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Filed pursuant to rule 424(b)(2)
Registration No. 333-93023
PROSPECTUS
Logo of Kmart
KMART STOCK DIRECT
A Direct Purchase Program For Kmart Common Stock
Kmart Corporation is pleased to offer you the opportunity to participate in
Kmart Stock Direct, a convenient and low cost stock purchase program available
for new investors to make an initial purchase, and for existing investors to
increase their holdings, of Kmart common stock.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
. Invest in Kmart common stock through a convenient, low-cost method
. Build your investment over time, starting with as little as $250 for new
investors -- $50 for existing investors
. Invest in shares either directly through the Internet or by check, money
order or bank draft
. Authorize automatic monthly investments from your checking account
. Invest up to $100,000 per year
. Elect to have future dividends, if any, automatically reinvested (no
dividends have been paid on the common stock since December 1995)
This prospectus relates to shares of Kmart common stock, par value $1.00 per
share, to be offered for purchase under Kmart Stock Direct.
Please read this prospectus carefully and keep it and any future investment
statements for future reference. If you are already a registered Kmart
stockholder and have any questions about Kmart Stock Direct, please call
EquiServe, L.P., the Program Administrator, toll free at 1-800-336-6981. If you
are not currently a registered Kmart stockholder and would like to receive
Program materials, please call toll free at 1-800-947-8019. Calls may be placed
to EquiServe 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customer service
representatives are available between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.
Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
The shares of Kmart common stock being offered are not insured or protected
by any governmental agency, and involve investment risk, including the possible
gain or loss of principal.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED UNDER THIS
PROSPECTUS OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR ADEQUATE. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
This prospectus is not an offer to sell securities and it is not soliciting
an offer to buy securities in any state or country where the offer or sale is
not permitted. To the extent required by applicable law in certain
jurisdictions, shares offered through Kmart Stock Direct are offered only
through a registered broker-dealer in those jurisdictions.
The date of this Prospectus is January 11, 2000.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PAGE
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The Company.............................................................. 1
Forward-Looking Statements............................................... 1
Information About Kmart Stock Direct..................................... 1
1.What is Kmart Stock Direct? ........................................... 1
2.What options are available under the Program? ......................... 2
3.Who is eligible to participate in Kmart Stock Direct? ................. 2
4.Can non-U.S. citizens participate in Kmart Stock Direct? .............. 2
5.How does a Kmart stockholder enroll in Kmart Stock Direct? ............ 2
6.I already own shares, but they are held by my bank or broker and
registered in "street name."............................................ 2
How can I participate in the Program? ................................... 2
7.I am not currently a Kmart stockholder. How do I enroll in the Program?
........................................................................ 2
8.Are there fees associated with participation?.......................... 3
9.What if the Company should commence paying dividends in the future? ... 3
10.How do I make an additional investment in Kmart common stock?......... 4
11.What are the minimum and maximum investment amounts?.................. 4
12.What transactions can I conduct through StockPower's online
services?............................................................... 5
13.When will shares be purchased under the Program?...................... 5
14.At what price will shares be purchased?............................... 6
15.Will fractional shares be purchased?.................................. 6
16.How are investments with "insufficient funds" handled?................ 6
17.Will interest be paid on Kmart Stock Direct accounts?................. 6
18.What is the source of Kmart common stock purchased through the
Program?................................................................ 6
19.Who will hold the shares purchased through Kmart Stock Direct?........ 6
20.How can I obtain a stock certificate?................................. 6
21.May I add my certificate shares of Kmart common stock to my Program
account for safekeeping?................................................ 7
22.How may I sell shares I hold through the Program?..................... 7
23.Can I transfer shares that I hold in the Program to someone else?..... 7
24.I've just moved. How can I request a change of address or update other
personal data?.......................................................... 7
25.How may I modify or close my Kmart Stock Direct account?.............. 8
26.Who administers Kmart Stock Direct? How do I contact them?............ 8
27.What reports will I receive?.......................................... 8
28.What if Kmart issues a stock dividend or declares a stock split or
rights offering?........................................................ 9
29.How do I vote my Kmart Stock Direct shares at stockholders'
meetings?............................................................... 9
30.Can the Program be changed or terminated?............................. 9
31. What are the responsibilities of Kmart, EquiServe and StockPower
under Kmart Stock Direct?............................................ 9
32.What are the federal income tax consequences of participating in the
Program?................................................................ 10
33.Where You Can Find More Information................................... 10
34.Incorporation of Information Kmart Files with the SEC................. 11
35.Use of Proceeds....................................................... 11
36.Legal Opinions........................................................ 11
37.Experts............................................................... 11
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THE COMPANY
With over 2,100 Kmart stores and sales of $33.7 billion in 1998, Kmart
Corporation is the nation's second largest discount retailer and one of the
world's largest general merchandise retailer. Kmart's retail stores are located
in each of the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam
and in 311 of the 316 Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the United States.
