<PAGE> 1
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:
[ ] Preliminary proxy statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive proxy statement
[ ] Definitive additional materials
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
HOUSEHOLD INTERNATIONAL, 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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<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Household International, Inc. 2700 Sanders Road 847.564.5000
Prospect Heights, IL 60070
</TABLE>
[HOUSEHOLD LOGO]<QR>
March 30, 2000
DEAR STOCKHOLDER:
You are cordially invited to attend our Annual Meeting of Stockholders on
Tuesday, May 9, 2000, at 9:00 a.m. at Household's facility in Las Vegas, Nevada,
the home of over 1,000 Household employees.
Last year was the most successful operating year in our history. Our operating
net income increased 29% to $1.5 billion, while our diluted operating earnings
per share increased by 33%. The Beneficial merger was successfully completed and
we achieved double digit receivable growth during the year. We ended 1999 with a
record quarter and are well positioned for a successful 2000. A big
disappointment in 1999 was the performance of our stock price. It declined 6%
despite our record results. As you know, the stock of most financial service
companies declined as a result of rising interest rates and continued
uncertainty regarding future rate movements. Despite this difficult environment
we remain very bullish about the performance and prospects of our company.
The notice of meeting and proxy statement following this letter describe the
business to be transacted. On the enclosed proxy card you are asked to elect
your Board of Directors for the upcoming year, increase the number of shares
available to be issued under the Household International 1996 Long-Term
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, and ratify the appointment of Arthur
Andersen LLP as our independent public accountants.
I believe that the annual meeting provides an excellent opportunity for you to
become better acquainted with Household. I hope you will be able to attend.
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please vote as soon as possible
so your shares will be represented - your vote is very important. You may vote
by mail, telephone or on the Internet as detailed in the enclosed proxy/voting
instruction card.
Sincerely,
/s/ William Aldinger
WILLIAM F. ALDINGER
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
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<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Household International, Inc. 2700 Sanders Road 847.564.5000
Prospect Heights, IL 60070
</TABLE>
[HOUSEHOLD LOGO]<QR>
NOTICE OF 2000 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
March 30, 2000
To the Stockholders of HOUSEHOLD INTERNATIONAL, INC.:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Household International, Inc.
("Household") will be held at Household's facility at 1111 Town Center Drive,
Las Vegas, Nevada 89144, on Tuesday, May 9, 2000, at 9:00 a.m. for the following
purposes:
(1) to elect Directors;
(2) to consider and act upon a proposal to increase the number of shares
available for issuance under the Household International 1996 Long-Term
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan;
(3) to ratify the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as our independent
public accountants; and
(4) to transact any other business which may properly come before the
meeting.
Stockholders of record of Household's common stock, par value $1.00 per share
("Common Stock"); 5% Cumulative Preferred Stock, no par value; $4.50 Cumulative
Preferred Stock, no par value; and $4.30 Cumulative Preferred Stock, no par
value ("Preferred Stocks"), all as of the close of business on March 16, 2000,
are entitled to vote at the meeting.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT TO HOUSEHOLD. IF YOU DO NOT EXPECT TO VOTE IN PERSON AT
THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT
PROMPTLY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED OR VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR ON THE INTERNET AS
DESCRIBED ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. Giving your proxy now will not affect your
right to vote in person if you attend the meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/S/ KENNETH H. ROBIN
KENNETH H. ROBIN
Senior Vice President-General Counsel
and Corporate Secretary
<PAGE> 4
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Household International, Inc. 2700 Sanders Road 847.564.5000
Prospect Heights, IL 60070
</TABLE>
[HOUSEHOLD LOGO]<QR>
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card are being mailed to
Household stockholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the
Board of Directors for the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. This proxy
allows you to vote on certain matters at our May 9, 2000 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders without attending the meeting. This proxy material is being mailed
to stockholders on or about March 30, 2000.
The following is important information in a question-and-answer format
regarding the Annual Meeting and this Proxy Statement.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE?
A: Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 16, 2000 are
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The number of outstanding shares
entitled to vote at the meeting is 472,704,921 shares of Household Common
Stock (not including 77,808,540 shares of Common Stock held in treasury),
407,718 shares of 5% Cumulative Preferred Stock, 103,976 shares of $4.50
Cumulative Preferred Stock, and 836,585 shares of $4.30 Cumulative Preferred
Stock. Each share of Common and Preferred Stock is entitled to one vote;
however, shares of Common Stock which Household holds in treasury cannot be
voted.
Q: WHAT AM I VOTING ON?
A: You are voting on:
- the election of nominees to serve on our Board of Directors.
- an increase in the number of shares available for issuance under the
Household International 1996 Long-Term Executive Incentive Compensation
Plan ("1996 Plan").
- the ratification of the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as our
independent public accountants.
A majority of the shares voting at the Annual Meeting is necessary to elect
each of the nominated Directors and to approve each of the other proposals.
Q: HOW DO I CAST MY VOTE?
A: If you hold your shares as a shareholder of record, you can vote in person at
the Annual Meeting or you can vote by mail, telephone or on the Internet. If
you own Household shares through a broker, bank or other nominee in street
name, you will receive instructions from your bank, broker or other nominee
describing how to vote your shares. If you participate in the Household
International Tax Reduction Investment Plan ("TRIP"), see the following
question as to how to vote the shares of Common Stock held in your TRIP
account.
The enclosed proxy card contains instructions for mail, telephone and
Internet voting. Whichever method you use, your shares will be voted in
accordance with your instructions. If you submit a proxy card without giving
specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted as recommended by the
Board of Directors.
Q: HOW DO I VOTE MY TRIP SHARES?
A: If you participate in TRIP, to vote your shares of Common Stock held in your
TRIP account, you must return your completed proxy/voting instruction card to
Harris Trust and Savings Bank ("Harris") in the envelope provided or vote via
telephone or on the Internet as outlined on the proxy card by May 4, 2000.
Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company ("Vanguard"), the TRIP Trustee, will act as
your proxy and will vote the shares of Common Stock held in your TRIP
account. If Harris does not receive your voting instructions for your TRIP
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shares by May 4, 2000, those shares will be voted by Vanguard in the same way
as the majority of the TRIP held shares for which voting instructions are
received. For example, Vanguard will vote all unvoted shares of Common Stock
in TRIP for the fourteen nominees (the number of Directors to be elected at
the Annual Meeting) who receive the most votes actually cast.
Q: HOW DOES THE BOARD RECOMMEND I VOTE ON THE PROPOSALS?
A: The Board recommends a vote FOR each nominee, FOR the increase in the number
of shares available for issuance under the 1996 Plan and FOR the ratification
of the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as our independent public
accountants.
Q: HOW WILL THE PROXIES VOTE ON ANY OTHER BUSINESS BROUGHT UP AT THE MEETING?
A: By submitting your proxy card, you authorize the proxies to use their
judgment to determine how to vote on any matter brought before the Annual
Meeting. Household does not know of any other business to be considered at
the Annual Meeting.
Q: CAN I CHANGE MY VOTE OR REVOKE MY PROXY?
A: You may change your vote or revoke your proxy on any matter at any time up to
the closing of the poll for that matter at the Annual Meeting by (1) sending
a written revocation to the Corporate Secretary of Household, (2) sending a
proxy dated after your most recent proxy, or (3) voting in person at the
meeting.
Q: WHO WILL COUNT THE VOTE?
A: The gathering and tabulation of your vote is monitored by Harris who must
certify that proper procedures were followed before the results are official.
Q: IS MY VOTE CONFIDENTIAL?
A: All proxies, consents, ballots and voting materials (including TRIP votes)
will be kept confidential and not disclosed to anyone other than Harris.
Voting records will be disclosed if required by law or if the election
results are contested. If you write comments on a returned proxy, the
tabulator will send them to us with your name but without revealing how you
voted unless disclosure is necessary for us to understand your comment.
Q: WHAT IS A "QUORUM"?
A: A quorum is the number of shares that must be present to have the Annual
Meeting. Holders of over 50% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote must
be present in person or by proxy before the Annual Meeting can begin. Shares
are considered present even if the proxy indicates an abstaining or withheld
vote.
Q: WILL BROKER NON-VOTES OR ABSTENTIONS AFFECT THE VOTING RESULTS?
A: Although abstentions and broker non-votes count for quorum purposes, they do
not count as votes for or against the ratification of auditors or any other
proposal and will not affect voting results.
Q: WHAT SHARES ARE INCLUDED ON MY PROXY CARD?
A: Your proxy represents any shares of Household Common Stock registered in your
name as well as any full or fractional shares of Common Stock held in your
name under the Household Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Purchase
Plan, Household Employee Stock Purchase Plan, TRIP, Household Financial
Corporation Limited Match and Save Plan, Beneficial Employee Stock Purchase
Plan, and/or Beneficial Key Employees Stock Bonus Plan. Your proxy also
represents any shares of 5% Cumulative Preferred Stock, $4.50 Cumulative
Preferred Stock and $4.30 Cumulative Preferred Stock registered in your name.
If you own other Household shares through a broker, bank or other nominee in
street name, you will receive another, separate proxy from your bank,
brokerage firm or other nominee relating to those shares.
Q: HOW AND WHEN MAY I SUBMIT A SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL FOR THE 2001 ANNUAL MEETING?
A: If you are interested in submitting a proposal for inclusion in Household's
Proxy Statement for the 2001 Annual Meeting, you need to follow the
procedures outlined in Rule 14a-8 of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
To be eligible for inclusion, shareholder proposals must be received by
Household's Corporate Secretary no later than November 30, 2000. If you are
interested in presenting any proposal from the floor of the 2001 Annual
Meeting, your proposal must be received by Household's Corporate Secretary no
earlier than December 9, 2000, or later than January 8, 2001.
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Q: HOW MUCH DID THIS PROXY SOLICITATION COST?
