-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Hsnv0yfW7rNhN4yIOnYncZ9VppQRdlFsHh/dlbw8q/GnadXfwDXXKLr7SKSsncDt jqdX5IoyYBrl01XcSkRx/g== 0000950153-08-000728.txt : 20080418 0000950153-08-000728.hdr.sgml : 20080418 20080418155342 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950153-08-000728 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 27 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20080203 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080418 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080418 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CSK AUTO CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001051848 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-AUTO & HOME SUPPLY STORES [5531] IRS NUMBER: 860765798 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0204 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-13927 FILM NUMBER: 08764663 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 645 E MISSOURI AVENUE CITY: PHOENIX STATE: AZ ZIP: 85012 BUSINESS PHONE: 6022659200 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 645 E MISSOURI AVENUE CITY: PHOENIX STATE: AZ ZIP: 85012 10-K 1 p75180e10vk.htm 10-K e10vk
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
Form 10-K
 
 
     
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the fiscal year ended February 3, 2008.
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission file number 001-13927
 
CSK Auto Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
     
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  86-0765798
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
645 E. Missouri Ave.
Suite 400
Phoenix, Arizona
(Address of principal executive offices)
  85012
(Zip Code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
     
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered:
Common Stock, $.01 par value
  New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
 
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
             
Large accelerated filer þ
  Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes o     No þ
 
As of August 3, 2007, the aggregate market value of our voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $541.2 million. For purposes of the above statement only, all directors and executive officers of the registrant are assumed to be affiliates.
 
As of April 11, 2008, there were 44,033,363 shares of our common stock outstanding.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Portions of our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
 


 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                 
        Page
 
      Business     4  
      Risk Factors     17  
      Unresolved Staff Comments     24  
      Properties     25  
      Legal Proceedings     26  
      Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     28  
 
PART II
      Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters     28  
      Selected Financial Data     30  
      Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     32  
      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     62  
      Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     63  
      Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     118  
      Controls and Procedures     118  
      Other Information     126  
 
PART III
      Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance     126  
      Executive Compensation     126  
      Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management     127  
      Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence     127  
      Principal Accountant Fees and Services     127  
 
PART IV
      Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules     128  
 EX-10.04.1
 EX-10.05
 EX-10.07.1
 EX-10.08
 EX-10.09.1
 EX-10.10
 EX-10.11.1
 EX-10.24
 EX-10.29.1
 EX-10.29.2
 EX-10.38.1
 EX-10.42
 EX-10.42.1
 EX-10.43
 EX-10.44
 EX-10.45
 EX-10.46
 EX-10.47
 EX-10.48
 EX-21.01
 EX-23.1
 EX-31.01
 EX-31.02
 EX-32.01
 
As used herein, the terms “CSK,” “CSK Auto,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to CSK Auto Corporation and its subsidiaries, including its operating subsidiary, CSK Auto, Inc., and its subsidiary, CSKAUTO.COM, Inc. The term “Auto” as used herein refers to our operating subsidiary, CSK Auto, Inc., and its subsidiary, CSKAUTO.COM, Inc.
 
You may obtain, free of charge, copies of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Annual Report”) as well as our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K (and amendments to those reports) filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports have been filed or furnished by accessing our website at www.cskauto.com, then clicking “Investors.” Information contained on our website is not part of this Annual Report.
 
Note Concerning Forward-Looking Information
 
Certain statements contained in this Annual Report are forward-looking statements and are usually identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. We intend forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect current views about our plans, strategies and prospects and speak only as of the date of this Annual Report.


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We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions often beyond our control, including, but not limited to, competitive pressures, the overall condition of the national and regional economies, factors affecting import of products, factors impacting consumer spending and driving habits such as high gas prices, war and terrorism, natural disasters and/or extended periods of inclement weather, consumer debt levels and inflation, demand for our products, integration and management of any current and future acquisitions, conditions affecting new store development, relationships with vendors, risks related to compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX” and such Section, “SOX 404”) and litigation and regulatory matters. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results described in these forward-looking statements. For more information related to these and other risks, please refer to the Risk Factors section in this Annual Report. In addition to causing our actual results to differ, the factors listed and referred to above may cause our intentions to change from those statements of intention set forth in this Annual Report. Such changes in our intentions may cause our results to differ. We may change our intentions at any time and without notice based upon changes in such factors, our assumptions or otherwise.
 
Except as required by applicable law, we do not intend and undertake no obligations to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Given the uncertainties and risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward looking statement, you should not place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements and should carefully consider these risks and uncertainties, together with the other risks described from time to time in our other reports and documents filed with the SEC.


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PART I
 
Item 1.   Business
 
Merger Agreement
 
On April 1, 2008, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (“O’Reilly”) and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of O’Reilly pursuant to which the Company is expected to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of O’Reilly (the “Acquisition”).
 
In order to effectuate the Acquisition, O’Reilly has agreed to commence an exchange offer (the “Exchange Offer”) pursuant to which each share of the Company’s common stock tendered in the Exchange Offer will be exchanged for (a) a number of shares of O’Reilly’s common stock equal to the “exchange ratio” (as calculated below), plus (b) $1.00 in cash (subject to possible reduction as described below). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the “exchange ratio” will equal $11.00 divided by the average trading price of O’Reilly’s common stock during the five consecutive trading days ending on and including the second trading day prior to the closing of the Exchange Offer; provided, that if such average trading price of O’Reilly’s common stock is greater than $29.95 per share, then the exchange ratio will be 0.3673, and if such average trading price is less than $25.67 per share, then the exchange ratio will be 0.4285. If such average trading price is less than or equal to $21.00 per share, the Company may terminate the Merger Agreement unless O’Reilly exercises its option to issue an additional number of its shares or increase the amount of cash to be paid such that the total value of O’Reilly common stock and cash exchanged for each share of the Company’s common stock is at least equal to $10.00 (less any possible reduction of the cash component of the offer price as described below).
 
Upon completion of the Exchange Offer, any remaining shares of the Company’s common stock will be acquired in a second-step merger at the same price at which shares of the Company’s common stock were exchanged in the Exchange Offer.
 
The Acquisition is expected to be completed during the second quarter of the Company’s fiscal year ending February 1, 2009 (“fiscal 2008”) and is subject to regulatory review and customary closing conditions, including that at least a majority of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock be tendered in the Exchange Offer and the expiration or termination of any waiting period (and any extension thereof) under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.
 
The Merger Agreement includes customary representations, warranties and covenants by the Company, including covenants (a) to cease immediately any discussions and negotiations with respect to an alternate acquisition proposal, (b) not to solicit any alternate acquisition proposal and, with certain exceptions, not to enter into discussions concerning or furnish information in connection with any alternate acquisition proposal, and (c) subject to certain exceptions, for the Company’s Board of Directors not to withdraw or modify its recommendation that the Company’s stockholders tender shares into the Exchange Offer. In addition, the Company has agreed to use reasonable best efforts to obtain appropriate waivers or consents under the Company’s credit or debt agreements and instruments if needed or if requested by O’Reilly to remedy any default or event of default thereunder that may arise after the date of the Merger Agreement (the “Credit Agreement Waivers”). The $1.00 cash component of the offer price for each share of the Company’s common stock tendered in the Exchange Offer will be subject to reduction in the event that the Company pays more than $3.0 million to its lenders in order to obtain any Credit Agreement Waivers. The Company does not anticipate any need to obtain any Credit Agreement Waivers prior to the anticipated closing of the Exchange Offer.
 
The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both the Company and O’Reilly, including if the Exchange Offer has not been consummated or if the expiration or termination of any waiting period (and any extension thereof) under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, has not occurred, in either case on or before the date that is 180 days after the date of the Merger Agreement, and provisions that permit termination in connection with the exercise of the fiduciary duties of the Company’s Board of Directors with respect to superior offers. The Merger Agreement further provides that upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, the Company may be required to pay O’Reilly a termination fee of $22.0 million.


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In connection with the Acquisition, O’Reilly has received a commitment letter from Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc., Lehman Brothers Commercial Bank, Bank of America, N.A., and Banc of America Securities LLC to provide a $1,200.0 million first lien senior secured revolving credit facility, which O’Reilly is expected to use, in part, to repay at the time of the closing of the Exchange Offer all amounts outstanding and other amounts payable under the Company’s $350.0 million floating rate term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) and $325.0 million senior secured revolving line of credit (the “Senior Credit Facility”), following which such Facilities will be terminated. Thus, although the consummation of the Exchange Offer would result in an event of default and the possible acceleration of indebtedness under those Facilities, it is contemplated that those Facilities will be repaid in full and cease to exist at the closing of the Exchange Offer. If the Acquisition is completed as planned, the Company’s $100.0 million of 63/4% senior exchangeable notes (“63/4% Notes”) will remain outstanding. O’Reilly’s acquisition of the Company and the closing of the Exchange Offer are not conditioned upon the completion of, or availability of funding under, its committed $1,200.0 million credit facility.
 
Term Loan Facility Financial Covenants
 
Our Term Loan Facility contains a maximum leverage ratio that we do not believe at this time we will be able to satisfy beginning in the first quarter of the Company’s fiscal year ending January 30, 2010 (“fiscal 2009”). In addition to having the potential to cause a default under the Term Loan Facility at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009, if we do not obtain a waiver or amendment of that covenant prior to the completion of our financial statements for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, our belief that it is probable that this covenant will not be satisfied for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 will cause us to have to classify all of our indebtedness under the Term Loan Facility and the Senior Credit Facility, as well as the 63/4% Notes, as current liabilities in our financial statements beginning with our financial statements for the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Furthermore, beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we would be required to reduce (to twelve months) the time period over which we amortize debt issuance costs and debt discount, increasing the interest costs we report in our financial statements. The classification of all such indebtedness as current liabilities and the acceleration of the amortization of interest costs will not cause a default under our borrowing agreements. However, any such classification could have adverse consequences upon our relationships with, and the credit terms upon which we do business with, our vendors, although we expect such consequences, if any, to be limited due to the expected closing of the Exchange Offer in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The Company does not expect to seek waivers or amendments under its credit facilities prior to the closing of the Exchange Offer as these credit facilities are expected to be repaid and terminated upon the closing of the Exchange Offer.
 
If the Exchange Offer were to fail to close, prior to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we would seek to obtain a waiver or amendment of certain covenants contained in the Term Loan Facility, including the maximum leverage ratio covenant. No assurance can be given that we would be able to obtain such a waiver or amendment on terms that would be satisfactory to us. Failure to comply with the financial covenants of the Term Loan Facility would result in an event of default under the Term Loan Facility after the first quarter of fiscal 2009, which could result in possible acceleration of all of our indebtedness thereunder, under the Senior Credit Facility and under the indenture under which the 63/4% Notes were issued, all of which could have a material adverse effect on us.
 
General
 
CSK Auto Corporation is the largest specialty retailer of automotive parts and accessories in the Western United States and one of the largest such retailers of such products in the entire country, based, in each case, on store count. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, CSK became a publicly traded company in March 1998, and has historically grown through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth. CSK was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1993.
 
We have the number one market position in 22 of the 32 major markets in which we operate, based on store count. As of February 3, 2008, through our wholly owned subsidiary, CSK Auto, Inc., we operated 1,349 stores in


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22 states, with our principal concentration of stores in the Western United States. Our stores are known by the following four brand names (referred to collectively as “CSK Stores”):
 
  •  Checker Auto Parts, founded in 1969, with 487 stores in the Southwestern, Rocky Mountain and Northern Plains states and Hawaii;
 
  •  Schuck’s Auto Supply, founded in 1917, with 222 stores in the Pacific Northwest states and Alaska;
 
  •  Kragen Auto Parts, founded in 1947, with 504 stores primarily in California; and
 
  •  Murray’s Discount Auto Stores, founded in 1972, with 136 stores in the Midwest.
 
In December 2005, we purchased all the outstanding stock of Murray’s Inc. and its subsidiary, Murray’s Discount Auto Stores, Inc. (collectively “Murray’s”). As of the acquisition date, Murray’s operated 110 automotive parts and accessories retail stores in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Indiana — states in which the Company previously had no significant market presence. The 110 acquired Murray’s stores, as well as new stores we open in our Midwest markets, will retain the Murray’s name. The Murray’s stores complemented our existing operations and expanded our markets served from 19 to 22 states.
 
We offer a broad selection of national brand name, private-label and generic automotive products for domestic and imported cars and light trucks. Our products include new and remanufactured automotive replacement parts, maintenance items and accessories. The following table reflects several of the types of products we sell:
 
             
Hard Parts     Maintenance Products     Accessory Products
             
A/C Compressors
Alternators
Batteries & Accessories
Brake Drums, Rotors, Shoes &  Pads
Carburetors
Clutches
CV Axles
Engines
Fuel Pumps
Mufflers
Shock Absorbers & Struts
Starters
Water Pumps
    Antifreeze & Windshield
Washer Fluid
Belts & Hoses
Chemicals, including Brake &
  Power Steering Fluid, Oil &
  Fuel Additives
Fuses
Lighting
Oil & Transmission Fluid
Oil, Air, Fuel & Transmission
  Filters
Oxygen Sensors
Protectants & Cleaners
Refrigerant & Accessories
Sealants & Adhesives
Spark Plugs & Wires, Wash &
  Wax, Windshield Wipers
    Air Fresheners
Cell Phone Accessories
Drinks & Snacks
Floor Mats
Hand Cleaner
Neon Lighting
Mirrors
Paint & Accessories
Performance Products
Seat Covers
Steering Wheel Covers
Stereos
Tools
             
 
Our stores average approximately 7,500 square feet in size and typically offer a store specific mix averaging approximately 16,000 SKUs. We also operate a highly efficient network of strategically located priority parts depots to provide the majority of our stores an additional 40,000 SKUs on a same-day delivery basis. Through our extensive on-line vendor network, we make available up to an additional 250,000 SKUs on a same-day delivery basis to the majority of our stores and up to 1,000,000 additional SKUs on a next-day delivery basis to substantially all of our stores.
 
We serve both the do-it-yourself (“DIY”) and the commercial installer, also referred to as the do-it-for-me (“DIFM”), markets. The DIY market, which is comprised of consumers who typically repair and maintain vehicles themselves, is the foundation of our business. Sales to the DIY market represented approximately 82% of our net sales for fiscal 2007. The DIFM market is comprised of auto repair professionals, fleet owners, governments and municipalities, and is estimated to have accounted for over 68% of the annual sales in the U.S. automotive aftermarket industry in 2007 (excluding the sales of tires and services performed by DIFM professionals), according to statistics published by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (“AAIA”). Sales to the DIFM market represented approximately 18% of our net sales for fiscal 2007. We believe we are well positioned to effectively and


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profitably further penetrate the highly fragmented DIFM market because of our sales force dedicated to DIFM customers, experienced in-store sales associates, level of customer service, conveniently located stores, efficient depot delivery network, attractive pricing, and ability to provide timely availability of a broad selection of national brand name products.
 
E-Commerce
 
We operate separate e-commerce sites for our retail and commercial customers. Our retail website, which utilizes the partsamerica.com URL, has become a targeted destination for DIY auto parts consumers. Our customers can find price, availability, images and other rich content on hundreds of thousands of our products on the website. The site is completely integrated with our warehouse, inventory and store systems and was one of the first to offer in-store pickup and returns. Through a business arrangement we have with Advance Auto Parts, we are able to offer the in-store service virtually coast to coast. Our commercial e-commerce site, cskproshop.com, offers DIFM customers the ability to develop estimates, perform complex diagnostics, research vehicle problems and order products online. The site is also integrated with our store systems so that an online order will be automatically delivered to the customer. The site also provides our customers the ability to review their monthly statements and digital reproductions of all their signed invoices.
 
Industry Overview
 
We compete in the U.S. automotive aftermarket industry, which, according to statistics by the AAIA published in 2007, has estimated annual sales of approximately $121 billion. Estimated sales include replacement parts, accessories, maintenance items, batteries and automotive fluids for cars and light trucks but exclude sales of tires and services performed by DIFM professionals. The industry is comprised of the DIY market and the DIFM market. We believe that the U.S. automotive aftermarket industry is characterized by stable demand and is growing because of increases in:
 
  •  the number and age of automotive vehicles in use;
 
  •  the number of miles driven annually per vehicle;
 
  •  the number of licensed drivers;
 
  •  the percentage of the total light vehicle fleet represented by light trucks (including SUVs), which generate higher average aftermarket product purchases versus such purchases generated per car; and
 
  •  the existence of $53 billion per year of unperformed and underperformed maintenance by U.S. vehicle owners, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association.
 
While consolidation of automotive aftermarket retailers continues to occur, the industry remains highly fragmented. Our primary competitors include national and regional automotive parts chains, wholesalers, jobber stores, including those associated with national parts distributors and associations, such as NAPA and CARQUEST, independent operators, automobile dealers, and discount stores and mass merchandisers that carry automotive products.
 
Competitive Strengths and Strategies
 
We believe that our competitive strengths and strategies include the following:
 
Leading Market Position in the Western United States.  We are the largest specialty retailer of automotive parts and accessories in the Western United States and have the number one market position in 22 of the 32 major markets in which we operate, based on store count. We believe that we have better brand name recognition than many of our competitors due to the long operating history of our stores, our advertising and marketing programs and the breadth of our product selection.
 
As the largest specialty retailer of automotive parts and accessories in the Western United States, we believe we have certain competitive advantages over smaller retail chains and independent operators. These advantages include: (1) our brand name recognition as a trusted source of automotive parts and accessories, (2) our ability to


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make available a broad selection of products on a timely basis, (3) marketing and distribution efficiencies due to economies of scale, and (4) our efficient store level information and distribution systems. We also believe that we enjoy a competitive advantage over mass merchandisers due to our convenient locations, our focus on automotive parts and accessories and our knowledgeable sales associates.
 
Focus on Customer Service.  As part of our promise of “G.R.E.A.T.” service, our internally developed customer service initiative, we aim to provide the highest level of customer service in our industry in order to generate repeat business. G.R.E.A.T. service includes:
 
  •  Greet the customer
 
  •  Respond to the customer’s needs
 
  •  Expedite the customer’s transaction
 
  •  Ask the customer if we can be of further assistance
 
  •  Thank the customer
 
We provide specialty tools to our customers through our POWERBUILT® Specialty Tool Rental Program that allows customers to use certain specialty tools for specific applications without purchasing the tools on a permanent basis. We have approximately sixty-five specialty tools in this program available to our customers, including a harmonic balancer puller, ball joint separator set and valve spring compressor. Our sales associates also provide certain free services to our customers including oil and battery recycling and “check engine” light readings in certain of our markets, as well as wiper blade installation, battery charging and testing of starters, alternators and batteries in all of our markets.
 
Recruiting, training and retaining high quality sales associates are major components of our focus on customer service. Our training programs and incentives encourage our sales associates to develop technical expertise that enables them to effectively advise customers on product selection and use. We have an average of two National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE, certified parts professionals per store. To further satisfy our customers’ needs, we also offer a “no hassle” returns policy, electronically maintained warranties and a customer service call center.
 
Efficient Store-Level Information and Distribution Systems.  We have optimized our store-level information systems and warehouse and distribution systems in order to more effectively manage our inventory and increase the availability of products to our customers. We have an advanced electronic product catalog in our stores that enhances our associates’ ability to assist our customers in selecting the right parts for their automotive needs. Our sophisticated inventory management systems provide inventory movement forecasting based on history, trends and seasonality. Our systems have enhanced our ability to predict the size and timing of product requirements by closely monitoring service level goals, vendor lead times and cost of inventory assumptions. Our store level replenishment system generates orders based upon store on-hand and store model stock quantities. Store model stock quantities are determined by an automatic model stock adjustment system that utilizes historical sales patterns, seasonality and store presentation requirements. Our fully integrated warehouse and distribution network and our 36 strategically located priority parts depots have allowed us to improve distribution efficiency. Our investment in these systems in our stores and in our distribution network has enhanced our ability to have the right parts in the right places to meet our customers’ needs.
 
We also maintain a market specific pricing program that seeks to optimize margins while maintaining price competitiveness. Our pricing philosophy is that we should not lose a customer because of price. We closely monitor our competitors’ pricing levels through our store specific pricing program, which analyzes prices at the store level rather than at the market or chain level. This initiative enables us to establish pricing levels at each store based upon that store’s local market competition. Our opening price point products offer excellent value at low prices. In addition, our sales associates are encouraged to offer premium products at higher price points yielding higher margins. These premium products typically provide extra features, improved performance, an enhanced warranty, or are nationally branded items.


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Drive Customer Traffic and Increase Sales Base.  Our marketing and merchandising strategy is designed to drive customer traffic and build market share. Our strategy is to make available to our customers one of the broadest selections of quality brand name products on a timely basis in order to maximize customer satisfaction and generate loyal customers. We also strive to be the industry leader in introducing new and innovative product offerings, supported by our promotional print advertising programs that include color circulars and newspaper advertisements. We offer our products at competitive prices in conveniently located and attractively designed stores. Our advertising programs are specifically tailored to target our various customer constituencies for maximum appeal and effectiveness.
 
Store Operations
 
Late in fiscal 2007, we reorganized our store operations management function and reduced our geographic regions from ten to eight. Our stores are currently divided into the following eight geographic regions: Southwest, Rocky Mountain, Northwest, Southern California, Los Angeles, Bay Area, Northern California, and Great Lakes. Regional vice presidents, each of whom oversees 9 to 12 district managers, lead each region. Each of our district managers has responsibility for between 10 and 20 stores.
 
The table below sets forth, as of February 3, 2008, the geographic distribution of our stores and the trade names under which they operate.
 
                                         
                Murray’s
   
    Checker
  Schuck’s
  Kragen
  Discount
  Company
    Auto Parts   Auto Supply   Auto Parts   Auto Stores   Total
 
California
    1       2       485             488  
Washington
          142                   142  
Arizona
    128                         128  
Colorado
    87                         87  
Michigan
                      60       60  
Illinois
                      59       59  
Minnesota
    57                         57  
Utah
    55                         55  
Nevada
    27             19             46  
Oregon
          44                   44  
New Mexico
    34                         34  
Idaho
    9       24                   33  
Wisconsin
    27                         27  
Texas
    18                         18  
Ohio
                      14       14  
Hawaii
    11                         11  
Wyoming
    11                         11  
Alaska
          10                   10  
Montana
    10                         10  
North Dakota
    7                         7  
South Dakota
    5                         5  
Indiana
                      3       3  
                                         
Total
    487       222       504       136       1,349  
                                         
 
Our stores are generally open seven days a week, with hours from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. Some stores are open 24 hours and some stores are open until midnight. The stores employ an average of approximately 7 to 9 associates, including a store manager, two assistant store managers and a staff of full-time and part-time associates.


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Store Formats
 
Approximately 62% of our stores are freestanding, with the balance located within strip shopping centers. Stores range in size from approximately 2,700 to 24,000 square feet, average approximately 7,500 square feet in size and offer a store specific mix of approximately 16,000 SKUs.
 
As of February 3, 2008, other than the 136 Murray’s stores approximating 10,200 square feet, we have three principal store formats, which are 6,000, 7,000 and 8,000 square feet in size. The store size for a given new location is selected generally based upon sales volume expectations determined through a detailed market analysis that we conduct as part of our site selection process. The majority of the Murray’s stores we acquired in fiscal 2005 are 10,000 square feet or larger. The following table categorizes our stores by size as of February 3, 2008:
 
         
    Number of
Store Size
  Stores
 
10,000 sq. ft. or greater
    184  
8,000 — 9,999 sq. ft. 
    249  
6,000 — 7,999 sq. ft. 
    652  
5,000 — 5,999 sq. ft. 
    192  
Less than 5,000 sq. ft. 
    72  
         
      1,349  
         
 
When shopping for hard parts (e.g., starters, alternators, water pumps), our customers are serviced by knowledgeable parts personnel utilizing our electronic parts catalogs, with enhanced product application information, instant inventory availability and product images on thousands of parts. Accessory and maintenance items are easily accessible to our customers via convenient to shop shelving fixtures that contain such products as oil and air filters, additives, waxes and other items. We provide specifically designed shelving for batteries and, in many stores, oil products.
 
Our newest prototypical store format is referred to as a “pod store.” Unlike the traditional store layout, wherein our sales associates are situated behind parts counters, these new store formats have free-standing pods centrally located on the sales floor in the stores. Our associates interact with our customers using the electronic product catalogs located on these pods. We believe that having our associates on the sales floor with our customers will enhance the positive shopping experience.
 
Growth Strategy
 
Our growth strategy is focused on our existing and adjacent markets and includes:
 
  •  stabilizing our current business and judiciously opening new stores;
 
  •  relocating under-performing stores with expiring leases to better locations;
 
  •  restoring top line sales growth in both the DIY and DIFM business through improved merchandising mix with a greater emphasis on hard parts depth; and
 
  •  improving top-of-mind awareness of our brands with our customer base.
 
Store Location Selections
 
Our real estate department utilizes a comprehensive, market-based approach that identifies and analyzes potential store locations based on detailed demographic and competitive studies. These studies include analysis of population density, growth patterns, age, per capita income, vehicle traffic counts and the number and type of existing automotive-related facilities, such as automotive parts stores and other competitors within a pre-determined radius of the potential new location. These potential new locations are compared to our existing locations to determine opportunities for opening new stores and relocating or expanding existing stores.


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The following table sets forth our store development activities during the periods indicated:
 
                         
    Fiscal Year
    2007   2006   2005
 
Beginning stores
    1,332       1,277       1,134  
New stores (excluding relocated stores)
    38       64       36  
Acquired stores
                110  
Relocated stores
    7       8       8  
Closed stores (including relocated stores)
    (28 )     (17 )     (11 )
                         
Ending stores
    1,349       1,332       1,277  
                         
Total new, acquired and relocated stores
    45       72       154  
 
In fiscal 2008, we plan to open 21 new stores (excluding relocated stores), relocate 7 stores and close approximately 47 stores (including the relocated stores), resulting in an estimated net decrease of 19 stores.
 
Store Merchandising
 
Our store merchandising program, which classifies our product mix into separate categories, is designed to determine the optimal inventory mix at each individual store based on that store’s historical sales, lookup inquiries, and company internal search engines. We believe that we can improve store sales, gross profit margin and inventory turnover by tailoring individual store inventory mix based on SKU specific information.
 
Purchasing
 
Merchandise is selected from over 250 primary and approximately 350 special order suppliers and purchased for all stores by personnel at our corporate headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. No one single supplier accounted for 10% or more of our purchases in fiscal 2007, 2006 or 2005. Our stores offer products with nationally recognized, well-advertised brand names, such as Armor All, Autolite, Castrol, Fel Pro, Fram, Goodyear, Havoline, Mobil, Monroe, Pennzoil, Prestone, Quaker State, RayBestos, Stant, Sylvania, Turtle Wax and Valvoline. In addition to brand name products, our stores carry a wide variety of high quality generic products. Most of our generic products are produced by nationally recognized manufacturers; therefore, we believe that our generic products are of a quality that is comparable to brand name products.
 
Our inventory management systems include the E-3 Advanced Warehouse Replenishment Buying System, which provides inventory movement forecasting based upon history, trend and seasonality. Combined with service level goals, vendor lead times and cost of inventory assumptions, the E-3 Buying System determines the timing and size of purchase orders. The vast majority of the dollar values of transactions are sent via electronic data interchange, with the remainder being sent by a computerized email or facsimile interface. Our store replenishment system generates orders based upon store on-hand and store model stock. This includes an automatic model stock adjustment system utilizing historical sales, seasonality and store presentation requirements. We can also allocate seasonal and promotional merchandise based upon a store’s history of prior promotional and seasonal sales.
 
Commercial Sales Program
 
In addition to our primary focus on serving the DIY consumer, we have significantly increased our marketing directed at the commercial or DIFM customer in the automotive replacement parts market. According to the AAIA, the commercial or DIFM market is estimated to have constituted in excess of 68% of the annual sales in the automotive aftermarket (excluding the sales of tires and services performed by DIFM professionals) in 2006 and, based on 2007 research by Lang Marketing Resources, Inc., in 2006 the DIFM market grew at a slightly faster rate than the DIY market relative to the prior year (2005). Our commercial sales program, which is intended to facilitate greater penetration of the DIFM market, is targeted toward professional mechanics, auto repair shops, auto dealers, fleet owners, mass and general merchandisers with auto repair facilities and other commercial repair outlets located near our stores.


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We have made a significant commitment to this portion of our business and upgraded the information systems capabilities available to our commercial sales organization. In addition, we employ one district sales manager for every approximately six stores with a commercial sales center. The district sales manager is responsible for servicing existing and developing new commercial accounts. In addition, at a minimum, each commercial sales center has a dedicated in-store salesperson, driver and delivery vehicle.
 
We have developed commercial marketing programs to reward our commercial customers and provide value added services to their clients. One such program is our “ProShop NASCAR Performance Network” (“PNPN”). This program is a co-branded membership program between CSK ProShop and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (“NASCAR”) that provides to our commercial customers nationwide repair warranty service supported by over 30,000 participating repair shops throughout the U.S. and, among other benefits, a comprehensive marketing and advertising package allowing our commercial customers to market themselves using the NASCAR and CSK ProShop co-branded logo. The PNPN program also gives our commercial customers a chance to participate in special promotions and incentives from NASCAR licensed brands like Goodyear, Raybestos, BWD and Autolite.
 
We believe we are well positioned to effectively and profitably service commercial customers, who typically require a higher level of customer service and broader product availability than the DIY customer. The commercial market has traditionally been serviced primarily by jobbers. However, automotive specialty retailing chains, such as CSK, have continued to increase their share of the commercial market. We believe we have significant competitive advantages in servicing the commercial market because of our user-friendly information systems developed specifically for our DIFM business, as well as our experienced sales associates, conveniently located stores, attractive pricing and ability to consistently deliver a broad product offering with an emphasis on national brand names.
 
As of February 3, 2008, we operated commercial sales centers in 737 of our 1,349 stores. Our sales to commercial accounts (including sales by stores without commercial sales centers) were $340.5 million and $320.2 million in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. On a comparable store basis, our commercial sales increased approximately 6% in fiscal 2007. We believe there is opportunity for further commercial sales growth in all of our markets.
 
Advertising
 
We support our marketing and merchandising strategy primarily through print and radio advertising, in-store promotional displays and targeted direct mail programs. The print advertising is primarily comprised of color circulars and “spadea,” which are wrapped around Sunday newspaper comics sections. We also advertise on radio to support print advertising events and to reinforce our image and name recognition. Advertising efforts include Spanish language radio and billboards as well as bilingual print advertising and store signage. In-store signs and displays are used to promote products, identify departments, and to announce store specials. We also sponsor Major League Baseball in major markets throughout our trade area and a National Hot Rod Association (“NHRA”) Powerade Championship Series® nitro funny car team, and have been designated the Official Auto Parts Store of the NHRA.
 
Websites
 
Our websites include the following:
 
  •  http://www.cskauto.com;
 
  •  http://www.cskautoparts.com;
 
  •  http://www.checkerauto.com;
 
  •  http://www.schucks.com;
 
  •  http://www.kragen.com; and
 
  •  http://www.murraysdiscount.com.


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Associates
 
As of February 3, 2008, we employed approximately 9,100 full-time associates and approximately 5,697 part-time associates. Approximately 86% of our personnel are employed in store level operations, 8% in distribution and 6% in our corporate headquarters.
 
For at least the past 10 years, we have not experienced any significant labor disruption and we believe that our labor relations are good. Except for a limited number of our stores in the Northern California market, whose associates have been represented by a union for many years, none of our personnel are represented by a labor union.
 
Competition
 
We compete in both the DIY and DIFM markets of the automotive aftermarket industry, which is highly fragmented and generally very competitive. We compete primarily with national and regional retail automotive parts chains (such as AutoZone, Inc., The Pep Boys — Manny, Moe and Jack, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. and Advance Auto Parts, Inc.), wholesalers or jobber stores (some of which are associated with national automotive parts distributors or associations, such as NAPA and CARQUEST), automobile dealers, and discount stores and mass merchandisers that carry automotive replacement parts, maintenance items and accessories (such as Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.). As the largest specialty retailer of automotive parts and accessories in the Western United States based on store count, we believe we have certain competitive advantages over smaller retail chains and independent operators. These advantages include: (1) our brand name recognition as a trusted source of automotive parts and accessories, (2) our ability to make available a broad selection of products on a timely basis, (3) marketing and distribution efficiencies achieved from economies of scale, and (4) our efficient store level information and distribution systems. We also believe that we enjoy a competitive advantage over mass merchandisers due to our convenient locations, our focus on automotive parts and accessories and our knowledgeable sales associates.
 
The principal competitive factors that affect our business are store location, customer service, product selection, availability, quality and price. While we believe that we compete effectively in our various markets, certain competitors are larger in terms of number of stores and sales volume, have greater financial and management resources and have been operating longer than we have in certain geographic areas.
 
Trade Names, Service Marks and Trademarks
 
We own the trade names and service marks Checker Auto Parts, Schuck’s, Schuck’s Auto Supply, Kragen and Kragen Auto Parts, and have registered Schuck’s and Kragen Auto Parts with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for use in connection with our automotive parts retailing business. We acquired the trade name Murray’s Discount Auto Stores and the registered service mark Murray’s Auto Parts, among other marks, in connection with our December 2005 acquisition of Murray’s. In addition, we own and have registered numerous trademarks with respect to many of our private label products and advertising and marketing strategies. We believe that our various trade names, service marks and trademarks are important to our merchandising strategies. There are no infringing uses known by us that materially affect the use of such items.
 
Warehouse and Distribution
 
Our warehouse and distribution system utilizes bar coding, radio frequency scanners and sophisticated conveyor and put-to-light systems. In all our distribution centers, we operate with metric based incentive programs measuring accuracy, safety and productivity. These metric based programs have contributed significantly to improved efficiencies in labor productivity and other areas of focus in our distribution centers. Each store is currently serviced by one of our four main distribution centers, with the four regional distribution centers handling bulk materials, such as oil and antifreeze. All of our merchandise is shipped from the vendors to our distribution centers, with the exception of batteries and certain other products, which are shipped directly to stores by the vendor. In fiscal 2007, we completed an approximately 80,000 square foot expansion of our Phoenix, Arizona distribution center.


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International Trade
 
To help protect ourselves against difficulties of bringing imported goods into the United States, we have participated in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) worldwide supply chain security initiative and have achieved a Customs — Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (“C-TPAT”) member status with the CBP. Among other benefits to C-TPAT members, our imported containers have experienced reduced border wait time, compared to containers belonging to importers that have not voluntarily participated in this CBP partnership program.
 
Seasonality
 
Our business is somewhat seasonal in nature, with the highest sales occurring in the months of June through October (overlapping our second and third fiscal quarters). In addition, our business is affected by weather conditions. While unusually severe or inclement weather tends to reduce sales, as our customers are more likely to defer elective maintenance during such periods, extremely hot and cold temperatures tend to enhance sales by causing auto parts to fail and sales of seasonal products to increase.
 
Environmental Matters
 
We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and governmental regulations relating to the operation of our business, including those governing the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances, the recycling of batteries and used lubricants, and the ownership and operation of real property. For example, under environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the cost of removal or remediation of hazardous substances in soil or groundwater. Such laws often impose joint and several liability and liability may be imposed without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release of such hazardous substances. We have recorded no liabilities to provide for the cost of environmental remediation activities, as we do not believe that we have incurred any such liabilities.
 
At some of our locations acquired in prior years, automobiles are serviced in automotive service facilities that we sublease to third parties. As a result of investigations undertaken in connection with such acquisitions, we are aware that soil or groundwater may be contaminated at some of these properties. In certain of these cases, we obtained indemnities from the former operators of these facilities. Although there can be no assurance, based on current information, we believe that any such contamination will not result in any liabilities that would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
As part of our operations, we handle hazardous materials in the ordinary course of business and our customers may bring hazardous materials onto our property in connection with, for example, our oil recycling program. We currently provide a recycling program for batteries in California and for the collection of used lubricants at certain of our stores as a service to our customers pursuant to agreements with third-party vendors. The batteries and used lubricants are collected by our associates, deposited into vendor-supplied containers/pallets and then disposed of by the third-party vendors. In general, our agreements with such vendors contain provisions that are designed to limit our potential liability under applicable environmental regulations for any damage or contamination that may be caused by the batteries and lubricants to off-site properties (including as a result of waste disposal) and to our properties, when caused by the vendor.
 
Environmental laws and regulations have not had a material impact on our operations to date, but there can be no assurance that compliance issues relative to such laws and regulations will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows in the future.
 
Executive Officers
 
The following table sets forth the name, age and position of each of our executive officers as of April 11, 2008. Below the table appears a brief account of each executive officer’s business experience. Our executive officers also have the same titles at our subsidiary, CSK Auto, Inc.


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Certain executive officers who were employed by the Company during fiscal 2007 are no longer employed by the Company. James B. Riley, the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer, resigned from the Company effective at the end of June 2007. Steven L. Korby, who has worked for the Company as a consultant since July 2006, was the Company’s interim Chief Financial Officer until the Company hired Mr. James D. Constantine as a permanent replacement for Mr. Riley in November 2007. Also, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer, Maynard Jenkins, retired from the Company on August 15, 2007. Upon Mr. Jenkins’ retirement, Mr. Lawrence Mondry was appointed as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
 
             
Name
 
Age
 
Position
 
Lawrence N. Mondry
    47     President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
James Constantine
    55     Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Dale Ward
    58     Executive Vice President — Operations
Brian Woods
    37     Executive Vice President — Merchandising
Michael Bryk
    53     Senior Vice President of Finance and Controller
Larry Buresh
    63     Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Larry Ellis
    53     Senior Vice President — Logistics
Greg Langdon
    53     Senior Vice President — Store Operations
Randi V. Morrison
    43     Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
John Saar
    57     Senior Vice President — Real Estate and Human Resources
 
Lawrence N. Mondry became our President and Chief Executive Officer and a director on August 15, 2007. Mr. Mondry has over 20 years experience in merchandising and executive management positions in the multi-unit specialty retailing industry. Most recently, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of CompUSA Inc., a retailer and reseller of personal computers and related products and services, from November 2003 to May 2006. He had served as President and Chief Operating Officer of CompUSA Stores since March 2000. From December 1993 to March 2000, he served as Executive Vice President — Merchandising and, from 1990 to December 1993, as Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager. Mr. Mondry began his retail career in 1983 with Highland Superstores, a multi-regional consumer electronics retailer, where he held various merchandising positions including Vice President, National Merchandise Manager. Mr. Mondry currently serves on the board of directors of Micron Technology, Inc.
 
James Constantine became our Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer in November 2007. From 2006 to November 2007, Mr. Constantine was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ShopKo Stores Operating Co., a retailer of goods and services with stores located throughout the Midwest, Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions. From 2000 to 2005, Mr. Constantine was Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of Factory Card & Party Outlet, a specialty retailer of party and special occasion merchandise. Prior to that, Mr. Constantine was Senior Assistant Treasurer for, and held various other managerial positions with, Sears, Roebuck and Co. from 1981 to 1999. From 1974 to 1981, he held various managerial positions with Deloitte & Touche LLP. Mr. Constantine holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Chicago and is a Certified Public Accountant.
 
Dale Ward became our Executive Vice President — Operations, with oversight responsibility for Store Operations and Commercial Sales in January 2008. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Ward was Executive Vice President overseeing Store Operations, Commercial Sales, Human Resources and Merchandising & Marketing from October 2006. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Ward served the Company in numerous roles, including Senior Vice President — Merchandising & Marketing since May 2005, Executive Vice President — Commercial Operations from October 2001 to May 2005 and Senior Vice President — Store Operations from March 1997 to October 2001. Prior to that, Mr. Ward served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Orchard Supply Hardware since April 1996. Mr. Ward served as President and Chief Executive Officer of F&M Super Drug Stores, Inc., a drugstore chain, from 1994 to 1995. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ben Franklin Stores, Inc., a variety and craft store chain, from 1988 to 1993 and as Chairman of Ben Franklin Crafts Inc., a craft store chain, from 1991 to 1993.


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Brian Woods became our Executive Vice President — Merchandising in August 2007. Before joining CSK Auto, Mr. Woods was employed by CompUSA, a retailer and reseller of personal computers and related products and services, for fifteen years and served in a variety of executive and management positions. From October 2003 to February 2007, he served as Executive Vice President and General Merchandising Manager. Prior to that, from March 2000 to October 2003, he held the position of Vice President of Technology Services.
 
Michael Bryk became our Senior Vice President of Finance and Controller in October 2007. Mr. Bryk served for fourteen years in a variety of financial executive and management positions with CompUSA, a retailer and reseller of personal computers and related products and services. In particular, from February 2007 through September 2007, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. From 2002 through February 2007, he served as Vice President — Finance and Administration. Prior to that, from 2000 to 2002, he served as Vice President — Controller. Before joining CompUSA in 1993, Mr. Bryk served as the Chief Financial Officer and in other finance management capacities while employed with other consumer product retailers in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States.
 
Larry Buresh became our Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer in November 1998. Prior to that, Mr. Buresh was Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Chief Auto Parts, Inc. from 1995 to November 1998. From 1994 to 1995, Mr. Buresh was Senior Director of Central Information Services for Sears, Roebuck & Co. From 1986 to 1994, Mr. Buresh was Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Frank’s Nursery & Crafts, Inc. Prior to that, Mr. Buresh was Vice President of Management Information Services for Ben Franklin Stores Company. Mr. Buresh is also a director of Service Repair Solutions (formerly Mobile Productivity Incorporated) and Association for Retail Technology Standards.
 
Larry Ellis became our Senior Vice President — Logistics in April 2002. Prior to that, Mr. Ellis served as Vice President — Distribution, Transportation, Priority Parts and Replenishment. Mr. Ellis’ career in Logistics began over thirty years ago with Fleenor’s, Inc., which, through a series of transactions, was subsequently acquired by Northern Automotive Corporation (a predecessor to CSK Auto, Inc.) in 1988. During his career, Mr. Ellis has served in several middle and senior management positions.
 
Greg Langdon became our Senior Vice President — Store Operations in February 2008. Mr. Langdon has more than thirty-five years of retail store operations management experience. Most recently, Mr. Langdon served as Vice President and Divisional Vice President — Operations since October 2005, and Regional Vice President — Operations between October 1999 and October 2005. Mr. Langdon began his career with CSK Auto in May 1986 and, before joining CSK, worked for Sears and Roebuck for thirteen years in a variety of management positions.
 
Randi V. Morrison became our Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary in October 2006. Ms. Morrison was formerly Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary since August 2005. Prior to that Ms. Morrison was Vice President, Assistant General Counsel & Secretary from February 2004 to August 2005, Assistant General Counsel & Assistant Secretary from April 2001 to February 2004 and Senior Counsel from March 2000 to April 2001. Ms. Morrison joined CSK Auto as Legal Counsel in March 1997.
 
John Saar became our Senior Vice President — Real Estate and Human Resources in January 2008. Prior to that, Mr. Saar served as Senior Vice President — Commercial Sales since October 2006 and Divisional Vice President since 2001. Mr. Saar has more than 35 years of tenure with the Company and has served in various management and senior management roles with responsibility for real estate, human resources, store operations and other functions.
 
The term of office of each officer is until election and qualification of a successor or otherwise at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. There is no arrangement or understanding between any of the above-listed officers and any other person pursuant to which any such officer was elected as an officer. None of the above-listed officers has any family relationship with any director or other executive officer.
 
Available Information and Exchange Certifications
 
In addition to this Annual Report, we file quarterly and periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All documents that are filed with the SEC are available free of charge on the CSK Auto corporate website at www.cskauto.com. Also, the public may read


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and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room is available by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. We also post our corporate governance guidelines, code of business conduct and ethics and the charters of the committees of our Board of Directors on our website. Any amendments to, or waivers from, a provision of our code of ethics applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, controller, or persons performing similar functions will be disclosed by posting such information on our website. The reference to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on our website and such information should not be considered part of this document.
 
The New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) requires that the Chief Executive Officer of each listed company certify annually to the NYSE that he or she is not aware of any violation by the company of NYSE corporate governance listing standards as of the date of such certification. The Company submitted the certification of its Chief Executive Officer with its 2007 Annual Written Affirmation to the NYSE on December 10, 2007.
 
We included the certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company required by Section 302 of SOX and related SEC rules, relating to the quality of the Company’s public disclosure, in this Annual Report as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2.
 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
Our business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks. Some of these risks are described below, and you should take such risks into account in evaluating us or any investment decision involving the Company. This section does not describe all risks that may be applicable to us, our industry or our business, and it is intended only as a summary of certain material risk factors.
 
Risks Related to the Merger Agreement
 
The failure of the Acquisition to close could have material adverse consequences for the Company.
 
The Company has focused a great deal of internal resources on the strategic review process and the review of strategic initiatives that culminated in the execution of the Merger Agreement and will continue to focus resources on the consummation of the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement contains many conditions to its consummation as summarized under Item 1, “Business.” Should the Acquisition fail to close for any reason and the Company be unable to promptly pursue other strategic alternatives, the Company could be left in a materially weaker position than it might have been if it never commenced the processes that led to the execution of the Merger Agreement, including as a result of employee departures in anticipation of the Acquisition. In addition, if the Acquisition does not close, prior to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company expects that it would need to obtain a waiver or amendment of certain covenants in its Term Loan Facility, which, if not attainable upon reasonably satisfactory terms, could have adverse effects on the Company in fiscal 2008 as described below under “Risks Related to Our Financial Condition — Our failure to Comply with the covenants contained in our Debt Agreements could have a material effect on us.” In addition, if the Acquisition is not completed, the price of the Company’s common stock may decline, as the market price of the Company’s common stock increased significantly upon the announcement of the Acquisition.
 
Risks Related to Our Internal Controls
 
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, which could continue to impact our ability to report our results of operations and financial condition accurately and in a timely manner.
 
As required by SOX 404, management has conducted an assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of February 3, 2008. For a detailed description of our material weaknesses, see Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures.” Our material weaknesses result in more than a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement in our financial statements will not be prevented or detected. As a result, we must perform extensive additional work to obtain reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our


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financial statements. Even with this additional work, given the material weaknesses identified, including the significant turnover of Finance organization personnel and use of consultants to augment the Company’s accounting staff, there is a risk of additional errors not being prevented or detected timely, which could result in a material misstatement of our published financial statements. In addition, it is possible that other material weaknesses may be identified.
 
Although we have remediated several material weaknesses previously identified, we have extensive work remaining to remedy the material weaknesses and other deficiencies we have determined exist at February 3, 2008. We are in the process of implementing a full work plan for remedying the identified material weaknesses, and this work will continue during fiscal 2008. There can be no assurance as to when the remediation will be completed. Until our remedial efforts are completed, management will continue to devote significant time and attention to these efforts. There will also continue to be an increased risk that we will be unable to timely file future periodic reports with the SEC, that a default under our debt agreements could occur as a result of delays and that our future financial statements could contain errors that will be undetected.
 
The continuing existence of material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and the frequency of our restatements of our financial statements may make it more difficult and expensive to refinance our capital structure.
 
In 2006 we entered into a Term Loan Facility. Should we desire to refinance our Term Loan Facility or to otherwise issue securities, the continued existence of our material weaknesses and the fact that we have restated our financial statements twice in the last three years may make it more difficult for us to do so and may increase the cost of doing so. Both the continued exposure to floating rate interest rates through the Term Loan Facility and our Senior Credit Facility and the increased costs associated with any refinancing of the Term Credit Facility could have negative impacts on our results of operations and financial condition.
 
Risks Related to Our Fiscal 2006 Audit Committee-led Investigation and Prior Restatement of Historical Financial Statements
 
Pending and future governmental inquiries may adversely affect us, the trading prices of our securities and our ability to access the capital markets.
 
Our fiscal 2006 Audit Committee-led investigation and the related restatement of historical financial statements is summarized under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Other Significant Events.” During the course of our Audit Committee-led investigation conducted in fiscal 2006 and following its substantial completion, representatives of the Audit Committee and its advisors shared with the SEC the conclusions of such investigation. The Company continues to share information with the SEC and believes it is cooperating fully with the agency in its formal investigation. In addition, certain of our former and current executive officers, directors and other employees are or may be subject to investigation by the SEC in connection with these matters. During fiscal 2007, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Phoenix and the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. indicated that they have opened an investigation related to historical accounting practices that were the subject of the Audit Committee-led investigation. Adverse developments in connection with these proceedings, including any expansion of their scope or a referral to and investigation by other governmental agencies, could negatively impact us and divert our resources and the focus of our management team from our ordinary business operations. In addition, we have incurred and we may continue to incur significant expenses associated with responding to these investigations (including substantial fees of lawyers and other professional advisors and potential obligations to indemnify officers and directors who may be subject to such investigation(s)), and we may be required to pay criminal or civil fines, consent to injunctions on future conduct or suffer other penalties, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us. It is also possible that the existence, findings and outcome of these inquiries may have a negative impact on lawsuits that are pending or may be filed against us, the trading prices of our securities and our ability to access the capital markets. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” for a more detailed description of these proceedings.


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We have been named as a defendant in a class action lawsuit that may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We and certain of our former executive officers and current and former directors are defendants in a consolidated securities class action lawsuit. Our management’s attention may be diverted from our ordinary business operations by this lawsuit and we have incurred and we may continue to incur significant expenses associated with the defense of this lawsuit (including substantial fees of lawyers and other professional advisors and potential obligations to indemnify officers and directors who may be parties to such actions). In addition, as a result of this lawsuit, we may be required to pay a judgment or settlement that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and our ability to meet our debt obligations. We recently entered into an agreement in principle to settle this class action lawsuit. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” for a more detailed description of these proceedings and the agreement in principle.
 
Potential indemnification obligations and limitations of our director and officer liability insurance could adversely affect us.
 
As discussed above and in Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” several of our current and former directors, officers and employees are or may become the subject of criminal, administrative and civil investigations and lawsuits. Under Delaware law, our charter documents and certain indemnification agreements, we may have an obligation to indemnify and are currently incurring expenses on the behalf of our current and former officers and employees and directors in relation to these matters. Some of these indemnification obligations may not be covered by our directors’ and officers’ insurance policies. If the Company incurs significant uninsured indemnity obligations in the future, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
 
Risks Related to our Industry and Business
 
Our industry is highly competitive and we may not have the resources to compete effectively.
 
The retail sale of automotive parts and accessories is highly competitive. Some of our competitors have more financial resources, are more geographically diverse, or have better name recognition than we do, which might place us at a competitive disadvantage. Because we seek to offer competitive prices, if our competitors reduce their prices, we may reduce our prices to maintain a competitive position, which could cause a material decline in our revenues and earnings and hinder our ability to service our debt.
 
We compete primarily with the following types of businesses:
 
  •  national and regional retail automotive parts chains;
 
  •  wholesalers or jobber stores (including those associated with national parts distributors or associations, such as NAPA and CARQUEST);
 
  •  automobile dealers; and
 
  •  mass merchandisers and discounters that carry automotive replacement parts, maintenance items and accessories.
 
We may not be able to grow our number of stores in a profitable manner or achieve the synergies anticipated when acquisitions are made.
 
Our store growth is based, in part, on expanding selected stores, relocating existing stores, adding new stores primarily in markets we currently serve, and, from time to time, acquiring stores in our existing and new markets from other automotive parts and accessories retailers.
 
Our successful future organic growth and growth through acquisitions are dependent upon a number of factors, including our ability to:
 
  •  locate and obtain acceptable store sites;


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  •  negotiate favorable lease terms;
 
  •  complete the construction of new and relocated stores in a timely manner;
 
  •  hire, train and retain competent managers and associates;
 
  •  integrate new and acquired stores into our systems and operations; and
 
  •  achieve the anticipated synergies and operating results that are often built into the purchase price when existing stores or chains are acquired.
 
Acquisitions involve a variety of risks. Failure to successfully integrate a large number of acquired stores into our existing business or failure to achieve anticipated synergies and operating results from such acquisitions could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, particularly during the periods closely following the acquisition of such stores.
 
We cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to open new stores as we have in the past or that our opening of new stores in markets we already serve will not adversely affect existing store profitability, nor can we assure you that we will be able to manage our growth effectively.
 
A decrease in vehicle miles driven, higher gasoline prices and mild summer or winter temperatures may negatively affect our revenues.
 
The need to purchase or replace auto parts is affected by the number of vehicle miles driven. A substantial decrease in the number of vehicle miles driven could have a negative impact on our revenues. Factors that may cause the number of vehicle miles to decrease include:
 
  •  weather conditions;
 
  •  increases in gasoline prices;
 
  •  changes in the economy; and
 
  •  changes in travel patterns.
 
Increases in gasoline prices, as we experienced during fiscal 2007 and 2006, may also adversely affect our revenues because our customers may defer purchases of certain items as they use a higher percentage of their income to pay for gasoline. While we generally experience increased sales when temperatures are extreme, mild summer or winter temperatures may adversely affect our revenues. These factors could result in a decline in the customer traffic at our stores, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
A decrease in the demand for products we offer for sale could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Overall demand for products we sell depends on many factors and may decline for a number of reasons, including:
 
  •  Improving or declining economic conditions — During periods of declining economic conditions, both DIY and DIFM customers may defer vehicle maintenance or repair. During periods of good economic conditions, more of our DIY customers may pay others to repair and maintain their cars instead of working on their own cars or consumers may opt to purchase new vehicles rather than service the vehicles they currently own.
 
  •  Declining vehicle ages and numbers and improving parts quality — A decline in the average age of vehicles, in the number of cars on the road or the continued increase in the quality of auto parts could result in a reduction in the demand for our product offerings.
 
If any of these factors cause overall demand for the products we sell to decline, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.


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A decrease in the ability and willingness of our suppliers to supply products to us on favorable terms may have a negative impact on our business.
 
Our business depends on developing and maintaining productive relationships with our vendors and upon their ability and willingness to sell products to us on favorable price and other terms. Many factors outside our control may harm these relationships and the ability or willingness of these vendors to sell these products on such terms. For example, financial difficulties that some of our vendors may face may increase the cost of the products we purchase from them. In addition, our failure to pay promptly or order sufficient quantities of inventory from our vendors may increase the cost of products we purchase from them or may lead to their refusal to sell products to us at all. The trend towards consolidation among automotive parts suppliers may disrupt our relationship with some vendors. Any disruption in our vendor relationships or in our vendor operations, including those that could arise as a result of the Acquisition or because of concern about our compliance with the covenants contained in our credit facilities, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We receive various payments, allowances, and discounts from our vendors based on, among other things, the volume of our product purchases or the services that we provide to them. These vendor discounts and allowances reduce our costs of sales when the corresponding product is sold. Monies received from the vendors include rebates, allowances, and promotional funds. Typically, these funds are dependent on purchase volumes and advertising plans. The amounts to be received are subject to changes in market conditions, vendor marketing strategies, and changes in the profitability or sell-through of the related merchandise. Any material change in, or failure to obtain vendor allowances and discounts, such as might result from our failure to sell a sufficient quantity of the vendor’s products, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Our operations are concentrated in the Western United States, and therefore our business is subject to fluctuations when adverse conditions occur in that region.
 
The overwhelming majority of our stores are located in the Western United States. As a result of this geographic concentration, we are subject to regional risks such as the economy, weather conditions, power outages, cost of electricity, earthquakes and other natural disasters. In recent years, certain areas in which we operate have experienced economic recessions and extreme weather conditions. Although temperature extremes tend to enhance sales by causing a higher incidence of parts failure and increasing sales of seasonal products, unusually severe weather can reduce sales by causing deferral of elective maintenance. Because our business is somewhat seasonal, inclement weather occurring during traditionally peak selling months may harm our business. Several of our competitors operate stores across the United States and, therefore, may not be as sensitive to such regional risks.
 
War or acts of terrorism or the threat of either may have a negative impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
War or acts of terrorism or the threat of either may have a negative impact on our results of operations by making it more difficult to obtain merchandise available for sale in our stores. In fiscal 2007, we imported approximately 6% of our merchandise directly from other countries, primarily China. If imported goods become difficult or impossible to bring into the United States and if we cannot obtain such merchandise from other sources at similar costs, our sales and profit margins may be negatively affected. To help protect ourselves against difficulties of bringing imported goods into the United States, we have participated in the CBP worldwide supply chain security initiative and have achieved a C-TPAT member status with the CBP. Among other benefits to C-TPAT members, our imported containers have experienced reduced border wait time, compared to the containers belonging to importers that have not voluntarily participated in this CBP partnership program. If we are unable to maintain our current C-TPAT status it would increase the time it takes to get products into our stores. In the event that commercial transportation is curtailed or substantially delayed, our business may be adversely impacted, as we may have difficulty shipping merchandise to our distribution centers and stores, which could result in a diminished ability to meet our customer demand. War or acts of terrorism or the threat of either may negatively affect the economy and may also cause the number of vehicle miles to decrease, the price of gasoline to increase and elective maintenance to be deferred.


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Because we are involved in litigation from time to time, and are subject to numerous governmental laws and regulations, we could incur substantial judgments, fines, legal fees and other costs.
 
We currently and from time to time face complaints or litigation incidental to the conduct of our business, including asbestos and similar product liability claims, slips and falls, and other general liability claims, discrimination and employment claims, vendor disputes, and miscellaneous environmental and real estate claims. In some cases, the damages claimed against us are substantial. We accrue reserves using our best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable contingent liabilities. Although we maintain liability insurance for some litigation claims, if one or more of the claims greatly exceed our coverage limits or our insurance policies do not cover a claim, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results. We are also currently subject to a securities class action lawsuit that is not incidental to our business and is described in greater detail below. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” in this Annual Report.
 
In addition, we are subject to numerous federal, state, and local governmental laws and regulations relating to, among other things, taxation, employment, environmental protection, and building and zoning requirements. If we fail to comply with existing or future laws or regulations, we may be subject to governmental or judicial fines or sanctions.
 
We are subject to environmental laws and the cost of compliance with these laws could negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We are subject to various federal, state, and local laws and governmental regulations relating to the operation of our business, including those governing the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances, the recycling of batteries and used lubricants, and the ownership and operation of real property. As a result of investigations undertaken in connection with certain of our store acquisitions, we are aware that soil or groundwater may be contaminated at some of our properties. There can be no assurance that any such contamination will not have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, as part of our operations, we handle hazardous materials and our customers may also bring hazardous materials onto our properties in connection with, for example, our oil recycling program. There can be no assurance that compliance with environmental laws and regulations will not have a material adverse effect on us in the future. See “Environmental Matters” in Item 1, “Business” in this Annual Report.
 
Risks Related to our Financial Condition
 
We are highly leveraged and, in fiscal 2007, we had higher annual interest costs than we had in fiscal 2006. As of February 3, 2008, we had an aggregate of approximately $487 million of outstanding indebtedness under our Senior Credit Facility, our Term Loan Facility and the indenture under which $100.0 million of our 63/4% Notes were issued (collectively, the “Debt Agreements”). Our substantial debt could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations in many ways, including those set forth below.
 
Our substantial debt and increased interest payment obligations could adversely affect our financial health, undermine our ability to grow and operate profitably and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the Debt Agreements.
 
