<PAGE>
================================================================================
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[_] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[_] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
COSTCO COMPANIES, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE>
[LOGO OF COSTCO(R) WHOLESALE]
999 LAKE DRIVE
ISSAQUAH, WASHINGTON 98027
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS:
Notice is given that the Annual Meeting of the stockholders of Costco
Companies, Inc. (the "Company") will be held at the Meydenbauer Center Hall,
11100 N.E. 6th, Bellevue, Washington 98004 on Thursday, January 28, 1999 at
10:00 a.m., for the following purposes:
1. To elect four Class III directors to hold office until the 2002 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are elected and
qualified.
2. To amend The Costco Companies, Inc. 1993 Combined Stock Grant and
Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock
available for issuance from 20 million shares to 30 million shares.
3. To approve a change in the state of incorporation of the Company from
Delaware to Washington, through a merger of Costco Companies, Inc. into its
wholly owned subsidiary Costco Wholesale Corporation.
4. To consider and ratify the selection of the Company's independent
auditors.
5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournments thereof.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on December 11, 1998
are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting.
All stockholders are requested to be present in person or by proxy. For the
convenience of those stockholders who do not expect to attend the meeting in
person and desire to have their shares voted, a form of proxy and an envelope,
for which no postage is required, are enclosed. Any stockholder who later
finds that he or she can be present at the meeting, or for any reason desires
to do so, may revoke the proxy at any time before it is voted.
Please complete, sign, date and mail promptly the accompanying proxy card in
the return envelope furnished for that purpose, whether or not you plan to
attend the meeting. Your cooperation is appreciated since a majority of the
common stock must be represented, either in person or by proxy, to constitute
a quorum for the conduct of business.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Joel Benoliel
Joel Benoliel
Secretary
December 14, 1998
<PAGE>
[LOGO OF COSTCO(R) WHOLESALE]
----------------
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD
JANUARY 28, 1999
----------------
SOLICITATION AND REVOCATION OF PROXY
Proxies in the form enclosed are solicited by the Board of Directors of
Costco Companies, Inc. (the "Company" or "Costco") to be voted at the annual
meeting of stockholders to be held on January 28, 1999, or any adjournments
(the "Annual Meeting"). The individuals named as proxies are Jeffrey H.
Brotman and James D. Sinegal. The accompanying notice of meeting, this Proxy
Statement and the form of proxy are being first sent to stockholders on or
about December 14, 1998.
All shares represented by proxies received will be voted in accordance with
instructions contained in the proxies. In the absence of voting instructions,
the shares will be voted for:
. the nominees for director listed in these materials and on the proxy;
. the increase in shares available for issuance under the stock option
plan;
. the reincorporation of the Company from Delaware to Washington; and
. the ratification of the Company's independent auditors.
A stockholder giving a proxy has the power to revoke it any time before it
is voted.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on December 11, 1998
(the "Record Date") will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. At the
close of business on the Record Date, there were shares of common stock,
par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), outstanding, which represent
all of the voting securities of the Company. Each share of Common Stock is
entitled to one vote. Stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights in the
election of directors.
A majority of the Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting,
present either in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum. Other than
proposals relating to the election of directors and the reincorporation from
Delaware to Washington, the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the
Common Stock present at the Annual Meeting, either in person or by proxy, is
required to approve each proposal. With respect to the election of directors,
the four directors receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to
the Board of Directors. With respect to the proposal to reincorporate from
Delaware to Washington, the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding
Common Stock is required for approval. Other than in the election of
directors, in determining whether a proposal has received the requisite number
of affirmative votes, abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted and
will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal.
In addition to mailing this material to stockholders, the Company has asked
banks and brokers to forward copies to persons for whom they hold stock of the
Company and request authority for execution of the proxies. The Company will
reimburse the banks and brokers for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in
doing so. Officers and employees of the Company may, without being
additionally compensated, solicit proxies by mail, telephone, facsimile or
personal contact. All proxy soliciting expenses will be paid by the Company in
connection with the solicitation of votes for the Annual Meeting. The Company
may employ an outside entity to assist in the solicitation process, but no
arrangement has been finalized for such solicitation.
1
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information regarding ownership of the Common
Stock by each person known to the Company to own more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of the Common Stock on November 30, 1998. The following is
based solely on statements on filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") or other reliable information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER SHARES PERCENT
------------------- ---------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Putnam Investments........................................ 24,161,180 11%
One Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth the shares of the Common Stock owned by each
director of the Company, each nominee for election as a director of the
Company and all directors and executive officers as a group on November 30,
1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIALLY OWNED PERCENT
------------------------ ------------------ -------
<S> <C> <C>
James D. Sinegal................................ 2,579,065 (1) 1.2%
Jeffrey H. Brotman.............................. 2,572,763 (2) 1.2%
Richard D. DiCerchio............................ 317,704 (3) *
Richard A. Galanti.............................. 289,337 (4) *
Hamilton E. James............................... 121,060 (5) *
Richard M. Libenson............................. 151,556 (6) *
John W. Meisenbach.............................. 263,750 (7) *
Charles T. Munger............................... 91,884 (8) *
Frederick O. Paulsell, Jr....................... 77,050 (9) *
Jill A. Ruckelshaus............................. 25,000(10) *
All directors and executive officers as a group
(16 persons)................................... 6,730,651(11) 3.1%
</TABLE>
- --------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Includes 258,400 shares issuable under currently exercisable stock
options and options exercisable within sixty days of November 30, 1998.
(2) Includes 2,293,352 shares held by a trust of which Mr. Brotman is a
principal beneficiary. Mr. Brotman disclaims any beneficial ownership of
such shares. Also includes 10 shares owned by a trust for the benefit of
Mr. Brotman's son. Also includes 279,401 shares issuable under currently
exercisable stock options and options exercisable within sixty days of
November 30, 1998.
(3) Includes 38,181 shares issuable under currently exercisable stock
options and options exercisable within sixty days of November 30, 1998.
(4) Includes 147,250 shares issuable under currently exercisable stock
options and options exercisable within sixty days of November 30, 1998.
(5) Includes 96,250 shares issuable under currently exercisable stock
options and options exercisable within sixty days of November 30, 1998.
(6) Includes 81,816 shares held by a trust of which Mr. Libenson is a co-
trustee and beneficiary. Includes 30,100 shares issuable under currently
exercisable stock options and options exercisable within sixty days of
November 30, 1998.
(7) Includes 100,000 shares held by a trust of which Mr. Meisenbach is the
principal beneficiary, of which he may be deemed to be beneficial owner,
and 163,750 shares issuable under currently exercisable stock options
and options exercisable within sixty days of November 30, 1998.
(8) Includes 16,000 shares issuable under currently exercisable stock
options and options exercisable within sixty days of November 30, 1998.
(9) Includes 51,250 shares issuable under currently exercisable stock
options and options exercisable within sixty days of November 30, 1998.
(10) Includes 24,000 shares issuable under currently exercisable stock
options and options exercisable within sixty days of November 30, 1998.
(11) Includes 1,277,170 shares issuable under currently exercisable stock
options and options exercisable within sixty days of November 30, 1998.
2
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board is divided into three classes. Directors are elected, by class,
for three-year terms. Successors to the class of directors whose term expires
at any annual meeting are elected for three-year terms. Each of Richard D.
DiCerchio, Richard M. Libenson, John W. Meisenbach and Charles T. Munger is
nominated as a member of Class III, to serve for a three-year term until the
annual meeting of stockholders in 2002 and until his successor is elected and
qualified.
Each of the nominees has indicated that he is willing and able to serve as a
director. If any nominee becomes unable or unwilling to serve, the
accompanying proxy may be voted for the election of such other person as shall
be designated by the Board of Directors. The proxies being solicited will be
voted for no more than four nominees at the Annual Meeting. Each director will
be elected by a plurality of the votes cast, in person or by proxy, at the
Annual Meeting, assuming a quorum is present. Stockholders do not have
cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
DIRECTORS
The following table sets forth information regarding each nominee for
election as a director and each director whose term of office will continue
after the Annual Meeting.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPIRATION OF TERM
NAME CURRENT POSITION WITH THE COMPANY(1) AGE AS DIRECTOR
---- ------------------------------------ --- ------------------
<C> <S> <C> <C>
President, Chief Executive
James D. Sinegal Officer and Director 62 2000
Chairman of the Board of
Jeffrey H. Brotman Directors 56 2000
Senior Executive Vice
Richard D. DiCerchio President and Director 55 1999
Executive Vice President,
Richard A. Galanti Chief Financial Officer and 42 2000
Director
Hamilton E. James Director 47 2001
Richard M. Libenson Director 56 1999
John W. Meisenbach Director 62 1999
Charles T. Munger Director 74 1999
Frederick O. Paulsell, Jr. Director 59 2001
Jill A. Ruckelshaus Director 52 2001
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) For a description of certain committees of the Board and the members of
such committees, see "Committees of the Board" below.
