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SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14A-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission
Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
The Home Depot, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
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To our Stockholders:
It is our pleasure to invite you to attend our Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, which will be held this year on Wednesday, May 26, 1999, at the
Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. The meeting will start at 10:00 a.m.
local time.
On the ballot at this year's meeting are company proposals for the
election of four directors, an increase in the number of authorized shares of
stock and an increase in the maximum compensation payable under one of our bonus
plans. We also look forward to answering your questions at the meeting. If you
will need special assistance because of a disability, please contact Mr. Kevin
Herron at 770-433-8211 ext. 16226. We will provide an interpreter for the
hearing impaired.
We have a number of new initiatives this year that we are excited to tell
you about.
- For the first time you will be able to "attend" the annual meeting even if
you cannot be with us in Atlanta. We will be broadcasting the meeting over
the Internet from our website at www.homedepot.com. We hope that this will
enable an even greater number of you to be a part of our meeting.
- As you review the Proxy Statement, you will notice that it has been
simplified and is easier to understand. The Securities and Exchange
Commission is encouraging companies to adopt "plain English," and we are
pleased to be at the forefront of companies that are doing so. We are
committed to communicating with you clearly and effectively.
- We are offering you the option to receive future proxy materials via the
Internet. You can sign up by following the simple instructions contained
in this mailing. Receiving future Annual Reports and Proxy Statements
through the Internet will be simpler for you, will save our company money
and is friendlier to the environment. If you have a computer with Internet
access, we hope you will follow the instructions and sign up.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Arthur M. Blank Bernard Marcus
President and CEO Chairman of the Board of Directors
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TIME: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 1999
PLACE: Cobb Galleria Centre
2 Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, Georgia 30339
INTERNET ADDRESS: www.homedepot.com
ITEMS OF BUSINESS: (1) To elect four directors.
(2) To amend the Certificate of
Incorporation to increase the number of
authorized shares of common stock.
(3) To amend the Senior Officers' Bonus Pool
Plan to increase the maximum compensation
which may be paid under the plan.
(4) To transact other business properly
coming before the meeting, including the
consideration of four stockholder proposals.
WHO MAY VOTE: You can vote if you were a stockholder of
record on March 29, 1999.
ANNUAL REPORT: A copy of the Annual Report is enclosed.
DATE OF MAILING: This notice and the Proxy Statement are
first being mailed to stockholders on or
about April 19, 1999.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Lawrence A. Smith, Secretary
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ABOUT THE MEETING
WHAT AM I VOTING ON?
You will be voting on the following:
- To elect four directors
- To increase the number of shares of authorized common stock
- To increase the maximum compensation payable under the
senior officers' bonus pool plan
- To consider four stockholder proposals
WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE?
You may vote if you owned stock as of the close of business on March 29, 1999.
Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote. As of March 29, 1999, we had
_______ shares of common stock outstanding.
HOW DO I VOTE?
You have three voting options:
- Over the Internet at the address shown on your proxy card; if you have
access to the Internet, we encourage you to vote in this manner
- By telephone through the number shown on your proxy card
- By completing, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card
If you hold your shares in the name of a bank or broker, the availability of
telephone and Internet voting depends on their voting processes. Please follow
the directions on your proxy card carefully.
CAN I VOTE AT THE MEETING?
You may vote your shares at the meeting if you attend in person. You will not be
able to vote your shares over the Internet while you are viewing the meeting
over the Internet. Even if you plan to be present at the meeting, we encourage
you to vote your shares by proxy. You may vote by proxy through the Internet, by
telephone or by mail.
CAN I CHANGE MY MIND AFTER I VOTE?
You may change your vote at any time before the polls close at the meeting. You
may do this by (a) signing another proxy with a later date and returning it to
us prior to the meeting, (b) voting again by telephone or over the Internet
prior to 3:00 p.m. on May 25, 1999 or (c) voting again at the meeting.
WHAT IF I RETURN MY PROXY CARD BUT DO NOT PROVIDE VOTING INSTRUCTIONS?
Proxies that are signed and returned but do not contain instructions will be
voted (1) FOR the election of the nominee directors named on page __ of this
Proxy Statement, (2) FOR the increase in authorized shares, (3) FOR the increase
in the maximum compensation payable under the senior officers' bonus pool plan
and (4) AGAINST each of the four stockholder proposals.
HOW DO I VOTE IF I PARTICIPATE IN THE DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN FOR HOME DEPOT
ASSOCIATES?
The proxy card you have received includes your dividend reinvestment plan
shares. You may vote your shares by Internet, telephone or mail, all as
described on the enclosed proxy card.
HOW DO I VOTE IF I PARTICIPATE IN THE FUTUREBUILDER PLAN?
Shares credited to your FutureBuilder account are included on your proxy card.
You may vote your shares by Internet, telephone or mail, all as described on the
enclosed proxy card. If you do not vote, the shares credited to your account
will be voted by the trustee in the same proportion that it votes shares in
other accounts for which it did receive timely instructions. If you also own
stock in your own name and not through a broker, your proxy card includes both
your stock holdings and plan interests.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD?
It means that you have multiple accounts with brokers and/or our transfer agent.
Please vote all of these shares. We recommend that you contact your broker
and/or our transfer agent to consolidate as many accounts as possible under the
same name and address. Our transfer agent is BankBoston, N.A. c/o Equiserve,
L.P., which may be reached at 1- 800-577-0177.
WILL MY SHARES BE VOTED IF I DO NOT PROVIDE MY PROXY?
Your shares may be voted under certain circumstances if they are held in the
name of a brokerage firm. Brokerage firms have the authority under the New York
Stock Exchange rules to vote customers' unvoted shares on certain "routine"
matters, including the election of directors. When a brokerage firm votes its
customers' unvoted shares, these shares are counted for purposes of establishing
a quorum. At our meeting,
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these shares will be counted as voted by the brokerage firm in the election of
directors, but will not be counted for all other matters to be voted on because
these other matters are not considered "routine" under the applicable rules. If
you hold your shares directly in your own name, they will not be voted if you do
not provide a proxy.
HOW MANY VOTES MUST BE PRESENT TO HOLD THE MEETING?
Your shares are counted as present at the meeting if you attend the meeting and
vote in person or if you properly return a proxy by Internet, telephone or mail.
In order for us to conduct our meeting, a majority of our outstanding shares as
of March 29, 1999, must be present at the meeting. This is referred to as a
quorum.
HOW CAN I ATTEND THE MEETING OVER THE INTERNET?
You can view and hear the meeting by logging onto our website at
www.homedepot.com You will need to download free software from the website.
Because downloading the software will take time, we encourage you to do this
prior to the meeting date. The software will be available on our website after
__________________, 1999. Please be aware that traffic on the Internet on the
day of the meeting may cause the transmission quality of the meeting to vary.
HOW MANY VOTES ARE NEEDED TO ELECT DIRECTORS?
The four nominees receiving the highest number of "yes" votes will be elected as
directors. This number is called a plurality.
HOW MANY VOTES ARE NEEDED TO APPROVE THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED
SHARES AND THE INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM COMPENSATION PAYABLE UNDER THE SENIOR
OFFICERS' BONUS POOL PLAN?
Each of these proposals will be considered separately. The amendment of the
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares must
receive the "yes" vote of a majority of the outstanding shares. The amendment of
the senior officers' bonus pool plan must receive the "yes" vote of a majority
of the shares present at the meeting.
HOW MANY VOTES ARE NEEDED TO APPROVE THIS YEAR'S STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS?
Each stockholder proposal will be considered separately. A proposal must receive
the "yes" vote of a majority of the shares present at the meeting in order to be
approved.
ARE DISSENTERS' RIGHTS APPLICABLE TO ANY OF THE PROPOSALS?
No, dissenters' rights do not apply to any of the proposals.
WHEN ARE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT YEAR'S MEETING DUE?
To be considered for inclusion in next year's proxy statement, stockholder
proposals must be submitted in writing by December 20, 1999. Any stockholder
proposal to be considered at next year's meeting but not included in the proxy
statement must be submitted in writing by February 25, 2000, or the persons
appointed as proxies may exercise their discretionary voting authority with
respect to the proposal. All written proposals should be submitted to Lawrence
A. Smith, Corporate Secretary, The Home Depot, 2455 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta,
GA 30339.
WHO HAS SENT THIS PROXY STATEMENT TO ME?
