Bed Bath & Beyond
Annual Report 2019

Plain-text annual report

BED BATH & BEYOND INC. Notice of 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Proxy Statement 2019 Annual Report Consolidated Selected Financial Data (in thousands, except per share and selected operating data) Statement of Earnings Data: Net sales Gross profit Operating (loss) profit(8) Net (loss) earnings Net (loss) earnings per share – Diluted Dividends declared per share(6) Selected Operating Data: Number of stores open (at period end) Fiscal Year Ended(1) February 29, 2020 March 2, 2019 March 3, 2018(2) February 25, 2017(3) February 27, 2016 $11,158,580 $12,028,797 $12,349,301 $12,215,757 $12,103,887 3,541,660 (700,064) 4,103,980 (87,135) 4,443,015 761,321 (613,816) (137,224) 424,858 4,576,350 1,135,210 685,108 4,620,310 1,414,903 841,489 $ $ (4.94) $ 0.68 $ (1.02) $ 0.64 $ 3.04 0.60 $ $ 4.58 0.50 $ $ 5.10 — 1,500 1,533 1,552 1,546 1,530 Total square feet of store space (at period end) 42,262,500 43,132,000 43,681,000 43,619,000 43,274,000 Percentage (decrease) increase in comparable sales(4) (6.8%) (1.1%) (1.3%) (0.6%) 1.0% Comparable sales (in 000’s)(4) Balance Sheet Data (at period end): Working capital Total assets(9) Long-term operating lease liabilities(9) Long-term sale/leaseback and capital lease obligations Long-term debt(5) Shareholders’ equity(6)(7) $10,788,631 $11,604,110 $11,813,092 $11,701,042 $11,722,973 $ 1,359,759 $ 1,832,340 $ 1,805,393 $ 1,559,400 $ 1,757,282 7,790,515 1,818,783 102,412 6,570,541 7,040,806 6,822,655 6,487,677 — — — — 103,983 105,614 107,136 109,274 1,488,400 1,487,934 1,492,078 1,491,603 1,491,137 $ 1,764,935 $ 2,560,331 $ 2,888,628 $ 2,719,277 $ 2,559,540 (1) Each fiscal year represents 52-weeks, except for fiscal 2017 (ended March 3, 2018) which represents 53-weeks. (2) The Company acquired Decorist, Inc. on March 6, 2017. (3) The Company acquired One Kings Lane, Inc. on June 13, 2016, PersonalizationMall.com, LLC (“PMall”) on November 23, 2016, and certain assets of Chef Central on January 27, 2017. (4) Comparable sales include sales consummated through all retail channels which have been operating for twelve full months following the opening period (typically four to six weeks). Of a Kind was excluded from the comparable sales calculations through the end of the first fiscal half of 2016, and is included beginning with the fiscal third quarter of 2016. PMall is included in the comparable sales calculation beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. One Kings Lane, Chef Central and Decorist are included in the comparable sales calculation beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Linen Holdings is excluded from the comparable sales calculations and will continue to be excluded on an ongoing basis as it represents non-retail activity. (5) On July 17, 2014, the Company issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 3.749% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2024, $300 million aggregate principal amount of 4.915% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2034 and $900 million aggregate principal amount of 5.165% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2044. In fiscal 2018, the Company purchased and retired $4.6 million of senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2024. Amounts shown are net of unamortized deferred financing costs. (6) The Company’s Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.17 per share in each quarter of fiscal 2019, totaling $0.68 per share or approximately $84 million for the fiscal year 2019, $0.16 per share in each quarter of fiscal 2018, totaling $0.64 per share or approximately $89 million for the fiscal year 2018, $0.15 per share in each quarter of totaling $0.60 per share or approximately $86 million for the fiscal year 2017 and $0.125 per share in each quarter of fiscal 2016, totaling $0.50 per share or approximately $76 million for the fiscal year 2016. The Company had not declared any cash dividends in any of the fiscal years prior to fiscal 2016 and, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has suspended its quarterly cash dividend payments. fiscal 2017, (7) In fiscal 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company repurchased approximately $0.100 billion, $0.148 billion, $0.252 billion, $0.547 billion, and $1.101 billion of its common stock, respectively. (8) Fiscal 2019 operating loss includes non-cash pre-tax goodwill and other impairment charges of $509.2 million. Fiscal 2018 operating loss includes non-cash pre-tax goodwill and other impairment charges of $509.9 million. (9) Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), at the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company began including right-of-use assets for all leases in total assets, as the guidance requires an entity to recognize lease liabilities and a right-of-use assets for all leases on the balance sheet. In addition, the balance sheet at the end of fiscal 2019 includes operating lease liabilities. Refer to discussion in Note O, Leases, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further information. Corporate Profile Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is an omnichannel retailer that makes it easy for our customers to feel at home. The Company sells a wide assortment of domestic merchandise and home furnishings. The Company also provides a variety of textile products, amenities and other goods to institutional customers in the hospitality, cruise line, healthcare and other industries. Additionally, the Company is a partner in a joint venture which operates retail stores in Mexico under the name Bed Bath & Beyond. NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS Time: In Person Location*: Virtual Meeting Website*: 10:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 The Company’s principal executive office at 650 Liberty Avenue Union, New Jersey 07083 Shareholders may also attend online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BBBY2020 Items of Business: (1) To elect 12 directors until the Annual Meeting in 2021 and until their respective successors have been elected and qualified (Proposal 1). (2) To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent auditors for the 2020 fiscal year (Proposal 2). (3) To consider the approval, by non-binding vote, of the 2019 compensation paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers (commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal) (Proposal 3). (4) To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or adjournments. Record Date: You can vote if you were a shareholder of record as of the close of business on June 5, 2020. Proxy Voting: It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person or virtually, we urge you to vote online, via telephone or to fill out the enclosed proxy card and return it to us in the envelope provided prior to the time of the Annual Meeting. No postage is required. * During this extraordinary time, we must all do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). We are monitoring the developments related to the impact of COVID-19 on a daily basis. While we have scheduled an in-person location for the Annual Meeting, we are sensitive to the public health and travel concerns our shareholders may have and recommendations that public health officials may issue in light of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we are offering shareholders the opportunity to attend our Annual Meeting remotely by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BBBY2020. Please retain the 16-digit control number included on your notice, on your proxy card or in the voting instructions that accompanied your proxy materials as you will need this number to attend the meeting virtually. We have designed the virtual meeting to offer the same participation opportunities as an in-person meeting. Due to the impact of COVID-19, we encourage all shareholders to utilize the remote access option. We also encourage all shareholders who are currently planning to attend the Annual Meeting in person to continue to review guidance from public health authorities as the time for our Annual Meeting approaches. The Governor of the State of New York has issued several temporary executive orders permitting New York corporations to hold virtual only shareholder meetings in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. If the Governor’s temporary order is extended through the date of the Annual Meeting, we intend to hold the Annual Meeting solely by means of remote communications with no in-person location. In such case, we will announce the decision to do so at least one week in advance of the Annual Meeting, by press release and in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as in materials made available at www.bedbathandbeyond.com/annualmeeting2020, and we strongly encourage you to check this website prior to the Annual Meeting. Note that any decision to proceed with a virtual-only meeting this year does not necessarily mean that we will utilize a virtual-only format or any means of remote communication for future annual meetings. Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Material for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on July 14, 2020: this Notice of the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Proxy Statement and the Company’s 2019 Annual Report are available at www.bedbathandbeyond.com/annualmeeting2020 i To Our Shareholders: The past year has been one of significant change and renewal of our business, including extensive changes to our Board and executive leadership as well as development of essential strategies and plans to renew and build our business. We are united and driven to restore the Company’s place in our customers’ eyes and the industry as the preëminent home retailer. In recent months, as the world responds to the unparalleled challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken aggressive and thoughtful steps to safeguard our people and communities while we continue to serve our customers. As with many businesses, COVID-19 served as a catalyst to accelerate the pace of change and innovation — to advance ongoing efforts to reset our cost structure and build a modern, durable model for long-term profitable growth. Board Transformation Just over a year ago, our Board transformation included the appointment of 9 new independent directors and the departure of 8 directors, including the Company’s Co-Founders and former Chief Executive Officer. In November 2019, Mark J. Tritton was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board. Our refreshed Board has a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, ages, gender, race and ethnicity, reflects the diversity of the Company’s loyal customers and dedicated associates and has the essential experience, qualifications and skills to oversee, guide and help drive the extensive business transformation underway. World-Class Leadership Team Since the appointment of our new President and Chief Executive Officer, the Company has restructured our leadership team and recruited highly energetic, experienced and innovative leaders to work together, lead innovation and modernization, drive growth, and accelerate the pace of change. The team not only has the right talent and expertise to execute our mission and inject new ideas, but also the right organizational structure for more streamlined decision making and to re-establish Bed Bath & Beyond’s leadership in the Home space. Establishing Our Growth Strategy We are developing and implementing the initial stages of a compelling growth strategy, founded on our purpose to make it pleasurable, special and easy for our customers to enhance their homes. Our mission is to re-establish Bed Bath & Beyond’s lead position as the preferred omnichannel Home destination with a robust, sustainable business model through the execution of a strategy rooted in the following five pillars: 1. Product: We will refine and amplify an exciting omnichannel assortment that rebuilds authority and preference for Bed Bath & Beyond and creates energy through differentiation and curation. 2. Price: We will invest in and clarify compelling value through more choice with opening price points, relevant owned brands and clear price communications to sharpen our value for quality proposition and to both acquire and win back customers. 3. Promise: We will clarify and deepen our relationship with our customers by connecting, engaging and motivating them to strengthen loyalty and lifetime value. 4. Place: We will accelerate and optimize connecting with, inspiring and energizing our customers by becoming a truly omni-always retailer to serve their preferred shopping needs. 5. People: We will create and sustain a talent engine and culture that attracts, retains and develops high-performing teams who consistently deliver operational excellence and business results. With these five pillars as our guide, we are embracing a commitment to reconstruct and modernize our operating model to drive efficiency and effectiveness, charting a new course for our Company. Resetting Our Cost Base Earlier this year, we announced a strategic restructuring program to right-size our organization and reset our cost structure, which will result in significant savings in both Cost of Sales and SG&A, including reducing overhead, improving sourcing, increasing private-label penetration and optimizing our supply chain. Our teams remain focused on accelerating our extensive transformation efforts and driving against our near-term priorities to generate savings and reinvest for future growth. ii Our Role These times deepened recent macro trends, with customers increasingly focused on the home, as well as generational and technological driven change embraced by our customers and how they want to shop. We recognize the important role the Company plays for our customers and will provide inspiration and ideas, a curated, differentiated and affordable category assortment, and multiple, contemporary models to shop and receive product. We have an iconic brand with great consumer brand loyalty, and we are taking this opportunity to deepen our connection with our customers as we strengthen our omni-always approach. We believe that Bed Bath & Beyond will emerge from this crisis even stronger, given the strength of our brand, our people and our balance sheet. We are excited about the future of our business and the role we can play in the lives of our customers in the future. We are grateful to our teams, loyal customers, vendors and other business partners, as well as to you, our shareholders, for your continued trust, confidence and support of Bed Bath & Beyond. In light of public health considerations, this year we are offering shareholders the opportunity to attend our Annual Meeting of Shareholders virtually. Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, your vote is very important. Please cast your vote regardless of the number of shares you hold. We look forward to discussing our plans for the Company’s future at the Annual Meeting. Mark J. Tritton President and Chief Executive Officer Harriet Edelman Chair of the Board of Directors June 18, 2020 iii 2020 Proxy Statement BED BATH & BEYOND AT A GLANCE Our Business Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. is an omnichannel retailer that makes it easy for our customers to feel at home. The Company sells a wide assortment of domestic merchandise and home furnishings. The Company also provides a variety of textile products, amenities and other goods to institutional customers in the hospitality, cruise line, healthcare and other industries. Additionally, the Company is a partner in a joint venture which operates retail stores in Mexico under the Bed Bath & Beyond name. Our COVID-19 Response We have been responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with measured, purposeful steps to help keep our people safe and our customers served. We quickly initiated our contingency plan, creating an essential response unit with emergency task force groups to focus on several priority areas, including our people, operations, customers, technology and finances. We have been adapting as necessary and taking decisive actions to keep our people safe, deliver for our customers and strengthen our liquidity and financial flexibility. Our top priority remains the health and safety of our customers and our teams. On March 23, 2020, we temporarily closed all our retail stores across the US and Canada, other than buybuy BABY and Harmon Face Values (“Harmon”) stores, subject to state and local regulations. Since then, we have been providing essential infant, health and personal care items to local communities primarily through our buybuy BABY and Harmon stores as well as serving the rest of our loyal customers online through our digital channels. We have been rapidly evolving to meet the changing needs of our customers during this time, and the significant rise in online demand. We converted approximately 25% of our stores across the US and Canada into regional fulfillment centers and commenced contactless curbside pick-up and Buy-Online-Pickup-In Store (“BOPIS”) services at hundreds of our store locations, subject to state and local regulations. In conjunction with the temporary store closures, we implemented additional cost reductions including a furlough of the majority of store associates and a portion of corporate associates. The Company has paid and will continue to pay 100% of the cost of healthcare premiums for all furloughed associates who currently participate in our health plan, until further notice. In addition, we temporarily reduced salaries by 30% across the executive team then in office, including President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Mark J. Tritton, through May 16, 2020. At the same time, the Chair of the Board and all other independent directors agreed to forgo 30% of their quarterly cash compensation for the first quarter of the Company’s 2020 fiscal year. On May 8, 2020, we initiated a phased approach to fully re-open a number of stores, and now expect to reopen nearly all of our stores, subject to state and local regulations, by the end of June 2020. BOPIS and contactless curbside pick-up services will also be extended to cover the majority of stores during this time. As stores re-open to the public and services are expanded across North America, we expect to bring associates back from furlough. We also recently launched our Store Safety Plan and are guided by our medical team and national, state and local guidance to help ensure customers can shop with us confidently. We recognize our associates for their above and beyond service, attitude and dedication to our Company and our loyal customers despite this extremely challenging situation. Making it easy to feel at home means different things to different people, and our teams have been working incredibly hard to support our customers. This is an important time for us now and moving forward. Bed Bath & Beyond can play an important role in supporting customers and their families in making it easy to feel at home. Our Strengths ➢ A leading home furnishings retailer with significant scale and market share (cid:129) ~55,000 associates (FT/PT) (cid:129) ~1,500 total stores (US/Canada) ➢ Focused investments on core business and omnichannel capabilities (cid:129) Omni fulfillment (e.g., BOPIS, curbside pickup, leveraging store inventory) (cid:129) Omni inventory management (cid:129) Digital marketing and personalization (cid:129) Further strengthening owned-brand strategy ➢ Growing digital business well positioned to take advantage of secular trends (cid:129) Customer-facing digital channels represent ~19% of fiscal 2019 comparable sales ➢ High focus on transformation of expense structure including “natural” portfolio optimization (cid:129) Generating funds from sale of assets (completed sale leaseback and sale of One Kings Lane) (cid:129) Right-sizing organization structure (cid:129) ~$1 billion (at retail) inventory reduction underway (cid:129) Expanding direct import/direct sourcing practices (cid:129) Renegotiating vendor contracts and leases (cid:129) Capitalizing on heavy lease expiration cadence over the next 24 months ➢ Strong liquidity position including recent initiatives around fiscal 2020 cash preservation (cid:129) ~$1.4 billion of cash and investments as of the end of fiscal 2019 (cid:129) In response to COVID-19 pandemic, took further actions to strengthen financial flexibility, including, among other things, postponed plans for share repurchases and suspended the payment of dividends and planned debt reductions, and deferred ~$150 million in planned capital expenditures ➢ New management team with extensive retail transformation expertise (cid:129) Established a world-class leadership team to rebuild our business and strengthen our authority in the Home space, consisting of 8 executive appointments over the past 7 months, including President and CEO Mark J. Tritton Our Fiscal 2019 Results ➢ Net sales of ~$11.2 billion ➢ Comparable sales decline of ~7%, including low-single-digit percentage growth from our customer-facing digital channels ➢ Net loss per diluted share of $(4.94), including an impact of ~$5.40 per diluted share from goodwill and other impairments, and incremental charge for markdowns, severance costs, shareholder activity costs and a loss from a sale-leaseback transaction, including transaction costs ➢ Capital expenditures of ~$277 million, with ~50% related to technology projects, primarily focused on logistics, digital capabilities and analytics ➢ During fiscal 2019, opened a total of 9 stores and closed a total of 42 stores ➢ Significant reduction in our retail inventories (at cost) of ~20%, resulting from various inventory optimization strategies ➢ Strong year-end cash and investments balance of ~$1.4 billion, an increase of ~$392 million over the prior year, including over $250 million in net proceeds from the sale-leaseback transaction TABLE OF CONTENTS ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Who We Are Board Nominees and Qualifications How We are Selected and Evaluated Board Refreshment Initiative Corporate Governance at Bed Bath & Beyond Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policies How We are Governed and Govern Board Leadership Director Independence Committees of the Board of Directors Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation Governance Guidelines and Policies; Additional Information Risk Oversight Corporate Responsibility How We are Paid How to Communicate with Us and How We Listen Shareholder Outreach—We Listened, Learned & Responded PROPOSAL 2—RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS FOR FISCAL 2020 Appointment of KPMG LLP Fees Paid to KPMG LLP for Services and Products Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures Audit Committee Report for the Fiscal Year Ended February 29, 2020 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Compensation Committee Report Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) Executive Summary Executive Compensation Design and Philosophy Sources of Information for the Compensation Committee Elements of Compensation for 2019 Design of 2020 Executive Compensation Additional Compensation Information Information About Our Executive Officers I 1 2 2 3 13 13 15 16 16 16 16 17 18 19 19 20 20 22 22 23 23 23 23 24 25 25 26 27 28 30 31 37 38 40 TABLE OF CONTENTS Compensation Tables Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal 2019, Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017 Grants of Plan Based Awards Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End Option Exercises and Stock Vested Employment Agreements and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control CEO Pay Ratio PROPOSAL 3—APPROVAL, BY NON-BINDING VOTE, OF 2019 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT OTHER MATTERS Questions and Answers Certain Relationships and Related Transactions Householding Next Year’s Annual Meeting 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 41 41 44 46 47 48 54 56 57 59 59 62 63 63 64 II ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS Proxies in the form enclosed with this Proxy Statement are solicited by the Board of Directors of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” or “us”), a New York corporation, to be used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at the Company’s principal executive offices at 650 Liberty Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083, and online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BBBY2020, on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, for the purposes set forth in the Notice of Meeting and this Proxy Statement. The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 650 Liberty Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083. The approximate date on which this Proxy Statement and accompanying Form of Proxy will be mailed to shareholders is on or about June 18, 2020. During this extraordinary time, we must all do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). We are monitoring the developments related to the impact of COVID-19 on a daily basis. While we have scheduled an in-person location for the Annual Meeting, we are sensitive to the public health and travel concerns our shareholders may have and recommendations that public health officials may issue in light of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we are offering shareholders the opportunity to attend our Annual Meeting remotely by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BBBY2020. Please retain the 16-digit control number included on your notice, on your proxy card or in the voting instructions that accompanied your proxy materials as you will need this number to attend the meeting virtually. We have designed the virtual meeting to offer the same participation opportunities as an in-person meeting. Due to the impact of COVID-19, we encourage all shareholders to utilize the remote access option. We also encourage all shareholders who are currently planning to attend the Annual Meeting in person to continue to review guidance from public health authorities as the time for our Annual Meeting approaches. The Governor of the State of New York has issued several temporary executive orders permitting New York corporations to hold virtual only shareholder meetings in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. If the Governor’s temporary order is extended through the date of the Annual Meeting, we intend to hold the Annual Meeting solely by means of remote communications with no in-person location. In such case, we will announce the decision to do so at least one week in advance of the Annual Meeting, by press release and in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as well as in materials made available at www.bedbathandbeyond.com/annualmeeting2020, and we strongly encourage you to check this website prior to the Annual Meeting. Note that any decision to proceed with a virtual-only meeting this year does not necessarily mean that we will utilize a virtual-only format or any means of remote communication for future annual meetings. IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON JULY 14, 2020 The proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, including the Proxy Statement and the Company’s 2019 Annual Report are available at www.bedbathandbeyond.com/annualmeeting2020 1 OUR DIRECTORS PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS WHO WE ARE The Board of Directors, upon recommendation of its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has nominated the 12 people named below for election as directors, with all 12 individuals being nominated to serve for a one-year term expiring at the 2021 Annual Meeting. All of the nominees for director currently serve as directors, and all of the nominees except for Mark J. Tritton were elected by the Company’s shareholders at the 2019 Annual Meeting. Four of the nominees (John E. Fleming, Sue E. Gove, Jeffrey A. Kirwan and Joshua E. Schechter) were recommended by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and appointed by the Board to serve as directors effective May 29, 2019 pursuant to the previously disclosed Cooperation and Support Agreement. On October 21, 2019, the Board expanded the size of the Board from 13 to 14 members and appointed Mr. Tritton to fill the resulting vacancy, in each case, effective as of November 4, 2019. On May 29, 2020, Patrick R. Gaston stepped down as Chairman of the Board and, after 13 years as a director of the Company, notified the Board that he will not stand for re-election at the Annual Meeting. In addition, on June 15, 2020, Stephanie Bell-Rose notified the Board that she will not stand for re-election at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Gaston’s and Ms. Bell-Rose’s terms as directors will conclude at the end of the Annual Meeting, at which time the size of the Board will be reduced to 12 members. Information concerning our nominees as of the record date, and the key experience, qualifications and skills they bring to our Board is provided below. A particular director may possess additional experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills, even if not expressly indicated. Our Board’s diversity, tenure, age and independence is also shown below. The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the election of the 12 director nominees. Gender: Tenure: Age: Ethnic Diversity: Independence: Demographics of Director Nominees 50% male, 50% female 100% appointed within the last 3 years Average age is ~57 17% are ethnically diverse 92% are independent; 1 non-independent director is the CEO Bed Bath & Beyond Director Skills Matrix CEO Experience Digital / Omnichannel Financial Literacy Growth / Business Transformation International Experience Marketing (including Digital Marketing) / Personalization / Customer Experience Operations Management Experience Public Affairs / Corporate Governance Public Company Board Service Retail Industry Experience Risk Management Senior Leadership & Strategic Planning Harriet Edelman Mark J. Tritton John E. Fleming Sue E. Gove Jeffrey A. Kirwan JB Osborne Harsha Ramalingam Virginia P. Ruesterholz Joshua E. Schechter Andrea Weiss Mary A. Winston Ann Yerger Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Š Total 7 / 12 8 / 12 12 / 12 10 / 12 11 / 12 9 / 12 9 / 12 8 / 12 8 / 12 10 / 12 7 / 12 12 / 12 2 Board Nominees and Qualifications PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Harriet Edelman Special Advisor to the Chairman, Emigrant Bank Age: 64 Chair of the Board since May 2020 Independent Director since 2019 Public and Select Private Board Membership Assurant, Inc. Brinker International, Inc. Bucknell University Board of Trustees, Vice Chairman Qualifications ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ Digital / Omnichannel Diversity Financial Literacy Growth / Business Transformation International Experience Marketing (including Digital Marketing) / Personalization / Customer Experience Operations Management Experience Public Affairs / Corporate Governance Public Company Board Service (20 years) Regulatory and Government Relations Retail Industry Experience Risk Management Senior Leadership & Strategic Planning Experience ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ Special Advisor to the Chairman, Emigrant Bank (2019 – present) Vice Chairman, Emigrant Bank (2010 – 2019) Special Advisor to the Chairman, Emigrant Bank (2008 – 2010) Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Head of Business Transformation; Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain; various senior leadership positions in Sales, Marketing and New Product Development, Avon Products, Inc. (1979 – 2008) Education ‰ ‰ Bachelor of Music, Bucknell University MBA, Fordham Gabelli School of Business Also Harriet is a loyal Bed Bath & Beyond customer who loves family, music, exercise and the outdoors. 3 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Mark J. Tritton President and Chief Executive Officer, Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Age: 56 Director since 2019 Public and Select Private Board Membership Nordstrom, Inc. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Qualifications ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ CEO Experience Digital / Omnichannel Financial Literacy Growth / Business Transformation International Experience Marketing (including Digital Marketing) / Personalization / Customer Experience Operations Management Experience Retail Industry Experience Risk Management Senior Leadership & Strategic Planning Experience ‰ ‰ ‰ President and Chief Executive Officer, Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (November 2019 – present) Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, Target Corporation (2016 – 2019) Executive Vice President and Division President of the Nordstrom Product Group, Nordstrom, Inc. (2009 – 2016) Group Vice President, Global CasualGear Footwear & Apparel, Timberland LLC (2004 – 2008) Various positions including General Manager, Europe, Middle East & Africa Apparel, Nike, Inc. (1999 – 2004) ‰ ‰ Education ‰ Bachelor of Education in English and History, University of Sydney, Australia Also Mark has a passion for food and cooking and is a frustrated DJ. 4 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Qualifications ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ CEO Experience Digital / Omnichannel Financial Literacy Growth / Business Transformation International Experience Marketing (including Digital Marketing) / Personalization / Customer Experience Operations Management Experience Public Company Board Service Retail Industry Experience Senior Leadership & Strategic Planning Experience ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ Interim Chief Executive Officer of r21Holdings, Inc. (2020 – Present) Chief Executive Officer of Global eCommerce, Uniqlo Co. Ltd. (2013 – 2016) Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Walmart, Inc. (2007 – 2010) Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Walmart, Inc. (2005 – 2006) Chief Executive Officer, Walmart.com (2001 – 2005) Chief Merchandising Officer, Walmart.com (2000 – 2001) Various positions including Senior Vice President of Merchandising, Dayton Hudson (1981 – 2000) Education ‰ BA, Colorado College Also John is from a four generation hockey family and enjoys travel, cooking, hiking and being near water. John E. Fleming Interim Chief Executive Officer, r21Holdings, Inc. Age: 61 Independent Director since 2019 Public and Select Private Board Membership UNTUCKit LLC r21Holdings, Inc. The Visual Comfort Group USA Hockey Foundation 5 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Sue E. Gove President, Excelsior Advisors, LLC Age: 61 Independent Director since 2019 Public and Select Private Board Membership Conn’s, Inc. Tailored Brands, Inc. IAA, Inc. Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (until May 2019) Logitech International S.A. (until September 2018) Autozone, Inc. (until December 2017) Qualifications ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ CEO Experience Digital / Omnichannel Diversity Financial Literacy Growth / Business Transformation International Experience Marketing (including Digital Marketing) / Personalization / Customer Experience Operations Management Experience Public Affairs / Corporate Governance Public Company Board Service (15+ years) Retail Industry Experience Risk Management Senior Leadership & Strategic Planning Experience ‰ ‰ ‰ Senior Advisor, Alvarez & Marsal (2017 – 2019) President, Excelsior Advisors, LLC (2014 – present) President and Chief Executive Officer, Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. (2012 – 2014) Chief Financial Officer, Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. (2009 – 2012) Chief Operating Officer, Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. (2008 – 2012) Executive Vice President, Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. (2008 – 2012) Chief Operating Officer, Zale Corporation (2002 – 2006) Chief Financial Officer, Zale Corporation (1997 – 2003) Various senior financial, operating and strategic roles, culminating in the EVP and Chief Operating Officer role, Zale Corporation (1980 – 2006) ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ Education ‰ BBA, Accounting, University of Texas at Austin Also Sue enjoys golf, tennis and entertaining. 6 Jeffrey A. Kirwan Chairman, Maurices Inc. Age: 53 Independent Director since 2019 Public and Select Private Board Membership Maurices Inc. Johnathan B. (JB) Osborne CEO, Red Antler Age: 39 Independent Director since 2018 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Qualifications ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ CEO Experience Digital / Omnichannel Financial Literacy Growth / Business Transformation International Experience Marketing (including Digital Marketing) / Personalization / Customer Experience Operations Management Experience Retail Industry Experience Risk Management Senior Leadership & Strategic Planning Experience ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ Chairman, Maurices Inc. (2019 – Present) Global President and Chief Executive Officer, Gap division of The Gap, Inc. (2014 – 2018) Executive Vice President and President, Gap China (2013 – 2014) Senior Vice President, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Gap China (2011 – 2013) Senior Vice President, Stores and Operations, Old Navy (2008 – 2011) Senior Vice President and General Manager, Old Navy Canada (2008) Vice President and General Manager, Old Navy Canada (2007 – 2008) Education ‰ ‰ BS, Rhode Island College Masters of Science, the University of Maryland University College Also Jeff is an avid surfer, passionate about travel, enjoys learning about other cultures, spending time with family and continues to practice speaking Mandarin. Qualifications ‰ Advertising ‰ CEO Experience ‰ Digital / Omnichannel ‰ Financial Literacy ‰ Growth / Business Transformation ‰ International Experience ‰ Marketing (including Digital Marketing) / Personalization / Customer Experience ‰ Operations Management Experience ‰ Product Innovation ‰ Retail Industry Experience ‰ Senior Leadership & Strategic Planning Experience ‰ ‰ ‰ CEO & Co-Founder, Red Antler (2007 – present) US Director and opened the New York office, Consortium (2006 – 2007) Account Supervisor, Saatchi & Saatchi (2003 – 2006) Education ‰ BS, Applied Economics and Management, Magna Cum Laude, Cornell University Also JB originally moved to New York with aspirations of playing in a rock band, but happily found entrepreneurship and now lives in Brooklyn with his wife Arielle, their incredibly cute son August, dog Brodie and a lot of plants. 7 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Harsha Ramalingam President and Owner, Ramalingam Consulting Age: 61 Independent Director since 2019 Public and Select Private Board Membership Intralinks Holdings, Inc. (until January 2017) Integral Health Qualifications ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ Digital / Omnichannel Diversity Financial Literacy Growth / Business Transformation International Experience Marketing (including Digital Marketing) / Personalization / Customer Experience Operations Management Experience Public Affairs / Corporate Governance Public Company Board Service Retail Industry Experience Risk Management Senior Leadership & Strategic Planning Experience ‰ ‰ ‰ Information Officer and CISO Senior Advisor, The Boston Consulting Group (2019 – present) President and Owner, Ramalingam Consulting (2015 – present) Global Vice President, e-commerce Platform, Chief Functions, Amazon.com, Inc. (2008 – 2015) Entrepreneur in Residence at North Bridge Venture Partners and Founder of ClouT Systems (2008) Various positions including Vice President, Products and Operations, EMC SaaS, EMC Corporation (2002 – 2008) Chief Technology Officer Operations, FreeBorders, Inc. (2000 – 2002) Global Development Manager, Storage Area Network Software Development and IBM Storage Systems Division, SAN Strategy Leadership, International Business Machines Corporation (1998 – 2000) / Head of Research and Development and Technical ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ Education ‰ ‰ ‰ Bachelor of Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur MBA, General Management, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore Executive Education, Stanford University Graduate School of Business Also Harsha enjoys running, swimming, and hiking in the mountains. He is a volunteer with the United Nations World Food Program and serves on their Tech Advisory Board. 8 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Qualifications ‰ Diversity ‰ Financial Literacy ‰ Growth / Business Transformation ‰ International Experience ‰ Marketing (including Digital Marketing) / Personalization / Customer Experience ‰ Operations Management Experience ‰ Public Affairs / Corporate Governance ‰ Public Company Board Service ‰ Risk Management ‰ Senior Leadership & Strategic Planning Experience ‰ Executive Vice President—Strategic Initiatives, Verizon Communications, Inc. (Jan 2012 – July 2012) President, Verizon Services Operations (2009 – 2011) – led the Global Business Unit that included the global IP Network, a $40 billion sourcing spend, supply chain and real estate operations President, Verizon Telecom (2006 – 2009) – led the $30 billion business unit Verizon’s consumer, general business and wholesale customers for ‰ ‰ Education ‰ ‰ ‰ BS, Chemical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology MS, Telecommunications Management, Brooklyn Polytechnic Honorary Doctorate of Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology Also Virginia is a Trustee of Stevens Institute of Technology and served as its first and only female chair of the Board in its 149-year history. Qualifications ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ Financial Literacy International Experience M&A Experience Public Affairs / Corporate Governance Public Company Board Service Retail Industry Experience Senior Leadership & Strategic Planning Experience ‰ ‰ Co-President, Steel Partners Japan Asset Management, LP (2008 – 2013) Managing Director, Steel Partners Ltd (2001 – 2013) Education ‰ ‰ BBA, University of Texas at Austin MPA, Professional Accounting, University of Texas at Austin Also Josh enjoys coaching his children’s youth sports teams. He also enjoys reading. 9 Virginia P. Ruesterholz Former Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Verizon Communications, Inc. Age: 59 Independent Director since 2017 Public and Select Private Board Membership The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. Stevens Institute of Technology Joshua E. Schechter Private investor and public company director Age: 47 Independent Director since 2019 Public and Select Private Board Membership Support.com Viad Corp Genesco Inc. (until June 2019) SunWorks, Inc. (until January 2020) PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Andrea Weiss Founding Partner, The O Alliance, LLC Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Retail Consulting Inc. Age: 65 Independent Director since 2019 Public and Select Private Board Membership Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. RPT Realty Delivering Good, Inc. (Chairman of the Board) Chico’s FAS, Inc. (until November 2018) Qualifications ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ CEO Experience Digital / Omnichannel Diversity Financial Literacy Growth / Business Transformation International Experience Marketing (including Digital Marketing) / Personalization / Customer Experience Operations Management Experience Product Development Public Affairs / Corporate Governance Public Company Board Service Retail Industry Experience Senior Leadership & Strategic Planning Experience ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ Founding Partner, The O Alliance, LLC (2014 – present) Chairman, Grupo Cortefiel (2006 – 2007) Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Retail Consulting Inc. (2002 – present) President, dELiA*s, Inc. (2001 – 2002) Executive Vice President and Chief Stores Officer, The Limited, Inc. (1998 – 2001) President, Retail Operations, Guess?, Inc. (1996 – 1998) Senior Vice President and Director, Stores, Ann Taylor Stores, Inc. (1992 – 1996) Education ‰ ‰ ‰ BFA, Virginia Commonwealth University Masters of Administrative Science, The Johns Hopkins University Post-Graduate Studies at Harvard Business School and The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University Also Andrea resides in Florida with her husband of 38 years where they breed thoroughbred horses. 10 Mary A. Winston Founder and President, WinsCo Enterprises Inc. Age: 58 Independent Director since 2019 Public and Select Private Board Membership Acuity Brands, Inc. Domtar Corporation Dover Corporation PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Qualifications ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ CEO Experience Diversity Financial Literacy Growth / Business Transformation International Experience Public Affairs / Corporate Governance Public Company Board Service Retail Industry Experience Risk Management Senior Leadership & Strategic Planning Experience ‰ ‰ ‰ President and Founder, WinsCo Enterprises Inc. (2016 – present) Interim Chief Executive Officer, Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (May 2019 – November 2019) Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Family Dollar Stores Inc. (2012 – 2015) Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Giant Eagle, Inc. (2008 – 2012) Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Scholastic Corporation (2004 – 2007) Various positions, including Vice President and Controller, Visteon Corporation (2002 – 2004), and Vice President, Global Financial Operations, Pfizer Inc. Pharmaceuticals Group (1995 – 2002) Started her career as a CPA and auditor at Arthur Andersen & Co. Education ‰ ‰ BBA, Accounting, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee MBA, Finance, Marketing and International Business, Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School CPA ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ Also Mary is passionate about travel, exercise and spending time with family. 11 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Qualifications ‰ Diversity ‰ Financial Literacy ‰ Public Affairs / Corporate Governance ‰ Senior Leadership & Strategic Planning Ann Yerger Advisor, Spencer Stuart North America Board Practice Age: 58 Independent Director since 2019 Public and Select Private Board Membership Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Experience ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ Member, Grant Thornton Audit Quality Advisory Council (2019 – present) Advisor, Spencer Stuart North America Board Practice (2017 – present) Executive Director, Center for Board Matters, Ernst & Young LLP (2015 – 2017) Various positions including Executive Director, Council of Institutional Investors (1996 – 2015) Education ‰ ‰ ‰ BA, Economics, Duke University MBA, Tulane University CFA charterholder Also Ann loves spending time with her family and two dogs, and she enjoys visiting and hiking the US national parks. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE 12 NOMINEES AS DIRECTORS. 12 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS HOW WE ARE SELECTED AND EVALUATED Directors are elected annually at each annual meeting to serve until the next annual meeting or until their successors are duly elected and qualified, subject to their earlier death, resignation or removal. The Board has adopted a policy regarding minimum qualifications for potential directors. These qualifications are considered by the Board and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, together with other qualifications deemed useful in the context of an assessment of the current needs of the Board. These qualifications reflect the desirability of selecting directors who: (cid:129) are of high character and integrity; (cid:129) are accomplished in their respective fields, with superior credentials and recognition; (cid:129) have relevant expertise and experience upon which to be able to offer advice and guidance to management; (cid:129) have sufficient time available to devote to the affairs of the Company; (cid:129) are able to work with the other members of the Board and contribute to the success of the Company; (cid:129) can represent the long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders as a whole; and (cid:129) are selected such that the Board represents a range of backgrounds, experience, ages and diversity of gender, race, ethnicity and geography. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also considers applicable legal and regulatory requirements that govern the composition of the Board. Accordingly, (i) a majority of the Board must be comprised of independent directors (as defined by Nasdaq), (ii) at least three members of the Board must have the requisite financial literacy to serve on the Company’s Audit Committee, (iii) at the Board must satisfy Nasdaq’s “financial sophistication” requirement (and should also be an “audit committee financial expert” (as defined by the SEC)), and (iv) there must be a sufficient number of independent directors to ensure that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee are each comprised entirely of independent directors. least one member of Qualified candidates for membership on the Board will be considered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee endeavors to include women and minority candidates in the qualified pool from which Board candidates are chosen and, when nominated and elected, to consider such directors for leadership on the Board and its committees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews and evaluates each candidate’s character, judgment, skills (including financial literacy), background, experience and other qualifications (without regard to whether a nominee has been recommended by the Company’s shareholders), as well as the overall composition of the Board, and recommends to the Board for its approval the slate of directors to be nominated for election at the Annual Meeting. In addition, the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines limit the number of outside board memberships of our directors. The Board values diversity, in its broadest sense, reflecting, but not limited to, geography, gender, age, race, ethnicity and life experience and is committed to a policy of inclusiveness. The Board of Directors believes it is structured to provide oversight, direction and guidance to management. In doing so, the members of the Board bring to their service valuable expertise in a wide range of subjects relevant to the Company in the execution of its strategy. The Board, as part of its annual self-assessment and on an ongoing basis as appropriate, considers the skills and experience of its members in relation to the needs of the Company. Board Refreshment Initiative Following engagement with our shareholders, and in consideration of their constructive feedback, over the last few years the Board has undergone a complete overhaul, with all 12 of our director nominees appointed within the last three years. The Board recently completed its annual self-assessment process, and constantly assesses the current needs of the Board. This effort is intended to help ensure that directors possess an appropriate mix of skills and experience, including a balance between new and experienced directors and a further alignment of the attributes of the directors with the Company’s strategic needs. In furtherance of this initiative, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board has taken the following actions: (cid:129) In May 2020, Harriet Edelman, an independent director, was appointed as Chair of the Board. Ms. Edelman joined our Board of Directors in May 2019, and brings three decades of global operating experience in consumer goods and financial services. Ms. Edelman currently serves as a member of the Compensation Committee, has notified the Board that she intends to step down from the Compensation Committee effective as of July 1, 2020, and has stepped down as Chair of the Audit Committee. 