following tables. The grant date fair values per share used in calculating the total grant date fair values below were as follows: (i) year 1 of LGP 3 ($34.04 for Ms. Syngal and $34.37 for the other named executive officers), year 2 of LGP 3 ($40.04), and year 3 of LGP 3 ($39.90), (ii) year 1 of LGP 4 ($39.21), and years 2 and 3 of LGP 4 ($39.01), and (iii) years 1, 2 and 3 of LGP 5 ($38.13). The grant date fair value for year 2 of LGP 4 was used for year 3 of LGP 4, and the grant date fair value for year 1 of LGP 5 was used for years 2 and 3 of LGP 5. Ms. Owen and Mr. Kirwan did not receive LGP grants in fiscal 2013 or 2014. For a description of the Company’s Long-Term Growth Program, please see pages 27-29 of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section. |
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LGP 3 | Maximum Shares |
| LGP 4 | Maximum Shares |
| LGP 5 | Maximum Shares |
Art Peck | 4,233,699 |
| Art Peck | 3,958,505 |
| Art Peck | 16,214,668 |
Sabrina Simmons | 3,880,825 |
| Sabrina Simmons | 3,437,653 |
| Sabrina Simmons | 3,637,831 |
Jeff Kirwan | n/a |
| Jeff Kirwan | n/a |
| Jeff Kirwan | 3,533,965 |
Stefan Larsson (a) | 4,704,085 |
| Stefan Larsson (a) | 4,166,940 |
| Stefan Larsson (a) | 4,157,619 |
Andi Owen | n/a |
| Andi Owen | n/a |
| Andi Owen | 3,533,965 |
Sonia Syngal | 367,472 |
| Sonia Syngal | 1,666,776 |
| Sonia Syngal | 2,078,809 |
| (a) | Mr. Larsson, who left the Company in October 2015, is not eligible to receive a payout under any outstanding LGP 3, LGP 4 or LGP 5 awards. |
|
| |
(5) | Please refer to Note 10, “Share-Based Compensation,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 21, 2016 for the relevant assumptions used to determine the compensation cost of our stock and option awards. Please refer to the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table in this Proxy Statement and in our 2015 and 2014 Proxy Statements for information on awards actually granted in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013. | |
(6) | This column reflects the aggregate grant date fair value for awards of stock options during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, computed in accordance with FASB ASC 718. These amounts reflect the grant date fair value, and do not necessarily represent the actual value that may be realized by the named executive officers. | |
(7) | The amounts in this column reflect the non-equity amounts earned by the named executive officers under the Company’s annual incentive bonus plan. | |
(8) | No above-market or preferential interest rate options are available under our deferred compensation programs. Please refer to the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table for additional information on deferred compensation earnings. | |
(9) | The amounts shown in the All Other Compensation column are detailed in the following table. |
37
Name | Fiscal | Financial | Tax | Deferred | 401(k) | Disability | Life | Relocation | Gift | Other | Total ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Arthur Peck | 2015 | 14,800 | 0 | 0 | 11,261 | 650 | 900 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27,611 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 | 14,800 | 0 | 27,139 | 11,813 | 624 | 1,128 | 0 | 10,000 | 27,920 | 93,424 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 14,067 | 0 | 25,800 | 10,297 | 736 | 1,098 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 51,998 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Sabrina Simmons | 2015 | 14,800 | 0 | 23,938 | 9,529 | 643 | 900 | 0 | 15,000 | 0 | 64,810 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 | 14,800 | 0 | 22,600 | 10,387 | 736 | 1,128 | 0 | 14,000 | 0 | 63,651 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 14,067 | 0 | 22,338 | 10,398 | 736 | 1,098 | 0 | 15,000 | 0 | 63,637 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Jeff Kirwan | 2015 | 14,800 | 777,099 | 23,400 | 9,881 | 647 | 900 | 234,814 | 0 | 0 | 1,061,541 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Andi Owen | 2015 | 0 | 0 | 23,208 | 9,898 | 647 | 900 | 0 | 15,000 | 0 | 49,653 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Sonia Syngal | 2015 | 10,627 | 0 | 18,823 | 8,774 | 650 | 900 | 23,272 | 4,495 | 0 | 67,541 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Stefan Larsson | 2015 | 11,100 | 0 | 0 | 4,096 | 536 | 900 | 21,537 | 6,350 | 0 | 44,519 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 | 14,800 | 2,727 | 29,600 | 8,885 | 736 | 1,128 | 6,190 | 11,500 | 0 | 75,566 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | 19,943 | 423,938 | 29,800 | 14,431 | 736 | 1,098 | 325,256 | 0 | 0 | 815,203 |
| (a) | We provide certain executive officers access to financial counseling services, which may include tax preparation and estate planning services. We value this benefit based on the actual cost for those services. |
| (b) | For Mr. Kirwan, these amounts reflect tax reimbursements in connection with his previous international assignments and relocation to the U.S. For Mr. Larsson, these amounts reflect tax reimbursements in connection with his relocation to the U.S. |
| (c) | These amounts reflect Company matching contributions under the Company’s nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan for base salary deferrals representing the excess of the participant’s base pay over the current IRS qualified plan limit ($265,000 for calendar year 2015), which are matched at up to 4% of base pay, the same rate as is in effect under the Company’s 401(k) plan. |
| (d) | These amounts reflect Company matching contributions under the Company’s 401(k) Plan. |
| (e) | These amounts reflect premium payments for long-term disability insurance, which is available to benefits-eligible employees generally. |
| (f) | These amounts reflect premiums paid for life insurance provided to employees at the Director level and above. |
| (g) | For Mr. Larsson, the amounts reflect costs in connection with his relocation from Sweden to California when he joined the Company in 2012. For Mr. Kirwan, the amounts reflect costs in connection with his relocation from China to New York when he assumed the role of Global President, Gap brand. |
| (h) | These amounts reflect Company matching contributions under the Company’s Gift Match Program, available to all employees, under which contributions to eligible nonprofit organizations are matched by the Company, up to certain annual limits. In fiscal 2015, the limit for the named executive officers was $15,000, with the exception of Mr. Peck who had an annual matching limit of $100,000. The annual gift match eligibility limits are based on the executive’s original donation date. |
| (i) | The amount in this column for Mr. Peck reflects reimbursement of attorney fees he incurred in connection with the review of his October 2014 agreement with the Company regarding his transition to the CEO position. |
|
|
|
38
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table shows all plan-based awards granted to the named executive officers during fiscal 2015, which ended on January 30, 2016. The option awards and the unvested portion of the stock awards identified in the table below are also reported in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End table.
Name | Grant | Approval | Estimated Future Payouts | Estimated Future Payouts | All Other | All Other | Exercise | Grant Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Threshold | Target | Maximum | Threshold | Target | Maximum | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Arthur Peck | 2/01/15 | 10/02/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 300,000 | 41.19 | 2,079,960 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 5,555 | 12,345 | 37,037 |
|
|
| 492,566 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 5,065 | 11,255 | 33,767 |
|
|
| 439,058 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 21,262 | 47,249 | 141,749 |
|
|
| 1,801,604 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| N/A |
|
| 2,275,000 | 4,550,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sabrina Simmons | 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 90,000 | 41.27 | 625,194 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2/01/15 | 1/22/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 75,000 |
|
| 2,919,563 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
| 5,092 | 11,316 | 33,950 |
|
|
| 451,508 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
| 4,398 | 9,774 | 29,324 |
|
|
| 381,284 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
| 4,770 | 10,600 | 31,802 |
|
|
| 404,178 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| N/A |
| 217,067 | 868,269 | 1,736,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jeff Kirwan | 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 80,000 | 41.27 | 555,728 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2/01/15 | 1/22/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 75,000 |
|
| 2,919,563 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 8,461 |
|
| 330,042 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
| 4,634 | 10,298 | 30,894 |
|
|
| 392,663 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| N/A |
| 212,500 | 850,000 | 1,700,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Andi Owen | 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 75,000 | 41.27 | 520,995 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2/01/15 | 1/22/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 75,000 |
|
| 2,919,563 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
| 4,634 | 10,298 | 30,894 |
|
|
| 392,663 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| N/A |
| 212,500 | 850,000 | 1,700,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sonia Syngal | 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 35,000 | 41.27 | 243,131 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2/01/15 | 1/22/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 75,000 |
|
| 2,919,563 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
| 483 | 1,074 | 3,224 |
|
|
| 42,853 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
| 2,132 | 4,739 | 14,218 |
|
|
| 184,868 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
| 2,725 | 6,057 | 18,173 |
|
|
| 230,953 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| N/A |
| 150,000 | 600,000 | 1,200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Former Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stefan Larsson | 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
|
| �� |
|
| 90,000 | 41.27 | 625,194 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2/01/15 | 1/22/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 75,000 |
|
| 2,919,563 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
| 6,172 | 13,717 | 41,152 |
|
|
| 547,308 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
| 5,331 | 11,848 | 35,545 |
|
|
| 462,190 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3/16/15 | 3/16/15 |
|
|
| 5,451 | 12,115 | 36,346 |
|
|
| 461,945 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| N/A |
| 250,000 | 1,000,000 | 2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39
Footnotes | |
(1) | The amounts shown in these columns reflect the estimated potential payment levels for the fiscal 2015 performance period under the Company’s annual incentive bonus plan, further described on pages 24-26 of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section. The potential payouts were performance-based and, therefore, were completely at risk. The potential target and maximum payment amounts assume achievement of 100% and 200%, respectively, of the individual objectives component of the annual incentive bonus plan, described on pages 24-26. The potential threshold payment amount assumes 100% achievement of the individual objectives component and 0% achievement of the financial performance component. With the exception of Mr. Larsson, who left the Company in October 2015, and Mr. Peck, each named executive officer received a bonus under the annual incentive bonus plan, which is reported in the Summary Compensation Table under the column entitled “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.” |
(2) | The amounts shown in these columns for each of the named executive officers reflect, in shares, (a) the threshold, target and maximum amounts for year 3 of a three-year performance period beginning in fiscal 2013 (“LGP 3”), (b) the threshold, target and maximum amounts for year 2 of a three-year performance period beginning in fiscal 2014 (“LGP 4”) and (c) the threshold, target and maximum amounts for year 1 of a three-year performance period beginning in fiscal 2015 (“LGP 5”) under the Company’s Long-Term Growth Program, further described on pages 27-29 of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section. Potential payouts are based on the applicable interpolated award values between the threshold, target, and maximum payout levels. The potential awards are performance-based and, therefore, completely at risk. The total number of shares that were actually granted for the entire three-year performance period under LGP 3 for each named executive was as follows: Mr. Peck (14,159), Ms. Simmons (20,596), and Ms. Syngal (1,955). As of the end of fiscal 2015, the total number of shares that could be earned if the target performance conditions are achieved over the entire three-year performance period under LGP 4 for each named executive is as follows: Mr. Peck (33,767), Ms. Simmons (29,324), and Ms. Syngal (14,218). As of the end of fiscal 2015, the total number of shares that could be earned if the target performance conditions are achieved over the entire three-year performance period under LGP 5 for each named executive is as follows: Mr. Peck (141,749), Ms. Simmons (31,802), Mr. Kirwan (30,894), Ms. Owen (30,894), and Ms. Syngal (18,173). |
| Mr. Kirwan and Ms. Owen did not receive LGP grants in fiscal 2013 and 2014. Mr. Larsson, who left the Company in October 2015, is not eligible to receive a payout under any outstanding LGP 3, LGP 4 or LGP 5 awards. |
(3) | The value of a stock award or option award is based on the fair value as of the grant date of such award determined pursuant to FASB ASC 718. Please refer to Note 10, “Share-Based Compensation,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 21, 2016 for the relevant assumptions used to determine the valuation of our stock and option awards. For fiscal 2015, the grant date fair value of the Equity Incentive Plan Awards is based on the closing price of a share of our stock on the date that the awards were granted less future expected dividends during the vesting period, multiplied by the target number of shares that may be earned. For year 3 of LGP 3, the grant date fair value is $39.90. For year 2 of LGP 4, the grant date fair value is $39.01. For year 1 of LGP 5, the grant date fair value is $38.13. For the total grant date fair value of awards if maximum performance conditions are achieved over the entire three-year performance period under LGP 3, LGP 4, and LGP 5, see footnote 4 to the Summary Compensation Table. |
40
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table shows all outstanding equity awards held by the named executive officers at the end of fiscal 2015, which ended on January 30, 2016.
| Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Number of | Number of | Equity | Option | Option | Number of | Market | Equity | Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
Arthur Peck | 25,000 |
|
| 23.07 | 3/15/2020 |
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| 50,000 |
|
| 21.79 | 3/14/2021 |
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| 50,000 | 25,000 (a | ) |
| 25.09 | 3/12/2022 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
| 40,000 | 40,000 (b | ) |
| 36.45 | 3/18/2023 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
| 20,000 | 60,000 (c | ) |
| 42.20 | 3/17/2024 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
| 300,000 (d | ) |
| 41.19 | 2/2/2025 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 25,406 (a | ) | 628,036 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 23,830 (b | ) | 589,078 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 14,159 (a | ) | 350,010 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 11,065 (b | ) | 273,527 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 42,524 (c | ) | 1,051,193 | |||||||||||||||||
Sabrina Simmons |
| 25,000 (e | ) |
| 25.09 | 3/22/2022 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
| 22,500 | 45,000 (f | ) |
| 36.45 | 3/18/2023 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
| 22,500 | 67,500 (g | ) |
| 42.20 | 3/17/2024 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
| 90,000 (h | ) |
| 41.27 | 3/16/2025 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 29,498 (c | ) | 729,191 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 25,000 (d | ) | 618,000 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 75,000 (e | ) | 1,854,000 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 20,596 (a | ) | 509,133 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 10,069 (b | ) | 248,906 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 9,540 (c | ) | 235,829 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
Jeff Kirwan | 3,750 |
|
| 21.79 | 3/14/2021 |
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| 2,680 | 3,750 (i | ) |
| 25.09 | 3/12/2022 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
| 5,000 | 10,000 (j | ) |
| 36.45 | 3/18/2023 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
| 6,250 | 18,750 (k | ) |
| 42.20 | 3/17/2024 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
| 80,000 (l | ) |
| 41.27 | 3/16/2025 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 5,000 (f | ) | 123,600 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 3,885 (g | ) | 96,037 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 8,352 (h | ) | 206,461 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 75,000 (i | ) | 1,854,000 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 8,461 (j | ) | 209,156 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 9,268 (c | ) | 229,105 | |||||||||||||||||
Andi Owen | 7,500 |
|
| 23.07 | 3/15/2020 |
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| 7,500 |
|
| 21.79 | 3/14/2021 |
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||
| 11,250 | 3,750 (m | ) |
| 25.09 | 3/12/2022 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
| 10,000 | 10,000 (n | ) |
| 36.45 | 3/18/2023 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
| 6,250 | 18,750 (o | ) |
| 42.20 | 3/17/2024 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
| 75,000 (p | ) |
| 41.27 | 3/16/2025 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 3,750 (k | ) | 92,700 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 6,937 (l | ) | 171,483 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 7,500 (m | ) | 185,400 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 7,550 (n | ) | 186,636 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 75,000 (0 | ) | 1,854,000 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 10,903 (c | ) | 269,522 |
41
| Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Number of | Number of | Equity | Option | Option | Number of | Market | Equity | Equity | ||||||||||||||||||
Sonia Syngal |
| 3,750 (q | ) |
| 25.09 | 3/12/2022 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
| 5,000 | 5,000 (r | ) |
| 36.45 | 3/18/2023 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
| 7,500 | 22,500 (s | ) |
| 42.20 | 3/17/2024 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
| 35,000 (t | ) |
| 41.27 | 3/16/2025 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 2,500 (p | ) | 61,800 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 7,500 (q | ) | 185,400 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 3,995 (r | ) | 98,756 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| 75,000 (s | ) | 1,854,000 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1,955 (a | ) | 48,328 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 4,882 (b | ) | 120,683 | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 5,451 (c | ) | 134,749 |
42
Footnotes | ||
(1) | The following footnotes set forth the vest dates for the outstanding option awards (vesting generally depends upon continued employment): | |
| (a) | Options vest 25,000 on 3/12/2016. |
| (b) | Options vest 20,000 on 3/18/2016 and 20,000 on 3/18/2017. |
| (c) | Options vest 20,000 on 3/17/2016, 20,000 on 3/17/2017 and 20,000 on 3/17/2018. |
| (d) | Options vest 75,000 on 2/1/2016, 75,000 on 2/1/2017, 75,000 on 2/1/2018 and 75,000 on 2/1/2019. |
| (e) | Options vest 25,000 on 3/12/2016. |
| (f) | Options vest 22,500 on 3/18/2016 and 22,500 on 3/18/2017. |
| (g) | Options vest 22,500 on 3/17/2016, 22,500 on 3/17/2017 and 22,500 on 3/17/2018. |
| (h) | Options vest 22,500 on 3/16/2016, 22,500 on 3/16/2017, 22,500 on 3/16/2018 and 22,500 on 3/16/2019. |
| (i) | Options vest 3,750 on 3/12/2016. |
| (j) | Options vest 5,000 on 3/18/2016 and 5,000 on 3/18/2017. |
| (k) | Options vest 6,250 on 3/17/2016, 6,250 on 3/17/2017 and 6,250 on 3/17/2018. |
| (l) | Options vest 20,000 on 3/16/2016, 20,000 on 3/16/2017, 20,000 on 3/16/2018 and 20,000 on 3/16/2019. |
| (m) | Options vest 3,750 on 3/12/2016. |
| (n) | Options vest 5,000 on 3/18/2016 and 5,000 on 3/18/2017. |
| (o) | Options vest 6,250 on 3/17/2016, 6,250 on 3/17/2017 and 6,250 on 3/17/2018. |
| (p) | Options vest 18,750 on 3/16/2016, 18,750 on 3/16/2017, 18,750 on 3/16/2018 and 18,750 on 3/16/2019. |
| (q) | Options vest 3,750 on 3/12/2016. |
| (r) | Options vest 2,500 on 3/18/2016 and 2,500 on 3/18/2017. |
| (s) | Options vest 7,500 on 3/17/2016, 7,500 on 3/17/2017 and 7,500 on 3/17/2018. |
| (t) | Options vest 8,750 on 3/16/2016, 8,750 on 3/16/2017, 8,750 on 3/16/2018 and 8,750 on 3/16/2019. |
(2) | The following footnotes set forth the vest dates for the outstanding stock awards (vesting generally depends upon continued employment): | |
| (a) | Award vests 25,406 on 3/16/2016. |
| (b) | Award vests 23,830 on 3/18/2016. |
| (c) | Award vests 29,498 on 3/16/2016. |
| (d) | Award vests 12,500 on 3/17/2016 and 12,500 on 3/17/2017. |
| (e) | Award vests 37,500 on 2/1/2017 and 37,500 on 2/1/2018. |
| (f) | Award vests 5,000 on 3/18/2016. |
| (g) | Award vests 3,885 on 3/18/2016. |
| (h) | Award vests 4,176 on 3/17/2016 and 4,176 on 3/17/2017. |
| (i) | Award vests 37,500 on 2/1/2017 and 37,500 on 2/1/2018. |
| (j) | Award vests 4,230 on 3/16/2017 and 4,231 3/16/2018. |
| (k) | Award vests 3,750 on 3/18/2016. |
| (l) | Award vests 6,937 on 3/18/2016. |
| (m) | Award vests 3,750 on 3/17/2016 and 3,750 on 3/17/2017. |
| (n) | Award vests 3,775 on 3/17/2016 and 3,775 on 3/17/2017. |
| (o) | Award vests 37,500 on 2/1/2017 and 37,500 on 2/1/2018. |
| (p) | Award vests 2,500 on 3/18/2016. |
| (q) | Award vests 7,500 on 11/1/2016. |
| (r) | Award vests 1,997 on 3/17/2016 and 1,998 on 3/17/2017. |
| (s) | Award vests 37,500 on 2/1/2017 and 37,500 on 2/1/2018. |
(3) | Represents the number of stock awards multiplied by the closing price of our common stock as of January 29, 2016 ($24.72). | |
(4) | (a) Represents the number of shares earned under the Company’s Long-Term Growth Program (described on pages 27-29 of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section) with respect to year 1 (fiscal 2013), year 2 (fiscal 2014) and year 3 (fiscal 2015) of a three-year performance period (“LGP 3”). Mr. Larsson, who left the Company in October 2015, is not eligible to receive a payout under the LGP 3 awards. Ms. Owen and Mr. Kirwan received their first grants under the LGP in 2015. | |
| (b) Represents an estimate of the number of shares that may be earned under the Company’s Long-Term Growth Program (described on pages 27-29 of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section) with respect to year 1 (fiscal 2014), year 2 (fiscal 2015) and year 3 (fiscal 2016) of a three-year performance period (“LGP 4”), based on a combination of actual and assumed performance as required by SEC disclosure rules. Half of any award earned will vest on the date the Company’s Compensation and Management Development Committee certifies attainment in 2017, and the remainder will vest on the anniversary of such certification date, contingent on continued service with the Company. Mr. Larsson, who left the Company in October 2015, is not eligible to receive a payout under the LGP 4 awards. Ms. Owen and Mr. Kirwan received their first grants under the LGP in 2015. | |
| (c) Represents an estimate of the number of shares that may be earned under the Company’s Long-Term Growth Program (described on pages 27-29 of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section) with respect to year 1 (fiscal 2015), year 2 (fiscal 2016) and year 3 (fiscal 2017) of a three-year performance period (“LGP 5”), based on a combination of actual and assumed performance as required by SEC disclosure rules. Half of any award earned will vest on the date the Company’s Compensation and Management Development Committee certifies attainment in 2018, and the remainder will vest on the anniversary of such certification date, contingent on continued service with the Company. Mr. Larsson, who left the Company in October 2015, is not eligible to receive a payout under the LGP 5 awards. | |
(5) | Represents the number of stock awards multiplied by the closing price of our common stock as of January 29, 2016 ($24.72). |
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Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table shows all stock options exercised and the value realized upon exercise, and all stock awards vested and the value realized upon vesting, by the named executive officers during fiscal 2015, which ended on January 30, 2016.
| Option Awards | Stock Awards(1) | ||||||||||
Name | Number of | Value | Number of | Value | ||||||||
Art Peck | 0 | 0 | 102,762 | 4,232,706 | ||||||||
Sabrina Simmons | 50,000 | 885,817 | 105,362 | 4,356,048 | ||||||||
Jeff Kirwan | 1,070 | 14,884 | 12,834 | 539,670 | ||||||||
Andi Owen | 0 | 0 | 18,671 | 783,078 | ||||||||
Sonia Syngal | 18,750 | 359,070 | 16,903 | 595,897 | ||||||||
Former Executive Officer |
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Stefan Larsson | 0 | 0 | 50,000 | 1,398,000 |
Footnote | |
(1) | The amounts reflected include performance awards released during fiscal 2015. |
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
The table below provides information on the nonqualified deferred compensation activity for the named executive officers in fiscal 2015, which ended on January 30, 2016.
Name | Executive | Registrant | Aggregate | Aggregate | Aggregate | ||||||||||
Arthur Peck | 213,706 | 0 | (12,505 | ) | 0 | 4,377,462 | |||||||||
Sabrina Simmons | 34,692 | 23,938 | (25,430 | ) | 0 | 338,290 | |||||||||
Jeff Kirwan | 239,869 | 23,400 | (19,766 | ) | 0 | 923,822 | |||||||||
Andi Owen | 34,000 | 23,208 | (4,943 | ) | 0 | 216,337 | |||||||||
Sonia Syngal | 29,308 | 18,823 | (2,537 | ) | 14,852 | 168,302 | |||||||||
Former Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
Stefan Larsson | 103,846 | 0 | (1,781 | ) | 0 | 332,795 |
Footnotes | |
(1) | These amounts are included in the “Salary” column of the Summary Compensation Table. |
(2) | Footnote 9 to the Summary Compensation Table shows matching contributions under the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan (“DCP”) for base salary deferrals representing the excess of the participant’s base pay over the current IRS qualified plan limit ($265,000 for calendar year 2015), which are matched at up to 4%, the same rate as is in effect under the Company’s 401(k) plan. |
(3) | These amounts include earnings and dividends. In fiscal 2015, no above-market or preferential interest rate options were available on notional investments in the DCP. |
(4) | A portion of these amounts were previously reported as deferred compensation in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation and Summary Compensation tables in the Proxy Statements for prior Annual Meetings. |
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Potential Payments Upon Termination
Post-Termination Benefits
The Company entered into agreements with Ms. Simmons and Mr. Larsson in 2012, with Ms. Syngal in 2013, and with Mr. Kirwan and Ms. Owen in 2014, which provided eligibility for post-termination benefits in the case of involuntary termination without cause. The agreements with Ms. Simmons, Mr. Larsson and Ms. Syngal were amended in 2014 to extend the term of eligibility for post-termination benefits, and to align the terms of Mr. Larsson’s post-termination benefits with those of the other executive officers. The Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Peck on October 3, 2014 that provides for substantially the same post-termination benefits as those of the other executive officers, with the exception of his term of eligibility for such benefits.
These agreements in total provide that if the executive is involuntarily terminated without cause (as specified in each respective agreement) prior to February 13, 2018, or February 13, 2020 for Mr. Peck, the executive is eligible to receive (in exchange for a release of claims):
| i. | The executive’s then-current salary for eighteen months (the “post-termination period”). Post-termination period payments will cease if the executive accepts other employment or professional relationship with another company primarily engaged in the apparel design or apparel retail business or any retailer with apparel sales in excess of $500 million annually, or if the executive breaches his or her obligations to the Company (e.g., duty to protect confidential information, agreement not to solicit Company employees). Post-termination period payments will be reduced by any compensation the executive receives during the post-termination period from other employment or professional relationship with a non-competitor. |
| ii. | Should the executive elect to continue health coverage through COBRA, reimbursement for a portion of the COBRA premium during the period in which the executive is receiving payments under paragraph (i) above. |
| iii. | During the period in which the executive is receiving payments under paragraph (i) above, reimbursement for his or her costs to maintain the financial counseling program the Company provides to senior executives. |
| iv. | A prorated bonus in the year of termination if the executive worked at least 3 months of the fiscal year and if earned based on actual fiscal results achieved in the year of termination. |
| v. | Accelerated vesting (but not settlement) of restricted stock units and performance shares or units that remain subject only to time vesting conditions scheduled to vest prior to April 1 following the fiscal year of termination. |
The following table shows the amounts that each executive would have been eligible to receive under the agreements described above assuming that they had been terminated without cause on January 30, 2016, the last day of our 2015 fiscal year. Mr. Larsson voluntarily resigned in October 2015 and was not entitled to any severance benefits under his employment agreement and is therefore excluded from the table.
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Potential Post-Termination Payment Eligibility | |||||||||||||||
Description | Mr. Peck | Ms. Simmons | Mr. Kirwan | Ms. Owen | Ms. Syngal | ||||||||||
Cash Payments related to salary (1) | $ | 1,950,000 | $ | 1,312,500 | $ | 1,275,000 | $ | 1,275,000 | $ | 1,125,000 | |||||
Cash Payments related to bonus (2) | 0 | 130,241 | 127,500 | 106,250 | 90,000 | ||||||||||
Health Benefits | 23,094 | 22,806 | 23,094 | 23,094 | 23,094 | ||||||||||
Financial Counseling | 22,200 | 22,200 | 22,200 | 0 | 29,250 | ||||||||||
Stock Award Vesting Acceleration | 1,392,107 | 1,601,757 | 426,099 | 636,219 | 370,108 | ||||||||||
Total | 3,387,401 | 3,089,504 | 1,873,893 | 2,040,563 | 1,637,452 |
Footnotes | |
(1) | Payments represent salary continuation for 18 months. The amounts do not include the deferred compensation these executives would also be entitled to receive upon termination, as described in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation section, above. |
(2) | Payments represent fiscal 2015 bonus that was earned by each executive. |
Acceleration of Equity Upon Change in Control
Under the 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), in the event of a change in control, any acquiror may assume or substitute outstanding awards with substantially equivalent awards of the acquiror's stock. Except as set forth in an award agreement, outstanding awards which are neither assumed or substituted by the acquiror in the change in control become fully vested immediately prior to the change in control. The table below shows the value of all unvested options and unvested stock awards that would have become vested in the event of a change in control on January 30, 2016, the last day of our 2015 fiscal year, in the event that awards were not assumed or substituted as described above. Mr. Larsson voluntarily resigned from the Company in October 2015 and, therefore, is excluded from the table below.