Our Board of Directors has sent you this Proxy Statement. Our directors,
officers and associates may solicit proxies. In addition, we have hired D.F.
King to assist us in soliciting proxies. We anticipate paying D.F. King a fee of
$15,000, plus expenses. We will also reimburse brokers, nominees and fiduciaries
to send proxies and proxy materials to the owners of our stock so they can vote
their shares.
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND NOMINEE BIOGRAPHIES
WHO ARE THE NOMINEES THIS YEAR? WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDATION OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
Bernard Marcus, Kenneth G. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Langone, John L. Clendenin and UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU
[TO BE PROVIDED] are each VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO ELECT
nominated for election as BERNARD MARCUS, KENNETH G.
directors. Each nominee would LANGONE, JOHN L. CLENDENIN AND
hold office until the 2002 [TO BE PROVIDED] AS DIRECTORS.
annual meeting of stockholders
and until his/her successor is
elected and qualified.
WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND OF THIS YEAR'S NOMINEES?
The directors standing for election this year are:
BERNARD MARCUS, 69, Director since 1978
- - Co-founder of The Home Depot and [TO BE PROVIDED]
Chairman of the Board since inception
- - Member of the Board of:
- National Service Industries, Inc.
- The New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
- Westfield Corporation, Inc.
- DBT Online, Inc.
- The National Foundation for the
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention
- The Marcus Center, Inc.
- Kennedy Krieger Institute
- - Member of the Advisory Board and the
Board of Directors of the Shepherd Center
- - Vice President and member of the Board
of The City of Hope, in Duarte,
California
KENNETH G. LANGONE, 63, Director since 1978 JOHN L. CLENDENIN, 64, Director since 1996
- - Co-founder of The Home Depot - Retired as Chairman, President and Chief
- - Lead Director of The Home Depot since Executive Officer of BellSouth
1998 Corporation in 1986
- - Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive - Member of the Board of:
Officer, President and Managing - Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.
Director of Invemed Associates, Inc., - Equifax, Inc.
an investment banking and brokerage - Springs Industries, Inc.
firm for more than five years - The Kroger Company
- - Member of the Board of: - RJR Nabisco Holdings Corp.
- The New York Stock Exchange, - Wachovia Corporation
Inc. - National Service Industries, Inc.
- General Electric Company - Powerwave Technologies
- Unifi, Inc. - Past Chairman/President of:
- DBT Online, Inc. - The Committee for Economic
- Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc. Development
- The Cancer Research Fund of the - Junior Achievement
Damon Runyon-Walter Winchell - The Boy Scouts of America
Foundation
- New York University
- Ronald McDonald House
- Robin Hood Foundation
- Stern School of Business
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR
THE ELECTION OF THESE DIRECTORS
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STANDING DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHIES
WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND OF THE DIRECTORS NOT STANDING FOR ELECTION THIS YEAR?
The incumbent directors with terms expiring in 2000 are:
FRANK BORMAN, 71, Director since 1983 RONALD M. BRILL, 55, Director since 1987
- - Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel - Executive Vice President and Chief
- - Retired as Chairman of the Board and Administrative Officer of The Home
Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Air Depot since 1995
Lines, Inc. in 1986 - Executive Vice President and Chief
- - President of Borman Motor Company Financial Officer of The Home Depot
- - President and Chief Executive Officer of from 1993-1995
Patlex Corporation since 1988 - Member of the Board of:
- - Chairman of the Board of DBT Online, - Atlanta Jewish Community Center
Inc. since 1996 - Atlanta High Museum of Art
- - Member of the Board of: - Pilchuck Glass School
- Thermo Instrument Systems - Woodward Academy
- American Superconductor
Corporation
- National Geographic Society
BERRY R. COX, 45, Director since 1978
- - Private investor with dealings in oil and
gas, real estate and both public and private
equities worldwide for over 20 years
The incumbent directors with terms expiring in 2001 are:
ARTHUR M. BLANK, 56, Director since 1978 JOHNNETTA B. COLE, 62, Director since 1995
- - Co-founder of The Home Depot and Chief - President of Spelman College from 1987 -
Executive Officer since 1997 1997
- - President, Chief Operating Officer of The - Member of the Board of:
Home Depot since 1978 - Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.
- - Member of the Board of: - Merck & Co., Inc.
- North Carolina Outward Bound School - Rockefeller Foundation
- Emory University - Numerous charitable, civic and
- Carter Center, Inc. educational organizations
- Cox Enterprises, Inc.
- Post Properties, Inc.
- - Trustee of:
- Arthur M. Blank Charitable Trust
- Arthur M. Blank Charitable Trust
U/A/D May 29, 1997
- Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
MILLEDGE A. HART, III, 65, Director since 1978 M. FAYE WILSON, 61, Director since 1992
- - Chairman of the Board of: - Senior Vice President, Values Initiatives
- Hart Group, Inc. of The Home Depot since 1998
- Rmax, Inc. - Executive Vice President of Bank of
- Axon, Inc. America NT&SA from 1992 - 1998
- Member of the Board of Farmers Insurance
Group
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS INFORMATION
WHAT IS THE MAKEUP OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
Our Board of Directors typically has 11 members. The directors are divided into
three classes, with each class serving for a three-year period. The stockholders
elect approximately one-third of the members of the Board of Directors each
year.
ARE THERE DIRECTORS WHO ARE NOT STANDING FOR RE-ELECTION?
Yes. We maintain a policy that directors may not run for re-election after they
have reached the age of 70. Donald R. Keough, who is 72 years old, would have
been up for re-election this year, but he has retired in accordance with our
policy.
WHAT DOES THE LEAD DIRECTOR DO?
The Lead Director helps the Chairman of the Board develop the agenda for Board
meetings and reviews the Board's governance procedures and policies. The Lead
Director is also the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee and chairs any meetings of outside directors. The Lead Director is
elected by the Board of Directors for a three year term. Mr. Langone was elected
as the first Lead Director in 1998.
WHAT IF A NOMINEE IS UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO SERVE?
That is not expected to occur. If it does, proxies will be voted for a
substitute designated by the Board of Directors.
HOW ARE DIRECTORS COMPENSATED?
Each director who is not an employee of The Home Depot receives $40,000 each
year, $10,000 of which is in the form of restricted shares of our stock.
Directors may elect to receive all or any portion of their cash compensation in
additional shares of restricted stock. These directors also receive $1,000 for
each meeting they attend other than by telephone and are reimbursed for
reasonable expenses in attending meetings. Directors who are also employees of
The Home Depot are not separately compensated for their services as directors.
HOW OFTEN DID THE BOARD MEET IN FISCAL 1998?
The Board of Directors met four times during fiscal 1998. Each director attended
more than 75% of the board meetings and meetings of committees of which they
were members.
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WHAT ARE THE COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD?
Our Board of Directors has the following committees:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Committee & Members Functions of the Committee Number of
--------------------------- -------------------------- Meetings/Consent
Actions in Fiscal
1998
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXECUTIVE: - Exercises the authority of the full Board
Bernard Marcus, Chair in between Board meetings 8
Arthur M. Blank
Kenneth G. Langone
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUDIT: - Oversees auditing procedures
Berry R. Cox, Chair - Receives and accepts the report of
Frank Borman independent auditors 4
Milledge A. Hart, III - Oversees internal systems of accounting
Donald R. Keough and management control
John L. Clendenin - Makes recommendations regarding the
selection of independent auditors
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK OPTION: - Administers stock incentive plans
Bernard Marcus, Chair - Makes grants of stock awards pursuant to 8
Arthur M. Blank stock incentive plans
Kenneth G. Langone
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPENSATION: - Reviews and recommends compensation of
Frank Borman, Chair directors and executive officers 3
John L. Clendenin
Berry R. Cox
Donald R. Keough
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: - Makes recommendations for nominees for
Kenneth G. Langone, Chair director 1
John L. Clendenin - Reviews and monitors activities of Board
Milledge A. Hart, III members
Johnnetta B. Cole - Develops, sets and maintains corporate
governance standards
- Has no formal procedure for the submission
of stockholder recommendations
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HUMAN RESOURCES: - Reviews and recommends policies, practices
M. Faye Wilson, Chair and procedures concerning employment-related 4
Johnnetta B. Cole matters
Kenneth A. Langone
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO
INCREASE AUTHORIZED SHARES
WHAT AM I VOTING ON?