A: Household is paying for this proxy solicitation. Household hired Corporate
Investor Communications, Inc. to solicit proxies, for which they will be paid
$7,000 plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. Certain of Household's
Directors, officers or employees may also solicit proxies in person or by
telephone, but they will not receive any additional compensation for doing
so. Upon request, Household will reimburse brokerage firms and other
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses in
forwarding solicitation material to beneficial owners of stock.
ITEM (1): ELECTION OF HOUSEHOLD DIRECTORS
Fourteen members will be elected to Household's Board of Directors. Each
nominee has indicated that, if elected, they will serve until the next Annual
Meeting or until their successor is elected. If a named nominee advises us
before the Annual Meeting that he/she is unable, for any reason, to serve as a
Director, your proxy gives the people who vote your shares discretion to elect
(or reject) a substitute nominee.
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR FIRST
ELECTED
NAME, PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION, COMMITTEE A DIRECTOR
MEMBERSHIPS AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS AGE OF HOUSEHOLD
------------------------------------- --- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
WILLIAM F. ALDINGER 52 1994
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Household
International, Inc.
Member of the Executive Committee.
Mr. Aldinger joined Household in September 1994 as President and Chief Executive
Officer and became Chairman in May 1996. He served as Vice Chairman of Wells Fargo
Bank and a Director of several Wells Fargo subsidiaries from 1986 until joining
Household. Mr. Aldinger is also a Director of Household Finance Corporation (a
subsidiary of Household), Illinois Tool Works Inc., and MasterCard International,
Incorporated.
ROBERT J. DARNALL 62 1988
Chairman of Prime Advantage Corp.
(Internet Provider of Supplies to Manufacturers)
Member of the Compensation and Executive Committees.
Mr. Darnall became Chairman of Prime Advantage Corp. after he retired as President
and Chief Executive Officer of Ispat North America, Inc. on January 31, 2000,
having served in that role since 1998. From 1992 until 1998, Mr. Darnall was
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Inland Steel Industries and also served as
the President and a Director of Inland from 1986. From 1984 to 1986 he was
President and Chief Operating Officer--Integrated Steel, a division of Inland Steel
Company. Mr. Darnall is also a Director of Pactiv Corporation, Cummins Engine
Company, Inc., and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
GARY G. DILLON 65 1984
Director
Member of the Audit and Finance Committees.
Mr. Dillon retired as Chairman of the Board of Schwitzer Group (a manufacturer of
engine components) on March 1, 1999. He had served as Chairman of Schwitzer since
1991 and Chief Executive Officer of Schwitzer since 1989. From 1989 to 1997 he also
served as President of Schwitzer. Prior to 1989 he was President and Chief
Executive Officer of Household Manufacturing, Inc., the former diversified
manufacturing subsidiary of Household.
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR FIRST
ELECTED
NAME, PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION, COMMITTEE A DIRECTOR
MEMBERSHIPS AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS AGE OF HOUSEHOLD
------------------------------------- --- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
JOHN A. EDWARDSON 50 1995
Director
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Burns
International Services Corporation
(Provider of Security Services)
Member of the Audit and Compensation Committees.
Mr. Edwardson joined Burns International Services Corporation (formerly known as
Borg-Warner Security Corp.) as President and Chief Executive Officer on March 1,
1999 and also became its Chairman on June 1, 1999. He previously served as
President, Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of both
UAL Corporation and United Airlines, Inc. from 1994 until 1998. He was Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ameritech Corporation prior to 1994.
Mr. Edwardson is also a Director of Focal Communications Corporation and Loomis,
Fargo and Co.
MARY JOHNSTON EVANS 70 1977
Director
Chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee; member of
the Audit Committee.
Mrs. Evans served as Vice Chairman of the Board of AMTRAK between 1974 and 1979. In
addition to being a Director of Household, Mrs. Evans is a Director of Baxter
International Inc., Delta Air Lines, Inc., The Dun & Bradstreet Corp., Saint-Gobain
Corp., and Sunoco, Inc.
J. DUDLEY FISHBURN 53 1995
Director
Member of the Finance and Nominating & Governance
Committees.
Mr. Fishburn became Chairman of the Board of HFC Bank plc (Household's primary
subsidiary in the United Kingdom) in 1998. He previously served as the Conservative
Member of Parliament for Kensington in London from 1988 to 1997. Prior to entering
Parliament, Mr. Fishburn was Executive Editor, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. from
1979 until 1988. He is also a Director of Cordiant Group Communications plc, First
NIS Fund (Luxembourg), Henderson Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc, Murray
Emerging Economies Trust plc, and Philip Morris Companies Inc.
CYRUS F. FREIDHEIM, JR. 64 1992
Vice Chairman, Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Inc.
(Management Consulting Firm)
Member of the Executive and Finance Committees.
Mr. Freidheim is Vice Chairman of Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Inc., with which he has
been affiliated since 1966. He is also a Director of MicroAge Inc., and Security
Capital Group, Inc.
JAMES H. GILLIAM, JR. 54 1998
Attorney and Consultant
Member of the Finance Committee.
Mr. Gilliam is an attorney presently engaged in private practice and also performs
consulting services for various businesses. Mr. Gilliam was employed in various
capacities with Beneficial Corporation from 1979 until its merger with Household on
June 30, 1998. At the time of the merger, he was an Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and a Director of Beneficial. Mr. Gilliam is also a trustee of the
Howard Hughes Medical Institute and of the National Geographic Society and a
Director of Bell Atlantic Corporation.
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR FIRST
ELECTED
NAME, PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION, COMMITTEE A DIRECTOR
MEMBERSHIPS AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS AGE OF HOUSEHOLD
------------------------------------- --- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
LOUIS E. LEVY 67 1992
Director
Chair of the Audit Committee; member of the Finance
Committee.
Mr. Levy retired as Vice Chairman of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP in 1990, having been
with the firm since 1958. Mr. Levy is also a Director of Deutsche Banc Alex
Brown/Flag Investors Group of Mutual Funds, ISI Group of Mutual Funds, and
Kimberly-Clark Corporation.
GEORGE A. LORCH 58 1994
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Armstrong World
Industries, Inc.
(Manufacturer of Interior Finishes and Industrial
Products)
Chair of the Compensation Committee; member of the
Nominating & Governance Committee.
Mr. Lorch was appointed Chairman of the Board in 1994 and President and Chief
Executive Officer in 1993 and has been a Director of Armstrong World Industries,
Inc. since 1988. He has been affiliated with Armstrong since 1963. He is also a
Director of R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company and Warner-Lambert Company.
JOHN D. NICHOLS 69 1988
Director
Chair of the Executive Committee; "ex officio" non-voting
member of the Audit, Compensation, Finance and Nominating
& Governance Committees.
Mr. Nichols retired as Chairman of the Board of Illinois Tool Works Inc. in 1996,
having served in that role since 1986, previously serving as its President from
1982 through 1986 and Chief Executive Officer from 1982 until 1995. Mr. Nichols had
been a Director of Illinois Tool Works since 1981. Mr. Nichols is a Director of
Grand Eagle Companies Inc., Philip Morris Companies Inc., Rockwell International
Corporation, and the Ravenswood Winery Inc.
JAMES B. PITBLADO 67 1994
Director
Chair of the Finance Committee; member of the Audit
Committee.
Prior to his 1994 retirement, Mr. Pitblado had been a Senior Executive with RBC
Dominion Securities, Inc. of Toronto, Canada and its predecessor companies for 35
years and served as Chairman from 1985 until 1992. He was a Director of Household
Financial Corporation Limited (the Canadian business unit of Household) between
1984 and 1994.
S. JAY STEWART 61 1994
Director
Member of the Compensation and Executive Committees.
Mr. Stewart retired as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Morton
International, Inc. in October 1999, having served in that role since 1994 and as a
Director since 1989. Also, from June 1999 until November 1, 1999, he was Vice
Chairman and a Director of Rohm and Haas Company after it acquired Morton
International. From 1989 through 1994 he was President and Chief Operating Officer
of Morton International. Mr. Stewart is also a Director of Autoliv, Inc.
LOUIS W. SULLIVAN, M.D. 66 1993
President of Morehouse School of Medicine
(Educational Institution)
Member of the Compensation and Nominating & Governance
Committees.
Dr. Sullivan has been President of the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta,
Georgia since 1993. He held the same position from 1981 until 1989 when he was
confirmed as United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. Dr. Sullivan is
also a Director of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, CIGNA Corporation, Endo Vascular
Instruments, Inc., Equifax Inc., General Motors Corporation, Georgia-Pacific
Corporation, and Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company and a Director and
Chairman of BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
</TABLE>
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH OF THE NOMINEES FOR
DIRECTORS.
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MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Board of Directors has responsibility for establishing broad corporate
policies and reviews Household's overall performance rather than day-to-day
operations. The Board's primary responsibility is to represent the interests of
Household's stockholders, as a whole, in directing the company's managers so as
to build long-term shareholder wealth. The Board selects, evaluates and provides
for the succession of top management and, subject to shareholder election,
Directors. It reviews and approves corporate objectives and strategies, and
evaluates proposed major commitments of corporate resources. It participates in
decisions that have a potential major economic impact on your company.
Management keeps Directors informed of company activity through regular written
reports and presentations at Board and committee meetings. The Board has adopted
specific Corporate Governance Standards to ensure that it adheres to "best
practices".
The Board of Directors met six times in 1999. Each Director attended 75% or
more of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the
committees of which such Director was a member.
The Board has standing Audit, Compensation, Executive, Finance and Nominating
& Governance Committees. Each committee has a charter which was approved by the
Board. Each committee must review the appropriateness of its charter at least
annually. Each independent Director serves on at least two committees. Messrs.
Aldinger and Gilliam are the only non-independent Directors on the Board. Mr.
Nichols, in his role as Chair of the Executive Committee, may attend all
committee meetings. Mr. Aldinger also attends these meetings except those where
independent Directors desire to meet in executive session. He does not
participate in any meeting at which his compensation is evaluated.