Description | Mr. Peck | Ms. Simmons | Mr. Kirwan | Ms. Owen | Ms. Syngal | ||||||||||
Stock Option Vesting Acceleration (1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
Stock Award Vesting Acceleration (2) | 6,821,435 | 5,551,469 | 3,252,954 | 3,253,918 | 3,080,359 | ||||||||||
Total | 6,821,435 | 5,551,469 | 3,252,954 | 3,253,918 | 3,080,359 |
Footnotes |
|
(1) | Reflects the value of all unvested stock options that would have become vested assuming a change in control on January 30, 2016 in which awards were not assumed or substituted as described above, based on the difference between the option exercise price and $24.72 per share, the last closing price of our common stock as of that date. |
(2) | Reflects the value of all unvested stock awards that would have become vested assuming a change in control on January 30, 2016 in which awards were not assumed or substituted as described above, based on the last closing price of our common stock as of that date, which was $24.72. For Ms. Simmons, Ms. Syngal, and Mr. Peck, amounts include the target number of shares that could be earned under the Company's Long-Term Growth Program (LGP) for the following three year performance periods: 2013-2015, 2014-2016, and 2015-2017. For Ms. Owen and Mr. Kirwan, amounts include the target number of shares under the LGP for the following three year performance period: 2015-2017. |
Death, Disability or Retirement
Each of our named executive officers is generally entitled to the following additional death, disability or retirement benefits:
| i. | Executive supplemental long-term disability insurance, which increases income replacement to 50% of base salary up to a maximum payment of $25,000 per month. |
| ii. | Life insurance, provided to employees at the Director level and above, which provides coverage of three times base salary up to a maximum of $2 million. |
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| iii. | Upon retirement, our standard forms of stock option and stock award agreements provide for accelerated vesting of any unvested shares under awards that have been outstanding for at least a year and, for performance shares, for which the performance period has been completed. For these purposes, “Retirement” means Employee’s Termination of Service for any reason (other than due to Employee’s misconduct as determined by the Company in its sole discretion) after Employee has attained age 60 and completed at least five years of continuous service as an Employee of the Company or an Affiliate. Mr. Peck reached Retirement age in September 2015. As a result, certain eligible grants were subject to accelerated vesting. Other than Mr. Peck, none of our named executive officers was eligible for retirement-based accelerated vesting as of January 30, 2016, the last day of our 2015 fiscal year. In the event Mr. Peck retired on January 30, 2016, the last day of our 2015 fiscal year, the value of his unvested options that would have become vested was $0 because their exercise price was higher than the last closing price of our common stock as of that date, and the value of his unvested stock awards that would have become vested was $1,217,114, based on the last closing price of our common stock as of that date. |
| iv. | Upon death (and, in the case of stock options, termination on account of disability), our standard forms of stock option and stock award agreements provide for accelerated vesting of any unvested shares under awards that have been outstanding for at least a year and, for performance shares, for which the performance period has been completed. The table below shows the value of all unvested options and unvested stock awards that would have become vested in the event of the named executive’s death (and, in the case of stock options, termination on account of disability) on January 30, 2016, the last day of our 2015 fiscal year. Mr. Larsson voluntarily resigned from the Company in October 2015 and, therefore, is excluded from the table below. |
Description | Mr. Peck | Ms. Simmons | Mr. Kirwan | Ms. Owen | Ms. Syngal | ||||||||||
Stock Option Vesting Acceleration (1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
Stock Award Vesting Acceleration (2) | 1,217,114 | 1,347,191 | 426,099 | 636,219 | 740,240 | ||||||||||
Total | 1,217,114 | 1,347,191 | 426,099 | 636,219 | 740,240 |
Footnotes | |
(1) | Reflects the value of all unvested stock options that would have become vested assuming the named executive officers had died (or terminated on account of disability) on January 30, 2016, based on the difference between the option exercise price and the last closing price of our common stock as of that date. |
(2) | Reflects the value of all unvested stock awards that would have become vested assuming the named executive officers had died on January 30, 2016, based on the last closing price of our common stock as of that date. |
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Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information as of January 30, 2016 about shares of our common stock which may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights granted to employees, consultants or members of our Board of Directors under all of our equity compensation plans, including the 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Equity Plan Summary | |||||||||
| Column (A) | Column (B) | Column (C) | ||||||
Plan Category | Number of | Weighted-Average | Number of Securities | ||||||
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders (1) | 9,150,177 | (2) | 36.29 | 47,498,170 | (3) | ||||
Equity Compensation Plan Not Approved by Security Holders | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Total | 9,150,177 | 36.29 | 47,498,170 |
Footnotes | |
(1) | These plans consist of our 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). |
(2) | This number excludes 324,490 shares that were issued at the end of the most recent ESPP purchase period, which began on November 30, 2015 and ended on February 29, 2016, after the end of our 2015 fiscal year. This number also excludes shares that may be issued upon satisfaction of performance targets under the 2011 Plan because the number of shares that could be issued will be based upon the per share value of our stock on the ultimate date of grant. This number includes the number of shares that could be earned under the Company’s Long-Term Growth Program (described on pages 27-29 of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section) if the maximum performance conditions were achieved over the entire three-year performance periods. |
(3) | This number includes 2,518,191 shares that were available for future issuance under the ESPP at the end of our 2015 fiscal year, including the 324,490 shares described in footnote 2 above. For those grants prior to May 17, 2011, the number shown reflects the deduction of three shares from the Company’s share reserve for every one stock award at the time of grant and, for those grants on or after May 17, 2011, the number shown reflects the deduction of two shares from the Company’s share reserve for every one stock award at the time of grant, pursuant to the terms of the 2011 Plan. |
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PROPOSAL NO. 4 — Approval of the Amendment and Restatement of
The Gap, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan
We are requesting that shareholders approve the amendment and restatement of our 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) to be known upon approval as the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”). Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 162(m)”) requires that shareholders approve the material terms of the 2011 Plan at least every five years. The 2011 Plan was most recently approved by the Company’s shareholders at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The Company is asking shareholders to approve the amendment and restatement of the 2011 Plan (to be known upon approval as the 2016 Plan) primarily in order to satisfy Section 162(m) and to also adopt other changes described below. We are not increasing the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2016 Plan.
The amendment and restatement of the 2016 Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors on February 23, 2016, subject to shareholder approval. Approval of the 2016 Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock (“Shares”) that are present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on this matter. If the shareholders approve the amended and restated 2016 Plan, it will replace the current version of the 2011 Plan.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE GAP, INC. 2011 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN. |
General
The primary purpose for this request is to satisfy Section 162(m) as described above. Below is a summary of the material changes made since shareholders approved the 2011 Plan, as well as certain other changes:
(1) To provide that any dividend equivalents payable with respect to performance-based awards under the 2016 Plan will be held in escrow or deemed reinvested in additional shares subject to the same conditions applicable to the payout of the underlying award;
(2) To clarify that Shares purchased by the Company with the proceeds of stock option exercises will not again be available for issuance under the 2016 Plan;
(3) To add a limit on the grant date value of awards that may be granted under the 2016 Plan to our nonemployee directors in any fiscal year;
(4) To provide for the Share counting rules that apply to substituted awards in acquisition transactions and stock plans assumed in such transactions;
(5) To modify the performance goals and adjustments thereto that may be used under the 2016 Plan;
(6) To provide that awards under the 2016 Plan are subject to recoupment in accordance with applicable law or any recoupment policy or arrangement that we may adopt from time to time; and
(7) To address the impact of a change in control on awards granted under the 2016 Plan.
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We believe strongly that the approval of the 2016 Plan is essential to our success. Our employees are our most valuable assets. Stock options and other awards such as those provided for under the 2016 Plan are vital to our ability to attract and retain outstanding and highly skilled employees, especially in the extremely competitive market in which we must compete. Such awards also are crucial to our ability to motivate employees to achieve our goals.
The proposed modifications to the 2016 Plan are designed to allow the Company to continue to attract, retain and motivate people whose skills and performance are critical to the Company’s success. We will continue to monitor the environment in which we operate and make changes to our equity compensation program to help us meet our goals, including achieving long-term shareholder value.
Material Features of the 2016 Plan
The following is a summary of the material features of the 2016 Plan and its operation. This summary does not purport to be a complete description of all of the provisions of the 2016 Plan and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 2016 Plan, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement and incorporated herein by reference.
Purpose
The purpose of the 2016 Plan is to permit grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, performance units, performance shares, and stock units (collectively, “Awards”) to eligible participants. The 2016 Plan is intended to provide incentives to further the growth and profitability of the Company and to encourage stock ownership on the part of (1) employees of the Company and its affiliates, (2) consultants and others who provide significant services to the Company and its affiliates (“consultants”), and (3) directors of the Company who are employees of neither the Company nor any of its affiliates (“non-employee directors”). The 2016 Plan also is intended to permit the payment of qualified performance-based compensation under Section 162(m). However, because of the fact-based nature of the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) and the limited availability of binding guidance thereunder, the Company cannot guarantee that Awards made under the Plan that are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) will in fact so qualify.
Eligible Participants
Employees, consultants and non-employee directors are eligible to be selected to receive one or more different types of Awards. However, incentive stock options (which are entitled to favorable U.S. federal tax treatment) may be granted only to employees of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company at the time of grant. The actual number of individuals who will receive Awards cannot be determined in advance because the Committee retains the discretion to select the participants.
Administration
The 2016 Plan is administered by the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”). The Committee will consist of two or more directors who qualify as “non-employee directors” under Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as “outside directors” under Section 162(m) (so that the Company can be eligible to receive a federal tax deduction for certain compensation paid under the 2016 Plan).
Subject to the terms of the 2016 Plan, the Committee has the discretion to select the employees, consultants and non-employee directors who will be granted Awards, determine the terms and conditions of Awards (for example, the exercise price and vesting schedule), and to construe and interpret the provisions of the 2016 Plan and outstanding Awards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Awards granted to non-employee
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directors shall be subject to Board approval if so required by the Committee Charter. In addition, the Committee may not reprice Awards or exchange Awards for other Awards, cash or a combination thereof, without the approval of the shareholders. The Committee may delegate all or any part of its authority to one or more directors or officers of the Company in accordance with applicable law, but only the Committee itself can make Awards to participants who are executive officers of the Company.
Under the 2016 Plan, no nonemployee director may be granted awards in any fiscal year of the Company having a grant date value in excess of $500,000. For this purpose, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, performance units, performance shares and stock units shall be valued based on the fair market value on the grant date of the maximum number of Shares covered thereby (or the maximum dollar value thereof with respect to Awards denominated in dollars) and stock options and stock appreciation rights shall be valued using a Black-Scholes or other accepted valuation model, using reasonable assumptions.
If an Award expires or is canceled, forfeited or repurchased by the Company for any reason, the unvested or cancelled number of Shares that were subject to the Award (plus the number of additional Shares, if any, that counted against the share pool using the share counting rule in effect at the time the Award was granted) generally will be returned to the available pool of Shares reserved for issuance under the 2016 Plan. Except for shares of restricted stock that are forfeited (rather than vesting), Shares actually issued under the 2016 Plan or withheld to pay the exercise price of an Award or to satisfy tax withholding obligations with respect to an Award will not be returned to the 2016 Plan and will not be available for future issuance under the 2016 Plan. Shares purchased by the Company with the proceeds of stock option exercises will not again be available for issuance under the 2016 Plan.
Substitute awards made under the 2016 Plan to persons who become our employees as a result of an acquisition transaction shall not reduce the Shares available for issuance under the 2016 Plan or be added back to the Shares available for issuance under the 2016 Plan. In accordance with the rules of the applicable stock exchange on which the Shares are listed, shares under a pre-existing plan sponsored by a company acquired by us (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, to reflect the transaction) may be used for awards under the 2016 Plan without reducing the Shares available for issuance under the 2016 Plan, and shares subject to such awards shall not be added back to the Shares available for awards under the 2016 Plan.
Lastly, if the Company experiences a dividend or other distribution, merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, separation, liquidation, stock split, reverse stock split, split-up, spin-off, Share combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, other significant corporate transaction or other significant change affecting the Shares, the Committee shall, as it deems appropriate, equitably adjust the number, kind and class of securities reserved for issuance under the 2016 Plan, the number, kind, class, and price of securities subject to outstanding Awards and the per-person numerical limits on Awards to reflect the stock dividend or other change.
Performance Goals
Awards under the 2016 Plan may be made subject to performance conditions as well as time-vesting conditions. Such performance conditions may be established and administered in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) for Awards intended to be qualified performance-based compensation thereunder. To the extent that performance conditions under the 2016 Plan are applied to awards intended to be qualified performance-based compensation under Section 162(m), such performance conditions shall be based on an objective formula or standard utilizing one or more of the following objectively defined and non-discretionary factors pre-established by the Committee in accordance with Section 162(m): (1) comparable store sales growth, (2) earnings, (3) earnings per share, (4) return on equity, (5) return on net assets, (6) return on invested capital, (7) gross sales, (8) net sales, (9) net earnings, (10) free cash flow, (11) total shareholder return, (12) stock price, (13) gross margin, (14) operating margin, (15) market share,
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(16) inventory levels, (17) expense reduction, and (18) employee turnover (each, a “Performance Goal”). For awards that are not intended to comply with the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m), Performance Goals may consist of objective and/or subjective elements based on any financial and non-financial criteria (including, without limitation, subjective criteria and individual performance), as established by the Committee in its sole discretion.
As determined by the Committee, the Performance Goals may, to the extent consistent with the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m), (a) differ from participant to participant and from award to award, (b) be based on the performance of the Company as a whole or the performance of a specific participant or one or more subsidiaries, divisions, departments, regions, stores, segments, products, functions or business units of the Company, (c) be measured on a per share, per capita, per unit, per square foot, per employee, per store basis, and/or other objective basis (d) be measured on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, and (e) be measured on an absolute basis or in relative terms (including, but not limited to, the passage of time and/or against other companies, financial metrics and/or an index).
In addition, for awards intended to comply with the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m), the impact of objectively defined and non-discretionary items (includable in one or more of the following categories or other categories to the extent permitted by 162(m)) may be taken into account in any manner preestablished by the Committee in accordance with Section 162(m) when determining whether a Performance Goal has been attained: (1) changes in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”); (2) nonrecurring items, if any, that may be defined in an objective and non-discretionary manner under U.S. GAAP accounting standards or other applicable accounting standards in effect from time to time; (3) the sale of investments or non-core assets; (4) discontinued operations, categories or segments; (5) legal claims and/or litigation and insurance recoveries relating thereto; (6) amortization, depreciation or impairment of tangible or intangible assets; (7) reductions in force, early retirement programs or severance expense; (8) investments, acquisitions or dispositions; (9) political, legal and other business interruptions (such as due to war, insurrection, riot, terrorism, confiscation, expropriation, nationalization, deprivation, seizure, and regulatory requirements); (10) natural catastrophes; (11) currency fluctuations; (12) stock-based compensation expense; (13) early retirement of debt; (14) conversion of convertible debt securities; and (15) termination of real estate leases. Each of the adjustments described above may relate to the Company as a whole or any part of the Company’s business or operations.
Stock Option Awards
A stock option is the right to acquire Shares at a fixed exercise price for a fixed period of time. Under the 2016 Plan, the Committee may grant nonqualified stock options and/or incentive stock options. The number of Shares covered by each option will be determined by the Committee, but during any fiscal year of the Company, no participant may be granted options covering more than 18,000,000 Shares. The exercise price of the Shares subject to each option is set by the Committee but cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value (on the date of grant) of the Shares covered by the option. The exercise price of incentive stock options shall not be less than 110% of fair market value if the participant owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The total fair market value of the Shares (determined on the grant date) covered by incentive stock options that first become exercisable by any participant during any calendar year also may not exceed $100,000.
Options become exercisable and terminate at the times and on the terms established by the Committee, but options generally may not expire later than ten years after the date of grant (such term to be limited to five years in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a participant who owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any
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of its subsidiaries). If the participant terminates service before his or her option’s normal expiration date, the Option may terminate sooner than its normal expiration date, depending upon the reason for the termination.
The exercise price of each option must be paid in full at the time of exercise. The Committee also may permit payment through the tender of Shares that are already owned by the participant, by cashless or “net” exercise, or by any other means that the Committee determines to provide legal consideration for the Shares and is consistent with the 2016 Plan’s purpose. Any taxes required to be withheld must be paid by the participant at the time of exercise.
Stock Appreciation Right Awards
Stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) are Awards that give a participant the right to receive payment from the Company in an amount equal to: (1) the excess of the fair market value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price, multiplied by (2) the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised. SARs may be granted as a separate Award or together with an option. Proceeds from SAR exercises may be paid in cash or Shares, as determined by the Committee. The number of Shares covered by each SAR will be determined by the Committee, but during any fiscal year of the Company, no participant may be granted SARs for more than 18,000,000 Shares.
Awards of SARs may be granted in connection with all or any part of an option or may be granted independently of options. The Committee determines the terms and conditions of each SAR. However, the exercise price of a SAR may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a Share on the grant date. SARs expire at the times established by the Committee, but subject to the same maximum time limits as are applicable to options granted under the 2016 Plan.
Restricted and Unrestricted Stock Awards
Restricted stock awards are shares of the Company’s common stock which vest in accordance with terms established by the Committee in its discretion. Unrestricted stock awards are shares of the Company’s common stock that have no restrictions such as vesting terms. The number of Shares of restricted and unrestricted stock granted to any employee or consultant will be determined by the Committee, but during any fiscal year of the Company, no participant may be granted more than 2,000,000 Shares.
In determining the vesting schedule for any Award of restricted stock, the Committee may impose whatever conditions to vesting it determines to be appropriate. For example, the Committee may (but is not required to) provide that restricted stock will vest only if one or more performance objectives are satisfied and/or only if the participant remains employed with the Company for a specified period of time. If the Committee desires that the Award be intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m), any restrictions will be based on a specified list of performance goals (see “Performance Goals” above for more information).
Unless the Committee determines otherwise, Shares of restricted stock will be held by the Company as escrow agent until any restrictions on the Shares have lapsed. The Committee may accelerate the time at which any restriction may lapse or be removed.