James D. Sinegal has been President, Chief Executive Officer and a director
of the Company since October 1993 upon consummation of the merger of Costco
Wholesale Corporation and The Price Company (the "Merger"). From its inception
until 1993, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of Costco Wholesale
Corporation and served as Chief Executive Officer from August 1988 until
October 1993. Mr. Sinegal was a co-founder of Costco Wholesale Corporation and
has been a director since its inception.
Jeffrey H. Brotman is a native of the Pacific Northwest and is a 1967
graduate of the University of Washington Law School. Mr. Brotman was a founder
and Chairman of the Board of Costco Wholesale Corporation from its inception.
In October 1993, upon the consummation of the Merger, Mr. Brotman became the
Vice Chairman of the Company and has served as Chairman since December 1994.
Mr. Brotman is a founder of a number of other specialty retail chains. He is a
director of Starbucks Corp., the Sweet Factory, Garden Botanika and serves as
an Advisory Board Member of Seafirst Bank.
Richard D. DiCerchio was named Senior Executive Vice President of the
Company in 1997. He has been Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer-Merchandising, Distribution, Construction and Marketing and a director
of the Company since October 1993. Until mid-August 1994, he also served as
Executive Vice
3
<PAGE>
President, Chief Operating Officer-Northern Division. He was appointed Chief
Operating Officer-Western Region of Costco Wholesale Corporation in August
1992 and was appointed Executive Vice President and director of Costco
Wholesale Corporation in April 1986. From June 1985 to April 1986, he was
Senior Vice President, Merchandising of Costco Wholesale Corporation. He
joined Costco Wholesale Corporation as Vice President, Operations in May 1983.
Richard A. Galanti has been a director of the Company since January 1995,
and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since
October 1993. He was Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer of Costco Wholesale Corporation from January 1985 to October 1993,
having joined as Vice President-Finance in March 1984. From 1978 to February
1984, Mr. Galanti was an Associate with Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation. In March 1995, Mr. Galanti settled an action brought by the SEC
alleging a five-year-old violation of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, that was
unrelated to Mr. Galanti's position with the Company. Without admitting or
denying the allegations of the SEC's complaint, Mr. Galanti agreed to pay
$64,408, and entered into an order requiring him to comply with the relevant
sections of the federal securities laws and rules. Mr. Galanti's duties as a
director and officer of the Company have not been and will not be affected by
the settlement.
Hamilton E. James has been a director of the Company since October 1993 and
was a director of Costco Wholesale Corporation from August 1988 to October
1993. Mr. James is currently a director of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corporation ("DLJ") and the Chairman of the Banking Group in charge
of DLJ's investment and merchant banking activities.
Richard M. Libenson has been a director of the Company since October 1993.
He was a director of The Price Company since its formation in 1976 until
October 1993, and was an executive officer of The Price Company from 1976
until October 1989, when he retired from active involvement as an officer of
The Price Company. He served as Chief Operating Officer of The Price Company
from August 1986 through October 1988, and Vice Chairman of its Board from
October 1988 through September 1989.
John W. Meisenbach has been a director of the Company since October 1993 and
was a director of Costco Wholesale Corporation since its inception. He is
President of MCM (Meisenbach Capital Management), a financial services
company, which he founded in 1962. He also currently serves as a director of
Expeditors International. Mr. Meisenbach is a trustee of the Elite Fund, an
investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Charles T. Munger has been a director of the Company since January 1997. He
is also Vice Chairman of the Board of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Daily Journal Corporation and Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Wesco Financial Corporation.
Frederick O. Paulsell, Jr. was a director of the Company from October 1993
until June 1994 and was elected again as a director of the Company in January
1995. He has been a director of Costco Wholesale Corporation since its
inception. From 1973 through March 1982, he was Executive Vice President of
Foster & Marshall Inc., and he was Executive Vice President of Foster &
Marshall/American Express Inc. from March 1983 through June 1985. Mr. Paulsell
was President of Foster, Paulsell & Baker, an investment banking firm, between
1985 and 1995. Since early 1995, Mr. Paulsell has been a Principal of Olympic
Capital Partners, L.L.C., a Seattle-based investment banking firm. Mr.
Paulsell currently sits on the boards of various companies and organizations
including Stewart Title Holding Company and Seattle Coffee Holdings. He is
also chairman of the board of TRM Copy Centers. Mr. Paulsell was Chairman of
Ballard Computer, which filed for bankruptcy protection in May 1995.
Jill A. Ruckelshaus has been a director of the Company since February 1996.
Ms. Ruckelshaus serves on a number of advisory boards, including the National
Women's Political Caucus, "UNICEF-US", and the White House Endowment Fund. She
was Chairman of the National Women's Conference, Commission on National
Security. She is a director for Seafirst Bank and Lincoln National
Corporation.
4
<PAGE>
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Audit Committee's function is to review the results of the audit of the
Company performed by the independent public accountants, to review and
evaluate internal accounting controls and to recommend the selection of
independent public accountants. The Audit Committee is also authorized to
conduct such reviews and examinations as it deems necessary with respect to
the practices and policies of, and the relationship between, the Company and
its independent public accountants, including the availability of Company
records, information and personnel. The Audit Committee consists of Messrs.
Libenson, Paulsell and Meisenbach. The Audit Committee met four times during
the 1998 fiscal year.
The Compensation Committee's function is to review the salaries, bonuses and
stock options provided to certain executive officers of the Company and
oversee the overall administration of the Company's compensation and stock
option program. The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. James,
Paulsell, Meisenbach and Ms. Ruckelshaus. The Compensation Committee met
various times during fiscal year 1998.
During the Company's last fiscal year, the Company's Board of Directors met
four times and one time telephonically. Each member of the Board attended all
of the Board meetings, except Mr. James, who was in attendance at two of the
meetings. Each member of the Board who served on one of the above-listed
committees of the Board attended at least 75% of the meetings of each such
committee on which he or she served.
5
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following tables and descriptive materials set forth information
concerning compensation earned for services rendered to the Company by (A) the
Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the "CEO"), and (B) the four other
most highly compensated individuals (other than the CEO) who were serving as
executive officers of the Company at the end of the 1998 fiscal year
(collectively, together with the CEO, the "Named Executive Officers").
SUMMARY OF COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes the compensation earned by the Named
Executive Officers during fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS
--------------------------------------- ------------
SECURITIES ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL FISCAL SALARY OTHER ANNUAL UNDERLYING COMPENSATION
POSITION YEAR ($) BONUS COMPENSATION ($) OPTIONS/SARS ($) (A)
------------------ ------ ------- ------- ---------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
James D. Sinegal....... 1998 332,692 200,000 0 100,000 17,230
President and Chief 1997 300,000 200,000 0 250,000 16,836
Executive Officer 1996 300,000 150,000 0 0 17,150
Jeffrey H. Brotman..... 1998 332,692 200,000 0 100,000 16,315
Chairman of the Board 1997 300,000 200,000 0 250,000 15,683
1996 300,000 150,000 0 0 94,882
Richard D. DiCerchio... 1998 349,904 100,000 0 60,000 16,210
Senior Executive Vice 1997 325,000 100,000 0 60,000 15,683
President 1996 295,000 80,000 0 80,000 15,910
Richard G. Galanti..... 1998 324,904 80,000 0 50,000 15,545
Executive Vice 1997 300,000 80,000 0 50,000 15,017
President and CFO 1996 275,000 80,000 0 80,000 15,090
Franz E. Lazarus....... 1998 319,923 76,572 0 50,000 16,000
Executive Vice 1997 300,000 80,000 0 50,000 15,403
President and 1996 260,000 80,000 0 80,000 15,570
COO-International
Operations
</TABLE>
- --------
(A) In fiscal year 1998, amounts shown for each Named Executive Officer
include the Company's matching contributions under a deferred compensation
plan of $5,000 each, matching contributions of $500 each and Company
contributions of $9,600 each under the Costco Companies 401(k) Retirement
Plan. Amounts shown for each Named Executive Officer also include premiums
representing the term insurance portion under the executive life program
of $2,130, $1,215, $1,110, $445 and $900, respectively, in fiscal year
1998. The amount shown for Jeffrey H. Brotman in fiscal 1996 includes
premiums paid by the Company on an additional life insurance policy. The
Company has been assigned a collateral interest in this policy equal to
the total premiums paid by the Company, plus interest at the applicable
federal interest rate.
