SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to ss.240.14a-11(c) or ss.240.14a-12
AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required
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[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
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[logo] A V O N
the company for women
March 27, 2000
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2000 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, which will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2000 in the
Grand Salon at the Essex House, 160 Central Park South, New York City.
The business and operations of Avon will be reviewed at the Annual Meeting.
We hope that you will be able to attend.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please complete,
sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-prepaid
envelope so that your shares will be voted at the meeting.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ ANDREA JUNG
---------------------------------
Andrea Jung
President and
Chief Executive Officer
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AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
1345 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK, NY 10105
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
The 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Avon Products, Inc. ("Avon")
will be held in the Grand Salon at the Essex House, 160 Central Park South, New
York, New York 10019, on Thursday, May 4, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. for the following
purposes:
(1) To elect three (3) directors to three-year terms expiring in 2003;
(2) To elect two (2) directors to a one-year term expiring in 2001;
(3) To act upon a proposal to approve the Avon Products, Inc., 2000 Stock
Incentive Plan;
(4) To act upon a proposal to ratify the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers L.L.P. as Avon's independent accountants for 2000;
(5) To transact such other business as properly may come before the
meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 17, 2000 as
the record date for the purpose of determining the shareholders who are entitled
to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or
postponement thereof.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY THE ENCLOSED
PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PREPAID ENVELOPE,
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING.
Ward M. Miller, Jr.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY
March 27, 2000
New York, New York
<PAGE>
AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
1345 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK, NY 10105
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PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished by and on behalf of the Board of
Directors of Avon Products, Inc. ("Avon" or the "Company") in connection with
the solicitation of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the
Company to be held on May 4, 2000 in the Grand Salon at the Essex House, New
York, New York 10019 and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (the "Annual
Meeting"). This Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card will be first mailed
on or about March 27, 2000 to the shareholders of record of Avon on the Record
Date, as defined below (the "Shareholders").
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS URGES YOU TO MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PREPAID ENVELOPE.
SHARES ENTITLED TO VOTE
Proxies will be voted as specified by Shareholders. Unless contrary
instructions are specified, if the enclosed proxy card is executed and returned
(and not revoked) prior to the Annual Meeting, the Shares represented thereby
will be voted FOR election as directors of the nominees listed in this Proxy
Statement, FOR approval of the proposed Avon Products, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive
Plan, and FOR ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers L.L.P.
as Avon's independent accountants for 2000. The submission of a signed proxy
will not affect a Shareholder's right to attend, and to vote in person at, the
Annual Meeting. Shareholders who execute a proxy may revoke it at any time
before it is voted by filing a written revocation with the Secretary of Avon,
executing a proxy bearing a later date or attending and voting in person at the
Annual Meeting.
Only Shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 17, 2000
(the "Record Date") will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of the
close of business on the Record Date, there were 237,519,317 shares of Avon's
common stock, par value $.25 per share ("Common Stock"), outstanding ("Shares").
Holders of Shares are entitled to vote cumulatively for the election of
directors and to cast one vote per Share on all other matters.
According to New York law, any corporate action taken at a shareholders
meeting is based on the votes cast. "Votes cast" means the votes actually cast
"for" or "against" a particular proposal, whether by signed proxy or in person.
Therefore, under New York law, abstentions and broker non-votes are not
considered in determining whether a proposal is approved by shareholders.
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast; shareholder approval of
each other proposal to be considered at the Annual Meeting requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting.
In accordance with Company policy, all shareholder proxies, ballots and
voting materials that identify the votes of specific shareholders will be kept
permanently confidential, except as may be required by law, for all matters
other than contested elections. In addition, all proxy cards and other voting
materials will be returned by shareholders to an independent vote tabulator, and
the tabulation process and results of shareholder votes will be inspected by
independent inspectors of election.
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PROPOSALS 1 AND 2--ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is divided into three classes as nearly equal in
number as possible. Effective from and after the date of the Annual Meeting, the
Board has fixed the number of directors at 11 with three directors in the class
whose term expires in 2003 (the "Class of 2003"), four directors in the class
whose term expires in 2002 (the "Class of 2002") and four directors in the class
whose term expires in 2001 (the "Class of 2001"). The terms of five incumbent
directors, Jose Ferreira, Jr., Stanley C. Gault, Andrea Jung, Susan Kropf and
Paula Stern, will expire at the Annual Meeting. The terms of the other incumbent
directors will continue until either the 2001 or 2002 Annual Meeting. In order
to attain an equal number for each class going forward, the Board has nominated
Stanley C. Gault, Andrea Jung and Paula Stern for election to the Class of 2003
and Jose Ferreira, Jr. and Susan Kropf (both of whom are management directors)
to the Class of 2001. The elections to the different classes will be conducted
as two separate elections. PROPOSAL 1: The Board of Directors has nominated
Stanley C. Gault, Andrea Jung, and Paula Stern for election to the Class of 2003
at the Annual Meeting, each to serve for a three-year term to expire at the
Annual Meeting in 2003. PROPOSAL 2: The Board of Directors has nominated Jose
Ferreira, Jr. and Susan Kropf for election to the Class of 2001 to serve for a
one-year term to expire at the Annual Meeting in 2001.
All Shares represented by properly executed proxies received in response to
this solicitation will be voted for the election of directors as specified
therein by the Shareholders. Unless otherwise specified in the proxy, it is the
intention of the persons named on the enclosed proxy card to vote FOR the
election of Stanley C. Gault, Andrea Jung, and Paula Stern to the Class of 2003
and FOR the election of Jose Ferreira, Jr. and Susan Kropf to the Class of 2001.
Each nominee of the Company has consented to serve as a director of the Company
if elected. If at the time of the Annual Meeting any nominee is unable or
declines to serve as a director, the discretionary authority provided in the
enclosed proxy card may be exercised to vote for a substitute candidate
designated by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has no reason to
believe that any of its nominees will be unable or decline to serve as a
director.
Shareholders may withhold their votes from the entire slate of nominees by
so indicating in the space provided on the enclosed proxy card. Shareholders may
withhold their votes from any particular nominee by writing that nominee's name
in the space provided for that purpose on the enclosed proxy card.
In voting for the election of directors, Shareholders are entitled to vote
cumulatively. Each Shareholder is entitled to cast in each election the number
of votes equal to the number of Shares held of record by such person, multiplied
by the number of directors to be elected in such election. Because the election
of directors to the Class of 2003 and the election of directors to the Class of
2001 are two separate elections, Shareholders are entitled to cumulate votes
with respect to the election of directors to the Class of 2003, but they may not
cumulate votes they are entitled to cast for the election of directors to the
Class of 2003 with the votes they are entitled to cast for the election of
directors to the Class of 2001, nor vice versa. In the election of three
directors to the Class of 2003, Shareholders will be entitled, under cumulative
voting, to a total of three votes per Share held of record by them, and they may
cast all of such votes in this election for a single nominee, or distribute them
among any two or more nominees, as they see fit. Similarly, in the election of
two directors to the Class of 2001, Shareholders will be entitled, under
cumulative voting, to a total of two votes per Share held of record by them, and
they may cast all of such votes in this election for a single nominee, or
distribute them among the two nominees, as they see fit. Shareholders may (but
need not) cumulate their votes in the election of directors by indicating the
distribution of their votes among the nominees in the space provided on the
enclosed proxy card. If votes are not so distributed on the proxy, the persons
appointed therein may exercise the right to vote the Shares represented by such
proxy cumulatively in such Class election and may distribute the votes
represented by such proxy among one or more of the nominees listed below (or any
substitute candidates) for such Class in any manner they see fit.
Set forth below is certain information furnished to the Company by each
nominee and each director continuing in office after the Annual Meeting.
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YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE ELECTION
AS DIRECTORS OF THE NOMINEES LISTED BELOW.
NOMINEES FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM EXPIRING 2003
STANLEY C. GAULT
Director of Avon since 1985 Age: 74
Mr. Gault was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors in
a non-executive capacity, effective November 4, 1999. Mr.
Gault is the former Chairman of the Board of The Goodyear
Tire & Rubber Company from June 1991 to June 1996, a
manufacturer of tires, chemicals, polymers, plastic film and
[PHOTO} other rubber products. Mr. Gault was Chief Executive Officer
of that Company from June 1991-December 1995. Previously, he
was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Rubbermaid Incorporated from May 1, 1980 to May 1, 1991. He
also is a director of The Timken Company, H. Freedlander,
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Vencor, Inc. He is a trustee and
Chairman of the Board of The College of Wooster and a
director of the National Association of Manufacturers.
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ANDREA JUNG
Director of Avon since 1998 Age 41
Ms. Jung was elected President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company effective November 4, 1999, having previously
been President and a member of the Board of Directors since
January 5, 1998 and Chief Operating Officer since July 1,
1998. She had been elected an Executive Vice President of
the Company in March 1997 concurrently continuing as
[PHOTO} President, Global Marketing, a position she held from July
1996 to the end of 1997. Ms. Jung joined the Company in
January 1994 as President, Product Marketing for Avon U.S.
Previously she was Executive Vice President, Neiman Marcus
and a Senior Vice President for I. Magnin. Ms. Jung is a
director of the General Electric Company. She is also a
member of the Princeton University Board of Trustees and the
Board of Directors of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance
Association (CTFA) and Catalyst.
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PAULA STERN, Ph.D
Director of Avon since 1997 Age 54
Dr. Stern is President of The Stern Group, Inc., an economic
analysis and trade advisory firm established in 1988. She is
a member of the President's Advisory Committee for Trade
[PHOTO} Policy and Negotiations (ACTPN) and Co-Chairperson,
International Competition Policy Advisory Committee (ICPAC)
of the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division. She
previously had been with the U.S. International Trade
Commission from 1978 to 1986, and was its Chairwoman
1984-1986. Dr. Stern is a director of CBS, Harcourt General,
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Infinity Broadcasting Corporation.
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NOMINEES FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM EXPIRING 2001
JOSE FERREIRA, JR.
Director of Avon since December 1999 Age: 43
Mr. Ferreira was elected Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer, International and New Business, effective
December 2, 1999, having previously been Executive Vice
[PHOTO} President since March 1997 with responsibility for Asia,
plus as of 1999, Europe and Africa. Previously he had been
President, Asia Pacific since 1995. Mr. Ferreira joined the
Company in 1980 and prior to 1995 held various management
positions in the U.S. as well as Latin America and Europe.
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SUSAN J. KROPF
Director of Avon since 1998 Age 51
Mrs. Kropf was elected an Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer, North America and Global Business
Operations, effective December 2, 1999, having previously
been Executive Vice President and President, North America,
since March 1997 and a member of the Board of Directors of
the Company effective January 5, 1998. She had been
[PHOTO} appointed President of the Company's New and Emerging
Markets in July 1996 and previously was Senior Vice
President, Eastern Europe and during 1993 and 1994 Senior
Vice President, Global Product Management. Mrs. Kropf joined
the Company in 1971 and held various positions in
manufacturing, marketing and product development prior to
1993. Mrs. Kropf is a director of The Mead Corporation,
Greenpoint Financial Corporation and the Fragrance
Foundation.