Stores are generally one-floor, free-standing units ranging in size from 40,000
to 180,000 square feet.
In 1995, Kmart began converting its traditional stores to feature a new,
high-frequency format. In April 1997, this design was renamed Big Kmart. Big
Kmart offers customers an increased mix of frequently-purchased, everyday
basics, along with a variety of consumables in a "Kmart Pantry" area located
near the front of each store. A total of 1,828 traditional Kmart stores had
been converted to the Big Kmart format as of October 27, 1999. Including new
stores built in the Big Kmart format, it is expected that approximately 1,860
stores will be in the Big Kmart format by the end of fiscal 1999.
Kmart's supercenter operations, Super Kmart Centers, combine a full grocery
assortment, including fresh and frozen food, bakery, meats and other items,
with a broad selection of the general merchandise found at Big Kmart and
traditional Kmart stores. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the 105 Super
Kmart Centers are the third largest supercenter operation in the nation.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Statements, other than those based on historical facts, which address
activities, events or developments that Kmart expects or anticipates may occur
in the future are forward-looking statements which are based upon a number of
assumptions concerning future conditions that may ultimately prove to be
inaccurate. Actual events and results may materially differ from anticipated
results described in such statements. Kmart's ability to achieve such results
is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to,
economic and weather conditions which affect buying patterns of Kmart's
customers, changes in consumer spending and Kmart's ability to anticipate
buying patterns and implement appropriate inventory strategies, continued
availability of capital and financing, competitive factors and other factors
affecting business beyond Kmart's control. Consequently, all of the forward-
looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can
be no assurance that the results or developments anticipated by Kmart will be
realized or that they will have the expected effects on Kmart or its business
or operations.
INFORMATION ABOUT KMART STOCK DIRECT
The following questions and answers explain and set forth the terms of Kmart
Stock Direct.
1. WHAT IS KMART STOCK DIRECT?
Kmart Stock Direct is a convenient and low cost stock purchase program
available to new investors to make an initial purchase, and to existing
stockholders to increase their holdings, of Kmart common stock. Participants in
the Program may elect to make optional cash investments and/or to have future
dividends, if any, automatically reinvested in Kmart common stock. (No
dividends have been paid on the common stock since December 1995--see Question
9 for additional information.)
Participation in Kmart Stock Direct is entirely voluntary, and no advice is
given regarding your decision to join the Program. However, if you decide to
participate, an enrollment form and reply envelope are enclosed for your
convenience. Enrollment forms are also available, and may be completed online
through services provided by StockPower Inc., an independent online investor
services company. You can access these services through the About Kmart section
of www.bluelight.com, or through StockPower's web site, www.stockpower.com.
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2.WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE UNDER THE PROGRAM?
Kmart Stock Direct allows participants to:
. Make initial investments in Kmart common stock through the Program;
. Make additional cash investments in Kmart common stock, including the
option of making automatic monthly purchases through authorized
deductions from a designated checking account or making online purchases
through services provided by StockPower; and
. Have future common stock dividends, if any, automatically reinvested in
additional shares of Kmart common stock. (No dividends have been paid on
the common stock since December 1995--see Question 9 for additional
information.)
Please refer to Question 8 for details on fees to be paid by participants and
to Question 10 for further information regarding the methods of making
additional cash investments.
3. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN KMART STOCK DIRECT?
All U.S. citizens are eligible to participate in Kmart Stock Direct, whether
or not they are currently stockholders of Kmart.
4. CAN NON-U.S. CITIZENS PARTICIPATE IN KMART STOCK DIRECT?
Yes. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can participate in Kmart Stock
Direct, provided there are no laws or governmental regulations that would
prohibit participation or that would affect the terms of the Program. Kmart
reserves the right to prohibit or terminate participation of any stockholder if
it deems it advisable under any applicable laws or regulations. All Program
funds must be in U.S. funds and drawn on a U.S. bank. If you are outside the
U.S., contact your bank to verify that it can provide you with a check that
clears through a U.S. bank and can print the dollar amount in U.S. funds. Due
to the longer clearance period, checks clearing through non-U.S. banks are not
accepted. Also, third party checks are not accepted. Please contact your local
bank for details on how to make the transaction.