6
<PAGE>
GRANTS OF STOCK OPTIONS
The following table sets forth information concerning the award of stock
options to the Named Executive Officers during fiscal 1998:
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
VALUE AT ASSUMED
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
SECURITIES OPTIONS/SARS PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO OPTION TERM (C)
OPTIONS/SARS EMPLOYEES EXERCISE OR EXPIRATION -----------------------
NAME GRANTED (#)(A) FISCAL YEAR (B) BASE PRICE ($ /SH) DATE 5% $) 10% $)
---- -------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
James D. Sinegal........ 100,000 2.38 54.250 04/01/08 3,411,728 8,646,040
Jeffrey H. Brotman...... 100,000 2.38 54.250 04/01/08 3,411,728 8,646,040
Richard D. DiCerchio.... 60,000 1.43 45.750 02/17/08 1,726,303 4,374,816
Richard A. Galanti...... 50,000 1.19 45.750 02/17/08 1,438,586 3,645,680
Franz E. Lazarus........ 50,000 1.19 45.750 02/17/08 1,438,586 3,645,680
</TABLE>
- --------
(A) These stock options vest 20% per year for five years from the date of
grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. The exercise price for
these stock options equals the fair market value of the Common Stock on
the date of grant.
(B) The total number of stock options granted in fiscal 1998 by the Company
was 4,201,700.
(C) These assumed rates of appreciation are provided in order to comply with
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and do not
represent the Company's expectation as to the actual rate of appreciation
of the Common Stock. The actual value of the options will depend on the
performance of the Common Stock, and may be greater or less than the
amounts shown.
EXERCISE OF STOCK OPTIONS
The following table sets forth information concerning the exercise of stock
options during fiscal 1998 by each of the Named Executive Officers and the
fiscal year-end value of unexercised options.
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS/SARS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
FY-END (#) SARS AT FY-END ($)
---------------------- --------------------
SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE REALIZED EXERCISABLE/ EXERCISABLE/
NAME ON EXERCISE (#) ($)(A) UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- --------------- -------------- ---------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
James D. Sinegal........ 0 0 224,520/323,880 7,398,585/6,824,663
Jeffrey H. Brotman...... 0 0 245,521/323,880 8,099,930/6,824,663
Richard D. DiCerchio.... 212,837 6,620,164 55,384/170,180 1,828,342/3,964,756
Richard A. Galanti...... 0 0 141,250/150,000 4,754,705/3,607,875
Franz E. Lazarus........ 63,250 1,748,278 0/150,000 0/3,607,875
</TABLE>
- --------
(A) Market value of underlying securities at the exercise date, minus the
exercise price of such options.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Each non-employee director of the Company earns $30,000 per year for serving
on the Board and $1,000 for each Board meeting and $500 for each committee
meeting attended. In addition, non-employee directors receive an annual grant
of options to purchase 8,000 shares of common stock, and are reimbursed for
travel expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties as
directors.
7
<PAGE>
Richard M. Libenson has been engaged as a consultant for the Company. For
such services, a corporation owned by Mr. Libenson was paid $200,000 during
fiscal 1998. In addition, the Company paid premiums in the amount of $7,200
during fiscal 1998 for term life insurance for the benefit of Mr. Libenson
under a split-dollar endorsement plan and premiums on long-term disability
insurance in the amount of $4,206.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The members of the Compensation Committee during fiscal 1998 were John W.
Meisenbach, Hamilton E. James, Frederick O. Paulsell, Jr. and Jill
Ruckelshaus.
John W. Meisenbach is a principal shareholder of MCM (Meisenbach Capital
Management). MCM provided consulting and insurance brokerage services in
managing the Company's employee benefit plans and executive life and
disability insurance programs covering over $100 million in total annual
benefit costs, and provided consulting services to the Company in developing
insurance programs for the Companys executive and business members. For these
services, MCM received total compensation from third party insurers of
$1,138,745 in fiscal 1998.
REPORT OF COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the
"Committee") determined and administered the compensation of the Company's
executive officers during fiscal 1998.
Compensation Philosophy. The Committee endeavored to ensure that the
compensation programs for executive officers of the Company during fiscal 1998
were effective in attracting and retaining key executives responsible for the
success of the Company and in promoting its long-term interests and those of
its stockholders. The Committee sought to align total compensation for senior
management with corporate performance and the interests of the stockholders.
The Committee placed emphasis on variable, performance based components, such
as stock option awards and bonuses, the value of which could increase or
decrease to reflect changes in corporate and individual performances. These
short- and long-term incentive compensation programs were intended to
reinforce management's commitment to enhancement of profitability and
stockholder value.
The Committee took into account various qualitative and quantitative
indicators of corporate and individual performance in determining the level
and composition of compensation for the Company's executive officers during
fiscal 1998. While the Committee considered such corporate performance
measures as net income, earnings per common share, stock price performance,
comparable warehouse sales, margins and rate of revenue increase, the
Committee did not apply any specific quantitative formula in making
compensation decisions. The Committee also recognized qualitative factors,
such as the ability to meet annual corporate growth and profits goals,
demonstrated leadership ability and enhancement of customer franchise.
Base salaries for the executive officers were established at levels
considered appropriate in light of the duties and scope of responsibilities of
each officer's position and the salaries paid to comparable officers by
companies which are competitors of the Company. Salaries are reviewed
periodically and adjusted as warranted to reflect sustained individual officer
performance. The Committee focused primarily on total annual compensation,
including incentive awards, rather than base salary alone, as the appropriate
measure of executive officer performance and contribution. The Committee
believes that it has established relatively low cash compensation levels in
favor of equity-linked incentive programs.
From time to time, executive officers have been eligible to receive
incentive compensation awards under the Company's annual bonus plan and stock
option plan, based upon corporate and individual performance. In approving
grants and awards under the bonus plan and the option plan, the Committee
considered the quantitative and qualitative factors and industry comparisons
outlined above. The factors taken into account in determining awards under the
bonus plan were the corporate performance measures described above.
8
<PAGE>
In general, awards under the option plan are approved at various times
throughout the year. The number of options previously awarded to and held by
executive officers was reviewed but was not a determinative factor in the size
of 1998 option grants.
In general, compensation payments in excess of $1 million to any of the
Named Executive Officers are subject to a limitation on deductibility for the
Company under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"). However, certain performance based compensation is not subject
to such limitation. The Company's stock option plan currently qualifies for
such performance based exception. The Company does not expect that its cash
compensation payable to any of the Named Executive Officers will exceed the $1
million limitation during fiscal 1998.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation. In evaluating the compensation of
James D. Sinegal, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company for
fiscal 1998, the Committee placed emphasis on Mr. Sinegal's superior
leadership in managing the business, as well as the Company's financial and
operating performance.
The Committee noted that, despite the competitive environment which
prevailed for retailers throughout fiscal 1998, the Company's total sales
increased by approximately 11% from the prior fiscal year, and comparable
warehouse sales for the 1998 fiscal year increased by approximately 8% from
the prior year. Net income from continuing operations for fiscal 1998 was
approximately 47% higher than for fiscal 1997 (28% before consideration of
several pre-tax charges in fiscal 1997).
In accordance with the compensation philosophy described above, the
Committee set Mr. Sinegal's base salary at $300,000 for fiscal 1998, which was
increased to $350,000 as of January 1998. Mr. Sinegal was also awarded
$200,000 under the bonus plan, and options to purchase 100,000 shares of
common stock under the Company's stock option plan.
Compensation Committee
John W. Meisenbach
Hamilton E. James
Frederick O. Paulsell, Jr.