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MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE--TERM EXPIRING 2002
BRENDA C. BARNES
Director of Avon since 1994 Age: 46
Ms. Barnes retired at the end of 1997 as President and Chief
Executive Officer of Pepsi-Cola North America, where she was
responsible for the beverage business in the United States
[PHOTO} and Canada. Ms. Barnes previously held sales, marketing and
general management positions at Wilson Sporting Goods,
Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola in her 22 years with PepsiCo. She
is a director of Sears & Roebuck, Inc., THE NEW YORK TIMES
and is on the Board of Trustees for Augustana College.
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FRED HASSAN
Director of Avon since May 1999 Age 54
Mr. Hassan is the President and Chief Executive Officer of
Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc., a research based global
pharmaceutical company. He was elected to that position in
May 1997 having previously held senior divisional and
corporate positions with American Home Products Corporation
[PHOTO} since 1989, including that of Executive Vice President and
Board member. Prior to joining that company, he had held
various executive positions with Sandoz Pharmaceuticals
Corporation from 1972 to 1989 where he became CEO of its
U.S. operations and research and development. Mr. Hassan is
a director of Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc.
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ANN S. MOORE
Director of Avon since 1993 Age: 49
Mrs. Moore is President, The People Magazine Group at Time,
Inc. She has executive responsibilities for five magazines
including People, InStyle, Teen People, People en Espanol
and Real Simple. Mrs. Moore joined Time Inc. in 1978 in
[PHOTO} Corporate Finance. Since then, she has held consumer
marketing positions at SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, Fortune, MONEY
and DISCOVER, moving to general management of SPORTS
ILLUSTRATED in 1983. She serves on the boards of a number of
non-profit organizations.
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LAWRENCE A. WEINBACH
Director of Avon since May 1999 Age 60
Mr. Weinbach is Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Unisys Corporation, a worldwide
information services and technology company. He was elected
to that position in September 1997. He previously was
[PHOTO} Managing Partner--Chief Executive of Andersen Worldwide, a
global professional services organization from 1989 to 1997
and had held various senior executive positions with
Andersen for a number of years prior thereto. Mr.
Weinbach is a director of Unisys Corporation.
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MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE--TERM EXPIRING 2001
RICHARD S. BARTON
Director of Avon since 1994 Age: 51
Mr. Barton is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Adatom Corporation, which sells name brand products through
retail electronic stores. Mr. Barton was formerly President,
United States Customer Operations of Xerox Corporation,
which manufactures, markets and services document processing
[PHOTO} products and systems. He had been appointed to that position
in October 1993 after two years as President, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Xerox Canada Inc. He had joined
Xerox in 1971 and held a number of field and regional sales
positions, becoming Executive Assistant to the President of
Xerox in 1985 and later Vice President, Marketing Operations
for the United States Marketing Group. Mr. Barton is a
director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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EDWARD T. FOGARTY
Director of Avon since 1995 Age: 63
Mr. Fogarty is the former Chairman of Tambrands, Inc., the
manufacturer of Tampax tampons, and its Chief Executive
Officer from May 1994 to September 1997. Previously, he was
President, Colgate USA/Canada/Puerto Rico, for the
[PHOTO} Colgate-Palmolive Company from 1989-1994. From 1983-1989, he
was Senior Vice President and General Manager, Consumer
Products Division, at Corning Inc. Mr. Fogarty is a director
of UST, Inc.
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INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Board of Directors held ten meetings in 1999. The Board has
the following regular committees: Audit Committee, Compensation Committee,
Finance and Strategic Planning Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee. No director attended less than 75% of the aggregate number of
meetings of the Board and the Board Committees on which he or she served.
The Audit Committee, composed of Edward T. Fogarty, as Chair, Richard S.
Barton, Paula Stern and Lawrence A. Weinbach met three times in 1999. The
responsibilities of the Audit Committee include, in addition to such other
duties as the Board may specify: (i) making recommendations to the Board with
respect to the appointment of independent accountants; (ii) reviewing and
approving the timing and scope of the independent accountants' audit examination
and the related fees; (iii) reviewing the audit results, including any material
comments and recommendations on internal controls or accounting matters by the
Company's independent accountants and the Company's responses thereto; (iv)
reviewing the scope and effectiveness of internal auditing activities; (v)
reviewing material changes in, and overall compliance with, accounting and
financial reporting requirements, policies and procedures; (vi) annually
reviewing compliance by Company employees with the Company's policy on standards
of business conduct and the expense accounts of senior management; (vii)
reviewing the scope and effectiveness of internal accounting controls with the
Company's financial management and independent accountants; (viii) reviewing the
Company's compliance with environmental rules and regulations; and (ix) meeting
with the independent accountants, internal auditors and Company management at
least three times per year; (x) reviewing the company's financial statements in
its Annual Reports; and (xi) reviewing and approving non-audit services
performed by the independent accountants and the related fees.
The Compensation Committee, composed of Brenda C. Barnes, as Chair, Edward
T. Fogarty, Fred Hassan, and Ann S. Moore met six times in 1999. The
responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include, in addition to such
other duties as the Board may specify: (i) reviewing management's
recommendations for compensation of officers of the Company and its affiliates
and approving such compensation for all senior officers of the Company; (ii)
making recommendations to the Board with respect to compensation for any
employee of the Company who also is a director of the Company; (iii) reviewing
and approving (or recommending to the Board for approval) the adoption,
modification or amendment of employee benefit plans; (iv) reviewing and
approving (or recommending to the Board for approval) compensation programs and
policies affecting officers and key employees of the Company, including all
incentive compensation plans and establishing performance goals and objectives
under such plans; (v) administering all of the Company's long-term incentive
compensation plans and approving (or recommending to the Board for approval),
the grant of awards under such plans including, but not limited to, stock
options, restricted stock, performance units, stock bonuses and cash awards;
(vi) reviewing the existing compensation and benefit plans for employees and
making recommendations to the Board with respect to changes where warranted; and
(vii) annually assessing the performance of the Company's Chief Executive
Officer and such other senior officers as it may deem appropriate.
The Finance and Strategic Planning Committee, composed of Stanley C. Gault,
as Chair, Richard S. Barton, Fred Hassan and Paula Stern met five times in 1999.
The responsibilities of the Finance and Strategic Planning Committee include, in
addition to such other duties as the Board may specify: (i) reviewing with
management on a timely basis significant financial matters of the Company and
its subsidiaries, including capital needs, credit ratings, funding activities
and investment of surplus funds; (ii) reviewing relationships with the Company's
principal lending institutions and investment advisors; (iii) reviewing the
financial terms of proposed acquisitions and sales or other dispositions of
significant assets or subsidiaries of the Company and making recommendations to
the Board as appropriate; (iv) reviewing proposals for and making
recommendations to the Board with respect to all offerings of the Company's debt
and equity securities; (v) reviewing the funding programs of the Company and
providing guidance and general parameters for the Company's debt and lease
commitments and total indebtedness; (vi)
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reviewing the management of the Company's employee benefits trust funds; (vii)
approving dividend declarations and such other transactions as may be
specifically delegated by the Board; (viii) approving capital transactions and
other project expenditures up to a maximum of Forty Million Dollars
($40,000,000), and periodically reviewing actual principal capital expenditures
versus related approved budgeted amounts; (ix) evaluating the Company's
strategic planning process and procedures; (x) working with management and the
Board in developing and reviewing the Company's strategic plans; and (xi)
analyzing and approving the Company's stated financial objectives.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, composed of Ann S.
Moore, as Chair, Brenda C. Barnes, Stanley C. Gault and Laurence A. Weinbach met
four times in 1999. The responsibilities of the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee include, in addition to such other duties as the Board may
specify, reviewing and making recommendations to the Board, with respect to: (i)
Board policies regarding the size and composition of the Board, qualifications
for Board membership, and the compensation of non-employee directors; (ii)
prospective candidates for Board membership; (iii) candidates to fill vacancies
on the Board that occur between annual meetings of shareholders; (iv) the slate
of nominees for director to be proposed for election by shareholders at annual
meetings; (v) the number of Board committees and their composition; (vi) changes
or additions to Board and committee procedures; (vii) policies and procedures
with respect to periodically assessing the effectiveness of the Board and Board
committees; and (viii) management development and succession planning.
Shareholders may submit nominations of candidates for election to the Board of
Directors. Additional information regarding the shareholder nomination procedure
will be provided upon request to the Secretary of the Company.
At the end of 1999 certain changes were made in the membership of Board
Committees. Mr. Weinbach became Chair of the Audit Committee and Mr. Fogarty
Chair of the Finance and Strategic Planning Committee. Mr. Hassan became a
member of the Audit Committee and Dr. Stern replaced him as a member of the
Compensation Committee.
Directors who are officers or employees of the Company or any subsidiary of
the Company receive no remuneration for services as a director. Effective on and
after May 1, 1997, each non-management director receives an Annual Retainer
consisting of $25,000 plus an annual grant of shares of the Company's Common
Stock having a market value as of the date of grant of approximately $25,000,
based on the average mean price of Common Stock as reported on the New York
Stock Exchange for the preceding ten trading days. The first such grant was made
immediately after the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders with subsequent grants
to be made immediately after future Annual Meetings. All shares so granted to a
non-management director will be restricted as to transfer until he or she
retires from the Board, but will immediately be entitled to regular dividends
and eligible for voting rights similar to all other outstanding shares of Common
Stock.
In addition to the Annual Retainer, each non-management director receives a
fee of $1,000 for each special meeting of the Board of Directors and each
committee meeting attended, and an annual retainer of $3,000 for acting as Chair
of any committee of the Board. The Company has adopted a compensation plan for
its non-management directors permitting them by individual election to defer all
or a portion of their fees. The value of such deferred fees, depending upon
elections made by such director, increase or decrease proportionately with the
price of the Common Stock or earn interest at a rate based on the prime rate.
Also effective as of May 1, 1997, the Retirement Plan for non-management
directors was discontinued. Those non-management directors who had participated
in that plan prior to that date had the actuarial value of their accrued
retirement benefits converted to a one-time grant of the Company's Common Stock,
restricted as to transfer in the same manner as an Annual Retainer grant.
In replacement of such plan, each non-management director receives an
annual grant of options to purchase 4,000 shares of the Company's Stock, at an
exercise price based on the price of a share of Common Stock as reported on the
New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant. The first such grant was made
immediately after the 1997 Annual Meeting; additional grants were made
immediately after the 1998 and 1999 Annual Meetings and subsequent
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grants will be made immediately after future Annual Meetings. Each grant of
options will have a ten year term as to exercise but the options covered by any
one grant may not be exercisable until one year after the date of such grant.