5. HOW DOES A KMART STOCKHOLDER ENROLL IN KMART STOCK DIRECT?
If you are already a Kmart stockholder of record (that is, if you own shares
that are registered in your name, not your bank's or broker's) and have
received this Prospectus, you are immediately qualified to participate in the
Program.
6. I ALREADY OWN SHARES, BUT THEY ARE HELD BY MY BANK OR BROKER AND REGISTERED
IN "STREET NAME." HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?
If your shares of Kmart common stock are registered in the name of a bank,
broker or other nominee, you have two alternatives to participate. You may
arrange for that bank, broker or nominee to register at least one share
directly in your name in order to be eligible to participate. As an
alternative, you may also enroll in the Program in the same manner as someone
who is not currently a Kmart stockholder, as described under Question 7.
7. I AM NOT CURRENTLY A KMART STOCKHOLDER. HOW DO I ENROLL IN THE PROGRAM?
If you do not currently own any Kmart common stock and you wish to become a
stockholder and a participant in Kmart Stock Direct, you may enroll in the
Program by completing an enrollment form and sending with it an initial
investment amount of at least $250 and no more than $100,000. Initial cash
investments can be made by check, money order or bank draft made payable to
EquiServe and sent to EquiServe, as the Program Administrator, at the address
listed on the enrollment form. All money must be in U.S. funds and drawn on a
U.S. bank. If you are outside the U.S., contact your bank to verify that it can
provide you with a check that clears through a U.S. bank and can print the
dollar amount in U.S. funds. Due to the longer clearance period, checks
clearing through non-U.S. banks are not accepted. Also, third party checks
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are not accepted. A fee of $5 will be deducted from your initial investment, as
well as your proportionate share of brokerage commissions on the transaction
(historically, about $0.05 per share on purchase transactions). See Question 8
for a summary of the fees associated with the Program.
You may also join Kmart Stock Direct online through services provided by
StockPower (visit the About Kmart section of www.bluelight.com or
www.stockpower.com) and authorize the deduction of your initial investment from
your bank account online. As above, a fee of $5 will be deducted from your
initial investment, as well as your proportionate share of brokerage
commissions on the transaction (historically, about $0.05 per share on purchase
transactions). See Question 12 for information regarding StockPower.
8. ARE THERE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATION?
The Program Administrator will deduct a service charge for each transaction
made by you, whether the transaction is your initial investment, an additional
investment or a sale of shares held through Kmart Stock Direct. (See Question 7
regarding initial investment fees.) For an additional investment, the fee is $5
per transaction or $2 if the purchase is made via an automatic monthly
withdrawal from your bank account. In addition, you will be charged your
proportionate share of brokerage commissions on each purchase transaction
(historically, about $0.05 per share).
If you request a sale of some or all of your shares held in the Program, you
will be charged a service charge of $10 per transaction, plus your
proportionate share of brokerage commissions on the transaction (historically,
about $0.12 per share on sale transactions).
The fees associated with participation in the Program are summarized in the
following chart:
COSTS TO THE PARTICIPANT
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BROKERAGE
ONE TIME FEE TRANSACTION FEE COMMISSION
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Initial $5 deducted directly from
Investment Fee initial investment None Historically, about
for See Question 7 $0.05 per share
First-time Investors for more information
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$5 per transaction
Additional Investments None ($2 per transaction if Historically, about
automatic monthly bank account $0.05 per share
withdrawal)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales None $10 per transaction Historically, about
$0.12 per share
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Insufficient Funds $25 None None
See Question 16 for
more information
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9. WHAT IF THE COMPANY SHOULD COMMENCE PAYING DIVIDENDS IN THE FUTURE?
Kmart has not paid dividends on its common stock since December 1995. The
payment of future dividends is subject to the discretion of Kmart's Board of
Directors, the financial condition of Kmart and other factors. If dividends on
Kmart common stock were reinstituted at any time in the future, you could elect
to either receive such dividends in cash or to reinvest them in the purchase of
additional shares. The options available to you would be as follows:
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. Full Dividend Reinvestment. If you select this option, the Program
Administrator would apply cash dividends on all of your Kmart common stock
toward the purchase of additional shares of Kmart common stock.
. Partial Dividend Reinvestment. If you select this option, the Program
Administrator would apply the cash dividends on the specified shares of
Kmart common stock toward the purchase of additional shares. You would
continue to be paid cash dividends on the remaining shares of Kmart common
stock then owned by you.
. No Dividend Reinvestment. If you select this option, cash dividends would
not be reinvested. Instead, you would receive a check for cash dividends
on all of your Kmart common stock.