The AUDIT COMMITTEE oversees our accounting, auditing and financial reporting
practices. The overall purposes of the Audit Committee are to ensure the quality
of financial reporting and corporate controls, as well as proper identification
and management of risk. This necessarily involves the Audit Committee overseeing
regulatory compliance for Household through its review of legal and regulatory
matters that may have a material impact on the financial statements, related
compliance policies and reports from regulators. The Audit Committee also
recommends to the Board the selection of independent public accountants to serve
as auditors. It reviews the scope of the audits conducted by the independent and
internal auditors, together with their audit reports and recommendations. In
addition, they review our internal accounting controls with the independent
public accountants. The Audit Committee met four times in 1999 and is comprised
entirely of independent Directors.
The COMPENSATION COMMITTEE determines the annual salary, bonus and other
benefits, including incentive compensation awards, of our senior management. It
evaluates existing and proposed employee benefit plans and may propose plan
changes to the Board. The Compensation Committee met three times in 1999 and is
comprised entirely of independent Directors.
The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE can exercise many of the Board's duties between Board
meetings. The Executive Committee did not meet in 1999.
The FINANCE COMMITTEE reviews our financial policies and condition. It sets
dividend policy and considers the company's financing requirements and capital
plans. The Finance Committee met three times in 1999 and is comprised entirely
of Directors who are not officers or employees of Household or any of its
subsidiaries.
The NOMINATING & GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE recommends the Directors to be nominated
for election at each Annual Meeting of Stockholders, nominates individuals to
fill any vacancies which may occur on the Board, and reviews management
succession and development plans. The Nominating & Governance Committee also
reviews Board size and composition, as well as Director compensation. The
Nominating & Governance Committee will consider Director nominations made by our
stockholders if they are submitted in writing and sent to the Corporate
Secretary of Household at Household's headquarters. Any stockholder wishing to
recommend a proposed nominee should contact the Corporate Secretary to verify
the nominating procedures. The Nominating & Governance Committee met twice
during 1999 and is comprised entirely of independent Directors.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STANDARDS
Household believes its Corporate Governance Standards support its primary
responsibility of building long-term shareholder wealth. The cornerstones of
Household's corporate governance systems are:
- - The Board has ultimate responsibility for governing the affairs of Household,
including the selection of executive management, determining business strategy
and fulfilling a fiduciary obligation to shareholders to maximize the value of
their investment.
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<PAGE> 10
- - Management of Household is expected to be loyal to the corporation, implement
approved business strategy, appropriately resolve day-to-day operational
issues, keep the Board informed, and maintain and promote high ethical
standards while seeking to attain the maximum benefit or return to Household
in all business dealings.
- - The interests of shareholders in Household are to be protected. Shareholders
are to be kept informed of all material developments within Household.
Some of the standards adopted by the Board under the Corporate Governance
Standards are as follows:
BOARD/COMMITTEE GUIDELINES
- - All Directors will stand for election every year.
- - Each standing committee of the Board must adopt and approve a charter, which
in turn must be approved by the Board. Each committee will review the
appropriateness of its charter at least annually.
- - Director compensation shall be a combination of cash and options in Household
Common Stock, with the stock option component being a significant portion of
total compensation. All Directors will be encouraged to acquire a significant
economic investment in common equity-related instruments of Household with the
recommended goal being three times the Director's annual cash retainer.
- - The Chief Executive Officer will report annually to the Nominating &
Governance Committee and the Board on the plans or programs implemented by
Household for management succession and development. Annually, all independent
Directors will meet in a separate session, led by the Chair of the Executive
Committee, to review the performance of the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and President, if any, including a discussion of the perceived effectiveness
of the process implemented for management succession and development.
BOARD/COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
- - No Director shall serve on more than two of the standing committees. The
Audit, Compensation and Nominating & Governance Committees shall consist
entirely of independent Directors. Membership of the Executive Committee shall
consist of independent Directors, the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer
of Household.
- - Chair of the Executive Committee shall be deemed the "lead director" for the
Board.
- - At least every two years, the Board shall discuss the effectiveness of the
Board and its various committees as compared to other public corporations.
- - Interlocking directorships are not allowed; i.e. where a senior executive
officer of Household serves on the Board or as a trustee of the company or
institution that employs the independent Director.
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
- - It is recognized that shareholders, lenders, customers, employees, communities
and vendors are all interested in the long-term viability of Household. To
that end, superior financial performance and the building of long-term
shareholder wealth will be Household's goals. The Board will use its best
judgment to balance the needs of all stakeholders in the pursuit of these
goals.
- - All common shareholders will have equal voting rights.
- - Household is committed to developing and maintaining open lines of
communication with its shareholders by striving to maintain an active,
consistent and credible investor relations program.
MANAGEMENT/COMPENSATION
- - Household will be a pay-for-performance company with compensation for
management being strongly linked to objectively measured financial goals set
in advance by the Compensation Committee.
- - Stock options will not be repriced or the exercise price reduced even if the
current market price of Household Common Stock is below the exercise price.
- - Household shall require that executive officers and key employees own
Household Common Stock.
If you are interested in receiving a copy of the Corporate Governance
Standards of Household, please send a written request to Corporate Secretary,
Household International, Inc., 2700 Sanders Road, Prospect Heights, IL 60070.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
In 1999, the independent Directors of Household received an annual cash
retainer of $50,000 (except the chair of the Executive Committee, who received a
retainer of $62,000). Household does not pay additional compensation for
committee membership or meeting attendance fees to its Directors. The Chairs of
the
7
<PAGE> 11
Audit, Compensation, Finance and Nominating & Governance Committees received an
additional $5,000, and the Chair of the Executive Committee received an
additional $30,000. As Chairman of the Board of HFC Bank plc, Mr. Fishburn was
paid 94,000 pounds sterling by HFC Bank plc. Other than Mr. Fishburn, Directors
who are employees of, or personal consultants to, Household or any of its
subsidiaries do not receive any additional compensation related to their Board
service.
In 1999, independent Directors could elect to receive all or a portion of
their cash compensation in shares of Household Common Stock or defer it under
the Deferred Fee Plan for Directors. Under the Deferred Fee Plan, Directors may
invest their deferred compensation in either units of phantom shares of
Household Common Stock, with dividends credited toward additional stock units;
or cash, with interest credited at a market rate set under the plan. At the end
of the deferred period, all accumulated amounts under the Deferred Fee Plan
invested in phantom shares of Household Common Stock will be paid in shares of
Household Common Stock either in a lump sum or installments as selected by the
Director. During 1999, Directors elected to receive, in the aggregate, 88% of
their cash compensation in stock or deferred into phantom shares of Household
Common Stock.
Effective for compensation payable in the year 2000, Directors may irrevocably
elect prior to the start of each calendar year to apply all or a portion of
their retainer to purchase options to acquire Household Common Stock. The value
of each option will be the fair market value of the option as determined in
accordance with the Black-Scholes model (a commonly used formula to determine
the value of a stock option) on the last business day of June. The exercise
price for each share covered by an option will be the fair market value of
Household Common Stock on that day, which is the average of the high and low
sales prices for Household Common Stock as published in The Wall Street Journal.
In November 1999, independent Directors received their annual option to
purchase 8,000 shares of Household Common Stock at the stock's fair market value
on the day the option was granted ($45.375 per share). Director options have a
term of ten years and one day, fully vest six months from the date granted, and
once vested, are exercisable at any time during the option term. Directors may
use shares they already own to pay for shares bought through an option exercise.
In 1995, the Directors' Retirement Income Plan was discontinued, and the
present value of each Director's accrued benefit was deposited into the Deferred
Phantom Stock Plan for Directors. Under the deferred stock plan, Directors with
less than ten years of service received 750 phantom shares of Household Common
Stock annually during the first ten years of service as a Director. In January
1997, the Board eliminated this and all future Director retirement benefits. Any
payouts to current Directors earned under the Deferred Phantom Stock Plan will
be made only when a Director leaves the Board due to death, retirement or
resignation. Directors who joined the Board after January 1997 will not receive
any retirement benefits.
Household provides Directors with $250,000 of accidental death and
dismemberment insurance and a $10 million personal excess liability insurance
policy. Independent Directors also are offered, on terms that are not more
favorable than those available to the general public, a MasterCard/Visa credit
card issued by one of Household's subsidiaries with a credit limit of $15,000.
Household guarantees the repayment of amounts charged on each card. Directors
may use an apartment maintained by Household in New York City for their personal
use, as available. Directors are credited with $320 additional compensation for
tax purposes for each night the apartment is used.
Under Household's Matching Gift Program, we match charitable gifts to
qualified organizations (subject to a maximum of $10,000 per year), with a
double match for the first $500 donated to higher education institutions (both
public and private) and eligible non-profit organizations which promote
neighborhood revitalization or economic development for low and moderate income
populations. Each current independent Director may ask us to contribute up to
$5,000 annually to charities of the Director's choice which qualify under our
philanthropic program.
CONSULTING AGREEMENTS WITH MESSRS. FARRIS AND GILLIAM
On June 30, 1998, a subsidiary of Household merged with Beneficial
Corporation. As part of the merger terms, certain directors and officers of
Beneficial became Directors of Household and entered into consulting agreements
with Household. David J. Farris was a member of the Office of the President, the
Chief Operating Officer and a Director of Beneficial at the time of the merger.
James H. Gilliam, Jr., served Beneficial as Executive Vice President, General
Counsel and Director. Both individuals were appointed as Household Directors as
of June 30, 1998. Mr. Farris agreed to provide consulting services for eighteen
8
<PAGE> 12
months (from June 30, 1998) in return for $1,500,000 (paid in monthly
increments). Mr. Gilliam agreed to provide consulting services to Household for
twenty-four months (from June 30, 1998) for $1,000,000 per annum (paid monthly)
as well as a guaranteed pension of $500,000 per year, commencing at age 55. The
guaranteed pension will be offset by benefits paid under Beneficial's defined
benefit pension and savings plans. Messrs. Farris and Gilliam also received
reimbursement for business expenses incurred relating to Household matters. Mr.