The degree to which we are leveraged and the increased interest rates resulting from the refinancing of most of our indebtedness in fiscal 2006 and the amendments to our Term Loan Facility in fiscal 2007 could subject us to the following risks:
 
  •  it may be more difficult to meet our payment and other obligations;
 
  •  our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or general corporate purposes may be impaired in the future;
 
  •  a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations must be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for other purposes;


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  •  the majority of our indebtedness, including our Senior Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility, carries variable rates of interest, and our interest expense could increase if interest rates in general increase;
 
  •  we are substantially more leveraged than some of our competitors, which might place us at a competitive disadvantage to those competitors who have lower debt service obligations and significantly greater operating and financial flexibility than we do;
 
  •  we may not be able to adjust rapidly to changing market conditions;
 
  •  we may be more vulnerable in the event of a downturn in general economic conditions or in our business;
 
  •  our failure to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants governing our other Debt Agreements, which, among other things, require us to maintain certain financial ratios and limit our ability to incur additional debt and sell assets, could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on our business or our prospects. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” under the heading “Factors Affecting Liquidity and Capital Resources — Debt Covenants;” and
 
  •  a credit rating downgrade may increase the cost of refinancing our existing debt or obtaining additional financing in the future.
 
Any of the above-listed factors could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and the price of our common stock.
 
Our failure to comply with the covenants contained in our Debt Agreements could have a material effect on us.
 
Our credit facilities require us to maintain certain financial ratios. Failure to comply with these ratios or other financial or restrictive covenants could result in an event of default under the applicable credit facility, which could result in a default or acceleration of all of our other indebtedness, which acceleration, if it occurs, would have a material adverse effect on us. In particular, our Term Loan Facility contains a maximum leverage ratio with which we do not expect to be able to comply beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2009.
 
In addition to having the potential to cause a default under the Term Loan Facility at the end of the first quarter of 2009, if we fail to obtain a waiver for amendment of that covenant prior to the completion of our financial statements for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, our belief that it is probable that this covenant will not be satisfied for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 will require us to classify substantially all of our indebtedness as current liabilities at May 4, 2008 (the end of the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2008). The classification of all such indebtedness as current liabilities (i.e., due within twelve months) will not cause a default under our borrowing agreements. However, such reclassification could have adverse consequences upon our relationships with and the credit terms upon which we do business with our vendors although we expect such consequences, if any, to be limited due to the expected closing of the Exchange Offer in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Furthermore, beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we would be required to reduce (to twelve months) the time period over which we amortize debt issuance costs and debt discount relating to reclassified indebtedness, increasing the interest costs we report in our financial statements.
 
Our Debt Agreements restrict or prohibit our ability to engage in or enter into some operating and financing arrangements, which may limit our ability to operate our business.
 
The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in certain of our Debt Agreements impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us and require us to meet certain financial tests. These restrictions may also have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition by significantly limiting or prohibiting us from engaging in certain transactions, including:
 
  •  incurring or guaranteeing additional indebtedness;
 
  •  making investments;
 
  •  creating liens on our assets;


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  •  transferring or selling assets currently held by us;
 
  •  paying dividends;
 
  •  engaging in mergers, consolidations, or acquisitions; or
 
  •  engaging in other business activities.
 
These restrictions could place us at a disadvantage relative to competitors that are not subject to such limitations.
 
In addition, a breach of the covenants, ratios, or restrictions contained in our Debt Agreements could result in an event of default thereunder. Upon the occurrence of such an event of default, the lenders under all of our Debt Agreements, or, in the case of the 63/4% Notes, the holders of such 63/4% Notes, could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the agreements, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable. If our lenders or the holders of the 63/4% Notes accelerate the payment of any of our indebtedness, we cannot assure you that our assets securing such debt would be sufficient to repay in full that indebtedness and our other indebtedness.
 
The market price for our common stock may be volatile.
 
In past periods, there has been volatility in the market price for our common stock. In addition, the market price of our common stock could fluctuate substantially in the future in response to a number of factors, including but not limited to the following:
 
  •  actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;
 
  •  actual or anticipated changes in our growth rates or our competitors’ growth rates;
 
  •  changes in stock market analyst recommendations regarding our common stock, the common stock of companies that investors deems comparable to us or our industry generally;
 
  •  uncertainties created by our inability to timely file our periodic reports with the SEC;
 
  •  operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to us;
 
  •  changes in governmental regulations;
 
  •  geopolitical conditions, such as acts or threats of terrorism or military conflicts; and
 
  •  concentration of the ownership of our common stock and possible speculation as to our future as a stand-alone organization.
 
General market fluctuations, industry factors and general economic and political conditions or events, economic slowdowns, interest rate changes, credit loss trends or currency fluctuations could also cause the market price of our common stock to decrease regardless of our operating performance. In recent years the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market prices of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to their operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may materially adversely affect our stock price regardless of our operating results.
 
In addition, the market price for our common stock could be subject to significant fluctuation based on rumors and events relating to the Acquisition.
 
Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.


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Item 2.   Properties
 
The following table sets forth certain information concerning our principal leased facilities as of February 3, 2008:
 
                         
                  Number
 
            Square
    of Stores
 
Facility
 
Location
 
Area Served
  Footage     Served  
 
Distribution Centers:
                       
Distribution center(1)
  Dixon, CA
  California, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Hawaii     325,500       544  
Distribution center(2)
  Phoenix, AZ


  Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming     353,504       582  
Office, warehouse and distribution center
  Mendota Heights, MN   Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin    
124,783
     
94
 
Office, warehouse and distribution center(3)
  Belleville, MI   Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio    
352,009
     
137
 
Corporate Facilities:
                       
Corporate office
  Phoenix, AZ   All     127,810        
Corporate warehouse and mail center
  Phoenix, AZ   Arizona, Colorado, Washington    
52,087
     
 
Regional Distribution Centers:
                       
Regional distribution center
  Auburn, WA   Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska     81,761       192  
Regional distribution center
  Aurora, CO   Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota     34,800       88  
Regional distribution center
  Clearfield, UT   Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Oregon     60,000       98  
Regional distribution center
  Commerce, CA   California     75,000       205  
Return Centers:
                       
Returns center
  Phoenix, AZ   Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming     69,796       582  
Returns center
  West Sacramento, CA   California, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Hawaii     65,400       544  
 
 
(1) Subject to time period and other restrictions, we have the ability to expand the Dixon distribution center by 161,000 square feet should the need arise.
 
(2) In fiscal 2007, we completed an approximately 80,000 square foot expansion of our Phoenix, Arizona distribution center (included in the square footage noted above).
 
(3) The distribution center in Belleville is approximately 285,000 square feet and currently services 137 stores. This distribution facility has the capacity to service approximately 400 stores.


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As of February 3, 2008, all but one of our operating stores was leased. The expiration dates (including renewal options) of the store leases are summarized as follows:
 
         
    Number of
Years
  Stores
 
2008 — 2009
    72  
2010 — 2011
    43  
2012 — 2013
    67  
2014 — 2020
    384  
2021 — 2030
    611  
2031 — thereafter
    171  
         
      1,348  
         
 
Additional information regarding our facilities appears in Item 1, “Business,” under the captions “Store Operations,” “Store Formats,” and “Warehouse and Distribution.”
 
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings
 
Securities Class Action Litigation
 
On June 9 and 20, 2006, two shareholder class actions alleging violations of the federal securities laws were filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona against the Company and four of its former officers: Maynard Jenkins (who also was a director), James Riley, Martin Fraser and Don Watson. The cases are entitled Communication Workers of America Plan for Employees Pensions and Death Benefits v. CSK Auto Corporation, et al., No. CV-06-1503 PHX DGC (“Communication Workers”) and Wilfred Fortier v. CSK Auto Corporation, et al., No. CV-06-1580 PHX DGC. The cases were consolidated on September 18, 2006 with Communication Workers as the lead case. The consolidated actions have been brought by lead plaintiff Communication Workers of America Plan for Employee Pensions and Death Benefits (the “Lead Plaintiff”) on behalf of a putative class of purchasers of CSK Auto Corporation stock between March 20, 2003 and April 13, 2006, inclusive. Lead Plaintiff filed an Amended Consolidated Complaint on November 30, 2006. Lead Plaintiff voluntarily dismissed James Riley by not naming him as a defendant in the Amended Consolidated Complaint. The Company and Messrs. Jenkins, Fraser and Watson (collectively referred to as the “Defendants”) filed motions to dismiss the Amended Consolidated Complaint, which the court granted on March 28, 2007. The court allowed Lead Plaintiff leave to amend its complaint, and it filed its Second Amended Consolidated Complaint on May 25, 2007.
 
The Second Amended Consolidated Complaint alleges violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, as well as Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The Second Amended Consolidated Complaint alleges that Defendants issued false statements before and during the putative class period about the Company’s income, earnings and internal controls, allegedly causing the Company’s stock to trade at artificially inflated prices during the putative class period. It seeks an unspecified amount of damages. Defendants filed motions to dismiss the Second Amended Consolidated Complaint on July 13, 2007. On September 27, 2007, the court issued an order granting the motion to dismiss Mr. Fraser with prejudice and denying the motions to dismiss the Company and Messrs. Jenkins and Watson. On October 24, 2007 the court issued a scheduling order setting forth a pretrial schedule that contemplates a trial, if necessary, in March 2009. Lead Plaintiff filed its motion to certify the class on January 18, 2008 and the Company filed its response on February 15, 2008. Lead Plaintiff filed its reply in support of its motion for class certification on March 14, 2008. A hearing on the motion was scheduled to take place on March 21, 2008.
 
Before the hearing on March 21, 2008, and as a result of ongoing settlement discussions, Lead Plaintiff and the defendants (including the Company) reached an agreement in principle to settle the case. Pursuant to the agreement in principle, the settlement amount will be $10.0 million in cash (which the Company expects will be paid by its directors and officers liability insurance) and $1.7 million in the Company’s stock (to be contributed by the Company and valued at the closing price on March 20, 2008). The Company would also pay interest on the cash portion of the settlement at the rate of 5% per annum to the extent that it is not deposited into the settlement escrow account within 30 days of March 21, 2008. The agreement in principle also includes certain corporate governance


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and contracting policy terms that would apply so long as the Company remains an independent company. The court has scheduled a hearing on preliminary approval of the settlement on April 22, 2008. See Note 22 — Subsequent Events in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report for additional information.
 
Shareholder Derivative Litigation
 
On July 31, 2006, a shareholder derivative suit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona against certain of CSK’s former officers and certain current and former directors. The Company was a nominal defendant. On June 11, 2007, plaintiff filed a Second Amended Complaint alleging claims under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and for alleged breaches of fiduciary duties, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment. The Second Amended Complaint sought, purportedly on behalf of the Company, damages, restitution, and equitable and injunctive relief. On June 22, 2007, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint for failure to plead demand futility adequately or, in the alternative, to stay the case until the shareholder class action litigation is resolved. The individual defendants joined in the Company’s motion. On August 24, 2007, the court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss the suit based on plaintiff’s failure to adequately plead demand futility. The court entered a judgment in defendants’ favor on October 22, 2007. Plaintiff did not file a notice of appeal in the 30 days allowed for doing so, and the judgment in defendants’ favor is now final.
 
Governmental Investigations
 
The SEC is conducting an investigation related to certain historical accounting practices of the Company. On November 27, 2006, the SEC served a subpoena on the Company seeking the production of documents from the period January 1, 1997 to the date of the subpoena related primarily to the types of matters identified in the Audit Committee-led investigation, including internal controls and accounting for inventories and vendor allowances. On December 5, 2006, the SEC also served document subpoenas on Messrs. Jenkins, Fraser and Watson. Since that time, the SEC has served subpoenas for documents and testimony on, and requested testimony from, current and former employees, officers, directors and other parties it believes may have information relevant to the investigation. The Company’s Audit Committee has shared with the SEC the conclusions of the Audit Committee-led investigation. In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Phoenix (the “USAO”) and the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. (the “DOJ”) have opened an investigation related to these historical accounting practices. Counsel for the Company’s Audit Committee has met with the USAO and DOJ and has shared with them requested information from the Audit Committee-led investigation. At this time, we cannot predict when these investigations will be completed or what their outcomes will be.
 
Other Litigation
 
During fiscal 2007, we accrued approximately $1.5 million for the estimated costs of settling various regulatory compliance matters relating to our operating practices. We do not believe these matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
We currently and from time to time are involved in other litigation incidental to the conduct of our business, including but not limited to asbestos and similar product liability claims, slip and fall and other general liability claims, discrimination and employment claims, vendor disputes, and miscellaneous environmental and real estate claims. The damages claimed in some of this litigation are substantial. Based on internal review, we accrue reserves using our best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable contingent liabilities. We do not currently believe that any of these other legal claims incidental to the conduct of our business, individually or in the aggregate, will result in liabilities material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


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Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
We held our Combined 2006 and 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on November 8, 2007. The following are the results of certain matters voted upon at the meeting:
 
I. Stockholders elected seven directors to serve until our 2008 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders. The stockholders voted as follows:
 
                 
Directors
  Votes for   Withheld
 
Lawrence N. Mondry
    39,533,001       757,800  
James G. Bazlen
    38,725,609       1,565,192  
Morton Godlas
    38,777,688       1,513,113  
Terilyn A. Henderson
    38,777,949       1,512,852  
Charles K. Marquis
    39,481,549       809,252  
Charles J. Philippin
    38,782,175       1,508,626  
William A. Shutzer
    38,693,607       1,597,194  
 
There were no broker non-votes with respect to the election of directors.
 
II. Stockholders ratified the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending February 3, 2008. The stockholders voted as follows:
 
             
For: 38,891,131
  Against: 1,388,750   Abstain: 10,920   Broker non-vote: 3,838,281
 
III. Stockholders approved an amendment to the Company’s 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan to increase the total number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the Plan by 1,500,000 shares. The stockholders voted as follows:
 
             
For: 33,921,318
  Against: 3,355,777   Abstain: 212,932   Broker non-vote: 6,639,053
 
PART II
 
Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Market Price
 
Our common stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CAO since March 12, 1998. As of April 11, 2008, there were 44,033,363 shares of our common stock outstanding and there were 48 record holders of our common stock.
 
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices for our common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.
 
                 
    Price Range of Common Stock
    High   Low
 
Fiscal 2007:
               
First Quarter
  $ 17.83     $ 16.27  
Second Quarter
    19.14       12.42  
Third Quarter
    13.95       10.03  
Fourth Quarter
    10.72       3.96  
Fiscal 2006:
               
First Quarter
  $ 16.84     $ 12.23  
Second Quarter
    13.29       10.71  
Third Quarter
    15.90       10.62  
Fourth Quarter
    17.27       15.17  


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Performance Graph
 
The following graph reflects the cumulative stockholder return (change in stock price plus reinvested dividends) of a $100 investment in our common stock for the five-year period from February 2, 2003 through February 3, 2008, in comparison with the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Index and the Standard & Poor’s SmallCap Specialty Stores Index. The comparisons are not intended to forecast or be indicative of possible future performance of our common stock. The performance graph shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into our SEC filings and shall not constitute soliciting material or otherwise be considered filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.
 
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among CSK Auto, Inc., The S&P 500 Index
And The S&P SmallCap Specialty Stores
 
(GRAPH)
 
* $100 invested on 2/2/03 in stock or 1/31/03 in index-including reinvestment of dividends.
Indexes calculated on month-end basis.
 
Copyright © 2008, Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. www.researchdatagroup.com/S&P.htm
 
Source: Research Data Group, Inc.
 
                                                             
      2/2/03       2/1/04       1/30/05       1/29/06       2/4/07       2/3/08  
CSK Auto, Inc. 
      100.00         196.28         154.73         159.96         165.59         90.34  
S&P 500
      100.00         134.57         142.96         157.79         180.70         176.52  
S&P SmallCap Specialty Stores
      100.00         191.32         191.27         199.52         229.87         144.64  
                                                             
 
Dividends
 
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock during the fiscal years shown above. We currently do not intend to pay any dividends on our common stock.
 
CSK Auto Corporation is a holding company with no business operations of its own. It therefore depends upon payments, dividends and distributions from Auto, its wholly owned subsidiary, for funds to pay dividends to our stockholders. Auto currently intends to retain its earnings to fund its working capital, debt repayment and capital expenditure needs and for other general corporate purposes. Auto has no current intention of paying dividends or making other distributions to us in excess of amounts necessary to pay our operating expenses and taxes. The Senior Credit Facility, Term Loan Facility and the indenture under which the 63/4% Notes were issued contain restrictions on Auto’s ability to pay dividends or make payments or other distributions to us. See Note 10 — Long-Term Debt to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.


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Item 6.   Selected Financial Data
 
The following table sets forth our selected consolidated statement of operations, balance sheet and operating data. The selected statement of operations and balance sheet data are derived from our consolidated financial statements. You should read the data presented below together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” and the information in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” below.
 
                                         
    Fiscal Year(1)  
    2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts and selected store data)  
 
Statement of Operations Data
                                       
Net sales
  $ 1,851,647     $ 1,907,776     $ 1,651,285     $ 1,604,991     $ 1,606,731  
Cost of sales
    984,649       1,011,712       864,674       839,564       904,090  
                                         
Gross profit
    866,998       896,064       786,611       765,427       702,641  
Operating and administrative
    804,265       788,400       653,471       629,309       624,557  
Investigation and restatement costs(2)
    12,348       25,739                    
Securities class action settlement(8)
    11,700                          
Store closing costs(3)
    1,983       1,487       2,903       2,229       12,522  
                                         
Operating profit
    36,702       80,438       130,237       133,889       65,562  
Interest expense
    54,163       48,767       33,599       33,851       52,754  
Loss on debt retirement(4)
          19,450       1,600       1,026       49,494  
                                         
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (17,461 )     12,221       95,038       99,012       (36,686 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (6,309 )     4,991       37,248       39,450       (14,738 )
                                         
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (11,152 )     7,230       57,790       59,562       (21,948 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax(5)
          (966 )                  
                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ (11,152 )   $ 6,264     $ 57,790     $ 59,562     $ (21,948 )
                                         
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                                       
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ (0.25 )   $ 0.16     $ 1.30     $ 1.30     $ (0.48 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(5)
          (0.02 )                  
                                         
Net income (loss) per share
  $ (0.25 )   $ 0.14     $ 1.30     $ 1.30     $ (0.48 )
                                         
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                                       
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ (0.25 )   $ 0.16     $ 1.29     $ 1.29     $ (0.48 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle(5)
          (0.02 )                  
                                         
Net income (loss) per share
  $ (0.25 )   $ 0.14     $ 1.29     $ 1.29     $ (0.48 )
                                         
Shares used in computing basic per share amounts
    43,971       43,877       44,465       45,713       45,658  
                                         
Shares used in computing diluted per share amounts
    43,971       44,129       44,812       46,002       45,658  
                                         


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    Fiscal Year(1)  
    2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts and selected store data)  
 
Other Data
                                       
Commercial sales(6)
  $ 340,545     $ 320,188     $ 296,159     $ 270,812     $ 271,397  
                                         
Selected Store Data
                                       
Number of stores (end of period)
    1,349       1,332       1,277       1,134       1,114  
Percentage increase (decrease) in comparable store net sales(7)
    (3 )%     (1 )%     %     (1 )%     6 %
Balance Sheet Data (end of period)
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 16,520     $ 20,169     $ 17,964     $ 56,229     $ 36,982  
Total assets
    1,138,690       1,151,762       1,140,034       957,151       969,588  
Total debt (including current maturities)
    519,188       531,501       577,594       508,877       534,654  
Stockholders’ equity
    164,538       171,510       156,157       120,139       81,497  
 
 
(1) Our fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks, ends on the Sunday nearest to January 31 and is named for the calendar year just ended. All fiscal years presented had 52 weeks except fiscal 2006, which had 53 weeks.
 
(2) As further discussed in Note 21 — Legal Matters in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report, we incurred approximately $12.3 million and $25.7 million in legal, accounting consultant and audit fees in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively, for matters related to the fiscal 2006 Audit Committee-led investigation and the related restatement of our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2006 filed May 1, 2007 and completion of our delinquent SEC filings for fiscal 2006.
 
(3) Amounts relate to costs incurred in connection with the closure of existing stores. During fiscal 2003, we incurred $12.2 million associated with the reversal of the reserve established under Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 94-3 and the establishment of a new closed store reserve on the basis of our change in exit strategy in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.
 
(4) In fiscal 2006, we purchased all of our 7% senior subordinated notes, repaid our 33/8% exchangeable notes and made a payment on termination of an interest rate swap related to our 7% senior subordinated notes, which resulted in an aggregate loss on debt retirement of $19.5 million. The $1.6 million loss on debt retirement in fiscal 2005 resulted from the write-off of certain deferred financing fees associated with our former credit facility, which was repaid. During fiscal 2004, we recorded a loss on debt retirement of $1.0 million as a result of the redemption of the $15.0 million remaining balance of our 12% senior notes. During fiscal 2003, we recorded a loss on debt retirement of $49.5 million primarily due to the early redemption of 94% of our 12% senior notes.
 
(5) In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment. SFAS No. 123R sets accounting requirements for “share-based” compensation to employees and requires companies to recognize the grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation in the income statement. The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R during fiscal 2006 using the modified prospective method. In addition to stock options and restricted stock, the Company granted incentive units in fiscal 2005 under a long-term incentive plan (the “LTIP”) for its senior executive officers, which are classified as liability awards, and as such, the transition rule under SFAS No. 123R requires that for an outstanding instrument that previously was classified as a liability and measured at intrinsic value, an entity should recognize the liability that would have been recorded under the fair value method at the date of adoption, net of any related tax effect, as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. As of January 30, 2006, we recognized a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of approximately $1.0 million, net of $0.6 million tax benefit, associated with the LTIP.
 
(6) Represents sales to commercial accounts, including sales from stores without commercial sales centers.

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(7) Comparable store net sales data is calculated based on the change in net sales commencing after the time a new store has been open 12 months or an acquired store has been owned by the Company and open for 12 months. Therefore, sales for the first 12 months a new store is open or an acquired store has been owned are not included in the comparable store calculation. Stores that have been relocated are included in the comparable store sales calculations immediately.
 
(8) Amount relates to the agreement in principle reached to settle a securities class action lawsuit. See Note 21 — Legal Matters and Note 22 — Subsequent Events in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
 
Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with “Selected Financial Data,” our consolidated historical financial statements and the notes to those statements that appear elsewhere in this report. Our discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, such as our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth under “Note Concerning Forward Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” elsewhere in this report.
 
Merger Agreement
 
On April 1, 2008, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (“O’Reilly”) and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of O’Reilly pursuant to which the Company is expected to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of O’Reilly (the “Acquisition”).
 
In order to effectuate the Acquisition, O’Reilly has agreed to commence an exchange offer (the “Exchange Offer”) pursuant to which each share of the Company’s common stock tendered in the Exchange Offer will be exchanged for (a) a number of shares of O’Reilly’s common stock equal to the “exchange ratio” (as calculated below), plus (b) $1.00 in cash (subject to possible reduction as described below). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the “exchange ratio” will equal $11.00 divided by the average trading price of O’Reilly’s common stock during the five consecutive trading days ending on and including the second trading day prior to the closing of the Exchange Offer; provided, that if such average trading price of O’Reilly’s common stock is greater than $29.95 per share, then the exchange ratio will be 0.3673, and if such average trading price is less than $25.67 per share, then the exchange ratio will be 0.4285. If such average trading price is less than or equal to $21.00 per share, the Company may terminate the Merger Agreement unless O’Reilly exercises its option to issue an additional number of its shares or increase the amount of cash to be paid such that the total value of O’Reilly common stock and cash exchanged for each share of the Company’s common stock is at least equal to $10.00 (less any possible reduction of the cash component of the offer price as described below).
 
Upon completion of the Exchange Offer, any remaining shares of the Company’s common stock will be acquired in a second-step merger at the same price at which shares of the Company’s common stock were exchanged in the Exchange Offer.
 
The Acquisition is expected to be completed during the second quarter of the Company’s fiscal year ending February 1, 2009 (“fiscal 2008”) and is subject to regulatory review and customary closing conditions, including that at least a majority of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock be tendered in the Exchange Offer and the expiration or termination of any waiting period (and any extension thereof) under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.
 
The Merger Agreement includes customary representations, warranties and covenants by the Company, including covenants (a) to cease immediately any discussions and negotiations with respect to an alternate acquisition proposal, (b) not to solicit any alternate acquisition proposal and, with certain exceptions, not to enter into discussions concerning or furnish information in connection with any alternate acquisition proposal, and (c) subject to certain exceptions, for the Company’s Board of Directors not to withdraw or modify its recommendation that the Company’s stockholders tender shares into the Exchange Offer. In addition, the Company has agreed to use reasonable best efforts to obtain appropriate waivers or consents under the Company’s credit or debt


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agreements and instruments if needed or if requested by O’Reilly to remedy any default or event of default thereunder that may arise after the date of the Merger Agreement (the “Credit Agreement Waivers”). The $1.00 cash component of the offer price for each share of the Company’s common stock tendered in the Exchange Offer will be subject to reduction in the event that the Company pays more than $3.0 million to its lenders in order to obtain any Credit Agreement Waivers. The Company does not anticipate any need to obtain any Credit Agreement Waivers prior to the anticipated closing of the Exchange Offer.
 
The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both the Company and O’Reilly, including if the Exchange Offer has not been consummated or if the expiration or termination of any waiting period (and any extension thereof) under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, has not occurred, in either case on or before the date that is 180 days after the date of the Merger Agreement, and provisions that permit termination in connection with the exercise of the fiduciary duties of the Company’s Board of Directors with respect to superior offers. The Merger Agreement further provides that upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, the Company may be required to pay O’Reilly a termination fee of $22.0 million.
 
In connection with the Acquisition, O’Reilly has received a commitment letter from Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., Lehman Brothers Inc., Lehman Brothers Commercial Bank, Bank of America, N.A., and Banc of America Securities LLC to provide a $1,200.0 million first lien senior secured revolving credit facility, which O’Reilly is expected to use, in part, to repay at the time of the closing of the Exchange Offer all amounts outstanding and other amounts payable under the Company’s $350.0 million floating rate term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) and $325.0 million senior secured revolving line of credit (the “Senior Credit Facility”), following which such Facilities will be terminated. Thus, although the consummation of the Exchange Offer would result in an event of default and the possible acceleration of indebtedness under those Facilities, it is contemplated that those Facilities will be repaid in full and cease to exist at the closing of the Exchange Offer. If the Acquisition is completed as planned, the Company’s $100.0 million of 63/4% senior exchangeable notes (the “63/4% Notes”) will remain outstanding. O’Reilly’s acquisition of the Company and the closing of the Exchange Offer are not conditioned upon the completion of, or availability of funding under, its committed $1,200.0 million credit facility.
 
Term Loan Facility Financial Covenants
 
Our Term Loan Facility contains a maximum leverage ratio that we do not believe at this time we will be able to satisfy beginning in the first quarter of our fiscal year ending January 31, 2010 (“fiscal 2009”). In addition to having the potential to cause a default under the Term Loan Facility at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009, if we do not obtain a waiver or amendment of that covenant prior to the completion of our financial statements for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, our belief that it is probable that this covenant will not be satisfied for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 will cause us to have to classify all of our indebtedness under the Term Loan Facility and the Senior Credit Facility, as well as the 63/4% Notes, as current liabilities in our financial statements beginning with our financial statements for the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Furthermore, beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we would be required to reduce (to twelve months) the time period over which we amortize debt issuance costs and debt discount increasing the interest costs we report in our financial statements. The classification of all such indebtedness as current liabilities and the acceleration of the amortization of interest costs will not cause a default under our borrowing agreements. However, any such classification could have adverse consequences upon our relationships with, and the credit terms upon which we do business with, our vendors, although we expect such consequences, if any, to be limited due to the expected closing of the Exchange Offer in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The Company does not expect to seek any waivers or amendments under its credit facilities prior to the closing of the Exchange Offer as these credit facilities will be repaid and terminated upon closing of the Exchange Offer.
 
If the Exchange Offer were to fail to close, prior to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we would seek to obtain a waiver or amendment of certain covenants contained in the Term Loan Facility, including the maximum leverage ratio covenant. No assurance can be given that we would be able to obtain such a waiver or amendment on terms that would be satisfactory to us. Failure to comply with the financial covenants of the Term Loan Facility would result in an event of default under the Term Loan Facility after the first quarter of fiscal 2009, which could result in possible acceleration of all of our indebtedness thereunder, under the Senior Credit Facility and under the


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indenture under which the 63/4% Notes were issued, all of which could have a material adverse effect on us. See “Factors Affecting Liquidity and Capital Resources — Debt Covenants” below.
 
General
 
CSK Auto Corporation (“CSK”) is the largest specialty retailer of automotive parts and accessories in the Western United States and one of the largest such retailers of such products in the entire country, based, in each case, on store count. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, CSK became a publicly traded company in March 1998, and has continued to grow through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth.
 
We compete in the U.S. automotive aftermarket industry and sell replacement parts (excluding tires), accessories, maintenance items, batteries and automotive fluids for cars and light trucks. Our customers include people who work on their own vehicles, the Do-it-Yourself (“DIY”) market, and commercial installers who work on other people’s vehicles, the Do-it-For-Me (“DIFM”) market. We believe that the U.S. automotive aftermarket industry is characterized by stable demand and is growing modestly because of increases in, among other things, the age of vehicles in use and the number of miles driven annually per vehicle.
 
We have the number one market position in 22 of the 32 major markets in which we operate, based on store count. As of February 3, 2008, we operated 1,349 stores in 22 states, with our principal concentration of stores in the Western United States. Our stores are known by the following four brand names (referred to collectively as “CSK Stores”):
 
  •  Checker Auto Parts, founded in 1969, with 487 stores in the Southwestern, Rocky Mountain and Northern Plains states and Hawaii;
 
  •  Schuck’s Auto Supply, founded in 1917, with 222 stores in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska;
 
  •  Kragen Auto Parts, founded in 1947, with 504 stores primarily in California; and
 
  •  Murray’s Discount Auto Stores, founded in 1972, with 136 stores in the Midwest.
 
In December 2005, we purchased all of the outstanding stock of Murray’s Inc. and its subsidiary, Murray’s Discount Auto Stores, Inc. (collectively herein, “Murray’s”). As of the acquisition date, Murray’s operated 110 automotive parts and accessories retail stores in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Indiana — states in which the Company previously had no significant market presence. The 110 acquired Murray’s stores, as well as new stores we open in our Midwest markets, will retain the Murray’s name. The Murray’s acquisition complemented our existing operations and expanded our markets served from 19 to 22 states.
 
During fiscal 2007, we opened 38 stores, relocated 7 stores and closed 28 stores (including the 7 stores closed upon relocation), resulting in 17 net new stores.
 
See “Strategic Review of the Business and Exploration of Strategic Alternatives” below.
 
Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest to January 31 and is named for the calendar year just ended. Occasionally this results in a fiscal year that is 53 weeks long. When we refer to a particular fiscal year we mean the following:
 
  •  Fiscal 2007 refers to the 52 weeks ended February 3, 2008;
 
  •  Fiscal 2006 refers to the 53 weeks ended February 4, 2007; and
 
  •  Fiscal 2005 refers to the 52 weeks ended January 29, 2006.
 
Strategic Review of the Business and Exploration of Strategic Alternatives
 
On September 5, 2007, we announced that under the leadership of our new President and Chief Executive Officer, we had commenced a comprehensive strategic review of the Company aimed at improving our profitability and restoring top line growth.
 
As part of the initial strategic planning process, we made the decision to close approximately 40 stores during fiscal 2008. We performed an asset impairment review on the stores identified to be closed in accordance with


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SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment of Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $1.2 million for leasehold assets and store fixtures that will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of their originally estimated useful lives. The impairment charge is included in operating and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
 
The strategic review of the Company continued into the fourth quarter of 2007. In order to focus our attention on our new store locations and on improving our existing operations with the greatest potential for success, we refined our fiscal 2008 plan to open 21 new stores, close 47 stores (including relocations) and relocate 7 stores, resulting in approximately 19 net closed stores anticipated in fiscal 2008. All store locations currently planned for closure in fiscal 2008 are leased, and substantially all of these closures are expected to occur near the end of a non-cancellable lease term, resulting in minimal closed store costs. The costs of any remaining operating lease commitments will be recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, and as such will be expensed at the fair value at the date we cease operating the store.
 
As part of the review of the business, our executive management team also evaluated the current management structure and eliminated approximately 160 non-sales positions, primarily in the corporate and field administration areas, reorganized the staffing in our corporate offices, consolidated certain corporate functions, and eliminated several vice president and other management positions during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2007. A number of executives were reassigned in order to leverage existing skills and experience across the team in an effort to continue reducing operating costs. During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2007, we incurred $2.0 million in severance costs related to these strategic personnel reductions, and as of February 3, 2008, the remaining liability for employee severance costs was approximately $0.9 million.
 
On December 12, 2007, the Company announced it was seeking an amendment to its Term Loan Facility in order to minimize the possibility that it would be unable to comply with the Term Loan Facility’s fixed charge coverage and leverage ratio covenants for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and each of the quarters of fiscal 2008. On December 18, 2007, the Company entered into a fourth amendment to the Term Loan Facility as discussed in more detail below under “Other Significant Events — Term Loan Facility Amendments.”
 
On December 18, 2007, the Company entered into a fourth amendment to its Term Loan Facility in order to minimize the possibility that Auto would be unable to satisfy the Term Loan Agreement’s fixed charge coverage and leverage covenants for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and each of the quarters of fiscal 2008. This amendment significantly increased the interest rates payable on amounts borrowed under the Term Loan Facility, provided the ability under certain circumstances to pay a portion of the interest charges in kind and imposed certain capital expenditure limitations.
 
On December 19, 2007, we announced that we were developing initiatives intended to increase sales and profitability over time; however, effective implementation of these initiatives would require additional cost reductions and incremental investment in the business to fund operational improvements and to reduce the Company’s current debt level. We also announced that we were in the process of developing strategies to raise new capital for the business and reduce our debt burden, that we had engaged JPMorgan to assist us in these efforts and that our engagement of JPMorgan also encompassed acting as our advisor in connection with any divestitures of assets, sale or merger transaction, or other capital markets or business combination transaction.
 
In fiscal 2007, the Company experienced declines in net sales, same store sales, gross profit and net income as reflected in this Annual Report. Having recognized the trends that led to these results and the need to obtain the fourth amendment to the Term Loan Facility, in January 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors asked JPMorgan to develop and evaluate strategic alternatives to preserve and maximize shareholder value. As part of that process, more than 20 parties, including both strategic parties and financial investors interested in control and non-control transactions with the Company, were granted access to non-public information about the Company.
 
On February 1, 2008, O’Reilly announced an unsolicited proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company at $8 per share in cash. O’Reilly had not prior to that date participated in the process described above. As discussed below at “Other Significant Events — Unsolicited Proposal and Stockholder Rights Plan,” on February 4, 2008, in response to O’Reilly’s unsolicited proposal, we announced that we had adopted a stockholder rights plan in order to maintain the integrity of the strategic review process that our Board of Directors was then


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conducting. Subsequently, on February 7, 2008, we announced that we had entered into a standstill agreement with O’Reilly to share non-public information about the Company.
 
On April 1, 2008, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement with O’Reilly and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of O’Reilly pursuant to which the Company is expected to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of O’Reilly. See “Merger Agreement” above.
 
Other Significant Events
 
Unsolicited Proposal and Stockholder Rights Plan
 
On February 1, 2008, O’Reilly announced an unsolicited proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company at $8 per share in cash. O’Reilly had not prior to that date participated in the process described under the heading “Strategic Review of the Business and Exploration of Strategic Alternatives” above, although it subsequently entered into a standstill agreement and has reviewed non-public information about the Company.
 
On February 4, 2008, in response to the unsolicited proposal made by O’Reilly, we issued a press release announcing we had adopted a stockholder rights plan (the “Rights Plan”) and entered into a Rights Agreement on the same date with Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent. The Rights Plan was adopted in order to maintain the integrity of the strategic review process that our Board of Directors was then conducting.
 
Under the Rights Plan, one “Right” was issued for each share of the Company common stock outstanding as of February 14, 2008. The Rights will not become exercisable, and separate certificates evidencing the Rights will not be issued, unless the Rights are triggered. The Rights would be triggered by, among other things, a person or group acquiring or announcing an intention to acquire 10% or more of our common stock, or upon the consummation of a transaction in which we are not the surviving entity, the outstanding shares of our common stock are exchanged for stock or assets of another person, or 50% or more of our consolidated assets or earning power are sold. If a party exceeds the ownership thresholds and the Rights are not redeemed, each Right will entitle the holder, other than the triggering party, to purchase a number of shares of our common stock having a value of twice the $45 exercise price. Such an exercise would dilute the triggering party’s holdings in the Company.
 
The Rights will expire on February 3, 2009, unless the Rights Plan is extended by our stockholders, in which case, the Rights will expire on February 4, 2011 (unless earlier redeemed or exchanged). Subject to certain exceptions, the Rights are redeemable by action of our Board of Directors at a nominal price per Right.
 
Management Changes
 
Appointment of New President and Chief Executive Officer; Appointment of New Board Chairman — On June 8, 2007, we announced the selection of Lawrence N. Mondry as our new President and Chief Executive Officer to succeed our current Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Maynard Jenkins, who had previously announced his intent to retire. On August 15, 2007, having completed the filing of our remaining SEC filings for fiscal 2006, we announced Mr. Jenkins’ retirement and concurrent resignation from the Company’s Board of Directors, and Mr. Mondry’s appointment to the President and Chief Executive Officer positions and election to the Board of Directors. Also on August 15, 2007, we announced that the Board appointed our lead director, Charles K. Marquis, as our non-executive Chairman of the Board.
 
New Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer — On November 5, 2007, we announced that James D. Constantine would be joining the Company as our Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Constantine commenced employment with the Company on November 14, 2007. We had previously announced on June 8, 2007 that our then Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since October 2005, James B. Riley, had accepted another position in his home state of Ohio. After his departure, Steven L. Korby, a partner with Tatum, LLC, who had been serving as a consultant to the Company since July 2006, served as our interim Chief Financial Officer.
 
New Senior Vice President of Finance and Controller — On September 20, 2007, we announced that Michael D. Bryk would be joining the Company as our Senior Vice President of Finance and Controller. Mr. Bryk commenced employment with the Company on October 8, 2007. Mr. Bryk also serves as our principal accounting officer.


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New Executive Vice President — Merchandising — On August 15, 2007, we announced that Brian K. Woods had joined the Company as Executive Vice President — Merchandising.
 
Securities Class Action Litigation
 
On March 21, 2008, the lead plaintiff in the securities class action litigation and the defendants (including the Company) reached an agreement in principle to settle the case. Pursuant to the agreement in principle, the settlement amount will be $10.0 million in cash (which we expect will be paid by our directors and officers liability insurance) and $1.7 million in Company stock (to be contributed by the Company and valued at the closing price of the Company’s stock on March 20, 2008). We would also pay interest on the cash portion of the settlement at the rate of 5% per annum to the extent that it is not deposited into the settlement escrow account within 30 days of March 21, 2008. The agreement in principle also includes certain corporate governance and contracting policy terms that would apply so long as we remain an independent company. The court has scheduled a hearing to preliminarily approve the settlement on April 22, 2008. In fiscal 2007, the Company recorded a charge for the $11.7 million settlement, which is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. The Company had tendered a claim with its primary insurer, under its Directors and Officers liability insurance policy, which participated in the settlement negotiations and has agreed to fund within its policy limits the $10.0 million cash portion of the settlement agreement. Such insurer has also agreed, pursuant to the policy, to reimburse the Company $5.0 million for certain legal defense costs the Company has incurred related to the securities class action litigation described above and the shareholder derivative litigation and SEC investigation described in Note 21 — Legal Matters in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report, the majority of which was reimbursed in fiscal 2007. Such legal costs were expensed as incurred by the Company and reported as a component of investigation and restatement costs in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company expects to recognize the insurance defense cost reimbursements and settlement payments of $15.0 million (in the aggregate) in results of operations in fiscal 2008 upon preliminary approval by the court of the settlement, expected in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. See Note 21 — Legal Matters and Note 22 — Subsequent Events in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
 
Fiscal 2006 Audit Committee Investigation and Restatement of the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Overview
 
In our 2005 10-K, the Company’s consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2004 and 2003 and quarterly financial information for the first three quarterly periods in fiscal 2005 and all of fiscal 2004 included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” were restated to correct errors and irregularities of the type identified in the Audit Committee-led investigation and other accounting errors and irregularities identified by the Company in the course of the restatement process, all as more fully described in the “Background” section below.
 
The Audit Committee concluded that the errors and irregularities were primarily the result of actions directed by certain personnel and an ineffective control environment that, among other things, permitted the following to occur:
 
  •  recording of improper accounting entries as directed by certain personnel;
 
  •  inappropriate override of, or interference with, existing policies, procedures and internal controls;
 
  •  withholding of information from, and providing of improper explanations and supporting documentation to, the Company’s Audit Committee and Board of Directors, as well as its internal auditors and independent registered public accountants; and
 
  •  discouraging employees from raising accounting related concerns and suppressing accounting related inquiries that were made.
 
In September 2006, upon the substantial conclusion of the Audit Committee-led investigation, the Company announced the departures of the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Administrative Officer (who, until October 2005, served as the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) and several other individuals (including its Controller) within the Company’s Finance organization.


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Management, with the assistance of numerous experienced accounting consultants (other than its firm of independent registered public accountants) that the Company had retained near the onset of the investigation to assist the new Chief Financial Officer with the restatement efforts, continued to review the Company’s accounting practices and identified additional errors and irregularities, which were corrected in the restatements.
 
Background
 
In the Company’s 2004 10-K, management concluded that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2005 due to the existence of material weaknesses as described in the 2004 10-K. The plan for remediation at that time called for, among other things, the Company to enhance staffing and capabilities in its Finance organization. During fiscal 2005, we made several enhancements to our Finance organization including the October 2005 hiring of a new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, new personnel in our Finance organization raised questions regarding the existence of inventory underlying certain general ledger account balances and an internal audit of vendor allowances raised additional concerns about the processing and collections of vendor allowances. Management’s review of these matters continued into our fiscal 2005 year-end financial closing process. In early March 2006, it became apparent that inventories and vendor allowances were potentially misstated and that the effect was potentially material to the Company’s previously issued consolidated financial statements. The Audit Committee, acting through a Special Investigation Committee appointed by the Audit Committee consisting of the Audit Committee Chairman and the Company’s designated Presiding Director, retained independent legal counsel who, in turn, retained a separate nationally recognized accounting firm (other than the Company’s independent registered public accountants) to assist it in conducting an independent investigation relative to accounting errors and irregularities, relating primarily to the Company’s historical accounting for its inventories and vendor allowances.
 
On March 23, 2006, the Audit Committee concluded that, due to accounting errors and irregularities then noted, the Company’s (i) fiscal 2004 consolidated financial statements, as well as its consolidated financial statements for fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001, (ii) selected consolidated financial data for each of the five years in the period ended January 30, 2005, (iii) interim financial information for each of its quarters in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004 included in its 2004 Annual Report, and (iv) interim financial statements included in its Form 10-Qs for the first three quarterly periods of fiscal 2005, should no longer be relied upon. On March 27, 2006, the Company announced that it would be postponing the release of its fourth quarter and fiscal 2005 financial results pending the outcome of the Audit Committee-led investigation; that it would be restating historical financial statements; and that the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the prior interim periods and fiscal years indicated above should no longer be relied upon.
 
The initial and primary focus of the Audit Committee-led investigation was the Company’s accounting for inventory and for vendor allowances associated with its merchandising programs. However, the Audit Committee did not limit the scope of the investigation in any respect, which was subsequently broadened to encompass other potential concerns raised during the course of the investigation. Throughout and upon completion of the investigation, representatives of the Audit Committee and its legal and accounting advisors shared the results of the investigation with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and the SEC, which is conducting a formal investigation of these matters. As noted above, the Company continues to share information and believes it is cooperating fully with the SEC in its formal investigation.
 
During and following the Audit Committee-led investigation, the Company’s Finance personnel (consisting primarily of the Company’s then new Chief Financial Officer and numerous experienced finance/accounting consultants the Company had retained near the onset of the investigation to assist the Chief Financial Officer with the restatement efforts), assisted by the Company’s Internal Audit staff, conducted follow-up procedures to ensure that the information uncovered during the investigation was complete, evaluated the initial accounting for numerous transactions and reviewed the activity in accounts in light of the newly available information to determine the propriety of the initial record-keeping and accounting. In the course of these follow-up procedures, the Company also identified a number of other accounting errors and irregularities that were corrected in our restated consolidated financial statements in our 2005 10-K.


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The legal and accounting advisors to the Audit Committee, from March through the end of September 2006, reviewed relevant documentation and interviewed current and former officers and employees of the Company. The investigation and restatement process identified numerous instances of improperly supported journal entries recorded to general ledger accounts, override of Company policies and procedures, absence of appropriately designed policies and procedures, misapplication of GAAP and other ineffective controls. In addition, the investigation identified evidence of both a “tone” among certain senior executives of the Company that discouraged the raising of accounting concerns and other behavior that was deemed to not be acceptable by our disinterested directors (i.e., the five of our directors, including the members of the Special Investigation Committee, who are not present or former members of our management) (hereinafter, the “Disinterested Directors”).
 
On September 28, 2006, the Company announced the substantial completion of the Audit Committee-led investigation, and that the investigation had identified accounting errors and irregularities that materially and improperly impacted various inventory accounts, vendor allowance receivables, other accrual accounts and related expense accounts. In addition, the Company announced personnel changes and also announced its intent to implement remedial measures in the areas of enhanced accounting policies, internal controls and employee training.
 
Following the completion of the Audit Committee-led investigation, the Board of Directors created a Remediation Committee comprised of certain positions within key functional areas of the Company and co-chaired by the General Counsel and the Chief Financial Officer to develop a remediation plan to address the types of matters identified during the investigation. The remediation plan the Remediation Committee has been working with reflects the input of the Disinterested Directors. While many aspects of the remediation plan have been implemented, other aspects of the plan are presently in the development phase or scheduled for later implementation. This remediation plan includes a comprehensive review, and development or modification as appropriate, of various components of the Company’s compliance program, including ethics and compliance training, hotline awareness and education, corporate governance training, awareness of and education relative to key codes and policies, as well as departmental specific measures. See discussion under “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — Plan for Remediation of Material Weaknesses” in Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures.”
 
The Audit Committee-led investigation and restatement process resulted in legal, accounting consultant and audit expenses of approximately $25.7 million in fiscal 2006. Legal, accounting consultant and audit expenses relative to the securities class action and shareholder derivative litigation, regulatory investigations, completion of the restatement process (relative to the fiscal 2005 10-K filed May 1, 2007) and completion of our fiscal 2006 delinquent filings continued into fiscal 2007 and totaled approximately $12.3 million. We expect to continue to incur legal expenses during fiscal 2008 related to the regulatory investigations and securities class action litigation.
 
Debt Refinancing
 
Our inability to timely file our periodic reports with the SEC as a result of the need to restate our financial statements as discussed above created potential default implications under all of our debt instruments. As a result, in July 2006, we completed a cash tender offer and consent solicitation for $224.96 million of our then held 7% senior subordinated notes (the “7% Notes”) and repaid all of the then held 33/8% senior exchangeable notes (the “33/8% Notes”) upon the acceleration of their maturity. We used proceeds from our $350.0 million Term Loan Facility, entered into in June 2006, to pay the tender offer consideration for the 7% Notes and to repay the 33/8% Notes. We also obtained the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding 45/8% senior exchangeable notes (the “45/8% Notes”) to enter into a supplemental indenture to the indenture under which the 45/8% Notes were issued to waive any default arising from our filing delays, increase the applicable coupon interest rate to 63/4%, and improve the exchange rate of the notes from 49.8473 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes to 60.6061 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the notes (hereinafter, these notes are referred to as the “63/4% Notes”).
 
Senior Credit Facility Waivers
 
On June 11, 2007, we executed a third waiver to our $325 million Senior Credit Facility with respect to the stated time periods under the facility to deliver annual and quarterly financial statements for fiscal 2006 and


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quarterly financial statements for the first quarter of fiscal 2007 and the related periodic SEC reports for these periods, which, subject to the specific terms and conditions of the waiver, was designed to allow us until August 15, 2007 to complete such filings. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Senior Credit Facility — Revolving Line of Credit” and “ Factors Affecting Liquidity and Capital Resources — Debt Covenants.” On August 10, 2007, we entered into a fourth waiver to our Senior Credit Facility that extended the deadline of the third waiver relating to the delivery thereunder of our delinquent periodic SEC filings and related financial statements. Upon the filing of the Quarterly Report for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 on October 12, 2007, we had filed all previously delinquent periodic SEC filings, and the waiver of the filing deadlines described above terminated.
 
Term Loan Facility Amendments
 
We have amended our Term Loan Facility four times. The terms of the fourth amendment are discussed in greater detail below. Included in the second amendment was a revision to the definition of the term “Leverage Ratio,” which revised it to exclude undrawn letters of credit, which had typically been excluded from this calculation in our prior debt agreements. The last three amendments each increased the maximum leverage ratio for certain future quarterly periods to minimize the possibility that we would be unable to comply with the Facility’s leverage ratio covenants for such future quarterly periods.
 
On December 18, 2007, we entered into the fourth amendment to the Term Loan Facility and paid an amendment fee of approximately $3.5 million. The amendment decreased the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio from 1.40:1 to 1.25:1 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, 1.20:1 for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, 1.15:1 for the second quarter of fiscal 2008, and 1.20:1 for the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2008. The amendment also increased the maximum leverage ratios permitted under the Facility from 4.00:1 to 5.30:1 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, from 3.85:1 to 5.80:1 for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, from 3.75:1 to 6.00:1 for the second quarter of fiscal 2008, from 3.50:1 to 5.75:1 for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, and from 3.25:1 to 4.50:1 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.
 
The fourth amendment also increased the spreads used to calculate the rate at which funds borrowed under the Term Loan Facility accrue interest to 5.00%, 6.00% or 7.00%, in the case of loans bearing interest based on the LIBOR rate, and 4.00%, 5.00% or 6.00%, in the case of loans bearing interest at a base rate, in each case depending on our then-current corporate ratings. At December 18, 2007, the applicable interest rate under the Term Loan Facility became LIBOR plus 5%. As of February 3, 2008, the applicable interest rate under the Term Loan Facility was LIBOR plus 7% as our corporate credit rating was lowered to B- by Standard & Poor’s on January 23, 2008.
 
In addition to the covenant and interest rate changes described above, the fourth amendment added a prepayment penalty with respect to optional prepayments and mandatory prepayments required in connection with debt and equity issuances, asset sales and recovery events equal to 1% of any loans under the Term Loan Facility that are prepaid prior to the second anniversary of the fourth amendment. The amendment also added the option, the availability of which depends on our then-current corporate ratings, to pay in kind 50 basis points per annum or 100 basis points per annum, depending on our then-current corporate ratings, of any interest accruing on and after January 8, 2008 by adding such amount to the principal of the loans under the Term Loan Facility as of the interest payment date on which such interest payment is due. The amendment also added a limitation on capital expenditures by the Company of $25 million for each of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2009, provided that any portion of such amount not expended in fiscal 2008 may be carried over for expenditure during the first two quarters of fiscal 2009. See “Factors Affecting Liquidity and Capital Resources — Debt Covenants.”
 
Under the terms of the fourth amendment, the maximum leverage ratio permitted in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 decreases significantly to 3:25:1 to 1 from 5.75:1 in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and 4.50:1 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. Based on our current financial forecast, we do not expect to be able to satisfy this covenant for the first quarter of fiscal 2009. If that continues to be the case, we would be in default under the Term Loan Facility as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009 unless we first obtained a covenant waiver or an amendment to revise that ratio to one we could satisfy.


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Review of Operations
 
The following discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting operating results for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements. References to years relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years unless otherwise designated. Results for the past three years expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated were as follows:
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended
    February 3,
  February 4,
  January 29,
    2008   2007   2006
 
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    53.2 %     53.0 %     52.4 %
                         
Gross profit
    46.8 %     47.0 %     47.6 %
Other costs and expenses:
                       
Operating and administrative
    43.4 %     41.3 %     39.6 %
Investigation and restatement costs
    0.7 %     1.3 %     0.0 %
Securities class action settlement
    0.6 %     0.0 %     0.0 %
Store closing costs
    0.1 %     0.1 %     0.2 %
                         
Operating profit
    2.0 %     4.3 %     7.8 %
Interest expense
    2.9 %     2.6 %     2.0 %
Loss on debt retirement
    0.0 %     1.0 %     0.1 %
                         
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (0.9 )%     0.7 %     5.7 %
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (0.3 )%     0.3 %     2.3 %
                         
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (0.6 )%     0.4 %     3.4 %
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax
    0.0 %     (0.1 )%     0.0 %
                         
Net income (loss)
    (0.6 )%     0.3 %     3.4 %
                         
 
Fiscal 2007 Compared with Fiscal 2006; Fiscal 2006 Compared with Fiscal 2005
 
Net Sales
 
Net sales and sales data for these years were as follows (sales $ in thousands):
 
                         
    Net Sales and Sales Data  
    Fiscal Year Ended  
    February 3,
    February 4,
    January 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Retail sales
  $ 1,511,102     $ 1,587,588     $ 1,355,126  
Commercial sales
    340,545       320,188       296,159  
                         
Total net sales
  $ 1,851,647     $ 1,907,776     $ 1,651,285  
                         
Sales growth — retail sales
    (4.8 )%     17.2 %     2.0 %
Sales growth — commercial sales
    6.4 %     8.1 %     9.4 %
Sales growth — comparable retail stores
    (4.4 )%     (3.4 )%     (1.6 )%
Sales growth — comparable commercial stores
    5.8 %     7.7 %     8.1 %
Number of stores open (at end of fiscal year)
    1,349       1,332       1,277  


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Retail sales represent sales to the DIY customer. Commercial sales represent sales to commercial accounts, including such sales from stores without commercial sales centers. We evaluate comparable (or “same-store”) sales based on the change in net sales commencing after the time a new store has been open or an acquired store has been owned by the Company for 12 months. Therefore, sales for the first 12 months a new store is open or an acquired store is owned are not included in the comparable store calculation. Stores that have been relocated are included in the comparable store sales calculations immediately.
 
Net sales for fiscal 2007 decreased 2.9%, or $56.2 million, compared to fiscal 2006. Net sales were $1,851.6 million in fiscal 2007, compared to $1,907.8 in fiscal 2006. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to one additional week of sales in the 2006 fiscal year, which resulted in additional sales of approximately $34.3 million, as well as a decrease in same store sales, the effects of which were partially offset by sales from 17 net new stores added during fiscal 2007. Total same store sales declined by 2.7%. Same store retail sales, which make up the majority of our sales, declined 4.4%, compared to a 3.4% decline in fiscal 2006. Same store commercial sales increased 5.8%, compared to a 7.7% increase in fiscal 2006. Commercial sales continue to increase due to our continued emphasis on growing our commercial business as the commercial market has a higher growth rate than the retail market. The decline in total same store sales was due to a decline in customer count of 5.7% (measured by the number of in-store transactions in stores that have been opened more than one year), which was partially offset by an increase in the average transaction size of 3.2% (measured by dollars spent per sale transaction). The Company believes that same store sales during this period were adversely affected by new store openings — both of the Company’s stores and our competitor’s stores, and by persistent high gas prices and the deterioration in general economic conditions.
 
Net sales for fiscal 2006 increased 15.5%, or $256.5 million, to $1,907.8 million from $1,651.3 million for fiscal 2005 due primarily to the full year results of the Murray’s stores acquired in December 2005, the increase of 55 net new stores and one additional week in the 2006 fiscal year. Retail sales increased 17.2% in fiscal 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005, while our commercial sales increased 8.1% in fiscal 2006 as compared to fiscal 2005. Our comparable store sales declined 1.5% in fiscal 2006 compared to 2005, consisting of a 7.7% increase in same store commercial sales offset by a decrease of 3.4% in same store retail sales. Retail and commercial sales were impacted by a decline in customer count of 5.4% (measured by the number of in-store transactions in stores that have been opened more than one year); however, that decline was offset by an increase in our average transaction size of 4.2% (measured by dollars spent per sale transaction) over fiscal 2005. The additional week in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 yielded additional sales of approximately $34.3 million.
 
Sales from the acquired Murray’s stores contributed to our overall increase in net sales for fiscal 2006 relative to fiscal 2005 but, as these stores were not acquired until December 19, 2005, they had no impact on our comparable sales results until December 19, 2006 (i.e., the one year anniversary of our acquisition). The Company had anticipated that Murray’s existing store base would experience an increase in net sales during fiscal 2006; in fact, net sales declined. In addition, 14 new Murray’s stores were opened during fiscal 2006 and these stores fell short of targeted sales. The Company believes the Murray’s sales were adversely impacted by, among other things, difficult economic conditions in our Midwest markets as well as by a significant influx of competitive new stores in the Chicago market area.
 
We believe our net sales in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 were negatively impacted by persistent high gas prices, particularly in California, where many of our stores are located. The Company also believes that comparable store sales in these periods were adversely affected by new store openings — both of CSK Stores and competitors’ stores. During these periods, sales in the Company’s new stores have failed to increase at the rate they have historically. Finally, we believe that our financial performance since early fiscal 2006 has also been negatively impacted by the distraction, uncertainty and diversion of management and other resources associated with the Audit Committee-led investigation, restatement process and related matters, and the significant management changes that were effected during this period. In response to the continuing customer count decline and decreased comparable store retail sales, the Company has been engaged in an ongoing effort to: (1) review and refine our core product categories, such as batteries, brakes, shocks, starters and alternators, to ensure that we are meeting our customers’ expectations; (2) add new product offerings as we deem appropriate to give our customers additional reasons to shop our stores; and (3) review our marketing programs, sales promotions, event marketing and sports sponsorships to build customer


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awareness and help drive store traffic. In addition, under the leadership of our new President and Chief Executive Officer, we have commenced a comprehensive strategic review of the Company aimed at improving our profitability and restoring top line growth. See discussion above at “Strategic Review of the Business and Exploration of Strategic Alternatives.”
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross profit consists primarily of net sales less the cost of sales. Costs of sales includes the total cost of merchandise sold including freight expenses associated with moving merchandise inventories from our vendors to our distribution centers and warehouses, vendor allowances and cash discounts on payments to vendors, inventory shrinkage, warranty costs, costs associated with purchasing and operating the distribution centers and warehouses, and freight expense associated with moving merchandise inventories from the distribution centers to our retail stores. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales may be affected by net sales volume, variations in our channel mix and our product mix, price changes in response to competitive factors, changes in our shrink expense, warranty expense and warehousing and distribution costs, and fluctuations in merchandise costs and vendor programs. Gross profit may not be comparable to other companies as it does not include payroll, occupancy, and depreciation costs for our retail locations.
 
Gross profit for fiscal 2007 decreased 3.2%, or $29.1 million, compared to fiscal 2006. Gross profit was $867.0 million, or 46.8% of net sales, for fiscal 2007, as compared to $896.1 million, or 47.0% of net sales, for fiscal 2006. The decrease in gross profit dollars was primarily the result of the decline in sales and lower vendor allowances partially offset by a reduction in shrink expense in fiscal 2007. The decrease in the gross profit percentage for fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006 was caused by a number of factors, including sales mix and a higher level of clearance activity in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006, higher warehousing and distribution costs, higher warranty costs, and an increase in commercial sales, which carry lower gross profit percentages. These factors were partially offset by an increase in the aforementioned reduction in shrink expense in fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006.
 
Gross profit was $896.1 million, or 47.0% of net sales, for fiscal 2006 as compared to $786.6 million, or 47.6% of net sales, for fiscal 2005. During fiscal 2006, our gross profit dollars increased due to increased sales (primarily due to the full year impact of the acquisition of Murray’s). The gross profit percentage fell 60 basis points as we experienced declines in our comparable retail sales per store, which carry higher margins than the shift to commercial sales. In addition, the stores acquired from Murray’s have historically had a lower margin as their sales had a smaller percentage of “hard parts,” which carry higher margins, thereby further reducing the composite margin.
 