Jill A. Ruckelshaus
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PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return (stock
price appreciation plus dividends) on the Common Stock with the cumulative
total return of the S&P 500 Index and the following group of peer companies
(based on weighted market capitalization) selected by the Company: BJ's
Wholesale Club Inc.; Dayton Hudson Corporation; Home Depot, Inc.; Kmart
Corporation; The Limited Ltd.; Nordstrom Inc.; Office Depot, Inc.; Staples
Inc.; Toys R Us Inc.; and Wal Mart Stores, Inc. The information is provided for
the period from the Company's inception (upon consummation of the Merger),
October 21, 1993, through August 30, 1998, the end of fiscal 1998.
COMPARED CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG COSTCO COMPANIES, INC., S&P 500 INDEX AND PEER GROUP INDEX
[PERFORMANCE CHART APPEARS HERE]
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
-------------------------FISCAL YEAR ENDING------------------------
COMPANY/INDEX/MARKET 10/21/1993 12/31/1993 3/31/1994 6/30/1994 9/30/1994 12/30/1994
Costco Cos Inc 100.00 100.72 94.84 78.16 84.04 67.37
Customer Selected Stock List 100.00 93.90 95.72 91.25 92.43 86.30
S&P Composite 100.00 100.25 96.45 96.85 101.59 101.57
-------------------------FISCAL YEAR ENDING------------------------
COMPANY/INDEX/MARKET 3/31/1995 6/30/1995 9/01/1995 12/29/1995 3/29/1996 6/28/1996
Costco Cos Inc 77.18 85.03 91.24 79.79 98.11 113.15
Customer Selected Stock List 94.99 97.57 92.83 85.34 91.24 101.49
S&P Composite 111.46 122.10 126.47 139.75 147.25 153.85
-------------------------FISCAL YEAR ENDING------------------------
COMPANY/INDEX/MARKET 8/30/1996 12/31/1996 3/31/1997 6/30/1997 8/29/1997 9/30/1997
Costco Cos Inc 103.99 131.46 144.54 172.01 188.69 196.87
Customer Selected Stock List 100.78 93.79 106.55 129.71 136.35 143.89
S&P Composite 150.16 171.83 176.44 207.24 211.20 222.76
-------------------------FISCAL YEAR ENDING------------------------
COMPANY/INDEX/MARKET 12/31/1997 3/31/1998 6/30/1998 8/28/1998
Costco Cos Inc 233.49 279.93 329.97 277.64
Customer Selected Stock List 153.49 189.40 222.12 223.21
S&P Composite 229.16 261.13 269.75 228.29
</TABLE>
ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON OCT. 21, 1993
ASSUMES DIVIDEND REINVESTED
FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUG. 30, 1998
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS
John W. Meisenbach is a principal shareholder of MCM. MCM provided consulting
and insurance brokerage services in managing the Company's employee benefit
plans and executive life and disability insurance programs covering over $100
million in total annual benefit costs, and provided consulting services to the
Company in developing insurance programs for the Company's executive and
business members. For these services, MCM received total compensation from
third party insurers of $1,138,745 in fiscal 1998.
Richard D. DiCerchio's brother-in-law was employed by the Company during
fiscal year 1998 at an annual salary of $122,000. Frederick O. Paulsell, Jr.'s
two sons were employed by the Company during fiscal year 1998 at annual
salaries of $90,000 and $60,000. James D. Sinegal's two sons and brother-in-law
were employed by the Company during fiscal year 1998 at annual salaries of
$152,000, $140,000, and $132,500 respectively.
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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Under SEC rules, the Company's directors, executive officers and beneficial
owners of more than 10% of any Costco equity security are required to file
periodic reports of their ownership, and changes in that ownership, with the
SEC. Based solely on its review of copies of these reports and representations
of such reporting persons, the Company believes during fiscal 1998, such SEC
filing requirements were satisfied.
PROPOSAL 2: INCREASE IN SHARES AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCE
UNDER STOCK OPTION PLAN
In September 1993, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the Costco
Companies, Inc. 1993 Combined Stock Grant and Stock Option Plan (the "Stock
Plan"). A copy of the Stock Plan may be obtained upon written request to the
Company's secretary. The Stock Plan was approved by shareholders in October
1993. Under the Stock Plan, the Company was originally authorized to issue 10
million shares of Costco common stock upon the exercise of options granted
under the Stock Plan and to make stock grants in the amount of up to 1,666,666
shares of Costco common stock. In January 1997, the shareholders approved a
proposal to increase the number of shares of common stock available for
issuance from 10 million shares to 20 million shares. The shareholders are
being requested to approve an amendment to the Stock Plan which increases the
number of shares that may be issued under the Stock Plan from 20 million to 30
million. No increase is sought regarding the amount of shares available for
stock grants.
The purpose of the Stock Plan is to enable the Company to attract and retain
employees of ability and experience, and to furnish such personnel significant
incentives to improve operations and increase profits of the Company. The
Stock Plan is a broad-based plan; approximately 559 employees received stock
option grants under the Stock Plan in fiscal year 1998. The total number of
stock options granted to employees by the Company in fiscal year 1998 was
approximately 4.2 million. In fiscal years 1997 and 1996, the total stock
options granted by the Company were approximately 4.6 million and 2.6 million,
respectively. Currently, there are approximately 3.3 million shares available
for future option grants. The Board believes that the number of shares
remaining available for issuance will be insufficient to achieve the purpose
of the Stock Plan over the term of the Plan (which expires, unless earlier
terminated, in 2003) unless additional shares are authorized. Ten million
shares, the amount of the proposed increase, represents approximately 4.6% of
the Company's outstanding shares.
In general, the Stock Plan currently authorizes Costco to grant stock
options, either nonqualified stock options or incentive stock options (as
defined in section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code) to purchase up to 20
million shares of Costco common stock ("Stock Option Program") and to make
stock grants in the amount of up to 1,666,666 shares of Costco common stock
(the "Grant Program") (subject to adjustment to protect against dilution). The
Stock Plan provides that for every six shares of Costco stock on which a
discretionary option is granted under the Stock Option Program, one share will
be removed from those available for future grants under the Grant Program, and
for every share of Costco common stock granted under the Grant Program, six
shares will be removed from those available for future stock options under the
discretionary Stock Option Program.
The purchase price of each share of Costco common stock covered by an option
may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of Costco common stock, on
the date of grant of the option. It may be not less than 110% of the fair
market value in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a person who
owns, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the total combined voting power
of all classes of stock of Costco. The aggregate fair market value (determined
as of the time the option is granted) of the shares of Costco common stock,
with respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first
time by an optionee during any calendar year, may not exceed $100,000.
Approval of an amendment to the Stock Plan as described above requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting, in person or
by proxy. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ADOPTION OF THIS
PROPOSAL.
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PROPOSAL 3: APPROVAL OF REINCORPORATION
FROM DELAWARE TO WASHINGTON
For the reasons set forth below, the Board of Directors seeks stockholder
approval for changing the Company's state of incorporation from Delaware to
Washington (the "Reincorporation"). The Reincorporation would be accomplished
by a merger (the "Merger") with and into the Company's wholly-owned
subsidiary, Costco Wholesale Corporation ("CWC"). The Reincorporation has been
approved by the Board of Directors, subject to its further review. Upon
effectiveness of the Merger, which is anticipated to occur in the latter part
of calendar year 1999, the Company's name would be changed to Costco Wholesale
Corporation. The Company will continue to trade on The Nasdaq Stock Market
under its current symbol, "COST."
PRINCIPAL REASONS FOR THE REINCORPORATION
The Company has two principal reasons for seeking authority for the
Reincorporation: (1) simplification of its corporate structure and (2)
reduction of corporate franchise taxes.
In the 1993 merger of Costco Wholesale Corporation and The Price Company
(the "Costco-Price Merger"), a holding company was formed to own the two
combining companies. This holding company was originally named Price/Costco,
Inc. and subsequently changed its name to Costco Companies, Inc. At the time
of the Costco-Price Merger, there were business and tax reasons to use a
holding company structure with the two separate operating companies as
subsidiaries. The Company believes that, at least with respect to Costco
Wholesale Corporation, these reasons no longer justify the additional layer of
organizational structure.