Gilliam is a current nominee for the Board of Directors. Mr. Farris retired from
the Board on December 31, 1999.
SHARES OF HOUSEHOLD STOCK BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table lists the beneficial ownership, as of March 14, 2000,
of Common Stock by each Director and nominee for Director, the executive
officers named on page 15, and by all Directors and such executive officers as a
group. "Beneficial ownership" includes shares for which an individual has direct
or indirect voting or investment power and includes any shares the individual
has a right to acquire within 60 days. No Director or executive officer owns any
Preferred Stock of Household.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
SHARES COMMON
BENEFICIALLY STOCK
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED(1) EQUIVALENTS(2) TOTAL
- ------------------------ ------------ -------------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
William F. Aldinger.............................. 2,408,489 15,998 2,424,487
Lawrence N. Bangs................................ 525,445 9,831 535,276
Robert J. Darnall................................ 38,347 11,737 50,084
Gary G. Dillon................................... 99,590 10,199 109,789
John A. Edwardson................................ 40,081 7,770 47,851
Mary Johnston Evans.............................. 43,294 14,641 57,935
Dudley Fishburn.................................. 36,679 1,425 38,104
Cyrus F. Freidheim, Jr........................... 41,494 10,605 52,099
James H. Gilliam, Jr............................. 122,907 0 122,907
Gary D. Gilmer................................... 308,189 6,649 314,838
Louis E. Levy.................................... 30,200 8,309 38,509
George A. Lorch.................................. 35,781 9,297 45,078
Siddharth N. Mehta............................... 108,968 9,198 118,166
John D. Nichols.................................. 193,150 20,685 213,835
James B. Pitblado................................ 48,094 3,050 51,144
David A. Schoenholz.............................. 486,631 7,368 493,999
S. Jay Stewart................................... 42,370 4,449 46,819
Louis W. Sullivan................................ 35,884 5,879 41,763
--------- ------- ---------
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group...... 4,645,593 157,090 4,802,683
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Directors and executive officers have sole voting and investment power over
shares listed above, except as follows. The number of shares of Common Stock
held by spouses or children in which beneficial ownership is disclaimed is
as follows: Mr. Nichols, 13,200; and Directors and executive officers as a
group, 13,200. The number of shares of Common Stock held by spouses,
children and family foundations in which voting and investment power is
shared (or presumed to be shared) is as follows: Mr. Nichols, 2,150 shares;
and Directors and officers as a group, 2,150. The number of shares of Common
Stock held under Household's employee benefit plans in which participants
have voting rights and/or investment power is as follows: Mr. Aldinger,
20,239; Mr. Gilmer, 48,362; Mr. Bangs, 60,934; Mr. Schoenholz, 21,859; Mr.
Mehta, 468; and Directors and executive officers as a group, 151,862. The
number of shares included in the table above which may be acquired by
Household's executive officers through May 13, 2000, pursuant to the
exercise of employee stock options is: Mr. Aldinger, 2,107,250, of which
631,250 vested options are held by Mr. Aldinger's family partnership; Mr.
Gilmer, 224,750; Mr. Bangs, 356,000; Mr. Schoenholz, 350,843; Mr. Mehta,
108,500; and Directors and executive officers as a group, 3,519,343.
(2) Represents the number of Common Stock share equivalents owned by executive
officers under Household's Supplemental TRIP and Deferred Compensation Plan
and by Directors under Household's Deferred Fee Plan for Directors and the
Deferred Phantom Stock Plan for Directors. These share equivalents do not
have voting rights, but are valued according to the market price of the
Common Stock. The share equivalents accrue dividends at the same rate as the
Common Stock.
9
<PAGE> 13
(3) No Director or executive officer beneficially owns directly or indirectly
more than 1% of Household Common Stock. Directors and executive officers as
a group beneficially own 1% of the Common Stock.
Our employees held 9,714,998 shares of Common Stock in TRIP as of December
31, 1999, excluding the shares held by Directors and executive officers
shown in the table. Our Pooled Investment Fund ("PIF"), which holds assets
of our domestic pension plan, held 3,542,155 shares of Common Stock as of
December 31, 1999. Together, TRIP and PIF held 2.8% of the Common Stock
outstanding on December 31, 1999.
STOCK OWNERSHIP GOALS
We believe stock ownership by our executive officers and other key employees
is important to create a culture that promotes shareholder value and aligns the
interests of employees with yours. As a result, we established stock ownership
goals for approximately 200 employees. Each is expected to hold Household Common
Stock with a value equal to a multiple of two to six times (depending on
position level) their annual base salary at the end of a five-year period. Each
year these employees are expected to achieve at least one-fifth of their goal
except that a short-timer schedule has been developed where goals are graduated
to facilitate stock ownership for new hires. For example, Mr. Mehta joined
Household June 15, 1998 and is expected to meet 10% of his goal in 2000, 30% in
2001, 65% in 2002 and 100% in 2003. Individual ownership goals rise with any
salary increase. The following table reflects the stock ownership goals for the
individuals in the Summary Compensation Table.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STOCK OWNERSHIP GOAL
-------------------------------------
AS A
CURRENT MULTIPLE GOAL
STOCK OF BASE NUMBER OF
NAME TITLE OWNERSHIP(1) SALARY SHARES(2)
- ---- ----- ------------ -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William F. Aldinger Chairman & Chief Executive Officer 317,237 6 162,162
Lawrence N. Bangs Vice Chairman 179,276 5 67,568
Gary D. Gilmer Group Executive -- U.S. Consumer Finance 90,088 5 67,568
David A. Schoenholz Group Executive -- Chief Financial Officer 143,156 5 67,568
Siddharth N. Mehta Group Executive -- U.S. BankCard 9,666 5 67,568
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) As of March 14, 2000, ownership goals include shares held directly and
indirectly and the number of shares held under employee benefit plans,
including Common Stock share equivalents held in the Supplemental TRIP and
Deferred Compensation Plans.
(2) Calculated by multiplying the executive's base salary by the applicable
multiple and dividing that amount by the fair market value of the Common
Stock on December 31, 1999 ($37.00 per share).
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires Directors and
executive officers and any persons holding more than ten percent of a registered
class of our equity securities to report their initial ownership and any
subsequent change to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the New
York Stock Exchange. We are required to tell you in the annual Proxy Statement
if we know of any failure to report as required. We reviewed copies of all
reports furnished to us and obtained written representations that no other
reports were required. Based on this, all Section 16(a) filing requirements were
complied with, except that Mr. Lawrence N. Bangs, Vice Chairman, failed to
timely file one report reflecting an open market purchase of 3,000 shares on
August 5, 1999, and Mr. John D. Nichols, Director, failed to timely file two
reports reflecting open market purchases in January and February 2000 by his
charitable family foundation for a total of 1,650 shares of Household Common
Stock.
10
<PAGE> 14
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table lists the owners of more than 5% of our Common Stock as of
December 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER
OF SHARES
NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIALLY PERCENT
TITLE OF CLASS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED OF CLASS
- -------------- ------------------- ------------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock.. Capital Research and Management 53,091,080(1) 11.3%
Company and Washington Mutual
Investors Fund, Inc.
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Common Stock.. FMR Corp. 24,306,489(2) 5.2%
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
Common Stock Oppenheimer Capital 25,208,633(3) 5.4%
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Capital Research and Management Company and Washington Mutual Investors
Fund, Inc. filed a joint Schedule 13G with the SEC disclosing that, as of
December 31, 1999, Capital Research and Management Company had sole
dispositive power over 53,091,080 shares of Household Common Stock for which
beneficial ownership is disclaimed, Washington Mutual Investors Fund, Inc.
had sole voting power over 24,047,482 or 5.1% and neither had shared voting
power or shared dispositive power over shares of Household Common Stock.
(2) FMR Corp. filed a Schedule 13G with the SEC disclosing that, as of December
31, 1999, it had sole dispositive power over 24,306,489 shares of Household
Common Stock, sole voting power over 1,860,470 shares of Household Common
Stock and no shared voting power over shares of Household Common Stock.
(3) Oppenheimer Capital filed a Schedule 13G with the SEC disclosing that, as of
December 31, 1999, it had shared voting power and shared dispositive power
over 25,208,633 shares of Household Common Stock and no sole voting or sole
dispositive power over shares of Household Common Stock.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
This Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation should not be
considered part of ("incorporated by reference") other documents we have filed
or must file with the SEC.
GENERAL
The Compensation Committee of Household's Board of Directors (the "Committee")
determines salaries and salary ranges, incentive compensation and other
compensation for the top five highest paid employees and direct reports to the
Chief Executive Officer. The Committee also examines and recommends to the Board
of Directors the creation or amendment of company pension, benefit or
compensation plans and programs. The Committee grants stock options, restricted
stock rights and other awards under our executive compensation plans. The
Committee establishes financial and qualitative performance goals, which may be
objective or subjective, for each of the executive officers listed in the Proxy
Statement and all other direct reports to Mr. Aldinger. It later reviews whether
the performance goals were met during the specified period and determines the
compensation to be paid. A report on each officer's performance is then
presented to and reviewed by the Board of Directors.
We retain the compensation consulting firm, Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. to
advise the Committee as to the competitiveness of compensation paid to our
senior officers. Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. reviews our compensation programs
and goals and compares them to a broad financial services comparator group.
Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. reviewed the compensation for the Chief Executive
Officer and the next four most highly paid officers for 1999 and reported to the
Committee that the compensation of such officers is within current market
practice.
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS
Our corporate goal is to link compensation to financial performance. We
designed our compensation programs so that base salaries are generally
competitive with our comparator group (20 companies, all in the S&P Financials),
with substantially higher earnings potential on bonus and long-term compensation
if we deliver superior shareholder earnings results. Performance is measured
primarily by earnings per share
11
<PAGE> 15
("EPS") growth. We are a pay for performance company.