Operating and Administrative Expenses
 
Operating and administrative expenses are comprised of store payroll, store occupancy, advertising expenses, other store expenses and general and administrative expenses, which include salaries and related benefits of corporate employees, administrative office occupancy expenses, data processing, professional expenses and other related expenses.
 
Operating and administrative expenses were $804.3 million, or 43.4% of net sales, in fiscal 2007, compared to $788.4 million, or 41.3% of net sales, in fiscal 2006. Operating and administrative expenses increased $15.9 million primarily as a result of expenses associated with the additional 17 net new stores added from February 5, 2007 through February 3, 2008, a full year of operating costs associated with the additional 55 net new stores added in fiscal 2006, inflationary costs at existing stores for such items as increased rent and other occupancy related costs, $4.3 million in fees for accounting contractors and auditing services, $1.5 million of accruals for estimated costs of settling various regulatory compliance matters, and the asset impairment charge of $1.2 million and severance costs of $2.0 million resulting from the strategic plan initiated in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2007 discussed in “Strategic Review of the Business and Exploration of Strategic Alternatives” above. These factors were partially offset by higher costs in fiscal 2006 due to the 53rd week included in fiscal 2006, as well as a decrease in bonuses in fiscal 2007.


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Operating and administrative expenses increased to $788.4 million, or 41.3% of net sales for fiscal 2006, compared to $653.5 million, or 39.6% of net sales, in fiscal 2005. Operating expenses increased primarily as a result of an additional 55 net new stores at higher rents, the full year impact of the acquisition of the Murray’s stores in December 2005, and slight increases in payroll and employee benefit related costs. The roll out of commercial sales centers opening primarily in the Great Lakes and Chicago regions added costs as they ramped up during the year. The 53rd week included in fiscal 2006 was an additional contributor to the increased costs.
 
Investigation and Restatement Costs
 
The Audit Committee-led investigation and restatement process and subsequent completion of our delinquent fiscal 2005 and 2006 SEC filings, our response to the related governmental investigations, and the defense of the shareholder class action and derivative lawsuits described in Note 21 — Legal Matters in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report resulted in legal, accounting consultant and audit expenses of $12.3 million in fiscal 2007, compared to $25.7 million incurred in fiscal 2006. Legal and audit expenses have continued into fiscal 2008; however, we expect these expenses will be of a lesser magnitude compared to those incurred in fiscal 2007.
 
Store Closing Costs
 
Store closing costs include amounts for new store closures, revisions in estimates for stores currently in the closed store reserve, accretion expense, and operating and other expenses.
 
Store closing costs in fiscal 2007 were $2.0 million compared to $1.5 million for fiscal 2006. Costs increased primarily due to an increase in the provision for store closing costs, which was caused by an increase in the number of stores closed during fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006.
 
Store closing costs in fiscal 2006 were $1.5 million compared to $2.9 million for fiscal 2005. Costs in fiscal 2005 included revisions in the closed store estimates of $1.5 million that did not recur in fiscal 2006.
 
Securities Class Action Settlement
 
See “Other Significant Events — Securities Class Action Litigation” above.
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expense for fiscal 2007 increased to $54.2 million from $48.8 million for fiscal 2006 primarily as a result of the higher rates paid by us following our Term Loan Facility amendments in fiscal 2007, a reduction in our credit rating and our 2006 refinancing activities, which increased rates for the second half of fiscal 2006. Our weighted average interest rate for fiscal 2007 increased to approximately 10.94% as compared to approximately 7.79% for fiscal 2006.
 
Interest expense for fiscal 2006 increased to $48.8 million from $33.6 million for fiscal 2005 primarily as a result of the higher rates paid by us following our refinancing activities in fiscal 2006. Our inability to file our financial statements in a timely manner resulted in the refinancing of substantially all of our debt at significantly higher interest rates in fiscal 2006.
 
Loss on Debt Retirement
 
During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, we recorded a $19.5 million loss on debt retirement resulting from the write-off of certain deferred financing fees associated with debt that was extinguished in our refinancing and a $10.4 million loss on termination of a related interest swap associated with our $225 million of 7% Notes, $224.96 million of which were purchased pursuant to a cash tender offer and consent solicitation in July 2006 and the balance of which were purchased by us later in fiscal 2006.


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During the second quarter of fiscal 2005, we recorded a $1.6 million loss on debt retirement resulting from the write-off of certain deferred financing fees associated with our former credit facility, which was repaid in full as part of a refinancing completed in August 2005.
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
Income tax benefit for fiscal 2007 was $6.3 million, compared to income tax expense of $5.0 million for fiscal 2006 (excluding the tax benefit allocated to the change in accounting principle). Our effective tax rate was 36.1% in fiscal 2007, compared to 40.8% in fiscal 2006. See Note 13 — Income Taxes in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
 
Income tax expense (excluding the tax benefit allocated to the change in accounting principle) for fiscal 2006 was $5.0 million, compared to $37.2 million for fiscal 2005. This decrease was a reflection of significantly lower pre-tax income in fiscal 2006. Our effective tax rate was 40.8% in fiscal 2006 compared to 39.2% in fiscal 2005.
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
In fiscal 2007, we had a net loss of $11.2 million, or a net loss of $0.25 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $6.3 million, or net income of $0.14 per diluted common share, in fiscal 2006.
 
In fiscal 2006, net income decreased to $6.3 million, or $0.14 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $57.8 million, or $1.29 per diluted common share, in fiscal 2005.
 
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle
 
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123R, Share-Based Payment. SFAS No. 123R sets accounting requirements for “share-based” compensation to employees and requires companies to recognize the grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation in the income statement. We adopted SFAS No. 123R at the beginning of fiscal 2006 using the modified prospective method. In addition to stock options and restricted stock, the Company granted incentive units in fiscal 2005 under a long-term incentive plan (the “LTIP”) for its senior executive officers, which are classified as liability awards, and as such, the transition rule under SFAS No. 123R requires that for an outstanding instrument that previously was classified as a liability and measured at intrinsic value, an entity should recognize the liability that would have been recorded under the fair value method at the date of adoption, net of any related tax effect, as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. At the beginning of fiscal 2006, we recognized a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of approximately $1.0 million, net of a $0.6 million tax benefit, associated with the LTIP.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Debt is an important part of our overall capitalization. Our outstanding debt balances (excluding capital leases) at the end of fiscal 2007 and 2006 were $503.0 million and $507.5 million, respectively. Our primary cash requirements include working capital (primarily inventory), interest on our debt and capital expenditures. As a result of the borrowing base limitations of our Senior Credit Facility, at February 3, 2008, we had approximately $161.7 million of availability under our Senior Credit Facility. However, the maximum leverage covenant under our $350.0 million Term Loan Facility limits the total amount of indebtedness we can have outstanding and, as of February 3, 2008, would have only permitted additional borrowings of approximately $110.9 million, regardless of which facility they were borrowed under. The Term Loan Facility was amended on October 10, 2007 to increase the maximum leverage ratios permitted under the Facility, as described under “Debt Covenants” below. The Term Loan Facility was further amended on December 18, 2007 to, among other things, modify the minimum fixed charge coverage ratios and the maximum leverage ratios contained in the Facility for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and each of the quarters of fiscal 2008, as described above under “Other Significant Events — Term Loan Facility Amendments” and under “Debt Covenants” below.


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We are required to make quarterly debt principal payments of 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of the loans under our Term Loan Facility beginning December 31, 2006. We paid approximately $3.5 million in debt principal payments under this Facility in fiscal 2007, and expect to pay approximately $3.4 million in fiscal 2008. We are not required to make debt principal payments on our Senior Credit Facility until 2010. Our 63/4% Notes become exchangeable if our common stock price exceeds $21.45 per share for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter. Such an exchange would require repayment of the principal amount of the 63/4% Notes in cash and any premium in our common stock. If not exchangeable sooner, the earliest date that the noteholders may require us to repurchase the 63/4% Notes is December 15, 2010.
 
We intend to fund our cash requirements with cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under our Senior Credit Facility and short-term trade credit relating to payment terms for merchandise inventory purchases. We believe these sources should be sufficient to meet our cash needs for the foreseeable future. However, if we become subject to significant judgments, settlements or fines related to the matters discussed in Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” or any other matters, we could be required to make significant payments that could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, potentially impacting our credit ratings, our ability to access the capital markets and our compliance with our debt covenants.
 
In fiscal 2006, we completed a tender offer for our 7% senior subordinated notes (“7% Notes”), in which we repurchased $224.96 million of the 7% Notes, and we repaid all $125.0 million of our 33/8% senior exchangeable notes (“33/8% Notes”) upon the acceleration of their maturity. We entered into the $350.0 million Term Loan Facility, proceeds from which were used to pay the tender offer consideration for the 7% Notes and to repay the 33/8% Notes upon their acceleration. We also entered into a waiver with respect to our Senior Credit Facility and a supplemental indenture to the indenture under which our 63/4% Notes were originally issued. The supplemental indenture increased the applicable coupon interest rate from 45/8% to 63/4%, and improved the exchange rate of the notes from 49.8473 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the notes to 60.6061 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the notes.
 
See the “Factors Affecting Liquidity and Capital Resources — Debt Covenants” section below for a discussion of our compliance with debt covenants.
 
Term Loan Facility
 
In June 2006, CSK Auto, Inc. (“Auto”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSK Auto Corporation, entered into a $350 million six-year Term Loan Facility so that it could finance the purchase of approximately $225 million in aggregate principal amount of its 7% Notes and the repayment of $125 million of its 33/8% Notes. The loans under the Term Loan Facility (“Term Loans”) bear interest at a base rate or the LIBOR rate, plus a margin that fluctuates depending upon the Company’s corporate rating. At February 3, 2008, loans under the Term Loan Facility bore interest at 11.625%. The Term Loans are guaranteed by the Company and CSKAUTO.COM, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Auto. The Term Loans are secured by a second lien security interest in certain assets, primarily inventory and receivables, of Auto and the guarantors and by a first lien security interest in substantially all of their other assets. The Term Loans call for repayment in consecutive quarterly installments, which began on December 31, 2006, in an amount equal to 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans, with the balance payable in full on the sixth anniversary of the closing date, June 30, 2012. Issuance costs incurred in fiscal 2006 associated with the Term Loan Facility were approximately $10.7 million and are being amortized over the six-year term of the facility.
 
On October 10, 2007, we entered into the third amendment to the Term Loan Facility. An amendment fee of approximately $0.9 million was paid in connection with this amendment and the cost is being amortized over the remaining term of the Term Loan Facility. The amendment increased the spreads used to calculate the rate at which funds borrowed under the Term Loan Facility accrue interest by either 0.25% or 0.50% and changed the basis for determining the spread amount from the rating of the Term Loans to the Company’s corporate rating. Based on the Company’s corporate rating at the time of the amendment, the interest rate on funds borrowed under the Term Loan


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Facility increased by 0.50% as a result of the amendment. The amendment also altered certain covenant provisions, which were subsequently amended by a fourth amendment to the Term Loan Facility.
 
On December 18, 2007, we entered into a fourth amendment to the Term Loan Facility. An amendment fee of approximately $3.5 million was paid in connection with this amendment and the cost is being amortized over the remaining term of the Term Loan Facility. The amendment increased the spreads used to calculate the rate at which funds borrowed under the Term Loan Facility accrue interest to 5.00%, 6.00% or 7.00% in the case of loans bearing interest based on the LIBOR rate, and 4.00%, 5.00% or 6.00%, in the case of loans bearing interest at a base rate, in each case depending on the Company’s then-current corporate ratings. At December 18, 2007, the applicable interest rate under the Term Loan Facility became LIBOR plus 5%, an increase of 1.25%, as a result of the amendment. The amendment also modified the minimum fixed charge coverage ratios and the maximum leverage ratios contained in the Term Loan Facility for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and each of the quarters of fiscal 2008. See “Factors Affecting Liquidity and Capital Resources — Debt Covenants” below.
 
In addition to the covenant and interest rate changes, the fourth amendment added a prepayment penalty with respect to optional prepayments and mandatory prepayments required in connection with debt and equity issuances, asset sales and recovery events, equal to 1% of any loans under the Term Loan Facility that are prepaid prior to the second anniversary of the fourth amendment. The amendment also added the option, the availability of which depends on the Company’s then-current corporate ratings, to pay in kind 50 basis points per annum or 100 basis points per annum, depending on the Company’s then-current corporate ratings, of any interest accruing on and after January 8, 2008 by adding such amount to the principal of the loans under the Term Loan Facility as of the interest payment date on which such interest payment is due. The amendment also added a limitation on annual capital expenditures by the Company of $25 million, which is less than we have spent historically, for each of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2009, provided that any portion of such amount not expended in fiscal 2008 may be carried over for expenditure during the first two quarters of fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2008, we expect to incur approximately $17.5 million of capital expenditures, which will reflect the anticipated opening of fewer stores than we have in prior years.
 
The Term Loan Facility contains, among other things, limitations on liens, indebtedness, mergers, disposition of assets, investments, payments in respect of capital stock, modifications of material indebtedness, changes in fiscal year, transactions with affiliates, lines of business and swap agreements. Auto is also subject to financial covenants under the Term Loan Facility measuring its performance against standards set for leverage and fixed charge coverage. Under the maximum leverage covenant (total debt to EBITDA) contained in the Term Loan Facility, as amended on December 18, 2007 to increase the maximum leverage ratios permitted under the Facility, at February 3, 2008, we would have only been permitted to have $110.9 million of additional debt outstanding, regardless of which facility such debt was borrowed under. See “Factors Affecting Liquidity and Capital Resources — Debt Covenants” below.
 
Senior Credit Facility — Revolving Line of Credit
 
In July 2005, Auto entered into a $325 million Senior Credit Facility that is guaranteed by the Company and CSKAUTO.COM, Inc. Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility bear interest at a variable interest rate based on one of two indices, either (i) LIBOR plus an applicable margin that varies (1.25% to 1.75%) depending upon Auto’s average daily availability under the agreement measured using certain borrowing base tests, or (ii) the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the agreement). At February 3, 2008, loans under the Senior Credit Facility bore interest at a weighted average rate of 5.30%. The Senior Credit Facility matures in July 2010.
 
During the second quarter of fiscal 2006 and during fiscal 2007, we entered into waivers under the Senior Credit Facility that allowed us to delay filing certain periodic reports with the SEC. Upon the filing of the Quarterly Report for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 on October 12, 2007, we had filed all previously delinquent periodic SEC filings, and the waiver of the filing deadlines described above terminated.
 
Availability under the Senior Credit Facility is limited to the lesser of the revolving commitment of $325.0 million and an amount determined by a borrowing base limitation. The borrowing base limitation is based upon a formula involving certain percentages of eligible inventory and accounts receivable owned by Auto. As a


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result of the limitations imposed by the borrowing base formula, at February 3, 2008, Auto could borrow up to $161.7 million in addition to the $46.5 million borrowed under the Senior Credit Facility at February 3, 2008 and the $29.4 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility at that date. However, the maximum leverage covenant of the Term Loan Facility described above limits the total amount of indebtedness we can have outstanding and, as of February 3, 2008, would have only permitted approximately $110.9 million of additional borrowings, regardless of which facility they were borrowed under.
 
Loans under the Senior Credit Facility are collateralized by a first priority security interest in certain of our assets, primarily inventory and accounts receivable, and a second priority security interest in certain of our other assets. The Senior Credit Facility contains negative covenants and restrictions on actions by Auto and its subsidiaries including, without limitation, restrictions and limitations on indebtedness, liens, guarantees, mergers, asset dispositions, investments, loans, advances and acquisitions, payment of dividends, transactions with affiliates, change in business conducted, and certain prepayments and amendments of indebtedness. In addition, Auto is, under certain circumstances not applicable during fiscal 2007, subject to a minimum ratio of consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent expense, or EBITDAR, to fixed charges (as defined in the agreement, the “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”) under a Senior Credit Facility financial maintenance covenant. However, under the second waiver we entered into during fiscal 2006 and under all subsequent waivers, Auto was required to maintain a minimum 1:1 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio until the termination of such waivers. The filing of the Quarterly Report for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 resulted in the termination of the requirement to maintain the minimum 1:1 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio imposed by these waivers.


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63/4% Notes
 
We have $100.0 million of 63/4% Notes outstanding. The 63/4% Notes are exchangeable into cash and shares of our common stock. Upon exchange of the 63/4% Notes, we will deliver cash equal to the lesser of the aggregate principal amount of notes to be exchanged and our total exchange obligation and, in the event our total exchange obligation exceeds the aggregate principal amount of notes to be exchanged, shares of our common stock in respect of that excess. The following table sets forth key terms of the 63/4% Notes:
 
       
Terms     63/4% Notes
       
Interest Rate
    6.75% per year until December 15, 2010; 6.50% thereafter
       
Exchange Rate
    60.6061 shares per $1,000 principal (equivalent to an initial exchange price of approximately $16.50 per share)
       
Maximum CSK shares exchangeable
    6,060,610 common shares, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances
       
Maturity date
    December 15, 2025
       
Guaranteed by
    CSK Auto Corporation and all of Auto’s present and future domestic subsidiaries, jointly and severally, on a senior basis
       
Dates that the noteholders may require Auto to repurchase some or all for cash at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes being repurchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest
    December 15, 2010, December 15, 2015, and December 15, 2020 or following a fundamental change as described in the indenture
       
Issuance costs being amortized over a 5-year period, corresponding to the first date the noteholders could require repayment
    $3.7 million
       
Auto will not be able to redeem notes
    Prior to December 15, 2010
       
Auto may redeem for cash some or all of the notes
    On or after December 15, 2010, upon at least 35 calendar days notice
       
Redemption price
    Equal to 100% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date
       
 
Prior to their stated maturity, these Notes are exchangeable by the holder only under the following circumstances:
 
  •  During any fiscal quarter (and only during that fiscal quarter) commencing after January 29, 2006, if the last reported sale price of our common stock is greater than or equal to 130% of the exchange price for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter;
 
  •  If the 63/4% Notes have been called for redemption by Auto; or
 
  •  Upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions, such as a change in control, as described in the indenture under which the 63/4% Notes were issued.


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If the 63/4% Notes become exchangeable, the corresponding debt will be reclassified from long-term to current for as long as the notes remain exchangeable.
 
We have entered into a registration rights agreement with respect to the 63/4% Notes and the underlying shares of our common stock into which the 63/4% Notes are potentially exchangeable. Under its terms, as we failed to meet certain filing and effectiveness deadlines with respect to the registration of the 63/4% Notes and the underlying shares of our common stock, we were paying additional interest of 50 basis points on the 63/4% Notes until the earlier of the date the 63/4% Notes were no longer outstanding or the date two years after the date of their issuance. The latter condition was met during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and, accordingly, we are no longer paying additional interest of 50 basis points on the 63/4% Notes.
 
During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, we entered into a supplemental indenture that increased the exchange rate of the 63/4% Notes from 49.8473 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 63/4% Notes to 60.6061 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 63/4% Notes. We recorded the increase in the fair value of the exchange option as a debt discount with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in-capital in stockholders’ equity. The debt discount was $7.7 million and is being amortized to interest expense following the effective interest method to the first date the noteholders could require repayment. Total amortization of the debt discount was $1.6 million for the year ended February 3, 2008.
 
Analysis of Cash Flows
 
Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $54.1 million in fiscal 2007, compared to $109.6 million during fiscal 2006, or a decrease of $55.5 million. The decrease in operating cash flow was due to a decrease in net income of $17.4 million, as well as a decrease in accounts payable. Reduced cash inflow relative to these factors was partially offset by an increase in cash provided by accounts receivable collections related to vendor allowances and the timing of prepaid expenses.
 
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $52.7 million in fiscal 2006 to $109.6 million, compared to $162.3 million of cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2005. This decrease was primarily related to the Audit Committee-led investigation and restatement related professional fees of approximately $25.7 million, the reduction in operating profit before investigation costs due to the reduced operating performance and cash required to terminate our interest rate swap. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in accounts payable.
 
Investing Activities
 
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $36.4 million for fiscal 2007, compared to $43.6 million used during fiscal 2006. The majority of the decrease is attributable to $4.3 million in cash payments in fiscal 2006 related to the Murray’s acquisition and the purchase of a Murray’s franchise store in fiscal 2006. Also, our capital expenditures were $2.7 million lower in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006 primarily because we opened fewer stores in fiscal 2007.
 
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $43.6 million for fiscal 2006, compared to $215.9 million used during fiscal 2005, which included the acquisition of Murray’s in December 2005. In fiscal 2006, we paid the remaining costs associated with the Murray’s acquisition of approximately $2.8 million, as well as approximately $1.5 million in cash (plus assumed liabilities) for the acquisition of a Murray’s franchised store. Capital expenditures during fiscal 2006 were slightly higher as a result of investments made to support new store openings. In fiscal 2006, we opened or relocated 72 stores and closed 17 stores (including eight relocated stores), which resulted in 55 net new stores. New stores are generally financed utilizing operating leases that require capital expenditures for fixtures and store equipment. New or relocated stores require approximately $136,000 per store for leasehold improvements, and each new store, except for relocated stores, requires an estimated investment in working capital, principally for inventories, of approximately $300,000.


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In December 2005, we acquired Murray’s, and as of January 29, 2006, we paid approximately $177.6 million, net of $0.5 million cash acquired, towards this acquisition (approximately $2.8 million was recorded in accrued liabilities at February 4, 2007, for a total acquisition cost of $180.9 million).
 
Financing Activities
 
Net cash used in financing activities totaled $21.4 million for fiscal 2007, compared to $63.8 million in fiscal 2006. In fiscal 2007, we had net payments of $5.5 million under our Senior Credit Facility compared to $42.0 million of net payments in fiscal 2006. In addition, we paid $13.2 million of debt issuance costs in fiscal 2006, compared to $5.4 million of costs related to our Term Loan Facility amendments in fiscal 2007. Payments of capital lease obligations were $8.5 million in fiscal 2007 compared to $10.3 million in fiscal 2006.
 
Net cash used in financing activities totaled $63.8 million for fiscal 2006, compared to net cash provided of $15.3 million in fiscal 2005. In fiscal 2006, we paid down $42.0 million under our Senior Credit Facility and $10.3 million for capital leases. In fiscal 2006, the inability to file our periodic SEC reports necessitated that we restructure a significant portion of our then outstanding debt in June and July of 2006. We completed a tender offer in which we repurchased approximately $225 million of our 7% Notes and repaid all $125 million of our 33/8% Notes upon the acceleration of their maturity. We also entered into the $350 million Term Loan Facility, which was used to fund such transactions.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
 
We lease our office and warehouse facilities, all but one of our retail stores and most of our vehicles and equipment. Certain of the vehicles and equipment leases are classified as capital leases and, accordingly, the asset and related obligation are recorded on our balance sheet. However, substantially all of our store leases are operating leases with private landlords and provide for monthly rental payments based on a contractual amount. The majority of these lease agreements are for base lease periods ranging from 10 to 20 years, with three to five renewal options of five years each. Certain store leases also provide for contingent rentals based upon a percentage of sales in excess of a stipulated minimum. We believe that the long duration of our store leases offers security for our store locations without the risks associated with real estate ownership.
 
We have seller financing arrangements related to debt established for stores in which we were the seller-lessee and did not recover substantially all construction costs. In those situations, we recorded our total cost in property plant and equipment and amounts funded by the lessor as a debt obligation on our balance sheet. Rental payments made to the lessor are charged in part to interest expense and reduce the corresponding debt based on amortization schedules.
 
Our contractual obligations under our capital and operating leases as of February 3, 2008 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
                                         
    Payments Due by Period  
Contractual Obligation
  Total     Within 1 Year     1-3 Years     3-5 Years     After 5 Years  
 
Long-term debt
  $ 502,971     $ 50,551     $ 103,043     $ 338,004     $ 11,373  
Interest on long-term debt
    221,519       52,171       97,871       62,838       8,639  
Capital lease obligations
    18,349       7,423       9,024       1,664       238  
Operating lease obligations(1)
    896,697       152,431       256,748       196,492       291,026  
Other(2)
    40,997       19,277       19,712       870       1,138  
                                         
Total contractual obligations
  $ 1,680,533     $ 281,853     $ 486,398     $ 599,868     $ 312,414  
                                         
 
 
(1) Operating lease obligations are not reduced to reflect sublease income.
 
(2) Includes service contracts and other obligations.


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In addition, as of February 3, 2008, we have $9.8 million of unrecognized income tax benefits as a result of our adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No, 109 (“FIN 48”), on February 5, 2007. We do not expect these unrecognized income tax benefits to result in cash payments over the next twelve months. Beyond the next year, timing of any cash payments are uncertain.
 
We have contractual obligations for stores for which we closed prior to the end of the lease term. We attempt to sublease closed locations and reduce the remaining lease payments owed by the estimated sublease income. We expect net cash outflows for closed store locations as of fiscal 2007 year-end of approximately $1.3 million during fiscal 2008. These future cash outflows are expected to be funded from normal operating cash flows. It is anticipated that approximately 47 stores in fiscal 2008 will be closed or relocated. We anticipate that the majority of these closures will occur near the end of the lease terms, resulting in minimal closed store costs. As a result, closed store expenses for these stores will principally relate to the period costs of actually closing the stores and transporting the Company’s inventory, fixtures and other assets we own in the store.
 
Factors Affecting Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Sales Trends
 
Our business is somewhat seasonal in nature, with the highest sales occurring in the months of June through October (overlapping our second and third fiscal quarters). In addition, our business is affected by weather conditions. While unusually severe or inclement weather tends to reduce sales, as our customers are more likely to defer elective maintenance during such periods, extremely hot and cold temperatures tend to enhance sales by causing auto parts to fail and sales of seasonal products to increase. Higher gasoline prices, such as we experienced during periods of fiscal 2007 and 2006, may also adversely affect our revenues because our customers may defer purchases of certain items as they use a higher percentage of their income to pay for gasoline. Additionally, we believe that our sales are impacted by general economic conditions, and that our sales in fiscal 2007 were adversely affected by the deterioration in general economic conditions.
 
Inflation
 
We do not believe our operations have been materially affected by inflation. We believe that we will be able to mitigate the effects of future merchandise cost increases principally through economies of scale resulting from increased volumes of purchases, selective forward buying and the use of alternative suppliers and price increases. If we are not able to mitigate the effects of future merchandise cost increases through these or other measures, the fixed cost of our organic growth will adversely affect our profitability. We also experience inflationary increases in rent expense as some of our lease agreements are adjusted based on changes in the consumer price index.
 
Debt Covenants
 
Certain of our debt agreements at February 3, 2008 contained negative covenants and restrictions on actions by us and our subsidiaries including, without limitation, restrictions and limitations on indebtedness, liens, guarantees, mergers, asset dispositions, investments, loans, advances and acquisitions, payment of dividends, transactions with affiliates, change in business conducted, and certain prepayments and amendments of indebtedness.
 
Auto is, under certain circumstances not applicable during the year ended February 3, 2008, subject to a minimum ratio of consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent expense, or EBITDAR, to fixed charges (as defined in the agreement, the “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”) under a Senior Credit Facility financial maintenance covenant; however, under the second waiver we entered into during the second quarter of fiscal 2006 and under all subsequent waivers, Auto was required to maintain a minimum 1:1 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio until the termination of such waiver and all subsequent waivers. The filing of the Quarterly Report for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 resulted in the termination of the requirement to maintain the minimum 1:1 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio imposed by these waivers. For the twelve months ended February 3, 2008, we would have been in compliance with this covenant had it been applicable.


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The Term Loan Facility contains certain financial covenants, one of which is the requirement of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (as separately defined in the Term Loan Facility). At February 3, 2008, the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio was 1.25:1 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, 1.20:1 for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, 1.15:1 for the second quarter of fiscal 2008, 1.20:1 for the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2008, and 1.45:1 thereafter. For the twelve months ended February 3, 2008, this ratio was 1.37:1. The ratios for fiscal 2007 and 2008 reflect the December 18, 2007 fourth amendment to the Term Loan Facility.
 
The Term Loan Facility also requires that a leverage ratio test be met. The December 18, 2007 fourth amendment to the Term Loan Facility increased the maximum leverage ratios permitted under the Term Loan Facility for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and for each of the quarters of fiscal 2008. The amendment increased the maximum leverage ratios as of February 3, 2008 to 5.30:1 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, 5.80:1 for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, 6.00:1 for the second quarter of fiscal 2008, 5.75:1 for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, and 4.50:1 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, while leaving all other ratios unchanged. The leverage ratios decline to 3.25:1 after the end of fiscal 2008 and further decline to 3.00:1 at the end of our fiscal year ending January 31, 2010. As of February 3, 2008, our actual leverage ratio was 4.37:1.
 
Based on our current financial forecast for fiscal 2008, we believe we will remain in compliance with the financial covenants of the Senior Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility during fiscal 2008. A significant decline in our net sales or gross margin from what is currently forecasted or anticipated could limit the effectiveness of discretionary actions management could take to maintain compliance with the financial covenants in fiscal 2008. Although we do not expect such significant declines to occur, if they did occur, we may seek to obtain a covenant waiver or amendment from our lenders or seek a refinancing, all of which we believe are viable options for the Company should the Acquisition not occur. However, there can be no assurances a waiver or amendment could be obtained or a refinancing could be achieved.
 
The maximum leverage ratio permitted in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 decreases significantly to 3.25:1 from 5.75:1 in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and 4.50:1 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. Based on our current financial forecast, we do not expect to be able to satisfy this covenant for the first quarter of fiscal 2009. If that continues to be the case, it would mean that if we were unable to obtain a covenant waiver or an amendment to revise that ratio to one we could satisfy, we would be in default under the Term Loan Facility as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009. If we still expect that would be the case at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we would need to classify as a current liability all of our outstanding indebtedness for monies borrowed under the Term Loan Facility, the Senior Credit Facility and our 63/4% Notes as of May 4, 2008, meaning it could be anticipated to become due within twelve months as a result of such default at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Furthermore, beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we would be required to reduce (to twelve months) the time period over which we amortize debt issuance costs and debt discount increasing the interest costs we report in our financial statements.
 
The classification of all such indebtedness as current liabilities and the acceleration of the amortization of interest costs will not cause a default under our borrowing agreements. However, any such classification could have adverse consequences upon our relationships with, and the credit terms upon which we do business with, our vendors, although we expect such consequences, if any, to be limited due to the expected closing of the Exchange Offer in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. See “Merger Agreement” above.
 
If the Exchange Offer were to fail to close, prior to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we would seek to obtain a waiver or amendment of certain covenants contained in the Term Loan Facility, including the maximum leverage ratio covenant. No assurance can be given that we would be able to obtain such a waiver or amendment on terms that would be satisfactory to us. Failure to comply with the financial covenants of the Term Loan Facility would result in an event of default under the Term Loan Facility following the first quarter of fiscal 2009, which could result in possible acceleration of all of our indebtedness thereunder, under the Senior Credit Facility and under the indenture under which the 63/4% Notes were issued, all of which could have a material adverse effect on us.
 
Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default under the Senior Credit Facility or the Term Loan Facility, the lenders thereunder could elect to terminate the commitments thereunder (in the case of the Senior Credit Facility only), declare all amounts owing thereunder to be immediately due and payable and exercise


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the remedies of a secured party against the collateral granted to them to secure such indebtedness. If the lenders under either the Senior Credit Facility or the Term Loan Facility accelerate the payment of the indebtedness due thereunder, we cannot be assured that our assets would be sufficient to repay in full such indebtedness, which is collateralized by substantially all of our assets. At February 3, 2008, we were in compliance with the covenants under all our debt agreements.
 
Credit Ratings
 
As of the date of this filing, our corporate rating and our debt ratings by the major debt rating agencies is shown below:
 
         
    Moody’s Rating   Standard & Poor’s
 
Corporate
  B+1   B−
Term Loan Facility
  Ba3   B−
63/4% Notes
  B3   CCC
 
With respect to Moody’s, a rating of “Baa” or above indicates an investment grade rating. A rating below “Baa” is considered to have speculative elements. A “Ba” ranking indicates an obligation that is judged to have speculative elements and is subject to substantial credit risk. A “B” rating from Moody’s signifies an obligation that is considered speculative and is subject to high credit risk. The “1,” “2” and “3” modifiers show the relative standing within a major category. A “1” indicates that an obligation ranks in the higher end of the broad rating category, a “2” indicating a mid-range ranking, and a “3” ranking at the lower end of the category.
 
With respect to Standard & Poor’s, a rating of “BBB” or above indicates an investment grade rating. A rating below “BBB” indicates that the security has significant speculative characteristics. A “B” rating indicates that Standard and Poor’s believes the issuer has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation, but that adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment to the obligation. Standard and Poor’s may modify its ratings with a “+” or a “−” sign to show the obligor’s relative standing within a major rating category.
 
Interest Rates
 
Financial market risks relating to our operations result primarily from changes in interest rates. Interest earned on our cash equivalents as well as interest paid on our variable rate debt are sensitive to changes in interest rates.
 
Under our current debt and capital lease agreements, as of February 3, 2008, 76% of our outstanding debt and capital leases was at variable interest rates and 24% of our outstanding debt was at fixed interest rates. As of February 3, 2008, with $392.1 million in variable rate debt outstanding, a 1% change in the LIBOR rate to which this variable rate debt is tied would result in a $3.9 million change in our annual interest expense. This estimate assumes that our debt balance remains constant for an annual period and the interest rate change occurs at the beginning of the period. Our variable rate debt relates to borrowings under our Senior Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility, which are vulnerable to movements in the LIBOR rate.
 
Critical Accounting Matters
 
The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make critical accounting estimates that affect the amounts reported in those financial statements. We define a critical accounting estimate as one that is both significant to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations, and requires management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. Periodically throughout the fiscal year, we evaluate our accounting estimates based on historical experience, current results, future projections, and other relevant factors and make adjustments as appropriate. The application of certain of these policies requires significant judgments and estimates that can affect the results of operations and the financial position of the Company, as well as the related footnote disclosures. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that it believes are most likely to occur. The disclosures below note situations in which it is reasonably likely or probable that future


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financial results could be impacted by changes in these estimates and assumptions. The term reasonably likely refers to an occurrence that is more than remote but less than probable in the judgment of management. The term probable refers to an occurrence that is likely to occur in the judgment of management.
 
Inventory Valuation
 
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined utilizing the First-in, First-Out (“FIFO”) method. We maintain inventory in stores, parts depots and distribution centers. A physical inventory count is performed at each store, parts depot and distribution center at least once during the fiscal year. Due to the fact that we have numerous stores, parts depots and distribution centers, physical inventory counts are performed throughout the fiscal year. Typically, physical inventory counts for the distribution centers are scheduled for later in the fiscal year. At each balance sheet date, we adjust our inventory carrying balances by an estimated allowance for inventory shrinkage that has occurred since the most recent physical inventory and an allowance for inventory obsolescence, each of which is discussed in greater detail below.
 
  •  We reduce the FIFO cost of our inventory for estimated loss due to shrink since the most recent physical inventory. Shrink estimates for each store are determined by dividing the shrink loss based on the most recent physical inventory by the sales for that store since its previous physical inventory. The resulting percentage for each store is multiplied by the sales for that store since the last physical inventory through reporting period end. Shrink allowances for each parts depot and distribution center are determined in a similar manner. The shrink amount, based on the most recent physical inventory at the parts depot or distribution center, is divided by the inventory receipts at the location since the previous physical inventory. The resulting percentage for each parts depot or distribution center is multiplied by the receipts for that location since the last physical inventory through the reporting period end. We adjust shrink expense for differences between physical counts and our accrual rates throughout the year in the period the physical inventory adjustment is determined. Shrink expense for the fiscal years ended 2007, 2006 and 2005 was approximately $23.8 million, $31.6 million and $28.8 million, respectively. As a percentage of cost of goods sold, shrink expense for fiscal 2007, 2006, and 2005 was 2.4%, 3.1% and 3.3%, respectively. While the shrink accrual is based on recent experience, it is an estimate and thus it is probable that actual losses will be higher or lower than estimated. Included in the shrink expense amounts above were physical count accrual adjustments which increased (decreased) shrink expense by approximately ($4.1) million, $1.0 million and $1.2 million for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The decrease in physical count accrual adjustments in fiscal 2007 resulted primarily from lower than expected shrink expense in the Company’s Phoenix distribution center and the Murray’s distribution center acquired in December 2005. The distribution center accrual adjustments were recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 when the physical inventories were taken.
 
  •  In certain instances, we retain the right to return obsolete and excess merchandise inventory to our vendors. In situations where we do not have a right to return, we record an allowance representing an estimated loss for the difference between the cost of any obsolete or excess inventory and the estimated retail selling price. Inventory levels and gross margins earned on all products are monitored monthly. On a quarterly basis, we assess whether we expect to sell a significant amount of inventory below cost and, if so, estimate and record an allowance. The allowance for excess and obsolete inventory was $2.2 million and $0.8 million at February 3, 2008 and February 4, 2007, respectively. It is reasonably likely that market and other factors relative to the valuation of inventory may change in the future, which could result in increases or decreases to gross margins on the sale of inventory.
 
Vendor Allowances
 
Vendor allowances consist of vendor rebates, discounts and allowances associated with our purchasing activities and promotional activities with certain vendors. We recognize such allowances as a reduction of our cost of inventory in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 02-16, Accounting by a Customer (including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor. Based on EITF No. 02-16, allowances provided by our vendors are presumed to be a reduction in the costs of purchasing inventories (to be recognized in inventory and cost of sales). Amounts earned are based on written contracts with vendors.


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Most of our vendor allowances are expressed in the inventory purchase contract as a percentage of purchases. Our earning of vendor allowances is based on the contract rate as applied to actual product purchased from the vendor in the period the product is received. Fixed dollar allowances not expressed in terms of purchases are earned ratably over the vendor program period, which is generally the calendar year. When a vendor contract includes a volume minimum or volume incentive provision, the allowance accrual rate is based upon our best estimate of purchases using historical purchasing patterns and sales forecasts as the basis for the estimate. Each quarter, the volume-based accrual rates are re-evaluated using the actual cumulative purchases and the expectation for the remainder of the program year. Adjustments, if necessary, are made on a quarterly basis. Certain of our vendor contracts have several year terms, thus requiring recognition over an extended period.
 
Vendor allowances earned are recorded as a reduction of inventory cost at the end of each of the Company’s fiscal quarters. Amounts earned for each vendor are expressed as a percentage of that vendor’s purchases for the period and multiplied by on-hand inventory balances by vendor. This vendor capitalized allowance amount is adjusted as inventory levels change for each vendor each period. In summary, allowances are earned as product is received, recorded as a reduction in inventory while the product is on hand, and are recognized as a reduction to cost of sales when the corresponding inventory is sold.
 
We enter into hundreds of contracts with vendors each year that contain allowance provisions. Contractual disputes and misunderstandings can occur with vendors with respect to specific aspects of our program that could result in adjustments to allowances we earn. We adjust our vendor allowance recognition for disputes when the disputed amount is probable and reasonably estimable. Based on historical experience, we also consider in our estimated recognition that processing errors and other transactional adjustments will likely be identified upon reconciliation of amounts earned with vendors. We do not believe it is reasonably likely that such adjustments will have a material impact on future results of operations.
 
Warranty
 
We or the vendors supplying our products provide our customers with limited warranties on certain products ranging from 30 days to lifetime warranties. Our warranty exposure is analyzed on a vendor by vendor basis using the master vendor agreements in place at the time the product was sold to the customer. Some of our vendors provide us no protection for warranty; however, in many cases, the vendors are responsible for warranty claims and provide us a credit at cost for warranty items we process on behalf of the vendor. In other cases, our vendors provide us a negotiated warranty allowance as agreed to in the vendor contract. These allowances are negotiated to approximate the estimated amount of warranty exposure on the product purchased by us from our vendors. Typically, the allowances are based on a percentage of each product we purchase and are collected as an off invoice deduction on the vendor’s invoice. Warranty costs relating to merchandise sold under warranty not covered by vendors or exceeding the allowances provided by the vendor are estimated and recorded as warranty liabilities at the time of sale and are based on historical experience and recent trends. This liability is recorded as a component of accrued expenses. Quarterly, we assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty liability and adjust the liability and cost of sales as necessary based on the previous six month history of customer warranty returns and vendor allowances. We believe a six month period of warranty return history is appropriate as substantially all warranty returns are made within six months of the original purchase date.
 
The following table reflects the changes in our warranty reserves ($ in thousands):
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended  
    February 3,
    February 4,
    January 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Warranty reserves, beginning of period
  $ 3,908     $ 2,580     $ 2,918  
Provision for warranty
    6,233       3,428       963  
Allowances from vendors
    5,006       6,067       5,841  
Reserves utilized
    (10,555 )     (8,167 )     (7,142 )
                         
Warranty reserves, end of period
  $ 4,592     $ 3,908     $ 2,580  
                         


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The Company’s warranty reserves increased by approximately $0.7 million in fiscal 2007, compared to fiscal 2006. We entered into new agreements with certain of our vendors. In exchange for lower merchandise costs from these vendors, we agreed to be responsible for returns from our customers. This resulted in a reduction of allowances from vendors and an increase in inventory destroyed. We also generally experienced a higher level of merchandise that was destroyed in fiscal 2007. This is the key input into our historical estimation methodology which resulted in an increase in the provision for warranty expense in fiscal 2007.
 
The Company’s warranty reserves increased by approximately $1.3 million in fiscal 2006, compared to fiscal 2005. In fiscal 2006, the warranty provision increased by approximately $2.5 million, primarily as a result of an increase in sales volume over fiscal 2005 due to the acquisition of Murray’s in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.
 
We expect our actual warranty costs to differ from our estimates and it is reasonably likely that the difference could be significant. A 10% change in estimated warranty liability would have affected our operating profit by approximately $0.5 million for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2008.
 
Income Taxes
 
We adopted FIN 48 at the beginning of fiscal 2007. At February 3, 2008, our unrecognized tax benefits totaled approximately $9.8 million. The total amount of unrecognized benefits which, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods is approximately $3.2 million.
 
We have recorded deferred tax assets of approximately $37.5 million as of February 3, 2008, reflecting the benefit of federal and state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards approximating $103.4 million and $27.2 million, respectively. These carryforwards will expire beginning in 2021 and 2008, respectively. Realization is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in the respective jurisdictions prior to expiration of the loss carryforwards.
 
Due to ownership changes from market trading in our common stock, we believe we had a statutory “ownership changes” in January 2008, as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 382”). When a company undergoes such an ownership change, Section 382 limits the company’s future ability to utilize any NOL generated before the ownership change and, in certain circumstances, subsequently recognized “built-in” losses and deduction, if any, existing as of the date the ownership change. Accordingly, our annual use of our federal and state NOLs that existed as of the date of the ownership change is limited to approximately $11.3 million. We had a prior Section 382 ownership change; however the Section 382 annual limitation arising from such ownership change was less restrictive than the one created by the January 2008 ownership change. We believe that we will be able to fully utilize our pre-January 2008 NOLs and other tax attributes in the future other than as noted below. Our ability to utilize any new NOL arising after January 2008 is not affected by this 382 limitation.
 
Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all the deferred tax assets will be realized with the exception of a portion of the state net operating losses, for which management has determined that a valuation allowance in the amount of $0.1 million is necessary at February 3, 2008.
 
Legal Matters
 
We currently and from time to time are involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of our business, including but not limited to asbestos and similar product liability claims, slip and fall and other general liability claims, discrimination and other employment claims, vendor disputes, and miscellaneous environmental and real estate claims. The damages claimed in some of this litigation are substantial. Based on an internal review, we accrue reserves using our best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable contingent liabilities. We do not currently believe that any of these legal claims incidental to the conduct of our business, individually or in the aggregate, will result in liabilities material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, if our estimates related to these contingent liabilities are incorrect, the future results of operations for any particular fiscal quarter or year could be materially adversely affected.


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In addition to the litigation that is incidental to our business, we are also subject to the other litigation and the governmental investigations that are described in Note 21 — Legal Matters in the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report. Although certain of these matters are in their early stages and we cannot predict their outcome, an adverse outcome in any of them could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
 
Self-Insurance Reserves
 
The Company purchases third-party insurance for workers’ compensation, automobile, product and general liability claims that exceed a certain dollar threshold. However, the Company is responsible for the payment of claims under these insured limits. In estimating the obligation associated with reported claims and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims, we utilize independent actuaries. These actuaries utilize historical data to project the future development of reported claims and estimate IBNR claims. Loss estimates are adjusted based upon actual claims settlements and reported claims. The independent actuaries make a significant number of estimates and assumptions in determining the cost to settle claims. We obtain updated loss projections each year from our actuary and adjust our recorded liability to reflect the current projections. The updated loss projections consider new claims and developments associated with existing claims for each open policy period. As certain claims can take years to settle, we have multiple policy periods open at any point in time.
 
Although we do not expect the amounts ultimately paid to differ significantly from our estimates, it is reasonably likely that self-insurance costs could differ from the historical trends and actuarial assumptions. For example, in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, we recorded increases (decreases) to expense from changes in estimates related to prior year open policy periods of ($1.1) million, $0.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Our self-insurance reserves approximated $24.7 million and $23.5 million at February 3, 2008 and February 4, 2007, respectively, and are included with current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. A 10% change in our self-insurance reserves would have affected our operating profit by approximately $2.5 million for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2008.
 
Store Closing Costs
 
On an on-going basis, store locations are reviewed and analyzed based on several factors including market saturation, store profitability, and store size and format. In addition, we analyze sales trends, geographical and competitive factors to determine the viability and future profitability of our store locations. If a store location does not meet our required performance criteria, it is considered for closure. As a result of past acquisitions, we have closed numerous locations due to store overlap with previously existing store locations.
 
We account for the costs of closed stores in accordance with SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. Under SFAS No. 146, the fair value of future costs of operating lease commitments for a closed store are recorded as a liability at the date we cease operating the store. Fair value of the liability is the present value of future cash flows discounted by a credit-adjusted risk free rate. Accretion expense represents interest on our recorded closed store liabilities and is calculated by using the same credit adjusted risk free rate used to discount the cash flows. In addition, SFAS No. 146 also requires that the amount of remaining lease payments owed be reduced by estimated sublease income (but not to an amount less than zero). Sublease income in excess of costs associated with the lease is recognized as it is earned and included as a reduction to operating and administrative expense in the accompanying financial statements.
 
The allowance for store closing costs is included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities in our accompanying financial statements and represents the discounted value of the following future net cash outflows related to closed stores: (1) future rents and other contractual expenses to be paid over the remaining terms of the lease agreements for the stores (net of estimated sublease income); (2) lease commissions associated with obtaining store subleases. Certain operating expenses related to closed stores, such as utilities and repairs, are expensed as incurred and we do not incur employee termination costs when stores are closed. In addition, we expense as incurred and report as store closing costs operating expenses we incur when closing as store. These expenses include temporary labor and transportation costs for inventory, fixtures and other assets owned in the store being closed.


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There are several significant assumptions that underlie the estimates inherent in the closed store reserve. These assumptions include: (1) real estate broker estimates for vacancy periods and estimated sublease rates based on the broker’s experience and expertise and (2) estimates for occupancy expenses based on historical averages which, in the case of real estate taxes, are subject to changes in the future if increased or decreased by taxing authorities. Accordingly, we continuously review these assumptions and revise the reserve as necessary.
 
In addition, there are certain assumptions that are sensitive to general economic deviations and it is reasonably likely changes could produce actual results significantly different from management’s original estimates. These assumptions may be revised due to the following factors: (1) national or regional economic conditions that can shorten or lengthen vacancy periods; (2) changes in neighborhoods surrounding store locations resulting in longer than anticipated vacancy periods; (3) changing subtenant needs resulting in functional obsolescence of store locations; and (4) subtenant defaults or bankruptcies resulting in vacant properties. Historically, the Company has recorded revisions in estimates to the closed store reserve that have resulted from these factors. These revisions usually result from overall longer vacancy periods on store locations and realized sublease rates lower than originally anticipated.
 
The following tabular presentation provides detailed information regarding our SFAS No. 146 store closing costs ($ in thousands):
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended  
    February 3,
    February 4,
    January 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
SFAS No. 146 liability balance, beginning of year
  $ 4,911     $ 7,033     $ 7,774  
                         
SFAS No. 146 provision for contractual obligations, net of estimated sublease income for stores closed during the period
    1,754       258       246  
Revisions in SFAS No. 146 estimates
    (474 )     112       1,505  
Accretion
    231       306       420  
                         
SFAS No. 146 store closing costs expensed in the period
    1,511       676       2,171  
                         
Purchase accounting adjustments — Murray’s Discount Auto Stores
                324  
                         
Payments:
                       
Contractual obligations, net of sublease recoveries
    (2,333 )     (2,383 )     (2,235 )
Sublease commissions and buyouts
    (1,062 )     (415 )     (1,001 )
                         
Total payments
    (3,395 )     (2,798 )     (3,236 )
                         
SFAS No. 146 liability balance, end of year
  $ 3,027     $ 4,911     $ 7,033  
                         
 
Store closing costs incurred during the periods are comprised of ($ in thousands):
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended  
    February 3,
    February 4,
    January 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
SFAS No. 146 store closing costs expensed in the period
  $ 1,511     $ 676     $ 2,171  
Period costs related to closed stores
    472       811       732  
                         
Total store closing costs
  $ 1,983     $ 1,487     $ 2,903  
                         
 
During fiscal 2007, we recorded the following: (1) $1.8 million in SFAS No. 146 charges associated with fiscal 2007 store closures with contractual lease obligations remaining at the closure date; (2) $0.5 million reduction in expense resulting from revisions in SFAS No. 146 estimates, primarily as a result of increases in sublease rent and buyouts of certain store leases at a cost less than the recorded liability of these closed stores; and (3) $0.2 million associated with accretion expense relating to the discounting of closed store liabilities. In addition, we incurred


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$0.5 million of other operating expenses such as store closing expenses and utilities, repairs and maintenance costs related to closed stores that are expensed as incurred.
 
During fiscal 2006, we recorded the following: (1) $0.3 million in SFAS No. 146 charges associated with fiscal 2006 store closures for stores with contractual lease obligations remaining at the closure date; (2) $0.1 million of expense resulting from revisions in SFAS No. 146 estimates; (3) $0.3 million associated with accretion expense relating to the discounting of closed store liabilities. In addition, we incurred $0.8 million of other operating expenses such as store closing expenses and utilities, repairs and maintenance costs related to closed stores that are expensed as incurred.
 
During fiscal 2005, we recorded the following: (1) $0.2 million in SFAS No. 146 charges associated with fiscal 2005 store closures for stores with contractual lease obligations remaining at the closure date; (2) $1.5 million of expense resulting from revisions in SFAS No. 146 estimates, primarily related to stores that were subleased and became vacant as well as rent increases in master lease agreements; (3) $0.4 million associated with accretion expense relating to the discounting of closed store liabilities. In addition, we incurred $0.7 million of other operating expenses such as store closing expenses and utilities, repairs and maintenance costs related to closed stores that are expensed as incurred.
 
At February 3, 2008, the Company’s $3.0 million liability for store closing costs consisted of ($ in thousands):
 
         
Future contractual commitments for rent and occupancy expenses   $ 19,938  
Estimated sublease income, net of sublease commissions
    (16,458 )
Accretion expense to be recognized in future periods
    (453 )
         
Total liability for store closing costs
  $ 3,027  
         
 
We expect net cash outflows for closed locations included in the fiscal 2007 year-end liability to be approximately $1.3 million during fiscal 2008. Of these net outflows, approximately $6.9 million relates to rent and occupancy expenses. These expenses are expected to be offset by estimated sublease income of $5.6 million. The expected accretion to be expensed in fiscal 2008 on the liability as of the end of fiscal 2007 is approximately $0.2 million. The cash flow amounts above only relate to contractual commitments and do not include period expenses incurred when a store is closed and also the period costs incurred related to closed stores.
 
Valuation of Long-lived Assets
 
We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a potential impairment has occurred. A potential impairment has occurred if the projected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset(s). The estimate of cash flows includes management’s assumptions of cash inflows and outflows directly resulting from the use of that asset in operations. When a potential impairment has occurred, an impairment write-down is recorded if the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. Our impairment analyses contain estimates due to the inherently judgmental nature of forecasting long-term estimated cash flows and determining the ultimate useful lives and fair values of the assets. Actual results could differ from these estimates, which could materially impact our impairment assessment.
 
Goodwill Impairment
 
As disclosed in the consolidated financial statements, we have as of February 3, 2008 unamortized goodwill in the amount of $224.9 million. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, we perform an annual impairment test of goodwill. Our test as of February 3, 2008 resulted in no impairment being identified. However, the process of evaluating goodwill for impairment involves the determination of the fair value of our Company. Inherent in such fair value determinations are certain judgments and estimates, including the interpretation of economic indicators and market valuations and assumptions about our strategic plans. To the extent that our strategic plans change, or that economic and market conditions worsen, it is possible that our conclusion regarding goodwill impairment could change and which could result in a material effect on our financial position or results of operations; however, an impairment charge would not affect our cash flows.


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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. The interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the Company’s financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The Company adopted FIN 48 on February 5, 2007. See Note 13 — Income Taxes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report for a discussion of the impact of FIN 48.
 
In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140. This statement simplifies accounting for certain hybrid instruments currently governed by SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, by allowing fair value remeasurement of hybrid instruments that contain an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation. SFAS No. 155 also eliminates the guidance in SFAS No. 133 Implementation Issue No. D1, Application of Statement 133 to Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets, which provides such beneficial interests are not subject to SFAS No. 133. SFAS No. 155 amends SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities — a Replacement of FASB Statement No. 125, by eliminating the restriction on passive derivative instruments that a qualifying special-purpose entity may hold. Effective February 5, 2007, the Company adopted SFAS No. 155, which did not affect its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140. SFAS No. 156 amends SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. SFAS No. 156 is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. Effective February 5, 2007, the Company adopted SFAS No. 156, which did not affect its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In June 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF on Issue No. 06-3, How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross versus Net Presentation), that was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company presents sales net of sales taxes in its consolidated statement of operations and the adoption of this EITF issue did not affect its financial statements.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value within GAAP and expands the disclosures regarding fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued a staff position that delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and liabilities except for those recognized or disclosed at least annually. Except for the delay for nonfinancial assets and liabilities, SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within such years. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 159.
 
On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, Business Combinations, which establishes how an acquiring company recognizes and measures acquired assets, liabilities, goodwill and minority interest. It also defines how an acquirer should account for a gain from a bargain purchase and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company will be required to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 141R to any future business combinations consummated after its effective date.


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In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51, which provides guidance and establishes amended accounting and reporting standards for a parent company’s noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 160 to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In December 2007, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 110, Share-Based Payment, which amends SAB 107, Share-Based Payment, to permit public companies, under certain circumstances, to use the simplified method in SAB 107 for employee option grants after December 31, 2007. Use of the simplified method after December 2007 is permitted only for companies whose historical data about their employees’ exercise behavior does not provide a reasonable basis for estimating the expected term of the options. Based on the significant restrictions on employee trading during the restatement periods, the Company has not experienced regular employee exercise behavior since the implementation of SFAS No. 123R on January 20, 2006. The Company expects to continue to use the simplified method as allowed under SAB 110.
 
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Financial market risks relating to our operations result primarily from changes in interest rates. We hold no securities for purposes of trading. Our cash and cash equivalents representing bank deposits at February 3, 2008 are not restricted as to withdrawal. Interest earned on our cash equivalents as well as interest paid on our variable rate debt are sensitive to changes in interest rates.
 
Our variable rate debt relates to borrowings under our Senior Credit Facility and our Term Loan Facility that was entered into in June of 2006, which are subject to changes in the LIBOR rate. Our variable and fixed rate debt and corresponding effective interest rates at February 3, 2008 consisted of the following ($ in thousands):
 
                 
          Average
  Fixed or
    Balance     Interest Rate   Variable
 
Term loan facility — matures June 2011
  $ 345,647     11.63%   Variable
Senior credit facility — matures July 2010
    46,500     5.30%   Variable
63/4% senior exchangeable notes — mature December
               
2025 — $94,635 carrying value
    100,000     6.75%   Fixed
Discount on 63/4% senior exchangeable notes (EITF
               
No. 06-6 accounting adjustment)
    (5,365 )       Fixed
Seller financing arrangements
    16,189     Various   Fixed
Capital leases
    16,217     Various   Fixed
                 
Total debt
  $ 519,188          
                 
 
At February 3, 2008, of our outstanding debt and capital leases, 76% was at variable interest rates and 24% was at fixed interest rates. As of February 3, 2008, with $392.1 million in variable rate debt outstanding, a 1% change in the LIBOR rate to which this variable rate debt is tied would result in a $3.9 million change in our annual interest expense. This estimate assumes that our debt balance remains constant for an annual period and the interest rate change occurs at the beginning of the period.


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Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of CSK Auto Corporation:
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CSK Auto Corporation and its subsidiaries at February 3, 2008 and February 4, 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended February 3, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2), present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 3, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) because of material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting existing as of that date related to 1) resources, and policies and procedures to ensure proper and consistent application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, 1a) financial reporting, 2) accounting for inventory, 3) accounting for vendor allowances and 4) accounting for certain accrued expenses. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weaknesses referred to above are described in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. We considered these material weaknesses in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the February 3, 2008 consolidated financial statements and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in management’s report referred to above. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedules, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
 
As discussed in Note 1, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger on April 1, 2008 whereby the Company would become a subsidiary of O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. The merger is subject to, among other things, regulatory review and at least a majority of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock being tendered to complete the exchange offer. As discussed in Note 1, although consummation of the exchange offer would result in an event of default and the possible acceleration of indebtedness under the Company’s revolving and term loan borrowing facilities, management expects borrowings under these facilities will be repaid in full and the facilities will cease to exist at the closing of the exchange offer. Also as discussed in Note 1, in the event the merger is not consummated and if an amendment or waiver of financial covenants set forth in the term loan facility for periods subsequent to February 1, 2009 is not obtained, it is probable the Company will not be in compliance with such covenants for periods subsequent to February 1, 2009.