The Reincorporation will also reduce the amount of corporate franchise taxes
paid by the Company. The State of Delaware charges corporate franchise taxes
based on the capitalization of the company, while the State of Washington
charges a fixed annual fee regardless of the size of the company. The
Company's franchise tax in Delaware in 1998 was $150,000, while the State of
Washington currently has an annual corporate license renewal fee of $59.
PLAN OF MERGER
Pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger
Agreement," a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A to this Proxy Statement),
the Company will be merged into CWC, with CWC as the surviving corporation.
Upon completion of the Merger, each outstanding share of common stock of the
Company will automatically be converted into one share of common stock of CWC.
Each outstanding certificate representing shares of common stock of the
Company will represent the same number of shares of CWC. IT WILL NOT BE
NECESSARY FOR SHAREHOLDERS TO EXCHANGE THEIR EXISTING CERTIFICATES. The common
stock of CWC will continue to be traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the
same COST symbol following the Merger.
The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of CWC will be the Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws of the surviving corporation following the merger.
The Articles of Incorporation of CWC are attached to this Proxy Statement as
Exhibit B. The material differences between the Company's present Articles and
Bylaws and the Articles and Bylaws to be in effect following the Merger are
discussed below.
EFFECT OF REINCORPORATION AND MERGER
The Reincorporation and the Merger would change the legal domicile of the
Company and would cause other changes to the Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws, which are described below. The Reincorporation and the Merger will not
result in any change in the business, management, location of the Company's
principal executive offices, assets, liabilities, net worth or accounting
practices. The Company does intend to change its name in the Merger to "Costco
Wholesale Corporation." As noted above, however, the shares of the Company's
common stock will continue to trade on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the
present symbol "COST." The Merger will not give rise to any appraisal or
dissenters' rights.
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DIFFERENCES IN THE CORPORATE CHARTERS
In proposing the Reincorporation and the Merger, the Company has attempted
to minimize the differences between the Company's existing Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws (the "Current Charter Documents") and the Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws following the Merger (the "Proposed Charter
Documents"). Specific articles have been included in the Proposed Charter
Documents to minimize the differences in corporate governance before and after
the Merger. Preemptive rights and cumulative voting are denied in the Proposed
Charter Documents since such rights do not apply to the Company under Delaware
law. The principal differences between the Current Charter Documents and the
Proposed Charter Documents are set forth below.
Shareholders Right to Call Special Meeting. Under the Current Charter
Documents, shareholders owning a majority of the outstanding voting shares
have the right to call a special meeting of shareholders. Under the Proposed
Charter Documents, shareholders would not have the right to call a special
meeting of shareholders.
Removal of Directors. The Current Charter Documents are silent as to grounds
for removal of directors of the Company and, therefore, under Delaware law,
because the Company has a classified board of directors, directors may be
removed by shareholders only for cause. Under Washington law, to accomplish
the same effect, the articles must provide that directors may only be removed
for cause. The Proposed Charter Documents provide that a director may be
removed from office solely for cause. "For cause" under Washington law means
either (i) conviction of a felony by a court of competent jurisdiction and
such conviction is no longer subject to direct appeal or (ii) adjudication for
gross negligence or dishonest conduct in the performance of a directors duty
to this corporation by a court of competent jurisdiction and such adjudication
is no longer subject to direct appeal.
CERTAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WASHINGTON AND DELAWARE CORPORATION LAWS
The Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") currently governs the
rights of the Company's shareholders. After the Merger, the Washington
Business Corporation Act (the "WBCA") will govern the rights of the Company's
shareholders. The WBCA and the DGCL differ in many respects. Certain of the
significant differences between the provisions of the WBCA and the DGCL that
could materially affect the rights of shareholders are discussed below.
Amendment of Articles/Certificates of Incorporation. Under the WBCA, with
certain exceptions such as a change of corporate name or an increase in the
number of authorized shares to effect a stock dividend, amendments to a
corporation's articles of incorporation must be recommended to the
shareholders by the board of directors, unless the board of directors
determines that because of a conflict of interest or other special
circumstances it should make no recommendation and communicates the basis for
its determination to the shareholders with the amendment. All amendments to
the Proposed Charter Documents must be approved by a majority of all the votes
entitled to be cast by any voting group entitled to vote thereon unless
another proportion is specified in the articles of incorporation, by the board
of directors as a condition to its recommendation or by provision of the WBCA.
See "Class Voting" below.
Under the DGCL, amendments to a corporation's certificate of incorporation
require the approval of stockholders holding a majority of the outstanding
shares entitled to vote on such amendment, and if a class vote on such
amendment is required by the DGCL, a majority of the outstanding stock of such
class, unless a greater proportion is specified in the certificate of
incorporation or by other provisions of the DGCL.
Right to Call Special Meeting of Shareholders. The WBCA provides that a
special meeting of shareholders of a corporation may be called by its board of
directors, by holders of at least 10 percent of all the votes entitled to be
cast on any issue proposed to be considered at the proposed special meeting,
or by other persons authorized to do so by the articles of incorporation or
bylaws of the corporation. However, the WBCA allows the right of shareholders
to call a special meeting to be limited or denied entirely by provision of the
corporation's articles of incorporation. The Proposed Charter Documents
provide that the shareholders may not call a special meeting.
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Under the DGCL, a special meeting of stockholders may be called by the board
of directors or by any other person authorized to do so in the certificate of
incorporation or the bylaws. Under the Current Charter Documents, shareholders
owning a majority of the shares eligible to vote may call a special meeting.
Provisions Affecting Control Share Acquisitions and Business
Combinations. The WBCA prohibits a "target corporation," with certain
exceptions, from engaging in certain "significant business transactions" with
a person or group of persons who or which beneficially owns 10% or more of the
voting securities of a target corporation (an "Acquiring Person") for a period
of five years after the acquisition of such securities, unless the transaction
or acquisition of shares is approved by a majority of the members of the
target corporation's board of directors prior to the date of the acquisition.
A significant business transaction includes, among other transactions, a
merger or consolidation with, disposition of assets to or with, or issuance or
redemption of stock to or from, the Acquiring Person, termination of 5% or
more of the employees of the target corporation employed in Washington State
as a result of the Acquiring Person's acquisition of 10% or more of the shares
or allowing the Acquiring Person to receive any disproportionate benefit as a
shareholder. Target corporations include domestic corporations with their
principal executive offices in Washington and either a majority or over 1,000
of their employees resident in Washington. The Company believes it currently
meets these standards and is subject to the statute. A corporation may not
"opt out" of this statute.
Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in a
"business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for three years
following the date that such person becomes an interested stockholder. With
certain exceptions, an interested stockholder is a person or group who or
which owns 15% or more of the corporation's outstanding voting stock
(including any rights to acquire stock pursuant to an option, warrant,
agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion or
exchange rights, and stock with respect to which the person has voting rights
only), or is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and was the owner of
15% or more of such voting stock at any time within the previous three years
(each, an "Interested Stockholder").
For purposes of Section 203, the term "business combination" is defined
broadly to include mergers with or caused by the Interested Stockholder; sales
or other dispositions to the Interested Stockholder (except proportionately
with the corporation's other stockholders) of assets of the corporation or a
subsidiary equal to 10% or more of the aggregate market value of the
corporation's consolidated assets or its outstanding stock; the issuance or
transfer by the corporation or a subsidiary of stock of the corporation or
such subsidiary to the Interested Stockholder (except for certain transfers in
a conversion or exchange or a pro rata distribution or certain other
transactions, none of which increase the interested stockholder's
proportionate ownership of any class or series of the corporation's or such
subsidiary's stock); or receipt by the Interested Stockholder (except
proportionately as a stockholder), directly or indirectly, of any loans,
advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or
through the corporation or a subsidiary.