13 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (cid:129) In November 2019, Mark J. Tritton, the Company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, joined the Board. Mr. Tritton has over 30 years of experience in the retail industry, including most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer at Target Corporation, where he was instrumental in transforming the omni-channel shopping experience. (cid:129) In addition to Ms. Edelman, in May 2019, the following directors joined our Board of Directors: (cid:129) John E. Fleming who brings four decades of ecommerce architecture, strategy and big box marketing and merchandising experience. Mr. Fleming, an independent director, currently serves as Chair of the Compensation Committee. (cid:129) Sue E. Gove who brings significant retail operations and turnaround expertise. Ms. Gove, an independent director, currently serves on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. (cid:129) Jeffrey A. Kirwan who brings extensive retail operations and global supply chain experience. Mr. Kirwan is an independent director. (cid:129) Harsha Ramalingam who brings over 30 years of operational leadership experience and global expertise in areas including enterprise technology and consumer e-commerce. Mr. Ramalingam, an independent director, currently serves on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. (cid:129) Joshua E. Schechter who brings extensive M&A, corporate governance, investment and turnaround expertise. Mr. Schechter, an independent director, currently serves as Chair of the Audit Committee. (cid:129) Andrea Weiss who brings significant entrepreneurial leadership experience in the retail industry, and who was an early innovator in multi-channel commerce. Ms. Weiss, an independent director, currently serves on the Audit Committee. (cid:129) Mary A. Winston who brings significant governance expertise across a broad range of industries, having served on large public company boards and audit committees for many years. Ms. Winston served as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer from May 2019 until November 2019, when Mr. Tritton was appointed as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Winston is an independent director. (cid:129) Ann Yerger who brings extensive leadership experience as a nationally recognized governance specialist. Ms. Yerger, an independent director, currently serves on the Nominating and Corporate Governance and Compensation Committees. (cid:129) (cid:129) In April 2018, Johnathan (“JB”) Osborne, an independent director with extensive consumer branding and marketing experience, within ecommerce and other retail models, joined our Board. He currently serves on the Audit Committee. In June 2017, Virginia P. Ruesterholz, an independent director who brings three decades of large-scale operational and transformational leadership experience with a Fortune 50 company, joined our Board following her election at the Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. She currently serves as Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee. (cid:129) This Board refreshment initiative remains ongoing, and the Board expects it to result in further changes to the Board’s composition over the next several years. (cid:129) Our Board continues to be committed to sound and effective corporate governance principles and practices, including board diversity, and recruitment of new directors to complement the existing skills and experience of our Board. The Board holds regular meetings each quarter and special meetings when necessary. The Board held 32 meetings during the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 (“fiscal 2019”). Directors are expected to attend the Board meetings and meetings of committees of the Board on which they serve. Absent unusual circumstances, the Company expects the members of the Board to attend the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders. During fiscal 2019, all of the Company’s incumbent directors attended 75% or more of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and committees on which he or she served. All of the Company’s then current directors attended the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. 14 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Corporate Governance at Bed Bath & Beyond Our Corporate Governance Framework The Board believes that good corporate governance accompanies and aids the Company’s long-term success, and, in coordination with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, regularly reviews the Company’s corporate governance policies and practices. The Investor Stewardship Group (ISG), which includes some of the largest institutional investors and global asset managers and advocates for best practices in corporate governance, has established a framework of governance principles forming a baseline of expectations for US corporations. We believe that the Company’s policies and practices are aligned with the ISG’s principles. As discussed in more detail in the following sections, our corporate governance policies and practices include, among other things: Practice Description Accountability to Shareholders Annual elections Majority voting standard Board refreshment Proxy access All directors are elected annually, which reinforces our Board’s accountability to shareholders Our Amended and Restated By-laws provide for a “majority voting” standard in uncontested director elections. An incumbent director that does not meet the majority voting standard must promptly offer to resign from the Board Following engagement with our shareholders, and in consideration of their constructive feedback, over the last few years the Board has undergone a complete overhaul, with all 12 of our directors standing for re-election appointed within the last three years. The Board recently completed its annual self-assessment process, and constantly assesses the current needs of the Board Our Amended and Restated By-laws provide that any shareholder or group of up to 20 shareholders owning 3% or more of the Company’s common stock continuously for at least the previous three years may nominate and include in our proxy materials director nominees totaling up to the greater of 20% of the Board or at least two directors Shareholder engagement We are committed to active shareholder engagement, including by directors, to directly gather investor perspectives Strong, Independent Leadership Independence Independent Chair Board Committees A majority of our directors must be independent. Currently, all of our directors other than our CEO are independent. The Board holds regular executive sessions of independent directors We currently have an independent Chair of the Board. If in the future our CEO is also the Chair of the Board or the Chair of the Board is otherwise not independent, we require an independent director to serve as Lead Director The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews and recommends the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee membership. All of Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are independent directors. Each of our committees is chaired by an independent director, and each committee has an extensive detailed charter outlining the committee’s duties and responsibilities the members of 15 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Practice Board Structure Diversity Director overboarding policy Description Our Board has a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, ages, gender, race and ethnicity and reflects the diversity of the Company’s loyal customers and dedicated associates Our CEO and any director that is a “Named Executive Officer” of any public company is expected to serve on no more than one other public company board. Other directors are expected to serve on no more than three other public company boards Self-Assessments The Board and each of its committees conduct annual self-assessments Risk oversight Management succession planning The Board and the Audit Committee annually review and engage with the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) process The Compensation Committee (in consultation with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee) is responsible for the oversight of management succession planning for the CEO and other executive officers of the Company Compensation Practices and Alignment with Shareholders Compensation practices The Compensation Committee is dedicated to aligning the Company’s executive compensation practices with the long-term strategy of the Company and the Company’s compensation design pillars Clawback and anti-hedging and pledging policies We have in place a clawback policy, and do not permit our executive officers to hedge the Company’s securities, and restrict their ability to pledge the Company’s securities Stock ownership guidelines for officers and directors The Board adopted enhanced stock ownership guidelines for the Company’s officers and directors Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policies Our directors and executive officers are prohibited from hedging Company securities, including through the use of financial instruments such as prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, exchange funds, puts, calls, forwards and other derivative instruments, or through the establishment of a short position in the Company’s securities. In addition, our directors and executive officers are prohibited from pledging Company securities as collateral for a loan or from holding Company securities in a margin account, unless they certify to the Company’s General Counsel their financial capacity to repay the covered loan without resort to the pledged securities. HOW WE ARE GOVERNED AND GOVERN Board Leadership On May 29, 2020, Harriet Edelman was appointed as independent Chair of the Board. As independent Chair of the Board, Ms. Edelman presides at all meetings of the shareholders and of the Board of Directors, and has such powers and performs such other duties required by statute or the Company’s Amended and Restated By-laws and as set forth in the Corporate Governance Guidelines or as the Board may from time to time determine. The Board believes this structure represents good governance, particularly in addressing the coordination and oversight of the considerable committee work that has already taken place and that lies immediately ahead. Under the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, if the Board, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, decides in the future that, given the then current circumstances, combining the positions of Chair and Chief Executive Officer would foster a more effective and efficient Board, or the Chairman is otherwise determined by the Board to not be independent, then the independent directors will designate an independent director to serve as Lead Director. The Lead Director would generally have the duties and responsibilities of the current independent Chair of the Board, unless otherwise determined by the Board. Director Independence The Board, upon the advice of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has determined that Mmes. Bell-Rose, Edelman, Gove, Ruesterholz, Winston, Weiss and Yerger, and Messrs. Fleming, Gaston, Kirwan, Osborne, Schechter and Ramalingam each are “independent directors” under the independence standards set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(a)(2). 16 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS These determinations were based on the fact that each of these individuals is not an executive officer or employee of the Company or has any other relationship which, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Mr. Gaston and Ms. Bell-Rose are not standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting, and their terms as directors will conclude at the end of the Annual Meeting. In addition, the Board, upon the advice of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, determined that our former directors Dean S. Adler, Stanley F. Barshay, Klaus Eppler, Jordan Heller and Victoria A. Morrison were each “independent directors” under the independence standards set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(a)(2). Each of these former directors resigned as members of the Board of Directors effective May 1, 2019. The Board’s independence determination is analyzed annually in both fact and appearance to promote arms-length oversight. In making its independence determination this year, the Board considered relationships and transactions since the beginning of the Company’s 2019 fiscal year. The Board’s independence determinations included reviewing the following relationships, and a determination that the relationships and the amounts involved, in each case was immaterial. During fiscal 2019, the Company engaged Boston Consulting Group to provide consulting services in connection with the Company’s ongoing business transformation. Mr. Ramalingam is a non-employee senior advisor at Boston Consulting Group. Mr. Ramalingam was not involved in any decision by the Company to engage Boston Consulting Group. The amounts paid by the Company to Boston Consulting Group represented a small fraction of 1% of the annual revenues of Boston Consulting Group. The Company leases 14 stores (or less than 1% of the Company’s total stores) from RPT Realty, on whose Board of Directors Ms. Weiss serves. The rental income from these stores represents approximately 3% of the total annual minimum rent received by RPT Realty. As the Board determined that these relationships and the amounts involved were immaterial, the Board does not believe that these relationships or the amounts involved might reasonably impair the ability of Mr. Ramalingam or Ms. Weiss to act in the shareholders’ best interests. Committees of the Board of Directors The Board has established standing committees to assist with the performance of its responsibilities. These include: the Audit Committee; the Compensation Committee; and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Board has adopted written charters for the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees. The charters are available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.bedbathandbeyond.com. All members of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees are considered independent pursuant to the “outside directors” applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules, and all members of requirements for purposes of applicable tax law. the Compensation Committee meet Prior to the appointment of Mr. Tritton as President and CEO and the Company’s new senior leadership team, the Board formed a Business Transformation and Strategy Review Committee. The Board appointed the initial members of the Business Transformation and Strategy Review Committee on May 1, 2019, and the committee held 6 meetings during fiscal 2019. In June 2020, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board decided to disband the Business Transformation and Strategy Review Committee and determined that oversight, direction and guidance of business strategy and transformation will be assumed by the full Board in the future. The Company’s new senior leadership team has extensive experience and expertise in retail, omnichannel and business transformation. The Board expresses its appreciation for the work and contributions of this Committee during the past year. AUDIT The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by (i) overseeing the Company’s accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the Company’s financial statements, and (ii) reviewing the financial reports and other financial information provided by the Company to the public. In addition, the functions of this Committee have included, among other things, recommending to the Board the engagement or discharge of independent auditors, discussing with the auditors their review of the Company’s quarterly results and the results of their annual audit and reviewing the Company’s internal accounting controls. The Audit Committee also advises and assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to: (i) the integrity of the Company’s quarterly and annual financial statements and financial reporting processes; (ii) the Company’s earnings announcements, as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and ratings agencies; (iii) audits of the Company’s financial statements; (iv) the Company’s internal control system and the quality of internal control by 17 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS management; (v) management’s practices to ensure adequate risk management and business continuity; (vi) compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the Company’s ethical conduct policy; (vii) the independent auditor’s qualifications, independence and performance; (viii) the performance of the Company’s internal audit function; (ix) cyber-security, data privacy, information technology and information protection; and (x) procedures for receipt and treatment of complaints received by the Company from its customers, vendors or employees relating to accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters. The Audit Committee also participates in the Company’s ERM process, as discussed in more detail below. The Audit Committee held 8 meetings during fiscal 2019. This Committee is comprised of independent directors Joshua E. Schechter, Chair, JB Osborne, Virginia P. Ruesterholz, and Andrea Weiss. The Board has determined Joshua E. Schechter and Andrea Weiss qualify as “audit committee financial experts.” Harriet Edelman stepped down from the Audit Committee on May 29, 2020 in connection with her appointment as independent Chair of the Board. COMPENSATION The Compensation Committee assists the Board by (i) considering and determining all matters relating to the compensation of the CEO and other executive officers (as defined in Rule 3b-7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), and such other key executives as the Committee shall determine; (ii) administering and functioning as the Committee that is authorized to make grants and awards of equity compensation to executive officers and such other key executives as the Committee shall determine under the Company’s equity compensation plans; and (iii) reviewing and reporting to the Board on such other matters as may be appropriately delegated by the Board for the Committee’s consideration. The Compensation Committee (in consultation with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee) is also responsible for the oversight of management succession planning for the CEO and other executive officers of the Company. The Committee has the authority to engage consultants and other advisors. The Compensation Committee held 40 meetings during fiscal 2019. This Committee is comprised of independent directors John E. Fleming, Chair, Harriet Edelman, Patrick R. Gaston and Ann Yerger. Ms. Edelman has notified the Board that she intends to step down from the Compensation Committee effective as of July 1, 2020. Upon the completion of the Annual Meeting, Mr. Gaston will step down from the Board and the Compensation Committee. NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee assists the Board by (i) reviewing and recommending changes in certain policies regarding the nomination of directors to the Board for its approval; (ii) identifying individuals qualified to become directors; (iii) evaluating and recommending for the Board’s selection nominees to fill positions on the Board; (iv) advising the Board with respect to leadership of the Board and the structure and composition of the committees of the Board; (v) facilitating the annual assessment of the performance of the Board and its committees; and (vi) advising and making recommendations to the Board with respect to corporate governance matters, including the Company’s corporate governance policies. The Committee’s policy is to identify potential nominees based on properly submitted suggestions from any source, including the Company’s shareholders, and has established procedures to do so. Shareholders may recommend nominees to the Committee by submitting the names and supporting information in writing to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at 650 Liberty Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083. In addition, the Board may determine that it requires a director with a particular expertise or qualification and will actively recruit such a candidate. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also has the authority to retain third party search firms to evaluate or assist in identifying or evaluating potential nominees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held 7 meetings during fiscal 2019. This Committee is comprised of independent directors Virginia P. Ruesterholz, Chair, Stephanie Bell-Rose, Patrick R. Gaston, Sue E. Gove, Harsha Ramalingam and Ann Yerger. Upon the completion of the Annual Meeting, Mr. Gaston and Ms. Bell-Rose will step down from the Board and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION None of the members of the Compensation Committee was (i) during fiscal 2019, an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (ii) formerly an officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. None of our executive officers currently serve, or in fiscal 2019 has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee. 18 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES AND POLICIES; ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The Board has adopted, and posts on the Investor Relations section of its website: (cid:129) Corporate Governance Guidelines, including the Company’s Policies on Director Nominations and Director Attendance at the Annual Meeting; (cid:129) how shareholders can communicate with the Board of Directors; and (cid:129) the Company’s policy of Ethical Standards for Business Conduct that applies to all associates (including all officers) and members of the Board of Directors. The Company maintains directors and officers insurance coverage. This insurance covers directors and officers individually where exposures exist other than those for which the Company is able to provide indemnification and covers the Company for its indemnity obligation to the directors and officers. This coverage is from September 15, 2019 through September 15, 2020, at a total cost of approximately $1.7 million. The primary current carrier is Zurich American Insurance Company. The excess carriers are XL Specialty Insurance Company, Argonaut Insurance Company, RSUI Indemnity Company, RLI Insurance Company, State National Insurance Company, Continental Insurance Company, Old Republic Insurance Company, National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh, PA, Travelers Casualty & Surety Company of America, and Endurance American Insurance Company. Although no assurances can be provided, the Company intends to maintain directors and officers coverage from September 15, 2020 through September 15, 2021. During fiscal 2019, the Company advanced expenses to Steven Temares, the former Chief Executive Officer and a former director of the Company, in the amount of approximately $41,000, which advancement of expenses was made pursuant to the Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company and approved by the Board. The advancement related to expenses incurred by Mr. Temares following his termination of employment with the Company in connection with the Compensation Committee’s review of the 2018 Performance Peer Group used for purposes of the fiscal 2018 performance stock unit (“PSU”) grant. As a condition of such advancement, Mr. Temares agreed that if it was ultimately determined that he was not entitled to such payment, he would repay such amount to the Company. RISK OVERSIGHT As part of its oversight responsibility, the Board receives at least annually a report on the material risks facing the Company, which are identified through the Company’s ERM process. This report is presented to the Audit Committee by a committee of key executives representing legal, finance and internal audit (the “Executive Risk Committee”), and results from a formal process where members of the Executive Risk Committee meet with executives of each principal business function to identify and assess the significant risks in each such business function’s areas of responsibility. The members of the Executive Risk Committee then analyze with those executives what risk mitigation efforts are or should be in place to eliminate or reduce such risks to acceptable levels, where possible, and then engage on these matters with the Audit Committee, which then reports to the full Board. In the annual ERM report, areas of risk and mitigation efforts reviewed with the Audit Committee and the full Board in furtherance of the Board’s oversight responsibilities generally include: general business risks, such as economic forces, competition, pandemics and weather; employment-related risks, such as recruitment and retention, succession, labor costs and associate relations; data security risks with respect to the Company, associate and customer data; compliance risks associated with the range of legal, accounting, tax and financial reporting systems under which the Company operates; supply chain risks, including disruption arising from political instability or labor disturbances, supplier financial stability and legal compliance; and compliance with a variety of product, labor, social and environmental standards. The Audit Committee and the full Board are updated on certain risks more frequently than annually, upon request or as developments warrant. The ERM process and report to the Audit Committee, and the Audit Committee’s report to the Company’s Board of Directors, also informs the more detailed Risk Factor disclosure in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. In May 2020, the Compensation Committee performed a risk assessment of our compensation programs, which included an analysis of the risk associated with the Company’s executive compensation program conducted by Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC (“Meridian”), the Compensation Committee considered the balance between pay components, measures of performance, magnitude of pay, pay caps, plan time horizons and overlapping performance cycles, program design and administration, and other features that are designed to mitigate risk (such as stock ownership guidelines and a clawback policy). Following its review, the Compensation Committee determined that the Company’s compensation practices and policies do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant. In its review, 19 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY We recognize the importance of environmental, social and governance issues. We have a longstanding dedication to improving the communities where we operate. Since we first opened our doors in 1971, our top priority has been our commitment to customer service and being a responsible corporate citizen, which remains true today. Working together and communicating with our associates, customers, suppliers and communities creates better outcomes on issues that matter to us all. Corporate responsibility is an enterprise-wide commitment informed by and integrated into our business strategy. We publish an annual Corporate Responsibility Report to report on environmental, social and governance issues most important to our business. This report is available in the Governance Documents section of the Company’s Investor Relations website available at www.bedbathandbeyond.com. The Board, its committees and the Company’s management share responsibility for overseeing the Company’s corporate responsibility programs. HOW WE ARE PAID The Director Compensation Table provides compensation information for each member of our Board of Directors during fiscal 2019, other than Mr. Tritton, our President and CEO, Warren Eisenberg and Leonard Feinstein, our former Co-Chairmen, Steven H. Temares, our former CEO, and Mary A. Winston, our former Interim CEO, whose compensation is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table. Messrs. Tritton, Eisenberg, Feinstein and Temares did not receive any director fees for fiscal 2019, since they received compensation in their capacity as executives of the Company. The director fees that Ms. Winston received during the portion of the year that she was not serving as our Interim CEO are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table. Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein resigned as members of the Board effective May 1, 2019, and Mr. Temares resigned as a member of the Board on May 13, 2019. Annual director fees for fiscal 2019 were $90,000. In addition, directors serving on standing committees of the Board were paid as follows: an additional $10,000 for Audit Committee members (or, effective as of May 1, 2019, $25,000 for the Chair of the Audit Committee); an additional $7,500 for Compensation Committee members (or, effective as of May 1, 2019, $25,000 for the Chair of the Compensation Committee); an additional $5,000 for Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee members (or, effective as of May 1, 2019, $16,500 for the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee); and, effective as of May 1, 2019, an additional $10,000 for Business Transformation and Strategy Review Committee the Business Transformation and Strategy Review Committee). The Business members (or $20,000 for the Chair of Transformation and Strategy Review Committee was disbanded in June 2020. Members of the Chief Executive Officer Search Committee, other than Mary Winston, were each paid a one-time fee of $6,000 for serving in that capacity (the members of the Chief Executive Officer Search Committee were Virginia Ruesterholz (Chair), John Fleming, Patrick Gaston, Sue Gove, JB Osborne and Mary Winston). Effective as of April 21, 2019, the date that Patrick R. Gaston was appointed to the role of Independent Chairman of the Board (from which he stepped down effective as of May 29, 2020), the Board approved an annual retainer in the amount of $200,000 for the Company’s independent Chair of the Board (in addition to the standard annual director fees received by the independent Chair of the Board), with 75% payable in cash and 25% payable in restricted stock on the date of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (calculated based on the average of the high and low trading prices on such date). With the exception of establishing fees for the independent Chair of the Board, committee Chair fees and the fees for members of the Business Transformation and Strategy Review Committee and Chief Executive Officer Search Committee formed during fiscal 2019, and increasing, effective as of May 1, 2019, the fee for the Lead Independent Director, if any, from $15,000 to $30,000, director fees were unchanged during fiscal 2019. The Company does not pay per meeting fees. Director fees are paid on a quarterly basis. Directors have the right to elect to receive all or 50% of their fees in stock. In addition to the fees above, each director, other than Messrs. Tritton, Eisenberg, Feinstein and Temares and Ms. Winston, received a grant of restricted stock under the Company’s 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2012 Plan”) with a fair market value equal to $81,000 on the date of the Company’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (calculated based on the average of the high and low trading prices on such date). Such restricted stock vested on the last day of fiscal 2019. 20 As described above and more fully below, the following table summarizes the annual compensation for the directors, other than Messrs. Tritton, Eisenberg, Feinstein, and Temares and Ms. Winston during fiscal 2019. PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Dean S. Adler Stanley F. Barshay Stephanie Bell-Rose Harriet Edelman Klaus Eppler John E. Fleming Patrick R. Gaston Sue E. Gove Jordan Heller Jeffrey A. Kirwan Victoria A. Morrison Johnathan B. (“JB”) Osborne Harsha Ramalingam Virginia P. Ruesterholz Joshua E. Schechter Andrea Weiss Ann Yerger Fees Earned or Paid in Cash($) Stock Awards ($)(1)(2) — — 81,000 81,000 — Total ($) 16,209 16,209 175,190 182,532 15,783 16,209(3) 16,209(3) 94,190 101,532 15,783(3) 93,479 81,000 174,479 299,674(4) 124,269(5) 423,943 78,294 15,804(3) 76,099(6) 15,398(3) 114,379 87,610 123,015 76,099 99,505(7) 85,886(7) 81,000 159,294 — 15,804 81,000 157,099 — 81,000 81,000 81,000 81,000 81,000 81,000 15,398 195,379 168,610 204,015 157,099 180,505 166,886 (1) The value of stock awards represents their respective total fair value on the date of grant calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic No. 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), without regard to the estimated forfeiture related to service-based vesting conditions. All assumptions made in the valuations are contained and described in Note 14 to the Company’s financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2019. Stock awards are rounded up to the nearest whole share when converted from dollars to shares. The amounts shown in the table reflect the total fair value on the date of grant and do not necessarily reflect the actual value, if any, that may be realized by the directors. (2) Represents the value of 8,342 restricted shares of common stock of the Company granted under the Company’s 2012 Plan at fair market value on the date of the Company’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders ($9.71 per share, the average of the high and low trading prices on July 25, 2019), such restricted stock to vest on the last day of the fiscal year of grant provided that the director remains in office until the last day of the fiscal year. No stock awards were outstanding for each non-employee director as of February 29, 2020. (3) Resigned as a director effective as of May 1, 2019. (4) Mr. Gaston received a fee in respect of his service as Lead Independent Director from April 1, 2019 through April 20, 2019, at an annualized rate of $15,000 per year. (5) In addition to the 8,342 restricted shares of common stock mentioned in note 2 above, Mr. Gaston also received 4,457 restricted shares of common stock of the Company representing one quarter of the Independent Chairman of the Board retainer for fiscal year 2019, granted under the Company’s 2012 Plan at fair market value on the date of the Company’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders ($9.71 per share, the average of the high and low trading prices on July 25, 2019), such restricted stock to vest on the last day of the fiscal year of grant provided that the director remains in office until the last day of the fiscal year. (6) 100% percent of Mr. Kirwan’s fees were paid in shares of common stock of the Company pursuant to the Bed Bath & Beyond Plan to Pay Directors Fees in Stock and the number of shares was determined (in accordance with the terms of such plan) based on the fair market value per share on the second business day following the announcement of the Company’s financial results for its fiscal third quarter, which was $14.18 per share, the average of the high and low trading prices on January 10, 2020. (7) 50% of Mmes. Yerger and Weiss’ fees were paid in shares of common stock of the Company pursuant to the Bed Bath & Beyond Plan to Pay Directors Fees in Stock and the number of shares was determined (in accordance with the terms of such plan) based on the fair market value per share on the second business day following the announcement of the Company’s financial results for its fiscal third quarter, which was $14.18 per share, the average of the high and low trading prices on January 10, 2020. In June 2020, based on input and recommendations from Meridian, and upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board approved the following enhancements to our stock ownership guidelines applicable to our non-employee directors: (cid:129) each non-employee director is required to own Bed Bath & Beyond stock with a value of at least five times such director’s annual cash retainer; 21 PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (cid:129) each non-employee director must hold 50% of the net after-tax shares they receive in connection with equity awards until their ownership requirement is met; and (cid:129) the price used to determine compliance with the guidelines will be the 20-day trading average at each fiscal year-end. Fiscal 2020 As announced by the Company on April 2, 2020, in light of the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board approved a 30% reduction of all cash retainers payable to the independent members of the Board in respect of their Board service, service as a member or Chair of any committee of the Board and service as the Chair of the Board for the first quarter of the Company’s 2020 fiscal year. HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH US AND HOW WE LISTEN Shareholder Outreach—We Listened, Learned & Responded Over the course of the last year, among other things, the Board has taken the following actions to refresh the Board and bolster the Company’s executive management team: (cid:129) Appointed nine new independent directors with relevant skill sets for accelerating the business transformation underway and to promote robust Board oversight; (cid:129) Appointed Harriet Edelman, an independent director with three decades of global operating experience in consumer goods and financial services, as independent Chair of the Board; (cid:129) Appointed Mary A. Winston, a seasoned public company executive, as Interim CEO; (cid:129) Appointed Mark J. Tritton as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Tritton has over 30 years of experience in the including most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer at Target retail Corporation, where he was instrumental in transforming the omni-channel shopping experience; industry, (cid:129) Appointed a new world-class senior leadership team, including Gustavo Arnal, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Cindy Davis, Executive Vice President, Chief Brand Officer of the Company and President, Decorist, LLC, John Hartmann, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of the Company and President, buybuy BABY, Inc., Joe Hartsig, Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer of the Company and President of Harmon Stores Inc., Arlene Hong, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Rafeh Masood, Executive Vice President, Chief Digital Officer, and Gregg Melnick, Executive Vice President and Chief Stores Officer. Throughout each year, management and members of our Board actively engage with our shareholders. Over time, in addition to our day-to-day interactions with investors, we have expanded our shareholder engagement efforts to include a greater focus on areas such as executive compensation, governance and other topics suggested by our shareholders. Shareholder feedback, including through direct discussions and prior shareholder votes, as well as engagement with proxy advisory firms that represent the interests of a wide array of shareholders, is discussed at the Board level periodically throughout the year. to representatives from a variety of our In preparation for our fiscal 2020 compensation decisions, we reached out shareholders, representing including index funds, hedge funds, public pension funds, and actively-managed funds, approximately 85% of our total shares outstanding, and members of the Board and the Compensation Committee, as well as senior officers, participated in in-person and telephone meetings with more than 50% of our total shares outstanding. While our executive compensation program received the advisory approval of approximately 83% of the shares voted at our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the most favorable say-on-pay vote we have experienced in several years, we are committed to continuing our engagement with our shareholders on this and other topics. During the course of this engagement, we discussed with shareholders the recent additions to our executive leadership team, our board refreshment and diversity, and the progress being made in executing our strategic objectives, including, among others, providing our customers with convenient omnichannel experiences; making significant investments in technology, analytics and value optimization to enable data-driven decision making; continuing enhancements of the in-store and digital customer experience; and evolving our product assortment to include a higher proportion of meaningfully differentiated owned-brands. to the Shareholders and interested parties may direct communications to individual directors, independent directors as a group, or to the Board as a whole, by addressing the communications to the appropriate party and sending them to Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., c/o Corporate Secretary, 650 Liberty Avenue, Union, NJ 07083. The Corporate Secretary will review all communications so addressed and will forward to the addressee(s) all communications determined to bear substantively on the business, management, or governance of the Company. to a Board committee, 22 PROPOSAL 2—RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS FOR FISCAL 2020 APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLP The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has appointed KPMG LLP to serve as our independent auditors for fiscal 2020, subject to ratification by our shareholders. The Company’s auditors have been KPMG LLP for every year that it has been a public company. The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors believe that the continued retention of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm is in the best interest of the Company and our shareholders. Representatives of KPMG LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting to answer questions. They will also have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so. If the proposal to ratify their appointment is not approved, other certified public accountants will be considered by the Audit Committee. Even if the proposal is approved, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of new independent auditors at any time during the year if it believes that such a change would be in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. FEES PAID TO KPMG LLP FOR SERVICES AND PRODUCTS The Audit Committee is responsible for the approval of the audit fee associated with the Company’s retention of KPMG LLP. The fees incurred by the Company for professional services rendered by and products purchased from KPMG LLP for fiscal 2019 and the fiscal year ended March 2, 2019 (“fiscal 2018”) were as follows: Audit Fees Audit-Related Fees Tax Fees All Other Fees 2019 2018 $1,879,000 $1,644,000 — 123,000 3,000 10,000 75,000 3,000 $2,005,000 $1,732,000 In fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, in accordance with the SEC’s definitions and rules, “Audit Fees” included fees associated with the annual audit of the Company’s financial statements, the assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as integrated with the annual audit of the Company’s financial statements and the quarterly reviews of the financial statements included in its Form 10-Q filings. In fiscal 2019, “Audit Fees” also includes fees for additional procedures due to the adoption of ASC Topic 842, “Leases,” upgrades to information technology systems and additional procedures related to the goodwill and other impairments, the sale leaseback transaction and the charge for incremental markdowns taken in fiscal 2019. In fiscal 2018, “Audit Fees” also include fees for additional procedures due to the adoption of ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” upgrades to information technology systems during fiscal 2018 and additional procedures related to the goodwill and other impairments. In fiscal 2018, “Audit-Related Fees” include fees for procedures required due to a Form S-8 registration statement. In fiscal 2018, “Tax Fees” included fees associated with tax planning, tax compliance (including review of tax returns) and tax advice (including tax audit assistance). The Audit Committee has concluded that the provision of the foregoing services is compatible with maintaining KPMG LLP’s independence. In addition to fees for audit and non-audit services, in fiscal 2019 and 2018, the Company paid a subscription fee for a KPMG sponsored research product, reflected above in “All Other Fees.” The Audit Committee has concluded that the provision of the foregoing services and products is compatible with maintaining KPMG LLP’s independence. PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES In accordance with the Audit Committee charter, the Audit Committee must pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided to the Company by its outside auditor. To the extent permitted by applicable laws, regulations and Nasdaq rules, the Committee may delegate pre-approval of audit and non-audit services to the Chair of the Audit Committee or one or more members of the Committee, within certain parameters. Such member(s) must then report to the full Committee at its next scheduled meeting if such member(s) pre-approved any audit or non-audit services. In fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, all (100%) audit and non-audit services were pre-approved in accordance with the Audit Committee charter. 23 PROPOSAL 2—RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS FOR FISCAL 2020 AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2020 The Audit Committee discussed the auditors’ review of quarterly financial information with the auditors prior to the release of that information and the filing of the Company’s quarterly reports with the SEC; the Audit Committee also met and held discussions with management and the independent auditors with respect to the audited year-end financial statements. Further, the Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 1301, ‘‘Communications with Audit Committees,’’ received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and discussed with the auditors the auditors’ independence. The Committee also discussed with the auditors and the Company’s financial management matters related to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on these discussions and the written disclosures received from the independent auditors, the Committee recommended that the Board of Directors include the audited financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 29, 2020, filed with the SEC on April 29, 2020. This audit committee report is not deemed filed under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is not incorporated by reference into any filings that the Company may make with the SEC. Harriet Edelman stepped down from the Audit Committee on May 29, 2020, in connection with her appointment as independent Chair of the Board. AUDIT COMMITTEE Joshua E. Schechter, Chair Harriet Edelman JB Osborne Virginia P. Ruesterholz Andrea Weiss THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLP AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR FISCAL 2020. 24 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Compensation Committee Report The directors named below, who constitute the Compensation Committee, have submitted the following report for inclusion in this Proxy Statement. The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Proxy Statement. Based on its review of and the discussions with management with respect to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement for filing with the SEC and incorporated by reference in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2019. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE John E. Fleming, Chair Harriet Edelman Patrick R. Gaston Ann Yerger 25 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) To Our Shareholders: On behalf of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., we appreciate your continued support of its strategic the Company as it navigates the unprecedented COVID-19 situation and executes against transformation plan. Fiscal year 2019 saw the launch of the Company’s essential business transformation across many different fronts, with the Compensation Committee playing an important role in underpinning these efforts. (cid:129) In May 2019, the composition of our Board, including the Compensation Committee, was refreshed as part of the broader transformation directive for the business. (cid:129) One of our first actions as the new Compensation Committee was to develop a set of compensation design pillars to the Company’s executive compensation program, with a focus on serve as principles for our pay-for-performance as a unifying philosophy. redesign of (cid:129) Throughout the course of fiscal 2019, we strove to apply these pillars to every key executive compensation decision that we made, including the hiring of our new President and CEO, Mark J. Tritton, in November 2019 pursuant to a competitive compensation framework. (cid:129) Furthermore, we supported the build-out of a world-class, experienced, and diverse senior leadership team, providing them with compelling compensation packages which will recognize superior performance and success in our business transformation. The impact of many of these executive compensation changes is not fully reflected in the pages that follow, as our disclosures in this Proxy Statement are required to cover only the compensation of our named executive officers who were in office during fiscal year 2019. However, the Compensation Committee believes that it has begun laying a solid foundation for the years to come. We remain committed to ensuring that we have the appropriate compensation programs in place to motivate and retain our senior executive team and to incentivize them to drive long-term, sustainable value for all of our stakeholders. Thank you for the privilege of serving you as a Director of Bed Bath & Beyond. John E. Fleming Chair, Compensation Committee 26 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Executive Summary Scope of the CD&A This CD&A describes Bed Bath & Beyond’s executive compensation philosophy and program. Importantly, we discuss how the new Compensation Committee has reshaped the Company’s executive compensation program to focus on the strategic priorities of the business and align with market practices and shareholder interests. The leadership of Bed Bath & Beyond changed dramatically in the past twelve months, as detailed below. Mark J. Tritton joined us as our President and Chief Executive Officer in November 2019. Every other member of the senior executive team joined the Company in 2020, following the end of our 2019 fiscal year, other than Gregg Melnick, who joined the Company in 2018 and was appointed to his current role in 2020. Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) Fiscal Year 2019 (ending February 29, 2020) Current Senior Executive Team Fiscal Year 2020 (starting March 1, 2020) Mark J. Tritton Robyn D’Elia1 Mary Winston2 President and Chief Executive Officer (since November 2019) Mark J. Tritton President and Chief Executive Officer (since November 2019) Former Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (until May 2020) Gustavo Arnal Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer (since May 2020) Former Interim Chief Executive Officer (May to November 2019) Cindy Davis Executive Vice President, Chief Brand Officer and President, Decorist, LLC (since May 2020) Steven Temares3 Former Chief Executive Officer (until May 2019) John Hartmann Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and President, buybuy BABY, Inc. (since May 2020) Warren Eisenberg4 Former Executive Co-Chairman (until April 2019) Joe Hartsig Leonard Feinstein4 Former Executive Co-Chairman (until April Arlene Hong 2019) Rafeh Masood Gregg Melnick Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer; President, Harmon Stores, Inc. (since March 2020) Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary (since May 2020) Executive Vice President, Chief Digital Officer (since May 2020) Executive Vice President, Chief Stores Officer (since May 2020) 1. 2. 3. 4. Ms. D’Elia was Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for the entire 2019 fiscal year but ceased serving in that role on May 4, 2020. Ms. D’Elia provided transitional services to the Company through May 8, 2020. Ms. Winston served as Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis from May 12, 2019, until Mr. Tritton joined the Company on November 4, 2019. Mr. Temares left the Company on May 12, 2019. Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein transitioned to the roles of Co-Founders and Co-Chairmen Emeriti of the Board and ceased to be officers of the Company on April 21, 2019. This CD&A discusses compensation for the executives who were in office during fiscal year 2019, which ended February 29, 2020. The composition of the Compensation Committee was substantially reconstituted in the past year. Three new members joined the Compensation Committee in May 2019, after most of the decisions covered in this CD&A were already made. Compensation packages for the new executive team, which were negotiated by the current Compensation Committee, are closely aligned with the Company’s new “Compensation Pillars,” which are discussed below. 