A proposal to amend our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of
authorized shares of our common stock from 2,500,000,000 shares to 5,000,000,000
shares.
WHAT IS AUTHORIZED STOCK?
Our Certificate of Incorporation establishes the maximum number of shares of
common stock that we may issue without obtaining additional stockholder
approval. This is called authorized stock.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AUTHORIZED STOCK AND ISSUED STOCK?
Shares that have already been issued are referred to as "issued" or "issued and
outstanding." The difference between the total number of authorized shares and
the number of issued shares is the number of shares that the Company may issue
in the future without amending the Certificate of Incorporation. The rules and
regulations of the New York Stock Exchange may require stockholder approval of
issuances under certain circumstances.
For example, as of ______________, 1999, we had 2,500,000,000 shares authorized
and _______________ shares issued. As a result, the Company could have issued an
additional _____________ shares. If the amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation had been adopted prior to that date, the Company could have issued
an additional 2,500,000,000 shares, for a total of ____________________ shares
available for issuance. In the interest of simplicity, in this example we have
ignored shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of stock options, conversion
of convertible debt and similar instruments.
WHAT RIGHTS WILL THE NEW AUTHORIZED SHARES HAVE?
If approved, the additional shares will have the same voting and other rights as
all other shares of our common stock.
WHY DOES THE BOARD WANT TO INCREASE THE AUTHORIZED STOCK?
The larger we become, the greater our need for capitalization. Although there
are no current plans to issue any of the additional shares, increasing the
number of authorized shares will permit us to meet future business and financial
obligations, as well as permit stock splits and stock dividends should we
determine that they are advisable in the future.
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD?
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ADOPTION OF
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE
NUMBER OF SHARES OF AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE ON
THE ADOPTION OF THIS PROPOSAL
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PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SENIOR
OFFICERS' BONUS POOL PLAN
WHAT AM I VOTING ON?
A proposal to amend our Senior Officers' Bonus Pool Plan to increase the maximum
compensation payable to the participants from a total of $4,000,000 per fiscal
year to an amount set by the Compensation Committee not to exceed a total of
$8,000,000 per fiscal year.
WHAT IS THE SENIOR OFFICERS' BONUS POOL PLAN?
A plan which pays a cash bonus to participants if our company achieves targeted
earnings amounts.
WHO PARTICIPATES IN THE SENIOR OFFICERS' BONUS POOL PLAN?
The Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer.
HOW ARE BONUSES CALCULATED?
The plan pays total bonuses equal to 10% of our earnings in excess of a
threshold amount. At present, the maximum amount payable under the plan to a
participant for any one fiscal year is $2,000,000.
HOW IS THE EARNINGS THRESHOLD DETERMINED?
The earnings threshold is always an amount equal to the prior fiscal year's net
earnings.
HOW IS THE TOTAL BONUS AMOUNT ALLOCATED AMONG THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER?
Currently, the bonus amount payable under the plan during each fiscal year is
automatically set at the maximum amount and split equally between the Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer. The proposed amendment would give the Compensation
Committee greater flexibility in determining bonus amounts. The Compensation
Committee would establish the Chairman and CEO bonus amounts at the beginning of
each fiscal year, and they would not necessarily be equal to the maximum amount.
The Compensation Committee would, as in the past, have the right to reduce the
bonus payable to any participant at the end of the year if it believed a
reduction was appropriate.
WHAT WOULD THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT DO?
Increase the maximum amount payable to the participants under the plan for any
one fiscal year from $4,000,000 to $8,000,000 and give the Compensation
Committee greater flexibility in setting bonus amounts. A copy of the plan, as
we propose to amend it, is attached as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement.
WHY DOES THE BOARD WANT TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM BONUS PAYABLE UNDER THE PLAN?
This plan is consistent with our philosophy of "pay for performance." The Board
believes it is necessary to increase the maximum bonus payments in order to
ensure that our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are compensated fairly
given market conditions.
HOW MUCH WOULD THE PARTICIPANTS HAVE RECEIVED IF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT HAD BEEN
ADOPTED LAST YEAR?
The Compensation Committee would have had the right to determine how much the
participants would have received. The maximum would have been:
- - Mr. Marcus, Chairman of the Board: $4,000,000
- - Mr. Blank, President and CEO: $4,000,000
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD?
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ADOPTION OF
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM COMPENSATION PAYABLE UNDER THE
SENIOR OFFICERS' BONUS POOL PLAN.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR
THE ADOPTION OF THIS PROPOSAL
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STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL NO. 1
We have been notified that this proposal will be presented for consideration at
the meeting:
Whereas, Home Depot in September 1997 incurred a cost of $104
million to settle several serious charges of gender discrimination in its
hiring, promotion and compensation practices: a large class action suit
involving up to 17,000 current and former employees in well over 100 Home
Depot stores in 10 western states; a Louisiana-based case seeking class
action certification on behalf of up to 22,000 women in over 300 The Home
Depot stores east of the Mississippi River; as well as similar challenges
in Florida and New Jersey.
Whereas, in addition to The Home Depot's $104 million settlement (a
settlement estimated to consume 20 percent of per share earnings for the
quarter), other high profile lawsuits are increasingly proving that
companies involved in discrimination litigation bear significant financial
risk.
Whereas, negative publicity against Home Depot could alienate a
significant proportion of its customer base, particularly women who
comprise about half of the shoppers at our company's stores.
Whereas, shareholders are entitled to access information necessary
to assess the financial risks they incur.
Whereas, Home Depot's management has consistently stated that they
are very proud of their record of hiring and promoting women to every
level in the company.
Whereas, Home Depot continues to refuse to disclose EEO data
detailing the composition of its workforce by gender and race. Wherein,
this data is routinely provided to the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (EEOC).
Whereas, more than 100 major U.S. corporations disclose their EEO
data in annual reports or other public documents. Many of Home Depot's
directors are also directors or officers at companies that disclose EEO
information either in public reports or directly to shareholders when
asked, including BankAmerica, Heinz, Merck, Wachovia and Washington Post.
Therefore be it resolved: The shareholders request that the Board
expand Home Depot's annual Social Responsibility Report, available by
October 1998, to include:
1. A chart identifying the percentage of employees by gender
and race in each of the nine major EEOC defined job categories
for the previous five years (1993 - 1997).
2. A summary description of policies and initiatives to
advance equal opportunity for women and minorities into sales,
managerial positions and other job classifications where they
are found to be underutilized.
3. Disclosure of any pending lawsuits (omitting confidential
information) alleging discrimination on the basis of gender,
race or disability that: (a) have been granted class-action
status; (b) have been joined by state or federal regulatory
agencies; or (c) represent a material financial risk to
shareholders, where material is defined as the lesser of one
percent of corporate assets or three percent of annual
earnings.
Promptly upon receipt of an oral or written request, we will provide you with
the name and address of each proponent and the number of shares of stock held by
each proponent.
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WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE AGAINST THE ADOPTION
OF THIS STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL.
HAS THIS STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL BEEN SUBMITTED BEFORE?
Yes. The same proposal was presented at last year's annual meeting and was
defeated by a vote of 82% to 14%.
WHAT IS THE COMPANY'S POSITION REGARDING EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LAWS?
Our Code of Ethics requires that our work environment be free from
discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, national
origin, age or disability. To that end, we are fully committed to complying with
all applicable equal employment opportunity laws. We are proud of our record in
recruiting and promoting minorities and women. We are continually building
programs that promote diversity, because it is good business to attract and
retain associates who reflect the differences in the communities we serve.
WHY DOES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPPOSE THIS PROPOSAL?
We currently submit federally mandated statistical reports regarding our
employment practices. Preparing and distributing additional reports, as is being
requested, would result in unnecessary expense but would not assist us in our
continuing efforts to ensure that each individual is evaluated fairly based on
his or her efforts and abilities. Therefore, although we are in agreement with
many of the ultimate objectives of the proponents, we object to this proposal.
COULD ADOPTION OF THIS PROPOSAL HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR COMPANY?