You may change your election at any time by either completing and submitting
a new enrollment form by mail or online, or by contacting EquiServe, the
Program Administrator, directly at 1-800-336-6981. See Question 25 for further
information about changing your dividend reinvestment option.
10. HOW DO I MAKE AN ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT IN KMART COMMON STOCK?
You may make additional investments in Kmart common stock by choosing among
the following three options:
. Check. You may send EquiServe, the Program Administrator, a check, money
order or bank draft made payable to EquiServe in U.S. dollars and drawn on
a U.S. bank. If you are outside the U.S., contact your bank to verify that
it can provide you with a check that clears through a U.S. bank and can
print the dollar amount in U.S. funds. Due to the longer clearance period,
checks clearing through non-U.S. banks are not accepted. Third party
checks are also not accepted. All checks, money orders and bank drafts
should be sent to EquiServe at the address listed on the additional
investment tear-off form attached to each statement you receive, or, if
making an initial investment, with the enrollment form.
. Automatic Withdrawal from Bank Account. As an alternative to sending checks,
you may elect to have funds automatically withdrawn every month from your
checking account at a qualified financial institution. You may elect this
option by simply completing and signing the automatic monthly investment
form, providing the necessary information, together with a voided blank
check or checking account deposit slip, and designating the amount,
account number and U.S. bank routing number from which the funds are to be
withdrawn each month. Automatic investment forms are available from
EquiServe and are available online through services provided by
StockPower. You may change the amount of funds to be withdrawn or
terminate an automatic monthly investment of funds by either calling
EquiServe directly at 1-800-336-6981 or by completing and submitting to
EquiServe a new automatic investment form. To be effective, the automatic
investment form must be received by EquiServe before the last business day
of the prior month. Also, you can cancel any purchase scheduled to be made
by automatic investment, provided the request is received by EquiServe at
least seven business days prior to the date of the scheduled withdrawal.
See Question 13 for information regarding investment dates.
. Online. You may make investments online through services provided by
StockPower, which may be accessed through the About Kmart section of
www.bluelight.com, as well as via the StockPower web site,
www.stockpower.com. In order to invest in shares online through
StockPower, you must authorize online the withdrawal of funds from your
bank account.
11. WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM INVESTMENT AMOUNTS?
If you are a registered Kmart stockholder, your investments in Kmart common
stock must be for a minimum of $50 and may not exceed $100,000 per calendar
year. Whether participating through use of a personal check, traveler's check,
money order or bank draft, or through the automatic investment feature, the $50
minimum and $100,000 annual investment maximum apply. If you are not a
registered stockholder and are a first-time investor in Kmart Stock Direct,
your initial investment must be for at least $250 and cannot exceed the
$100,000 annual investment maximum. All amounts must be in U.S. dollars and
drawn on a U.S. bank. If you are outside the U.S., contact your bank to verify
that it can provide you with a check that clears through a U.S. bank and can
print the dollar amount in U.S. funds. Due to the longer clearance period,
checks clearing through non-U.S. banks are not accepted. Third party checks are
also not accepted.
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12. WHAT TRANSACTIONS CAN I CONDUCT THROUGH STOCKPOWER'S ONLINE SERVICES?
StockPower Inc., an independent company, offers investors a convenient way
to invest in Kmart common stock completely online, without having to send in
any forms or checks by mail. Through StockPower, you may:
.Eliminate the time required to receive an enrollment form through the mail
.Elect to purchase shares of Kmart common stock and authorize the
withdrawal of funds from a bank account for your initial and
additional investments
.Review and manage your Kmart Stock Direct account at any time from your
personal computer, including making changes to Program elections and
personal data
.Arrange to receive Kmart annual reports and other materials over the
Internet
.Receive transaction confirmations via email
.Choose to reinvest future Kmart dividends, if any (no dividends have been
paid on the common stock since December 1995--see Question 9 for
additional information)
.Arrange for online sales of some or all of your shares held in the Program
(except for fractional shares--see Question 22)
Participation in Kmart Stock Direct through services provided by StockPower
is voluntary. You can access StockPower's services through the About Kmart
section of www.bluelight.com, or through the StockPower web site,
www.stockpower.com.
13. WHEN WILL SHARES BE PURCHASED UNDER THE PROGRAM?
General. EquiServe, the Program Administrator, will attempt to buy Kmart
common stock in the open market through a registered broker-dealer on
investment dates twice each week, typically each Tuesday and Thursday.
If you are mailing your investment, EquiServe must receive your investment
request and the applicable check by Noon Eastern Time, two business days prior
to an investment date in order to receive the funds in time for the investment
deadline.