27 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Executive Compensation Design and Philosophy The Compensation Committee is committed to dramatically transforming the compensation structure and culture at Bed Bath & Beyond and developing a pay-for-performance compensation program and philosophy that is responsive to shareholder views, reflects market best practices, and supports the Company’s business transformation strategy. The Compensation Committee convened over 30 meetings in fiscal year 2019 to discuss and amend the Company’s executive pay programs; craft and finalize the Company’s new design pillars (detailed below); retain a new compensation consultant; and structure, negotiate, and approve compensation arrangements for a new executive team. 2019 compensation design pillars Peer Group (cid:2) Establish a single relevant peer group to use consistently to benchmark Company performance and compensation levels and practices. (cid:2) Review the peer group annually to ensure all companies remain appropriate in terms of both size and industry. Compensation Benchmarking (cid:2) Establish fixed, short-term, long-term, and total target pay levels that are rigorously and appropriately benchmarked against our peer group. (cid:2) Utilize a reasonable blend of compensation elements, with the majority of target total compensation linked to long-term performance and TSR. (cid:2) Set annual compensation and long-term incentive targets generally at the median range for the peer group. Short- and Long-Term Incentives (cid:2) Establish a short-term incentive program with metrics based on key objectives that support the Company’s long-term strategic goals. (cid:2) Set metrics for long-term incentives that are closely aligned with TSR. (cid:2) Develop payout curves for annual and long-term incentive opportunities that provide strong incentives for superior performance and meaningful downside risk for underperformance, including the risk of forfeiture. (cid:2) Establish rigorous performance goals for target incentive payouts. How we are implementing the compensation design pillars ✓ In 2019, we selected a single, new peer group and used it to benchmark compensation and as a baseline for purposes of the relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) metric applicable to our 2019 PSU awards. In the past we relied on two separate peer groups for these purposes. Where to find more information Pages 30-31 Pages 30-31; 35 Pages 32-35; 37-38 target compensation ✓ Mr. Tritton’s fiscal 2020 compensation package includes that approximates the median CEO compensation for our peer group. In addition, Mr. Tritton’s employment agreement provides that, in fiscal total 2020, approximately 88% of his target compensation will be at risk (in the form of short- and long-term incentive opportunities) and the remainder will be fixed (in the form of base salary). This represents a significant change from legacy practices. and long-term ✓ The PSUs awarded in 2019 could be earned based on the achievement of both short-term (one-year) (three-year) performance goals. The selected performance metrics—earnings before interest and taxes, adjusted to exclude and disregard the impact of extraordinary items (“EBIT”) and relative TSR— are tied to the strategic imperatives of the business and are more closely aligned with shareholder value than relative EBIT margin and relative return on invested capital (“ROIC”)— metrics used in prior years. ✓ The potential payout for the 2019 PSUs ranges between 0% and 150% of target, based on the Company’s performance against prescribed goals. A TSR “regulator” will cap payouts on the long- term PSUs at 100% of target if the Company’s TSR over the performance period is negative. ✓ The a to subject 2019 PSUs one-year performance period were designed to serve as a short-term incentive during a transitional year. Ms. D’Elia was the only NEO who received a 2019 short-term PSU grant. These PSUs did not pay out because we did not meet the threshold performance requirement. 28 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 2019 compensation design pillars How we are implementing the compensation design pillars Where to find more information ✓ The Compensation Committee anticipates that it will put in place a new annual cash incentive plan to begin in fiscal 2020 for the Company’s senior executives. ✓ Pursuant to agreement, Mr. Tritton received a 2019 annual cash incentive opportunity with a target equal to $750,000. employment his Share Ownership Guidelines (cid:2) Ensure that directors and executives are subject to meaningful stock ownership guidelines to align their interests with those of our shareholders. ✓ Until recently, the Company’s share ownership guidelines required our CEO and outside directors to hold fixed dollar amounts of Bed Bath & Beyond common stock. ✓ In 2020, the Board to reflect market practice, enhanced the guidelines to apply to a broader group of executives and to require covered individuals to hold Bed Bath & Beyond common stock with a value equal to a multiple of their base salary or cash retainer, as applicable. Shareholder Outreach and Engagement (cid:2) Continue to engage with shareholders and vigorously solicit their feedback. (cid:2) Consider and appropriately address shareholder concerns. ✓ Over out the past reached to year, we representatives from shareholders representing approximately 85% of our total shares outstanding, and members of the Board and the Compensation Committee, as well as senior officers, participated in in-person and telephone meetings with more than 50% of our total shares outstanding. Page 39 Page 30 The compensation pillars are supplemented by compensation practices the Company has implemented to drive performance and align the interests of the Company’s executives with its shareholders. What We Do ✓ Align pay with performance and creation of value for What We Don’t Do ✘ No performance goals for incentive awards that shareholders ✓ Pay a substantial portion of executive compensation in encourage excessive risk-taking ✘ No hedging of Company stock ✘ No repricing or backdating of stock options ✘ No payment of dividends on unvested performance share awards ✘ No excessive perquisites or other supplemental benefits ✘ No excise tax gross-ups on severance payments ✘ No guaranteed bonuses or long-term equity payouts the form of at-risk equity grants ✓ Conduct an annual say-on-pay vote ✓ Engage directly with shareholders to discuss compensation ✓ Maintain rigorous stock ownership guidelines for all executive officers and directors ✓ Require double-trigger change in control vesting provisions for in-progress equity awards ✓ Engage a fully independent compensation consultant that reports directly to the Compensation Committee ✓ Subject incentive compensation to a clawback in certain circumstances ✓ Conduct annual compensation risk assessments ✓ Cap long-term incentive awards if TSR is negative ✓ Benchmark against a relevant peer group of similarly- situated companies ✓ Use an appropriate mix of fixed and variable and short- term and long-term compensation elements 29 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Shareholder Outreach At the 2019 annual meeting, our executive compensation program received advisory approval of approximately 83% of the shares voted. Although this is the most favorable say-on-pay vote we have experienced in several years, the Compensation Committee is committed to earning a higher and consistent level of shareholder support in the coming years. ~83% Say on Pay favorable votes 85% of our total shares outstanding contacted Over the past year, we reached out to representatives from a variety of our shareholders, including representing index funds, hedge funds, public pension funds, and actively-managed funds, approximately 85% of our the Board and the Compensation Committee, as well as senior officers, participated in in-person and telephone meetings with more than 50% of our total shares outstanding. total shares outstanding, and members of Shareholders expressed their thoughts on past practices regarding executive compensation, with feedback generally coalescing into three key themes: (cid:2) Pay for our former CEO was too generous, without enough compensation at risk and insufficiently challenging payout curves (cid:2) Pay was not appropriately aligned with performance (cid:2) The connection between Company strategy and results and the compensation structure was inadequate The current Compensation Committee has already enacted change and is fully committed to addressing each theme. Sources of Information for the Compensation Committee Independent Consultants Until November 2019, the Compensation Committee retained Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Human Resources & Compensation Consulting (“Gallagher”) as its independent compensation consultant. In fiscal 2019, Gallagher conducted a compensation review regarding the NEOs and certain other executives. While serving as consultant to the Compensation Committee, Gallagher did not serve Bed Bath & Beyond in any other capacity. The current Compensation Committee determined that transforming the Company’s compensation practices and culture the required a new advisor with no connection to the Company’s legacy programs. Following a thorough search, Compensation Committee engaged the services of a new independent compensation consultant, Meridian. Meridian reports directly to the Compensation Committee and has brought fresh perspectives to executive compensation issues. Over the past months, Meridian has assisted with the development of competitive market data and benchmarking in connection with recent revised incentive senior executive hires, and has helped the Compensation Committee design and implement our to the compensation programs. Meridian has not served the Company in any other capacity except as consultant Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee receive advice and assistance from the law firm of Winston & Strawn LLP, which has acted as counsel only to the Company’s independent directors and its Board committees. The Compensation Committee has concluded that no conflict of interest exists (or existed) that prevents (or prevented) Gallagher, Meridian, or Winston & Strawn from being independent advisors to the Compensation Committee. Benchmarking Peer Group In the past, we relied on two peer groups: one for compensation benchmarking and an expanded one for performance comparisons. The Compensation Committee determined that having a single peer group would increase alignment between pay and performance, reduce complexity, and increase transparency. Consistent with our new compensation design pillars, the Compensation Committee established a single, updated, and relevant peer group in 2019 for setting appropriate compensation levels and measuring relative performance. We believe the new peer group has an appropriate number and breadth of companies to support both purposes. 30 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The peer group consists primarily of retailers with business characteristics that make them similar to the Company. The Compensation Committee also considered various size parameters, including revenue and market capitalization. Based on the parameters reviewed, the following 22 companies (the “Peer Group”) were identified as competitors for business, talent, or both. FISCAL 2019 PEER GROUP Advance Auto Parts, Inc. AutoZone, Inc. Big Lots, Inc. Burlington Stores, Inc. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. Foot Locker, Inc. The Gap, Inc. Kohl’s Corporation L Brands, Inc. Macy’s, Inc. Nordstrom, Inc. Office Depot, Inc. O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. Ross Stores, Inc. Tractor Supply Company Dillard’s, Inc. The Michaels Companies, Inc. Ulta Beauty, Inc. Dollar General Corporation Dollar Tree, Inc. Wayfair Inc. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. BED BATH & BEYOND COMPARED TO PEER GROUP 14% 59% Revenue Market Cap Number of Employees 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% 54% Revenue - TTM ($M) Market Cap - As of Feb 2020 ($M) Number of Employees - LTM 75th Percentile Median 25th Percentile Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. $15,910 $ 9,929 $ 7,550 $11,159 $14,577 $ 5,969 $ 3,865 $ 1,338 89,681 50,000 28,938 55,000 Percentile Rank 59% 14% 54% Data sourced from S&P Capital IQ effective as of February 29, 2020. The Compensation Committee reviews market data from compensation surveys to benchmark pay for executive officer positions when relevant Peer Group data are not available. The Compensation Committee also considers factors such as Company performance, individual experience, and the individual executive’s contributions to the Company when developing compensation packages. Elements of Compensation for 2019 The Company’s fiscal 2019 compensation program for the NEOs and certain other key executives consisted of base salary, annual incentive compensation (in the form of one-year PSU awards), long-term incentive compensation (in the form of three- year PSU awards), and retirement and other benefits (such as a health plan and a limited 401(k) plan match). Our executives receive very limited perquisites, as described in the footnotes to the Summary Compensation Table. Base Salary Base salaries represent fixed cash compensation tied to the size, scope, and complexity of each executive’s position and the individual executive’s performance and effectiveness. The Compensation Committee reviews base salaries annually to ensure they remain appropriate. Approved adjustments, if any, generally become effective in May. 31 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION In May 2019, the Compensation Committee determined to keep base salaries for the NEOs then in office at the same levels as they were in fiscal 2018. Annual Incentive Compensation Historically, Bed Bath & Beyond has not maintained an annual cash incentive plan. Instead, we have provided at-risk pay in the form of equity grants. For 2019, the Compensation Committee determined that the annual performance incentive would be in the form of PSUs tied to a one-year EBIT target of $429 million. The Compensation Committee determined an absolute EBIT target was better aligned with our short-term performance objectives than the relative EBIT margin metric that was used for the fiscal year 2018 (and earlier) annual incentive grants. Ms. D’Elia was the only NEO who received an annual PSU grant in fiscal 2019. Mr. Tritton received a 2019 annual cash incentive opportunity linked to individual performance objectives rather than Company EBIT. For more information, see “2019 Senior Executive Compensation Decisions.” The potential payouts on the fiscal year 2019 PSUs are shown below. PSUs SUBJECT TO ONE-YEAR EBIT GOAL VESTING: 100% in YEAR 1 EBIT Achieved (in $ millions)1 Greater than $472 $450 $429 $420 $408 Less than $408 Payment Percentage of Common Stock Underlying PSUs 150% 125% 100% 75% 50% 0% 1. Linear interpolation used for results between goals Based on our EBIT results of $122 million (less than 95% of target), Ms. D’Elia did not earn any short-term PSUs for fiscal 2019. As part of the overall restructuring of our executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee determined that the Company should shift to an annual cash incentive plan for fiscal years after 2019, and rebalance the fixed vs. at-risk allocation of our annual compensation. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee anticipates that it will put in place an annual cash incentive plan for fiscal year 2020, which it believes will better align our compensation program with typical market practices, promote the achievement of the Company’s annual strategic and financial goals, and incentivize and reward executives for their individual contributions toward operational success. Long-Term Equity Compensation 2019 PSU Grants The Company’s long-term incentive program is designed to focus our executives on increasing shareholder value, to reward their contributions to the Company’s long-term growth and performance, and to attract and retain key talent. To reinforce that focus, NEOs cannot transfer, pledge, or assign their unvested equity awards. The Compensation Committee made several long-term incentive awards to ensure our compensation program aligns to market standards and shareholder returns, to encourage our executive team to focus on critical performance objectives that contribute to the growth of the Company, and to be prudent with share usage over time. important changes to our 32 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION In addition to changing the structure of the fiscal 2019 long-term equity awards, the Compensation Committee also changed the underlying performance metrics and the treatment of outstanding PSUs in the event of involuntary termination without cause or a constructive termination to make the vesting provisions more consistent with market practices. In June 2019, the Compensation Committee granted awards of long-term performance-based PSUs with two equally-weighted performance metrics: Form of award Performance metrics Long-Term Equity Incentives Granted Through Fiscal 2018 Long-Term Equity Incentives Granted in Fiscal 2019 * 25% Stock options 75% PSUs 100% PSUs 66.66% Three-year relative ROIC 50% Three-year cumulative EBIT 33.33% Three-year relative EBIT margin 50% Three-year relative TSR Treatment of unvested equity when an executive leaves the Company (involuntary termination without cause or constructive termination) Full vesting at the end of the performance period based on actual results. No proration, regardless of whether the recipient was employed by the Company for the entire three years Prorated vesting at the end of the performance period based on actual results. Prorated to reflect how long the recipient was with the Company during the performance period * Mr. Tritton received time-vested restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and PSUs as make-whole awards and as an inducement to commencing employment with the Company, as described below under “2019 Senior Executive Compensation Decisions.” The following tables show the achievement ranges for these metrics, together with the associated payout percentages. Any common stock earned will vest in full at the end of the three-year performance period. Achievement Percentage (% of Target)1 Payment Percentage of Common Stock Underlying PSUs 120% or more 110% 100% 98% 95% Less than 95% Linear interpolation used for results between goals 150% 125% 100% 75% 50% 0% 1. Achievement Percentile (Peer Group)1 Payment Percentage of Common Stock Underlying PSUs 80th Percentile or better 55th Percentile 35th Percentile Less than 35th Percentile 150% 100% 25% 0% 1. Linear interpolation used for results between goals Consistent with our prior practice, the fiscal 2019 PSU awards are subject to a TSR “regulator.” Specifically, if the Company’s TSR over the performance period is negative, the entire PSU award payout will be capped at 100% of target, regardless of our EBIT performance or relative TSR ranking. Ms. D’Elia was the only NEO who received a grant of fiscal 2019 long-term PSUs. These PSUs will vest and settle in shares of the Company’s common stock following the end of fiscal 2021, based on the Company’s actual three-year results, prorated to reflect Ms. D’Elia’s employment from the start of fiscal 2019 until May 2020. Mr. Tritton received time-vested RSUs and PSUs as make-whole awards and as an inducement to commencing employment with the Company, as described below under “2019 Senior Executive Compensation Decisions.” 33 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 2017 PSU Payouts The table below shows how we performed under our long-term equity incentive program for the three-year performance period from fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2019. The performance metrics for the 2017 PSUs were three-year ROIC relative to a peer group (2/3 weight) and three-year EBIT margin relative to a peer group (1/3 weight). Fiscal 2017 PSU Awards Three-year ROIC1 Three-year EBIT margin 2017 PSUs: Three-Year Relative ROIC and EBIT Margin Goals Mean (average) Peer Group Bed Bath & Beyond Achievement Percentage Payout Percentage2 9.85% 5.27% 7.58% 3.64% 76.93% 69.07% 90.00% 75.00% 1. Excludes the impact related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on the Company and all peer companies in 2017. 2. The 2017 PSU awards were subject to a TSR regulator, but it was not applied since the payout percentage was below 100%. Based on the results shown above, and as required by the award agreements entered into with respect to this legacy program, the NEOs who received fiscal 2017 PSU awards earned payouts at 90% of target (with respect to the relative ROIC goal) and 75% (with respect to the relative EBIT margin goal), as shown in the following table, in the form of shares of the Company’s common stock. Name1 Steven Temares Warren Eisenberg Leonard Feinstein Target PSUs (#) Actual PSUs Earned (#) 205,950 20,004 20,004 175,058 17,003 17,003 1. Pursuant to the terms of their respective PSU award agreements, Messrs. Temares, Eisenberg, and Feinstein vested fully in their fiscal 2017 PSU awards based on the Company’s actual performance even though they did not serve as executive officers for the entire performance period. 34 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 2019 Senior Executive Compensation Decisions The compensation awarded to Mr. Tritton, Ms. Winston, and Ms. D’Elia for fiscal year 2019 was determined by the current Compensation Committee, with assistance from Gallagher. President and Chief Executive Officer In connection with Mr. Tritton’s appointment as President and CEO in November 2019, Mr. Tritton and the Company entered into an employment agreement. The terms and conditions of this agreement were designed to establish a competitive compensation framework that aligns with the Company’s new compensation design pillars. Mr. Tritton’s fiscal 2019 compensation consisted of the elements described below. Mark J. Tritton President and Chief Executive Officer Base salary (cid:2) $1,200,000 annually Annual incentive cash bonus (cid:2) $750,000 opportunity at target, to be earned by developing and delivering to the Board a short-term strategic and business stabilization plan (cid:2) $1,125,000 (150% of the target amount) was actually paid based on the Compensation Committee’s assessment that Mr. Tritton exceeded the objectives set for him. In addition to delivering a short-term strategic and business stabilization plan, Mr. Tritton made progress establishing a world-class leadership team, evaluating the Company’s business concepts and executing the first phase of banner optimization, rapidly implementing a large-scale inventory and SKU reduction plan designed to reposition the core brand and enable other strategic transformation, resetting the Company’s cost structure, and developing a broader organizational plan and roadmap Cash and equity-based inducement awards (cid:2) One-time sign-on cash award of $500,000 (cid:2) Time-vesting RSUs with a value of $500,000 that will vest on November 4, 2020, subject, in general, to Mr. Tritton remaining in the Company’s employ through that date Cash and equity-based awards to replace certain awards that Mr. Tritton forfeited when he resigned from his prior employer (cid:2) Make-whole cash bonus of $710,000 (paid on March 13, 2020) (cid:2) Make-whole RSU award with an aggregate value at grant of $6,900,000, with the following vesting schedule: (a) approximately 50% of the RSUs vested on March 31, 2020; (b) approximately 25% of the RSUs will vest on September 30, 2020; and (c) the remainder of the RSUs will vest on March 31, 2021; in each case subject, in general, to Mr. Tritton remaining in the Company’s employ through the applicable vesting date (cid:2) A make-whole PSU award with a value at grant of $3,500,000 that will vest on November 4, 2021, if Mr. Tritton prepares and delivers to the Board key objectives and goals for the Company and strategies and initiatives for achieving such objectives and goals, and provides the Board with regular progress updates; subject, in general, to Mr. Tritton remaining in the Company’s employ through the vesting date Tailored perquisites (cid:2) Home buyout and relocation assistance in connection with Mr. Tritton’s relocation to the New York metropolitan area (cid:2) Financial planning (cid:2) Automobile allowance 35 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Former Interim Chief Executive Officer On June 26, 2019, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Winston in connection with her appointment as Interim CEO. The Compensation Committee engaged in a rigorous process to structure the terms of Ms. Winston’s employment agreement, which was benchmarked against market practices with respect to compensation of interim chief executive officers at companies with comparable annual revenues and intended to reflect the uncertain duration of her service in this role. Consistent with practices at the benchmark companies, Ms. Winston’s employment agreement provided for an annualized base salary of $1,100,000, and shares of time-vesting restricted stock with a grant date value of $1,900,000 (based on the average of the high and low per-share trading price of the Company’s common stock on June 28, 2019), which was roughly equivalent to 170% of her base salary. During her tenure as interim CEO, Ms. Winston did not receive any director compensation. Ms. Winston’s employment agreement provided that the restricted stock award would vest in full on May 12, 2020, or earlier if Ms. Winston’s employment as Interim CEO was terminated because the Company hired a permanent chief executive officer. The restricted stock vested on November 4, 2019, when Mr. Tritton was appointed President and CEO. Ms. Winston did not receive any fiscal 2019 PSU awards. Former Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer For fiscal 2019, the Compensation Committee kept Ms. D’Elia’s base salary at the same level as it was for fiscal 2018 after she was promoted to the role of CFO, or $750,000. However, since Ms. D’Elia’s total compensation was below the median total compensation for chief financial officers of the Peer Group companies, and because of Ms. D’Elia’s expected role in several strategic business transformation initiatives, the Compensation Committee increased the value of Ms. D’Elia’s fiscal 2019 equity compensation to $1,559,469 (from $426,026 in fiscal 2018). Ms. D’Elia’s equity compensation was in the form of short-term PSUs ($389,876 target amount) and long-term PSUs ($1,169,593 target amount). The short-term PSUs did not pay out due to Company performance. The long-term PSUs will pay out on a prorated basis, if at all, following the end of the fiscal 2019 through fiscal 2021 performance period, based on actual Company results. Other Former Executive Officers The compensation and separation payments and other benefits or payments for Messrs. Temares, Eisenberg, and Feinstein were required by employment and other agreements approved by a prior Compensation Committee. FORMER CEO For the period from March 3, 2019, to the date of his departure as CEO (May 12, 2019), Mr. Temares’s base salary was kept at the same level as it was for fiscal 2018. Mr. Temares did not receive a fiscal 2019 equity compensation award, but he had unvested equity awards and unexercised stock options from prior years. In connection with his departure and in accordance with the terms of his employment and equity award agreements, Mr. Temares received certain severance benefits, including cash severance and acceleration of equity awards. For more information on Mr. Temares’s employment agreement and supplemental retirement benefits, please see “Employment Agreements and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control — Employment Agreements — Employment Agreement and Other Compensatory Arrangements with Mr. Temares” below. CO-FOUNDER AND CO-CHAIRMEN EMERITI TRANSITION On April 21, 2019, Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein transitioned to the roles of Co-Founders and Co-Chairmen Emeriti of the Board and ceased to be officers of the Company. As a result of this transition, Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein became entitled to payments and benefits dictated by their employment agreements in the event of a termination without cause. In addition, because the current Compensation Committee wished to limit the Company’s ongoing responsibilities under certain legacy arrangements approved by the prior Compensation Committee, on February 26, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement with each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein to settle claims relating to their continued participation in certain benefits to which they claimed they would have been entitled under their employment agreements (the “Co-Founder settlement agreements”). These benefits included items such as personal car service and car allowance, tax preparation services, and office and administrative personnel and support. The settlement amounts were determined by the current Compensation Committee in consultation with its independent counsel, and are lower than the amounts that may otherwise have been due to Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein. The Board believes the Co-Founder settlement agreements were in the best interests of the Company. 36 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION For further discussion of the settlements and Messrs. Eisenberg’s and Feinstein’s respective employment and settlement agreements, please see the footnotes to the Summary Compensation Table and “Employment Agreements and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control — Employment Agreements — Employment and Other Compensatory Arrangements with Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein” below. Other Benefits The NEOs are entitled to the same benefits offered to all Bed Bath & Beyond associates. The cost of these benefits constitutes a small percentage of each NEO’s total compensation. Key benefits include paid vacation, premiums paid for long-term disability insurance, a matching contribution to the NEO’s 401(k) plan account, and payment of a portion of the NEO’s premiums for healthcare and basic life insurance. The Company generally provides Mr. Tritton and the other members of the senior executive team with certain perquisites, including an automobile allowance and an annual financial planning benefit. The Compensation Committee believes such perquisites are reasonable and consistent with its overall objective of attracting and retaining talented NEOs. See the “All Other Compensation” column in the Summary Compensation Table for further information regarding these benefits and perquisites, and the “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” table for information regarding termination and change in control payments and benefits. Design of 2020 Executive Compensation Chief Executive Officer CEO TOTAL TARGET COMPENSATION 12% Base Salary 70% Long-term Equity 88% AT-RISK COMPENSATION 18% Annual Cash Bonus Going forward, Mr. Tritton’s compensation will be consistent with the Company’s compensation design pillars. Specifically, receive base salary, a short-term annual cash he will incentive bonus opportunity, a long-term equity incentive opportunity, and standard benefits. Under his employment agreement, for fiscal year 2020, Mr. Tritton is eligible to receive an annual bonus with a target opportunity equal to 150% of his base salary and a maximum opportunity of 225% of his base salary, as well as a long-term equity incentive award with a target value at grant of $7,000,000 and a maximum value at grant of $10,500,000. The target and maximum values for Mr. Tritton’s long-term equity incentive awards will be reviewed and, as appropriate, adjusted annually by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion for awards granted after fiscal 2020. A description the fiscal year 2020 equity awards approved by the of Compensation Committee in June 2020 can be found in the next section. Short- and Long-Term Incentive Compensation In June 2020, the Compensation Committee approved long-term incentive grants for Mr. Tritton and the Company’s other senior executives, consisting of a mix of time-vested RSUs (weighted 70%) and performance-based PSUs (weighted 30%). The time-vested RSUs will cliff vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant, generally subject to the executive’s continued employment through such date. The PSUs for fiscal 2020 will be earned based 100% on a relative three-year TSR goal against the Peer Group described above. In addition, consistent with the 2019 PSU awards, the 2020 PSU awards are subject to a TSR “Regulator” that caps the PSU award payouts at 100% of the target if the Company’s TSR over the performance period is negative. 37 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION In determining the split between PSUs and RSUs, the Compensation Committee considered: the Company’s overall business transformation efforts, which are taking place in a challenging and volatile environment that has created many uncertainties; the need to incentivize retention of our brand-new senior executive team; and the goal of aligning executive and shareholder interests. Following a detailed analysis and robust discussion, the Compensation Committee determined to grant, solely with respect to fiscal 2020, a greater portion of the long-term incentive as time-vested RSUs, the realized value of which, as with the PSUs that are linked to relative TSR, will ultimately depend on the Company’s stock price performance at the end of the three-year vesting period. The Compensation Committee intends to shift a majority of the long-term incentive grant mix back to performance-based awards in future fiscal years. As part of the overall restructuring of our executive compensation program, as described above, the Compensation Committee also anticipates that it will put in place a short-term cash incentive plan for fiscal year 2020, in which Mr. Tritton and the Company’s other senior executives will be eligible to participate. Temporary Executive Salary Reductions On April 2, 2020, Bed Bath & Beyond announced that, in light of the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our CEO and his direct reports, including the other executives then in office, agreed to a 30% temporary reduction in their base salaries effective with the payroll period commencing April 5, 2020, and continuing until May 16, 2020. The salary reductions will not modify rights under any applicable agreements between an executive and the Company with respect to the calculation of annual or long-term incentive awards or severance. Additionally, each executive agreed that the salary reduction would not constitute “good reason,” “constructive termination,” or breach under any agreement between the executive and the Company, and will not confer or trigger any additional rights or entitlements for the executives from the Company or any of its affiliates. Additional Compensation Information Impact of Accounting and Tax Considerations The Compensation Committee considers various accounting and tax implications of equity-based and other compensation. When determining the amounts of equity-based awards to be granted, the Compensation Committee examines the accounting cost associated with the grants. Under ASC 718, grants of stock options, performance stock units, and other equity-based awards result in an accounting charge for the Company equal to the fair value of the awards being issued. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), generally disallows a federal income tax deduction for compensation in excess of $1 million in any taxable year paid to certain covered executive officers. There is limited transitional relief for “qualified performance-based compensation” and certain other items of compensation that were in place before November 2, 2017. While the Compensation Committee generally considers this limit when determining executive compensation, the Compensation Committee reserves the discretion to decide that it is appropriate to exceed the limitation on deductibility so we have the flexibility to attract and retain talented executives and to ensure those executives are compensated in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the Company and our shareholders. Interpretations of and changes in the tax laws, and other factors beyond the Compensation Committee’s control, also may affect the deductibility of compensation. Policy on the Recovery of Incentive Compensation The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines include a policy regarding the recovery of incentive compensation, commonly referred to as a “clawback policy,” applicable to the NEOs. The clawback policy generally provides that the Company will seek to recoup incentive compensation paid or awarded to a named executive officer, where (i) the payment or vesting of the compensation was predicated upon the achievement of financial results, which results were the product of fraudulent activity or were subsequently the subject of a material negative restatement, (ii) in the Board’s view, the executive engaged in activity that makes him or her personally responsible for the fraud or need for restatement, and (iii) a lower payment (or lesser or no vesting) would have occurred based on the restated results or absent the fraudulent activity. 38 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The full policy appears in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are available in the Governance Documents section of the Company’s Investor Relations website available at www.bedbathandbeyond.com. The Compensation Committee continues to monitor the issuance of regulations under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act relating to incentive compensation recoupment, and will amend the Company’s clawback policy to the extent necessary to comply with any such regulations. Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policies We do not permit executive officers to hedge the Company’s securities, and we restrict their ability to pledge the Company’s securities. Additional detail regarding the Company’s anti-hedging and pledging policies can be found above under the heading “Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policies.” Compensation Risk Assessment In May 2020, the Compensation Committee performed a risk assessment of our compensation programs, which included an analysis of the risk associated with the Company’s executive compensation program conducted by Meridian. In its review, the Compensation Committee considered the balance between pay components, measures of performance, magnitude of pay, pay caps, plan time horizons and overlapping performance cycles, program design and administration, and other features that are designed to mitigate risk (such as stock ownership guidelines and a clawback policy). Following its review, the Compensation Committee determined that the Company’s compensation practices and policies do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines Prior to June 2020, we required the CEO to own Bed Bath & Beyond stock with a value of at least $6,000,000 (or a specified number of shares) within five years after assuming the position. If this ownership level was not attained within the five-year period, the CEO was required to hold 50% of the net after-tax shares he or she received in connection with the vesting of any equity awards until the requirements were met. In June 2020, based on input and recommendations from Meridian, and upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board approved the following enhancements to our stock ownership guidelines: (cid:2) all direct reports to the CEO will be subject to ownership guidelines; (cid:2) the guidelines will be based on multiples of salary, varying by role, as follows: MINIMUM STOCK OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENT 6X BASE SALARY CEO 3X BASE SALARY Chief Financial Officer Chief Operating Officer Chief Merchandising Officer Chief Stores Officer Chief Digital Officer Chief Marketing Officer 2X BASE SALARY Chief Legal Officer Chief Human Resources Officer (cid:2) All covered individuals must hold 50% of the net after-tax shares they receive in connection with equity awards until their ownership requirement is met; and (cid:2) The price used to determine compliance with the guidelines will be the 20-day trading average at each fiscal year-end. The Compensation Committee believes these expanded share ownership guidelines are better aligned with overall market practices and will enhance the ties of our executives to shareholder interests. 39 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Set forth below is information concerning individuals who were our executive officers as of June 5, 2020. Name Mark J. Tritton Gustavo Arnal Cindy Davis John Hartmann Joe Hartsig Arlene Hong Rafeh Masood Gregg Melnick Age Position 56 50 61 56 56 51 41 50 President and Chief Executive Officer and Director Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Executive Vice President, Chief Brand Officer of President, Decorist, LLC the Company, and Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of the Company, and President, buybuy BABY, Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer of the Company, and President, Harmon Stores Inc. Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Executive Vice President, Chief Digital Officer Executive Vice President, Chief Stores Officer Mark J. Tritton has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as a director since November of 2019. Mr. Tritton’s biography and work history is set forth above under “Our Directors.” Gustavo Arnal joined the Company as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in May 2020. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Arnal served as Group CFO of Avon from 2019 to 2020, and as CFO, International Divisions and Global Functions of Walgreens Boots Alliance from 2017 to 2018. Prior to Walgreens Boots Alliance, Mr. Arnal worked at Procter & Gamble for over twenty years, with senior positions including CFO India, Middle East and Africa, and CFO Global Fabric & Home Care. Cindy Davis joined the Company as Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of the Company and President of Decorist, LLC in May 2020. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Davis served as EVP and Chief Digital Marketing Officer of L Brands from 2018 to 2020 and as EVP, Consumer Experience of Disney ABC Television Group at The Walt Disney Company from 2015 to 2018. John Hartmann joined the Company as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of the Company and President of buybuy BABY, Inc. in May 2020. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hartmann served as President and Chief Executive Officer of True Value Company from 2013 to 2020. Joe Hartsig joined the Company as Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer of the Company and President of Harmon Stores Inc. in March 2020. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hartsig served as Chief Merchandising Officer of Walgreens Boots Alliance from 2016 to 2020, as Head of Marketing and Digital Commerce at Walgreens Boots Alliance from 2015 to 2016 and as Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at Essendant from 2013 to 2015. Arlene Hong joined the Company as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary in May 2020. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Hong served as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of FULLBEAUTY Brands from 2018 to 2020. Prior to that, she served in two separate roles at Amazon from 2014 to 2018, first as General Counsel of Quidsi, Amazon’s largest retail subsidiary, and subsequently as Senior Corporate Counsel for Amazon’s NA Softlines business. Rafeh Masood joined the Company as Executive Vice President, Chief Digital Officer in May 2020. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Masood served as Chief Digital Officer of BJ’s Wholesale Club from 2017 to 2020 and as Vice President, Customer Innovation Technology at Dick’s Sporting Goods from 2013 to 2017. Gregg Melnick has been Executive Vice President, Chief Stores Officer since May 2020. Mr. Melnick served as interim Chief Digital Officer of the Company from December 2019 to May 2020 and as Chief Operations Officer, Digital from 2018 to 2019. Prior to joining the Company in 2018, Mr. Melnick was President of Party City Holdings from 2014 to 2018. 40 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMPENSATION TABLES SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE FOR FISCAL 2019, FISCAL 2018 AND FISCAL 2017 The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of the Company’s NEOs for the last three completed fiscal years (except with regard to Mr. Tritton and Ms. Winston, who were not NEOs for fiscal 2017 or fiscal 2018 and consequently, have information included for fiscal year 2019 only, and Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein and Ms. D’Elia, who were not NEOs for fiscal 2017 and, consequently, have information included for fiscal years 2019 and 2018 only). Name and Principal Position Fiscal Year Salary(1) ($) Bonus ($) Stock Awards(2)(3) ($) Option Awards(2)(3) ($) Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) 2019 346,154 375,000 11,632,199 — 750,000 2019 533,081 1,899,995 Mark J. Tritton(4)(5) President and Chief Executive Officer Mary A. Winston(6)(7) Former Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director Warren Eisenberg(8)(9) Co-Chairman Emeritus and Co-Founder Leonard Feinstein(10)(11) Co-Chairman Emeritus and Co-Founder Steven H. Temares(12)(13)(14)(15) Former Chief Executive Officer Robyn M. D’Elia(16) Former Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 181,231 602,098 181,231 602,098 942,870 3,582,885 3,967,500 750,000 653,900 — — — — — — 1,000,003 — 1,000,003 — 7,530,747 8,947,298 — 836,415 1,636,415 1,559,469 425,026 — — Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) — — — — — 9,689,017 (30,858) (69,732) — — All Other Compensation(17) ($) Total ($) 661,045 13,764,398 46,930 2,480,006 5,686,734 289,332 6,975,123 386,043 3,613,401 227,765 123,561 24,937 10,770 5,867,965 1,891,433 7,156,354 1,988,144 14,245,288 12,146,954 14,605,042 2,334,406 1,089,696 — — — — — — — — — (1) Except as otherwise described in this Summary Compensation Table, salaries to NEOs were paid in cash in fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, and increases in salary, if any, were effective in May of the fiscal year. (2) The value of stock awards and option awards represents their respective total fair value on the date of grant calculated in accordance with ASC 718, without regard to the estimated forfeiture related to service-based vesting conditions. All assumptions made in the valuations are contained and described in Note 14 to the Company’s financial statements in the Company’s Form 10-K for fiscal 2019. Stock awards and option awards are rounded up to the nearest whole share when converted from dollars to shares. The amounts shown in the table reflect the total fair value on the date of grant and do not necessarily reflect the actual value, if any, that may be realized by the NEOs. The value of Mr. Temares’ 2018 and 2017 PSU awards has been reduced to reflect a discount applied by virtue of a two-year post-vesting holding period. (3) The value of stock awards consists of (i) PSU and RSU awards granted in fiscal 2019 to Mr. Tritton as an inducement material to his entering into an employment agreement and commencing employment with the Company, (ii) a restricted stock award granted to Ms. Winston in fiscal 2019, (iii) PSU awards granted in fiscal 2019 and PSU and restricted stock awards granted in fiscal 2018 to Ms. D’Elia, and (iv) PSU awards granted in fiscal 2018 and 2017 to Messrs. Eisenberg, Feinstein, and Temares. Please see Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a description of the PSU awards. The one-year performance-based test for fiscal 2019 was met at 28.51% of target (resulting in a payout of 0.00% of target), the one-year performance-based test for fiscal 2018 was met at 46.78% of target (resulting in a payout of 25% of target using the correct 2018 peer group), and the one-year performance-based test for fiscal 2017 was met at the 111.97% target (resulting in a payout of 100% of target). The three-year EBIT performance-based test for fiscal 2017 was met at 69.07% target (resulting in a payout of 75% of target) and the three-year ROIC performance-based test for fiscal 2017 was met at 76.93% target (resulting in a payout of 90% of target). The fair value of the PSU awards is reported at 100% of target, which is the estimated outcome of performance conditions associated with the PSU awards on the grant date. If the Company achieves the highest level of performance for the PSU awards, then the fair value of the PSU awards granted in fiscal 2019 would be $2,339,221 for Ms. D’Elia. The performance metrics for Mr. Tritton’s PSU awards granted in fiscal 2019 do not provide for performance above 100% of the target. The vesting of the RSU awards granted to Mr. Tritton in fiscal 2019 is based solely on time vesting. The vesting of the restricted stock awards granted to Ms. Winston in fiscal 2019 was based solely on time vesting, and vested fully in connection with Ms. Winston stepping 41 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION down as the Interim Chief Executive Officer upon Mr. Tritton’s commencement of employment with the Company, effective as of November 4, 2019. The value of PSU awards granted in fiscal 2018 to Messrs. Eisenberg, Feinstein and Temares does not reflect a reduction of PSUs granted in 2018 subject to three-year goals, as described below under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control—Employment Agreements and Other Compensatory Arrangements with Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein” and “— Employment Agreement and Other Compensatory Arrangements with Mr. Temares”. The value of PSU awards granted in fiscal 2019 to Ms. D’Elia does not reflect a reduction of PSUs granted in 2019, as described below under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control—Employment Agreement and Other Compensatory Arrangements with Ms. D’Elia”. (4) Mr. Tritton commenced employment as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of November 4, 2019. The amount of base salary paid to Mr. Tritton during fiscal 2019 reflects the portion of his annual base salary of $1,200,000 that was paid during fiscal 2019. With respect to fiscal 2019, Mr. Tritton was entitled to an annual performance-based cash bonus under the terms of his employment agreement with the Company with the target bonus opportunity of $750,000. The Compensation Committee determined that Mr. Tritton exceeded the performance objective with respect to his bonus for fiscal 2019, and determined that it should be paid out at 150% of this total amount, $750,000 is reflected in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation, and $375,000 is reflected in the Bonus column. in the total amount of $1,125,000. Of target, (5) All Other Compensation for fiscal 2019 for Mr. Tritton includes a lump sum sign-on cash payment of $500,000, payment for home sale/ buyout and relocation assistance benefits of $121,740, car allowance of $14,305, as well as a payment of legal fees paid in connection with the negotiation and execution of his employment agreement of $25,000. During fiscal 2019, total dividends of $144,923 were accrued on Mr. Tritton’s unvested stock awards. (6) Ms. Winston became the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of May 12, 2019. Ms. Winston stepped down as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective as of November 4, 2019, in connection with Mr. Tritton’s commencement of employment as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of the same date. The amount of base salary paid to Ms. Winston during fiscal 2019 reflects the portion of her annual base salary of $1,100,000 that was paid in fiscal 2019 during her service as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company. (7) All Other Compensation for Ms. Winston includes incremental costs to the Company primarily for a car allowance of $3,269 during her time as Interim Chief Executive Officer, director fees paid by the Company in the amount of $35,934 for the portion of fiscal 2019 during which she did not serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer, as well as a payment of legal fees paid in connection with the negotiation and execution of her employment agreement of $7,727. During fiscal 2019, total dividends of $27,869 were accrued on Ms. Winston’s unvested stock awards. These dividends were not factored into the grant date fair value of such stock awards under ASC 718. These dividends vested and were paid in fiscal 2019 in connection with the vesting of Ms. Winston’s restricted stock award on November 4, 2019. (8) On April 21, 2019, Mr. Eisenberg transitioned to the role of Co-Founder and Co-Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of the Company. As a result of the transition, Mr. Eisenberg ceased to be an officer of the Company, effective April 21, 2019. in each case, (9) All Other Compensation for Mr. Eisenberg includes the following incremental costs to the Company: (a) for fiscal 2019, $504,150 in continued “senior status” payments and $9,105 in respect of the continued participation for Mr. Eisenberg (and his spouse, as applicable) following Mr. Eisenberg’s transition to the role of Co-Founder and in the Health Benefits plans described below, Co-Chairman Emeritus on April 21, 2019, a payment of $2,125,000 pursuant to a deferred compensation agreement between Mr. Eisenberg and the Company entered into in fiscal 2003, which provided for payment in substitution for Mr. Eisenberg’s legacy split- dollar life insurance benefit, and $1,608,847 payable to Mr. Eisenberg pursuant to the Co-Founder settlement agreement between the Company and Mr. Eisenberg, dated February 26, 2020, in settlement of claims relating to certain rights and entitlements under Mr. Eisenberg’s employment agreement; (b) tax preparation services of $31,788 and $31,900, personal car service of $106,603 and $104,811, car allowance of $24,052 and $24,014, and office and administrative personnel and support payments of $173,144 and $98,385, in each case, for fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, respectively; and (c) for fiscal 2019, $1,057,633, which equals the present value of the supplemental pension that will be paid to Mr. Eisenberg following the cessation of his “senior status” payments in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement. Also included in All Other Compensation for fiscal 2019 were dividends of $46,412 and $30,222 that were paid on previously unvested stock awards that vested in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, respectively. Total dividends of $61,405 and $59,383 were accrued on Mr. Eisenberg’s unvested stock awards in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, respectively. These dividends were not factored into the grant date fair value of such stock awards under ASC 718. In addition, these dividends do not vest and are not paid until, and only then to the extent that, the associated stock awards vest and the underlying shares are paid. (10) On April 21, 2019, Mr. Feinstein transitioned to the role of Co-Founder and Co-Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of the Company. As a result of the transition, Mr. Feinstein ceased to be an officer of the Company, effective April 21, 2019. (11) All Other Compensation for Mr. Feinstein includes the following incremental costs to the Company: (a) for fiscal 2019, $504,150 in continued “senior status” payments and $8,321 in respect of the continued participation for Mr. Feinstein (and his spouse, as applicable) in the Health Benefits plans, in each case, following Mr. Feinstein’s transition to the role of Co-Founder and Co-Chairman Emeritus on April 21, 2019, a payment of $2,080,000 pursuant to a deferred compensation agreement between Mr. Eisenberg and the Company entered into in fiscal 2003, which provided for payment in substitution for Mr. Eisenberg’s legacy split-dollar life insurance benefit, and $2,464,446 payable to Mr. Feinstein pursuant to the Co-Founder settlement agreement between the Company and Mr. Feinstein, dated February 26, 2020, in settlement of claims relating to certain rights and entitlements under Mr. Feinstein’s employment agreement; (b) tax preparation services of $31,787 and $31,900, personal car service of $117,557 and $112,842, car allowance of $33,048 and $32,477, and office and administrative personnel and support payments of $179,538 and $178,602, in each case, for fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, respectively; and (c) for fiscal 2019, $1,509,864, which equals the present value of the supplemental pension that will be paid to Mr. Feinstein following the cessation of his “senior status” payments in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement. Also 42 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION included in All Other Compensation for fiscal 2019 were dividends of $46,412 and $30,222 that were paid on previously unvested stock awards that vested in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, respectively. Total dividends of $61,405 and $59,383 were accrued on Mr. Feinstein’s unvested stock awards in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, respectively. These dividends were not factored into the grant date fair value of such stock awards under ASC 718. In addition, these dividends do not vest and are not paid until, and only then to the extent that, the associated stock awards vest and the underlying shares are paid. (12) On May 12, 2019, Mr. Temares stepped down as Chief Executive Officer, and on May 13, 2019, Mr. Temares resigned from the Board of Directors of the Company. (13) Salary for Mr. Temares for fiscal 2019 reflects the portion of his annual base salary of $3,467,500 (after giving effect to a voluntary waiver of $500,000 of base salary) that was paid during fiscal 2019 while Mr. Temares was an active employee. Salary for Mr. Temares for fiscal 2017 includes a deferral of $37,154, pursuant to the terms of the Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plan. As the Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plan was terminated in December 2017, no deferral was made for fiscal 2018 or 2019. (14) The amount reported for fiscal 2019 under the “Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” represents the actual payment that was made in fiscal 2019 to Mr. Temares under the Company’s supplemental executive retirement benefit agreement dated November 16, 2009 (“SERP”), less the aggregate amounts that have been reported by the Company with respect to the SERP in prior fiscal years. The change in pension value for fiscal 2018 and 2017 is a result of the change in the actuarial present value of the benefits payable under the SERP and which is discussed more fully below. See also “Employment Agreements and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below. (15) All Other Compensation for Mr. Temares includes incremental costs to the Company for a car allowance of $6,913, $11,388 and $10,521, and employer 401(k) plan and nonqualified deferred compensation plan matching contributions (solely for 2017) of $2,012, $7,474 and $8,100, for each of fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Also included in All Other Compensation for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 were dividends of $347,414, $208,903 and $84,940 that were paid on previously unvested stock awards that vested in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as well as a payment of legal fees of $20,000 in fiscal 2017 relating to Mr. Temares’ PSU awards and legal fees of $194,678 in fiscal 2019 incurred in connection with Mr. Temares’ termination of employment, including the negotiation of the Temares PSU settlement agreement (as defined in “Employment Agreements and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control— Employment Agreement and Other Compensatory Arrangements with Mr. Temares”, below). During fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, total dividends of $497,941, $537,524 and $319,606, respectively, were accrued on Mr. Temares’ unvested stock awards. These dividends were not factored into the grant date fair value of such stock awards under ASC 718. In addition, these dividends do not vest and are not paid until, and only then to the extent that, the associated stock awards vest and the underlying shares are paid. Also included in All Other Compensation for fiscal 2019 is (i) $10,461 representing the Company portion of COBRA benefits at active employee rates for Mr. Temares and his dependents and (ii) a cash payment of $3,051,923 paid to Mr. Temares, which represents the portion of cash severance that was paid to Mr. Temares in fiscal 2019 in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement. (16) Ms. D’Elia stepped down as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer effective as of May 4, 2020, in connection with Mr. Gustavo Arnal’s commencement of employment as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, effective as of the same date, and her employment with the Company was terminated effective as of May 8, 2020. All Other Compensation for Ms. D’Elia includes incremental costs to the Company for employer 401(k) plan matching contributions of $7,823 and $9,029 for fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. Also included in All Other Compensation for fiscal 2019 and 2018 were dividends of $6,400 and $1,741, respectively, that were paid on previously unvested stock awards that vested in fiscal 2019 and 2018. During fiscal 2019 and 2018, total dividends of $77,068 and $15,953, respectively, were accrued on Ms. D’Elia’s unvested stock awards. These dividends were not factored into the grant date fair value of such stock awards under ASC 718. In addition, these dividends do not vest and are not paid until, and only then to the extent that, the associated stock awards vest and the underlying shares are paid. Additionally, during fiscal 2018 the Company granted Robyn M. D’Elia a deferred cash award under the Company’s Cash Incentive Plan in the aggregate amount of $75,000. During fiscal 2019, $10,714 related to the cash award vested and is included in All Other Compensation. (17) All Other Compensation includes dividends or dividend equivalents on equity-based awards based on the amounts paid to all shareholders as of the record date for each dividend declared. 