The three-year moratorium imposed on business combinations by Section 203
does not apply if: (1) prior to the date at which such stockholder becomes an
Interested Stockholder the board of directors approves either the business
combination or the transaction which resulted in the person becoming an
Interested Stockholder; (2) the Interested Stockholder owns 85% of the
corporation's voting stock upon consummation of the transaction which made him
or her an Interested Stockholder (excluding from the 85% calculation shares
owned by directors who are also officers of the target corporation and shares
held by employee stock plans which do not permit employees to decide
confidentially whether to accept a tender or exchange offer); or (3) on or
after the date such person becomes an Interested Stockholder, the board
approves the business combination and it is also approved at a shareholder
meeting by 66 2/3% of the voting stock not owned by the Interested
Stockholder. Section 203 does not apply if the business combination is
proposed prior to the consummation or abandonment, and subsequent to the
earlier of the public announcement or the notice required under Section 203,
of the proposed transaction which (1) constitutes certain (i) mergers or
consolidations, (ii) sales or other transfers of assets having an aggregate
market value equal to 50% or more of the aggregate market value of all of the
assets of the corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate
market value of all the outstanding stock of the corporation or (iii) proposed
tender or exchange offers for 50% or more of the corporation's outstanding
voting
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stock; (2) is with or by a person who was either not an Interested Stockholder
during the last three years or who became an Interested Stockholder with the
approval of the corporation's board of directors; and (3) is approved or not
opposed by a majority of the board members elected prior to any person
becoming an Interested Stockholder during the previous three years (or their
chosen successors).
A Delaware corporation may elect to "opt out" of, and not be governed by,
Section 203 through a provision in either its original certificate of
incorporation or its bylaws, or an amendment to its original certificate or
bylaws, which amendment must be approved by majority stockholder vote. The
Company has not opted out of Section 203.
Mergers, Sales of Assets and Other Transactions. Under the WBCA, a merger,
share exchange or dissolution of a corporation, or the sale, lease or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the corporation's assets, must be
approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors when a quorum is
present, and by each voting group entitled to vote separately on the plan by
two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast on the plan by that voting group,
unless another proportion is specified in the articles of incorporation. The
Proposed Charter Documents provide for the affirmative vote of shareholders
holding a majority of the outstanding voting shares to approve such a
transaction.
Under the DGCL, a merger, consolidation or sale of all, or substantially
all, of the assets of a corporation must be approved by the board of directors
and by a majority (unless the certificate of incorporation requires a higher
percentage) of outstanding stock of the corporation entitled to vote thereon,
provided that no vote of stockholders of a constituent corporation surviving a
merger is required (unless the corporation provides otherwise in its
certificate of incorporation) if (1) the merger agreement does not amend the
surviving corporation's certificate of incorporation, (2) each share of stock
of the surviving corporation outstanding immediately prior to the merger is to
be an identical outstanding or treasury share of the surviving corporation
after the merger, and (3) the number of shares to be issued by the surviving
corporation in the merger does not exceed twenty percent of the shares
outstanding immediately prior to the merger.
Action Without a Meeting. Under the WBCA, shareholder action that may be
taken at a shareholders' meeting may be taken without a meeting if written
consents describing such action are signed by all shareholders entitled to
vote thereon.
Under the DGCL, unless otherwise provided in a corporation's certificate of
incorporation, any action that may be taken at a meeting of stockholders may
be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote if the
holders of outstanding stock, having not less than the minimum number of votes
that would be necessary to authorize such action, consent in writing. The
Current Charter Documents do not provide that the stockholders of the Company
may only take action at an annual or special meeting.
Class Voting. Under the WBCA, a corporation's articles of incorporation may
authorize one or more classes of shares that have special, conditional or
limited voting rights, including the right to vote on certain matters as a
group. The articles of incorporation may not limit the rights of holders of a
class to vote as a group with respect to certain amendments to the articles of
incorporation and certain extraordinary transactions that adversely affect the
rights of holders of that class. The Proposed Charter Documents authorize for
issuance shares of preferred stock, no par value, but no classes of preferred
are presently outstanding.
The DGCL generally does not require class voting, except for amendments to
the certificate of incorporation that change the number of authorized shares
or the par value of shares of a specific class or that adversely affect such
class of shares
Transactions with Officers or Directors. The WBCA sets forth a safe harbor
for transactions between a corporation and one or more of its directors. A
conflicting interest transaction may not be enjoined, set aside or give rise
to damages if: (1) it is approved by a majority of qualified directors (but no
fewer than two); (2) it is approved by the affirmative vote of the majority of
all qualified shares after notice and disclosure to the
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shareholders; or (3) at the time of commitment, the transaction is established
to have been fair to the corporation. For purposes of this provision, a
"qualified director" is one who does not have either: (1) a conflicting
interest respecting the transaction or (2) a familial, financial, professional
or employment relationship with a second director who does have a conflicting
interest respecting the transaction, which relationship would, in the
circumstances, reasonably be expected to exert an influence on the first
director's judgment when voting on the transaction. "Qualified shares" are
defined generally as shares other than those beneficially owned, or the voting
of which is controlled, by a director (or an affiliate of the director) who
has a conflicting interest respecting the transaction.
Under the DGCL, certain contracts or transactions in which one or more of a
corporation's directors has an interest are not void or voidable because of
such interest provided that certain conditions, such as obtaining the required
approval and fulfilling the requirements of good faith and full disclosure,
are met. Under the DGCL, either (1) the stockholders or the board of directors
must approve any such contract or transaction after full disclosure of the
material facts or (2) the contract or transaction must have been "fair" as to
the corporation at the time it was approved. If board approval is sought, the
contract or transaction must be approved by a majority of disinterested
directors (even though less than a majority of quorum).
Dissenters' Rights. Under the WBCA, a shareholder is entitled to dissent
from and, upon perfection of the shareholder's appraisal right, to obtain the
fair value of his or her shares in the event of certain corporate actions,
including certain mergers, share exchanges, sales of substantially all assets
of the corporation, and certain amendments to the corporation's articles of
incorporation that materially and adversely affect shareholder rights.
However, shareholders generally will not have such dissenters' rights if
shareholder approval is not required to effect the corporate action.
Under the DGCL, a stockholder of a corporation participating in certain
major corporate transactions may, under varying circumstances, be entitled to
appraisal rights pursuant to which such shareholder may receive cash in the
amount of the fair market value of his or her shares in lieu of the
consideration he or she would otherwise receive in the transaction. Unless a
corporation's certificate of incorporation provides otherwise, such appraisal
rights are not available (1) with respect to the sale, lease or exchange of
all or substantially all of the assets of the corporation, (2) with respect to
a merger or consolidation by the corporation the shares of which are either
listed on a national securities exchange or NASDAQ or are held of record by
more than 2,000 holders if such stockholders receive only shares of the
surviving corporation or shares of any other corporation which are either
listed on a national securities exchange or on NASDAQ or held of record by
more than 2,000 holders, plus cash in lieu of fractional shares, or (3) to
stockholders of the corporation surviving a merger if no vote of the
stockholders of the surviving corporation is required to approve the merger
because the merger agreement does not amend the existing certificate or
incorporation, each share of the surviving corporation outstanding prior to
the merger is an identical outstanding or treasury share after the merger, and
the number of shares to be issued in the merger does not exceed 20% of the
shares of the surviving corporation outstanding immediately prior to the
merger and if certain other conditions are met.
Dividends. Under the WBCA, a corporation may make a distribution in cash or
in property to its shareholders upon the authorization of its board of
directors unless, after giving effect to such distribution, (1) the
corporation would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual
course of business or (2) the corporation's total assets would be less than
the sum of its total liabilities plus, unless the articles of incorporation
permit otherwise, the amount that would be needed if the corporation were to
be dissolved at the time of the distribution to satisfy the preferential
rights of shareholders whose preferential rights are superior to those
receiving the distribution.
The DGCL permits a corporation to declare and pay dividends out of statutory
surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of net profits for the fiscal year in
which the dividend is declared and/or for the preceding fiscal year as long as
the amount of capital of the corporation following the declaration and payment
of the dividend is not less than the aggregate amount of the capital
represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having
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a preference upon the distribution of assets. In addition, the DGCL generally
provides that a corporation may redeem or repurchase its shares only if such
redemption or repurchase would not impair the capital of the corporation.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock
is required to approve this proposal. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE
FOR THIS PROPOSAL.
PROPOSAL 4: INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AND ANNUAL REPORT
Subject to ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting, the Board
of Directors of the Company has selected Arthur Andersen LLP to audit the
consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the
fiscal year ended August 29, 1999. Arthur Andersen LLP has issued its report,
included in the Company's Form 10-K, on the consolidated financial statements
of the Company for the fiscal year ended August 29, 1999. Arthur Andersen LLP
has served the Company in this capacity since the Merger and Costco Wholesale
Corporation since 1984. Representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP are expected to
be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a
statement, if they desire to do so, and will be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on this proposal shall
constitute ratification of the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP.