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As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for share-based compensation in fiscal 2006.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
 
/s/  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Phoenix, Arizona
April 17, 2008


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended  
    February 3,
    February 4,
    January 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
    (In thousands, except share and per share data)  
 
Net sales
  $ 1,851,647     $ 1,907,776     $ 1,651,285  
Cost of sales
    984,649       1,011,712       864,674  
                         
Gross profit
    866,998       896,064       786,611  
Other costs and expenses:
                       
Operating and administrative
    804,265       788,400       653,471  
Investigation and restatement costs
    12,348       25,739        
Securities class action settlement
    11,700              
Store closing costs
    1,983       1,487       2,903  
                         
Operating profit
    36,702       80,438       130,237  
Interest expense
    54,163       48,767       33,599  
Loss on debt retirement
          19,450       1,600  
                         
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (17,461 )     12,221       95,038  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (6,309 )     4,991       37,248  
                         
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (11,152 )     7,230       57,790  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax
          (966 )      
                         
Net income (loss)
  $ (11,152 )   $ 6,264     $ 57,790  
                         
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                       
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ (0.25 )   $ 0.16     $ 1.30  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
          (0.02 )      
                         
Net income (loss) per share
  $ (0.25 )   $ 0.14     $ 1.30  
                         
Shares used in computing per share amounts
    43,971,417       43,876,533       44,465,409  
                         
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                       
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ (0.25 )   $ 0.16     $ 1.29  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
          (0.02 )      
                         
Net income (loss) per share
  $ (0.25 )   $ 0.14     $ 1.29  
                         
Shares used in computing per share amounts
    43,971,417       44,129,278       44,812,302  
                         
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                 
    February 3,
    February 4,
 
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands, except
 
    share data)  
 
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 16,520     $ 20,169  
Receivables, net
    37,322       43,898  
Inventories
    494,651       502,787  
Deferred income taxes
    50,649       46,500  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    35,842       31,585  
                 
Total current assets
    634,984       644,939  
Property and equipment, net
    165,115       174,409  
Intangibles, net
    63,020       67,507  
Goodwill
    224,937       224,937  
Deferred income taxes
    15,380       4,200  
Other assets, net
    35,254       35,770  
                 
Total assets
  $ 1,138,690     $ 1,151,762  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable
  $ 236,879     $ 260,146  
Accrued payroll and related expenses
    57,593       60,306  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    107,211       81,569  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    50,551       56,098  
Current maturities of capital lease obligations
    6,351       8,761  
                 
Total current liabilities
    458,585       466,880  
                 
Long-term debt
    452,420       451,367  
Obligations under capital leases
    9,866       15,275  
Other liabilities
    53,281       46,730  
                 
Total non-current liabilities
    515,567       513,372  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 90,000,000 shares authorized, 44,030,644 and 43,950,751 shares issued and outstanding at February 3, 2008 and February 4, 2007, respectively
    440       440  
Additional paid-in capital
    438,092       433,912  
Accumulated deficit
    (273,994 )     (262,842 )
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    164,538       171,510  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,138,690     $ 1,151,762  
                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended  
    February 3,
    February 4,
    January 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
 
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (11,152 )   $ 6,264     $ 57,790  
Adjustments:
                       
Depreciation and amortization on property and equipment
    40,668       40,645       36,628  
Amortization of other items
    5,513       7,585       4,231  
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs
    5,701       4,539       2,161  
Stock-based compensation expense
    2,779       4,972       571  
Tax benefit relating to exercise of stock options
                231  
Write downs of property, equipment and other assets
    4,459       3,354       2,145  
Loss on debt retirement
          8,496       1,600  
Deferred income taxes
    (6,593 )     3,771       36,008  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Receivables
    8,126       (13,412 )     6,747  
Inventories
    8,136       3,652       (23,588 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (4,257 )     (11,538 )     7,616  
Accounts payable
    (23,267 )     51,639       17,329  
Accrued payroll, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    23,816       4,838       9,987  
Other operating activities
    185       (5,165 )     2,867  
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    54,114       109,640       162,323  
                         
Cash flows used in investing activities:
                       
Capital expenditures
    (34,772 )     (37,529 )     (36,775 )
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
          (4,292 )     (177,658 )
Other investing activities
    (1,623 )     (1,778 )     (1,499 )
                         
Net cash used in investing activities
    (36,395 )     (43,599 )     (215,932 )
                         
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
                       
Payments under senior credit facility — term loan
                (252,450 )
Borrowings under senior credit facility — line of credit
    258,300       84,800       230,300  
Payments under senior credit facility — line of credit
    (263,800 )     (126,800 )     (136,300 )
Borrowings under term loan facility
          350,000        
Payments under term loan facility
    (3,478 )     (875 )      
Payment of debt financing costs
    (5,376 )     (13,166 )     (9,612 )
Proceeds from issuance of 4.625% exchangeable notes
                100,000  
Proceeds from issuance of 3.375% exchangeable notes
                125,000  
Retirement of 3.375% exchangeable notes
          (125,000 )      
Retirement of 7% senior notes
          (225,000 )      
Payments on capital lease obligations
    (8,513 )     (10,301 )     (10,893 )
Proceeds from seller financing arrangements
    2,145       428       3,164  
Payments on seller financing arrangements
    (685 )     (484 )     (381 )
Proceeds from repayment of stockholder receivable
                10  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    443       1,196       1,130  
Purchase of common stock
                (25,029 )
Net proceeds from termination of common stock call option and warrants
          1,555        
Premium on common stock call option
                (26,992 )
Premium from common stock warrants
                17,820  
Other financing activities
    (404 )     (189 )     (423 )
                         
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (21,368 )     (63,836 )     15,344  
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    (3,649 )     2,205       (38,265 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    20,169       17,964       56,229  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 16,520     $ 20,169     $ 17,964  
                         
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended
    February 3,
  February 4,
  January 29,
    2008   2007   2006
    (In thousands)
 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
                       
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
Interest
  $ 48,426     $ 40,066     $ 25,351  
Income taxes
    2,987       56       98  
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
                       
Fixed assets acquired under capital leases
  $ 1,326     $ 6,731     $ 3,905  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
                                                         
                Additional
                         
    Common Stock     Paid-in
    Stockholder
    Deferred
    Accumulated
    Total
 
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Receivable     Compensation     Deficit     Equity  
    (In thousands, except share data)  
 
Balances at January 30, 2005
    45,116,301     $ 451     $ 447,612     $ (10 )   $ (1,018 )   $ (326,896 )   $ 120,139  
Repurchase and retirement of common stock
    (1,409,300 )     (14 )     (25,015 )                             (25,029 )
Restricted stock
    17,731               1,159               (1,288 )             (129 )
Amortization of deferred compensation
                                    571               571  
Recovery of stockholder receivable
                            10                       10  
Exercise of options
    105,590       1       1,129                               1,130  
Tax benefit relating to stock option exercises
                    231                               231  
Compensation expense, stock options
                    7                               7  
Warrants and call options, net of tax
                    1,437                               1,437  
Net income
                                            57,790       57,790  
                                                         
Balances at January 29, 2006
    43,830,322       438       426,560             (1,735 )     (269,106 )     156,157  
Restricted stock
    28,466       1       (221 )                             (220 )
Adoption of SFAS No. 123R
                    (1,735 )             1,735                
Exercise of options
    91,963       1       1,195                               1,196  
Compensation expense, stock-based awards
                    3,048                               3,048  
Warrants and call options, net of tax
                    390                               390  
Discount on senior exchangeable notes, net of tax
                    4,675                               4,675  
Net income
                                            6,264       6,264  
                                                         
Balances at February 4, 2007
    43,950,751       440       433,912                   (262,842 )     171,510  
Restricted stock
    34,010               (221 )                             (221 )
Exercise of options
    45,883               443                               443  
Compensation expense, stock-based awards
                    3,958                               3,958  
Net loss
                                            (11,152 )     (11,152 )
                                                         
Balances at February 3, 2008
    44,030,644     $ 440     $ 438,092     $     $     $ (273,994 )   $ 164,538  
                                                         
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
CSK Auto Corporation is a holding company. At February 3, 2008, CSK Auto Corporation had no business activity other than its investment in CSK Auto, Inc. (“Auto”), a wholly-owned subsidiary. On a consolidated basis, CSK Auto Corporation and its subsidiaries are referred to herein as the “Company.”
 
Auto is a specialty retailer of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories. As of February 3, 2008, the Company operated 1,349 stores in 22 states, with its principal concentration of stores in the Western United States. The Company’s stores are known by the following four brand names (referred to collectively as “CSK Stores”):
 
  •  Checker Auto Parts, founded in 1969, with 487 stores in the Southwestern, Rocky Mountain and Northern Plains states and Hawaii;
 
  •  Schuck’s Auto Supply, founded in 1917, with 222 stores in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska;
 
  •  Kragen Auto Parts, founded in 1947, with 504 stores primarily in California; and
 
  •  Murray’s Discount Auto Stores, founded in 1972, with 136 stores in the Midwest.
 
In December 2005, the Company purchased all of the outstanding stock of Murray’s Inc. and its subsidiary, Murray’s Discount Auto Stores, Inc. (collectively herein, “Murray’s”). The Murray’s legal corporate entities were merged into Auto in fiscal 2006. As of the acquisition date, Murray’s operated 110 automotive parts and accessories retail stores in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Indiana — states in which the Company previously had no significant market presence.
 
Note 1 — Merger Agreement and Matters Related to the Company’s Indebtedness
 
Merger Agreement
 
On April 1, 2008, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (“O’Reilly”) and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of O’Reilly pursuant to which the Company is expected to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of O’Reilly (the “Acquisition”).
 
In order to effectuate the Acquisition, O’Reilly has agreed to commence an exchange offer (the “Exchange Offer”) pursuant to which each share of the Company’s common stock tendered in the Exchange Offer will be exchanged for (a) a number of shares of O’Reilly’s common stock equal to the “exchange ratio” (as calculated below), plus (b) $1.00 in cash (subject to possible reduction as described below). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the “exchange ratio” will equal $11.00 divided by the average trading price of O’Reilly’s common stock during the five consecutive trading days ending on and including the second trading day prior to the closing of the Exchange Offer; provided, that if such average trading price of O’Reilly’s common stock is greater than $29.95 per share, then the exchange ratio will be 0.3673, and if such average trading price is less than $25.67 per share, then the exchange ratio will be 0.4285. If such average trading price is less than or equal to $21.00 per share, the Company may terminate the Merger Agreement unless O’Reilly exercises its option to issue an additional number of its shares or increase the amount of cash to be paid such that the total value of O’Reilly common stock and cash exchanged for each share of the Company’s common stock is at least equal to $10.00 (less any possible reduction of the cash component of the offer price as described below).
 
Upon completion of the Exchange Offer, any remaining shares of the Company’s common stock will be acquired in a second-step merger at the same price at which shares of the Company’s common stock were exchanged in the Exchange Offer.
 
The Acquisition is expected to be completed during the second quarter of the Company’s fiscal year ending February 1, 2009 (“fiscal 2008”) and is subject to regulatory review and customary closing conditions, including that at least a majority of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock be tendered in the Exchange Offer and


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
the expiration or termination of any waiting period (and any extension thereof) under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.
 
The Merger Agreement includes customary representations, warranties and covenants by the Company, including covenants (a) to cease immediately any discussions and negotiations with respect to an alternate acquisition proposal, (b) not to solicit any alternate acquisition proposal and, with certain exceptions, not to enter into discussions concerning or furnish information in connection with any alternate acquisition proposal, and (c) subject to certain exceptions, for the Company’s Board of Directors not to withdraw or modify its recommendation that the Company’s stockholders tender shares into the Exchange Offer. In addition, the Company has agreed to use reasonable best efforts to obtain appropriate waivers or consents under the Company’s credit or debt agreements and instruments if needed or if requested by O’Reilly to remedy any default or event of default thereunder that may arise after the date of the Merger Agreement (the “Credit Agreement Waivers”). The $1.00 cash component of the offer price for each share of the Company’s common stock tendered in the Exchange Offer will be subject to reduction in the event that the Company pays more than $3.0 million to its lenders in order to obtain any Credit Agreement Waivers. The Company does not anticipate any need to obtain any Credit Agreement Waivers prior to the anticipated closing of the Exchange Offer.
 
The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both the Company and O’Reilly, including if the Exchange Offer has not been consummated or if the expiration or termination of any waiting period (and any extension thereof) under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, has not occurred, in either case on or before the date that is 180 days after the date of the Merger Agreement, and provisions that permit termination in connection with the exercise of the fiduciary duties of the Company’s Board of Directors with respect to superior offers. The Merger Agreement further provides that upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, the Company may be required to pay O’Reilly a termination fee of $22.0 million.
 
In connection with the Acquisition, it is anticipated that O’Reilly will repay at the time of the closing of the Exchange Offer all amounts outstanding and other amounts payable under the Company’s $350.0 million term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) and $325.0 million senior secured revolving line of credit (the “Senior Credit Facility”). Thus, although the consummation of the Exchange Offer would result in an event of default and the possible acceleration of indebtedness under those Facilities, it is contemplated that those Facilities will be repaid in full and cease to exist at the closing of the Exchange Offer. If the Acquisition is completed as planned, the Company’s $100.0 million of 63/4% senior exchangeable notes (“63/4% Notes) will remain outstanding.
 
Term Loan Facility Financial Covenants
 
The Company’s Term Loan Facility contains a maximum leverage ratio that it does not believe at this time it will be able to satisfy beginning in the first quarter of the Company’s fiscal year ending January 30, 2010 (“fiscal 2009”). In addition to having the potential to cause a default under the Term Loan Facility at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009, if the Company does not obtain a waiver or amendment of that covenant prior to the completion of its financial statements for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company’s belief that it is probable that this covenant will not be satisfied for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 will cause it to have to classify all of its indebtedness under the Term Loan Facility and the Senior Credit Facility, as well as the 63/4% Notes, as current liabilities in its financial statements beginning with its financial statements for the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Furthermore, beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company would be required to reduce (to twelve months) the time period over which it amortizes debt issuance costs and debt discount increasing the interest costs it reports in its financial statements. The classification of all such indebtedness as current liabilities and the acceleration of the amortization of interest costs will not cause a default under the Company’s borrowing agreements. However, any such classification could have adverse consequences upon its relationships with, and the credit terms upon which it does business with, its vendors, although the Company expects such consequences, if any, to be limited due to the expected closing of the Exchange Offer in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Company does not expect to seek waivers or amendments under its credit facilities prior to the closing of the Exchange Offer as these credit facilities are expected to be repaid and terminated upon the closing of the Exchange Offer.
 
If the Exchange Offer were to fail to close, prior to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company would seek to obtain a waiver or amendment of certain covenants contained in the Term Loan Facility, including the maximum leverage ratio covenant. No assurance can be given that the Company would be able to obtain such a waiver or amendment on terms that would be satisfactory to the Company. Failure to comply with the financial covenants of the Term Loan Facility would result in an event of default under the Term Loan Facility, which could result in possible acceleration of all of its indebtedness thereunder, under the Senior Credit Facility and under the indenture under which the 63/4% were issued, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CSK Auto Corporation and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries for all years presented. There are no less than wholly-owned subsidiaries.
 
All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Basis of Presentation
 
As more fully explained in Note 10 — Long-Term Debt, the Company has fully and unconditionally guaranteed bank borrowings by Auto. CSKAUTO.COM (the “Subsidiary Guarantor”) has also jointly and severally guaranteed such debt on a full and unconditional basis. CSK Auto Corporation is a holding company and has no other direct subsidiaries or independent assets or operations. The Subsidiary Guarantor is a minor subsidiary and has no significant independent operations. Summarized financial statements and other disclosures concerning each of Auto and the Subsidiary Guarantor are not presented because management believes that they are not material to investors. The consolidated amounts in the accompanying financial statements are representative of the combined guarantors and issuer.
 
The Company reports its financial information as one reportable segment under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of Enterprises and Related Information, as its operating segments are its individual stores which meet the criteria for aggregation into one reportable segment set forth in SFAS No. 131.
 
Fiscal Year
 
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest to January 31 and is named for the calendar year just ended. Occasionally this results in a fiscal year that is 53 weeks long. References to a particular fiscal year are defined as follows:
 
  •  Fiscal 2007 refers to the 52 weeks ended February 3, 2008;
 
  •  Fiscal 2006 refers to the 53 weeks ended February 4, 2007; and
 
  •  Fiscal 2005 refers to the 52 weeks ended January 29, 2006.
 
Cash Equivalents
 
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, receivables and short-term borrowings approximate fair value. The fair values of long-term debt and derivative financial instruments are disclosed in Note 17 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
The Company’s fixed to floating interest rate swap agreement was accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, and was recorded on the balance sheet at its fair value. Changes in the fair value of the swap and the hedged item were recognized in earnings. The swap met the criteria to assume no hedge ineffectiveness. The fair value of the swap was determined from current market prices. During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company terminated the swap agreement in connection with the completion of its fiscal 2006 tender offer for the $225 million of 7% senior subordinated notes. See Note 11 — Derivative Financial Instruments.
 
Receivables
 
Receivables are primarily comprised of amounts due from vendors for rebates or allowances and amounts due from commercial sales customers. The Company records an estimated provision for bad debts for commercial customers based on a percentage of sales and reviews the allowance quarterly for adequacy. Specific accounts are written off against the allowance when management determines the account is uncollectible.
 
Concentration of Credit Risk
 
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables. Historically, the Company has not experienced any loss of its cash and cash equivalents due to such concentration of credit risk.
 
The Company does not hold collateral to secure payment of its trade accounts receivable. However, management performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and provides an allowance for estimated potential losses. Exposure to credit loss is limited to the carrying amount.
 
Inventory Valuation
 
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined utilizing the First-in, First-Out (“FIFO”) method. At each balance sheet date, the Company adjusts its inventory carrying balances by an estimated allowance for inventory shrinkage that has occurred since the most recent physical inventory and an allowance for inventory obsolescence.
 
A physical inventory count is performed at each store, parts depot and distribution center at least once during the fiscal year. Shrink allowances for each store are determined by dividing the shrinkage loss, based on the most recent physical inventory, by the sales for that store since its previous physical inventory. The percentage for each store is multiplied by the sales for that store since the last physical inventory through current period-end. Shrink allowances for each parts depot and distribution center are determined in a similar manner. The shrink amount, based on the most recent physical inventory at the parts depot or distribution center, is divided by the inventory receipts at the location since the previous physical inventory. The percentage for each parts depot or distribution center is multiplied by the receipts for that location since the last physical inventory through current period-end.
 
The Company capitalizes purchasing, storage and handling costs into inventory. The amount capitalized into inventory consists of both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs represent most of the costs capitalized as they


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
include the cost centers that comprise all of the costs of the Company’s distribution centers and warehouses. The Company also capitalizes vendor allowances into inventory as described below under Vendor Allowances.
 
Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment, including purchased software, are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed for financial reporting purposes utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 3 to 25 years, or for leasehold improvements and property under capital leases, the shorter of the lease term or the economic life. Maintenance and repairs are charged to earnings when incurred. When property and equipment is retired or sold, the net book value of the asset, reduced by any proceeds, is charged to gain or loss. For stores in which the Company is a seller-lessee and does not recover substantially all construction costs, the Company records the costs in property and equipment, and amounts funded by the lessor are recorded as a debt obligation in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
Internal Software Development Costs
 
Certain internal software development costs are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related software. Amounts capitalized during fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $1.6 million, $1.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Accumulated amortization as of February 3, 2008 and February 4, 2007 was $5.6 million and $4.7 million, respectively.
 
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill is no longer amortized, but instead is assessed for impairment at least annually. Other intangible assets consist of: (1) leasehold interests representing the net present value of the excess of the fair rental value over the respective contractual rent of facilities under operating leases acquired in business combinations; (2) trade names and trademarks; and (3) customer relationship intangibles. Amortization expense is computed on a straight-line basis over the respective life of the intangibles. See Note 8 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for the impact of this amortization on the statement of operations.
 
Impairment of Other Long-Lived Assets
 
Long-lived assets and identifiable intangible assets to be held and used or disposed of are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the event assets are impaired; losses are recognized based on the excess carrying amount over the estimated fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair market value less selling costs.
 
Lease Obligations
 
The Company leases all but one of its store locations in addition to its distribution centers, office space and most vehicles and equipment. At the inception of the lease, the Company evaluates each agreement to determine whether the lease will be accounted for as an operating or capital lease. The term of the lease used for this evaluation includes renewal option periods only in instances in which the exercise of the renewal option can be reasonably assured and failure to exercise such option would result in an economic penalty. Certain leases contain rent escalation clauses and rent holidays, which are recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term with the difference between the rent paid and the straight-line rent recorded as a deferred rent liability. Lease incentive payments received from landlords are recorded as deferred rent liabilities and are amortized on a straight-line basis


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
over the lease term as a reduction in rent. Certain leases contain provisions that require additional rental payments based upon a specified sales volume, which are accrued as the liabilities are incurred.
 
Self-Insurance Reserves
 
The Company purchases third-party insurance for workers’ compensation, automobile, product and general liability claims that exceed a certain dollar threshold. However, the Company is responsible for the payment of claims under these insured limits. In estimating the obligation associated with reported claims and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims, the Company utilizes independent actuaries. These actuaries utilize historical data to project the future development of reported claims and estimate IBNR claims. Loss estimates are adjusted based upon actual claims settlements and reported claims. Although the Company does not expect the amounts ultimately paid to differ significantly from its estimates, self-insurance reserves could be affected if future claim experience differs significantly from the historical trends and actuarial assumptions. The Company’s self-insurance reserves approximated $24.7 million and $23.5 million at February 3, 2008 and February 4, 2007, respectively, and are included with current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
The Company recognizes sales upon the delivery of products to its customers, which generally occurs at the retail store locations. For certain commercial customers, the Company also delivers products to customer locations. All retail and commercial sales are final upon delivery of products. However, as a convenience to the customer and as typical of most retailers, the Company will accept merchandise returns. The Company generally limits the period of time within which products may be returned to 60 days and requires returns to be accompanied by original packaging and a sales receipt. The Company records an estimate for sales returns based on historical experience and records this estimate as a reduction of net sales.
 
The Company recognizes as sales the fair value of recyclable auto parts it receives as consideration from customers that purchase a new auto part. The Company refers to a recyclable auto part, which may or may not have been purchased from its stores, as a “core.” The Company returns these cores to vendors for cash consideration or to settle an obligation to return a given number of cores to vendors in situations where the Company does not pay for the core component of the inventory acquisition costs. The Company charges customers who purchase a new auto part a specified amount for a core, which exceeds the value of the core, and refunds to customers that same amount if a used core is returned at the point of sale of the new part or upon returning the used part to the store at a later date. If the customer does not return a core at the point of sale, the amount charged to the customer which exceeds the value of the new core is also recognized as sales but is subject to a right of return at the point of sale and included in the sales return allowance for merchandise returns described above.
 
The Company occasionally sponsors mail-in rebate programs to stimulate sales of particular products. At any one time, the Company may have several of these programs in effect. The Company estimates, based on historical experience, the amount of rebates that will be paid to customers and reduces net sales for the expected rebate at the time of sale of the product subject to the rebate. Estimates are adjusted to actual redemptions at conclusion of the redemption period.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Cost of Sales and Operating and Administrative Expenses
 
The following summarizes the types of costs the Company reports in cost of sales as compared to the costs the Company reports in operating and administrative expenses:
 
       
Cost of Sales     Operating and Administrative Expenses
• Total cost of merchandise sold including:

  • Freight expenses associated with moving merchandise inventories from the Company’s vendors to its distribution centers and warehouses;

  • Vendor allowances;

  • Cash discounts on payments to vendors;

• Inventory shrinkage;

• Warranty costs;

• Costs associated with purchasing and operating the distribution centers and warehouses, including payroll and benefit costs, occupancy costs and depreciation; and

• Freight expenses associated with moving merchandise inventories from the distribution centers to the Company’s retail stores.
   
• Payroll and benefit costs for retail and corporate employees, including share-based compensation;

• Occupancy costs of retail and corporate facilities;

• Depreciation related to retail and corporate assets;

• Advertising;

• Self-insurance costs, excluding those related to the distribution network;

• Professional services; and

• Other administrative costs, such as data processing, credit card service fees and supplies.
       
 
Vendor Allowances
 
The Company recognizes allowances associated with purchasing and promotional activities as a reduction of the cost of inventory in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 02-16, Accounting by a Customer (including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor. Based on EITF No. 02-16, allowances provided by the Company’s vendors are presumed to be a reduction in the costs of purchasing inventories (to be recognized in inventory and cost of sales). Amounts recognized are based on written contracts with vendors.
 
The Company enters into hundreds of contracts with vendors each year that contain allowance provisions. Contractual disputes and misunderstandings may occur with vendors for specific aspects of a vendor’s program that could result in adjustments to allowances the Company earns. The Company adjusts its vendor allowance recognition for disputes when the disputed amount is probable and reasonably estimable. Based on historical experience, the Company also considers in its estimated recognition that processing errors and other transactional adjustments will likely be identified upon reconciliation of amounts earned with vendors. The Company does not believe it is reasonably likely that such adjustments will have a material impact on future results of operations.
 
The Company records the earning of the total vendor allowances by taking the contract rate and applying it to actual product purchased from the vendor in the period in which product is received. Fixed dollar allowances not expressed in terms of volume of purchases are earned ratably over the vendor program period, which is generally the calendar year. When a vendor contract includes a volume minimum or volume incentive provision, the allowance


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
accrual rate is estimated based upon the Company’s best estimate of purchases based on historical purchasing patterns and sales forecasts. Each quarter, the volume estimates and volume-based accrual rates are re-evaluated based on the actual cumulative purchases and the expectation for the remainder of the vendor program year. Adjustments, if necessary, are made on a quarterly basis. Certain of the Company’s vendor contracts have several year terms, thus requiring recognition over an extended period.
 
Vendor allowances earned are recorded as a reduction of inventory cost at the end of each of the Company’s fiscal quarters. Amounts earned for each vendor are expressed as a percentage of that vendor’s purchases for the period and multiplied by on-hand balances by vendor. This vendor capitalized allowance amount is adjusted as inventory levels change for each vendor each period. In summary, allowances are earned as product is received, recorded as a reduction in inventory cost while the product is on hand, and recognized as a reduction to cost of sales when the corresponding inventory is sold.
 
Warranty
 
The Company or the vendors supplying its products provide the Company’s customers limited warranties on certain products that range from 30 days to lifetime warranties. In most cases, the Company’s vendors are responsible for warranty claims. Warranty costs relating to merchandise sold under warranty not covered by vendors are estimated and recorded as warranty obligations at the time of sale based on historical experience and recent trends. These obligations are recorded as a component of accrued expenses. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liability and adjusts the liability and cost of sales as necessary.
 
The following table reflects the changes in the Company’s warranty reserves ($ in thousands):
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended  
    February 3,
    February 4,
    January 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Warranty reserves, beginning of period
  $ 3,908     $ 2,580     $ 2,918  
Provision for warranty
    6,233       3,428       963  
Allowances from vendors
    5,006       6,067       5,841  
Reserves utilized
    (10,555 )     (8,167 )     (7,142 )
                         
Warranty reserves, end of period
  $ 4,592     $ 3,908     $ 2,580  
                         
 
The Company’s warranty reserves increased by approximately $0.7 million in fiscal 2007, compared to fiscal 2006. The Company entered into new agreements with certain of its vendors. In exchange for lower merchandise costs from these vendors, the Company agreed to be responsible for returns from its customers. This resulted in a reduction of allowances from vendors and an increase in inventory destroyed. The Company also generally experienced a higher level of merchandise that was destroyed in fiscal 2007. This is the key input into the Company’s historical estimation methodology which resulted in an increase in the provision for warranty expense in fiscal 2007.
 
The Company’s warranty reserves increased by approximately $1.3 million in fiscal 2006, compared to fiscal 2005. In fiscal 2006, the warranty provision increased by approximately $2.5 million, primarily as a result of an increase in sales volume over fiscal 2005 due to the acquisition of Murray’s in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Store Closing Costs
 
If a store location does not meet the Company’s required performance criteria, it is considered for closure, even if the Company is contractually committed for future rental costs. The Company provides a discounted allowance for estimated lease costs to be incurred subsequent to store closure. The Company establishes this allowance based on an assessment of market conditions for rents and include assumptions for vacancy periods and sublease rentals. Operating costs associated with closed stores are expensed when incurred.
 
There are several significant assumptions that underlie the estimates inherent in the closed store reserve, including: (1) real estate broker estimates for vacancy periods and estimated sublease rates based on the broker’s experience and expertise, and (2) estimates for occupancy expenses based on historical averages and, in the case of real estate taxes, are subject to changes by taxing authorities. Accordingly, the Company continuously reviews these assumptions and revises the reserve as necessary.
 
In addition, there are certain assumptions that are sensitive to deviations and could produce actual results significantly different from management’s original estimates. These assumptions may be revised due to the following issues: (1) national or regional economic conditions that can shorten or lengthen vacancy periods; (2) changes in neighborhoods surrounding store locations resulting in longer than anticipated vacancy periods; (3) changing subtenant needs resulting in functional obsolescence of store locations; and (4) subtenant defaults or bankruptcies resulting in vacant properties. Historically, the Company has recorded revisions in estimates to the closed store reserve that have resulted from these issues. These revisions usually result from overall longer vacancy periods on store locations and realized sublease rates lower than originally anticipated.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
Effective January 30, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, using the modified-prospective method and began recognizing compensation expense for its share-based compensation plans based on the fair value of the awards. Share-based payments include stock option grants, restricted stock and a share-based compensation plan under the Company’s long-term incentive plan (the “LTIP”). Prior to January 30, 2006, the Company accounted for its stock-based compensation plans as prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. In accordance with the modified-prospective transition method of SFAS No. 123R, the Company has not restated prior periods.
 
Stock Options
 
SFAS No. 123R requires share-based compensation expense recognized since January 30, 2006 to be based on the following: a) grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, for unvested options granted prior to the adoption date; and b) grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R for unvested options granted subsequent to the adoption date. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value all options, and the straight-line method to amortize this fair value as compensation cost over the requisite service period. Total share-based compensation expense included in operating and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year ended February 4, 2007 was approximately $2.0 million for the unvested options granted prior to the adoption date as well as stock options granted during fiscal 2006. Additionally, the Company recognized $2.9 million in stock based compensation related to stock options for fiscal 2007. The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options as of February 3, 2008 (net of estimated forfeitures) was $5.6 million and the weighted-average period of time over which this cost will be recognized is 2.5 years. Also in fiscal 2007 and 2006, the Company extended the expiration dates on certain stock options due to expire during a period in which the Company prohibited option exercises due to delays in the Company filing certain periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that required the


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Company suspend use of the relevant Form S-8 registration statements, resulting in approximately $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in operating and administrative expense. A summary of the Company’s stock option activity and weighted average exercise price is provided under Note 14 — Stock-Based Compensation and Other Employee Benefit Plans.
 
The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes model and is based on the following assumptions:
 
                         
    Fiscal Year
    2007   2006   2005
 
Dividend yield
    0%       0%       0%  
Risk free interest rate
    4.03% - 5.13%       4.45%       3.86% - 4.40%  
Expected life of options
    4.5 years       4.5 years       6 years  
Expected volatility
    31% - 38%       38.03%       25% - 33%  
 
Dividend Yield — The Company has not made any dividend payments nor does it have plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.
 
Risk-Free Interest Rate — This is the U.S. Treasury rate for the date of the grant having a term equal to the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.
 
Expected Life — This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on the mid-point option term under Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share Based Payment.
 
Expected Volatility — The Company uses actual historical changes in the closing market price of its stock to calculate volatility based on the expected life of the option as it is management’s belief that this is the best indicator of future volatility. An increase in the expected volatility will increase compensation expense.
 
Under SFAS No. 123R forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. This estimate is adjusted periodically based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from the previous estimate.
 
Restricted Stock
 
The Company has in effect a performance incentive plan for the Company’s senior management under which the Company awards shares of restricted stock that vest equally over a three-year period. Shares are forfeited when an employee ceases employment. For accounting purposes, restricted stock is valued at the grant date fair value of the common stock. The Company’s accounting for restricted stock was not affected by the adoption of SFAS No. 123R. At January 29, 2006, the Company had $1.7 million of deferred compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock included in stockholders’ equity. In accordance with SFAS No. 123R, the deferred compensation balance of $1.7 million as of January 29, 2006 was reclassified to additional paid-in capital. Total share-based compensation expense for restricted stock included in operating and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 was approximately $1.0 million, $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards as of February 3, 2008 was $2.6 million, and the weighted-average period of time over which this cost will be recognized is approximately 2.4 years. A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity and weighted average grant date price is provided under Note 14 — Stock-Based Compensation and Other Employee Benefit Plans.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
In fiscal 2005, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the CSK Auto Corporation LTIP. See Note 14 — Stock-Based Compensation and Other Employee Benefit Plans. For accounting purposes, the awards granted under the LTIP are considered to be service-based, cash settled stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). The award is classified as a liability as the LTIP requires the units to be paid in cash. The Company does not have the option to pay the participant in any other form. While the amount of cash, if any, that will ultimately be received by the participant is not known until the end of the measuring period, the only condition that determines whether the award is vested is whether the employee is still employed by the Company (i.e., completes the required service) at the payment date. Since the amount of cash to be received by the participant is indeterminate at the grant date, SARs are subject to variable plan accounting treatment prior to adoption of SFAS No. 123R whereby the intrinsic value of the award is recognized each period (multiplied by the related percentage of service rendered). FASB Interpretation No. 28, Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans (“FIN 28”) requires that the compensation cost for such awards be recognized over the service period for each separately vesting tranche of award as though the award were, in substance, multiple awards.
 
The Company concluded that, for purposes of initial recognition, the initial award date occurred on June 28, 2005, as both the number of units that each initial participant was entitled to and the exercise price were known by such initial participants at that date. However, since the Company’s stock price did not exceed $20 per share at any time from the measurement date through the end of fiscal 2005, no compensation cost was recognized, and no pro-forma expense for this award is reflected in the SFAS No. 123 disclosures.
 
The LTIP units are classified as a liability award under SFAS No. 123R, and as such, must be measured at fair value at the grant date and recognized as compensation cost over the service period in accordance with FIN 28. The modified prospective transition rules under SFAS No. 123R require that for an outstanding instrument that previously was classified as a liability and measured at intrinsic value, an entity should recognize the effect of initially measuring the liability at its fair value, net of any related tax effect, as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. At the beginning of fiscal 2006, the Company recorded $1.0 million, net of $0.6 million income tax benefit, as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle for the LTIP fair value liability under SFAS No. 123R upon adoption. For the fiscal year ended February 4, 2007, the Company recognized $0.3 million of expense related to the LTIP units. For the year ended February 3, 2008, the Company reduced the liability for the LTIP units by $1.2 million, as a result of the decrease in market price based on the decline in the Company’s stock price when compared to the previous fiscal year end. At February 3, 2008, the Company had recorded a liability of $0.8 million related to LTIP units and had $0.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to LTIP units. As a liability based instrument, the LTIP awards will be remeasured at each balance sheet date, such that the net compensation expense recorded over the full four-year vesting period of the LTIP units will equal the cash payments, if any, made by the Company to the LTIP participants.
 
Total stock-based compensation expense included in operating and administrative expenses in the Company’s statement of operations for the years ended February 3, 2008 and February 4, 2007 was $2.8 million and $3.4 million, respectively, and the Company recognized a corresponding income tax benefit for these years of approximately $1.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively. In addition, the Company incurred $1.6 million ($1.0 million net of income tax benefit) of transition expense upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, which is shown as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to options granted under the Company’s stock plans for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2006 (in thousands, except per share data):
 
         
Net income — as reported
  $ 57,790  
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense in reported net income, net of related income taxes
    351  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related income taxes
    (4,535 )
         
Net income — pro forma
  $ 53,606  
         
Earnings per share — basic:
       
As reported
  $ 1.30  
Pro forma
  $ 1.21  
Earnings per share — diluted:
       
As reported
  $ 1.29  
Pro forma
  $ 1.20  
As reported shares:
       
Basic
    44,465  
Diluted
    44,812  
Pro forma shares used in calculation:
       
Basic
    44,465  
Diluted
    44,823  
 
SFAS No. 123R also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow rather than as an operating cash flow. This requirement reduces net operating cash flows and increases net financing cash flows in periods after adoption. While the Company cannot estimate what those amounts will be in the future (because they depend on when employees exercise stock options and the current market price), the amount of operating cash flows recognized for such excess tax deductions for stock option exercises was $0.2 million in fiscal 2005. There were no excess tax benefits recorded in fiscal 2007 or fiscal 2006.
 
In November 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS No. 123R-3, Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards. This FSP requires an entity to follow either the transition guidance for the additional paid-in-capital pool as prescribed in SFAS No. 123R, or the alternative method as described in the FSP. An entity that adopts SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective application transition method may make a one-time election to adopt the transition method described in this FSP. The Company elected to calculate the additional paid-in-capital pool as prescribed in the FSP (referred to as the “short-cut” method) effective with its adoption of SFAS No. 123R.
 
Advertising
 
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. In accordance with EITF No. 02-16, cooperative advertising arrangements are considered a reduction of product costs, unless the Company is specifically required to substantiate costs incurred to the vendor and does so in the normal course of business. Advertising expense for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 totaled $50.2 million, $55.7 million and $50.4 million, respectively.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Preopening Costs
 
Preopening expenses, which consist primarily of payroll and occupancy costs, are expensed as incurred.
 
Income Taxes
 
Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts (temporary differences) at each year-end based on enacted tax laws and statutory rates applicable to the period in which the temporary differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Income tax expense includes both taxes payable for the period and the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Income tax expense reflects the Company’s best estimates and assumptions regarding, among other things, the level of future taxable income, interpretation of the tax laws, and tax planning. Future changes in tax laws, changes in projected levels of taxable income, and tax planning could affect the effective tax rate and tax balances recorded.
 
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on February 5, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 resulted in no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
Legal Matters
 
The Company currently and from time to time is involved in litigation incidental to the conduct of its business, including but not limited to asbestos and similar product liability claims, slips and falls and other general liability claims, discrimination and employment claims, vendor disputes, and miscellaneous environmental and real estate claims. The damages claimed in some of this litigation are substantial. Based on an internal review, the Company accrues reserves using its best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable contingent liabilities. The Company does not currently believe that any of these legal claims incidental to the conduct of its business, individually or in the aggregate, will result in liabilities material to its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, if the Company’s estimates related to these contingent liabilities are incorrect, the future results of operations for any particular fiscal quarter or year could be materially adversely affected.
 
In addition to the litigation that is incidental to the Company’s business, the Company is also subject to the other litigation and governmental investigations described in Note 21 — Legal Matters. Although certain of these matters are in their early stages and the Company cannot predict their outcome, an adverse outcome in any of them could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 3 — Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). The interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the Company’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The Company adopted FIN 48 on February 5, 2007. See Note 13 — Income Taxes for a discussion of the impact of FIN 48.
 
In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments — an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140. This statement simplifies accounting for certain hybrid instruments currently governed by SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, by allowing fair value remeasurement of hybrid instruments that contain an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation. SFAS No. 155 also eliminates the guidance in SFAS No. 133 Implementation Issue No. D1, Application of Statement 133 to Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets, which provides such beneficial interests are not subject to SFAS No. 133. SFAS No. 155 amends SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities — a Replacement of FASB Statement No. 125, by eliminating the restriction on passive derivative instruments that a qualifying special-purpose entity may hold. Effective February 5, 2007, the Company adopted SFAS No. 155, which did not affect its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140. SFAS No. 156 amends SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. SFAS No. 156 is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. Effective February 5, 2007, the Company adopted SFAS No. 156, which did not affect its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In June 2006, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the EITF on Issue No. 06-3, How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should be Presented in the Income Statement (That Is, Gross versus Net Presentation), that was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company presents sales net of sales taxes in its consolidated statement of operations and the adoption of this EITF issue did not affect its financial statements.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value within GAAP and expands the disclosures regarding fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued a staff position that delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and liabilities except for those recognized or disclosed at least annually. Except for the delay for nonfinancial assets and liabilities, SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within such years. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 159.
 
On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, Business Combinations, which establishes how an acquiring company recognizes and measures acquired assets, liabilities, goodwill and minority interest. It also defines how an acquirer should account for a gain from a bargain purchase and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Early adoption is


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
not permitted. The Company will be required to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 141R to any future business combinations consummated after its effective date.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51, which provides guidance and establishes amended accounting and reporting standards for a parent company’s noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 160 to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In December 2007, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 110, Share-Based Payment, which amends SAB 107, Share-Based Payment, to permit public companies, under certain circumstances, to use the simplified method in SAB 107 for employee option grants after December 31, 2007. Use of the simplified method after December 2007 is permitted only for companies whose historical data about their employees’ exercise behavior does not provide a reasonable basis for estimating the expected term of the options. Based on the significant restrictions on employee trading during the restatement periods (see Note 21 — Legal Matters), the Company has not experienced regular employee exercise behavior since the implementation of SFAS No. 123R on January 20, 2006. The Company expects to continue to use the simplified method as allowed under SAB 110.
 
Note 4 — Receivables
 
Accounts receivable consist of the following ($ in thousands):
 
                 
    February 3,
    February 4,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Amounts due under vendor allowance programs
  $ 14,660     $ 24,122  
Trade receivables from commercial and other customers
    19,618       17,175  
Landlord, subtenant receivables and other
    3,422       2,994  
                 
Gross receivables
    37,700       44,291  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (378 )     (393 )
                 
Accounts receivable, net
  $ 37,322     $ 43,898  
                 
 
Amounts to be paid or credited to the Company by vendors are reflected as receivables. Pursuant to contract terms, the Company has the right to offset certain vendor receivables against corresponding accounts payable, thus minimizing the risk of non-collection of these receivables.
 
Note 5 — Inventories
 
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined utilizing the First-in, First-Out (“FIFO”) method. At each balance sheet date, the Company adjusts its inventory carrying balances by an allowance for inventory shrinkage that has occurred since the most recent physical inventory and an allowance for inventory obsolescence, each of which is discussed in greater detail below.
 
  •  The Company reduces the FIFO carrying value of its inventory for estimated loss due to shrinkage since the most recent physical inventory. Shrinkage expense for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 was approximately $23.8 million, $31.6 million and $28.8 million, respectively. While the shrinkage accrual is based on recent experience, there is a risk that actual losses may be higher or lower than expected.
 
  •  In certain instances, the Company retains the right to return obsolete and excess merchandise inventory to its vendors. In situations where the Company does not have a right to return, the Company records an allowance representing an estimated loss for the difference between the cost of any obsolete or excess inventory and the


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
  estimated retail selling price. Inventory levels and margins earned on all products are monitored monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses whether it expects to sell any significant amount of inventory below cost and, if so, estimates and records an allowance.
 
At each balance sheet reporting date, the Company also adjusts its inventory carrying balances by the capitalization of certain operating and overhead administrative costs associated with purchasing and handling of inventory and estimates of vendor allowances that remain in ending inventory. The components of ending inventory are as follows (in thousands):
 
                 
    February 3,
    February 4,
 
    2008     2007  
 
FIFO Cost
  $ 540,094     $ 562,405  
Overhead costs
    29,848       28,725  
Vendor allowances
    (60,067 )     (69,469 )
Shrinkage
    (13,030 )     (18,116 )
Obsolescence
    (2,194 )     (758 )
                 
Inventory, net
  $ 494,651     $ 502,787  
                 
 
Note 6 — Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment are comprised of the following ($ in thousands):
 
                         
    February 3,
    February 4,
       
    2008     2007    
Estimated Useful Life
 
 
Land
  $ 348     $ 348          
Buildings
    18,221       15,251       15 - 25 years  
Leasehold improvements
    165,380       159,070       Shorter of lease term or useful life  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    182,172       168,845       3 - 10 years  
Property under capital leases
    55,417       97,974       5 - 15 years or life of lease  
Purchased software
    12,725       10,829       5 years  
                         
      434,263       452,317          
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (269,148 )     (277,908 )        
                         
Property and equipment, net
  $ 165,115     $ 174,409          
                         
 
Depreciation expense for property and equipment, including amortization of capital leases, totaled $40.7 million, $40.6 million and $36.6 million for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006, and fiscal 2005, respectively. Accumulated amortization of property under capital leases totaled $38.6 million and $73.1 million at February 3, 2008 and February 4, 2007, respectively.
 
The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets on an annual basis to determine whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable and an impairment loss should be recognized. Such evaluation is based on the expected utilization of the related asset and the corresponding useful life.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 7 — Business Acquisition
 
On December 19, 2005, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Murray’s, a private company headquartered in Belleville, Michigan, that operated 110 automotive parts and accessories retail stores in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Indiana. The purchase price was $180.9 million. As of January 29, 2006, $2.8 million of the purchase price was recorded in other accrued liabilities, of which all was paid during fiscal 2007. The Murray’s acquisition complemented the Company’s existing operations and expanded the Company’s markets served from 19 to 22 states. The acquisition was funded from borrowings under a $325.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility and from the issuance of the 63/4% senior exchangeable notes. See Note 8 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
 
This transaction has been accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, and accordingly the financial position and results of operations have been included in the Company’s operations since the date of acquisition. In accordance with SFAS No. 141, the purchase price was allocated to the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including identifiable intangible assets. The allocation of purchase price resulted in an inventory fair value adjustment of $2.8 million, which was expensed to cost of sales in fiscal 2005 and 2006 corresponding to the periods in which the inventory was sold. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in $104.5 million of non-tax deductible goodwill primarily related to the anticipated future earnings and cash flows of the Murray’s retail stores, as well as cost reductions management expects as a result of integrating administrative functions (including operations, finance, human resources, purchasing and information technology). Of the $59.1 million of identifiable intangible assets, $49.4 million was assigned to Murray’s trade name and trademarks (with a life of 30 years), $9.3 million was assigned to leasehold interests (with an average life of 17 years) and $0.4 million was assigned to customer relationships (with a life of 10 years). In addition, the Company recorded a $7.5 million liability for leasehold interests for operating leases that had rental commitments in excess of current market conditions (with an average life of 18 years).


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The final purchase price allocation recorded in fiscal 2005 was as follows ($ in thousands):
 
         
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 480  
Receivables
    2,963  
Inventories
    51,363  
Deferred income taxes
    3,628  
Prepaids and other assets
    2,872  
         
      61,306  
Property and equipment
    20,041  
Trade name and trademarks
    49,400  
Customer relationships
    370  
Leasehold interests
    9,324  
Goodwill
    104,541  
Other long-term assets
    65  
         
Total assets acquired
    245,047  
         
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    36,494  
Unfavorable leasehold interests
    7,482  
Deferred income taxes
    19,320  
Other liabilities
    804  
         
Total liabilities assumed
    64,100  
         
Fair value of net assets acquired
  $ 180,947  
         
 
Employee termination and relocation costs have been recorded in the above purchase price allocation. As of the acquisition date, the Company began to formulate a plan to terminate or relocate certain Murray’s employees. The Company has finalized the appropriate staffing levels in Murray’s departments (including operations, finance, human resources, purchasing and information technology) and the experience levels required to perform certain general and administrative functions, and paid approximately $1.2 million in severance and relocation costs in fiscal 2006. The Company did not close any Murray’s stores as a result of the acquisition.
 
In August 2006, the Company purchased a franchised Murray’s store for approximately $1.8 million. Net of liabilities assumed, the Company paid approximately $1.5 million in cash and recorded $1.4 million in goodwill.
 
Note 8 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test as of February 3, 2008, the last day of the fiscal year, and determined that no impairment of goodwill existed. Under SFAS No. 142, the Company’s stores, including the Murray’s stores acquired in fiscal 2005, are considered components with similar economic characteristics which can be aggregated into one reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing.
 
The Company’s intangible assets, excluding goodwill, consist of favorable leasehold interests, license agreement, trade names and trademarks, and customer relationship intangibles resulting from business acquisitions. Amortization expense related to intangible assets is computed on a straight-line basis over the respective useful lives. Leasehold interests associated with store closures are written off at the time of closure.
 
In August 2006, the Company purchased a franchised Murray’s store which resulted in $1.4 million of goodwill. See Note 7 — Business Acquisition.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Of the $59.1 million of identifiable intangible assets resulting from the fiscal 2005 acquisition of Murray’s, $49.4 million was assigned to Murray’s trade name and trademarks (with a life of 30 years), $9.3 million was assigned to leasehold interests asset (with an average life of 17 years) and $0.4 million was assigned to customer relationships (with a life of 10 years). The excess purchase price over identifiable tangible and intangible assets was approximately $104.5 million, which was recorded as goodwill. See Note 7 — Business Acquisition.
 
The changes in intangible assets, including goodwill, for fiscal 2007 are as follows ($ in thousands):
 
                                         
    Carrying
                      Carrying
 
    Value as of
                      Value as of
 
    February 4,
                      February 3,
 
    2007     Additions     Amortization     Adjustments     2008  
 
Amortized intangible assets:
                                       
Leasehold interests
  $ 28,655     $     $     $ (1,772 )   $ 26,883  
Accumulated amortization
    (12,162 )           (1,877 )     1,471       (12,568 )
                                         
      16,493         —       (1,877 )     (301 )     14,315  
                                         
License agreement
    4,417                         4,417  
Accumulated amortization
    (1,274 )           (631 )           (1,905 )
                                         
      3,143             (631 )           2,512  
                                         
Trade names and trademarks
    49,400                         49,400  
Accumulated amortization
    (1,858 )           (1,642 )           (3,500 )
                                         
      47,542             (1,642 )           45,900  
                                         
Customer relationships
    370                         370  
Accumulated amortization
    (41 )           (37 )           (78 )
                                         
      329             (37 )           292  
                                         
Amortized intangibles, net
    67,507             (4,186 )     (301 )     63,020  
                                         
Unamortized intangible assets:
                                       
Goodwill
    224,937                         224,937  
                                         
Total intangible assets, net
  $ 292,444     $      —     $ (4,186 )   $ (301 )   $ 287,957  
                                         
 
Amortization expense for intangible assets totaled $4.2 million, $4.3 million and $2.1 million for fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006, and fiscal 2005, respectively. Accumulated amortization of intangible assets totaled $18.0 million and $15.3 million at February 3, 2008 and February 4, 2007, respectively.
 
Estimated amortization expense relating to intangible assets for the next five years is listed below ($ in thousands):
 
         
Fiscal 2008
  $ 3,993  
Fiscal 2009
    3,800  
Fiscal 2010
    3,666  
Fiscal 2011
    3,521  
Fiscal 2012
    2,729  
Thereafter
    45,311  
         
    $ 63,020  
         


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 9 — Store Closing Costs
 
On an on-going basis, store locations are reviewed and analyzed based on several factors including market saturation, store profitability, and store size and format. In addition, the Company analyzes sales trends, geographical and competitive factors to determine the viability and future profitability of its store locations. If a store location does not meet the Company’s required performance criteria, it is considered for closure. As a result of past acquisitions, the Company has closed numerous stores due to overlap with previously existing store locations.
 
The Company accounts for the costs of closed stores in accordance with SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. Under SFAS No. 146, the fair value of future costs of operating lease commitments for closed stores are recorded as a liability at the date the Company ceases operating the store. Fair value of the liability is the present value of future cash flows discounted by a credit-adjusted risk free rate. Accretion expense represents interest on the Company’s recorded closed store liabilities and is calculated by using the same credit-adjusted risk free rate used to discount the cash flows. In addition, SFAS No. 146 also requires that the amount of remaining lease payments owed be reduced by estimated sublease income (but not to an amount less than zero). Sublease income in excess of costs associated with the lease is recognized as it is earned and included as a reduction to operating and administrative expenses in the accompanying financial statements.
 
The allowance for store closing costs is included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying financial statements and represents the discounted value of the following future net cash outflows related to closed stores: (1) future rents and other contractual expenses to be paid over the remaining terms of the lease agreements for the stores (net of estimated sublease income) and (2) lease commissions associated with obtaining store subleases. Certain operating expenses related to closed stores, such as utilities and repairs, are expensed as incurred and the Company does not incur employee termination costs when stores are closed. In addition, the Company expenses as incurred and reports as store closing costs operating expenses it incurs when closing a store. These expenses include temporary labor and transportation costs for inventory, fixtures and other assets owned in the store being closed.
 
The following tabular presentation provides detailed information regarding the Company’s SFAS No. 146 store closing costs ($ in thousands):
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended  
    February 3,
    February 4,
    January 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
SFAS No. 146 liability balance, beginning of year
  $ 4,911     $ 7,033     $ 7,774  
                         
SFAS No. 146 provision for contractual obligations, net of estimated sublease income for stores closed during the period
    1,754       258       246  
Revisions in SFAS No. 146 estimates
    (474 )     112       1,505  
Accretion
    231       306       420  
                         
SFAS No. 146 store closing costs expensed in the period
    1,511       676       2,171  
                         
Purchase accounting adjustments — Murray’s Discount Auto Stores
                324  
                         
Payments:
                       
Contractual obligations, net of sublease recoveries
    (2,333 )     (2,383 )     (2,235 )
Sublease commissions and buyouts
    (1,062 )     (415 )     (1,001 )
                         
Total payments
    (3,395 )     (2,798 )     (3,236 )
                         
SFAS No. 146 liability balance, end of year
  $ 3,027     $ 4,911     $ 7,033  
                         


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Store closing costs incurred during the periods are comprised of ($ in thousands):
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended  
    February 3,
    February 4,
    January 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
SFAS No. 146 store closing costs expensed in the period
  $ 1,511     $ 676     $ 2,171  
Period costs related to closed stores
    472       811       732  
                         
Total store closing costs
  $ 1,983     $ 1,487     $ 2,903  
                         
 
During fiscal 2007, the Company recorded the following: (1) $1.8 million in SFAS No. 146 charges associated with fiscal 2007 store closures for stores with contractual lease obligations remaining at the closure date; (2) $0.5 million reduction in expense resulting from revisions in SFAS No. 146 estimates, primarily as a result of increases in sublease rent and buyouts of certain store leases at a cost less than the recorded liability for these closed stores; and (3) $0.2 million associated with accretion expense relating to the discounting of closed store liabilities. In addition, the Company incurred $0.5 million of other operating expenses such as store closing expenses and utilities, repairs and maintenance costs related to closed stores that are expensed as incurred.
 
The $1.8 million SFAS No. 146 provision described above includes costs for the five Pay N Save stores the Company closed during fiscal 2007. The Company previously operated five value concept retail stores under the Pay N Save brand name in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. The Pay N Save concept provided the Company with the ability to experiment with new products to determine the level of customer demand before committing to purchase and offer the products in the CSK stores. As a part of its continuing review of store results, the Company made the decision to close the Pay N Save stores. All stores were closed during the fiscal year ending February 3, 2008.
 
During fiscal 2006, the Company recorded the following: (1) $0.3 million in SFAS No. 146 charges associated with fiscal 2006 store closures for stores with contractual lease obligations remaining at the closure date; (2) $0.1 million of expense resulting from revisions in SFAS No. 146 estimates; and (3) $0.3 million associated with accretion expense relating to the discounting of closed store liabilities. In addition, the Company incurred $0.8 million of other operating expenses such as store closing expenses and utilities, repairs and maintenance costs related to closed stores that are expensed as incurred.
 
During fiscal 2005, the Company recorded the following: (1) $0.2 million in SFAS No. 146 charges associated with fiscal 2005 store closures for stores with contractual lease obligations remaining at the closure date; (2) $1.5 million of expense resulting from revisions in SFAS No. 146 estimates, primarily related to stores that were subleased and became vacant as well as rent increases in master lease agreements; and (3) $0.4 million associated with accretion expense relating to the discounting of closed store liabilities. In addition, the Company incurred $0.7 million of other operating expenses such as store closing expenses and utilities, repairs and maintenance costs related to closed stores that are expensed as incurred.
 
At February 3, 2008, the Company’s $3.0 million liability for store closing costs consisted of ($ in thousands):
 
         
Future contractual commitments for rent and occupancy expenses   $ 19,938  
Estimated sublease income, net of sublease commissions
    (16,458 )
Accretion expense to be recognized in future periods
    (453 )
         
Total liability for store closing costs
  $ 3,027  
         
 
Stores are included in the liability for store closing costs when a store is closed with a remaining contractual obligation under a lease agreement. Stores that are closed at the end of a contractual lease period are not included in the Company’s liability for store closing costs. It is the Company’s practice to sublease or attempt to sublease any


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
vacant locations for which it maintains a contractual lease obligation. Locations are removed from the liability for store closing costs when the contractual lease agreement has expired or is terminated through early buyout.
 
Location activity for stores and service centers included in the liability for store closing costs is as follows:
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended
    February 3,
  February 4,
  January 29,
    2008   2007   2006
 
Number of closed locations, beginning of period
    175       183       195  
                         
Locations added during the period
    7       9       5  
Locations removed during the period
    (34 )     (17 )     (17 )
                         
Net locations added (removed) during the period
    (27 )     (8 )     (12 )
                         
Number of closed locations, end of period
    148       175       183  
                         
 
As of February 3, 2008, 148 locations were included in the allowance for store closing costs, consisting of 97 store locations and 51 service centers. Of the store locations, 14 locations were vacant and 83 locations were subleased. Of the service centers, 3 were vacant and 48 were subleased. Approximately 63 locations included in the liability at the end of fiscal 2007 have contractual lease terms that expire in fiscal 2008.
 
Note 10 — Long-Term Debt
 
Overview
 
Outstanding debt, excluding capital leases, is as follows ($ in thousands):
 
                 
    February 3,
    February 4,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Term loan facility
  $ 345,647     $ 349,125  
Senior credit facility
    46,500       52,000  
63/4% senior exchangeable notes(1)
    94,635       93,061  
Seller financing arrangements
    16,189       13,279  
                 
Total debt
    502,971       507,465  
Less: Current portion of term loan facility
    3,444       3,478  
     Senior credit facility
    46,500       52,000  
     Current maturities of seller financing arrangements
    607       620  
                 
Total debt (non-current)
  $ 452,420     $ 451,367  
                 
 
 
(1) Carrying balance reduced by discount of $5.4 million and $6.9 million at February 3, 2008 and February 4, 2007, respectively, in accordance with EITF No. 06-6.
 
Term Loan Facility
 
In the second quarter of fiscal 2006, Auto entered into a $350.0 million term loan facility (“Term Loan Facility”). The loans under the Term Loan Facility (“Term Loans”) bear interest at a base rate or the LIBOR rate, plus a margin that fluctuates depending upon the Company’s corporate rating. At February 3, 2008, loans under the Term Loan Facility bore interest at 11.625%. The Term Loans are guaranteed by the Company and CSKAUTO.COM, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Auto. The Term Loans are secured by a second lien security interest in certain assets,


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
primarily inventory and receivables, of Auto and the guarantors and by a first lien security interest in substantially all of their other assets. The Term Loans call for repayment in consecutive quarterly installments, which began on December 31, 2006, in an amount equal to 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans, with the balance payable in full on June 30, 2012 which is the sixth anniversary of the closing date. Issuance costs incurred in fiscal 2006 associated with the Term Loan Facility were approximately $10.7 million and are being amortized over the six-year term of the facility.
 
On October 10, 2007, the Company entered into the third amendment to the Term Loan Facility. An amendment fee of approximately $0.9 million was paid in connection with this amendment and the cost is being amortized over the remaining term of the Term Loan Facility. The amendment increased the spreads used to calculate the rate at which funds borrowed under the Term Loan Facility accrue interest by either 0.25% or 0.50% and changed the basis for determining the spread amount from the rating of the Term Loans to the Company’s corporate rating. Based on the Company’s corporate rating at the time of the amendment, the interest rate on funds borrowed under the Term Loan Facility increased by 0.50% as a result of the amendment. The amendment also altered certain covenant provisions, which were subsequently amended by a fourth amendment to the Term Loan Facility.
 
On December 18, 2007, the Company entered into a fourth amendment to the Term Loan Facility. An amendment fee of approximately $3.5 million was paid in connection with this amendment and the cost is being amortized over the remaining term of the Term Loan Facility. The amendment increased the spreads used to calculate the rate at which funds borrowed under the Facility accrue interest to 5.00%, 6.00% or 7.00% in the case of loans bearing interest based on the LIBOR rate, and 4.00%, 5.00% or 6.00%, in the case of loans bearing interest at a base rate, in each case depending on the Company’s then-current corporate ratings. At December 18, 2007, the applicable interest rate under the Facility became LIBOR plus 5%, an increase of 1.25%, as a result of the amendment. The amendment also modified the minimum fixed charge coverage ratios and the maximum leverage ratios contained in the Term Loan Facility for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and each of the quarters of fiscal 2008.
 