In addition to the unnecessary expense involved in preparing and distributing
additional reports, we believe that the information being sought is potentially
susceptible to misinterpretation by persons who, for whatever reason, may be
interested in initiating unfounded, yet costly, legal action against us.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE AGAINST
THE ADOPTION OF THIS STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL
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14
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL NO. 2
We have been notified that this proposal will be presented for consideration at
the meeting:
RESOLVED: That the shareholders of The Home Depot, Inc. urge that the
Board of Directors take the necessary steps to declassify the Board of
Directors for the purpose of director elections. The Board
classification shall be done in a manner that does not affect the
unexpired terms of directors previously elected.
The election of corporate directors is a primary avenue for
shareholders to influence corporate affairs and ensure that management
is accountable to the Company's shareholders. However, under the
classified voting system at the Company, individual directors face
election only once every three years, and shareholders only vote on
roughly one-third of the board each year. Such a system serves to
insulate the Board of Directors and management from shareholder input
and the consequences of poor financial performance.
The question of Board and management accountability is a matter of
concern given the shareholder performance of The Home Depot, Inc. Over
the last five years, the Company's stock has lagged behind the S&P 500
Index. This alone provides a compelling reason to reconsider the wisdom
of a staggered Board.
By eliminating the classified Board, shareholders can register their
views annually on the performance for the Board and each individual
director. This will promote a culture of responsiveness and dynamism at
the Company, qualities necessary to meet the challenge of increasing
shareholder value.
According to the Investor Responsibility Research Center, shareholder
support for declassifying boards is "reaching an all-time high" in
1997, with proposals averaging nearly 45% of votes cast. Last year,
proposals to declassify the Board passed at companies such as Bausch &
Lomb, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eastman Kodak, and Reebok. In addition,
many leading companies have responded to increasing shareholder
opposition and voluntarily declassified their boards, including Time
Warner, Travelers Group and Occidental Petroleum.
In sum, by introducing annual elections and eliminating the classified
Board at the Company, management and the Board of Directors will be
more accountable to shareholders. By aligning the interests of the
Board and management with the interests of shareholders, our Company
will be better equipped to enhance shareholder value.
For the above reasons, we urge a vote FOR the resolution.
Promptly upon receipt of an oral or written request, we will provide you with
the name and address of each proponent and the number of shares of stock held by
each proponent.
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WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE AGAINST THE ADOPTION
OF THIS STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL.
WHY DOES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPPOSE THIS PROPOSAL?
Since approved by a vote of 88% of our stockholders in 1984, the Board has been
divided into three classes. Under this system, each director serves a three-year
term, each class is as nearly equal as possible in size, and one of the three
classes is elected each year. This staggered election of directors is a common
practice that has been approved by the stockholders of many major corporations.
Our classified Board helps provide continuity and stability to our management
policies. Our system of electing one-third of the directors at each annual
meeting of stockholders ensures that at least a majority of the directors at all
times will have in-depth knowledge of our company and our business. This assists
our Board in conducting effective long-term strategic planning. At the same
time, our stockholders have an opportunity each year to renew and reinvigorate
corporate decision- making by voting on several directors.
WHAT IS THE COMPANY'S STOCK PERFORMANCE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS?
Proponents claim in their statement that Home Depot stock has "lagged behind the
S&P 500" over the last five years. From January 1, 1994 to December 31, 1998,
our common stock achieved a compounded annual rate of return of 36%, which
exceeded the 27% return realized by the S&P 500. Our superior stock performance
is even more dramatic over the past year. During calendar year 1998, Home Depot
stock achieved a rate of return of 108%, compared to the S&P 500's 27% return
during the same period.
COULD ADOPTION OF THIS PROPOSAL HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR COMPANY?
A classified Board is a widely used safeguard to protect a company and its
stockholders from inadequate tender offers or unsolicited attempts to seize
control. Our classified Board encourages people seeking control of our company
to enter into arms-length negotiations with our Board. This would give our Board
time to evaluate any proposal, study alternatives and seek the best result for
all stockholders.
WOULD APPROVAL OF THIS PROPOSAL ACTUALLY CHANGE THE COMPOSITION OF OUR BOARD OF
DIRECTORS?
No. This stockholder proposal is only a recommendation to our Board. Our
classified Board is provided for under our Certificate of Incorporation. To
amend the Certificate of Incorporation to declassify our Board would require the
approval of the Board of Directors and the affirmative vote of 80% of the
outstanding shares.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE AGAINST
THE ADOPTION OF THIS STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL
12
16
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL NO. 3
We have been notified that this proposal will be presented for consideration at
the meeting:
BE IT RESOLVED: That the shareholders of Home Depot, Inc. ("Company")
hereby request that the Company's Board of Directors take the steps
necessary to amend the Company's bylaws, effective after the 1999
Annual Meeting, to provide that the Board of Directors shall consist of
a Majority of Independent Directors. For these purposes, the definition
of independent director shall mean a director whom:
- has not been employed by the Company or an affiliate in an
executive capacity within the last five years;
- was not, and is not a member of a corporation or firm that
is one of the Company's paid advisers or consultants;
- is not employed by a significant customer, supplier or
provider of professional services;
- has no personal services contract with the Company;
- is not employed by a foundation or university that
receives significant grants or endowments from the
Company;
- is not a relative of the management of the Company;
- is not a shareholder who has signed shareholder agreements
legally binding him to vote with management; and
- is not the chairman of a company on which Home Depot,
Inc., Chairman or Chief Executive Officer is also a Board
member.
The purpose of this proposal is to incorporate within the Board of
Directors a basic standard of independence that we believe will permit
clear and objective decision-making in the best long-term interests of
shareholders. A Board of Directors must formulate corporate policies
and monitor the activities of management in implementing those
policies. Given those functions, we believe that it is in the best
interest of all stockholders if at least a majority of our
representatives be independent.
The benefits of such independence, we think, are well accepted. The New
York Stock Exchange for instance, requires each of its listed companies
to have at least two members of the Board of Directors and all members
of the audit committee who meet New York Stock Exchange standards of
independence. We also note studies, which reflect that a majority of
directors of publicly held companies are not employees of the companies
on whose boards they serve. This trend is supported by the Business
Roundtable in its publication Corporation Governance and American
Competitiveness, prepared by a committee of the Roundtable, which
states, in part, that:
Board of Directors of large publicly held public corporations
should be composed predominately of independent directors who
do not hold management responsibilities within the
corporation... In order to underscore their independence,
non-management directors should not be dependent financially
on the companies on whose boards they serve.
Promptly upon receipt of an oral or written request, we will provide you with
the name and address of each proponent and the number of shares of stock held by
each proponent.
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17
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE AGAINST THE ADOPTION
OF THIS STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL.
WHY DOES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPPOSE THIS PROPOSAL?
Our Board combines the talents and diverse backgrounds of outside directors with
those of our most senior officers. Our company has been recognized for its
success by many sources, including Fortune Magazine, which for the last six
years has named us America's most admired specialty retailer. We believe we
would not have achieved this recognition without the combination of talent,
knowledge and perspective held by persons serving on our Board of Directors.
WHAT IS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' POSITION ON OUTSIDE DIRECTORS?
We agree that our Board should consist of a majority of outside directors. Only
four of our 11 directors are employees of the Company. Of course, these senior
officers bring direct knowledge of our operations and strategies in the very
competitive home improvement industry to our Board. Our outside directors have
been selected based on criteria including overall business experience and
specific expertise, giving due consideration to any relationships with the
Company.
Often, directors' relationships with the Company provide them with an
understanding of our business, which enhances their ability to perform as
directors. All material relationships between our company and any director are
disclosed to the public. Furthermore, none of our outside directors are
financially dependent upon money they earn as a director of our company or from
transactions between their affiliates and our company.
COULD ADOPTION OF THIS PROPOSAL HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR COMPANY?
We believe this proposal is unduly restrictive. The proposal's definition of
"independent" is broad and arbitrary and would needlessly restrict our ability
to include as Board members highly qualified individuals whose advice and
counsel would benefit the Company and its stockholders. For example, individuals
who have been previously employed or engaged as consultants by the Company do
not necessarily lack the independence and objectivity to function effectively on
our Board and protect the interests of our stockholders.