OTHER MATTERS
Neither the Board of Directors nor management intends to bring before the
meeting any business other than the matters referred to in the Notice of
Meeting and this Proxy Statement. If any other business should properly come
before the meeting, or any adjournment thereof, the persons named in the proxy
will vote on such matters according to their best judgment.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2000 ANNUAL MEETING
Stockholder proposals intended to be presented at the 2000 annual meeting of
stockholders must be received by the Company no later than September 1, 1999.
Proposals may be mailed to the Company, to the attention of the Secretary, 999
Lake Drive, Issaquah, Washington 98027.
A stockholder who intends to present a proposal at the Company's annual
meeting in 2000, other than pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, must provide the Company notice of such intention by at
least November 1, 1999, or management of the Company will have discretionary
voting authority at the 2000 annual meeting with respect to any such proposal
without discussion of the matter in the Company's proxy statement.
A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FILED WITH THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WILL BE PROVIDED TO STOCKHOLDERS WITHOUT CHARGE UPON
WRITTEN REQUEST DIRECTED TO JOEL BENOLIEL, SECRETARY.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Joel Benoliel
Joel Benoliel
Secretary
17
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
PLAN AND AGREEMENT OF MERGER
BETWEEN
COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
AND
COSTCO COMPANIES, INC.
This Plan and Agreement of Merger (this "Agreement") is entered into this
day of , 199 , by and between Costco Wholesale Corporation, a
Washington corporation (the "Surviving Corporation"), and Costco Companies,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("CCI"). The Surviving Corporation and CCI are
sometimes referred to jointly as the "Constituent Corporations."
RECITALS
A. Each of the Constituent Corporations are corporations organized and
existing under the laws of the respective states as indicated in the first
paragraph of this Agreement.
B. The shareholders and directors of each of the Constituent Corporations
have deemed it advisable for the mutual benefit of the Constituent
Corporations and their respective shareholders that CCI be merged into the
Surviving Corporation pursuant to the provisions of the Washington Business
Corporation Act, Title 23B of the Revised Code of Washington and the Delaware
General Corporation Law (the "Merger").
NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the laws of the states of Washington and
Delaware, the Constituent Corporations agree that, subject to the following
terms and conditions, (i) CCI shall be merged into the Surviving Corporation,
(ii) the Surviving Corporation shall continue to be governed by the laws of
the state of Washington, and (iii) the terms of the Merger, and the mode of
carrying them into effect, shall be as follows:
ARTICLE I
ARTICLES OF SURVIVING CORPORATION
The Articles of Incorporation of CWC as in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time of the Merger shall constitute the "Articles" of the Surviving
Corporation within the meaning of Section 23B.01.400(l) of the Washington
Business Corporation Act and Section 104 of the Delaware General Corporation
Law.
ARTICLE II
APPOINTMENT OF AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS
Pursuant to Section 252(d) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, the
Surviving Corporation irrevocably appoints the Secretary of State of Delaware
to accept service of process in any proceeding to enforce against the
Surviving Corporation any obligation of CCI's as well as for enforcement of
any obligation of the Surviving Corporation arising from the merger. The
Delaware Secretary of State shall mail a copy of such process to Costco
Wholesale Corporation, Attn: Legal Department, 999 Lake Drive, Issaquah, WA
98027.
ARTICLE III
CONVERSION OF SHARES
3.1 CCI Shares. At the Effective Time of the Merger each outstanding share
of the common stock of CCI shall automatically convert to one share of Costco
Wholesale Corporation. It will not be necessary for shareholders of CCI to
exchange their existing stock certificates for stock certificates of the
Surviving Corporation.
A-1
<PAGE>
3.2 Surviving Corporation Shares. At the Effective Time of the Merger each
outstanding share of the common stock of the Surviving Corporation shall be
automatically cancelled and returned to the status of authorized but unissued
shares.
ARTICLE IV
BYLAWS
The Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation shall be the governing Bylaws.
ARTICLE V
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The directors and officers of CCI shall be the directors and officers of the
Surviving Corporation.
ARTICLE VI
EFFECT OF THE MERGER
The effect of the Merger shall be as provided by the applicable provisions
of the laws of Washington and Delaware. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time of the Merger: the
separate existence of CCI shall cease; the Surviving Corporation shall possess
all assets and property of every description, and every interest therein,
wherever located, and the rights, privileges, immunities, powers, franchises,
and authority, of a public as well as a private nature, of all of the
Constituent Corporations, all obligations belonging to or due any of the
Constituent Corporations shall be vested in and become the obligations of, the
Surviving Corporation without further act or deed; title to any real estate or
any interest therein vested in any of the Constituent Corporations shall be
vested in and become the obligations of the Surviving Corporation without
further act or deed; title to any real estate or any interest therein shall
not revert or in any way be impaired by reason of the Merger; all rights of
creditors and all liens upon any property of any of the Constituent
Corporations shall be preserved unimpaired; and the Surviving Corporation
shall be liable for all the obligations of the Constituent Corporations and
any claim existing, or action or proceeding pending, by or against any of the
Constituent Corporations may be prosecuted to judgment with right of appeal,
as if the Merger had not taken place.
If at any time after the Effective Time of the Merger the Surviving
Corporation shall consider it to be advisable that any further conveyances,
agreements, documents, instruments, and assurances of law or any other things
are necessary or desirable to vest, perfect, confirm, or record in the
Surviving Corporation the title to any property, rights, privileges, powers,
and franchises of the Constituent Corporations or otherwise to carry out the
provisions of this Agreement, the proper directors and officers of the
Constituent Corporations last in office shall execute and deliver, upon the
Surviving Corporations request, any and all proper conveyances, agreements,
documents, instruments, and assurances of law, and do all things necessary or
proper to vest, perfect, or confirm title to such property, rights,
privileges, powers, and title to such property, rights, privileges, powers,
and franchises in the Surviving Corporation, and otherwise to carry out the
provisions of this Agreement.
ARTICLE VII
EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER
As used in this Agreement, the "Effective Time of the Merger" shall mean the
time at which executed counterparts of this Agreement or conformed copies
thereof, together with duly executed Certificates or Articles
A-2
<PAGE>
of Merger have been duly filed by the Constituent Corporations in the office
of the Washington Secretary of State pursuant to Section 23B.11.050 of the
Washington Business Corporation Act and the Office of the Delaware Secretary
of State pursuant to Section 252 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or
at such time thereafter as is provided in such Certificate or Articles of
Merger.
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION
This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger abandoned by mutual consent
of the directors of the Constituent Corporations at any time prior to the
Effective Time of the Merger.
ARTICLE IX
NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES
Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, nothing expressed or
implied in this Agreement is intended, or shall be construed, to confer upon
or give any person, firm, or corporation, other than the Constituent
Corporations and their respective shareholders, any rights or remedies under
or by reason of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Plan and Agreement
of Merger to be executed as of the date first above written.
COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION ("CWC"),
a Washington corporation
By:___________________________
James D. Sinegal, President
ATTEST:
By:___________________________________
Richard J. Olin, Assistant Secretary
COSTCO COMPANIES, INC. ("CCI"),
a Delaware corporation
By:___________________________________
James D. Sinegal, President and CEO
ATTEST:
By:___________________________________
Richard J. Olin, Assistant Secretary
A-3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
AMENDED AND RESTATED
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
Pursuant to the provisions of RCW 23B.10.070 of the Washington Business
Corporation Act, COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION, a Washington corporation (the
Corporation), hereby restates its Articles of Incorporation as now and
heretofore amended:
ARTICLE I
The name of this corporation is:
COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
ARTICLE II
2.1 Classes. The total number of shares of all classes of stock which this
corporation shall have authority to issue is one billion (1,000,000,000),
consisting of:
(a) Nine hundred million (900,000,000) shares of common stock, the par
value of each of which is $0.01 (the "Common Stock").
(b) One hundred million (100,000,000) shares of preferred stock, the par
value of each of which is $0.01 (the "Preferred Stock").