If you are making your first online investment, your investment request must
be placed by Noon Eastern Time, four business days prior to an investment
date. Subsequent online investment requests must be placed by Noon Eastern
Time, three business days prior to the investment date.
If any Tuesday or Thursday is not a day on which the New York Stock Exchange
is open, or falls on a day which is not a business day in Massachusetts, then
the investment will occur on the next succeeding business day.
Additional investments not received before the applicable investment date
deadline will not be invested until the next succeeding investment date.
EquiServe will commingle all funds received from participants. No interest
will be paid on any funds held by EquiServe between investment dates. Once you
have placed your order, you may not request a cash refund or otherwise change
your order.
Automatic Monthly Investments. If you elect to make monthly investments
through automatic withdrawals from your bank account, those investments will
be made only on the last investment date of each month. Your account will be
debited one business day before the last investment date of the month. For
example, assuming that each day in this example is a business day, if the last
day of the month is Wednesday, the 30th, your account would be debited on
Monday, the 28th, for an investment on Tuesday, the 29th, which is the last
investment date of the month.
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Dividend Reinvestments. EquiServe will generally invest any dividend funds
authorized to be reinvested on the same investment date that optional
investments are made under the Program. (No dividends have been paid on the
common stock since December 1995--see Question 9 for additional information.)
All funds to be invested on an investment date are commingled.
14. AT WHAT PRICE WILL SHARES BE PURCHASED?
Your purchase price will be the weighted average purchase price per share for
all shares purchased under the Program on a given investment date.
15. WILL FRACTIONAL SHARES BE PURCHASED?
If any optional investment or dividend reinvestment is not sufficient to
purchase a whole share of Kmart common stock, a fractional share equivalent
will be credited to your account.
16. HOW ARE INVESTMENTS WITH "INSUFFICIENT FUNDS" HANDLED?
In the event that any check or other deposit is returned unpaid for any
reason or your predesignated bank account does not have sufficient funds for an
automatic withdrawal, there is a $25 insufficient funds charge and EquiServe
will consider the request for that purchase null and void and will immediately
remove from your Kmart Stock Direct account any shares already purchased in
anticipation of receiving those funds. If the net proceeds from the sale of
those shares are insufficient to satisfy the balance of the amount due,
EquiServe may sell the number of shares from your Kmart Stock Direct account as
necessary to satisfy the balance due and the insufficient funds charge.
17. WILL INTEREST BE PAID ON KMART STOCK DIRECT ACCOUNTS?
No interest will be paid on amounts held pending investments.
18. WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF KMART COMMON STOCK PURCHASED THROUGH THE PROGRAM?
Shares are usually purchased in the open market through a registered broker-
dealer; however, at Kmart's option, newly issued or reacquired shares may be
purchased directly from Kmart (at the per share closing price on the New York
Stock Exchange on the investment date). Share purchases in the open market may
be made on any stock exchange where Kmart common stock is traded or by
negotiated transactions on such terms as EquiServe may reasonably determine.
Neither Kmart nor any participant will have any authority or power to direct
the date, time or price at which shares may be purchased by EquiServe.
19. WHO WILL HOLD THE SHARES PURCHASED THROUGH KMART STOCK DIRECT?
Shares purchased through Kmart Stock Direct are held in safekeeping in book-
entry form on EquiServe's records. The number of shares (including fractional
interests) held for each participant will be shown on each account statement.
20. HOW MAY I OBTAIN A STOCK CERTIFICATE?
You may obtain a certificate (at no cost) for some or all of your whole shares
at any time by simply requesting EquiServe to withdraw shares from your Kmart
Stock Direct account. You may make such a request by:
. using the tear-off form attached to your Kmart Stock Direct account
statement;
. calling EquiServe at 1-800-336-6981; or
. accessing StockPower online at www.stockpower.com and requesting a stock
certificate.
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Certificates are normally issued to participants within three business days
after receipt of the request. Withdrawing shares from your Program account
would not affect your dividend reinvestment election--should dividends on the
common stock be reinstated at some time in the future. Dividends, if paid,
would continue to be reinvested unless a new election were made. No
certificates will be issued for fractional shares of common stock; instead, the
market value of any fractional share will be paid in cash.
21. MAY I ADD MY CERTIFICATE SHARES OF KMART COMMON STOCK TO MY PROGRAM
ACCOUNT FOR SAFEKEEPING?