Stock Unit, Performance Unit, and Performance Share Awards
Stock units, performance units, and performance shares are Awards in which amounts are credited to a bookkeeping account established for the participant. A stock or performance unit has an initial value that is established by the Committee at the time of its grant. A performance share has an initial value equal
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to the fair market value of a Share on the date of grant. The number of stock units, performance units or performance shares granted to any employee or consultant will be determined by the Committee, but during any fiscal year of the Company, no participant may be granted stock units, performance units or performance shares having, in the aggregate, a grant date value (assuming maximum payout) greater than $20 million or covering more than 2,000,000 Shares (assuming maximum payout), whichever is greater.
Whether a stock unit, performance unit or performance share Award actually will result in a payment to a participant will depend upon the extent to which the performance objectives, if any, established by the Committee are satisfied and the vesting criteria, if any, are met. The applicable performance objectives, vesting criteria and all other terms and conditions of the Award will be determined at the discretion of the Committee and may be based upon the achievement of Company-wide, business unit or individual goals, which may include continued employment or service, or any other basis determined by the Committee. In order for an Award of performance units, performance shares or stock units to qualify as “performance-based” compensation under Section 162(m), the Committee must use one or more of the Performance Goals that are discussed above.
After a stock unit, performance unit or performance share Award has vested (that is, after any applicable performance objective(s) have been achieved and/or any applicable vesting criteria satisfied), the participant will be entitled to a payment of cash and/or Shares, as determined by the Committee. However, upon grant of an Award of performance shares, performance units or stock units, the Committee may set terms and conditions for deferral of payment of an Award of performance shares, performance units or stock units. The deferral period will be fixed by the Committee on the date of grant and any Award may provide for the earlier termination of such period in the event of a change in control of the Company or other similar transaction or event.
Nontransferability of Awards
Awards granted under the 2016 Plan may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution. If permitted by the Committee (at its discretion), a participant may designate one or more beneficiaries to receive any vested but unpaid Awards following his or her death. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant may, if the Committee (in its discretion) so permits, transfer an Award to an individual or entity other than the Company. Any such transfer shall be made in accordance with such procedures as the Committee may specify from time to time.
Change in Control
The 2016 Plan provides that, except as set forth in an applicable award agreement, in the event of a change in control, the acquiror may, without the consent of any participant, either assume or continue awards under the 2016 Plan or substitute for outstanding awards substantially equivalent awards covering the acquiror’s stock. Except as set forth in an applicable award agreement, outstanding awards which are neither assumed, continued or substituted by the acquiror in connection with the change in control shall, contingent on the change in control, become fully vested and, if applicable, exercisable immediately prior to the change in control.
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Plan Benefits
As described above, the number of Awards (if any) that an individual may receive under the 2016 Plan is in the discretion of the Committee and therefore cannot be determined in advance. Our named executive officers and directors have an interest in this proposal by virtue of their being eligible to receive equity awards under the 2016 Plan. The following table sets forth (1) the total number of Shares subject to stock options granted under the 2016 Plan to the listed persons and groups during the last fiscal year of the Company, (2) the average per Share exercise price of such options, (3) the total number of restricted stock units granted under the 2016 Plan to the listed persons and groups during the last fiscal year of the Company, (4) the dollar value of such restricted stock units based on $24.72 per Share, the last reported trade price for Shares on January 29, 2016, (5) the total number of performance units granted under the 2016 Plan to the listed persons and groups during the last fiscal year of the Company, (6) the dollar value of such performance units based on $24.72 per Share, the last reported trade price for Shares on January 29, 2016, (7) the total number of performance shares granted under the 2016 Plan to the listed persons and groups during the last fiscal year of the Company, and (8) the dollar value of such performance shares based on $24.72 per Share, the last reported trade price for Shares on January 29, 2016.
2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan | ||||||||||||||||||
Name and Principal Position | Number | Average Per | Number of | Dollar Value | Number of | Dollar Value | ||||||||||||
Arthur Peck Chief Executive Officer | 300,000 | $ | 41.19 | - | - | 425,247 | 10,512,106 | |||||||||||
Sabrina Simmons EVP and Chief Financial Officer | 90,000 | $ | 41.27 | 75,000 | 1,854,000 | 95,406 | 2,358,436 | |||||||||||
Jeff Kirwan Global President, Gap | 80,000 | $ | 41.27 | 83,461 | 2,063,156 | 92,682 | 2,291,099 | |||||||||||
Andi Owen Global President, Banana Republic | 75,000 | $ | 41.27 | 75,000 | 1,854,000 | 92,682 | 2,291,099 | |||||||||||
Sonia Syngal EVP, Global Supply Chain & Product Operations | 35,000 | $ | 41.27 | 75,000 | 1,854,000 | 54,519 | 1,347,710 | |||||||||||
Stefan Larsson (1) Former Global President, Old Navy | 90,000 | $ | 41.27 | 75,000 | 1,854,000 | 109,038 | 2,695,419 | |||||||||||
All executive officers as a group | 750,400 | $ | 41.23 | 429,644 | 10,620,800 | 909,552 | 22,484,125 | |||||||||||
All directors, excluding executive officers, as a group | - | - | 38,260 | 945,787 |
|
| ||||||||||||
All employees, excluding executive officers, as a group | 1,163,638 | $ | 40.68 | 2,125,376 | 52,539,295 | 936,199 | 23,142,839 |
Footnote | |
(1) | Mr. Larsson resigned as Global President, Old Navy in October 2015. |
(2) | For awards in this column, the number of shares represent the maximum number of shares that could be issued under performance-based awards. Please refer to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table in this Proxy Statement for additional details on these awards. |
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a general summary of the federal income tax consequences to U.S. taxpayers and the Company of Awards under the 2016 Plan. Tax consequences for any particular individual may be different. Participants should consult with their own tax advisors for more detailed information on how Awards will be taxed in their particular circumstances.
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Nonqualified Stock Options and SARs
No amount is included in the taxable income of a participant when a nonqualified stock option or SAR is awarded or vests. Upon exercise of a nonqualified stock option, a participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the difference between the fair market value of the Shares received and the exercise price. Upon exercise of a SAR, a participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the amount of cash received and the fair market value of any Shares received from the Company (before tax withholding). Any additional gain or loss recognized upon a later sale or other disposition of the acquired Shares is generally taxed as capital gain or loss.
Incentive Stock Options
No amount is included in the taxable income of a participant when an incentive stock option is granted or exercised. However, the participant may be subject to the alternative minimum tax in the year of exercise because the difference between the fair market value of the Shares received and the exercise price is included in the amount of the participant’s alternative minimum taxable income for that year. If the participant exercises the option and then sells the acquired Shares more than two years after the grant date and more than one year after the exercise date, the difference between the sale price and the exercise price will be taxed as long-term capital gain or loss. If the participant exercises the option and sells the acquired Shares before the end of the two- or one-year holding periods, however, the difference between the fair market value of the stock on the date of the option exercise and the exercise price is taxed as ordinary income. If the value of the Shares has decreased following the option exercise, the participant’s ordinary income is limited to the difference between the sale price and the exercise price. If the value of the Shares has increased following the option exercise, the difference between the fair market value of the Shares at the time of exercise and the sale price is taxed as capital gain.
Restricted Stock, Unrestricted Stock, Stock Units, Performance Units and Performance Shares
No amount is included in the taxable income of a participant upon receipt of restricted stock, stock units, performance units, or performance shares if such Awards are subject to vesting requirements. The participant will generally recognize ordinary income upon vesting of restricted stock, and payout of stock units, performance units or performance shares. In the case of stock units, performance units, or performance shares, if the Committee has set terms and conditions for the deferral of payment of the Award following the time of vesting, the participant will recognize ordinary income at the time of such payment. Alternatively, with respect to restricted stock, a participant may elect under Code Section 83(b) to be taxed at the time of the Award. An election under Section 83(b) must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service (with a copy to the Company) within 30 days after the date of the Award. A participant receiving unrestricted stock will recognize income at the time of the Award. With respect to restricted stock and unrestricted stock, the amount of ordinary income recognized by the participant will be equal to the fair market value of the Shares at the time income is recognized minus any amount paid for the Shares. With respect to stock units, performance units or performance shares, the amount of ordinary income will be equal to the amount of cash and/or the fair market value of Shares (at the time income is recognized) that the participant receives from the Company (before tax withholding) minus any amount paid for the Shares. In general, any gain or loss recognized upon sale of the Shares thereafter will be taxed as a capital gain or loss.
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Tax Effect on the Company
The Company generally will be entitled to a tax deduction in connection with an Award made under the 2016 Plan in an amount equal to the ordinary income realized by a participant and at the time the participant recognizes such income (for example, when a participant exercises a nonqualified stock option). Special rules limit the deductibility of compensation paid to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s other three most highly compensated executive officers (other than the Chief Financial Officer). Under Section 162(m), the annual compensation paid to any of these executive officers will be deductible only to the extent that it does not exceed $1 million. However, the Company can preserve the deductibility of certain compensation paid in excess of $1 million if the conditions of Section 162(m) are met. These conditions include shareholder approval of the 2016 Plan, setting limits on the number of Awards that any individual may receive, and for Awards other than options and SARs, establishing performance criteria that must be met before the Award actually will vest or be paid. The 2016 Plan has been designed with the intention that the Committee may grant Awards that qualify as “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Section 162(m). However, because of the fact-based nature of the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) and the limited availability of binding guidance thereunder, the Company cannot guarantee that Awards made under the Plan that are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) will in fact so qualify.
The foregoing is only a summary of the effect of federal income taxation upon participants and the Company with respect to the grant and exercise of awards under the 2016 Plan. It does not purport to be complete, and does not discuss the tax consequences of a service provider's death or the provisions of the income tax laws of any municipality, state or foreign country in which the service provider may reside.
Amendment and Termination
The Board generally may amend or terminate the 2016 Plan at any time and for any reason. However, no amendment, suspension or termination may materially and adversely impair the rights of any participant in the 2016 Plan without his or her consent. Amendments will be contingent on shareholder approval if required by applicable law.
Summary
We are requesting that shareholders approve the 2016 Plan. We believe that employees with an ownership stake in our business become highly motivated to achieve our corporate goals and increase long-term shareholder value.
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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES
Beneficial Ownership Table
The following table sets forth certain information as of March 21, 2016 to indicate beneficial ownership of our common stock by (i) each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, (ii) each director and nominee and each executive officer and former executive officer named in the “Summary Compensation Table” of this Proxy Statement, and (iii) all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, beneficial ownership is direct and the person indicated has sole voting and investment power. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
| Shares Beneficially Owned |
| ||||||||||||
Name of Beneficial Owner | Common | Awards | Total | % of | ||||||||||
Directors and Named Executive Officers |
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
Domenico De Sole | 35,393 | 10,389 | 45,782 |
| * | |||||||||
Robert J. Fisher (3) (8) | 101,353,344 | 10,609 | 101,363,953 | 25.5 | % | |||||||||
William S. Fisher (4) (8) | 105,276,110 | 10,609 | 105,286,719 | 26.5 | % | |||||||||
Tracy Gardner | 0 | 5,257 | 5,257 |
| * | |||||||||
Isabella D. Goren | 4,227 | 10,389 | 14,616 |
| * | |||||||||
Jeff Kirwan | 15,685 | 52,680 | 68,365 |
| * | |||||||||
Bob L. Martin | 38,784 | 10,389 | 49,173 |
| * | |||||||||
Jorge P. Montoya | 25,196 | 10,389 | 35,585 |
| * | |||||||||
Andi Owen | 0 | 76,250 | 76,250 |
| * | |||||||||
Arthur Peck | 200,218 | 325,000 | 525,218 |
| * | |||||||||
Mayo A. Shattuck III | 86,144 | 14,957 | 101,101 |
| * | |||||||||
Sabrina L. Simmons | 0 | 137,500 | 137,500 |
| * | |||||||||
Sonia Syngal | 7,958 | 35,000 | 42,958 |
| * | |||||||||
Katherine Tsang | 14,778 | 10,389 | 25,167 |
| * | |||||||||
Padmasree Warrior (5) | 0 | 9,661 | 9,661 |
| * | |||||||||
All directors and executive officers, as a group (19 persons) (6) | 118,766,484 | 863,369 | 119,626,852 | 30.0 | % | |||||||||
Former Executive Officers |
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
Stefan Larsson (7) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | % | |||||||||
Certain Other Beneficial Holders |
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
Fisher Core Holdings L.P. (8) | 81,000,000 | 0 | 81,000,000 | 20.4 | % | |||||||||
Doris F. Fisher (9) | 33,561,387 | 0 | 33,561,387 | 8.4 | % | |||||||||
John J. Fisher (8) (10) | 114,414,116 | 0 | 114,414,116 | 28.8 | % | |||||||||
Blackrock, Inc. (11) | 26,832,464 | 0 | 26,832,464 | 6.7 | % |
Footnotes | |
(1) | Reflects stock options exercisable and stock units vesting within 60 days after March 21, 2016. Also includes the outstanding stock units earned but unpaid to non-employee directors, which are subject to a three-year deferral period but would be issued immediately upon the resignation or retirement of the non-employee director, as described on page 13. |
(2) | “*” indicates ownership of less than 1% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. |
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(3) | Includes 2,713,618 shares owned as community property with his spouse over which Mr. Robert J. Fisher has shared dispositive and voting power, 17,624,726 shares held by Robert J. Fisher as trustee under certain trusts, including 8,326,817 shares owned through a trust for which Mr. Fisher is a trustee and has sole dispositive and voting power, 8,297,909 shares (of which 600,000 shares are held in a charitable foundation) for which voting and investment power is shared, and 1,000,000 shares held by Mr. Fisher as trustee of a trust for which he has sole dispositive power and a special trustee has sole voting power,15,000 shares beneficially owned through limited partnerships over which Mr. Fisher has sole dispositive and voting power, and 81,000,000 shares held by Fisher Core Holdings L.P., of which Robert J. Fisher is a general partner. Mr. Fisher disclaims individual beneficial ownership of shares owned by Fisher Core Holdings L.P. or its other general partners except to the extent of his actual ownership interest therein. Also see footnote 8 below and the note regarding various Fisher family holdings immediately following this table. Robert J. Fisher’s address is One Maritime Plaza, Suite 1400, San Francisco, California 94111. Amounts shown do not include 124,211 shares owned by Mr. Fisher’s spouse, beneficial ownership of which is disclaimed as Mr. Fisher does not have voting or dispositive control over such shares. |
(4) | Includes 667,970 shares owned as community property with his spouse over which Mr. William S. Fisher has shared dispositive and voting power, 23,593,140 shares held by William S. Fisher as trustee under certain trusts, including 11,895,752 shares owned through trusts for which Mr. Fisher is trustee and has sole dispositive and voting power, 10,097,388 shares (of which 550,000 shares are held in a charitable foundation) for which voting and investment power is shared and 1,600,000 shares held by Mr. Fisher as trustee of a trust for which he has sole dispositive power and a special trustee has sole voting power, 15,000 shares beneficially owned through limited partnerships over which Mr. Fisher has sole dispositive and voting power, and 81,000,000 shares held by Fisher Core Holdings L.P., of which William S. Fisher is a general partner. Mr. Fisher disclaims individual beneficial ownership of shares owned by Fisher Core Holdings L.P. or its other general partners except to the extent of his actual ownership interest therein. Also see footnote 8 below and the note regarding various Fisher family holdings immediately following this table. William S. Fisher’s address is One Maritime Plaza, Suite 1400, San Francisco, California 94111. Amounts shown do not include 163,015 shares owned by Mr. Fisher’s spouse, beneficial ownership of which is disclaimed as Mr. Fisher does not have voting or dispositive control over such shares. |
(5) | Ms. Warrior is not standing for reelection to the Board of Directors. |
(6) | Reflects the information above as well as information regarding our unnamed executive officers; provided, however, that shares reflected more than once in the table above with respect to Robert J. Fisher and William S. Fisher are only reflected once in this line. See the note regarding various Fisher family holdings immediately following this table. |
(7) | Mr. Larsson ceased to be an executive officer of the Company in October 2015. |
(8) | The address of Fisher Core Holdings L.P. is One Maritime Plaza, Suite 1400, San Francisco, California 94111. As general partners, Messrs. Robert J. Fisher, John J. Fisher, and William S. Fisher have shared power (by majority vote) to vote or direct the vote of 70,200,000 shares and to dispose or direct the disposition of all of the partnership’s 81,000,000 shares. Limited liability companies which are not partners of Fisher Core Holdings L.P. nor are controlled by its general partners hold a proxy to vote 10,800,000 shares held by Fisher Core Holdings L.P. |
(9) | Doris F. Fisher’s address is One Maritime Plaza, Suite 1400, San Francisco, California 94111. Amounts shown do not include shares held directly or indirectly by Mrs. Fisher’s three adult sons or their spouses, beneficial ownership of which is disclaimed because Mrs. Fisher does not have voting or dispositive control over such shares. |
(10) | Includes 25,601,188 shares held by John J. Fisher as trustee under certain trusts, including 12,351,747 shares owned through trusts for which Mr. Fisher is trustee and has sole dispositive and voting power, 9,649,441 shares for which voting and investment power is shared and 3,600,000 shares held by Mr. Fisher as trustee of a trust for which he has sole dispositive power and a special trustee has sole voting power, 20,000 shares beneficially owned through limited partnerships over which Mr. Fisher has sole dispositive and voting power, and 81,000,000 shares held by Fisher Core Holdings L.P., of which John J. Fisher is a general partner. Mr. Fisher disclaims individual beneficial ownership of shares owned by Fisher Core Holdings L.P. or its other general partners except to the extent of his actual ownership interest therein. Also see footnote 8 above and the note regarding various Fisher family holdings immediately following this table. William S. Fisher’s address is One Maritime Plaza, Suite 1400, San Francisco, California 94111. Amounts shown do not include 42,806 shares owned by Mr. Fisher’s spouse, beneficial ownership of which is disclaimed as Mr. Fisher does not have voting or dispositive control over such shares. |
(11) | The Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by Blackrock, Inc. on February 9, 2016 indicates that, as of December 31, 2015, Blackrock, Inc. has sole power to direct the voting of 24,614,253 shares, and has sole power to dispose of or direct the disposition of 26,832,464 shares. The address of Blackrock, Inc., as reported in its Schedule 13G, is 44 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055. |
Note Regarding Various Fisher Family Holdings
SEC rules require reporting of beneficial ownership of certain shares by multiple parties where voting and/or dispositive power over those shares is shared by those multiple parties. As a result, the following shares are listed multiple times in the table above.
