UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the fiscal year ended January 28, 2011


Commission file number: 001-11421


DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION
( Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter )


TENNESSEE
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

61-0502302
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

100 MISSION RIDGE
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN  37072
(Address of principal executive offices, zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:   (615) 855-4000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Name of the exchange on which registered

 

 

Common Stock, par value $0.875 per share

New York Stock Exchange


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:   None


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes [X ]   No [  ]


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.  Yes [   ] No [X]


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [    ]





Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes [   ] No [   ]


Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [   ]


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large accelerated filer [X]

Accelerated filer [   ]


Non-accelerated filer [   ]

Smaller reporting company [  ]


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes [  ]  No [X]


The aggregate fair market value of the registrant’s common stock outstanding and held by non-affiliates as of July 30, 2010 was $2,057,296,011 calculated using the closing market price of our common stock as reported on the NYSE on such date ($29.18). For this purpose, directors, executive officers and greater than 10% record shareholders are considered the affiliates of the registrant.


The registrant had 341,521,858 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 16, 2011.



DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE


Certain of the information required in Part III of this Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 25, 2011.




INTRODUCTION


General


This report contains references to years 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006, which represent fiscal years ending or ended February 3, 2012, January 28, 2011, January 29, 2010, January 30, 2009, February 1, 2008 and February 2, 2007, respectively. All of the discussion and analysis in this report should be read with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes.


Solely for convenience, our trademarks and tradenames referred to in this document may appear without the ® or TM symbol, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the right to these trademarks and tradenames.


Cautionary Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements


We include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws throughout this report, particularly under the headings “Business,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Note 9 Commitments and Contingencies,” among others. You can identify these statements because they are not limited to historical fact or they use words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “objective,” “forecast,” “goal,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “intend,” “will likely result,” or “will continue” and similar expressions that concern our strategy, plans, intentions or beliefs about future occurrences or results. For example, all statements relating to our estimated and projected expenditures, cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity; our plans, objectives and expectations for future operations, growth or initiatives; or the expected outcome or effect of pending or threatened litigation or audits are forward-looking statements.


All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, so our actual results may differ materially from those that we expected. We derive many of these statements from our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based on many detailed assumptions that we believe are reasonable. However, it is very difficult to predict the effect of known factors, and we cannot anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results.


Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements are disclosed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A and elsewhere in this document (including, without limitation, in conjunction with the forward-looking statements themselves and under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”). All written and oral forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by these and other cautionary statements that we make from time to time in our other SEC filings and public communications. You should evaluate forward-looking statements in the context of these risks and uncertainties. These factors may not contain all of the factors that are important to you. We cannot assure you that we will realize the results or developments we



1



anticipate or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect us or our operations in the way we expect.


The forward-looking statements included in this report are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.



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PART I


ITEM 1.

BUSINESS


General


We are the largest discount retailer in the United States by number of stores, with 9,414 stores located in 35 states as of February 25, 2011, primarily in the southern, southwestern, midwestern and eastern United States. We offer a broad selection of merchandise, including consumables, seasonal, home products and apparel. Our merchandise includes high quality national brands from leading manufacturers, as well as comparable quality private brand selections with prices at substantial discounts to national brands. We offer our merchandise at everyday low prices (typically $10 or less) through our convenient small-box (approximately 7,200 square feet) locations.

Our History

J.L. Turner founded our Company in 1939 as J.L. Turner and Son, Wholesale. We were incorporated as a Kentucky corporation under the name J.L. Turner & Son, Inc. in 1955, when we opened our first Dollar General store. We changed our name to Dollar General Corporation in 1968 and reincorporated in 1998 as a Tennessee corporation. Our common stock was publicly traded from 1968 until July 2007, when we merged with an entity controlled by investment funds affiliated with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., or KKR. On November 13, 2009 our common stock again became publicly traded upon our completion of an initial public offering of 39,215,000 shares of our common stock, including 22,700,000 newly issued shares. We are majority owned by Buck Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership controlled by KKR, which beneficially owns approximately 71% of our outstanding common stock.

Our Business Model

Our long history of profitable growth is founded on a commitment to a relatively simple business model: providing a broad base of customers with their basic everyday and household needs, supplemented with a variety of general merchandise items, at everyday low prices in conveniently located, small-box stores.

Fiscal year 2010 represented our 21st consecutive year of same-store sales growth. This growth, regardless of economic conditions, suggests that we have a less cyclical model than most retailers and, we believe, is a result of our compelling value and convenience proposition. Both customer traffic and average transaction amount increased during 2009 and 2010 despite a very difficult economic environment. We believe that our customers recognize our efforts to provide them with a pleasant, efficient shopping experience along with our ongoing commitment to meet their everyday needs, which encourages them to continue to shop with us in the future.

Our attractive store economics, including a relatively low initial investment and simple, low cost operating model, have allowed us to grow our store base to over 9,400 stores in 35 states, and provide us significant opportunities to continue our strategy of profitable store growth.



3



Compelling Value and Convenience Proposition . Our ability to deliver highly competitive prices on national brand and quality private brand products in convenient locations and our easy in and out shopping format create a compelling shopping experience that distinguishes us from other discount, convenience and drugstore retailers. Our slogan, “Save time. Save money. Every day!” summarizes our appeal to customers. We believe our ability to effectively deliver both value and convenience allows us to succeed in small markets with limited shopping alternatives, as well as to profitably coexist alongside larger retailers in more competitive markets. Our compelling value and convenience proposition is evidenced by the following attributes of our business model:

·

Convenient Locations. Our stores are conveniently located in a variety of rural, suburban and urban communities, currently with nearly 70% serving communities with populations of less than 20,000. In more densely populated areas, our small-box stores typically serve the closely surrounding neighborhoods. The majority of our customers live within three to five miles, or a 10-minute drive, of our stores. Our close proximity to customers drives customer loyalty and trip frequency and makes us an attractive alternative to large discount and other large-box retail and grocery stores which are often located farther away. Our low cost economic model enables us to serve many areas with fewer than 1,500 households.

·

Time-Saving Shopping Experience. We also provide customers with a highly convenient shopping experience. Our stores’ smaller size allows us to locate parking near the front entrance where shopping carts are located to promote efficient navigation of the store. Our product offering includes most necessities, such as basic packaged and refrigerated food and dairy products, cleaning supplies, paper products, and health and beauty care items, as well as greeting cards, party supplies, apparel, housewares, hardware and automotive supplies, among others. Our typical store hours are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days per week. Our convenient hours and broad merchandise offering allow our customers to fulfill their routine shopping requirements and minimize their need to shop elsewhere.

·

Everyday Low Prices on Quality Merchandise. Our research indicates that we offer a price advantage over most food and drug retailers and that our prices are highly competitive with even the largest discount retailers. Our ability to offer everyday low prices on quality merchandise is supported by our low-cost operating structure and our strategy to maintain a limited number of stock keeping units (“SKUs”) per category, which we believe helps us maintain strong purchasing power. Most items are priced below $10, with approximately 24% at $1 or less. We offer quality nationally advertised brands at these everyday low prices in addition to offering our own comparable quality private brands at value prices.

Attractive Store Economics. The traditional Dollar General store size, design and location requires minimal initial investment and low maintenance capital expenditures. Our typical locations involve a modest, no-frills building, which helps keep our rental and other fixed overhead costs relatively low. When coupled with our new stores’ ability to generally deliver positive cash flow in the first year, this low capital expenditure requirement typically results in pay back of capital in less than two years. Our stringent market analysis, real estate site selection



4



and new store approval processes as well as our new store marketing programs help us optimize financial returns and minimize the risks of opening unprofitable stores.

Our lean store staffing model and centralized management of utilities, maintenance and supplies procurement contribute to our relatively low operating costs and efficient store operations.

Substantial Growth Opportunities. We believe that we have substantial growth opportunities through both improved profitability of existing stores and new store openings. We are pursuing a number of initiatives which we expect to continue to improve the profitability of our existing store base. In addition, we have identified significant opportunities to add new stores in both existing and new markets. We believe we have the long-term potential in the U.S. to more than double our existing store base while maintaining strong returns on capital. See ‘‘Our Growth Strategy’’ for additional details.

Our Growth Strategy

We believe we have the right strategy and execution capabilities to capitalize on the considerable growth opportunities afforded by our business model. We believe we continue to have significant opportunities to drive profitable growth through increasing same-store sales, expanding our operating profit rate and growing our store base.

Increasing Same-Store Sales. We believe the combination of our necessity-driven product mix and our attractive value proposition, including a well-balanced merchandising approach, provides a strong basis for increased sales. Our average sales per square foot increased to $201 in 2010 from $195 in 2009 and $180 in 2008. We believe we will continue to have additional opportunities to increase our store productivity through improved in-stock positions, price optimization, continued improvements in space utilization, and additional operating and merchandising initiatives. Among numerous additional projects in 2011, we plan to further expand our frozen and refrigerated food and health and beauty aids offerings. We will also continue to focus on increasing sales in our home, apparel and seasonal categories .

In addition, we plan to relocate or remodel approximately 550 stores in 2011, which we expect to further drive same-store sales growth. In 2010, we remodeled or relocated 504 stores. Remodels and relocations generally consist of updating the stores to our new customer centric format, which we believe appeals to a broader customer base. A relocation typically results in an improved, more visible and accessible location, and usually includes increased square footage. We continue to have opportunities for additional remodels and relocations beyond 2011.

Expanding Operating Profit Rate. Another key component of our growth strategy is improving our operating profit rate through enhanced gross profit and expense reduction initiatives. Our financial results during 2010 and 2009 reflect the favorable impact of our strong category management processes on gross margin improvement and our continued efforts to reduce selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales.

In recent months, we have begun to see many of our product categories impacted by increased costs of commodities, including cotton, wheat, corn, sugar, coffee and resin, as well as increased transportation fuel costs, which have increased significantly in early 2011. These



5



increases pose a challenge to our continued priority of improving our gross profit rate. However, we believe we have options available to mitigate the impact of these increases, including our price optimization, changes to our product selection, such as alternate national brands and the expansion of our private brands, and modifications to our packaging and product size, including items in our planned expansion of merchandise selections priced at $1.00. In addition, we continue to focus on reducing inventory shrinkage and improving distribution efficiencies.

We intend to continue to drive our private brand penetration going forward. Our private brand program complements our model of offering customers nationally branded consumables merchandise at everyday low prices. Generally, private brand items have higher gross profit margins than similar national brand items, and in 2010 represented approximately 22% of our consumables sales. In 2010, we made significant progress in expanding our private brand efforts to our non-consumable offerings, dramatically improving the visual impact of our many non-consumables, including housewares, domestics, lawn and garden tools and summer toys.

We believe we have the potential to directly source a larger portion of our products at significant savings to current costs. In 2010, we imported approximately $750 million of goods, or 8% of total purchases, at cost.

We continually look for ways to improve our cost structure and enhance efficiencies throughout the organization. In 2010, we centralized our procurement system which we expect to aid us in reducing the cost of purchases throughout the company in 2011 and beyond. In addition, we have begun to implement a store labor management and work simplification program, and we are continuing our store rent reduction initiative.

Growing Our Store Base . Based on a detailed, market-by-market analysis, we believe we have the potential to at least double our current number of stores through expansion in both existing and new markets. In 2011, we plan to enter three new states, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Nevada. We have confidence in our real estate disciplines and in our ability to identify, open and operate successful new stores. As a result, we believe that at least our present level of new store growth is sustainable for the foreseeable future. In addition, we continue to believe that in the current real estate market environment there may be opportunities to negotiate lower rent than would have previously been available, allowing us to continue to improve the overall quality of our sites at attractive rental rates.

Our Merchandise

We offer a focused assortment of everyday necessities, which drive frequent customer visits, and key items in a broad range of general merchandise categories. Our product assortment provides the opportunity for our customers to address most of their basic shopping needs with one trip. We sell high quality national brands from leading manufacturers such as Procter & Gamble, Kimberly Clark, Unilever, Kellogg’s, General Mills, Nabisco, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, which are typically found at higher retail prices elsewhere. Additionally, our private brand selections offer consumers even greater value with options to purchase value items and national brand equivalent products at substantial discounts to the national brand.



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Our stores generally offer approximately 10,000 total SKUs per store. The number of SKUs in a given store can vary based upon the store’s size, geographic location, merchandising initiatives, seasonality, and other factors. Most of our products are priced at $10 or less, with approximately 24% at $1 or less. We separate our merchandise into four categories: 1) consumables; 2) seasonal; 3) home products; and 4) apparel.

Consumables is our largest category and includes paper and cleaning products (such as paper towels, bath tissue, paper dinnerware, trash and storage bags, laundry and other home cleaning supplies); food, including packaged food and perishables (such as cereals, canned soups and vegetables, sugar, flour, milk, eggs and bread); beverages and snacks (including candy, cookies, crackers, salty snacks and carbonated beverages); health and beauty (including over-the-counter medicines and personal care products, such as soap, body wash, shampoo, dental hygiene and foot care products); and pet (including pet supplies and pet food).

Seasonal products include decorations, toys, batteries, small electronics, greeting cards, stationery, prepaid cell phones and accessories, gardening supplies, hardware, automotive and home office supplies.

Home products includes kitchen supplies, cookware, small appliances, light bulbs, storage containers, frames, candles, craft supplies and kitchen, bed and bath soft goods.

Apparel includes casual everyday apparel for infants, toddlers, girls, boys, women and men, as well as socks, underwear, disposable diapers, shoes and accessories.

The percentage of net sales of each of our four categories of merchandise for the fiscal years indicated below was as follows:


 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

Consumables

71.6

%

 

70.8

%

 

69.3

%

Seasonal

14.5

%

 

14.5

%

 

14.6

%

Home products

7.0

%

 

7.4

%

 

8.2

%

Apparel

6.9

%

 

7.3

%

 

7.9

%


Our home products and seasonal categories typically account for the highest gross profit margins, and the consumables category typically accounts for the lowest gross profit margin.

The Dollar General Store


The average Dollar General store has approximately 7,200 square feet of selling space and is typically operated by a manager, an assistant manager and three or more sales clerks. Approximately 58% of our stores are in freestanding buildings, 41% in strip shopping centers and 1% are in downtown buildings. Most of our customers live within three to five miles, or a 10 minute drive, of our stores. Our store strategy features low initial capital expenditures, limited maintenance capital, low occupancy and operating costs, and a focused merchandise offering within a broad range of categories, allowing us to deliver low retail prices while generating strong cash flows and investment returns. In 2010, the average cost of equipment and fixtures in our leased stores was approximately $165,000. Initial inventory, net of payables, increases the investment in a new store by approximately $75,000.



7



We generally have not encountered difficulty locating suitable store sites in the past. Given the size of the communities that we target, we believe that there is ample opportunity for new store growth in existing and new markets. In addition, the current real estate market is providing an opportunity for us to access higher quality sites at lower rates than in recent years. Also, we believe we have significant opportunities available for our relocation and remodel programs. We spend approximately $75,000 for equipment and fixtures to remodel a store and approximately $140,000 to relocate one. We remodeled or relocated 504 stores in 2010, 450 in 2009 and 404 in 2008.

Our recent store growth is summarized in the following table:


Year

Stores at
Beginning
of Year

Stores
Opened

Stores
Closed

Net
Store
Increase/(Decrease)

Stores at
End of Year

2008

8,194

207

39

168 

8,362

2009

8,362

500

34

466 

8,828

2010

8,828

600

56

544 

9,372

Our Customers

Our customers seek value and convenience. Depending on their financial situation and geographic proximity, customers’ reliance on Dollar General varies from fill-in shopping to periodic routine trips in order to stock up on household items, to weekly or more frequent trips to meet most essential needs. We believe that our value and convenience proposition attracts customers from a wide range of income brackets and life stages. In the last year, we have seen increases in the annual number of shopping trips that our customers make to Dollar General as well as the amount spent during each trip.

We continue to focus on the quality, selection and pricing of our merchandise, targeted advertising, improved store standards and site selection processes, among other initiatives, to attract new and retain existing customers.

Our Suppliers

We purchase merchandise from a wide variety of suppliers and maintain direct buying relationships with many producers of national brand merchandise, such as Procter & Gamble, Kimberly Clark, Unilever, Kellogg’s, General Mills, Nabisco, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. Despite our broad offering, we maintain only a limited number of SKUs per category, giving us a pricing advantage in dealing with our suppliers. Approximately 9% and 7% of our purchases in 2010 were from our largest and second largest suppliers, respectively. Our private brands come from a diversified supplier base. We directly imported approximately 8% of our purchases at cost (13% of our purchases at retail) in 2010. Our vendor arrangements generally provide for payment for such merchandise in U.S. dollars.

We have not experienced any difficulty in obtaining sufficient quantities of core merchandise and believe that, if one or more of our current sources of supply became unavailable, we would generally be able to obtain alternative sources without experiencing a substantial disruption of our business. However, such alternative sources could increase our



8



merchandise costs or reduce the quality of our merchandise, and an inability to obtain alternative sources could adversely affect our sales.

Distribution, Transportation and Inventory Management

Our stores are supported by nine distribution centers located strategically throughout our geographic footprint. Of these nine, we own six and lease the other three. We lease additional temporary warehouse space as necessary to support our distribution needs. To support our growth, we are in the process of constructing our tenth distribution center near Birmingham, Alabama. We expect this new distribution center to be operational in 2012. Over the past few years we have made significant investments in facilities, technological improvements and upgrades, and we continue to improve work processes, all of which increase our efficiency and ability to support our merchandising and operations initiatives as well as our new store growth. We continually analyze and rebalance the network to ensure that it remains efficient and provides the service our stores require. See ‘‘—Properties’’ for additional information pertaining to our distribution centers.

Most of our merchandise flows through our distributions centers and is delivered to our stores by third-party trucking firms, utilizing our trailers. Our agreements with these trucking firms are based on estimated costs of diesel fuel, with the difference in estimated and current market fuel costs passed through to us. The costs of diesel fuel are significantly influenced by international, political and economic circumstances, and have risen in recent months, including considerable increases in early 2011. If such increased prices remain in effect, or if further price increases were to arise for any reason, including fuel supply shortages or unusual price volatility, the resulting higher fuel prices could materially increase our transportation costs.


In addition, we believe that there remains opportunity to improve our inventory turns. Initiatives in process include operational efforts to optimize presentation levels and decrease excess quantities shipped to our stores. We continue to focus on SKU optimization in an attempt to ensure that we can meet our customers’ demands for our most popular products as well as for product assortment. We are also in the early stages of implementing an improved supply chain solution to assist in ordering, monitoring and tracking inventory from purchase order to receipt to maintain efficient levels of inventory. We turned our inventory approximately 5.2 times over the most recent four quarters.

Seasonality

Our business is seasonal to a certain extent. Generally, our highest sales volume occurs in the fourth quarter, which includes the Christmas selling season, and the lowest occurs in the first quarter. In addition, our quarterly results can be affected by the timing of new store openings and store closings, the amount of sales contributed by new and existing stores, as well as the timing of certain holidays. We purchase substantial amounts of inventory in the third quarter and incur higher shipping costs and higher payroll costs in anticipation of the increased sales activity during the fourth quarter. In addition, we carry merchandise during our fourth quarter that we do not carry during the rest of the year, such as gift sets, holiday decorations, certain baking items, and a broader assortment of toys and candy.



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The following table reflects the seasonality of net sales, gross profit, and net income (loss) by quarter for each of the quarters of our three most recent fiscal years. All of the quarters reflected below are comprised of 13 weeks.

(in millions)

1 st
Quarter

2 nd
Quarter

3 rd
Quarter

4 th
Quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended January 28, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

3,111.3 

$

3,214.2 

$

3,223.4 

$

3,486.1 

Gross profit

 

999.8 

 

1,036.0 

 

1,010.7 

 

1,130.2 

Net income

 

136.0 

 

141.2 

 

128.1 

 

222.5 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended January 29, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

2,779.9 

$

2,901.9 

$

2,928.8 

$

3,185.8 

Gross profit

 

855.4 

 

906.0 

 

903.1 

 

1,025.4 

Net income (a)

 

83.0 

 

93.6 

 

75.6 

 

87.2 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended January 30, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

2,403.5 

$

2,609.4 

$

2,598.9 

$

2,845.8 

Gross profit

 

693.1 

 

758.0 

 

772.3 

 

837.7 

Net income (loss) (b)

 

5.9 

 

27.7 

 

(7.3)

 

81.9 


(a)

Includes expenses, net of income taxes, of $82.9 million related to our initial public offering during the fourth quarter of 2009.

(b)

Includes expenses, net of income taxes, of $37.4 million related to the settlement of a shareholder lawsuit during the third quarter of 2008.


Our Competition

We operate in the basic discount consumer goods market, which is highly competitive with respect to price, store location, merchandise quality, assortment and presentation, in-stock consistency, and customer service. We compete with discount stores and with many other retailers, including mass merchandise, grocery, drug, convenience, variety and other specialty stores. These other retail companies operate stores in many of the areas where we operate, and many of them engage in extensive advertising and marketing efforts. Our direct competitors include Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Fred’s, 99 Cents Only and various local, independent operators, as well as Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Target and Costco, among others. Certain of our competitors have greater financial, distribution, marketing and other resources than we do.

We differentiate ourselves from other forms of retailing by offering consistently low prices in a convenient, small-store format. We believe that our prices are competitive due in part to our low cost operating structure and the relatively limited assortment of products offered. Historically, we have minimized labor by offering fewer price points and a reliance on simple merchandise presentation. Purchasing large volumes of merchandise within our focused assortment in each merchandise category allows us to keep our average costs low, contributing to our ability to offer competitive everyday low prices to our customers. See “—Our Business Model” above for further discussion of our competitive situation.



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Our Employees

As of February 25, 2011, we employed approximately 85,900 full-time and part-time employees, including divisional and regional managers, district managers, store managers, other store personnel and distribution center and administrative personnel. We have increasingly focused on recruiting, training, motivating and retaining employees, and we believe that the quality, performance and morale of our employees have increased as a result. We currently are not a party to any collective bargaining agreements.

Our Trademarks

We own marks that are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and are protected under applicable intellectual property laws, including without limitation the trademarks Dollar General®, Dollar General Market®, Clover Valley®, DG®, DG Guarantee®, Smart & Simple®, trueliving®, Sweet Smiles® and the Dollar General price point designs, along with variations and formatives of these trademarks as well as certain other trademarks. We attempt to obtain registration of our trademarks whenever practicable and to pursue vigorously any infringement of those marks. Our trademark registrations have various expiration dates; however, assuming that the trademark registrations are properly renewed, they have a perpetual duration.

We also hold licenses to use various trademarks owned by third parties, including an exclusive license to the Bobbie Brooks brand for clothing through March 31, 2011, with the option to renew such license on a year-to-year basis, a license to the Fisher Price brand for certain items of children’s clothing through December 31, 2013, and an exclusive license to the Rexall brand through March 5, 2020.

Available Information


Our Web site address is www.dollargeneral.com. We file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, proxy statements and annual reports to shareholders, and, from time to time, registration statements and other documents. These documents are available free of charge to investors on or through the Investor Information portion of our Web site as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with or furnish them to the SEC. In addition, the public may read and copy any of the materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers, such as Dollar General, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that Web site is http://www.sec.gov.



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ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risks described below and the other information contained in this report and other filings that we make from time to time with the SEC, including our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. In addition, the risks described below are not the only risks we face. Our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity could also be adversely affected by additional factors that apply to all companies generally, as well as other risks that are not currently known to us or that we currently view to be immaterial. While we attempt to mitigate known risks to the extent we believe to be practicable and reasonable, we can provide no assurance, and we make no representation, that our mitigation efforts will be successful.


Current economic conditions and other economic factors may adversely affect our financial performance and other aspects of our business.


We believe that many of our customers are on fixed or low incomes and generally have limited discretionary spending dollars. A further slowdown in the economy, or a delayed recovery, or other economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income, such as increased unemployment or underemployment levels, inflation, increases in fuel or other energy costs and interest rates, lack of available credit, consumer debt levels, higher tax rates and other changes in tax laws, and further erosion in consumer confidence, may adversely affect our business by reducing our customers’ spending or by causing them to shift their spending to products other than those sold by us or to products sold by us that are less profitable than other product choices, all of which could result in lower net sales, decreases in inventory turnover, greater markdowns on inventory, and a reduction in profitability due to lower margins. Many of those factors, as well as commodity rates, transportation costs (including the costs of diesel fuel), costs of labor, insurance and healthcare, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, lease costs, measures that create barriers to or increase the costs associated with international trade, changes in other laws and regulations and other economic factors, also affect our cost of goods sold and our selling, general and administrative expenses, which may adversely affect our sales or profitability. We have limited or no ability to control many of these factors. We saw product costs begin to escalate in our 2010 fourth quarter as a result of increases in the costs of certain commodities (including cotton, wheat, corn, sugar, coffee, resin), and increasing diesel fuel costs. We will be diligent in our efforts to keep product costs as low as possible in the face of these increases while still working to optimize gross profit and meet the needs of our customers.


In addition, many of the factors discussed above, along with current global economic conditions and uncertainties, the potential for additional failures or realignments of financial institutions, and the related impact on available credit may affect us and our suppliers and other business partners, landlords and service providers in an adverse manner including, but not limited to, reducing access to liquid funds or credit, increasing the cost of credit, limiting our ability to manage interest rate risk, increasing the risk of bankruptcy of our suppliers, landlords or counterparties to or other financial institutions involved in our credit facilities and our derivative and other contracts, increasing the cost of goods to us, and other adverse consequences which we are unable to fully anticipate or control.




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Our plans depend significantly on initiatives designed to increase sales and improve the efficiencies, costs and effectiveness of our operations, and failure to achieve or sustain these plans could affect our performance adversely.


We have initiatives (such as those relating to marketing, merchandising, promotions, sourcing, shrink, private brand, store operations and real estate) in various stages of testing, evaluation, and implementation, upon which we expect to rely to continue to improve our results of operations and financial condition and to achieve our financial plans. These initiatives are inherently risky and uncertain, even when tested successfully, in their application to our business in general. It is possible that successful testing can result partially from resources and attention that cannot be duplicated in broader implementation, particularly in light of the diverse geographic locations of our stores and the fact that our field management is so decentralized. General implementation also may be negatively affected by other risk factors described herein. Successful systemwide implementation relies on consistency of training, stability of workforce, ease of execution, and the absence of offsetting factors that can influence results adversely. Failure to achieve successful implementation of our initiatives or the cost of these initiatives exceeding management’s estimates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.


In addition, the success of our merchandising initiatives, particularly those with respect to non-consumable merchandise, depends in part upon our ability to predict consistently and successfully the products our customers will demand and to identify and timely respond to evolving trends in demographics and consumer preferences, expectations and needs. If we are unable to select products that are attractive to customers, to obtain such products at costs that allow us to sell them at a profit, or to effectively market such products, our sales, market share and profitability could be adversely affected. If our merchandising efforts in the non-consumables area are unsuccessful, we could be further adversely affected by our inability to offset the lower margins associated with our consumables business.


We face intense competition that could limit our growth opportunities and adversely impact our financial performance.


The retail business is highly competitive. We operate in the basic discount consumer goods market, which is competitive with respect to price, store location, merchandise quality, assortment and presentation, in-stock consistency, and customer service. This competitive environment subjects us to the risk of adverse impact to our financial performance because of the lower prices, and thus the lower margins, required to maintain our competitive position. Also, companies like ours operating in the basic discount consumer goods market (due to customer demographics and other factors) may have limited ability to increase prices in response to increased costs without losing competitive position. This limitation may adversely affect our margins and financial performance. We compete for customers, employees, store sites, products and services and in other important aspects of our business with many other local, regional and national retailers. We compete with retailers operating discount, mass merchandise, outlet, warehouse club, grocery, drug, convenience, variety and other specialty stores. Certain of our competitors have greater financial, distribution, marketing and other resources than we do and may be able to secure better arrangements with suppliers than we can. These other competitors



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compete in a variety of other ways, including aggressive promotional activities, merchandise selection and availability, services offered to customers, location, store hours, in-store amenities and price. If we fail to respond effectively to competitive pressures and changes in the retail markets, it could adversely affect our financial performance.


Competition for customers has intensified in recent years as larger competitors have moved into, or increased their presence in, our geographic markets. In addition, some of our large box competitors are or may be developing small box formats which may produce more competition. We remain vulnerable to the marketing power and high level of consumer recognition of these larger competitors and to the risk that these competitors or others could venture into our industry in a significant way. Generally, we expect an increase in competition.


Our private brands may not achieve or maintain broad market acceptance and increase the risks we face.


We have substantially increased the number of our private brand items, and the program is a sizable part of our future growth plans. We believe that our success in gaining and maintaining broad market acceptance of our private brands depends on many factors, including pricing, our costs, quality and customer perception. We may not achieve or maintain our expected sales for our private brands. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.


A significant disruption to our distribution network or to the timely receipt of inventory could adversely impact sales or increase our transportation costs, which would decrease our profits.


We rely on our distribution and transportation network to provide goods to our stores in a timely and cost-effective manner through deliveries to our distribution centers from vendors and then from the distribution centers or direct ship vendors to our stores by various means of transportation, including shipments by sea and truck. Any disruption, unanticipated expense or operational failure related to this process could affect store operations negatively. For example, unexpected delivery delays or increases in transportation costs (including through increased fuel costs or a decrease in transportation capacity for overseas shipments) could significantly decrease our ability to make sales and earn profits. In addition, labor shortages or work stoppages in the transportation industry or long-term disruptions to the national and international transportation infrastructure that lead to delays or interruptions of deliveries could negatively affect our business.


We maintain a network of distribution facilities and have plans to build new facilities to support our growth objectives. Delays in opening distribution centers could adversely affect our future operations by slowing store growth, which may in turn reduce revenue growth. In addition, the planned construction of a new distribution center in 2011, and any future distribution-related construction or expansion projects, entail risks which could cause delays and cost overruns, such as: shortages of materials; shortages of skilled labor or work stoppages; unforeseen construction, scheduling, engineering, environmental or geological problems; weather interference; fires or other casualty losses; and unanticipated cost increases. The



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completion date and ultimate cost of this or future projects could differ significantly from initial expectations due to construction-related or other reasons. We cannot guarantee that any project will be completed on time or within established budgets.


Rising fuel costs could materially adversely affect our business.


Fuel prices have risen considerably in recent months and are significantly influenced by international, political and economic circumstances. These increases pose a challenge to our continued priority of improving our gross profit rate. If such increased prices remain in effect, or if further price increases were to arise for any reason, including fuel supply shortages or unusual price volatility, the resulting higher fuel prices could materially increase our transportation costs, adversely affecting our gross profit and results of operations. In addition, competitive pressures in our industry may have the effect of inhibiting our ability to reflect these increased costs in the prices of our products. We will be diligent in our efforts to keep product costs as low as possible in the face of these increases while still working to optimize gross profit and meet the needs of our customers.


Risks associated with or faced by the domestic and foreign suppliers from whom our products are sourced could adversely affect our financial performance.


The products we sell are sourced from a wide variety of domestic and international suppliers. In fact, our largest supplier accounted for 9% of our purchases in 2010, and our next largest supplier accounted for approximately 7% of such purchases. We have not experienced any difficulty in obtaining sufficient quantities of core merchandise and believe that, if one or more of our current sources of supply became unavailable, we would generally be able to obtain alternative sources without experiencing a substantial disruption of our business. However, such alternative sources could increase our merchandise costs and reduce the quality of our merchandise, and an inability to obtain alternative sources could adversely affect our sales.