At the time of enrollment in the Program or at any later time, you may use
the Program's share certificate safekeeping service to deposit with EquiServe
any Kmart common stock certificates in your possession and registered in your
name. To combine shares held in certificate form with shares held in your Kmart
Stock Direct account, you must complete the tear-off form attached to your
account statement and submit it with your certificates to the address on the
tear-off form. There is no charge for this service. The certificates do not
need to be endorsed. You should send your stock certificates by certified,
registered or insured mail, or by some other safe means, because you bear the
risk of loss in transit.
22. HOW MAY I SELL SHARES I HOLD THROUGH THE PROGRAM?
Shares held in your Kmart Stock Direct account can be sold on your behalf by
either calling EquiServe directly at 1-800-336-6981 or by completing and
submitting the tear-off form attached to your account statement. For
participants enrolled in StockPower, sales can also be made online using
StockPower (unless your stock holding includes a fractional share--in which
case, you should sell your shares through EquiServe). Upon receipt of a request
to sell some or all of your shares, whether directly or through StockPower,
EquiServe will cause your shares to be sold on the open market within three
business days of receipt of your request and will send you the proceeds less a
service charge of $10 and applicable brokerage commissions. The market value of
any fractional share will be paid in cash. Proceeds are normally paid by check,
which are distributed within three business days after the sale.
You should be aware that the price of Kmart common stock may rise or fall
during the period between a request for sale, its receipt by EquiServe and the
ultimate sale on the open market. In addition, if a request to sell all of your
Program shares and close your Program account were received by EquiServe after
the third business day preceding a dividend record date (should dividends on
the common stock be reinstated at some time in the future), the sale would be
postponed and your account would not be closed until after you received the
shares resulting from the pending dividend reinvestment. Instructions sent to
EquiServe to sell shares are binding. You may not change or rescind a sell
order.
23. CAN I TRANSFER SHARES THAT I HOLD IN THE PROGRAM TO SOMEONE ELSE?
You may transfer ownership of some or all of your shares held through Kmart
Stock Direct. You may call EquiServe at 1-800-336-6981 for complete transfer
instructions. You will be asked to send to EquiServe written transfer
instructions. Your signature must be "Medallion Guaranteed" by a financial
institution. Most banks and brokers participate in the Medallion Guarantee
program. The Medallion Guarantee program ensures that the individual signing is
in fact the owner of the participant's account. A notary is not sufficient.
You may transfer shares to new or existing Kmart stockholders. However, a new
Kmart Stock Direct account will not be opened for a transferee unless at least
one full share is transferred. If you open a new Kmart Stock Direct account for
a transferee, you must include an enrollment form with the gift/transfer
instructions.
24. I'VE JUST MOVED. HOW CAN I REQUEST A CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR UPDATE OTHER
PERSONAL DATA?
It is important that our records contain your most up-to-date personal data.
If you need to request a change of address or update other personal data,
please call EquiServe, the Program Administrator, at 1-800-336-6981 or write to
them at the address listed under Question 26. You can also update your records
online through StockPower.
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25. HOW MAY I MODIFY OR CLOSE MY KMART STOCK DIRECT ACCOUNT?
You can modify or close your Kmart Stock Direct account at any time by
either (i) calling EquiServe, the Program Administrator, at 1-800-336-6981,
(ii) providing EquiServe with written instructions delivered to the address
listed under Question 26 or (iii) providing StockPower with online
instructions at www.stockpower.com, provided your notification is received by
the third business day preceding a dividend record date (should dividends on
the common stock be reinstated at some time in the future). If a request to
either sell all of your shares or to stop dividend reinvestment were received
after the third business day preceding the dividend record date, the request
would not be implemented until after the pending dividend reinvestment.
Your elections under the Program can be changed or discontinued as follows:
.Completing and submitting an authorization form by mail or online or
calling EquiServe at 1-800-336-6981 and changing your elections
regarding investments by automatic bank account withdrawal and/or
dividend reinvestment while still keeping your shares in your Kmart
Stock Direct account; or
.Closing your Kmart Stock Direct account by requesting (by mail or
telephone) that all shares be issued in the form of a stock
certificate and a check be issued for the value of any fractional
share. If you made this election and your request was received after
the third business day preceding a dividend record date (should
dividends on the common stock be reinstituted at some time in the
future), the sale would be postponed and your account would not be
closed until after the pending dividend reinvestment (see Question
20 for additional information on obtaining a stock certificate); or
.Alternatively, you may close your Kmart Stock Direct account by requesting
(by mail or telephone) that all shares be sold on the open market
and a check be remitted to you for the proceeds for all full and
fractional shares, less a service charge of $10 and applicable
broker commissions and fees. If you made this election and your
request was received after the third business day preceding a
dividend record date (should dividends on the common stock be
reinstituted at some time in the future), the sale would be
postponed and your account would not be closed until after the
pending dividend reinvestment (see Question 22 for additional
information on sales).