Effective as of November 4, 1999, Stanley C. Gault was elected Chairman of
the Board of Directors in a non-executive capacity and on that date was granted
200,000 non-qualified stock options.
OWNERSHIP OF SHARES
The following table sets forth certain information as of March 10, 2000
regarding the amount of Common Stock beneficially owned by each director and
director nominee of Avon, each named executive (as defined in the introduction
to the Summary Compensation Table), all directors and executive officers of Avon
as a group and all persons known to Avon who beneficially own more than five
percent of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. All shares shown in the table
reflect sole voting and investment power except as otherwise noted.
Amount and Nature of Percent
Name of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership of Class
------------------------ -------------------- --------
The Capital Group Companies(1) ................ 24,948,300 10.3%
Citigroup, Inc. (2) ........................... 12,553,790 5.2
FMR Corporation (3) ........................... 15,681,951 6.5
Oppenheimer Capital (4) ....................... 12,215,676 5.0
Richard S. Barton (5) ......................... 9,728 *
Brenda C. Barnes (5) .......................... 28,654 *
Robert J. Corti (6) ........................... 98,280 *
Jose Ferreira, Jr. (7) ........................ 136,208 *
Edward T. Fogarty (5) ......................... 27,140 *
Stanley C. Gault (5) .......................... 100,208 *
Fred Hassan (5) ............................... 14,476 *
Andrea Jung (8) ............................... 323,262 *
Susan J. Kropf (9) ............................ 183,500 *
Fernando Lezama (10) .......................... 223,782 *
Ann S. Moore (5)(11) .......................... 23,048 *
Charles R. Perrin (12) ........................ 358,548 *
Paula Stern (5) ............................... 13,936 *
Lawrence A. Weinbach (5) ...................... 4,976 *
All directors and executive
officers as a group [17] .................... 1,681,595(13) *
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* Indicates less than 1% of the outstanding Shares, inclusive of shares that
may be acquired within 60 days of March 10, 2000 through the exercise of
stock options.
(1) The address of the Capital Group Companies is 333 South Hope Street, Los
Angeles, California 90071; most shares are held by its subsidiary, Capital
Research and Management.
(2) The address of Citigroup, Inc. is 425 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10043; most
shares are held by its subsidiary, Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc.
(3) The address of FMR Corporation is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109; most shares are held by its subsidiary, Fidelity
Management and Research Company.
(4) The address of Oppenheimer Capital is 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New
York, NY 10105.
(5) Includes 1930 restricted shares granted to the indicated non-management
director (476 shares with respect to Messrs. Hassan and Weinbach) as part
of his or her Annual Retainer compensation plus additional restricted
shares granted to certain non-management directors upon discontinuance in
1997 of the Directors' Retirement Plan, as follows: Ms. Barnes 4,060
shares, Mr. Barton 3,392 shares, Mr. Fogarty 2,204 shares, Mr. Gault 11,272
shares, and Mrs. Moore 4,812 shares. For all such restricted shares, the
director has sole voting but no investment power. In addition, there is
included for each indicated non-management director shares which he or she
has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 10, 2000 through the
exercise of stock options as follows: Messrs. Barton, Gault, Hassan and
Weinbach, 4,000 shares each and for each other non-management director,
12,000 shares each.
9
<PAGE>
(6) Includes 20,000 shares as to which Mr. Corti has sole voting but no
investment power and 67,916 shares as to which Mr. Corti has the right to
acquire within 60 days of March 10, 2000 through the exercise of stock
options.
(7) Includes 20,000 shares as to which Mr. Ferreira has sole voting but no
investment power and 83,061 shares as to which Mr. Ferreira has the right
to acquire within 60 days of March 10, 2000 through the exercise of stock
options.
(8) Includes 50,000 shares as to which Ms. Jung has sole voting but no
investment power and 208,870 shares as to which Ms. Jung has the right to
acquire within 60 days of March 10, 2000 through the exercise of stock
options.
(9) Includes 30,000 shares as to which Ms. Kropf has sole voting but no
investment power and 111,117 shares as to which Ms. Kropf has the right to
acquire within 60 days of March 10, 2000 through the exercise of stock
options.
(10) Includes 15,000 shares as to which Mr. Lezama has sole voting but no
investment power and 131,258 shares as to which Mr. Lezama has the right to
acquire within 60 days of March 10, 2000 through the exercise of stock
options.
(11) Mrs. Moore shares voting and investment power with her spouse as to some of
these shares.
(12) Includes 800 shares as to which Mr. Perrin disclaims beneficial ownership,
153,000 shares as to which Mr. Perrin shares voting and investment power
with his wife and 202,328 shares as to which Mr. Perrin has the right to
acquire within 60 days of March 10, 2000 through the exercise of stock
options.
(13) Includes 1,000 shares as to which the directors and executive officers as a
group disclaim beneficial ownership. Includes 157,100 shares as to which
beneficial ownership was shared with others and 959,551 shares which the
directors and executive officers as a group have a right to acquire within
60 days of March 10, 2000 through the exercise of stock options.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee is made up of outside, non-employee members of
the Board of Directors whose names are listed at the end of this report. The
Committee sets and administers the policies that govern compensation programs of
the Company's executive officers. This includes reviewing and recommending for
approval by non-management directors of the Board specific overall compensation
packages for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and any other executive officer
who is also a member of the Board.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The Company's executive compensation program is designed to attract,
motivate and retain the key talent necessary to run this highly competitive
business and support the Company's overall business strategy. The guiding
principles used in the design of the program are:
o Total compensation levels must be competitive with the compensation
practices of other leading beauty, direct selling and consumer products
companies and commensurate with relative shareholder returns and
financial performance.
o Compensation opportunities must be related to performance such that
individual, operating business unit and/or global performance results in
compensation awards that are higher or lower than target.
o Compensation programs must be designed to balance short and long-term
financial objectives that build shareholder value and reward for team
and overall Company performance.
o Compensation programs should focus executives on the financial
objectives that support increased total shareholder returns.
Working with an independent compensation consulting firm, the Company
annually evaluates the compensation of its key executives against a Compensation
Peer Group consisting of 15 beauty and consumer goods companies to ensure that
our total compensation program is competitive. The total target compensation of
executive officers is positioned slightly above the median rate of the
Compensation Peer Group. The three components of total compensation include base
salary, an annual bonus plan named the Management Incentive Plan and long-term
incentive compensation.
10
<PAGE>
BASE SALARY
The midpoints of salary ranges for executive officers is set at the median
of the Compensation Peer Group companies. With the Company's pay for performance
philosophy, exceptional performers are eligible for salaries above the median of
the peer group. Annual salary increases are based on individual performance, job
responsibilities, competitive data of the Compensation Peer Group, and the
Company's overall salary budget guidelines. In 1999, salaries for executive
officers overall were slightly ahead of the median of the peer group for similar
positions.
MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE PLAN
The Management Incentive Plan (MIP) provides incentive compensation aligned
with the short-term performance of the Company. Bonuses range from 0 to 200% of
individual target awards, which are set as a percentage of salary by management
level. Incentives are payable based upon the degree of attainment of
pre-established performance measures set by the Compensation Committee at the
beginning of each year. For 1999 pre-established performance measures for the
CEO and COO were based on the achievement of earnings per share (E.P.S.)
objectives as well as individual performance objectives. The performance
measures for most other executive officers included operating profit objectives
for their business unit or a combination of E.P.S. and individual performance
objectives. 1999 E.P.S. results were slightly below target and accordingly the
Committee approved awards based on E.P.S. performance that were 86.5% of target.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
Effective commencing in 1997, the Committee recommended, and the Board of
Directors approved, a Long-Term Incentive Plan ("1997 LTIP"), which plan was
approved at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held May 1, 1997. Approximately
400 executives, including all officers, participated in the 1997 LTIP.
Awards under that plan principally consisted of two forms of "at risk"
compensation, namely stock options and cash based Performance Units. Performance
Units were earned out over the three-year performance period of 1997-1999 and
cash awards were paid in early 2000.
The cash value of all Performance Units was based on the degree to which
applicable performance objectives had been attained. The principal performance
objective for executive officers consisted of cumulative Earnings Per Share
("EPS") objectives for the three year period. Based on actual E.P.S. performance
for the period the cash value of such units, based on that objective, was
slightly below the target objective. Payouts for the named executives, including
those for the Chief Executive Officers in 1999, are reported in the Summary
Compensation Table onPage 14.
Under the 1997 LTIP, non-qualified stock options were granted annually for
a term of ten years at 100% of the market price on the date of grant. An option
may not be exercised earlier than one year after the grant date and is
thereafter exercisable in cumulative annual portions at the rate of one-third of
the total shares covered by the grant. The number of options previously granted
to a participant are not considered in determining subsequent grants.
The Committee has recommended, and the Board of Directors has approved, a
new Stock Award Plan pursuant to which long term compensation awards will be
provided subsequent to 1999. The Stock Award Plan is subject to approval by the
Company's shareholders in accordance with Proposal 3 as described hereafter.
Both the 1997 LTIP and the new Stock Award Plan provide that shares of
restricted stock may be granted to selected key executives.
11
<PAGE>
DETERMINATION OF CEO COMPENSATION
Andrea Jung became the Company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as of
November 4, 1999, having served as President and Chief Operating Officer since
July 1, 1998. In connection with her promotion to CEO, her annual rate of base
salary was increased from $650,000 to $900,000. Her annual bonus for 1999, which
principally had a target performance percentage equal to 84% of base salary, was
based on achievement of the performance objectives described above under "Annual
Incentive Plan". The Committee approved an award of 86.5% of her overall bonus
target resulting in an award to Ms. Jung of $512,256.
Charles R. Perrin retired as CEO effective November 4, 1999. For 1999 he
received a base salary of $1,000,000. He received an award under the Annual
Incentive Plan for 1999 based on the performance objectives described above and
a target performance percentage equal to 84% of his base salary. The Committee
approved an award to Mr. Perrin of $691,664.
LIMITATIONS ON THE DEDUCTIBILITY OF COMPENSATION
Pursuant to the 1993 Tax Act, a portion of annual compensation payable to
any of the Company's five highest paid executive officers (apart from stock
options) may not be deductible by the Company for federal income tax purposes to
the extent such officer's overall compensation exceeds $1 million. It is
anticipated that non-deferred 1999 compensation payable to several executive
officers during 1999 may be somewhat in excess of $1 million, inclusive of
performance-based incentive compensation. The Committee has determined that it
is in the best interests of the Company that it retain the discretion of
providing its senior executive officers with the opportunity of earning
appropriate performance-based incentive compensation notwithstanding that a
portion thereof may not be eligible for a tax deduction under current Internal
Revenue Code laws.