We directly imported approximately 8% of our purchases (measured at cost) in 2010, but many of our domestic vendors directly import their products or components of their products. Changes to the prices and flow of these goods for any reason, such as political and economic instability in the countries in which foreign suppliers are located, the financial instability of suppliers, suppliers’ failure to meet our standards, issues with labor practices of our suppliers or labor problems they may experience (such as strikes), the availability and cost of raw materials to suppliers, merchandise quality or safety issues, currency exchange rates, transport availability and cost, inflation, and other factors relating to the suppliers and the countries in which they are located or from which they import, are beyond our control and could adversely affect our operations and profitability. Because a substantial amount of our imported merchandise comes from China, a change in the Chinese currency or other policies could negatively impact our merchandise costs. In addition, the United States’ foreign trade policies, tariffs and other impositions on imported goods, trade sanctions imposed on certain countries, the limitation on the importation of certain types of goods or of goods containing certain materials from other countries and other factors relating to foreign trade are beyond our control. Disruptions due to labor stoppages, strikes or slowdowns, or other disruptions involving our vendors or the transportation and handling industries also may negatively affect our ability to receive



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merchandise and thus may negatively affect sales. These and other factors affecting our suppliers and our access to products could adversely affect our financial performance. As we increase our imports of merchandise from foreign vendors, the risks associated with foreign imports will increase.


Product liability and food safety claims could adversely affect our business, reputation and financial performance.


Despite our best efforts to ensure the quality and safety of the products we sell, we may be subject to product liability claims from customers or penalties from government agencies relating to products, including food products, that are recalled, defective or otherwise alleged to be harmful. Such claims may result from tampering by unauthorized third parties, product contamination or spoilage, including the presence of foreign objects, substances, chemicals, other agents, or residues introduced during the growing, storage, handling and transportation phases. All of our vendors and their products must comply with applicable product and food safety laws. We generally seek contractual indemnification and insurance coverage from our suppliers. However, if we do not have adequate contractual indemnification and/or insurance available, such claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our ability to obtain indemnification from foreign suppliers may be hindered by the manufacturers’ lack of understanding of U.S. product liability or other laws, which may make it more likely that we be required to respond to claims or complaints from customers as if we were the manufacturer of the products. Even with adequate insurance and indemnification, such claims could significantly damage our reputation and consumer confidence in our products. Our litigation expenses could increase as well, which also could have a materially negative impact on our results of operations even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued.


We are subject to governmental regulations, procedures and requirements. A significant change in, or noncompliance with, these regulations could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.


Our business is subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations. We routinely incur costs in complying with these regulations. New laws or regulations, particularly those dealing with healthcare reform, product safety, and labor and employment, among others, or changes in existing laws and regulations, particularly those governing the sale of products, may result in significant added expenses or may require extensive system and operating changes that may be difficult to implement and/or could materially increase our cost of doing business. In addition, such changes or new laws may require the write off and disposal of existing product inventory, resulting in significant adverse financial impact to us. Untimely compliance or noncompliance with applicable regulations or untimely or incomplete execution of a required product recall can result in the imposition of penalties, including loss of licenses or significant fines or monetary penalties, in addition to reputational damage.



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Litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.


Our business is subject to the risk of litigation by employees, consumers, suppliers, competitors, shareholders, government agencies and others through private actions, class actions, administrative proceedings, regulatory actions or other litigation. The number of employment-related class actions filed each year has continued to increase, and recent changes and proposed changes in Federal and state laws may cause claims to rise even more. The outcome of litigation, particularly class action lawsuits, regulatory actions and intellectual property claims, is difficult to assess or quantify. Plaintiffs in these types of lawsuits may seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts, and the magnitude of the potential loss relating to these lawsuits may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. In addition, certain of these lawsuits, if decided adversely to us or settled by us, may result in liability material to our financial statements as a whole or may negatively affect our operating results if changes to our business operation are required. The cost to defend future litigation may be significant. There also may be adverse publicity associated with litigation that could negatively affect customer perception of our business, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are ultimately found liable. As a result, litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further details regarding certain of these pending matters.


If we cannot open new stores profitably and on schedule, our planned future growth will be impeded, which would adversely affect sales.


Our ability to open profitable new stores is a key component of our planned future growth. Our ability to timely open such stores and to expand into additional market areas depends in part on the following factors: the availability of attractive store locations; the absence of occupancy delays; the ability to negotiate acceptable lease and development terms; the ability to hire and train new personnel, especially store managers, in a cost effective manner; the ability to identify customer demand in different geographic areas; general economic conditions; and the availability of sufficient funds for expansion. Many of these factors affect our ability to successfully relocate stores, and many of them are beyond our control. In addition, our credit ratings, combined with tighter lending practices, have made financing more challenging for our real estate developers in today’s market. These unfavorable lending trends could potentially impact the timing of our store openings and build-to-suit program.

 

Delays or failures in opening new stores, or achieving lower than expected sales in new stores, or drawing a greater than expected proportion of sales in new stores away from existing stores, could materially adversely affect our growth and/or profitability. In addition, we may not anticipate all of the challenges imposed by the expansion of our operations and, as a result, may not meet our targets for opening new stores, remodeling or relocating stores or expanding profitably.


Some of our new stores may be located in areas where we have little or no meaningful experience or brand recognition. Those markets may have different competitive conditions, market conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns than our existing



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markets, which may cause our new stores to be less successful than stores in our existing markets.


Many of our new stores will be located in areas where we have existing units. Although we have experience in these markets, increasing the number of locations in these markets may result in inadvertent over-saturation of markets and temporarily or permanently divert customers and sales from our existing stores, thereby adversely affecting our overall financial performance.


Natural disasters (whether or not caused by climate change), unusual weather conditions, pandemic outbreaks, terrorist acts, and global political events could cause permanent or temporary distribution center or store closures, impair our ability to purchase, receive or replenish inventory, or decrease customer traffic, all of which could result in lost sales and otherwise adversely affect our financial performance.


The occurrence of one or more natural disasters, such as hurricanes, fires, floods, and earthquakes (whether or not caused by climate change), unusual weather conditions, pandemic outbreaks, terrorist acts or disruptive global political events, such as civil unrest in countries in which our suppliers are located, or similar disruptions could adversely affect our operations and financial performance. To the extent these events result in the closure of one or more of our distribution centers, a significant number of stores, or our corporate headquarters or impact one or more of our key suppliers, our operations and financial performance could be materially adversely affected through an inability to make deliveries or provide other support functions to our stores and through lost sales. In addition, these events could result in increases in fuel (or other energy) prices or a fuel shortage, delays in opening new stores, the temporary lack of an adequate work force in a market, the temporary or long-term disruption in the supply of products from some domestic and overseas suppliers, the temporary disruption in the transport of goods from overseas, delay in the delivery of goods to our distribution centers or stores, the temporary reduction in the availability of products in our stores and disruption of our utility services or to our information systems. These events also can have indirect consequences such as increases in the costs of insurance if they result in significant loss of property or other insurable damage.


Material damage to, or interruptions to, our information systems as a result of external factors, staffing shortages and difficulties in updating our existing technology or developing or implementing new technology could have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.


We depend on a variety of information technology systems for the efficient functioning of our business. Such systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, security breaches and natural disasters. Damage or interruption to these systems may require a significant investment to fix or replace them, and we may suffer interruptions in our operations in the interim. Any material interruptions may have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.


We also rely heavily on our information technology staff. Failure to meet these staffing needs may negatively affect our ability to fulfill our technology initiatives while continuing to provide maintenance on existing systems. We rely on certain vendors to maintain and



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periodically upgrade many of these systems so that they can continue to support our business. The software programs supporting many of our systems were licensed to us by independent software developers. The inability of these developers or us to continue to maintain and upgrade these information systems and software programs would disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations if we were unable to convert to alternate systems in an efficient and timely manner. In addition, costs and potential problems and interruptions associated with the implementation of new or upgraded systems and technology, such as the implementation of our new supply chain solution, or with maintenance or adequate support of existing systems could also disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations.

Failure to attract and retain qualified employees, particularly field, store and distribution center managers, and to control labor costs, as well as other labor issues, could adversely affect our financial performance.


Our future growth and performance depends on our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified employees, many of whom are in positions with historically high rates of turnover such as field managers and distribution center managers. Our ability to meet our labor needs, while controlling our labor costs, is subject to many external factors, including competition for and availability of qualified personnel in a given market, unemployment levels within those markets, prevailing wage rates, minimum wage laws, health and other insurance costs, and changes in employment and labor laws (including changes in the process for our employees to join a union) or other workplace regulation (including changes in entitlement programs such as health insurance and paid leave programs). To the extent a significant portion of our employee base unionizes, or attempts to unionize, our labor costs could increase. In addition, we are evaluating the potential future impact of recently enacted comprehensive healthcare reform legislation, which will likely cause our healthcare costs to increase. While the significant costs of the healthcare reform legislation will occur after 2013 due to provisions of the legislation being phased in over time, changes to our healthcare costs structure could have a significant negative effect on our business. Our ability to pass along labor costs to our customers is constrained by our low price model.


Our profitability may be negatively affected by inventory shrinkage.


We are subject to the risk of inventory loss and theft. We experience significant inventory shrinkage, and we cannot assure you that incidences of inventory loss and theft will decrease in the future or that the measures we are taking will effectively address the problem of inventory shrinkage. Although some level of inventory shrinkage is an unavoidable cost of doing business, if we were to experience higher rates of inventory shrinkage or incur increased security costs to combat inventory theft, our financial condition could be affected adversely.


Our cash flows from operations may be negatively affected if we are not successful in managing our inventory balances.


Our inventory balance represented approximately 45% of our total assets exclusive of goodwill and other intangible assets as of January 28, 2011. Efficient inventory management is a key component of our business success and profitability. To be successful, we must maintain sufficient inventory levels to meet our customers’ demands without allowing those levels to



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increase to such an extent that the costs to store and hold the goods unduly impacts our financial results. If our buying decisions do not accurately predict customer trends or purchasing actions, we may have to take unanticipated markdowns to dispose of the excess inventory, which also can adversely impact our financial results. We continue to focus on ways to reduce these risks, but we cannot assure you that we will be successful in our inventory management. If we are not successful in managing our inventory balances, our cash flows from operations may be negatively affected.


Because our business is seasonal to a certain extent, with the highest volume of net sales during the fourth quarter, adverse events during the fourth quarter could materially affect our financial statements as a whole.


We generally recognize our highest volume of net sales during the Christmas selling season, which occurs in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. In anticipation of this holiday, we purchase substantial amounts of seasonal inventory and hire many temporary employees. An excess of seasonal merchandise inventory could result if our net sales during the Christmas selling season were to fall below either seasonal norms or expectations. If our fourth quarter sales results were substantially below expectations, our financial performance and operating results could be adversely affected by unanticipated markdowns, especially in seasonal merchandise. Lower than anticipated sales in the Christmas selling season would also negatively affect our ability to absorb the increased seasonal labor costs.


Our current insurance program may expose us to unexpected costs and negatively affect our financial performance.


Our insurance coverage reflects deductibles, self-insured retentions, limits of liability and similar provisions that we believe are prudent based on the dispersion of our operations. However, there are types of losses we may incur but against which we cannot be insured or which we believe are not economically reasonable to insure, such as losses due to acts of war, employee and certain other crime and some natural disasters. If we incur these losses and they are material, our business could suffer. Certain material events may result in sizable losses for the insurance industry and adversely impact the availability of adequate insurance coverage or result in excessive premium increases. To offset negative insurance market trends, we may elect to self-insure, accept higher deductibles or reduce the amount of coverage in response to these market changes. In addition, we self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our workers’ compensation, automobile liability, general liability and group health insurance programs. Unanticipated changes in any applicable actuarial assumptions and management estimates underlying our recorded liabilities for these losses, including expected increases in medical and indemnity costs, could result in materially different expenses than expected under these programs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we are evaluating the potential future impact of recently enacted comprehensive healthcare reform legislation, which may cause our healthcare costs to increase. Although we continue to maintain property insurance for catastrophic events at our store support center and distribution centers, we are effectively self-insured for other property losses. If we experience a greater number of these losses than we anticipate, our financial performance could be adversely affected.



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If we fail to protect our brand name, competitors may adopt tradenames that dilute the value of our brand name.


We may be unable or unwilling to strictly enforce our trademarks in each jurisdiction in which we do business. Also, we may not always be able to successfully enforce our trademarks against competitors, or against challenges by others. Our failure to successfully protect our trademarks could diminish the value and efficacy of our brand recognition, and could cause customer confusion, which could, in turn, adversely affect our sales and profitability.


Our success depends on our executive officers and other key personnel. If we lose key personnel or are unable to hire additional qualified personnel, our business may be harmed.


Our future success depends to a significant degree on the skills, experience and efforts of our executive officers and other key personnel. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers, particularly Richard W. Dreiling, our Chief Executive Officer, could have a material adverse effect on our operations. Our future success will also depend on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and a failure to attract and retain new qualified personnel could have an adverse effect on our operations. We do not currently maintain key person life insurance policies with respect to our executive officers or key personnel.


We face risks related to protection of customers’ credit and debt card data and private data relating to us or our customers or employees.

In connection with credit card sales, we transmit confidential credit and debit card information. We also have access to, collect or maintain private or confidential information regarding our customers and employees, as well as our business. We have procedures and technology in place to safeguard our customers’ debit and credit card information, our employees’ private data, and our confidential business information. However, third parties may have the technology or know-how to breach the security of this information, and our security measures and those of our technology vendors may not effectively prohibit others from obtaining improper access to this information. A security breach of any kind could expose us to risks of data loss, litigation, government enforcement actions and costly response measures, and could seriously disrupt our operations. Any resulting negative publicity could significantly harm our reputation which could cause us to lose market share and have an adverse effect in our financial results.


While we have reduced our debt levels since 2007, we continue to have substantial debt that will need to be repaid or refinanced at or prior to applicable maturity dates which could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations and limit our ability to pursue our growth strategy or other opportunities or to react to changes in the economy or our industry.


At January 28, 2011, we had total outstanding debt (including the current portion of long-term obligations) of $3.29 billion, including a $1.964 billion senior secured term loan facility which matures on July 6, 2014, $864.3 million aggregate principal amount of 10.625% senior notes due 2015 and $450.7 million aggregate principal amount of 11.875% / 12.625% senior



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subordinated toggle notes due 2017. We also had an additional $959.3 million available for borrowing under our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility of up to $1.031 billion, which matures July 6, 2013. This level of debt and our ability to repay or refinance this debt prior to maturity could have important negative consequences to our business, including:


·

increasing our vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions because our debt payment obligations may limit our ability to use our cash to respond to or defend against changes in the industry or the economy;

·

requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, therefore reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities or pay dividends;

·

limiting our ability to pursue our growth strategy;

·

placing us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors who are less highly leveraged and may be better able to use their cash flow to fund competitive responses to changing industry, market or economic conditions;

·

limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes; and

·

increasing the difficulty of our ability to make payments on our outstanding debt.


Our variable rate debt exposes us to interest rate risk which could adversely affect our cash flow.


The borrowings under the term loan facility and the senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility comprise our credit facilities and bear interest at variable rates. Other debt we incur also could be variable rate debt. If market interest rates increase, variable rate debt will create higher debt service requirements, which could adversely affect our cash flow. While we have entered and may in the future enter into agreements limiting our exposure to higher interest rates, any such agreements may not offer complete protection from this risk.

Our debt agreements contain restrictions that could limit our flexibility in operating our business.


Our credit facilities and the indentures governing our notes contain various covenants that could limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions. These covenants limit our and our restricted subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:

·

incur additional indebtedness, issue disqualified stock or issue certain preferred stock;

·

pay dividends and make certain distributions, investments and other restricted payments;

·

create certain liens or encumbrances;

·

sell assets;

·

enter into transactions with our affiliates;

·

allow payments to us by our restricted subsidiaries;

·

merge, consolidate, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and



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·

designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.


A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the agreement governing such indebtedness. Upon our failure to maintain compliance with these covenants, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding thereunder to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit thereunder. If the lenders under such indebtedness accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we cannot assure you that we will have sufficient assets to repay those borrowings, as well as our other indebtedness, including our outstanding notes. We have pledged a significant portion of our assets as collateral under our credit facilities. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under our credit facilities could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. Additional borrowings under the senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility will, if excess availability under that facility is less than a certain amount, be subject to the satisfaction of a specified financial ratio. Accordingly, our ability to access the full availability under our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility may be constrained. Our ability to meet this financial ratio can be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will meet this ratio, if applicable, and other covenants.


New accounting guidance or changes in the interpretation or application of existing accounting guidance could adversely affect our financial performance.


The implementation of proposed new accounting standards may require extensive systems, internal process and other changes that could increase our operating costs, and may also result in changes to our financial statements. In particular, the implementation of expected future accounting standards related to leases, as currently being contemplated by the convergence project between the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB"), as well as the possible adoption of international financial reporting standards by U.S. registrants, could require us to make significant changes to our lease management, fixed asset, and other accounting systems, and in all likelihood would result in changes to our financial statements.


U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and related accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines and interpretations with regard to a wide range of matters that are relevant to our business involve many subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments by our management. Changes in these rules or their interpretation or changes in underlying assumptions, estimates or judgments by our management could significantly change our reported or expected financial performance. The outcome of such changes could include litigation or regulatory actions which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (“KKR”), certain affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (the “GS Investors”), and other equity co-investors (collectively, the "Investors") have significant influence over us, including control over decisions that require the approval of shareholders, which could limit your ability to influence the outcome of key transactions, including a change of control.


We are controlled by the Investors. The Investors have an indirect interest in approximately 71% of our outstanding common stock through their investment in Buck



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Holdings, L.P. In addition, the Investors have the ability to elect our entire Board of Directors. As a result, the Investors have control over our decisions to enter into any corporate transaction and the ability to prevent any transaction that requires shareholder approval regardless of whether others believe that the transaction is in our best interests. As long as the Investors continue to have an indirect interest in a majority of our outstanding common stock, they will have the ability to control the vote in any election of directors. In addition, pursuant to a shareholders’ agreement that we entered into with Buck Holdings, L.P., KKR and the GS Investors, KKR has a consent right over certain significant corporate actions and KKR and the GS Investors have certain rights to appoint directors to our Board and its committees.


The Investors are also in the business of making investments in companies and may from time to time acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. The Investors may also pursue acquisition opportunities that are complementary to our business, and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. So long as the Investors, or other funds controlled by or associated with the Investors, continue to indirectly own a significant amount of our outstanding common stock, even if such amount is less than 50%, the Investors will continue to be able to strongly influence or effectively control our decisions. The concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change of control of our company, could deprive shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a sale of our company and might ultimately affect the market price of our common stock.


If we, the Investors or other significant shareholders sell shares of our common stock, the market price of our common stock could decline.


The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of common stock in the market, or the perception that such sales could occur. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to issue equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate. As of January 28, 2011, we had approximately 341.5 million shares of common stock outstanding, of which less than 29% were freely tradable on the New York Stock Exchange.


Pursuant to shareholders agreements, we have granted the Investors the right to cause us, in certain instances, at our expense, to file registration statements under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, covering resales of our common stock held by them or to piggyback on a registration statement in certain circumstances. Certain members of management hold similar piggyback registration rights. Collectively, these shares represent approximately 71% of our outstanding common stock. To the extent that such registration rights are exercised, the resulting sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock into the market could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. These shares also may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, depending on their holding period and subject to restrictions in the case of shares held by persons deemed to be our affiliates.


ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS


None.



24




ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES


As of February 25, 2011, we operated 9,414 retail stores located in 35 states as follows:


State

Number of Stores

 

State

Number of Stores

Alabama

512

 

 

Nebraska

79

 

Arizona

61

 

 

New Jersey

44

 

Arkansas

268

 

 

New Mexico

46

 

Colorado

27

 

 

New York

245

 

Delaware

29

 

 

North Carolina

536

 

Florida

505

 

 

Ohio

510

 

Georgia

541

 

 

Oklahoma

295

 

Illinois

352

 

 

Pennsylvania

421

 

Indiana

358

 

 

South Carolina

375

 

Iowa

169

 

 

South Dakota

12

 

Kansas

173

 

 

Tennessee

489

 

Kentucky

363

 

 

Texas

1,081

 

Louisiana

369

 

 

Utah

8

 

Maryland

72

 

 

Vermont

11

 

Michigan

270

 

 

Virginia

265

 

Minnesota

16

 

 

West Virginia

161

 

Mississippi

310

 

 

Wisconsin

93

 

Missouri

348

 

 

 

 

 

Most of our stores are located in leased premises. Individual store leases vary as to their terms, rental provisions and expiration dates. Many stores are subject to build-to-suit arrangements with landlords, which typically carry a primary lease term of 10-15 years with multiple renewal options. We also have stores subject to shorter-term leases (usually with initial or current terms of three to five years), and many of these leases have multiple renewal options as well. In recent years, an increasing percentage of our new stores have been subject to build-to-suit arrangements, including approximately 72% of our new stores in 2010.


As of February 25, 2011, we operated nine distribution centers, as described in the following table:


Location

Year
Opened

Approximate Square
Footage

 

Approximate Number of Stores Served

Scottsville, KY

1959

720,000

 

 

949

 

Ardmore, OK

1994

1,310,000

 

 

1,402

 

South Boston, VA

1997

1,250,000

 

 

895

 

Indianola, MS

1998

820,000

 

 

809

 

Fulton, MO

1999

1,150,000

 

 

1,273

 

Alachua, FL

2000

980,000

 

 

876

 

Zanesville, OH

2001

1,170,000

 

 

1,229

 

Jonesville, SC

2005

1,120,000

 

 

981

 

Marion, IN

2006

1,110,000

 

 

1,000

 


We lease the distribution centers located in Oklahoma, Mississippi and Missouri and own the other six distribution centers. Approximately 7.25 acres of the land on which our Kentucky distribution center is located is subject to a ground lease. As of January 28, 2011, we leased



25



approximately 600,000 square feet of additional temporary warehouse space to support our distribution needs.

Our executive offices are located in approximately 302,000 square feet of buildings in Goodlettsville, Tennessee which are owned by us.


ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


The information contained in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements under the heading “Legal proceedings” contained in Part II, Item 8 of this report is incorporated herein by this reference.



26



EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT


Information regarding our current executive officers as of March 22, 2011 is set forth below. Each of our executive officers serves at the discretion of our Board of Directors and is elected annually by the Board to serve until a successor is duly elected. There are no familial relationships between any of our directors or executive officers.

Name

 

Age

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Richard W. Dreiling

 

57

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

David M. Tehle

 

54

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Kathleen R. Guion

 

59

 

Executive Vice President, Division President, Store Operations and Store Development

Todd Vasos

 

49

 

Executive Vice President, Division President and Chief Merchandising Officer

John W. Flanigan

 

59

 

Executive Vice President, Global Supply Chain

Susan S. Lanigan

 

48

 

Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Robert D. Ravener

 

52

 

Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer

Anita C. Elliott

 

46

 

Senior Vice President and Controller


Mr. Dreiling joined Dollar General in January 2008 as Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board. He was appointed Chairman of the Board on December 2, 2008. Prior to joining Dollar General, Mr. Dreiling served as Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of Duane Reade Holdings, Inc. and Duane Reade Inc., the largest drugstore chain in New York City, from November 2005 until January 2008 and as Chairman of the Board of Duane Reade from March 2007 until January 2008. Prior to that, Mr. Dreiling, beginning in March 2005, served as Executive Vice President—Chief Operating Officer of Longs Drug Stores Corporation, an operator of a chain of retail drug stores on the West Coast and Hawaii, after having joined Longs in July 2003 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. From 2000 to 2003, Mr. Dreiling served as Executive Vice President—Marketing, Manufacturing and Distribution at Safeway, Inc., a food and drug retailer. Prior to that, Mr. Dreiling served from 1998 to 2000 as President of Vons, a Southern California food and drug division of Safeway.


Mr. Tehle joined Dollar General in June 2004 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He served from 1997 to June 2004 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Haggar Corporation, a manufacturing, marketing and retail corporation. From 1996 to 1997, he was Vice President of Finance for a division of The Stanley Works, one of the world's largest manufacturers of tools, and from 1993 to 1996, he was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hat Brands, Inc., a hat manufacturer. Earlier in his career, Mr. Tehle served in a variety of financial-related roles at Ryder System, Inc. and Texas Instruments. Mr. Tehle currently serves as a director of Jack in the Box, Inc.


Ms. Guion joined Dollar General in October 2003 as Executive Vice President, Store Operations. She was named Executive Vice President, Store Operations and Store Development in February 2005, and was promoted to Executive Vice President, Division President, Store


27



Operations and Store Development in November 2005. From 2000 until joining Dollar General, Ms. Guion served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Duke and Long Distributing Company. Prior to that time, she served as an operating partner for Devon Partners (1999-2000), where she developed operating plans and assisted in the identification of acquisition targets in the convenience store industry, and as President and Chief Operating Officer of E-Z Serve Corporation (1997-1998), an owner/operator of convenience stores, mini-marts and gas marts. From 1987 to 1997, Ms. Guion served as the Vice President and General Manager of the largest division (Chesapeake Division) of company-owned stores at 7-Eleven, Inc., a convenience store chain. Other positions held by Ms. Guion during her tenure at 7-Eleven include District Manager, Zone Manager, Operations Manager, and Division Manager (Midwest Division).


Mr. Vasos joined Dollar General in December 2008 as Executive Vice President, Division President and Chief Merchandising Officer. Prior to joining Dollar General, Mr. Vasos served in executive positions with Longs Drug Stores Corporation for 7 years, including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (February 2008 through November 2008) and Senior Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer (2001-2008), where he was responsible for all pharmacy and front-end marketing, merchandising, procurement, supply chain, advertising, store development, store layout and space allocation, and the operation of three distribution centers. He also previously served in leadership positions at Phar-Mor Food and Drug Inc. and Eckerd Drug Corp.


Mr. Flanigan joined Dollar General as Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain, in May 2008. He was promoted to Executive Vice President in March 2010. He has 25 years of management experience in retail logistics. Prior to joining Dollar General, he was group vice president of logistics and distribution for Longs Drug Stores Corporation from October 2005 to April 2008. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing warehousing, inbound and outbound transportation and facility maintenance to service over 500 retail outlets. From September 2001 to October 2005 he served as the Vice President of Logistics for Safeway Inc. where he oversaw distribution of food products from Safeway distribution centers to all retail outlets, inbound traffic and transportation. He also held distribution and logistics leadership positions at Vons—a Safeway company, Specialized Distribution Management Inc., and Crum & Crum Logistics.


Ms. Lanigan joined Dollar General in July 2002 as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. She was promoted to Senior Vice President in October 2003 and to Executive Vice President in March 2005. Prior to joining Dollar General, Ms. Lanigan served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Zale Corporation, a specialty retailer of fine jewelry. During her six years with Zale, Ms. Lanigan held various positions, including Associate General Counsel. Prior to that, she held legal positions with both Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and the law firm of Troutman Sanders LLP.


Mr. Ravener joined Dollar General as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer in August 2008. He was promoted to Executive Vice President in March 2010. Prior to joining Dollar General, he served in human resources executive roles with Starbucks Coffee Company from September 2005 until August 2008 as both Senior Vice President of U.S. Partner Resources and as the Vice President, Partner Resources—Eastern Division. As the Senior Vice President of U.S. Partner Resources at Starbucks, Mr. Ravener oversaw all aspects of human resources


28



activity for more than 10,000 stores. Prior to serving at Starbucks, Mr. Ravener held Vice President of Human Resources roles for The Home Depot's Store Support Center and a domestic field division from April 2003 to September 2005. Mr. Ravener also served in executive roles in both human resources and operations at Footstar, Inc. and roles of increasing leadership at PepsiCo.


Ms. Elliott joined Dollar General as Senior Vice President and Controller in August 2005. Prior to joining Dollar General, she served as Vice President and Controller of Big Lots, Inc., a closeout retailer, from May 2001 to August 2005. Overseeing a staff of 140 employees at Big Lots, she was responsible for accounting operations, financial reporting and internal audit. Prior to serving at Big Lots, she served as Vice President and Controller for Jitney-Jungle Stores of America, Inc., a grocery retailer, from April 1998 to March 2001. At Jitney-Jungle, Ms. Elliott was responsible for the accounting operations and the internal and external financial reporting functions. Prior to serving at Jitney-Jungle, she practiced public accounting for 12 years, 6 of which were with Ernst & Young LLP.



PART II


ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


Market Information


Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “DG.” There was no established public trading market for our common stock after our merger that occurred on July 6, 2007 until our initial public offering of our common stock (“IPO”) on November 13, 2009. The range of the high and low sales prices of our common stock during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system, were $24.90 (high) and $21.75 (low). The high and low sales prices during fiscal 2010 were as follows:


2010

 

First
Quarter

 

Second
Quarter

 

Third
Quarter

 

Fourth
Quarter

High

 

$

29.91

 

 

$

31.41

 

 

$

30.20

 

 

$

33.73

 

Low

 

$

21.30

 

 

$

26.61

 

 

$

26.64

 

 

$

27.29

 


Our stock price at the close of the market on March 16, 2011, was $29.78. There were approximately 1,044 shareholders of record of our common stock as of March 16, 2011.


Dividends


We have not declared or paid recurring dividends since prior to our 2007 merger. However, prior to our IPO, on September 8, 2009, our Board of Directors declared a special dividend on our outstanding common stock of approximately $239.3 million in the aggregate. The special dividend was paid on September 11, 2009 to shareholders of record on September 8,



29



2009 with cash generated from operations. We have no current plans to pay any cash dividends on our common stock and instead may retain earnings, if any, for future operation and expansion and debt repayment. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to pay dividends is limited by covenants in our Credit Facilities and in the indentures governing our outstanding 10.625% senior notes due 2015 (the “Senior Notes”) and 11.875%/12.625% senior subordinated toggle notes due 2017 (the “Senior Subordinated Notes” and, collectively with the Senior Notes, the “Notes”). See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of this report for a description of restrictions on our ability to pay dividends.


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table contains information regarding purchases of our common stock made during the quarter ended January 28, 2011 by or on behalf of Dollar General or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined by Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:


Period

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (a)

 

Average
Price Paid
per Share

 

Total Number
of Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs

 

Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs

10/30/10-11/30/10

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

-

 

-

12/01/10-12/31/10

 

11,270

 

 

$

29.34

 

-

 

-

1/1/11-1/28/11

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

-

 

-

Total

 

11,270

 

 

$

29.34

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)  Represents shares repurchased from employees pursuant to the terms of management stockholder’s agreements.




30




ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial information of Dollar General Corporation as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The selected historical statement of operations data and statement of cash flows data for the fiscal years ended January 28, 2011, January 29, 2010 and January 30, 2009, and balance sheet data as of January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, have been derived from our historical audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. The selected historical statement of operations data and statement of cash flows data for the fiscal years or periods, as applicable, ended February 1, 2008, July 6, 2007 and February 2, 2007 and balance sheet data as of January 30, 2009, February 1, 2008 and February 2, 2007 presented in this table have been derived from audited consolidated financial statements not included in this report.