26. WHO ADMINISTERS KMART STOCK DIRECT? HOW DO I CONTACT THEM?
EquiServe, L.P., as Administrator of the Program, directs the purchase of
and holds shares of Kmart common stock acquired under Kmart Stock Direct,
keeps records, sends statements of account activity to participants and
performs other related duties.
You may contact the Program Administrator by writing to:
Kmart Stock Direct
c/o EquiServe, L.P.
P.O. Box 8038
Boston, MA 02266-8038
You may also telephone EquiServe toll free at 1-800-336-6981, 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. Customer service representatives are available between
the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
27. WHAT REPORTS WILL I RECEIVE?
Easy to read statements of your calendar year-to-date account activity will
be sent to you after the settlement of each Program transaction, which will
simplify your record keeping. Each statement will show the amount invested,
the purchase or sale price, the number of shares purchased or sold and the
applicable service charges, as well as any activity associated with share
deposits or withdrawals. Please notify EquiServe promptly at either the
address or telephone number listed under Question 26 if your address changes.
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In addition, you will receive copies of the same communications sent to all
other holders of Kmart common stock, such as annual reports and proxy
statements. You will also receive Internal Revenue Service information returns,
if required. You can elect to receive stockholder communications from Kmart,
such as annual reports and proxy statements, online. This election can be made
either through StockPower at www.stockpower.com or, if you are not a StockPower
participant, by contacting EquiServe at 1-800-336-6981. In addition, you can
review your current account status, Program options and transaction history at
any time online through StockPower. If you elect to receive stockholder
communications online, please contact www.stockpower.com, as well as EquiServe,
if your email address changes.
Please retain all transaction statements for your records. The statements
contain important tax and other information.
28. WHAT IF KMART ISSUES A STOCK DIVIDEND OR DECLARES A STOCK SPLIT OR RIGHTS
OFFERING?
Any stock dividends or split shares distributed by Kmart to holders of common
stock held in Kmart Stock Direct accounts will be added to your account
balance. You will receive a statement indicating the number of shares
distributed or dividends earned as a result of the transaction. In the event of
a rights offering, you will receive rights based upon the total number of whole
shares you own, whether the shares are held in the form of a physical
certificate or held in a Kmart Stock Direct account.
29. HOW DO I VOTE MY KMART STOCK DIRECT SHARES AT STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS?
In connection with any meeting of Kmart stockholders, you will receive proxy
materials, including a proxy card representing both the shares for which you
hold physical certificates and the shares held in your Kmart Stock Direct
account. Those shares will be voted as you indicate on your proxy card, whether
mailed or voted by telephone or the Internet. Fractional shares will be voted.
If you sign and return the proxy card and no voting instructions are given with
respect to any item on the proxy card, all of your shares will be voted in
accordance with the recommendations of Kmart's Board of Directors. This is the
same procedure that is followed for all other stockholders who return signed
proxy cards or vote by telephone or online and do not provide voting
instructions. If you do not return the proxy card or vote by telephone or
online, or if you do not sign or electronically acknowledge it, none of your
shares will be voted.
30. CAN THE PROGRAM BE CHANGED OR TERMINATED?
Kmart and EquiServe may suspend, modify or terminate the Program at any time.
All participants will receive notice of any suspension, modification or
termination. If Kmart Stock Direct is terminated, certificates for whole shares
held in your Kmart Stock Direct account will be issued, and a cash payment will
be made for any fractional share.
EquiServe also may terminate your Kmart Stock Direct account if you do not
own at least one full share of Kmart common stock. In the event your Kmart
Stock Direct account is terminated for this reason, a check for the cash value
of the fractional share will be sent to you and your account will be closed.
31. WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF KMART, EQUISERVE AND STOCKPOWER UNDER
KMART STOCK DIRECT?
EquiServe, L.P. and StockPower, Inc. are independent companies. EquiServe
L.P. acts as the Program Administrator of Kmart Stock Direct. StockPower
transfers information between online investors and EquiServe.
Neither Kmart, EquiServe nor StockPower will be liable for any act or
omission to act, which was done in good faith, including any claim of liability
arising out of the failure to terminate a participant's account upon the
participant's death prior to receipt of notice in writing of the death along
with a request to terminate participation from a qualified representative of
the deceased.