Brenda C. Barnes, Chair
Edward T. Fogarty
Ann S. Moore
Paula Stern
12
<PAGE>
FIVE-YEAR PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following indexed line graph indicates the Company's total return to
shareholders for each of the five years ended December 31, 1995 through 1999, as
compared to total return to shareholders for the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite
Index and an industry composite of certain Avon peer companies (the "Industry
Composite"). The common stocks of the Industry Composite companies have been
included on a weighted basis to reflect the relative market capitalization of
the companies.
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN(1)
AVON, S&P 500 INDEX, AND NEW INDUSTRY COMPOSITE(2)
[GRAPH]
Assumes $100 invested on December 30, 1994 in Avon Common Stock, the S&P
500 Index and the Industry Composite. The dollar amounts indicated in the graph
above and in the chart below are as of last trading day in the year indicated.
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Avon ..................... $100.0 $130.1 $202.0 $221.5 $325.4 $247.5
S&P 500 .................. 100.0 137.4 167.0 218.8 280.3 338.2
Industry Composite ....... 100.0 133.7 175.7 255.9 305.2 352.9
- ----------
(1) Total Return assumes reinvestment of dividends at the closing price at the
end of each quarter.
(2) Industry Composite includes Alberto-Culver, Revlon, Clorox, Estee Lauder,
Dole Food, Hershey Food, General Mills, Campbell Soup, Procter & Gamble,
Colgate Palmolive, Warner Lambert, Dial Corporation, Gillette, Heinz.
13
<PAGE>
TABLES AND PLANS
This section of the proxy statement discloses fiscal 1999 plan and non-plan
compensation awarded or paid to, or earned by, the Company's Chief Executive
Officers and, of the Company's other executive officers during fiscal 1999, each
of the four persons who were most highly compensated in fiscal 1999 (together,
these persons are sometimes referred to as the "named executives").
<TABLE>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation Long-term Compensation
--------------------------------- ------------------------------
Securities
Other Restricted Underlying Long-term All
Annual Stock Options/ Incentive Other
Salary Bonus Compensation Awards Sars Payouts Compensation
Name and Position Year ($) ($) (2) ($)(3) (#) ($) ($)(4)
----------------- ---- ----- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charles R. Perrin(1) .......... 1999 945,892 691,664 0 220,000 1,401,134 21,144
Chief Executive Officer 1998 800,000 998,163 0 225,000 0 14,292
Andrea Jung(1) ................ 1999 671,097 512,256 0 350,000 1,170,881 30,199
President and 1998 550,000 629,899 3,847,500 105,484 0 17,149
Chief Executive Officer 1997 380,576 139,930 0 25,046 0 5,709
Fernando Lezama ............... 1999 485,333 238,599 60,833 370,594 0
Executive Vice President, 1998 461,100 345,742 911,250 22,786 0 0
Asia Pacific 1997 332,010 302,422 654,380 59,068 0 0
Susan J. Kropf ................ 1999 475,665 276,708 0 110,000 733,260 21,405
Executive Vice President 1998 450,000 513,447 1,822,500 25,634 0 13,451
and Chief Operating 1997 353,803 190,640 0 21,094 0 5,282
Officer, North America
Jose Ferreira ................. 1999 479,333 446,078 0 110,000 412,178 35,980
Executive Vice President 1998 410,000 514,529 1,215,000 22,786 0 16,589
and Chief Operating
Officer, International
Robert J. Corti ............... 1999 335,617 203,193 870,000 58,833 363,711 15,103
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial
Officer
- ----------
(1) Ms. Jung succeeded Mr. Perrin as Chief Executive Officer effective November
4, 1999 having previously been President and Chief Operating Officer.
(2) This column would include the value of certain personal benefits only where
the value is greater than the lower of $50,000 or 10% of an executive's
Salary and Bonus for the year. Such threshold was not exceeded for any of
the named executives.
</TABLE>
(FOOTNOTES CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
14
<PAGE>
(3) The dollar amount shown equals the number of shares of restricted stock
granted, multiplied by stock price on grant date. The following table
presents information regarding aggregate holdings of restricted stock at
December 31, 1999 for the named executives. Dividends on these shares are
paid at the same time as those on the Company's unrestricted stock. In the
event of a change of control, all shares of restricted stock would be
cashed out.
Holdings of Restricted Shares at 12/31/99
-------------------------------------------------
Number of Aggregate Market
Restricted Total Number Value of
Shares Granted of Restricted Restricted Shares
Name in Fiscal 1999 Shares Held At 12/31/99(A)
---- -------------- ------------- -----------------
Mr. Perrin ........ 0 2,180 71,940
Ms. Jung .......... 0 120,000 3,960,000
Mr. Lezama ........ 0 30,000 990,000
Ms. Kropf ......... 0 60,000 1,980,000
Mr. Ferreira ...... 0 40,000 1,320,000
Mr. Corti ......... 20,000 20,000 660,000
----------
(a) "Market Value" is determined by reference to the per share closing
price on December 31, 1999 ($33.00).
(4) The amounts in this column include the following: (i) Company matching
contributions to the Employees' Savings and Stock Ownership Plan and/or
Deferred Compensation Plan--Mr. Perrin, $21,144; Ms. Jung, $30,199; Ms.
Kropf, $21,405 Mr. Ferreira, $21,570 ; and Mr. Corti, $15,103; (ii)
above-market portion of interest earned on deferred compensation--Mr.
Ferreira, $14,410. In addition, not included in this column, Mr. Ferreira
received an aggregate relocation, overseas housing and cost-of-living
allowance totaling $533,173.
OPTION GRANTS
This table presents information regarding options that may be exercised to
purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock.
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL 1999
Individual Grants
------------------------
Number of % of Total
Securities Options
Underlying Granted to
Options Employees Exercise Grant Date
Granted in Fiscal Price Expiration Present
Name (#)(1) Year(2) ($/Sh) Date Values (3)
- ---------- ---------- ----------- -------- -------- ----------
Mr. Perrin ....... 220,000 9.9% 39.3125 2/3/09 2,640,000
Ms. Jung ......... 100,000 15.7% 39.3125 2/3/09 1,200,000
250,000 35.25 12/1/09 3,000,000
Mr. Lezama ....... 15,000 2.7% 39.3125 2/3/09 180,000
45,833 35.25 12/1/09 549,996
Ms. Kropf ........ 20,000 4.9% 39.3125 2/3/09 240,000
90,000 35.25 12/1/09 1,080,000
Mr. Ferreira ..... 20,000 4.9% 39.3125 2/3/09 240,000
90,000 35.25 12/1/09 1,080,000
Mr. Corti ........ 13,000 2.6% 39.3125 2/3/09 156,000
45,833 35.25 12/1/09 549,996
- ----------
(1) The indicated options have a term of 10 years and were granted pursuant to
the Company's 1993 Stock Incentive Plan.
(2) Based on 2,224,825 options granted in fiscal 1999.
(3) In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission rules, the
Black-Scholes option pricing model was chosen to estimate the Grant Date
Present Value of the options set forth in this table. The Company's use of
this model should not be construed as an endorsement of its accuracy at
valuing options. All stock option models require a prediction about the
future movement of the stock price. The following assumptions were made for
purposes of calculating Grant Date Present Values: average option term of
ten years, volatility of 25.94%
15
<PAGE>
(calculated monthly over the three preceding calendar years), dividend
yield of 1.84% and interest rate of 6.1% (ten year Treasury note rate). The
real value of options in this table depends upon the actual performance
rate of the Company's stock during the applicable period and upon when they
are exercised.
OPTION EXERCISES AND VALUES
This table presents information regarding options exercised for shares of
the Company's Common Stock during fiscal 1999 and the value of unexercised
options held at December 31, 1999. There were no options exercised by the named
executives during fiscal 1999.
<TABLE>
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL 1999 AND 1999 FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUE
<CAPTION>
Number of Securities Values of
Underlying Unexercised Unexercised In-the-Money
Shares Acquired Value Options at FY-End (#) Options at FY-End (#)(1)
On Exercise Realized --------------------------- ------------------------------
Name (#) ($) (1) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ---- -------------- --------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Mr. Perrin ......... 0 0 129,000 445,000 146,250 412,500
Ms. Jung ........... 0 0 152,234 418,554 1,614,519 89,311
Mr. Lezama ......... 0 0 74,248 120,439 976,822 107,172
Ms. Kropf .......... 0 0 88,874 134,122 1,142,704 57,256
Mr. Ferreira ....... 0 0 30,016 164,514 189,285 98,750
Mr. Corti .......... 0 0 45,142 83,273 455,680 45,155
- ----------
(1) Value of Unexercised, In-the-Money Options at 12/31/99 is calculated as
follows: [(Per Share Closing Sale Price on 12/31/99) - (Per Share Exercise
Price)] x Number of Shares Subject to Unexercised Options. The per share
closing price on 12/31/99 was $33.00.
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
RETIREMENT, DEATH AND SEVERANCE BENEFITS
Four of the named executives accrue retirement benefits under a
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the "Supplemental Plan") which is
described below, namely Ms. Jung, Mrs. Kropf and Messrs. Ferreira and Corti.
Benefits under the Supplemental Plan are based on the average of a participant's
three highest years compensation during the ten years of service prior to
retirement and the number of years of creditable service. Such compensation
includes base salary and annual incentive bonuses. Benefits payable under the
Supplemental Plan are offset by benefits payable to the participant under the
Company's Employees' Retirement Plan (the "Retirement Plan"). The following
table shows the estimated annual retirement benefits for a life annuity under
the Supplemental Plan (inclusive of benefits payable by the Retirement Plan) for
participants retiring at age 65 whose three year average compensation and years
of service at retirement would be in the classification shown.
ESTIMATED ANNUAL RETIREMENT ALLOWANCES AT AGE 65
Average of Three
Highest Years'
Annual Compensation
in Last Ten Years 15 20 25 30 35
- -------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
$ 500,000 ........... 150,000 200,000 250,000 275,000 300,000
600,000 ........... 180,000 240,000 300,000 330,000 360,000
700,000 ........... 210,000 280,000 350,000 385,000 420,000
800,000 ........... 240,000 320,000 400,000 440,000 480,000
900,000 ........... 270,000 360,000 450,000 495,000 540,000
1,000,000 ........... 300,000 400,000 500,000 550,000 600,000
1,100,000 ........... 330,000 440,000 550,000 605,000 660,000
1,200,000 ........... 360,000 480,000 600,000 660,000 720,000
1,300,000 ........... 390,000 520,000 650,000 715,000 780,000
1,400,000 ........... 420,000 560,000 700,000 770,000 840,000
1,500,000 ........... 450,000 600,000 750,000 825,000 900,000
As of December 31, 1999, Ms. Jung had an average three year compensation of
$887,623 and 6 years of creditable service; Mrs. Kropf had an average three year
compensation of $774,618 and 29 years of creditable service; Mr. Ferreira had an
average three year compensation of $721,804 and 20 years of creditable service;
and Mr. Corti had an average three year compensation of $490,538 and 23 years of
creditable service.