We completed a merger with Buck Acquisition Corp. (“BAC”) on July 6, 2007, and, as a result, we are majority owned by a Delaware limited partnership controlled by investment funds affiliated with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. As a result of the merger, the related purchase accounting adjustments, and a new basis of accounting beginning on July 7, 2007, the 2007 financial reporting periods presented below include the Predecessor period of the Company reflecting 22 weeks of operating results from February 3, 2007 to July 6, 2007 and 30 weeks of operating results for the Successor period, reflecting the merger from July 7, 2007 to February 1, 2008. BAC’s results of operations for the period from March 6, 2007 to July 6, 2007 (prior to the merger on July 6, 2007) are also included in the consolidated financial statements for the 2007 Successor period described above, as a result of certain derivative financial instruments entered into by BAC prior to the merger. Other than these financial instruments, BAC had no assets, liabilities, or operations prior to the merger. The 2006 fiscal year presented reflects the Predecessor.


Due to the significance of the merger and related transactions that occurred in 2007, the 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007 Successor financial information is not comparable to that of the Predecessor periods presented in the accompanying table.


The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified by reference to, the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in Part II, Item 8 of this report and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Part II, Item 7 of this report.




31






 

Successor

Predecessor

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

Year Ended

(Amounts in millions, excluding per share data, number of stores, selling square feet, and net sales per square foot)

 

January 28,
2011

 

January 29,
2010

 

January 30,
2009

 

March 6,
2007
through
February 1,
2008(1)(2)

 

February 3,
2007
through
July 6,
2007(2)

 

February 2,
2007(2)

Statement of Operations Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

13,035.0 

$

11,796.4 

$

10,457.7 

$

5,571.5 

$

3,923.8 

$

9,169.8 

Cost of goods sold

 

8,858.4 

 

8,106.5 

 

7,396.6 

 

3,999.6 

 

2,852.2 

 

6,801.6 

Gross profit

 

4,176.6 

 

3,689.9 

 

3,061.1 

 

1,571.9 

 

1,071.6 

 

2,368.2 

Selling, general and
administrative expenses

 

2,902.5 

 

2,736.6 

 

2,448.6 

 

1,324.5 

 

960.9 

 

2,119.9 

Litigation settlement and related costs, net

 

 

 

32.0 

 

 

 

Transaction and related costs

 

 

 

 

1.2 

 

101.4 

 

Operating profit

 

1,274.1 

 

953.3 

 

580.5 

 

246.1 

 

9.2 

 

248.3 

Interest income

 

(0.2)

 

(0.1)

 

(3.1)

 

(3.8)

 

(5.0)

 

(7.0)

Interest expense

 

274.2 

 

345.7 

 

391.9 

 

252.9 

 

10.3 

 

34.9 

Other (income) expense

 

15.1 

 

55.5 

 

(2.8)

 

3.6 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

985.0 

 

552.1 

 

194.4 

 

(6.6)

 

4.0 

 

220.4 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

357.1 

 

212.7 

 

86.2 

 

(1.8)

 

12.0 

 

82.4 

Net income (loss)

$

627.9 

$

339.4 

$

108.2 

$

(4.8)

$

(8.0)

$

137.9 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share – basic

$

1.84 

$

1.05 

$

0.34 

$

(0.02)

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share - diluted

 

1.82 

 

1.04 

 

0.34 

 

(0.02)

 

 

 

 

Dividends per share

 

 

0.7525 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Cash Flows Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

$

824.7 

$

672.8 

$

575.2 

$

239.6 

$

201.9 

$

405.4 

Investing activities

 

(418.9)

 

(248.0)

 

(152.6)

 

(6,848.4)

 

(66.9)

 

(282.0)

Financing activities

 

(130.4)

 

(580.7)

 

(144.8)

 

6,709.0 

 

25.3 

 

(134.7)

Total capital expenditures

 

(420.4)

 

(250.7)

 

(205.5)

 

(83.6)

 

(56.2)

 

(261.5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Financial and Operating Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Same store sales growth (3)

 

4.9%

 

9.5%

 

9.0%

 

1.9%

 

2.6%

 

3.3%

Same store sales (3)

$

12,227.1 

$

11,356.5 

$

10,118.5 

$

5,264.2 

$

3,656.6 

$

8,327.2 

Number of stores included in same store sales calculation

 

8,712 

 

8,324 

 

8,153 

 

7,735 

 

7,655 

 

7,627 

Number of stores (at period end)

 

9,372 

 

8,828 

 

8,362 

 

8,194 

 

8,205 

 

8,229 

Selling square feet (in thousands at period end)

 

67,094 

 

62,494 

 

58,803 

 

57,376 

 

57,379 

 

57,299 

Net sales per square foot (4)

$

201 

$

195 

$

180 

$

165 

$

164 

$

163 

Consumables sales

 

71.6%

 

70.8%

 

69.3%

 

66.4%

 

66.7%

 

65.7%

Seasonal sales

 

14.5%

 

14.5%

 

14.6%

 

16.3%

 

15.4%

 

16.4%

Home products sales

 

7.0%

 

7.4%

 

8.2%

 

9.1%

 

9.2%

 

10.0%

Apparel sales

 

6.9%

 

7.3%

 

7.9%

 

8.2%

 

8.7%

 

7.9%

Rent expense

$

489.3 

$

428.6 

$

389.6 

$

214.5 

$

150.2 

$

343.9 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Data (at period end):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments

$

497.4 

$

222.1 

$

378.0 

$

119.8 

 

 

$

219.2 

Total assets

 

9,546.2 

 

8,863.5 

 

8,889.2 

 

8,656.4 

 

 

 

3,040.5 

Total debt

 

3,288.2 

 

3,403.4 

 

4,137.1 

 

4,282.0 

 

 

 

270.0 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

4,054.5 

 

3,390.3 

 

2,831.7 

 

2,703.9 

 

 

 

1,745.7 


(1)

Includes the results of BAC for the period prior to its merger with and into Dollar General Corporation from March 6, 2007 (the date of BAC’s formation) through July 6, 2007 and the post-merger results of Dollar General Corporation for the period from July 7, 2007 through February 1, 2008.

(2)

Includes the effects of certain strategic merchandising and real estate initiatives that resulted in the closing of approximately 460 stores and changes in our inventory management model which resulted in greater inventory markdowns than in previous years.

(3)

Same-store sales are calculated based upon stores that were open at least 13 full fiscal months and remain open at the end of the reporting period. When applicable, we exclude the sales in the 53rd week of a 53-week year from the same-store sales calculation.

(4)

Net sales per square foot was calculated based on total sales for the preceding 12 months as of the ending date of the reporting period divided by the average selling square footage during the period, including the end of the fiscal year, the beginning of the fiscal year, and the end of each of our three interim fiscal quarters. For the period from February 3, 2007 through July 6, 2007, average selling square footage was calculated using the average square footage as of July 6, 2007 and as of the end of each of the four preceding quarters.




32






 

Successor

Predecessor

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

January 28,
2011

 

January 29,
2010

 

January 30,
2009

 

March 6,
2007
through
February 1,
2008

 

February 3,
2007
through
July 6,
2007

 

February 2,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (1):

 

3.1x 

 

2.1x 

 

1.4x 

 

(2) 

 

1.1x 

 

2.5x 


(1)

For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, (a) earnings consist of income (loss) before income taxes, plus fixed charges less capitalized expenses related to indebtedness (amortization expense for capitalized interest is not significant) and (b) fixed charges consist of interest expense (whether expensed or capitalized), the amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts related to indebtedness, and the interest portion of rent expense.

(2)

For the Successor period from March 6, 2007 through February 1, 2008, fixed charges exceeded earnings by $6.6 million.


ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This discussion and analysis should be read with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto. It also should be read in conjunction with the Cautionary Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and the Risk Factors disclosures set forth in the Introduction and in Item 1A of this report, respectively.

Executive Overview


We are the largest discount retailer in the United States by number of stores, with 9,414 stores located in 35 states as of February 25, 2011, primarily in the southern, southwestern, midwestern and eastern United States. We offer a broad selection of merchandise, including consumable products such as food, paper and cleaning products, health and beauty products and pet supplies, and non-consumable products such as seasonal merchandise, home decor and domestics, and apparel. Our merchandise includes high quality national brands from leading manufacturers, as well as comparable quality private brand selections with prices at substantial discounts to national brands. We offer our customers these national brand and private brand products at everyday low prices (typically $10 or less) in our convenient small-box (small store) locations.

On July 6, 2007, we completed a merger and, as a result, we are majority owned by Buck Holdings, L.P. (“Buck”), a Delaware limited partnership controlled by investment funds affiliated with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (collectively, “KKR”). The membership interests of Buck and Buck Holdings, LLC (“Buck LLC”), the general partner of Buck, are held by a private investor group, including affiliates of each of KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. and other equity investors (collectively, the “Investors”). The merger consideration was funded through the use of our available cash, cash equity contributions from the Investors, equity contributions of certain members of our management and certain debt financings discussed below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources.” In November 2009, we completed an initial public offering of approximately 39.2 million shares, including 22.7 million newly issued shares and approximately 16.5 million outstanding shares sold by Buck. In April and December of 2010, we completed secondary offerings of approximately 29.9 million and 28.8 million shares,



33



respectively, all of which were sold by selling shareholders. We did not receive any proceeds from either of the secondary offerings in 2010.

The customers we serve are value-conscious, and Dollar General has always been intensely focused on helping our customers make the most of their spending dollars. We believe our convenient store format and broad selection of high quality products at compelling values have driven our substantial growth and financial success over the years. Like other companies, we have been operating in an environment with heightened economic challenges and uncertainties. Consumers are facing very high rates of unemployment, fluctuating food, gasoline and energy costs, rising medical costs, and a continued weakness in housing and credit markets, and the timetable for economic recovery is uncertain. Nonetheless, as a result of our long-term mission of serving the value-conscious customer, coupled with a vigorous focus on improving our operating and financial performance, our 2010 and 2009 financial results were strong, and we remain optimistic with regard to executing our operating priorities in 2011.

At the beginning of 2008, we defined four operating priorities, which we remain keenly focused on executing. These priorities are: 1) drive productive sales growth, 2) increase our gross margins, 3) leverage process improvements and information technology to reduce costs, and 4) strengthen and expand Dollar General's culture of serving others.

Our first priority is driving productive sales growth by increasing shopper frequency and transaction amount and maximizing sales per square foot. Our category management processes allow us to identify opportunities to add more productive items and remove unproductive items in a timely manner and have allowed us to continue expanding our consumables offerings while also improving profitability. We raised the shelf height in our stores in three phases from 2008 through 2010 in order to utilize the space in our stores more productively. We are adding a fourth phase in 2011. In addition, we believe we have significant potential to grow sales through new store growth in both existing and new markets. We opened 600 new stores in 2010 and plan to open approximately 625 new stores in 2011.

Our second priority is to increase gross profit through effective category management, the expansion of private brand offerings and increased foreign sourcing, shrink reduction, distribution efficiencies and improvements to our pricing and markdown model, while remaining committed to our everyday low price strategy. We constantly review our pricing strategy and work diligently to minimize vendor cost increases as we focus on providing our customers quality merchandise at great values. In our consumables category, we strive to offer the optimal balance of the most popular nationally advertised brands and our own private brands, which generally have higher gross profit rates than national brands. In 2011, we expect increased product costs. We saw the costs of certain commodities (including cotton, wheat, corn, sugar, coffee, resin) and the costs of diesel fuel begin to escalate in our 2010 fourth quarter. The market prices of these commodities, including the cost of diesel fuel, are outside of our control. However, we will be diligent in our efforts to keep product costs as low as possible in the face of these increases while still working to optimize gross profit and meet the needs of our customers.

Our third priority is leveraging process improvements and information technology to reduce costs. We are committed as an organization to extract costs that do not affect the customer experience. Examples of ongoing cost reduction initiatives include the installation of



34



energy management systems, continued preventive maintenance with the goal of reducing overall repairs and maintenance costs, and recycling of cardboard to reduce waste management costs. Our real estate team continues to seek out opportunities to negotiate favorable lease renewals. We are focusing our information technology resources on improving systems to create greater efficiencies in merchandising and retail store operations, evidenced by our intention to implement a new store staffing module in 2011 to better align store labor hours with our customer’s shopping needs. In 2010, we centralized our procurement system which we expect to aid us in reducing the cost of purchases throughout the company in 2011 and beyond. We plan to continue our diligent efforts with regard to our cost reduction initiatives in 2011.

Our fourth priority is to strengthen and expand Dollar General’s culture of serving others. For customers this means helping them “Save time. Save money. Every day!” by providing clean, well-stocked stores with quality products at low prices. For employees, this means creating an environment that attracts and retains key employees throughout the organization. For the public, this means giving back to our store communities. For shareholders, this means meeting their expectations of an efficiently and profitably run organization that operates with compassion and integrity.

For the year ended January 28, 2011, our continued focus on our four priorities resulted in improved financial performance over the year ended January 29, 2010 in each of our key financial metrics, as follows. Basis points, as referred to below, are equal to 0.01 percent of total sales.

·

Total sales in fiscal 2010 increased 10.5 percent over 2009. Sales in same-stores increased 4.9 percent, following a strong 9.5 percent increase in 2009. Customer traffic and average transaction amount increased in both 2010 and 2009. Average sales per square foot in 2010 were $201, up from $195 in 2009.


·

Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, was 32.0 percent in 2010, an increase of 76 basis points over 2009. This improvement was primarily attributable to increased purchase markups, net of increased markdowns, resulting from increased volume, which enabled us to lower our average costs from vendors. The improvement also reflected the continued impact of our comprehensive category management enhancements.


·

SG&A, as a percentage of sales, for fiscal 2010 was 22.3 percent compared to 23.2 percent in 2009. SG&A in 2009 included incremental expenses of $68.3 million, or 58 basis points, resulting from the termination of our sponsor advisory agreement and the accelerated vesting of certain equity-based compensation related to our initial public offering. SG&A in 2010 included incremental expenses of $19.7 million, or 15 basis points, resulting from costs related to two secondary offerings of our common stock during the year by certain of our shareholders. Excluding the impact of these costs, SG&A, as a percentage of sales declined primarily due to lower employee incentive compensation, which is based on financial targets set at the beginning of each fiscal year (our results exceeded those targets in 2010 but not to the same degree as in 2009), lower healthcare expense, and the impact of other cost reduction and



35



productivity initiatives which resulted in various expenses decreasing or increasing at a rate lower than the 10.5 percent increase in sales.


·

Interest expense decreased by $71.5 million in 2010 to $274.2 million, primarily as the result of lower average outstanding long-term obligations. Net proceeds from our initial public offering and excess cash were utilized in our fiscal 2009 fourth quarter to voluntarily reduce long-term obligations by $725.9 million, and in 2010 we repurchased an additional $115.0 million of long-term obligations utilizing operating cash flow. Other non-operating expenses include charges totaling $14.7 million in 2010 and $55.3 million in 2009 resulting from these repurchases.


·

We reported net income of $627.9 million, or $1.82 per diluted share, for fiscal 2010, compared to net income of $339.4 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, in 2009. Charges relating to secondary stock offerings by certain of our shareholders, including the acceleration of certain equity appreciation rights, and losses from the repurchase of long-term obligations, reduced 2010 net income by $21.3 million, or $0.06 per diluted share. In 2009, charges resulting from the termination of our sponsor advisory agreement, the acceleration of certain equity-based compensation and the repurchase of long-term obligations, related to or resulting from our initial public offering, reduced net income by $82.9 million, or $0.26 per diluted share.

·

We generated approximately $825 million of cash flows from operating activities in 2010, an increase of over 22 percent compared to 2009. Cash flow was primarily utilized to support our capital expenditures and repurchase long-term obligations.


·

During 2010, we opened 600 new stores, remodeled or relocated 504 stores, and closed 56 stores, resulting in a store count of 9,372 on January 28, 2011.


As discussed in more detail below, in recent years, we have generated significant cash flows from operating activities. We have used a portion of these cash flows to pay down debt and to invest in new store growth through our traditional leased stores. During 2010 we made a strategic decision to purchase certain of our leased stores. We believe that the current environment in the real estate markets provides an opportunity to make these investments at levels which are expected to result in favorable returns and positively impact our operating results. We initiated the store purchase program in the second half of 2010 and have plans to purchase additional stores during 2011.

Like other companies, we face uncertainties with regard to the future impact of healthcare reform legislation, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the HealthCare and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, signed into law in March 2010, which will likely affect the cost associated with employer-sponsored medical plans. Specifically, this legislation requires that employers provide a minimum level of coverage for full-time employees or pay penalties. Some of the plan coverage requirements may have an impact on our costs such as bans on exclusions for pre-existing conditions, extension of dependent coverage to age 26, and caps on employee premium sharing costs. Certain coverage provisions do not go into effect until 2014, but there are a number of dependent coverage and insurance market reforms that took



36



effect immediately. Although this legislation did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements in 2010, we continue to evaluate the impact it will have on our costs in future years, and those costs could be material. Due to the breadth and complexity of the healthcare reform legislation, the current lack of implementing regulations and interpretive guidance, the phased-in nature of the implementation, and uncertainty with respect to the outcome of pending litigation with respect to the legislation, it is difficult to predict its overall impact on our business in the coming years.

In 2011, we plan to continue to focus on our four key operating priorities. We will continue to refine and improve our store standards in order to increase sales, focusing on achieving a consistent look and feel across the chain. We have begun and will continue to measure customer satisfaction which will allow us to identify areas needing improvement. We expect to continue the process of raising the height of certain merchandise fixtures, allowing us to better utilize our store square footage. As part of our overall category management processes, we plan to further expand our private brand consumables offerings and to continue to upgrade the selection, quality and presentation of our private brand offerings in our apparel, seasonal and home categories, and we expect a greater impact on gross margin from our foreign sourcing efforts in 2011. As noted above, we expect cost increases in certain commodities, including diesel fuel, to present a challenge as we focus on improving our gross profit rate, while managing our everyday low prices.


We now have improved processes and tools in place to assist us in our ongoing inventory shrink reduction efforts. Our work on shrink remains a high priority, and we plan to use the information supplied by these analytical and monitoring tools to help improve on our recent successes.


With regard to leveraging information technology and process improvements to reduce costs, we will continue to focus on making improvements that benefit our merchandising and operations efforts, including item profitability analysis, merchandise selection and allocation and labor scheduling. In 2010, we completed the installation of back office computers in all of our stores, which we will utilize to improve reporting and communications with the stores and, consequently, we believe will assist in improving store productivity. Also in 2010, we completed the rollout of a new voice pick system in our distribution centers, allowing our distribution associates to communicate with warehouse software systems using speech recognition.


Finally, we are very pleased with the performance of our 2010 new stores, remodels and relocations, and in 2011 we plan to increase our new store openings to 625 stores within the 35 states in which we currently operate as well as three new states, Connecticut, Nevada and New Hampshire, and to increase our number of remodels or relocations to an additional 550 stores. With regard to planned new store openings, our criteria are based on numerous factors including, among other things, availability of appropriate sites, expected sales, lease terms, population demographics, competition, and the employment environment. We use various real estate site selection tools to determine target markets and optimum site locations within those markets. With respect to store relocations, we begin to evaluate a store for relocation opportunities approximately 18 months prior to the store’s lease expiration using the same basic tools and criteria as those used for new stores. Remodels, which require a much smaller investment, are



37



determined based on the need, the opportunity for sales improvement at the location and an expectation of a desirable return on investment.


Key Financial Metrics . We have identified the following as our most critical financial metrics for 2011:


·

Same-store sales growth;

·

Sales per square foot;

·

Gross profit, as a percentage of sales;

·

Operating profit;

·

Inventory turnover;

·

Cash flow;

·

Net income;

·

Earnings per share;

·

Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization; and

·

Return on invested capital.

 

Readers should refer to the detailed discussion of our operating results below for additional comments on financial performance in the current year periods as compared with the prior year periods.


Results of Operations

Accounting Periods. The following text contains references to years 2010, 2009 and 2008, which represent fiscal years ended January 28, 2011, January 29, 2010 and January 30, 2009, respectively. Our fiscal year ends on the Friday closest to January 31. Fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 were 52-week accounting periods.

Seasonality . The nature of our business is seasonal to a certain extent. Primarily because of sales of holiday-related merchandise, sales in our fourth quarter (November, December and January) have historically been higher than sales achieved in each of the first three quarters of the fiscal year. Expenses and, to a greater extent, operating profit vary by quarter. Results of a period shorter than a full year may not be indicative of results expected for the entire year. Furthermore, the seasonal nature of our business may affect comparisons between periods.



38



The following table contains results of operations data for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, and the dollar and percentage variances among those years.


 

 

 

 

 

2010 vs. 2009

2009 vs. 2008

(amounts in millions, except per share amounts)

2010

2009

2008


Amount

Change

% Change

Amount Change

%
Change

Net sales by category:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumables

$

9,332.1 

$

8,356.4 

$

7,248.4 

 

$

975.7 

11.7 

%

$

1,108.0 

15.3 

%

% of net sales

 

71.59% 

 

70.84% 

 

69.31% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seasonal

 

1,887.9 

 

1,711.5 

 

1,521.5 

 

 

176.4 

10.3 

 

 

190.0 

12.5 

 

% of net sales

 

14.48% 

 

14.51% 

 

14.55% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home products

 

917.6 

 

869.8 

 

862.2 

 

 

47.9 

5.5 

 

 

7.5 

0.9 

 

% of net sales

 

7.04% 

 

7.37% 

 

8.24% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apparel

 

897.3 

 

858.8 

 

825.6 

 

 

38.6 

4.5 

 

 

33.2 

4.0 

 

% of net sales

 

6.88% 

 

7.28% 

 

7.89% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

13,035.0 

$

11,796.4 

$

10,457.7 

 

$

1,238.6 

10.5 

%

$

1,338.7 

12.8 

%

Cost of goods sold

 

8,858.4 

 

8,106.5 

 

7,396.6 

 

 

751.9 

9.3 

 

 

709.9 

9.6 

 

% of net sales

 

67.96% 

 

68.72% 

 

70.73% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

4,176.6 

 

3,689.9 

 

3,061.1 

 

 

486.7 

13.2 

 

 

628.8 

20.5 

 

% of net sales

 

32.04% 

 

31.28% 

 

29.27% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

2,902.5 

 

2,736.6 

 

2,448.6 

 

 

165.9 

6.1 

 

 

288.0 

11.8 

 

% of net sales

 

22.27% 

 

23.20% 

 

23.41% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Litigation settlement and related costs, net

 

 

 

32.0 

 

 

 

 

(32.0)

 

% of net sales

 

 

 

0.31% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating profit

 

1,274.1 

 

953.3 

 

580.5 

 

 

320.8 

33.7 

 

 

372.8 

64.2 

 

% of net sales

 

9.77% 

 

8.08% 

 

5.55% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(0.2)

 

(0.1)

 

(3.1)

 

 

(0.1)

52.8 

 

 

2.9 

(95.3)

 

% of net sales

 

(0.00)% 

 

(0.00)% 

 

(0.03)% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

274.2 

 

345.7 

 

391.9 

 

 

(71.5)

(20.7)

 

 

(46.2)

(11.8)

 

% of net sales

 

2.10% 

 

2.93% 

 

3.75% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other (income) expense

 

15.1 

 

55.5 

 

(2.8)

 

 

(40.4)

(72.8)

 

 

58.3

 

% of net sales

 

0.12% 

 

0.47% 

 

(0.03)% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

985.0 

 

552.1 

 

194.4 

 

 

432.9 

78.4 

 

 

357.7 

184.0 

 

% of net sales

 

7.56% 

 

4.68% 

 

1.86% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

357.1 

 

212.7 

 

86.2 

 

 

144.4 

67.9 

 

 

126.5 

146.7 

 

% of net sales

 

2.74% 

 

1.80% 

 

0.82% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

627.9 

$

339.4 

$

108.2 

 

$

288.4 

85.0 

%

$

231.3 

213.8 

%

% of net sales

 

4.82% 

 

2.88% 

 

1.03% 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

$

1.82 

$

1.04 

$

0.34 

 

$

0.78 

75.0 

%

$

0.70 

205.9 

%


Net Sales . The net sales increase in 2010 reflects a same-store sales increase of 4.9% compared to 2009. Same-stores include stores that have been open for 13 months and remain open at the end of the reporting period. For 2010, there were 8,712 same-stores which accounted for sales of $12.23 billion. The remainder of the increase in sales in 2010 was attributable to new stores, partially offset by sales from closed stores. The increase in sales reflects the continued refinement of our merchandise offerings, the optimization of our category management processes, further improvement in store standards, and increased utilization of square footage in our stores.

The net sales increase in 2009 reflects a same-store sales increase of 9.5% compared to 2008. For 2009, there were 8,324 same-stores which accounted for sales of $11.36 billion. The



39



remainder of the increase in sales in 2009 was attributable to new stores, partially offset by sales from closed stores. The strong increase in sales reflects the results of our various initiatives implemented throughout 2008 and 2009, including the impact of improved store standards, the expansion of our merchandise offerings, including significant enhancements to our convenience food and beverages and health and beauty products, in addition to improved utilization of square footage, extended store hours and improved marketing efforts.

Of our four major merchandise categories, the consumables category has grown most significantly over the past several years. Although this category generally has a lower gross profit rate than the other three categories, as discussed below, we were able to increase our overall gross profit rate in both 2010 and 2009 as compared to the previous year. Because of the impact of sales mix on gross profit, we continually review our merchandise mix and strive to adjust it when appropriate. Maintaining an appropriate sales mix is an integral part of achieving our gross profit and sales goals. Both the number of customer transactions and average transaction amount increased in 2010 and 2009, and we believe that our stores have benefited to some degree from attracting new customers who are seeking value as a result of the recent economic environment.

Gross Profit . The gross profit rate as a percentage of sales was 32.0% in 2010 compared to 31.3% in 2009. Factors contributing to the increase in the 2010 gross profit rate include increased markups resulting primarily from higher purchase markups, partially offset by increased markdowns, as well as our category management efforts and increased sales volumes which have contributed to our ability to reduce purchase costs from our vendors. Our merchandising team continues to work closely with our vendors to provide quality merchandise at value prices to meet our customers’ demands. In 2010 we recorded a LIFO provision of $5.3 million, reflecting an increase in certain merchandise costs, the most significant of which occurred in the 2010 fourth quarter, compared to a LIFO benefit of $2.5 million in 2009.

The gross profit rate as a percentage of sales was 31.3% in 2009 compared to 29.3% in 2008. Factors contributing to the increase in the 2009 gross profit rate include increased markups resulting primarily from higher purchase markups, partially offset by increased markdowns. In addition, our increased sales volumes have contributed to our ability to reduce purchase costs from our vendors. Transportation and distribution costs decreased for the year driven by lower fuel costs as well as the impact of cost reduction initiatives. Higher sales volumes and productivity initiatives also contributed to improved leverage of our distribution costs. In addition, inventory shrinkage as a percentage of sales declined in 2009 from 2008, contributing to our gross profit rate improvement. In 2009 we recorded a LIFO benefit of $2.5 million, reflecting a flattening of merchandise costs in 2009, compared to a LIFO provision of $43.9 million in 2008, when we faced increased commodity cost pressures mainly related to food and pet products which were driven by rising fruit and vegetable prices and freight costs. Increases in petroleum, resin, metals, pulp and other raw material commodity driven costs also resulted in multiple product cost increases in 2008. Also in 2008, we marked down merchandise as the result of our interpretation of the phthalates provision of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, resulting in a charge of $8.6 million.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expense. SG&A expense was 22.3% as a percentage of sales in 2010 compared to 23.2% in 2009, a decrease of 93 basis points. SG&A in



40



2010 included expenses totaling $19.7 million, or 15 basis points, relating to two secondary offerings of our common stock, consisting of $1.1 million of legal and other transaction expenses and $18.6 million relating to the acceleration of certain equity appreciation rights. SG&A in 2009 included expenses totaling $68.3 million, or 58 basis points, including $58.8 million relating to the termination of an advisory agreement among us, KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. and $9.4 million resulting from the acceleration of certain equity based compensation related to the completion of our initial public offering. Decreases in incentive compensation, the cost of health benefits, consulting fees and severance costs contributed to the overall decrease in SG&A as a percentage of sales, as did other cost reduction and productivity initiatives. Other costs increasing at a rate lower than our 10.5% increase in sales include utilities, which reflect lower waste management costs resulting from our recycling efforts, as well as repairs and maintenance. Our increased sales levels in 2010 also favorably impacted SG&A, as a percentage of sales. Debit card fees increased at a higher rate than the increase in sales, primarily as a result of increased usage.

SG&A, as a percentage of sales, was 23.2% in 2009 compared to 23.4% in 2008, representing an improvement of 21 basis points before taking into account the impact of our initial public offering as discussed above. Our increased sales levels in 2009 favorably impacted SG&A, as a percentage of sales, with the most significant impact on store occupancy costs, including rent and utilities. Our cost of utilities, as a percentage of sales, was further reduced by energy savings resulting from our store energy management initiatives, including forward purchase contracts, increased preventive maintenance and the installation of energy management systems in substantially all of our new and relocated stores. In addition, we continued to significantly reduce our workers’ compensation expense through safety initiatives implemented over the last several years, and legal expenses were lower in 2009 than 2008, which included expenses incurred in connection with a shareholder litigation settlement in 2008 relating to our 2007 merger. Also during 2008, we recorded a $5.0 million gain relating to potential losses on distribution center leases indirectly related to our 2007 merger.

Litigation Settlement and Related Costs, Net. Expenses in 2008 included $32.0 million which represents the settlement of a class action lawsuit filed in response to our 2007 merger, and includes a $40.0 million settlement plus related expenses of $2.0 million, net of $10.0 million of insurance proceeds received in the fourth quarter of 2008.


Interest Expense .  The decrease in interest expense in 2010 compared to 2009 was primarily the result of lower average outstanding long-term obligations. The decrease in interest expense in 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily the result of lower average outstanding long-term obligations and lower interest rates on our term loan.


We had outstanding variable-rate debt of $931 million and $560 million as of January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, respectively, after taking into consideration the impact of interest rate swaps. The remainder of our outstanding indebtedness at January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010 was fixed rate debt.


See the detailed discussion under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” regarding indebtedness incurred to finance our 2007 merger along with subsequent repurchases of various long-term obligations and the related effect on interest expense in the periods presented.



41



Other (Income) Expense. In 2010, we recorded pretax losses of $14.7 million resulting from the repurchase in the open market of $115.0 million aggregate principal amount of our Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.


In 2009, we recorded charges totaling $55.5 million, which primarily represents losses on debt retirement totaling $55.3 million, and also includes expense of $0.6 million related to hedge ineffectiveness on certain of our interest rate swaps.


In 2008, we recorded a gain of $3.8 million resulting from the repurchase of $44.1 million of our senior subordinated notes, offset by expense of $1.0 million related to hedge ineffectiveness on certain of our interest rate swaps.


Income Taxes .  The effective income tax rates for 2010, 2009 and 2008 were expenses of 36.3%, 38.5%, and 44.4%, respectively.

The 2010 effective tax rate is greater than the expected tax rate of 35% due primarily to the inclusion of state income taxes in the total effective tax rate. The 2010 effective rate is less than the 2009 rate due principally to reductions in state income tax expense, income tax related interest expense and other expense items. The 2010 effective resolution of various examinations by the taxing authorities, when combined with unfavorable examination results in 2009, resulted in a decrease in the year-to-year state income tax expense rate. This decrease in state income tax expense was partially offset by an increase in state income tax expense due to a shift in income to companies within the group that have a higher effective state income tax rate. In addition, decreases also occurred due to favorable outcomes in 2010 associated with reductions in income tax related interest accruals and income tax related penalty accruals due to favorable income tax examination results, the completion of a federal income tax examination, and reductions in expense associated with uncertain tax benefit accruals.