In addition to the covenant and interest rate changes, the fourth amendment added a prepayment penalty with respect to optional prepayments and mandatory prepayments required in connection with debt and equity issuances, asset sales and recovery events, equal to 1% of any loans under the Term Loan Facility that are prepaid prior to the second anniversary of the fourth amendment. The amendment also added the option, the availability of which depends on the Company’s then-current corporate ratings, to pay in kind 50 basis points per annum or 100 basis points per annum, depending on the Company’s then-current corporate ratings, of any interest accruing on and after January 8, 2008 by adding such amount to the principal of the loans under the Term Loan Facility as of the interest payment date on which such interest payment is due. The amendment also added a limitation on annual capital expenditures by the Company of $25 million for each of fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2009, which is less than the Company has spent historically, provided that any portion of such amount not expended in fiscal 2008 may be carried over for expenditure during the first two quarters of fiscal 2009.
 
The Term Loan Facility contains, among other things, limitations on liens, indebtedness, mergers, disposition of assets, investments, payments in respect of capital stock, modifications of material indebtedness, changes in fiscal year, transactions with affiliates, lines of business, and swap agreements. Auto is also subject to financial covenants under the Term Loan Facility measuring its performance against standards set for leverage and fixed charge coverage. Under the maximum leverage covenant (total debt to EBITDA) contained in the Term Loan Facility, as amended on December 18, 2007 to increase the maximum leverage ratios permitted under the Facility, at February 3, 2008, the Company would have only been permitted to have $110.9 million of additional debt outstanding, regardless of which facility such debt was borrowed under.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Senior Credit Facility — Revolving Line of Credit
 
At February 3, 2008 and February 4, 2007, Auto had a $325.0 million senior secured revolving line of credit (“Senior Credit Facility”). Auto is the borrower under the agreement, and it is guaranteed by the Company and CSKAUTO.COM, Inc. Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility bear interest at a variable interest rate based on one of two indices, either (i) LIBOR plus an applicable margin that varies (1.25% to 1.75%) depending upon Auto’s average daily availability under the agreement measured using certain borrowing base tests, or (ii) the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the agreement). At February 3, 2008, loans under the Senior Credit Facility bore interest at a weighted average rate of 5.30%. The Senior Credit Facility matures in July 2010.
 
During the second quarter of fiscal 2006 and during fiscal 2007, the Company entered into several waivers under the Senior Credit Facility that allowed it to delay filing certain periodic reports with the SEC. Upon the filing of the Quarterly Report for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 on October 12, 2007, the Company had filed all previously delinquent periodic SEC filings, and the waiver of the filing deadlines described above terminated.
 
Availability under the Senior Credit Facility is limited to the lesser of the revolving commitment of $325.0 million and an amount determined by a borrowing base limitation. The borrowing base limitation is based upon a formula involving certain percentages of eligible inventory and accounts receivable owned by Auto. As a result of the limitations imposed by the borrowing base formula, at February 3, 2008, Auto could borrow up to $161.7 million in addition to the $46.5 million borrowed under the Senior Credit Facility at February 3, 2008 and the $29.4 million of stand-by letters of credit outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility at that date. However, the maximum leverage covenant of the Term Loan Facility described above limits the total amount of indebtedness the Company can have outstanding and, as of February 3, 2008, would have only permitted approximately $110.9 million of additional borrowings, regardless of which facility they were borrowed under.
 
Loans under the Senior Credit Facility are collateralized by a first priority security interest in certain of the Company’s assets, primarily inventory and accounts receivable, and a second priority security interest in certain of the Company’s other assets. The Senior Credit Facility contains negative covenants and restrictions on actions by Auto and its subsidiaries including, without limitation, restrictions and limitations on indebtedness, liens, guarantees, mergers, asset dispositions, investments, loans, advances and acquisitions, payment of dividends, transactions with affiliates, change in business conducted, and certain prepayments and amendments of indebtedness. In addition, Auto is, under certain circumstances not applicable for the year ended February 3, 2008, subject to a minimum ratio of consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent expense, or EBITDAR, to fixed charges (as defined in the agreement, the “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”) under a Senior Credit Facility financial maintenance covenant. However, under the second waiver the Company entered into during fiscal 2006 and under all subsequent waivers, Auto was required to maintain a minimum 1:1 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio imposed by such waivers until the termination of such waivers. The filing of the Quarterly Report for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 resulted in the termination of the requirement to maintain the minimum 1:1 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio imposed by these waivers.
 
63/4% Notes
 
The Company has $100.0 million of 63/4% senior exchangeable notes (“63/4% Notes”) outstanding. In June 2006, the Company commenced a cash tender offer and consent solicitation with respect to its then $100.0 million of 45/8% senior exchangeable notes (“45/8% Notes”) as a result of the Company’s inability to timely file its fiscal 2005 consolidated financial statements with the SEC as a result of both the Audit Committee-led investigation and the need to restate its financial statements. The Company did not purchase any notes in the tender offer because holders of a majority of the outstanding 45/8% Notes did not tender in the offer prior to its expiration date. The Company later obtained the consent of the holders of a majority of the 45/8% Notes to enter into a supplemental indenture to the indenture under which the 45/8% Notes were originally issued that (i) waived any default arising from Auto’s failure to file certain financial information with the Trustee for the notes, (ii) exempted Auto from compliance with the


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
SEC filing covenants in the indenture until June 30, 2007, (iii) increased the interest rate of the notes to 63/4% per year until December 15, 2010 and 61/2% per year thereafter, and (iv) increased the exchange rate of the notes from 49.8473 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes to 60.6061 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes. All other terms of the indenture are unchanged. Costs associated with the tender offer and supplemental indenture were approximately $0.5 million and were recognized in operating and administrative expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. Under the registration rights agreement (see below), additional interest of 25 basis points began to accrue on the 63/4% Notes in March 2006 and increased to 50 basis points in June 2006. In total, the Company incurred approximately $1.5 million in additional interest expense in fiscal 2006 related to the increase in the coupon interest rate to 63/4% and the additional interest expense under the registration rights agreement.
 
Also, in accordance with EITF No. 06-6, Debtor’s Accounting for a Modification (or Exchange) of Convertible Debt Instruments, the changes to the 63/4% Notes were recorded in fiscal 2006 as a modification, not an extinguishment, of the debt. The Company recorded the increase in the fair value of the exchange option as a debt discount with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in-capital in stockholders’ equity. The debt discount was $7.7 million and is being amortized to interest expense following the interest method to the first date the noteholders could require repayment. Total amortization on the debt discount was $0.8 million for the year ended February 4, 2007 and $1.6 million for the year ended February 3, 2008.
 
The 63/4% Notes are exchangeable into cash and shares of the Company’s common stock. Upon exchange of the 63/4% Notes, the Company will deliver cash equal to the lesser of the aggregate principal amount of notes to be exchanged and the Company’s total exchange obligation and, in the event the Company’s total exchange obligation


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
exceeds the aggregate principal amount of notes to be exchanged, shares of the Company’s common stock in respect of that excess. The following table sets forth key terms of the 63/4% Notes:
 
       
Terms     63/4% Notes
Interest Rate
    6.75% per year until December 15, 2010; 6.50% thereafter
       
Exchange Rate
    60.6061 shares per $1,000 principal (equivalent to an initial exchange price of approximately $16.50 per share)
       
Maximum CSK shares exchangeable
    6,060,610 common shares, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances
       
Maturity date
    December 15, 2025
       
Guaranteed by
    CSK Auto Corporation and all of Auto’s present and future domestic subsidiaries, jointly and severally, on a senior basis
       
Dates that the noteholders may require Auto to repurchase some or all for cash at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes being repurchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest
    December 15, 2010, December 15, 2015, and December 15, 2020 or following a fundamental change as described in the indenture
       
Issuance costs being amortized over a 5-year period, corresponding to the first date the noteholders could require repayment
    $3.7 million
       
Auto will not be able to redeem notes
    Prior to December 15, 2010
       
Auto may redeem for cash some or all of the notes
    On or after December 15, 2010, upon at least 35 calendar days notice
       
Redemption price
    Equal to 100% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date
       
 
Prior to their stated maturity, the 63/4% Notes are exchangeable by the holder only under the following circumstances:
 
  •  During any fiscal quarter (and only during that fiscal quarter) commencing after January 29, 2006, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock is greater than or equal to 130% of the exchange price for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter;
 
  •  If the 63/4% Notes have been called for redemption by Auto; or


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  •  Upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions, such as a change in control, as described in the indenture under which the 63/4% Notes were issued.
 
If the 63/4% Notes become exchangeable, the corresponding debt will be reclassified from long-term to current for as long as the notes remain exchangeable.
 
EITF No. 00-19, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock, provides guidance for distinguishing between permanent equity, temporary equity, and assets and liabilities. The embedded exchange feature in the 63/4% Notes provides for the issuance of common shares to the extent the Company’s exchange obligation exceeds the debt principal. The share exchange feature and the embedded put options and call options in the debt instrument meet the requirements of EITF No. 00-19 to be accounted for as equity instruments. As such, the share exchange feature and the embedded options have not been accounted for as derivatives (which would be marked to market each reporting period). In the event the 63/4% Notes are exchanged, the exchange will be accounted for in a similar manner to a conversion with no gain or loss, as the cash payment of principal reduces the liability equal to the face amount of the 63/4% Notes recorded at the time of their issuance. Any accrued interest on the debt will not be paid separately upon an exchange and will be reclassified to equity. Incremental net shares for the 63/4% Notes exchange feature were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation for the year ended February 3, 2008, since the Company’s average common stock price did not exceed $16.50 per share for this period.
 
The Company entered into a registration rights agreement with respect to the 63/4% Notes and the underlying shares of its common stock into which the 63/4% Notes are potentially exchangeable. Under its terms, as the Company failed to meet certain filing and effectiveness deadlines with respect to the registration of the 63/4% Notes and the underlying shares of its common stock, the Company was paying additional interest of 50 basis points on the 63/4% Notes until the earlier of the date the 63/4% Notes were no longer outstanding or the date two years after the date of their issuance. The latter condition was met during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and, accordingly, the Company is no longer paying additional interest of 50 basis points on the 63/4% Notes.
 
33/8% Notes and 7% Notes
 
The Company’s inability to timely file its fiscal 2005 consolidated financial statements with the SEC as a result of both the Audit Committee-led investigation and the need to restate its financial statements created potential default implications under the Company’s borrowing agreements. As a result, in fiscal 2006, the Company completed a tender offer for its 7% senior subordinated notes (“7% Notes”), in which the Company repurchased $224.96 million of the 7% Notes, and the Company repaid all $125.0 million of its 33/8% senior exchangeable notes (“33/8% Notes”) upon the acceleration of their maturity using proceeds from the Company’s $350.0 million Term Loan Facility. Unamortized deferred financing fees relating to the 7% Notes at the time of purchase were $4.5 million and costs associated with the tender offer were $0.6 million both of which were recognized as a loss on debt retirement during the second quarter of fiscal 2006. Unamortized deferred financing fees at the time of repayment of the 33/8% Notes were $4.0 million and costs were approximately $0.1 million, both of which were also recognized as a loss of debt retirement during the second quarter of fiscal 2006.
 
In fiscal 2005, the Company completed the following transactions: (1) the issuance of $125.0 million of 33/8% Notes and the purchase of a call option and issuance of a warrant for shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with the issuance of the 33/8% Notes, (2) the establishment of the $325.0 million Senior Credit Facility, and (3) the issuance of $100.0 million of 45/8% Notes. The Company used the proceeds from the issuance of the 33/8% Notes, borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility and cash on-hand to repay in full $251.2 million of indebtedness outstanding under its previously existing senior credit facility (including accrued and unpaid interest), repurchase approximately $25.0 million of its common stock and pay fees and expenses directly related to the transactions. In connection with the early termination of its prior senior credit facility, the Company recorded a $1.6 million loss on debt retirement resulting from the write-off of certain deferred financing fees. The Company


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used the proceeds from the issuance of the 45/8% Notes, borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility and cash on-hand to acquire Murray’s in December 2005 for approximately $180.9 million.
 
In connection with the issuance of the 33/8% Notes, the Company paid $27.0 million to a counterparty to purchase a call option designed to mitigate the potential dilution from the exchange of the 33/8% Notes. Under the call option, as amended, the Company had an option to purchase from the counterparty 5,414,063 shares, subject to adjustment, of its common stock at a price of $23.09 per share, which was equal to the initial exchange price of the 33/8% Notes. The Company received an aggregate of $17.8 million of proceeds from the same counterparty relating to the sale of warrants to acquire, subject to adjustment, up to 5,414,063 shares of its common stock. The warrants were exercisable at a price of $26.29 per share. Both the call option and warrant transactions had five-year terms. The call option and warrant transactions were each to be settled through a net share settlement to the extent that the price of the Company’s common stock exceeds the exercise price set forth in the agreements. The Company’s objective with these transactions was to reduce the potential dilution of its common stock upon an exchange of the 33/8% Notes. The Company accounted for the call option and the warrant as equity under EITF No. 00-19, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock.
 
The embedded exchange feature in the 33/8% Notes providing for the issuance of common shares to the extent the Company’s exchange obligation exceeded the debt principal, the embedded put options and the call options in the debt as well as the separate freestanding call options and the warrants associated with the 33/8% Notes each met the requirements of EITF No. 00-19 to be accounted for as equity instruments. As such, the share exchange feature, the put options and call options embedded in the debt and the separate freestanding call options and the warrants have not been accounted for as derivatives (which would be marked to market each reporting period). In the event the 33/8% Notes were exchanged, the exchange was to be accounted for in a similar manner to a conversion with no gain or loss (as the cash payment of principal reduces the recorded liability issued at par) and the issuance of common shares would have been recorded in stockholders’ equity. Any accrued interest on the debt would not be paid separately upon an exchange and would be reclassified to equity. In addition, the premium paid for the call option and the premium received for the warrant were recorded as additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and were not accounted for as derivatives (which would be marked to market each reporting period). Incremental net shares for the 33/8% Notes exchange features and the warrant agreements were to be included in the Company’s future diluted earnings per share calculations for those periods in which its average common stock price exceeded $23.09 in the case of the 33/8% Notes, and $26.29 in the case of the warrants. The purchased call option was anti-dilutive and was excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation.
 
As discussed above, in July 2006, the Company repaid all the 33/8% Notes upon the acceleration of their maturity. As a result, in September 2006, the equity call option and warrant contracts were terminated and settled with the counterparty. The Company elected a cash settlement and received approximately $3.0 million for the call option and paid $1.4 million for the warrant contract. These amounts represented the fair value of the contracts at the termination date and were recorded as additional paid-in capital in fiscal 2006.
 
Seller Financing Arrangements
 
Seller financing arrangements relate to debt established for stores in which the Company was the seller-lessee and did not recover substantially all construction costs from the lessor. In those situations, the Company recorded its total cost in property and equipment and amounts funded by the lessor as a debt obligation in the accompanying balance sheet in accordance with EITF No. 97-10, The Effect of Lessee Involvement in Asset Construction. A portion of the rental payments made to the lessor is charged to interest expense and reduces the corresponding debt based on amortization schedules.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Debt Covenants
 
Certain of the Company’s debt agreements at February 3, 2008 contained negative covenants and restrictions on actions by the Company and its subsidiaries including, without limitation, restrictions and limitations on indebtedness, liens, guarantees, mergers, asset dispositions, investments, loans, advances and acquisitions, payment of dividends, transactions with affiliates, change in business conducted, and certain prepayments and amendments of indebtedness.
 
Auto is, under certain circumstances not applicable during the year ended February 3, 2008, subject to a minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio under a Senior Credit Facility financial maintenance covenant. However, under the second waiver the Company entered into during the second quarter of fiscal 2006 and under all subsequent waivers, a minimum 1:1 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio was required until the termination of such waivers. The filing of the Quarterly Report for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 resulted in the termination of the requirement to maintain the minimum 1:1 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio imposed by these waivers. For the twelve months ended February 3, 2008, the Company would have been in compliance with this ratio had it been applicable. See “Senior Credit Facility — Revolving Line of Credit” above.
 
The Term Loan Facility contains certain financial covenants, one of which is the requirement of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the Term Loan Facility). At February 3, 2008, the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio was 1.25:1 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, 1.20:1 for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, 1.15:1 for the second quarter of fiscal 2008, 1.20:1 for the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2008, and 1.45:1 thereafter. For the twelve months ended February 3, 2008, the Company’s actual ratio was 1.37:1. The ratios for fiscal 2007 and 2008 reflect the December 18, 2007 fourth amendment to the Term Loan Facility.
 
The Term Loan Facility also requires that a leverage ratio test be met. The December 18, 2007 fourth amendment to the Term Loan Facility increased the maximum leverage ratios permitted under the Term Loan Facility for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and for each of the quarters of the fiscal year ending February 1, 2009 (“fiscal 2008”). The amendment increased the maximum leverage ratios as of February 3, 2008 to 5.30:1 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, 5.80:1 for the first quarter of fiscal 2008, 6.00:1 for the second quarter of fiscal 2008, 5.75:1 for the third quarter of fiscal 2008, and 4.50:1 for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, while leaving all other ratios unchanged. The leverage ratios decline to 3.25:1 after the end of fiscal 2008 and further decline to 3.00:1 at the end of fiscal 2009. As of February 3, 2008, the Company’s actual leverage ratio was 4.37:1.
 
Based on the Company’s current financial forecast for fiscal 2008, the Company believes it will remain in compliance with the financial covenants of the Senior Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility during fiscal 2008. A significant decline in its net sales or gross margin from what is currently forecasted or anticipated could limit the effectiveness of discretionary actions management could take to maintain compliance with the financial covenants in fiscal 2008. Although the Company does not expect such significant declines to occur, if they did occur, it may seek to obtain a covenant waiver or amendment from its lenders or seek a refinancing, all of which the Company believes are viable options for the Company should the Acquisition not occur. However, there can be no assurances a waiver or amendment could be obtained or a refinancing could be achieved.
 
The maximum leverage ratio permitted in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 decreases significantly to 3.25:1 from 5.75:1 in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and 4.50:1 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. Based on the Company’s current financial forecast, it does not expect to be able to satisfy this covenant for the first quarter of fiscal 2009. See Note 1 — Merger Agreement and Matters Related to the Company’s Indebtedness.
 
A breach of the covenants or restrictions contained in the Company’s debt agreements could result in an event of default thereunder. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default under the Company’s Senior Credit Facility or the Term Loan Facility, the lenders could elect to terminate the commitments thereunder (in the case of the Senior Credit Facility only), declare all amounts outstanding thereunder, together with accrued interest, to be immediately due and payable and exercise the remedies of a secured party against the collateral


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
granted to them to secure such indebtedness. If the Company were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure the indebtedness. If the lenders under either the Senior Credit Facility or the Term Loan Facility accelerate the payment of the indebtedness due thereunder, the Company cannot be assured that its assets would be sufficient to repay in full that indebtedness, which is collateralized by substantially all of its assets. At February 3, 2008, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under all its debt agreements.
 
Restrictions on Paying Dividends and Movement of Funds
 
Under the Senior Credit Facility and the Term Loan Facility, Auto is prohibited from declaring dividends or making other distributions with respect to its stock, subject to certain exceptions, including an exception permitting stock dividends. However, Auto may make distributions to the Company so that the Company may take certain actions, including, without limitation, payments of franchise taxes, other fees required to maintain its corporate existence, operating costs and income taxes, repurchases of the Company’s stock from former employees (subject to a dollar limitation), certain loans to employees and up to $25.0 million of other stock repurchases or redemptions, subject to certain conditions.
 
Long-Term Debt Maturities
 
As of February 3, 2008, the maturities of long-term debt, excluding capital leases, were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
                 
Fiscal 2008(1)
  $ 50,551          
Fiscal 2009
    4,111          
Fiscal 2010
    98,932          
Fiscal 2011
    4,528          
Fiscal 2012
    333,476          
Thereafter
    11,373          
                 
    $ 502,971          
                 
 
 
(1) Includes the $46.5 million currently borrowed under the Senior Credit Facility.
 
Note 11 — Derivative Financial Instruments
 
During April 2004, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to effectively convert $100.0 million of its then held 7% senior subordinated notes (“7% Notes”) to a floating rate, set semi-annually in arrears, equal to the six month LIBOR + 283 basis points. The agreement was for the term of the 7% Notes. The hedge was accounted for as a “fair value” hedge; accordingly, the fair value of the derivative and changes in the fair value of the underlying debt were reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and recognized in the results of operations. Based upon the Company’s assessment of effectiveness of the hedge, changes in the fair value of this derivative and the underlying debt did not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations. The differential to be paid under the agreement was accrued consistent with the terms of the swap agreement and was recognized in interest expense over the term of the related debt.
 
In July 2006, after the Company had repurchased substantially all of the 7% Notes, the Company paid $11.1 million to terminate the swap agreement, representing $10.4 million of a fair value liability and $0.7 million of accrued interest. The $10.4 million was recognized as a loss on debt retirement during the second quarter of fiscal 2006.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
As of February 3, 2008, the Company has not entered into any derivative financial agreements.
 
Note 12 — Leases and Other Commitments
 
The Company leases its office and warehouse facilities, all but one of its retail stores, and most of its vehicles and equipment. Generally, store leases provide for minimum rentals and the payment of utilities, maintenance, insurance and taxes. Certain store leases also provide for contingent rentals based upon a percentage of sales in excess of a stipulated minimum. The majority of lease agreements are for base lease periods ranging from 10 to 20 years, with three to five renewal options of five years each.
 
Operating lease rental expense is as follows ($ in thousands):
 
                         
    Fiscal Year  
    2007     2006     2005  
 
Minimum rentals
  $ 147,911     $ 140,484     $ 122,378  
Contingent rentals
    744       802       1,068  
Sublease rentals
    (7,503 )     (7,955 )     (8,306 )
                         
    $ 141,152     $ 133,331     $ 115,140  
                         
 
Future minimum lease obligations (income) under non-cancelable leases at February 3, 2008 are as follows ($ in thousands):
 
                         
    Capital
    Operating
    Sublease
 
    Leases     Leases     Rentals  
 
Fiscal 2008
  $ 7,423     $ 152,431     $ (5,249 )
Fiscal 2009
    5,723       136,347       (3,285 )
Fiscal 2010
    3,301       120,401       (2,253 )
Fiscal 2011
    1,340       106,493       (1,655 )
Fiscal 2012
    324       89,999       (807 )
Thereafter
    238       291,026       (1,005 )
                         
    $ 18,349     $ 896,697     $ (14,254 )
                         
Less: amounts representing interest
    (2,133 )                
                         
Present value of obligations
    16,216                  
Less: current portion
    (6,351 )                
                         
Long-term obligation
  $ 9,865                  
                         
 
On March 7, 2005, the Company entered into a five-year logistics services agreement with Penske Logistics (“Penske”) whereby Penske provides substantially all of transportation services needs for inventory movement between each of the Company’s distribution centers, warehouses and stores. Billings from Penske contain bundled fixed and variable components covering the costs of dispatching, drivers, fuel, maintenance, equipment and other costs of providing the services. Although the agreement has a five-year term, it is cancellable by either party at each anniversary date of the agreement. Should the Company cancel the agreement early without cause, it would be subject to certain costs of early termination. Amounts expensed to Penske for logistics services were approximately $22.3 million for fiscal 2007, $22.2 million for fiscal 2006, and $15.6 million for the period of March 7, 2005 through January 29, 2006.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 13 — Income Taxes
 
In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48 which was effective for the Company at the beginning of fiscal 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.
 
The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on February 5, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 resulted in no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. As of February 3, 2008 and February 5, 2007 (the date of adoption), the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $9.8 million and $5.4 million, respectively. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows ($ in thousands):
 
         
Balance at February 5, 2007
  $ 5,428  
Additions for tax positions in prior periods
    4,052  
Additions for tax positions in current period
    315  
         
Balance at February 3, 2008
  $ 9,795  
         
 
The Company’s policy is to classify interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of February 3, 2008, the Company had not accrued any interest and penalties since sufficient net operating losses exist to offset any potential liability.
 
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods was approximately $3.2 million and $3.1 million as of February 3, 2008 and February 5, 2007, respectively. The Company does not anticipate a significant change in the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months. The Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits is included in other non-current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.
 
Prior to the adoption of FIN 48, the Company recognized liabilities for anticipated income tax uncertainties based on its estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. If the Company ultimately determined that payment of these amounts would not be required, the Company reversed the liability and recognized a tax benefit during the period in which it was determined that the liability was no longer necessary. The Company recorded an additional charge in its provision for taxes in the period in which it was determined that the recorded tax liability was less than the Company expected the ultimate assessment to be.
 
The Company is subject to the following significant taxing jurisdictions: U.S. federal, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota. The Company has had net operating losses in various years dating back to the tax year 1993. The statute of limitation for a particular tax year for examination by the Internal Revenue Service is three years subsequent to the last year in which the loss carryover is finally used, and three to four years for the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota. Accordingly, there are multiple years open to examination. The Internal Revenue Service has notified the Company they will be auditing the fiscal years ending January 30, 2005 and January 29, 2006.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The provision (benefit) for income taxes (excluding the $0.6 million deferred income tax benefit allocated to the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in fiscal 2006) is comprised of the following ($ in thousands):
 
                         
    Fiscal Year  
    2007     2006     2005  
 
Current
                       
Federal
  $ 44     $ 596     $ 1,156  
State
    240             84  
                         
      284       596       1,240  
Deferred
                       
Federal
    (7,024 )     3,533       29,626  
State
    431       862       6,382  
                         
      (6,593 )     4,395       36,008  
                         
Total
  $ (6,309 )   $ 4,991     $ 37,248  
                         
 
The following table summarizes the differences between the Company’s expected and actual provision (benefit) for income taxes ($ in thousands):
 
                         
    Fiscal Year  
    2007     2006     2005  
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (17,461 )   $ 12,221     $ 95,038  
Federal income tax rate
    35 %     35 %     35 %
                         
Expected provision (benefit) for income taxes
    (6,111 )     4,277       33,263  
Permanent wage add-back for federal tax credits
    304       127       151  
Permanent effect of stock based compensation
    95       42        
Other permanent differences including change in valuation allowance
    675       359       (944 )
State taxes, net of federal benefit
    (590 )     550       4,114  
Changes to tax reserves
    77             1,096  
Tax credits
    (759 )     (364 )     (433 )
                         
Actual provision (benefit) for income taxes
  $ (6,309 )   $ 4,991     $ 37,247  
                         


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The current and non-current deferred tax assets and liabilities reflected in the balance sheet consist of the following ($ in thousands):
 
                 
    February 3,
    February 4,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Current deferred income taxes:
               
Store closing costs
  $ 714     $ 999  
Self-insurance reserves
    9,648       8,489  
Accrued employee benefits
    6,842       7,320  
Property taxes
          (2,146 )
Provision for bad debts
    148       155  
Tax loss carryforwards
    1,400       7,861  
Inventory valuation differences
    15,619       21,456  
Securities class action settlement
    4,579        
Other accrued expenses
    11,685       3,402  
Other
    60       (246 )
Valuation allowance
    (46 )     (790 )
                 
Total current deferred income tax asset
    50,649       46,500  
                 
Non-current deferred income taxes:
               
Store closing costs
    471       951  
Accrued employee benefits
    3,467       2,490  
Capital lease expenditures
    (1,674 )     (1,712 )
Deferred rent and incentives
    15,093       10,939  
Credits and other benefits
    10,415       11,697  
Depreciation and amortization
    (49,403 )     (48,004 )
Tax loss carryforwards
    36,061       32,216  
Discount on exchangeable notes
    (2,100 )     (2,727 )
Other
    3,111       (688 )
Valuation allowance
    (61 )     (962 )
                 
Total non-current deferred income tax asset
    15,380       4,200  
                 
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 66,029     $ 50,700  
                 
 
The Company has recorded deferred tax assets of approximately $37.5 million as of February 3, 2008, reflecting the benefit of federal and state tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $103.4 million and $27.2 million, respectively. The federal carryforwards will expire beginning in 2021 and the state carryforwards will expire beginning in 2008. Realization is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income prior to expiration of the loss carryforwards.
 
Due to ownership changes from market trading in the Company’s common stock, the Company believes it had a statutory “ownership change” in January 2008, as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 382”). When a company undergoes such an ownership change, Section 382 limits the company’s future ability to utilize any NOL generated before the ownership change and, in certain circumstances, subsequently recognized “built-in” losses and deduction, if any, existing as of the date of the ownership change. Accordingly, the Company’s annual use of its federal and state NOLs that existed as of the date of the ownership change is limited to approximately $11.3 million. The Company had a prior Section 382 ownership change; however the Section 382 annual limitation arising from such ownership change was less restrictive than the one created by the January 2008 ownership change. The Company believes that it will be able to fully utilize its pre-January 2008 NOLs and other tax attributes in the future other than as noted below. The Company’s ability to utilize any new NOL arising after January 2008 is not affected by this 382 limitation.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all the deferred tax assets will be realized with the exception of a portion of the state net operating losses, for which management has determined that a valuation allowance in the amount of $0.1 million is necessary at February 3, 2008.
 
Note 14 — Stock-Based Compensation and Other Employee Benefit Plans
 
Effective January 30, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, using the modified-prospective method and began recognizing compensation expense for its share-based compensation plans based on the fair value of the awards. Share-based payments include stock option grants, restricted stock and a share-based compensation plan under the Company’s long-term incentive plan (the “LTIP”). Prior to January 30, 2006, the Company accounted for its stock-based compensation plans as prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. In accordance with the modified-prospective transition method of SFAS No. 123R, the Company has not restated prior periods.
 
The Company also provides various health, welfare and disability benefits to its full-time employees that are funded primarily by Company contributions. Other than for certain of its senior executives, the Company does not provide post-employment or post-retirement health care or life insurance benefits to its employees.
 
Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
In fiscal 2005, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the CSK Auto Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan. The LTIP was established within the framework of the CSK Auto Corporation 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan, pursuant to which cash-based incentive bonus awards may be granted based upon the satisfaction of specified performance criteria. The Board also approved and adopted forms of Incentive Bonus Unit Award Agreements used to evidence the awards under the LTIP. Under the terms of the LTIP, participants (senior executive officers only) were awarded a certain number of incentive units that are subject to a four-year vesting period (25% per year, with the first vesting period ending in fiscal 2007) as well as stock performance criteria. Subject to specific terms and conditions governing a change in control of the Company, each incentive bonus unit, when vested, represents the participant’s right to receive cash payments from the Company on specified payment dates equal to the amounts, if any, by which the average of the per share closing prices of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange over a specified period of time (after release by the Company of its fiscal year earnings) (the “measuring period”) exceeds $20 per share (which figure is subject to certain adjustments in the event of a change in the Company’s capitalization). The Company recorded $1.0 million, net of $0.6 million income tax benefit, as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle for the LTIP fair value liability upon the adoption of SFAS No. 123R on January 30, 2006. For the year ended February 3, 2008, the Company reduced the liability for the LTIP units by $1.2 million, as a result of the decrease in market price based on the decline in the Company’s stock price when compared to the previous fiscal year end. For the year ended February 4, 2007, the Company recognized $0.3 million of expense related to the LTIP units. The balance payable at February 3, 2008 is $0.8 million.
 
2004 Stock and Incentive Plan
 
In June 2004, the Company’s shareholders approved the CSK Auto Corporation 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), which replaces all of the following previously existing plans: (1) the 1996 Associate Stock Option Plan; (2) the 1996 Executive Stock Option Plan; (3) the 1999 Executive Stock Option Plan; and (4) the CSK Auto Corporation Directors Stock Plan. Approximately 1.9 million options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock granted under these prior plans were still outstanding at the inception of the new Plan. These options can still be exercised by the grantees according to the provisions of the prior plans. Pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, any of these options which are cancelled under the prior plans will be added to shares available for issuance under the Plan.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, which has broad authority in administering and interpreting the Plan. The Company believes the Plan promotes and closely aligns the interests of its employees and directors with its stockholders by permitting the award of stock-based compensation and other performance-based compensation. The Company believes the Plan will strengthen its ability to reward performance that enhances long-term stockholder value and to attract and retain outstanding employees and executives. Plan participation is limited to employees of the Company, any subsidiary or parent of the Company and directors of the Company.
 
The Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, stock units, incentive bonuses and other stock unit awards. Under the Plan, the number and kind of shares as to which options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, stock units, incentive bonuses or other stock unit awards may be granted was 4.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock plus any shares subject to awards made under the prior plans that were outstanding on the effective date of the Plan. On November 8, 2007, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Plan that increased the number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for grant under the Plan by 1.5 million to a total of 5.5 million shares (plus any shares subject to awards made under the prior plans that were outstanding on the effective date of the Plan). The number of shares that can be granted for certain of the items listed above may be restricted per the Plan document. In no event will any option be exercisable more than 10 years after the date the option is granted. In general, the stock incentives vest in three years. As of February 3, 2008, there were approximately 2.1 million shares available for grant.
 
Options Activity
 
Activity in all of the Company’s stock option plans is summarized as follows:
 
                                                         
                Weighted
    Weighted
                   
          Weighted
    Average
    Remaining
          Weighted
       
          Average
    Grant
    Contractual
          Average
    Aggregate
 
    Number of
    Exercise
    Date Fair
    Term
    Options
    Exercisable
    Intrinsic
 
    Shares     Price     Value     (Years)     Exercisable     Price     Value(1)  
 
Balance at January 30, 2005
    2,646,832     $ 13.92                       964,898     $ 13.87     $ 7,269,000  
                                                         
Granted at market price
    918,527     $ 15.92     $ 5.74                                  
Exercised
    (105,590 )   $ 10.70                                          
Cancelled
    (252,360 )   $ 17.94                                          
                                                         
Balance at January 29, 2006
    3,207,409     $ 14.31                       2,368,144     $ 14.56     $ 7,681,000  
                                                         
Granted at market price
    626,236     $ 16.62     $ 6.35                                  
Exercised
    (91,963 )   $ 13.05                                          
Cancelled
    (461,161 )   $ 19.02                                          
                                                         
Balance at February 4, 2007
    3,280,521     $ 14.12                       2,353,327     $ 13.54     $ 7,938,000  
                                                         
Granted at market price
    1,677,604     $ 12.13     $ 3.91                                  
Exercised
    (46,213 )   $ 9.60                                          
Cancelled
    (1,076,120 )   $ 12.69                                          
                                                         
Balance at February 3, 2008
    3,835,792     $ 13.70               4.58       2,010,169     $ 14.35     $ 70,500  
                                                         
Ending Vested and Expected to Vest
    3,329,097     $ 13.79               4.29                     $ 70,500  
Ending Exercisable
    2,010,169     $ 14.35               2.82                     $ 70,500  
 
 
(1) Based on the Company’s closing stock price of $8.98 on February 1, 2008.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
The following table summarizes information about the Company’s stock options at February 3, 2008:
 
                                                 
    Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable        
          Weighted
                         
          Average
    Weighted
          Weighted
       
          Remaining
    Average
          Average
    Aggregate
 
    Number
    Contractual
    Exercise
          Exercisable
    Intrinsic
 
Range of Exercise Prices
  Outstanding     Life     Price     Exercisable     Price     Value  
 
$ 5.73 - $10.15
    304,343       4.05     $ 9.56       144,343     $ 9.04          
$10.53 - $10.80
    1,063,249       6.70     $ 10.79       4,950     $ 10.69          
$10.93 - $13.32
    868,201       2.26     $ 12.96       868,201     $ 12.96          
$13.46 - $16.62
    1,215,480       4.20     $ 16.26       908,156     $ 16.16          
$16.62 - $19.83
    384,519       5.57     $ 18.62       84,519     $ 18.50          
                                                 
$ 5.73 - $19.83
    3,835,792       4.58     $ 13.70       2,010,169     $ 14.35     $ 70,500  
                                                 
 
For fiscal 2007, there was minimal intrinsic value for stock options exercised. For fiscal 2006 and 2005, the intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value for options granted for fiscal 2007, 2006, and 2005 was $6.6 million, $4.0 million, and $5.3 million, respectively.
 
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, the Board of Directors approved the acceleration of the vesting of all “underwater” stock options (those stock options previously granted with exercise prices above $15.90, the market price of the Company’s stock on January 27, 2006) previously awarded to employees and executive officers. Option awards not “underwater” at January 27, 2006 and granted subsequent to the Board’s action are not included in the acceleration and will vest equally over the service period established in the award, typically three years. The primary purpose of the accelerated vesting was to enable the Company to avoid recognizing future compensation expense associated with these options upon the adoption of SFAS No. 123R in the first quarter of fiscal 2006. The Company’s Board of Directors took this action with the belief that it was in the best interest of shareholders as it would reduce the Company’s reported non-cash compensation expense in future periods.
 
As a result of the vesting acceleration, options to purchase approximately 770,775 shares became exercisable immediately; however, restrictions on the sale of any such shares obtained by way of the exercise of accelerated options were imposed to minimize unintended personal benefits to the option holders. Sales of such shares may not occur until the original vesting dates, and sales of any such shares by officers and employees who terminate their employment with the Company (subject to certain exceptions in the case of retirement, death, disability and change of control) are disallowed for three years following the later of the date of their termination of employment or their exercise of the options.
 
The following table summarizes values for stock options exercised (in thousands):
 
                         
    Fiscal Year  
    2007     2006     2005  
 
Cash received
  $ 443     $ 1,196     $ 1,130  
Tax benefits
  $     $     $ 231  
 
Restricted Stock Activity
 
During fiscal 2007 and 2006, the Company issued 262,686 shares and 71,147 shares of restricted stock, respectively, at an average market price of $12.27 and $16.62, respectively, to its executive officers and other associates pursuant to the Plan, which vest equally over a three year period.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Activity for the Company’s restricted stock is summarized as follows:
 
                                 
                Weighted
       
          Weighted
    Remaining
    Aggregate
 
    Number of
    Average Grant
    Contractual
    Intrinsic
 
    Shares     Date Fair Value     Term (Years)     Value(1)  
 
Non-vested at February 4, 2007
    128,309     $ 15.86             $      —  
                                 
Granted
    262,686     $ 12.27                  
Released
    (34,002 )   $ 15.34                  
Cancelled
    (75,372 )   $ 12.81                  
                                 
Non-vested at February 3, 2008
     281,621     $ 13.23       2.40     $  
                                 
 
 
(1) Based on the Company’s closing stock price of $8.98 on February 1, 2008.
 
Retirement Program
 
The Company sponsors a 401(k) plan that is available to all employees who, up until December 31, 2006, had to have completed one year of continuous service to be eligible. Effective October 1, 1997, the Company matches from 40% to 60% of employee contributions in 10% increments, based on years of service, up to 4% of the participant’s base salary. Participant contributions are subject to certain restrictions as set forth in the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) of 1986, as amended. The Company’s matching contributions totaled $2.0 million, $1.9 million and $1.5 million for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 respectively. Effective January 1, 2007, the Company amended the 401(k) plan to provide immediate eligibility for participation at the date of hire if the employee is at least 21 years of age; however, no Company matching contributions vest until one year of plan participation (or three years of Company service).
 
The Company also sponsors the CSK Auto, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan. This plan is maintained primarily to provide deferred compensation benefits for a select group of “management or highly compensated employees” as defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). For IRC and ERISA purposes, this plan is deemed to be “unfunded.” The Deferred Compensation Plan permits participants voluntarily to defer up to 50% of their salary and 100% of their annual bonus without regard to the limitations under the IRC applicable to the Company’s tax-qualified plans. In addition, any refunds resulting from non-discrimination testing of the Company’s 401(k) Plan will be automatically transferred from the participant’s 401(k) account to the Deferred Compensation Plan. Although the Company may also make matching contributions to a participant’s account under this plan (except for automatic transfers of excess Company matching contributions from a participant’s 401(k) plan account), the Company has not elected to do so. Deferred amounts and any matching contributions under the Deferred Compensation Plan are 100% vested at all times, and are invested on behalf of the participant in investment vehicles selected from time to time by the administrators of the plan. Benefits are payable at retirement in either a lump sum or installments for up to 12 years. Benefits upon a termination of employment prior to retirement are payable only in a lump sum.
 
Supplemental Retirement Plan Agreement
 
The Company has a supplemental executive retirement plan agreement with its former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Maynard Jenkins, which provides supplemental retirement benefits for a period of 10 years beginning on the first anniversary of the effective date of termination of his employment for any reason other than for Cause (as defined in such retirement plan agreement). Mr. Jenkins retired on August 15, 2007. The benefit amount in this agreement is fully vested and payable to Mr. Jenkins at a rate of $600,000 per annum. In January 2006, this agreement was amended to make such changes as were necessary to bring the agreement into compliance


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
with the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. The Company has accrued the entire present value of this obligation of approximately $4.0 million as of February 3, 2008 and February 4, 2007. Payments of $0.4 million were made to Mr. Jenkins during fiscal 2007.
 
Note 15 — Earnings per Share
 
SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) requires earnings per share to be computed and reported as both basic EPS and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents (convertible notes and interest on the notes, stock awards and stock options) outstanding during the period. Dilutive EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if options to purchase common stock were exercised for shares of common stock. The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted EPS computations ($ and share data in thousands):
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended  
    February 3,
    February 4,
    January 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (11,152 )   $ 6,264     $ 57,790  
                         
Denominator for basic earnings per share:
                       
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)
    43,971       43,877       44,465  
                         
Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
                       
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)
    43,971       43,877       44,465  
Effect of dilutive securities
          252       347  
                         
Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)
    43,971       44,129       44,812  
                         
Shares excluded as a result of anti-dilution:
                       
Stock options
    2,519       2,029       790  
 
Incremental net shares for the exchange feature of the $100.0 million 63/4% senior exchangeable notes due in 2025 will be included in the Company’s future diluted earnings per share calculations for those periods in which the Company’s average common stock price exceeds $16.50 per share.
 
Note 16 — Stock Repurchase Program
 
On July 25, 2005, the Company announced a share repurchase program for the purchase of up to $25.0 million (aggregate purchase price) of its common stock in connection with the refinancing transactions completed in 2005 (discussed in Note 10 — Long Term Debt, above). In the second quarter of 2005, the Company repurchased 1,409,300 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $25.0 million.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Note 17 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which are determined by reference to quoted market prices, where available, or are based upon comparisons to similar instruments of comparable maturities, are as follows ($ in thousands):
 
                                 
    February 3, 2008   February 4, 2007
    Carrying
  Estimated
  Carrying
  Estimated
    Amount   Fair Value   Amount   Fair Value
 
Receivables
  $ 37,322     $ 37,322     $ 43,898     $ 43,898  
Amounts due under term loan facility
  $ 345,647     $ 345,647     $ 349,125     $ 349,125  
Amounts due under senior credit facility
  $ 46,500     $ 46,500     $ 52,000     $ 52,000  
Obligations under 63/4% senior exchangeable notes
  $ 94,635     $ 92,065     $ 93,061     $ 124,211  
 
Note 18 — Employee Severance and Store Asset Impairment Charges
 
During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company commenced a comprehensive strategic review of the Company aimed at improving its profitability and restoring top line growth. As part of the initial strategic planning process, the Company made the decision to close approximately 40 stores during fiscal 2008. For the identified store closures the Company performed an asset impairment review in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment of Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $1.2 million for leasehold assets and store fixtures that will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of their originally estimated useful lives. The impairment charge is included in operating and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
 
The strategic review of the Company continued into the fourth quarter of 2007. As part of this review, the Company’s executive management team also evaluated the current management structure and eliminated approximately 160 non-sales positions, primarily in the corporate and field administration areas, reorganized the staffing in the Company’s corporate offices, consolidated certain corporate functions and eliminated several vice president and other management positions during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2007. A number of executives were reassigned in order to leverage existing skills and experience across the team in an effort to continue reducing operating costs. During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2007, the Company incurred $2.0 million in severance costs related to these strategic personnel reductions, and as of February 3, 2008, the remaining liability for employee severance costs was approximately $0.9 million.
 
All store locations currently planned for closure in fiscal 2008 are leased, and substantially all of these closures are expected to occur near the end of a noncancellable lease term, resulting in minimal closed store costs. The costs of any remaining operating lease commitments will be recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, and as such will be expensed at the fair value at the date the Company ceases operating the store.
 
Note 19 — Guarantees
 
In connection with the disposition and/or sublease of certain store locations and service centers, the Company has indemnified the purchasers/subtenants against claims arising from environmental contamination, if any, existing on the date of disposition. In some of these cases, the Company is indemnified by or have recourse to an unrelated third party for claims arising from any such contamination, and also, or in the alternative, have insurance coverage that may be available to offset the potential cost of the indemnity obligation. The Company also indemnifies third party landlords under most of its store leases against claims resulting from the occurrence of certain triggering events or conditions arising out of the Company’s operations from the leased premises. The


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Company enters into various other agreements with unrelated parties in the ordinary course of its business, which may include indemnity obligations relating to a triggering event, or condition, which is, in most cases, based on the Company’s future performance. In some cases, the indemnity obligations are triggered by the Company’s prior acts or third parties’ future performance, but are otherwise not limited in duration or monetary exposure. However, in such instances, the Company has determined that the likelihood of occurrence of the triggering event is remote and/or that the potential cost to the Company of performance of the indemnity would not be material.
 
The Company’s risk management philosophy is to limit risk in any transaction or relationship to the maximum extent reasonable in relation to commercial and other considerations. Before accepting any indemnity obligation, the Company makes an informed risk management decision considering, among other things, the remoteness of the possibility that the triggering event will occur, the potential costs to perform any resulting indemnity obligation, possible actions to reduce the likelihood of a triggering event or to reduce the costs of performing an indemnity obligation, whether the Company is in fact indemnified by an unrelated third party, insurance coverage that may be available to offset the cost of the indemnity obligation, and the benefits to the Company from the transaction or relationship.
 
Because most of the Company’s indemnity obligations are not limited in duration or potential monetary exposure, the Company cannot calculate the maximum potential amount of future payments that could be paid under its indemnity obligations stemming from all its existing agreements. The Company also accrues for contingent liabilities, including those arising out of indemnity obligations, when a loss is probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. The Company is not aware of the occurrence of any triggering event or condition that would have a material adverse impact on its financial statements as a result of an indemnity obligation relating to such triggering event or condition.
 
The Company has issued standby letters of credit related to insurance coverage, lease obligations and other matters that expire during fiscal 2008. As of February 3, 2008, total amounts committed under these letters of credit were $31.5 million, which consists of $29.4 million of stand-by letters of credit and $2.1 million of commercial letters of credit.
 
Note 20 — Transactions and Relationships with Related Parties
 
Upon his retirement as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company in April 2000, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. James Bazlen, a member of its Board of Directors, for the performance of specific projects for the Company, as designated by the Chief Executive Officer or President, for an annual base salary of $50,000 and continued payment of certain medical, dental, insurance, 401(k) and other benefits. This agreement is terminable by either party upon written notice. In connection with his membership on the Company’s Board of Directors, Mr. Bazlen receives all compensation (including annual grants of stock options), except for the Annual Stipend, that is provided to the Company’s outside directors under the Outside Director Compensation Policy.
 
The Company entered into an agreement on November 18, 2005 with Evercore Financial Advisors L.L.C. (“Evercore”) for certain financial advisory services in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Murray’s. William A. Shutzer, one of the Company’s directors, is a Senior Managing Director of Evercore. Under the agreement, the Company agreed to pay, and the Board of Directors approved the payment of, approximately $1.4 million to Evercore upon the successful closing of the transaction. The agreement also contained standard terms and conditions. The Company closed the Murray’s transaction on December 19, 2005. In May 2006, the Board of Directors approved the Company’s entry into a separate agreement with Evercore for financial advisory services in connection with the Company’s refinancing in fiscal 2006, resulting in payments in fiscal 2006 to Evercore of approximately $610,000.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
During 2005, Maynard Jenkins, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, performed consulting services for an unaffiliated entity relating to a proposed acquisition for which he was paid a fee of $250,000. When he accepted the consulting engagement, Mr. Jenkins did not recall that his employment agreement with the Company (which initially was executed in 1998) requires prior approval by the Board of any outside work for compensation. In early 2006, this matter was raised by Mr. Jenkins with the Board and the Board requested, and Mr. Jenkins agreed, that he remit the after-tax proceeds of the consulting fee to the Company. As a result, in March, 2006, Mr. Jenkins paid to the Company the amount of $147,060.
 
Note 21 — Legal Matters
 
Fiscal 2006 Audit Committee Investigation and Restatement of the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Overview
 
In its 2005 10-K, the Company’s consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2004 and 2003 and quarterly information for the first three quarterly periods in fiscal 2005 and all of fiscal 2004 were restated to correct errors and irregularities of the type identified in its Audit Committee-led independent accounting investigation (referred to herein as the “Audit Committee-led investigation”) and other accounting errors and irregularities identified by the Company in the course of the restatement process, all as more fully described in the “Background” section below.
 
The Audit Committee concluded that the errors and irregularities were primarily the result of actions directed by certain personnel and an ineffective control environment that, among other things, permitted the following to occur:
 
  •  recording of improper accounting entries as directed by certain personnel;
 
  •  inappropriate override of, or interference with, existing policies, procedures and internal controls;
 
  •  withholding of information from, and providing of improper explanations and supporting documentation to, the Company’s Audit Committee and Board of Directors, as well as its internal auditors and independent registered public accountants; and
 
  •  discouraging employees from raising accounting related concerns and suppressing accounting related inquiries that were made.
 
In September 2006, upon the substantial conclusion of the Audit Committee-led investigation, the Company announced the departures of the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Administrative Officer (who, until October 2005, served as the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) and several other individuals (including its Controller) within the Company’s Finance organization.
 
Management, with the assistance of numerous experienced accounting consultants (other than its firm of independent registered public accountants) that the Company had retained near the onset of the investigation to assist the then new Chief Financial Officer with the restatement efforts, continued to review the Company’s accounting practices and identified additional errors and irregularities that were corrected in the restatements.
 
Background
 
In the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2004, filed May 2, 2005 (the “2004 10-K”), management concluded that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2005 due to the existence of material weaknesses as described in the 2004 10-K. The plan for remediation at that time called for, among other things, the Company to enhance staffing and capabilities in its Finance organization. During fiscal 2005, the Company made several enhancements to its Finance organization


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
including the October 2005 hiring of a new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, new personnel in the Company’s Finance organization raised questions regarding the existence of inventory underlying certain general ledger account balances, and an internal audit of vendor allowances raised additional concerns about the processing and collections of vendor allowances. Management’s review of these matters continued into the Company’s fiscal 2005 year-end financial closing. In early March 2006, it became apparent that inventories and vendor allowances were potentially misstated and that the effect was potentially material to the Company’s previously issued consolidated financial statements. The Audit Committee, acting through a Special Investigation Committee appointed by the Audit Committee consisting of the Audit Committee Chairman and the Company’s designated Presiding Director, retained independent legal counsel who, in turn, retained a nationally recognized accounting firm, other than the Company’s independent registered public accountants, to assist it in conducting an independent investigation relative to accounting errors and irregularities, relating primarily to the Company’s historical accounting for its inventories and vendor allowances.
 
On March 23, 2006, the Audit Committee concluded that, due to accounting errors and irregularities then noted, the Company’s (i) fiscal 2004 consolidated financial statements, as well as its consolidated financial statements for fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001, (ii) selected consolidated financial data for each of the five years in the period ended January 30, 2005, (iii) interim financial information for each of its quarters in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004 included in its 2004 Annual Report, and (iv) interim financial statements included in its Form 10-Qs for the first three quarterly periods of fiscal 2005, should no longer be relied upon. On March 27, 2006, the Company announced that it would be postponing the release of its fourth quarter and fiscal 2005 financial results pending the outcome of the Audit Committee-led investigation; that it would be restating historical financial statements; and that the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the prior interim periods and fiscal years indicated above should no longer be relied upon.
 
The initial and primary focus of the Audit Committee-led investigation was the Company’s accounting for inventory and for vendor allowances associated with its merchandising programs. However, the Audit Committee did not limit the scope of the investigation in any respect, which was subsequently broadened to encompass other potential concerns raised during the course of the investigation. Throughout and upon completion of the investigation, representatives of the Audit Committee and its legal and accounting advisors shared the results of the investigation with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and the SEC, which is conducting a formal investigation of these matters. The Company continues to share information and believes it is cooperating fully with the SEC in its formal investigation.
 
During and following the Audit Committee-led investigation, the Company’s Finance personnel (consisting primarily of the Company’s then new Chief Financial Officer and numerous experienced finance/accounting consultants the Company had retained near the onset of the investigation to assist with the restatement efforts), assisted by the Company’s Internal Audit staff, conducted follow-up procedures to ensure that the information uncovered during the investigation was complete, evaluated the initial accounting for numerous transactions and reviewed the activity in accounts in light of the newly available information to determine the propriety of the initial record-keeping and accounting. In the course of these follow-up procedures, the Company also identified a number of other accounting errors and irregularities that were corrected in its restated consolidated financial statements in its 2005 10-K.
 
The legal and accounting advisors to the Audit Committee, from March through the end of September 2006, reviewed relevant documentation and interviewed current and former officers and employees of the Company. The investigation and restatement process identified numerous instances of improperly supported journal entries recorded to general ledger accounts, override of Company policies and procedures, absence of appropriately designed policies and procedures, misapplication of GAAP and other ineffective controls. In addition, the investigation identified evidence of both a “tone” among certain senior executives of the Company that discouraged the raising of accounting concerns and other behavior that was deemed to not be acceptable by the Company’s disinterested directors (i.e., the five of the Company’s directors, including the members of the Special Investigation


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Committee, who are not present or former members of Company management) (hereinafter, the “Disinterested Directors”).
 
On September 28, 2006, the Company announced the substantial completion of the Audit Committee-led investigation, and that the investigation had identified accounting errors and irregularities that materially and improperly impacted various inventory accounts, vendor allowance receivables, other accrual accounts and related expense accounts. In addition, the Company announced personnel changes and also announced its intent to implement remedial measures in the areas of enhanced accounting policies, internal controls and employee training.
 
Following the completion of the Audit Committee-led investigation, the Board of Directors created a Remediation Committee comprised of certain positions within key functional areas of the Company and co-chaired by the General Counsel and the Chief Financial Officer to develop a remediation plan to address the types of matters identified during the investigation. The remediation plan the Remediation Committee has been working with reflects the input of the Disinterested Directors. While many aspects of the remediation plan have been implemented, other aspects of the plan are presently in the development phase or scheduled for later implementation. This remediation plan includes a comprehensive review, and development or modification as appropriate, of various components of the Company’s compliance program, including ethics and compliance training, hotline awareness and education, corporate governance training, awareness of and education relative to key codes and policies, as well as departmental specific measures. See discussion under “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — Plan for Remediation of Material Weaknesses” in Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures.”
 
The Audit Committee-led investigation and restatement process resulted in legal, accounting consultant and audit expenses of approximately $25.7 million in fiscal 2006. Legal, accounting consultant and audit expenses relative to the securities class action and shareholder derivative litigation, regulatory investigations, completion of the restatement process (relative to the 2005 10-K filed May 1, 2007) and completion of the Company’s fiscal 2006 delinquent filings continued into fiscal 2007 and totaled approximately $12.3 million. The Company expects to continue to incur legal expenses in fiscal 2008 related to the regulatory investigations and securities class action litigation.
 
Securities Class Action Litigation
 
On June 9 and 20, 2006, two shareholder class actions alleging violations of the federal securities laws were filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona against the Company and four of its former officers: Maynard Jenkins (who also was a director), James Riley, Martin Fraser and Don Watson. The cases are entitled Communication Workers of America Plan for Employees Pensions and Death Benefits v. CSK Auto Corporation, et al., No. CV-06-1503 PHX DGC (“Communication Workers”) and Wilfred Fortier v. CSK Auto Corporation, et al., No. CV-06-1580 PHX DGC. The cases were consolidated on September 18, 2006 with Communication Workers as the lead case. The consolidated actions have been brought by lead plaintiff Communication Workers of America Plan for Employee Pensions and Death Benefits (the “Lead Plaintiff”) on behalf of a putative class of purchasers of CSK Auto Corporation stock between March 20, 2003 and April 13, 2006, inclusive. Lead Plaintiff filed an Amended Consolidated Complaint on November 30, 2006. Lead Plaintiff voluntarily dismissed James Riley by not naming him as a defendant in the Amended Consolidated Complaint. The Company and Messrs. Jenkins, Fraser and Watson (collectively referred to as the “Defendants”) filed motions to dismiss the Amended Consolidated Complaint, which the court granted on March 28, 2007. The court allowed Lead Plaintiff leave to amend its complaint, and it filed their Second Amended Consolidated Complaint on May 25, 2007.
 
The Second Amended Consolidated Complaint alleges violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, as well as Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The Second Amended Consolidated Complaint alleges that Defendants issued false statements before and during the putative class period about the Company’s income, earnings and internal controls, allegedly


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
causing the Company’s stock to trade at artificially inflated prices during the putative class period. It seeks an unspecified amount of damages. Defendants filed motions to dismiss the Second Amended Consolidated Complaint on July 13, 2007. On September 27, 2007, the court issued an order granting the motion to dismiss Mr. Fraser with prejudice and denying the motions to dismiss the Company and Messrs. Jenkins and Watson. On October 24, 2007, the court issued a scheduling order setting forth a pretrial schedule that contemplates a trial if necessary, in March 2009, Lead Plaintiff filed its motion to certify the class on January 18, 2008 and the Company filed its response on February 15, 2008. Lead Plaintiff filed its reply in support of its motion for class certification on March 14, 2008. A hearing on the motion was scheduled to take place on March 21, 2008. See Note 22 — Subsequent Events for details of an agreement in principle to settle this litigation.
 
Shareholder Derivative Litigation
 
On July 31, 2006, a shareholder derivative suit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona against certain of CSK’s former officers and certain current and former directors. The Company was a nominal defendant. On June 11, 2007, plaintiff filed a Second Amended Complaint alleging claims under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and for alleged breaches of fiduciary duties, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment. The Second Amended Complaint sought, purportedly on behalf of the Company, damages, restitution, and equitable and injunctive relief. On June 22, 2007, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint for failure to plead demand futility adequately or, in the alternative, to stay the case until the shareholder class action litigation is resolved. The individual defendants joined in the Company’s motion. On August 24, 2007, the court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss the suit based on plaintiff’s failure to adequately plead demand futility. The court entered a judgment in defendants’ favor on October 22, 2007. Plaintiff did not file a notice of appeal in the 30 days allowed for doing so, and the judgment in defendants’ favor is now final.
 
Governmental Investigations
 
The SEC is conducting an investigation related to certain historical accounting practices of the Company. On November 27, 2006, the SEC served a subpoena on the Company seeking the production of documents from the period January 1, 1997 to the date of the subpoena related primarily to the types of matters identified in the Audit Committee-led investigation, including internal controls and accounting for inventories and vendor allowances. On December 5, 2006, the SEC also served document subpoenas on Messrs. Jenkins, Fraser and Watson. Since that time, the SEC has served subpoenas for documents and testimony on, and requested testimony from, current and former employees, officers, directors and other parties it believes may have information relevant to the investigation. The Company’s Audit Committee has shared with the SEC the conclusions of the Audit Committee-led investigation. In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Phoenix (the “USAO”) and the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. (the “DOJ”) have opened an investigation related to these historical accounting practices. Counsel for the Company’s Audit Committee-led investigation has met with the USAO and DOJ and has shared with them requested information from the Audit Committee-led investigation. At this time, the Company cannot predict when these investigations will be completed or what their outcomes will be.
 
Other Litigation
 
During fiscal 2007, the Company accrued approximately $1.5 million for the estimated costs of settling various regulatory compliance matters relating to operating practices. The Company does not believe these matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
The Company currently and from time to time is involved in other litigation incidental to the conduct of its business, including but not limited to asbestos and similar product liability claims, slip and fall and other general liability claims, discrimination and employment claims, vendor disputes, and miscellaneous environmental and real


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
estate claims. The damages claimed in some of this litigation are substantial. Based on internal review, the Company accrues reserves using its best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable contingent liabilities. The Company does not currently believe that any of these other legal claims incidental to the conduct of its business, individually or in the aggregate, will result in liabilities material to its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Note 22 — Subsequent Events
 
Merger Agreement — As described above in Note 1 — Merger Agreement and Matters Related to the Company’s Indebtedness, on April 1, 2008 the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of O’Reilly pursuant to which the Company is expected to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of O’Reilly.
 