The 81,000,000 shares held by Fisher Core Holdings L.P. (see footnote 8 above) are included three additional times in the above table under the names of Messrs. Robert J. Fisher, William S. Fisher, and John J. Fisher (that is, there are only 81,000,000 shares rather than 324,000,000 shares).
In addition, the shares described in footnotes (3), (4) and (10) above for which voting and investment power is shared by Messrs. Robert J. Fisher, William S. Fisher, and John J. Fisher actually represent an aggregate of 13,447,369 shares, rather than 26,894,738 shares, as a result of that shared voting and investment power.
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For purposes of the above table, removing the shares counted multiple times (described above) results in an aggregate total ownership of 36.6% of the outstanding shares by Messrs. John J. Fisher, Robert J. Fisher, William S. Fisher and Fisher Core Holdings L.P.
The aggregate total ownership of Mrs. Doris F. Fisher, Messrs. John J. Fisher, Robert J. Fisher, and William S. Fisher, and Fisher Core Holdings L.P. is 45.0% of the outstanding shares. Mrs. Doris F. Fisher, and Messrs. John J. Fisher, Robert J. Fisher, and William S. Fisher each disclaim beneficial ownership over shares owned by other members of the Fisher family and Fisher Core Holdings L.P., except as specifically disclosed in the footnotes above.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors and executive officers, and holders of more than 10% of the Company’s common stock, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission reports about their ownership of the Company’s common stock. Such directors, officers and 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Securities and Exchange Commission regulations require us to identify in this Proxy Statement anyone who filed a required report late during the most recent fiscal year. Based on our review of forms we received, or written correspondence from reporting persons stating that they were not required to file these forms, we believe that during fiscal 2015 all Section 16(a) filing requirements were satisfied on a timely basis. Due to a Company administrative error, Julie Gruber reported the March 12, 2016 release of stock units three days late on a Form 4. This transaction did not result in any liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, and is being voluntarily reported early in this Proxy Statement.
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT
THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING
Who are the proxyholders and how were they selected?
The proxyholders were selected by our Board of Directors and are officers of the Company. The proxyholders will vote all proxies, or record an abstention, in accordance with the directions on the proxy. If no contrary direction is given, the shares will be voted as recommended by our Board of Directors.
How much did this proxy solicitation cost and who pays for it?
The Company will pay all expenses in connection with the solicitation of the proxies relating to this Proxy Statement, including the charges of brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees or fiduciaries for forwarding documents to security owners. In addition to solicitation by mail, certain of our officers, directors and employees (who will receive no extra compensation for their services) may solicit proxies by email, by telephone, by fax or in person. We have also retained the services of D.F. King & Co. to solicit the proxies of certain shareholders for the Annual Meeting and provide other consultation services. The cost of D.F. King’s services is estimated to be $8,000, plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
How can I electronically access the proxy materials?
We are using the Internet as our primary means of furnishing our proxy materials to most of our shareholders. Rather than sending those shareholders a paper copy of our proxy materials, we are sending a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. That Notice contains instructions for accessing the materials and voting via the Internet. The Notice also contains information on how to request a paper copy of the proxy materials by mail. We believe this method of distribution makes the proxy distribution process more efficient, less costly and limits our impact on the environment. This Proxy Statement and our 2015
Annual Report to Shareholders are available at: www.gapinc.com (follow the Investors, Financial Information, Annual Reports & Proxy links).
Can I receive proxy materials for future annual meetings by email rather than receiving a paper copy of the Notice?
If you are a Shareholder of Record or a Beneficial Owner, you may elect to receive the Notice or
other future proxy materials by email by logging into www.proxyvote.com. If you are a Beneficial Owner, you can also contact your broker directly to opt for email delivery of proxy materials. If you choose to receive proxy materials by email, next year you will receive an email with instructions on how to view those materials and vote before the next annual meeting. Your choice to obtain documents by email will remain in effect until you notify us otherwise. Delivering future notices by email will help us further reduce the cost and environmental impact of our shareholder meetings.
What is “householding”?
Under SEC rules, a single package of Notices may be sent to any household at which two or more shareholders reside if they appear to be members of the same family, unless contrary instructions have been received. Each shareholder continues to receive a separate Notice within the package. This procedure, referred to as householding, reduces the volume of duplicate materials shareholders receive and reduces mailing expenses. Shareholders may revoke their consent to future householding mailings or enroll in householding by contacting Broadridge toll free at 1-800-542-1061, or by writing to Broadridge,
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Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. Shareholders who wish to receive a separate set of proxy materials should contact Broadridge at the same phone number or mailing address.
What is the difference between a shareholder of record and a beneficial owner of shares?
Shareholder Of Record
If your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company’s transfer agent, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., you are considered the shareholder of record with respect to those shares.
Beneficial Owner
If your shares are held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer, or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name.” The organization holding your account is considered the shareholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to instruct that organization on how to vote the shares held in your account. Please note that the organization is not allowed to vote your shares on most matters without your instructions, so it is important for you to provide direction to the organization on how to vote.
May I attend the Annual Meeting?
All shareholders as of the close of business on the Record Date, or holders of a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting, are entitled to attend the Annual Meeting. Shareholders who plan to attend the Annual Meeting must present valid photo identification. In addition, if you are not a shareholder of record but hold shares through a broker, bank, trustee, nominee, or other similar organization (i.e., in street name), you must provide proof of beneficial ownership as of the Record Date. Proof of beneficial ownership can take the form of your most recent account statement prior to the Record Date, a copy of the voting instruction form provided by your broker, bank, trustee, nominee, or other similar organization, a copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, if one was mailed to you, or similar evidence of ownership. The Company reserves the right to deny admittance to anyone who cannot adequately show proof of share ownership as of the Record Date.
How can I listen to the live webcast of the meeting?
We plan to offer an audio webcast of the Annual Meeting at www.gapinc.com. If you choose to
listen to the webcast, go to our website at www.gapinc.com (follow the Investors, Financial News and Events, Webcasts links) shortly before the start of the meeting and follow the instructions provided. Please note that this webcast will be “listen only.” If you would like to vote, ask questions, or otherwise interact with the meeting participants, you will need to attend the meeting in person. The webcast will be recorded and
available for replay on www.gapinc.com for at least 30 days following the Annual Meeting.
Are votes confidential? Who counts the votes?
Proxy instructions, ballots and voting tabulations that identify individual shareholders are handled in a manner that protects the voting privacy of our shareholders. Your vote will not be disclosed to anyone, except:
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We retain an independent tabulator and inspector of election to receive and tabulate the proxies and to certify the voting results.
What happens if I do not give specific voting instructions?
Shareholder Of Record
If you are a shareholder of record and you sign, date and return a proxy card but do not specify how to vote, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors on all matters presented in this Proxy Statement and as the proxy holders may determine in their discretion regarding any other matters properly presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Beneficial Owner
If you are a beneficial owner and hold your shares through a broker, bank, or other similar organization, and you do not provide the broker or other nominee that holds your shares with voting instructions, the broker or other nominee will determine if it has the discretionary authority to vote on a particular matter. Brokers and other nominees have the discretion to vote on routine matters such as Proposal 2 (ratification of the selection of independent registered public accounting firm), but do not have the discretion to vote on non-routine matters such as Proposal 1 (election of directors), Proposal 3 (advisory vote on executive compensation), and Proposal 4 (approval of the Amendment and Restatement of The Gap, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan). Therefore, your shares will not be voted on non-routine matters without your voting instructions.
What constitutes a “quorum” for the Annual Meeting?
The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock, present in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. The independent inspector(s) of election appointed for the Annual Meeting will determine whether or not a quorum is present and will tabulate votes cast by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting.
Abstentions are included in the determination of shares present for quorum purposes. Because abstentions represent shares entitled to vote, the effect of an abstention will be the same as a vote against a proposal. However, abstentions will have no effect on the election of directors.
What are broker non-votes and how are they counted?
Broker non-votes occur when nominees, such as brokers and banks holding shares on behalf of the beneficial owners, are prohibited from exercising discretionary voting authority for beneficial owners who have not provided voting instructions. Brokers and other nominees may vote without instruction only on “routine” proposals. On “non-routine” proposals, nominees cannot vote without instructions from the beneficial owner, resulting in so-called “broker non-votes.” The proposal to ratify Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is the only routine proposal on the agenda for our Annual Meeting. The other three proposals on the agenda are non-routine. If you hold your shares with a broker or other nominee, they will not be voted on non-routine proposals unless you give voting instructions. So long as the broker has discretion to vote on at least one proposal, broker non-votes are
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counted in determining a quorum but are not counted for purposes of determining the number of shares present in person or represented by proxy on a voting matter.
What vote is required to approve each proposal?
Election Of Directors
Election of directors by shareholders will be determined by a majority of the votes cast with respect to each director, in person or by proxy, at the Annual Meeting. Pursuant to the Company’s Bylaws, a majority of the votes cast means that the number of shares voted “for” a director must exceed the number of votes cast “against” that director. Votes cast shall include votes “for” and “against” a nominee, and exclude “abstentions” and “broker non-votes” with respect to that nominee’s election. Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, at any meeting of shareholders where nominees are subject to an uncontested election (the number of nominees is equal to the number of seats), any nominee for director who receives a greater number of votes “against” his or her election than votes “for” such election, shall submit to the Corporate Secretary of the Company a letter offering his or her resignation, subject to the Board of Directors’ acceptance. The Governance and Sustainability Committee will consider the offer of resignation and will recommend to the Board the action to be taken. The Board of Directors will act promptly with respect to each such letter of resignation and will promptly notify the director concerned of its decision. The Board of Directors’ decision will be disclosed publicly.
Other Proposals
The other three matters on the agenda for shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting will be decided by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present, in person or by proxy, at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter. Please note that Proposal 2 (ratification of the selection of independent registered public accounting firm) and Proposal 3 (advisory vote on executive compensation) are advisory only and will not be binding on the Company, the Board or any committee of the Board. The results of the votes on these proposals will be taken into consideration by the Company, the Board or the appropriate committee of the Board, as applicable, when making future decisions regarding these matters.
How will any other items be voted upon at the Annual Meeting?
If any other matter not mentioned in this Proxy Statement is properly brought before the meeting, including without limitation (i) matters about which the proponent failed to notify us on or before February 19, 2016 (ii) shareholder proposals omitted from this Proxy Statement and the form of proxy pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC, and (iii) matters incidental to the conduct of the meeting, the proxyholders will vote upon such matters in accordance with their best judgment pursuant to the discretionary authority granted by the proxy. As of the date of the printing of this Proxy Statement, our management is not aware, nor has it been notified, of any other matters that may be presented for consideration at the meeting.
May I change my vote?
You may revoke your proxy at any time before its exercise by writing to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices as follows:
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Corporate Secretary
Gap Inc.
Two Folsom Street
San Francisco, California 94105
You may also revoke your proxy by timely delivery of a properly executed, later-dated proxy (including a telephone or Internet vote) or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting.
When are shareholder proposals for the 2017 Annual Meeting due?
If a shareholder would like us to consider including a proposal in our Proxy Statement and form of proxy for our Annual Meeting in 2017, the Company’s Corporate Secretary must receive it no later than December 6, 2016. Proposals must be addressed to our Corporate Secretary at Gap Inc., Two Folsom Street, San Francisco, California 94105.
Our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that in order for a shareholder to bring business before our Annual Meeting in 2017 (other than a proposal submitted for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials), the shareholder must give written notice to our Corporate Secretary by no later than the close of business (San Francisco Time) on February 16, 2017, and no earlier than January 17, 2017 (i.e., not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of our 2016 Annual Meeting). The notice must contain information required by our Bylaws, including a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the Annual Meeting, the name and address of the shareholder proposing the business, the number of shares of the Company’s stock beneficially owned by the shareholder, any material interest of the shareholder in the business proposed, any interests held by the shareholder in derivative securities of the Company or arrangements with persons holding derivative securities of the Company, and other information required to be provided by the shareholder pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC. If a shareholder fails to submit the notice by February 16, 2017, then the proposed business would not be considered at our Annual Meeting in 2017 due to the shareholder’s failure to comply with our Bylaws. Additionally, in accordance with Rule 14a-4(c)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, management proxyholders intend to use their discretionary voting authority with respect to any shareholder proposal raised at our Annual Meeting in 2017 as to which the proponent fails to notify us on or before February 16, 2017. Notifications must be addressed to our Corporate Secretary at Gap Inc., Two Folsom Street, San Francisco, California 94105. A copy of the full text of the Bylaw provisions relating to our advance notice procedure may be obtained by writing to our
Corporate Secretary at that address or at www.gapinc.com (follow the Investors, Governance links).