We have consistently sought to add to our Board eminently qualified individuals
whom we believe will provide substantial benefit and give guidance to our
company. The overly narrow definition of "independent" contained in the
proposal, in our view, would preclude us from seeking as directors many persons
who, through past or present relationships with our company, are most capable of
furthering the interests of our company and our stockholders.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE AGAINST
THE ADOPTION OF THIS STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL
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STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL NO. 4
We have been notified that this proposal will be presented for consideration at
the meeting:
WHEREAS: Old growth forests are the remnants of the world's original
forests. While these forests cover less than 5% of the earth's surface,
they are home to nearly 50% of the world's species. Old growth forests
store extensive amounts of carbon and are, therefore, critical to
moderating the effects of climate change. Old growth forests are home
to more than 200 million indigenous people worldwide. Less than 20% of
the world's old growth forests remain. Numerous ecosystems are under
threat from logging, oil drilling, clearing and flooding.
By participating in the markets for old growth timber, Home Depot is
contributing to the needless destruction of these pristine, ancient
ecosystems. Home Depot buys cedar and hemlock from ancient temperate
rainforests in British Columbia, mahogany from Central and South
America, and lauan and ramin from tropical rainforests in Southeast
Asia. Our company sells significant amounts of old growth timber in its
stores despite ample supplies of second growth and plantation wood
which would make reliance on old growth timber unnecessary.
Our Company pledged in 1992 to phase out of products that cannot be
proved to be forested on a sustainable basis. Corporations including
B&Q (the largest do-it-yourself chain in the UK), IBM, Nike,
Hewlett-Packard, Kinko's and many others have committed to eliminate
all use, sale or distribution of old growth wood, pulp or paper.
Our Company was the target of numerous recent demonstrations around
this issue and continues to be a target at the openings of new stores.
Home Depot was featured in stories in Time magazine and on the CBS
Evening News last fall which highlighted the controversy surrounding
our Company's sale of old growth wood. The continuing demonstrations
and negative media coverage could have a negative impact on shareholder
value, brand name and plans for growth.
Home Depot's business and reputation as a good corporate citizen remain
at risk until our Company implements an effective policy of phasing out
the sale of old growth woods.
RESOLVED: Shareholders request the Board of Directors to review Home
Depot's sales of old-growth wood and issue a report, prepared at
reasonable cost and omitting proprietary information, which would
detail the steps required to end the sale of old growth wood entirely.
The report should be completed by October, 1999.
We suggest that the requested report contain a list of products sold at
Home Depot that are derived from old growth forests, detail which old
growth forests are currently affected by our Company's purchasing
practices, include an action plan with a timeline to phase out all
sales of old growth wood within 24 months, and include a program to
educate our Company's associates, suppliers and customers to insure
successful implementation of this policy.
We believe that Home Depot can gain competitive advantage and build
brand name in the marketplace by completely phasing out the sale of
old-growth woods.
Promptly upon receipt of an oral or written request, we will provide you with
the name and address of each proponent and the number of shares of stock held by
each proponent.
15
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WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE AGAINST THE ADOPTION
OF THIS STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL.
WHY DOES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPPOSE THIS PROPOSAL?
We share the commitment of the proponents of this proposal to business policies
which protect and preserve our environment. The proponents have requested that
we identify products sold in our stores that are derived from "old growth
forests." We have been working with our suppliers to review the source of all of
our wood and wood products. Our goal is to encourage the responsible, socially
beneficial and economically viable forestry of all timber products. To that end,
as a member of the Certified Forest Products Council, an independent, non-profit
business organization, we are working to increase our wood supply sources that
are independently certified as coming from "Certified Well-Managed Forests." We
are working with our suppliers to implement these changes as soon as practical.
Preparation of the requested report would be costly and would distract us from
these continuing efforts.
HOW DOES THE COMPANY DEVELOP ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY?
We recently established the Home Depot Environmental Council, which is composed
of members of our senior management team representing a cross-section of our
company. The mission of the Environmental Council is to set policy that ensures
we are doing everything within our power to preserve and protect the environment
and to translate environmental excellence into the everyday operations of our
stores.
The Timber Task Force, a sub-committee of Home Depot's Environmental Council,
has as its mission "to lead our industry to ensure continuous improvement of
forestry management practices."
Through the Environmental Council, Home Depot is working with many environmental
organizations, as well as industry groups, our suppliers and other third
parties. While forestry practices are one of the priorities of the Environmental
Council, it is also establishing important environmental policies in areas such
as waste management, store construction, the development of alternative products
and other areas.
Our commitment to the environment has been long standing. For instance,
protecting the environment is one of the charitable priorities that guides our
corporate charitable contributions. For more information on our environmental
and other policies, please review our 1998 Social Responsibility Report, a copy
of which may be obtained from Community Affairs, The Home Depot, Inc., 2455
Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30339 or via the Internet at www.homedepot.com.
COULD OUR ADOPTION OF THIS PROPOSAL HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR COMPANY?
Production of the requested report would prove costly and would distract our
management team from implementing important environmental programs. In addition,
publication of a report would compromise proprietary information.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE AGAINST
THE ADOPTION OF THIS STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following tables discuss the compensation earned by our five most
highly compensated executive officers in fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Long Term
Annual Compensation Compensation
------------------- ------------
Awards
------
Securities All Other
Other Annual Underlying Compensation
Fiscal Salary Bonus Compensation Options (1) (2)
Name and Principal Position Year ($) ($) ($) (#) ($)
- --------------------------- ---- --- --- --- --- ---
Bernard Marcus 1998
Chairman of the Board 1997 799,615 2,000,000 2,863 -- 145,698
1996 600,000 2,000,000 2,864 -- 169,580
Arthur M. Blank 1998
President and Chief Executive 1997 799,615 2,000,000 5,625 -- 24,025
Officer 1996 600,000 2,000,000 2,656 -- 42,576
Ronald M. Brill 1998
Executive Vice President 1997 500,000 348,000 5,268 25,440 15,504
and Chief Administrative Officer 1996 494,807 232,150 5,625 78,450 26,865
[TO BE PROVIDED] 1998
1997
1996
[TO BE PROVIDED] 1998
1997
1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Share amounts have been adjusted for a three-for-two stock split effected
in the form of a stock dividend on July 3, 1997, and a two-for-one stock
split effected in the form of a stock dividend on July 2, 1998.
(2) "All other compensation" consists of:
- Matching contributions under the 401(k) component of our FutureBuilder
plan
- Allocations of common stock under the ESOP component of our FutureBuilder
plan
- Allocations of "stock units" which have a value equal to the market value
of our common stock under our ESOP restoration plan
- Payment of annual life insurance premiums
The following table shows the amount of each category of "all other
compensation" received by each of the named individuals:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME MATCHING ESOP ALLOCATION ESOP INSURANCE
CONTRIBUTION RESTORATION PREMIUMS
ALLOCATION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bernard Marcus
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arthur M. Blank
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ronald M. Brill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[TO BE PROVIDED]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[TO BE PROVIDED]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
Potential
Realizable Value
at Assumed Annual
Number of % of Total Rate of Stock
Securities Options Price Appreciation
Underlying Granted to for Option Term
Options Employees in Exercise or Base (10)Years*
Granted Fiscal Price Expiration
Name (#) Year (%) ($/Sh) Date 5%($) 10%($)
---- ------ -------- ------ ---- ----- ------
Bernard Marcus
Arthur M. Blank
Ronald M. Brill
[TO BE PROVIDED]
[TO BE PROVIDED]
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------
* These amounts represent assumed rates of appreciation only. Actual gains, if
any, on stock option exercises are dependent on future performance of our stock.
There can be no assurance that the amounts reflected in these columns will be
achieved or, if achieved, will exist at the time of any option exercise.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
Number of Securities
Underlying Value of Unexercised
Unexercised Options In-the-Money Options
at Fiscal Year-End (#) at Fiscal Year-End ($)
Shares Acquired Value ------------------------ ----------------------
on Exercise (#) Realized
Name ($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ---------------------------- ----------------- ------------ ------------ --------------- ------------- ---------------
Bernard Marcus
Arthur M. Blank
Ronald M. Brill
[TO BE PROVIDED]
[TO BE PROVIDED]
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Filings made by companies with the Securities and Exchange Commission
sometimes "incorporate information by reference." This means the Company is
referring you to information that has been previously filed with the SEC and
that this information should be considered as part of the filing you are
reading. The Compensation Committee Report and Performance Graph in this Proxy
Statement are not incorporated by reference into any other filings with the SEC.
The Compensation and Stock Option Committees of the Board of Directors
have furnished the following report on executive compensation:
WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION?
Our compensation program for executives consists of three key elements:
- - Annual base salary
- - Performance based annual bonus
- - Annual stock incentives
WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION?