The executive compensation policy is designed to retain and attract
exceptional executives by offering highly competitive compensation for superior
performance. In addition to reviewing compensation and performance within our
comparator group, the Committee also measures each executive's performance on an
individual, business unit and corporate basis.
We believe the stockholders' interests are best served when a significant
portion of an executive's total compensation is at risk based on meeting
specific performance goals. These objectives are designed to help us achieve our
strategic and financial goals, and specifically, to improve shareholder value.
To support our belief in pay for performance, the Board of Directors adopted,
and shareholders approved, the 1998 Key Executive Bonus Plan for members of
senior management. This is a short-term cash incentive plan which places even
more emphasis on shared objectives and corporate performance while remaining
deductible as a "performance based" plan under the Internal Revenue Code of
1986. The bonus pool for this Plan will equal 5% of the company's net income
that exceeds the net income required to achieve a 12% return on average common
shareholder equity ("ROE"), as determined in accordance with the Plan for the
plan year. If ROE is less than the designated threshold, no bonus will be paid
under this Plan. The Committee will determine at the beginning of each year what
percentage of the bonus pool will be allocated to each participating executive
and is not required to award the entire bonus pool. The Committee exercises its
discretion in determining actual bonus awards by setting financial objectives at
the beginning of each year which may include meeting targeted growth; a targeted
loss reserve ratio; a targeted equity to managed assets ratio; a targeted EPS;
reducing expenses and charge-offs by specified percentages; and attaining
specified net income and operating efficiency ratios for the company and/or the
executive's respective business unit.
Our policy encourages stock ownership by executives. We wish to make their
personal net worth heavily dependent on appreciation in the value of our stock
over the long term. The Committee believes, and management supports, the
decision that long-term incentive compensation for senior executives should be
restricted to stock option grants. Prior long-term compensation plans included
restricted stock rights or long-term incentive cash payouts. Final payments
under these plans are disclosed in this Proxy Statement. Future senior executive
compensation -- except in unusual circumstances -- will be limited to salary,
cash bonus, and stock options. In keeping with market practice, certain
supplemental benefits and perquisites are also provided.
The four components of executive compensation are:
Base Salary: Determined by individual financial and non-financial performance,
actual pay versus market data for each position and general economic conditions.
In administering base pay, all executive positions are evaluated and placed in
appropriate career bands. Market data for each position is reviewed annually to
evaluate our competitiveness.
Annual Cash Bonus: Tied directly to individual and corporate financial
performance, the annual bonus encourages potential recipients to achieve
individual, business unit and corporate financial and operational goals.
Excellent performance is encouraged by placing a significant part of the
executive's total compensation at risk. Therefore, when certain objective or
subjective performance goals are not met, annual bonuses may be reduced or not
paid.
Long-Term Incentives: Stock options provide our executives with incentive to
maximize shareholder value. Stock options create a common interest between
management and you. Option awards are based on the Committee's evaluation of the
executive's performance.
Executive Benefits: Household provides its executive management with the broad
benefit coverage available to all employees as well as specific, targeted
supplemental benefits and perquisites that are necessary to be competitive in
this market.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
- - Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Aldinger's 1999 base salary was determined by the Committee through an
evaluation of his prior year's performance, value to the company and market data
prepared by Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. His last salary increase was in
September, 1998, which was in recognition of his increased duties and
responsibilities as a result of the successful merger with Beneficial
Corporation.
Mr. Aldinger's annual cash bonus was determined based on the satisfaction of
shared objective financial performance goals. The shared financial performance
goals for Mr. Aldinger were: (a) targeted earnings per share, (b) targeted
return on equity, (c) targeted core receivable growth, (d) targeted operating
efficiency ratio, and (e) targeted tangible equity to managed
12
<PAGE> 16
assets. During 1999 Household achieved its best operating results in its
122-year history. Operating earnings per share rose 33%, return on equity
surpassed 20% to 23.5%, return on managed assets grew to almost 2%, and
receivables grew over 12%. As a result, Mr. Aldinger satisfied all targeted
financial performance goals as set by the Committee. In accordance with the
intent and purposes of the 1998 Key Executive Bonus Plan, a bonus pool of
$36,000,000 was generated based on 1999 financial results. Mr. Aldinger's
maximum bonus opportunity for 1999, as set by the Committee, was 25% of the
pool, or $9,000,000. The Committee approved a 1999 bonus of $3,000,000 to Mr.
Aldinger, which represented 8% of the pool.
- - Other Executive Officers
The other executive officers reviewed by the Committee and named in this Proxy
Statement were also paid annual bonuses under the 1998 Key Executive Bonus Plan
based on (i) position level, which determines the maximum percentage of the
bonus pool which may be awarded (this ranges from 5% to 12%) and (ii)
achievement of certain shared Household objective financial performance goals,
of which the results for 1999 are discussed above, and the satisfaction of
specific individual objective and subjective performance goals relating to the
company and their individual business unit. No executive officer received the
maximum amount permitted by the Plan.
- - Long-Term Incentive Compensation
In 1999, awards made to executive officers under the 1996 Long-Term Executive
Incentive Compensation Plan were comprised solely of stock options. The
Committee believes that compensation based on an increase of our Common Stock
price is an appropriate method of providing long-term incentives.
The Committee believes a long-term award must be meaningful in order to
provide the best incentive and retain the best executives. Our aim is to provide
a compensation package that rewards superior performance. The Committee's award
recommendation was based on a review of each executive's performance for the
year, the executive's value to the company, previous option awards, and
competitive information provided by Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. No specific
weight was accorded to any of the factors noted in this decision process.
TAX DEDUCTIBILITY
We established compensation programs that we believe meet all the current
tests required for compensation to be deductible to us for federal income tax
purposes. The Committee has directed the company to modify, when necessary,
compensation plans for its executive officers to maximize our federal tax
deduction. The Committee reserves the right to use good independent judgment, on
a case by case basis, to make nondeductible awards to reward employees for
excellent service or recruit new executives while taking into consideration the
financial effects such action may have on the company.
It is the Committee's view that the compensation package of Mr. Aldinger and
each of the named executive officers was based on an appropriate balance of (1)
our overall or a particular business unit's 1999 financial performance, (2) the
officer's individual performance, and (3) competitive standards. No member of
the Committee is a former or current officer or employee of Household or any of
its subsidiaries.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
G. A. Lorch, Chairman
R. J. Darnall
J. A. Edwardson
S. J. Stewart
L. W. Sullivan, M.D.
13
<PAGE> 17
PERFORMANCE OF HOUSEHOLD
The graphs, charts and related disclosures contained in this section of the
Proxy Statement should not be considered part of (i.e., are not "incorporated by
reference") other documents we have filed or must file with the SEC. The stock
price performance shown in the graphs does not necessarily indicate future price
performance.
FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
ASSUMES INVESTMENT OF $100 BEGINNING DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND THE REINVESTMENT OF
DIVIDENDS.
LINE GRAPH
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN 12/94 12/95 12/96 12/97 12/98 12/99
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Household 100 164 259 364 344 328
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P Financials 100 154 208 308 343 357
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 100 137 169 225 289 350
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The above chart compares total returns (assuming all dividends are reinvested)
of Household, the Standard & Poor's Composite Financial Stock Price Index ("S&P
Financials") and the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index ("S&P
500"). Our Common Stock is included in both of the S&P indices. The chart
assumes $100 was invested in Household Common Stock on December 31, 1994, and
that all dividends are reinvested. We are required to publish the five-year
return chart so you can compare our performance to other stocks. We also have
included information below showing total return over different periods because
shares may have been acquired at different times and we believe it is helpful to
know how the stock performed in other periods.
The estimated compound annual total return (which is the stock price
appreciation that occurs over the period noted plus the value of dividends paid
to shareholders and reinvested over that same period of time) for the past one,
three, five and ten year periods for Household's Common Stock and the noted
indices was as follows (in percentages):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
TOTAL RETURN 1999 (1997-1999) (1995-1999) (1990-1999)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Household (4)% 8% 27% 19%
S&P Financials 4% 20% 29% 19%
S&P 500 21% 28% 29% 18%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE> 18
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The table below discloses information concerning compensation for services
rendered during 1999, 1998 and 1997 to Household and its subsidiaries by its
Chief Executive Officer and each of the four most highly paid executive officers
of Household as of December 31, 1999.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
-------------------------------------
AWARDS PAYOUTS
ANNUAL COMPENSATION ---------- --------
----------------------------------------- NUMBER
OTHER OF SHARES
NAME AND ANNUAL UNDERLYING LTIP ALL OTHER
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION(1) OPTIONS PAYOUTS COMPENSATION
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William F. Aldinger 1999 $1,000,000 $3,000,000 $ 107,639 460,000 -- $213,104(2)
Chairman, Chief Executive 1998 888,463 2,300,000 82,188 500,000 -- 151,383
Officer and Director 1997 794,233 1,500,000 186,185 450,000 -- 155,156
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lawrence N. Bangs 1999 $ 500,000 $1,500,000 $(111,839) 124,000 -- $ 97,566(2)
Vice Chairman 1998 390,385 850,000 181,285 134,000 -- 67,360
1997 355,770 413,000 (118,976) 120,000 -- 58,741
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gary D. Gilmer 1999 $ 500,000 $1,500,000 $ 44,303 124,000 -- $ 83,459(2)
Group Executive -- 1998 404,809 850,000 288,951 134,000 -- 34,954
U.S. Consumer Finance 1997 296,155 270,000 579,368 75,000 -- 36,070
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David A. Schoenholz 1999 $ 500,000 $1,500,000 -- 124,000 $456,094(3) $ 79,101(2)
Group Executive -- 1998 425,482 750,000 -- 134,000 222,305(3) 56,918
Chief Financial Officer 1997 370,674 435,000 -- 120,000 172,813(3) 51,844
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Siddharth N. Mehta(4) 1999 $ 500,000 $1,000,000 $ 84,000 124,000 -- $ 16,018(2)
Group Executive -- 1998 259,615 700,000 59,188 434,000 -- --
U.S. BankCard 1997 -- -- -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Other Annual Compensation includes items such as financial planning
services, physical exams, club initiation fees, expatriate benefits, and car
allowances. SEC rules require disclosure of the specific type and amount of
compensation when a benefit exceeds 25 percent of the total Other Annual
Compensation for an individual executive officer. That itemization follows:
Car allowances for 1999 were: $15,000 for Mr. Aldinger, and $11,000 for
Messrs. Bangs, Gilmer, Schoenholz and Mehta. Mr. Aldinger: Board policy
expressly directs the Chairman to use our corporate aircraft to the fullest
extent for business and personal travel and that personal aircraft use be
reported on his W-2. Under the IRS formula, his personal use of company
aircraft was calculated to be $68,408 in 1999, $48,170 in 1998, and $84,010
in 1997. In 1997, he received $61,892 for country club initiation fees. Mr.