43 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION GRANTS OF PLAN BASED AWARDS Grants of Restricted Stock Units, Performance Stock Units and Restricted Stock for Fiscal 2019 The following table sets forth information with respect to RSUs, PSUs, and restricted stock awarded during fiscal 2019 to each of the NEOs under the 2012 Plan and, for Mr. Tritton, RSU and PSU awards that were made as a material inducement for Mr. Tritton to accept employment with the Company and enter into his employment agreement with the Company. The RSU and PSU awards made to Mr. Tritton were issued outside of the 2012 Plan and the Company’s 2018 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2018 Plan”), in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), but are subject to substantially the same terms as awards made under such plans. Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards Grant Date Threshold(1) ($) Target(1) ($) Maximum(1) ($) Threshold(1) (#) Target(1) (#) Maximum(1) (#) Name Mark J. Tritton 11/4/2019(5) 11/4/2019(6) 11/4/2019(7) Mary A. Winston 6/28/2019(8) Warren Eisenberg Leonard Feinstein Steven H. Temares — — — Robyn M. D’Elia 6/28/2019(9) — — — — — — — — — 750,000(4) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards(2)(3) ($) — 3,735,114 7,363,497 533,588 1,899,995 — — — — — — — — — — — — 273,735 539,648 39,105 163,934 — — — — — — — — — — — 33,640 134,553 201,831 1,559,469 (1) Number of shares when converted from dollars to shares, which number is rounded up to the nearest whole share. Amounts represent the threshold, target and maximum amounts for equity incentive plan awards with performance conditions for each named executive officer. Awards that are subject to only a service condition are listed only in the target amount. (2) No option awards were granted to the NEOs in fiscal 2019. (3) Pursuant to the SEC rules, PSU, RSU and stock awards are valued in accordance with ASC 718. See footnote (2) to the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement. The fair value of PSU awards is reported at 100% of target, which is the estimated outcome of performance conditions associated with the PSU awards on the grant date. (4) Represents the target amount of the annual performance-based cash bonus for fiscal 2019 payable pursuant to Mr. Tritton’s employment agreement. See footnote (4) to the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement. (5) Represents a make-whole award of PSUs granted to Mr. Tritton as an inducement material to his entering into an employment agreement and commencing employment with the Company (“Make-Whole PSU Award”). The vesting of PSUs is subject to Mr. Tritton’s attainment, as determined by the Compensation Committee, of performance goals requiring Mr. Tritton to prepare and deliver to the Board key objectives and goals for the Company and the strategies and initiatives for the achievement of such objectives and goals, and Mr. Tritton’s provision of updates to the Board regarding achievement of such goals and objectives, and the PSUs will vest, if at all, subject to Mr. Tritton remaining in the Company’s employ through November 4, 2021, subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions of the award agreement governing the grant. (6) Represents a make-whole award of RSUs granted to Mr. Tritton as an inducement material to his entering into an employment agreement and commencing employment with the Company (“Make-Whole RSU Award”). The RSUs will vest as follows: (i) 273,734 RSUs will vest on March 31, 2020; (ii) 132,957 RSUs will vest on September 30, 2020; and (iii) 132,957 RSUs will vest on March 31, 2021, in each case subject, in general, to Mr. Tritton remaining in the Company’s employ through the applicable vesting date, and to the terms, conditions and restrictions of the award agreement governing the grant. (7) Represents a sign-on award of RSUs granted to Mr. Tritton as an inducement material to his entering into an employment agreement and commencing employment with the Company (“Sign-On RSU Award”). The RSUs will vest on November 4, 2020, subject, in general, to Mr. Tritton remaining in the Company’s employ through the vesting date, and to the terms, conditions and restrictions of the award agreement governing the grant. (8) Represents an award of restricted shares granted to Ms. Winston in connection with her appointment as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In accordance with the terms of the award agreement governing this grant of restricted shares, on November 4, 2019, the restricted shares became fully vested as a result of Ms. Winston stepping down as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company upon Mr. Tritton’s commencement of employment as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. 44 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (9) Represents an award of PSUs granted to Ms. D’Elia granted on June 28, 2019. Vesting of these PSUs granted to Ms. D’Elia depends on (i) the Company’s achievement of a performance-based test during a one-year period from the date of grant and during a three-year period from the date of grant, and (ii) assuming achievement of the performance-based test, time vesting, subject, in general, to the executive remaining in the Company’s service on specified vesting dates. Performance during the one-year period is based on EBIT relative to a target amount. Subject to the certification of achievement of the one-year performance-based test, the corresponding PSUs will vest one year from the date of grant. Performance during the three-year period is based on a combination of total shareholder return relative to a peer group of the Company and cumulative EBIT relative to a target amount. Subject to the certification of achievement of the three-year performance-based test, the corresponding PSUs will vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant. The awards are capped at 150% of target achievement, with a floor of zero. PSUs are converted into shares of common stock upon payment following vesting. The amounts listed for Ms. D’Elia do not reflect a reduction of PSUs granted in fiscal 2019, as described below under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control—Employment Agreement and Other Compensatory Arrangements with Ms. D’Elia”. 45 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END The following table sets forth information for each of the NEOs with respect to the value of all unexercised options, unvested restricted stock awards, unvested RSUs and unvested PSUs as of February 29, 2020, the end of fiscal 2019. Option Awards Stock Awards Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested(1) ($) Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested(1) ($) Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable — — — — — — Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable — — — — — — Name Mark J. Tritton Mary A. Winston Warren Eisenberg Leonard Feinstein Steven H. Temares Robyn M. D’Elia (1) Market value is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock of $10.81 per share on February 28, 2020, the last trading — 852,488(2) 9,215,395 — — — 697,548 — 697,548 — — 547,608(4) 5,919,642(5) — — — — — 6,712(6) 150,702(7) 1,629,089 64,528(3) 64,528(3) 72,557 Option Exercise Price ($) — — — — — — Option Expiration Date — — — — — — day in fiscal 2019. (2) Mr. Tritton’s unvested PSU awards are valued at target achievement and include 39,105 RSUs that will vest on November 4, 2020, subject, in general, to Mr. Tritton remaining in the Company’s employ through the vesting date, and to the terms, conditions and restrictions of the award agreement governing the grant (see footnote (7) to the Grants of Plan Based Awards table in this Proxy Statement); 273,765 PSUs that will vest on November 4, 2021, subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions of the award agreement governing the grant (see footnote (5) to the Grants of Plan Based Awards table in this Proxy Statement); and 539,645 RSUs that will vest as follows: (i) 273,734 RSUs will vest on March 31, 2020; (ii) 132,957 RSUs will vest on September 30, 2020; and (iii) 132,957 RSUs will vest on March 31, 2021, in each case subject, in general, to Mr. Tritton remaining in the Company’s employ through the applicable vesting date, and to the terms, conditions and restrictions of the award agreement governing the grant. (see footnote (6) to the Grants of Plan Based Awards table in this Proxy Statement). (3) Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein’s unvested PSU awards are valued at target achievement and include 64,528 PSU awards subject to a three-year performance goal. Upon attainment of the three-year performance goal and after the Compensation Committee certifies achievement of the performance goal, as reduced by the Co-Founder settlement agreements, the PSU awards are scheduled to vest as follows: (a) 6,668 on May 10, 2020; (b) 13,336 on May 10, 2020; (c) 14,841 on May 10, 2021; and (d) 29,683 on May 10, 2021. In connection with Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein’s departure as officers of the Company, effective as of April 21, 2019, and as directors of the Company, effective as of May 1, 2019, the PSUs will vest upon, and to the extent provided in, the certification of the Compensation Committee of the attainment of the applicable performance goals. (4) Mr. Temares’ unvested PSU awards are valued at target achievement and include 547,608 PSU awards subject to a three-year performance goal. Upon attainment of the three-year performance goal and after the Compensation Committee certifies achievement of the performance goal, as reduced by the Temares PSU settlement agreement, the PSU awards are scheduled to vest as follows: (a) 68,650 on May 10, 2020; (b) 137,300 on May 10, 2020; (c) 113,886 on May 10, 2021; and (d) 227,772 on May 10, 2021. In connection with Mr. Temares’ termination of employment with the Company on May 12, 2019 and resignation from the Board of Directors of the Company on May 13, 2019, the PSUs will vest upon, and to the extent provided in, the certification of the Compensation Committee of the attainment of the applicable performance goals. (5) Pursuant to SEC rules, market value is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock, which was $10.81 per share on February 28, 2020, the last trading day in fiscal 2019, rather than the grant date value under ASC 718. Accordingly, market value does not reflect a discount applied to Mr. Temares’ PSU awards by virtue of a required two-year post-vesting holding period. (6) Ms. D’Elia has an aggregate of 6,712 shares of unvested restricted stock. Ms. D’Elia’s unvested restricted stock awards are scheduled to vest as follows: (a) 287 on May 10, 2020; (b) 321 on each of May 12, 2020 and 2021; (c) 282 on each of May 11, 2020, 2021 and 2022; (d) 439 on each of May 10, 2020 and 2022 and 440 on each of May 10, 2021 and 2023; (e) 381 on each of May 10, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 and 382 on May 10, 2024; and (f) 212 on each of May 10, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 and 213 on May 10, 2025. (7) Ms. D’Elia’s unvested PSU awards are valued at target achievement and include 33,639 PSU awards, subject to a one-year performance goal, and 117,063 PSU awards, subject to a three-year performance goal. Upon attainment of the one-year performance goal and after the Compensation Committee certifies achievement of the performance goal, the PSU awards were scheduled to vest on June 28, 2020. Upon attainment of the three-year performance goal and after the Compensation Committee certifies achievement of the performance goal, the PSU awards are scheduled to vest as follows: (a) 5,383 on May 10, 2021; (b) 10,766 on May 10, 2021; and (c) 100,914 on June 28, 2022. The amounts listed for Ms. D’Elia do not reflect a reduction of PSUs granted in fiscal 2019, as described below under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control – Employment Agreement and Other Compensatory Arrangements with Ms. D’Elia”. 46 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED Option Exercises and Stock Awards Vested for Fiscal 2019 The following table includes certain information with respect to the exercise of options and vesting of stock awards by NEOs during fiscal 2019. Name Mark J. Tritton(1) Mary A. Winston(2) Warren Eisenberg(3) Leonard Feinstein(3) Steven H. Temares(4) Robyn M. D’Elia(5) Option Awards Stock Awards Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) Value Realized on Exercise ($) Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) Value Realized on Vesting ($) — — — — — — — — — — — — — 163,934 35,117 35,117 282,382 6,984 — 2,236,879 555,360 555,360 4,412,706 88,737 (1) Mr. Tritton did not have any shares vest in fiscal 2019. (2) Ms. Winston acquired 163,934 shares on November 4, 2019, in connection with the vesting of her restricted stock awards upon her stepping down as Interim Chief Executive Officer upon Mr. Tritton’s commencement of employment as President and Chief Executive Officer. (3) Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein each acquired 35,117 shares in total on May 1, 2019 and May 10, 2019 upon the vesting of PSUs for which the performance test had been met. (4) Mr. Temares acquired 282,382 shares in total on May 10, 2019, May 11, 2019, and May 13, 2019 upon the vesting of PSUs for which the performance test had been met. (5) Ms. D’Elia acquired (i) 2,140 shares in total on May 10, 2019, May 11, 2019 and May 12, 2019 upon the lapse of restrictions on previously granted shares of restricted stock and (ii) 4,844 shares in total on May 10, 2019 upon vesting of PSU awards subject to a one-year performance goal. Co-Chairmen Emeriti Transition On April 21, 2019, Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein transitioned to the role of Co-Founders and Co-Chairmen Emeriti of the Board. As Co-Chairmen Emeriti, they became entitled to attend Board meetings if invited by the Board, but are not entitled to notice of any such meeting or to vote or be counted for quorum purposes at any such meetings. As a result of this transition, Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein ceased to be officers of the Company effective as of April 21, 2019, and became entitled to the payments and benefits provided under their employment agreements that apply in the case of a termination without cause, which generally include continued senior status payments (as described elsewhere in this proxy statement) until May 2027 and continued participation for them (and their spouses, if applicable) at the Company’s expense, in medical, dental, hospitalization and life insurance (collectively, “Health Benefits”) and in all other employee plans and programs in which they (or their family) were participating as of the date of termination and other or additional benefits in accordance with the applicable plans and programs until the earlier of death of the survivor of the Co-Founder and his spouse or the date(s) he receives equivalent coverage and benefits from a subsequent employer. As a result of differing views concerning Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein’s rights and entitlements to the continued participation in benefits beyond the enumerated Health Benefits and the Compensation Committee’s goal of to certain legacy arrangements, on February 26, 2020, each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein entered into the Co-Founder settlement agreements with the Company in settlement of claims relating to the continued participation in benefits beyond the Health Benefits. These other continued participation benefits included personal car service and car allowance, tax preparation services, and office and administrative personnel and support (referred to in this proxy statement as the “continued participation benefits”). See the section below entitled “Employment Agreements and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.” In addition, Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein remain entitled to supplemental pension payments specified in their employment agreements until the death of the survivor of the Co-Founder and his spouse, reduced by the continued senior status payments referenced in this paragraph. limiting the Company’s ongoing responsibilities with respect 47 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Employment Agreements and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control Employment Agreements Each NEO has an employment agreement with the Company that provides for severance pay (or, in the case of Ms. Winston, accelerated vesting of certain equity awards) and other benefits upon a termination of his or her employment. For a complete description of payments due to each NEO upon termination of his or her employment with the Company, see “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below. Mr. Tritton’s employment agreement provides for non-competition, non-solicitation, and non-interference during the term of employment and for two years thereafter. Ms. D’Elia’s agreement provides for a two-year non-solicitation restriction and non-competition restriction for one year but provides the Company with the ability to extend the period of non-competition for an additional year provided the Company also extends severance payments for such additional period (which the Company chose not to extend, as described further below). Mr. Eisenberg’s agreement and Mr. Feinstein’s agreement provide for a non-solicitation restriction for one year and provide for a non-competition restriction for the duration of required salary continuation payments under the agreements. Mr. Temares’ employment agreement provides for non-competition and non-solicitation of the Company’s employees during the term of employment and for one year thereafter. Each NEO employment agreement provides for confidentiality during the term of employment and surviving the end of the term of employment. Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control The employment agreement of each NEO other than Ms. Winston and certain of the plans in which the NEOs participate require the Company to pay compensation to the executives if their employment terminates. Ms. Winston’s employment agreement with the Company provides for accelerated vesting of the special equity award that was granted in connection with her appointment as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company upon termination of her employment. Because (i) Ms. Winston stepped down as the Interim Chief Executive Officer effective as of November 4, 2019 in connection with Mr. Tritton’s commencement of employment as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company (but continued as a director of the Company), (ii) Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein transitioned to the role of Co-Founders and Co-Chairmen Emeriti of the Board and ceased to be officers of the Company effective April 21, 2019, and (iii) Mr. Temares separated from the Company effective May 12, 2019, in each case, such separation or transition, as applicable, was treated as a termination of employment by the Company other than for “cause”, and the descriptions of the applicable agreements and arrangements below describe only the provisions applicable to, and amounts payable and benefits provided as a result of, a termination of Ms. Winston and each of Messrs. Eisenberg, Feinstein and Temares by the Company without “cause.” The table below lists the estimated amount of compensation payable to each of Mr. Tritton and Ms. D’Elia in each termination situation using an assumed termination date and an assumed change in control date of February 29, 2020, the last day of fiscal 2019 and a price per share of common stock of $10.81 (the “Per Share Closing Price”), the closing per share price as of February 28, 2020, the last business day of fiscal 2019. Ms. D’Elia separated from the Company effective May 8, 2020, and her separation was treated as a termination by the Company without “cause.” Because Ms. D’Elia’s separation occurred following the end of the Company’s fiscal 2019, pursuant to SEC rules, the table below lists estimated compensation payable to Ms. D’Elia in each termination situation as of the last business day of fiscal 2019. Employment Agreement with Mr. Tritton The Board appointed Mark J. Tritton as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of November 4, 2019, and in connection therewith, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Tritton (“Tritton Employment Agreement”). The Tritton Employment Agreement provides that in the event of a termination of Mr. Tritton’s employment due to his death or disability: (cid:129) (cid:129) (cid:129) the Sign-On RSU Award and the Make-Whole RSU Award, to the extent not previously vested, will immediately vest in full; the Make-Whole PSU Award, to the extent not previously vested, will immediately vest in full at 100% of target level of performance; and the Company will pay Mr. Tritton (or his estate) a make-whole cash bonus of $710,000 which would have otherwise become payable on March 13, 2020, subject to Mr. Tritton’s continued employment with the Company through such date (“Make-Whole Cash Bonus”) and the annual bonus for 2019 fiscal year, to the extent not previously paid, within 30 days of such date (collectively, the “Inducement Award Acceleration”). 48 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The Tritton Employment Agreement provides that if the Company terminates Mr. Tritton’s employment other than for “Cause,” or in the event Mr. Tritton terminates with “Good Reason,” in each case, not in connection with a “change in control” (as defined in the 2018 Plan), then in addition to Inducement Award Acceleration, Mr. Tritton will receive severance pay equal to the sum of two times Mr. Tritton’s base salary and his target annual bonus (payable over the 24 months following his termination date), any earned but unpaid annual bonus for the year prior to the year of termination, and up to 24 months of COBRA benefits at active employee rates. Severance pay will be paid in accordance with normal payroll; however, any amount due prior to the six months after termination of employment will be paid in a lump sum on the date following the six-month anniversary of termination of employment. If the Company terminates Mr. Tritton’s employment other than for “Cause,” or in the event Mr. Tritton terminates with “Good Reason,” in each case, within 30 days prior to, or two years following, a “change in control” (as defined in the 2018 Plan), then Mr. Tritton will receive the entitlements described in the preceding sentence, except that the severance pay will be paid in lump sum, Mr. Tritton’s other outstanding time-based equity awards will immediately vest in full, and any other outstanding performance-based equity awards will vest, based on actual performance and prorated based on the number of days during the applicable performance period that Mr. Tritton remained employed by the Company, at the time that such awards would have otherwise vested had Mr. Tritton remained employed up to the vesting date. Mr. Tritton (or his estate or legal representative, in the event of Mr. Tritton’s death or disability) is required to deliver a formal release of all claims prior to, and as a condition of, his receipt of any of the severance payments, accelerated vesting, and other post-employment benefits under the Tritton Employment Agreement. fraud, involving moral turpitude; (ii) commission of “Cause” is defined in the Tritton Employment Agreement as Mr. Tritton’s: (i) indictment for or plea of nolo contendere to a felony or commission of an act theft, embezzlement, self-dealing, misappropriation or other malfeasance against the business of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates (collectively, the “Company Group”); (iii) indictment for or plea of nolo contendere to any serious offense that results in or would reasonably be expected to result in material financial harm, materially negative publicity or other material harm to any member of the Company Group; (iv) failure to perform any material aspect of his lawful duties or responsibilities for the Company or the Company Group (other than by reason of disability), and if curable, failure to cure in a timely manner; (v) failure to comply with any lawful written policy of the Company or reasonable directive of the Board, and in either case, if curable, failure to cure in a timely manner; (vi) commission of acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or gross misconduct in the performance of any aspect of his lawful duties or responsibilities; (vii) breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Company Group; (viii) violation or breach of any restrictive covenant or any material term of the Tritton Employment Agreement, and, if curable, failure to cure in a timely manner; or (ix) commission of any act or omission that damages or is reasonably likely to damage the financial condition or business of the Company or materially damages or is reasonably likely to materially damage the reputation, public image, goodwill, assets or prospects of the Company. In addition, Mr. Tritton’s employment will be deemed to have terminated for “Cause” if, on the date Mr. Tritton’s employment terminates, facts and circumstances exist that would have justified a termination for Cause, that such facts and circumstances are discovered within four months after such termination. to the extent “Good Reason” is defined in the Tritton Employment Agreement as any of the following occurring without Mr. Tritton’s written consent: (i) a reduction of Mr. Tritton’s base salary, other than a reduction of less than ten percent in connection with a comparable decrease applicable to all senior executives of the Company; (ii) the Company’s relocation of Mr. Tritton’s place of employment by more than thirty-five miles; (iii) a material diminution in Mr. Tritton’s duties, authority or responsibilities; or (iv) a change in Mr. Tritton’s reporting line (such that he no longer reports directly to the Board) or in his title of Chief Executive Officer; provided, in each case, that a resignation will be with “Good Reason” only if Mr. Tritton provides the Company with written notice detailing the specific circumstances alleged to constitute “Good Reason” within sixty calendar days after the occurrence of such circumstances, the Company fails to cure such circumstances in all material respects within thirty days of receipt of notice, and Mr. Tritton actually resigns within one hundred and twenty days following the first occurrence of any grounds for “Good Reason”; provided further, the removal of Mr. Tritton’s title as President and the subsequent appointment of a President who would report to Mr. Tritton would not constitute grounds for “Good Reason”. that The Tritton Employment Agreement also provides for non-competition and non-solicitation during the term of employment and for two years thereafter. The agreement also provides for non-disparagement and confidentiality during the term of employment and surviving the end of the term of employment. Employment Agreement with Ms. Winston On May 12, 2019, the Board appointed Mary A. Winston, a current member of the Board, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective as of that date, to succeed Mr. Temares, who ceased to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company as of May 12, 2019, and on June 26, 2019, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Winston. Ms. Winston’s employment agreement provided for at-will employment without a specified term, an annual base salary equal to $1,100,000, and a grant of shares of time vesting restricted stock under the Company’s 2012 Plan equal in value to $1,900,000 based on the average of the high and low per-share trading price of Company common stock on the date of grant (the “TVRS Award”). 49 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The TVRS Award was granted on June 28, 2019. The employment agreement and the award agreement governing the TVRS Award provided that the TVRS Award would vest in full in the event that Ms. Winston’s employment was terminated without “Cause”, including a termination because the Company hires a replacement chief executive officer, subject to Ms. Winston’s execution and non-revocation of a release of claims. Ms. Winston stepped down as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer on November 4, 2019, in connection with Mr. Tritton commencing employment as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Winston’s TVRS Award vested on such date. Employment Agreement and Other Compensatory Arrangements with Mr. Temares Mr. Temares departed the Company effective as of May 12, 2019. In accordance with the terms of his employment and equity award agreements, he was entitled to three times his then-current salary, totaling in the amount of $11,902,500 (calculated without regard to any past voluntary waiver of base salary), payable over three years in normal payroll installments, except that the amount due prior to the six months after his departure, $1,983,750, was paid in a lump sum on November 13, 2019, after the end of such six-month period. Such amounts will be reduced by any compensation earned by Mr. Temares with any subsequent employer or otherwise and will be subject to his compliance with a one-year non-competition and non-solicitation covenant. The one-year performance goal applicable to Mr. Temares’ PSUs granted in the Company’s 2018 fiscal year was determined to have been attained, and the PSUs became fully vested. However, in connection with its review of the 2018 Performance Peer Group used for purposes of the PSUs granted to Mr. Temares in the Company’s 2018 fiscal year, the Compensation Committee found that the Company’s 2017 fiscal year performance peer group was used in determining the achievement of performance goals instead of the 2018 Performance Peer Group, which resulted in Mr. Temares receiving 94,500 additional shares in respect of his PSUs (the “Temares additional shares”). On October 21, 2019, Mr. Temares entered into an agreement (the “Temares PSU settlement agreement”) with the Company to reduce by a number of shares equal to the number of Temares additional shares those PSUs that remained outstanding under the award granted to Mr. Temares in the Company’s 2018 fiscal year. Pursuant to the Temares PSU settlement agreement, the Company reduced the number of outstanding PSUs granted to Mr. Temares in the Company’s 2018 fiscal year by 94,500 PSUs, such that, following the reduction, Mr. Temares held 227,772 PSUs subject to a three-year ROIC goal and 113,886 PSUs subject to a three-year EBIT margin goal (in each case, assuming 100% of the target level of performance). Further, as a result of his departure in the Company’s 2019 fiscal year, the time- vesting component of Mr. Temares’ equity-based awards accelerated, including (i) his stock options (which were “underwater” and expired without having been exercised by Mr. Temares), and (ii) $5,919,642 of PSU awards (assuming target level of performance) which remain subject to attainment of any applicable performance goals and the certification of the applicable performance-based tests by the Compensation Committee, as provided under his award agreements and subject to the terms of the Temares PSU settlement agreement. For this purpose, the value of the PSU awards is based on the Per Share Closing Price. The actual value of Mr. Temares’ PSU awards upon vesting will depend on the actual performance as certified by the Compensation Committee. Following the end of the 2019 fiscal year, the Compensation Committee certified that (i) the three- year EBIT margin performance-based test for fiscal 2017 was met at 69.07% target (resulting in a payout of 75% of target, resulting in Mr. Temares receiving 51,488 shares of common stock with respect to such PSU award), and (ii) the three-year ROIC performance-based test for fiscal 2017 was met at 76.93% target (resulting in a payout of 90% of target, resulting in Mr. Temares receiving 123,570 shares of common stock with respect to such PSU award). Mr. Temares is a party to the SERP and a related escrow agreement, pursuant to which he was entitled to receive a supplemental retirement benefit as a result of his separation from service from the Company. Pursuant to the SERP, as a result of his separation from service with the Company as of May 12, 2019 being treated as a termination without cause, Mr. Temares became entitled to a lump sum payment equal to the present value of an annual amount equal to 50% of Mr. Temares’ annual base salary on the date of termination of employment if such annual amount were paid for a period of 10 years in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices (which amount equals $17,654,834), subject to Mr. Temares’ timely execution and non-revocation of a release of claims in favor of the Company (which occurred). This amount was paid on November 13, 2019, the first business day following the six-month anniversary of Mr. Temares’ termination of service. The Company has no further obligation to Mr. Temares under the SERP. Employment Agreements and Other Compensatory Arrangements with Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein The Company is party to employment agreements with each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein. Under these agreements, each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein had the option to elect senior status at any time (i.e., to be continued to be employed to provide non-line executive consultative services). On May 11, 2017, Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein notified the Company that they elected to commence their Senior Status Period (as defined in their respective employment agreements), effective May 21, 2017. Pursuant to the “senior status” provisions of their employment agreements, each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein was entitled to base salary, termination payments, postretirement benefits and other terms and conditions of employment, during the Senior Status Period. 50 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION On April 21, 2019, each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein transitioned to the roles of Co-Founders and Co-Chairmen Emeriti of the Board of Directors of the Company. As a result of this transition, Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein ceased to be officers of the Company effective as of April 21, 2019, and became entitled to the payments and benefits provided under their employment agreements that apply in the case of termination without cause, which generally include continued senior status payments until May 2027 and continued participation for them (and their spouses, if applicable) at the Company’s expense, in Health Benefits and in all other employee plans and programs in which they (or their families) were participating as of the date of termination and other or additional benefits in accordance with the applicable plans and programs until the earlier of death of the survivor of the applicable Co-Chairman Emeritus and his spouse or the date(s) he receives equivalent coverage and benefits from a subsequent employer. As a result of differing views concerning Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein’s rights and entitlements to the continued participation in benefits beyond the enumerated Health Benefits and the Compensation Committee’s goal of to certain legacy arrangements, on February 26, 2020, each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein entered into the Co-Founder settlement agreements with the Company in settlement of claims relating to the continued participation in benefits beyond the Health Benefits. These other continued participation benefits include personal car service and car allowance, tax preparation services, and office and administrative personnel and support (referred to in this proxy statement as the “continued participation benefits”). In addition, the Co-Chairmen Emeriti remain entitled to supplemental pension payments specified in their employment agreements of $200,000 per year (as adjusted for a cost of living increase), until the death of the survivor of the applicable Co-Chairman Emeritus and his spouse, reduced by the continued senior status payments referenced above. limiting the Company’s ongoing responsibilities with respect The annual amount of senior status payments to be made to each of the Co-Chairmen Emeriti until May 2027 equals $612,561, subject to future cost of living adjustments, as provided in the applicable employment agreements. The estimated annual value of the continued health, life insurance and other or additional benefits provided pursuant to Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein’s employment agreements equals $9,700 for each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein. Further, in the Company’s 2019 fiscal year, Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein received a lump sum amount equal to $1,608,847 and $2,464,446, respectively pursuant to the Co-Founder settlement agreements in settlement of claims relating to the continued participation benefits. The amount of the settlement was determined by the Compensation Committee in consultation with its independent counsel, and reflects a reduction to the amounts that may otherwise have been payable or provided to Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein under their employment agreements with respect to the continued participation benefits, including an actuarial adjustment to reflect mortality assumptions and an actuarial discount to reasonably reflect the time value of money. Vesting of stock option awards depends on time vesting, subject in general to the applicable NEO remaining in the Company’s service on specific vesting dates. Pursuant to their respective stock option agreements, unvested stock options held by Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein were forfeited effective as of their resignations as members of the Board of Directors effective May 1, 2019. Pursuant to their respective restricted stock and performance stock unit agreements, outstanding shares of restricted stock and PSUs granted to Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein vested upon their resignations as members of the Board of Directors effective May 1, 2019, subject, however, to attainment of any applicable performance goals and the certification of the applicable performance-based tests by the Compensation Committee, as provided under their award agreements. The one-year performance goal applicable to Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein’s PSUs granted in the Company’s 2018 fiscal year was determined to have been attained, and the PSUs became fully vested. However, in connection with its review of the 2018 Performance Peer Group used for purposes of the PSUs granted to Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein in the Company’s 2018 fiscal year, the Compensation Committee found that the Company’s 2017 fiscal year performance peer group was used in determining the achievement of performance goals instead of the 2018 Performance Peer Group, which resulted in each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein receiving 9,646 additional shares in respect of their PSUs, respectively (the “Co-Founder additional shares”). On February 26, 2020, each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein entered into agreements (the “Co-Founder PSU settlement agreements”) with the Company to reduce by a number of shares equal to the number of Co-Founder additional shares those PSUs that remained outstanding under awards granted to Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein in the Company’s 2018 fiscal year. As a result of their transition, in the Company’s 2019 fiscal year, $88,244 of PSU awards held by each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein, which had previously met the related performance-based test, had been certified by the Compensation Committee, and remained subject solely to time-vesting, were accelerated. Pursuant to the Co-Founder PSU settlement agreements, the Company reduced the number of outstanding PSUs granted to each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein in the Company’s 2018 fiscal year by 9,646 PSUs, such that, following the reduction, Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein each held 23,252 PSUs subject to a three-year ROIC goal and 11,626 PSUs subject to a three-year EBIT margin goal (in each case, assuming 100% of the target level of performance). Further, as a result of the transition, in the Company’s 2019 fiscal year, the time-vesting component of PSUs held by each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein equal in value to $697,548 (assuming target level of performance) accelerated, and the PSUs remain subject to attainment of any applicable performance goals and the certification of the applicable performance-based tests by the Compensation Committee, as provided under their award 51 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION agreements and subject to the terms of the Co-Founder PSU settlement agreements. For this purpose, the value of the PSU awards is based on the Per Share Closing Price. Following the end of the 2019 fiscal year, the Compensation Committee certified that (i) the three-year EBIT margin performance-based test for fiscal 2017 was met at 69.07% target (resulting in a payout of 75% of target, resulting in each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein receiving 5,001 shares of common stock with respect to such PSU award), and (ii) the three-year ROIC performance-based test for fiscal 2017 was met at 76.93% target (resulting in a payout of 90% of target, resulting in each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein receiving 12,002 shares of common stock with respect to such PSU award). Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein’s employment agreements also provide that upon a change in control of the Company, the Company will fund a “rabbi trust” for each to hold an amount equal to the value of the payments and certain benefits payable to each upon his termination of employment with the Company. In the event of termination of employment, the executives are under no obligation to seek other employment and there is no reduction in the amount payable to the executive on account of any compensation earned from any subsequent employment. To the extent that any payments under the employment agreements due following the termination of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein are considered to be deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, such amounts will commence to be paid on the earlier of the six-month anniversary of termination of employment or his death. Effective February 29, 2020, pursuant to deferred compensation agreements between the Company and each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein entered into in fiscal 2003, which provided for payments in substitution for such executives’ legacy split-dollar life insurance benefits, the Company paid $2,125,000 and $2,080,000 to each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein, respectively. The Company has no further obligation to Messrs. Eisenberg or Feinstein under the deferred compensation agreements. Employment Agreement and Other Compensatory Arrangements with Ms. D’Elia The employment agreement with Ms. D’Elia provides for severance pay equal to one year’s salary if the Company terminates her employment other than for “Cause” (including by reason of death or disability) or upon a “constructive termination” (as defined below). Severance pay is payable in accordance with normal payroll; however, any amount due prior to the six months after termination of employment will be paid in a lump sum on the date following the six-month anniversary of termination of employment. “Cause” is defined in the employment agreement as when Ms. D’Elia has: (i) acted in bad faith or with dishonesty; (ii) willfully failed to follow reasonable and lawful directions of the CEO or the Board of Directors; (iii) performed her duties with gross negligence; or (iv) been convicted of a felony. “Constructive termination” is defined in the employment agreement as the Company’s relocation of Ms. D’Elia’s place of employment by more than twenty-five miles, or the Company’s material breach of one or more terms of her employment agreement. Under the terms of Ms. D’Elia’s employment agreement, upon a termination of Ms. D’Elia’s employment by the Company for any reason other than for “Cause”, upon a “constructive termination”, or upon death or disability, all unvested options vest and become exercisable, shares of restricted stock and PSUs granted vest subject to attainment of any applicable performance goals (except as expressly provided otherwise in the applicable award agreement), and the unvested portion of Ms. D’Elia’s deferred cash award immediately vests and become payable, subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims. The agreement also provides for non-solicitation during the term of employment and for two years thereafter, and for non-competition during the term of employment and for one year thereafter, subject to the Company’s ability to extend the non-competition period for an additional year provided the Company also extends her severance payments for such additional period. The agreement also provides for confidentiality during the term of employment and surviving the end of the term of employment. On May 4, 2020, Ms. D’Elia ceased serving as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and continued to provide transitional services to the Company through May 8, 2020. On May 15, 2020, Ms. D’Elia and the Company entered into a separation and general release agreement with the Company (the “D’Elia Separation Agreement”), pursuant to which, subject to Ms. D’Elia’s timely execution and non-revocation of a release of claims in favor of the Company (which occurred), her termination of employment was treated as a termination by the Company other than for “Cause”, and Ms. D’Elia became entitled to receive those payments and benefits described above and in the below table in the row labeled “Termination Without Cause” and further described below. As indicated in the below table, pursuant to the terms of Ms. D’Elia’s employment agreement, as a result of her departure in the Company`s 2020 fiscal year, her unvested incentive cash award (equal to $64,286) and 6,712 shares of restricted stock vested. Pursuant to the terms of her employment agreement and the applicable award agreement, the time-vesting component of the following awards held by Ms. D’Elia accelerated and remained subject to attainment of any performance goals and the certification of the applicable performance-based tests by the Compensation Committee, as provided under her award agreements and subject to the terms of the D’Elia Separation Agreement: (cid:129) 16,149 PSU awards granted in June 2018 subject to three-year performance goals (assuming target level of performance); 52 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (cid:129) 33,639 PSU awards granted in June 2019 subject to one-year performance goals (assuming target level of performance), subject to the reduction described immediately below; and (cid:129) 39,905 PSU awards, representing a portion of the PSU awards granted in June 2019 subject to three-year performance goals, prorated for the portion of the applicable performance period that Ms. D’Elia was employed by the Company (assuming target level of performance), which were further reduced as described immediately below. The one-year performance goal applicable to Ms. D’Elia’s PSUs granted in the Company’s 2018 fiscal year was determined to have been attained, and the PSUs became fully vested. However, in connection with its review of the 2018 Performance Peer Group used for purposes of the PSUs granted to Ms. D’Elia in the Company’s 2018 fiscal year, the Compensation Committee found that the Company’s 2017 fiscal year performance peer group was used in determining the achievement of performance goals instead of the 2018 Performance Peer Group, which resulted in Ms. D’Elia receiving 3,498 additional shares in respect of her PSUs (“D’Elia additional shares”). Accordingly, the target number of PSUs awarded to Ms. D’Elia in June 2019 was reduced by the number of D’Elia additional shares. Because the PSUs subject to three-year performance goals granted to Ms. D’Elia in June 2019 vested on a prorated basis in connection with her separation, pursuant to the D’Elia Separation Agreement, the Company reduced the number of outstanding PSUs granted to Ms. D’Elia by 1,586 PSUs, such that, following the reduction, Ms. D’Elia held 33,639 PSUs granted in fiscal 2019 subject to a one-year performance goal, 19,556 PSUs granted in fiscal 2019 subject to a cumulative Company EBIT goal, and 19,556 PSUs granted in fiscal 2019 subject to a three- year relative TSR goal (in each case, assuming 100% of the target level of performance). The D’Elia Separation Agreement also entitles Ms. D’Elia to up to 18 months of COBRA benefits at active employee rates, and provides that the Company waives its rights to extend Ms. D’Elia non-competition period by one additional year. Table and related footnotes follow: Cash Severance(1) Cash Award Acceleration(2) Restricted Stock Acceleration(3) PSU and RSU Acceleration(4)(5) COBRA Continuation(6) Total Mark J. Tritton Termination due to death or disability Termination Without Cause or with Good Reason(7) Change in Control + Termination(8) Robyn M. D’Elia Termination Without Cause or Constructive Termination(9) Change in Control + Termination(10) $ — $710,000 $3,900,000 $710,000 $3,900,000 $710,000 $ $ $ — — — $9,360,318 $ — $10,070,318 $9,360,318 $28,479 $13,998,797 $9,360,318 $28,479 $13,998,797 $ 750,000 $ 64,286 $ 85,306 $1,693,408 $ 750,000 $ 64,286 $ 85,306 $1,693,408 $ $ — — $ 2,593,000 $ 2,593,000 (1) Upon a termination without Cause or for Good Reason, Mr. Tritton would become entitled to a severance payment equal to two times the sum of his base salary and his target fiscal year 2019 annual bonus. If terminated during the 30-day period preceding the Change in Control or 2 years following, the severance would be paid out in a lump sum within 30 days of the termination date or Change in Control date, whichever is later. If the termination is not in connection with a Change in Control, severance payments will be made in installments in accordance with the regular payroll payment schedule. If involuntarily terminated by the Company without Cause, Mr. Tritton would be entitled to 60 days’ advance written notice. Based on his base salary, failure to provide adequate notice would entitle Mr. Tritton to an additional $196,721 beyond the $3,900,000 shown in the table above. (2) For Ms. D’Elia, represents the value of unvested deferred cash awards that would vest and become payable, subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims, on a termination by the Company other than for “Cause” (including by reason of death or disability) or upon Ms. D’Elia’s “Constructive Termination” (as defined in Ms. D’Elia’s employment agreement) on February 29, 2020. The deferred cash awards are based solely on time vesting and were granted to Ms. D’Elia prior to her becoming an NEO. For Mr. Tritton, represents the value of the Make-Whole Cash Bonus, subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims, on a termination by the Company other than for “Cause” (including by reason of death or disability) or upon Mr. Tritton’s termination resignation with “Good Reason” on February 29, 2020. (3) Represents the value of unvested outstanding restricted stock that would accelerate and vest on a termination occurring on February 29, 2020, subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims. The value is calculated by multiplying the number of shares of restricted stock that accelerate and vest by the Per Share Closing Price. The value of accelerated restricted stock includes dividends on the underlying shares of the applicable restricted stock that are subject to the same vesting restrictions that apply to the entire restricted 53 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION stock. The value of accrued dividends credited as of February 29, 2020 and included above were approximately $77,068 for Ms. D’Elia. Does not reflect value of awards vested prior to the assumed CIC date. Values shown above are based on the Company’s closing share price on February 28, 2020 ($10.81). The values for the restricted stock awards reflect the number of outstanding awards multiplied by the per share price along with the dividends declared with respect to such awards. (4) For Mr. Tritton, represents the value of accelerated vesting of the Make-Whole RSU Award, Sign-On RSU Award, and the Make-Whole PSU Award (at 100% of target level of performance) in the event of Mr. Tritton’s termination due to death, disability, termination by the Company without Cause or resignation with Good Reason on February 29, 2020, subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims. Additionally, in the event Mr. Tritton’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or due to his resignation with in each case, within 30 days prior to or two years following a “change in control”, subject to the execution and Good Reason, non-revocation of a release of claims, all of Mr. Tritton’s other outstanding time-based equity awards will immediately vest in full, and any other outstanding performance-based equity awards will vest, based on actual performance and prorated based on the number of days during the applicable performance period that Mr. Tritton remained employed by the Company, at the time that such awards would have otherwise vested had Mr. Tritton remained employed up to the vesting date. For Mr. Tritton, the value of accelerated PSU and RSU awards includes dividend equivalents on the underlying shares of the applicable PSU and RSU award that are subject to the same vesting restrictions that apply to the entire PSU or RSU award. The value of accrued dividend equivalents credited as of February 29, 2020 and included above (assuming that PSUs achieved target level of performance) were approximately $144,923 for Mr. Tritton. For a more complete discussion of the metrics and method of calculating the applicable performance metrics for PSU awards, please see the discussion of PSUs in the Equity Compensation section of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis above. (5) For Ms. D’Elia, represents the value of unvested outstanding PSU awards that would accelerate and vest on a termination without “Cause” or in the event of a “Constructive Termination”, subject to attainment of any applicable performance goals and after the Compensation Committee certifies achievement of the applicable performance test, and subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims. For Ms. D’Elia, these values represent acceleration of the June 2019 PSU awards subject to the one-year performance test, which was met at 37.46% of target (resulting in a payout of 0% of target). For Ms. D’Elia, the portions of the June 2018 and June 2019 PSU awards subject the peer companies, were to a three-year performance test, based on relative performance against substantially uncertain on February 29, 2020 and are not included. For Ms. D’Elia, the value of accelerated PSU awards includes dividend equivalents on the underlying shares of the applicable PSU award that are subject to the same vesting restrictions that apply to the entire PSU award. The value of accrued dividend equivalents credited as of February 29, 2020 and included above (assuming that PSUs achieved target level of performance) were approximately $77,068 for Ms. D’Elia. As of May 22, 2020, the amount of dividend equivalents accrued for the PSU awards based on expected achievement, or, if applicable, actual achievement, was approximately $58,420 for Ms. D’Elia. For a more complete discussion of the metrics and method of calculating the applicable performance metrics for PSU awards, please see the discussion of PSUs in the Equity Compensation section of the Compensation Discussion & Analysis above. The amounts listed for Ms. D’Elia do not reflect a reduction of 1,586 PSUs granted in fiscal 2019 subject to three-year goals, as described above under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control – Employment Agreement and Other Compensatory Arrangements with Ms. D’Elia”. (6) Represents the employer portion of up to 24 months of COBRA continuation coverage at active employee rates. (7) Cash severance represents two times the sum of current salary and target annual bonus payable over a period of two years. (8) Cash severance represents two times the sum of current salary and target annual bonus paid in a lump sum. (9) In the event of a termination of employment due to death or disability, Ms. D’Elia (or her estate) will receive the same payments as if there were a “Termination Without Cause or Constructive Termination.” (10) Cash severance represents one times current salary payable over a period of one year. CEO Pay Ratio The Company has prepared the following information required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, regarding the ratio of the compensation of our CEO to that of the Company’s median employee, using certain permitted methodologies. The median employee at the Company, not counting the CEO, was determined by: (cid:129) using our total employee population (whether employed on a full-time, part-time, seasonal or temporary basis), which as includes approximately 55,000 employees, comprised of of February 29, 2020, approximately 53,000 US employees and approximately 2,000 non-US employees; of our total number of employees, more than 60% were part-time and more than 92% were hourly; the Company’s fiscal year end, (cid:129) using payroll records as of February 29, 2020, the Company’s fiscal year end; and (cid:129) excluding, under the de minimis exemption to the pay ratio rule, all of our associates in each of Canada (1,977), Mexico (7), Panama (4) and the Dominican Republic (4), which in total are 1,992 associates, or approximately 3.6%, of our total associate population, excluding the CEO. 54 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The median employee was identified using the total cash compensation, which, for this purpose, included base salary, bonus and commissions, per payroll records for the twelve months ended February 29, 2020 and pay for any permanent full-time and part-time associates (whether salaried or hourly) who were not employed for the full fiscal year were annualized. The individual identified as the median employee is a part-time hourly associate working in a Christmas Tree Shops store receiving a total annual compensation for fiscal 2019 of $14,521. The identification of the median employee was influenced by the Company having a workforce significantly composed of part-time, hourly store associates. The compensation of the Company’s CEO for fiscal 2019 as reported in the Summary Compensation Table was $13,764,398. Using the CEO’s annualized salary of $1,200,000 and the CEO’s actual compensation (other than salary), the annualized compensation amount used for the calculation of the CEO Pay Ratio was $14,618,244. This includes the grant date fair value of stock awards, including one-time awards made in connection with hiring of the CEO and the negotiation of his employment agreement, which may not necessarily reflect the actual value, if any, that may be realized by the CEO. The ratio of the annual total compensation of the Company’s CEO to that of the median employee is estimated to be 1,007:1. This estimate was calculated in a manner consistent with the applicable SEC rules and guidance, based upon the payroll and employment records of the Company. The rules and guidance applicable to this disclosure permit a variety of methods and a range of reasonable estimates and assumptions to reflect compensation practices. Therefore, the pay ratio reported by other companies in similar industries may well not be comparable to the pay ratio reported above. In connection with the preparation of the foregoing disclosure, management has provided the Compensation Committee with the analysis of the CEO to median employee pay ratio and accompanying contextual narrative, for its information when setting executive pay decisions. 55 PROPOSAL 3—APPROVAL, BY NON-BINDING VOTE, OF 2019 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION In accordance with the requirements of Section 14A of the Exchange Act, the Company is providing its shareholders the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on the compensation of its Named Executive Officers (NEOs) for fiscal 2019. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives the Company’s shareholders the opportunity to express their views on NEOs’ compensation. The Board of Directors recommends a vote in favor of the following resolutions: “RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s NEOs for fiscal 2019, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion, is hereby APPROVED.” This proposal is not binding upon the Company. However, the Compensation Committee, which is responsible for designing and administering the Company’s executive officer compensation program, values the opinions expressed by shareholders in the Compensation Committee’s ongoing engagement, discussed above, and considers the views provided by shareholders when making future compensation decisions for NEOs. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast by our shareholders in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote is required to approve this proposal. We believe the preceding Compensation Discussion and Analysis, including the significant changes in equity compensation design that were implemented for fiscal 2019, reflects the Committee’s receptiveness and responsiveness to shareholder concerns regarding executive compensation, and supports the recommendation by the Board of a vote approving the fiscal 2019 executive compensation program. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS FOR FISCAL 2019 AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT 56 OUR SHAREHOLDERS SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock as of June 5, 2020 by (i) each person or group of affiliated persons known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock; (ii) our NEOs; (iii) each of our directors and nominees for director; and (iv) all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Ownership data with respect to our institutional shareholders is based upon information publicly available as described in the footnotes below. The following table gives effect to the shares of common stock issuable within 60 days of June 5, 2020 upon the exercise of all options and other rights beneficially owned by the indicated shareholders on that date. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated under Section 13 of the Exchange Act, and includes voting and investment power with respect to shares. Percentage of beneficial ownership is based on 127,350,051 shares of our common stock outstanding at June 5, 2020. Except as otherwise noted below, each person or entity named in the following table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock that he, she or it beneficially owns. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed below is c/o Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., 650 Liberty Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083. Name Position Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned and Percent of Class FMR LLC BlackRock, Inc. The Vanguard Group Contrarius Investment Management Limited Dimensional Fund Advisors LP Legion Partners Asset Management, LLC Warren Eisenberg Leonard Feinstein Mark J. Tritton Steven H. Temares Robyn M. D’Elia Stephanie Bell-Rose Harriett Edelman John E. Fleming Patrick R. Gaston Sue E. Gove Jeffrey A. Kirwan JB Osborne Harsha Ramalingam Virginia P. Ruesterholz Joshua E. Schechter Andrea Weiss Mary A. Winston Ann Yerger All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (21 persons) Co-Chairman Emeritus and Co-Founder Co-Chairman Emeritus and Co-Founder President and Chief Executive Officer and Director Former Chief Executive Officer and Director Former Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director and former Interim Chief Executive Officer Director 15,021,719(1) 14,921,097(2) 12,421,293(3) 11,598,442(4) 7,058,092(5) 6,869,562(6) 1,560,875(7) 1,472,832(8) 432,305(9) 1,020,375(10) 15,543(11) 12,428 8,342 13,342 46,089 8,342 13,709 12,428 8,342 19,102 8,342 11,851 94,189 11,371 1,717,428 11.8% 11.7% 9.8% 9.1% 5.5% 5.4% 1.2% 1.2% * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 1.3% * Less than 1% of the outstanding common stock of the Company. 57 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Information regarding FMR LLC was obtained from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 7, 2020 by FMR LLC. The Schedule 13G states that FMR LLC has sole voting power of 2,663,544 shares of common stock and sole dispositive power of 15,021,791 shares of common stock. The address of FMR LLC is 245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210. Information regarding BlackRock, Inc. was obtained from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 4, 2020 by BlackRock, Inc. The Schedule 13G states that BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting power of 14,433,230 shares of common stock and sole dispositive power of 14,921,097 shares of common stock. The address of BlackRock, Inc. is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055. Information regarding The Vanguard Group was obtained from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 12, 2020 by The Vanguard Group. The Schedule 13G states that The Vanguard Group has sole voting power of 119,678 shares of common stock, shared voting power of 19,600 shares of common stock, sole dispositive power of 12,298,747 shares of common stock and shared dispositive power of 122,546 shares of common stock. The address of The Vanguard Group is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355. Information regarding Contrarius Investment Management Limited was obtained from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 6, 2020 by Contrarius Investment Management Limited. The Schedule 13G states that Contrarius Investment Management Limited has shared voting power of 11,598,442 shares of common stock and shared dispositive power of 11,598,442 shares of common stock. The address of Contrarius Investment Management Limited is 2 Bond Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE2 3NP, Channel Islands. Information regarding Dimensional Fund Advisors LP was obtained from a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 12, 2020 by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP. The Schedule 13G states that Dimensional Fund Advisors LP has sole voting power of 6,876,550 shares of common stock and sole dispositive power of 7,058,092 shares of common stock. The address of Dimensional Fund Advisors LP is Building One, 6300 Bee Cave Road, Austin, TX, 78746. Information regarding Legion Partners Asset Management, LLC was obtained from a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on April 2, 2020 by Legion Partners Asset Management, LLC. The Schedule 13D states that Legion Partners Asset Management, LLC has shared voting power of 6,869,362 shares of common stock and shared dispositive power of 6,869,362 shares of common stock. The address of Legion Partners Asset Management, LLC is 12121 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1240, Los Angeles, CA 90025. (7) Based on information provided by Mr. Eisenberg in April 2020, the shares shown as being owned by Mr. Eisenberg include: (a) 559,933 shares owned by Mr. Eisenberg individually; (b) 653,000 shares owned by a foundation of which Mr. Eisenberg and his family members are trustees and officers; and (c) 347,942 shares owned by Mr. Eisenberg’s spouse. Mr. Eisenberg has sole voting power with respect to the shares held by him individually and in trust for which he is the trustee but disclaims beneficial ownership of any of the shares not owned by him individually and in trust for which he is not the trustee. On April 21, 2019, Mr. Eisenberg transitioned to the role of Co-Founder and Co-Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of the Company. As a result of this transition, Mr. Eisenberg ceased to be an officer of the Company effective April 21, 2019. (8) Based on information provided by Mr. Feinstein in April 2020, the shares shown as being owned by Mr. Feinstein include: (a) 423,614 shares owned by Mr. Feinstein individually; (b) 503,000 shares owned by a foundation of which Mr. Feinstein and his family members are directors and officers; (c) 204,978 shares held by trusts for the benefit of Mr. Feinstein’s family members; and (d) 341,240 shares owned by Mr. Feinstein’s spouse. Mr. Feinstein has sole voting power with respect to the shares held by him individually and in trust for which he is the trustee but disclaims beneficial ownership of any of the shares not owned by him individually and in trust for which he is not the trustee. On April 21, 2019, Mr. Feinstein transitioned to the role of Co-Founder and Co-Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of the Company. As a result of this transition, Mr. Feinstein ceased to be an officer of the Company effective April 21, 2019. (9) The shares shown as being owned by Mr. Tritton include: (a) 127,286 shares owned by Mr. Tritton individually; and (b) 305,019 shares of restricted stock. (10) The shares shown as being beneficially owned by Mr. Temares are based on the amount disclosed in his most recent filing on Form 4 filed on May 14, 2019, and include: (a) 916,039 shares owned by Mr. Temares individually; (b) 99,336 shares owned by a family limited partnership, of which Mr. Temares and his spouse are the sole general partners, and of which Mr. Temares and his spouse serve as limited partners together with trusts for the benefit of Mr. Temares, his spouse and his children; and (c) 5,000 shares owned by a family limited partnership established by Mr. Temares’ mother. Mr. Temares has sole voting power with respect to the shares held by him individually and the above described family limited partnership but disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned by the family limited partnership established by Mr. Temares’ mother. On May 12, 2019, Mr. Temares stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and on May 13, 2019, resigned from the Board of Directors of the Company. (11) The shares reported as beneficially owned by Ms. D’Elia are based on the amount disclosed in her most recent filing on Form 4 filed on May 14, 2019. 58 OTHER MATTERS Questions and Answers These proxy materials are delivered in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., a New York corporation, of proxies to be voted at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournment or adjournments. This Proxy Statement, the proxy card and our 2019 Annual Report are being mailed starting on or about June 18, 2020. The information regarding stock ownership and other matters in this Proxy Statement is as of the record date, June 5, 2020, unless otherwise indicated. What may I vote on? You may vote on the following proposals: (cid:129) election of 12 directors to hold office until the Annual Meeting in 2021 or until their respective successors have been elected and qualified (Proposal 1); (cid:129) (cid:129) ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending February 27, 2021 (“fiscal 2020”) (Proposal 2); and the approval, by non-binding vote, of (commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal (Proposal 3). the 2019 compensation paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE: (cid:129) FOR the election of the 12 directors; (cid:129) FOR the ratification of the appointment of auditors; and (cid:129) FOR the say-on-pay proposal. Who may vote? Shareholders of record of the Company’s common stock at the close of business on June 5, 2020 are entitled to receive this notice and to vote their shares at the Annual Meeting. As of that date, there were 127,350,051 shares of common stock outstanding. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter properly brought before the Annual Meeting. Where will the Annual Meeting be held? We have scheduled the Annual Meeting to be held at the Company’s principal executive office at 650 Liberty Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083, on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time. However, as part of our effort to maintain a safe and healthy environment at our Annual Meeting and to protect the well-being of our shareholders, after closely monitoring statements issued by the World Health Organization (who.int) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) regarding COVID-19, we have decided to give shareholders the option of attending the Annual Meeting by means of remote communication this year at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BBBY2020. Due to the impact of COVID-19, we encourage all shareholders to utilize the remote access option. We have designed the virtual meeting to offer the same participation opportunities as an in-person meeting. We also encourage all shareholders who are currently planning to attend the Annual Meeting in person to continue to review guidance from public health authorities as the time for our Annual Meeting approaches. While we have scheduled an in-person location for the Annual Meeting, we are sensitive to the public health and travel concerns our shareholders may have and recommendations that public health officials may issue. The Governor of the State of New York has issued several temporary executive orders permitting New York corporations to hold virtual only shareholder meetings in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. If the Governor’s temporary order is extended through the date of the Annual Meeting, we intend to hold the Annual Meeting solely by means of remote communications with no in-person location. In such case, we will announce the decision to do so at least one week in advance of the Annual Meeting, by press release and in a filing with the SEC, as well as in materials made available at www.bedbathandbeyond.com/annualmeeting2020, and we strongly encourage you to check this website prior to the Annual Meeting. Note that any decision to proceed with a virtual-only meeting this year does not necessarily mean that we will utilize a virtual-only format or any means of remote communication for future annual meetings. 59 OTHER MATTERS Who is entitled to attend the Annual Meeting? All of our shareholders of record as of the close of business on the record date, or their duly appointed proxy holders, may attend the Annual Meeting, either in person or online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BBBY2020. If you are not a shareholder of record but hold shares through a broker, bank or other nominee, you should provide proof of beneficial ownership as of the record date, such as an account statement reflecting your stock ownership as of the record date, or other similar evidence of ownership. If you do not have proof of ownership, you may not be admitted to our Annual Meeting if you will attend the meeting in person. Each shareholder and proxy holder attending the Annual Meeting in person may be asked to present a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, before being admitted. Cameras, recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the in person meeting location, and attendees may be subject to security inspections and other security precautions. How do I attend the Annual Meeting virtually and submit questions or make comments? If you are a registered holder of the Company’s common stock, you do not need to register in advance to attend the Annual Meeting virtually. To be admitted to the Annual Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BBBY2020, you must enter the control number found on your proxy card. If you hold your shares in street name, contact your broker, bank, or other nominee as soon as possible, so that you can be provided with a control number and gain access to the meeting. Shareholders may vote electronically and submit questions online while attending the Annual Meeting. If you wish to submit a question or make a comment before the Annual Meeting or during the Annual Meeting, you may log into the virtual meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BBBY2020 and type a question into the “Ask a Question” field and click “Submit.” Questions or comments pertinent to meeting matters will be addressed during the Annual Meeting, subject to time constraints. Questions or comments that relate to proposals that are not properly before the Annual Meeting, relate to matters that are not proper subject for action by shareholders, are irrelevant to the Company’s business, relate to material non-public information of the Company, relate to personal concerns or grievances, are derogatory to individuals or that are otherwise in bad taste, are in substance repetitious of a question or comment made by another shareholder, or are not otherwise suitable for the conduct of the Annual Meeting as determined in the sole discretion of the Company, will not be answered. What if I have trouble accessing the Annual Meeting virtually? Technical support will be available by phone to address any technical difficulties beginning fifteen minutes before the start time of the Annual Meeting and will remain available until the meeting has ended. The phone numbers for contacting technical support will be posted on the log-in page for the virtual meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BBBY2020. How do I vote? The Company encourages you to use the electronic means available to you to vote your shares. How you vote will depend on how you hold your shares of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. common stock. Shareholder of Record If your shares are registered directly in your name with Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are considered the shareholder of record with respect to those shares, and these proxy materials are being sent directly to you. If you hold restricted stock under the 2012 Plan, you are also considered the shareholder of record with respect to those shares. As the shareholder of record, you have the right to vote by proxy through any of the below methods. Vote by Internet www.proxyvote.com Vote by Phone 1-800-690-6903 Vote by Mail Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717 Voting by any of these methods will not affect your right to attend the Annual Meeting and vote, either in person or online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BBBY2020. However, for those who will not be voting at the Annual Meeting in person or online, your proxy must be received by no later than 11:59 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time on July 13, 2020. 60 OTHER MATTERS Beneficial Owner Most shareholders of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. hold their shares through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee, rather than directly in their own name. If you hold your shares in one of these ways, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name, and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker or nominee who is considered, with respect to those shares, the shareholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker on how to vote. Your broker or nominee has enclosed a voting instruction form for you to use in directing the broker or nominee on how to vote your shares. If you hold your shares through a New York Stock Exchange member brokerage firm, such member brokerage firm has the discretion to vote shares held on your behalf with respect to the appointment of the Company’s auditors, but not with respect to any other proposal, as more fully described under “What is a broker ‘non-vote’?”. Can I change my vote? Yes. If you are the shareholder of record, you may revoke your proxy before it is exercised by doing any of the following: (cid:129) sending a letter to the Company stating that your proxy is revoked; (cid:129) signing a new proxy and sending it to the Company; or (cid:129) attending the Annual Meeting, either in person or virtually, and voting by ballot. Beneficial owners should contact their broker or nominee for instructions on changing their vote. How many votes must be present to hold the Annual Meeting? A “quorum” is necessary to hold the Annual Meeting. A quorum is a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. They may be present at the Annual Meeting or represented by proxy. Abstentions and broker “non-votes” are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum but are not counted for purposes of determining any of the proposals to be voted on. How many votes are needed to approve the proposals? At the Annual Meeting, a “FOR” vote by a majority of votes cast is required to (i) elect each nominee for director (Proposal 1), (ii) ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for fiscal 2020 (Proposal 2) and (iii) approve, by non-binding vote, the say-on-pay proposal (Proposal 3). A “FOR” vote by a “majority of votes cast” means that the number of shares voted “FOR” exceeds the number of votes “AGAINST.” Abstentions and broker non-votes shall not constitute votes “FOR” or votes “AGAINST.” With respect to Proposal 1, the election of directors, if a nominee who is an incumbent director fails to receive a “FOR” vote by a majority of votes cast, then such nominee must immediately tender his or her resignation, and the Board will decide, through a process managed by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (excluding from the process such nominee), whether to accept the resignation. In the event of such a situation, the Board intends to complete this process promptly after the Annual Meeting but no later than 90 days from the date of the certification of the election results. The Company will file a Form 8-K to disclose its decision and an explanation of such decision. What is an abstention? An abstention is a properly signed proxy card which is marked “abstain.” What is a broker “non-vote”? A broker “non-vote” occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power for that particular item and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. Under current applicable rules, Proposal 2 is a “discretionary” item upon which brokers that hold shares as nominee may vote on behalf of the beneficial owners if such beneficial owners have not furnished voting instructions by the tenth day before the Annual Meeting. However, brokers that hold shares as nominee may not vote on behalf of the beneficial owners on the following proposals unless you provide voting instructions: Proposal 1, the election of directors; and Proposal 3, the say-on-pay proposal. Therefore, if your shares are held by such nominee, please instruct your broker regarding how to vote your shares on each of these proposals. This will ensure that your shares are counted with respect to each of these proposals. 61 OTHER MATTERS What if I receive more than one proxy card and/or voting instruction card? This means that you have multiple accounts holding shares of the Company. These may include: accounts with our transfer agent; shares held by the administrator of our employee stock purchase plan; and accounts with a broker, bank or other holder of record. In order to vote all of the shares held by you in multiple accounts, you will need to vote the shares held in each account separately. Please follow the voting instructions provided on each proxy card to ensure that all of your shares are voted. Will any other matters be acted on at the Annual Meeting? If any other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment, the persons named in the proxy will have discretion to vote on those matters. As of April 26, 2020, which is the date by which any proposal for consideration at the Annual Meeting submitted by a shareholder must have been received by the Company to be presented at the Annual Meeting, and as of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Company did not know of any other matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting. Who pays for this proxy solicitation? The Company will pay the expenses of soliciting proxies. In addition to solicitation by mail, proxies may be solicited in person or by telephone or other means by directors or associates of the Company. The Company will also reimburse brokerage firms and other nominees, custodians and fiduciaries for costs incurred by them in mailing proxy materials to the beneficial owners of shares held of record by such persons. Whom should I call with other questions? If you have additional questions about this Proxy Statement or the Annual Meeting or would like additional copies of this document or our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, please contact: Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., 650 Liberty Avenue, Union, NJ 07083, Attention: Investor Relations Dept., Telephone: (908) 613-5820. These documents are also available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.bedbathandbeyond.com. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions The Company’s Audit Committee reviews and, if appropriate, approves transactions brought to the Committee’s attention in which the Company is a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which, in general, beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common stock, the Company’s directors, nominees for director, executive officers, and members of their respective immediate families, have a direct or indirect material interest. The Committee’s responsibility with respect to the review and approval of these transactions is set forth in the Audit Committee’s charter. Martin Eisenberg, a son of Warren Eisenberg, the Company’s Co-Chairman Emeritus, was the Company’s Regional Vice President for the Northeast Region, with responsibilities in areas that include store operations, merchandising, store design and product sourcing. For fiscal 2019, his salary was $247,536 and he received other benefits consistent with his position and tenure, including a restricted stock award valued at $37,508, cash awards valued at $112,500 and a car allowance of $1,158. In fiscal 2019, he received dividends of $4,603 that were paid on previously unvested stock awards that vested in fiscal 2019. These dividends were not factored into the grant date fair value of such stock awards under ASC 718. In addition, these dividends do not vest and are not paid until, and only then to the extent, the associated stock awards vest and the underlying shares are paid. Effective July 26, 2019, Martin Eisenberg separated from the Company. Mr. Eisenberg received certain severance benefits in connection with his separation from the Company, including cash severance of $279,824. Ronald Eisenberg, a son of Warren Eisenberg, the Company’s Co-Chairman Emeritus, was the founder and owner of Chef Central, Inc., a retailer of kitchenware, cookware and homeware items catering to cooking and baking enthusiasts, and certain assets of which the Company acquired on January 27, 2017 (the “Acquisition”). The Acquisition was for a cash purchase price of $1,000,000, and incremental earnout payments potentially aggregating up to $1,250,000. The incremental earnout payments are dependent on the opening and continuing in operation, which opening and operation are at the Company’s discretion, of up to 50 free-standing stores (or specialty departments within the Company’s stores) operating under the Chef Central or other agreed upon branding. Following the Acquisition, he joined the Company as an employee to build Chef Central branded stores or departments. For fiscal 2019, his salary was $260,192, and he received other benefits consistent with his position and tenure, including a restricted stock award valued at $15,006 and cash awards valued at $45,000. In fiscal 2019, he received dividends of $4,603 that were paid on previously unvested stock awards that vested in fiscal 2019. These dividends were not factored in the grant date fair value of such stock awards under ASC 718. In addition, these dividends do not vest and are not paid until, and only then to the extent, the associated stock awards vest and the underlying shares are paid. Effective February 27, 2020, Ronald Eisenberg separated from the Company. Mr. Eisenberg received certain severance benefits in connection with his separation from the Company, including cash severance, during fiscal 2020, of $32,169. Mr. Warren Eisenberg ceased to be an officer of the Company effective April 21, 2019. 62 OTHER MATTERS Householding Unless we have received contrary instructions, we are mailing one copy of the proxy materials (other than the proxy card) to record holders who have the same address and last name. Such record holders will continue to receive separate proxy cards. We refer to this practice as householding. If you are a record holder who participates in householding and wish to receive separate copies of the proxy materials for the 2020 Annual Meeting or future Annual Meetings, then please contact the Company’s Corporate Secretary at 650 Liberty Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083, or calling 908-613-5820. We will promptly deliver separate copies of the proxy materials for the 2020 Annual Meeting upon receiving your request. If you are a record holder who is eligible for householding and do not currently participate in the program but would like to, then please contact the Company’s Corporate Secretary at the address or phone number indicated above. If you are a beneficial owner, then please contact your stockbroker, bank or other holder of record to receive one or separate copies of the proxy materials. Next Year’s Annual Meeting Proposals which shareholders intend to be eligible for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to the SEC’s proxy rules (i.e., Rule 14a-8) must be received by the Company no later than February 18, 2021. Any shareholder intending to include a director nominee in the Company’s proxy materials for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to Article II, Section 11 of the Company’s Amended and Restated By-laws (i.e. proxy access) should carefully review the requirements for using proxy access, as described in such Section. The Company must receive a shareholder’s nomination, with all required information, between the close of business on January 19, 2020 and the close of business on February 18, 2021. Under the Company’s Amended and Restated By-laws, any proposal for consideration at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders submitted by a shareholder other than pursuant to the two methods described above will be considered timely only if it is received by the Company between the close of business on March 16, 2021 and the close of business on April 15, 2021, and is otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated By-laws. If the date of the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the anniversary date of the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, notice must be received no earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and not later than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, or if the first public announcement of the date of the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is less than 100 days prior to the date of the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the 10th day following the date on which notice of the date of the meeting is given to shareholders or made public, whichever occurs first. Any information required to be received by the Company, as described above, should be sent to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at 650 Liberty Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083, Attn: c/o Corporate Secretary. 63 2019 Annual Report MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OVERVIEW Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is an omnichannel retailer that makes it easy for its customers to feel at home. The Company sells a wide assortment of domestics merchandise and home furnishings which operates under the names Bed Bath & Beyond (“BBB”), Christmas Tree Shops, Christmas Tree Shops andThat! or andThat! (collectively, “CTS”), Harmon, Harmon Face Values, or Face Values (collectively, “Harmon”), buybuy BABY (“Baby”) and World Market, Cost Plus World Market, or Cost Plus (collectively, “Cost Plus World Market”). Customers can purchase products either in-store, online, with a mobile device or through a customer contact center. The Company generally has the ability to have customer purchases picked up in-store or shipped direct to the customer from the Company’s distribution facilities, stores or vendors. The Company also operates Decorist, an online interior design platform that provides personalized home design services. In addition, the Company operates Linen Holdings, a provider of a variety of textile products, amenities and other goods to institutional customers in the hospitality, cruise line, healthcare and other industries. Additionally, the Company is a partner in a joint venture which operates retail stores in Mexico under the name Bed Bath & Beyond. The Company also operates PersonalizationMall.com (“PMall”), an industry-leading online retailer of personalized products. The Company accounts for its operations as two operating segments: North American Retail and Institutional Sales. The Institutional Sales operating segment, which is comprised of Linen Holdings, does not meet the quantitative thresholds under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and therefore is not a reportable segment. The Company is executing on a comprehensive plan to transform its business and position the Company for long-term success. On May 13, 2019, the Company announced that Mary Winston, a seasoned public company executive who had recently joined the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer (“Interim CEO”) after the former CEO stepped down. During this interim period, the Board and management team were executing against our four key near-term priorities that included: 1) stabilizing sales and driving top-line growth; 2) resetting the cost structure; 3) reviewing and optimizing the Company’s asset base, including its portfolio of retail banners; and 4) refining the Company’s organization structure. On October 6, 2019, the Company’s Board appointed Mark Tritton as President and CEO of the Company, effective as of November 4, 2019, succeeding Interim CEO, Mary Winston. During the first six months of his tenure, Mr. Tritton has been assessing the operations, portfolio, capabilities and culture of the Company to develop a strategic plan designed to position the Company to deliver long-term, sustainable growth. Mr. Tritton’s strategic growth plans for the Company are grounded in five key pillars: Product, Price, Promise, Place and People, and are focused on a singular purpose to make it easy to feel at home. With these five pillars as its framework, the Company is embracing a commitment to build and manage a modern, durable omnichannnel business model, while maintaining focus on accelerating its extensive transformation efforts and continuing to drive against these near-term priorities to generate savings and reinvest for future growth. Early actions include the extensive restructure of the Company’s leadership team, including the departure of six senior members, which was announced on December 17, 2019. Interim leaders were appointed in merchandising, digital, marketing, owned brands and legal, while the Company actively recruits for these roles. The new leadership team will be charged with streamlining decision-making, accelerating the pace of transformation, and re-establishing the Company’s authority in the home space through a more customer-focused, omnichannel retail operation, a redefined product assortment, and a more convenient and inspirational shopping experience. Subsequent to the end of fiscal 2019, on March 4, 2020, Joe Hartsig joined the Company as Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer of Bed Bath & Beyond and President of Harmon Stores Inc. In addition, on April 21, 2020, the Company announced the appointment of John Hartmann as Chief Operating Officer of the Company and President, buybuy BABY, effective as of May 18, 2020. During the fiscal 2019 fourth quarter, the Company completed a sale-leaseback transaction with respect to approximately 2.1 million square feet of owned real estate, generating over $250 million in net proceeds, and also entered into a definitive agreement to sell PMall.com to 1-800-FLOWERS.COM (“Buyer”) for $252 million, subject to certain working capital and other adjustments. The Buyer was required to close the transaction on March 30, 2020, but failed to do so. Accordingly, the Company filed an action to require the Buyer to close the transaction. Subsequent to the end of fiscal 2019, the Company sold One Kings Lane to a third party for an undisclosed amount. While the Company cannot make any assurances, the Company, together with its outside advisors, continues to pursue other portfolio adjustments and evaluate the Company’s remaining owned real estate in an effort to create a stronger and more focused portfolio and enhance shareholder value. The net proceeds from these transactions and any other potential cash-generating transactions could be used to reinvest in the Company’s core business operations to drive growth, fund share repurchases, reduce the Company’s outstanding debt, or 65 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS some combination of these. In other activity, the Company has been further evaluating its product assortment and taking aggressive steps to rationalize the assortment and better manage its inventory. Given the current business environment, resulting in temporary store closures and further reductions in operating expenses, the Company has modified its capital investments, focusing on its core business and key projects that support its digital and omni fulfillment capabilities, including Buy Online Pickup In Store and curbside pickup, omni inventory management, as well as digital marketing and personalization. The Company is also re-engineering its supply chain and vendor relationships, as well as further strengthening its owned-brand strategy. These are among the early accelerated actions being taken to lay the foundation to create a new vision for the Company. The integration of retail store and customer facing digital channels allows the Company to provide its customers with a seamless shopping experience. In-store purchases are primarily fulfilled from that store’s inventory or may also be shipped to a customer from one of the Company’s distribution facilities, from a vendor, or from another store. Purchases, including web and mobile, can be shipped to a customer from the Company’s distribution facilities, directly from vendors, or from a store. The Company’s customers can also choose to pick up orders reserved online in a store, as well as return online purchases to a store. Customers can also make purchases through one of the Company’s customer contact centers and in-store through The Beyond Store, the Company’s proprietary web-based platform. These capabilities allow the Company to better serve customers across various channels. Beginning in April 2020, in some locations, customers can buy online and pick up in store or pick up orders curbside. Operating in the highly competitive retail industry, the Company, along with other retail companies, is influenced by a number of factors including, but not limited to: general economic conditions including the housing market, unemployment levels and commodity prices; the overall macroeconomic environment and related changes in the retailing environment; consumer preferences, spending habits and adoption of new technologies; unusual weather patterns and natural disasters, including pandemics; competition from existing and potential competitors across all channels; potential supply chain disruption; the ability to find suitable locations at acceptable occupancy costs and other terms to support the Company’s plans for new stores; and the ability to assess and implement technologies in support of the Company’s development of its omnichannel capabilities. The Company cannot predict whether, when or the manner in which these factors could affect the Company’s operating results. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. The consequences of the outbreak and impact to the economy continues to evolve and the full extent of the impact is uncertain as of the date of this filing. The outbreak has already brought a material disruption to the operations of the Company. As a result of ‘social distancing’ measures put into effect in March 2020, the Company began to temporarily close certain store locations that did not have a health and personal care department and as of March 23, 2020, all retail banner stores across the U.S. and Canada have been temporarily closed except for stand-alone Baby and Harmon store locations, subject to state and local regulations. Customers can continue to order products online and with mobile devices. In conjunction with the temporary store closures, the Company implemented additional cost reductions, including a furlough of the majority of store associates and a portion of corporate associates until at least May 16, 2020. The Company provided impacted store associates with applicable pay and benefits through April 3, 2020, and impacted corporate associates with pay and benefits through April 18, 2020. During the period in which furloughed associates are not paid, the Company will continue to pay 100% of the cost of healthcare premiums for all these associates who currently participate in the Company’s health plan, until further notice. Furloughed associates are also able to apply for unemployment benefits, if eligible. The Company also implemented a temporary reduction in salaries of the Company’s executive team by 30%, which will continue until at least May 16, 2020, and a temporary reduction in the quarterly cash compensation of the independent directors of the Board of Directors by 30%. Further, on March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was enacted in the United States. The CARES Act is an emergency economic aid package to help mitigate the impact of the of COVID-19 pandemic. Among other things, the CARES Act provides certain changes to tax laws, which may impact the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The Company is currently implementing applicable benefits of the CARES Act, such as deferring employer payroll taxes and utilizing the ability to carry back and deduct losses to offset prior income in previously filed tax returns. Due to the timing of the enactment of the CARES Act, the Company is still evaluating the impact that the CARES Act may have on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity and financial position. The Company will continue to seek opportunities to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including, among others, renegotiating payment terms for goods, services and rent, managing to lower inventory levels, and reducing discretionary spend such as business travel, advertising and expense associated with the maintenance of stores that are temporarily closed. The COVID-19 pandemic could materially impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows in 66 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS fiscal 2020. Given the uncertainty regarding the spread of the virus and the timing of the economic recovery, the related financial impact cannot be reasonably predicted or estimated at this time. The results of operations for the fiscal year ended March 3, 2018, include Decorist since the date of acquisition, March 6, 2017. The following represents an overview of the Company’s financial performance for the periods indicated: (cid:129) Net sales in fiscal 2019 (fifty-two weeks) decreased approximately 7.2% to $11.159 billion; net sales in fiscal 2018 (fifty-two weeks) decreased approximately 2.6% to $12.029 billion over net sales of $12.349 billion in fiscal 2017 (fifty- three weeks). (cid:129) Comparable sales in fiscal 2019 (fifty-two weeks) decreased by approximately 6.8%, as compared to a decrease of approximately 1.1% for fiscal 2018 (fifty-two weeks) and a decrease of approximately 1.3% for fiscal 2017 (fifty-three weeks). Comparable sales percentages are calculated based on an equivalent number of weeks in each annual period. For fiscal 2019, comparable sales consummated through customer facing digital channels increased in the low-single- digit percentage range, while comparable sales consummated in-store declined in the high-single-digit percentage range from the corresponding period in the prior year. For fiscal 2018, comparable sales consummated through customer facing digital channels continued the trend of year over year strong growth, while comparable sales consummated in-store declined in the mid-single-digit percentage range from the corresponding period in the prior year. Comparable sales include sales consummated through all retail channels which have been operating for twelve full months following the opening period (typically four to six weeks). The Company is an omnichannel retailer with capabilities that allow a customer to use more than one channel when making a purchase, including in-store, online, with a mobile device or through a customer contact center, and have it fulfilled, in most cases, either through in-store customer pickup or by direct shipment to the customer from one of the Company’s distribution facilities, stores or vendors. Sales consummated on a mobile device while physically in a store location are recorded as customer facing digital channel sales. Customer orders taken in-store by an associate through The Beyond Store, the Company’s proprietary, web-based platform are recorded as in-store sales. Customer orders reserved online and picked up in a store are recorded as in-store sales. Sales originally consummated from customer facing digital channels and subsequently returned in-store are recorded as a reduction of in-store sales. Stores relocated or expanded are excluded from comparable sales if the change in square footage would cause meaningful disparity in sales over the prior period. In the case of a store to be closed, such store’s sales are not considered comparable once the store closing process has commenced. Stores impacted by unusual and unexpected events outside the Company’s control, including severe weather, fire or floods, are excluded from comparable sales for the period of time that such event would cause a meaningful disparity in sales over the prior period. PMall is included in the comparable sales calculation beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. One Kings Lane, Chef Central and Decorist are included in the comparable sales calculation beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Linen Holdings is excluded from the comparable sales calculations and will continue to be excluded on an ongoing basis as it represents non-retail activity. (cid:129) Gross profit for fiscal 2019 was $3.542 billion or 31.7% of net sales, compared with $4.104 billion or 34.1% of net sales for fiscal 2018 and $4.443 billion or 36.0% of net sales for fiscal 2017. (cid:129) SG&A for fiscal 2019 were $3.732 billion or 33.4% of net sales, compared with $3.681 billion or 30.6% of net sales for fiscal 2018 and $3.682 billion or 29.8% of net sales for fiscal 2017. (cid:129) Goodwill and other impairments for fiscal 2019 were $509.2 million or 4.6% of net sales compared with $509.9 million or 4.2% of net sales for fiscal 2018. There were no goodwill and other impairments in fiscal 2017. (cid:129) Interest expense, net was $64.8 million, $69.5 million, and $65.7 million in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. (cid:129) The effective tax rate was 19.7%, 12.4%, and 38.9% for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For fiscal 2019, the effective tax rate reflects the impact of charges, portions of which are non-deductible for tax purposes, for goodwill and other impairments, an incremental charge for markdowns, severance costs, shareholder activity costs and a loss from a sale-leaseback transaction, including transaction costs. For fiscal 2018, the effective tax rate reflects the impact of charges, portions of which are non-deductible for tax purposes, for goodwill and other impairments, severance costs and a gain from the sale of a building. For fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, the effective tax rate included net expense of approximately $4.3 million, net benefits of approximately $12.1 million and net expense of approximately $7.1 million, respectively, due to the recognition of 67 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS discrete federal and state tax items. the comprehensive tax legislation, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), enacted by the U.S. government on December 22, 2017. the fiscal 2017 effective tax rate included the impacts of In addition, The Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal 2017 included a net increase of approximately 1.5%, resulting from the impacts of the Tax Act. The Tax Act significantly revised the U.S. tax code by, among other things, (i) reducing the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, (ii) imposing a one-time transition tax on earnings of foreign subsidiaries deemed to be repatriated and (iii) implementing a modified territorial tax system. The net unfavorable tax impact included the following: (1) re-measurement of the Company’s net deferred tax assets that existed on December 22, 2017; (2) deferred taxes that were created after December 22, 2017 that were deducted at the federal statutory rate of 32.66%, but will reverse at the newly enacted 21% federal statutory rate; (3) the transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings; and (4) the decrease in the federal statutory tax rate in fiscal 2017. Additionally in fiscal 2017, the effective tax rate included the effect of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Share-Based Payment Accounting, (“ASU 2016-09, Stock Compensation”), which increased the effective tax rate by approximately 1.4%. The effective rate also included approximately 1.9% of favorable tax benefits occurring during fiscal 2017. (cid:129) For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 (fifty-two weeks), net loss per diluted share was $(4.94) ($(613.8) million) and included the unfavorable impact of approximately $5.40 per diluted share from goodwill and other impairments, an incremental charge for markdowns, severance costs, shareholder activity costs and a loss from a sale-leaseback transaction, including transaction costs. For the fiscal year ended March 2, 2019 (fifty-two weeks), net earnings per diluted share was $(1.02) ($(137.2) million) and included the unfavorable impact of approximately $2.99 per diluted share from goodwill and other impairments, severance costs and a gain from the sale of a building, and for the fiscal year ended March 3, 2018 (fifty-three weeks), net earnings per diluted share was $3.04 ($424.9 million). For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, the decrease in net earnings per diluted share is a result of the decrease in net earnings due to the items described above, partially offset by the impact of the Company’s repurchase of its common stock. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017 were $277.4 million, $325.4 million and $375.8 million, respectively. Almost half of the current year capital expenditures were for technology projects, primarily focused on logistics, digital capabilities and analytics. The remaining capital expenditures were primarily related to new store openings and investments in existing stores. The Company continues to review and prioritize its capital needs and remains committed to making the required investments in its infrastructure to help position the Company for continued growth and success. Key areas of investment include: continuing to improve the presentation and content as well as the functionality, general search and navigation across its customer facing digital channels; improving customer data integration and customer relations management capabilities; continuing to enhance service offerings to its customers; continuing to strengthen and deepen its information technology, analytics, marketing and e-commerce groups; and creating more flexible fulfillment options designed to improve the Company’s delivery capabilities and lower the Company’s shipping costs. These and other investments are expected to, among other things, provide a seamless and compelling customer experience across the Company’s omnichannel retail platform. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company is prioritizing approximately $250 million in essential capital expenditures for fiscal 2020 to drive strategic growth plans, including investments in digital and Buy Online Pick Up In Store (“BOPIS”), and has postponed approximately $150 million in planned capital expenditures, including some store remodels. During fiscal 2019, the Company opened a total of 9 new stores and closed 42 stores. The Company plans to continue to actively manage its real estate portfolio in order to permit store sizes, layouts, locations and offerings to evolve over time to optimize market profitability and will renovate or reposition stores within markets when appropriate. Over the past several years, the Company’s pace of its store openings has slowed, and the Company has increased the number of store closings. The Company has more than 250 store leases that are up for renewal in 2020, which provide opportunity to evaluate additional store closures and relocations. During fiscal 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a quarterly dividend program. During fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, total cash dividends of $85.5 million, $86.3 million and $80.9 million were paid, respectively. The Company has suspended its quarterly cash dividend payments as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any future quarterly cash dividend payments on its common stock in the future will be subject to the determination by the Board of Directors, based on an evaluation of the Company’s earnings, financial condition and requirements, business conditions and other factors. During fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company repurchased 6.8 million, 9.1 million, and 8.0 million shares, respectively, of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $99.7 million, $148.1 million and $252.4 million, respectively. Decisions 68 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS regarding share repurchases are within the discretion of the Board of Directors, and will be influenced by a number of factors, including the price of the Company’s common stock, general business and economic conditions, the Company’s financial condition and operating results, the emergence of alternative investment or acquisition opportunities, changes in business strategy and other factors. The Company’s share repurchase program could change, and would be influenced by several factors, including business and market conditions, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s stock price. The Company reviews its alternatives with respect to its capital structure on an ongoing basis. The Company has postponed its plans for share repurchases as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS As indicated above, the Company began temporary store closures during the first quarter of fiscal 2020, and the majority of its stores are now closed. To the extent store closures persist for an extended period of time, the Company would expect its results of operations to be impacted in future periods. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated (i) selected statement of operations data of the Company expressed as a percentage of net sales and (ii) the percentage change in dollar amounts from the prior year in selected statement of operations data: Fiscal Year Ended Percentage of Net Sales Percentage Change from Prior Year February 29, 2020 March 2, 2019 March 3, 2018 February 29, 2020 March 2, 2019 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% (7.2)% (2.6)% 68.3 31.7 33.4 4.6 (6.3) 0.6 (6.9) (1.4) (5.5) 65.9 34.1 30.6 4.2 (0.7) 0.6 (1.3) (0.2) (1.1) 64.0 36.0 29.8 — 6.2 0.5 5.6 2.2 3.4 (3.9) (13.7) 1.4 (0.1) 703.4 (6.7) 388.4 679.1 347.3 0.2 (7.6) — 100.0 (111.4) 5.8 (122.5) (107.2) (132.3) Net sales Cost of sales Gross profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Goodwill and other impairments Operating (loss) profit Interest expense, net (Loss) earnings before provision for income taxes (Benefit) provision for income taxes Net (loss) earnings Net Sales Since fiscal 2017 was a fifty-three week year, fiscal 2018 started one calendar week later than fiscal 2017. The comparable sales calendar compares the same calendar weeks. Net sales in fiscal 2019 (fifty-two weeks) decreased $870.2 million to $11.159 billion, representing a decrease of 7.2% compared to $12.029 billion of net sales in fiscal 2018 (fifty-two weeks), which decreased $320.5 million or 2.6% over the $12.349 billion of net sales in fiscal 2017 (fifty-three weeks). For fiscal 2019 and 2018, the decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in comparable sales. In addition, for fiscal 2018, the decrease was also attributable to one less week in sales compared to fiscal 2017. The decrease in comparable sales for fiscal 2019 was approximately 6.8% as compared with a decrease of approximately 1.1% for fiscal 2018. Comparable sales percentages are calculated based on an equivalent number of weeks in each annual period. The decrease in comparable sales for fiscal 2019 and 2018 was due to a decrease in the number of transactions in stores, partially offset by an increase in the average transaction amount. The Company’s comparable sales metric considers sales consummated through all retail channels – in-store, online, with a mobile device or through a customer contact center. Customers today may take advantage of the Company’s omnichannel environment by using more than one channel when making a purchase. The Company believes in an integrated and seamless customer experience. A few examples are: a customer may be assisted by an in-store associate to create a wedding or baby registry, while the guests may ultimately purchase a gift from the Company’s websites; or a customer may research a particular item, and read other customer reviews on the Company’s websites before visiting a store to consummate the actual purchase; or a customer may reserve an item online for in-store pick up; or while in a store, a customer may make the purchase on a mobile device for in home delivery from either a distribution facility, a store or directly from a vendor. In addition, 69 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS the Company accepts returns in-store without regard to the channel in which the purchase was consummated, therefore resulting in reducing store sales by sales originally consummated through customer facing digital channels. As the Company’s retail operations are integrated and it cannot reasonably track the channel in which the ultimate sale is initiated, the Company can however provide directional information on where the sale was consummated. For fiscal 2019, comparable sales consummated through customer facing digital channels increased in the low-single-digit percentage range, while comparable sales consummated in-store declined in the high-single-digit percentage range from the corresponding period in the prior year. For fiscal 2018, comparable sales consummated through customer facing digital channels continued the trend of year over year strong growth, while comparable sales consummated in-store declined in the mid-single-digit percentage range from the corresponding period in the prior year. Comparable sales represented $10.789 billion, $11.604 billion, and $11.813 billion of net sales for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Comparable sales dollars are calculated based on an equivalent number of weeks in each annual period. Domestics merchandise includes categories such as bed linens and related items, bath items and kitchen textiles. Home furnishings include categories such as kitchen and tabletop items, fine tabletop, basic housewares, general home furnishings (including furniture and wall décor), consumables and certain juvenile products. Sales of domestics merchandise accounted for approximately 35.2%, 35.4%, and 35.5% of net sales in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, of which the Company estimates that bed linens accounted for approximately 11% of net sales in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The remaining net sales in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017 of 64.8%, 64.6%, and 64.5%, respectively, represented sales of home furnishings. No other individual product category accounted for 10% or more of net sales during fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017. Gross Profit Gross profit in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $3.542 billion or 31.7% of net sales, $4.104 billion or 34.1% of net sales, and $4.443 billion or 36.0% of net sales, respectively. The decrease in the gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales between fiscal 2019 and 2018 was primarily attributable to a decrease in merchandise margin, as a result of promotional activity and a charge for incremental markdowns of approximately $169.8 million related to the Company’s transformation initiatives. This incremental charge for markdowns was the result of the Company’s strategic decision to reduce inventory by up to $1.0 billion at retail from the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2019 through the end of fiscal 2020. This reduction is being driven by the Company’s inventory rationalization efforts, including reductions of aged and duplicative SKUs within the Company’s assortment. By taking this action, the Company is seeking to reset its inventory levels in both stores and distribution centers, as well as refresh its assortment, providing for newness and higher-margin products, all in an effort to drive customer traffic and support top-line performance. The decrease in the gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales between fiscal 2018 and 2017 was primarily attributed to, in order of magnitude: an increase in coupon expense, resulting from an increase in the average coupon amount partially offset by a decrease in the number of redemptions; a decrease in merchandise margin; and an increase in net direct to customer shipping expense. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses SG&A was $3.732 billion or 33.4% of net sales in fiscal 2019, $3.681 billion or 30.6% of net sales in fiscal 2018, and $3.682 billion or 29.8% of net sales in fiscal 2017. The increase in SG&A as a percentage of net sales between 2019 and 2018 was primarily attributable to, in order of magnitude, increases in payroll and payroll-related expenses (primarily due to severance expense); technology-related expenses, including depreciation; advertising, due in part to the growth in digital advertising; and occupancy expense. Fixed costs, such as occupancy and technology-related expenses, including depreciation, as a percentage of net sales were impacted by the lower sales base in fiscal 2019. The percentage of net sales increase in SG&A between fiscal 2018 and 2017 was primarily attributable to an increase in technology expenses, including related depreciation. Goodwill and other impairments Goodwill and other impairments were $509.2 million in fiscal 2019 and $509.9 million in fiscal 2018. For fiscal 2019, goodwill impairments were $391.1 million, tradename impairments were $41.8 million, long-lived assets impairments were $75.1 million and other impairments were $1.2 million. For fiscal 2018, goodwill impairments were $325.2 million, tradename impairments were $161.7 million and long-lived assets impairments were $23.0 million. The non-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment charges were primarily the result of a sustained decline in the Company’s market capitalization. There were no goodwill or other impairments in fiscal 2017. 70 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Operating (Loss) Profit Operating loss for fiscal 2019 was $700.1 million or 6.3% of net sales and $87.1 million or 0.7% of net sales for fiscal 2018, and operating profit was $761.3 million or 6.2% of net sales in fiscal 2017. The changes in operating (loss) profit as a percentage of net sales between fiscal 2019 and 2018 and between fiscal 2018 and 2017 were the result of the reductions in gross profit margin, the increase in SG&A as a percentage of net sales and goodwill and other impairments as described above. Interest Expense, net Interest expense, net was $64.8 million, $69.5 million, and $65.7 million in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, interest expense, net primarily related to interest on the senior unsecured notes issued in July 2014. Included in interest expense, net was an expense of $2.7 million for fiscal 2018, and a net benefit of $13.3 million for fiscal 2017, related to changes in the Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plan (“NQDC”) investments. These changes were fully offset by corresponding changes in the NQDC liability recorded in SG&A and resulted in no net impact to the consolidated statement of earnings. On December 27, 2017, the Company terminated its nonqualified deferred compensation plan. During fiscal 2018, all participants’ balances were liquidated and disbursed to those participants. Income Taxes The effective tax rate was 19.7% for fiscal 2019, 12.4% for fiscal 2018, and 38.9% for fiscal 2017. For fiscal 2019, the effective tax rate reflects the impact of charges, portions of which are non-deductible for tax purposes, for goodwill and other impairments, an incremental charge for markdowns, severance costs, shareholder activity costs and a loss from a sale-leaseback transaction, including transaction costs. For fiscal 2018, the effective tax rate reflects the impact of charges, portions of which are non-deductible for tax purposes, for goodwill and other impairments, severance costs and a gain from the sale of a building. For fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, the effective tax rate included net expense of approximately $4.3 million, net benefits of approximately $12.1 million and net expense of approximately $7.1 million, respectively, due to the recognition of discrete federal and state tax items. In addition, the fiscal 2017 effective tax rate included the impacts of the Tax Act, enacted by the U.S. government on December 22, 2017. The Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal 2017 included a net increase of approximately 1.5%, resulting from the impacts of the Tax Act. The Tax Act significantly revised the U.S. tax code by, among other things, (i) reducing the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, (ii) imposing a one-time transition tax on earnings of foreign subsidiaries deemed to be repatriated and (iii) implementing a modified territorial tax system. The net unfavorable tax impact included the following: (1) re-measurement of the Company’s net deferred tax assets that existed on December 22, 2017; (2) deferred taxes that were created after December 22, 2017 that were deducted at the federal statutory rate of 32.66%, but will reverse at the newly enacted 21% federal statutory rate; (3) the transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings; and (4) the decrease in the federal statutory tax rate in fiscal 2017. The fiscal 2017 effective tax rate also included the effect of the adoption of ASU 2016-09, Stock Compensation, which increased the effective tax rate by approximately 1.4%. The adoption of the standard did not affect the Company’s cash outflows for income taxes. Additionally, the fiscal 2017 effective rate included approximately 1.9% of net benefits primarily due to the recognition of favorable discrete federal and state tax items. As described above, on March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted. The Company is currently implementing applicable benefits of the CARES Act, such as utilizing the ability to carry back and deduct losses to offset prior income in previously filed tax returns. Due to the timing of the enactment of the CARES Act, the Company is still evaluating the impact that the CARES Act may have on the Company’s effective tax rate. Potential volatility in the effective tax rate from year to year may occur as the Company is required each year to determine whether new information changes the assessment of both the probability that a tax position will effectively be sustained and the appropriateness of the amount of recognized benefit. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company has been able to finance its operations, including its growth and acquisitions, substantially through internally generated funds. The Company ended fiscal 2019 in a strong cash position. As of February 29, 2020, the Company had approximately $1.406 billion in cash and investment securities, an increase of approximately $392 million compared with $1.015 billion as of March 2, 2019. For fiscal 2020, the Company believes that it can continue to finance its operations through 71 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS existing and internally generated funds. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, for fiscal 2020, the Company has taken measures to preserve its liquidity, including the postponement of its share repurchase program and the suspension of the payment of future dividends and prior plans for debt reduction; postponing approximately $150 million in capital expenditures and, among other things, renegotiating payment terms for goods, services and rent, managing to lower inventory levels, and reducing discretionary spend such as business travel, advertising and expense associated with the maintenance of stores that are temporarily closed. Similar to other retailers, the Company has also withheld portions of and/or delayed payments to certain of its business partners as the Company seeks to renegotiate payment terms, in order to further maintain liquidity given the temporary store closures. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully renegotiate payment terms with such business partners, and the ultimate outcome of these activities including the responses of business partners are not yet known. In addition, following the end of fiscal 2019, the Company elected to draw down the remaining $236 million of available funds under its $250 million revolving credit facility. The Company continues to explore other sources of liquidity as its capital structure provides further flexibility, including the potential to utilize significant balance sheet assets to generate incremental liquidity, if needed. As of February 29, 2020, the Company had approximately $2 billion of non-seasonal inventory on its balance sheet, which had not been pledged as collateral under existing debt arrangements. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2020 are modeled to be $250 million related to essential capital expenditures to drive strategic growth plans, including investments in digital and BOPIS. In addition, the Company reviews its alternatives with respect to its capital structure on an ongoing basis. As indicated above, the Company began store closures during the first quarter of fiscal 2020, and the majority of its stores are now closed. To the extent store closures persist for an extended period of time, the Company’s liquidity would be negatively impacted. Fiscal 2019 compared to Fiscal 2018 Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2019 was $590.9 million, compared with $918.3 million in fiscal 2018. Year over year, the Company experienced a decrease in net earnings and an increase in cash provided by the net components of working capital (primarily merchandise inventories and accrued expenses and other current liabilities, partially offset by trading investment securities and other current assets). Retail inventory, which includes inventory in the Company’s distribution facilities for direct to customer shipments, was approximately $2.1 billion at February 29, 2020, a decrease of approximately 20.0% compared to retail inventory at March 2, 2019. The Company continues to focus on its inventory optimization strategies. Net cash provided by investing activities in fiscal 2019 was $91.4 million, compared with $509.7 million net cash used in fiscal 2018. In fiscal 2019, net cash provided by investing activities was primarily due to $267.3 million of proceeds from a sale- leaseback transaction and $101.5 million of redemptions of investment securities, net of purchases, partially offset by $277.4 million of capital expenditures. In fiscal 2018, net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to $325.4 million of capital expenditures and $195.5 million of purchases of investment securities, net of redemptions. Net cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2019 was $182.8 million, compared with $238.6 million in fiscal 2018. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to a decrease in common stock repurchases of $48.4 million. Fiscal 2018 compared to Fiscal 2017 Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2018 was $918.3 million, compared with $859.7 million in fiscal 2017. Year over year, the Company experienced an increase in cash provided by the net components of working capital (primarily prepaid expenses and other current assets, largely due to the prepayment in the prior fiscal year of certain operating expenses associated with tax planning strategies, partially offset by accounts payable) and a decrease in net earnings, as adjusted for non-cash expenses (primarily goodwill and other impairments and deferred income taxes). Retail inventory, which includes inventory in the Company’s distribution facilities for direct to customer shipments, was approximately $2.6 billion at March 2, 2019, a decrease of approximately 4.7% compared to retail inventory at March 3, 2018. The Company continues to focus on its inventory optimization strategies. Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2018 was $509.7 million, compared with $674.4 million in fiscal 2017. In fiscal 2018, net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to $325.4 million of capital expenditures and $195.5 million of purchases of investment securities, net of redemptions. In fiscal 2017, net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to $375.8 million of capital expenditures and $292.5 million of purchases of investment securities. Net cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2018 was $238.6 million, compared with $323.4 million in fiscal 2017. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to a decrease in common stock repurchases of $104.4 million partially offset by a decrease in proceeds from the exercise of stock options. 72 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Other Fiscal 2019 Information As of February 29, 2020, the Company maintained two uncommitted lines of credit of $100 million each, with expiration dates of August 30, 2020 and February 21, 2021, respectively. These uncommitted lines of credit are currently and in the future, expected to be used for letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. During fiscal 2019, the Company did not have any direct borrowings under the uncommitted lines of credit. Given the current economic environment, there can be no assurance of the Company’s ability to secure additional funding under its uncommitted lines of credit or on its ability to renew either or both of the uncommitted lines of credit before their respective expiration dates. On November 14, 2017, the Company replaced its existing $250 million five year senior unsecured revolving credit facility agreement with various lenders with a new $250 million five year senior unsecured revolving credit facility agreement (“Revolver”) with various lenders maturing November 14, 2022. The new Revolver has essentially the same terms and requirements as the prior revolving credit facility agreement. For fiscal 2019 and 2018, the Company did not have any borrowings under the Revolver. The Company was in compliance with all covenants related to the Revolver as of February 29, 2020. As noted above, following the end of fiscal 2019, the Company elected to draw down the remaining $236 million of available funds under the Revolver. Given the current economic environment, the pendency of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the temporary closure of a substantial majority of the Company’s stores, the Company may be unable to maintain compliance with the maximum leverage ratio covenant contained in the Revolver in future periods, which would result in an event of default under the Revolver and could, at the direction of the requisite lenders, result in the acceleration of the obligation to repay the outstanding amounts thereunder if not waived by the applicable lenders. the Company’s Board of Directors authorized, Between December 2004 and September 2015, through several share repurchase programs, the repurchase of $11.950 billion of its common stock. Since 2004 through the end of fiscal 2019, the Company has repurchased approximately $10.7 billion of its common stock through share repurchase programs. The Company has approximately $1.2 billion remaining of authorized share repurchases as of February 29, 2020. The Company has authorization to make repurchases from time to time in the open market or through other parameters approved by the Board of Directors pursuant to existing rules and regulations. The Company’s share repurchase program could change, and would be influenced by several factors, including business and market conditions, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s stock price. As of the date of this filing, the Company has postponed its plans for share repurchases to help preserve liquidity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. During fiscal 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a quarterly dividend program. During fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, total cash dividends of $85.5 million, $86.3 million and $80.9 million were paid, respectively. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has suspended its quarterly cash dividend payments. Any quarterly cash dividends to be paid in the future are subject to the determination by the Board of Directors, based on an evaluation of the Company’s earnings, financial condition and requirements, business conditions and other factors. The Company has contractual obligations consisting mainly of principal and interest related to the senior unsecured notes, operating leases for stores, offices, distribution facilities and equipment, purchase obligations, long-term sale/leaseback and finance lease obligations and other long-term liabilities which the Company is obligated to pay as of February 29, 2020 as follows: (in thousands) Senior unsecured notes(1) Total Less than 1 year 1-3 years 4-5 years After 5 years $1,495,377 $ — $ — $ — $1,495,377 Interest on senior unsecured notes(1) 1,402,518 72,304 144,608 139,071 1,046,535 Operating lease obligations(2) Purchase obligations(3) Long-term sale/leaseback and finance lease obligations(4) Other long-term liabilities(5) Total Contractual Obligations 2,875,024 590,582 939,479 591,657 753,306 1,004,824 1,004,824 — — — 301,419 149,459 10,470 20,841 21,226 248,882 — — — — $7,228,621 $1,678,180 $1,104,928 $751,954 $3,544,100 (1) On July 17, 2014, the Company issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 3.749% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2024, $300 million aggregate principal amount of 4.915% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2034 and $900 million aggregate principal amount of 5.165% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2044. In fiscal 2018, the Company purchased and retired $4.6 million of senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2024. (2) The amounts presented represent the undiscounted future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases, inclusive of a financing obligation in the amount of $22.2 million related to operating leases entered into as a result of a sale-leaseback transaction completed during fiscal 2019. In addition to minimum rent, certain of the Company’s leases require the payment of additional costs for 73 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS insurance, maintenance and other costs. These additional amounts are not included in the table of contractual commitments as the timing and/or amounts of such payments are not known. As of February 29, 2020, the Company has entered leases which have not yet commenced for 14 new or relocated locations planned for opening in fiscal 2020, for which aggregate minimum rental payments over the term of the leases are approximately $40.2 million. Such amounts are included in the table above, but have not been recorded in the consolidated balance sheet as of February 29, 2020. In addition, the amounts included in the table above exclude the operating lease payments for PMall and OKL, as the businesses were classified as held for sale as of February 29, 2020. (3) Purchase obligations primarily consist of purchase orders for merchandise. (4) Long-term sale/leaseback and finance lease obligations represent future minimum lease payments under the sale/leaseback and finance lease agreements. (5) Other long-term liabilities are primarily comprised of income taxes payable, workers’ compensation and general liability reserves and various other accruals and are recorded as other liabilities and income taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheet as of February 29, 2020. The amounts associated with these other long-term liabilities have been reflected only in the Total Column in the table above as the timing and / or amount of any cash payment is uncertain. SEASONALITY The Company’s business is subject to seasonal influences. Generally, its sales volumes are higher in the calendar months of August, November, and December, and lower in February. INFLATION The Company does not believe that its operating results have been materially affected by inflation during the past year. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company’s operating results will not be affected by inflation in the future. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to establish accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that it believes to be relevant under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. In particular, judgment is used in areas such as inventory valuation, impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets, accruals for self-insurance and income and certain other taxes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Inventory Valuation: Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs are primarily calculated using the weighted average retail inventory method. Under the retail inventory method, the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a cost-to-retail ratio to the retail values of inventories. The inputs associated with determining the cost-to-retail ratio includes: merchandise purchases, net of returns to vendors, discounts and volume and incentive rebates; inbound freight expenses; duty, insurance and commissions. The retail inventory method contains certain management judgments that may affect inventory valuation. At any one time, inventories include items that have been written down to the Company’s best estimate of their realizable value. Judgment is required in estimating realizable value and factors considered are the age of merchandise, anticipated demand based on factors such as customer preferences and fashion trends, as well as anticipated markdowns to reduce the price of merchandise from its recorded retail price to a retail price at which it is expected to be sold in the future. These estimates are based on historical experience and current information about future events which are inherently uncertain. Actual realizable value could differ materially from this estimate based upon future customer demand or economic conditions, including the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company estimates its reserve for shrinkage throughout the year based on historical shrinkage and any current trends, if applicable. Actual shrinkage is recorded at year end based upon the results of the Company’s physical inventory counts for locations at which counts were conducted. For locations where physical inventory counts were not conducted in the fiscal year, an estimated shrink reserve is recorded based on historical shrinkage and any current trends, if applicable. Historically, the Company’s shrinkage has not been volatile. The Company accrues for merchandise in transit once it takes legal ownership and title to the merchandise; as such, an estimate for merchandise in transit is included in the Company’s merchandise inventories. 74 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may exceed their current fair values. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the assets. Judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the assets including assumptions related to sales growth rates and market rental rates. These estimates are based on historical experience and current information about future events which are inherently uncertain. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. In fiscal 2019, the Company recorded $75.1 million non-cash pre-tax impairment charges within goodwill and other impairments in the consolidated statement of operations for certain store-level assets, including leasehold improvements and operating lease assets. In fiscal 2018, the Company recorded a $23.0 million non-cash pre-tax impairment charge within goodwill and other impairments in the consolidated statement of operations for certain store-level assets. There were no impairments to long-lived assets in fiscal 2017. Of the stores impaired during fiscal 2019, partial impairments were recorded at 96 stores resulting in a remaining net book value of long-lived assets at risk of $116.6 million, inclusive of leasehold improvements and right-of-use assets. The Company will continue to monitor these stores closely. If actual results differ from the estimated undiscounted future cash flows or the estimated price market participants would be willing to pay to sublease store operating leases and acquire remaining store assets, which among other factors, may be impacted by the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company may be exposed to additional impairment losses that may be material. If events or market conditions affect the estimated fair value to the extent that a long-lived asset is impaired, the Company will adjust the carrying value of these long-lived assets in the period in which the impairment occurs. Goodwill and Other Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets: The Company reviews goodwill and other intangibles that have indefinite lives for impairment annually as of the end of the fiscal year or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets might exceed their current fair values. Impairment testing is based upon the best information available, including estimates of fair value which incorporate assumptions marketplace participants would use in making their estimates of fair value. Significant assumptions and estimates are required, including, but not limited to, projecting future cash flows, determining appropriate discount rates, margins, growth rates, and other assumptions, to estimate the fair value of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. Although the Company believes the assumptions and estimates made are reasonable and appropriate, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact its reported financial results. In addition, sustained declines in the Company’s stock price and related market capitalization could impact key assumptions in the overall estimated fair values of its reporting units and could result in non-cash impairment charges that could be material to the Company’s consolidated balance sheet or result of operations. Prior to fiscal 2018, the Company has not recorded an impairment to its goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets. In fiscal 2018, the Company recognized non-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of $285.1 million and $40.1 million for the North American Retail and Institutional Sales reporting units, respectively. As of June 1, 2019, the Company completed a quantitative impairment analysis of goodwill related to its reporting units by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The Company performed a discounted cash flow analysis and market multiple analysis for each reporting unit. Based upon the analysis performed, the Company determined that goodwill was fully impaired and recognized a non-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment charge of $391.1 million for the North American Retail reporting unit. The non-cash pre-tax impairment charge was primarily the result of a sustained decline in the Company’s market capitalization. Other indefinite lived intangible assets were recorded as a result of acquisitions and primarily consist of tradenames. The Company values its tradenames using a relief-from-royalty approach, which assumes the value of the tradename is the discounted cash flows of the amount that would be paid by a hypothetical market participant had they not owned the tradename and instead licensed the tradename from another company. For the fiscal years ended February 29, 2020 and March 2. 2019, for certain other indefinite lived intangible assets, the Company completed a quantitative impairment analysis by comparing the fair value of the tradenames to their carrying value and recognized non-cash pre-tax tradename impairment charges of $41.8 million and $161.7 million, respectively, within goodwill and other impairments in the consolidated statement of operations. For the remaining other indefinite lived intangibles assets, the Company assessed qualitative factors as of February 29, 2020 in order to determine whether any events and circumstances existed which indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of these other indefinite lived assets did not exceed their carrying values and concluded no such events or circumstances existed which would require an impairment test be performed. As of February 29, 2020, the Company has $91.2 million of remaining other indefinite lived intangible assets. If actual results differ from the estimated future cash flows, which, among other factors, may be impacted by the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company may be exposed to additional impairment losses that may be material. In the future, if events or market conditions affect the estimated fair value to the extent that an asset is impaired, the Company will adjust the carrying value of these assets in the period in which the impairment occurs. 75 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Self-Insurance: The Company utilizes a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks including workers’ compensation, general liability, cyber liability, property liability, automobile liability and employee related health care benefits (a portion of which is paid by its employees). Liabilities associated with the risks that the Company retains are estimated by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. Although the Company’s claims experience has not displayed substantial volatility in the past, actual experience could materially vary from its historical experience in the future. Factors that affect these estimates include but are not limited to: inflation, the number and severity of claims and regulatory changes. In the future, if the Company concludes an adjustment to self-insurance accruals is required, the liability will be adjusted accordingly. Taxes: The Company accounts for its income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Act. The Tax Act included a mandatory one-time tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and as a result, all previously unremitted earnings for which no U.S. deferred tax liability had been previously accrued has now been subject to U.S. tax. Notwithstanding the U.S. taxation of these amounts, the Company intends to continue to reinvest the unremitted earnings of its Canadian subsidiary. Accordingly, no additional provision has been made for U.S. or additional non-U.S. taxes with respect to these earnings, except for the transition tax resulting from the Tax Act. In the event of repatriation to the U.S., it is expected that such earnings would be subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes offset, in whole or in part, by U.S. foreign tax credits. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is at least more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities. Potential volatility in the effective tax rate from year to year may occur as the Company is required each year to determine whether new information changes the assessment of both the probability that a tax position will effectively be sustained and the appropriateness of the amount of recognized benefit. The Company also accrues for certain other taxes as required by its operations. Judgment is required in determining the provision for income and other taxes and related accruals, and deferred tax assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Additionally, the Company’s various tax returns are subject to audit by various tax authorities. Although the Company believes that its estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK As of February 29, 2020, the Company’s investments include cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.000 billion, short- term investment securities of $385.6 million and long term investments in auction rate securities of approximately $20.3 million at weighted average interest rates of 1.10%, 1.52% and 1.81%, respectively. The book value of these investments is representative of their fair values. The Company’s senior unsecured notes have fixed interest rates and are not subject to interest rate risk. As of February 29, 2020, the fair value of the senior unsecured notes was $1.126 billion, which is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments compared to the carrying value of approximately $1.495 billion. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This Annual Report and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, but not limited to, the Company’s progress and anticipated progress towards its long-term objectives and the Company’s plans in response to COVID-19. Many of these forward-looking statements can be identified by use of words such as may, will, expect, anticipate, approximate, estimate, assume, continue, model, project, plan, goal and similar words and phrases. The Company’s actual results and future financial condition may differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements as a result of many factors. Such factors include, without limitation: general economic conditions including the housing market, a challenging overall macroeconomic environment and related changes in the retailing environment; risks 76 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS associated with COVID-19 and the governmental responses to it, including its impacts across the Company’s businesses on demand and operations, as well as on the operations of the Company’s suppliers and other business partners, and the effectiveness of the Company’s actions taken in response to these risks; consumer preferences, spending habits and adoption of new technologies; demographics and other macroeconomic factors that may impact the level of spending for the types of merchandise sold by the Company; civil disturbances and terrorist acts; unusual weather patterns and natural disasters; competition from existing and potential competitors across all channels; pricing pressures; liquidity; the ability to achieve anticipated cost savings, and to not exceed anticipated costs, associated with organizational changes and investments; the ability to attract and retain qualified employees in all areas of the organization; the cost of labor, merchandise and other costs and expenses; potential supply chain disruption due to trade restrictions, and other factors such as natural disasters, such as pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, political instability, labor disturbances, product recalls, financial or operational instability of suppliers or carriers, and other items; the ability to find suitable locations at acceptable occupancy costs and other terms to support the Company’s plans for new stores; the ability to establish and profitably maintain the appropriate mix of digital and physical presence in the markets it serves; the ability to assess and implement technologies in support of the Company’s development of its omnichannel capabilities; the ability to effectively and timely adjust the Company’s plans in the face of the rapidly changing retail and economic environment, including in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; uncertainty in financial markets; volatility in the price of the Company’s common stock and its effect, and the effect of other factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on the Company’s capital allocation strategy; risks associated with the ability to achieve a successful outcome for its business concepts and to otherwise achieve its business strategies; the impact of intangible asset and other impairments; disruptions to the Company’s information technology systems including but not limited to security breaches of systems protecting consumer and employee information or other types of cybercrimes or cybersecurity attacks; reputational risk arising from challenges to the Company’s or a third party product or service supplier’s compliance with various laws, regulations or standards, including those related to labor, health, safety, privacy or the environment; reputational risk arising from third-party merchandise or service vendor performance in direct home delivery or assembly of product for customers; changes to statutory, regulatory and legal requirements, including without limitation proposed changes affecting international trade, changes to, or new tax laws or interpretation of existing tax laws; new, or developments in existing, litigation, claims or assessments; changes to, or new, accounting standards; and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update its forward-looking statements. 77 BED BATH & BEYOND INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except per share data) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Short term investment securities Merchandise inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Assets held-for-sale Total current assets Long term investment securities Property and equipment, net Operating lease assets Goodwill Other assets Total assets Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Merchandise credit and gift card liabilities Current operating lease liabilities Liabilities related to assets held-for-sale Current income taxes payable Total current liabilities Other liabilities Operating lease liabilities Income taxes payable Long term debt Total liabilities Shareholders’ equity: Preferred stock – $0.01 par value; authorized – 1,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding Common stock – $0.01 par value; authorized – 900,000 shares; issued 343,683 and 342,582, respectively; outstanding 126,528 and 132,233 shares, respectively Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Treasury stock, at cost Accumulated other comprehensive loss Total shareholders’ equity Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 78 February 29, 2020 March 2, 2019 $ 1,000,340 $ 385,642 2,093,869 248,342 98,092 508,971 485,799 2,618,922 296,280 — 3,826,285 20,380 1,430,604 2,006,966 — 506,280 3,909,972 20,010 1,853,091 — 391,052 396,416 $ 7,790,515 $ 6,570,541 $ 944,194 $ 1,094,078 623,734 675,776 339,322 340,407 — 463,005 — 43,144 20,498 — 2,466,526 204,926 1,818,783 46,945 1,488,400 2,077,632 395,409 — 49,235 1,487,934 6,025,580 4,010,210 — — 3,436 2,167,337 10,374,826 (10,715,755) (64,909) 3,426 2,118,673 11,112,887 (10,616,045) (58,610) 1,764,935 2,560,331 $ 7,790,515 $ 6,570,541 BED BATH & BEYOND INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except per share data) Net sales Cost of sales Gross profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Goodwill and other impairments Operating (loss) profit Interest expense, net (Loss) earnings before provision for income taxes (Benefit) provision for income taxes Net (loss) earnings Net (loss) earnings per share—Basic Net (loss) earnings per share—Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding—Basic Weighted average shares outstanding—Diluted Dividends declared per share See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Twelve Months Ended February 29, 2020 March 2, 2019 March 3, 2018 $11,158,580 $12,028,797 $12,349,301 7,616,920 7,924,817 7,906,286 3,541,660 4,103,980 4,443,015 3,732,498 3,681,210 3,681,694 509,226 (700,064) 509,905 — (87,135) 761,321 64,789 69,474 (764,853) (156,609) 65,661 695,660 (151,037) (19,385) 270,802 $ (613,816) $ (137,224) $ 424,858 $ $ $ (4.94) $ (4.94) $ (1.02) $ (1.02) $ 3.05 3.04 124,352 124,352 134,292 134,292 139,238 139,739 0.68 $ 0.64 $ 0.60 79 BED BATH & BEYOND INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (in thousands) Net (loss) earnings Other comprehensive (loss) income: Change in temporary impairment of auction rate securities, net of taxes Pension adjustment, net of taxes Currency translation adjustment Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU 2018-02 Other comprehensive (loss) income Comprehensive (loss) income See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Twelve Months Ended February 29, 2020 March 2, 2019 March 3, 2018 $(613,816) $(137,224) $424,858 276 (4,791) (1,784) — (6,299) 366 (482) (10,198) — 95 2,021 (2,548) (614) (10,314) (1,046) $(620,115) $(147,538) $423,812 80 BED BATH & BEYOND INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (in thousands) Balance at February 25, 2017 Net earnings Other comprehensive loss, net of tax Dividend declared Shares sold under employee stock option plans, net of taxes Issuance of restricted shares, net Payment and vesting of performance stock units Stock-based compensation expense, net Director fees paid in stock Repurchase of common stock, including fees Balance at March 3, 2018 Net loss Other comprehensive loss, net of tax Effect of Adoption of ASU 2014-09 Dividend declared Shares sold under employee stock option plans, net of taxes Issuance of restricted shares, net Payment and vesting of performance stock units Stock-based compensation expense, net Director fees paid in stock Repurchase of common stock, including fees Balance at March 2, 2019 Net loss Other comprehensive loss, net of tax Effect of Adoption of ASU 2016-02 Dividend declared Shares sold under employee stock option plans, net of taxes Issuance of restricted shares, net Payment and vesting of performance stock units Stock-based compensation expense, net Director fees paid in stock Repurchase of common stock, including fees Balance at February 29, 2020 Total $2,719,277 424,858 (432) (85,859) 10,161 — — 72,904 152 (252,433) 2,888,628 (137,224) (4,221) (89,171) — — — 60,657 49 (148,073) 2,560,331 (613,816) Common Stock Additional Paid- Shares Amount in Capital Retained Earnings Treasury Stock Shares Amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 339,533 $3,395 $1,974,781 $11,003,890 (193,259) $(10,215,539) $(47,250) 424,858 614 (85,859) (1,046) 4 16 3 359 1,575 321 7 10,157 (16) (3) 72,904 152 341,795 3,418 2,057,975 11,343,503 (201,297) (10,467,972) (48,296) (8,038) (252,433) (137,224) (4,221) (89,171) (10,314) (10,314) 3 5 320 464 3 (3) (5) 60,657 49 342,582 3,426 2,118,673 11,112,887 (210,349) (10,616,045) (58,610) (9,052) (148,073) (613,816) (40,700) (83,545) 139 370 580 1 4 5 12 — 2,345 (4) (5) 46,159 169 (6,299) (6,299) (40,700) (83,545) 2,346 — — 46,159 169 (99,710) (6,806) (99,710) 343,683 $3,436 $2,167,337 $10,374,826 (217,155) $(10,715,755) $(64,909) $1,764,935 See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 81 BED BATH & BEYOND INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net (loss) earnings Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization Loss on sale leaseback transaction Gain on sale of building Gain on debt extinguishment Goodwill and other impairments Stock-based compensation Deferred income taxes Other Decrease (increase) in assets, net of effect of acquisitions: Merchandise inventories Trading investment securities Other current assets Other assets (Decrease) increase in liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions: Accounts payable Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Merchandise credit and gift card liabilities Income taxes payable Operating lease assets and liabilities, net Other liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Purchase of held-to-maturity investment securities Redemption of held-to-maturity investment securities Capital expenditures Proceeds from sale-leaseback transaction Proceeds from sale of a building Payment for acquisitions, net of cash acquired Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Payment of dividends Repurchase of common stock, including fees Payment of senior notes Proceeds from exercise of stock options Payment of other liabilities Net cash used in financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, including cash balances classified as assets held-for-sale Less: Cash balances classified as assets held-for sale Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash: Beginning of period End of period See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 82 Twelve Months Ended February 29, 2020 March 2, 2019 March 3, 2018 $ (613,816) $(137,224) $ 424,858 342,511 27,357 338,825 — — (29,690) (412) — 509,905 509,226 58,514 45,676 (104,089) (145,543) (814) (3,446) 313,107 — — — — 70,510 175,351 (69) 506,334 21 (4,781) 218 106,928 86,277 269,186 218 176,672 (16,036) (258,853) (4,754) (124,206) 61,864 1,154 (22,783) (2,899) 14,054 590,941 (443,500) 545,000 (277,401) 267,277 — — 91,376 (90,657) (77,147) 16,016 8,360 — (35,918) 918,278 13,210 80,375 25,510 (64,941) — (75,251) 859,689 (734,424) 538,925 (325,366) — 11,183 — (509,682) (292,500) — (375,793) — — (6,119) (674,412) (85,482) (99,710) — 2,346 — (86,287) (148,073) (4,224) — — (80,877) (252,433) — 10,313 (434) (182,846) (977) (238,584) (7,181) (323,431) (4,035) 498,494 (4,815) 162,831 — (142,189) — 493,679 162,831 (142,189) 529,971 509,329 $1,023,650 $ 529,971 $ 367,140 367,140 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. and Subsidiaries 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RELATED MATTERS A. Nature of Operations Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is an omnichannel retailer that makes it easy for its customers to feel at home. The Company sells a wide assortment of domestics merchandise and home furnishings which operates under the names Bed Bath & Beyond (“BBB”), Christmas Tree Shops, Christmas Tree Shops andThat! or andThat! (collectively, “CTS”), Harmon, Harmon Face Values, or Face Values (collectively, “Harmon”), buybuy BABY (“Baby”) and World Market, Cost Plus World Market, or Cost Plus (collectively, “Cost Plus World Market”). Customers can purchase products either in-store, online, with a mobile device or through a customer contact center. The Company generally has the ability to have customer purchases picked up in-store or shipped direct to the customer from the Company’s distribution facilities, stores or vendors. The Company also operates Decorist, an online interior design platform that provides personalized home design services. In addition, the Company operates Linen Holdings, a provider of a variety of textile products, amenities and other goods to institutional customers in the hospitality, cruise line, healthcare and other industries. Additionally, the Company is a partner in a joint venture which operates retail stores in Mexico under the name Bed Bath & Beyond. The Company also operates PersonalizationMall.com (“PMall”), an industry-leading online retailer of personalized products. The Company accounts for its operations as two operating segments: North American Retail and Institutional Sales. The Institutional Sales operating segment, which is comprised of Linen Holdings, does not meet the quantitative thresholds under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and therefore is not a reportable segment. Net sales outside of the U.S. for the Company were not material for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017. As the Company operates in the retail industry, its results of operations are affected by general economic conditions and consumer spending habits. B. Fiscal Year The Company’s fiscal year is comprised of the 52 or 53-week period ending on the Saturday nearest February 28th. Accordingly, fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 represented 52 weeks and ended on February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, respectively. Fiscal 2017 represented 53 weeks and ended March 3, 2018. C. Principals of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company accounts for its investment in the joint venture under the equity method. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. D. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to establish accounting policies and to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that it believes to be relevant under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. In particular, judgment is used in areas such as inventory valuation, impairment of long-lived assets, impairment of auction rate securities, goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets, accruals for self-insurance, litigation, store opening, expansion, relocation and closing costs, the provision for sales returns, vendor allowances, stock-based compensation and income and certain other taxes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. E. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This guidance requires an entity to recognize lease liabilities and a right-of-use asset for all leases on the balance sheet and to disclose key information about the entity’s leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period, with earlier 83 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS adoption permitted. In July 2018, the FASB approved an amendment to the new guidance that allows companies the option of using the effective date of the new standard as the initial application (at the beginning of the period in which it is adopted, rather than at the beginning of the earliest comparative period) and to recognize the effects of applying the new ASU as a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance sheet or retained earnings. The Company adopted this accounting standard at the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using the new transition election to not restate comparative periods. The Company elected the package of practical expedients upon adoption, which permits the Company to not reassess under the new standard the Company’s prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. In addition, the Company elected not to separate lease and non-lease components for all real estate leases and did not elect the hindsight practical expedient. Lastly, the Company elected the short-term lease exception policy, permitting it to exclude the recognition requirements of this standard from leases with initial terms of 12 months or less. Upon adoption, the Company recognized operating lease assets of approximately $2.0 billion and operating lease liabilities of approximately $2.2 billion on its consolidated balance sheet. In addition, upon adoption deferred rent and various lease incentives which were recorded as of March 2, 2019 were reclassified as a component of the right-of-use assets. Upon adoption, the Company recognized a cumulative adjustment decreasing opening retained earnings by approximately $40.7 million due to the impairment of certain right-of-use assets. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated statements of operations or cash flows. F. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Included in cash and cash equivalents are credit and debit card receivables from banks, which typically settle within five business days, of $79.7 million and $92.9 million as of February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, respectively. G. Investment Securities Investment securities consist primarily of U.S. Treasury Bills with remaining maturities of less than one year and auction rate securities, which are securities with interest rates that reset periodically through an auction process. The U.S. Treasury Bills are classified as short term held-to-maturity securities and are stated at their amortized cost which approximates fair value. Auction rate securities are classified as available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, which had historically been consistent with cost or par value due to interest rates which reset periodically, typically every 7, 28 or 35 days. As a result, there generally were no cumulative gross unrealized holding gains or losses relating to these auction rate securities. However, beginning in mid-February 2008 due to market conditions, the auction process for the Company’s auction rate securities failed and continues to fail. These failed auctions result in a lack of liquidity in the securities and affect their estimated fair values at February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, but do not affect the securities. (See “Fair Value Measurements,” Note 4 and “Investment Securities,” Note 5). All income from these investments is recorded as interest income. the underlying collateral of Those investment securities which the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity are classified as held-to-maturity investments and are stated at amortized cost. Those investment securities which are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities and are stated at fair market value. Premiums are amortized and discounts are accreted over the life of the security as adjustments to interest income using the effective interest method. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. H. Inventory Valuation Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory costs are primarily calculated using the weighted average retail inventory method. inventory method, the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by Under the retail applying a cost-to-retail ratio to the retail values of inventories. The cost associated with determining the cost-to-retail ratio includes: merchandise purchases, net of returns to vendors, discounts and volume and incentive rebates; inbound freight expenses; duty, insurance and commissions. The retail inventory method contains certain management judgments that may affect inventory valuation. At any one time, inventories include items that have been written down to the Company’s best estimate of their realizable value. Judgment is required in estimating realizable value and factors considered are the age of merchandise, anticipated demand based on factors such as customer preferences and fashion trends, as well as anticipated markdowns to reduce the price of merchandise from its recorded retail price to a retail price at which it is expected to be sold in the future. These estimates are 84 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS based on historical experience and current information about future events which are inherently uncertain. Actual realizable value could differ materially from this estimate based upon future customer demand or economic conditions. The Company estimates its reserve for shrinkage throughout the year based on historical shrinkage and any current trends, if applicable. Actual shrinkage is recorded at year end based upon the results of the Company’s physical inventory counts for locations at which counts were conducted. For locations where physical inventory counts were not conducted in the fiscal year, an estimated shrink reserve is recorded based on historical shrinkage and any current trends, if applicable. Historically, the Company’s shrinkage has not been volatile. The Company accrues for merchandise in transit once it takes legal ownership and title to the merchandise; as such, an estimate for merchandise in transit is included in the Company’s merchandise inventories. I. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets (forty years for buildings; five to twenty years for furniture, fixtures and equipment; and three to ten years for computer equipment and software). Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of their estimated useful life or the life of the lease. Depreciation expense is primarily included within selling, general and administrative expenses. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to earnings as incurred; significant renewals and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs amounted to $133.9 million, $132.4 million, and $125.7 million for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. J. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may exceed their current fair values. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the assets. Judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the assets including assumptions related to sales growth rates and market rental rates. These estimates are based on historical experience and current information about future events which are inherently uncertain. Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet. In fiscal 2019, the Company recorded $75.1 million non-cash pre-tax impairment charges within goodwill and other impairments in the consolidated statement of operations for certain store-level assets, including leasehold improvements and operating lease assets. In fiscal 2018, the Company recorded a $23.0 million non-cash pre-tax impairment charge within goodwill and other impairments in the consolidated statement of operations for certain store-level assets. There were no impairments to long-lived assets in fiscal 2017. In the future, if events or market conditions affect the estimated fair value to the extent that a long-lived asset is impaired, the Company will adjust the carrying value of these long-lived assets in the period in which the impairment occurs. K. Goodwill and Other Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets The Company reviews goodwill and other intangibles that have indefinite lives for impairment annually as of the end of the fiscal year or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets might exceed their current fair values. Impairment testing is based upon the best information available including estimates of fair value which incorporate assumptions marketplace participants would use in making their estimates of fair value. Significant assumptions and estimates are required, including, but not limited to, projecting future cash flows, determining appropriate discount rates, margins, growth rates, and other assumptions, to estimate the fair value of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. Although the Company believes the assumptions and estimates made are reasonable and appropriate, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact its reported financial results. As of June 1, 2019, the Company completed a quantitative impairment analysis of goodwill related to its reporting units by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The Company performed a discounted cash flow analysis and market multiple analysis for each reporting unit. Based upon the analysis performed, the Company recognized non-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of $391.1 million for the North American Retail reporting unit. In fiscal 2018, the Company recognized non-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of $285.1 million and $40.1 million for the North American Retail and Institutional Sales reporting units, respectively. Cumulatively, the Company has recognized non-cash pre-tax goodwill 85 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS impairment charges of $676.2 million and $40.1 million for the North American Retail and Institutional Sales reporting units, respectively. The non-cash pre-tax impairment charge was primarily the result of a sustained decline in the Company’s market capitalization. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets were recorded as a result of acquisitions and primarily consist of tradenames. The Company values its tradenames using a relief-from-royalty approach, which assumes the value of the tradename is the discounted cash flows of the amount that would be paid by a hypothetical market participant had they not owned the tradename and instead licensed the tradename from another company. For the fiscal years ended February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, for certain other indefinite lived intangible assets, the Company completed a quantitative impairment analysis by comparing the fair value of the tradenames to their carrying value and recognized non-cash pre-tax tradename impairment charges of $41.8 million and $161.7 million, respectively, within goodwill and other impairments in the consolidated statement of operations. As of February 29, 2020, for the remaining other indefinite lived intangibles assets, the Company assessed qualitative factors in order to determine whether any events and circumstances existed which indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of these other indefinite lived assets did not exceed their carrying values and concluded no such events or circumstances existed which would require an impairment test be performed. In the future, if events or market conditions affect the estimated fair value to the extent that an asset is impaired, the Company will adjust the carrying value of these assets in the period in which the impairment occurs. Included within other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, respectively, are $91.2 million and $143.8 million for indefinite lived tradenames and trademarks. L. Self-Insurance The Company utilizes a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks including workers’ compensation, general liability, cyber liability, property liability, automobile liability and employee related health care benefits (a portion of which is paid by its employees). Liabilities associated with the risks that the Company retains are estimated by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. Although the Company’s claims experience has not displayed substantial volatility in the past, actual experience could materially vary from its historical experience in the future. Factors that affect these estimates include but are not limited to: inflation, the number and severity of claims and regulatory changes. In the future, if the Company concludes an adjustment to self-insurance accruals is required, the liability will be adjusted accordingly. M. Shareholders’ Equity The Company has authorization to make repurchases of its common shares from time to time in the open market or through other parameters approved by the Board of Directors pursuant to existing rules and regulations. Between December 2004 and September 2015, through several share repurchase programs, the repurchase of $11.95 billion of its shares of common stock. Since 2004 through the end of fiscal 2019, the Company has repurchased approximately $10.7 billion of its common stock through share repurchase programs. The Company also acquires shares of its common stock to cover employee related taxes withheld on vested restricted stock and performance stock unit awards. the Company’s Board of Directors authorized, During fiscal 2019, the Company repurchased approximately 6.8 million shares of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $99.7 million. During fiscal 2018, the Company repurchased approximately 9.1 million shares of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $148.1 million. During fiscal 2017, the Company repurchased approximately 8.0 million shares of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $252.4 million. The Company has approximately $1.2 billion remaining of authorized share repurchases as of February 29, 2020. The Company’s share repurchase program could change, and would be influenced by several factors, including business and market conditions, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s stock price. During fiscal 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a quarterly dividend program. During fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, total cash dividends of $85.5 million, $86.3 million and $80.9 million were paid, respectively. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has suspended its quarterly cash dividend payments. Any quarterly cash dividends to be paid in the future are subject to the determination by the Board of Directors, based on an evaluation of the Company’s earnings, financial condition and requirements, business conditions and other factors. Cash dividends, if any, are accrued as a liability on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and recorded as a decrease to additional paid-in capital when declared. 86 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS N. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, accounts payable, long term debt and certain other liabilities. The Company’s investment securities consist primarily of U.S. Treasury securities, which are stated at amortized cost, and auction rate securities, which are stated at their approximate fair value. The book value of the financial their fair values (See “Fair Value Measurements,” Note 4). The fair value of the Company’s long term debt is approximately $1.126 billion as of February 29, 2020, which is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments (i.e., Level 1 valuation), compared to the carrying value of approximately $1.495 billion. instruments, excluding the Company’s long term debt, is representative of O. Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at the inception of the contract. The Company’s leases generally contain fixed and variable components. Variable components are primarily contingent rents based upon store sales exceeding stipulated amounts. Lease agreements may also include non-lease components, such as certain taxes, insurance and common area maintenance, which the Company combines with the lease component to account for both as a single lease component. Lease liabilities, which represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease, and corresponding right-of-use assets, which represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, are recognized at the commencement date of the lease, which is typically the date the Company obtains possession of the leased premises, based on the present value of fixed future payments over the lease term. The Company utilizes the lease term for which it is reasonably certain to use the underlying asset, including consideration of options to extend or terminate the lease. Incentives received from landlords are recorded as a reduction to the lease right-of-use assets. The Company does not recognize lease right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities for leases with initial terms of 12 months or less. The Company calculates the present value of future payments using the discount rate implicit in the lease, if available, or its incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term at an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. The Company determined discount rates based on the rates of its unsecured borrowings, which are then adjusted for the appropriate lease term and effects of full collateralization. In determining the Company’s operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities, the Company applied these incremental borrowing rates to the minimum lease payments within each lease agreement. For operating leases, lease expense relating to fixed payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and lease expense relating to variable payments is expensed as incurred. For finance leases, the amortization of the asset is recognized over the shorter of the lease term or useful life of the underlying asset. P. Assets Held for Sale The Company classifies long-lived assets or disposal groups as held for sale in the period when the following held for sale criteria are met: (i) the Company commits to a plan to sell; (ii) the long-lived asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such long-lived assets or disposal groups; (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell have been initiated; (iv) the sale is probable within one year; (v) the asset or disposal group is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and (vi) it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Long-lived assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Q. Revenue Recognition Sales are recognized upon purchase by customers at the Company’s retail stores or upon delivery for products purchased from its websites. The value of point-of-sale coupons and point-of-sale rebates that result in a reduction of the price paid by the customer are recorded as a reduction of sales. Shipping and handling fees that are billed to a customer in a sale transaction are recorded in sales. Taxes, such as sales tax, use tax and value added tax, are not included in sales. Revenues from gift cards, gift certificates and merchandise credits are recognized when redeemed. Gift cards have no provisions for reduction in the value of unused card balances over defined time periods and have no expiration dates. In fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, the Company recognized net sales for gift card and merchandise credit redemptions of approximately $121.9 million and $126.3 million, which were included in merchandise credit and gift card liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as of March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018, respectively. 87 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Sales returns are provided for in the period that the related sales are recorded based on historical experience. Although the estimate for sales returns has not varied materially from historical provisions, actual experience could vary from historical experience in the future if the level of sales return activity changes materially. In the future, if the Company concludes that an adjustment is required due to material changes in sales return activity, the liability for estimated returns and the corresponding right of return asset will be adjusted accordingly. As of February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, the liability for estimated returns of $71.6 million and $90.4 million is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and the corresponding right of return asset for merchandise of $42.5 million and $53.4 million is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, respectively. The Company sells a wide assortment of domestics merchandise and home furnishings. Domestics merchandise includes categories such as bed linens and related items, bath items and kitchen textiles. Home furnishings include categories such as kitchen and tabletop items, fine tabletop, basic housewares, general home furnishings (including furniture and wall décor), consumables and certain juvenile products. Sales of domestics merchandise and home furnishings accounted for approximately 35.2% and 64.8% of net sales, respectively, for fiscal 2019, 35.4% and 64.6% of net sales, respectively, for fiscal 2018 and 35.5% and 64.5% of net sales, respectively, for fiscal 2017. R. Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes the cost of merchandise, buying costs and costs of the Company’s distribution network including inbound freight charges, distribution facility costs, receiving costs, internal transfer costs and shipping and handling costs. S. Vendor Allowances The Company receives allowances from vendors in the normal course of business for various reasons including direct cooperative advertising, purchase volume and reimbursement for other expenses. Annual terms for each allowance include the basis for earning the allowance and payment terms, which vary by agreement. All vendor allowances are recorded as a incremental and reduction of identifiable. The Company recognizes purchase volume allowances as a reduction of the cost of inventory in the quarter in which milestones are achieved. Advertising costs were reduced by direct cooperative allowances of $30.9 million, $37.0 million, and $38.5 million for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. for direct cooperative advertising allowances which are specific, inventory cost, except T. Store Opening, Expansion, Relocation and Closing Costs Store opening, expansion, relocation and closing costs, including markdowns, asset residual values and projected occupancy costs, are charged to earnings as incurred. U. Advertising Costs Prior to fiscal 2018, expenses associated with direct response advertising were expensed over the period in which the sales were expected to occur, generally five to eight weeks. Beginning in fiscal 2018, due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board, Accounting Standard Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), advertising expense related to direct response advertising are expensed on the first day of the direct response advertising event. All other expenses associated with store advertising are charged to earnings as incurred. Net advertising costs amounted to $478.5 million, $463.2 million, and $444.4 million for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. V. Stock-Based Compensation The Company measures all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and records such expense in its consolidated financial statements. Currently, the Company’s stock-based compensation relates to restricted stock awards, stock options and performance stock units. The Company’s restricted stock awards are considered nonvested share awards. W. Income Taxes The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. Income tax returns are also filed with each taxable jurisdiction in which the Company conducts business. The Company accounts for its income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax 88 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act included a mandatory one-time tax on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and as a result, all previously unremitted earnings for which no U.S. deferred tax liability had been previously accrued has now been subject to U.S. tax. Notwithstanding the U.S. taxation of these amounts, the Company intends to continue to reinvest the unremitted earnings of its Canadian subsidiary. Accordingly, no additional provision has been made for U.S. or additional non-U.S. taxes with respect to these earnings, except for the transition tax resulting from the Tax Act. In the event of repatriation to the U.S., it is expected that such earnings would be subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes offset, in whole or in part, by U.S. foreign tax credits. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is at least more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities. Judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and related accruals, deferred tax assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Additionally, the Company’s tax returns are subject to audit by various tax authorities. Although the Company believes that its estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates. X. Earnings per Share The Company presents earnings per share on a basic and diluted basis. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding, including the dilutive effect of stock-based awards as calculated under the treasury stock method. Stock-based awards of approximately 5.4 million, 8.2 million, and 8.0 million shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. 2. RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES During fiscal 2019, the Company expensed pre-tax restructuring charges of approximately $102.5 million, primarily for severance and related costs in conjunction with its transformation initiatives and extensive leadership changes, within selling, general and administrative expenses. As of February 29, 2020, for the pre-tax restructuring charges was approximately $73.4 million. the accrual In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company accelerated the realignment of its store management structure to support its customer-focused initiatives and omnichannel growth and expensed pre-tax cash restructuring charges of approximately $16.9 million, primarily for severance and related costs in conjunction with this realignment. During fiscal 2017, the Company paid $16.7 million of these costs. 3. ACQUISITIONS On March 6, 2017, the Company acquired Decorist, Inc., an online interior design platform that provides personalized home design services. Since the date of acquisition, the results of Decorist’s operations, which were not material, have been included in the Company’s results of operations and no proforma disclosure of financial information has been presented. Decorist is included in the North American Retail operating segment. 4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., “the exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches, including quoted market prices and discounted cash flows. The hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset 89 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect a company’s judgment concerning the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available under the circumstances. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an asset or liability must be classified in its entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement of fair value. The fair value hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows: (cid:129) Level 1 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments that the Company is able to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment. (cid:129) Level 2 – Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for instruments that are similar, or quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar instruments, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. (cid:129) Level 3 – Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. As of February 29, 2020, the Company’s financial assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include short term trading investment securities traded on active securities exchanges. The Company did not have any financial assets utilizing Level 2 inputs. Financial assets utilizing Level 3 inputs included long term investments in auction rate securities consisting of preferred shares of closed end municipal bond funds (See “Investment Securities,” Note 5). 5. Investment Securities The Company’s investment securities as of February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019 are as follows: (in millions) Available-for-sale securities: Long term Held-to-maturity securities: Short term Total investment securities Auction Rate Securities February 29, 2020 March 2, 2019 $ 20.3 $ 19.9 385.6 $405.9 485.8 $505.7 As of February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, the Company’s long term available-for-sale investment securities represented approximately $20.3 million par value of auction rate securities, consisting of preferred shares of closed end municipal bond funds, less temporary valuation adjustments of approximately $5,000 and $365,000, respectively. Since these valuation adjustments are deemed to be temporary, they are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of a related tax benefit, and did not affect the Company’s net earnings. U.S. Treasury Securities As of February 29, 2020, the Company’s short term held-to-maturity securities included approximately $385.6 million of U.S. Treasury Bills with remaining maturities of less than one year. These securities are stated at their amortized cost which approximates fair value, which is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments (i.e., Level 1 valuation). As of March 2, 2019, the Company had $485.8 million short term held-to-maturity securities. 90 6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment consist of the following: (in thousands) Land and buildings Furniture, fixtures and equipment Leasehold improvements Computer equipment and software Less: Accumulated depreciation Property and equipment, net 7. LONG TERM DEBT Senior Unsecured Notes NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 29, 2020 March 2, 2019 $ 261,743 $ 718,159 1,082,765 1,376,931 587,684 1,469,835 1,623,015 1,659,589 3,439,598 (2,008,994) 5,340,123 (3,487,032) $ 1,430,604 $ 1,853,091 On July 17, 2014, the Company issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 3.749% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2024 (the “2024 Notes”), $300 million aggregate principal amount of 4.915% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2034 (the “2034 Notes”) and $900 million aggregate principal amount of 5.165% senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2044 (the “2044 Notes” and, together with the 2024 Notes and the 2034 Notes, the “Notes”). Interest on the Notes is payable semi- annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year. In fiscal 2018, the Company purchased and retired $4.6 million of senior unsecured notes due August 1, 2024. indenture The Notes were issued under an indenture (the “Base Indenture”), as supplemented by a first supplemental (together, with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”), which contains various restrictive covenants, which are subject to important limitations and exceptions that are described in the Indenture. The Company was in compliance with all covenants related to the Notes as of February 29, 2020. The Notes are unsecured, senior obligations and rank equal in right of payment to any of the Company’s existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The Company may redeem the Notes at any time, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices described in the Indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. If a change in control triggering event, as defined by the Indenture governing the Notes, occurs unless the Company has exercised its right to redeem the Notes, the Company will be required to make an offer to the holders of the Notes to purchase the Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Revolving Credit Agreement On November 14, 2017, the Company replaced its existing $250 million five year senior unsecured revolving credit facility agreement with various lenders with a new $250 million five year senior unsecured revolving credit facility agreement (“Revolver”) with various lenders maturing November 14, 2022. The new Revolver has essentially the same terms and requirements as the prior revolving credit facility agreement. For fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, the Company did not have any borrowings under the Revolver and had outstanding letters of credit of $5.1 million as of February 29, 2020. Borrowings under the Revolver accrue interest at either (1) a fluctuating rate equal to the greater of the prime rate, as defined in the Revolver, the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, or one-month LIBOR plus 1.0% and, in each case, plus an applicable margin based upon the Company’s leverage ratio which is calculated quarterly, (2) a periodic fixed rate equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin based upon the Company’s leverage ratio which is calculated quarterly or (3) an agreed upon fixed rate. In addition, a commitment fee is assessed, which is included in interest expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. The Revolver contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and also requires the Company to maintain a maximum leverage ratio. The Company was in compliance with all covenants related to the Revolver as of February 29, 2020. Given the current economic environment, the pendency of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the temporary closure of a substantial majority of the Company’s stores, the Company may be unable to maintain compliance with the maximum leverage ratio covenant contained in the Revolver in future periods, which would result in an event of default under the Revolver and could, at the direction of the requisite lenders, result in the acceleration of the obligation to repay the outstanding amounts thereunder if not waived by the applicable lenders. Deferred financing costs associated with the Notes and the current and former Revolvers of approximately $10.5 million were capitalized. In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, the deferred financing costs are included in long term debt, net 91 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS of amortization, for the Notes and are included in other assets, net of amortization, for the Revolver. These deferred financing costs for the Notes and the Revolver are being amortized over the term of each of the Notes and the term of the Revolver and such amortization is included in interest expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. Interest expense related to the deferred financing costs, was the Notes and the Revolver, approximately $73.0 million, $73.0 million, and $74.4 million for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. fee and the amortization of including the commitment Lines of Credit At February 29, 2020, the Company maintained two uncommitted lines of credit of $100 million each, with expiration dates of August 30, 2020 and February 21, 2021, respectively. These uncommitted lines of credit are currently and are expected to be used for letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. During fiscal 2019 and 2018, the Company did not have any direct borrowings under the uncommitted lines of credit. As of February 29, 2020, there was approximately $29.1 million of outstanding letters of credit issued under the uncommitted lines of credit, consisting of $0.7 million of unsecured standby letters of credit and $28.4 million of commercial letters of credit for the importation of merchandise. Given the current economic environment, there can be no assurance of the Company’s ability to secure additional funding under its uncommitted lines of credit or on its ability to renew either or both or the uncommitted lines of credit before their respective expiration dates. Letters of Credit In addition, as of February 29, 2020, the Company maintained unsecured standby letters of credit of $43.1 million, primarily for certain insurance programs and custom bonds. 8. PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted the Tax Act. The Tax Act significantly revised the U.S. tax code by, among other things, (i) reducing the federal corporate income tax rate, effective January 1, 2018, from 35% to 21%, (ii) imposing a one-time transition tax on earnings of foreign subsidiaries deemed to be repatriated and (iii) implementing a modified territorial tax system. In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”). This update provided guidance on income tax accounting implications under the Tax Act. SAB 118 addressed the application of generally accepted accounting principles to situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act and allows companies to record provisional amounts during a remeasurement period not to exceed one year after the enactment date while the accounting impact remains under analysis. The Company had reasonably estimated the impact of the Tax Act in its fiscal 2017 provision for income taxes in accordance with its interpretation of the Tax Act and available guidance. The Tax Act resulted in a net unfavorable tax impact of approximately $10.5 million recorded in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2017. As of December 22, 2018, the Company completed its review of the previously recorded provisional amounts related to the Tax Act and recorded an immaterial favorable adjustment to these amounts during fiscal 2018. The provisional amounts were related to the remeasurement of the Company’s net deferred tax assets and the transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings, which collectively totaled approximately $26.8 million as of March 3, 2018. 92 The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows: (in thousands) Current: Federal State and local Deferred: Federal State and local NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FISCAL YEAR ENDED February 29, 2020 March 2, 2019 March 3, 2018 $ 2,455 $ 61,721 $ 82,044 (7,973) 22,995 13,554 (5,518) 84,716 95,598 (124,578) (83,576) 157,057 (20,941) (20,525) 18,147 (145,519) (104,101) 175,204 $(151,037) $ (19,385) $270,802 At February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, included in other assets are net deferred income tax assets of $276.5 million and $115.1 million, respectively. These amounts represent the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following: (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Inventories Deferred rent and other rent credits Insurance Stock-based compensation Nonqualified deferred compensation plan Merchandise credits and gift card liabilities Accrued expenses Obligations on distribution facilities Goodwill Carryforwards and other tax credits Other Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation Goodwill Intangibles Prepaid expenses Other February 29, 2020 March 2, 2019 $ 35,665 $ 24,292 45,736 20,208 5,115 — 47,742 51,334 26,126 44,332 118,478 29,539 42,147 23,300 16,097 6,771 43,630 26,550 26,618 — 48,115 26,400 (110,864) (132,120) — (10,251) (2,364) (24,268) (3,337) (19,414) (854) (13,115) $ 276,528 $ 115,080 At February 29, 2020, the Company has federal net operating loss carryforwards of $44.4 million (tax effected), of which $38.8 million have an indefinite life and $5.6 million will expire between 2025 and 2039, state net operating loss carryforwards of $12.6 million (tax effected), which will expire between 2019 and 2039, California state enterprise zone credit carryforwards of $2.1 million (tax effected), which will expire in 2023, but require taxable income in the enterprise zone to be realizable. 93 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Company has not established a valuation allowance for the net deferred tax asset as it is considered more likely than not that it is realizable through a combination of future taxable income, tax planning strategies and the deductibility of future net deferred tax liabilities. The following table summarizes the activity related to the gross unrecognized tax benefits from uncertain tax positions: (in thousands) Balance at beginning of year Increase related to current year positions Increase related to prior year positions Decrease related to prior year positions Settlements Lapse of statute of limitations Balance at end of year February 29, 2020 March 2, 2019 $ 61,937 $ 75,443 5,009 3,857 (15,162) (203) (3,657) 6,490 2,822 (6,128) (2,338) (14,352) $ 51,781 $ 61,937 Gross unrecognized tax benefits are classified in non-current income taxes payable (or a contra deferred tax asset) on the consolidated balance sheet for uncertain tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) on a tax return. As of February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, approximately $51.8 million and $61.9 million, respectively, of gross unrecognized tax benefits would impact the Company’s effective tax rate. As of February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, the liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits included approximately $9.6 million and $8.3 million, respectively, of accrued interest. The Company recorded an increase to accrued interest of approximately $1.3 million for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 and a decrease of approximately $0.9 million for the fiscal year ended March 2, 2019 for gross unrecognized tax benefits in the consolidated statement of earnings. The Company anticipates that any adjustments to gross unrecognized tax benefits which will impact income tax expense, due to the expiration of statutes of limitations, could be approximately $3 million in the next twelve months. However, actual results could differ from those currently anticipated. As of February 29, 2020, the Company operated in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and several other international countries and files income tax returns in the United States and various state, local and international jurisdictions. The Company is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the tax year 2017. The Company is open to examination for state, foreign and local jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations, generally ranging from three to five years. The following table summarizes the reconciliation between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory rate: FISCAL YEAR ENDED February 29, 2020 March 2, 2019 March 3, 2018 21.00% 21.00% 32.66% 4.28 1.33 — (4.84) (3.07) 0.49 0.56 (1.38) 7.24 2.70 (18.64) (6.48) 4.53 3.41 4.12 0.32 3.86 — 1.39 (0.96) (2.46) 19.75% 12.38% 38.93% Federal statutory rate State income tax rate, net of federal impact Uncertain tax positions Impact of the Tax Act Goodwill non-deductible impairment charges Tax deficiencies related to stock-based compensation Tax credits Other 94 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 9. TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES WITH RELATED PARTIES In fiscal 2002, the Company had an interest in certain life insurance policies on the lives of its Co-Founders and their spouses. The Company’s interest in these policies was equivalent to the net premiums paid by the Company. The agreements relating to the Company’s interest in the life insurance policies on the lives of its Co-Founders and their spouses were terminated in fiscal 2003. Upon termination in fiscal 2003, the Co-Founders paid to the Company $5.4 million, representing the total amount of premiums paid by the Company under the agreements and the Company was released from its contractual obligation to the In order to confer a benefit make substantial aforementioned terminated agreements, as of February 27, 2004, the Company agreed to pay to the Co-Founders, at a future date, an aggregate amount of $4.2 million, which is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019. Subsequent to the end of fiscal 2019 and effective February 29, 2020, the Company paid the Co-Founders this amount in accordance with the terms of the prior agreements entered into as February 27, 2004. The Company has no further obligations to Messrs. Eisenberg or Feinstein in respect of the aforementioned agreements. to its Co-Founders in substitution for future premium payments. On April 21, 2019, Warren Eisenberg and Leonard Feinstein transitioned to the role of Co-Founders and Co-Chairmen Emeriti of the Board of Directors of the Company. As a result of this transition, Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein ceased to be officers of the Company effective as of April 21, 2019, and became entitled to the payments and benefits provided under their employment agreements that apply in the case of termination without cause, which generally include continued senior status payments until May 2027 and continued participation for them (and their spouses, if applicable) at the Company’s expense, in medical, dental, hospitalization and life insurance (collectively, “Health Benefits”) and in all other employee plans and programs in which they (or their families) were participating as of the date of termination and other or additional benefits in accordance with the applicable plans and programs until the earlier of death of the survivor of the applicable Co-Chairman Emeritus and his spouse or the date(s) he receives equivalent coverage and benefits from a subsequent employer. On February 26, 2020, each of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein entered into agreements (the “Co-Founder settlement agreements”) with the Company in settlement of claims relating to the continued benefits beyond the Health Benefits totaling $4.1 million, which is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of February 29, 2020. 10. LEASES The Company leases retail stores, as well as distribution facilities, offices and equipment, under agreements expiring at various dates through 2041. The leases provide for original lease terms that generally range from 10 to 15 years and most leases provide for a series of five year renewal options, often at increased rents, the exercise of which is at the Company’s sole discretion. Certain leases provide for contingent rents (which are based upon store sales exceeding stipulated amounts and are immaterial in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017), scheduled rent increases and renewal options. The Company is obligated under a majority of the leases to pay for taxes, insurance and common area maintenance charges. The components of total lease cost for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 were as follows: (in thousands) Operating lease cost Finance lease cost: Depreciation of property Interest on lease liabilities Variable lease cost Sublease income Total lease cost Statement of Operations Location Fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 Cost of sales and SG&A $581,061 SG&A Interest expense, net Cost of sales and SG&A SG&A 2,591 8,927 203,526 (1,112) $794,993 95 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS As of February 29, 2020, assets and liabilities related to the Company’s operating and finance leases were as follows: (in thousands) Assets Operating leases Finance leases Total Lease assets Liabilities Current: Operating leases Finance leases Noncurrent: Operating leases Finance leases Total lease liabilities As of February 29, 2020, the Company’s lease liabilities mature as follows: Fiscal Year: 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Total lease payments Less imputed interest Present value of lease liabilities Consolidated Balance Sheet Location Operating lease assets Property and equipment, net February 29, 2020 $2,006,966 69,287 $2,076,253 Current operating lease liabilities $ 463,005 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 1,541 Operating lease liabilities Other liabilities 1,818,783 102,412 $2,385,741 Operating Leases Finance Leases $ 588,116 $ 10,470 512,291 418,411 328,039 253,656 712,142 10,434 10,407 10,524 10,702 248,882 $2,812,655 $ 301,419 (530,867) (197,466) $2,281,788 $ 103,953 As of February 29, 2020, the Company has entered leases which have not yet commenced for 14 new or relocated locations planned for opening in fiscal 2020, the leases are approximately $40.2 million. for which aggregate minimum rental payments over the term of The Company’s lease terms and discount rates were as follows: Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) Operating leases Finance leases Weighted-average discount rate Operating leases Finance leases 96 February 29, 2020 6.6 25.7 6.2% 9.0% NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Other information with respect to the Company’s leases is as follows: (in thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases Operating cash flows from finance leases Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities Fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 $580,030 10,401 548,856 During December 2019, the Company completed a sale-leaseback transaction on approximately 2.1 million square feet of owned real estate, which generated approximately $267.3 million in proceeds. As a result of the transaction, the Company recorded a loss, including transaction costs of approximately $5.7 million, of approximately $33.1 million which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. All leases entered into as a result of the sale-leaseback transaction were classified as operating leases. For certain assets included in the transaction, the Company determined that the fair value of the assets was less than the consideration received. As a result, the Company recognized a financing obligation in the amount of $14.5 million, for the additional financing obtained from the buyer. As of February 29, 2020, the financing obligation amounted to $14.4 million. At the beginning of fiscal 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02, and as required, the following disclosure is provided for periods prior to adoption. As of March 2, 2019, future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases were as follows: (in thousands) Fiscal Year: 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter Total future minimum lease payments Operating Leases $ 609,613 534,055 434,908 334,587 241,863 616,170 $2,771,196 As of March 2, 2019, the capital lease obligations were approximately $3.8 million, for which the current and long-term portions were included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet. Expenses for all operating leases were $593.3 million and $614.1 million for fiscal 2018 and 2017, respectively. Monthly minimum lease payments are accounted for as principal and interest payments. The minimum capital lease payments, including interest, by fiscal year were: $0.9 million in fiscal 2019; $0.8 million in fiscal 2020; $0.7 million in fiscal 2021; $0.6 million in fiscal 2022; $0.6 million in fiscal 2023; and $1.0 million thereafter. During fiscal 2018, the Company had financing obligations related to two sale-leaseback agreements, which approximated the discounted fair value of the minimum lease payments, had a residual fair value at the end of the lease term and are being amortized over the term of the respective agreements, including option periods, of 32 and 37 years. As of March 2, 2019, the sale-leaseback financing obligations were approximately $101.7 million, for which the current and long-term portions were included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet. Monthly lease payments are accounted for as principal and interest payments (at approximate annual interest rates of 7.2% and 10.6%). These sale-leaseback financing obligations, excluding the residual fair value at the end of the lease term, mature as follows: $0.8 million in fiscal 2019; $0.9 million in fiscal 2020; $0.9 million in fiscal 2021; $1.0 million in fiscal 2022; $1.0 million in fiscal 2023; and $75.4 million thereafter. 97 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Defined Contribution Plans The Company has three defined contribution savings plans covering all eligible employees of the Company (“the Plans”). Participants of the Plans may defer annual pre-tax compensation subject to statutory and Plan limitations. In addition, a certain percentage of an employee’s contributions are matched by the Company and vest over a specified period of time, subject to certain statutory and Plan limitations. The Company’s match was approximately $13.7 million, $15.5 million, and $16.4 million for fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, which was expensed as incurred. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan On December 27, 2017, the Company terminated its nonqualified deferred compensation plan (“NQDC”). After December 27, 2017, no participant deferrals were accepted and all balances were to be liquidated more than 12 months but less than 24 months after December 27, 2017. During fiscal 2018, all participants’ balances were liquidated and disbursed to those participants. The Company’s NQDC was for the benefit of employees who are defined by the Internal Revenue Service as highly compensated. Participants of the NQDC were able to defer annual pre-tax compensation subject to statutory and plan limitations. In addition, a certain percentage of an employee’s contributions may have been matched by the Company and vested over a specified period of time, subject to certain plan limitations. The Company’s match was approximately $0.6 million and $0.6 million in fiscal 2018, and 2017, respectively, which was expensed as incurred. Changes in the fair value of the trading securities related to the NQDC and the corresponding change in the associated liability are included within interest in the consolidated statements of earnings. Historically, these changes have resulted in no net impact to the consolidated statements of earnings. income and selling, general and administrative expenses respectively, Defined Benefit Plan The Company has a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan for the CTS employees, hired on or before July 31, 2003, who meet specified age and length-of-service requirements. The benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation up until retirement. The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of the pension plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur. For the years ended February 29, 2020, March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018, the net periodic pension cost was not material to the Company’s results of operations. The Company has a $3.2 million liability, which is included in other liabilities as of February 29, 2020 and a $1.6 million asset which is included in other assets as of March 2, 2019. In addition, as of February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, the Company recognized a loss of $8.5 million, net of taxes of $3.0 million, and a loss of $3.7 million, net of taxes of $1.3 million, respectively, within accumulated other comprehensive loss. 12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES A putative securities class action was filed on April 14, 2020 against the Company and three of its officers and/or directors (Mark Tritton, Mary Winston (the Company’s former Interim Chief Executive Officer) and Robyn D’Elia) in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. The case, which is captioned Vitiello v. Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., et al., Case No. 2:20-cv-04240-MCA-MAH, asserts claims under §§ 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of a putative class of purchasers of the Company’s securities from October 2, 2019 through February 11, 2020. The Complaint alleges that certain of the Company’s disclosures about financial performance and certain other public statements during the putative class period were materially false or misleading. On April 1, 2020, the Company commenced an action against 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. and its subsidiary, 800-Flowers Inc., in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware, which is captioned Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. v. 1-800-Flowers.com, et ano., C.A. No. 2020-0245-SG. The Company seeks specific performance of the defendants’ obligation to close on their purchase of the Company’s subsidiary, Personalizationmall.com, LLC, for approximately $252 million, which defendants failed to do on the closing date of March 30, 2020 pursuant to the parties’ Equity Purchase Agreement dated February 14, 2020. The case is expedited, and trial is scheduled for September 23-25, 2020. the “District Attorneys”), recently concluded an investigation regarding the management and disposal at The District Attorney’s office for the County of Ventura, together with District Attorneys for other counties in California the (together, Company’s stores in California of certain materials that may be deemed hazardous or universal waste under California law. On March 19, 2019, the District Attorneys provided the Company with a settlement demand that included a proposed civil penalty, reimbursement of including modifications to the Company’s existing compliance program, which already includes associate training, on-going review of disposal rules applicable to various product investigation costs, and certain injunctive relief, 98 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS categories, and specialized third-party disposal. Subsequent to the end of fiscal 2019, the Company and the District Attorneys agreed to final terms on a settlement payment of approximately $1.5 million to resolve the matter. The Company has also agreed to spend $171,000 over the next 36 months on refinements to its compliance program. The Company expects to execute a Stipulated Judgment to this effect in the near term. As of February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, the Company had recorded an accrual for the estimated probable loss for this matter. On April 21, 2019, Warren Eisenberg and Leonard Feinstein transitioned to the role of Co-Founders and Co-Chairmen Emeriti of the Board of Directors of the Company. As a result of this transition, Mr. Eisenberg and Mr. Feinstein ceased to be officers of the Company effective as of April 21, 2019, and became entitled to the payments and benefits provided under their employment agreements that apply in the case of a termination without cause, which generally include continued senior status payments until May 2027 and continued participation for the Co-Founders (and their spouses, if applicable) at the Company’s expense in employee plans and programs. In addition, the Co-Founders remain entitled to supplemental pension payments specified in their employment agreements of $200,000 per year (as adjusted for a cost of living increase), until the death of the survivor of the applicable Co-Founder and his spouse, reduced by the continued senior status payments referenced above. Pursuant to their respective restricted stock and performance stock unit agreements, shares of restricted stock and performance-based stock units granted to Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein vested upon their resignation as members of the Board of Directors effective May 1, 2019, subject, however, to attainment of any applicable performance goals and the certification of the applicable performance-based tests by the Compensation Committee, as provided under their award agreements. The Company’s former Chief Executive Officer (“Former CEO”) departed the Company effective as of May 12, 2019. In accordance with the terms of the Former CEO’s employment and equity award agreements, the Former CEO was entitled to three times his then-current salary, payable over three years in normal payroll installments, except that any amount due prior to the six months after his departure, was paid in a lump sum after such six-month period. Such amounts will be reduced by any compensation earned with any subsequent employer or otherwise and will be subject to the Former CEO’s compliance with a one-year non-competition and non-solicitation covenant. On October 21, 2019, the Former CEO entered into an agreement (the “Former CEO PSU settlement agreement”) with the Company to reduce the performance stock units (“PSUs”) held by him by an excess amount of outstanding PSUs granted to the Former CEO in the Company’s 2018 fiscal year as a result of the use of the fiscal 2017 peer group in lieu of the fiscal 2018 peer group. Further, as a result of this departure, the time-vesting component of including (i) stock options (which were “underwater” and expired without having been exercised by the Former CEO), (ii) PSU awards which had previously met the related performance-based test, had been certified by the Compensation Committee, and remained subject solely to time- vesting, and (iii) PSU awards (assuming target level of performance) which remain subject to attainment of any performance goals and the certification of the applicable performance-based tests by the Compensation Committee, as provided under his award agreements and subject to the terms of the Former CEO PSU settlement agreement. the Former CEO’s stock-based awards accelerated, The Former CEO was also party to a supplemental executive retirement benefit agreement (“SERP”) and a related escrow agreement, pursuant to which the Former CEO was entitled to receive a supplemental retirement benefit as a result of the separation from service from the Company. Pursuant to the SERP, as a result of the separation from service with the Company as of May 12, 2019 being treated as a termination without cause, the Former CEO is entitled to a lump sum payment equal to the present value of an annual amount equal to 50% of the Former CEO’s annual base salary on the date of termination of employment if such annual amount were paid for a period of 10 years in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, subject to the Former CEO’s timely execution and non-revocation of a release of claims in favor of the Company (which occurred). This amount was paid on November 13, 2019, the first business day following the six-month anniversary of the Former CEO’s termination of service. The Company has no further obligations to the Former CEO under the SERP. The Company has expensed pre-tax charges related to both the transition of Messrs. Eisenberg and Feinstein to the role of Co-Founders and Co-Chairmen Emeriti of the Board of Directors of the Company and the departure of the Former CEO of approximately $37.0 million. In addition, the Company maintains employment agreements with other executives which provide for severance pay. The Company records an estimated liability related to its various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business when and to the extent that it concludes a liability is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Such estimated loss is based on available information and advice from outside counsel, where appropriate. As additional information becomes available, the Company reassesses the potential liability related to claims and legal actions and revises its estimated liabilities, as appropriate. The Company expects the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. The 99 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Company also cannot predict the nature and validity of claims which could be asserted in the future, and future claims could have a material impact on its earnings. 13. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION The Company paid income taxes of $44.8 million, $61.3 million, and $203.9 million in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. In addition, the Company had interest payments of approximately $81.2 million, $81.4 million, and $81.3 million in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The Company recorded an accrual for capital expenditures of $36.9 million, $51.7 million, and $63.7 million as of February 29, 2020, March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018, respectively. In addition, the Company recorded an accrual for dividends payable of $26.4 million and $28.3 million as of February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, respectively. The Company did not declare any dividends prior to fiscal 2016. In fiscal 2018, the Company recorded a $31.1 million note receivable in connection with the sale of a building. 14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION The Company measures all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and records such expense, net of estimated forfeitures, the Company’s stock-based compensation relates to restricted stock awards, stock options and performance stock units. The Company’s restricted stock awards are considered nonvested share awards. in its consolidated financial statements. Currently, Stock-based compensation expense for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, March 2, 2019 and March 3, 2018 was approximately $45.7 million ($36.7 million after tax or $0.29 per diluted share), $58.5 million ($51.3 million after tax or $0.38 per diluted share), and approximately $70.5 million ($43.1 million after tax or $0.31 per diluted share), respectively. In addition, the amount of stock-based compensation cost capitalized for the years ended February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019 was approximately $0.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Incentive Compensation Plans The Company currently grants awards under the Bed Bath & Beyond 2018 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2018 Plan”), which includes an aggregate of 4.6 million shares of common stock authorized for issuance of awards permitted under the 2018 Plan, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, performance awards and other stock based awards. The 2018 Plan supplements the Bed Bath & Beyond 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2012 Plan”), which amended and restated the Bed Bath & Beyond 2004 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2004 Plan”). The 2012 Plan includes an aggregate of 43.2 million common shares authorized for issuance of awards permitted under the 2012 Plan (similar to the 2018 Plan). Outstanding awards that were covered by the 2004 Plan continue to be in effect under the 2012 Plan. the 2012 Plan and the 2018 Plan are substantially similar and enable the Company to offer incentive The terms of compensation through stock options (whether nonqualified stock options or incentive stock options), restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, performance awards, and other stock-based awards and cash-based awards. Grants are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company for those awards granted to executive officers, and by the Board of Directors of the Company for awards granted to non-employee directors. Stock option grants generally become exercisable in either three or five equal annual installments beginning one year from the date of grant, subject, in general, to the recipient remaining in the Company’s service on specified vesting dates. Restricted stock awards generally become vested in five to seven equal annual installments beginning one to three years from the date of grant, subject, in general, to the recipient remaining in the Company’s service on specified vesting dates. Performance stock units generally vest over a period of three to four years from the date of grant dependent on the Company’s achievement of performance- based tests and subject, in general, to the executive remaining in the Company’s service on specified vesting dates. The Company generally issues new shares for stock option exercises, restricted stock awards and vesting of performance stock units. No grants have been made to date under the 2018 Plan, which expires in May 2028. The 2012 Plan expires in May 2022. As described in further detail below, in fiscal 2019, the Company granted stock-based awards to the Company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer as an inducement material to his commencement of employment and entry into an employment agreement with the Company. The inducement awards were made in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) and were not made under the 2012 Plan or the 2018 Plan. 100 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Stock Options Stock option grants are issued at fair market value on the date of grant and generally become exercisable in either three or five equal annual installments beginning one year from the date of grant, subject, in general, to the recipient remaining in the Company’s service on specified vesting dates. Option grants expire eight years after the date of grant. All option grants are nonqualified. As of February 29, 2020, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of the Company’s stock options. The fair value of the stock options granted was estimated on the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. Black-Scholes Valuation Assumptions(1) Weighted Average Expected Life (in years)(2) Weighted Average Expected Volatility(3) Weighted Average Risk Free Interest Rates(4) Expected Dividend Yield(5) FISCAL YEAR ENDED February 29, 2020 March 2, 2019 March 3, 2018 7.6 39.41% 2.39% 4.34% 6.7 6.7 34.96% 26.49% 2.17% 1.60% 2.92% 3.80% (1) Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience. (2) The expected life of stock options is estimated based on historical experience. (3) Expected volatility is based on the average of historical and implied volatility. The historical volatility is determined by observing actual prices of the Company’s stock over a period commensurate with the expected life of the awards. The implied volatility represents the implied volatility of the Company’s call options, which are actively traded on multiple exchanges, had remaining maturities in excess of twelve months, had market prices close to the exercise prices of the employee stock options and were measured on the stock option grant date. (4) Based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity interest rate whose term is consistent with the expected life of the stock options. (5) Expected dividend yield is estimated based on anticipated dividend payouts. Changes in the Company’s stock options for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 were as follows: (Shares in thousands) Options outstanding, beginning of period Granted Exercised Forfeited or expired Options outstanding, end of period Options exercisable, end of period Number of Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price 4,395 144 (139) (3,577) 823 823 $47.53 15.68 16.85 49.13 40.19 $40.19 The weighted average fair value for the stock options granted in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017 was $4.18, $4.31, and $9.50, respectively. The weighted average remaining contractual term and the aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding and exercisable as of February 29, 2020 was 0.8 years and the aggregate intrinsic value was $0. The total intrinsic value for stock options exercised during fiscal 2019 and 2017 was $0.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively. No stock options were exercised during fiscal 2018. Restricted Stock Restricted stock awards are issued and measured at fair market value on the date of grant and generally become vested in five to seven equal annual installments beginning one to three years from the date of grant, subject, in general, to the recipient remaining in the Company’s service on specified vesting dates. Vesting of restricted stock is based solely on time vesting. As of February 29, 2020, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of the Company’s restricted stock awards was $55.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.6 years. 101 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Changes in the Company’s restricted stock for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 were as follows: (Shares in thousands) Unvested restricted stock, beginning of period Granted Vested Forfeited Unvested restricted stock, end of period Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) Number of Restricted Shares Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value 3,747 896 (1,093) (1,105) 2,445 $41.73 13.51 38.57 35.76 $35.50 PSUs are issued and measured at fair market value on the date of grant. Vesting of PSUs awarded to certain of the Company’s executives is dependent on the Company’s achievement of a performance-based test during a one-year period from the date of grant and during a three-year period from the date of grant and, assuming achievement of the performance- based test, time vesting over periods of up to four years, subject, in general, to the executive remaining in the Company’s service on specified vesting dates. For PSUs granted in fiscal 2019, performance during the one-year period is based on Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (“EBIT”) relative to a target amount and performance during the three-year period is based on a combination of total shareholder return relative to a peer group of the Company and cumulative EBIT relative to a target amount. The achievement of PSU awards range from a floor of zero to a cap of 150% of target achievement. For awards granted in fiscal 2018 and prior, performance during the three-year period were based on Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”) or a combination of EBIT margin and ROIC relative to a peer group. PSUs are converted into shares of common stock upon payment following vesting. Upon grant of the PSUs, the Company recognizes compensation expense related to these awards based on the Company’s estimate of the percentage of the award that will be achieved. The Company evaluates the estimate on these awards on a quarterly basis and adjusts compensation expense related to these awards, as appropriate. As of February 29, 2020, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of the Company’s performance stock units was $1.1 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years. Changes in the Company’s PSUs for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 were as follows: (Shares in thousands) Unvested performance stock units, beginning of period Granted Vested Forfeited Unvested performance stock units, end of period Inducement Awards Number of Performance Stock Units Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value 2,082 821 (580) (909) 1,414 $27.16 11.02 35.50 15.96 $21.57 On November 4, 2019, in connection with the appointment of the Company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, the Company granted stock-based awards as an inducement material to his commencement of employment and entry into an employment agreement with the Company. These inducement awards were approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and did not require shareholder approval in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The following inducement awards were granted: (cid:129) Time-vesting restricted stock units (“RSUs”) consisting of the following: (cid:129) 39,105 RSUs, which will vest on November 4, 2020, subject, in general, to the new President and CEO remaining in the Company’s service through the vesting date; (cid:129) 539,648 RSUs, which will vest on the following schedule (i) 273,734 RSUs will vest on March 31, 2020, (ii) 132,957 RSUs will vest on September 30, 2020, and (iii) 132,957 RSUs will vest on March 31, 2021, and in each case subject, in general, to the new President and CEO remaining in the Company’s service through the vesting date, 102 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cid:129) 273,735 PSUs, which will vest, if at all, on November 4, 2021, based on performance goals requiring the President and CEO to prepare and deliver to the Board of Directors key objectives and goals for the Company and the strategies and initiatives for the achievement of such objectives and goals, and the President and CEO’s provision of updates to the Board of Directors regarding achievement of such goals and objectives, and subject, in general, to the new President and CEO remaining in the Company’s service through the vesting date. to the vesting schedule described above, these inducement awards are generally subject Other than with respect to substantially the same terms and conditions as awards that are made under the 2018 Plan. RSUs are converted into shares of common stock upon payment following vesting. The weighted average fair value of these stock-based inducement awards was $13.65. As of February 29, 2020, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of the inducement awards comprised of RSUs was $4.77 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.1 years and unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of the inducement awards comprised of PSUs was $3.13 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, the President and CEO must hold at least forty percent (40%) of the after-tax shares of common stock he receives pursuant to the inducement awards until he has satisfied the terms of the Company’s stock ownership guidelines. 15. SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (in thousands, except per share data) June 1, 2019 August 31, 2019 November 30, 2019 February 29, 2020 June 2, 2018 September 1, 2018 December 1, 2018 March 2, 2019 FISCAL 2019 QUARTER ENDED FISCAL 2018 QUARTER ENDED 887,179 (406,842) $2,759,322 913,837 (29,758) $2,572,989 $2,719,447 726,988 (182,258) Net sales Gross profit Operating profit (loss) Earnings (loss) before provision for income taxes Provision (benefit) for income (8,385) (59,835) taxes $ (371,085) $ (138,765) $ (38,552) Net earnings (loss) (0.31) $ EPS-Basic(1) (0.31) EPS-Diluted(1) $ 0.170 Dividends declared per share $ (1.12) $ (1.12) $ $ 0.170 (2.91) $ (2.91) $ 0.170 $ (198,600) (422,740) (46,937) (51,655) $3,106,822 $2,753,667 964,848 81,229 1,013,656 (81,206) $2,935,018 988,561 78,858 $3,032,231 $3,307,881 1,146,861 (296,735) 1,003,710 49,513 (96,576) 64,497 64,247 26,822 (312,175) (31,162) $ (65,414) $ 0.53 $ $ 0.53 $ $ 0.170 $ $ 20,921 43,576 0.32 0.32 0.160 $ $ $ $ 15,608 48,639 0.36 0.36 0.160 $ $ $ $ 2,468 (58,382) 24,354 $ (253,793) (1.92) (1.92) 0.160 0.18 $ 0.18 $ 0.160 $ (1) Net earnings per share (“EPS”) amounts for each quarter are required to be computed independently and may not equal the amount computed for the total year. 16. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE its PersonalizationMall.com business to On February 14, 2020, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. for $252 million, subject to certain working capital and other adjustments. The buyer was required to close the transaction on March 30, 2020, but failed to do so. Accordingly, the Company has filed an action to require the buyer to close the transaction. On April 13, 2020, the Company completed the sale of the assets of One Kings Lane (“OKL”). Proceeds from the sale were not material. As of February 29, 2020, certain assets and liabilities related to PMall and OKL, were classified as held for sale on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company expects to complete the sale of these disposal groups within the next 12 months. The businesses classified as held for sale are classified in continuing operations as the dispositions do not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. 17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. The consequences of the outbreak and impact to the economy continues to evolve and the full extent of the impact is uncertain as of the date of this filing. To date, the outbreak has already brought a material disruption on the operations of the Company. As a result of the 103 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS COVID-19 pandemic, in March 2020, the Company began to temporarily close certain store locations that did not have a health and personal care department and as of March 23, 2020, all retail banner stores across the US and Canada have been temporarily closed except for stand-alone BABY and Harmon store locations, subject to state and local regulations. Further, following the end of fiscal 2019, the Company increased outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $8.5 million and elected to draw down the remaining $236 million of available funds under the Revolver as defined above. The proceeds are available to be used for working capital, general corporate or other purposes, and subject to compliance with financial covenants. the COVID-19 pandemic, The Company is also implementing other measures to help mitigate impact of including: (i) prioritizing spending in essential capital expenditures to drive strategic growth plans, including investments in digital and Buy Online Pick Up In Store; (ii) deferring other planned capital expenditures; (iii) postponing its plans for share repurchases and suspending dividends and planned debt reductions; and (iv) among other things, renegotiating payment terms for goods, services and rent, managing to lower inventory levels, and reducing discretionary spend such as business travel, advertising and expense associated with the maintenance of stores that are temporarily closed. Similar to other retailers, the Company has also withheld portions of and/or delayed payments to certain of its business partners as the Company seeks to renegotiate payment terms, in order to further maintain liquidity given the temporary store closures. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully renegotiate payment terms with such business partners, and the ultimate outcome of these activities including the responses of business partners are not yet known. The COVID-19 pandemic could materially impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows in fiscal 2020. Given the uncertainty regarding the spread of this virus and the timing of the economic recovery, the related financial impact cannot be reasonably predicted or estimated at this time. In addition, the Company began store closures during the first quarter of fiscal 2020, and the majority of its stores are now closed. To the extent store closures persist for an extended period of time, the Company’s liquidity would be negatively impacted. 104 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Shareholders and Board of Directors Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.: Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended February 29, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended February 29, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of February 29, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated April 29, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Change in Accounting Principle As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for leases as of March 3, 2019 due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 842, Leases. Basis for Opinion These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. to obtain reasonable assurance about whether We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. Critical Audit Matters The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate. Assessment of impairment of store-level long-lived assets As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may exceed their current fair values. 105 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Based upon the analysis performed, the Company recognized pre-tax impairment charges for store-level long-lived assets of $75.1 million in fiscal 2019. We identified the assessment of impairment of store-level long-lived assets as a critical audit matter. Specifically, the sales growth rates used to estimate the forecasted cash flows were challenging to audit as they involve a high degree of subjectivity. In determining the fair value of certain store-level long-lived assets, specialized knowledge was required to assess the Company’s assumption of market rental rates from sub-lessors. The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following. We tested certain internal controls over the Company’s store-level including controls related to the assumptions described above. We evaluated the sales growth rates by comparing to historical results, the Company’s future operating plans, and industry reports. We involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge who assisted in evaluating the market rental rates for certain stores by comparing the sublease income to an independently developed range using publicly available market data for comparable store sites. impairment assessment process, Assessment of the valuation of merchandise inventories As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market primarily using the weighted average retail inventory method (“RIM”). Merchandise inventories as of February 29, 2020 were $2.1 billion. Inventories include items that have been written down to the Company’s best estimate of their realizable value, which includes consideration of various factors. We identified the assessment of the valuation of merchandise inventories as a critical audit matter. The Company’s determination of future markdowns is subjective. Specifically, there was a high degree of subjective auditor judgment in evaluating how the Company’s merchandising strategy and related merchandise inventory markdown assumptions affected the realizable value of merchandise inventory. The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following. We tested certain internal controls over the Company’s process for valuing merchandise inventories, including controls related to the the realizable value of merchandise assumptions described above. We evaluated the Company’s determination of inventory by comparing the planned markdowns to actual markdowns. We assessed the mathematical accuracy of the Company’s methodology to determine the realizable value of merchandise inventory within specific departments. We also compared the Company’s merchandising strategy to the markdown assumptions used in their current inventory valuation assessment. /s/ KPMG LLP We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1992. Short Hills, New Jersey April 29, 2020 106 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING To the Shareholders and Board of Directors Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.: Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting We have audited Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of February 29, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 29, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control— Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of February 29, 2020 and March 2, 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended February 29, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated April 29, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. 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 internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other operating effectiveness of procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 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 (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 (3) 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/ KPMG LLP Short Hills, New Jersey April 29, 2020 107 MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 29, 2020. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), released in 2013, Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Our management has concluded that, as of February 29, 2020, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on these criteria. February 29, 2020 STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH The graph shown below compares the performance of the Company’s common stock with that of the S&P 500 Index, the S&P Specialty Retail Index and the S&P Retail Composite Index over the same period (assuming the investment of $100 in the Company’s common stock and each of the three Indexes on March 1, 2015, and the reinvestment of dividends, if any). Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. S&P 500 Index S&P Specialty Retail Index S&P Retail Composite Index S R A L L O D 300 275 250 225 200 175 150 125 100 75 50 25 - 2/28/15 2/27/16 2/25/17 3/3/18 3/2/19 2/29/20 108 BED BATH & BEYOND INC. CORPORATE AND SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION Corporate Office 650 Liberty Avenue Union, NJ 07083 Telephone: 908/688-0888 Shareholder Information A copy of the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) may be obtained from the Investor Relations Department at the Corporate Office. Telephone: 908/613-5820 The Company provides access to the documents filed with the SEC through the Investor Relations section of its website, www.bedbathandbeyond.com. A copy of the Company’s Policy of Ethical Standards for Business Conduct is also provided at this location. Stock Listing Shares of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. are traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol BBBY. Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on July 14, 2020 at 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Shareholders may attend online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting. com/BBBY2020 Independent Auditors KPMG LLP 51 John F. Kennedy Parkway Short Hills, New Jersey 07078 Stock Activity The following table sets forth the high and low reported closing prices of the Company’s common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market during fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018: QUARTER Fiscal 2019 First Second Third Fourth Fiscal 2018 First Second Third Fourth HIGH LOW $19.41 $12.69 7.40 9.33 10.28 13.51 14.80 17.72 $22.67 $16.72 17.66 12.38 10.62 21.23 19.15 16.92 At June 5, 2020, there were approximately 3,355 shareholders of record. This number excludes individual shareholders holding stock under nominee security position listings. Transfer Agent The Transfer Agent should be contacted on questions of change of address, name or ownership, lost certificates and consolidation of accounts. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company 6201 15th Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11219 Telephone: 800/937-5449 Websites www.andthat.com www.bedbathandbeyond.com www.buybuybaby.com www.christmastreeshops.com www.decorist.com www.facevalues.com www.harborlinen.com www.harmondiscount.com www.personalizationmall.com www.t-ygroup.com www.worldmarket.com www.bedbathandbeyond.ca www.buybuybaby.ca BED BATH & BEYOND INC. 650 Liberty Avenue Union, NJ 07083 908-688-0888 

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