Mr. Perrin retired from employment effective as of January 1, 2000 and
received a lump sum payment of $3,840,000 in lieu of any retirement benefits.
The retirement benefits of Mr. Lezama, who is a resident of Mexico, are
determined under a plan provided for the Company's oversees executives as well
as certain plans applicable to executives employed in Mexico. Overall his
benefits are based on factors that include length of service and compensation
earned over his last few years of employment. Based on his 1999 level of
compensation, it is estimated that Mr. Lezama's net annual pension benefit,
assuming age 60 retirement, would be approximately $164,500 based on the current
rate of exchange for Mexican pesos.
17
<PAGE>
CONTRACTS WITH EXECUTIVES
The Company has employment contracts ("Employment Contracts") with four of
the named executives, namely Ms. Jung, Mrs. Kropf, Mr. Ferreira and Mr. Corti.
The Employment Contracts provide that if the executive's employment is
terminated without cause, the executive generally shall receive a payment equal
to the sum of: (i) the present value of the executive's Base Salary for a period
equal to two or three years (depending upon the executive's position at the
Company); (ii) continuation of benefits for two or three years (depending upon
the executive's position at the Company); and (iii) a bonus payment in an amount
not to exceed the executive's target annual bonus for the year of termination.
The Employment Contracts also provide that upon the executive's actual or
constructive termination of employment in connection with the occurrence of
certain change of control or potential change of control events (as defined in
the Employment Contracts), the executive will receive payment of an amount equal
to the sum of: (a) up to three years' salary and bonus, (b) the present value of
three years' insurance and fringe benefits, and (c) the cash-out value of all
then outstanding stock options, and Restricted Shares. Assuming an actual or
potential change of control had occurred on January 2, 2000 and with termination
of the executives immediately thereafter, Ms. Jung would receive $4,236,000;
Mrs. Kropf would receive $2,478,000; Mr. Ferreira would receive $2,988,000 and
Mr. Corti would receive $1,660,000 plus, the amounts referred to in (b) and (c)
above.
The Employment Contracts also provide for reimbursement by the Company of
any excise taxes incurred under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code by
reason of a change of control, and for any income and excise taxes incurred in
connection with such reimbursement. The actual amount of such reimbursements is
difficult to determine due to, among other things, (i) the number of variables
involved, such as the price of the Common Stock at relevant times and the
circumstances and timing of any termination, and (ii) uncertainties regarding
the application of the relevant tax rules.
18
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 3--AVON PRODUCTS, INC. 2000 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
The Board of Directors has approved and recommends for Shareholder approval
the Avon Products, Inc. 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2000 Plan"), the full
text of which is set forth in appendix A to this Proxy Statement. The 2000 Plan
would replace the Company's 1993 Stock Incentive Plan approved by the Company's
Shareholders in 1993, pursuant to which awards may be granted in the form of
non-qualified stock options, Incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights,
performance units, stock units, and shares of restricted stock, all of which
types of awards would continue to be available under the 2000 Plan.
The principal purpose of the 2000 Plan is to provide competitive incentive
compensation for officers and employees of the Company that is linked to stock
ownership and increases in Shareholder value derived from appreciation in the
Company stock price.
The 2000 Plan will be administered by a committee of directors (The
"Committee"), each of whom must be an independent outside director for purposes
of Section 162(m) of the 1986 Internal Revenue Code; directors who are employees
of the Company will not be eligible to serve as members of the Committee. The
Committee will determine the persons to whom, and the times at which, awards
will be granted, the type of awards to be granted and all other related terms
and conditions of the awards, subject to the limitations set forth in the 2000
Plan. The terms and conditions of each award will be set forth in a written
agreement with a participant or a written program established by the Committee.
All officers and certain management employees of the Company and its affiliates
are eligible to participate in the Plan. It is currently estimated that
approximately 800 individuals will be eligible to participate.
A total of 18,250,000 shares of Common Stock are reserved for issuance
pursuant to the 2000 Plan, of which no more than 6,000,000 shares may be used
for grants of restricted stock or stock units. The number of shares of Common
Stock reserved under the Plan is subject to adjustment in the event of stock
dividends, stock splits, recapitalizations and similar events. No further awards
will be made under the 1993 Plan.
The per share exercise price of any options may not be less than the fair
market value of a share of Common Stock at the time of grant. Once an option is
granted, the exercise price may not be reduced by amendment and an option may
not be exchanged for a new option with a lower exercise price. The Committee
shall be authorized to accelerate the vesting, exercisability and settlement of
awards and to permit the exercise price of an option to be paid in cash, by the
delivery of shares, or by a "cashless exercise" through a broker.
The Board of directors may amend or terminate the Plan without the approval
of the Shareholders, but may condition any amendment on Shareholder approval if
the Board believes it is necessary or advisable to comply with any applicable
tax or regulatory requirement. No termination or amendment of the Plan without
the consent of the holder of an award shall adversely affect the rights of that
participant. The Committee may provide with respect to any award that, in the
event of a Change of Control of the Company (as defined in the Plan), the award
may be cashed out in an amount based on the fair market value of the Common
Stock without regard to the exercisability of the award or any other conditions
or restrictions. Alternatively, all stock options may become immediately vested
and fully exercisable.
It cannot be determined at this time what awards will be made to any
person, or group of persons, under the 2000 Plan; the initial grant of awards is
contingent upon approval of the Plan by Shareholders at the 2000 Annual Meeting
of Shareholders, in accordance with this proxy statement. It is anticipated that
the initial awards to be made in the year 2000 will principally consist of
non-qualified stock options. The closing price of the Company's Common Stock as
reported on the New York Stock Exchange for March 16, 2000 was $34 per share.
19
<PAGE>
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES. A participant will not recognize income
upon the grant of an option or at any time prior to the exercise of the option.
At the time the participant exercises a non-qualified option, he or she will
recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income in an amount equal to the
excess of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the option is
exercised over the price paid for the Common Stock, and the Company will then be
entitled to a corresponding deduction.
A Participant who exercises an Incentive stock option will not be taxed at
the time he or she exercises his or her options or a portion thereof. Instead,
he or she will be taxed at the time he or she sells the Common Stock purchased
pursuant to the option. The participant will be taxed on the excess of the
amount for which he or she sells the stock over the price he or she had paid for
the stock. If the participant does not sell the stock prior to two years from
the date of grant of the option and one year from the date the stock is
transferred to him or her, the gain will be capital gain and the Company will
not get a corresponding deduction. If the participant sells the stock at a gain
prior to that time, the difference between the amount the participant paid for
the stock and the lesser of the fair market value on the date of the exercise or
the amount for which the stock is sold, will be taxed as ordinary income and the
Company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction. If the participant sells
the stock for less than the amount he or she paid for the stock prior to the one
or two year periods indicated, no amount will be taxed as ordinary income and
the loss will be taxed as a capital loss.
A participant generally will not recognize income upon the grant of a stock
appreciation right, performance unit award, or stock unit. At the time a
participant receives payment under any such award, he or she generally will
recognize compensation taxable as ordinary income in an amount equal to the cash
or the fair market value of the Common Stock received, and the Company will then
be entitled to a corresponding deduction.
A participant will not be taxed upon the grant of a restricted stock award
if such award is not transferable by the participant and is subject to a
"substantial risk of forfeiture," as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.
However, when the shares of Common Stock that are subject to the stock award are
transferable by the participant and are no longer subject to a substantial risk
of forfeiture, the participant will recognize compensation taxable as ordinary
income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the stock subject to the
stock award, less any amount paid for such stock, and the Company will then be
entitled to a corresponding deduction.
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE AVON
PRODUCTS, INC. 2000 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN.
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PROPOSAL 4--RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Unless otherwise directed by the Shareholders, proxies will be voted for
ratification of the appointment by the Board of Directors, upon the
recommendation of the Audit Committee, of PricewaterhouseCoopers L.L.P.,
Certified Public Accountants, as independent accountants for the year 2000.
PricewaterhouseCoopers L.L.P. began auditing the accounts of the Company in
1989. If the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers L.L.P. is not ratified by the
Shareholders, the Audit Committee will reconsider its recommendation. The
Company is informed that no member of PricewaterhouseCoopers L.L.P. has any
direct or any material indirect financial interest in the Company or any of its
subsidiaries. A member of the firm will be present at the Annual Meeting to
answer appropriate questions and to make a statement if he or she desires.
With respect to the proposal to ratify the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers L.L.P. as independent accountants, Shareholders may
direct that their votes be cast for or against such proposal, or may abstain, by
marking the appropriate box on the proxy card.
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS L.L.P. AS INDEPENDENT
ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE YEAR 2000.
OTHER MATTERS
In November 1999, the Company was notified by Mrs. Evelyn Y. Davis, Editor,
Highlights and Lowlights, Watergate Office Building, 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW,
Suite 215, Washington DC 20037, that she intended to submit at the annual
meeting a proposal recommending that the Company disclose in its annual report
the average percentages of male sales representatives and male employees working
as telephone operators, receptionists and secretaries throughout the world.
Following discussion with Mrs. Davis the Company agreed to disclose such
information commencing with its annual report for the year 2000, and Mrs. Davis
agreed to withdraw her proposal.
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be brought before the
Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters are properly brought before the
Annual Meeting, the persons appointed in the accompanying proxy intend to vote
the shares represented thereby in accordance with their best judgment.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The cost of the solicitation of proxies on behalf of Avon will be borne by
Avon. Directors, officers and other employees of Avon may, without additional
compensation except reimbursement for actual expenses, solicit proxies by mail,
in person or by telecommunication. In addition, Avon has retained Morrow & Co.,
Inc. at a fee estimated not to exceed $20,000, plus reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses, to assist in the solicitation of proxies. Avon will reimburse brokers,
fiduciaries, custodians and other nominees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred
in sending Avon's proxy materials to, and obtaining instructions relating to
such materials from, beneficial owners.
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SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2001 ANNUAL MEETING
Any proposal that a Shareholder may desire to have included in the
Company's proxy material for presentation at the 2001 Annual Meeting must be
received by the Company at Avon Products, Inc., 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New
York, New York 10105, Attention: Secretary, on or prior to November 24, 2000.
Upon the written request of any Shareholder to the Shareholder Relations
Department (Attention: Marilyn Reynolds) at the address listed above (telephone
number 212-282-5619), the Company will provide without charge a copy of its
Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1999, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Ward M. Miller, Jr.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY
March 27, 2000
New York, New York
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If your Shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank nominee or
other institution, only it can sign a proxy card with respect to your Shares.
Accordingly, please contact the person responsible for your account and give
instructions for a proxy card to be signed representing your Shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have any questions about giving your proxy or require assistance, please
contact our proxy solicitor at:
MORROW & CO., INC.