Bangs: In the early 1990s, Mr. Bangs was on international assignment for HFC
Bank plc in the U.K. and continues to have compensation related to this
expatriate experience. For example, in 1999, Mr. Bangs repaid $129,113 to
Household for an expatriate 1998 tax year equalization settlement. In 1998,
he received $169,272 in compensation related to his U.K. assignment. Of that
amount, $190,474 related to U.K. tax liability; $54,929 related to a tax
gross-up; and he repaid $76,131 to Household for an expatriate 1997 tax year
equalization settlement. In 1997, Mr. Bangs reimbursed the company $133,817
for expatriate tax equalization settlements for tax years 1995 ($99,536) and
1996 ($34,281). Mr. Gilmer: Mr. Gilmer was transferred to the U.K. in 1995
as Managing Director of HFC Bank plc. He returned to the United States in
January, 1998. Included in Other Annual Compensation are tax equalization,
relocation, housing and cost of living payments and adjustments. In 1999,
$49,593 was paid to Mr. Gilmer relating to his tax advances and related
gross-up. He repaid $29,036 to Household for an expatriate 1998 tax
equalization settlement. In 1998, Mr. Gilmer received $276,203 in
compensation relating to his U.K. assignment. Of that amount, $125,166 was
related to U.K. tax liability; $65,956 was related to U.S. tax liability;
and $53,082 was for relocation expenses. In 1997, he received a $74,400
housing allowance; $59,055 cost of living adjustment; $52,004 relocation
payment; and $362,381 tax equalization payments and gross-up. Mr. Mehta:
Pursuant to his hiring agreement, Mr. Mehta received $66,000 on his one-year
anniversary with Household representing the company contribution he would
have received in TRIP had he been eligible to participate during his first
year. Mr. Mehta received $46,477 in relocation expenses in 1998.
15
<PAGE> 19
(2) Includes life insurance premiums paid by Household in 1999 for the benefit
of executives as follows: Mr. Aldinger, $15,104; Mr. Bangs, $16,566; Mr.
Gilmer, $2,459; Mr. Schoenholz, $4,101; and Mr. Mehta, $1,018. The remaining
amounts shown being Household's contribution for the executive officer's
participation in TRIP and Supplemental TRIP (see page 19).
(3) The payments shown for 1999, 1998 and 1997 represent the payouts of a
Special Performance Share Award granted February 1, 1994, to Mr. Schoenholz
(15,750 shares), of which 50% was paid February 1, 1999, 25% on February 2,
1998, and 25% on February 7, 1997, at the $43.44, $42.34 and $32.92
(split-adjusted) per share fair market values of Household Common Stock on
said dates, respectively.
(4) Mr. Mehta joined Household on June 15, 1998. The salary shown in 1998 is for
the period from June 15, 1998, to December 31, 1998. Under the terms of his
employment agreement, Mr. Mehta was guaranteed a bonus of $600,000 for the
1998 calendar year. Upon joining Household, Mr. Mehta received an option to
acquire 300,000 shares of Household Common Stock.
INCENTIVE AND STOCK OPTION PLANS
Household's stockholders previously approved the Household International 1996
Long-Term Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (the "1996 Plan"). The Committee
has discretion to grant employees awards under the 1996 Plan. The Committee may
award stock options, restricted stock rights or common shares as incentive
compensation. Until stockholders approve a new incentive compensation plan, all
incentive awards will be made under the 1996 Plan. The 1996 Plan will terminate
on May 8, 2006. The 1996 Plan allows certain optionees to transfer options
within specific rules and limitations and provides for immediate vesting of all
outstanding awards in the event of a change in control of Household. Approval is
currently sought to increase the maximum number of shares that can be issued
under the 1996 Plan, see page 21.
Under the 1996 Plan, the Committee may grant any type of option to purchase
shares of Household
Common Stock that is legally permitted at the time of grant. Options will
generally not be exercisable less than one year nor more than ten years and one
day from the date of grant. However, the Committee may extend the expiration
date of any option provided it does not exceed fifteen years from the date the
option is granted. The Committee has not extended the expiration date of any
option granted to any of the named executive officers. The option price per
share under each plan will not be less than the fair market value of one share
of Common Stock on the date of grant. Any unissued shares or shares subject to
option grants which expire will be made available for issuance by the Committee
in the future. Shares of Common Stock issued under the 1996 Plan may be
authorized but unissued shares, treasury shares, or shares purchased in the open
market.
Options to acquire Household Common Stock are also outstanding under an
incentive plan adopted by stockholders in 1984 (the "1984 Plan"), and various
option plans assumed by Household in connection with the mergers with Beneficial
Corporation in 1998 and Renaissance Holdings, Inc. in 2000. All options
outstanding under these plans are fully vested. No further awards will be made
under any of these plans. Payment for options under each of the plans may be
made with cash or, at the discretion of the Committee, with shares of Household
Common Stock or both cash and shares.
As of March 16, 2000, options were granted for 7,802,525 shares of Household
Common Stock under the 1996 Plan, while options to acquire 6,206,938 shares were
outstanding under the 1984 Plan and options to purchase 1,963,916 shares were
outstanding under the Beneficial and Renaissance option plans. We have 2,094,304
shares of Household Common Stock available for grant under the 1996 Plan. These
amounts will be proportionately adjusted for any stock dividends, stock splits,
consolidations or reclassifications.
The 1996 Plan authorizes the Committee to grant Restricted Stock Rights
("RSRs"). RSRs entitle an employee to receive shares of Household Common Stock
if the employee satisfies conditions set by the Committee in the award. The most
common condition requires the employee to remain employed by Household for a
period before the actual shares are issued to the employee. The Committee may
accelerate any payment prior to the vesting period for reasons such as achieving
individual or corporate performance levels established when the RSR was granted.
If there is a change in control of Household, all outstanding RSRs vest in full.
A holder of RSRs is not entitled to any of the rights of a holder of Common
Stock until the shares are issued; however, the Committee may direct Household
to pay the holder cash equal to the cash dividends declared on Household Common
Stock for each share of stock subject to an RSR. Since 1995, the only RSRs
granted to Household's executive officers were granted in 1997 in substitution
of Performance Share Awards
16
<PAGE> 20
that were discontinued by the Committee. RSRs were also granted under the 1984
Plan. As of December 31, 1999, 1,725 employees had outstanding RSRs representing
1,978,028 shares under the 1996 Plan and the 1984 Plan.
The average purchase price for all outstanding options held by the 545
participants in the 1984, 1996, ACC Consumer Finance Corporation and Beneficial
Plans at December 31, 1999, was $26.30 with expiration dates from 2000 to 2009.
The following table shows option exercises by the named executives in 1999 and
their gain ("value realized"), which is the market value on the exercise date
less the price of the option when it was granted. It also shows the number of
options that have not been exercised and their potential value using the fair
market value on December 31, 1999.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING IN-THE-MONEY
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT OPTIONS AT
DECEMBER 31, 1999 DECEMBER 31, 1999(1)
SHARES VALUE --------------------------- ---------------------------
NAME EXERCISED REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- --------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William F. Aldinger 0 $ 0 2,107,250 1,153,750 $34,779,634 $ 718,753
Lawrence N. Bangs 24,000 709,500 356,000 307,000 4,311,721 175,782
Gary D. Gilmer 0 0 224,750 273,250 2,745,157 103,594
David A. Schoenholz 0 0 350,843 307,000 4,363,534 175,782
Siddharth N. Mehta 0 0 108,500 449,500 10,469 31,406
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Calculated based on the fair market value of Household Common Stock on
December 31, 1999 ($37.00 per share).
Executives who report to the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may receive
assistance in exercising stock options awarded under the 1984 and 1996 Plans.
Executives in Career Bands S and D may also receive assistance to settle their
tax consequences upon vesting of RSRs under the 1984 and 1996 Plans. The
Committee may direct the company to lend funds or guarantee loans that will be
used to pay the exercise price for an option or tax consequences upon RSR
issuances. Loans have a maximum term of eight years. Loans extended under the
Plans bear interest at a variable rate that is adjusted each year to equal the
greater of the average annual rate for three-year U.S. Treasury notes for the
preceding calendar year (5.53 percent for 1999), and the applicable rate in
effect under Section 1274(d) of the Internal Revenue Code ("Code") at the time
the loan is made (currently 6.80 percent for loans made in March, 2000).
The following lists the unpaid principal balances for executive officers with
loans outstanding under the Plans during 1999 and for all executive officers as
a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE AS OF MAXIMUM BALANCE
NAME DECEMBER 31, 1999 DURING 1999
---- ----------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
William F. Aldinger $2,847,880 $2,898,971
Lawrence N. Bangs 1,498,016 1,577,607
Gary D. Gilmer 536,854 568,342
David A. Schoenholz 1,636,574 1,706,274
All Executive Officers as a Group(1) $7,647,427 $7,924,904
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The balance as of December 31, 1999 and the maximum balance during 1999
represent loans to six persons.