Stockholder Rights Plan — On February 4, 2008, the Company issued a press release announcing it had adopted a stockholder rights plan (the “Rights Plan”) and entered into a Rights Agreement on the same date with Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent. The Rights Plan was adopted in order to maintain the integrity of the strategic review process that the Company’s Board of Directors is conducting.
 
Under the Rights Plan, one “Right” has been issued for each share of the Company common stock outstanding as of February 14, 2008. The Rights will not become exercisable, and separate certificates evidencing the Rights will not be issued, unless the Rights are triggered. The Rights would be triggered by, among other things, a person or group acquiring or announcing an intention to acquire 10% or more of the Company’s common stock, or upon the consummation of a transaction in which the Company is not the surviving entity, the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock are exchanged for stock or assets of another person, or 50% or more of the Company’s consolidated assets or earning power are sold. If a party exceeds the ownership thresholds and the Rights are not redeemed, each Right will entitle the holder, other than the triggering party, to purchase a number of shares of the Company’s common stock having a value of twice the $45 exercise price. Such an exercise would dilute the triggering party’s holdings in the Company.
 
The Rights will expire on February 3, 2009, unless the Rights Plan is extended by the Company’s stockholders, in which case, the Rights will expire on February 4, 2011 (unless earlier redeemed or exchanged). Subject to certain exceptions, the Rights are redeemable by action of the Company’s Board of Directors at a nominal price per Right.
 
Securities Class Action Litigation Settlement — On March 21, 2008, as a result of ongoing settlement discussions regarding the securities class action litigation, Lead Plaintiff and the defendants (including the Company) reached an agreement in principle to settle the case. Pursuant to the agreement in principle, the settlement amount will be $10.0 million in cash (which the Company expects will be paid by its directors and officers liability insurance) and $1.7 million in Company stock (to be contributed by the Company and valued at the closing price of the Company’s stock on March 20, 2008). The Company would also pay interest on the cash portion of the settlement at the rate of 5% per annum to the extent that it is not deposited into the settlement escrow account within 30 days of March 21, 2008. The agreement in principle also includes certain corporate governance and contracting policy terms that would apply so long as the Company remains an independent company. The court has scheduled a hearing to preliminarily approve the settlement on April 22, 2008.
 
In fiscal 2007, the Company recorded a charge for the $11.7 million settlement, which is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. The Company had tendered a claim with its primary insurer, under its Directors and Officers liability insurance policy, which participated in the settlement negotiations and has agreed to fund within its policy limits the $10.0 million cash portion of the settlement agreement. Such insurer has also agreed, pursuant to the policy, to reimburse the Company $5.0 million for certain legal defense costs the Company has incurred related to the securities class action litigation described above and the shareholder derivative litigation and SEC investigation described in Note 21-Legal Matters, the majority of which was reimbursed in fiscal 2007.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Such legal costs were expensed as incurred by the Company and reported as a component of investigation and restatement costs in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company expects to recognize the insurance defense cost reimbursements and settlement payments of $15.0 million (in the aggregate) in results of operations in fiscal 2008 upon preliminary approval by the court of the settlement, expected in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.
 
Note 23 — Quarterly Results (unaudited)
 
The Company’s business is somewhat seasonal in nature, with the highest sales occurring in the months of June through October (overlapping the Company’s second and third fiscal quarters). In addition, the Company’s business is affected by weather conditions. While unusually severe or inclement weather tends to reduce sales as customers are more likely to defer elective maintenance during such periods, extremely hot and cold temperatures tend to enhance sales by causing auto parts to fail and sales of seasonal products to increase.
 
The following table sets forth certain quarterly unaudited operating data for fiscal 2007 and 2006. The unaudited quarterly information includes all adjustments which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the information shown. Please note the sum of the quarterly earnings (loss) per share amounts within a fiscal year may differ from the total earnings (loss) per share for the fiscal year due to the impact of differing weighted average share outstanding calculations.
 
                                 
    Fiscal Year 2007(1)
    First
  Second
  Third
  Fourth
    Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter
    (In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
Results of operations
                               
Net sales
  $ 473,035     $ 480,227     $ 471,386     $ 426,999  
Gross profit
  $ 220,598     $ 230,380     $ 214,563     $ 201,457  
Investigation and restatement costs
  $ 4,564     $ 3,771     $ 2,288     $ 1,725  
Securities class action settlement
  $     $     $     $ 11,700  
Operating profit (loss)
  $ 16,094     $ 21,899     $ 4,267     $ (5,558 )
Interest expense
  $ 13,322     $ 13,164     $ 13,186     $ 14,491  
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ 2,772     $ 8,735     $ (8,919 )   $ (20,049 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 1,102     $ 3,436     $ (3,096 )   $ (7,751 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,670     $ 5,299     $ (5,823 )   $ (12,298 )
                                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.04     $ 0.12     $ (0.13 )   $ (0.28 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.04     $ 0.12     $ (0.13 )   $ (0.28 )
                                 
Shares used in computing per share amounts:
                               
Basic
    43,951       43,955       43,962       44,019  
Diluted
    44,697       44,844       43,962       44,019  
 


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                                 
    Fiscal Year 2006(1)  
    First
    Second
    Third
    Fourth
 
    Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter  
    (In thousands, except share and per share data)  
 
Results of operations
                               
Net sales
  $ 463,768     $ 488,742     $ 483,075     $ 472,191  
Gross profit
  $ 215,195     $ 232,553     $ 226,887     $ 221,429  
Investigation and restatement costs
  $ 3,670     $ 11,962     $ 6,736     $ 3,371  
Operating profit
  $ 29,213     $ 20,463     $ 18,731     $ 12,031  
Interest expense
  $ 10,321     $ 10,999     $ 13,308     $ 14,139  
Loss on debt retirement
  $     $ 19,336     $ 90     $ 24  
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ 18,892     $ (9,872 )   $ 5,333     $ (2,132 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
  $ 7,735     $ (4,055 )   $ 2,175     $ (864 )
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ 11,157     $ (5,817 )   $ 3,158     $ (1,268 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax
  $ (966 )   $     $     $  
Net income (loss)
  $ 10,191     $ (5,817 )   $ 3,158     $ (1,268 )
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                               
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ 0.25     $ (0.13 )   $ 0.07     $ (0.03 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (0.02 )                  
                                 
Net income (loss) per share
  $ 0.23     $ (0.13 )   $ 0.07     $ (0.03 )
                                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                               
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ 0.25     $ (0.13 )   $ 0.07     $ (0.03 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (0.02 )                  
                                 
Net income (loss) per share
  $ 0.23     $ (0.13 )   $ 0.07     $ (0.03 )
                                 
Shares used in computing per share amounts:
                               
Basic
    43,844       43,855       43,867       43,937  
Diluted
    44,218       43,855       44,050       43,937  
 
 
(1) The Company’s fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks, ends on the Sunday nearest to January 31, and is named for the calendar year just ended. Fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 had 52 and 53 weeks, respectively. The additional week in fiscal 2006 is included in the fourth quarter.

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Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
None.
 
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures
 
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) was performed as of February 3, 2008, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Our disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
 
Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of February 3, 2008 because of the material weaknesses described below. The Company performed additional analyses and other post-closing procedures to ensure that our consolidated financial statements contained within this Annual Report were prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). Accordingly, management believes that the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report fairly present in all material respects our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.
 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act and for the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
 
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
 
(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
 
(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention, or timely detection, of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
Under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 3, 2008. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in the framework established by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) entitled Internal Control-Integrated Framework.


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A “material weakness” is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. A “deficiency” in internal control over financial reporting exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis.
 
In connection with management’s assessment, as of February 3, 2008, the following material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting were identified:
 
1) Resources, and Policies and Procedures to Ensure Proper and Consistent Application of GAAP — The Company failed to have a sufficient complement of personnel with a level of accounting knowledge, experience and training in the application of GAAP commensurate with the Company’s financial reporting requirements. This material weakness in the Company’s resources, and policies and procedures contributed to the following additional material weakness:
 
a) Financial Reporting — The Company did not maintain effective controls over the completeness and accuracy of its period end financial reporting process. Specifically, effective controls, including monitoring, were not maintained to ensure (i) timely resolution of reconciling items and review of account reconciliations over certain balance sheet accounts, (ii) timely recording of required period-end adjustments, and (iii) accumulation and review of all required supporting information to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
 
These material weaknesses contributed to the following additional material weaknesses and resulted in adjustments to the Company’s fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 annual interim consolidated financial statements prior to the inclusion in the Company’s periodic filings with the SEC and to the restatement of the Company’s fiscal 2004 and 2003 annual consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statements for each of the first three quarters of fiscal 2005 and for each of the quarters of fiscal 2004 as described in the Company’s Form 10 -K for its fiscal year ended January 29, 2006 filed on May 1, 2007. Additionally, these material weaknesses could result in misstatements of any of the Company’s consolidated financial statement accounts and disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected.
 
2) Accounting for Inventory — The Company did not maintain effective controls over the completeness, accuracy, existence and valuation of its inventory. Specifically, effective controls, including monitoring, were not maintained to ensure that the Company’s inventory systems completely and accurately processed and accounted for inventory movements within the Company’s distribution network, particularly the disposition of inventory returns from customers. Additionally, the Company did not maintain effective monitoring and review over in-transit inventory, defective product warranty costs, core inventory and related core return liability accounts and shrink expense and shrink accruals. Furthermore, reconciliations of distribution center and warehouse physical inventory counts to the general ledger balances were not performed accurately, resulting in adjustments to year-end inventory balances.
 
3) Accounting for Vendor Allowances — The Company did not maintain effective controls over the completeness, accuracy and valuation of its vendor allowances. Specifically, effective controls, including monitoring, were not maintained to ensure (i) errors were prevented or detected in interim and annual estimates of vendor allowances under certain contracts and that vendor allowances were recorded in the appropriate general ledger accounts to allow for appropriate inventory cost capitalization calculations, (ii) all final contracts were reviewed by accounting personnel on a timely basis, and (iii) accounting of vendor allowances were recorded in the proper periods.
 
4) Accounting for Certain Accrued Expenses — The Company did not maintain effective controls over the completeness, accuracy and valuation of certain of its accrued expense accounts and related cost of sales, operating and administrative expenses, and store closing costs. Specifically, effective controls including


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monitoring, and review and analysis were not maintained to ensure certain accrued expense accounts were complete and accurate.
 
These material weaknesses described in 2 — 4 above resulted in adjustments to the aforementioned accounts within the Company’s fiscal 2007, fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 annual and interim consolidated financial statements prior to the inclusion in the Company’s periodic filings with the SEC and to the restatement of the Company’s fiscal 2004 and 2003 annual consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statements for each of the first three quarters of fiscal 2005 and for each of the quarters of fiscal 2004 as described in the Company’s Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended January 29, 2006 filed on May 1, 2007. In addition, each of the material weaknesses described in 2 — 4 above could result in a misstatement of the aforementioned accounts that would result in a material misstatement to the Company’s annual or interim consolidated financial statements and disclosures that would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
 
Management has concluded that due to the aforementioned material weaknesses, the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 3, 2008 based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
 
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 3, 2008 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears under Item 8 of this Annual Report.
 
PLAN FOR REMEDIATION OF MATERIAL WEAKNESSES
 
Remediation Initiatives
 
The Board of Directors created a Remediation Committee comprised of certain positions within key functional areas of the Company and co-chaired by the General Counsel and the Chief Financial Officer to develop and implement a remediation plan to address the material weaknesses and other deficiencies noted from the completion of the Company’s evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting. The remediation plan that the Remediation Committee has been working with reflects the input of the Disinterested Directors.
 
To remediate the material weaknesses described above, the Company has implemented or plans to implement the remedial measures described below. In addition, the Company plans to continue its evaluation of its controls and procedures and may, in the future, implement additional enhancements:
 
Resources, and Policies and Procedures to Ensure Proper and Consistent Application of GAAP — The Company plans to prepare or enhance formal written accounting policies and procedures and establish procedures and processes for their periodic update. In addition, procedures are being written that should provide for the ability to effectively audit compliance.
 
The Company has hired, and plans to hire additional Finance organization employees who have knowledge, experience and training in the application of GAAP to handle the Company’s operations and related financial reporting requirements. These employees, along with a rigorous monthly financial statement review and comparison of actual results to budget, are intended to assist in substantiating that our financial reporting is in compliance with GAAP and SEC rules and regulations. The Company plans to increase the accounting, internal control, and SEC reporting acumen and accountability of its Finance organization employees through a regular training program, which is planned to include, among other things, in-house training and development programs to enhance their competency with respect to GAAP and financial reporting.
 
Financial Reporting — Formalized procedures are being enhanced to provide for the proper preparation of account reconciliations and their independent review and approval. The Company also is automating certain procedures so that it will be more effective and efficient to complete and review account reconciliations and prepare complete, accurate and timely supporting documentation for the account reconciliations. The inclusion of this supporting documentation is intended to allow the approver to more effectively and efficiently


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ascertain whether the account reconciliations are correct and in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures.
 
Accounting for Inventory — The Company has instituted monitoring processes to ensure compliance with its established policies to assure timely reconciliations of all physical inventories and reflection of the results of the reconciliations in the general ledger, as well as independent supervisory review of the reconciliations. Review and approval processes are in place for distribution centers, warehouses and stores to ensure inventory shrink estimates are calculated in accordance with established procedures. Additional staff increases in the inventory area are planned due to turnover. We plan to enhance our reconciliation process of the book and perpetual inventory for each reporting period to mitigate the risk of material unsubstantiated balances accumulating in general ledger accounts. Longer term, we plan to make system enhancements so that our book and perpetual systems function as one system that is used to replenish the operations and utilize the same information to account for on-hand merchandise inventory and cost of sales. Currently, the Company uses an estimation technique for determining its in-transit inventory rather than halting operations to enable a physical inventory of in-transit merchandise to be conducted. This estimate is reviewed and approved on a quarterly basis. In the future, the Company expects to make modifications to its systems that will allow for a systematic method of determining the in-transit inventory balances. In connection with the adjustments of inventory and cost of sales for warranty, cores and allowance for sales returns, the Company has developed more rigorous processes for the independent review of the methodology and underlying judgments used in developing the estimates that underlie the related accounts.
 
Accounting for Vendor Allowances — Our remediation activities have improved our contract review and approval process and our accounting for vendor allowances. However, during fiscal 2007, we continued to experience difficulties with clerical accuracy of estimates and timely communication and documentation of contracts. We also continued to identify instances where certain transactions within contracts should be accounted for differently. These errors are inherent in our vendor allowance process and we rely on management monitoring to detect and correct errors that could be material. That monitoring has reduced the frequency of errors, but not enough to conclude we have fully remediated this material weakness. The policies and procedures pertaining to vendor contracts and the earning and recognition of vendor allowances have been formalized and now require extensive management review prior to entering into a new contract or a contract modification. These policies were supported by training of merchandising, legal, and finance staff members in fiscal 2007 relative to vendor arrangements. In addition, we have assigned one manager in the Company’s accounting department the responsibility for monitoring compliance with the policies to increase accountability over the completeness and accuracy of the Company’s accounting for vendor allowances.
 
Accounting for Certain Accrued Expenses — The Company’s remediation measures planned to address the material weakness related to the Company’s recording of accrued expenses include the development of a standardized checklist of expected accrual items and the implementation of a process of enhanced review of invoices, disbursements and other supporting documentation at the end of each quarter to provide for proper recording of accrued expenses and liabilities. In addition, we believe that the formal review procedures for period-end closings and account reconciliations and the hiring of new Finance organization management, along with written policies and procedures, should remediate this material weakness.
 
Interim Measures Pending Completion of Remediation Initiatives
 
Management has not yet implemented all of the measures described above or adequately tested those controls already implemented. Nevertheless, management believes those remediation measures already implemented, together with the additional measures undertaken by the Company described below, satisfactorily address the material weaknesses described above as they might affect the consolidated financial statements and information included in this Annual Report. These additional measures included the following:
 
  •  Additional planning, analysis and procedures, and management reviews have been performed to ensure the accuracy of financial reporting contained in this Annual Report.


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  •  Where the Company identified the existence of a material weakness, the Company has performed extensive substantive procedures to ensure that affected amounts are fairly stated for all periods presented in this Annual Report.
 
  •  The Company retained experienced accounting consultants, other than the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, with relevant accounting experience, skills and knowledge, working under the supervision and direction of the Company’s management, to assist with the fiscal 2007 year-end reporting process.
 
  •  The Company conducted a detailed and extensive review of account reconciliations, non-routine transactions and agreements, financial statement classifications, spreadsheets, and journal entries and related substantiation for accuracy and conformance with GAAP.
 
Control deficiencies not constituting material weaknesses
 
In addition to the material weaknesses described above, management has identified other deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting that did not constitute material weaknesses as of February 3, 2008. The Company implemented during fiscal 2007, and plans to implement during fiscal 2008, various measures to remediate these control deficiencies and has undertaken other interim measures to address these control deficiencies.
 
Management’s conclusions
 
Management believes the remediation measures described above will strengthen the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and remediate the material weaknesses identified above. Although management has not yet implemented all of these measures or tested all those that have been implemented, management has concluded that the interim measures described above provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements included in this Annual Report and has discussed its conclusions with the Company’s Audit Committee.
 
The Company is committed to continuing to improve its internal control processes and will continue to diligently and vigorously review its disclosure controls and procedures and its internal control over financial reporting in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of SOX 404. However, any control system, regardless of how well designed, operated and evaluated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives will be met. As management continues to evaluate and work to improve the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, it may determine to take additional measures to address control deficiencies, and it may determine not to complete certain of the measures described above.
 
Remediation of fiscal 2006 Material Weaknesses
 
As disclosed in our 2006 10-K and in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for each of the first three quarters of fiscal 2007, the Company reported material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting. As of February 3, 2008, the following summarizes the material weaknesses reported and the remedial actions taken:
 
(i) Control Environment — The Company failed to design controls to prevent or detect instances of inappropriate override of, or interference with, existing policies, procedures and internal controls. The Company did not establish and maintain a proper tone as to internal control over financial reporting. More specifically, senior management failed to emphasize, through consistent communication and behavior, the importance of internal control over financial reporting and adherence to the Company’s code of business conduct and ethics, which, among other things, resulted in information being withheld from, and improper explanations and inadequate supporting documentation being provided to the Company’s Audit Committee, its Board of Directors, its internal auditors and independent registered public accountants. In addition, certain members of senior management created an environment that discouraged employees from raising accounting related concerns and suppressed accounting related inquiries that were made.


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A number of actions were taken by the Company to prevent the potential for management override and to strengthen the tone regarding internal control over financial reporting. These actions include:
 
  •  Since the third quarter of 2006, personnel changes have been made, which have improved the overall tone within the organization and represented the first and most critical step in establishing an environment conducive to maintaining an adequate control environment.
 
  •  The hiring of key management positions such as a new Chief Executive Officer in the Company’s second fiscal quarter of fiscal 2007, a Senior Vice President and Controller in the third quarter of fiscal 2007, and an Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, as well as other finance personnel throughout fiscal 2007.
 
  •  Development of a customized hotline and awareness training that reinforced the Company’s code of business conduct and ethics, new procedures and controls that limit the ability of employees or managers to override accounting events and that establish an environment of personal accountability in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.
 
As of February 3, 2008, we have concluded that this material weakness has been remediated.
 
(ii) Accounting for Inventory — The Company’s lack of effective controls did not prevent or detect the inappropriate override of established procedures regarding the adjustment of inventories for the results of annual physical inventory counts at each of the Company’s distribution centers, warehouses and stores. In addition, the Company’s lack of effective controls did not prevent or detect inappropriate and inaccurate accumulations of inventory balances in in-transit accounts (i.e., store returns to warehouses, distribution centers and return centers; and to vendors), which was known or should have been known to several members of the Finance organization. The lack of effective controls permitted (i) errors in inventory balances to be inappropriately systematically amortized to cost of sales in improper periods; (ii) instances where improper adjustments were made to certain product costs within the perpetual inventory system that, together with improper journal entries to the general ledger, resulted in the overstatement of inventory and cost of sales being recognized in incorrect periods; and (iii) the inappropriate capitalization of inventory overheads (purchasing, warehousing and distribution costs) and vendor allowance receivables. Additionally, Company personnel did not properly oversee the processes for accounting for inventory warranties and did not establish adequate accrued liabilities for warranty returns from customers.
 
A number of actions were taken by the Company to eliminate the potential of management override of inventory costs and physical inventory adjustments. Additionally, the Company has implemented manual procedures to accurately calculate inventory balances related to in-transit inventory, warranty and overhead capitalization balances:
 
  •  Company personnel were required to adhere to policies that physical inventory adjustments be determined and recorded on a timely basis and shrink accrual rates be adjusted to actual experience by location on a timely basis.
 
  •  We enhanced business system security to restrict the authority to record adjustments to product costs to a limited number of individuals.
 
  •  The process of adjusting inventory costs based on vendor invoices was enhanced to require a more rigorous management review and approval.
 
  •  We adjusted system produced balances of in-transit inventory to our estimates each quarter in fiscal 2007 to prevent inappropriate and inaccurate accumulations of inventory balances in in-transit accounts.
 
  •  We established policies and procedures for capitalizing overheads into inventory and developed and implemented a process to estimate liabilities for warranty returns from customers.


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As of February 3, 2008, we do not consider this material weakness remediated. Refer to Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
 
(iii) Accounting for Vendor Allowances — The Company’s lack of effective controls did not detect or prevent the inappropriate override of established procedures related to: (i) the review and approval process for initial vendor allowance agreements; (ii) the monitoring of modifications to existing vendor allowance agreements; and (iii) the accuracy of recording of various vendor allowance transactions, including applicable cash collections and estimates. Furthermore, as a result of the lack of a sufficient complement of personnel with the requisite level of accounting knowledge, experience and training in GAAP, the Company did not identify that provisions in certain agreements were required to be accounted for differently. The 2006 Audit Committee-led investigation revealed that improper debits were issued and applied to accounts payable for amounts the Company was not entitled to receive. These amounts were subsequently repaid to those vendors through direct cash payments, the foregoing of future cash discounts, the acceptance of increased prices on future purchases and paybacks through the warranty account. This material weakness resulted in errors in vendor allowance receivables, inventory, accounts payable and costs of sales accounts.
 
A number of actions were taken to eliminate the potential of management override related to vendor allowances:
 
  •  The policies and procedures pertaining to vendor contract development and the earning and recognition of vendor allowances have been formalized. Vendor contracts require extensive management review prior to entering into a new contract or a contract modification.
 
  •  These policies were supported by training of merchandising, legal, and finance staff members in fiscal 2007 relative to vendor arrangements.
 
  •  We have assigned one manager in the Company’s accounting department the responsibility for monitoring compliance with the policies to increase accountability over the completeness and accuracy of the Company’s accounting for vendor allowances.
 
As of February 3, 2008, we do not consider this material weakness remediated. Refer to Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
 
(iv) Accounting for Certain Accrued Expenses — The Company’s lack of effective controls did not prevent or detect the inappropriate override of established procedures to adjust workers’ compensation liabilities to amounts determined by independent actuaries. Errors in timing of incentive compensation accruals resulted from inadvertent misapplication of GAAP as well as the lack of effective controls which permitted override of established procedures. In addition, the Company identified improper and unsupported journal entries to the general ledger that resulted in the misstatement of certain accrued expense accounts and related operating and administrative expenses. This material weakness resulted in errors in certain accrued expenses and related operating and administrative expenses, including workers’ compensation liabilities and incentive compensation costs.
 
The following actions were implemented to eliminate the override of established procedures contributing to the inaccurate reporting of workers’ compensation and certain incentive compensation accruals:
 
  •  Actuarial studies of workers’ compensation were performed twice in fiscal 2007 and the Company’s recorded liabilities are adjusted to actuary’s estimates.
 
  •  The appropriate GAAP pertaining to incentive compensation expenses has been determined and applied appropriately in fiscal 2007.
 
  •  Controls over preparation, review and approval of journal entries has been enhanced.
 
As of February 3, 2008, we do not consider this material weakness remediated. Refer to Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.


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(v) Accounting for Store Fixtures and Supplies — The Company’s lack of effective controls did not prevent or detect the override of established procedures for periodic physical inspections and usability evaluations of store fixtures held for future use in a warehouse. Specifically, the Company did not detect that certain of these assets were impaired or did not exist and that, as a result, their recorded cost was overstated. In addition, the Company’s controls failed to detect an inappropriate accumulation of costs related to store fixtures and supplies in general ledger accounts and the Company’s overstatement of supplies on-hand in each store. This material weakness resulted in errors in its store fixtures (fixed assets) and supplies accounts (other current assets) and related operating and administrative expenses.
 
The following actions were taken by management to correct the reported store fixtures and supplies balances:
 
  •  Management has closed the fixture warehouse and moved all usable fixtures and supplies to the distribution center where it is under perpetual inventory controls and has scrapped unusable items.
 
  •  The Company now performs an annual physical inventory and usability review of these items in the distribution center. The valuation of fixtures is monitored quarterly.
 
  •  Store supplies balances have been adjusted and adherence to the Company policy of valuation is monitored quarterly.
 
As of February 3, 2008, we have concluded that this material weakness has been remediated.
 
(vi) Resources, and Policies and Procedures to Ensure Proper and Consistent Application of GAAP — The Company did not maintain effective controls over the application of GAAP. Specifically, the Company failed to have a sufficient complement of personnel with a level of accounting knowledge, experience and training in the application of GAAP commensurate with the Company’s financial reporting requirements.
 
As discussed above, the hiring of key management positions such as a new Chief Executive Officer in the Company’s second quarter of fiscal 2007, a Senior Vice President of Finance and Controller in the third quarter of fiscal 2007, and an Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, as well as other highly qualified finance personnel throughout fiscal 2007 has improved the competency level of the Finance organization; however there continues to be a lack of capability, experience and training of the Company’s employees regarding the financial reporting requirements to fully remediate the material weakness.
 
As of February 3, 2008, we do not consider this material weakness remediated. Refer to Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
 
(vii) Accounting for Leases — The Company did not maintain effective controls over the completeness and accuracy of its accounting for leased fixed assets and debt, related operating and administrative expenses and interest expense, and financial statement disclosures. Specifically, the Company did not detect that a vehicle master leasing arrangement was not properly evaluated under GAAP.
 
A process to require a management review of new and modified vehicle leasing agreements in accordance with the various aspects of lease accounting GAAP has been established to ensure proper accounting and GAAP compliance.
 
As of February 3, 2008, we have concluded that this material weakness has been remediated.
 
(viii) Allowance for Sales Returns — The Company did not maintain effective controls over the completeness of its allowance for sales returns and related net sales, cost of sales, accrued liabilities and other current assets accounts. Specifically, the Company did not detect that it had inappropriately excluded an estimate for certain returns that were incorrectly classified as warranty and core returns in the Company’s methodology for determining an allowance for sales returns.


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A new, all inclusive process was developed to estimate sales returns using historical sales return data to estimate future return rates. The new process is formally reviewed by qualified personnel on a quarterly basis to ensure the estimates are reasonable and compliant with GAAP.
 
As of February 3, 2008, we have concluded that this material weakness has been remediated.
 
(ix) Accounting for Certain Accrued Expenses — The Company did not maintain effective controls over the completeness, valuation and reporting in the proper period of certain of its accrued expense accounts and related operating and administrative expenses. The Company identified numerous instances of errors in accrual accounts, including transactions not accounted for in accordance with GAAP, that was attributable to the Company’s lack of a sufficient complement of experienced personnel and written accounting policies and procedures in certain areas.
 
Although the Company has assigned responsibility for the reconciliation of all accounts to process owners and required a management review of the reconciliations, we continue to experience instances of reconciliations not done properly and accounts containing errors not identified on a timely basis or at all.
 
As of February 3, 2008, we do not consider this material weakness remediated. Refer to Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
 
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
As indicated above, although the Company continues to progress in its remediation efforts, we continue to implement new controls and enhancements to previously existing controls to remediate the remaining material weaknesses. There were changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting. These changes were:
 
  •  We hired an Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer.
 
  •  We initiated an on-line “ethics training” pilot which was required to be taken by a selection of 1,000 general and administrative employees (i.e. employees at the corporate office) to ensure their familiarity with the key policies included in the code of business conduct and ethics.
 
Item 9B.   Other Information
 
None.
 
PART III
 
Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors,” “Information about our Executive Officers,” “Audit Committee,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Codes of Conduct” and “Board Committees” contained in the proxy statement.
 
Item 11.   Executive Compensation
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions “Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report” contained in the proxy statement.


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Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” contained in the proxy statement.
 
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Director Independence” contained in the proxy statement.
 
Item 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information under the caption “Report of the Audit Committee” contained in the Proxy Statement.


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PART IV
 
Item 15.   Exhibit and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a)(1) The following consolidated financial statements of CSK Auto Corporation are included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report.
 
     
Consolidated Statements of Operations — Fiscal Years Ended February 3, 2008, February 4, 2007 and January 29, 2006
  65
Consolidated Balance Sheets — February 3, 2008 and February 4, 2007
  66
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Fiscal Years Ended February 3, 2008, February 4, 2007 and January 29, 2006
  67
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity — Fiscal Years Ended February 3, 2008, February 4, 2007 and January 29, 2006
  69
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  70
 
(a)(2) The following financial statement schedules of CSK Auto Corporation for the three years ended February 3, 2008 are included in this Report on Form 10-K, as required by Item 14(d): Schedule I Financial Information of the Registrant and Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. Other schedules have been omitted because information is not required or otherwise is included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(a)(3) and (b) Exhibits:
 
The Exhibit Index included at the end of this Annual Report is incorporated herein by reference.


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Schedule I
 
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
(Parent Company Only)
 
BALANCE SHEETS
 
                 
    February 3,
    February 4,
 
    2008     2007  
    (In thousands, except
 
    share data)  
 
ASSETS
Investment in subsidiaries
  $ 164,538     $ 171,510  
                 
Total assets
  $ 164,538     $ 171,510  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 90,000,000 shares authorized, 44,030,644 and 43,950,751 shares issued and outstanding at February 3, 2008 and February 4, 2007, respectively
  $ 440     $ 440  
Additional paid-in capital
    438,092       433,912  
Accumulated deficit
    (273,994 )     (262,842 )
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    164,538       171,510  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 164,538     $ 171,510  
                 
 
The accompanying note is an integral part of these financial statements.


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Schedule I
 
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
(Parent Company Only)
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended  
    February 3,
    February 4,
    January 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
    ($ in thousands, except share and per share data)  
 
Equity interest in net income (loss) from subsidiaries
  $ (11,152 )   $ 6,264     $ 57,790  
                         
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (17,461 )     12,221       95,038  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    (6,309 )     4,991       37,248  
                         
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
    (11,152 )     7,230       57,790  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax
          (966 )      
                         
Net income (loss)
  $ (11,152 )   $ 6,264     $ 57,790  
                         
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                       
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ (0.25 )   $ 0.16     $ 1.30  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
          (0.02 )      
                         
Net income (loss) per share
  $ (0.25 )   $ 0.14     $ 1.30  
                         
Shares used in computing per share amounts
    43,971,417       43,876,533       44,465,409  
                         
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
                       
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  $ (0.25 )   $ 0.16     $ 1.29  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
          (0.02 )      
                         
Net income (loss) per share
  $ (0.25 )   $ 0.14     $ 1.29  
                         
Shares used in computing per share amounts
    43,971,417       44,129,278       44,812,302  
                         
 
The accompanying note is an integral part of these financial statements.


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Schedule I
 
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
(Parent Company Only)
 
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
                                                         
                Additional
                         
    Common Stock     Paid-in
    Stockholder
    Deferred
    Accumulated
    Total
 
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Receivable     Compensation     Deficit     Equity  
    (In thousands, except share data)  
 
Balances at January 30, 2005
    45,116,301     $ 451     $ 447,612     $ (10 )   $ (1,018 )   $ (326,896 )   $ 120,139  
Repurchase and retirement of common stock
    (1,409,300 )     (14 )     (25,015 )                             (25,029 )
Restricted stock
    17,731               1,159               (1,288 )             (129 )
Amortization of deferred compensation
                                    571               571  
Recovery of stockholder receivable
                            10                       10  
Exercise of options
    105,590       1       1,129                               1,130  
Tax benefit relating to stock option exercises
                    231                               231  
Compensation expense, stock options
                    7                               7  
Warrants and call options, net of tax
                    1,437                               1,437  
Net income
                                            57,790       57,790  
                                                         
Balances at January 29, 2006
    43,830,322       438       426,560             (1,735 )     (269,106 )     156,157  
Restricted stock
    28,466       1       (221 )                             (220 )
Adoption of SFAS No. 123R
                    (1,735 )             1,735                
Exercise of options
    91,963       1       1,195                               1,196  
Compensation expense, stock-based awards
                    3,048                               3,048  
Warrants and call options, net of tax
                    390                               390  
Discount on senior exchangeable notes, net of tax
                    4,675                               4,675  
Net income
                                            6,264       6,264  
                                                         
Balances at February 4, 2007
    43,950,751       440       433,912                   (262,842 )     171,510  
Restricted stock
    34,010               (221 )                             (221 )
Exercise of options
    45,883               443                               443  
Compensation expense, stock-based awards
                    3,958                               3,958  
Net loss
                                            (11,152 )     (11,152 )
                                                         
Balances at February 3, 2008
    44,030,644     $ 440     $ 438,092     $     $     $ (273,994 )   $ 164,538  
                                                         
 
The accompanying note is an integral part of these financial statements.


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Schedule I
 
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
(Parent Company Only)
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended  
    February 3,
    February 4,
    January 29,
 
    2008     2007     2006  
    ($ in thousands)  
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (11,152 )   $ 6,264     $ 57,790  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Equity interest in net income (loss) from subsidiaries
    11,152       (6,264 )     (57,790 )
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
                 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $     $     $  
                         
 
The accompanying note is an integral part of these financial statements.


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Schedule I
 
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
(Parent Company Only)
 
NOTE TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
 
The accompanying financial statement schedule presents the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of CSK Auto Corporation (“Corporate”) as a parent company only, and thus includes Corporate’s investment in CSK Auto, Inc. (Auto) as well as Corporate’s interest in the results of Auto’s operations, accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Corporate has not received any dividends from Auto during the periods presented.
 
This financial statement schedule should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of CSK Auto Corporation and Subsidiaries for descriptions of significant accounting policies and other matters, including guarantees by Corporate.


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CSK AUTO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Fiscal Years 2007, 2006 and 2005
($ in thousands)
 
                                         
    Balance at
  Charged to
  Purchase
      Balance at
    Beginning of
  Costs and
  Accounting
      End of
    Period   Expenses   Adjustments   Deductions   Period
 
Allowance for Bad Debts:
                                       
Year Ended January 29, 2006
  $ 569       2,674       49       (2,856 )   $ 436  
Year Ended February 4, 2007
  $ 436       105             (148 )   $ 393  
Year Ended February 3, 2008
  $ 393       664             (679 )   $ 378  
Allowance for Closed Stores:
                                       
Year Ended January 29, 2006
  $ 7,774       2,903       324       (3,968 )   $ 7,033  
Year Ended February 4, 2007
  $ 7,033       1,487             (3,609 )   $ 4,911  
Year Ended February 3, 2008
  $ 4,911       1,983             (3,867 )   $ 3,027  
Allowance for Inventory Shrink:
                                       
Year Ended January 29, 2006
  $ 13,079       28,780       658       (30,029 )   $ 12,488  
Year Ended February 4, 2007
  $ 12,488       31,605             (25,977 )   $ 18,116  
Year Ended February 3, 2008
  $ 18,116       23,797             (28,883 )   $ 13,030  
Allowance for Inventory Obsolescence:
                                       
Year Ended January 29, 2006
  $ 1,469       (462 )     1,127       (50 )   $ 2,084  
Year Ended February 4, 2007
  $ 2,084                   (1,326 )   $ 758  
Year Ended February 3, 2008
  $ 758       2,452             (1,016 )   $ 2,194  
Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets:
                                       
Year Ended January 29, 2006
  $ 1,752                       $ 1,752  
Year Ended February 4, 2007
  $ 1,752                       $ 1,752  
Year Ended February 3, 2008
  $ 1,752                   (1,645 )   $ 107  
Allowance for Sales Returns:
                                       
Year Ended January 29, 2006
  $ 13,286       14,411       1,844       (13,286 )   $ 16,255  
Year Ended February 4, 2007
  $ 16,255       16,460             (15,085 )   $ 17,630  
Year Ended February 3, 2008
  $ 17,630       18,597             (18,329 )   $ 17,898  


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on this 18th day of April, 2008.
 
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
 
  By: 
/s/  Lawrence N. Mondry
Lawrence N. Mondry
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
  By: 
/s/  James D. Constantine
James D. Constantine
Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below does hereby constitute and appoint Randi V. Morrison with full power of substitution and full power to act as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully, to all intents and purposes, as he or she might or could do if personally present at the doing thereof, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent may or shall lawfully do, or cause to be done, in connection with the proposed filing by CSK Auto Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, of an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2008 (the “Annual Report”), including but not limited to, such full power and authority to do the following: (i) execute and file such Annual Report; (ii) execute and file any amendment or amendments thereto; (iii) receive and respond to comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission related in any way to such Annual Report or any amendment or amendments thereto; and (iv) execute and deliver any and all certificates, instruments or other documents related to the matters enumerated above, as the attorney-in-fact in her sole discretion deems appropriate.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant, and in the capacities indicated, on this 18th day of April, 2008.
 
         
     
/s/  CHARLES K. MARQUIS

Charles K. Marquis
  Chairman of the Board
     
/s/  JAMES G. BAZLEN

James G. Bazlen
  Director
     
/s/  MORTON GODLAS

Morton Godlas
  Director


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/s/  TERILYN A. HENDERSON

Terilyn A. Henderson
  Director
     
/s/  LAWRENCE N. MONDRY

Lawrence N. Mondry
  Director,
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
/s/  CHARLES J. PHILIPPIN

Charles J. Philippin
  Director
     
/s/  WILLIAM A. SHUTZER

William A. Shutzer
  Director
     
/s/  JAMES D. CONSTANTINE

James D. Constantine
  Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer )
     
/s/  MICHAEL D. BRYK

Michael D. Bryk
  Senior Vice President and
Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)


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Table of Contents

Exhibit Index
 
         
 Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Exhibits
 
  2 .01   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 30, 2005, among CSK Auto Corporation, Fastlane Merger Corp., Murray’s, Inc., the sellers named therein, and J.W. Childs Associates, L.P., as seller representative, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 1, 2005. (File No. 001-13927).
  2 .02   Agreement and Plan of Merger among O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., OC Acquisition Company, and CSK Auto Corporation, dated April 1, 2008 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 7, 2008 (File No. 001-13927).
  3 .01   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on May 4, 1998 (File No. 001-13927).
  3 .02   Certificate of Correction to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.02 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on May 4, 1998 (File No. 001-13927).
  3 .03   Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of CSK Auto Corporation, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2.1 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on September 18, 2002 (File No. 001-13927).
  3 .04   Second Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of CSK Auto Corporation, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.04 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on December 9, 2005 (File No. 001-13927).
  3 .05   Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.03 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on April 28, 1999 (File No. 001-13927).
  3 .05.1   First Amendment to Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.03.1 of our annual report on Form 10-K, filed on May 1, 2001. (File No 001-13927).
  3 .05.2   Second Amendment to Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.03.2 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on June 14, 2004 (File No. 001-13927).
  3 .05.3   Third Amendment to Amended and Restated By-Laws of CSK Auto Corporation, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 16, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).
  3 .06.4   Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated By-Laws of CSK Auto Corporation, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 5, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).
  4 .01   Form of Common Stock certificate, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.05 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, filed on March 3, 1998 (File No. 333-43211).
  4 .02   Indenture, dated as of December 19, 2005, among CSK Auto, Inc., CSK Auto Corporation, CSKAUTO.COM, Inc. as guarantors, and the Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 20, 2005 (File No. 001-13927).
  4 .03   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 27, 2006, among CSK Auto, Inc., CSK Auto Corporation, CSKAUTO.COM, Inc., and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 31, 2006 (File No. 001-13927).
  4 .04   Rights Agreement dated as of February 4, 2008 by and between CSK Auto Corporation and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent, filed as Exhibit 1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A of CSK Auto Corporation and incorporated herein by reference (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .01   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of June 12, 1998, between CSK Auto, Inc. and Maynard Jenkins, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.02 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on September 11, 1998 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .01.1   Form of Amendment to Employment Agreement, by and between CSK Auto, Inc. and Maynard Jenkins, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 3, 2006 (File No. 001-13927).†


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 Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Exhibits
 
  10 .01.2   Form of Amendment to Employment Agreement, by and between CSK Auto, Inc. and Maynard Jenkins, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 18, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .02   Stock Option Agreement, dated March 9, 1998, between the Company and Maynard Jenkins, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, filed on March 10, 1998 (File No. 333-43211).†
  10 .03   Form of Letter Agreement between CSK Auto Corporation and Maynard Jenkins amending March 17, 1998 Stock Option Grant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 18, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .04   Restated 1996 Associate Stock Option Plan, dated as of June 5, 1998, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed on November 13, 1998 (File No. 333-67231).†
  10 .04.1*   First Amendment to the Restated 1996 Associate Stock Option Plan.†
  10 .05*   Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Contract previously used in connection with the 1996 Associate Stock Option Plan.†
  10 .06   Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Agreement, effective January 1, 2005, between CSK Auto, Inc. and Maynard Jenkins, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 21, 2004 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .06.1   Form of First Amendment to Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2005, between CSK Auto, Inc. and Maynard Jenkins, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 3, 2006 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .07   Restated 1996 Executive Stock Option Plan (Amended and Restated June 8, 1999), incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B of our definitive Proxy Statement, filed on May 11, 1999 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .07.1*   First Amendment to the Restated 1996 Executive Stock Option Plan.†
  10 .08*   Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Contract previously used in connection with the 1996 Executive Stock Option Plan.†
  10 .09   1999 Employee Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to Appendix C of our definitive Proxy Statement, filed on May 11, 1999 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .09.1*   First Amendment to the 1999 Employee Stock Option Plan.†
  10 .10*   Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Contract previously used in connection with the 1999 Employee Stock Option Plan.†
  10 .11   2004 Stock and Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective as of November 8, 2007), incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A of our amended definitive Proxy Statement, filed on November 1, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .11.1*   First Amendment to the 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective as of November 8, 2007).†
  10 .12   Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Contract (Employee Form) to be used in connection with our 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 20, 2004 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .13   Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Contract (Director Form) to be used in connection with our 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 20, 2004 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .14   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement to be used in connection with our 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 20, 2004 (File No. 001-13927).†

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 Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Exhibits
 
  10 .15   Amended and Restated Lease, dated October 23, 1989 (the Missouri Falls Lease), between CSK Auto, Inc. (formerly known as Northern Automotive Corporation) and Missouri Falls Associates Limited Partnership, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of CSK Auto, Inc’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed on February 28, 1997 (File No. 333-22511).
  10 .16   First Amendment to the Missouri Falls Lease, dated November 22, 1991, between CSK Auto, Inc. (formerly known as Northern Automotive Corporation) and Missouri Falls Associates Limited Partnership, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of CSK Auto, Inc’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed on February 28, 1997 (File No. 333-22511).
  10 .17   Amendment to Leases, dated October 30, 1996, by and between Missouri Falls Associates Limited Partnership and CSK Auto, Inc. (formerly known as Northern Automotive Corporation), incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of CSK Auto, Inc’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed February on 28, 1997 (File No. 333-22511).
  10 .18   Lease, dated July 31, 1997, between Missouri Falls Partners and CSK Auto, Inc.; First Amendment to Lease, dated April 1, 2000, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on May 1, 2001 (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .19   Lease, dated April 20, 2000, between Missouri Falls Partners and CSK Auto, Inc.; First Amendment to Lease, dated February 23, 2001, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on May 1, 2001 (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .20   Lease, dated April 20, 2000, between Missouri Falls Partners and CSK Auto, Inc.; First Amendment to Lease dated August 20, 2000, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on May 1, 2001 (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .21   Amendment to all CSK Auto, Inc. Leases at Missouri Falls, dated December 6, 2001, between Missouri Falls Partners and MFP Holdings, LLC and CSK Auto, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of our Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed on February 11, 2002 (File No. 333-82492).
  10 .22   Form of Indemnity Agreement, between CSK Auto Corporation and each Director, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on May 2, 2005 (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .23   Severance and Retention Agreement, between CSK Auto, Inc. and James B. Riley, dated October 24, 2005, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.05 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on December 9, 2005 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .24*   Form of Amended and Restated Severance and Retention Agreement between CSK Auto, Inc. and each of its then senior executive officers (other than Lawrence Mondry).†
  10 .25   Indicative Callable Swap Term Sheet, effective as of April 5, 2004, between Lehman Brothers and CSK Auto, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.57 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on April 15, 2004 (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .26   Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 16, 2002, by and among CSK Auto Corporation, LBI Group Inc. and Investcorp CSK Holdings L.P., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.05.01 to our Registration Statement on Form S-3/A, filed on May 17, 2002 (File No. 333-77008).
  10 .27   Employment Agreement, dated March 30, 2000, between CSK Auto, Inc. and James Bazlen, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.47 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on May 5, 2003 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .27.1   First Amendment to March 30, 2000 Employment Agreement, between CSK Auto, Inc. and James Bazlen, effective as of June 11, 2003, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.01 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on September 17, 2003 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .27.2   Second Amendment to March 30, 2000 Employment Agreement, between CSK Auto, Inc. and James Bazlen, effective as of October 15, 2004, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.4 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 20, 2004 (File No. 001-13927).†

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 Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Exhibits
 
  10 .28   Stock Purchase Agreement relating to Automotive Information Systems, Inc., dated January 21, 2005, by and between CSK Auto, Inc. and Mobile Productivity, Inc., incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 27, 2005 (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .29   Amended and Restated Outside Director Compensation Policy, incorporated herein by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 18, 2005 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .29.1*   First Amendment to Amended and Restated Outside Director Compensation Policy, effective as of August 15, 2007.†
  10 .29.2*   Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Outside Director Compensation Policy, effective as of March 7, 2008.†
  10 .30   Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 1, 2005 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .31   Form of Incentive Bonus Unit Award Agreement, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 1, 2005 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .32   Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2005, among CSK Auto, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., as Sole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 29, 2005 (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .32.1   First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 16, 2005, among CSK Auto, Inc., the several lenders from time to time parties thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., as administrative agent, and the co-syndication agents and co-documentation agents party thereto, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 20, 2005 (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .33   Term Credit Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2006, among CSK Auto, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. and Wachovia Bank, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 7, 2006 (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .33.1   Amendment, dated as of August 3, 2006, to the Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2006, among CSK Auto, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Co-Syndication Agents, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50.1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on May 1, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .33.2   Second Amendment, dated as of April 27, 2007, to the Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2006, among CSK Auto, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Co-Syndication Agents, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50.2 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on May 1, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .33.3   Third Amendment, dated as of October 10, 2007, to the Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2006 among CSK Auto, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Co-Syndication Agents, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 15, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .33.4   Fourth Amendment, dated as of December 18, 2007, to the Credit Agreement dated as of June 30, 2006 among CSK Auto, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Co-Syndication Agents, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 26, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .34   Form of Letter Agreement between CSK Auto Corporation and Maynard Jenkins amending March 18, 1999 Stock Option Grant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 18, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).†

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Table of Contents

         
 Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Exhibits
 
  10 .35   Form of Letter Agreement between CSK Auto Corporation and Maynard Jenkins amending December 21, 1999 Stock Option Grant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 18, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .36   Form of Letter Agreement between CSK Auto Corporation and Maynard Jenkins amending April 5, 2002 Stock Option Grant, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 18, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .37   Form of Election Agreement between Optionee and CSK Auto Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2006 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .38   Employment Agreement, dated as of June 8, 2007, by and between CSK Auto, Inc., and Lawrence N. Mondry, which includes the Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Contract between the Company and Lawrence N. Mondry regarding the June 13, 2007 Inducement Award and the Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between the Company and Lawrence N. Mondry regarding the June 13, 2007 Inducement Award, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 13, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .38.1*   First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of June 8, 2007, by and between CSK Auto, Inc., and Lawrence N. Mondry.†
  10 .39   Form of Contract for October 20, 2007 Stock Option Award to Lawrence Mondry, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 24, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .40   Form of Interim Executive Services Agreement between CSK Auto, Inc. and Tatum, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 26, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).†
  10 .41   Form of Indemnification Agreement for Interim Executive among CSK Auto Corporation, CSK Auto, Inc., CSKAUTO.COM, Inc. and Steven L. Korby, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 26, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).
  10 .42*   2008 Cash-In-Lieu Bonus Plan.†
  10 .42.1*   Form of Notice of Participation in 2008 Cash in Lieu Bonus Plan.†
  10 .43*   Side Letter between CSK Auto, Inc., CSK Auto Corporation and Michael Bryk, dated March 31, 2008, regarding reimbursement for travel and temporary living expenses.†
  10 .44*   Side Letter between CSK Auto, Inc., CSK Auto Corporation and James Constantine, dated March 31, 2008, regarding reimbursement for travel and temporary living expenses.†
  10 .45*   Side Letter between CSK Auto, Inc., CSK Auto Corporation and Randi Morrison, dated March 31, 2008, regarding reimbursement for travel and temporary living expenses.†
  10 .46*   Side Letter between CSK Auto, Inc., CSK Auto Corporation and Brian Woods, dated March 31, 2008, regarding reimbursement for travel, temporary living expenses, and relocation costs.†
  10 .47*   2008 General and Administrative Staff Incentive Plan.†
  10 .48*   2008 Executive Incentive Plan for Lawrence N. Mondry.†
  21 .01*   Subsidiaries of the Company.
  23 .1*   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
  24 .01*   Power of Attorney (included on signature page to this Annual Report).
  31 .01*   Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31 .02*   Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32 .01*   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  99 .01   Waiver, dated as of May 4, 2006, to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2005, among CSK Auto, Inc., the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 23, 2006 (File No. 001-13927).

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Table of Contents

         
 Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Exhibits
 
  99 .01.1   Second Waiver, dated as of June 16, 2006, to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2005, among CSK Auto, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, the Co-Syndication Agents and the Co-Documentation Agents party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 19, 2006 (File No. 001-13927).
  99 .01.2   Third Waiver, dated as of June 11, 2007, to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2005, among CSK Auto, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, the Co-Syndication Agents and the Co-Documentation Agents party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 13, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).
  99 .01.3   Fourth Waiver, dated as of August 10, 2007, to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2005, among CSK Auto, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, the Co-Syndication Agents and the Co-Documentation Agents party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 13, 2007 (File No. 001-13927).
 
 
* Filed herewith.
 
Executive compensation plans or arrangements.

142

EX-10.04.1 2 p75180exv10w04w1.htm EX-10.04.1 exv10w04w1
 

Exhibit 10.04.1
March 2008
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
1996 ASSOCIATE STOCK OPTION PLAN
     Pursuant to Section 14 of the CSK Auto Corporation 1996 Associate Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), the Plan is hereby amended as follows, effective as of March 31, 2008:
     1. The third paragraph of Section 7 of the Plan is hereby amended to add the following new sentence to the end thereof:
     “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan or any Contract, from and after the date of a Triggering Sale, each optionee shall be permitted to pay the exercise price of an option by delivery of a properly executed notice instructing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon exercise of the option having an aggregate fair market value on the date of exercise (determined in accordance with Paragraph 5) equal to the aggregate exercise price of all options being exercised.”
     2. Section 8 of the Plan is hereby amended to add the following new paragraph to the end thereof:
     “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan or any Contract, any optionee whose Relationship ceases because such optionee’s Relationship terminates for any reason (other than a termination for cause) within one (1) year following a Triggering Sale (as defined in Section 13 below) may exercise such option, at any time during the one (1) year following the date of such termination (or if earlier, until the expiration of the option term), but not thereafter (and the above restrictions on exercisability after working for a competitor shall not apply).”
     3. Section 13(a) of the Plan is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
     “a) In the event that, at any time during the term of an option, there shall be (i) a merger, sale of shares of capital stock by one or more stockholders, or similar transaction, which results in shares of capital stock having an aggregate of 80% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock being owned, directly or indirectly, by one or more related persons, or (ii) the sale of 80% or more of the Company’s assets in any one transaction or series of related transactions, in either case to parties which at the time of such sales were not stockholders or affiliates of any stockholder of the Company (collectively, “Sales” and the final such sale being the “Triggering Sale”), the portion of such option which remains unvested at the time of the Triggering Sale shall vest upon the occurrence of the Triggering Sale.”
     4. Section 16 of the Plan is hereby amended to add the following new sentence to the end thereof:
     “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan or any Contract, from and after the date of a Triggering Sale, each optionee shall be permitted to pay any withholding tax obligation incurred by reason of the grant or exercise of an option or the

 


 

disposition of the underlying shares of Common Stock by delivery of a properly executed notice instructing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon exercise of the option having an aggregate fair market value on the date of exercise (determined in accordance with Paragraph 5) equal to the amount of any such obligation.”
     5. Except as provided for above, the provisions of the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

 

EX-10.05 3 p75180exv10w05.htm EX-10.05 exv10w05
 

Exhibit 10.05
Option to Purchase «AGGREGATE_TO_PURCHASE» Shares of Common Stock
 
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
1996 «ASSOCIATE» STOCK OPTION PLAN
NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION CONTRACT
     THIS NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION CONTRACT entered into as of «DATE_OF_GRANT_OPTIONS» between CSK AUTO CORPORATION, a Deleware corporation (the “Company”), and «OPTIONEE_NAME» (“Optionee”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
     1. The Company, in accordance with the allotment made by the committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”) and subject to the terms and conditions of the 1996 «ASSOCIATE» Stock Option Plan of the Company, as amended or restated from time to time (the “Plan”), grants to the Optionee an option to purchase an aggregate of «AGGREGATE_TO_PURCHASE» shares (the “Option Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, at an exercise price of «EXERCISE_PRICE» per share, such price being (a) equivalent (on a post-conversion basis) to the price per Plan Share contained in the Old Contract, and (b) at least equal to the fair market value of such shares on the date of the Old Contract. In exchange therefore, the Optionee hereby surrenders all rights and powers granted to it under the Old Contract. [This option is not intended to constitute an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the International Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.]
     2. The term of this option shall be seven years from the date hereof, subject to earlier termination as provided in the Plan. This option shall become exercisable in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Plan, [including Paragraph 7 thereof and Exhibit I thereto,] and, under certain circumstances set forth in the Plan, may remain exercisable for 30 days beyond its seven year term. The right to purchase Option Shares under this option shall be cumulative, so that if the full number of Option Shares purchasable in a period shall not be purchased, the balance may be purchased at any time or from time to time thereafter, but not after the expiration of the option.
     3. This option shall be exercised by giving five business days’ written notice to the Company at its then principal office, presently 645 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, A 85012, Attention: President, stating that the Optionee is exercising the option hereunder, specifying the number of Option Shares being purchased and accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate purchase price therefor (a) in cash or by certified check, (b) with previously acquired shares of Common Stock which have been held by the Optionee for the applicable period required by any Company plan or agreement with the Company pursuant to which such shares were issued and if not so restricted, which have been held for at least six months, or (c) a combination of the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the purchase price may be paid by delivery by the Optionee of a properly executed notice, together with a copy of his irrevocable instructions to a broker acceptable to the Committee to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds sufficient to pay such purchase price.

 


 

     4. The Company may withhold cash and/or shares of Common Stock to be issued to the Optionee in the amount which the Company determines is necessary to satisfy its obligation to withhold taxes or other amounts incurred by reason of the grant or exercise of this option or the disposition of the underlying shares of Common Stock. Alternatively, the Company may require the Optionee to pay the Company such amounts in cash promptly upon demand.
     5. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this option shall not be exercisable by the Optionee unless (a) a Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) with respect to the shares of Common Stock to be received upon the exercise of this option shall be effective and current at the time of exercise or (b) there is an exemption from registration under the Securities Act for the issuance of the shares of Common Stock upon such exercise. The Optionee hereby represents and warrants to the Company that, unless such a Registration Statement is effective and current at the time of exercise of this option, the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon the exercise of this option will be acquired by the Optionee for his or her own account, for investment only and not with a view to the resale or distribution thereof. In any event, the Optionee shall notify the Company of any proposed resale of the shares of Common Stock issued to him or her upon exercise of this option. Any subsequent resale or distribution of shares of Common Stock by the Optionee shall be made only pursuant to (x) a Registration Statement under the Securities Act which is effective and current with respect to the sale of shares of Common Stock being sold, or (y) a specific exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, but in claiming such exemption, the Optionee shall, prior to any offer of sale or sale of such shares of Common Stock, provide the Company (unless waived by the Company) with a favorable written opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company, as to the applicability of such exemption to the proposed sale or distribution. Such representations and warranties shall also be deemed to be made by the Optionee upon each exercise of this option. Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the Company to register the shares subject to this option under the Securities Act.
     6. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the Committee shall determine, in its discretion, that the listing or qualifications of the shares of Common Stock subject to this option on any securities exchange or under any applicable law, or the consent or approval of any governmental agency or regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as a condition to, or in connection with, the granting of an option or the issue of shares of Common Stock hereunder, this option may not be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee.
     7. The Company may affix appropriate legends upon the certificate for shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of this option and may issue such “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent in respect of such shares as it determines, in its discretion, to be necessary or appropriate to (a) prevent a violation of, or to perfect an exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, or (b) implement the provisions of the Plan or this Contract or any other agreement between the Company and the Optionee with respect to such shares of Common Stock.

2


 

     8. Nothing in the Plan or herein shall confer upon the Optionee any right to continue in the employ of the Company, any Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or interfere in any way with any right of the Company, any Parent or its Subsidiaries to terminate such employment at any time for any reason whatsoever without liability to the Company, any Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.
     9. The Company and the Optionee (by his or her acceptance of this option) agree that they will both be subject to and bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof. Any capitalized term not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to in the Plan. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Contract and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall govern.
     10. The Optionee (by his or her acceptance of this option) represents and agrees that her or she will comply with all applicable laws relating to the Plan and the grant and exercise of this option and the disposition of the shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of the option, including without limitation, federal and state securities and “blue sky” laws.
     11. This option is not transferable by the Optionee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee or the Optionee’s legal representatives.
     12. This Contract shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor or assign of the Company and to any heir, distributee, executor, administrator or legal representative entitled to the Optionee’s rights hereunder.
     13. This Contract shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of law rules thereof.
     14. The invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any provision herein shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision.
     15. The Optionee (by his or her acceptance of this option) agrees that the Company may amend the Plan and the options granted to the Optionee under the Plan, subject to the limitations contained in the Plan.

3


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Contract as of the day and year first above written.
         
 
  CSK AUTO CORPORATION
 
       
 
  By:    
 
       
 
      James G. Bazlen
President & Chief Operating Officer
 
       
 
       
 
   
 
       Optionee          Date
 
       
 
       
 
   
 
       Tax Identification No./Soc. Sec. No.