We have a "pay for performance" philosophy, which rewards executives for
long-term strategic management and enhancement of stockholder value. This
philosophy is implemented by setting base salaries near retail industry
averages. Annual performance-based bonuses and stock incentive awards make it
possible for total executive compensation packages to exceed retail industry
averages.
We believe it is important for our executives to have ownership incentives in
our company and to operate in an environment that measures rewards against
personal and Home Depot goals. We believe this philosophy attracts, retains and
motivates key executives critical to the long-term success of our company.
HOW ARE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATED?
Mr. Marcus and Mr. Blank each received a base salary of $900,000 in fiscal 1998.
These annual base salaries were approximately 31% of their total cash
compensation in fiscal 1998. The base salaries paid to Mr. Marcus and Mr. Blank
were determined in 1997 primarily based on the performance of the Company.
Additionally, with regard to Mr. Blank's salary, the Compensation Committee also
considered the salaries paid to chief executive officers of comparable
companies.
Mr. Marcus and Mr. Blank each received a $2,000,000 cash bonus for fiscal 1998
under the Senior Officers' Bonus Pool Plan. This plan pays total bonuses equal
to 10% of Home Depot's earnings in excess of a threshold amount. The total bonus
paid under the plan in fiscal 1998 could not exceed $4,000,000. For fiscal 1998,
the threshold amount was $1.224 billion, which is approximately equal to Home
Depot's net earnings for fiscal 1997. In fiscal 1998, Home Depot's earnings
exceeded the threshold amount and, accordingly, bonuses were paid.
Under Mr. Blank's leadership, the Company continues to set the industry's
standards in satisfying customers, in penetrating new markets (both in geography
and business segments) and in cultivating those who will carry on his visions.
Mr. Blank's leadership has driven the Company to superior performance (sales
increased 25% and net earnings increased 32% in fiscal 1998 compared to fiscal
1997). In recognition of his contributions and his assumption of additional
responsibilities since becoming Chief Executive Officer of the Company in May
1997, the Compensation Committee has increased his base salary to $1,000,000
effective in April 1999. Additionally, the Compensation Committee has increased
Mr. Blank's bonus under the Senior Officers' Bonus Pool Plan to a maximum of
$3,000,000, subject to the Company's net earnings exceeding the threshold amount
and the approval of the proposed amendment of the plan by the stockholders.
Messrs. Marcus and Blank do not receive annual stock option grants under any
Home Depot plan. As founders of Home Depot, both Mr. Marcus and Mr. Blank have
substantial holdings of Home Depot common stock. The Compensation Committee
believes that these existing stock holdings provide them with the ownership
incentives that are incorporated into the Company's compensation philosophy.
HOW ARE OTHER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS COMPENSATED?
In setting all other executive officer annual salaries, the Compensation
Committee reviews an annual salary plan recommended by the Chairman and CEO. The
annual salary plan is based on numerous subjective factors which include
performance, merit increases and responsibility levels.
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All executive officers (other than the Chairman and CEO) participate in the
officers' bonus plans. Under these plans, officers are eligible to earn a bonus
up to an established percent of their annual base salary, depending on the
Company's performance relative to criteria such as gross margin, return on
investment, return on assets and sales target levels. The exact objective
criteria employed depend on the officer's responsibilities. Performance criteria
may be computed by various methods depending on the Compensation Committee's
assessment of the best match between job duties and performance criteria. During
fiscal 1998, based upon these objective performance assessments, the named
executive officers other than the Chairman and CEO were awarded bonuses as
reflected in the Summary Compensation Table contained elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement.
The Compensation Committee believes that disclosure of actual targets under
these plans could adversely affect the Company since, among other things, such
projections are not publicly disclosed and could place the Company at a
competitive disadvantage with respect to hiring and retaining key employees.
Disclosure could potentially expose the Company to claims by third parties based
on the projections, especially since these projections are not intended as a
predictor of future performance.
A large portion of the executive officers' total compensation is tied to stock
performance, more closely aligning their interests with the long-term interests
of stockholders. This is accomplished through our Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan.
Stock options are granted to all executive officers, excluding both the Chairman
and CEO, to purchase stock at the then current market price. The stock option
grant size is determined by the Stock Option Committee and is based on the
individual's position within the Company, job performance, future potential and
other factors.
Job performance is based on reviews compiled by one or more of the officers to
whom an officer reports and such officer's perceived relative performance and
abilities when compared with other associates of the Company. Stock options are
typically exercisable at a rate of 25% per year commencing on the first or
second year after the date of grant depending on the type of stock option
granted. Stock options are typically exercisable for ten years after the date of
grant.
DOES THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE COMPARE COMPANY SALARIES TO OTHER MARKETS?
Salaries are based on the Compensation Committee's assessment of each officer's
past performance and the expectation for future contributions in leading the
Company. In addition, the Compensation Committee reviews compensation data for
the retail industry and other companies similar in size. This review is not done
scientifically. The Compensation Committee uses other company compensation data
for information purposes only, but does not believe comparisons are appropriate
unless subjective factors relating to the differences between companies are also
considered.
HOW ARE LIMITATIONS ON THE DEDUCTIBILITY OF COMPENSATION HANDLED?
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the deductibility of
executive compensation paid by publicly held corporations to $1 million per
employee. The $1 million limitation generally does not apply to compensation
based on performance goals if certain requirements are met. The company believes
its Senior Officers' Bonus Pool Plan (as proposed to be amended pending
stockholder approval) and Executive Officers' Bonus Plan each satisfy Section
162(m). As a result, the Company believes that the compensation paid under these
plans is not subject to limits on deductibility. However, there can be no
assurance that the Internal Revenue Service would reach the same conclusion.
WHO PREPARED THIS REPORT?
This report has been furnished by the members of the following committees:
Compensation Committee:
- Frank Borman, Chair
- John L. Clendenin
- Berry R. Cox
- Donald R. Keough
Stock Option Committee:
- Bernard Marcus, Chair
- Arthur M. Blank
- Kenneth G. Langone
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STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
This graph compares our total stockholder returns (assuming reinvestment of
dividends), the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index, and our
industry peer group as compiled by the S&P Retail Composite. The graph
assumes $100 invested at the per share closing price of the common stock of
Home Depot and of each of the other indices on the New York Stock Exchange
on January 30, 1994.
[CHART]
01/30/1994 01/29/1995 01/28/1996 02/02/1997 02/01/1998 01/31/1999
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
HD $100.00 $121.27 $114.60 $125.71 $230.48 $460.95
S&P 500 $100.00 $98.26 $129.86 $164.23 $204.78 $267.32
S&P Retail Composite $100.00 $91.54 $94.29 $114.01 $167.29 $272.29
21
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STOCK OWNERSHIP
This table shows how much of our common stock is owned by directors,
executive officers and owners of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock as
of January 31, 1999.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER SHARES RIGHT TO PERCENT OF
(AND ADDRESS IF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP EXCEEDS 5%) OWNED (1) ACQUIRE (2) CLASS
------------------------------------------------ --------- ----------- -----
Bernard Marcus (3) 40,834,696 0 2.7%
Arthur M. Blank (4) 24,133,610 0 1.6%
Kenneth G. Langone (5) 12,600,756 0 *
Milledge A. Hart, III (6) 2,636,954 0 *
Berry R. Cox 2,794,506 0 *
Ronald M. Brill (7) 1,103,062 518,207 *
Frank Borman (8) 476,365 0 *
Donald R. Keough (9) 20,935 20,000 *
M. Faye Wilson 490 30,000 *
Johnnetta B. Cole 2,376 11,250 *
John L. Clendenin 6,482 7,500 *
Directors and executive officers as a group
(25 people) (10) 85,656,424 2,007,897 5.9%
FMR Corp. (11) 173,881,827 0 11.8%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------
* Less than one percent.
(1) These amounts include shares for which the named person has sole voting
and investment power or shares such powers with his or her spouse. They
also include shares credited to the named person's account under our
Future Builder plan, in the following amounts:
- Mr. Marcus - 24,142 shares
- Mr. Blank - 22,896 shares
- Mr. Brill - 21,790 shares
- All directors and executive officers as a group (25 people) -
211,395 shares
(2) These amounts reflect shares that could be purchased by exercise of stock
options as of January 31, 1999, or by April 1, 1999, under the company's
stock incentive plans.