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Julie Gruber
Corporate Secretary
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APPENDIX A
THE GAP, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
(As Amended and Restated Effective as of May 17, 2016)
THE GAP, INC., having adopted The Gap, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (formerly known as the “1996 Stock Option and Award Plan” and the “2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan”) (the “Plan”) effective as of March 26, 1996, and having amended the Plan on several subsequent occasions, hereby amends and restates the Plan in its entirety, effective as of May 17, 2016, as follows:
SECTION 1
BACKGROUND, PURPOSE AND DURATION
1.1 Background. The Plan permits the grant of Nonqualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, SARs, Restricted Stock, Unrestricted Stock, Performance Units, Performance Shares, and Stock Units.
1.2 Purpose of the Plan. The Plan is intended to increase incentive and to encourage Share ownership on the part of Employees, Consultants and Nonemployee Directors. The Plan also is intended to further the growth and profitability of the Company and to permit the payment of compensation that qualifies as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code.
1.3 Duration. This amended and restated Plan is effective as of May 17, 2016 and shall remain in effect thereafter unless terminated earlier under Section 11. However, without further stockholder approval, no Incentive Stock Option may be granted under the Plan after May 17, 2026.
SECTION 2
DEFINITIONS
The following words and phrases shall have the following meanings unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context:
2.1 “1934 Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the 1934 Act or regulation thereunder shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.
2.2 “Affiliate” means any corporation or any other entity (including, but not limited to, partnerships and joint ventures) controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company.
2.3 “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity compensation plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Shares are listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.
2.4 “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Nonqualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, SARs, Restricted Stock, Unrestricted Stock, Performance Units, Performance Shares, or Stock Units.
2.5 “Award Agreement” means the written agreement (which may be electronic) setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan.
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2.6 “Board” or “Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.7 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code or regulation thereunder shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.
2.8 “Committee” means the committee appointed by the Board (pursuant to Section 3.1) to administer the Plan. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board shall constitute the Committee.
2.9 “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
2.10 “Company” means The Gap, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.
2.11 “Consultant” means any consultant, independent contractor, director of an Affiliate, or other person who provides significant services to the Company or an Affiliate, but who is neither an Employee nor a Director.
2.12 “Deferral Period” means the period of time during which Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares are subject to deferral limitations under Section 9.
2.13 “Determination Date” means, as to a Performance Period, the latest date possible that will not jeopardize an Award’s qualification as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.
2.14 “Director” means any individual who is a member of the Board.
2.15 “Disability” means a permanent and total disability within the meaning of Code Section 22(e)(3), provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Committee in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Committee from time to time.
2.16 “Dividend Equivalents” means a right entitling the Participant to receive amounts equal to the ordinary dividends paid on the Company’s Shares from time to time. The Committee shall determine at the time of grant whether Dividend Equivalents shall be settled in cash or Shares, the time or times at which they shall be settled, and such other vesting or forfeiture provisions and other terms and conditions as the Committee, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate; provided, however, that any dividends payable with respect to Awards that are subject to performance conditions shall be held in escrow or deemed reinvested in additional Shares until the achievement of the applicable performance conditions and shall otherwise be subject to all of the same conditions applicable to payment of the underlying Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) unless otherwise determined by the Committee, no Dividend Equivalents shall be granted to any Participant the Committee believes is likely to be a “covered employee” as defined under Code Section 162(m)(3) when taxable income is recognized pursuant to the Dividend Equivalent or its related Award to the extent such grant would cause the compensation represented by the Dividend Equivalent or its related Award not to constitute performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, and (b) unless otherwise determined by the Committee, no Dividend Equivalent right shall be granted to the extent such grant could result in the payment of any tax under Code Section 409A. In addition, no Dividend Equivalents shall be granted with respect to SARs or Stock Options.
2.17 “Employee” means any employee of the Company or an Affiliate. Except as otherwise determined by the Company, a person shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved
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by the Company or the employing Affiliate or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, any Affiliate, or any successor. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company shall be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
2.18 “Exchange Program” means a program established by the Committee (i) providing for the repurchase of outstanding and unexercised Options or Stock Appreciation Rights by the Company whether in the form of a cash payment or otherwise or (ii) under which outstanding Awards are amended to provide for a lower Exercise Price or surrendered or cancelled in exchange for (a) Awards with a lower Exercise Price, (b) a different type of Award or awards under a different equity incentive plan, (c) cash, or (d) a combination of (a), (b) and/or (c). Notwithstanding the preceding, the term Exchange Program does not include any (i) action described in Section 4.3 or any action taken in connection with a change in control transaction nor (ii) transfer or other disposition permitted under Section 10.5. For the purpose of clarity, each of the actions described in the prior sentence, none of which constitute an Exchange Program, may be undertaken (or authorized) by the Committee in its sole discretion without stockholder approval.
2.19 “Exercise Price” means the price at which a Share may be purchased by a Participant pursuant to the exercise of an Option.
2.20 “Fair Market Value” means the fair market value of a Share on a particular date, as determined by the Committee in good faith. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the fair market value shall be the closing stock price of Shares as reported on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on the relevant date (or, if no closing stock price is reported for the relevant date, on the last trading day for which a closing stock price of Shares is reported on the NYSE).
2.21 “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.
2.22 “Grant Date” means, with respect to an Award, the date that the Award was granted. The Grant Date of an Award shall not be earlier than the date the Award is approved by the Committee.
2.23 “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option to purchase Shares which is designated as an Incentive Stock Option and that by its terms qualifies and is otherwise intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Code Section 422 and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
2.24 “Nonemployee Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.
2.25 “Nonqualified Stock Option” means an option to purchase Shares that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
2.26 “Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option.
2.27 “Parent” means a “parent corporation” of the Company whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Code Section 424(e).
2.28 “Participant” means an Employee, Consultant, or Nonemployee Director who has an outstanding Award.
2.29 “Performance Goals” means the goal(s) (or combined goal(s)) determined by the Committee (in its discretion) pursuant to Section 5 to be applicable to a Participant with respect to an Award.
2.30 “Performance Period” means any Fiscal Year or such other period as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion during which performance objectives or other vesting criteria must be met.
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2.31 “Performance Share” means an Award of Performance Shares granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 9.
2.32 “Performance Unit” means an Award of Performance Units granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 9.
2.33 “Period of Restriction” means the period during which Shares of Restricted Stock, Unrestricted Stock, Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares are subject to forfeiture and/or restrictions on transferability and therefore, the Shares covered by the Award are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. As provided in Section 8 and 9, such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Committee, in its discretion.
2.34 “Plan” means The Gap, Inc. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as set forth in this instrument and as hereafter amended from time to time.
2.35 “Restricted Stock” means an Award granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 8.
2.36 “Retirement” shall, in the case of an Employee, have the meaning, if any, set forth in the Employee’s Award Agreement; provided, however, that with respect to Awards granted prior to May 17, 2011, “Retirement” shall have the meaning set forth in GapShare (the Company’s “401(k)” plan) as of the Grant Date of the applicable Award. With respect to an Award granted to a person who is a Consultant at the time of grant, no Termination of Service shall be deemed to be on account of “Retirement”. With respect to a Nonemployee Director, “Retirement” means a Termination of Service at or after the age of 72 or such other meaning provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement.
2.37 “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act, and any future regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such regulation.
2.38 “Section 16 Person” means a person who, with respect to the Shares, is subject to Section 16 of the 1934 Act.
2.39 “Shares” means the shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.05 par value.
2.40 “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with a related Option, that pursuant to Section 7 is designated as a SAR.
2.41 “Stock Unit” means an Award of Stock Units granted pursuant to Section 9.
2.42 “Subsidiary” means any corporation in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company as the corporation at the top of the chain, but only if each of the corporations below the Company (other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain) then owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
2.43 “Tax Obligations” means tax and social insurance liability obligations and requirements in connection with the Awards, including, without limitation, (a) all federal, state, and local taxes (including the Participant’s FICA obligation) and all non-U.S. taxes that are required to be withheld by the Company or the employing Affiliate, and (b) any other Company (or employing Affiliate) taxes the responsibility for which (i) the Participant has agreed to bear or (ii) where permitted by governing authorities outside the U.S., taxes the Company may choose to pass on to Participants, in each case with respect to the applicable Award (including on the grant, vesting or exercise thereof or purchase or issuance of Shares thereunder).
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2.44 “Termination of Service” means (a) in the case of an Employee, a cessation of the employee-employer relationship between the Employee and the Company or an Affiliate for any reason, including, but not by way of limitation, a termination by resignation, discharge, death, Disability, Retirement, or the disaffiliation of an Affiliate, but excluding any such termination where there is a simultaneous (i) reemployment of the individual by the Company or an Affiliate, or (ii) with respect to Awards (other than Incentive Stock Options) granted on or after January 28, 2003, engagement of the consulting services of the individual by the Company or an Affiliate; (b) in the case of a Consultant, a termination of the service relationship between the Consultant and the Company or an Affiliate for any reason, including, but not by way of limitation, a termination by resignation, discharge, death, Disability, or the disaffiliation of an Affiliate, but excluding any such termination where there is a simultaneous (i) re-engagement of the services of the individual by the Company or an Affiliate, or (ii) with respect to Awards granted on or after January 28, 2003, employment of the individual by the Company or an Affiliate; and (c) in the case of a Nonemployee Director, a cessation of the Director’s service on the Board for any reason, including, but not by way of limitation, a termination by resignation, death, Disability, Retirement or non-reelection to the Board, but excluding, with respect to Awards granted on or after May 17, 2011, any such cessation where there is a simultaneous (i) re-engagement of the services of the individual by the Company or an Affiliate, or (ii) employment of the individual by the Company or an Affiliate.
2.45 “Unrestricted Stock” means an Award granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 8.
SECTION 3
ADMINISTRATION
3.1 The Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall consist of not less than two (2) Directors who shall be appointed from time to time by, and shall serve at the pleasure of, the Board. The Committee shall be comprised solely of Directors who both are (a) “non-employee directors” under Rule 16b-3, and (b) “outside directors” under Code Section 162(m).
3.2 Authority of the Committee. It shall be the duty of the Committee to administer the Plan in accordance with the Plan’s provisions. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have all powers and discretion necessary or appropriate to administer the Plan and to control its operation, including, but not limited to, the power to (a) determine which Employees and Consultants shall be granted Awards, (b) prescribe the terms and conditions of such Awards or amendments thereto, (c) determine which Nonemployee Directors shall be granted Awards and the terms and conditions thereof, provided that such Awards shall be subject to Board approval if so required by the Committee Charter, (d) interpret the Plan and the Awards, (e) adopt such procedures and subplans as are necessary or appropriate to permit participation in the Plan by Employees, Consultants and Nonemployee Directors who are foreign nationals or employed outside of the United States, (f) implement an Exchange Program, (g) implement or permit (i) an action described in Section 4.3, and/or (ii) a transfer or other disposition permitted under Section 10.5, (h) adopt rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith, and (i) interpret, amend or revoke any such rules. Notwithstanding the preceding, the Committee shall not implement an Exchange Program without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Shares that are present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at any Annual or Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Company. With respect to Nonemployee Directors, all references in the Plan to the Committee’s discretion shall be subject to this Section 3.2 and shall require Board approval if so required by the Committee Charter.
3.3 Delegation by the Committee. The Committee, in its sole discretion and on such terms and conditions as it may provide, may delegate all or any part of its authority and powers under the Plan to one or more Directors or officers of the Company in accordance with Applicable Laws; provided, however, that the Committee may not delegate its authority and powers (a) with respect to Section 16 Persons, or (b) in any way which would jeopardize the Plan’s qualification under Code Section 162(m) or Rule 16b-3.
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3.4 Decisions Binding. All determinations and decisions made by the Committee, the Board, and any delegate of the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, conclusive, and binding on all persons, and shall be given the maximum deference permitted by law.
SECTION 4
SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN,
NONEMPLOYEE DIRECTOR LIMIT
4.1 Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.3, the total number of Shares available for grant under the Plan shall not exceed the sum of (a) 123,341,342 and (b) the number of Shares (not to exceed 40,225,653) that remain available for grant under the Company’s 2002 Stock Option Plan as of the date of obtaining shareholder approval of the amended and restated Plan on May 9, 2006, (c) any Shares (not to exceed 28,019,786) that otherwise would have been returned to the 2002 Stock Option Plan after May 9, 2006 on account of the expiration, cancellation, or forfeiture of Awards granted thereunder, and (d) 25,000,000 Shares. For purposes of this Section 4.1, effective with respect to Awards granted on or after the May 17, 2011, each Award other than an Option or SAR shall reduce the number of Shares available for Awards under the Plan by 2 Shares for each Share covered by the Award in lieu of the 3-to-1 Share counting rule that applied under the Plan prior to such date. With respect to SARs and Options, the number of Shares which shall cease to be available under the Plan shall equal the total number of Shares covered by each SAR or Option, as evidenced in the applicable Award Agreement. To the extent an Award under the Plan (other than a SAR or Option) is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan (and in the case of Options or SARs shall reduce the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan by the number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the cash delivered). Subject to adjustment provided in Section 4.3, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options shall equal the aggregate Share number stated in this Section 4.1, plus, to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan under Section 4.2. Shares granted under the Plan may be either authorized but unissued Shares or treasury Shares.
4.2 Lapsed Awards. To the extent an Award expires or is cancelled without having been exercised, or is surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program, or, with respect to Restricted Stock, Unrestricted Stock, Performance Units, Performance Shares, or Stock Units is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options and SARs, the forfeited or repurchased Shares) which were subject thereto plus the number of additional Shares, if any, that counted against Shares available for issuance under the Plan in respect thereof using the Share counting rule in effect at the time the applicable Award was granted will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). Notwithstanding the foregoing, and except with respect to shares of Restricted Stock that are forfeited rather than vesting, Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan under any Award will not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the Plan. Shares used to pay the tax and/or exercise price of an Award will not become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, Shares purchased by the Company with the proceeds of a Stock Option exercise shall not again be available for issuance under the Plan.
4.3 Adjustments in Awards and Authorized Shares. In the event of a dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, separation, liquidation, stock split, reverse stock split, split-up, spin-off, Share combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company or other significant corporate transaction, or other significant change affecting the Shares, the Committee shall adjust the number, kind and class of securities which may be delivered under the Plan, the number, class, kind and price of securities subject to outstanding Awards, and the numerical limits of Sections 4.4, 6.1, 7.1.1, 8.1 and 9.1 in such manner as the Committee (in its sole discretion) shall determine to be appropriate to equitably adjust such Awards. Notwithstanding the preceding, the number of Shares subject to any Award always shall be a
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whole number. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all adjustments under this Section 4.3 shall be made in a manner that does not result in taxation under Code Section 409A or, for the avoidance of doubt, loss of the performance-based compensation exception under Code Section 162(m).
4.4 Limit on Nonemployee Director Awards. No Nonemployee Director shall be granted Awards in any fiscal year of the Company having an aggregate Grant Date value in excess of $500,000. For this purpose, Restricted Stock, Unrestricted Stock, Performance Units, Performance Shares and Stock Units shall be valued based on the Fair Market Value on the Grant Date of the maximum number of Shares covered thereby (or the maximum dollar value thereof with respect to Awards denominated in dollars) and Options and SARs shall be valued using a Black-Scholes or other accepted valuation model, in each case, using reasonable assumptions. The limits set forth in Sections 6.1, 7.1.1, 8.1 and 9.1 shall not apply to Nonemployee Directors.