Neither Kmart, EquiServe nor StockPower can assure you of a profit or protect
you against a loss with respect to shares purchased through Kmart Stock Direct.
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32. WHAT ARE THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THE
PROGRAM?
PARTICIPANTS IN THE PROGRAM ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS
WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATION IN KMART STOCK DIRECT
(INCLUDING FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND U.S. TAX WITHHOLDING
LAWS) APPLICABLE TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS.
Cash dividends, if any, reinvested under the Program will be taxable for U.S.
federal income tax purposes as having been received by you even though you have
not actually received them in cash. The total amount of dividends, if any, paid
to you during a calendar year, whether or not they are reinvested, will be
reported to you and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service shortly after the close
of each year.
You will not realize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon a
transfer of shares to your Kmart Stock Direct account or the withdrawal of
whole shares from your account. You will, however, generally realize gain or
loss upon the receipt of cash for fractional shares held in the Program. You
will also realize gain or loss when shares are sold. The amount of gain or loss
will be the difference between the amount that you receive for the shares sold
and your tax basis in the shares (generally, the amount you paid for the
shares). In order to determine the tax basis for shares in your account, you
should retain all account transaction statements.
Program participants who are non-resident aliens or non-U.S. corporations,
partnerships or other entities generally are subject to a withholding tax on
dividends, if any, paid on shares held in the Program. Where applicable, this
withholding tax generally is imposed at the rate of 30%; but this rate may be
reduced by treaty between the U.S. and the country in which the participant
resides.
Dividends, if any, paid on shares in Kmart Stock Direct accounts (see
Question 9 for additional information) may be subject to the "backup
withholding" provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. If you fail to furnish a
properly completed Form W-9 or its equivalent, unless you are exempt from the
withholding requirements described in Section 3406 of the Internal Revenue
Code, then the Program Administrator must withhold 31% from the amount of
dividends, the proceeds of the sale of a fractional share and the proceeds of
any sale of full shares.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Kmart files annual, quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our SEC filings are available to
the public over the Internet at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. You
may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC's following
public reference facilities:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Public Reference Room New York Regional Office Chicago Regional Office
450 Fifth Street, N.W. 7 World Trade Center 500 West Madison Street
Room 1024 Suite 1300 Suite 1400
Washington, D.C. 20549 New York, NY 10048 Chicago, IL 60661-2511
</TABLE>
You may also obtain copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to
the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on
the operations of the public reference facilities. Our SEC filings are also
available at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New
York, New York 10005.
This prospectus constitutes part of a registration statement on Form S-3
filed by Kmart under the Securities Act of 1933. As allowed by SEC rules, this
prospectus does not contain all the information you can find in the
registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement.
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INCORPORATION OF INFORMATION KMART FILES WITH THE SEC
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" in this prospectus the
information we file with the SEC, which means:
.incorporated documents are considered part of this prospectus;
.we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those
documents; and
.information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and
supersede the information in this prospectus and any information
that was previously incorporated.
We incorporate by reference the documents listed below which were filed with
the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
(1) our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended on January 27, 1999;
(2) our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended on April 29,
1999, July 28, 1999 and October 27, 1999; and
(3) the section entitled "Description of Common Stock" in our Prospectus
dated June 6, 1996.
We also incorporate by reference each of the following documents that we will
file with the SEC after the date of the initial filing of the registration
statement and prior to the time we sell all of the shares of common stock
offered by this prospectus:
.reports filed under Section 13(a) and (c) of the Exchange Act;
.definitive proxy statement filed under Section 14 of the Exchange Act in
connection with any subsequent stockholders' meeting; and
.any reports filed under Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
You can obtain any of the filings incorporated by reference in this document
through us, or from the SEC through the SEC's web site or at the addresses
listed above. Documents incorporated by reference are available from us without
charge, excluding any exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is
specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus. You
can obtain documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus by requesting
them in writing or by telephone from us at the following address:
Kmart Corporation
3100 West Big Beaver Road
Troy, MI 48084
Attention: Investor Relations
Telephone: (248) 643-1040
USE OF PROCEEDS
Kmart will receive proceeds from the purchase of common stock through Kmart
Stock Direct only to the extent that such purchases are made directly from
Kmart, and not from open market purchases by EquiServe, as Program
Administrator. Any proceeds received by us (which cannot be estimated) will be
used for general corporate purposes.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The legality of the common stock covered by this prospectus has been passed
upon for Kmart by Dickinson Wright PLLC.
EXPERTS
The financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 27, 1999, have been so
incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
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[LOGO OF KMART CORPORATION]
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