445 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10022
(212) 754-8000
Call Toll-Free 1-800-662-5200
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APPENDIX A
AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
YEAR 2000 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
SECTION 1 DEFINITIONS
1.1 DEFINITIONS. Whenever used herein, the masculine pronoun shall be
deemed to include the feminine, and the singular to include the plural, unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise, and the following capitalized words and
phrases are used herein with the meaning thereafter ascribed:
(a) "BOARD OF DIRECTORS" means the board of directors of the Company.
(b) "CHANGE IN CONTROL" means the first to occur of the following events:
(i) any person (as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act
and as used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof), excluding the
Company, any Subsidiary and any employee benefit plan sponsored or
maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary (including any trustee of
such plan acting as trustee), but including a `group' as defined in
Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act (a "Person"), becomes the
beneficial owner of shares of the company having at least twenty
percent (20%) of the total number of votes that may be cast for the
election of directors of the Company (the "Voting Shares"); provided
that no Change of Control will occur as a result of an acquisition of
stock by the Company which increases, proportionately, the stock
representing the voting power of the Company owned by such person or
group above twenty percent (20%) of the voting power of the Company,
and provided further that if such person or group acquires stock
representing more than twenty percent (20%) of the voting power of the
Company by reason of share purchases by the Company, and after such
share purchases by the Company acquires any additional shares
representing voting power of the Company, then a Change of Control
shall occur; or
(ii) the shareholders of the Company shall approve any merger or
other business combination of the Company, sale of the Company's
assets or combination of the foregoing transactions (a "Transaction")
other than a Transaction involving only the Company and one or more of
its Subsidiaries, or a Transaction immediately following which the
shareholders of the Company immediately prior to the Transaction
continue to have a majority of the voting power in the resulting
entity excluding for this purpose any shareholder owning directly or
indirectly more than ten percent (10%) of the shares of the other
company involved in the merger,
(c) "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d) "COMMITTEE" means the committee appointed by the Board of
Directors to administer the Plan, each member of which must be an "outside
director" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, and a "non-employee
director" for purposes of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act.
(e) "COMPANY" means Avon Products, Inc., a New York corporation.
(f) "DISABILITY" has the same meaning as provided in the long-term
disability plan or policy maintained or, if applicable, most recently
maintained, by the Company or, if applicable, any affiliate of the Company
for the Participant. If no long-term disability plan or policy was ever
maintained on behalf of the Participant or, if the determination of
Disability relates to an Incentive Stock Option, Disability shall mean that
condition described in Code Section 22(e)(3), as amended from time to time.
In the event of a dispute, the determination of a Disability shall be made
by the Committee and shall be supported by advice of a physician competent
in the area to which such Disability relates.
(g) "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended from time to time.
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(h) "FAIR MARKET VALUE" shall mean the average of the high and low
sale prices of a share of Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
composite tape on the date of measurement, as published in the Wall Street
Journal, or on any date as determined by the Committee and if there were no
trades on such date, on the day on which a trade occurred next preceding
such date.
(i) "OPTION" means a non-qualified stock option or an incentive stock
option.
(j) "OVER 10% OWNER" means an individual who at the time an Incentive
Stock Option is granted owns Stock possessing more than 10% of the total
combined voting power of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, determined
by applying the attribution rules of Code Section 424(d).
(k) "PARTICIPANT" means an individual who received a Stock Incentive
hereunder.
(l) "PLAN" means the Avon Products, Inc. Year 2000 Stock Incentive
Plan.
(m) "RETIREMENT" shall mean termination of a Participant's employment
with the Company or a Subsidiary on or after (i) the Participant's 65th
birthday, (ii) the Participant's 55th birthday if the Participant has
completed at least 15 years of service, or (iii) the earliest date the
Participant's age and years of service add up to 85 or more. Subject to
Committee approval, a different definition of Retirement may be applicable
to a Participant employed outside of the United States who is subject to
local retirement laws and programs
(n) "STOCK" means the Company's common stock, $0.25 par value.
(o) "STOCK INCENTIVE AGREEMENT" means an agreement between the Company
and a Participant or other documentation evidencing an award of a Stock
Incentive.
(p) "STOCK INCENTIVE PROGRAM" means a written program established by
the Committee, pursuant to which Stock Incentives are awarded under the
Plan under uniform terms, conditions and restrictions set forth in such
written program.
(q) "STOCK INCENTIVES" means, collectively, Incentive Stock Options,
Non-Qualified Stock Options, Performance Unit Awards, Stock Units, Stock
Appreciation Rights and Stock Awards, including "Restricted Stock" Awards.
(r) "SUBSIDIARY" means any corporation (other than the Company) in an
unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if, with respect
to Incentive Stock Options, at the time of the granting of the Option, each
of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain
owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all
classes of stock in one of the other corporations in the chain.
SECTION 2 THE STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
2.1 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN. The Plan is intended to (a) provide incentives to
officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries to stimulate their
efforts toward the continued success of the Company and to operate and manage
the business in a manner that will provide for the long-term growth and
profitability of the Company; (b) encourage stock ownership by providing them
with a means to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company, acquire shares of
Stock, or to receive compensation which is based upon appreciation in the value
of Stock; and (c) provide a means of obtaining, rewarding and retaining key
personnel.
2.2 STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. Subject to adjustment in accordance with
Section 5.2, 18,250,000 shares of Stock (the "Maximum Plan Shares") are hereby
reserved exclusively for issuance pursuant to Stock Incentives, of which no more
than 6,000,000 may be issued in the form of Restricted Stock Awards. The shares
of Stock attributable to the nonvested, unpaid, unexercised, unconverted or
otherwise unsettled portion of any Stock Incentive that is forfeited or
cancelled or expires or terminates for any reason without becoming vested, paid,
exercised, converted or otherwise settled in full shall again be available for
purposes of the Plan.
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2.3 ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN. The Plan shall be administered by the
Committee. The Committee shall have full authority in its discretion to
determine the officers and employees of the Company or its subsidiaries to whom
Stock Incentives shall be granted and the terms and provisions of Stock
Incentives, subject to the Plan; provided, however, that any award of a Stock
Incentive to any employee who is also a member of the Board of Directors shall
be approved by the majority of "non-employee directors," as defined in Rule
16b-3 as promulgated under the Exchange Act, then serving as members of the
Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Committee. Subject to the
provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have full and conclusive authority
to interpret the Plan; to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan; to determine the terms and provisions of the respective
Stock Incentive Agreements and to make all other determinations necessary or
advisable for the proper administration of the Plan. The Committee's
determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made by it
selectively among persons who receive, or are eligible to receive, awards under
the Plan (whether or not such persons are similarly situated). The Committee's
decisions shall be final and binding on all Participants.
2.4 ELIGIBILITY AND LIMITS. Stock Incentives may be granted to officers and
employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and, to non-management directors
of the Company including non-management directors who serve on the Committee.
Any other provisions of the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, non-management
directors shall be entitled to receive Stock Incentives in substantially similar
amounts, subject to terms and conditions set forth in a separate Stock Incentive
Program applicable only to non-management directors, approved by the Board of
Directors. Incentive stock options, however, may be granted only to an employee
of the Company or any subsidiary. In the case of incentive stock options, the
aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as at the date an incentive stock option
is granted) of stock with respect to which stock options intended to meet the
requirements of Code Section 422 become exercisable for the first time by an
individual during any calendar year under all plans of the Company and its
Subsidiaries shall not exceed $100,000; provided further, that if the limitation
is exceeded, the incentive stock option(s) which cause the limitation to be
exceeded shall be treated as non-qualified stock option(s).
SECTION 3 TERMS OF STOCK INCENTIVES
3.1 Terms and Conditions of all Stock Incentives.
(a) The number of shares of Stock as to which a Stock Incentive shall
be granted shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion,
subject to the provisions of Section 2.2 as to the total number of shares
available for grants under the Plan. The number of shares as to which Stock
Options or Stock Appreciation rights may be granted to any one Participant
during the term of the Plan, however, shall not exceed 10% of the Maximum
Plan Shares that may be issued under the Plan.
(b) Each Stock Incentive shall either be evidenced by a Stock
Incentive Agreement in such form and containing such terms, conditions and
restrictions as the Committee may determine to be appropriate, or be made
subject to the terms of a Stock Incentive Program, containing such terms,
conditions and restrictions as the Committee may determine to be
appropriate. Each Stock Incentive Agreement or Stock Incentive Program
shall be subject to the terms of the Plan.
(c) The date a Stock Incentive is granted shall be the date on which
the Committee has approved the terms and conditions of the Stock Incentive
and has determined the recipient of the Stock Incentive and the number of
shares covered by the Stock Incentive.
(d) In the case of Stock Options, in the event of a Change of Control,
each outstanding option shall automatically become fully exercisable. Each
Stock Incentive Agreement or Stock Incentive Program, alternatively, may
provide that, in the event of a Change in Control subject to approval of
the Committee, the Stock Incentive shall be cashed out on the basis of any
price not greater than the highest price paid for a share of Stock in any
transaction reported by the New York Stock Exchange or any national
securities exchange selected
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by the Committee on which the shares of Stock are then actively traded
during a specified period immediately preceding or ending on the date of
the Change in Control or offered for a share of Stock in any tender offer
occurring during a specified period immediately preceding or ending on the
date the tender offer commences; provided that, in no case shall any such
specified period exceed ninety (90) days (the "Change in Control Price").
For purposes of this Subsection, the cash-out of a Stock Incentive shall be
determined as follows:
(i) Options shall be cashed out on the basis of the excess, if
any, of the Change in Control Price (but not more than the Fair Market
Value of the Stock on the date of the cash-out in the case of
Incentive Stock Options) over the Exercise Price;
(ii) Stock Awards and Stock Units shall be cashed out in an
amount equal to the Change in Control Price with or without regard to
any conditions or restrictions otherwise applicable to any such Stock
Incentive; and
(iii) Stock Appreciation Rights and Performance Unit Awards shall
be cashed out with or without regard to any conditions or restrictions
otherwise applicable to any such Stock Incentive and the amount of the
cash-out shall be determined by reference to the number of shares of
Stock that would be required to pay the Participant in kind for the
value of the Stock Incentive as of the date of the Change in Control
multiplied by the Change in Control Price.
(e) Section 3.1(d) above notwithstanding, the Board of Directors may,
in lieu of any cash out of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, or
Restricted Stock Awards, approve an agreement or agreements with the
prospective new owner of the Company, or the surviving entity of any merger
or other business combination, the binding effect of which would be to
cause such new owner or surviving entity, as the case may be, to agree to
adopt the Plan and maintain it, with respect to all outstanding Options,
Stock Appreciation Rights and Restricted Stock Awards, to adopt outstanding
Stock Award Agreements, and continue in effect their respective terms,
provided, that equitable adjustments shall be made to reflect the relative
value of the Stock prior to and following the Change of control.