4.5 The Committee may grant Awards under the Plan in substitution for stock and stock based awards held by employees of another corporation who become employees of the Company or a Subsidiary as the result of a merger or consolidation of the employing corporation with the Company or a Subsidiary or the acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary of property or stock of the employing corporation. The Committee may direct that such Awards be granted with such terms and conditions as the Committee considers appropriate in the circumstances. Such Awards shall not reduce the Shares available for issuance under the Plan, nor shall shares subject to such Awards be added back to the Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Additionally, subject to the rules of the applicable stock exchange on which the Shares are listed, in the event that a company acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by stockholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consolidation payable to holder of common stock of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the Shares available for issuance under the Plan (and shares subject to such Awards shall not be added back to the Shares available for Awards under the Plan); provided that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not eligible to receive Awards under the Plan prior to such acquisition or combination.
SECTION 5
PERFORMANCE GOALS
5.1 Establishment of Performance Goals. For each Performance Period, on or before the applicable Determination Date, the Committee shall establish and set forth in writing the Performance Goals, if any, and any particulars, components and adjustments relating thereto, applicable to each Participant. The Performance Goals, if any, will be objectively measurable and will be based upon the achievement of a specified percentage or level in one or more of the following objectively defined and non-discretionary factors preestablished by the Committee in accordance with Code Section 162(m): (a) comparable store sales growth; (b) earnings; (c) earnings per share; (d) return on equity; (e) return on net assets; (f) return on invested capital; (g) gross sales; (h) net sales; (i) net earnings; (j) free cash flow; (k) total shareholder return; (l) stock price; (m) gross margin; (n) operating margin; (o) market share; (p) inventory levels; (q) expense reduction; and (r) employee turnover. For Awards that are not intended to comply with the performance-based compensation exception under Code Section 162(m), Performance Goals may consist of objective and/or subjective elements based on any financial and non-financial criteria (including, without limitation, subjective criteria and individual performance), as established by the Committee in its sole discretion.
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5.2 Committee Discretion on Performance Goals. As determined in the discretion of the Committee, the Performance Goals for any Performance Period may to the extent consistent with the performance-based compensation exception under Code Section 162(m) (a) differ from Participant to Participant and from Award to Award, (b) be based on the performance of the Company as a whole or the performance of a specific Participant or one or more subsidiaries, divisions, departments, regions, stores, segments, products, functions or business units of the Company, (c) be measured on a per share, per capita, per unit, per square foot, per employee, per store basis, and/or other objective basis (d) be measured on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, and (e) be measured on an absolute basis or in relative terms (including, but not limited to, the passage of time and/or against other companies, financial metrics and/or an index). Without limiting the foregoing, and for the avoidance of doubt except as would be inconsistent with the performance-based compensation exception under Code Section 162(m), the Committee shall adjust any performance criteria, Performance Goal or other feature of an Award that relates to or is wholly or partially based on the number of, or the value of, any stock of the Company, to reflect any stock dividend or split, repurchase, recapitalization, combination, or exchange of shares or other similar changes in such stock. Awards that are not intended by the Company to comply with the performance-based compensation exception under Code Section 162(m) may take into account other factors (including subjective factors).
5.3 Adjustments. For Awards intended to comply with the performance-based compensation exception under Code Section 162(m), the impact of objectively defined and non-discretionary items (includable in one or more of the following categories or other categories to the extent permitted by Code Section 162(m)) may be taken into account in any manner preestablished by the Committee in accordance with Code Section 162(m) when determining whether a Performance Goal has been attained: (a) changes in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”); (b) nonrecurring items, if any, that may be defined in an objective and non-discretionary manner under U.S. GAAP accounting standards or other applicable accounting standards in effect from time to time; (c) the sale of investments or non-core assets; (d) discontinued operations, categories or segments; (e) legal claims and/or litigation and insurance recoveries relating thereto; (f) amortization, depreciation or impairment of tangible or intangible assets; (g) reductions in force, early retirement programs or severance expense; (h) investments, acquisitions or dispositions; (i) political, legal and other business interruptions (such as due to war, insurrection, riot, terrorism, confiscation, expropriation, nationalization, deprivation, seizure, and regulatory requirements); (j) natural catastrophes; (k) currency fluctuations; (l) stock based compensation expense; (m) early retirement of debt; (n) conversion of convertible debt securities; and (o) termination of real estate leases. Each of the adjustments described above may relate to the Company as a whole or any part of the Company’s business or operations.
SECTION 6
STOCK OPTIONS
6.1 Grant of Options. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, Options may be granted to Employees, Consultants and Nonemployee Directors at any time and from time to time as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. The Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine the number of Shares subject to each Option, provided that during any Fiscal Year, no Participant shall be granted Options covering more than 18,000,000 Shares. The Committee may grant Incentive Stock Options, Nonqualified Stock Options, or a combination thereof; provided, however, that any Options granted to Consultants or Nonemployee Directors pursuant to this Section 6 shall be Nonqualified Stock Options.
6.2 Award Agreement. Each Option shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the Exercise Price, the expiration date of the Option, the number of Shares to which the Option pertains, any conditions to exercise of the Option, and such other terms and conditions as the Committee, in its discretion, shall determine. The Award Agreement shall also specify whether the Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option.
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6.3 Exercise Price. Subject to the provisions of this Section 6.3, the Exercise Price for each Option shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
6.3.1 Nonqualified Stock Options. In the case of a Nonqualified Stock Option, the Exercise Price shall be determined by the Committee in its discretion but shall be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date.
6.3.2 Incentive Stock Options. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Exercise Price shall be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date; provided, however, that if on the Grant Date, the Employee (together with persons whose stock ownership is attributed to the Employee pursuant to Code Section 424(d)) owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the Exercise Price shall be not less than one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date.
6.3.3 Substitute Options. Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 6.3.1 and 6.3.2, in the event that the Company or an Affiliate consummates a transaction described in Code Section 424(a) (e.g., the acquisition of property or stock from an unrelated corporation), persons who become Employees or Consultants on account of such transaction may be granted Options in substitution for options granted by their former employer. If such substitute Options are granted, the Committee, in its sole discretion and consistent with Code Section 424(a) and Code Section 409A, may determine that such substitute Options shall have an Exercise Price less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the Grant Date.
6.4 Expiration of Options.
6.4.1 Expiration Dates. Except as set forth by the Committee in an Award Agreement, each Option shall terminate no later than the first to occur of the following events:
(a) The date for termination of the Option set forth in the Award Agreement; or
(b) The expiration of ten (10) years from the Grant Date; or
(c) The expiration of three (3) months from the date of the Participant’s Termination of Service for a reason other than the Participant’s death, Disability or Retirement; or
(d) The expiration of one (1) year from the date of the Participant’s Termination of Service by reason of Disability or death; or
(e) The expiration of one (1) year from the date of the Participant’s Retirement (except as provided in Section 6.8.2 regarding Incentive Stock Options).
6.4.2 Committee Discretion. The Committee, in its sole discretion, (a) shall provide in each Award Agreement when each Option expires and becomes unexercisable, and (b) may, after an Option is granted, extend the term of the Option (subject to Section 6.8.4 regarding Incentive Stock Options). With respect to the Committee’s authority in Section 6.4.2(b), if, at the time of any such extension, the exercise price per Share of the Option is less than the Fair Market Value of a Share, the extension shall, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, be limited to the earlier of (1) the maximum term of the Option as set by its original terms, or (2) ten (10) years from the Grant Date. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, any extension of the term of an Option pursuant to this Section 6.4.2 shall comply with Code Section 409A to the extent necessary to avoid taxation thereunder.
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6.5 Exercisability of Options. Options granted under the Plan shall be exercisable at such times and be subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion. After an Option is granted, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the exercisability of the Option.
6.6 Payment. Options shall be exercised by the Participant’s delivery of a notice of exercise in such form and manner as the Company may designate to the Secretary of the Company (or its designee), setting forth the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is to be exercised, accompanied by full payment for the Shares. Upon the exercise of any Option, the Exercise Price shall be payable to the Company in full in cash or its equivalent. The Committee, in its sole discretion, also may permit exercise (a) by tendering previously acquired Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value at the time of exercise equal to the total Exercise Price, (b) by cashless or “net” exercise, or (c) by any other means which the Committee, in its sole discretion, determines to both provide legal consideration for the Shares, and to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan. As soon as practicable after receipt of a notification of exercise in such form and manner as the Company may designate and full payment for the Shares purchased, the Company shall deliver to the Participant (or the Participant’s designated broker), Share certificates (which may be in book entry form) representing such Shares.
6.7 Restrictions on Share Transferability. The Committee may impose such restrictions on any Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option as it may deem advisable, including, but not limited to, restrictions related to applicable federal securities laws, the requirements of any national securities exchange or system upon which Shares are then listed or traded, or any blue sky or state securities laws.
6.8 Certain Additional Provisions for Incentive Stock Options.
6.8.1 Exercisability. The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined on the Grant Date(s)) of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Employee during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and its Subsidiaries or any Parent) shall not exceed $100,000. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which an Option designated as an Incentive Stock Option exceeds this $100,000 limit, such Option will be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option. For purposes of this Section 6.8.1, Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, the Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted, and calculation will be performed in accordance with Code Section 422 and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
6.8.2 Termination of Service. No Incentive Stock Option may be exercised more than three (3) months after the Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason other than Disability or death, unless (a) the Participant dies during such three-month period, and/or (b) the Award Agreement or the Committee permits later exercise (in which case the Option instead may be deemed to be a Nonqualified Stock Option). No Incentive Stock Option may be exercised more than one (1) year after the Participant’s Termination of Service on account of Disability, unless (a) the Participant dies during such one-year period, and/or (b) the Award Agreement or the Committee permit later exercise (in which case the option instead may be deemed to be a Nonqualified Stock Option). Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, any extension of the term or exercise period on an Option pursuant to this Section 6.8.2 shall comply with Code Section 409A to the extent necessary to avoid taxation thereunder.
6.8.3 Company and Subsidiaries Only. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to persons who are employees of the Company or a Subsidiary on the Grant Date.
6.8.4 Expiration. No Incentive Stock Option may be exercised after the expiration of ten (10) years from the Grant Date; provided, however, that if the Option is granted to an Employee who, together with persons whose stock ownership is attributed to the Employee pursuant to Code Section 424(d), owns stock
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possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of the stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the Option may not be exercised after the expiration of five (5) years from the Grant Date.
SECTION 7
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
7.1 Grant of SARs. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a SAR may be granted to Employees, Consultants, and Nonemployee Directors at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion.
7.1.1 Number of Shares. The Committee shall have complete discretion to determine the number of SARs granted to any Participant, provided that during any Fiscal Year, no Participant shall be granted SARs covering more than 18,000,000 Shares.
7.1.2 Exercise Price and Other Terms. The Committee, subject to the provisions of the Plan, shall have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of SARs granted under the Plan. The exercise price of each SAR shall be determined by the Committee in its discretion but shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date. After a SAR is granted, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the exercisability of the SAR.
7.2 SAR Agreement. Each SAR grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the exercise price, the term of the SAR, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine.
7.3 Expiration of SARs. A SAR granted under the Plan shall expire upon the date determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6.4 also shall apply to SARs.
7.4 Payment of SAR Amount. Upon exercise of a SAR, a Participant shall be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:
(a) The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times
(b) The number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised. At the discretion of the Committee, the payment upon SAR exercise may be in cash, Shares of equivalent value or a combination thereof, as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
SECTION 8
RESTRICTED STOCK AND UNRESTRICTED STOCK
8.1 Grant of Restricted Stock and Unrestricted Stock. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock and Unrestricted Stock to Employees, Consultants, and Nonemployee Directors in such amounts as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine. The Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine the number of Shares to be granted to each Participant, provided that during any Fiscal Year, no Participant shall receive more than 2,000,000 Shares of Restricted Stock or Unrestricted Stock.
8.2 Restricted Stock or Unrestricted Stock Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock or Unrestricted Stock shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify any Period of Restriction (if any), the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Committee, in its sole discretion,
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shall determine. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, Shares of Restricted Stock shall be held by the Company as escrow agent until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed.
8.3 Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 8, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction.
8.4 Other Restrictions. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate, in accordance with this Section 8.4.
8.4.1 General Restrictions. The Committee may set restrictions based upon continued employment or service with the Company and its Affiliates, the achievement of specific performance objectives (Company-wide, divisional, or individual), applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the Committee in its discretion.
8.4.2 Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions. For purposes of qualifying Awards of Restricted Stock as “performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m), the Committee, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals during the Performance Period. For such Awards, the Performance Goals and Performance Period shall be set by the Committee on or before the Determination Date. In granting Restricted Stock which is intended to qualify under Code Section 162(m), the Committee shall follow any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate thereunder.
8.4.3 Legend on Certificates. The Committee, in its discretion, may legend the certificates representing Restricted Stock to give appropriate notice of the restrictions applicable to such Shares.
8.5 Removal of Restrictions. Except as may be provided in the Award Agreement, Restricted Stock shall be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction. The Committee, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions shall lapse or be removed. After the restrictions have lapsed, the Participant shall be entitled to have any legend or legends under Section 8.4.3 removed from his or her Share certificate, and the Shares shall be freely transferable by the Participant, subject to applicable laws. The Committee (in its discretion) may establish procedures regarding the release of Shares from escrow and the removal of legends, as necessary or appropriate to minimize administrative burdens on the Company.
8.6 Voting Rights. During the Period of Restriction, Participants holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Committee determines otherwise.
8.7 Dividends and Other Distributions. During any Period of Restriction, Participants holding Shares of Restricted Stock shall be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares shall be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid, unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement.
8.8 Return of Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed shall revert to the Company and again shall become available for grant under the Plan.
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SECTION 9
STOCK UNITS, PERFORMANCE UNITS, AND PERFORMANCE SHARES
9.1 Grant of Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares may be granted to Employees, Consultants, and Nonemployee Directors at any time and from time to time, as shall be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion. The Committee shall have complete discretion in determining the number of Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares granted to each Participant, provided that during any Fiscal Year no Participant shall receive Stock Units, Performance Units or Performance Shares having, in the aggregate, a grant date value (assuming maximum payout) greater than $20,000,000 or covering more than 2,000,000 Shares (assuming maximum payout), whichever is greater.
9.2 Initial Value of Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares. Each Stock Unit and Performance Unit shall have an initial value that is established by the Committee on or before the Grant Date. Each Performance Share shall have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date.
9.3 Award Agreement. Each Award of Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the Performance Period, Period of Restriction, Deferral Period (if any), and such other terms and conditions as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine.
9.4 Performance Objectives and Other Terms. The Committee shall set performance objectives, a Period of Restriction, Deferral Period, or other vesting criteria in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or value of Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares that will be paid out to the Participants. Each Award of Stock Units or Performance Units subject to a Deferral Period and each Award of Performance Shares subject to a Deferral Period shall be referred to herein as Deferred Units or Deferred Shares, respectively. Each Award of Stock Units subject to a Period of Restriction shall be referred to herein as a “Restricted Stock Unit.” The time period during which the Award is subject to deferral shall be the “Deferral Period”.
9.4.1 General Performance Objectives. The Committee may set performance objectives or vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, or individual goals, applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the Committee in its discretion (for example, but not by way of limitation, upon continued employment or service with the Company and its Affiliates).
9.4.2 Section 162(m) Performance Objectives. For purposes of qualifying Awards of Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares as “performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m), the Committee, in its discretion, may determine that the performance objectives applicable to Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares shall be based on the achievement of Performance Goals during the Performance Period. For such Awards, the Performance Goals and Performance Period shall be set by the Committee on or before the Determination Date. In granting Stock Units which are intended to qualify under Code Section 162(m), the Committee shall follow any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate thereunder.