4

EX-10.07.1 4 p75180exv10w07w1.htm EX-10.07.1 exv10w07w1
 

Exhibit 10.07.1
March 2008
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
1996 EXECUTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
     Pursuant to Section 14 of the CSK Auto Corporation 1996 Executive Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), the Plan is hereby amended as follows, effective as of March 31, 2008:
     1. The third paragraph of Section 7 of the Plan is hereby amended to add the following new sentence to the end thereof:
     “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan or any Contract, from and after the date of a Triggering Sale, each optionee shall be permitted to pay the exercise price of an option by delivery of a properly executed notice instructing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon exercise of the option having an aggregate fair market value on the date of exercise (determined in accordance with Paragraph 5) equal to the aggregate exercise price of all options being exercised.”
     2. Section 8 of the Plan is hereby amended to add the following new paragraph to the end thereof:
     “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan or any Contract, any optionee whose Relationship ceases because such optionee’s Relationship terminates for any reason (other than a termination for cause) within one (1) year following a Triggering Sale (as defined in Section 13 below) may exercise such option, at any time during the one (1) year following the date of such termination (or if earlier, until the expiration of the option term), but not thereafter (and the above restrictions on exercisability after working for a competitor shall not apply).”
     3. Section 13(a) of the Plan is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
     “a) In the event that, at any time during the term of an option, there shall be (i) a merger, sale of shares of capital stock by one or more stockholders, or similar transaction, which results in shares of capital stock having an aggregate of 80% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock being owned, directly or indirectly, by one or more related persons, or (ii) the sale of 80% or more of the Company’s assets in any one transaction or series of related transactions, in either case to parties which at the time of such sales were not stockholders or affiliates of any stockholder of the Company (collectively, “Sales” and the final such sale being the “Triggering Sale”), the portion of such option which remains unvested at the time of the Triggering Sale shall vest upon the occurrence of the Triggering Sale.”
     4. Section 16 of the Plan is hereby amended to add the following new sentence to the end thereof:
     “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan or any Contract, from and after the date of a Triggering Sale, each optionee shall be permitted to pay any withholding tax obligation incurred by reason of the grant or exercise of an option or the

 


 

disposition of the underlying shares of Common Stock by delivery of a properly executed notice instructing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon exercise of the option having an aggregate fair market value on the date of exercise (determined in accordance with Paragraph 5) equal to the amount of any such obligation.”
     5. Except as provided for above, the provisions of the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

 

EX-10.08 5 p75180exv10w08.htm EX-10.08 exv10w08
 

Exhibit 10.08
Option to Purchase «AGGREGATE_TO_PURCHASE» Shares of Common Stock
 
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
1996 «EXECUTIVE» STOCK OPTION PLAN
NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION CONTRACT
     THIS NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION CONTRACT entered into as of «DATE_OF_GRANT_OPTIONS» between CSK AUTO CORPORATION, a Deleware corporation (the “Company”), and «OPTIONEE_NAME» (“Optionee”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
     1. The Company, in accordance with the allotment made by the committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”) and subject to the terms and conditions of the 1996 «EXECUTIVE» Stock Option Plan of the Company, as amended or restated from time to time (the “Plan”), grants to the Optionee an option to purchase an aggregate of «AGGREGATE_TO_PURCHASE» shares (the “Option Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, at an exercise price of «EXERCISE_PRICE» per share, such price being (a) equivalent (on a post-conversion basis) to the price per Plan Share contained in the Old Contract, and (b) at least equal to the fair market value of such shares on the date of the Old Contract. In exchange therefore, the Optionee hereby surrenders all rights and powers granted to it under the Old Contract. [This option is not intended to constitute an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the International Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.]
     2. The term of this option shall be seven years from the date hereof, subject to earlier termination as provided in the Plan. This option shall become exercisable in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Plan, [including Paragraph 7 thereof and Exhibit I thereto,] and, under certain circumstances set forth in the Plan, may remain exercisable for 30 days beyond its seven year term. The right to purchase Option Shares under this option shall be cumulative, so that if the full number of Option Shares purchasable in a period shall not be purchased, the balance may be purchased at any time or from time to time thereafter, but not after the expiration of the option.
     3. This option shall be exercised by giving five business days’ written notice to the Company at its then principal office, presently 645 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, A 85012, Attention: President, stating that the Optionee is exercising the option hereunder, specifying the number of Option Shares being purchased and accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate purchase price therefor (a) in cash or by certified check, (b) with previously acquired shares of Common Stock which have been held by the Optionee for the applicable period required by any Company plan or agreement with the Company pursuant to which such shares were issued and if not so restricted, which have been held for at least six months, or (c) a combination of the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the purchase price may be paid by delivery by the Optionee of a properly executed notice, together with a copy of his irrevocable instructions to a broker acceptable to the Committee to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds sufficient to pay such purchase price.

 


 

     4. The Company may withhold cash and/or shares of Common Stock to be issued to the Optionee in the amount which the Company determines is necessary to satisfy its obligation to withhold taxes or other amounts incurred by reason of the grant or exercise of this option or the disposition of the underlying shares of Common Stock. Alternatively, the Company may require the Optionee to pay the Company such amounts in cash promptly upon demand.
     5. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this option shall not be exercisable by the Optionee unless (a) a Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) with respect to the shares of Common Stock to be received upon the exercise of this option shall be effective and current at the time of exercise or (b) there is an exemption from registration under the Securities Act for the issuance of the shares of Common Stock upon such exercise. The Optionee hereby represents and warrants to the Company that, unless such a Registration Statement is effective and current at the time of exercise of this option, the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon the exercise of this option will be acquired by the Optionee for his or her own account, for investment only and not with a view to the resale or distribution thereof. In any event, the Optionee shall notify the Company of any proposed resale of the shares of Common Stock issued to him or her upon exercise of this option. Any subsequent resale or distribution of shares of Common Stock by the Optionee shall be made only pursuant to (x) a Registration Statement under the Securities Act which is effective and current with respect to the sale of shares of Common Stock being sold, or (y) a specific exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, but in claiming such exemption, the Optionee shall, prior to any offer of sale or sale of such shares of Common Stock, provide the Company (unless waived by the Company) with a favorable written opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company, as to the applicability of such exemption to the proposed sale or distribution. Such representations and warranties shall also be deemed to be made by the Optionee upon each exercise of this option. Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the Company to register the shares subject to this option under the Securities Act.
     6. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the Committee shall determine, in its discretion, that the listing or qualifications of the shares of Common Stock subject to this option on any securities exchange or under any applicable law, or the consent or approval of any governmental agency or regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as a condition to, or in connection with, the granting of an option or the issue of shares of Common Stock hereunder, this option may not be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee.
     7. The Company may affix appropriate legends upon the certificate for shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of this option and may issue such “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent in respect of such shares as it determines, in its discretion, to be necessary or appropriate to (a) prevent a violation of, or to perfect an exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, or (b) implement the provisions of the Plan or this Contract or any other agreement between the Company and the Optionee with respect to such shares of Common Stock.

2


 

     8. Nothing in the Plan or herein shall confer upon the Optionee any right to continue in the employ of the Company, any Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or interfere in any way with any right of the Company, any Parent or its Subsidiaries to terminate such employment at any time for any reason whatsoever without liability to the Company, any Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.
     9. The Company and the Optionee (by his or her acceptance of this option) agree that they will both be subject to and bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof. Any capitalized term not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to in the Plan. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Contract and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall govern.
     10. The Optionee (by his or her acceptance of this option) represents and agrees that her or she will comply with all applicable laws relating to the Plan and the grant and exercise of this option and the disposition of the shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of the option, including without limitation, federal and state securities and “blue sky” laws.
     11. This option is not transferable by the Optionee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee or the Optionee’s legal representatives.
     12. This Contract shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor or assign of the Company and to any heir, distributee, executor, administrator or legal representative entitled to the Optionee’s rights hereunder.
     13. This Contract shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of law rules thereof.
     14. The invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any provision herein shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision.
     15. The Optionee (by his or her acceptance of this option) agrees that the Company may amend the Plan and the options granted to the Optionee under the Plan, subject to the limitations contained in the Plan.

3


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Contract as of the day and year first above written.
         
  CSK AUTO CORPORATION
 
 
  By:      
    James G. Bazlen   
    President & Chief Operating Officer   
 
     
 
Optionee
  Date
 
   
 
   
 
Tax Identification No./Soc. Sec. No.

4

EX-10.09.1 6 p75180exv10w09w1.htm EX-10.09.1 exv10w09w1
 

Exhibit 10.09.1
March 2008
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
1999 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
     Pursuant to Section 14 of the CSK Auto Corporation 1999 Employee Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), the Plan is hereby amended as follows, effective as of March 31, 2008:
     1. The third paragraph of Section 7 of the Plan is hereby amended to add the following new sentence to the end thereof:
     “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan or any Contract, from and after the date of a Triggering Sale, each optionee shall be permitted to pay the exercise price of an option by delivery of a properly executed notice instructing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon exercise of the option having an aggregate fair market value on the date of exercise (determined in accordance with Paragraph 5) equal to the aggregate exercise price of all options being exercised.”
     2. Section 8 of the Plan is hereby amended to add the following new paragraph to the end thereof:
     “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan or any Contract, any optionee whose Relationship ceases because such optionee’s Relationship terminates for any reason (other than a termination for cause) within one (1) year following a Triggering Sale (as defined in Section 13 below) may exercise such option, at any time during the one (1) year following the date of such termination (or if earlier, until the expiration of the option term), but not thereafter (and the above restrictions on exercisability after working for a competitor shall not apply).”
     3. Section 13(a) of the Plan is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
     “a) In the event that, at any time during the term of an option, there shall be (i) a merger, sale of shares of capital stock by one or more stockholders, or similar transaction, which results in shares of capital stock having an aggregate of 80% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of capital stock being owned, directly or indirectly, by one or more related persons, or (ii) the sale of 80% or more of the Company’s assets in any one transaction or series of related transactions, in either case to parties which at the time of such sales were not stockholders or affiliates of any stockholder of the Company (collectively, “Sales” and the final such sale being the “Triggering Sale”), the portion of such option which remains unvested at the time of the Triggering Sale shall vest upon the occurrence of the Triggering Sale.”
     4. Section 16 of the Plan is hereby amended to add the following new sentence to the end thereof:
     “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan or any Contract, from and after the date of a Triggering Sale, each optionee shall be permitted to pay any withholding tax obligation incurred by reason of the grant or exercise of an option or the

 


 

disposition of the underlying shares of Common Stock by delivery of a properly executed notice instructing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock otherwise deliverable upon exercise of the option having an aggregate fair market value on the date of exercise (determined in accordance with Paragraph 5) equal to the amount of any such obligation.”
     5. Except as provided for above, the provisions of the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

 

EX-10.10 7 p75180exv10w10.htm EX-10.10 exv10w10
 

Exhibit 10.10
Option to Purchase «AGGREGATE_TO_PURCHASE» Shares of Common Stock
 
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
     1999 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION CONTRACT
     THIS NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION CONTRACT entered into as of «DATE_OF_GRANT_OPTIONS» between CSK AUTO CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and «OPTIONEE_NAME» (“Optionee”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
     1. The Company, in accordance with the allotment made by the committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”) and subject to the terms and conditions of the 1999 Employee Stock Option Plan of the Company, as amended or restated from time to time, (the “Plan”), grants to the Optionee an option to purchase an aggregate of «AGGREGATE_TO_PURCHASE» shares (the “Option Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $.01 per share (“Common Stock”), at an exercise price of «EXERCISE_PRICE» per share, such price being at least equal to the fair market value of such shares on the date hereof. This option is not intended to constitute an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the International Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
     2. The term of this option shall be «SEVEN_YEARS» years from the date hereof, subject to earlier termination as provided in the Plan. This option shall become exercisable in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Plan as modified by Exhibit I hereto, and, under certain circumstances set forth in the Plan, may remain exercisable for 30 days beyond its «SEVEN_YEARS» year term. The right to purchase Option Shares under this option shall be cumulative, so that if the full number of Option Shares purchasable in a period shall not be purchased, the balance may be purchased at any time or from time to time thereafter, but not after the expiration of the option.
     3. This option shall be exercised by giving five business days’ written notice to the Company at its then principal office, presently 645 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, A 85012, Attention: President, stating that the Optionee is exercising the option hereunder, specifying the number of Option Shares being purchased and accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate purchase price therefor (a) in cash or by certified check, (b) with previously acquired shares of Common Stock which have been held by the Optionee for the applicable period required by any Company plan or agreement with the Company pursuant to which such shares were issued and if not so restricted, which have been held for at least six months, or (c) a combination of the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the purchase price may be paid by delivery by the Optionee of a properly executed notice, together with a copy of his irrevocable instructions to a broker acceptable to the Committee to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds sufficient to pay such purchase price.
     4. The Company may withhold cash and/or shares of Common Stock to be issued to the Optionee in the amount which the Company determines is necessary to satisfy its obligation

 


 

to withhold taxes or other amounts incurred by reason of the grant or exercise of this option or the disposition of the underlying shares of Common Stock. Alternatively, the Company may require the Optionee to pay the Company such amounts in cash promptly upon demand.
     5. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this option shall not be exercisable by the Optionee unless (a) a Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) with respect to the shares of Common Stock to be received upon the exercise of this option shall be effective and current at the time of exercise or (b) there is an exemption from registration under the Securities Act for the issuance of the shares of Common Stock upon such exercise. The Optionee hereby represents and warrants to the Company that, unless such a Registration Statement is effective and current at the time of exercise of this option, the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon the exercise of this option will be acquired by the Optionee for his or her own account, for investment only and not with a view to the resale or distribution thereof. In any event, the Optionee shall notify the Company of any proposed resale of the shares of Common Stock issued to him or her upon exercise of this option. Any subsequent resale or distribution of shares of Common Stock by the Optionee shall be made only pursuant to (x) a Registration Statement under the Securities Act which is effective and current with respect to the sale of shares of Common Stock being sold, or (y) a specific exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, but in claiming such exemption, the Optionee shall, prior to any offer of sale or sale of such shares of Common Stock, provide the Company (unless waived by the Company) with a favorable written opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company, as to the applicability of such exemption to the proposed sale or distribution. Such representations and warranties shall also be deemed to be made by the Optionee upon each exercise of this option. Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the Company to register the shares subject to this option under the Securities Act.
     6. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the Committee shall determine, in its discretion, that the listing or qualifications of the shares of Common Stock subject to this option on any securities exchange or under any applicable law, or the consent or approval of any governmental agency or regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as a condition to, or in connection with, the granting of an option or the issue of shares of Common Stock hereunder, this option may not be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee.
     7. The Company may affix appropriate legends upon the certificate for shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of this option and may issue such “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent in respect of such shares as it determines, in its discretion, to be necessary or appropriate to (a) prevent a violation of, or to perfect an exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, or (b) implement the provisions of the Plan or this Contract or any other agreement between the Company and the Optionee with respect to such shares of Common Stock.
     8. Nothing in the Plan or herein shall confer upon the Optionee any right to continue in the employ of the Company, any Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or interfere in any way with any right of the Company, any Parent or its Subsidiaries to terminate such employment at any

2


 

time for any reason whatsoever without liability to the Company, any Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.
     9. The Company and the Optionee (by his or her acceptance of this option) agree that they will both be subject to and bound by all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof. Any capitalized term not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to in the Plan. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Contract and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall govern.
     10. The Optionee (by his or her acceptance of this option) represents and agrees that her or she will comply with all applicable laws relating to the Plan and the grant and exercise of this option and the disposition of the shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of the option, including without limitation, federal and state securities and “blue sky” laws.
     11. This option is not transferable by the Optionee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee or the Optionee’s legal representatives.
     12. This Contract shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor or assign of the Company and to any heir, distributee, executor, administrator or legal representative entitled to the Optionee’s rights hereunder.
     13. This Contract shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of law rules thereof.
     14. The invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any provision herein shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision.
     15. The Optionee (by his or her acceptance of this option) agrees that the Company may amend the Plan and the options granted to the Optionee under the Plan, subject to the limitations contained in the Plan.

3


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Contract as of the day and year first above written.
         
  CSK AUTO CORPORATION
 
 
  By:      
       
       
 
     
 
Optionee
  Date
 
   
 
   
 
Tax Identification No./Soc. Sec. No.

4


 

EXHIBIT I
VESTING OF OPTIONS
     Each option granted under the Plan to optionees to purchase shares of Common Stock will vest as to 34% of the shares of Common Stock (rounded up or down to the nearest whole share of Common Stock) subject to such option on the first anniversary date of the grant of the option and as to an additional 33% of such shares of Common Stock (rounded up or down to the nearest whole share of Common Stock), on each of the second and third anniversary dates of grant.

5

EX-10.11.1 8 p75180exv10w11w1.htm EX-10.11.1 exv10w11w1
 

Exhibit 10.11.1
March 2008
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
2004 STOCK AND INCENTIVE PLAN
     Pursuant to Section 19.1 of the CSK Auto Corporation 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), the Plan is hereby amended as follows, effective as of March 31, 2008:
     1. Section 6.5 of the Plan is hereby amended to add the following new sentence to the end thereof:
     “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan or in any Option Document, from and after a Change in Control, each Participant shall be permitted to pay the option price by delivery of a properly executed notice instructing the Company to withhold Shares otherwise issuable upon exercise of the Option having an aggregate Market Value on the date the Option is exercised equal to the aggregate purchase price therefor.”
     2. Section 8.2(a)(i) of the Plan is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
     “(i) the time period or periods, if any, including any conditions for determining such period or periods, during which the restrictions on such Restricted Stock shall apply (the “Restriction Period”); provided that in no event, other than as provided in Section 8.3 hereof or immediately below, shall such restrictions terminate prior to three (3) years after the date of grant if the vesting of the Restricted Stock is based solely on continuous employment or service as a Director or the passage of time; provided further, that (1) the restrictions on such Restricted Stock may lapse in monthly pro rata installments (i.e., 1/36 per month for 3 years) and (2) the limitation set forth in this subsection (i) shall not apply to a limited number of shares of Restricted Stock (or Stock Units) granted in 2008, the number of which shall not exceed 5% of the total number of Shares available for grant under the Plan as set forth in Section 5.1 hereof, and/or”
     3. Section 16.2 of the Plan is hereby amended to add the following new sentence to the end thereof:
     “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan or in any agreement or other document evidencing an Award, from and after a Change in Control, each Participant shall be permitted to pay any withholding tax obligation incurred by reason of the exercise, vesting, settlement or transfer of any Award by delivery of a properly executed notice instructing the Company to withhold Shares otherwise issuable or subject to such Award having an aggregate Market Value on the date the obligation arises equal to the amount required to be withheld.”
     4. Except as provided for above, the provisions of the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

EX-10.24 9 p75180exv10w24.htm EX-10.24 exv10w24
 

Exhibit 10.24
SEVERANCE AND RETENTION AGREEMENT
     SEVERANCE AND RETENTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of March 31, 2008, by and between CSK Auto, Inc., an Arizona corporation (the “Company”), and [<EXECUTIVE>] the “Executive”).
RECITALS
     The Company considers it essential and in the best interest of its stockholders to foster the continuous employment of key management personnel. The Company further recognizes that, as in the case of many publicly held corporations, the possibility of a change of control of the Company may exist and that such possibility, and the uncertainty and questions which it may raise among management, may create concerns for, and the distraction of, management personnel and may even result in departures which might have otherwise not have taken place, all to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders. The Company now desires to take steps to reinforce and encourage the continued attention and dedication of members of the Company’s management, including the Executive, to their assigned duties without distraction in the face of potentially disturbing circumstances arising from the possibility of a Change of Control (as defined below) of the Company.
AGREEMENT
     1. Definitions
          1.1 An “Affiliate” of the Company is an entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
          1.2 “Base Salary” shall mean the Executive’s regular annual rate of base pay as of the date in question.
          1.3 “Cause” shall mean that Executive: (i) has been convicted of a felony, or has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony; (ii) has committed an act of fraud or dishonesty which is injurious to the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (iii) has willfully and continually refused to substantially perform his duties with the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than any such refusal resulting from his incapacity due to mental illness or physical illness or injury), after a demand for substantial performance has been delivered to the Executive by the Board of Directors of the Company, where such demand reasonably identifies the manner in which the Board of Directors believes that the Executive has refused to substantially perform his duties and the passage of a reasonable period of time as specified by the Board of Directors for Executive to comply with such demand; or (iv) has willfully engaged in gross misconduct injurious to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

 


 

          1.4 A “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have taken place if, after the date hereof:
     (a) any person, corporation, or other entity or group, including any “group” as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, other than any employee benefit plan then maintained by CSK Auto Corporation (“Parent”), becomes the beneficial owner of shares of Parent having 50% or more of the total number of votes that may be cast for the election of directors of Parent (including any shares owned by such beneficial owner or members of its “group” as of the date hereof);
     (b) as the result of, or in connection with, any contested election for the Board of Directors of Parent, or any tender or exchange offer, merger or other business combination or sale of assets, or any combination of the foregoing (a “Transaction”), the persons who were directors of Parent before the Transaction shall cease to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of Parent or any successor to Parent or its assets;
     (c) at any time Parent shall consolidate or merge with any other Person and Parent shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation, or any Person shall consolidate or merge with Parent and Parent shall be the continuing or surviving corporation, and in connection therewith, all or part of the outstanding Parent stock shall be changed into or exchanged for stock or other securities of any other Person or cash or any other property;
     (d) Parent shall be a party to a statutory share exchange with any other Person after which Parent is a subsidiary of any other Person; or
     (e) Parent shall sell or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of the assets or earning power of Parent and its subsidiaries (taken as a whole) to any Person or Persons.
          1.5 The “Change of Control Date” shall mean the date immediately prior to the consummation of the Change of Control.
          1.6 The Executive shall have “Good Reason” to terminate employment if, without the Executive’s consent:
     (a) the Executive’s duties, responsibilities or authority are materially reduced or diminished (provided, however, that neither (i) a change in the Executive’s reporting relationships, nor (ii) an adjustment in the nature of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities that, in either case, does not remove from him the authority with respect to the Company’s functional area, employees or products and services that the Executive had immediately prior to such change or adjustment shall constitute Good Reason);
     (b) the Executive’s compensation or benefits are reduced;
     (c) the Company reduces the potential earnings of the Executive under any performance-based bonus or incentive plan of the Company;

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     (d) the Company requires that the Executive’s employment be based at a location outside a 50 mile radius from the location of the Executive’s employment location as of the date hereof or the Executive’s employment location immediately prior to a Change of Control Date, as the case may be;
     (e) any purchaser, assign, continuing or surviving corporation, or successor of the Company or its business or assets (whether by acquisition, merger, liquidation, consolidation, reorganization, sale or transfer of assets or business, or otherwise) fails or refuses to expressly assume in writing this Agreement and all of the duties and obligations of the Company hereunder pursuant to Section 9 hereof;
     (f) the Company breaches any of the material provisions of this Agreement or the Executive’s employment agreement or offer letter (if any); or
     (g) if applicable, the Company breaches any of the provisions of the Letter Agreement (the “Letter Agreement”), dated as of March 31, 2008, between the Company and the Executive regarding the Executive’s commuting arrangements and related agreement by the Company to pay or reimburse the Executive for travel, living and/or relocation expenses as set forth therein.
          Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the events referred to in (a) through (f) above shall constitute Good Reason unless the Executive gives written notice to the Company of his election to terminate his employment for such reason within 15 days after he becomes aware of the existence of facts or circumstances constituting Good Reason; provided, however, that with respect to the events referred to in (a) above that occur upon or directly as a result of a Change of Control, this notice period shall be extended until 90 days following the occurrence of the Change of Control. Such notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances constituting the Good Reason and, if the Good Reason is a curable condition (in the good faith determination of the Company), shall provide the Company with 30 days to cure such condition. The notice shall also specify the date when the termination of employment is to become effective (if the Good Reason is not curable or is curable, but not cured within the 30 days), which date shall be not less than 45 days and not more than 90 days from the date the notice is given; provided, however, that after receiving such notice, the Company shall be permitted to terminate the Executive’s employment prior to the termination date specified by Executive without payment of additional compensation to the Executive (provided, however, that the Company shall still be obligated for payment of the severance and other benefits set forth in this Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions herein).
          1.7 “Person” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in Section 13(d).
          1.8 “Specified Change of Control” shall mean a Change of Control that results in the Company (or the assets or earning power thereof) being acquired or otherwise controlled by one or more of the following corporations: Auto Zone, Inc., The Pep Boys — Manny, Moe & Jack, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., Advance Stores Company, Incorporated or Genuine Parts Company.

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          1.9 “Target Bonus” shall mean the target bonus (100% level) established for the Executive for the year in question under the Company’s “Annual Incentive Plan” or “Performance Unit Plan,” as applicable.
     2. Retention Bonus.
          2.1 Retention Bonus. If a Change of Control occurs and (i) the Executive remains continuously employed by the Company or its Affiliates or the continuing or surviving corporation resulting from the Change of Control on a full-time basis through the date that is six months following the Change of Control Date or (ii) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated (a) by the Company without Cause or (b) by the Executive for Good Reason, in each case before the date that is six months following the Change of Control Date, the Company shall pay to the Executive a gross lump sum cash amount equal to three (3) months of the Executive’s then current Base Salary (the “Retention Bonus”). The Retention Bonus, if earned in accordance with the preceding sentence, shall be paid to the Executive within 10 days following the date that is six months following a Change of Control Date. Any payment of the Retention Bonus shall be paid net of any applicable withholding required under federal, state or local law.
          2.2 2008 Annual Bonus. If a Change of Control occurs on or prior to the end of the Company’s 2008 fiscal year and (i) the Executive remains continuously employed by the Company or its Affiliates or the continuing or surviving corporation resulting from the Change of Control on a full-time basis through the date that is six months following the Change of Control Date or (ii) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated (a) by the Company without Cause or (b) by the Executive for Good Reason, in each case before the date that is six months following the Change of Control Date, then:
     (a) if the Executive’s employment terminates prior to the end of the Company’s 2008 fiscal year, in addition to the Change in Control Severance Benefits (described below), the Company shall pay to the Executive, within 10 days following the date of such termination of employment, a gross lump sum cash amount equal to the Executive’s Target Bonus for the 2008 fiscal year multiplied by a fraction, (x) the numerator of which is the greater of (1) the number of full or partial months (rounded up to the whole month) between February 4, 2008 and the date that is six months following the Change of Control Date or (2) the number of full or partial months (rounded up to the whole month) the Executive was employed by the Company and/or the continuing or surviving corporation during the 2008 fiscal year, and (y) the denominator of which is 12; provided, that the amount payable pursuant to this Section 2.2(a) shall in no event exceed 100% of the Executive’s Target Bonus for the 2008 fiscal year; or
     (b) if the Executive remains employed by the Company or its Affiliates or the continuing or surviving corporation resulting from the Change of Control through the end of the Company’s 2008 fiscal year, the Company shall pay to the Executive, within 10 days following the end of the Company’s 2008 fiscal year, a gross lump sum cash amount equal to the Executive’s Target Bonus for the 2008 fiscal year.

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Any payment pursuant to this Section 2.2 shall be paid net of any applicable withholding required under federal, state or local law.
     3. Change of Control Severance Benefits
          3.1 Eligibility for Change of Control Severance Benefits. The Executive shall be eligible for the benefits described in Section 3.2 (the “Change of Control Severance Benefits”) if there has been a Change of Control and during the twelve (12) month period commencing on the Change of Control Date (the “Post Change of Control Period”), the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated (i) by the Company without Cause or (ii) by the Executive for Good Reason. In addition, the Executive shall be eligible for the Change of Control Severance Benefits if there has been a Specified Change of Control and during the thirty (30) day period commencing on the date that is six (6) months following the Change of Control Date, the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive for any reason.
          3.2 Severance Benefit. Upon satisfaction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and subject to Section 5, the Executive shall be entitled to the following Change of Control Severance Benefits:
     (a) Cash Payments. The Executive shall be entitled to receive an amount in cash equal to the sum of:
     (i) 100% of the greater of (x) the sum of the Executive’s Base Salary and Target Bonus, in each case as in effect upon the date Executive’s employment was terminated, or (y) the sum of the Executive’s Base Salary and Target Bonus, in each case as in effect on the Change of Control Date;
     (ii) accrued and unused vacation;
     (iii) reimbursement for properly incurred business expenses, including, but not limited to, expenses incurred pursuant to the Letter Agreement, if any;
     (iv) payment of Executive’s annual bonus, to the extent earned and unpaid at the time of termination, for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which Executive’s employment terminates; and
     (v) any amounts due to Executive under the Company’s Cash In Lieu Bonus Plan (payable at the time or times specified therein).
The payment described in clause (i) shall be made in equal monthly installments over a twelve (12) month period (the “severance period”) and shall be paid net of any applicable withholding required under federal, state or local law. All other payments shall be paid in lump sum within 10 days following the date of termination, except for the payment described in clause (iv), which shall be payable at the time bonuses are generally paid to the Company’s executives. The payments described in this Section 3.2(a) shall be in lieu of any payment otherwise due under the Company’s “Annual Incentive Plan” or

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“Performance Unit Plan” (but not any of the Company’s long-term or equity incentive plans or the Company’s Cash In Lieu Bonus Plan) for the fiscal year in which the Executive’s termination occurs (other than the payment set forth in Section 2.2 hereof).
     (b) Benefits Continuation. During the severance period, the Company shall provide the Executive (and his eligible dependents, to the extent applicable and comparable to coverage afforded prior to termination of employment) with continued coverage under the Company’s medical, dental, vision and Exec-U-Care benefit plans, in each case, in accordance with the terms thereof and with the same level of coverage (and related cost to the Executive) as if the Executive had remained employed during such period. Following the severance period, at the Executive’s election and at the Executive’s own expense, the Executive (and his eligible dependents) shall be entitled to COBRA coverage for the full COBRA period (18 months). In no event shall the Executive be entitled to participation in any other employee benefit plans or arrangements or perquisites provided by the Company from and after the date the Executive’s employment is terminated, except as set forth herein.
     (c) Outplacement Services. The Company shall provide reimbursement to the Executive for outplacement counseling services from an outplacement firm of national reputation engaged by the Executive to assist the Executive in obtaining new employment, provided that the amount required to be reimbursed for such services by the Company shall not exceed 15% of the greater of Executive’s Base Salary as in effect upon the date Executive’s employment was terminated or as in effect on the Change of Control Date.
     (d) Cell Phone/PDA. Executive shall be permitted to retain for personal use following termination of employment the cell phone and/or PDA provided to Executive by the Company.
     (e) No Reimbursement of Relocation Expenses. Notwithstanding any provision of the Company’s relocation policy to the contrary, in no event shall the Executive (i) be required to reimburse the Company for any relocation expenses properly incurred or expended (whether pursuant to the Letter Agreement or otherwise) or (ii) forfeit any right to tax gross-up protection, in each case, regardless of whether the Executive’s termination of employment occurred within one year of the date Executive commenced employment with the Company.
     (f) If the Company determines (i) that on the date the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates or at such other time that the Company determines to be relevant, the Executive is a “specified employee” (as such term is defined under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) of the Company and (ii) that payment of the amounts set forth in Section 3.2(a) or other such payments provided hereunder would be considered “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code subject to the additional tax under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code if provided at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then commencement of such payments shall be delayed until the earlier of

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(A) the Executive’s death or (B) the date that is six months following the Executive’s “separation from service” with the Company (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code). Any installment payments that are delayed pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be paid in lump sum on the first date such payments become payable pursuant to the preceding sentence, after which time the remainder of the payments shall be made in equal monthly installments pursuant to Section 3.2.
     4. Standard Severance Benefits
          4.1 Eligibility for Standard Severance Benefits. If the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated (i) by the Company without Cause or (ii) by the Executive for Good Reason, in each case other than during the Post Change of Control Period, the Executive shall be eligible for the benefits described in Section 4.2 (the “Standard Severance Benefits”).
          4.2 Severance Benefit. Upon satisfaction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and subject to Section 5, the Executive shall be entitled to the following Standard Severance Benefits:
     (a) Cash Payments. The Executive shall be entitled to receive an amount in cash equal to the sum of:
     (i) 100% of the greater of (x) the sum of Executive’s Base Salary and Target Bonus, in each case as in effect upon the date Executive’s employment was terminated, or (if applicable) (y) the sum of Executive’s Base Salary and Target Bonus, in each case as in effect on the date Executive gives notice, pursuant to Section 1.6, in the case of a termination for Good Reason;
     (ii) accrued and unused vacation;
     (iii) reimbursement for properly incurred business expenses, including, but not limited to, expenses incurred pursuant to the Letter Agreement, if any;
     (iv) payment of Executive’s annual bonus, to the extent earned and unpaid at the time of termination, for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which Executive’s employment terminates; and
     (v) any amounts due to Executive under the Company’s Cash In Lieu Bonus Plan (payable at the time or times specified therein).
The payment described in clause (i) shall be made in equal monthly installments over a twelve (12) month period (the “severance period”) and shall be paid net of any applicable withholding required under federal, state or local law. All other payments shall be paid in lump sum within 10 days following the date of termination, except for the payment described in clause (iv), which shall be payable at the time bonuses are generally paid to the Company’s executives. The payments described in this Section 4.2(a) shall be in lieu of any payment otherwise due under the Company’s “Annual Incentive Plan” or

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“Performance Unit Plan” (but not any of the Company’s long-term or equity incentive plans or the Company’s Cash In Lieu Bonus Plan) for the fiscal year in which the Executive’s termination occurs (other than the payment set forth in Section 2.2 hereof).
     (b) Benefits Continuation. During the severance period, the Company shall provide the Executive (and his eligible dependents, to the extent applicable and comparable to coverage afforded prior to termination of employment) with continued coverage under the Company’s medical, dental, vision and Exec-U-Care benefit plans, in each case, in accordance with the terms thereof and with the same level of coverage (and related cost to the Executive) as if the Executive had remained employed during such period. Following the severance period, at the Executive’s election and at the Executive’s own expense, the Executive (and his eligible dependents) shall be entitled to COBRA coverage for the full COBRA period (18 months). In no event shall the Executive be entitled to participation in any other employee benefit plans or arrangements or perquisites provided by the Company from and after the date the Executive’s employment is terminated, except as set forth herein.
     (c) Outplacement Services. The Company shall provide reimbursement to the Executive for outplacement counseling services from an outplacement firm of national reputation engaged by the Executive to assist the Executive in obtaining new employment, provided that the amount required to be reimbursed for such services by the Company shall not exceed 15% of the greater of Executive’s Base Salary as in effect upon the date Executive’s employment was terminated or Executive’s Base Salary in effect on the date Executive gives notice pursuant to Section 1.6, in the case of a termination for Good Reason.
     (d) Cell Phone/PDA. Executive shall be permitted to retain for personal use following termination of employment the cell phone and/or PDA provided to Executive by the Company.
     (e) If the Company determines (i) that on the date the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates or at such other time that the Company determines to be relevant, the Executive is a “specified employee” (as such term is defined under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) of the Company and (ii) that payment of the amounts set forth in Section 4.2(a) or other such payments provided hereunder would be considered “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code subject to the additional tax under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code if provided at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then commencement of such payments shall be delayed until the earlier of (A) the Executive’s death or (B) the date that is six months following the Executive’s “separation from service” with the Company (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code). Any installment payments that are delayed pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be paid in lump sum on the first date such payments become payable pursuant to the preceding sentence, after which time the remainder of the payments shall be made in equal monthly installments pursuant to Section 4.2.

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     5. Release. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither the Retention Bonus, the Change of Control Severance Benefits nor the Standard Severance Benefits shall be payable to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement unless and until the eighth (8th) day after the Executive executes (and does not subsequently revoke), in each case, a general release in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Release”).
     6. Tax Indemnity Payments.
     (a) Notwithstanding anything in this Severance Agreement or any other agreement between the Executive and the Company to the contrary, in the event that it shall be determined that the aggregate payments or distributions by the Company, any purchaser, successor, or assign thereof, or any of its or their affiliates to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms hereof, the LTIP or otherwise, but determined without regard to any additional payments required under this Section 6 (each a “Payment”), constitute “parachute payments” (as such term is defined under Section 280G of the Code or any successor provision, and the regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, “Section 280G”)) subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any successor provision (collectively, “Section 4999”) or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (the total excise tax, together with any interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”)), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any federal, state or local income and self-employment taxes and Excise Tax (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect to any such taxes) imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.
     (b) Subject to the provisions of Section 6(c) hereof, all determinations required to be made under this Section 6, including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made by the Company’s public accounting firm (the “Accounting Firm”), which shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and the Executive within fifteen (15) business days of the receipt of notice from the Executive that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this Section 6, shall be paid by the Company to the Executive within five (5) business days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm’s determination (it being understood, however, that the Gross Up Payment may, if permitted by law, be paid directly to the applicable taxing authorities). If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, it shall furnish the Executive with a written report detailing its determination. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made by the

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Company (an “Underpayment”), or that Gross-Up Payments will have been made by the Company which should not have been made (an “Overpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In either such event, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment or Overpayment that has occurred. In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to Section 6(c) and the Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive. In the case of an Overpayment, the Executive shall, at the direction and expense of the Company, take such steps as are reasonably necessary (including, if reasonable, the filing of returns and claims for refund), and otherwise reasonably cooperate with the Company to correct such Overpayment (or, if retained by the Executive, at his own expense to repay such Overpayment); provided, however, that (i) in the event of an Overpayment actually paid to the IRS or other relevant taxing authority, and provided that the Executive uses his best efforts to seek a refund of any such Overpayment, the Executive shall not be obligated to return to the Company an amount greater than the net after-tax portion of the Overpayment that he has retained or has recovered as a refund from the applicable taxing authorities and (ii) this provision shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the intent of Section 6(a) hereof to make the Executive whole, on an after-tax basis, from the application of Section 4999.
     (c) The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require a payment by the Company, or a change in the amount of the payment by the Company of, the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable after the Executive is informed in writing of such claim and shall apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid; provided that the failure to give any notice pursuant to this Section 6(c) shall not impair the Executive’s rights under this Section 6 except to the extent the Company is materially prejudiced thereby. The Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the 30-day period following the date on which the Executive gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the Executive shall:
     (i) give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to such claim,
     (ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including, without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company,
     (iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to contest such claim, and

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     (iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such claim; provided, however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income, self-employment or other tax (including interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and expenses.
Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of this Section 6(c), the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forgo any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct the Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; provided further, that if the Company directs the Executive to pay such claim and sue for a refund, the Company shall advance the amount of such payment to the Executive on an interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income, self-employment or other tax (including interest or penalties with respect to any such taxes) imposed with respect to such advance or with respect to any imputed income with respect to such advance; and provided further, that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of the Executive with respect to which such contested amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the Company’s control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and the Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.
If, after the receipt by the Executive of any Overpayment or any amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 6(c) hereof, the Executive becomes entitled to receive, and receives, any refund with respect to such claim, the Executive shall (subject to the Company’s complying with the requirements of Section 6(c) hereof) promptly pay to the Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the Company pursuant to Section 6(c), a determination is made that the Executive shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify the Executive in writing of its intent to contest such denial of refund prior to the expiration of ninety (90) days after such determination, then such advance shall be forgiven and shall not be required to be repaid and the amount of such advance shall offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid.
     7. Restrictive Covenants.
          7.1 Confidentiality. The Executive understands and acknowledges that during the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive has had and will have access to

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and has learned and will learn (i) information proprietary to the Company and its Affiliates that concerns the operation and methodology of the businesses conducted by the Company and its Affiliates and as the same are hereafter conducted by the Company and its Affiliates (the “Business”) or (ii) other information proprietary to the Company and its Affiliates, including, without limitation, trade secrets, processes, patent and trademark applications, product development, price, customer and supply lists, pricing and marketing plans, policies and strategies, details of client and consultant contracts, operations methods, product development techniques, business acquisition plans, new personnel acquisition plans and all other confidential information with respect to the Business (collectively, “Proprietary Information”). The Executive agrees that, from and after the date hereof, the Executive will keep confidential and will not disclose directly or indirectly any such Proprietary Information to any third party, except as required to fulfill the Executive’s duties as an Executive of the Company, and will not misuse, misappropriate or exploit such Proprietary Information in any way. The restrictions contained herein shall not apply to any information which (a) was already available to the public at the time of disclosure, or subsequently becomes available to the public otherwise than by breach of this Agreement, or (b) was disclosed due to a requirement of law, provided that the Executive shall have given prompt notice of such requirement to the Company to enable the Company to seek an appropriate protective order with respect to such disclosure. Upon any termination of the employment of the Executive, the Executive shall promptly return to the Company and its Affiliates all documents, computer disks, records, notebooks and similar repositories of any Proprietary Information in the Executive’s possession, including copies thereof.
          7.2 Agreement Not to Compete/Non-Solicitation.
     (a) During the twelve (12) month period following the Executive’s termination of employment under circumstances entitling the Executive to either the Change of Control Severance Benefits or the Standard Severance Benefits, as applicable (the “Non-Compete Period”), the Executive shall not become engaged in a managerial or executive capacity for, or consultant to, Auto Zone, Inc., The Pep Boys — Manny, Moe & Jack, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., or Advance Stores Company, Incorporated (the “Competitors”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a Change of Control that results in the Company (or its assets or business) being acquired or merging with a Competitor (or subsidiary thereof), the preceding sentence shall have no effect with respect to such Competitor.
     (b) During the Non-Compete Period, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, hire or attempt to hire any employee of the Company.
     (c) During the Non-Compete Period, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, call on or solicit any person, firm, corporation, business or other entity who or which is, or within two years prior to the Non-Compete Period had been, a customer of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company.
          7.3 Remedies. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that damages for a breach or threatened breach of any of the covenants set forth in this Section 7 will be difficult to determine and will not afford a full and adequate remedy, and therefore agrees that the Company, in addition to seeking actual damages in connection therewith, may seek specific

12


 

enforcement of any such covenant in any court of competent jurisdiction, including, without limitation, by the issuance of a temporary or permanent injunction. In addition, the Company may terminate the payment of any remaining Change of Control Severance Benefits or Standard Severance Benefits in the event of a breach or threatened breach of any of the covenants set forth in this Section 7.
     8. Waiver of Other Severance Benefits. The Change of Control Severance Benefits and Standard Severance Benefits payable pursuant to this Agreement are in lieu of any and all other severance benefits that may otherwise be payable to the Executive upon termination of his or her employment for any reason (including, without limitation, any benefits to which the Executive might otherwise have been entitled under the Stockholders Agreement, dated October 30, 1996, among the stockholders named therein and the Company, any employment agreement and any letter agreements to which the Executive is a party (collectively, “Contractual Benefits”), except those benefits which are to be made available to the Executive as required by applicable law and as provided herein, and Executive hereby waives all such Contractual Benefits in exchange for the Company’s agreement to make the payments to be made hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 8 shall be deemed to waive any rights the Executive may have under the Company’s long-term and/or equity incentive plans, tax-qualified retirement plans or nonqualified deferred compensation plans.
     9. Assumption of Agreement. The Company will require any successor (whether by purchase of assets, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform all of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement (including the obligation to cause any subsequent successor to also assume the obligations of this Agreement) unless such assumption occurs by operation of law.
     10. Notices. Any notice or communication given by either party hereto to the other shall be in writing and personally delivered, delivered by overnight delivery service or mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to the following addresses:
  (a)   If to the Company:
 
      CSK Auto Corporation
625 East Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85012
Attn.: General Counsel
 
      with a copy to:
 
      Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
1801 California Street, Suite 4100
Denver, Colorado 80202
Attn.: Richard M. Russo, Esq.
 
  (b)   if to the Executive, to the address of the Executive as it appears in the records of the Company

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     Any notice shall be deemed given when actually delivered to such address, or five days after such notice has been mailed or one day after such notice has been sent by overnight delivery service, whichever comes earliest. Any person entitled to receive notice may designate in writing, by notice to the other, such other address to which notices to such person shall thereafter be sent.
     11. Miscellaneous.
          11.1 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the Release, contains the entire understanding of the parties in respect of its subject matter, and any other agreement or understanding between the parties, oral or written, made prior to the date of this Agreement is hereby terminated in its entirety.
          11.2 Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement may not be amended, supplemented, cancelled or discharged, except by written instrument executed by the party affected thereby. No failure to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. No waiver of any breach of any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision.
          11.3 Binding Effect; Assignment. The rights and obligations of this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of any successor of the Company by reorganization, merger or consolidation, or any assignee of all or substantially all of the Company’s business and properties. The Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any of its Affiliates without the consent of the Executive, but shall remain liable for any payments provided hereunder not timely made by any Affiliate assignee. The Executive’s rights or obligations under this Agreement may not be assigned by the Executive.
          11.4 Headings. The headings contained in this agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
          11.5 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed for all purposes by the laws and public policy (other than conflict of laws principles) of the State of Arizona applicable to contracts executed and to be wholly performed within such state.
          11.6 Arbitration. Except as provided in Section 7.3 hereof, any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement, including any claim arising out of or in connection with any termination of the Executive’s employment, shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Phoenix, Arizona in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction.
          11.7 Further Assurances. Each of the parties agrees to execute, acknowledge, deliver and perform, and cause to be executed, acknowledged, delivered and performed, at any time and from time to time, as the case may be, all such further acts, deeds, assignments,

14


 

transfers, conveyances, powers of attorney and assurances as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions or intent of this Agreement.
          11.8 Severability. The parties have carefully reviewed the provisions of this Agreement and agree that they are fair and equitable. However, in light of the possibility of differing interpretations of law and changes in circumstances, the parties agree that if any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the provisions of this Agreement shall, to the extent permitted by law, remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated. Moreover, if any of the provisions contained in this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be excessively broad as to duration, activity, geographic application or subject, it shall be construed, by limiting or reducing it to the extent legally permitted, so as to be enforceable to the extent compatible with then applicable law.
          11.9 Amendment and Restatement. This Agreement is an amendment and restatement of that certain Severance and Retention Agreement dated [date] (the “Original Agreement”). Upon the full execution of this Agreement, the Original Agreement shall be deemed to be null and void.
[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE]

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
         
  CSK AUTO, INC.
 
 
  By:   /s/ LAWRENCE N. MONDRY    
    Name:   Lawrence N. Mondry   
    Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer   
 
  EXECUTIVE
 
 
     
     
 

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EXHIBIT A
Date of Notification:                                              
GENERAL RELEASE
     This is a General Release (this “Release”) executed by [<EXECUTIVE>] (the “Executive”) pursuant to Section 5 of the Amended and Restated Severance and Retention Agreement dated as of March 31, 2008 (the “Retention Agreement”) between CSK Auto, Inc., an Arizona corporation (the “Company”), and the Executive.
     WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive intend that the terms and conditions of the Retention Agreement and this Release shall govern all issues related to the Executive’s employment and termination of employment by the Company;
     WHEREAS, the Executive has had at least 21 days to consider the form of this Release.
     WHEREAS, the Company advised the Executive in writing to consult with a lawyer before signing this Release;
     WHEREAS, the Executive has represented and hereby reaffirms that the Executive has disclosed to the Company any information in the Executive’s possession concerning any conduct involving the Company or its affiliates that the Executive has any reason to believe involves any false claims to the United States or is or may be unlawful or violates the policies of the Company in any respect;
     WHEREAS, the Executive acknowledges that the consideration to be provided to the Executive under the Retention Agreement is sufficient to support this Release;
     WHEREAS, the Executive represents that the Executive has not filed any charges, claims or lawsuits against the Company involving any aspect of the Executive’s employment which have not been terminated as of the date of this Release; and
     WHEREAS, the Executive understands that the Company regards the representations by the Executive as material and that the Company is relying on these representations in paying amounts to the Executive pursuant to the Retention Agreement.
     THEREFORE, the Executive agrees as follows:
     1. The Executive, on behalf of the Executive and anyone claiming through the Executive, including the Executive’s heirs, assigns and agents, releases and discharges the Company and its directors, officers, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates and agents, and the predecessors, successors and assigns of any of them (the “Released Parties”), from each and every claim, action or right of any sort, in law or in equity, known or unknown, asserted or

A-1


 

unasserted, foreseen or unforeseen, arising on or before the Effective Date (as defined in Section 7 hereof).
          (a) This Release includes, but is not limited to: any claim of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, handicap or disability, age, veteran status, special disabled veteran status or citizenship status; any other claim based on a statutory prohibition or common law doctrine; any claim arising out of or related to the Executive’s employment with the Company, the terms and conditions thereof or the termination or cessation thereof; any express or implied employment contract, any other express or implied contract affecting terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment or the termination or cessation thereof, or a covenant of good faith and fair dealing; any tort claims and any personal gain with respect to any claim arising under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. 3730.
          (b) The Executive represents that the Executive understands this Release, that rights and claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Older Workers’ Benefit Protection Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 are among the rights and claims against the Released Parties the Executive is releasing, and that the Executive understands that the Executive is not releasing any rights or claims arising after the Effective Date.
          (c) The Executive further agrees never to sue the Released Parties or cause the Released Parties to be sued regarding any matter within the scope of this Release. If the Executive violates this Release by suing any of the Released Parties or causing any of the Released Parties to be sued, the Executive agrees to pay all costs and expenses of defending against the suit incurred by the Released Parties, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.
          (d) The Executive expressly represents and warrants that the Executive is the sole owner of the actual or alleged claims, demands, rights, causes of action and other matters that are released herein, that the same have not been transferred or assigned or caused to be transferred or assigned to any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, and that the Executive has the full right and power to grant, execute and deliver this Release. This Release does not impair Executive’s right to file a charge or complaint with any federal, state, or local enforcement agency. However, Executive agrees that this Release may be pleaded as a complete bar to any action or suit before any administrative body or court with respect to any complaint, charge, or claim arising under any federal, state, local or other law.
     2. The Executive acknowledges that the Executive is bound by the provisions of Section 7 of the Retention Agreement.
     3. The Executive understands that any and all Company covenants which relate to Company obligations to the Executive following any Change of Control Date (as defined in the Retention Agreement), including but not limited to the payments set forth in the Retention Agreement, are contingent on the Executive’s satisfaction of the Executive’s obligations under this Release.

2


 

     4. The Executive agrees that he or she will cooperate fully with the Company in connection with any and all existing or future claims, disputes, negotiations, investigations, litigation or administrative proceedings brought by or against the Company or any of its affiliates, agents, officers, directors or employees, whether administrative, civil or criminal in nature, in which and to the extent the Company deems the Executive’s cooperation necessary. Such cooperation may include, but shall not be limited to, providing information or documents, providing declarations or statements to the Company, meeting with attorneys or other representatives of Company, preparing for and give depositions or testimony, and/or otherwise cooperating in the investigation, defense or prosecution of such matters. The Executive understands that the Company will reimburse the Executive for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of such cooperation. Nothing herein shall prevent the Executive from communicating with or participating in any government investigation. The Executive will act in good faith to furnish the information and cooperation required by this Section 4 and the Company will act in good faith so that the requirement to furnish such information and cooperation does not create a hardship for the Executive.
     5. The Executive agrees, subject to any obligations the Executive may have under applicable law, that the Executive will not make or cause to be made any statements that disparage, are inimical to, or damage the reputation of the Company or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, agents, officers, directors or Executives. In the event such a communication is made to anyone, including but not limited to the media, public interest groups and publishing companies, it will be considered a material breach of the terms of the Retention Agreement and this Release and the Executive will be required to reimburse the Company for any and all payments made under the terms of the Retention Agreement and all commitments to make additional payments to the Executive will be null and void.
     6. The Company is not obligated to offer employment to the Executive (or to accept services or the performance of work from the Executive directly or indirectly) now or in the future.
     7. The Executive may revoke this Release in writing within seven days of signing it. This Release will not take effect until the Effective Date. If the Executive revokes this Release, all of its provisions and the payment provisions of the Retention Agreement shall be void and unenforceable. Such revocation must be received by the Company no later than 11:59 p.m. on the seventh day after Executive’s execution of this Release at the following address: CSK Auto, Inc. 645 E. Missouri, Phoenix, AZ 85012, Attention:                          . The “Effective Date” shall be the day after the end of the revocation period described in this Section 7 hereof.
     8. The Executive shall keep strictly confidential all the terms and conditions, including amounts, in the Retention Agreement and this Release and shall not disclose them to any person other than the Executive’s spouse, the Executive’s legal or financial advisor or United States governmental officials who seek such information in the course of their official duties, unless compelled by law to do so. If a person not a party to the Retention Agreement requests or demands, by subpoena or otherwise, that the Executive disclose or produce the Retention Agreement or this Release or any terms or conditions thereof, the Executive shall immediately notify the Company and shall give the Company an opportunity to respond to such

3


 

notice before taking any action or making any decision in connection with such request or subpoena.
     9. The Retention Agreement and this Release constitute the entire understanding between the parties. The Executive has not relied on any oral statements that are not included in the Retention Agreement or this Release.
     10. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is determined to be legally invalid or unenforceable by any court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction, and cannot be modified to be enforceable, the affected provision shall be stricken from the Agreement, and the remaining terms of the Agreement and its enforceability shall remain unaffected.
     11. This Release shall be construed, interpreted and applied in accordance with the law of the State of Arizona (other than conflict of laws principles).
     12. In the event that Executive’s termination constitutes a exit incentive or other employment termination program offered to a group or class of employees under 29 U.S.C. §626(F), Executive shall have forty-five (45) days within which to consider this Release and Executive shall be provided with all other disclosures required by law.
         
  EXECUTIVE
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
Date:                                                        

4

EX-10.29.1 10 p75180exv10w29w1.htm EX-10.29.1 exv10w29w1
 

Amendment to Amended & Restated Outside Director Compensation Policy
(Adopted by Board of Directors November 2007)
  Exhibit 10.29.1
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
OUTSIDE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION POLICY
     A. Annual Stipend — Outside Directors.
     (i) Amount and Form of Payment. Non-employee (“outside”) directors of CSK Auto Corporation (the “Company”) shall be paid an annual cash stipend in the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) (the “Fixed Fee”). Unless the director is first appointed to the Board via election at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders, the Fixed Fee for the first year of service until the first annual meeting of stockholders following the director’s appointment to the Board shall be adjusted pro rata for the period from the date of the outside director’s appointment to the Board to the next annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders.1
     (ii) Timing of Payment. The Fixed Fee shall be paid as follows:
     1. If the period between the outside director’s election to the Board and the next annual meeting of stockholders is six months or less, payment shall be made in a single installment on the date of the next annual meeting of stockholders.
     2. If the period between the outside director’s election (or re-election) to the Board and the next annual meeting of stockholders is longer than six months, payment shall be made in two equal installments on the following dates: (1) on the six month anniversary of the outside director’s election, and (2) on the earlier of (a) the one year anniversary of the outside director’s election (or re-election) or (b) the date of the first annual meeting of stockholders following the director’s election to the Board.
     3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of death or disability of the outside director or a Change in Control (as defined in the Company’s 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan), all unpaid portions of the Fixed Fee shall be paid immediately. Unpaid portions of the Fixed Fee shall not be paid if a director voluntarily resigns from office prior to the scheduled payment date, unless such resignation is in connection with a Change in Control.
     B. Annual Stipend — Non-Executive Chairman of the Board.
     If the Chairman of the Board is an outside director, he or she shall be paid an annual cash stipend in addition to the Fixed Fee of $36,000.00/annum, payable in the same manner as the Fixed Fee as described above.
     C. Equity Grants.
 
1   For the purposes of this Policy, the date of the next annual meeting of stockholders means, in cases where such date has not yet been set, the anticipated date of the next annual meeting of stockholders.

-1-


 

     Each outside director will be granted an option to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at the close of business on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders. The exercise price shall be equal to the fair market value on the grant date. Such options shall vest on the one year anniversary of the grant date. If a director is first appointed to the Board between annual meetings, the options to be awarded for the first partial year of service (until the first annual meeting of stockholders following the director’s appointment to the Board) shall be adjusted pro rata (calculated on the basis of 10,000 shares per annum) for the period from the date of the outside director’s appointment to the Board to the next annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of death or disability of the outside director or a Change in Control (as defined in the Company’s 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan), all unvested options shall vest immediately. Unvested options shall not vest if a director voluntarily resigns from office prior to the scheduled vesting date (unless such resignation is in connection with a Change of Control).
     D. Meeting Fees and Expenses.
     Outside directors shall receive a fee of $1,500.00 plus reasonable expenses for each regular Board meeting attended in person or telephonically, and each committee meeting or special Board meeting attended in person that is not held in conjunction with a regular Board meeting.
     For each committee meeting or special Board meeting attended telephonically, each outside director shall be paid a fee of $500.00.
     Such meeting fees shall be paid and expenses shall be reimbursed at the end of each fiscal quarter.
     E. Committee Chair Fees.
     The Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors shall be paid an annual fee of $15,000, and the Chair of each of the Compensation Committee and Nominating & Governance Committee of the Board shall be paid an annual fee of $7,500 (each, a “Chair Fee”). Each Chair Fee shall be paid in the same manner as cash portions of the Fixed Fee as set forth above in A.(ii).

 

EX-10.29.2 11 p75180exv10w29w2.htm EX-10.29.2 exv10w29w2
 

Second Amendment to Amended & Restated Outside Director Compensation Policy
(Adopted by Board of Directors March 2008)
  Exhibit 10.29.2
CSK AUTO CORPORATION
OUTSIDE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION POLICY
     A. Annual Stipend — Outside Directors.
     (i) Amount and Form of Payment. Non-employee (“outside”) directors of CSK Auto Corporation (the “Company”) shall be paid an annual cash stipend in the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) (the “Fixed Fee”). Unless the director is first appointed to the Board via election at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders, the Fixed Fee for the first year of service until the first annual meeting of stockholders following the director’s appointment to the Board shall be adjusted pro rata for the period from the date of the outside director’s appointment to the Board to the next annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders.1
     (ii) Timing of Payment. The Fixed Fee shall be paid as follows:
     1. If the period between the outside director’s election to the Board and the next annual meeting of stockholders is six months or less, payment shall be made in a single installment on the date of the next annual meeting of stockholders.
     2. If the period between the outside director’s election (or re-election) to the Board and the next annual meeting of stockholders is longer than six months, payment shall be made in two equal installments on the following dates: (1) on the six month anniversary of the outside director’s election, and (2) on the earlier of (a) the one year anniversary of the outside director’s election (or re-election) or (b) the date of the first annual meeting of stockholders following the director’s election to the Board.
     3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of death or disability of the outside director or a Change in Control (as defined in the Company’s 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan), all unpaid portions of the Fixed Fee shall be paid immediately. Unpaid portions of the Fixed Fee shall not be paid if a director voluntarily resigns from office prior to the scheduled payment date, unless such resignation is in connection with a Change in Control.
     B. Annual Stipend — Non-Executive Chairman of the Board.
     If the Chairman of the Board is an outside director, he or she shall be paid an annual cash stipend in addition to the Fixed Fee of $36,000.00/annum, payable in the same manner as the Fixed Fee as described above.
     C. Equity Grants.
 
1   For the purposes of this Policy, the date of the next annual meeting of stockholders means, in cases where such date has not yet been set, the anticipated date of the next annual meeting of stockholders.