Alternatively, such agreement or agreements would cause the new owner of
the Company or the surviving entity of any merger or other business
combination, to grant new Options, Stock Appreciation Rights or Restricted
Stock Awards in substitution for unexercised Options, Stock Appreciation
Rights and Restricted Stock Awards granted by the Plan, provided, that such
substituted stock incentives shall have a value not less than the value as
of the time of the Change of Control of the stock incentives which they are
replacing.
(f) Any Stock Incentive may be granted in connection with all or any
portion of a previously or contemporaneously granted Stock Incentive.
Exercise or vesting of a Stock Incentive granted in connection with another
Stock Incentive may result in a pro rata surrender or cancellation of any
related Stock Incentive, as specified in the applicable Stock Incentive
Agreement or Stock Incentive Program.
3.2 TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS. Each Option granted under the Plan
shall be evidenced by a Stock Incentive Agreement. At the time any Option is
granted, the Committee shall determine whether the Option is to be an incentive
stock option described in Code Section 422 or a non-qualified stock option, and
the Option shall be clearly identified as to its status as an incentive stock
option or a non-qualified stock option. An incentive stock option may only be
granted within ten (10) years from the earlier of the date the Plan is adopted
or approved by the Company's stockholders.
(a) OPTION PRICE. Subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 5.2
and the other provisions of this Section 3.2, the exercise price (the
"Exercise Price") per share of Stock purchasable under any Option shall be
as set forth in the applicable Stock Incentive Agreement, but in no event
shall it be less than the Fair Market Value on the date the Option is
granted. With respect to each grant of an incentive stock option to a
Participant who is an Over 10% Owner, the Exercise Price shall not be less
than 110% of the Fair Market Value on the date the Option is granted. The
Exercise Price of an Option may not be amended or modified after the grant
of the Option, and an
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Option may not be surrendered in consideration of or exchanged for a grant
of a new Option having a "repriced" Exercise Price below that of the Option
which was surrendered or exchanged.
(b) OPTION TERM. Any incentive stock option granted to a Participant
who is not an Over 10% Owner shall not be exercisable after the expiration
of ten (10) years after the date the Option is granted. Any incentive stock
option granted to an Over 10% Owner shall not be exercisable after the
expiration of five (5) years after the date the Option is granted. The term
of any non-qualified stock option shall be as specified in the applicable
Stock Incentive Agreement.
(c) PAYMENT. Payment for all shares of Stock purchased pursuant to
exercise of an Option shall be made in any form or manner authorized by the
Committee in the Stock Incentive Agreement or by amendment thereto,
including, but not limited to, cash or, if the Stock Incentive Agreement
provides, (i) by delivery to the Company of a number of shares of Stock
which have been owned by the holder for at least six (6) months prior to
the date of exercise having an aggregate Fair Market Value of not less than
the product of the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of shares the
Participant intends to purchase upon exercise of the Option on the date of
delivery; or (ii) in a cashless exercise through a broker.
(d) CONDITIONS TO THE EXERCISE OF AN OPTION. Each Option granted under
the Plan shall be exercisable by whom, at such time or times, or upon the
occurrence of such event or events, and in such amounts, as the Committee
shall specify in the Stock Incentive Agreement; provided, however, that
subsequent to the grant of an Option, the Committee, at any time before
complete termination of such Option, may accelerate the time or times at
which such Option may be exercised in whole or in part, including, without
limitation, upon a Change in Control and may permit the Participant or any
other designated person to exercise the Option, or any portion thereof, for
all or part of the remaining Option term, notwithstanding any provision of
the Stock Incentive Agreement to the contrary.
(e) TERMINATION OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION. With respect to an
incentive stock option, in the event of termination of employment of a
Participant, the Option or portion thereof held by the Participant which is
unexercised shall expire, terminate, and become unexercisable no later than
the expiration of three (3) months after the date of termination of
employment; provided, however, that in the case of a holder whose
termination of employment is due to death or Disability, one (1) year shall
be substituted for such three (3) month period. For purposes of this
Subsection (e), termination of employment of the Participant shall not be
deemed to have occurred if the Participant is employed by another
corporation (or a parent or subsidiary corporation of such other
corporation) which has assumed the incentive stock option of the
Participant in a transaction to which Code Section 424(a) is applicable.
(f) SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR CERTAIN SUBSTITUTE OPTIONS. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Section 3.2, any Option issued in
substitution for an option previously issued by another entity, which
substitution occurs in connection with a transaction to which Code Section
424(a) is applicable, may provide for an exercise price computed in
accordance with such Code Section and the regulations thereunder and may
contain such other terms and conditions as the Committee may prescribe to
cause such substitute Option to contain as nearly as possible the same
terms and conditions (including the applicable vesting and termination
provisions) as those contained in the previously issued option being
replaced thereby.
(g) TERMINATION BY REASON OF DEATH, DISABILITY OR RETIREMENT. Unless
otherwise determined by the Committee, if an optionee's employment
terminates by reason of death, Disability or Retirement, any Stock Option
held by such optionee may thereafter be fully exercised by the optionee
(whether or not the Stock Option was fully exercisable, unless provided
otherwise in the option agreement) for a period of two years from the date
of such termination of employment (three years in the case of a Retirement)
or until the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Option, whichever
period is the shorter. In the event of termination of employment by reason
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of Disability, if an Incentive Stock Option is exercised after the
expiration of the exercise periods that apply for purposes of Section 422
of the Code, such Stock Option will thereafter be treated as a Nonqualified
Stock Option.
(h) TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS. Stock incentives shall not be
transferable or assignable except (i) by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, or (ii) with respect to Non-Qualified Options only, to a
transferee whom the Participant has transferred Options by gift, provided,
such transferee must be a member of the Participant's family or a family
trust or partnership as approved by the Compensation Committee. Options may
be exercisable only by the Participant, by the legal representative of the
Participant, or by such a transferee.
3.3 TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS. Each Stock
Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock
Incentive Agreement. A Stock Appreciation Right shall entitle the Participant to
receive the excess of (1) the Fair Market Value of a specified or determinable
number of shares of the Stock at the time of payment or exercise over (2) a
specified or determinable price which, in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right
granted in connection with an Option, shall be not less than the Exercise Price
of that number of shares subject to that Option. A Stock Appreciation Right
granted in connection with a Stock Incentive may only be exercised to the extent
that the related Stock Incentive has not been exercised, paid or otherwise
settled.
(a) SETTLEMENT. Upon settlement of a Stock Appreciation Right, the
Company shall pay to the Participant the appreciation in cash or shares of
Stock (valued at the aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of payment or
exercise) as provided in the Stock Incentive Agreement or, in the absence
of such provision, as the Committee may determine.
(b) CONDITIONS TO EXERCISE. Each Stock Appreciation Right granted
under the Plan shall be exercisable or payable at such time or times, or
upon the occurrence of such event or events, and in such amounts, as the
Committee shall specify in the Stock Incentive Agreement; provided,
however, that subsequent to the grant of a Stock Appreciation Right, the
Committee, at any time before complete termination of such Stock
Appreciation Right, may accelerate the time or times at which such Stock
Appreciation Right may be exercised or paid in whole or in part.
3.4 TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK AWARDS. The number of shares of Stock
subject to a Stock Award and restrictions or conditions on such shares, if any,
shall be as the Committee determines. Stock Awards that are subject to
restriction are subject to Section 4 of the Plan. In no event shall Stock Awards
made under the Plan, inclusive of Restricted Stock Awards, exceed 6,000,000
shares of Stock, provided, however, that in the event that shares of Stock
subject to Stock Awards are forfeited by a Participant such shares of Stock may
again be subject to a new Stock Award under the Plan.
3.5 TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PERFORMANCE UNIT AWARDS. A Performance Unit
Award shall entitle the Participant to receive, at a specified future date,
payment of an amount equal to all or a portion of the value of a specified or
determinable number of units (stated in terms of a designated or determinable
dollar amount per unit) granted by the Committee. At the time of the grant, the
Committee must determine the base value of each unit, the number of units
subject to a Performance Unit Award, the performance factors applicable to the
determination of the ultimate payment value of the Performance Unit Award and
the period over which Company performance shall be measured. The Committee may
provide for an alternate base value for each unit under certain specified
conditions.
(a) PAYMENT. Payment in respect of Performance Unit Awards may be made
by the Company in cash or shares of Stock (valued at Fair Market Value on
the date of payment) as provided in the applicable Stock Incentive
Agreement or Stock Incentive Program or, in the absence of such provision,
as the Committee may determine.
(b) CONDITIONS TO PAYMENT. Each Performance Unit Award granted under
the Plan shall be payable at such time or times, or upon the occurrence of
such event or events, and in such amounts, as the Committee shall
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specify in the applicable Stock Incentive Agreement or Stock Incentive
Program; provided, however, that subsequent to the grant of a Performance
Unit Award, the Committee, at any time before complete termination of such
Performance Unit Award, may accelerate the time or times at which such
Performance Unit Award may be paid in whole or in part.
3.6 TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK UNITS. Stock Units shall entitle the
Participant to receive at a specified future date, payment of an amount equal to
all or a portion of the Fair Market Value of a specified number of shares of
Stock at the end of a specified period. At the time of the grant, the Committee
shall determine the factors which will govern the portion of the rights so
payable, including, at the discretion of the Committee, any performance criteria
that must be satisfied as a condition to payment. Stock Unit awards containing
performance criteria, or other restrictions, may be designated as "Restricted
Stock Units." The Committee may approve periodic cash payments related to Stock
Units in lieu of a dividend equivalent.
(a) PAYMENT. Payment in respect of Stock Units may be made by the
Company in cash or shares of Stock (valued at Fair Market Value on the date
of payment) as provided in the applicable Stock Incentive Agreement or
Stock Incentive Program, or, in the absence of such provision, as the
Committee may determine.
(b) CONDITIONS TO PAYMENT. Each Stock Unit granted under the Plan
shall be payable at such time or times, or upon the occurrence of such
event or events, and in such amounts, as the Committee shall specify in the
applicable Stock Incentive Agreement or Stock Incentive Program; provided,
however, that subsequent to the grant of a Stock Unit, the Committee, at
any time before complete termination of such Stock Unit, may accelerate the
time or times at which such Stock Unit may be paid in whole or in part.
3.7 TREATMENT OF AWARDS UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Except as otherwise
provided by Plan Section 3.2(e) and (g), any award under this Plan to a
Participant who has terminated employment may be cancelled, accelerated, paid or
continued, as provided in the applicable Stock Incentive Agreement or Stock
Incentive Program, or, in the absence of such provision, as the Committee may
determine. The portion of any award exercisable in the event of continuation or
the amount of any payment due under a continued award may be adjusted by the
Committee to reflect the Participant's period of service from the date of grant
through the date of the Participant's termination of employment or such other
factors as the Committee determines are relevant to its decision to continue the
award.