The following table shows the number of stock options granted in 1999 to the
named executives, the percentage each award is of the total granted to employees
in 1999, the per share exercise or base price and the expiration date. The table
also presents the potential realizable value for each grant and the resulting
benefit to all Household Common Stock shareholders if the assumed appreciation
in stock price occurs. The presentation of stock options in the table below is
required by SEC rules and is not intended to forecast possible future
appreciation, if any, of the Common Stock price.
17
<PAGE> 21
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS(1) POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
---------------------------------------------------- VALUE AT ASSUMED
NUMBER % OF TOTAL ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
OF SHARES OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO OR BASE OPTION TERM
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES PRICE EXPIRATION ---------------------------------
NAME GRANTED IN FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE) DATE 5% 10%
---- ---------- -------------- --------- ---------- -- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
All Common Shareholders(2) n/a n/a n/a $13,352,364,838 $33,837,514,060
All Employee Optionees(3) 2,215,500 100% $ 45.375 11/08/09 63,221,716 160,216,240
Optionee Gain as % of All Common
Shareholders Gain n/a n/a n/a n/a .05% .05%
William F. Aldinger 460,000 20.8 $ 45.375 11/08/09 13,126,603 33,265,390
Lawrence N. Bangs 124,000 5.6 $ 45.375 11/08/09 3,538,476 8,967,192
Gary D. Gilmer 124,000 5.6 $ 45.375 11/08/09 3,538,476 8,967,192
David A. Schoenholz 124,000 5.6 $ 45.375 11/08/09 3,538,476 8,967,192
Siddharth N. Mehta 124,000 5.6 $ 45.375 11/08/09 3,538,476 8,967,192
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Options to employees generally vest (can be exercised) as follows: 25% at
each anniversary after the grant date with full vesting on the fourth
anniversary. The 1984 and 1996 Plans allow the Committee to modify terms of
outstanding options and to reprice the options. No options have ever been
repriced by Household.
The option holder may use shares already held to purchase the option shares
or to pay withholding taxes. The options were granted for a term of ten
years and one day, subject to earlier termination or certain events related
to termination of employment.
(2) The "All Common Shareholders" line is shown for comparison purposes only.
The Potential Realizable Value to all common shareholders is the aggregate
net gain for all common shareholders using the fair market price of $45.375
on the November 8, 1999, option grant date. Potential appreciation is
calculated using assumed annual rates of 5% and 10% for a ten-year period.
There can be no assurance that the Common Stock will perform at the rates
shown in the table. Household will neither make nor endorse any predictions
as to future stock performance.
(3) The option price shown for the "All Employee Optionees" line is $45.375 (the
fair market value option price as determined on the grant date of November
8, 1999). This option exercise price of $45.375 is shown as it reflects
approximately 81% of all employee options granted in 1999. The assumed
expiration date for the "All Employee Optionees" line is November 8, 2009.
As described on page 8, on November 8, 1999, each independent Director
received an option to purchase 8,000 shares of Household Common Stock. These
options are not included in the information provided on the "All Employee
Optionees" line.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Executive officers have employment contracts approved by the Committee. The
initial term of each contract is 18 months, renewed daily, unless we choose not
to renew the contract. During the contract term, each executive officer receives
a minimum specified annual salary (which may be increased but not decreased), is
entitled to receive benefits from our executive bonus and incentive plans,
employee retirement plans, and medical, disability and life insurance plans. We
may terminate any contract for cause. An executive may terminate a contract if
his or her compensation is reduced, there is a substantial reduction in
responsibilities or the executive is given notice of non-renewal. With the
exception of Mr. Aldinger, if a contract is terminated, the executive receives a
lump sum payment, which approximates 150% of the executive's salary and bonus as
well as health coverage at Household's expense for up to 18 months. In the case
of Mr. Aldinger, the lump sum payment will approximate 200% of his salary and
bonus. Mr. Aldinger will also be entitled to life, health and disability
coverage, as well as automobile and financial counseling allowances, for up to
two years.
Under such contracts, an executive whose position is adversely influenced
following a change in control of Household is entitled to receive a lump sum
severance payment equal to or approximating 300% of the executive's salary and
bonus. In addition, the executive
18
<PAGE> 22
will receive three additional years' benefits under Household's retirement
plans, as well as three additional years' health, life and disability insurance
coverage, and automobile and financial counseling allowances. Except in the case
of Mr. Aldinger and during a limited 60 day period following a change in control
during which an executive may voluntarily resign for any reason and receive
severance payments, no executive will receive the additional severance payment
following a change in control of Household unless the executive loses his or her
job or resigns after experiencing certain adverse changes in compensation or job
conditions. Mr. Aldinger is entitled to resign for any reason within 36 months
after a change in control and receive all payments under the contract following
a change in control.
Each terminated executive will also receive pro rata vesting in stock options
and restricted stock to the extent not already vested but Mr. Aldinger will
become 100% vested as will all executives in the case of a change in control.
Severance payments considered "excess parachute payments" by Section 280G(b)
of the Code are subject to federal excise tax. We will pay the executive an
additional amount equal to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code
plus income tax payable with respect to the payment of such excise tax amount.
Executive officers and Directors of Household have been, or may become,
customers of, or had transactions with, Household's subsidiaries. Such
transactions, which include credit cards loans, are made by our subsidiaries in
the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including
interest rate and collateral, as those for comparable transactions with other
persons and do not involve more than normal risk of loss or other unfavorable
consequences.
SAVINGS-STOCK OWNERSHIP AND PENSION PLANS
Household established its Tax Reduction Investment Plan ("TRIP"), which is a
deferred profit-sharing and savings plan for our eligible employees. TRIP also
qualifies as an employee stock ownership plan. With certain exceptions, an
employee at least 21 years of age with one year of service (three years of
service if under age 21) and not part of a collective bargaining unit may
contribute into TRIP, on a pre-tax and after-tax basis, up to 15% of the
participant's cash compensation (subject to a maximum annual pre-tax
contribution by a participant of $10,500, as adjusted for cost of living
increases, and certain other limitations imposed by the Code) and invest such
contributions in Household Common Stock or separate equity or income funds.
We make a 3% of compensation contribution on behalf of each participant who
contributes 1% and we match any additional participant contributions up to 4% of
compensation but the matching contributions will not exceed 6% of a
participant's compensation if the participant contributes 4% of compensation.
Our matching contributions are invested in Household Common Stock. The plan
provides for immediate vesting of all contributions. With certain exceptions, a
participant's after-tax contributions which have not been matched by us can be
withdrawn at any time. Both our matching contributions made prior to 1999 and
the participant's after-tax contributions may be withdrawn after five years of
participation in the plan. A participant's pre-tax contributions and our
matching contributions after 1998 may not be withdrawn except for an immediate
financial hardship, upon termination of employment, or after attaining age 59
1/2. Participants may borrow from their TRIP accounts under certain
circumstances.
Household has also established the Supplemental Tax Reduction Investment Plan
("Supplemental TRIP") and the Excess Benefit Plan ("Excess Plan"), which are
unfunded plans for eligible employees of Household and its participating
subsidiaries whose participation in TRIP is limited by the Code. Only matching
contributions required to be made by Household pursuant to the basic TRIP
formula are invested in Supplemental TRIP through a credit to a bookkeeping
account maintained by us which deems such contributions to be invested in Common
Stock share equivalents.
The Household Retirement Income Plan ("RIP") is a non-contributory, defined
benefit pension plan for employees of Household and its U.S. subsidiaries who
are at least 21 years of age with one year of service and not part of a
collective bargaining unit. Annual pension benefits equal a percentage of an
employee's "Final Average Salary" (as defined below) not in excess of "Covered
Compensation" (as defined below) plus a percentage of an employee's Final
Average Salary that exceeds Covered Compensation. "Covered Compensation" is the
average of the Social Security taxable wage base over the 35-year period ending
in the year of retirement or earlier termination of employment. "Final Average
Salary" equals the average of salary plus bonus, whether paid in cash or stock,
for the four successive highest paid years out of the employee's last 10 years
of service. The percentage applied to Final Average Salary and Covered
Compensation is determined on the basis of years of employment and age at
retirement. This percentage increases as years of em-
19
<PAGE> 23
ployment and age at retirement increase. Participants become fully vested in
their accrued pension benefits after three years of vesting service. Payment of
vested pension benefits normally begins at age 65, but an early retirement
benefit at reduced levels may be paid if a participant is at least 55 years of
age with 10 years of employment or, if the participant was an employee on
December 31, 1989, is at least 50 years of age with 15 years of employment.
Effective January 1, 2000, RIP was amended to provide an account-based formula
instead of the traditional defined benefit formula described above for any
employees hired after 1999. The account-based formula provides a benefit based
upon a percentage of compensation for each year of service and an assumed rate
of return. The contribution percentage is 2% and the assumed rate of return is
tied to the ten-year treasury rate.
In 1997, the Board adopted a Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan for Mr.
Aldinger because he would not otherwise qualify for a full benefit due to his
age when he joined Household. The Plan was subsequently amended and now entitles
Mr. Aldinger to a pro rated age-60 pension if prior to the date he obtains age
60 he dies, becomes disabled or terminates employment under certain
circumstances unrelated to a change in control of Household. In the event of a
change in control prior to age 60, Mr. Aldinger will receive a full age-60
benefit. The age-60 pension benefit for Mr. Aldinger is a monthly single life
annuity benefit with an annual amount equal to 50% of his average annual
compensation offset by the equivalent monthly single life annuity benefit which
he would be eligible to receive under RIP and Supplemental RIP. If Mr. Aldinger
terminates employment after he attains age 65, then the benefit described above
will be based on 55% of his average annual compensation, rather than 50% as
described above.
TRIP and RIP may be made available to members of a collective bargaining unit
if inclusion results from good faith bargaining.
A portion of the benefits payable under RIP to certain executive officers
(including those named in the Summary Compensation Table) may be paid by
Household through the Supplemental Retirement Income Plan ("Supplemental RIP").