(3) These amounts include the following shares for which Mr. Marcus may be
deemed to have shared voting and investment power, but disclaims beneficial
ownership:
- 459,892 shares held by Mr. Marcus' wife as trustee of a trust for
his children
- 763,805 shares held by charitable organizations of which Mr. Marcus
serves as a director.
(4) These amounts include 1,668,000 shares held by two private charitable
trusts for which Mr. Blank may be deemed to have shared voting and
investment power.
These amounts do not include the following shares for which Mr. Blank may
be deemed to have shared voting and investment power, but disclaims
beneficial ownership:
- 31,529 shares held by Mr. Blank's wife
- 876,048 shares that are held by others as co-trustees for Mr.
Blank's children
- 218,000 shares held by a private foundation of which Mr. Blank
is the trustee
(5) These amounts do not include 2,747 shares held by Mr. Langone's wife for
which Mr. Langone may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power,
but disclaims beneficial ownership.
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(6) These amounts include 302,371 shares held by a limited partnership whose
general partner is a corporation owned by Mr. Hart and his wife.
(7) These amounts include 44,498 shares held by a private charitable trust for
which Mr. Brill may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power.
They also include 27,900 shares held by a limited partnership whose general
partner is controlled by Mr. Brill for which Mr. Brill may be deemed to
have shared voting and investment power. They do not include the following
shares for which Mr. Brill may be deemed to have shared voting and
investment power, but disclaims beneficial ownership:
- 12,062 shares held by Mr. Brill's wife
- 141,322 shares that are held by Mr. Brill and his wife as custodians
for their children
(8) These amounts include the following shares for which Colonel Borman may be
deemed to have shared voting and investment power:
- 373,884 shares held by a trust
- 95,860 shares held by a charitable trust
These amounts also include 34,422 shares held by a private foundation for
which Colonel Borman may be deemed to have sole voting and investment
power.
(9) These amounts do not include 1,200 shares held by Mr. Keough's wife for
which Mr. Keough may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power,
but disclaims beneficial ownership.
(10) These amounts do not include shares that are not included in the amounts
set forth for the named individuals, as described in footnotes 1 through 9.
(11) The Schedule 13G/A, filed with the SEC on February 12, 1999 by FMR Corp, 82
Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, reports beneficial
ownership of the following shares as of December 31, 1998:
- Fidelity Management & Research Company: 84,133,170 shares
- Fidelity Management Trust Company: 4,780,738 shares
- Edward C. Johnson, III: 84,133,170 shares
- Fidelity International Limited: 834,749 shares
FMR reports voting power over the following shares:
- Sole voting power: 4,467,427 shares
- Shared voting power: 0 shares
- Sole investment power: 89,789,383 shares
- Shared investment power: 0 shares
23
27
GENERAL
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS
None of the members of the Compensation Committee were officers or employees of
the Company or had any relationship with the Company requiring disclosure under
Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.
INSIDER TRANSACTIONS
Kenneth G. Langone, one of our directors, is Chairman of the Board and President
of Invemed Associates, Inc. Invemed provides investment banking consulting
services to the Company under a written contract which is cancelable by either
party upon 60 days' written notice. The contract provides for the Company to pay
Invemed an annual consulting fee of $100,000. We expect to use the services of
and pay a similar amount to Invemed in fiscal 1999.
Mr. Langone is also Chairman and a stockholder of Salem Leasing Corporation.
During fiscal 1998, we leased trucks from Salem Leasing, and Salem Leasing
received payments of approximately $400,000.
M. Faye Wilson, one of our directors, was during a portion of fiscal 1998, an
executive officer of Bank of America NT&SA. Bank of America provides a variety
of banking services to the Company, including deposit and cash management
services, letters of credit and capital market products.
Milledge A. Hart, III, one of our directors, is Chairman of the Board and a
substantial stockholder of Axon, Inc., a company which provides installed sales
services, and Rmax, Inc., a company which sells isocyanurate foam insulation.
Axon and Rmax were vendors to the Company in fiscal 1998 for which Axon, Inc.
received $633,890 and Rmax, Inc. received $1,768,898. We expect to make
purchases from Axon, Inc. and Rmax, Inc. in fiscal 1999.
During fiscal 1996, we provided an interest free bridge loan in the amount of
$200,000 to Mr. Lynn Martineau, President-Western Division, to facilitate his
relocation. The loan was repaid on April 3, 1998
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a)
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
directors and executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent of a
registered class of the Company's equity securities to file with the SEC and the
New York Stock Exchange reports of ownership and changes in ownership of the
Company's common stock. Directors, executive officers and greater than ten
percent stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with
copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on review of the
copies of these reports furnished to the Company or written representations that
no other reports were required, we believe that during fiscal year 1998, all our
directors, executive officers and greater than ten percent beneficial owners
complied with these requirements.
INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTANTS
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP was our auditor during fiscal 1998. Although the Board of
Directors has not yet selected auditors for the present fiscal year, it is
expected that KPMG Peat Marwick LLP will be chosen. A representative of that
firm will be present at the annual meeting, will be given an opportunity to make
a statement and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
AVAILABILITY OF FORM 10-K
AND ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS
SEC rules require us to provide an Annual Report to stockholders who receive
this Proxy Statement. We will also provide copies of the Annual Report to
brokers, dealers, banks, voting trustees and their nominees for the benefit of
their beneficial owners of record. Additional copies of the Annual Report, along
with copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January
31, 1999 (not including documents incorporated by reference), are available
without charge to stockholders upon written request to Investor Relations, The
Home Depot, Inc., 2455 Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta, Georgia 30339-4024 or via the
Internet at www.homedepot.com.
24
28
APPENDIX A
THE HOME DEPOT, INC.
SENIOR OFFICERS' BONUS POOL PLAN
1. PURPOSE.
The Home Depot, Inc. Senior Officers' Bonus Pool Plan (the "Plan"), as amended,
is effective as of February 24, 1999, subject to approval by the Company's
stockholders. The Plan is designed to provide a total cash compensation package
for the Chairman (the "Chairman") and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of The
Home Depot, Inc. (the "Company"), that is consistent with the Company's
philosophy of "pay for performance." Payments pursuant to this Plan are intended
to qualify as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m)(4)(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
2. ADMINISTRATION.
The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors (the "Committee"). The Committee shall be comprised of not less than
two Outside Directors (as defined under Section 162(m)), each of whom shall be
appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
The Committee shall have full discretionary authority in all matters relating to
the discharge of its responsibilities and the exercise of its authority under
the Plan. All decisions of the Committee and its action with respect to the Plan
shall be final, binding and conclusive.
3. ELIGIBILITY.
The Plan is designed exclusively for the Chairman and CEO. No other members of
the Company's senior management are eligible to participate in the Plan. No
officer who is eligible to participate in the Company's Executive Officers'
Bonus Plan for a fiscal year will be eligible to participate in the Plan.
4. FUNDING AND ALLOCATION OF BONUS.
The Plan allows the Chairman and CEO collectively to earn a bonus equal to a
maximum of ten percent (10%) of the Company's net earnings for each fiscal year
in excess of a threshold amount, which threshold amount will be automatically
established each year at the prior year's net earnings (the "Earnings
Threshold"). The potential bonus payable to the Chairman and CEO under the Plan
will be established by the Committee no later than 90 days after the beginning
of each fiscal year. The maximum amount payable under the Plan to a participant
for any one fiscal year is four million dollars ($4,000,000). Following each
fiscal year, the Committee shall certify the Earnings Threshold has been
exceeded and shall determine the bonus payable to the Chairman and CEO. The
Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to reduce the bonus
payable to any participant based on individual or Company performance factors
that the Committee deems relevant.
5. DEFERRAL ELECTIONS.
The Committee may, at its option, establish procedures pursuant to which the
participants are permitted to defer the receipt of bonuses payable hereunder.
6. PLAN AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION.
The Board of Directors may discontinue the Plan at any time and may, from time
to time, amend or revise the terms of the Plan as permitted by applicable
statutes; provided, however, that no such discontinuance, amendment or revision
shall materially adversely affect any right or obligation with respect to any
award theretofore made.
7. GOVERNING LAW.
The Plan shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of
Georgia.