3.8 FOREIGN PARTICIPANTS. In order to facilitate the making of any award or
combination of awards under this Plan, the Committee may provide for such
special terms for awards to Participants who are foreign nationals, or who are
employed outside of the United States of America, as the Committee may consider
necessary or appropriate to accommodate differences in local law, tax policy or
custom.
SECTION 4 RESTRICTIONS ON STOCK
4.1 GRANT OF AWARDS. All awards of Restricted Stock shall be evidenced by
book-entry registration with the Company's stock transfer agent. The Committee
shall (i) select the officers and key employees to whom Restricted Stock may
from time to time be granted; (ii) determine the number of shares to be covered
by each such award and (iii) determine the terms and conditions of each grant,
which may include periodic cash payments equal to dividend equivalent amounts.
All awards shall be covered by a Restricted Stock Agreement executed by the
Company and the recipient in such form as the Company shall approve, containing
such terms as shall not be inconsistent with the Plan. The Committee shall
prescribe the conditions that must be met in order to effect the lapse of
restrictions (vesting) for awards, which shall include requirements as to
continued employment and, in its discretion, the achievement of performance
based criteria.
4.2 FORFEITURE OF SHARES. Notwithstanding any vesting schedule set forth in
any Stock Incentive Agreement or Stock Incentive Program, in the event that the
Committee determines that a Participant violated a noncompetition agreement as
set forth in the Stock Incentive Agreement or Stock Incentive Program, all Stock
Incentives and shares
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<PAGE>
of Stock issued to the holder pursuant to the Plan shall be forfeited; provided,
however, that the Company shall return to the holder the lesser of any
consideration paid by the participant in exchange for Stock issued to the
Participant pursuant to the Plan or the then Fair Market Value of the Stock
forfeited hereunder.
4.3 RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER. The Participant shall not have the right to
make or permit to exist any disposition of the shares of Stock issued pursuant
to the Plan except as provided in the Plan or the applicable Stock Incentive
Agreement or Stock Incentive Program. Any disposition of the shares of Stock
issued under the Plan by the Participant not made in accordance with the Plan or
the applicable Stock Incentive Agreement or Stock Incentive Program shall be
void. The Company shall not recognize, or have the duty to recognize, any
disposition not made in accordance with the Plan and the applicable Stock
Incentive Agreement or Stock Incentive Program, and the shares so transferred
shall continue to be bound by the Plan and the applicable Stock Incentive
Agreement or Stock Incentive Program.
SECTION 5 GENERAL PROVISIONS
5.1 WITHHOLDING. The Company shall deduct from all cash distributions under
the Plan any taxes required to be withheld by federal, state or local
government. Whenever the Company proposes or is required to issue or transfer
shares of Stock under the Plan or upon the vesting of any Stock Award, the
Company shall have the right to require the recipient to remit to the Company an
amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state and local withholding tax
requirements prior to the delivery of any certificate or certificates for such
shares or the vesting of such Stock Award. A Participant may pay the withholding
tax in cash, or, if the applicable Stock Incentive Agreement or Stock Incentive
Program provides, a Participant may elect to have the number of shares of Stock
he is to receive reduced by, the smallest number of whole shares of Stock which,
when multiplied by the Fair Market Value of the shares of Stock determined as of
the exercise or payment date, is sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local,
withholding taxes arising from the exercise or payment of a Stock Incentive.
5.2 CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION; MERGER; LIQUIDATION.
(a) The number of shares of Stock reserved for the grant of Options,
Performance Unit Awards, Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock
Awards; the number of shares of Stock reserved for issuance upon the
exercise or payment, as applicable, of each outstanding Option, Performance
Unit Award, Stock Unit and Stock Appreciation Right and upon vesting or
grant, as applicable, of each Stock Award; the Exercise Price of each
outstanding Option and the specified number of shares of Stock to which
each outstanding Stock Unit and Stock Appreciation Right pertains shall be
proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of
issued shares of Stock resulting from a subdivision or combination of
shares or the payment of a stock dividend in shares of Stock to holders of
outstanding shares of Stock or any other increase or decrease in the number
of shares of Stock outstanding effected without receipt of consideration by
the Company.
(b) In the event of a merger, consolidation or other reorganization of
the Company or tender offer for shares of Stock, the Committee may make
such adjustments with respect to awards and take such other action as it
deems necessary or appropriate to reflect such merger, consolidation,
reorganization or tender offer, including, without limitation, the
substitution of new awards, or the adjustment of outstanding awards, the
acceleration of awards or the removal of restrictions on outstanding
awards. Any adjustment pursuant to this Section 5.2 may provide, in the
Committee's discretion, for the elimination without payment therefor of any
fractional shares that might otherwise become subject to any Stock
Incentive, but shall not otherwise diminish the then value of the Stock
Incentive.
(c) The existence of the Plan and the Stock Incentives granted
pursuant to the Plan shall not affect in any way the right or power of the
Company to make or authorize any adjustment, reclassification,
reorganization or other change in its capital or business structure, any
merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue of debt or
A-8
<PAGE>
equity securities having preferences or priorities as to the Stock or the
rights thereof, the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, any sale or
transfer of all or any part of its business or assets, or any other
corporate act or proceeding. 5.3 COMPLIANCE WITH CODE. All incentive stock
options to be granted hereunder are intended to comply with Code Section
422, and all provisions of the Plan and all incentive stock options granted
hereunder shall be construed in such manner as to effectuate that intent.
5.4 RIGHT TO TERMINATE EMPLOYMENT. Nothing in the Plan or in any Stock
Incentive shall confer upon any Participant the right to continue as an employee
or officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affect the right of the
Company or any of its affiliates to terminate the Participant's employment at
any time.
5.5 NON-ALIENATION OF BENEFITS. Other than as specifically provided with
regard to the death of a Participant, no benefit under the Plan shall be subject
in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge,
encumbrance or charge; and any attempt to do so shall be void. No such benefit
shall, prior to receipt by the Participant, be in any manner liable for or
subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements or torts of the
Participant.
5.6 LISTING AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE. The Committee may suspend the exercise or
payment of any Stock Incentive so long as it determines that securities exchange
listing or registration or qualification under any securities laws is required
in connection therewith and has not been completed on terms acceptable to the
Committee.
5.7 TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT OF PLAN. The Board of Directors at any time
may amend or terminate the Plan without stockholder approval; provided, however,
that the Board of Directors may condition any amendment on the approval of
stockholders of the Company if such approval is necessary or advisable with
respect to tax, securities or other applicable laws. No such termination or
amendment without the consent of the holder of a Stock Incentive shall adversely
affect the rights of the Participant under such Stock Incentive.
5.8 STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. The Plan shall be submitted to the stockholders
of the Company for their approval within twelve (12) months before or after the
adoption of the Plan by the Board of Directors of the Company. If such approval
is not obtained, any Stock Incentive granted hereunder shall be void.
5.9 CHOICE OF LAW. The laws of the State of New York shall govern the Plan,
to the extend not preempted by federal law.
5.10 EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN. The Plan shall become effective upon the date
the Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company.
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<PAGE>
[LOGO] A V O N
the company for women
<PAGE>
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AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
PROXY CARD SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND FIDELITY MANAGEMENT TRUST CO., TRUSTEE
The undersigned hereby appoints Robert J. Corti, Ward M. Miller, Jr.,
P and C. Richard Mathews, and each of them, proxies, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, to vote and act with respect to all
R shares of the Company's Common Stock (the "Shares") owned of record by the
undersigned and which the undersigned is entitled to vote, at the Annual
O Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held on May 4, 2000,
and at any adjournments or postponements thereof, as specified on the
X reverse side of this card, and to vote in accordance with their discretion
on such other matters as may properly come before the meeting.
Y
The undersigned also provides instructions to Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.,
Trustee, and Fidelity Management Trust Co., Trustee to vote shares of the
common stock of the Company allocated, respectively, to accounts the
undersigned may have under the Avon Products, Inc. Personal Savings Account
Plan or the Avon-Mirabella/Lomalinda Employee Savings Plan, and which are
entitled to be voted at the aforesaid Annual Meeting or any adjournment
thereof, as specified on the reverse side of this card. Unless your card is
received by May 1, 2000, and unless you have specified your directions,
your shares cannot be voted by the Trustees.
IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD:
o All such shares owned of record by the undersigned will be voted FOR the
election of nominees proposed for election as directors and FOR
Proposals 3 and 4.
o All such shares allocated under the Avon Products, Inc. Personal Savings
Account Plan and the Avon-Mirabella/Lomalinda Employees Savings Plan
WILL NOT BE VOTED.
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS
CLASS OF 2003: STANLEY C. GAULT, ANDREA JUNG AND PAULA STERN
CLASS OF 2001: JOSE FERREIRA, JR. AND SUSAN KROPF
Instruction for Cumulative Voting for each Class listed above: Unless otherwise
specified below, this proxy/instruction card shall authorize the
proxies listed above to cumulate all votes which the undersigned is
entitled to cast at the Annual Meeting for, and to allocate such votes
among, one or more of the nominees for the Class of 2003 listed above,
and separately, for the Class of 2001 listed above, as such proxies
shall determine in their sole and absolute discretion, in order to
maximize the number of such nominees elected to each such class of
Avon's Board of Directors. To specify a method of cumulative voting,
write "Cumulate For" and the number of Shares and the name(s) of the
nominee(s) in the space provided below.
SEE REVERSE
SIDE
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FOLD AND DETACH HERE
AVON
the company for women
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MAY 4, 2000
10:00 A.M.
THE GRAND SALON
AT THE ESSEX HOUSE
160 CENTRAL PARK SOUTH
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
<PAGE>
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[X] PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE. 1305
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1, 2, 3 AND 4.
1. Proposal 1
Election of Directors to the Class of 2003 (see reverse).
[ ] FOR [ ] WITHHELD
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To withhold authority for any nominee(s) for the Class of 2003, write the
name(s) of such nominee(s) in the space provided above.
2. Proposal 2
Election of Directors to the Class of 2001 (see reverse)
[ ] FOR [ ] WITHHELD
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To withhold authority for any nominee(s) for the Class of 2001, write the
name(s) of such nominee(s) in the space provided above.
3. Proposal 3
Approve Stock Incentive Plan.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
4. Proposal 4
Ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as Avon's
Independent accountants.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND MAIL YOUR PROXY PROMPTLY!
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When signing as
attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please
give full title as such.
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SIGNATURE(S) DATE
THIS PROXY REVOKES ALL PRIOR DATED PROXIES. THE SIGNER HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES
RECEIPT OF AVON'S PROXY STATEMENT DATED MARCH 27, 2000.
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FOLD AND DETACH HERE
AVON
the company for women