9.4.3 Deferral of Awards. The Committee may set such terms and conditions for deferral of payment of an Award granted under this Section 9 in accordance with the following provisions or such other terms and conditions determined by the Committee in its sole discretion:
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(a) Deferred Compensation. Each grant shall constitute the agreement by the Company to issue or transfer Shares or cash, or a combination thereof, to the Participant in the future in consideration of the performance of services, subject to the fulfillment during the Deferral Period of such conditions as the Committee may specify.
(b) Consideration. Each grant may be made without additional consideration from the Participant or in consideration of a payment by the Participant that is less than Fair Market Value on the Grant Date.
(c) Deferral Period. Each grant shall provide that the Deferred Units and Deferred Shares covered thereby shall be subject to a Deferral Period, which shall be fixed by the Committee on the Grant Date (or such earlier time required for compliance with Code Section 409A), and any Award may provide for the earlier termination of such period in the event of a change in control of the Company or other similar transaction or event. If the Deferral Period is to terminate on account of a change in control or other similar transaction or event, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, such change in control or other similar transaction or event must constitute a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company (as determined in accordance with Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) of the Code and Treasury regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5)).
9.5 Earning of Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares. After the applicable Period of Restriction or Deferral Period has ended, the Participant shall be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares earned by the Participant over the Period of Restriction or Deferral Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives or other vesting requirements have been achieved during the Performance Period.
9.6 Form and Timing of Payment. Except as otherwise set forth in an Award Agreement, payment of earned Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares shall be upon the expiration of the applicable Period of Restriction (subject to any deferral permitted under Section 10.9) or Deferral Period. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may pay such earned Awards in cash, Shares, or a combination thereof, as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
9.7 Dividend Equivalents and Other Ownership Rights. During the Period of Restriction or Deferral Period, the Participant shall not have any right to transfer any rights under the subject Award, shall not have any rights of ownership in the Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares and shall not have any right to vote such Awards, but the Committee may, consistent with the requirements of Code Section 409A (including any exemption therefrom), on or after the Grant Date authorize the payment of Dividend Equivalents on such shares or units in cash or additional Shares on a current, deferred or contingent basis.
9.8 Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Stock Units, Performance Units, or Performance Shares shall be forfeited to the Company.
SECTION 10
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 No Effect on Employment or Service. Nothing in the Plan shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company to terminate any Participant’s employment or service at any time, with or without cause. For purposes of the Plan, transfer of employment of a Participant between the Company and any one of its Affiliates (or between Affiliates) shall not be deemed a Termination of Service. Employment with the Company and its Affiliates is on an at-will basis only.
10.2 Participation. No Employee, Consultant or Nonemployee Director shall have the right to be selected to receive an Award under this Plan, or, having been so selected, to be selected to receive a future Award. A Participant’s rights, if any, in respect of or in connection with any Award is derived solely from the
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discretionary decision of the Company to permit the individual to participate in the Plan and to benefit from a discretionary Award. By accepting an Award under the Plan, a Participant expressly acknowledges that there is no obligation on the part of the Company to continue the Plan and/or grant any additional Awards. Any Award granted hereunder is not intended to be compensation of a continuing or recurring nature, or part of a Participant’s normal or expected compensation, and in no way represents any portion of a Participant’s salary, compensation, or other remuneration for purposes of pension benefits, severance, redundancy, resignation or any other purpose. The Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates reserve the right to terminate the service of any person at any time, and for any reason, subject to applicable laws and such person’s written employment agreement (if any), and such terminated person shall be deemed irrevocably to have waived any claim to damages or specific performance for breach of contract or dismissal, compensation for loss of office, tort or otherwise with respect to the Plan or any outstanding Award that is forfeited and/or is terminated by its terms or to any future Award.
10.3 Successors. All obligations of the Company under the Plan, with respect to Awards granted hereunder, shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company.
10.4 Beneficiary Designations. If permitted by the Committee, a Participant under the Plan may name a beneficiary or beneficiaries to whom any vested but unpaid Award shall be paid in the event of the Participant’s death. Each such designation shall revoke all prior designations by the Participant and shall be effective only if given in a form and manner acceptable to the Committee. In the absence of any such designation, any vested benefits remaining unpaid at the Participant’s death shall be paid to the Participant’s estate and, subject to the terms of the Plan and of the applicable Award Agreement, any unexercised vested Award may be exercised by the administrator or executor of the Participant’s estate.
10.5 Limited Transferability of Awards. No Award granted under the Plan may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will, by the laws of descent and distribution, or to the limited extent provided in Section 10.4. All rights with respect to an Award granted to a Participant shall be available during his or her lifetime only to the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant may, if the Committee (in its discretion) so permits, transfer an Award granted on or after January 24, 2006, to an individual or entity other than the Company. Any such transfer shall be made in accordance with such procedures as the Committee may specify from time to time.
10.6 No Rights as Stockholder. Except to the limited extent provided in Sections 8.6 and 8.7, no Participant (nor any beneficiary) shall have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company with respect to any Shares issuable pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof), unless and until certificates (which may be in book entry form) representing such Shares shall have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to the Participant (or beneficiary).
10.7 Withholding Requirements. Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof), or at such earlier time as the Tax Obligations are due, the Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy all Tax Obligations. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan, if a Participant fails to remit to the Company the amount of such Tax Obligations within the time period specified by the Committee (in its discretion), the Participant’s Award may, in the Committee’s discretion, be forfeited and in such case the Participant shall not receive any of the Shares covered by such Award.
10.8 Withholding Arrangements. The Committee, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit or require a Participant to satisfy Tax Obligations, in whole or in part by (a) having the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Shares, or (b) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld or remitted
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which have been held for such period of time required to avoid adverse accounting consequences. The amount of the Tax Obligations shall be deemed to include any amount which the Committee agrees may be withheld at the time the election is made, and to the extent necessary to avoid adverse accounting consequences not to exceed the amount determined by using the minimum federal, state, local or foreign jurisdiction statutory withholding rates applicable to the Participant with respect to the Award on the date that the amount of tax or social insurance liability to be withheld or remitted is to be determined. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, the Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered shall be determined as of the date that the Tax Obligations are required to be withheld or remitted.
10.9 Deferrals. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit a Participant to defer receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would otherwise be delivered to a Participant under the Plan. In the event of such a deferral, the Committee, in its discretion, may provide that the payment of Dividend Equivalents attributable thereto shall be also deferred until such time as the Award will be settled in accordance with the Participant’s deferral election. Any such deferral election shall be subject to such rules and procedures as shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, which rules and procedures shall comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, unless otherwise determined by the Committee.
10.10 Elections by Nonemployee Directors. Pursuant to such procedures as the Committee (in its discretion) may adopt from time to time, each Nonemployee Director may elect to forego receipt of all or a portion of the annual retainer, committee fees and meeting fees otherwise due to the Nonemployee Director in exchange for Shares or Stock Units. The number of Shares or Stock Units received by any Nonemployee Director shall equal the amount of foregone compensation divided by the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the compensation otherwise would have been paid to the Nonemployee Director, rounded up to the nearest whole number of Shares. The procedures adopted by the Committee for elections under this Section 10.10 shall be designed to ensure that any such election by a Nonemployee Director will not disqualify him or her as a “non-employee director” under Rule 16b-3. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the elections permitted under this Section 10.10 shall comply with Code Section 409A or an exemption therefrom.
10.11 Fractional Shares. The Company shall not be required to issue any fractional Shares pursuant to this Plan. The Committee may provide for the elimination of fractions or for the settlement thereof in cash.
10.12 Code Section 409A. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, each Award shall comply with Code Section 409A or an exemption therefrom, and the Committee shall comply with Code Section 409A in establishing the rules and procedures applicable to deferrals in accordance with Section 10 and taking or permitting such other actions under the terms of the Plan that would otherwise result in a deferral of compensation subject to Code Section 409A.
10.13 Recoupment of Awards. Awards are subject to recoupment in accordance with any Applicable Law and any recoupment policy, arrangement or agreement adopted by the Company from time to time.
SECTION 11
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
11.1 Amendment, Suspension, or Termination. The Board, in its sole discretion, may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason. The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws. The amendment, suspension, or termination of the Plan shall not, without the consent of the Participant, materially and adversely alter or impair any rights or obligations under any Award theretofore granted to such Participant. No Award may be granted during any period of suspension or after termination of the Plan.
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SECTION 12
CHANGE IN CONTROL
12.1 Effect of Change in Control on Options and SARs. Except as set forth in an applicable Award Agreement and subject to Code Section 409A, in the event of a Change in Control, the surviving, continuing, successor, or purchasing corporation or other business entity or parent thereof, as the case may be (the “Acquiror”), may, without the consent of any Participant, either assume or continue the Company’s rights and obligations under outstanding Options or SARs or substitute for outstanding Options or SARs substantially equivalent options or SARs covering the Acquiror’s stock. Except as set forth in an applicable Award Agreement and subject to Code Section 409A, any Options or SARs which are neither assumed, continued or substituted by the Acquiror in connection with the Change in Control nor exercised as of the Change in Control shall, contingent on the Change in Control, become fully vested and exercisable immediately prior to the Change in Control. Options and SARs which are assumed or continued in connection with a Change in Control shall be subject to such additional accelerated vesting and/or exercisability as the Board may determine, if any.
12.2 Effect of Change in Control on Other Awards. Except as set forth in an applicable Award Agreement and subject to Code Section 409A, in the event of a Change in Control, the Acquiror may, without the consent of any Participant, either assume or continue the Company’s rights and obligations under outstanding Awards other than Options or SARs or substitute for such Awards substantially equivalent Awards covering the Acquiror’s stock. Except as set forth in an applicable Award Agreement and subject to Code Section 409A, any such Awards which are neither assumed, continued or substituted by the Acquiror in connection with the Change in Control shall, contingent on the Change in Control, become fully vested. Awards which are assumed or continued in connection with a Change in Control shall be subject to such additional accelerated vesting or lapse of restrictions as the Board may determine, if any.
12.3 For purposes of the Plan, except as set forth in an applicable Award Agreement and subject to Code Section 409A, “Change in Control” means the consummation of one or more of the following events:
| (i) | any “person” (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of shares representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock (as defined below in this Section 12.3) of the Company; provided, however, that a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to occur solely as the result of the acquisition by Doris F. Fisher, John J. Fisher, William Fisher and/or Robert R. Fisher (collectively, the “Fishers”) and the Permitted Designees (as defined below in this Section 12.3) of shares representing in the aggregate more than 50% but less than 75% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock of the Company; |
| (ii) | the Company consolidates with or merges into any other corporation, any other corporation merges into the Company, or the Company effects a share exchange or the Company conveys, sells, transfers or leases all or substantially all (more than 75%) of its assets (other than to one or more of its wholly-owned subsidiaries), and, in the case of any such consolidation, merger or share exchange transaction, the outstanding Common Stock of the Company is reclassified into or exchanged for any other property or securities, unless the shareholders of the Company immediately before such transaction own, directly or indirectly immediately following such transaction, at least a majority of the combined voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock of the entity resulting from such transaction in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Voting Stock of the Company immediately before such transaction, or unless such transaction is effected solely to change the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Company and results in a reclassification, conversion or exchange of outstanding shares of Common Stock solely into shares of Common Stock; |
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| (iii) | the Company or the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, sells, assigns, conveys, transfers or leases all or substantially all (more than 75%) of the assets of the Company or of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole over a 12-month period, as applicable (other than to one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company); or |
| (iv) | any time the Continuing Directors (as defined below in this Section 12.3) do not constitute a majority of the Board (or, if applicable, a successor entity to the Company). |
For purposes of the above definition of Change in Control, “Continuing Directors” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board who (A) was a member of such Board on May 17, 2016 (the “Original Directors”) or (B) was appointed, nominated for election, or elected to such Board with the approval of a majority of the Original Directors or Continuing Directors who were members of such Board at the time of such nomination or election.
For purposes of the above definition of Change-in-Control, “Permitted Designees” means (i) a spouse or lineal descendent by blood or adoption of any of the Fishers; (ii) trusts solely for the benefit of any of the Fishers, one or more charitable foundations, institutions or entities or any of the individuals referred to in clause (i); (iii) in the event of the death of a Fisher, his or her estate, heirs, executor, administrator, committee or other personal representative; or (iv) any Person (as defined below in this Section 12.3) so long as any of the Fishers or any of the individuals referred to in clause (i) are the sole beneficial owners of more than 50% of the Voting Stock of such Person and constitute a majority of the board of directors of such Person, in the case of a corporation, or of the individuals exercising similar functions, in the case of an entity other than a corporation.
For purposes of the above definition of Change in Control, “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, estate, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
For purposes of the above definition of Change in Control, “Voting Stock” means all classes of capital stock (shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity of the applicable entity, but excluding any debt securities convertible into such equity) of the applicable Person then outstanding and normally entitled to vote in the election of directors.
SECTION 13
LEGAL CONSTRUCTION
13.1 Gender and Number. Except where otherwise indicated by the context, any masculine term used herein also shall include the feminine; the plural shall include the singular and the singular shall include the plural.
13.2 Severability. In the event any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.
13.3 Requirements of Law. The granting of Awards and the issuance of Shares under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.
13.4 Securities Law Compliance. With respect to Section 16 Persons, transactions under this Plan are intended to comply with all applicable conditions of Rule 16b-3. To the extent any provision of the Plan, Award Agreement or action by the Committee fails to so comply, it shall be deemed null and void, to the extent permitted by law and deemed advisable by the Committee.
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13.5 Governing Law. The Plan and all Award Agreements shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of California (with the exception of its conflict of laws provisions).
13.6 Captions. Captions are provided herein for convenience only, and shall not serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of the Plan.
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| This Proxy Statement is printed on paper manufactured from well-managed forests, controlled sources, and recycled wood or fiber. Soy ink, rather than petroleum-based ink, is used throughout. We encourage you to recycle this document when you are finished with it. |
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/DEF 14A/0001206774-16-005320/proxy_cardx1x1.jpg)
ATTN: MARIE MA
TWO FOLSOM STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105
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Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. 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.
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If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. 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: | |
E07383-P73025-Z67144 | KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS |
DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY | |
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. |
GAP INC.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR Items 1, 2, 3 and 4: | |||||||||
1. | Election of Directors | ||||||||
For | Against | Abstain | |||||||
Nominees: | |||||||||
1a. | Domenico De Sole | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
1b. | Robert J. Fisher | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
1c. | William S. Fisher | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
1d. | Tracy Gardner | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
1e. | Isabella D. Goren | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
1f. | Bob L. Martin | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
1g. | Jorge P. Montoya | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
1h. | Arthur Peck | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
1i. | Mayo A. Shattuck III | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
1j. | Katherine Tsang | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||||
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. |
For | Against | Abstain | |||||
2. | Ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending on January 28, 2017; | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||
3. | Approve, on an advisory basis, the overall compensation of the named executive officers; | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||
4. | Approve the Amendment and Restatement of The Gap, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan; and | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |||
5. | Transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. |
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 are available at www.proxyvote.com.
E07384-P73025-Z67144 |
GAP INC.
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
May 17, 2016 10:00 AM
This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby appoint(s) Arthur Peck, Julie Gruber and Sabrina Simmons, or any of them, each with full power of substitution, as proxies to vote, in accordance with the instructions, as designated on the reverse side of this proxy, all of the shares of common stock of THE GAP, INC. that the undersigned is/are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 10:00 AM local time on May 17, 2016 at THE GAP, INC. Headquarters, Two Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. The proxies are authorized in their discretion to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendations.
Continued and to be signed on reverse side