2.2 Preferred Stock. The preferences, limitations and relative rights of the
Preferred Stock are undesignated. The board of directors is authorized to
designate one or more series within the Preferred Stock, and the designation
and number of shares within each series, and shall determine the preferences,
limitations, and relative rights of any shares of Preferred Stock, or of any
series of Preferred Stock, before issuance of any shares of that class or
series. The board of directors is authorized to amend these Articles as
provided in RCW 23B.06.020 to effect the designation of rights of any series
of Preferred Stock.
ARTICLE III
3.1 No Preemptive Rights. The shareholders of this corporation have no
preemptive rights to acquire additional shares of this corporation.
3.2 No Cumulative Voting. The right to cumulate votes in the election of
directors shall not exist with respect to shares of stock of this corporation.
3.3 Special Meetings of Shareholders. The shareholders of this corporation
shall have no right to call a special meeting of the shareholders of this
corporation for any purpose or purposes and special meetings of shareholders
of this corporation may only be called by a majority of the board of directors
or the Chairman, the President, any Executive Vice President or the Secretary
of this corporation.
3.4 Quorum at Shareholder Meetings. For all meetings of shareholders, one-
third of the votes entitled to be cast by each voting group with respect to a
matter shall constitute a quorum of that voting group for action on that
matter.
B-1
<PAGE>
ARTICLE IV
The number of directors which shall constitute the whole board of directors
of this corporation shall be fixed by, or in the manner provided in the bylaws
of this corporation, as the same may be amended from time to time.
ARTICLE V
The board of directors shall be divided into three classes: Class I, Class
II, and Class III. Such classes shall be as nearly equal in number of
directors as possible. Each director shall serve for a term ending at the
third annual shareholders' meeting following the annual meeting at which such
director was elected. The directors, the class to which they are elected, and
the year in which their term expires, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR IN WHICH
DIRECTOR CLASS TERM EXPIRES
-------- ----- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
James D. Sinegal....................................... I 2000
Jeffrey H. Brotman..................................... I 2000
Richard A. Galanti..................................... I 2000
Hamilton E. James...................................... II 2001
Frederick O. Paulsell, Jr. ............................ II 2001
Jill A. Ruckelshaus.................................... II 2001
Richard M. Libenson.................................... III 1999
John W. Meisenbach..................................... III 1999
Charles T. Munger...................................... III 1999
Richard D. DiCerchio................................... III 1999
</TABLE>
At each annual election, the directors chosen to succeed those whose terms
then expire shall be identified as being of the same class as the directors
they succeed, unless, by reason of any intervening changes in the authorized
number of directors, the board of directors shall designate one or more
directorships whose terms then expire as directorships of another class in
order more nearly to achieve equality in the number of directors among the
classes. When the board of directors fills a vacancy resulting from the death,
resignation or removal of a director, the director chosen to fill that vacancy
shall be of the same class as the director he succeeds.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of Article V, in all cases,
including upon any change in the authorized number of directors, each director
then continuing to serve as such will nevertheless continue as a director of
the class of which he is a member, until the expiration of his current term or
his earlier death, resignation or removal. Any vacancy to be filled by reason
of an increase in the number of directors may be filled by the board of
directors for a term of office continuing only until the next election of
directors by the shareholders.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article V to the contrary, the
classification of directors as provided in this Article V may be altered or
eliminated only by an amendment to this Article approved by two-thirds of the
votes entitled to be cast by each voting group entitled to vote on such
amendment.
ARTICLE VI
A director of this corporation shall not be personally liable to the
corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for conduct as a
director, except for liability of the director (i) for acts or omissions that
involve intentional misconduct by the director or a knowing violation of law
by the director, (ii) for conduct violating RCW 23B.08.310 of the Washington
Business Corporation Act, or (iii) for any transaction from which the director
will personally receive a benefit in money, property or services to which the
director is not legally entitled. If the Washington Business Corporation Act
is amended in the future to authorize corporate action further eliminating or
limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director
of this corporation
B-2
<PAGE>
shall be eliminated or limited to the full extent permitted by the Washington
Business Corporation Act, as so amended, without any requirement of further
action by the shareholders.
ARTICLE VII
The corporation shall indemnify any individual made a party to a proceeding
because that individual is or was a director of the corporation and shall
advance or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by such individual in
advance of final disposition of the proceeding, without regard to the
limitations in RCW 23B.08.510 through 23B.08.550 of the Washington Business
Corporation Act, or any other limitation which may hereafter be enacted to the
extent such limitation may be disregarded if authorized by the Articles of
Incorporation, to the full extent and under all circumstances permitted by
applicable law.
Any repeal or modification of this Article by the shareholders of this
corporation shall not adversely affect any right of any individual who is or
was a director of the corporation which existed at the time of such repeal or
modification.
ARTICLE VIII
Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock then
outstanding, any director, or the entire board of directors, may be removed
from office only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of
a majority of the voting power of all shares of this corporation entitled to
vote for the election of directors. As used herein, "for cause" means either
(i) conviction of a felony by a court of competent jurisdiction and such
conviction is no longer subject to direct appeal or (ii) adjudication for
gross negligence or dishonest conduct in the performance of a director's duty
to this corporation by a court of competent jurisdiction and such adjudication
is no longer subject to direct appeal. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary, this Article may be altered or eliminated only by amendment to this
Article approved by two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by each voting
group entitled to vote on such amendment.
ARTICLE IX
Amendment of the articles of incorporation, approval of a plan of merger or
share exchange, authorization of the sale, lease, exchange or other
disposition of all, or substantially all of the corporation's property,
otherwise than in the usual and regular course of business, and authorization
of the dissolution of the corporation, shall be approved by each voting group
entitled to vote thereon by a simple majority of all the votes entitled to be
cast by that voting group.
ARTICLE X
The street address of the registered office of this corporation is:
999 Lake Drive
Issaquah, WA 98027
and the name of its registered agent at that address is:
Patrick J. Callans
EXECUTED this day of , 1998.
COSTCO WHOLESALE CORPORATION
By: ___________________________
James D. Sinegal, President
B-3
<PAGE>
COSTCO COMPANIES, INC.
999 LAKE DRIVE, ISSAQUAH, WASHINGTON 98027
PROXY FOR THE JANUARY 28, 1999 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF COSTCO COMPANIES, INC.
The undersigned stockholder of Costco Companies, Inc. (the "Company")
hereby appoints Jeffrey H. Brotman and James D. Sinegal, and each of them, the
lawful attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, each with several powers of
substitution to vote all of the shares of Common Stock of the Company held of
record by the undersigned on December 11, 1998 at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held at the Meydenbauer Center Hall, 11100 NE 6th, Bellevue,
Washington 98004, on January 28, 1999 at 10:00 a.m., local time, and at any and
all adjournments thereof, with all the powers the undersigned would possess if
personally present, upon all matters set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting
of Stockholders and Proxy Statement dated December 14, 1998.
Shares represented by all properly executed proxies will be voted in
accordance with instructions appearing on the proxy and in the discretion of the
proxy holders as to any other matter that may properly come before the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders. IN THE ABSENCE OF SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS, PROXIES WILL
BE VOTED FOR ITEMS 1, 2, 3, AND 4, AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXY HOLDERS AS
TO ANY OTHER MATTER THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING OF
STOCKHOLDERS.
(Continued and to be signed and dated on the reverse side and returned
promptly in the enclosed envelope)
<PAGE>
Please mark
your vote
as indicated [X]
in this
example
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" ITEMS 1, 2, 3 AND 4.
1. Election of Class III Directors:
WITHHOLD
FOR AUTHORITY
[ ] [ ]
Richard D. DiCerchio, Richard M. Libenson, John W. Meisenbach and Charles T.
Munger
(INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee,
write such nominee's name in the space provided below.)
________________________________________________________________________________
2. Authorization to amend the Stock Option Plan to increase number of shares
available for issuance.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3. Authority to change the state of incorporation of the Company.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
[ ] [ ] [ ]
4. Ratification of selection of independent auditors.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
[ ] [ ] [ ]
Signature(s) Dated:
---------------------------- ----------------------
Please sign as name(s) appear on this proxy, and date this proxy. If a joint
account, each joint owner must sign. If signing for a corporation or partnership
or as agent, attorney or fiduciary, indicate the capacity in which you are
signing.
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. FOLD AND DETACH HERE .