-1-


 

     Each outside director will be granted an option to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at the close of business on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders. The exercise price shall be equal to the fair market value on the grant date. Such options shall vest on the one year anniversary of the grant date. If a director is first appointed to the Board between annual meetings, the options to be awarded for the first partial year of service (until the first annual meeting of stockholders following the director’s appointment to the Board) shall be adjusted pro rata (calculated on the basis of 10,000 shares per annum) for the period from the date of the outside director’s appointment to the Board to the next annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders.
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of death or disability of the outside director or a Change in Control (as defined in the Company’s 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan), all unvested options shall vest immediately. Unvested options shall not vest if a director voluntarily resigns from office prior to the scheduled vesting date (unless such resignation is in connection with a Change of Control).
     D. Meeting Fees and Expenses.
     Outside directors shall receive a fee of $1,500.00 plus reasonable expenses for each regular Board meeting attended in person or telephonically, and each committee meeting or special Board meeting attended in person that is not held in conjunction with a regular Board meeting.
     For each committee meeting or special Board meeting attended telephonically, each outside director shall be paid a fee of $1,250.00.
     Such meeting fees shall be paid and expenses shall be reimbursed at the end of each fiscal quarter.
     E. Committee Chair Fees.
     The Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors shall be paid an annual fee of $15,000, and the Chair of each of the Compensation Committee and Nominating & Governance Committee of the Board shall be paid an annual fee of $7,500 (each, a “Chair Fee”). Each Chair Fee shall be paid in the same manner as cash portions of the Fixed Fee as set forth above in A.(ii).

 

EX-10.38.1 12 p75180exv10w38w1.htm EX-10.38.1 exv10w38w1
 

Exhibit 10.38.1
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
     This First Amendment (“Amendment”) to the Employment Agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) dated as of March 31, 2008, by and between CSK Auto, Inc., an Arizona corporation (the “Company”), a wholly owned subsidiary of CSK Auto Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), and Lawrence N. Mondry (the “Executive”), dated as of June 8, 2007.
     WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company have entered into the Employment Agreement; and
     WHEREAS, the Company and Executive wish to amend the Employment Agreement as provided for herein;
     WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 15.2 of the Employment Agreement, the parties affected thereby may amend the Employment Agreement by a written instrument;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Employment Agreement is amended as follows, effective as of the date hereof:
     1. Section 5.2 is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
     “As soon as practicable following the first regular meeting of the Board after the Company’s filing with the SEC of its audited financial statements for the Company’s 2007 fiscal year, or concurrent with the granting of awards to eligible grantees pursuant to Parent’s equity grant policy (as amended from time to time by the Board), Parent will grant the Executive an additional stock option to acquire such number of shares of Parent’s common stock as is determined pursuant to the next sentence, with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of Parent’s common stock on the date of grant (the “2008 Option”), or, in the sole discretion of the Board, an equivalent award in the form of restricted stock or restricted stock units. The number of shares subject to the 2008 Option shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing 130% of the Executive’s then Base Salary by the deemed per share value of the shares of Parent’s common stock issuable under the 2008 Option on the grant date determined using the same methodology as used by Parent for financial reporting purposes under SFAS No. 123(R). The 2008 Option (or equivalent restricted stock or restricted stock unit award) shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Company’s stock incentive plans and standard form of award agreement for executive-level employees in use at the time of such grant, which terms and conditions may not be the same as the terms and conditions of the Initial Option.”
     2. Section 8.1 is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
     “During the period between the Commencement Date and June 30, 2008 (the “Relocation Period”), the Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for reasonable travel and temporary living expenses (including without limitation housing and other transportation expenses) incurred by the Executive in connection with his temporary living arrangements in Phoenix, Arizona and his travel between his home in Dallas, Texas and the Company’s corporate headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, subject to a

 


 

reasonable limit on such expenses to be mutually agreed upon by the Board and the Executive. To the extent any payments under this Section 8.1 are taxable to the Executive, the Company shall pay to the Executive an additional cash payment in an amount such that the Executive will be in the same position as he would have been had no taxes been imposed upon or incurred as a result of any payments under this Section 8.1. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if on or prior to June 30, 2008 the Company enters into an agreement that, if consummated, would result in a Change of Control (as defined below), then the Relocation Period will be automatically extended until the earlier of (A) the date that is eight months after the consummation of the Change of Control transaction and (B) the date that is thirty days following the date of the Executive’s termination of employment for any reason. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent the Relocation Period is extended pursuant to the preceding sentence, from and after the consummation of the Change of Control transaction referred to therein, the Company (and any successor thereto) shall continue to reimburse the Executive for travel and temporary living expenses pursuant to this Section 8.1 on terms no less favorable than those agreed to by the Board and the Executive prior to the consummation of the Change of Control, which terms shall include, but shall not be limited to, the terms set forth in Appendix A hereto and, to the extent not inconsistent with the Section 8.1 or Appendix A, the CSK Auto, Inc. Relocation Policy and the Company’s travel policy, each as in effect and applicable to the Executive prior to the Change of Control.”
     3. Section 8.2 is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
     “During the Relocation Period (including any extension thereof pursuant to Section 8.1), the Company shall provide the Executive with an automobile allowance of $2,000 per month. Any automobile allowance after the end of the Relocation Period would be subject to review and approval by the Board.”
     4. Section 10.3(b)(v) is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
     “the Company breaches Section 8 (or Appendix A) of this Agreement and/or requires (A) the Executive to relocate to Phoenix, Arizona prior to the expiration of the Relocation Period (including any extension thereof pursuant to Section 8.1); or (B) that the Executive’s employment be based at a location outside a 50 mile radius from the Company’s current corporate headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona;”
     5. Section 10.3(c) is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
     “If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) or if the Executive resigns for Good Reason, in each case, other than during the period commencing upon the consummation of a Change of Control and ending on the first anniversary thereof, the Executive shall be entitled to receive: (i) the Accrued Rights within 7 business days following the date of such termination; (ii) subject to (A) the Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Section 12 hereof and (B) the Executive’s execution and non-revocation of a mutual release with the Company in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto: a cash payment equal to two times the Executive’s Base Salary as in effect upon the date the

2


 

Executive’s employment was terminated (without giving effect to any reduction in Base Salary that constituted Good Reason for such termination), payable in equal monthly installments over a two-year period commencing with the month following the date of such termination; and (iii) for a period of one year subsequent to his termination, the Company shall provide the Executive (and his eligible dependents, to the extent applicable and comparable to coverage afforded prior to termination of employment) with continued coverage under the Company’s medical, dental, vision and Exec-U-Care benefit plans, in each case, in accordance with the terms thereof and with the same level of coverage (and related cost to the Executive) as if the Executive had remained employed during such period; at the time when the foregoing health coverage ends, at the Executive’s election and at the Executive’s own expense, the Executive (and his eligible dependents) shall be entitled to COBRA coverage for the full COBRA period (18 months); provided that, in no event shall the Executive be entitled to participation in any other employee benefit plans or arrangements or perquisites provided by the Company from and after the date the Executive’s employment is terminated, except as set forth herein. In addition, the Executive shall be permitted to retain for personal use following such termination of employment the cell phone and/or PDA and laptop computer provided to the Executive by the Company.”
     6. Section 10.4(b) is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
     “If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (other than by reason of death or Disability) or if the Executive resigns for any reason (including Good Reason), in each case, during the period commencing upon the consummation of a Change of Control and ending on the first anniversary thereof, the Executive shall be entitled to receive: (i) the Accrued Rights within 7 business days following the date of such termination; (ii) subject to (A) the Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Section 12 hereof and (B) the Executive’s execution and non-revocation of a mutual release with the Company in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, a lump sum cash payment equal to two times the sum of the Executive’s Base Salary and Target Bonus, in each case as in effect upon the date the Executive’s employment was terminated (without giving effect to any reduction in Base Salary or Target Bonus that constituted Good Reason for such termination), payable upon the Effective Date as defined in Section 7 of such release; and (iii) for a period of one year subsequent to his termination, the Company shall provide the Executive (and his eligible dependents, to the extent applicable and comparable to coverage afforded prior to termination of employment) with continued coverage under the Company’s medical, dental, vision and Exec-U-Care benefit plans, in each case, in accordance with the terms thereof and with the same level of coverage (and related cost to the Executive) as if the Executive had remained employed during such period; at the time when the foregoing health coverage ends, at the Executive’s election and at the Executive’s own expense, the Executive (and his eligible dependents) shall be entitled to COBRA coverage for the full COBRA period (18 months); provided that, in no event shall the Executive be entitled to participation in any other employee benefit plans or arrangements or perquisites provided by the Company from and after the date the Executive’s employment is terminated, except as set forth herein. In addition, the Executive shall be permitted to retain for personal use following such termination of employment the cell phone and/or PDA and

3


 

laptop computer provided to the Executive by the Company. Notwithstanding any provision of the Company’s relocation policy to the contrary, in the event of a termination of employment as described in this Section 10.4(b), the Executive shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any relocation expenses properly incurred or expended (whether pursuant to the Appendix A or otherwise), regardless of whether the Executive’s termination of employment occurred within one year of the date Executive commenced employment with the Company.”
     7. Section 10.4 is hereby amended to add the following new subsection (c) after the end of the existing Section 10.4(b):
     “(c) In addition to any other payments or benefits hereunder, if a Change of Control occurs on or prior to the end of the Company’s 2008 fiscal year and (i) the Executive remains continuously employed by the Company or the continuing or surviving corporation resulting from the Change of Control on a full-time basis through the date that is six months following the consummation of the Change of Control or (ii) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated (a) by the Company without Cause or (b) by the Executive for Good Reason, in each case before the date that is six months following the consummation of the Change of Control, then:
     (i) if the Executive’s employment terminates prior to the end of the Company’s 2008 fiscal year, the Company shall pay to the Executive, within 10 days following the date of such termination of employment, a gross lump sum cash amount equal to the Executive’s Target Bonus for the 2008 fiscal year multiplied by a fraction, (a) the numerator of which is the greater of (1) the number of full or partial months (rounded up to the whole month) between February 4, 2008 and the date that is six months following the consummation of the Change of Control or (2) the number of full or partial months (rounded up to the whole month) the Executive was employed by the Company and/or the continuing or surviving corporation during the 2008 fiscal year, and (b) the denominator of which is 12; provided, that the amount payable pursuant to this Section 10.4(c)(i) shall in no event exceed 100% of the Executive’s Target Bonus for the 2008 fiscal year; or
     (ii) if the Executive remains employed by the Company or the continuing or surviving corporation resulting from the Change of Control through the end of the Company’s 2008 fiscal year, the Company shall pay to the Executive, within 10 days following the end of the Company’s 2008 fiscal year, a gross lump sum cash amount equal to the Executive’s Target Bonus for the 2008 fiscal year.”
     8. Section 12.2(a) is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
     “During the Restricted Period (as defined below), the Executive shall not become engaged in a managerial or executive capacity for, or consultant to, Auto Zone, Inc., The Pep Boys — Manny, Moe & Jack, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., Advance Stores Company, Incorporated, Discount Auto Parts, Inc., any other national auto parts and accessories

4


 

retailer, any multi-state regional auto parts and accessories retailer that competes with the Company, or any successor to any of them (each a “Competitor”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a Change of Control that results in the Company (or its assets or business) being acquired or merging with a Competitor (or subsidiary thereof), the preceding sentence shall have no effect with respect to such Competitor.”
     9. Appendix attached to this Amendment is hereby added to the Employment Agreement as Appendix A thereto.
     10. Except as provided for above, the provisions of the Employment Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
(signature page follows)

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment to be effective as of the date first written above.
         
  CSK AUTO, INC.
 
 
  By:   /s/ JAMES D. CONSTANTINE    
    Name:   James D. Constantine   
    Title:   Executive Vice President of
Finance and Chief Financial Officer 
 
 
  CSK AUTO CORPORATION
 
 
  By:   /s/ JAMES D. CONSTANTINE    
    Name:   James D. Constantine   
    Title:   Executive Vice President of
Finance and Chief Financial Officer 
 
 
  EXECUTIVE
 
 
    /s/ LAWRENCE N. MONDRY    
    Lawrence N. Mondry   
     

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Appendix A — Approved Relocation Expenses
Effective as of March 31, 2008, the following travel and temporary living expense reimbursements have been approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and CSK Auto Corporation:
  Temporary housing consistent with the Executive’s existing accommodations in and around the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area or comparable housing in the Executive’s sole discretion.
  Weekly travel (such reimbursement consistent with past practices) between Phoenix, Arizona and the Executive’s residence in Dallas, Texas.
  Reimbursement of the cost to transport the Executive and the Executive’s family and any and all of the Executive’s personal goods back to Dallas, Texas following termination of your employment for any reason other than Cause.

7

EX-10.42 13 p75180exv10w42.htm EX-10.42 exv10w42
 

Exhibit 10.42
Final March 18, 2008
CSK AUTO, INC.
2008 CASH IN LIEU BONUS PLAN
ARTICLE I
General
     1.1 Purpose. This CSK Auto, Inc. Cash in Lieu Plan (the “Plan”) is established by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of CSK Auto, Inc. (the “Company”). The Plan is intended to provide a payment to employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries selected to participate in the Plan who otherwise would have received annual grants of stock options and/or restricted stock in 2008.
     1.2 Plan Administration.
          (a) This Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), as appointed from time to time by the Board. The foregoing notwithstanding, the Board or the Committee may expressly delegate to a subcommittee (the “Subcommittee”), consisting of one or more officers of the Company, the authority to administer the Plan.
          (b) Subject to the provisions hereof, (1) the Committee (including any Subcommittee) shall have complete control of the administration of this Plan, with all powers necessary to enable it properly to carry out its duties; (2) the Committee (including any Subcommittee) shall be authorized to interpret this Plan and shall have the discretion to determine all questions arising in the administration, construction and application of this Plan; and (3) the decisions of the Committee (including any Subcommittee) upon all matters within the scope of its authority shall be conclusive and binding on all parties.
     1.3 Definitions. The following terms shall have the following meanings when used in this Plan:
          (a) “Base Salary” shall mean the Participant’s regular annual rate of base pay as of the date a Bonus is awarded to the Participant under the Plan.
          (b) “Bonus” shall mean the grant to a Participant of a bonus award pursuant to this Plan.
          (c) “Cause” shall have the same meaning as in the Stock Plan.
          (d) “Change in Control” shall have the same meaning as in the Stock Plan.
          (e) “Good Reason” shall either have the definition set forth in the employment or severance agreement between the Company and the Participant, or if there is no such agreement or definition contained therein, the Participant’s resignation from employment within 180 days after the occurrence of any of the following, provided, however, that the Participant must provide written notice to the Company within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of the event allegedly constituting Good Reason, and the Company shall have thirty

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Final March 18, 2008
(30) days after such notice is given to cure: (i) a relocation of the Participant’s principal place of employment of more than 50 miles without the consent of the Participant, or (ii) a material reduction in the Participant’s Base Salary.
          (f) “Involuntary Termination” shall mean any termination of the Participant’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries (i) by the Company for any reason other than Cause or the Participant’s death or disability (as defined under the terms of any of the Company’s short-term or long-tern disability plans), or (ii) by the Participant for Good Reason.
          (g) “Notice of Participation” means a notice provided to a Participant that he or she has been designated by the Committee as a Participant in the Plan, and setting forth the Eligible Participant’s Bonus amount.
          (h) “Stock Plan” shall mean the CSK Auto Corporation 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan, as amended.
          (i) “Subsidiary” means any corporation of which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power that is formed and has employees during the term of this Plan.
ARTICLE II
Participation
     2.1 Participation. All employees and executives of the Company or any Subsidiary at the Manager-level and above, as of the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, who are eligible to receive annual grants of stock options and/or restricted stock shall be eligible to participate in the Plan. Each such individual who is awarded a Bonus hereunder is referred to herein as a “Participant”.
ARTICLE III
Bonus Payment
     3.1 Bonus Amount. Each Participant’s Bonus shall be calculated as a percentage of his or Base Salary, as set forth in each Participant’s Notice of Participation.
     3.2 Form of Bonus. The Bonus, upon vesting, is payable in cash. However, notwithstanding the above, the Committee may, at the time a Bonus is awarded under the Plan, grant the Participant an economically equivalent award (as determined by the Committee) under the Stock Plan in lieu of such cash Bonus. For the avoidance of doubt, the form of payment under a Bonus (stock or cash) may not be changed following a Change in Control without the Participant’s consent.
     3.3 Vesting.
          (a) Subject to Participant’s continuous employment by the Company and its Subsidiaries through the applicable vesting date, the Bonus awarded to each Participant will vest and become payable as follows: (i) 50% of the Bonus will vest and become payable on March 1, 2009; and (ii) 50% of the Bonus will vest and become payable on March 1, 2010. If the

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Final March 18, 2008
Participant’s employment terminates prior to a vesting date for any reason other than an Involuntary Termination, the portion of the Bonus scheduled to vest and become payable on or after the date of termination will be immediately forfeited. Except as set forth in Section 3.3(b), in the event that a Participant’s employment terminates prior to a vesting date by reason of an Involuntary Termination, the Bonus awarded to such Participant shall continue to vest and become payable in accordance with the schedule set forth in this Section 3.3(a).
          (b) In the event of a Change in Control, notwithstanding anything set forth in Section 3.3(a) to the contrary, subject to the Participant’s continuous employment by the Company and its Subsidiaries through the applicable vesting date (specified below), the vesting of any unvested and/or unpaid portion of the Bonus awarded to each Participant shall accelerate and become vested and payable in full upon the earliest of: (i) the date that is six months following the Change in Control or (ii) the date the Participant’s employment terminates by reason of an Involuntary Termination after the date the Change in Control is consummated. If the Participant’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries (including any successor thereto) terminates for any reason other than an Involuntary Termination prior to the six-month anniversary of the Change in Control, the Participant’s Bonus (to the extent then unvested and unpaid) will be immediately forfeited.
     3.4 Payment. Unless a Participant’s Bonus has been awarded in the form of an award under the Stock Plan as set forth in Section 3.2, each Participant shall be entitled to payment in cash equal to the Bonus amount set forth in the Notice of Participation (or the applicable portion thereof) within ten days following the date the Bonus (or the applicable portion thereof) vests in accordance with Section 3.3.
ARTICLE IV
Amendment or Termination
     4.1 Amendment; Termination. The Committee shall be entitled to amend or terminate this Plan at any time, but no amendment or termination shall be made that would impair the rights of any Participant, without such Participant’s consent, under any Bonus theretofore granted, provided that no such consent shall be required if the Committee determines in its sole discretion and prior to the date of any Change in Control that such amendment or alteration either (i) is required or advisable in order for the Company, the Plan or the Bonus to satisfy any law or regulation or to meet the requirements of any accounting standard, or (ii) is not reasonably likely to significantly diminish the benefits provided under such Bonus, or that any such diminishment has been adequately compensated. After the Change in Control, no amendment or termination of this Plan shall be effective without the express written consent of each Participant.
     4.2 Successors. The Company will require any successor (whether by purchase of assets, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform all of the obligations of the Company under this Plan (including the obligation to cause any subsequent successor to also assume the obligations of this Plan) unless such assumption occurs by operation of law.

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Final March 18, 2008
ARTICLE V
Miscellaneous
     5.1 Set-Off. The Company shall be entitled to set off against the amounts payable to a Participant hereunder any amounts owed to the Company by such Participant.
     5.2 Parachute Payments. Unless the Participant is party to an employment or severance agreement with the Company or any Subsidiary that provides the specified treatment of payments in the event payments to the Participant are deemed “parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (whether or not such agreement provides for a gross-up payment for excise taxes under Section 4999 of the Code), in the event that any Bonus or other amount that may be paid or otherwise provided to or in respect of a Participant by or on behalf of the Company and its Subsidiaries pursuant to this Plan (the “Covered Payments”) is or may become subject to the tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision or any comparable provisions of state, local or foreign law) (“Excise Tax”), then the portion of the Covered Payments that would be treated as “parachute payments” under Code Section 280G (“Covered Parachute Payments”) shall be reduced so that the Covered Parachute Payments, in the aggregate, are reduced to the Safe Harbor Amount (as defined below). For the purposes of this Plan, the term “Safe Harbor Amount” means the largest portion of the Covered Payments that would result in no portion of the Covered Payments being subject to the Excise Tax.
     5.3 Non-Alienation. No Participant shall have any right to pledge, hypothecate, anticipate or in any way create a lien upon any amounts provided under this Plan, and no benefits payable hereunder shall be assignable in anticipation of payment either by voluntary or involuntary acts or by operation of law, other than by will or the laws of decent and distribution.
     5.4 Withholding. All payments to a Participant under this Plan will be subject to all applicable withholding of state, local, provincial and federal taxes.
     5.5 Source of Payments. The obligations of the Company under the Plan are solely contractual, and any amount payable under the terms of the Plan shall be paid from the general assets of the Company or from one or more trusts, the assets of which are subject to the claims of the Company’s general creditors.
     5.6 Notices. Any notice or document required to be given under the Plan shall be considered to be given if actually delivered or mailed by certified mail, postage prepaid, if to the Company, to [ADDRESS], Attention: [POSITION] or, if to a Participant, at the last address of such Participant filed with the Company.
     5.7 Gender and Number. Where the context permits, words in any gender shall include any other gender, words in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular.
     5.8 No Right to Employment or Continuation of Relationship. Nothing in this Plan shall confer upon or be construed as giving any Participant any right to remain in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may, at any time, dismiss a Participant from employment free from any liability or any claim except as

4


 

Final March 18, 2008
expressly provided in this Plan. No employee of the Company or any Subsidiary shall have any claim to be designated a Participant and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of any employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.
     5.9 Governing Law. THE VALIDITY, CONSTRUCTION AND EFFECT OF THIS PLAN AND ANY RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THIS PLAN SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW AND THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
     5.10 Severability. If any provision of this Plan is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any individual Participant, or would disqualify this Plan under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable law, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the sole determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of this Plan, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction or Participant and the remainder of this Plan shall remain in full force and effect.
     5.11 No Limitation Upon the Rights of the Company. This Plan shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company to make adjustments, reclassifications, or changes of its capital or business structure; to merge, convert or consolidate; to dissolve or liquidate; or sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

5

EX-10.42.1 14 p75180exv10w42w1.htm EX-10.42.1 exv10w42w1
 

Exhibit 10.42.1
Final March 18, 2008
CSK AUTO, INC.
March [  ], 2008
[Name]
[Address]
[Address]
     Re:     Notice of Participation in 2008 Cash in Lieu Bonus Plan
Dear [Name]:
     I am pleased to confirm that the Company has selected you as a Participant in the 2008 CSK Auto, Inc. Cash in Lieu Bonus Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan is intended to provide a payment (the “Bonus”) to selected employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries who otherwise would have annual grants of stock options and/or restricted stock in 2008.
General terms
     Your Bonus under the Plan is $___(equal to ___% of your Base Salary in effect on the date hereof). Such amount is referred to herein as the “Bonus Amount”. This is the amount you are eligible to receive under the Plan so long as you remain employed with the Company through the applicable vesting dates described in this Notice of Participation and the Plan, or, if a Change in Control occurs, the six-month anniversary of the consummation of the Change in Control, unless your employment is terminated as a result of an Involuntary Termination before the applicable date.
     The basic terms of your participation in the Plan are set forth in this Notice of Participation, but other important terms and conditions are described in the Plan. We encourage you to carefully review the Plan, a copy of which is included with this Notice. Capitalized words in this Notice of Participation which are not defined herein are defined in the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Notice of Participation and the provisions of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control. This letter constitutes the Notice of Participation called for in the Plan.
Payment Terms
     In accordance with Section 3.3 of the Plan, except as set forth below, your Bonus Amount shall be payable as follows:
     (a) Subject to your continuous employment by the Company and its Subsidiaries through the applicable vesting date, your Bonus will vest and become payable as follows: (i) 50% of the Bonus will vest and become payable on March 1, 2009; and (ii) 50% of the Bonus will vest and become payable on March 1, 2010. If your employment terminates prior to a vesting date for any reason other than an Involuntary Termination, the portion of the Bonus scheduled to vest and become payable on or after the date of termination will be immediately forfeited. Except as set forth below, in the event that your employment terminates prior to a vesting date by reason of an

 


 

Involuntary Termination, your Bonus shall continue to vest and become payable in accordance with the schedule set forth in this paragraph.
     (b) In the event of a Change in Control, notwithstanding anything set forth in the preceding paragraph to the contrary, subject to your continuous employment by the Company and its Subsidiaries through the applicable vesting date (set forth below), the vesting of any unvested and/or unpaid portion of your Bonus shall accelerate and become vested and payable upon the earliest of: (i) the date that is six months following the Change in Control or (ii) the date your employment terminates by reason of an Involuntary Termination after the date the Change in Control is consummated. If your employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries (including any successor thereto) terminates for any reason other than an Involuntary Termination prior to the six-month anniversary of the Change in Control, your Bonus (to the extent then unvested and unpaid) will be immediately forfeited.
Parachute Payments
     Unless you are party to an employment or severance agreement with the Company or any Subsidiary that provides the specified treatment of payments in the event payments to the Participant are deemed “parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (whether or not such agreement provides for a gross-up payment for excise taxes under Section 4999 of the Code), in the event that your Bonus or other amount that may be paid or otherwise provided to or in respect of you by or on behalf of the Company and its Subsidiaries pursuant to the Plan and this Notice of Participation (the “Covered Payments”) is or may become subject to the tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision or any comparable provisions of state, local or foreign law) (“Excise Tax”), then the portion of the Covered Payments that would be treated as “parachute payments” under Code Section 280G (“Covered Parachute Payments”) shall be reduced so that the Covered Parachute Payments, in the aggregate, are reduced to the Safe Harbor Amount. For the purposes of this Plan, the term “Safe Harbor Amount” means the largest portion of the Covered Payments that would result in no portion of the Covered Payments being subject to the Excise Tax.
Nontransferability
     As set forth in the Plan, you shall not have any right to pledge, hypothecate, anticipate or in any way create a lien upon any amounts provided under this Plan, and no benefits payable hereunder shall be assignable in anticipation of payment either by voluntary or involuntary acts or by operation of law, other than by will or the laws of decent and distribution.
Miscellaneous Provisions
     Successors. The Company will require any successor (whether by purchase of assets, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform all of the obligations of the Company under the Plan (including the obligation to cause any subsequent successor to also assume the obligations of the Plan) unless such assumption occurs by operation of law.

 


 

     Governing Law. This letter agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Arizona excluding those laws that direct the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.
     Amendment. Prior to a Change in Control, the Board and the Committee shall each have the right to amend this Notice of Participation in any manner not materially adverse to your rights under the Plan. Following a Change in Control, this Notice of Participation may only be amended with your consent.
     Withholding. The Company may withhold and deduct from any payment under the Plan and this Notice of Participation all legally required amounts necessary to satisfy any and all federal, state, local and foreign withholding and employment-related tax requirements.
     This is not an employment contract. This Notice of Participation is not to be interpreted as a guarantee or contract of continuing employment.
     We value your efforts and look forward to your continued contribution.
Sincerely,
Lawrence N. Mondry
CEO
I accept and agree to the terms of this Notice of Participation and the Plan.
         
      , 2008  
[Name]   Date    

 

EX-10.43 15 p75180exv10w43.htm EX-10.43 exv10w43
 

Exhibit 10.43
CSK AUTO, INC.
March 31, 2008
Michael Bryk
[Address]
Dear Mike:
     In connection with your employment by CSK Auto, Inc. (the “Company”), the Company currently reimburses the costs incurred by you in connection with (i) your commute to and from the Company’s offices in Phoenix, Arizona, and (ii) temporary living arrangements in Phoenix, Arizona area.
     The Company hereby agrees that if, prior to the completion of your permanent relocation to the Phoenix, Arizona area, the Company enters into an agreement that, if consummated, would result in a Change of Control (as defined in the CSK Auto Corporation 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan), then (i) the period during which the Company will continue to reimburse you for temporary housing, relocation and commuting expenses (as set forth in your offer letter) shall be automatically extended until the earlier of (A) the date that is eight months after the consummation of the Change of Control transaction and (B) the date that is thirty days following the date of your termination of employment for any reason, (ii) you will not be required to relocate to the Phoenix, Arizona area after the date the Change of Control is consummated, (iii) unless the board of directors or chief executive officer of the Company determines otherwise, you will not be permitted to relocate to the Phoenix, Arizona area after the date such agreement is entered into, and (iv) from and after the consummation of the Change of Control and until the earlier of (A) the date that is eight months after the consummation of the Change of Control transaction and (B) the date that is thirty days following the date of your termination of employment for any reason, the Company (and any successor thereto) will continue to reimburse you for travel and temporary living expenses on terms no less favorable than those provided to you prior to the consummation of the Change of Control, which terms shall include, but shall not be limited to, the terms set forth in Appendix A hereto and, to the extent not inconsistent with Appendix A, the CSK Auto, Inc. Relocation Policy and the Company’s travel policy, each as in effect and applicable to you prior to the Change of Control.
     For the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein shall limit the Company’s additional obligations under that certain employment offer letter between you and the Company dated September 18, 2007, which shall continue to apply (regardless of the occurrence of a Change of Control) in accordance with the terms thereof.
signature page follows

 


 

Michael Bryk
March 31, 2008
Page 2
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the date first written above.
         
    CSK AUTO, INC.
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ LAWRENCE N. MONDRY
 
       
 
      Name: Lawrence N. Mondry
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
 
       
    CSK AUTO CORPORATION
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ LAWRENCE N. MONDRY
 
       
 
      Name: Lawrence N. Mondry
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
 
       
    MICHAEL BRYK
 
       
    /s/ MICHAEL D. BRYK
     

 


 

Michael Bryk
March 31, 2008
Page 3
Appendix A — Approved Relocation Expenses
Effective as of March 33, 2008, the following travel and temporary living expense reimbursements have been approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and CSK Auto Corporation:
  Temporary housing consistent with the Executive’s existing accommodations in and around the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area or comparable housing in the Executive’s sole discretion.
 
  Weekly travel (such reimbursement consistent with past practices and the Company’s existing travel policy) between Phoenix, Arizona and your residence in Dallas, Texas.
 
  Reimbursement of the cost to transport you and your family and any and all of your personal goods back to Plano, Texas following termination of your employment for any reason other than Cause.

 

EX-10.44 16 p75180exv10w44.htm EX-10.44 exv10w44
 

Exhibit 10.44
CSK AUTO, INC.
March 31, 2008
James Constantine
[Address]
Dear Jim:
     In connection with your employment by CSK Auto, Inc. (the “Company”), the Company currently reimburses the costs incurred by you in connection with (i) your commute to and from the Company’s offices in Phoenix, Arizona, and (ii) temporary living arrangements in Phoenix, Arizona area.
     The Company hereby agrees that if, prior to the completion of your permanent relocation to the Phoenix, Arizona area, the Company enters into an agreement that, if consummated, would result in a Change of Control (as defined in the CSK Auto Corporation 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan), then (i) the period during which the Company will continue to reimburse you for temporary housing, relocation and commuting expenses (as set forth in your offer letter) shall be automatically extended until the earlier of (A) the date that is eight months after the consummation of the Change of Control transaction and (B) the date that is thirty days following the date of your termination of employment for any reason, (ii) you will not be required to relocate to the Phoenix, Arizona area after the date the Change of Control is consummated, (iii) unless the board of directors or chief executive officer of the Company determines otherwise, you will not be permitted to relocate to the Phoenix, Arizona area after the date such agreement is entered into, and (iv) from and after the consummation of the Change of Control and until the earlier of (A) the date that is eight months after the consummation of the Change of Control transaction and (B) the date that is thirty days following the date of your termination of employment for any reason, the Company (and any successor thereto) will continue to reimburse you for travel and temporary living expenses on terms no less favorable than those provided to you prior to the consummation of the Change of Control, which terms shall include, but shall not be limited to, the terms set forth in Appendix A hereto and, to the extent not inconsistent with Appendix A, the CSK Auto, Inc. Relocation Policy and the Company’s travel policy, each as in effect and applicable to you prior to the Change of Control.
     For the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein shall limit the Company’s additional obligations under that certain employment offer letter between you and the Company dated October 24, 2007, which shall continue to apply (regardless of the occurrence of a Change of Control) in accordance with the terms thereof.
signature page follows

 


 

James Constantine
March 31, 2008
Page 2
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the date first written above.
         
 
  CSK AUTO, INC.
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ LAWRENCE N. MONDRY
 
       
 
      Name: Lawrence N. Mondry
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
 
       
 
  CSK AUTO CORPORATION
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ LAWRENCE N. MONDRY
 
       
 
      Name: Lawrence N. Mondry
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
 
       
 
  JAMES CONSTANTINE
 
       
 
  /s/ JAMES D. CONSTANTINE
 
   

 


 

James Constantine
March 31, 2008
Page 3
Appendix A — Approved Relocation Expenses
Effective as of March 31, 2008, the following travel and temporary living expense reimbursements have been approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and CSK Auto Corporation:
  Temporary housing consistent with the Executive’s existing accommodations in and around the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area or comparable housing in the Executive’s sole discretion.
 
  Weekly travel (such reimbursement consistent with past practices and the Company’s existing travel policy) between Phoenix, Arizona and your residences in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Portage, Wisconsin and Long Beach, California.
 
  Reimbursement of the cost to transport you and your family and any and all of your personal goods back to Glen Ellyn, Illinois following termination of your employment for any reason other than Cause.

 

EX-10.45 17 p75180exv10w45.htm EX-10.45 exv10w45
 

Exhibit 10.45
CSK AUTO, INC.
March 31, 2008
Randi Morrison
[Address]
Dear Randi:
     In connection with your employment by CSK Auto, Inc. (the “Company”), the Company currently reimburses the costs incurred by you in connection with (i) your weekly commute to and from the Company’s offices in Phoenix, Arizona, and (ii) costs incurred in maintaining a fully functional home office in the Los Angeles, California area for purposes of telecommuting.
     The Company hereby agrees that if the Company enters into an agreement that, if consummated, would result in a Change of Control (as defined in the CSK Auto Corporation 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan), then (i) you will not be required to relocate to the Phoenix, Arizona area after the date the Change of Control is consummated, and (ii) from and after the consummation of the Change of Control, the Company (and any successor thereto) will continue to reimburse you for travel and home office expenses on terms no less favorable than those provided to you prior to the consummation of the Change of Control, which terms shall include, but shall not be limited to, the terms set forth in Appendix A hereto and, to the extent not inconsistent with Appendix A, the Company’s telecommute and travel policy as in effect from time to time prior to the Change of Control.
[signature page follows]

 


 

Randi Morrison
March 31, 2008
Page 2
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the date first written above.
         
    CSK AUTO, INC.
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ LAWRENCE N. MONDRY
 
       
 
      Name: Lawrence N. Mondry
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
 
       
    CSK AUTO CORPORATION
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ LAWRENCE N. MONDRY
 
       
 
      Name: Lawrence N. Mondry
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
 
       
    EXECUTIVE
Randi Morrison
 
       
    /s/ RANDI VAL MORRISON
     

 


 

Randi Morrison
March 31, 2008
Page 3
Appendix A — Approved Telecommute and Travel Expenses
Effective as of March 31, 2008, the following travel and telecommuting expense reimbursements have been approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and CSK Auto Corporation:
  All work-related utilities and home office cable/internet
 
  Payment for work-related equipment (e.g., phones, computer, internet service, printer, fax machine and overnight mail service) at your residence in Los Angeles, California
 
  All work related office supplies
 
  Cab fare, rental car or company car for your use while in Phoenix, Arizona
 
  Weekly travel (such reimbursement consistent with past practices and the Company’s existing travel policy) between Phoenix, Arizona and your residence in Los Angeles, California
In addition, to the extent any reimbursements for travel (whether or not described above or in the Agreement) are taxable income to you, the Company shall pay you an additional cash payment in an amount such that you will be in the same position as you would have been had no taxes been imposed upon or incurred as a result of any such reimbursements (i.e., a full gross-up).

 

EX-10.46 18 p75180exv10w46.htm EX-10.46 exv10w46
 

Exhibit 10.46
CSK AUTO, INC.
March 31, 2008
Brian Woods
[Address]
Dear Brian:
     In connection with your employment by CSK Auto, Inc. (the “Company”), the Company currently reimburses the costs incurred by you in connection with (i) your relocation to the Phoenix, Arizona area and (ii) temporary living arrangements in Phoenix, Arizona area.
     The Company agrees that if, prior to the sale of your home in Dallas, Texas and the completion of your permanent relocation to the Phoenix, Arizona area (including purchase of a home in Phoenix), the Company enters into an agreement that, if consummated, would result in a Change in Control (as defined in the CSK Auto Corporation 2004 Stock and Incentive Plan), then from and after the consummation of the Change in Control and until the earlier of (A) the date that is eight months after the consummation of the Change of Control transaction and (B) the date that is six months following the date of your termination of employment for any reason, the Company (and any successor thereto) will continue to reimburse you for relocation, home sale and purchase, and temporary living expenses on terms no less favorable than those provided to you prior to the consummation of the Change in Control, which items shall include, but shall not be limited to, the terms set forth in Appendices A & B hereto and, to the extent not inconsistent with Appendices A & B, the CSK Auto, Inc. Relocation Policy as in effect and applicable to you prior to the Change in Control.
signature page follows

 


 

Brian Woods
March 31, 2008
Page 2
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement to be effective as of the date first written above.
         
 
  CSK AUTO, INC.
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ LAWRENCE N. MONDRY
 
       
 
      Name: Lawrence N. Mondry
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
 
       
 
  CSK AUTO CORPORATION
 
       
 
  By:   /s/ LAWRENCE N. MONDRY
 
       
 
      Name: Lawrence N. Mondry
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
 
       
 
  BRIAN WOODS
 
       
 
  /s/ BRIAN K. WOODS
 
   

 


 

Brian Woods
March 31, 2008
Page 3
Appendix A — Approved Relocation Expenses
Effective as of March 31, 2008, the following relocation and temporary living expense reimbursements have been approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and CSK Auto Corporation:
  Temporary housing consistent with the Executive’s existing accommodations in and around the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area or comparable housing in the Executive’s sole discretion.
 
  The actual cost incurred by you of each of the expenses detailed on the relocation estimate attached hereto as Appendix B, whether you move to the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area or another city, and whether or not the actual amount of a particular expense equals or exceeds the amount shown on Appendix B; provided, however, that the reimbursement obligation for moving costs shall not exceed the estimated expense shown on Appendix B.
 
  Reimbursement of the cost to transport you and your family and any and all of your personal goods back to Dallas, Texas following termination of your employment for any reason other than Cause.

 

EX-10.47 19 p75180exv10w47.htm EX-10.47 exv10w47
 

Exhibit 10.47
(COMPANY LOGO)
M E M O R A N D U M
     
TO:
  All G & A Incentive Plan Participants
 
   
FROM:
  Larry Mondry
 
   
DATE:
  March                     , 2008
 
   
SUBJECT:
  2008 GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF INCENTIVE PLAN
The 2008 General and Administrative Staff Incentive Plan is a vital part of CSK Auto, Inc.’s total compensation program. The purpose of the Plan is to reward eligible associates for assisting the Company in achieving its operational and strategic goals through exemplary performance. Under the Plan, cash bonuses, if any, will be paid to eligible associates in Spring 2009 (or as soon thereafter as is reasonably feasible) based on the level of achievement of individual and Company performance goals, contingent upon adherence to the Company’s codes of ethics and subject to obtaining appropriate management and Board of Director approvals.
Associate bonus level and eligibility are based on the position held at the beginning of each quarter. In summary, to be eligible to receive a bonus for a quarter, an associate must:
    hold a bonus eligible position on the 1st day of the quarter; and
 
    not change to a non-bonus eligible position at any time during the quarter; and
 
    be continuously employed by the Company until at least the day the bonus is paid; provided, however, that a pro rata bonus will be paid if you are involuntarily terminated not for Cause, prior thereto.
Depending upon hire date and/or changes in position, an associate may be bonus eligible for some, but not all, quarters during the year. Bonus eligible associates on leave during a quarter will receive a pro-rated bonus for that quarter.
Bonus eligibility is calculated separately for each quarter by multiplying 25% of the associate’s salary by the bonus percent assigned to that Position Level based on achieving individual and Company performance goals. The sum of the bonus payable (if any) for each of these two categories represents the quarterly bonus amount.
Your position level and the bonus percent of your salary based upon the established goals are attached to this memo. This memo is only a summary of certain provisions of the Plan. A copy of the Plan document is attached. In the event of any inconsistency between this memo and the Plan document, the Plan document shall prevail.

 


 

2008 GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
STAFF INCENTIVE PLAN
1.0 PURPOSE
The 2008 General and Administrative Staff Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) is a vital part of CSK Auto, Inc.’s (the “Company”) total compensation program. The purpose of the Plan is to reward eligible associates for assisting the Company in achieving its operational and strategic goals through exemplary performance.
2.0 OVERVIEW AND ELIGIBILITY
Under the Plan, cash bonuses (“Bonus”), if any, will be paid to eligible associates in Spring 2009 (or as soon thereafter as is reasonably feasible) based on the level of achievement of individual and Company performance goals, contingent upon adherence to the Company’s codes of ethics and subject to obtaining appropriate management and Board of Director approvals. For senior officers, the Plan is subject to the terms and provisions concerning the fiscal 2008 bonus as set forth in the senior officer Severance and Retention Agreements and the relevant provisions of such Severance and Retention Agreements are hereby incorporated by reference, as if set out in full. In the event of any conflict between this Plan and the Severance and Retention Agreements, the Severance and Retention Agreements shall control.
Associate bonus level and eligibility are based on the position held by Bonus eligible associates (as hereafter defined) during each fiscal quarter. Except as provided in the Severance and Retention Agreements, to be eligible to receive a bonus, an associate (“Bonus Eligible Associate”) must:
    be actively employed in a position identified in Appendix A (“Bonus Eligible Positions”) on the 1st day of the quarter (“Eligibility Date”) during fiscal 2008; and
 
    not change to a non-bonus Eligible Position at any time during the quarter except for certain transfers to and from positions eligible for the Store Operations or similar Bonus Programs; and
 
    be continuously employed by the Company in any position until at least the day the bonus is paid; provided, however, that if an associate is involuntarily terminated without Cause (as defined below) prior to such payout date, he will be eligible for a pro rata bonus (on the date bonuses are otherwise paid) equal to the normal quarterly (or other applicable period) bonus multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days the associate was employed during the quarter (or other applicable period), and the denominator of which is the total number of days in such calendar quarter (or other applicable period). The pro rata bonuses will be based on the actual Company Performance for such bonus period and a deemed Individual Performance at Level II. This pro rata provision does not apply to Senior Officers following a Change in Control; instead, the terms of the Severance and Retention Agreements shall apply.
Changes in position/status during a quarter other than as set forth above shall not be taken into consideration in determining Bonus Eligibility for that quarter, except that associates on leave during any part of the quarter (including the first day of the quarter) will receive a pro-rated portion of the Bonus otherwise payable for that quarter. Depending upon hire date and/or changes in position, an associate may be Bonus Eligible for some, but not all quarters during the year.
For purposes of this Plan, the term “Cause” means, with respect to any associate, (a) any definition of “for cause” or similar concept contained in any employment agreement, personal services agreement, retention agreement, severance agreement or similar agreement applicable

1


 

to such associate, or, in the absence of any such definition or any such agreement, (b) fraud or embezzlement, gross negligence in the performance or nonperformance of duties for the Company or any subsidiary or parent of the Company, or material failure or refusal to perform duties at any time as an employee of the Company or any subsidiary or parent of the Company.
3.0 POSITION LEVEL
Bonus Eligible Associates shall be notified by their department head of their position level and of any subsequent changes in their Position Level.
4.0 BONUS CALCULATION
The Bonus of an Eligible Associate on an Eligibility Date shall be calculated for that quarter by multiplying 25% of the associate’s Salary (as defined below) by the Bonus Percent of Salary assigned to the applicable position level for the level of each goal achieved (as defined below). The sum of the bonus payable (if any) for each of the two goal categories (Individual and Company) represents the quarterly bonus amount.
4.01 PERFORMANCE GOALS
I. Individual Performance Goals: “Individual Performance” as used in this Plan means overall performance relative to goals, responsibilities, and competencies of an individual plan participant as assessed and documented on the CSK annual Performance Evaluation completed for the 2008 fiscal year. Achievement of the Individual Performance goal for the purposes of this Plan correlates to the annual Performance Evaluation ratings as follows:
     
Performance Assessment   Incentive Award Individual Performance
Level   Achievement Level
• Distinguished - Consistently exceeds job requirements. Performance is recognized as clearly exceptional.
  Level III
 
   
Rating of 9 or 10 out of 10
   
 
   
• Superior - Above average performance with minimal supervision or guidance.
  Level II
 
   
Rating of 7 or 8 out of 10
   
 
   
• Meets Requirements - Satisfactory performance with some supervision and guidance needed.
  Level I
 
   
Rating of 5 or 6 out of 10
   
For Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents and Executive Vice Presidents, subject to the terms and provisions concerning the fiscal 2008 bonus as set forth in the senior officer Severance and Retention Agreements (applicable to senior officers only), 75% of the bonus eligibility is based on Company Performance and 25% of the bonus eligibility is based on Individual Performance. For positions below the Vice President level, Individual Performance and Company Performance are

2


 

weighted equally (each equal to 50% of the Bonus opportunity). The Appendix lists the incentive award associated with each Individual Performance level.
The documentation of Individual Performance levels achieved shall be completed through the annual Performance Evaluation process by the direct supervisor of the individual plan participant and reviewed by the Department Vice President and approved by the Chief Executive Officer or other Senior Officer (as applicable, depending upon reporting relationships).
II. Company Performance Goal: The “Company Performance” as used in this Plan refers specifically to the Company’s performance relative to achievement of an earnings-related goal (EBITDA, as defined below) established for 2008 fiscal year.
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) as used in this Plan means consolidated earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization.  EBITDA will be calculated before (1) costs related to the ongoing regulatory investigations and securities class action relative to the Company’s historical accounting practices, including any settlement costs, defense costs, fines or penalties, (2) costs including professional fees incurred in connection with the Board of Director’s evaluation of strategic alternatives, (3) equity related compensation whether or not the amount is paid in cash, (4) cash-in-lieu of equity bonus, (5) non-recurring gains or losses including any impairment charges or asset write-offs, (6) purchase accounting adjustments, and, (7) any other adjustments to EBITDA made in good faith by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
III. The Appendix lists the specific target performance levels and incentive award applicable to each goal category.
4.03 SALARY
“Salary” as used in this Plan means base annual salary as of the end of the fiscal year.
4.04 BONUS CALCULATION — EXAMPLE
A sample bonus calculation is listed in the Appendix, showing the Bonus Percent applicable to each goal category, based upon the performance level achieved for each goal.
5.0 ADMINISTRATION
The Plan is administered by the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors who will make such rules and regulations regarding the Plan as deemed necessary to implement its terms and who shall be the sole arbiters of all Plan-related questions, including eligibility, extent of participation, and amount of bonuses paid hereunder.
6.0 NO EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS
The designation of an associate as a participant will not give such associate any right to continued employment with the Company. The Company reserves its rights to suspend, demote, transfer, or terminate any associate.
6.01 UNFUNDED PROGRAM
The Plan is an unfunded program. The Company does not have an obligation to set aside, earmark or entrust any fund, policy or money with which to pay obligations under the plan. The amount of money payable under the Plan with respect to participants will be paid from general revenues.

3


 

6.02 RIGHT TO AMEND
Prior to a Change in Control (as defined below), the Company reserves the right to change, revise or rescind the policies or statements described in this document .
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, following a Change in Control, no change, modification, revision, amendment or termination of this Plan (as evidenced by this document) shall be made which would impair the rights of any associate to a Bonus under this Plan without such associate’s consent.
For purposes of this Plan, the term “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any one of the following:
(a) any person is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (or its parent corporation) representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s (or its parent corporation’s, as applicable) then outstanding securities, excluding any person who becomes such a beneficial owner in connection with a Qualifying Business Combination described in paragraph (c) below or who becomes such a beneficial owner as a result of a change in ownership percentage resulting solely from an acquisition of securities by the Company (or its parent corporation); or
(b) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving on the Board of Directors of the Company or its parent corporation: individuals who, on February 4, 2008, constitute the Board of Directors of the Company or its parent corporation, as applicable, and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including, but not limited to, a consent solicitation relating to the election of directors of the Company or its parent corporation, as applicable,) whose appointment or election by the Board of Directors of the Company or its parent corporation, as applicable, or nomination for election by the Company’s (or its parent corporation’s, as applicable) stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on February 4, 2008 or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended; or
(c) there is consummated a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company (or its parent corporation) with, or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (or its parent corporation) in one or a series of related transactions to, any other person (a “Business Combination” ), other than a Business Combination that would result in the voting securities of the Company (or its parent corporation, as applicable) outstanding immediately prior to such Business Combination continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or any parent thereof) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the securities of the Company (or its parent corporation, as applicable) or such surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding immediately after such Business Combination (a “Qualifying Business Combination” ); or
(d) the stockholders of the Company (or its parent corporation) approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company (or its parent corporation, as applicable) or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company (or its parent corporation) of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than a sale or disposition by the Company (or its parent corporation) of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to any other person more than 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding securities of which is owned by stockholders of the Company (or its parent corporation) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company (or its parent corporation, as applicable) immediately prior to such sale.

4


 

6.03 CONFIDENTIALITY
The terms of the Plan that are not otherwise publicly disclosed by the Company are to be held strictly confidential and may not be disclosed to anyone other than immediate family members. Any such disclosure made by any associate in violation of the terms of the Plan may result in forfeiture of said associate’s benefits under the Plan.
6.04 TERMINATION AND RE-EMPLOYMENT DURING FISCAL YEAR
If a Bonus Eligible Associate’s employment with the Company is terminated for any reason and the associate is subsequently rehired, unless reinstated, the associate shall not be considered Bonus Eligible until a quarter in which the associate meets all of the requirements for Bonus Eligibility. The prior period of Bonus Eligible employment shall not be considered in determining the associate’s Bonus, unless the terminated Bonus Eligible Associate was reinstated. However, notwithstanding the above, the Associate shall receive a pro rata bonus for the bonus period in which he was terminated if he was involuntarily terminated without Cause during such bonus period.
6.05 TRANSFERS TO AND FROM NON-BONUS ELIGIBLE POSITIONS, LEAVES OF ABSENCE, AND RELATED MATTERS DURING A QUARTER
If a Bonus Eligible Associate transfers voluntarily or involuntarily to a non-Bonus Eligible Position at any time during the quarter, other than after the 15th day of the second month of the quarter to a position eligible to participate in Store Operations Incentive Bonus plan (or similar plan) for that quarter, the associate shall not be Bonus Eligible for any part of that quarter and shall not receive any portion of a Bonus for that quarter. If an associate otherwise eligible to participate in the Store Operations Incentive Bonus Plan (or any similar plan based upon quarterly performance) transfers for any reason to a General and Administrative Staff Incentive Plan Bonus Eligible Position after the Eligibility Date, but effective on or before the 15th day of the second month of the quarter, the associate shall be deemed to be in a Bonus Eligible Position on the Effective Date for the quarter. In no event shall an associate receive a bonus from both this Bonus Plan and the Store Operations Incentive Bonus Plan (or any similar plan) for the same quarter.
If an associate is absent from work due to an approved or unapproved leave of absence (LOA) during any portion of one or more quarters, the Bonus otherwise payable to the associate for the quarter(s) shall be subject to proration in situations where total LOA calendar days during the quarter(s) constitute 25% or more of the calendar days in the relevant quarter(s). The proration shall be based on the percentage of the quarter(s) the associate is in LOA status (LOA days/bonus period days). For example, if an associate is on a LOA for 35 days of a 90 day quarter, any Bonus otherwise payable would be reduced by (35/90), or 38%. When the number of days an associate is absent from work during a quarter is such that any proration as described above would have only a nominal impact on the amount of the Bonus payable, the Chief Executive Officer and/or Board of Directors may determine, in his/their sole discretion, that the Bonus need not be pro-rated for that quarter.
Except as otherwise stated in this document, all determinations of Bonus Eligibility shall be based solely upon an associate’s position on the Eligibility Date.
6.06 DISQUALIFICATION FOR VIOLATION OF COMPANY POLICY
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any associate who violates any Company policy during the fiscal year, or attempts to alter, manipulate, or falsely present any facts which bear upon any aspect of this Plan may, at the sole discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, forfeit any benefits hereunder, in addition to any other disciplinary action to which said associate may be subject.

5


 

6.07 TAX GUIDELINES
All Bonuses are considered taxable income and are subject to any and all taxes required by law to be withheld.

6

EX-10.48 20 p75180exv10w48.htm EX-10.48 exv10w48
 

EXhibit 10.48
2008 EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE PLAN
1.0 PURPOSE
The 2008 Executive Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is a vital part of CSK Auto, Inc.’s (the “Company”) total compensation program. The purpose of the Plan is to provide the President and Chief Executive Officer (the “Executive”) with an opportunity to directly share in the success of the Company by paying a bonus (“Bonus”) for outstanding Company achievements during the 2008 fiscal year (February 4, 2008 through February 1, 2009).
2.0 OVERVIEW AND ELIGIBILITY
Bonus is based upon Company performance during the entire fiscal year. Bonus under this Plan if any) will be paid to the Executive in Spring, 2009 (or as soon thereafter as is reasonably feasible based on the facts and circumstances) based on the level of achievement of the Company goals, contingent upon adherence to the Company’s codes of ethics and subject to obtaining appropriate approvals by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that (i) there is no Change in Control during the 2008 fiscal year, and (ii) the Executive’s employment with the Company and its subsidiaries is terminated for any reason other than a termination by the Company for Cause (as defined below) prior to the date a Bonus earned under this Plan is paid, the Executive shall be entitled to receive, on the date bonuses are paid generally to active executive officers of the Company, a pro-rated portion, based on the number of months (rounded to the nearest full month) that the Executive was employed by the Company and its subsidiaries during the 2008 fiscal year, of the Bonus under the Plan that the Executive would have earned under the Plan had he remained employed through the bonus payment date based on the actual results of the Company over the entire year.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Plan is subject to the Employment Agreement, as amended, between the Company and the Executive, which is hereby incorporated by this reference, and which contains special provisions regarding the Bonus in the event of a Change in Control. In the event of any conflict between the Employment Agreement and this Plan, the Employment Agreement shall govern. For purposes of this Plan, the term “Cause” means the definition of “Cause” under the Employment Agreement between the Company and the Executive.
3.0 BONUS FUNDING GOAL
The “Funding Performance” criteria as used in this Plan refers specifically to the Company’s performance relative to achievement of an earnings-related goal (EBITDA, as defined in this Section 3.0) established for the 2008 fiscal year.
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) as used in this Plan means Company earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, for the Plan Year, as adjusted for

 


 

(i) non-comparable or non-recurring items (as determined by the Compensation Committee, based on the approved budget), (ii) costs related to the ongoing regulatory investigations and securities class action relative to the Company’s historical accounting practices, including any settlement costs, defense costs, fines or penalties, and (iii) costs including professional fees incurred in connection with the Board of Director’s evaluation of strategic alternatives. The determination of EBITDA for purposes of this Section 3.0 shall be certified by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
For 2008, the Executive’s Funding Performance goal is set forth on Appendix A hereto.
4.0 COMPANY PERFORMANCE GOAL
The “Company Performance” as used in this Plan refers specifically to the Company’s performance relative to achievement of an earnings-related goal (Adjusted EBITDA, as defined below) established for 2008 fiscal year.
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) as used in this Plan means consolidated earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA will be calculated before (1) costs related to the ongoing regulatory investigations and securities class action relative to the Company’s historical accounting practices, including any settlement costs, defense costs, fines or penalties, (2) costs including professional fees incurred in connection with the Board of Director’s evaluation of strategic alternatives, (3) equity related compensation whether or not the amount is paid in cash, (4) cash-in-lieu of equity bonus, (5) non-recurring or non-comparable gains or losses including any impairment charges or asset write-offs, (6) purchase accounting adjustments, and, (7) any other adjustments to EBITDA made in good faith by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
Appendix A provides detail of the Company Adjusted EBITDA goal target and achievement levels and the potential Bonus percent of salary payable at each Company Performance level.
5.0 SALARY
“Salary” as used in this Plan means base annual salary as of the time that Executive’s fiscal 2008 salary was set in March, 2008.
6.0 ADMINISTRATION
The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and any interpretations of this Plan shall be made by such Committee.
7.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS
No portion of the Plan is to be construed as a contract for employment. The designation of Executive as a participant will not give such Executive any right to continued employment with the Company. The Company reserves its rights to suspend, demote, transfer, or terminate Executive.

2


 

7.01 UNFUNDED PROGRAM
The Plan is an unfunded program. The Company does not have an obligation to set aside, earmark or entrust any fund, policy or money with which to pay obligations under the plan. The amount of money payable under the Plan with respect to the participant, will be paid from general revenues.
7.02 RIGHT TO AMEND
Prior to a Change of Control (as defined below), the Company reserves the right to change, revise or rescind the policies or statements described in this Plan Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, following a Change of Control, no change, modification, revision, amendment or termination of this Plan (as evidenced by this document) shall be made which would impair the rights of Executive to a Bonus under this Plan without Executive’s consent.
For purposes of this Plan, the term “Change of Control” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the employment agreement between the Company and the Executive.
7.03 DISQUALIFICATION FOR VIOLATION OF COMPANY POLICY
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive violates any Company policy during the fiscal year, or attempts to alter, manipulate, or falsely present any facts which bear upon any aspect of this Plan, he may, at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, forfeit any benefits hereunder, in addition to any other disciplinary action to which Executive may be subject.

3

EX-21.01 21 p75180exv21w01.htm EX-21.01 exv21w01
 

Exhibit 21.01
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
         
NAME   JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION   ALSO DOES BUSINESS AS
Subsidiaries of Registrant:
       
     CSK Auto, Inc. (“Auto”)
  Arizona   Checker Auto Parts, Kragen Auto
 
      Parts, Schuck’s Auto Supply,
 
      Murray’s Discount Auto Stores
 
       
Subsidiaries of Auto:
       
     CSK AUTO.COM, Inc.
  Delaware    

EX-23.1 22 p75180exv23w1.htm EX-23.1 exv23w1
 

Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-63393, 333-77879, 333-86069, 333-86071, 333-30512, and 333-119152) of CSK Auto Corporation of our report dated April 17, 2008 relating to the consolidated financial statements, financial statement schedules, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Phoenix, Arizona
April 17, 2008

EX-31.01 23 p75180exv31w01.htm EX-31.01 exv31w01
 

Exhibit 31.01
CERTIFICATION
I, Lawrence N. Mondry, certify that:
     1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of CSK Auto Corporation;
     2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
     3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
     4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
     (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
     (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
     (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
     (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
     5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
     (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
     (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
     
Date: April 17, 2008    
    /s/ LAWRENCE N. MONDRY
     
    Lawrence N. Mondry
    Chief Executive Officer

 

EX-31.02 24 p75180exv31w02.htm EX-31.02 exv31w02
 

Exhibit 31.02
CERTIFICATION
I, James D. Constantine, certify that:
     1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of CSK Auto Corporation;
     2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
     3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
     4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
     (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
     (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
     (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
     (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
     5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
     (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
     (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
     
Date: April 17, 2008    
    /s/ JAMES D. CONSTANTINE
     
    James D. Constantine
    Chief Financial Officer

 

EX-32.01 25 p75180exv32w01.htm EX-32.01 exv32w01
 

Exhibit 32.01
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
The certification set forth below is being submitted in connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of CSK Auto Corporation (“CSK”) for the period ending February 3, 2008 (the “Report”) for the purpose of complying with Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d -14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
Each of the undersigned, in his capacity as an officer of CSK, hereby certifies that to the best of his knowledge:
(1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; and
 
(2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of CSK.
This written statement is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Report. A signed original of this statement has been provided to CSK and will be retained by CSK and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
     
April 17, 2008   /s/ LAWRENCE N. MONDRY
     
    Lawrence N. Mondry
    Chief Executive Officer
     
April 17, 2008   /s/ JAMES D. CONSTANTINE
     
    James D. Constantine
    Chief Financial Officer

 

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-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----