Supplemental RIP was established due to the limitations imposed on the
Retirement Plan by federal laws limiting benefits payable under tax-qualified
plans. Payments made by Household under Supplemental RIP to certain officers
have been deposited by such officers in trusts they created.
The following table illustrates the amount of RIP (including Supplemental RIP
and any related trust) total annual pension benefits on a straight-life annuity
basis for eligible employees retiring at age 65 who were employed before 1990.
If the employee was hired after 1989 and does not have at least 30 years of
employment at retirement, his benefit will be reduced for each year less than
30. The amounts in this table are not subject to deduction for Social Security
or other offset amounts and do not reflect any limitations on benefits imposed
by ERISA or federal tax laws.
The years of employment of Messrs. Aldinger, Bangs, Gilmer, Schoenholz and
Mehta for purposes of RIP are, respectively, 5 years, 40 years, 28 years, 15
years and 1 year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE ANNUAL
COMPENSATION 40 OR
USED AS BASIS 15 TO 30 35 YEARS MORE YEARS
FOR COMPUTING PENSION YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT OF EMPLOYMENT OF EMPLOYMENT
- --------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$1,000,000 $ 567,894 $ 592,894 $ 617,894
$1,500,000 $ 852,894 $ 890,394 $ 927,894
$2,000,000 $1,137,894 $1,187,894 $1,237,894
$2,500,000 $1,422,894 $1,485,394 $1,547,894
$3,000,000 $1,707,894 $1,782,894 $1,857,894
$3,500,000 $1,992,894 $2,080,394 $2,167,894
$4,000,000 $2,277,894 $2,377,894 $2,477,894
</TABLE>
20
<PAGE> 24
ITEM (2): AUTHORIZE AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCE UNDER THE HOUSEHOLD INTERNATIONAL 1996 LONG-TERM
EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
As required by the 1996 Plan, Household seeks stockholder approval to amend
the 1996 Plan to increase the maximum number of shares of Household Common Stock
that can be issued under the 1996 Plan by 12,000,000 shares. The proposed
amendment to the 1996 Plan was approved by Household's Board of Directors upon
recommendation of the Compensation Committee. If approved by the stockholders,
this amendment shall become effective immediately. To approve this amendment,
the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Household stock represented at the Annual Meeting (if a quorum is present) is
required.
The 1996 Plan currently provides that the maximum number of shares of
Household Common Stock that may be issued under the 1996 Plan is 11,796,182. As
of March 16, 2000, the Compensation Committee has granted options or RSRs which
have been vested, exercised or are outstanding pursuant to the 1996 Plan for a
total of 9,701,878 shares. The Board of Directors believes that the number of
shares remaining available for issuance under the 1996 Plan should be increased
in order to enable the 1996 Plan to serve its designated purpose. Accordingly,
the Board of Directors has reserved an additional 12,000,000 shares of Common
Stock for issuance under the 1996 Plan, subject to stockholder approval. These
shares may consist of authorized but unissued shares, treasury shares or shares
purchased on the open market. Any unused shares, or shares that are subject to
options granted under the 1996 Plan but are not exercised, will be carried
forward for awards in future years. All shares of Common Stock subject to awards
or covered by outstanding awards under the 1996 Plan will be proportionately
adjusted for any future stock splits or consolidations.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE
NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCE UNDER THE HOUSEHOLD
INTERNATIONAL 1996 LONG-TERM EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN.
ITEM (3): RATIFICATION OF AUDITORS
The Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Audit Committee, voted to
appoint Arthur Andersen LLP to serve as the independent public accountants for
the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000. Although it is not required to do so,
the Board is asking for your approval of this appointment. If the selection is
not ratified, the Board of Directors will reconsider the appointment. A
representative of Arthur Andersen LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting to
speak to stockholders and answer their questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF ARTHUR
ANDERSEN LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR HOUSEHOLD FOR 2000.
OTHER BUSINESS
The management of Household knows of no business which will be presented for
action at the Annual Meeting other than that stated in this Proxy Statement. If,
however, other business should properly come before the meeting, the
proxyholders will vote or refrain from voting in respect thereof in accordance
with their best judgment.
The 1999 Annual Report is being mailed to stockholders on or about March 30,
2000, with this proxy material. If for any reason you did not receive a copy of
the report, another will be sent upon request.
HOUSEHOLD WILL PROVIDE ANY HOUSEHOLD STOCKHOLDER A COPY OF HOUSEHOLD'S REPORT
ON FORM 10-K FOR ITS MOST RECENT FISCAL YEAR AT NO COST. HOUSEHOLD IS REQUIRED
TO FILE THIS 10-K REPORT WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. WRITTEN
REQUESTS FOR THE REPORT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT, HOUSEHOLD INTERNATIONAL, INC., 2700 SANDERS ROAD, PROSPECT HEIGHTS,
ILLINOIS 60070.
21
<PAGE> 25
[HOUSEHOLD LOGO]
PROXY/VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD FOR 2000 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
HOUSEHOLD INTERNATIONAL, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints K.H. Robin, M.J. Evans and J.W. Blenke, and
each of them, true and lawful proxies, with power of substitution, to vote all
shares of Common Stock and/or Preferred Stock of the undersigned, at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders of Household International, Inc., to be held May 9,
2000, and at any adjournment thereof, on any business that may properly come
before the meeting, including the proposals set forth on the reverse side of
this card, which are referred to in the Notice of 2000 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and Proxy Statement provided to you.
IMPORTANT-- THIS PROXY MUST BE SIGNED AND DATED ON THE REVERSE SIDE.
................................................................................
[A MAP]
- Household International, Inc.
Annual Meeting
May 9, 2000
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.
Household Credit Services
1111 Town Center Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89144
DIRECTIONS
Stockholders attending the meeting who will be using I-215 West should follow
signs to I-15 North, to US 95 North (Reno), to Summerlin Parkway, then to Town
Center Drive exit (approx. 2 miles), making a left onto Town Center Drive.
Household's facility is located at the corner of Covington Cross and Town Center
Drive, approximately 20 miles northwest of McCarran Airport.
Parking facilities will be available for all those attending, and
refreshments will be served beginning at 8:30 a.m.
<PAGE> 26
HOUSEHOLD INTERNATIONAL
PLEASE MARK VOTE IN OVAL IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY. [X]
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[ ]
A VOTE FOR ITEMS 1, 2 AND 3 IS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. SHARES WILL BE SO VOTED UNLESS YOU OTHERWISE INDICATE.
For Withheld For All
1. Election of Directors All All Except 2. Approve the amendment to the Household For Against Abstain
Nominees: 01-W.F. Aldinger, [ ] [ ] [ ] 1996 Long-Term Executive Incentive [ ] [ ] [ ]
02-R.J. Darnall, 03-G.G. Dillon, 04-J.A. Compensation Plan to increase the number
Edwardson, 05-M.J. Evans, 06-J.D. Fishburn, of shares available for issuance under the plan.
07-C.F. Freidheim, Jr., 08-J.H. Gilliam, Jr.,
09-L.E. Levy, 10-G.A. Lorch, 11-J.D. Nichols, 3. Ratification of appointment of Arthur [ ] [ ] [ ]
2-J.B. Pitblado, 13-S.J. Stewart, 14-L.W. Sullivan. Andersen LLP as independent public
accountants.
(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote
for any individual nominee, check the "For
All Except" box above and strike a line
through the nominee's name listed above.)
Date:
------------------------------------------
Please
Sign:
------------------------------------------
Please
Sign:
------------------------------------------
NOTE: PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME APPEARS
HEREON. FOR JOINT ACCOUNTS BOTH OWNERS
SHOULD SIGN. WHEN SIGNING AS EXECUTOR,
ADMINISTRATOR, ATTORNEY, TRUSTEE OR
GUARDIAN, ETC., PLEASE SIGN YOUR FULL
TITLE.
....................................................................................................................................
DETACH PROXY CARD HERE
</TABLE>
CONTROL NUMBER
NOW YOU CAN VOTE YOUR SHARES BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET!
Whether or not you are able to attend our 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders,
it is important your shares be represented, no matter how many shares you own.
This year if voting by proxy, you may vote by mail, telephone or Internet. Your
telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in
the same manner as if you marked, signed, and returned your proxy card. To vote
by mail, complete and sign the proxy provided above, detach it at the
perforation and mail it in the enclosed postage paid envelope. To vote by
telephone or Internet, follow these easy steps:
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TO VOTE BY PHONE Call toll free 1-888-698-8089 in the United States or
Canada any time on a touch tone telephone. There is NO
CHARGE to you for the call.
Enter the 6-digit CONTROL NUMBER located above.
Option #1: To vote as the Board of Directors recommends
on ALL proposals: Press 1
When asked, please confirm your vote by
pressing 1
Option #2: If you choose to vote on each proposal
separately, press 0 and follow the simple
recorded instructions.
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TO VOTE BY INTERNET Go to the following website:
WWW.HARRISBANK.COM/WPROXY
Enter the information requested on your computer screen,
including your 6-digit CONTROL NUMBER located above.
Follow the simple instructions on the screen.
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IF YOU VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET, DO NOT MAIL BACK THE PROXY CARD.
Your vote will be kept permanently confidential as described in the enclosed
Proxy Statement.
In order to reduce the number of duplicate mailings of proxy materials,
Household has consolidated on a single proxy/voting instruction card all of your
holdings in Household Common Stock registered under the identical name and tax
identification number, including ownership that may be attributed to Household's
Dividend Reinvestment & Common Stock Purchase Plan, our Employee Stock Purchase
Plan, our 401(k) employee benefit plan, the Tax Reduction Investment Plan
("TRIP"), our matching contribution plan for Canadian employees, the Match and
Save Plan, the Beneficial Employees Stock Purchase Plan and the Beneficial Key
Employees Stock Bonus Plan. The proxy also provides voting instructions for
shares of Household Common Stock held in TRIP as disclosed in the Proxy
Statement.
Thank you for voting!