The 2009 effective tax rate is greater than the expected tax rate of 35% due primarily to the inclusion of state income taxes in the total effective tax rate. The 2009 effective tax rate is less than the 2008 rate due principally to the unfavorable impact that the non-deductible, merger-related lawsuit settlement had on the 2008 rate. This reduction in the effective tax rate was partially offset by a decrease in the tax rate benefit related to federal jobs credits. While the total amount of jobs credits earned in 2009 was similar to the amount earned in 2008, the impact of this benefit on the effective tax rate was reduced due to the 2009 increase in income before tax. The 2009 rate was also increased by accruals associated with uncertain tax benefits.

The 2008 effective income tax rate was greater than the expected tax rate of 35% principally due to the non-deductibility of the settlement and related expenses associated with the shareholder lawsuit related to our 2007 merger.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We lease three of our distribution centers. The entities involved in the ownership structure underlying these leases meet the accounting definition of a Variable Interest Entity (‘‘VIE’’). One of these distribution centers has been recorded as a financing obligation whereby its property and equipment are reflected in our consolidated balance sheets. The land and



42



buildings of the other two distribution centers have been recorded as operating leases. We are not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs and, accordingly, have not included these entities in our consolidated financial statements. Other than the foregoing, we are not party to any off balance sheet arrangements.

Effects of Inflation


In 2008, increased commodity cost pressures mainly related to food and pet products, which were driven by fruit and vegetable prices and rising freight costs, increased the costs of certain products. Increases in petroleum, resin, metals, pulp and other raw material commodity driven costs also resulted in multiple product cost increases. We believe that our ability to increase selling prices in response to cost increases largely mitigated the effect of these cost increases on our overall results of operations. These 2008 trends generally reversed or stabilized in 2009 and 2010.


Liquidity and Capital Resources


Current Financial Condition and Recent Developments

During the past three years, we have generated an aggregate of approximately $2.07 billion in cash flows from operating activities. During that period, we expanded the number of stores we operate by 1,178, or over 14%, remodeled or relocated 1,358 stores, or approximately 14% of stores we operated as of February 25, 2011, and incurred approximately $877 million in capital expenditures. We made certain strategic decisions which slowed our store growth in 2007 and 2008, but we reaccelerated store growth beginning in 2009 and currently plan to continue that strategy in 2011 and beyond.

At January 28, 2011, we had total outstanding debt (including the current portion of long-term obligations) of $3.29 billion. We also had an additional $959.3 million available for borrowing under our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (“ABL Facility” and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the “Credit Facilities”) at that date. Our liquidity needs are significant, primarily due to our debt service and other obligations. Our substantial debt could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry or to pursue our growth strategy, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt, and increase the difficulty of our ability to make payments on our outstanding debt securities.


Nevertheless, management believes our cash flow from operations and existing cash balances, combined with availability under the Credit Facilities (described below), will provide sufficient liquidity to fund our current obligations, projected working capital requirements and capital spending for a period that includes the next twelve months and the next several years.


Credit Facilities


Overview. We have two senior secured credit facilities which provide financing of up to $2.995 billion as of January 28, 2011. The Credit Facilities consist of the $1.964 billion Term Loan Facility and the $1.031 billion ABL Facility (of which up to $350.0 million is available for



43



letters of credit), subject to borrowing base availability. The ABL Facility includes borrowing capacity available for letters of credit and for short-term borrowings referred to as swingline loans.


The amount available under the ABL Facility (including letters of credit) shall not exceed the sum of the tranche A borrowing base and the tranche A-1 borrowing base. The tranche A borrowing base equals the sum of (i) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of all our eligible inventory and that of each guarantor thereunder and (ii) 90% of all our accounts receivable and credit/debit card receivables and that of each guarantor thereunder, in each case, subject to customary reserves and eligibility criteria. An additional 10% of the net orderly liquidation value of all of our eligible inventory and that of each guarantor thereunder is made available to us in the form of a “last out” tranche under which we may borrow up to a maximum amount of $101.0 million. Borrowings under the ABL Facility will be incurred first under the last out tranche, and no borrowings will be permitted under any other tranche until the last out tranche is fully utilized. Repayments of the ABL Facility will be applied to the last out tranche only after all other tranches have been fully paid down.

Interest Rates and Fees. Borrowings under the Credit Facilities bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (a) LIBOR or (b) a base rate (which is usually equal to the prime rate). The applicable margin for borrowings is (i) under the Term Loan Facility, 2.75% for LIBOR borrowings and 1.75% for base-rate borrowings (ii) under the ABL Facility (except in the last out tranche described above) as of January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, 1.25% for LIBOR borrowings; 0.25% for base-rate borrowings and for any last out borrowings, 2.25% for LIBOR borrowings and 1.25% for base-rate borrowings. The applicable margins for borrowings under the ABL Facility (except in the case of last out borrowings) are subject to adjustment each quarter based on average daily excess availability under the ABL Facility. The interest rate for borrowings under the Term Loan Facility was 3.0% (without giving effect to the market rate swaps discussed below) as of both January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, respectively. We are also required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the ABL Facility for any unutilized commitments at a rate of 0.375% per annum. We also must pay customary letter of credit fees. See Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” below for a discussion of our use of interest rate swaps to manage our interest rate risk.


Prepayments. The senior secured credit agreement for the Term Loan Facility requires us to prepay outstanding term loans, subject to certain exceptions, with:


·

50% of our annual excess cash flow (as defined in the credit agreement) which will be reduced to 25% and 0% if we achieve and maintain a total net leverage ratio of 6.0 to 1.0 and 5.0 to 1.0, respectively;

·

100% of the net cash proceeds of all non-ordinary course asset sales or other dispositions of property in excess of $25.0 million in the aggregate and subject to our right to reinvest the proceeds; and

·

100% of the net cash proceeds of any incurrence of debt, other than proceeds from debt permitted under the senior secured credit agreement.



44



The mandatory prepayments discussed above will be applied to the Term Loan Facility as directed by the senior secured credit agreement. Through January 28, 2011, no prepayments have been required under the prepayment provisions listed above. The Term Loan Facility can be prepaid in whole or in part at any time.

In addition, the senior secured credit agreement for the ABL Facility requires us to prepay the ABL Facility, subject to certain exceptions, as follows:


·

With 100% of the net cash proceeds of all non-ordinary course asset sales or other dispositions of Revolving Facility Collateral (as defined below) in excess of $1.0 million in the aggregate and subject to our right to reinvest the proceeds; and

·

To the extent such extensions of credit exceed the then current borrowing base (as defined in the senior secured credit agreement for the ABL Facility).


The mandatory prepayments discussed above will be applied to the ABL Facility as directed by the senior secured credit agreement for the ABL Facility. Through January 28, 2011, no prepayments have been required under the prepayment provisions listed above.


An event of default under the senior secured credit agreements will occur upon a change of control as defined in the senior secured credit agreements governing our Credit Facilities. Upon an event of default, indebtedness under the Credit Facilities may be accelerated, in which case we will be required to repay all outstanding loans plus accrued and unpaid interest and all other amounts outstanding under the Credit Facilities.


Amortization. The original terms of the Term Loan Facility required quarterly payments of principal beginning September 30, 2009. As a result of voluntary prepayments under the Term Loan Facility, no further quarterly principal installments will be required prior to maturity of the Term Loan on July 6, 2014. There is no amortization under the ABL Facility. The entire principal amounts (if any) outstanding under the ABL Facility are due and payable in full at maturity, on July 6, 2013, on which day the commitments thereunder will terminate.

Guarantee and Security. All obligations under the Credit Facilities are unconditionally guaranteed by substantially all of our existing and future domestic subsidiaries (excluding certain immaterial subsidiaries and certain subsidiaries designated by us under our senior secured credit agreements as “unrestricted subsidiaries”), referred to, collectively, as U.S. Guarantors.


All obligations and related guarantees under the Term Loan Facility are secured by:

·

a second-priority security interest in all existing and after-acquired inventory, accounts receivable, and other assets arising from such inventory and accounts receivable, of our company and each U.S. Guarantor (the “Revolving Facility Collateral”), subject to certain exceptions;

·

a first-priority security interest in, and mortgages on, substantially all of our and each U.S. Guarantor’s tangible and intangible assets (other than the Revolving Facility Collateral); and



45




·

a first-priority pledge of 100% of the capital stock held by us, or any of our domestic subsidiaries that are directly owned by us or one of the U.S. Guarantors and 65% of the voting capital stock of each of our existing and future foreign subsidiaries that are directly owned by us or one of the U.S. Guarantors.

All obligations and related guarantees under the ABL Facility are secured by the Revolving Facility Collateral, subject to certain exceptions.


Certain Covenants and Events of Default. The senior secured credit agreements contain a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, our ability to:

 

·

incur additional indebtedness;

·

sell assets;

·

pay dividends and distributions or repurchase our capital stock;

·

make investments or acquisitions;

·

repay or repurchase subordinated indebtedness (including the Senior Subordinated Notes discussed below) and the Senior Notes discussed below;

·

amend material agreements governing our subordinated indebtedness (including the Senior Subordinated Notes discussed below) or our Senior Notes discussed below;

·

change our lines of business.

The senior secured credit agreements also contain certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default.

At January 28, 2011, we had no borrowings, $52.7 million of standby letters of credit, and $19.1 million of commercial letters of credit, outstanding under our ABL Facility.


Senior Notes due 2015 and Senior Subordinated Toggle Notes due 2017


Overview. As of January 28, 2011, we have $864.3 million aggregate principal amount of 10.625% senior notes due 2015 (the “Senior Notes”) outstanding (reflected in our consolidated balance sheet net of a $11.2 million discount), which mature on July 15, 2015, pursuant to an indenture dated as of July 6, 2007 (the “senior indenture”), and $450.7 million aggregate principal amount of 11.875%/12.625% senior subordinated toggle notes due 2017 (the “Senior Subordinated Notes”) outstanding, which mature on July 15, 2017, pursuant to an indenture dated as of July 6, 2007 (the “senior subordinated indenture”). The Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes are collectively referred to herein as the “Notes.” The senior indenture and the senior subordinated indenture are collectively referred to herein as the “indentures.”


Interest on the Notes is payable on January 15 and July 15 of each year. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable in cash. Cash interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes accrues at a rate of 11.875% per annum. For the Senior Subordinated Notes, we previously had the ability to elect to pay interest by increasing the principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes or issuing new Senior Subordinated Notes (“PIK interest”) instead of paying cash interest. Due to the



46



expiration of the notification period for such option, all interest on the Notes has been and will be paid in cash.


The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of the existing and future direct or indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee the obligations under our Credit Facilities.


We intend to redeem some or all of the Senior Notes at the first scheduled call date in July 2011 or later. We may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time at redemption prices described or set forth in the indentures. We also may seek, from time to time, to retire some or all of the Notes through cash purchases on the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material. We repurchased $115.0 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding Senior Notes during 2010. In connection with our initial public offering in 2009, we redeemed $195.7 million principal amount of outstanding Senior Notes and $205.2 million principal amount of outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes. We repurchased $44.1 million and $25.0 million of Senior Subordinated Notes in 2008 and 2007, respectively.


Change of Control. Upon the occurrence of a change of control, which is defined in the indentures, each holder of the Notes has the right to require us to repurchase some or all of such holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the repurchase date.

Covenants. The indentures contain covenants limiting, among other things, our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to (subject to certain exceptions):

 

·

incur additional debt, issue disqualified stock or issue certain preferred stock;

·

pay dividends and or make certain distributions, investments and other restricted payments;

·

create certain liens or encumbrances;

·

sell assets;

·

enter into transactions with our affiliates;

·

allow payments to us by our restricted subsidiaries;

·

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and

·

designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.


Events of Default. The indentures also provide for events of default which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal of and accrued interest on the Notes to become or to be declared due and payable.




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Adjusted EBITDA

Under the agreements governing the Credit Facilities and the indentures, certain limitations and restrictions could arise if we are not able to satisfy and remain in compliance with specified financial ratios. Management believes the most significant of such ratios is the senior secured incurrence test under the Credit Facilities. This test measures the ratio of the senior secured debt to Adjusted EBITDA. This ratio would need to be no greater than 4.25 to 1 to avoid such limitations and restrictions. As of January 28, 2011, this ratio was 1.0 to 1. Senior secured debt is defined as our total debt secured by liens or similar encumbrances less cash and cash equivalents. EBITDA is defined as income (loss) from continuing operations before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle plus interest and other financing costs, net, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA, further adjusted to give effect to adjustments required in calculating this covenant ratio under our Credit Facilities. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not presentations made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), are not measures of financial performance or condition, liquidity or profitability, and should not be considered as an alternative to (i) net income, operating income or any other performance measures determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP or (ii) operating cash flows determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Additionally, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not intended to be measures of free cash flow for management’s discretionary use, as they do not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments and debt service requirements and replacements of fixed assets.


Our presentation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Because not all companies use identical calculations, these presentations of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. We believe that the presentation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is appropriate to provide additional information about the calculation of this financial ratio in the Credit Facilities. Adjusted EBITDA is a material component of this ratio. Specifically, non-compliance with the senior secured indebtedness ratio contained in our Credit Facilities could prohibit us, subject to specified exceptions, from making investments, incurring liens, making certain restricted payments and incurring additional secured indebtedness (other than the additional funding provided for under the senior secured credit agreement).




48



The calculation of Adjusted EBITDA under the Credit Facilities is as follows:


(in millions)

Year Ended

January 28,
2011

January 29,
2010

Net income

$

627.9 

$

339.4 

Add (subtract):

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

(0.2)

 

(0.1)

Interest expense

 

274.1 

 

345.6 

Depreciation and amortization

 

242.3 

 

241.7 

Income taxes

 

357.1 

 

212.7 

EBITDA

 

1,501.2 

 

1,139.3 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

Loss on debt retirements

 

14.6 

 

55.3 

Loss on hedging instruments

 

0.4 

 

0.5 

Impact of markdowns related to inventory clearance
activities, net of purchase accounting adjustments

 

 

(7.3)

Advisory and consulting fees to affiliates

 

0.1 

 

63.5 

Non-cash expense for share-based awards

 

16.0 

 

18.7 

Indirect merger-related costs

 

1.3 

 

10.6 

Other non-cash charges (including LIFO)

 

11.5 

 

6.6 

Total Adjustments

 

43.9 

 

147.9 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

1,545.1 

$

1,287.2 


Interest Rate Swaps

We use interest rate swaps to minimize the risk of adverse changes in interest rates. These swaps are intended to reduce risk by hedging an underlying economic exposure. Because of high correlation between the derivative financial instrument and the underlying exposure being hedged, fluctuations in the value of the financial instruments are generally offset by reciprocal changes in the value of the underlying economic exposure. Our principal interest rate exposure relates to outstanding amounts under our Credit Facilities. At January 28, 2011, we had interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of approximately $1.05 billion. For more information see Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” below.

Fair Value Accounting


We have classified our interest rate swaps, as further discussed in Item 7A. below, in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as the significant inputs to the overall valuations are based on market-observable data or information derived from or corroborated by market-observable data, including market-based inputs to models, model calibration to market-clearing transactions, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Where models are used, the selection of a particular model to value a derivative depends upon the contractual terms of, and specific risks inherent in, the instrument as well as the availability of pricing information in the market. We use similar models to value similar instruments. Valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility, and correlations of such inputs. For our



49



derivatives, all of which trade in liquid markets, model inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment.


We incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements of our derivatives. The credit valuation adjustments are calculated by determining the total expected exposure of the derivatives (which incorporates both the current and potential future exposure) and then applying each counterparty’s credit spread to the applicable exposure. For derivatives with two-way exposure, such as interest rate swaps, the counterparty’s credit spread is applied to our exposure to the counterparty, and our own credit spread is applied to the counterparty’s exposure to us, and the net credit valuation adjustment is reflected in our derivative valuations. The total expected exposure of a derivative is derived using market-observable inputs, such as yield curves and volatilities. The inputs utilized for our own credit spread are based on implied spreads from our publicly-traded debt. For counterparties with publicly available credit information, the credit spreads over LIBOR used in the calculations represent implied credit default swap spreads obtained from a third party credit data provider. In adjusting the fair value of our derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees. Additionally, we actively monitor counterparty credit ratings for any significant changes.


As of January 28, 2011, the net credit valuation adjustments reduced the settlement values of our derivative liabilities by $0.7 million. Various factors impact changes in the credit valuation adjustments over time, including changes in the credit spreads of the parties to the contracts, as well as changes in market rates and volatilities, which affect the total expected exposure of the derivative instruments. When appropriate, valuations are also adjusted for various factors such as liquidity and bid/offer spreads, which factors we deemed to be immaterial as of January 28, 2011.




50



Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of January 28, 2011 (in thousands):


 

Payments Due by Period

Contractual obligations

Total

1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

5+ years

Long-term debt obligations

$

3,293,025

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

2,827,923

 

$

465,102

Capital lease obligations

 

6,363

 

 

1,157

 

 

999

 

 

679

 

 

3,528

Interest (a)

 

1,093,039

 

 

243,435

 

 

486,754

 

 

282,408

 

 

80,442

Self-insurance liabilities (b)

 

213,736

 

 

78,540

 

 

85,881

 

 

30,265

 

 

19,050

Operating leases (c)

 

3,003,342

 

 

481,921

 

 

839,585

 

 

614,080

 

 

1,067,756

Subtotal

$

7,609,505

 

$

805,053

 

$

1,413,219

 

$

3,755,355

 

$

1,635,878


 

Commitments Expiring by Period

Commercial commitments (d)

Total

1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

5+ years

Letters of credit

$

19,059

 

$

19,059

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

Purchase obligations (e)

 

853,862

 

 

850,871

 

 

2,991

 

 

-

 

 

-

Subtotal

$

872,921

 

$

869,930

 

$

2,991

 

$

-

 

$

-

Total contractual obligations and commercial commitments (f)

$

8,482,426

 

$

1,674,983

 

$

1,416,210

 

$

3,755,355

 

$

1,635,878


(a)

Represents obligations for interest payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations, and includes projected interest on variable rate long-term debt, using 2010 year end rates.

(b)

We retain a significant portion of the risk for our workers’ compensation, employee health insurance, general liability, property loss and automobile insurance. As these obligations do not have scheduled maturities, these amounts represent undiscounted estimates based upon actuarial assumptions. Reserves for workers’ compensation and general liability which existed as of the date of our 2007 merger were discounted in order to arrive at estimated fair value. All other amounts are reflected on an undiscounted basis in our consolidated balance sheets.

(c)

Operating lease obligations are inclusive of amounts included in deferred rent and closed store obligations in our consolidated balance sheets.

(d)

Commercial commitments include information technology license and support agreements, supplies, fixtures, letters of credit for import merchandise, and other inventory purchase obligations.

(e)

Purchase obligations include legally binding agreements for software licenses and support, supplies, fixtures, and merchandise purchases (excluding such purchases subject to letters of credit).

(f)

We have potential payment obligations associated with uncertain tax positions that are not reflected in these totals. We anticipate that approximately $0.2 million of such amounts will be paid in the coming year. We are currently unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement with the taxing authorities for our remaining $27.3 million of reserves for uncertain tax positions.


Other Considerations


We have no current plans to pay any cash dividends on our common stock and instead may retain earnings, if any, for future operation and expansion and debt repayment. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors, subject to certain limitations found in covenants in our Credit Facilities and in the indentures governing the Notes as discussed in more detail above, and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant.



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Our inventory balance represented approximately 45% of our total assets exclusive of goodwill and other intangible assets as of January 28, 2011. Our proficiency in managing our inventory balances can have a significant impact on our cash flows from operations during a given fiscal year. As a result, efficient inventory management has been and continues to be an area of focus for us.

As described in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we are involved in a number of legal actions and claims, some of which could potentially result in material cash payments. Adverse developments in those actions could materially and adversely affect our liquidity. As discussed in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we also have certain income tax-related contingencies. Future negative developments could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity.

In June 2010, Standard & Poor’s upgraded our long-term debt rating to BB from BB- with a stable outlook and in November 2010, Moody’s upgraded our long-term debt rating to Ba3 from B1 with a positive outlook. These current ratings are considered non-investment grade. Our current credit ratings, as well as future rating agency actions, could (i) impact our ability to obtain financings to finance our operations on satisfactory terms; (ii) affect our financing costs; and (iii) affect our insurance premiums and collateral requirements necessary for our self-insured programs.


Cash flows


Cash flows from operating activities.

A significant component of our increase in cash flows from operating activities in 2010 compared to 2009 was the increase in net income due to greater sales, higher gross margins and lower SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales, as described in more detail above under “Results of Operations.” Partially offsetting this increase in cash flows were changes in inventory balances, which increased by 16% in 2010 compared to an increase of 7% in 2009. Although we continue to closely monitor our inventory balances, they often fluctuate from period to period and from year to year based on new store openings, the timing of purchases, merchandising initiatives and other factors. Inventory levels in the consumables category increased by $133.9 million, or 16%, in 2010 compared to an increase of $111.4 million, or 15%, in 2009. The seasonal category increased by $55.2 million, or 18%, in 2010 compared to an increase of $25.3 million, or 9%, in 2009. The home products category increased $25.2 million, or 17%, in 2010 compared to a decline of $9.1 million, or 6%, in 2009. The apparel category increased by $32.3 million, or 15%, in 2010 compared to a decline of $22.9 million, or 10%, in 2009. In addition, increased net income resulted in an increase in income taxes paid in 2010 compared to 2009. Changes in Accrued expenses and other were affected in part by reductions of income tax reserves and reduced accruals for incentive compensation, partially offset by the timing of payments related to a litigation settlement in prior years (as discussed in more detail below) and by lower accruals for interest on long-term debt.

Our increase in cash flows from operating activities in 2009 compared to 2008 was also driven by an increase in net income due to greater sales, higher gross margins and lower SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales. In addition, we experienced increased inventory turns in 2009 as compared to 2008. Changes in inventory balances increased by 7% in 2009 compared to an increase of 10% in 2008. Inventory levels in the consumables category increased by $111.4



52



million, or 15%, in 2009 compared to an increase of $77.8 million, or 12%, in 2008. The seasonal category increased by $25.3 million, or 9%, in 2009 compared to an increase of $20.9 million, or 8%, in 2008. The home products category declined $9.1 million, or 6%, in 2009 compared to a decline of $2.6 million, or 2%, in 2008. The apparel category declined by $22.9 million, or 10%, in 2009 compared to an increase of $30.2 million, or 15%, in 2008. In addition, increased net income in 2009 compared to 2008 was a principal factor in the increase in income taxes paid in 2009 compared to 2008. Changes in Accrued expenses and other were affected in part by the timing of the payments related to the Litigation settlement and related costs discussed above under “Results of Operations,” as the associated insurance proceeds of $10.0 million were received at the end of 2008 while the payment of the $40.0 million settlement occurred at the beginning of 2009.

Cash flows from investing activities . Cash flows used in investing activities totaling $418.9 million in 2010 were primarily related to capital expenditures. Significant components of our property and equipment purchases in 2010 included the following approximate amounts: $156 million for improvements, upgrades, remodels and relocations of existing stores; $100 million for new leased stores; $91 million for stores purchased or built by us; $45 million for distribution and transportation-related capital expenditures; and $22 million for information systems upgrades and technology-related projects. During 2010 we opened 600 new stores and remodeled or relocated 504 stores.

Cash flows used in investing activities totaling $248.0 million in 2009 were also primarily related to capital expenditures. Significant components of our property and equipment purchases in 2009 included the following approximate amounts: $114 million for improvements, upgrades, remodels and relocations of existing stores; $69 million for new leased stores; $28 million for distribution and transportation-related capital expenditures; $24 million for various administrative capital costs; and $11 million for information systems upgrades and technology-related projects. During 2009 we opened 500 new stores and remodeled or relocated 450 stores.

Cash flows used in investing activities totaling $152.6 million in 2008 were primarily related to capital expenditures, offset by sales of investments. Significant components of our property and equipment purchases in 2008 included the following approximate amounts: $149 million for improvements, upgrades, remodels and relocations of existing stores; $22 million for new leased stores; $17 million for distribution and transportation-related capital expenditures; and $13 million for information systems upgrades and technology-related projects. During 2008 we opened 207 new stores and remodeled or relocated 404 stores.

Purchases and sales of short-term investments equal to net sales of $51.6 million in 2008 primarily reflected investment activities in our captive insurance subsidiary.

Capital expenditures during 2011 are projected to be in the range of $550-$600 million. We anticipate funding 2011 capital requirements with cash flows from operations, and if necessary, we also have significant availability under our ABL Facility. Significant components of the 2011 capital plan include growth initiatives, such as approximately 625 new stores including the purchase of existing stores and the construction of new stores; costs related to new leased stores including leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment; continued investment in our existing store base with plans for remodeling and relocating approximately 550 stores; the



53



construction of a new distribution center in Alabama; as well as additional investments in our supply chain and information technology. We plan to undertake these expenditures as part of our efforts to improve our infrastructure and increase our cash generated from operating activities.

Cash flows from financing activities . During 2010, we repurchased $115.0 million outstanding principal amount of our outstanding Senior Notes at a total cost of $127.5 million including associated premiums. We had no borrowings or repayments under the ABL Facility in 2010.

In 2009, we had cash inflows from the issuance of equity of $443.8 million primarily due to our initial public offering of 22.7 million shares of common stock. We used the proceeds from the offering to redeem outstanding Notes with a total principal amount of $400.9 million at a premium, and used cash generated from operations to repay $336.5 million outstanding principal amount on our Term Loan Facility. We had no borrowings or repayments under the ABL Facility in 2009. In addition, we paid a dividend and related amounts totaling $239.7 million using cash generated from operations.

In February 2008, we repaid outstanding borrowings of $102.5 million under our ABL Facility, and have had no borrowings outstanding under the ABL facility since that time. Also during 2008, we repurchased $44.1 million principal amount of our outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes.


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. In addition to the estimates presented below, there are other items within our financial statements that require estimation, but are not deemed critical as defined below. We believe these estimates are reasonable and appropriate. However, if actual experience differs from the assumptions and other considerations used, the resulting changes could have a material effect on the financial statements taken as a whole.


Management believes the following policies and estimates are critical because they involve significant judgments, assumptions, and estimates. Management has discussed the development and selection of the critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the disclosures presented below relating to those policies and estimates.


Merchandise Inventories . Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined using the retail last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. Under our retail inventory method (“RIM”), the calculation of gross profit and the resulting valuation of inventories at cost are computed by applying a calculated cost-to-retail inventory ratio to the retail value of sales at a department level. The RIM is an averaging method that has been widely used in the retail industry due to its practicality. Also, it is recognized that the use of the RIM will result in valuing inventories at the lower of cost or market (“LCM”) if markdowns are currently taken as a reduction of the retail value of inventories.




54



Inherent in the RIM calculation are certain significant management judgments and estimates including, among others, initial markups, markdowns, and shrinkage, which significantly impact the gross profit calculation as well as the ending inventory valuation at cost. These significant estimates, coupled with the fact that the RIM is an averaging process, can, under certain circumstances, produce distorted cost figures. Factors that can lead to distortion in the calculation of the inventory balance include:

·

applying the RIM to a group of products that is not fairly uniform in terms of its cost and selling price relationship and turnover;


·

applying the RIM to transactions over a period of time that include different rates of gross profit, such as those relating to seasonal merchandise;


·

inaccurate estimates of inventory shrinkage between the date of the last physical inventory at a store and the financial statement date; and


·

inaccurate estimates of LCM and/or LIFO reserves.

Factors that reduce potential distortion include the use of historical experience in estimating the shrink provision (see discussion below) and an annual LIFO analysis whereby all SKUs are considered in the index formulation. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels, sales for the year and the expected rate of inflation/deflation for the year and are thus subject to adjustment in the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation. We also perform interim inventory analysis for determining obsolete inventory. Our policy is to write down inventory to an LCM value based on various management assumptions including estimated markdowns and sales required to liquidate such inventory in future periods. Inventory is reviewed on a quarterly basis and adjusted as appropriate to reflect write-downs determined to be necessary.


Factors such as slower inventory turnover due to changes in competitors’ practices, consumer preferences, consumer spending and unseasonable weather patterns, among other factors, could cause excess inventory requiring greater than estimated markdowns to entice consumer purchases, resulting in an unfavorable impact on our consolidated financial statements. Sales shortfalls due to the above factors could cause reduced purchases from vendors and associated vendor allowances that would also result in an unfavorable impact on our consolidated financial statements.


We calculate our shrink provision based on actual physical inventory results during the fiscal period and an accrual for estimated shrink occurring subsequent to a physical inventory through the end of the fiscal reporting period. This accrual is calculated as a percentage of sales at each retail store, at a department level, and is determined by dividing the book-to-physical inventory adjustments recorded during the previous twelve months by the related sales for the same period for each store. To the extent that subsequent physical inventories yield different results than this estimated accrual, our effective shrink rate for a given reporting period will



55



include the impact of adjusting the estimated results to the actual results. Although we perform physical inventories in virtually all of our stores on an annual basis, the same stores do not necessarily get counted in the same reporting periods from year to year, which could impact comparability in a given reporting period.

We believe our estimates and assumptions related to merchandise inventories have generally been accurate in recent years and we do not currently anticipate material changes in these estimates and assumptions.


Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. We amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives unless such lives are deemed indefinite. If impairment indicators are noted, amortizable intangible assets are tested for impairment based on projected undiscounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on either discounted projected cash flows or appraised values. Future cash flow projections are based on management’s projections. Significant judgments required in this testing process may include projecting future cash flows, determining appropriate discount rates and other assumptions. Projections are based on management’s best estimates given recent financial performance, market trends, strategic plans and other available information which in recent years have been materially accurate. Although not currently anticipated, changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value or impairment. Future indicators of impairment could result in an asset impairment charge.


Under accounting standards for goodwill and other intangible assets, we are required to test such assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators occur. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process that requires management to make judgments in determining what assumptions to use in the calculation. The first step of the process consists of estimating the fair value of our reporting unit based on valuation techniques (including a discounted cash flow model using revenue and profit forecasts) and comparing that estimated fair value with the recorded carrying value, which includes goodwill. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of the impairment by determining an “implied fair value” of goodwill. The determination of the implied fair value of goodwill would require us to allocate the estimated fair value of our reporting unit to its assets and liabilities. Any unallocated fair value represents the implied fair value of goodwill, which would be compared to its corresponding carrying value.

The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

We performed our annual impairment tests of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets during the third quarter of 2010 based on conditions as of the end of the second quarter of 2010. The tests indicated that no impairment charge was necessary. We are not currently projecting a decline in cash flows that could be expected to have an adverse effect such as a violation of debt covenants or future impairment charges.




56



Property and Equipment . Property and equipment are recorded at cost. We group our assets into relatively homogeneous classes and generally provide for depreciation on a straight-line basis over the estimated average useful life of each asset class, except for leasehold improvements, which are amortized over the lesser of the applicable lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. Certain store and warehouse fixtures, when fully depreciated, are removed from the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization accounts. The valuation and classification of these assets and the assignment of depreciable lives involves significant judgments and the use of estimates, which we believe have been materially accurate in recent years.


Impairment of Long-lived Assets. We review the carrying value of all long-lived assets for impairment at least annually, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. In accordance with accounting standards for impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, we review for impairment stores open for approximately two years or more for which recent cash flows from operations are negative. Impairment results when the carrying value of the assets exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows over the life of the lease. Our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows over the lease term is based upon historical operations of the stores and estimates of future store profitability which encompasses many factors that are subject to variability and are difficult to predict. If a long-lived asset is found to be impaired, the amount recognized for impairment is equal to the difference between the carrying value and the asset’s estimated fair value. The fair value is estimated based primarily upon projected future cash flows (discounted at our credit adjusted risk-free rate) or other reasonable estimates of fair market value in accordance with U.S. GAAP. During 2010, 2009 and 2008 we recorded pre-tax impairment charges of $1.7 million, $5.0 million and $4.0 million, respectively, for certain store assets that we deemed to be impaired.