29
DIRECTIONS TO MEETING
For those who plan on attending the meeting, directions are as follows:
If Traveling Northbound on I-75:
Take Exit 109B (Atlanta Bypass 285 Westbound). Continue West on I-285
to Exit 14, stay in exit lane and follow the road signs for Cobb
Parkway (also known as U.S. Highway 41). At the end of the exit ramp,
make a left turn at the traffic light, southbound on Cobb Parkway.
Continue under the overpass and make a left turn at the second traffic
light onto Galleria Drive. The first entrance on the right is Cobb
Galleria Centre's main (rotunda) entrance and drop off area. Additional
parking may be found at the second and third rights and in the 100
Building parking deck.
If Traveling Southbound on I-75:
Take Exit 109 (Atlanta Bypass 285 Westbound). Continue West on I-285 to
Exit 14 and follow the road signs for Cobb Parkway (also know as U.S.
Highway 41). At the end of the exit ramp make a left turn at the
traffic light, southbound on Cobb Parkway. Continue under the overpass
and make a left turn at the second traffic light onto Galleria Drive.
The first entrance on the right is Cobb Galleria Centre's main
(rotunda) entrance and drop off area. Additional parking may be found
at the second and third rights and in the 100 Building parking deck.
If Traveling Eastbound or Northbound on I-285:
Take Exit 13 (Dobbins Air Force Base and Cobb Parkway or U.S. Highway
41 Exit). At the end of the exit ramp turn right at the traffic light,
southbound on Cobb Parkway. At the next immediate traffic light make a
left turn onto Galleria Drive. The first entrance on the right is Cobb
Galleria Centre's main (rotunda) entrance and drop off area. Additional
parking may be found at the second and third rights and in the 100
Building parking deck.
If Traveling Westbound or Southbound on I-285:
Take Exit 14 (Dobbins Air Force Base and Cobb Parkway or U.S. Highway
41 Exit). Continue exiting in the lane marked "Cobb Parkway." At the
end of the exit ramp turn left at the traffic light, heading south on
Cobb Parkway. Continue under the overpass and make a left turn at the
second traffic light onto Galleria Drive. The first entrance on the
right is Cobb Galleria Centre's main (rotunda) entrance and drop off
area. Additional parking may be found at the second and third rights
and in the 100 Building parking deck.
If on the Internet:
Access the meeting by logging onto our Internet site at
www.homedepot.com. You will need to download free software from the
site to attend through the Internet. Because downloading the software
will take time, we encourage you to do this prior to the meeting date.
The software will be available on our site after ____________, 1999.
Please be aware that traffic on the Internet on the day of the meeting
may cause the transmission quality of the meeting to vary.
The Home Depot and the Homer character are registered trademarks of Homer TLC,
Inc. (C)1999 Homer TLC, Inc.
30
PROXY
THE HOME DEPOT, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF
STOCKHOLDERS ON MAY 26, 1999.
The undersigned stockholder hereby appoints BERNARD MARCUS, ARTHUR M.
BLANK and RONALD M. BRILL, and each of them, attorneys and proxies for the
undersigned with full power of substitution, to act and vote, with the powers
the undersigned would possess if personally present, at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of The Home Depot, Inc., to be held at the Cobb Galleria Centre,
Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday, May 26, 1999, at 10:00 a.m., and any
adjournments or postponements thereof, as directed on the reverse side, with
respect to the matters set forth on the reverse side and with discretionary
authority on all other matters that come before the meeting, all as more fully
described in the Proxy Statement received by the undersigned stockholder. If no
direction is made, the proxy will be voted "FOR" the approval of item number 1,
the election of JOHN L. CLENDENIN, KENNETH G. LANGONE AND BERNARD MARCUS, "FOR"
the approval of item number 2, "FOR" the approval of item number 3, "AGAINST"
the approval of item number 4, "AGAINST" the approval of item number 5,
"AGAINST" the approval of item number 6 and "AGAINST" the approval of item
number 7, and in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors.
UNLESS VOTING ELECTRONICALLY OR BY PHONE PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY
ON THE REVERSE SIDE.
SEE REVERSE SIDE
31
THE HOME DEPOT, INC.
2455 PACES FERRY ROAD
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30339-4024
VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET
QUICK * EASY * IMMEDIATE
AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY * 7 DAYS/WEEK
UNTIL 3:00 P.M., E.T. MAY 25, 1999
The Home Depot, Inc. encourages you to take advantage of two cost-effective and
convenient ways to vote your shares. You may now vote your proxy 24 hours a day,
7 days a week, using either a touch-tone telephone or through the Internet. Your
telephone or Internet vote authorizes you to vote your shares in the same manner
as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.
TO VOTE BY TELEPHONE: CALL TOLL-FREE ON A TOUCH-TONE TELEPHONE
1-877-PRX-VOTE (1-877-779-8683) ANYTIME (There is no
charge to you for this call) OR CALL COLLECT ON A
TOUCH-TONE TELEPHONE 1-201-536-8073 You will be asked
to enter the 14-digit Voter Control Number located
above your name and address in the lower left corner
of this form. Then simply follow the instructions.
OR
TO VOTE BY INTERNET: POINT YOUR BROWSER TO THE WEB ADDRESS:
http://www.eproxyvote.com/hd
You will be asked to enter the 14-digit Control
Number located above your name and address in the
lower left corner of this form. Then simply follow
the instructions. You may also indicate if you would
be interested in receiving future proxy materials via
the Internet.
OR
TO VOTE BY MAIL: Simply mark, sign and date your proxy card and return
it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.
IF YOU VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET, PLEASE DO NOT MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD.
Our Annual Report is mailed to every account of record. If you would like to
receive future stockholder materials electronically, please read the information
at the top on the reverse side.
DETACH PROXY CARD HERE
32
X Please mark
- ----- votes as in
this example.
UNLESS YOU ARE VOTING ELECTRONICALLY OR BY PHONE, PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE
THIS PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ITEMS 1, 2 AND 3 AND AGAINST
ITEMS 4, 5, 6 and 7.
1. Election of Directors:
NOMINEES: John L. Clendenin, Kenneth G. Langone, Bernard Marcus
FOR WITHHELD
---- ----
- ---- ------------------------
For all nominees except as noted above
2. Approval of an amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
to increase the number of authorized shares.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
---- ---- ----
3. Approval of an amendment to The Home Depot, Inc. Senior Officers' Bonus
Pool Plan.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
---- ---- ----
4. Approval of Stockholder Proposal relating to a report on certain
employment matters.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
---- ---- ----
5. Approval of Stockholder Proposal to declassify Board.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
---- ---- ----
33
6. Approval of Stockholder Proposal to amend Bylaws to require a majority
of independent directors.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
---- ---- ----
7. Approval of Stockholder Proposal relating to a report on certain
environmental matters.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
---- ---- ----
DISCONTINUE
DUPLICATE
ANNUAL
REPORT
---------
MARK HERE
FOR ADDRESS
CHANGE AND
NOTE BELOW
---------
Please sign exactly as name appears at left. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please
sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
Signature(s): _________________________ Date: ___________________________
Signature(s): _________________________ Date: ___________________________
34
CONSENT TO OBTAIN FUTURE STOCKHOLDER - RELATED MATERIALS
ELECTRONICALLY INSTEAD OF BY MAIL
Home Depot stockholders may elect to receive future materials through the
Internet instead of receiving copies through the mail. The Home Depot is
offering this service to provide added convenience to its stockholders, to
reduce printing and mailing costs and to help preserve our environment.
To take advantage of this option, stockholders must subscribe an Internet
service provider that offers access to the world wide web. Costs normally
associated with electronic access, such as usage and telephone charges, will be
the responsibility of the stockholder.
To elect this option, go to the website http://www.econsent.com/hd/.
Stockholders who elect this option will be notified each year by e-mail how to
access the proxy materials and how to vote their shares on the Internet.
If you consent to receive the Company's future stockholder-related materials
electronically, your consent will remain in effect unless it is withdrawn by
calling, writing, or e-mailing our Transfer Agent, BankBoston (EquiServe), at
1-800-577-0177; P.O. Box 8038, Boston, MA 02266-8038; www.equiserve.com. Also,
if while this consent is in effect you decide you would like to receive a hard
copy of the proxy materials, you may call, write or e-mail our Transfer Agent.
You may access The Home Depot
annual report and proxy statement at:
www.homedepot.com/xxxx
If you vote by telephone or Internet
please do not mail back your proxy card.