Insurance Liabilities . We retain a significant portion of the risk for our workers’ compensation, employee health, property loss, automobile and general liability. These represent significant costs primarily due to the large employee base and number of stores. Provisions are made to these liabilities on an undiscounted basis based on actual claim data and estimates of incurred but not reported claims developed using actuarial methodologies based on historical claim trends, which have been and are anticipated to continue to be materially accurate. If future claim trends deviate from recent historical patterns, we may be required to record additional expenses or expense reductions, which could be material to our future financial results.


Contingent Liabilities – Income Taxes. Income tax reserves are determined using the methodology established by accounting standards relating to uncertainty in income taxes. These standards require companies to assess each income tax position taken using a two step process. A determination is first made as to whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained, based upon the technical merits, upon examination by the taxing authorities. If the tax position is expected to meet the more likely than not criteria, the benefit recorded for the tax position equals the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement of the respective tax position. Uncertain tax positions require determinations and estimated liabilities to be made based on provisions of the tax law which may be subject to



57



change or varying interpretation. If our determinations and estimates prove to be inaccurate, the resulting adjustments could be material to our future financial results.


Contingent Liabilities - Legal Matters . We are subject to legal, regulatory and other proceedings and claims. We establish liabilities as appropriate for these claims and proceedings based upon the probability and estimability of losses and to fairly present, in conjunction with the disclosures of these matters in our financial statements and SEC filings, management’s view of our exposure. We review outstanding claims and proceedings with external counsel to assess probability and estimates of loss. We re-evaluate these assessments on a quarterly basis or as new and significant information becomes available to determine whether a liability should be established or if any existing liability should be adjusted. The actual cost of resolving a claim or proceeding ultimately may be substantially different than the amount of the recorded liability. In addition, because it is not permissible under U.S. GAAP to establish a litigation liability until the loss is both probable and estimable, in some cases there may be insufficient time to establish a liability prior to the actual incurrence of the loss (upon verdict and judgment at trial, for example, or in the case of a quickly negotiated settlement).


Lease Accounting and Excess Facilities . Many of our stores are subject to build-to-suit arrangements with landlords, which typically carry a primary lease term of 10-15 years with multiple renewal options. We also have stores subject to shorter-term leases (usually with initial or current terms of 3 to 5 years), and many of these leases have multiple renewal options. As of January 28, 2011, approximately 35% of our stores had provisions for contingent rentals based upon a percentage of defined sales volume. We recognize contingent rental expense when the achievement of specified sales targets is considered probable. We recognize rent expense over the term of the lease. We record minimum rental expense on a straight-line basis over the base, non-cancelable lease term commencing on the date that we take physical possession of the property from the landlord, which normally includes a period prior to store opening to make necessary leasehold improvements and install store fixtures. When a lease contains a predetermined fixed escalation of the minimum rent, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis and record the difference between the recognized rental expense and the amounts payable under the lease as deferred rent. Tenant allowances, to the extent received, are recorded as deferred incentive rent and amortized as a reduction to rent expense over the term of the lease. We reflect as a liability any difference between the calculated expense and the amounts actually paid. Improvements of leased properties are amortized over the shorter of the life of the applicable lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset.

For store closures (excluding those associated with a business combination) where a lease obligation still exists, we record the estimated future liability associated with the rental obligation on the date the store is closed in accordance with accounting standards for costs associated with exit or disposal activities. Based on an overall analysis of store performance and expected trends, management periodically evaluates the need to close underperforming stores. Liabilities are established at the point of closure for the present value of any remaining operating lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income, and at the communication date for severance and other exit costs. Key assumptions in calculating the liability include the timeframe expected to terminate lease agreements, estimates related to the sublease potential of closed locations, and estimation of other related exit costs. Historically, these estimates have not been materially inaccurate; however, if actual timing and potential termination costs or realization of sublease



58



income differ from our estimates, the resulting liabilities could vary from recorded amounts. These liabilities are reviewed periodically and adjusted when necessary.


Share-Based Payments . Our share-based stock option awards are valued on an individual grant basis using the Black-Scholes-Merton closed form option pricing model. We believe that this model fairly estimates the value of our share-based awards. The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the valuation of stock options, which affects compensation expense related to these options. These assumptions include an estimate of the fair value of our common stock, the term that the options are expected to be outstanding, an estimate of the volatility of our stock price (which is based on a peer group of publicly traded companies), applicable interest rates and the dividend yield of our stock. Our volatility estimates are based on a peer group due to the fact that our stock has been publicly traded for a relatively short period of time in relation to the expected term of outstanding options. Other factors involving judgments that affect the expensing of share-based payments include estimated forfeiture rates of share-based awards. Historically, these estimates have not been materially inaccurate; however, if our estimates differ materially from actual experience, we may be required to record additional expense or reductions of expense, which could be material to our future financial results.


Fair Value Measurements. We measure fair value of assets and liabilities in accordance with applicable accounting standards, which require that fair values be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. These standards establish a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy). Therefore, Level 3 inputs are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity, and thus require the use of significant judgment and estimates. Currently, we have no assets or liabilities that are valued based solely on Level 3 inputs.


Our fair value measurements are primarily associated with our derivative financial instruments, intangible assets, property and equipment, and to a lesser degree our investments. The values of our derivative financial instruments are determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash payments (or receipts) and the discounted expected variable cash receipts (or payments). The variable cash receipts (or payments) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. In recent years, these methodologies have produced materially accurate valuations.


Derivative Financial Instruments. We account for our derivative instruments in accordance with accounting standards for derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) and hedging activities, as amended and interpreted,



59



which establish accounting and reporting requirements for such instruments and activities. These standards require that every derivative instrument be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value, and that changes in the derivative’s fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. See “Fair Value Measurements” above for a discussion of derivative valuations. Special accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative’s gains and losses to either offset related results on the hedged item in the statement of operations or be accumulated in other comprehensive income, and requires that a company formally document, designate, and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting. We use derivative instruments to manage our exposure to changing interest rates, primarily with interest rate swaps.


In addition to making valuation estimates, we also bear the risk that certain derivative instruments that have been designated as hedges and currently meet the strict hedge accounting requirements may not qualify in the future as “highly effective,” as defined, as well as the risk that hedged transactions in cash flow hedging relationships may no longer be considered probable to occur. Further, new interpretations and guidance related to these instruments may be issued in the future, and we cannot predict the possible impact that such guidance may have on our use of derivative instruments going forward.



60




ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


Financial Risk Management


We are exposed to market risk primarily from adverse changes in interest rates, and to a lesser degree commodity prices. To minimize this risk, we may periodically use financial instruments, including derivatives. As a matter of policy, we do not buy or sell financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes and all derivative financial instrument transactions must be authorized and executed pursuant to approval by the Board of Directors. All financial instrument positions taken by us are intended to be used to reduce risk by hedging an underlying economic exposure. Because of high correlation between the derivative financial instrument and the underlying exposure being hedged, fluctuations in the value of the financial instruments are generally offset by reciprocal changes in the value of the underlying economic exposure.

Interest Rate Risk


We manage our interest rate risk through the strategic use of fixed and variable interest rate debt and, from time to time, derivative financial instruments. Our principal interest rate exposure relates to outstanding amounts under our Credit Facilities. As of January 28, 2011, our Credit Facilities provide for variable rate borrowings of up to $2.995 billion including availability of up to $1.031 billion under our ABL Facility, subject to the borrowing base. In order to mitigate a portion of the variable rate interest exposure under the Credit Facilities, we entered into certain interest rate swaps which became effective on July 31, 2007. Pursuant to these swaps, we swapped three month LIBOR rates for fixed interest rates, resulting in the payment of an all-in fixed rate of 7.68% on an original notional amount of $2.0 billion originally scheduled to amortize on a quarterly basis until maturity at July 31, 2012.

In October 2008, a counterparty to one of our 2007 swap agreements defaulted. We terminated this agreement and in November 2008 we subsequently cash settled the swap. Representatives of the counterparty have challenged our calculation of the cash settlement. See “Legal Proceedings” under Note 9 of the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements. As of January 28, 2011, the notional amount under the remaining 2007 swaps is $646.7 million.

 

Effective December 31, 2008, we entered into a $475.0 million interest rate swap in order to mitigate an additional portion of the variable rate interest exposure under the Credit Facilities. This swap is scheduled to mature on January 31, 2013. Under the terms of this agreement we swapped one month LIBOR rates for fixed interest rates, resulting in the payment of a fixed rate of 5.06% on a notional amount of $475.0 million through April 2010, $400.0 million from May 2010 through October 2011, and $300.0 million to maturity.

A change in interest rates on variable rate debt impacts our pre-tax earnings and cash flows; whereas a change in interest rates on fixed rate debt impacts the economic fair value of debt but not our pre-tax earnings and cash flows. Our interest rate swaps qualify for hedge accounting as cash flow hedges. Therefore, changes in market fluctuations related to the



61



effective portion of these cash flow hedges do not impact our pre-tax earnings until the accrued interest is recognized on the derivatives and the associated hedged debt. Based on our variable rate borrowing levels and interest rate swaps outstanding during 2010 and 2009, the annualized effect of a one percentage point change in variable interest rates would have resulted in a pretax reduction of our earnings and cash flows of approximately $9.3 million in 2010 and $5.6 million in 2009.


The conditions and uncertainties in the global credit markets have increased the credit risk of other counterparties to our swap agreements. In the event such counterparties fail to perform under our swap agreements and we are unable to enter into new swap agreements on terms favorable to us, our ability to effectively manage our interest rate risk may be materially impaired. We attempt to manage counterparty credit risk by periodically evaluating the financial position and creditworthiness of such counterparties, monitoring the amount for which we are at risk with each counterparty, and where possible, dispersing the risk among multiple counterparties. There can be no assurance that we will manage or mitigate our counterparty credit risk effectively.



62




ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Dollar General Corporation


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Dollar General Corporation and subsidiaries as of January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the years ended January 28, 2011, January 29, 2010 and January 30, 2009. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Dollar General Corporation and subsidiaries at January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended January 28, 2011, January 29, 2010 and January 30, 2009, 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), Dollar General Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 22, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.



/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Nashville, Tennessee

March 22, 2011



63



DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

January 28,
2011

 

January 29,
2010

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

497,446 

 

$

222,076 

Merchandise inventories

 

1,765,433 

 

 

1,519,578 

Income taxes receivable

 

 

 

7,543 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

104,946 

 

 

96,252 

Total current assets

 

2,367,825 

 

 

1,845,449 

Net property and equipment

 

1,524,575 

 

 

1,328,386 

Goodwill

 

4,338,589 

 

 

4,338,589 

Intangible assets, net

 

1,256,922 

 

 

1,284,283 

Other assets, net

 

58,311 

 

 

66,812 

Total assets

$

9,546,222 

 

$

8,863,519 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term obligations

$

1,157 

 

$

3,671 

Accounts payable

 

953,641 

 

 

830,953 

Accrued expenses and other

 

347,741 

 

 

342,290 

Income taxes payable

 

25,980 

 

 

4,525 

Deferred income taxes payable

 

36,854 

 

 

25,061 

Total current liabilities

 

1,365,373 

 

 

1,206,500 

Long-term obligations

 

3,287,070 

 

 

3,399,715 

Deferred income taxes payable

 

598,565 

 

 

546,172 

Other liabilities

 

231,582 

 

 

302,348 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable common stock

 

9,153 

 

 

18,486 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, 1,000 shares authorized

 

 

 

Common stock; $0.875 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 341,507 and 340,586 shares issued and outstanding at

January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, respectively

 

298,819 

 

 

298,013 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,945,024 

 

 

2,923,377 

Retained earnings

 

830,932 

 

 

203,075 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(20,296)

 

 

(34,167)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

4,054,479 

 

 

3,390,298 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

9,546,222 

 

$

8,863,519 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.



64



DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

For the Year Ended

January 28,
2011

 

January 29,
2010

 

January 30,
2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

13,035,000 

 

$

11,796,380 

 

$

10,457,668 

Cost of goods sold

 

8,858,444 

 

 

8,106,509 

 

 

7,396,571 

Gross profit

 

4,176,556 

 

 

3,689,871 

 

 

3,061,097 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

2,902,491 

 

 

2,736,613 

 

 

2,448,611 

Litigation settlement and related costs, net

 

 

 

 

 

32,000 

Operating profit

 

1,274,065 

 

 

953,258 

 

 

580,486 

Interest income

 

(220)

 

 

(144)

 

 

(3,061)

Interest expense

 

274,212 

 

 

345,744 

 

 

391,932 

Other (income) expense

 

15,101 

 

 

55,542 

 

 

(2,788)

Income before income taxes

 

984,972 

 

 

552,116 

 

 

194,403 

Income tax expense

 

357,115 

 

 

212,674 

 

 

86,221 

Net income

$

627,857 

 

$

339,442 

 

$

108,182 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

1.84 

 

$

1.05 

 

$

0.34 

Diluted

$

1.82 

 

$

1.04 

 

$

0.34 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

341,047 

 

 

322,778 

 

 

317,024 

Diluted

 

344,800 

 

 

324,836 

 

 

317,503 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.




65



DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands except per share amounts)

 

Common
Stock
Shares

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated Deficit)

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

Total

Balances, February 1, 2008

317,418 

$

277,741 

$

2,480,062 

$

(4,818)

$

(49,112)

$

2,703,873 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

108,182 

 

 

108,182 

Unrealized net gain on hedged transactions, net of income tax expense of $4,518

 

 

 

 

9,682 

 

9,682 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

117,864 

Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans

484 

 

423 

 

(423)

 

 

 

Repurchases of common stock

(57)

 

(50)

 

50 

 

 

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

9,958 

 

 

 

9,958 

Balances, January 30, 2009

317,845 

$

278,114 

$

2,489,647 

$

103,364 

$

(39,430)

$

2,831,695 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

339,442 

 

 

339,442 

Unrealized net gain on hedged transactions, net of income tax expense of $2,553

 

 

 

 

5,263 

 

5,263 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

344,705 

Issuance of common stock

22,700 

 

19,863 

 

421,299 

 

 

 

441,162 

Cash dividends, $0.7525 per common share, and related amounts

 

 

 

(239,731)

 

 

(239,731)

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

15,009 

 

 

 

15,009 

Tax benefit from stock option exercises

 

 

3,072 

 

 

 

3,072 

Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans

304 

 

266 

 

2,020 

 

 

 

2,286 

Equity settlements under stock incentive plans

(263)

 

(230)

 

(7,670)

 

 

 

(7,900)

Balances, January 29, 2010

340,586 

$

298,013 

$

2,923,377 

$

203,075 

$

(34,167)

$

3,390,298 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

627,857 

 

 

627,857 

Unrealized net gain on hedged transactions, net of income tax expense of $9,406

 

 

 

 

13,871 

 

13,871 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

641,728 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

12,805 

 

 

 

12,805 

Tax benefit from stock option exercises

 

 

10,110 

 

 

 

10,110 

Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans

93 

 

82 

 

1,943 

 

 

 

2,025 

Exercise of stock options

872 

 

763 

 

(8,399)

 

 

 

(7,636)

Other equity settlements under stock incentive plans

(44)

 

(39)

 

5,188 

 

 

 

5,149 

Balances, January 28, 2011

341,507 

$

298,819 

$

2,945,024 

$

830,932 

$

(20,296)

$

4,054,479 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.



66



DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

For the Year Ended

January 28,

2011

 

January 29, 2010

 

January 30,

2009

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

627,857 

 

$

339,442 

 

$

108,182 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

254,927 

 

 

256,771 

 

 

247,899 

Deferred income taxes

 

50,985 

 

 

14,860 

 

 

73,434 

Tax benefit of stock options

 

(13,905)

 

 

(5,390)

 

 

(950)

Loss (gain) on debt retirement

 

14,576 

 

 

55,265 

 

 

(3,818)

Noncash share-based compensation

 

15,956 

 

 

17,295 

 

 

9,958 

Noncash inventory adjustments and asset impairments

 

7,607 

 

 

647 

 

 

50,671 

Other noncash gains and losses

 

5,942 

 

 

7,920 

 

 

6,252 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise inventories

 

(251,809)

 

 

(100,248)

 

 

(173,014)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(10,157)

 

 

(7,298)

 

 

(598)

Accounts payable

 

123,424 

 

 

106,049 

 

 

140,356 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

(42,428)

 

 

(12,643)

 

 

68,736 

Income taxes

 

42,903 

 

 

1,153 

 

 

33,986 

Other

 

(1,194)

 

 

(1,000)

 

 

14,084 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

824,684 

 

 

672,823 

 

 

575,178 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(420,395)

 

 

(250,747)

 

 

(205,546)

Purchases of short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

(9,903)

Sales of short-term investments

 

 

 

 

 

61,547 

Sales of property and equipment

 

1,448 

 

 

2,701 

 

 

1,266 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(418,947)

 

 

(248,046)

 

 

(152,636)

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock

 

631 

 

 

443,753 

 

 

4,228 

Repayments under revolving credit facility

 

 

 

 

 

(102,500)

Issuance of long-term obligations

 

 

 

1,080 

 

 

Repayments of long-term obligations

 

(131,180)

 

 

(785,260)

 

 

(44,425)

Payment of cash dividends and related amounts

 

 

 

(239,731)

 

 

Repurchases of common stock and settlement of equity awards, net of employee taxes paid

 

(13,723)

 

 

(5,928)

 

 

(3,009)

Tax benefit of stock options

 

13,905 

 

 

5,390 

 

 

950 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(130,367)

 

 

(580,696)

 

 

(144,756)

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

275,370 

 

 

(155,919)

 

 

277,786 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

222,076 

 

 

377,995 

 

 

100,209 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$

497,446 

 

$

222,076 

 

$

377,995 




67






Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

$

244,752 

 

$

328,433 

 

$

377,022 

Income taxes

 

314,123 

 

 

187,983 

 

 

7,091 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment awaiting processing for payment, included in Accounts payable

$

29,658 

 

$

30,393 

 

$

7,474 

Purchases of property and equipment under capital lease obligations

 

 

 

50 

 

 

3,806 

Expiration of equity repurchase rights

 

 

 

 

 

2,548 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.



68



DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.

Basis of presentation and accounting policies


Basis of presentation


These notes contain references to the years 2010, 2009 and 2008, which represent fiscal years ended January 28, 2011, January 29, 2010 and January 30, 2009, respectively, each of which were 52-week accounting periods. The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Friday closest to January 31. The consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries of the Company, except for its not-for-profit subsidiary which the Company does not control. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated.


Business description


The Company sells general merchandise on a retail basis through 9,372 stores (as of January 28, 2011) in 35 states covering most of the southern, southwestern, midwestern and eastern United States. The Company has distribution centers (“DCs”) in Scottsville, Kentucky; Ardmore, Oklahoma; South Boston, Virginia; Indianola, Mississippi; Fulton, Missouri; Alachua, Florida; Zanesville, Ohio; Jonesville, South Carolina and Marion, Indiana.


The Company purchases its merchandise from a wide variety of suppliers. Approximately 9% and 7% of the Company’s purchases in 2010 were made from the Company’s largest and second largest suppliers, respectively.


Cash and cash equivalents


Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less when purchased. Such investments primarily consist of money market funds, bank deposits, certificates of deposit (which may include foreign time deposits), and commercial paper. The carrying amounts of these items are a reasonable estimate of their fair value due to the short maturity of these investments.


Payments due from processors for electronic tender transactions classified as cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $26.1 million and $23.2 million at January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, respectively.


The Company’s cash management system provides for daily investment of available balances and the funding of outstanding checks when presented for payment. Outstanding but unpresented checks totaling approximately $153.6 million and $159.6 million at January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, respectively, have been included in Accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheets. Upon presentation for payment, these checks are funded through available cash balances or the Company’s credit facilities.




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At January 28, 2011, the Company maintained cash balances to meet a $20 million minimum threshold set by insurance regulators, as further described below under “Insurance liabilities.”


Investments in debt and equity securities


The Company accounts for its investments in debt and marketable equity securities as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading, depending on their classification. Debt securities categorized as held-to-maturity are stated at amortized cost. Debt and equity securities categorized as available-for-sale are stated at fair value, with any unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred income taxes, reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Trading securities (primarily mutual funds held pursuant to deferred compensation and supplemental retirement plans, as further discussed in Note 10) are stated at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded as a component of Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense.


As of January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, the Company had investments in trading securities of $8.3 million and $8.8 million, respectively, $2.2 million and $1.6 million of which were classified as Prepaid expenses and other current assets, respectively, and $6.1 million and $7.2 million of which were classified as Other assets, net, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets. Historical cost information pertaining to these investments in mutual funds by participants in the Company’s supplemental retirement and compensation deferral plans is not readily available to the Company.

During 2008, the Company’s South Carolina-based wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary, Ashley River Insurance Company (“ARIC”), had investments in various debt securities. These investments were held pursuant to South Carolina regulatory requirements to maintain certain asset balances related to ARIC’s liability and equity balances, which could have limited the Company’s ability to use these assets for general corporate purposes. In May 2008, the state of South Carolina made certain changes to these regulations, which in turn changed the Company’s investment requirements. As a result, the Company reclassified certain investments held by ARIC from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale, and ARIC subsequently liquidated certain investments totaling $48.6 million during 2008.

For the years ended January 28, 2011, January 29, 2010 and January 30, 2009, gross realized gains and losses on the sales of available-for-sale securities were not material. The cost of securities sold is based upon the specific identification method.


Merchandise inventories


Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined using the retail last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method as this method results in a better matching of costs and revenues. Under the Company’s retail inventory method (“RIM”), the calculation of gross profit and the resulting valuation of inventories at cost are computed by applying a calculated cost-to-retail inventory ratio to the retail value of sales at a department level. Costs directly associated with warehousing and distribution are capitalized into inventory. The excess of current cost over LIFO cost was approximately $52.8 million and $47.5 million at January 28, 2011 and January



70



29, 2010, respectively. Current cost is determined using the RIM on a first-in, first-out basis. Under the LIFO inventory method, the impacts of rising or falling market price changes increase or decrease cost of sales (the LIFO provision or benefit). The Company recorded a LIFO provision of $5.3 million in 2010, a LIFO benefit of $2.5 million in 2009, and a LIFO provision of $43.9 million in 2008.

The 2008 LIFO provision was impacted by increased commodity costs related to food and pet products which were driven by fruit and vegetable prices and rising freight costs. In addition, increases in petroleum, resin, metals, pulp and other raw material commodity costs also resulted in multiple product cost increases. These trends generally stabilized or reversed in 2009 and 2010.

Vendor rebates

The Company accounts for all cash consideration received from vendors in accordance with applicable accounting standards pertaining to such arrangements. Cash consideration received from a vendor is generally presumed to be a rebate or an allowance and is accounted for as a reduction of merchandise purchase costs as earned. However, certain specific, incremental and otherwise qualifying SG&A expenses related to the promotion or sale of vendor products may be offset by cash consideration received from vendors, in accordance with arrangements such as cooperative advertising, when earned for dollar amounts up to but not exceeding actual incremental costs. The Company recognizes amounts received for cooperative advertising on performance, “first showing” or distribution, consistent with its policy for advertising expense in accordance with applicable accounting standards for reporting on advertising costs.

Prepaid expenses and other current assets


Prepaid expenses and other current assets include prepaid amounts for rent, maintenance, advertising, and insurance, as well as amounts receivable for certain vendor rebates (primarily those expected to be collected in cash), coupons, and other items.


Property and equipment


Property and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company provides for depreciation and amortization on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:


 

Land improvements

20

 

Buildings

39-40

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

3-10


Improvements of leased properties are amortized over the shorter of the life of the applicable lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset.


Impairment of long-lived assets


When indicators of impairment are present, the Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets, other than goodwill, in relation to the operating performance and future cash



71



flows or the appraised values of the underlying assets. In accordance with accounting standards for long-lived assets, the Company reviews for impairment stores open more than two years for which current cash flows from operations are negative. Impairment results when the carrying value of the assets exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows over the life of the lease. The Company’s estimate of undiscounted future cash flows over the lease term is based upon historical operations of the stores and estimates of future store profitability which encompasses many factors that are subject to variability and difficult to predict. If a long-lived asset is found to be impaired, the amount recognized for impairment is equal to the difference between the carrying value and the asset’s estimated fair value. The fair value is estimated based primarily upon estimated future cash flows (discounted at the Company’s credit adjusted risk-free rate) or other reasonable estimates of fair market value. Assets to be disposed of are adjusted to the fair value less the cost to sell if less than the book value.


The Company recorded impairment charges included in SG&A expense of approximately $1.7 million in 2010, $5.0 million in 2009 and $4.0 million in 2008, to reduce the carrying value of certain of its stores’ assets. Such action was deemed necessary based on the Company’s evaluation that such amounts would not be recoverable primarily due to insufficient sales or excessive costs resulting in negative current and projected future cash flows at these locations.


Capitalized interest


To assure that interest costs properly reflect only that portion relating to current operations, interest on borrowed funds during the construction of property and equipment is capitalized where applicable. No interest costs were capitalized in 2010, 2009 or 2008.


Goodwill and other intangible assets


The Company amortizes intangible assets over their estimated useful lives unless such lives are deemed indefinite. Amortizable intangible assets are tested for impairment when indicators of impairment are present, based on undiscounted cash flows, and if impaired, written down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values.

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present and written down to fair value as required. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the periods presented.


The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process that requires management to make judgments in determining what assumptions to use in the calculation. The first step of the process consists of estimating the fair value of the Company’s reporting unit based on valuation techniques (including a discounted cash flow model using revenue and profit forecasts) and comparing that estimated fair value with the recorded carrying value, which includes goodwill. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of the impairment by determining an “implied fair value” of goodwill. The determination of the implied fair value of goodwill would require the Company to allocate the estimated fair value of its reporting unit to its assets and liabilities. Any unallocated fair value would represent the implied fair value of goodwill, which would be compared to its corresponding carrying value.



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Other assets


Non-current Other assets consist primarily of qualifying prepaid expenses, debt issuance costs which are amortized over the life of the related obligations, and utility and security deposits.


Accrued expenses and other liabilities


Accrued expenses and other consist of the following:


(In thousands)

January 28, 2011

 

January 29,

2010

Compensation and benefits

$

81,786

 

$

100,843

Insurance

 

76,372

 

 

65,408

Taxes (other than taxes on income)

 

74,900

 

 

72,902

Other

 

114,683

 

 

103,137

 

$

347,741

 

$

342,290


Other accrued expenses primarily include the current portion of liabilities for legal settlements, freight expense, contingent rent expense, interest, utilities, common area and other maintenance charges, and income tax related reserves.


Insurance liabilities


The Company retains a significant portion of risk for its workers’ compensation, employee health, general liability, property and automobile claim exposures. Accordingly, provisions are made for the Company’s estimates of such risks. The undiscounted future claim costs for the workers’ compensation, general liability, and health claim risks are derived using actuarial methods. To the extent that subsequent claim costs vary from those estimates, future results of operations will be affected. Ashley River Insurance Company (or ARIC, as defined above), a South Carolina-based wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary of the Company, charges the operating subsidiary companies premiums to insure the retained workers’ compensation and non-property general liability exposures. Pursuant to South Carolina insurance regulations, ARIC is required to maintain certain levels of cash and cash equivalents related to its self insured exposures. ARIC currently insures no unrelated third-party risk.


As a result of the Merger discussed in Note 3, the Company recorded its assumed self-insurance reserves as of the Merger date at their present value in accordance with applicable accounting standards for business combinations, using a discount rate of 5.4%. The balance of the resulting discount was $4.8 million and $7.4 million at January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, respectively. Other than for reserves assumed in a business combination, the Company’s policy is to record self-insurance reserves on an undiscounted basis.

Operating leases and related liabilities

Rent expense is recognized over the term of the lease. The Company records minimum rental expense on a straight-line basis over the base, non-cancelable lease term commencing on the date that the Company takes physical possession of the property from the landlord, which



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normally includes a period prior to the store opening to make necessary leasehold improvements and install store fixtures. When a lease contains a predetermined fixed escalation of the minimum rent, the Company recognizes the related rent expense on a straight-line basis and records the difference between the recognized rental expense and the amounts payable under the lease as deferred rent. Tenant allowances, to the extent received, are recorded as deferred incentive rent and are amortized as a reduction to rent expense over the term of the lease. Any difference between the calculated expense and the amounts actually paid are reflected as a liability, with the current portion in Accrued expenses and other and the long-term portion in Other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, and totaled approximately $23.2 million and $14.5 million at January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, respectively.


The Company recognizes contingent rental expense when the achievement of specified sales targets are considered probable, in accordance with applicable accounting standards for contingent rent. The amount expensed but not paid as of January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010 was approximately $9.2 million and $10.8 million, respectively, and is included in Accrued expenses and other in the consolidated balance sheets (See Note 9).


In the normal course of business, based on an overall analysis of store performance and expected trends, management periodically evaluates the need to close underperforming stores. Generally, for store closures where a lease obligation still exists, the Company records the estimated future liability associated with the rental obligation on the date the store is closed in accordance with applicable accounting standards for costs associated with exit or disposal activities. Key assumptions in calculating the liability include the timeframe expected to terminate lease agreements, estimates related to the sublease potential of closed locations, and estimation of other related exit costs. Liabilities are reviewed periodically and adjusted when necessary. The current portion of the closed store rent liability is reflected in Accrued expenses and other and the long-term portion in Other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, and totaled approximately $7.0 million and $7.6 million at January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, respectively.


Other liabilities


Non-current Other liabilities consist of the following:


(In thousands)

January 28,

2011

 

January 29,

2010

Compensation and benefits

$

14,531

 

$

12,441

Insurance

 

131,912

 

 

140,633

Income tax related reserves

 

27,255

 

 

68,021

Derivatives

 

34,923

 

 

57,058

Other

 

22,961

 

 

24,195

 

$

231,582

 

$

302,348


Amounts reflected as “other” in the table above consist primarily of deferred rent, lease contract termination liabilities for closed stores, and rebate obligations.



74



Fair value accounting

The Company utilizes accounting standards for fair value, which include the definition of fair value, the framework for measuring fair value, and disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, fair value accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).


Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.


The valuation of the Company’s derivative financial instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash payments (or receipts) and the discounted expected variable cash receipts (or payments). The variable cash receipts (or payments) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves.


The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments (CVAs) to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.


The Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. However, the CVAs associated with its derivatives



75



utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties. As of January 28, 2011, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the CVAs on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the CVAs are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. Based on the Company's review of the CVAs by counterparty portfolio, the Company has determined that the CVAs are not significant to the overall portfolio valuations, as the CVAs are deemed to be immaterial in terms of basis points and are a very small percentage of the aggregate notional value. Although some of the CVAs as a percentage of termination value appear to be more significant, primary emphasis was placed on a review of the CVA in basis points and the percentage of the notional value. As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.


The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 28, 2011, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.


(In thousands)

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets and
Liabilities
(Level 1)

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Balance at
January 28,
2011

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trading securities (a)

$

8,289

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

8,289

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term obligations (b)

 

3,450,812

 

 

20,858

 

 

-

 

 

3,471,670

Derivative financial instruments (c)

 

-

 

 

34,923

 

 

-

 

 

34,923

Deferred compensation (d)

 

16,710

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

16,710

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Reflected at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet as Prepaid expenses and other current assets of $2,179 and Other assets, net of $6,110.

(b)

Reflected at book value in the consolidated balance sheet as Current portion of long-term obligations of $1,157 and Long-term obligations of $3,287,070.

(c)

Reflected at fair value in the consolidated balance sheet as noncurrent Other liabilities.

(d)

Reflected at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as Accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $2,179 and non-current Other liabilities of $14,531.


The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables and payables approximate their respective fair values. The Company does not have any fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of January 28, 2011.


Derivative financial instruments


The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with accounting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities. All financial instrument positions taken by the Company are intended to be used to reduce risk by hedging an underlying economic exposure.



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The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge a certain portion of its risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply the hedge accounting standards.

The Company’s derivative financial instruments, in the form of interest rate swaps at January 28, 2011, are related to variable interest rate risk exposures associated with the Company’s long-term debt and were entered into in an effort to manage that risk. The counterparties to the Company’s derivative agreements are all major international financial institutions. The Company continually monitors its position and the credit ratings of its counterparties and does not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties; however, there can be no assurance that such nonperformance will not occur.


Revenue and gain recognition


The Company recognizes retail sales in its stores at the time the customer takes possession of merchandise. All sales are net of discounts and estimated returns and are presented net of taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are imposed concurrent with those sales. The liability for retail merchandise returns is based on the Company’s prior experience. The Company records gain contingencies when realized.


The Company recognizes gift card sales revenue at the time of redemption. The liability for the gift cards is established for the cash value at the time of purchase. The liability for outstanding gift cards was approximately $2.4 million and $1.9 million at January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, respectively, and is recorded in Accrued expenses and other liabilities. Through January 28, 2011, the Company has not recorded any breakage income related to its gift card program.


Advertising costs


Advertising costs are expensed upon performance, “first showing” or distribution, and are reflected net of qualifying cooperative advertising funds provided by vendors in SG&A expenses. Advertising costs were $46.9 million, $41.5 million and $27.8 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These costs primarily include promotional circulars, targeted circulars supporting new stores, television and radio advertising, in-store signage, and costs associated



77



with the sponsorships of certain automobile racing activities. Vendor funding for cooperative advertising offset reported expenses by $14.2 million, $9.0 million and $7.8 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.


Share-based payments

The Company recognizes compensation expense for share-based compensation based on the fair value of the awards on the grant date. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. This estimate is adjusted periodically based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from the prior estimate. The forfeiture rate is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or canceled before becoming fully vested. The Company bases this estimate on historical experience or estimates of future trends, as applicable. An increase in the forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense.


The fair value of each option grant is separately estimated and amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis between the applicable grant date and each vesting date. The Company has estimated the fair value of all stock option awards as of the grant date by applying the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing valuation model. The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense.


The Company calculates compensation expense for nonvested restricted stock and similar awards as the difference between the market price of the underlying stock on the grant date and the purchase price, if any, and recognizes such amount on a straight-line basis over the period in which the recipient earns the nonvested restricted stock and similar awards.

Store pre-opening costs


Pre-opening costs related to new store openings and the related construction periods are expensed as incurred.


Income taxes


Under the accounting standards for income taxes, the asset and liability method is used for computing the future income tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements or income tax returns. Deferred income tax expense or benefit is the net change during the year in the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities.


The Company includes income tax related interest and penalties as a component of the provision for income tax expense.


Income tax reserves are determined using a methodology which requires companies to assess each income tax position taken using a two step process. A determination is first made as to whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained, based upon the technical merits, upon examination by the taxing authorities. If the tax position is expected to meet the



78



more likely than not criteria, the benefit recorded for the tax position equals the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement of the respective tax position. Uncertain tax positions require determinations and estimated liabilities to be made based on provisions of the tax law which may be subject to change or varying interpretation. If the Company’s determinations and estimates prove to be inaccurate, the resulting adjustments could be material to the Company’s future financial results.


Management estimates


The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Accounting standards


In June 2009 the FASB issued a new accounting standard relating to variable interest entities. This standard amends previous standards and requires an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity, specifies updated criteria for determining the primary beneficiary, requires ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity, eliminates the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity, amends certain guidance for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity, requires enhanced disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity, among other provisions. This standard was effective as of the beginning of the Company’s 2010 reporting periods. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications


Certain reclassifications of the 2008 and 2009 amounts have been made to conform to the 2010 presentation.


2.

Initial public offering and special dividend


On November 18, 2009, the Company completed the initial public offering of its common stock. The Company issued 22,700,000 shares in the offering, and an existing shareholder sold an additional 16,515,000 outstanding shares. Net proceeds to the Company from the offering of $446.0 million were used to redeem outstanding debt, as discussed in more detail in Note 7 below. The Company paid a $4.8 million transaction fee to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., L.P. (“KKR”) and Goldman, Sachs & Co. in connection with the offering. Although this transaction fee was not paid from the net proceeds of the offering, it was directly related to the offering and accounted for as a cost of raising equity.



79



Upon the completion of the offering, the Company incurred additional charges of $58.8 million for fees paid to terminate its advisory agreement with KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. The transaction and termination fees paid to such parties are discussed in more detail in Note 12 below. The Company also incurred charges of $9.4 million for the accelerated vesting of certain share-based awards as discussed in more detail in Note 11 below.

On September 8, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special dividend on the Company’s outstanding common stock (including shares of restricted stock) of $0.7525 per share, or approximately $239.3 million in the aggregate, which was paid on September 11, 2009 to shareholders of record on September 8, 2009. The special dividend was paid with cash generated from operations. Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s stock option plans, holders of stock options received either a pro-rata adjustment to the terms of their share-based awards or a cash payment (totaling approximately $0.5 million for all such grantees) in substitution for such adjustment as a result of the dividend.

3.

Merger


On July 6, 2007, the Company consummated a merger transaction (the “Merger”), and as a result, the Company is a subsidiary of an entity controlled by investment funds affiliated with KKR. The aggregate purchase price was approximately $7.1 billion, including direct costs of the Merger, and was funded primarily through debt financings as described more fully below in Note 7 and cash equity contributions from KKR, GS Capital Partners VI Fund, L.P. and affiliated funds (affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co.), and other equity co-investors (collectively, the “Investors”).


The Merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition in accordance with applicable purchase accounting provisions. Because of this accounting treatment, the Company’s assets and liabilities were properly accounted for at their estimated fair values as of the Merger date. The purchase price allocation included approximately $4.34 billion of goodwill, none of which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The purchase price allocation as of the Merger date also included approximately $1.4 billion of other intangible assets. As of January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, these balances were as follows:

 

 

 

As of January 28, 2011

(In thousands)

Estimated
Useful Life

 

 

Amount

 

 

Accumulated

Amortization

 

 

Net

Leasehold interests

2 to 17.5 years

 

$

141,180

 

$

83,458

 

$

57,722

Trade names and trademarks

Indefinite

 

 

1,199,200

 

 

-

 

 

1,199,200

 

 

 

$

1,340,380

 

$

83,458

 

$

1,256,922


 

 

As of January 29, 2010

(In thousands)

Estimated
Useful Life

 

 

Amount

 

 

Accumulated

Amortization

 

 

Net

Leasehold interests

2 to 17.5 years

 

$

184,168

 

$

100,793

 

$

83,375

Internally developed software

3 years

 

 

12,300

 

 

10,592

 

 

1,708

 

 

 

 

196,468

 

 

111,385

 

 

85,083

Trade names and trademarks

Indefinite

 

 

1,199,200

 

 

-

 

 

1,199,200

 

 

 

$

1,395,668

 

$

111,385

 

$

1,284,283



80





The Company recorded amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets for 2010, 2009 and 2008 of $27.4 million, $41.3 million and $45.0 million, respectively, ($25.7 million, $37.2 million and $40.9 million, respectively, of which is included in rent expense). Expected future cash flows associated with the Company’s intangible assets are not expected to be materially affected by the Company’s intent or ability to renew or extend the arrangements.


For intangible assets subject to amortization, the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows: 2011 – $20.9 million, 2012 – $17.0 million, 2013 – $12.0 million, 2014 – $5.8 million and 2015 – $0.9 million.


4.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share is computed as follows (in thousands except per share data):

 

2010

 

Net

Income

 

Weighted Average

Shares

Per Share

Amount

Basic earnings per share

$

627,857 

 

 

341,047

 

$

1.84 

 

Effect of dilutive share-based awards

 

 

 

 

3,753

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

$

627,857 

 

 

344,800

 

$

1.82 

 


 

2009

 

Net

Income

 

Weighted Average

Shares

Per Share

Amount

Basic earnings per share

$

339,442 

 

 

322,778

 

$

1.05 

 

Effect of dilutive share-based awards

 

 

 

 

2,058

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

$

339,442 

 

 

324,836

 

$

1.04 

 


 

2008

 

Net

Income

 

Weighted Average

Shares

Per Share

Amount

Basic earnings per share

$

108,182 

 

 

317,024

 

$

0.34 

 

Effect of dilutive share-based awards

 

 

 

 

479

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

$

108,182 

 

 

317,503

 

$

0.34 

 


Basic earnings per share was computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share was determined based on the dilutive effect of share-based awards using the treasury stock method.

Options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding at the end of the respective periods, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of exercising such options would be antidilutive, were 0.4 million, 0.2 million and 12.1 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.



81




5.

Property and equipment


Property and equipment is recorded at cost and summarized as follows:


(In thousands)

January 28, 2011

 

January 29, 2010

Land and land improvements

$

174,439

 

$

137,903

Buildings

 

575,305

 

 

520,867

Leasehold improvements

 

173,836

 

 

130,774

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

1,235,756

 

 

992,423

Construction in progress

 

17,933

 

 

10,406

 

 

2,177,269

 

 

1,792,373

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

652,694

 

 

463,987

Net property and equipment

$

1,524,575

 

$

1,328,386


Depreciation expense related to property and equipment was approximately $215.7 million, $201.1 million and $190.5 million for 2010, 2009 and 2008. Amortization of capital lease assets is included in depreciation expense.


6.

Income taxes


The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:


(In thousands)

2010

 

2009

 

2008

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

$

273,005 

 

$

173,027 

 

$

10,489 

Foreign

 

1,269 

 

 

1,465 

 

 

1,084 

State

 

28,062 

 

 

21,002 

 

 

1,214 

 

 

302,336 

 

 

195,494 

 

 

12,787 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

42,024 

 

 

12,412 

 

 

64,403 

Foreign

 

 

 

(49)

 

 

(3)

State

 

12,755 

 

 

4,817 

 

 

9,034 

 

 

54,779 

 

 

17,180 

 

 

73,434 

 

$

357,115 

 

$

212,674 

 

$

86,221 

A reconciliation between actual income taxes and amounts computed by applying the federal statutory rate to income before income taxes is summarized as follows:


(Dollars in thousands)

                      2010

                      2009

 

                   2008

 

U.S. federal statutory rate on earnings before income taxes

$

 344,740

35.0 

%

$

 

193,241 

35.0 

%

$

68,041 

35.0 

%

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

 

     26,877 

2.7 

 

  18,375 

3.3 

 

 

5,361 

2.8 

 

Jobs credits, net of federal income taxes

    

   (8,845)

(0.9)

 

    

  (8,590)

(1.6)

 

 

(9,149)

(4.7)

 

Increase (decrease) in valuation allowances

     

   (1,003)

(0.1)

 

    

  (1,722)

(0.3)

 

 

3,038 

1.6 

 

Income tax related interest expense (benefit), net of federal income taxes

   (5,004)

(0.5)

 

         

    1,289

0.2 

 

 

(2,015)

(1.0)

 

Nondeductible Merger-related lawsuit settlement

 

         -

 

         

     (366)

(0.1)

 

 

18,130 

9.3 

 

Other, net

       350

0.1 

 

  10,447 

2.0 

 

 

2,815 

1.4 

 

 

$

357,115 

36.3 

%

$

212,674 

38.5 

%

$

86,221 

44.4 

%



82





The 2010 effective tax rate is an expense of 36.3%. This expense is greater than the expected tax rate of 35% due primarily to the inclusion of state income taxes in the total effective tax rate. The 2010 effective rate is less than the 2009 rate of 38.5% due principally to reductions in state income tax expense, income tax related interest expense and other expense items. The 2010 effective resolution of various examinations by the taxing authorities, when combined with unfavorable examination results in 2009, resulted in a decrease in the year-to-year state income tax expense rate (net of federal income tax expense) of approximately 1.8%. This decrease in state income tax expense was partially offset by an increase in state income tax expense due to a shift in income to companies within the group that have a higher effective state income tax rate. In addition, income tax related interest accruals and income tax related penalty accruals (with the penalty accruals being included in Other, net) were also reduced due to favorable income tax examination results, thereby resulting in a decrease in income tax related interest expense and a decrease in Other income tax expense. Additional decreases in Other, net items occurred due to favorable outcomes in 2010 associated with the completion of a federal income tax examination and reductions in expense associated with uncertain tax benefit accruals.

The 2009 effective tax rate is an expense of 38.5%. This expense is greater than the expected tax rate of 35% due primarily to the inclusion of state income taxes in the total effective tax rate. The 2009 effective tax rate is less than the 2008 rate of 44.4% due principally to the unfavorable impact that the non-deductible, Merger-related lawsuit settlement had on the 2008 rate. This reduction in the effective tax rate was partially offset by a decrease in the tax rate benefit related to federal jobs credits. While the total amount of jobs credits earned in 2009 was similar to the amount earned in 2008, the impact of this benefit on the effective tax rate was reduced due to the 2009 increase in income before tax. The 2009 rate was also increased by accruals associated with uncertain tax benefits, which are included in Other, net.

The 2008 effective income tax rate is an expense of 44.4%. This expense is greater than the expected U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% principally due to the non-deductibility of the settlement and related expenses associated with the Merger-related shareholder lawsuit.



83



Deferred taxes reflect the effects of temporary differences between carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

(In thousands)

January 28,
2011

 

 

January 29,
2010

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred compensation expense

$

6,653

 

$

7,214

 

Accrued expenses and other

 

4,798

 

 

4,223

 

Accrued rent

 

8,581

 

 

5,329

 

Accrued insurance

 

67,634

 

 

67,124

 

Accrued bonuses

 

20,116

 

 

26,112

 

Interest rate hedges

 

13,650

 

 

22,249

 

Tax benefit of income tax and interest reserves related to
uncertain tax positions

 

2,520

 

 

9,498

 

Other

 

16,321

 

 

15,399

 

State tax net operating loss carryforwards, net of federal tax

 

4,697

 

 

7,000

 

State tax credit carryforwards, net of federal tax

 

12,511

 

 

15,696

 

 

 

157,481

 

 

179,844

 

Less valuation allowances

 

(7,083

)

 

(8,086

)

Total deferred tax assets

 

150,398

 

 

171,758

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment

 

(222,757

)

 

(177,171

)

Inventories

 

(68,314

)

 

(66,002

)

Trademarks

 

(435,543

)

 

(435,336

)

Amortizable assets

 

(21,288

)

 

(31,724

)

Insurance related tax method change

 

(14,844

)

 

(30,059

)

Bonus related tax method change

 

(19,520

)

 

 

Other

 

(3,551

)

 

(2,699

)

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

(785,817

)

 

(742,991

)

Net deferred tax liabilities

$

(635,419

)

$

(571,233

)


Net deferred tax liabilities are reflected separately on the consolidated balance sheets as current and noncurrent deferred income taxes. The following table summarizes net deferred tax liabilities as recorded in the consolidated balance sheets:


(In thousands)

January 28,
2011

 

January 29, 2010

Current deferred income tax liabilities, net

$

(36,854)

 

$

(25,061)

Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities, net

 

(598,565)

 

 

(546,172)

Net deferred tax liabilities

$

(635,419)

 

$

(571,233)


The Company has state net operating loss carryforwards as of January 28, 2011 that total approximately $136.7 million which will expire in 2022 through 2029. The Company also has state tax credit carryforwards of approximately $19.2 million that will expire beginning in 2011 through 2025.


The valuation allowance has been provided for state tax credit carryforwards and federal capital losses. The 2010 and 2009 decreases of $1.0 and $1.7 million, respectively, were recorded as a reduction in income tax expense. The 2008 increase of $8.2 million was recorded

84



as income tax expense of $3.0 million and an adjustment to goodwill of $5.2 million. Based upon expected future income, management believes that it is more likely than not that the results of operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets after giving consideration to the valuation allowance.


The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is examining the Company’s federal income tax returns for fiscal years 2006, 2007 and 2008. The 2005 and earlier years are not open for examination. The 2009 and 2010 fiscal years, while not currently under examination, are subject to examination at the discretion of the IRS. The Company has various state income tax examinations that are currently in progress. The estimated liability related to these state income tax examinations is included in the Company’s reserve for uncertain tax positions. Generally, the Company’s tax years ended in 2007 and forward remain open for examination by the various state taxing authorities.

As of January 28, 2011, accruals for uncertain tax benefits, interest expense related to income taxes and potential income tax penalties were $26.4 million, $1.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for a total of $28.8 million. Of this amount, $0.2 million and $27.3 million are reflected in current liabilities as Accrued expenses and other and in noncurrent Other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet with the remaining $1.3 million reducing deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carry forwards.

As of January 29, 2010, accruals for uncertain tax benefits, interest expense related to income taxes and potential income tax penalties were $67.6 million, $8.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, for a total of $78.1 million. Of this amount, $8.5 million and $68.0 million are reflected in current liabilities as Accrued expenses and other and in noncurrent Other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet with the remaining $1.6 million reducing deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carry forwards.

The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the reserve for uncertain tax positions may be reduced by approximately $1.4 million in the coming twelve months principally as a result of the settlement of currently ongoing income tax examinations. The reasonably possible change of $1.4 million is included in current liabilities in Accrued expenses and other ($0.2 million) and in noncurrent Other liabilities ($1.2 million) in the consolidated balance sheet as of January 28, 2011. Also, as of January 28, 2011, approximately $26.4 million of the uncertain tax positions would impact the Company’s effective income tax rate if the Company were to recognize the tax benefit for these positions.

The consolidated statements of income for the respective years reflected below include the following amounts:

(In thousands)

2010

2009

2008

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

$

(12,000

)

$

11,900

 

$

800

 

Income tax related interest expense (benefit)

 

(5,800

)

 

2,300

 

 

(1,000

)

Income tax related penalty expense (benefit)

 

(700

)

 

400

 

 

300

 




85



A reconciliation of the uncertain income tax positions from February 1, 2008 through January 28, 2011 is as follows:


(In thousands)

2010

2009

2008

 

Beginning balance

$

67,636

 

$

59,057

 

$

96,600

 

Increases – tax positions taken in the current year

 

125

 

 

13,701

 

 

25,977

 

Decreases – tax positions taken in the current year

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(2,250

)

Increases – tax positions taken in prior years

 

-

 

 

4,039

 

 

3,271

 

Decreases – tax positions taken in prior years

 

(36,973

)

 

(1,111

)

 

(58,607

)

Statute expirations

 

(1,570

)

 

-

 

 

(1,955

)

Settlements

 

(2,789

)

 

(8,050

)

 

(3,979

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance

$

26,429

 

$

67,636

 

$

59,057

 


7.

Current and long-term obligations


Current and long-term obligations consist of the following:


(In thousands)

January 28, 2011

 

January 29, 2010

Senior secured term loan facility

$

1,963,500 

 

$

1,963,500 

 

ABL Facility

 

 

 

 

10 5/8% Senior Notes due July 15, 2015, net of discount of
$11,161 and $14,788, respectively

 

853,172 

 

 

964,545 

 

11 7/8/12 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due July 15, 2017

 

450,697 

 

 

450,697 

 

8 5/8% Notes due June 15, 2010

 

 

 

1,822 

 

Capital lease obligations

 

6,363 

 

 

8,327 

 

Tax increment financing due February 1, 2035

 

14,495 

 

 

14,495 

 

 

 

3,288,227 

 

 

3,403,386 

 

Less: current portion

 

(1,157)

 

 

(3,671)

 

Long-term portion

$

3,287,070 

 

$

3,399,715 

 


The Company entered into two senior secured credit agreements (the “Credit Facilities”) at the time of the Merger. As of January 28, 2011, the Credit Facilities provide total financing of $2.995 billion, consisting of $1.964 billion in a senior secured term loan facility (“Term Loan Facility”) which matures on July 6, 2014, and a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (“ABL Facility”) of up to $1.031 billion, subject to borrowing base availability, which matures on July 6, 2013.

The amount available under the ABL Facility (including up to $350.0 million for letters of credit) may not exceed the borrowing base (consisting of specified percentages of eligible inventory and credit card receivables less any applicable availability reserves). The ABL Facility includes a $930.0 million tranche and a $101.0 million (“last out”) tranche. Repayments of the ABL Facility will be applied to the $101.0 million tranche only after all other tranches have been fully paid down.


Borrowings under the Credit Facilities bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the Company’s option, either (a) LIBOR or (b) a base rate (which is usually equal to the prime rate). The applicable margin for borrowings is (i) under the Term Loan, 2.75% for LIBOR borrowings and 1.75% for base-rate borrowings (ii) under the ABL Facility (except in the last out tranche described above) as of January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, 1.25% for



86



LIBOR borrowings and 0.25% for base-rate borrowings and for any last out borrowings, 2.25% for LIBOR borrowings and 1.25% for base-rate borrowings. The applicable margins for borrowings under the ABL Facility (except in the case of last out borrowings) are subject to adjustment each quarter based on average daily excess availability under the ABL Facility. The interest rate for borrowings under the Term Loan Facility was 3.0% (without giving effect to the interest rate swaps discussed in Note 8) as of both January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, respectively.


In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Facilities, the Company is required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the ABL Facility for any unutilized commitments. The commitment fee rate is 0.375% per annum. The commitment fee rate will be reduced (except with regard to the last out tranche) to 0.25% per annum at any time that the unutilized commitments under the ABL Facility are equal to or less than 50% of the aggregate commitments under the ABL Facility. The Company also must pay customary letter of credit fees.


The senior secured credit agreement for the Term Loan Facility requires the Company to prepay outstanding term loans, subject to certain exceptions, with percentages of excess cash flow, proceeds of non-ordinary course asset sales or dispositions of property, and proceeds of incurrences of certain debt. In addition, the senior secured credit agreement for the ABL Facility requires the Company to prepay the ABL Facility, subject to certain exceptions, with proceeds of non-ordinary course asset sales or dispositions of property and any borrowings in excess of the then current borrowing base. The Term Loan Facility can be prepaid in whole or in part at any time.

Beginning September 30, 2009, the Company was required to repay installments on the loans under the Term Loan Facility in equal quarterly principal amounts in an aggregate amount per annum equal to 1% of the total funded principal amount at July 6, 2007. During 2009, the Company paid two such quarterly installments totaling $11.5 million. In addition, in January 2010 the Company voluntarily prepaid $325 million of the principal balance of the Term Loan Facility, and as a result, no further quarterly principal installments will be required prior to maturity of the Term Loan Facility on July 6, 2014. The Company incurred a pretax loss of $4.7 million in 2009 for the write off of debt issuance costs associated with this prepayment.

All obligations under the Credit Facilities are unconditionally guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries (excluding certain immaterial subsidiaries and certain subsidiaries designated by the Company under the Credit Facilities as “unrestricted subsidiaries”).


All obligations and guarantees of those obligations under the Term Loan Facility are secured by, subject to certain exceptions, a second-priority security interest in all existing and after-acquired inventory and accounts receivable; a first priority security interest in substantially all of the Company’s and the guarantors’ tangible and intangible assets (other than the inventory and accounts receivable collateral); and a first-priority pledge of the capital stock held by the Company. All obligations under the ABL Facility are secured by all existing and after-acquired inventory and accounts receivable, subject to certain exceptions.




87



The Credit Facilities contain certain covenants, including, among other things, covenants that limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, sell assets, incur additional liens, pay dividends, make investments or acquisitions, or repay certain indebtedness.


Under the ABL facility, for the years ended January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, the Company had no borrowings or repayments; for the year ended January 30, 2009, the Company had no borrowings and repayments of $102.5 million. As of January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, respectively, amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility included $52.7 million and $85.1 million of standby letters of credit, and $19.1 million and $15.4 million of commercial letters of credit, while excess availability under the ABL Facility was $959.3 million and $930.6 million, respectively.


On July 6, 2007, in conjunction with the Merger, the Company issued $1.175 billion aggregate principal amount of 10.625% senior notes due 2015 (the “Senior Notes”) which were issued net of a discount of $23.2 million and which mature on July 15, 2015 pursuant to an indenture, dated as of July 6, 2007 (the “senior indenture”), and $725 million aggregate principal amount of 11.875%/12.625% senior subordinated toggle notes due 2017 (the “Senior Subordinated Notes”), which mature on July 15, 2017, pursuant to an indenture, dated as of July 6, 2007 (the “senior subordinated indenture”). The Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes are collectively referred to herein as the “Notes”. The senior indenture and the senior subordinated indenture are collectively referred to herein as the “indentures.”


Interest on the Notes is payable on January 15 and July 15 of each year. Interest on the Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes is payable in cash. Cash interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes accrues at a rate of 11.875% per annum. For certain interest periods, the Company previously had the ability to elect to pay interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes by increasing the principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes or issuing new senior subordinated notes (“PIK interest”), instead of paying interest in cash. This election was never utilized by the Company and due to the expiration of the notification period for such option, all interest on the Notes has been paid in cash.

The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of the existing and future direct or indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee the obligations under the Company’s Credit Facilities.

The Company may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time at redemption prices described or set forth in the indentures. In addition, the holders of the Notes can require the Company to redeem the Notes at 101% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding in the event of certain change in control events.

In May 2010, the Company repurchased in the open market $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.625% senior notes due 2015 at a price of 111.0% plus accrued and unpaid interest. In September 2010, the Company repurchased in the open market $65.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.625% senior notes due 2015 at a price of 110.75% plus accrued and unpaid interest. The 2010 repurchases resulted in pretax losses totaling $14.7 million. In connection with the Company’s November 2009 initial public offering, as further discussed in Note 2, the Company repurchased $195.7 million of the Senior Notes and $205.2 million of the



88



Senior Subordinated Notes at redemption prices of 110.625% and 111.875%, respectively, plus accrued and unpaid interest, resulting in pretax losses totaling $50.6 million. In January 2009, the Company repurchased $44.1 million of the Senior Subordinated Notes, resulting in a pretax gain of $3.8 million. Pretax gains and losses associated with the redemption of the Notes are reflected in Other (income) expense in the consolidated statements of operations.


The indentures contain certain covenants, including, among other things, covenants that limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, sell assets, enter into transactions with affiliates, or consolidate or dispose of all of its assets.


Scheduled debt maturities, including capital lease obligations, for the Company’s fiscal years listed below are as follows (in thousands): 2011 - $1,157; 2012 - $707; 2013 - $292; 2014 - $1,963,815; 2015 - $864,787; thereafter - $468,630.


8.

Derivative financial instruments


The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its debt funding and the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined primarily by interest rates. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company’s borrowings.

In addition, the Company is exposed to certain risks arising from uncertainties of future market values caused by the fluctuation in the prices of commodities. From time to time the Company has entered into derivative financial instruments to protect against future price changes related to transportation costs associated with forecasted distribution of inventory.

Cash flow hedges of interest rate risk

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate changes. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (also referred to as “OCI”) and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Subsequent to the Merger, these transactions represent the only amounts reflected in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the



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consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity. During the year ended January 28, 2011, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings.

As of January 28, 2011, the Company had three interest rate swaps with a combined notional value of $1.05 billion that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk. Amounts reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. The Company terminated an interest rate swap in October 2008 due to the bankruptcy declaration of the counterparty bank. The Company continues to report the net gain or loss related to the discontinued cash flow hedge in OCI and such net gain or loss is being reclassified into earnings during the original contractual terms of the swap agreement as the hedged interest payments are expected to occur as forecasted. During the next 52-week period, the Company estimates that an additional $27.2 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense for all of its interest rate swaps.

Non-designated hedges of commodity risk

Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the Company’s exposure to commodity price risk but do not meet strict hedge accounting requirements. In February 2009, the Company entered into a commodity hedge related to diesel fuel to limit its exposure to variability in diesel fuel prices and their effect on transportation costs. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in earnings. As of January 28, 2011, the Company had no outstanding commodity hedges. During 2009, the Company entered into one diesel fuel commodity swap hedging monthly usage of diesel fuel that was not designated as a hedge in a qualifying hedging relationship, which expired prior to January 29, 2010.

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets as of January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010 (in thousands):


Tabular Disclosure of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments

 

 

 

 

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

 

Balance Sheet
Classification

 

Fair Value

Balance Sheet
Classification

 

Fair Value

Derivatives designated as hedging
instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swaps:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of January 28, 2011

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

$

34,923

As of January 29, 2010

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

$

57,058



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The tables below present the pre-tax effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statement of operations (including OCI) for the years ended January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010:


Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the year ended January 28, 2011

 

Derivatives in
Cash Flow
Hedging
Relationships

 

Amount of
(Gain) or Loss
Recognized in
OCI on
Derivative
(Effective
Portion)

Location of Gain or
Loss Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)

 

Amount of
(Gain) or Loss
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into
Income
(Effective
Portion)

Location of Gain or
Loss Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)

 

Amount of (Gain)
or Loss Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)

Interest rate swaps

 

$

19,717

Interest expense

 

$

42,994

Other (income)
expense

 

$

526


Tabular Disclosure of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the year ended January 29, 2010

 

Derivatives in
Cash Flow
Hedging
Relationships

 

Amount of
(Gain) or Loss
Recognized in
OCI on
Derivative
(Effective
Portion)

Location of Gain or
Loss Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)

 

Amount of
(Gain) or Loss
Reclassified
from
Accumulated
OCI into
Income
(Effective
Portion)

Location of Gain or
Loss Recognized in
Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)

 

Amount of (Gain)
or Loss Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness
Testing)

Interest rate swaps

 

$

42,324

Interest expense

 

$

50,140

Other (income)
expense

 

$

618

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging
Instruments

Location of Gain or
Loss Recognized in
Income on
Derivative

 

Amount of
(Gain) or Loss
Recognized in
Income on
Derivative

 

 

 

 

Commodity hedges

Other (income)
expense

 

$

(341)

 

 

 

 


Credit-risk-related contingent features


The Company has agreements with all of its interest rate swap counterparties that contain a provision providing that the Company could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to the Company's default on such indebtedness.


As of January 28, 2011, the fair value of interest rate swaps in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk related to these agreements, was $44.0 million. If the Company had breached any of these provisions at January 28, 2011, it could have been required to post full collateral or settle its obligations under the agreements at an estimated termination value equal to the fair value of $44.0 million. As of January 28, 2011, the Company had not breached any of these provisions or posted any collateral related to these agreements.



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9.

Commitments and contingencies


Leases


As of January 28, 2011, the Company was committed under operating lease agreements for most of its retail stores. Many of the Company’s stores are subject to build-to-suit arrangements with landlords which typically carry a primary lease term of 10-15 years with multiple renewal options. The Company also has stores subject to shorter-term leases (usually with initial or current terms of three to five years), and many of these leases have multiple renewal options. Approximately 35% of the leased stores have provisions for contingent rentals based upon a specified percentage of defined sales volume. The Company leases three of its DCs. The land and buildings of two of the DCs are subject to operating lease agreements and the third DC is subject to a financing arrangement. The entities involved in the ownership structure underlying these leases meet the accounting definition of a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). The Company is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs and, accordingly, has not included these entities in its consolidated financial statements. Certain leases contain restrictive covenants. As of January 28, 2011, the Company is not aware of any material violations of such covenants.

In January 1999, the Company sold its DC located in Ardmore, Oklahoma for 100% cash consideration. Concurrent with the sale transaction, the Company leased the property back for a period of 23 years. The transaction was recorded as a financing obligation rather than a sale as a result of, among other things, the lessor’s ability to put the property back to the Company under certain circumstances. The property and equipment, along with the related lease obligation associated with this transaction are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. In August 2007, the Company purchased a secured promissory note (the “Ardmore Note”) from an unrelated third party with a face value of $34.3 million at the date of purchase which approximated the remaining financing obligation. The Ardmore Note represents debt issued by the third party entity from which the Company leases the Ardmore DC and therefore the Company holds the debt instrument pertaining to its lease financing obligation. Because a legal right of offset exists, the Company is accounting for the Ardmore Note as a reduction of its outstanding financing obligation in its consolidated balance sheets.



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Future minimum payments as of January 28, 2011 for capital and operating leases are as follows:


(In thousands)

Capital

Leases

 

Operating

Leases

2011

1,535 

 

481,921

 

2012

 

1,040 

 

 

444,804

 

2013

 

599 

 

 

394,781

 

2014

 

602 

 

 

338,781

 

2015

 

627 

 

 

275,299

 

Thereafter

 

4,609 

 

 

1,067,756

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total minimum payments

 

9,012 

 

3,003,342

 

Less: imputed interest

 

(2,649)

 

 

 

 

Present value of net minimum lease payments

 

6,363 

 

 

 

 

Less: current portion, net

 

(1,157)

 

 

 

 

Long-term portion

5,206 

 

 

 

 

Capital leases were discounted at an effective interest rate of approximately 6.3% at January 28, 2011. The gross amount of property and equipment recorded under capital leases and financing obligations at January 28, 2011 and at January 29, 2010, was $31.0 million and $34.8 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment under capital leases and financing obligations at January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, was $7.4 million and $6.9 million, respectively.


Rent expense under all operating leases is as follows:


(In thousands)

2010

 

2009

 

2008

Minimum rentals (a)

$

471,402

 

$

407,379

 

$

370,827

Contingent rentals

 

17,882

 

 

21,248

 

 

18,796

 

$

489,284

 

$

428,627

 

$

389,623

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Excludes amortization of leasehold interests of $25.7 million, $37.2 million and $40.9 million included in rent expense for the years ended January 28, 2011, January 29, 2010 and January 30, 2009, respectively.


Legal proceedings


On August 7, 2006, a lawsuit entitled Cynthia Richter, et al. v. Dolgencorp, Inc., et al. was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (Case No. 7:06-cv-01537-LSC) (“Richter”) in which the plaintiff alleges that she and other current and former Dollar General store managers were improperly classified as exempt executive employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) and seeks to recover overtime pay, liquidated damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs. On August 15, 2006, the Richter plaintiff filed a motion in which she asked the court to certify a nationwide class of current and former store managers. The Company opposed the plaintiff’s motion. On March 23, 2007, the court conditionally certified a nationwide class. On December 2, 2009, notice was mailed to over 28,000 current or former Dollar General store managers, and approximately 3,860 individuals



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opted into the lawsuit. In September 2010, the court entered a scheduling order that governs, among other things, deadlines for fact discovery (September 30, 2011) and the Company’s anticipated decertification motion (August 15, 2011). The court’s scheduling order establishes a trial date of February 12, 2012.


On July 20, 2010, a lawsuit was filed in the judicial district in which the Richter matter is pending in which a former store manager made allegations substantially similar to those raised in Richter and sought to represent a nationwide class of current and former store managers ( Lisa Beard v. Dollar General Corporation, et al. , Case No. 7:10-cv-01956-SLB). The plaintiff in Beard seeks to recover overtime pay, liquidated damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs. On March 4, 2011, the Beard plaintiff moved to amend her complaint to strike all class allegations and notified the court of her withdrawal of the consent forms previously filed by approximately 95 opt-in plaintiffs. The plaintiff’s motion to amend was granted on March 7, 2011, which had the effect of rendering the Beard action a single-plaintiff case. If the case remains a single-plaintiff case, it is extremely unlikely that the case could have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements as a whole.


The Company believes that its store managers are and have been properly classified as exempt employees under the FLSA and that the Richter action is not appropriate for collective action treatment. The Company has obtained summary judgment in some, although not all, of its pending individual or single-plaintiff store manager exemption cases in which it has filed such a motion.


The Company intends to vigorously defend the Richter and Beard matters. However, at this time, it is not possible to predict whether Richter ultimately will be permitted to proceed collectively, and no assurances can be given that the Company will be successful in the defense of either action on the merits or otherwise. Similarly, at this time the Company cannot estimate either the size of any potential class or the value of the claims asserted in Richter . For these reasons, the Company is unable to estimate any potential loss or range of loss in that action; however, if the Company is not successful in its defense efforts, the resolution of the Richter action could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements as a whole.


On May 18, 2006, the Company was served with a lawsuit entitled Tammy Brickey, Becky Norman, Rose Rochow, Sandra Cogswell and Melinda Sappington v. Dolgencorp, Inc. and Dollar General Corporation (Western District of New York, Case No. 6:06-cv-06084-DGL, originally filed on February 9, 2006 and amended on May 12, 2006 (“Brickey”)). The Brickey plaintiffs seek to proceed collectively under the FLSA and as a class under New York, Ohio, Maryland and North Carolina wage and hour statutes on behalf of, among others, assistant store managers who claim to be owed wages (including overtime wages) under those statutes. On February 22, 2011, the court denied the plaintiffs’ class certification motion in its entirety and ordered that the matter proceed only as to the named plaintiffs. To date, the plaintiffs have not appealed that order. If the case proceeds only as to the named plaintiffs, the Company does not expect the outcome to be material to its financial statements as a whole.


On March 7, 2006, a complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama ( Janet Calvert v. Dolgencorp, Inc. , Case No. 2:06-cv-00465-VEH



94



(“Calvert”)), in which the plaintiff, a former store manager, alleged that she was paid less than male store managers because of her sex, in violation of the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (“Title VII”). The complaint subsequently was amended to include additional plaintiffs, who also allege to have been paid less than males because of their sex, and to add allegations that the Company’s compensation practices disparately impact females. Under the amended complaint, Plaintiffs seek to proceed collectively under the Equal Pay Act and as a class under Title VII, and request back wages, injunctive and declaratory relief, liquidated damages, punitive damages and attorneys’ fees and costs.


On July 9, 2007, the plaintiffs filed a motion in which they asked the court to approve the issuance of notice to a class of current and former female store managers under the Equal Pay Act. The Company opposed plaintiffs’ motion. On November 30, 2007, the court conditionally certified a nationwide class of females under the Equal Pay Act who worked for Dollar General as store managers between November 30, 2004 and November 30, 2007. The notice was issued on January 11, 2008, and persons to whom the notice was sent were required to opt into the suit by March 11, 2008. Approximately 2,100 individuals have opted into the lawsuit.


On April 19, 2010, the plaintiffs moved for class certification relating to their Title VII claims. The Company filed its response to the certification motion in June 2010. Briefing has closed, and the parties are awaiting a ruling. The Company’s motion to decertify the Equal Pay Act class was denied as premature. The Company expects to file a similar motion in due course.


The parties have agreed to mediate this action, and the mediation is scheduled to begin on March 24, 2011. The court has stayed the action during the period in which the parties attempt to resolve the matter.


The Company has tendered the matter to its Employment Practices Liability Insurance (“EPLI”) carrier for coverage under its EPLI policy. At this time, the Company expects that the EPLI carrier will participate in any resolution of some or all of the plaintiffs’ claims.


At this time, it is not possible to predict whether the court ultimately will permit the Calvert action to proceed collectively under the Equal Pay Act or as a class under Title VII. Although the Company intends to vigorously defend the action, no assurances can be given that it will be successful in the defense on the merits or otherwise. Similarly, at this time the Company cannot estimate either the size of any potential class or the value of the claims raised in this action. For these reasons, the Company is unable to estimate any potential loss or range of loss; however, if the Company is not successful in defending this action, its resolution could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements as a whole.


On June 16, 2010, a lawsuit entitled Shaleka Gross, et al v. Dollar General Corporation was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi (Civil Action No. 3:10CV340WHB-LR) in which three former non-exempt store employees, on behalf of themselves and certain other non-exempt Dollar General store employees, alleged that they were not paid for all hours worked in violation of the FLSA. Specifically, plaintiffs alleged that they were not properly paid for certain breaks and sought back wages (including overtime wages), liquidated damages and attorneys’ fees and costs.



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Before the Company was served with the Gross complaint, the plaintiffs dismissed the action and re-filed it in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, now captioned as Cynthia Walker, et al. v. Dollar General Corporation, et al. (Civil Action No. 4:10-CV119-P-S). The Walker complaint was filed on September 16, 2010, and although it adds approximately eight additional plaintiffs, it adds no substantive allegations beyond those alleged in the Gross complaint. The Company filed a motion to transfer the case back to the Southern District of Mississippi and a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction over two corporate defendants and for failure to state a claim as to Dollar General Corporation, all of which are pending. The court stayed the matter pending resolution of the motion to dismiss. To date, no other individuals have opted into the Walker matter, and the plaintiffs have not asked the court to certify any class.


On August 26, 2010, a lawsuit containing allegations substantially similar to those raised in the Walker matter was filed by a single plaintiff in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky (Brenda McCown v. Dollar General Corporation , Case No. 210-297 (WOB)). On December 22, 2010, the court entered an order establishing certain deadlines, including the deadline for discovery related to certification issues (June 1, 2011) and for plaintiff’s certification motion, if any (June 30, 2011). No trial date has been set. To date, approximately three other individuals have opted into the McCown matter. The plaintiff has not asked the court to certify any class.


At this time, it is not possible to predict whether the courts will permit the Walker or McCown actions to proceed collectively. However, the Company believes that those actions are not appropriate for collective treatment and that its wage and hour policies and practices comply with both federal and state law. Although the Company plans to vigorously defend Walker and McCown, no assurances can be given that the Company will be successful in the defense on the merits or otherwise. Similarly, at this time the Company cannot estimate either the size of any potential class or the value of the claims raised in these actions. For these reasons, the Company is unable to estimate any potential loss or range of loss; however if the Company is not successful in its defense efforts, the resolution of either or both of these actions could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements as a whole.


In October 2008, the Company terminated an interest rate swap as a result of the counterparty’s declaration of bankruptcy. This declaration of bankruptcy constituted a default under the contract governing the swap, giving the Company the right to terminate. The Company subsequently settled the swap in November 2008 for approximately $7.6 million, including interest accrued to the date of termination. On May 14, 2010, the Company received a demand from the counterparty for an additional payment of approximately $19 million plus interest, claiming that the valuation used to calculate the $7.6 million was commercially unreasonable, and seeking to invoke the alternative dispute resolution procedures established by the bankruptcy court. The Company is participating in the alternative dispute resolution procedures because it believes a reasonable settlement would be in the best interest of the Company to avoid the substantial risk and costs of litigation, but does not believe that additional payment is owed. The Company believes the methodology it used to calculate the settlement amount was commercially reasonable and appropriate; however, no assurances can be given that the Company will be successful in its defense on the merits or otherwise. If the Company is successful in its defense,



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no loss will occur. If the Company is not successful or it deems it advisable to resolve the matter prior to trial through the continuing mediation, the resolution of this action could result in a loss up to the claimed $19 million plus interest.


From time to time, the Company is a party to various other legal actions involving claims incidental to the conduct of its business, including actions by employees, consumers, suppliers, government agencies, or others through private actions, class actions, administrative proceedings, regulatory actions or other litigation, including without limitation under federal and state employment laws and wage and hour laws. The Company believes, based upon information currently available, that such other litigation and claims, both individually and in the aggregate, will be resolved without a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements as a whole. However, litigation involves an element of uncertainty. Future developments could cause these actions or claims to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial position. In addition, certain of these lawsuits, if decided adversely to the Company or settled by the Company, may result in liability material to the Company’s financial position or may negatively affect operating results if changes to the Company’s business operation are required.


10.

Benefit plans


The Dollar General Corporation 401(k) Savings and Retirement Plan, which became effective on January 1, 1998, is a safe harbor defined contribution plan and is subject to the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act (“ERISA”).


Participants are permitted to contribute between 1% and 25% of their pre-tax annual eligible compensation as defined in the 401(k) plan document, subject to certain limitations under the Internal Revenue Code. Employees who are over age 50 are permitted to contribute additional amounts on a pre-tax basis under the catch-up provision of the 401(k) plan subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations. The Company currently matches employee contributions, including catch-up contributions, at a rate of 100% of employee contributions up to 5% of annual eligible salary, after an employee has been employed for over one year and has completed a minimum of 1,000 hours of service.


A participant’s right to claim a distribution of his or her account balance is dependent on the plan, ERISA guidelines and Internal Revenue Service regulations. All active participants are fully vested in all contributions to the 401(k) plan. During 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company expensed approximately $9.5 million, $8.4 million and $8.0 million, respectively, for matching contributions.


The Company also has a nonqualified supplemental retirement plan (“SERP”) and compensation deferral plan (“CDP”), known as the Dollar General Corporation CDP/SERP Plan, for a select group of management and highly compensated employees. The SERP is a noncontributory defined contribution plan with annual Company contributions ranging from 2% to 10% of base pay plus bonus depending upon age, years of service and job grade. Under the CDP, participants may defer up to 65% of base pay and up to 100% of bonus pay. An employee may be designated for participation in one or both of the plans, according to the eligibility



97



requirements of the plans. The Company matches base pay deferrals at a rate of 100% of base pay deferral, up to 5% of annual salary, with annual salary offset by the amount of match-eligible salary in the 401(k) plan. All participants are 100% vested in their CDP accounts. The Company incurred compensation expense for these plans of approximately $1.7 million, $1.9 million and $1.2 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.


The CDP/SERP Plan assets are invested in accounts selected by the Company’s Compensation Committee or its delegate. Effective August 2, 2008, the deemed fund options under the CDP/SERP Plan were changed to mirror the same fund options offered under the 401(k) plan which include a combination of registered mutual funds and a collective trust fund.

Vested amounts are payable at the time designated by the plan upon the participant’s termination of employment, disability, death or retirement, except that participants may elect to receive an in-service distribution or an “unforeseeable emergency hardship” distribution of vested amounts credited to the CDP account. Account balances are payable in cash.


Asset balances in the fund options that mirror the registered mutual funds are stated at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices. Asset balances in the collective trust fund are stated at contract value of the underlying fund assets. These investments are classified as trading securities in the consolidated balance sheets as further discussed in Note 1. The deferred compensation liability related to the fund options is recorded at the fair value of the investment options for the registered mutual funds and at contract value for the collective trust fund. See Note 1 for additional discussion.

11.

Share-based payments


The Company accounts for share-based payments in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Under these standards, the fair value of each award is separately estimated and amortized into compensation expense over the service period. The fair value of the Company’s stock option grants are estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense.


Prior to the Merger, the Company maintained various share-based compensation programs which included options, restricted stock and restricted stock units. In connection with the Merger, the Company’s outstanding stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units became fully vested immediately prior to the closing of the Merger and were settled in cash, canceled or, in limited circumstances, certain stock options held by Company management were exchanged for new options to purchase common stock in the Company (the “Rollover Options”). The exercise price of the Rollover Options and the number of shares of Company common stock underlying the Rollover Options were adjusted as a result of the Merger. The Rollover Options otherwise continue under the terms of the equity plan under which the original options were issued.


On July 6, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees, which plan was subsequently amended (as so amended, the “Plan”).



98



The Plan provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, and other stock-based awards or dividend equivalent rights to key employees, directors, consultants or other persons having a service relationship with the Company, its subsidiaries and certain of its affiliates. The number of shares of Company common stock authorized for grant under the Plan is 31,142,858. No more than 4.5 million shares may be granted to any one Plan participant in the form of stock options and stock appreciation rights in any given fiscal year of the Company, and no more than 1.5 million shares may be granted to any one Plan participant in the form of other stock-based awards in any given fiscal year of the Company. As of January 28, 2011, 17,837,497 of such shares are available for future grants.


Since the Merger, the Company has granted options under the Plan that vest solely upon the continued employment of the recipient (“Time Options”) as well as options that vest upon the achievement of predetermined annual or cumulative financial-based targets (“Performance Options”). Through November 2009, 20% of each of the Time Options and Performance Options generally vest annually over a five-year period. Beginning in December 2009, the Company began granting awards whereby 25% of each of the Time Options and Performance Options generally vest annually over a four-year period. Assuming the financial targets are met, the Performance Options vest as of the Company’s fiscal year end, and as a result the initial and final tranche of each Performance Option grant is prorated based upon the date of grant. In the event the performance target is not achieved in any given annual performance period, the Performance Options for that period may still subsequently vest, provided that a cumulative performance target is achieved. Vesting of the Time Options and Performance Options is also subject to acceleration in the event of an earlier change in control or certain public offerings of the Company’s common stock. Each of these options, whether Time Options or Performance Options have a contractual term of 10 years and an exercise price equal to the fair value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

Both the Time Options and the Performance Options are subject to various provisions set forth in a management stockholder’s agreement entered into with each option holder by which the Company may require the employee, upon termination, to sell to the Company any vested options or shares received upon exercise of the Time Options or Performance Options at amounts that differ based upon the reason for the termination. In particular, in the event that the employee resigns “without good reason” (as defined in the management stockholder’s agreement), then any options whether or not then exercisable are forfeited and any shares received upon prior exercise of such options are callable at the Company’s option at an amount equal to the lesser of fair value or the amount paid for the shares (i.e., the exercise price). In such cases, because the employee would not benefit in any share appreciation over the exercise price, for accounting purposes such options are not considered vested until the expiration of the Company’s call option, which is generally five years subsequent to the date of grant. Accordingly, all references to the vesting provisions or vested status of the options discussed in this note give effect to the vesting pursuant to these accounting provisions and may differ from descriptions of the vesting status of the Time Options and Performance Options located elsewhere in this report or the Company’s other SEC filings. The Company records expense for Time Options on a straight-line basis over the term of the management stockholder’s agreement (generally five years).


Each of the Company’s management-owned shares, Rollover Options, and vested new options include certain provisions by which the holder of such shares, Rollover Options, or



99



vested new options may require the Company to repurchase such instruments in limited circumstances. Specifically, each such instrument is subject to a put right for a period of 365 days after termination due to the death or disability of the holder of the instrument that occurs generally within five years from the date of grant. In such circumstances, the holder of such instruments may require the Company to repurchase any shares at the fair market value of such shares and any Rollover Options or vested new options at a price equal to the intrinsic value of such Rollover or vested new options. Because the Company does not have control over the circumstances in which it may be required to repurchase the outstanding shares or Rollover Options, such shares and Rollover Options, valued at $8.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, at January 28, 2011, and $14.4 million and $4.1 million, respectively, at January 29, 2010, have been classified as Redeemable common stock in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of these dates. The values of these equity instruments are based upon the fair value and intrinsic value, respectively, of the underlying stock and Rollover Options at the date of issuance. Because redemption of such shares is uncertain, such shares are not subject to re-measurement until their redemption becomes probable.


Subsequent to the Merger, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted an Equity Appreciation Rights Plan, which plan was later amended and restated (as amended and restated, the “Rights Plan”). The Rights Plan provides for the granting of equity appreciation rights to nonexecutive managerial employees. In 2009, the Rights Plan was modified such that certain equity appreciation rights vested as a result of the Company’s initial public offering discussed in Note 2 that otherwise would not have vested. At January 29, 2010, 697,762 equity appreciation rights were outstanding. During 2010, 783,322 equity appreciation rights were granted, 1,406,237 of such rights, affecting 1,028 employees, vested in conjunction with the Company stock offerings, 21,557 of such rights vested as a result of other provisions of the Rights Plan, 53,290 of such rights were cancelled and no such rights remain outstanding at January 28, 2011.


For the year ended January 28, 2011, the fair value method of accounting for share-based awards resulted in share-based compensation expense (a component of SG&A expenses) and a corresponding reduction in net income before income taxes in the amount of $30.2 million ($18.4 million net of tax) of which $12.7 million ($7.8 million net of tax) was related to stock options, $17.4 million ($10.6 million net of tax) was related to equity appreciation rights and less than $0.1 million was related to restricted stock units as discussed in more detail below.

For the year ended January 29, 2010, the fair value method of accounting for share-based awards resulted in share-based compensation expense (a component of SG&A expenses) and a corresponding reduction in net income before income taxes in the amount of $22.2 million ($13.6 million net of tax) of which $11.7 million ($7.1 million net of tax) was related to stock options, $7.2 million ($4.4 million net of tax) was related to equity appreciation rights and $3.3 million ($2.0 million net of tax) was related to restricted stock as discussed in more detail below. Of these amounts, $6.9 million of the expense for equity appreciation rights and $2.5 million of the expense for restricted stock was attributable to the vesting of certain awards in conjunction with the Company’s initial public offering.

For the year ended January 30, 2009, the Company recorded share-based compensation expense and a corresponding reduction in net income before income taxes in the amount of $10.0



100



million ($6.1 million net of tax) of which $8.9 million ($5.4 million net of tax) was related to stock options and $1.1 million ($0.7 million net of tax) was related to restricted stock.

The fair value of each option grant is separately estimated by applying the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing valuation model. The weighted average for key assumptions used in determining the fair value of options granted in the years ended January 28, 2011, January 29, 2010 and January 30, 2009, and a summary of the methodology applied to develop each assumption, are as follows:


 

January 28, 2011

January 29, 2010

January 30, 2009

Expected dividend yield

0

%

0

%

%

Expected stock price volatility

39.1

%

41.2

%

40.2 

%

Weighted average risk-free interest rate

2.8

%

2.8

%

2.8 

%

Expected term of options (years)

7.0

 

7.4

 

7.4 

 


Expected dividend yield - This is an estimate of the expected dividend yield on the Company’s stock. The Company is subject to limitations on the payment of dividends under its Credit Facilities as further discussed in Note 7. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.


Expected stock price volatility - This is a measure of the amount by which the price of the Company’s common stock has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. Subsequent to the Merger the expected volatilities have been based upon the historical volatilities of a peer group of four companies, as the Company’s common stock has only been publicly traded for a limited period of time relative to the expected term of the options. An increase in the expected volatility will increase compensation expense.


Weighted average risk-free interest rate - This is the U.S. Treasury rate for the week of the grant having a term approximating the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.

Expected term of options - This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding. Options granted have a maximum term of 10 years. Due to the relatively limited historical data for grants issued subsequent to the Merger, the Company has estimated the expected term as the mid-point between the vesting date and the contractual term of the option. An increase in the expected term will increase compensation expense.


At January 28, 2011, 53,434 Rollover Options were outstanding, all of which were exercisable. The aggregate intrinsic value of these outstanding Rollover Options was $1.4 million with a weighted average remaining contractual term of 4.3 years, and a weighted average exercise price of $2.1875.




101



A summary of Time Options activity during the period ended January 28, 2011 is as follows:


(Intrinsic value amounts reflected in thousands)

Options
Issued

Average Exercise Price

Remaining Contractual Term in Years

Intrinsic
Value

Balance, January 29, 2010

 

  6,123,052 

 

$

8.68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

  348,784 

 

 

27.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

  (342,293)

 

 

8.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canceled

 

  (351,412)

 

 

10.53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 28, 2011

 

 5,778,131 

 

$

9.73

 

 

7.3

 

$

108,104

 

Vested or expected to vest at January 28, 2011

 

 5,491,477 

 

$

9.55

 

 

7.2

 

$

103,695

 

Exercisable at January 28, 2011

 

 2,773,235 

 

$

8.31

 

 

7.0

 

$

55,706

 


The weighted average grant date fair value of Time Options granted during 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $12.61, $6.73 and $4.17, respectively.

A summary of Performance Options activity during the period ended January 28, 2011 is as follows:


(Intrinsic value amounts reflected in thousands)

Options
Issued

Average Exercise Price

Remaining Contractual Term in Years

Intrinsic
Value

Balance, January 29, 2010

 

  6,251,623 

 

$

8.67

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

  348,784 

 

 

27.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

  (777,249)

 

 

8.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canceled

 

  (326,134)

 

 

10.58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, January 28, 2011

 

 5,497,024 

 

$

9.82

 

 

7.3

 

$

102,369

 

Vested or expected to vest at January 28, 2011

 

 5,198,923 

 

$

9.62

 

 

7.3

 

$

97,838

 

Exercisable at January 28, 2011

 

 3,426,809 

 

$

8.68

 

 

7.0

 

$

67,597

 

The weighted average grant date fair value of Performance Options granted was $12.61, $6.73 and $4.17 during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

In April 2010, the Company granted 100,000 options to its Chief Executive Officer with an exercise price of $29.38 and a vesting period of one year from the date of grant.

The total intrinsic value of all stock options repurchased by the Company under terms of the management stockholders’ agreements during 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $0.1 million, $0.8 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

At January 28, 2011, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options was $30.8 million with an expected weighted average expense recognition period of 2.8 years.


The Company currently believes that the performance targets related to the unvested Performance Options will be achieved. If such goals are not met, and there is no change in control or certain public offerings of the Company’s common stock which would result in the



102



acceleration of vesting of the Performance Options, future compensation cost relating to unvested Performance Options will not be recognized.

Through January 28, 2011, all Time Options and Performance Options have been granted to employees. During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company granted 33,051 non-qualified stock options to members of its Board of Directors. These options vest ratably on an annual basis over a four year period from the date of grant.  

In January 2008, the Company granted 508,572 nonvested restricted shares to its Chief Executive Officer. As a result of the Company’s initial public offering these shares vested, at a total fair value equal to $11.5 million. Subsequent to the offering, the Company granted a total of 9,084 restricted stock unit awards to members of its Board of Directors. For 2010, 2009 and 2008, the share-based compensation expense related to nonvested shares before income taxes was less than $0.1 million, $3.3 million ($2.0 million net of tax) and $1.1 million ($0.7 million net of tax), respectively. At January 28, 2011, the total compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards not yet recognized was approximately $0.1 million.

All nonvested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards granted in the periods presented had a purchase price of zero. The Company records compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the restriction period based on the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. The nonvested restricted stock unit awards granted under the plan to non-employee directors during 2009 vested or are scheduled to vest in one-third increments at each of the Company’s three subsequent annual shareholder meetings.

12.

Related party transactions

Affiliates of certain of the Investors participated as (i) lenders in the Company’s Credit Facilities discussed in Note 7; (ii) initial purchasers of the Company’s Notes discussed in Note 7; (iii) counterparties to certain interest rate swaps discussed in Note 8 and (iv) as advisors in the Merger.

The Company believes affiliates of KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. (among other entities) are lenders under the Term Loan Facility. The amount of principal outstanding under the Term Loan Facility from the date of the Merger to September 30, 2009, was $2.3 billion. The Company paid principal of $336.5 million during the remainder of 2009 and approximately $53.4 million, $74.8 million and $133.4 million of interest on the Term Loan Facility during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Goldman, Sachs & Co. is a counterparty to an amortizing interest rate swap with a notional amount of $323.3 million and $396.7 million as of January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, respectively, entered into in connection with the Term Loan Facility. The Company paid Goldman, Sachs & Co. approximately $12.9 million, $17.9 million and $9.5 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, pursuant to the interest rate swap as further discussed in Note 8.

The Company entered into a sponsor advisory agreement, dated July 6, 2007, with KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. pursuant to which those entities provided management and advisory services to the Company. Under the terms of the sponsor advisory agreement, among other things, the Company was obliged to pay to those entities an aggregate, initial management fee of



103



$5.0 million annually. Upon the completion of the Company’s initial public offering discussed in Note 2, pursuant to the advisory agreement, the Company paid a fee of $63.6 million from cash generated from operations to KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co., which amount included a transaction fee equal to 1%, or $4.8 million, of the gross primary proceeds from the offering accounted for as a cost of raising equity and a corresponding reduction to Additional paid-in capital; and approximately $58.8 million in connection with its termination, which is included in SG&A expenses for 2009. Including the transaction and termination fees discussed above, the total management fees and other expenses incurred for the years ended January 28, 2011, January 29, 2010 and January 30, 2009 totaled $0.2 million, $68.0 million and $6.6 million, respectively. In addition, on July 6, 2007, the Company entered into a separate indemnification agreement with the parties to the sponsor advisory agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to provide customary indemnification to such parties and their affiliates.

From time to time, the Company uses Capstone Consulting, LLC, a team of executives who work exclusively with KKR portfolio companies providing certain consulting services. The Chief Executive Officer of Capstone served on the Company’s Board of Directors until March 2009. Although neither KKR nor any entity affiliated with KKR owns any of the equity of Capstone, prior to January 1, 2007 KKR had provided financing to Capstone. The aggregate fees incurred for Capstone services for the periods ended January 28, 2011, January 29, 2010 and January 30, 2009 totaled zero, $0.2 million and $3.0 million, respectively.

The Company entered into an underwriting agreement with KKR Capital Markets (an affiliate of KKR), Goldman, Sachs & Co., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., and several other entities to serve as underwriters in connection with its initial public offering. The Company provided underwriting discounts of approximately $27.4 million pursuant to the underwriting agreement, approximately $6.0 million of which was provided to each of (a) KKR Capital Markets; (b) Goldman, Sachs & Co.; and (c) Citigroup Global Markets Inc. The Company paid approximately $3.3 million in expenses related to the initial public offering (excluding underwriting discounts and commissions), including the offering-related expenses of the selling shareholder which the Company was required to pay under the terms of an existing registration rights agreement.

Affiliates of KKR and of Goldman, Sachs & Co. served as underwriters in connection with the secondary offerings of the Company’s common stock held by certain existing shareholders that were completed in April 2010 and December 2010. The Company did not sell shares of common stock, receive proceeds from the secondary sales, or pay any underwriting fees in connection with either secondary offering. Certain members of our management, including certain of our executive officers, exercised registration rights in connection with such offerings.



104




13.

Segment reporting

The Company manages its business on the basis of one reportable segment. See Note 1 for a brief description of the Company’s business. As of January 28, 2011, all of the Company’s operations were located within the United States with the exception of a Hong Kong subsidiary, and a liaison office in India, the collective assets and revenues of which are not material. The following net sales data is presented in accordance with accounting standards related to disclosures about segments of an enterprise.

(In thousands)

2010

 

2009

 

2008

Classes of similar products:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumables

$

9,332,119

 

$

8,356,381

 

$

7,248,418

Seasonal

 

1,887,917

 

 

1,711,471

 

 

1,521,450

Home products

 

917,638

 

 

869,772

 

 

862,226

Apparel

 

897,326

 

 

858,756

 

 

825,574

Net sales

$

13,035,000

 

$

11,796,380

 

$

10,457,668


14.

Quarterly financial data (unaudited)


The following is selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the fiscal years ended January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010. Each quarterly period listed below was a 13-week accounting period. The sum of the four quarters for any given year may not equal annual totals due to rounding.

 


(In thousands)

 

First

Quarter

 

 

Second Quarter

 

 

Third Quarter

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

2010:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

3,111,314

 

$

3,214,155

 

$

3,223,427 

 

$

3,486,104

 

Gross profit

 

999,756

 

 

1,035,979

 

 

1,010,668 

 

 

1,130,153

 

Operating profit

 

290,723

 

 

300,757

 

 

274,334 

 

 

408,251

 

Net income

 

135,996

 

 

141,195

 

 

128,120 

 

 

222,546

 

Basic earnings per share

 

0.40

 

 

0.41

 

 

0.38 

 

 

0.65

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

0.39

 

 

0.41

 

 

0.37 

 

 

0.64

 


(In thousands)

 

First

Quarter

 

 

Second Quarter

 

 

Third Quarter

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

2,779,937

 

$

2,901,907

 

$

2,928,751 

 

$

3,185,785

 

Gross profit

 

855,358

 

 

906,042

 

 

903,082 

 

 

1,025,389

 

Operating profit

 

224,869

 

 

233,217

 

 

216,239 

 

 

278,933

 

Net income

 

83,006

 

 

93,590

 

 

75,649 

 

 

87,197

 

Basic earnings per share

 

0.26

 

 

0.29

 

 

0.24 

 

 

0.26

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

0.26

 

 

0.29

 

 

0.24 

 

 

0.26

 


As discussed in Note 11, in the first quarter of 2010 the Company incurred share-based compensation expenses of $13.3 million ($8.1 million net of tax, or $0.02 per diluted share) for the accelerated vesting of certain share-based awards in conjunction with a secondary offering of the Company’s common stock which is included in SG&A expenses.



105



As discussed in Note 7, in the second quarter of 2010, the Company repurchased $50.0 million principal amount of its outstanding Senior Notes, resulting in a pretax loss of $6.5 million ($4.0 million net of tax, or $0.01 per diluted share) which is recognized as Other (income) expense.

As discussed in Note 7, in the third quarter of 2010, the Company repurchased $65.0 million principal amount of its outstanding Senior Notes, resulting in a pretax loss of $8.2 million ($5.0 million net of tax, or $0.01 per diluted share) which is recognized as Other (income) expense.

As discussed in Note 11, in the fourth quarter of 2010 the Company incurred share-based compensation expenses of $3.8 million ($2.3 million net of tax, or $0.01 per diluted share) for the accelerated vesting of certain share-based awards in conjunction with a secondary offering of the Company’s common stock which is included in SG&A expenses.

As discussed in Note 12, in the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company terminated an advisory agreement with KKR and Goldman, Sachs & Co. pursuant to which those entities provided management and advisory services to the Company, which resulted in a pretax charge of approximately $58.8 million ($46.2 million net of tax, or $0.14 per diluted share), which is included in SG&A expenses.


As discussed in Note 7, in the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company repurchased $195.7 million principal amount of its outstanding Senior Notes, $205.2 million principal amount of its outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes, and repaid $325.0 million principal amount on the Term Loan Facility, resulting in a pretax loss of $55.3 million ($33.8 million net of tax, or $0.10 per diluted share) which is recognized as Other (income) expense.


As discussed in Note 11, in the fourth quarter of 2009 the Company incurred share-based compensation expenses of $9.4 million ($5.8 million net of tax, or $0.02 per diluted share) for the accelerated vesting of certain share-based awards in conjunction with the Company’s initial public offering, which is included in SG&A expenses.


15.

Guarantor subsidiaries

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”) have fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis the Company's obligations under certain outstanding debt obligations. Each of the Guarantors is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The following consolidating schedules present condensed financial information on a combined basis, in thousands.



106






 

January 28, 2011

 

DOLLAR
GENERAL
CORPORATION

GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES

OTHER
SUBSIDIARIES

ELIMINATIONS

CONSOLIDATED

TOTAL

BALANCE SHEET:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

111,545

 

$

364,404

 

$

21,497

 

$

-

 

$

497,446

 

Merchandise inventories

 

-

 

 

1,765,433

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,765,433

 

Income taxes receivable

 

13,529

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(13,529

)

 

-

 

Deferred income taxes receivable

 

8,877

 

 

-

 

 

6,825

 

 

(15,702

)

 

-

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

741,352

 

 

3,698,117

 

 

4,454

 

 

(4,338,977

)

 

104,946

 

Total current assets

 

875,303

 

 

5,827,954

 

 

32,776

 

 

(4,368,208

)

 

2,367,825

 

Net property and equipment

 

105,155

 

 

1,419,133

 

 

287

 

 

-

 

 

1,524,575

 

Goodwill

 

4,338,589

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

4,338,589

 

Intangible assets, net

 

1,199,200

 

 

57,722

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,256,922

 

Deferred income taxes receivable

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

47,690

 

 

(47,690

)

 

-

 

Other assets, net

 

5,337,522

 

 

12,675

 

 

304,285

 

 

(5,596,171

)

 

58,311

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

$

11,855,769

 

$

7,317,484

 

$

385,038

 

$

(10,012,069

)

$

9,546,222

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term obligations

$

-

 

$

1,157

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

1,157

 

Accounts payable

 

3,691,564

 

 

1,541,593

 

 

50,824

 

 

(4,330,340

)

 

953,641

 

Accrued expenses and other

 

68,398

 

 

226,225

 

 

61,755

 

 

(8,637

)

 

347,741

 

Income taxes payable

 

11,922

 

 

13,246

 

 

14,341

 

 

(13,529

)

 

25,980

 

Deferred income taxes payable

 

-

 

 

52,556

 

 

-

 

 

(15,702

)

 

36,854

 

Total current liabilities

 

3,771,884

 

 

1,834,777

 

 

126,920

 

 

(4,368,208

)

 

1,365,373

 

Long-term obligations

 

3,534,447

 

 

3,000,877

 

 

-

 

 

(3,248,254

)

 

3,287,070

 

Deferred income taxes payable

 

417,874

 

 

228,381

 

 

-

 

 

(47,690

)

 

598,565

 

Other liabilities

 

67,932

 

 

27,250

 

 

136,400

 

 

-

 

 

231,582

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable common stock

 

9,153

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

9,153

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Common stock

 

298,819

 

 

23,855

 

 

100

 

 

(23,955

)

 

298,819

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,945,024

 

 

431,253

 

 

19,900

 

 

(451,153

)

 

2,945,024

 

Retained earnings

 

830,932

 

 

1,771,091

 

 

101,718

 

 

(1,872,809

)

 

830,932

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(20,296

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(20,296

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

4,054,479

 

 

2,226,199

 

 

121,718

 

 

(2,347,917

)

 

4,054,479

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

11,855,769

 

$

7,317,484

 

$

385,038

 

$

(10,012,069

)

$

9,546,222

 




107






 

January 29, 2010

 

DOLLAR
GENERAL
CORPORATION

GUARANTOR
SUBSIDIARIES

OTHER
SUBSIDIARIES

ELIMINATIONS

CONSOLIDATED

TOTAL

BALANCE SHEET:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

97,620

 

$

103,001

 

$

21,455

 

$

-

 

$

222,076

 

Merchandise inventories

 

-

 

 

1,519,578

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,519,578

 

Income taxes receivable

 

9,924

 

 

1,645

 

 

-

 

 

(4,026

)

 

7,543

 

Deferred income taxes receivable

 

16,066

 

 

-

 

 

3,559

 

 

(19,625

)

 

-

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

625,157

 

 

3,040,792

 

 

704

 

 

(3,570,401

)

 

96,252

 

Total current assets

 

748,767

 

 

4,665,016

 

 

25,718

 

 

(3,594,052

)

 

1,845,449

 

Net property and equipment

 

99,452

 

 

1,228,829

 

 

105

 

 

-

 

 

1,328,386

 

Goodwill

 

4,338,589

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

4,338,589

 

Intangible assets, net

 

1,201,223

 

 

83,060

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,284,283

 

Deferred income taxes receivable

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

36,405

 

 

(36,405

)

 

-

 

Other assets, net

 

4,288,270

 

 

8,920

 

 

297,757

 

 

(4,528,135

)

 

66,812

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

$

10,676,301

 

$

5,985,825

 

$

359,985

 

$

(8,158,592

)

$

8,863,519

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term obligations

$

1,822

 

$

1,849

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

3,671

 

Accounts payable

 

3,033,723

 

 

1,311,063

 

 

46,818

 

 

(3,560,651

)

 

830,953

 

Accrued expenses and other

 

72,320

 

 

226,571

 

 

53,149

 

 

(9,750

)

 

342,290

 

Income taxes payable

 

4,086

 

 

-

 

 

4,465

 

 

(4,026

)

 

4,525

 

Deferred income taxes payable

 

-

 

 

44,686

 

 

-

 

 

(19,625

)

 

25,061

 

Total current liabilities

 

3,111,951

 

 

1,584,169

 

 

104,432

 

 

(3,594,052

)

 

1,206,500

 

Long-term obligations

 

3,645,820

 

 

2,689,492

 

 

13,178

 

 

(2,948,775

)

 

3,399,715

 

Deferred income taxes payable

 

394,045

 

 

188,532

 

 

-

 

 

(36,405

)

 

546,172

 

Other liabilities

 

115,701

 

 

40,065

 

 

146,582

 

 

-

 

 

302,348

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable common stock

 

18,486

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

18,486

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Common stock

 

298,013

 

 

23,855

 

 

100

 

 

(23,955

)

 

298,013

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,923,377

 

 

431,253

 

 

19,900

 

 

(451,153

)

 

2,923,377

 

Retained earnings

 

203,075

 

 

1,028,459

 

 

75,793

 

 

(1,104,252

)

 

203,075

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(34,167

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(34,167

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

3,390,298

 

 

1,483,567

 

 

95,793

 

 

(1,579,360

)

 

3,390,298

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

10,676,301

 

$

5,985,825

 

$

359,985

 

$

(8,158,592

)

$

8,863,519

 




108






 

For the year ended January 28, 2011

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES

OTHER
SUBSIDIARIES

ELIMINATIONS

CONSOLIDATED

TOTAL

STATEMENTS OF INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

311,280

 

$

13,035,000

 

$

84,878

 

$

(396,158

)

$

13,035,000

 

Cost of goods sold

 

-

 

 

8,858,444

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

8,858,444

 

Gross profit

 

311,280

 

 

4,176,556

 

 

84,878

 

 

(396,158

)

 

4,176,556

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

283,069

 

 

2,948,346

 

 

67,234

 

 

(396,158

)

 

2,902,491

 

Operating profit

 

28,211

 

 

1,228,210

 

 

17,644

 

 

-

 

 

1,274,065

 

Interest income

 

(44,677

)

 

(7,025

)

 

(19,986

)

 

71,468

 

 

(220

)

Interest expense

 

300,934

 

 

44,723

 

 

23

 

 

(71,468

)

 

274,212

 

Other (income) expense

 

15,101

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

15,101

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(243,147

)

 

1,190,512

 

 

37,607

 

 

-

 

 

984,972

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(102,448

)

 

447,881

 

 

11,682

 

 

-

 

 

357,115

 

Equity in subsidiaries’ earnings, net of taxes

 

768,556

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(768,556

)

 

-

 

Net income

$

627,857

 

$

742,631

 

$

25,925

 

$

(768,556

)

$

627,857

 



 

For the year ended January 29, 2010

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES

OTHER
SUBSIDIARIES

ELIMINATIONS

CONSOLIDATED

TOTAL

STATEMENTS OF INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

306,036

 

$

11,796,380

 

$

91,265

 

$

(397,301

)

$

11,796,380

 

Cost of goods sold

 

-

 

 

8,106,509

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

8,106,509

 

Gross profit

 

306,036

 

 

3,689,871

 

 

91,265

 

 

(397,301

)

 

3,689,871

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

337,224

 

 

2,734,793

 

 

61,897

 

 

(397,301

)

 

2,736,613

 

Operating profit (loss)

 

(31,188

)

 

955,078

 

 

29,368

 

 

-

 

 

953,258

 

Interest income

 

(52,047

)

 

(10,968

)

 

(19,674

)

 

82,545

 

 

(144

)

Interest expense

 

375,280

 

 

52,980

 

 

29

 

 

(82,545

)

 

345,744

 

Other (income) expense

 

55,542

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

55,542

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(409,963

)

 

913,066

 

 

49,013

 

 

-

 

 

552,116

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(149,478

)

 

346,117

 

 

16,035

 

 

-

 

 

212,674

 

Equity in subsidiaries’ earnings, net of taxes

 

599,927

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(599,927

)

 

-

 

Net income

$

339,442

 

$

566,949

 

$

32,978

 

$

(599,927

)

$

339,442

 




109






 

For the year ended January 30, 2009

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES

OTHER
SUBSIDIARIES

ELIMINATIONS

CONSOLIDATED

TOTAL

STATEMENTS OF INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$

236,682

 

$

10,457,668

 

$

97,917

 

$

(334,599

)

$

10,457,668

 

Cost of goods sold

 

-

 

 

7,396,571

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

7,396,571

 

Gross profit

 

236,682

 

 

3,061,097

 

 

97,917

 

 

(334,599

)

 

3,061,097

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

210,665

 

 

2,499,331

 

 

73,214

 

 

(334,599

)

 

2,448,611

 

Litigation settlement and related costs, net

 

32,000

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

32,000

 

Operating profit (loss)

 

(5,983)

 

 

561,766

 

 

24,703

 

 

-

 

 

580,486

 

Interest income

 

(62,722

)

 

(36,844

)

 

(13,532

)

 

110,037

 

 

(3,061

)

Interest expense

 

427,365

 

 

74,586

 

 

18

 

 

(110,037

)

 

391,932

 

Other (income) expense

 

(2,788

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(2,788

)

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(367,838

)

 

524,024

 

 

38,217

 

 

-

 

 

194,403

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

(115,924

)

 

190,146

 

 

11,999

 

 

-

 

 

86,221

 

Equity in subsidiaries’ earnings, net of taxes

 

360,096

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(360,096

)

 

-

 

Net income

$

108,182

 

$

333,878

 

$

26,218

 

$

(360,096

)

$

108,182

 




110






 

For the year ended January 28, 2011

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES

OTHER
SUBSIDIARIES

ELIMINATIONS

CONSOLIDATED

TOTAL

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

627,857

 

$

742,631

 

$

25,925

 

$

(768,556

)

$

627,857

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

33,015

 

 

221,851

 

 

61

 

 

-

 

 

254,927

 

Deferred income taxes

 

17,817

 

 

47,719

 

 

(14,551

)

 

-

 

 

50,985

 

Tax benefit of stock options

 

(13,905

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(13,905

)

Loss on debt retirement, net

 

14,576

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

14,576

 

Non-cash share-based compensation

 

15,956

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

15,956

 

Noncash inventory adjustments and asset impairments

 

-

 

 

7,607

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

7,607

 

Other non-cash gains and losses

 

1,395

 

 

4,547

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

5,942

 

Equity in subsidiaries’ earnings, net

 

(768,556

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

768,556

 

 

-

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise inventories

 

-

 

 

(251,809

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(251,809

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(1,646

)

 

(3,642

)

 

(4,869

)

 

-

 

 

(10,157

)

Accounts payable

 

(5,446

)

 

124,120

 

 

4,750

 

 

-

 

 

123,424

 

Accrued expenses and other

 

(28,442

)

 

(12,410

)

 

(1,576

)

 

-

 

 

(42,428

)

Income taxes

 

18,136

 

 

14,891

 

 

9,876

 

 

-

 

 

42,903

 

Other

 

816

 

 

(2,008

)

 

(2

)

 

-

 

 

(1,194

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

(88,427

)

 

893,497

 

 

19,614

 

 

-

 

 

824,684

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(22,830

)

 

(397,322

)

 

(243

)

 

-

 

 

(420,395

)

Sales of property and equipment

 

-

 

 

1,448

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,448

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(22,830

)

 

(395,874

)

 

(243

)

 

-

 

 

(418,947

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock

 

631

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

631

 

Repayments of long-term obligations

 

(129,217

)

 

(1,963

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(131,180

)

Repurchases of common stock and settlement of equity awards, net of employee taxes paid

 

(13,723

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(13,723

)

Tax benefit of stock options

 

13,905

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

13,905

 

Changes in intercompany note balances, net

 

253,586

 

 

(234,257

)

 

(19,329

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

125,182

 

 

(236,220

)

 

(19,329

)

 

-

 

 

(130,367

)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

13,925

 

 

261,403

 

 

42

 

 

-

 

 

275,370

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

97,620

 

 

103,001

 

 

21,455

 

 

-

 

 

222,076

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$

111,545

 

$

364,404

 

$

21,497

 

$

-

 

$

497,446

 




111






 

For the year ended January 29, 2010

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES

OTHER
SUBSIDIARIES

ELIMINATIONS

CONSOLIDATED

TOTAL

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

339,442

 

$

566,949

 

$

32,978

 

$

(599,927

)

$

339,442

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

36,541

 

 

220,048

 

 

182

 

 

-

 

 

256,771

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(18,571

)

 

67,317

 

 

(33,886

)

 

-

 

 

14,860

 

Tax benefit of stock options

 

(5,390

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(5,390

)

Loss on debt retirement, net

 

55,265

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

55,265

 

Non-cash share-based compensation

 

17,295

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

17,295

 

Noncash inventory adjustments and asset impairments

 

-

 

 

647

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

647

 

Other non-cash gains and losses

 

3,221

 

 

4,699

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

7,920

 

Equity in subsidiaries’ earnings, net

 

(599,927

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

599,927

 

 

-

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise inventories

 

-

 

 

(100,248

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(100,248

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

2,582

 

 

(10,252

)

 

372

 

 

-

 

 

(7,298

)

Accounts payable

 

26,535

 

 

79,515

 

 

(1

)

 

-

 

 

106,049

 

Accrued expenses and other

 

(20,672

)

 

10,494

 

 

(2,465

)

 

-

 

 

(12,643

)

Income taxes

 

48,494

 

 

(50,112

)

 

2,771

 

 

-

 

 

1,153

 

Other

 

(3,203

)

 

2,171

 

 

32

 

 

-

 

 

(1,000

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

(118,388

)

 

791,228

 

 

(17

)

 

-

 

 

672,823

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(34,647

)

 

(216,032)

 

 

(68

)

 

-

 

 

(250,747

)

Sales of property and equipment

 

-

 

 

2,701

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

2,701

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(34,647

)

 

(213,331

)

 

(68

)

 

-

 

 

(248,046

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock

 

443,753

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

443,753

 

Issuance of long-term obligations

 

-

 

 

1,080

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,080

 

Repayments of long-term obligations

 

(782,518

)

 

(2,742

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(785,260

)

Payment of cash dividends and related amounts

 

(239,731

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(239,731

)

Repurchases of common stock and settlement of equity awards, net of employee taxes paid

 

(5,928

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(5,928

)

Tax benefit of stock options

 

5,390

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

5,390

 

Changes in intercompany note balances, net

 

537,052

 

 

(537,638

)

 

586

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(41,982

)

 

(539,300

)

 

586

 

 

-

 

 

(580,696

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(195,017

)

 

38,597

 

 

501

 

 

-

 

 

(155,919

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

292,637

 

 

64,404

 

 

20,954

 

 

-

 

 

377,995

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$

97,620

 

$

103,001

 

$

21,455

 

$

-

 

$

222,076

 




112






 

For the year ended January 30, 2009

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES

OTHER
SUBSIDIARIES

ELIMINATIONS

CONSOLIDATED

TOTAL

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

108,182

 

$

333,878

 

$

26,218

 

$

(360,096

)

$

108,182

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

34,638

 

 

213,003

 

 

258

 

 

-

 

 

247,899

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(4,681

)

 

16,500

 

 

61,615

 

 

-

 

 

73,434

 

Tax benefit of stock options

 

(950

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(950

)

Gain on debt retirement, net

 

(3,818

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(3,818

)

Non-cash share-based compensation

 

9,958

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

9,958

 

Noncash inventory adjustments and asset impairments

 

-

 

 

50,671

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

50,671

 

Other non-cash gains and losses

 

714

 

 

5,538

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

6,252

 

Equity in subsidiaries’ earnings, net

 

(360,096

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

360,096

 

 

-

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merchandise inventories

 

-

 

 

(173,014

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(173,014

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(2,310

)

 

3,765

 

 

(2,053

)

 

-

 

 

(598

)

Accounts payable

 

18,717

 

 

121,546

 

 

93

 

 

-

 

 

140,356

 

Accrued expenses and other

 

11,427

 

 

46,177

 

 

11,132

 

 

-

 

 

68,736

 

Income taxes

 

56,596

 

 

(10,797

)

 

(11,813

)

 

-

 

 

33,986

 

Other

 

2,529

 

 

11,643

 

 

(88

)

 

-

 

 

14,084

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

(129,094

)

 

618,910

 

 

85,362

 

 

-

 

 

575,178

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(16,467

)

 

(189,058

)

 

(21

)

 

-

 

 

(205,546

)

Purchases of short-term investments

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(9,903

)

 

-

 

 

(9,903

)

Sales of short-term investments

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

61,547

 

 

-

 

 

61,547

 

Sales of property and equipment

 

-

 

 

1,266

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,266

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

(16,467

)

 

(187,792

)

 

51,623

 

 

-

 

 

(152,636

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock

 

4,228

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

4,228

 

Repayments under revolving credit facility

 

(102,500

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(102,500

)

Repayments of long-term obligations

 

(40,780

)

 

(3,645

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(44,425

)

Repurchases of common stock and settlement of equity awards, net of employee taxes paid

 

(3,009

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(3,009

)

Tax benefit of stock options

 

950

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

950

 

Changes in intercompany note balances, net

 

570,989

 

 

(422,448

)

 

(148,541

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

429,878

 

 

(426,093

)

 

(148,541

)

 

-

 

 

(144,756

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

284,317

 

 

5,025

 

 

(11,556

)

 

-

 

 

277,786

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

8,320

 

 

59,379

 

 

32,510

 

 

-

 

 

100,209

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

$

292,637

 

$

64,404

 

$

20,954

 

$

-

 

$

377,995

 




113




ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE


Not applicable.


ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


(a)

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

(b)

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our management prepared and is responsible for the consolidated financial statements and all related financial information contained in this report. This responsibility includes establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.


To comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, management designed and implemented a structured and comprehensive assessment process to evaluate the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting. Such assessment was based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Management regularly monitors our internal control over financial reporting, and actions are taken to correct any deficiencies as they are identified. Based on its assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of January 28, 2011.


Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements, has issued an attestation report on management's assessment of our internal control over financial reporting. Such attestation report is contained below.




114



(c) Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Dollar General Corporation


We have audited Dollar General Corporation and subsidiaries’  internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Dollar General Corporation and subsidiaries’ 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 Annual 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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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 included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.


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.




115



In our opinion, Dollar General Corporation and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2011, based on the COSO criteria .


We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Dollar General Corporation and subsidiaries as of January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the years ended January 28, 2011, January 29, 2010, and January 30, 2009 of Dollar General Corporation and subsidiaries and our report dated March 22, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

     /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Nashville, Tennessee

March 22, 2011


(d)

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . There have been no changes during the quarter ended January 28, 2011 in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION


Not applicable.




116



PART III


ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


(a)

Information Regarding Directors and Executive Officers.  The information required by this Item 10 regarding our directors and director nominees is contained under the captions “—Who are the nominees this year,” “—What are the backgrounds of this year’s nominees,” “—Are there any familial relationships between any of the nominees” and “—How are directors identified and nominated,” all under “Proposal 1: Election of Directors,” as well as “Corporate Governance—Does the Board have standing Audit, Compensation, and Nominating Committees,” all in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 25, 2011 (the “2011 Proxy Statement”), which information under such captions is incorporated herein by reference. Information required by this Item 10 regarding our executive officers is contained in Part I of this Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant,” which information under such caption is incorporated herein by reference.

(b)

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. Information required by this Item 10 regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is contained under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the 2011 Proxy Statement, which information under such caption is incorporated herein by reference.

(c)

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.  We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and Board members. This Code is posted on our Internet website at www.dollargeneral.com. If we choose to no longer post such Code, we will provide a free copy to any person upon written request to Dollar General Corporation, c/o Investor Relations Department, 100 Mission Ridge, Goodlettsville, TN 37072. We intend to provide any required disclosure of an amendment to or waiver from the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, on our Internet website located at www.dollargeneral.com promptly following the amendment or waiver. We may elect to disclose any such amendment or waiver in a report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC either in addition to or in lieu of the website disclosure. The information contained on or connected to our Internet website is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this or any other report that we file with or furnish to the SEC.


(d)

Procedures for Shareholders to Nominate Directors. Information required by this Item 10 regarding material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to our Board of Directors is contained under the captions “—How are directors identified and nominated,” “—How are nominees evaluated; what are the minimum qualifications” and “—Can shareholders nominate directors,” all under “Proposal 1: Election of Directors” in the 2011 Proxy Statement, which information under such captions is incorporated herein by reference.


117




(e)

Audit Committee Information. Information required by this Item 10 regarding our audit committee and our audit committee financial expert is contained under the captions “Corporate Governance—Does the Board have standing Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees” and “—Does Dollar General have an audit committee financial expert serving on its Audit Committee” in the 2011 Proxy Statement, which information under such captions is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


The information required by this Item 11 regarding director and executive officer compensation, including the Compensation Committee Report, the risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for employees, and compensation committee interlocks and insider participation is contained under the captions “Director Compensation” and “Executive Compensation” in the 2011 Proxy Statement, which information under such captions is incorporated herein by reference.



ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS


(a)

Equity Compensation Plan Information.   The following table sets forth information about securities authorized for issuance under our compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) as of January 28, 2011:



118






Plan category

Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(b)

Number of
securities remaining
available for future
issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in column (a))
(c)

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

11,469,706

$9.95

17,837,497

 


 


Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

--

--

--

 


 


Total (1)

11,469,706

      $9.95

17,837,497

 

 

 

 

(1)

Column (a) consists of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and upon vesting and payment of restricted stock units under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan. Restricted stock units are settled for shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis and have no exercise price. Accordingly, those units have been excluded for purposes of computing the weighted-average exercise price in column (b). Column (c) consists of shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, whether in the form of stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, or other stock-based awards or upon the exercise of an option or right. Although certain options remain outstanding under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, no future awards may be granted thereunder.


(b)  Other Information .  The information required by this Item 12 regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and our management is contained under the caption “Security Ownership” in the 2011 Proxy Statement, which information under such caption is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE



The information required by this Item 13 regarding certain relationships and related transactions is contained under the caption “Transactions with Management and Others” in the 2011 Proxy Statement, which information under such caption is incorporated herein by reference.


The information required by this Item 13 regarding director independence is contained under the caption “Director Independence” in the 2011 Proxy Statement, which information under such caption is incorporated herein by reference.



119




ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES


The information required by this Item 14 regarding fees we paid to our principal accountant and the pre-approval policies and procedures established by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors is contained under the caption “Fees Paid to Auditors” in the 2011 Proxy Statement, which information under such caption is incorporated herein by reference.


PART IV


ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


 

(a)

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Income

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

(b)

All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are not required under the related instructions, are inapplicable or the information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements and, therefore, have been omitted.

 

 

(c)

Exhibits:  See Exhibit Index immediately following the signature pages hereto, which Exhibit Index is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.



120



SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: March 22, 2011

By:

/s/ Richard W. Dreiling

 

 

Richard W. Dreiling, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


We, the undersigned directors and officers of the registrant, hereby severally constitute Richard W. Dreiling and David M. Tehle, and each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys with full power to them and each of them to sign for us, and in our names in the capacities indicated below, any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Name

 

Title

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Richard W. Dreiling

 

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 

March 22, 2011

RICHARD W. DREILING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ David M. Tehle

 

Executive Vice President & Chief
Financial Officer (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

March 22, 2011

DAVID M. TEHLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Raj Agrawal

 

Director

 

March 22, 2011

RAJ AGRAWAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Warren F. Bryant

 

Director

 

March 16, 2011

WARREN F. BRYANT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Michael M. Calbert

 

Director

 

March 22, 2011

MICHAEL M. CALBERT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Adrian Jones

 

Director

 

March 22, 2011

ADRIAN JONES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



121





/s/ William C. Rhodes, III

 

Director

 

March 22, 2011

WILLIAM C. RHODES, III

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ David B. Rickard

 

Director

 

March 15, 2011

DAVID B. RICKARD

 

 

 

 





122



EXHIBIT INDEX


3.1

Amended and Restated Charter of Dollar General Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 18, 2009, filed with the SEC on November 18, 2009 (file no. 001-11421))


3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Dollar General Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 18, 2009, filed with the SEC on November 18, 2009 (file no. 001-11421))


4.1

Form of Stock Certificate for Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-161464))


4.2

Shareholders' Agreement of Dollar General Corporation, dated as of November 9, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 18, 2009, filed with the SEC on November 18, 2009 (file no. 001-11421))


4.3

Senior Indenture, dated July 6, 2007, among Buck Acquisition Corp., Dollar General Corporation, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (the successor trustee), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2007, filed with the SEC on July 12, 2007 (file no. 001-11421))


4.4

Form of 10.625% Senior Notes due 2015 (included in Exhibit 4.3)


4.5

First Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Indenture, dated as of September 25, 2007, between DC Financial, LLC, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, and U.S. Bank National Association (the successor trustee), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.6

Second Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2007, between Retail Risk Solutions, LLC, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, and U.S. Bank National Association (the successor trustee), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.32 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.7

Third Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Indenture, dated as of March 23, 2009, between the Guaranteeing Subsidiaries referenced therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to Dollar General Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-158281))


4.8

Fourth Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Indenture, dated as of March 25, 2010, between the Guaranteeing Subsidiaries referenced therein and U.S. Bank National



123



Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.18 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-165799))


4.9

Fifth Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Indenture, dated as of August 30, 2010, among Retail Property Investments, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.55 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-165799))


4.10

Instrument of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance, effective as of February 25, 2009, by and among Dollar General Corporation, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 25, 2009, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2009 (file no. 001-11421))


4.11

Senior Subordinated Indenture, dated July 6, 2007, among Buck Acquisition Corp., Dollar General Corporation, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association (the successor trustee), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2007, filed with the SEC on July 12, 2007 (file no. 001-11421))


4.12

Form of 11.875% / 12.625% Senior Subordinated Toggle Notes due 2017 (included in Exhibit 4.11)


4.13

First Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of September 25, 2007, between DC Financial, LLC, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, and U.S. Bank National Association (the successor trustee), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.14

Second Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2007, between Retail Risk Solutions, LLC, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, and U.S. Bank National Association (the successor trustee), as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.33 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.15

Third Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of March 23, 2009, between the Guaranteeing Subsidiaries referenced therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.23 to Dollar General Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-158281))


4.16

Fourth Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of March 25, 2010, between the Guaranteeing Subsidiaries referenced therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.25 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-165799))



124




4.17

Fifth Supplemental Indenture to the Senior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of August 30, 2010, among Retail Property Investments, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.56 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-165799))


4.18

Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 6, 2007, among Buck Acquisition Corp., Dollar General Corporation, the guarantors named therein and the initial purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2007, filed with the SEC on July 12, 2007 (file no. 001-11421))


4.19

Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 6, 2007, among Buck Holdings, L.P., Buck Holdings, LLC, Dollar General Corporation and Shareholders named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.18 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.20

Credit Agreement, dated as of July 6, 2007, among Dollar General Corporation, as Borrower, Citicorp North America, Inc., as Administrative Agent, and the other lending institutions from time to time party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2007, filed with the SEC on July 12, 2007 (file no. 001-11421))


4.21

Guarantee to the Credit Agreement, dated as of July 6, 2007, among certain domestic subsidiaries of Dollar General Corporation, as Guarantors and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2007, filed with the SEC on July 12, 2007 (file no. 001-11421))


4.22

Supplement No.1, dated as of September 11, 2007, to the Guarantee to the Credit Agreement, between DC Financial, LLC, as New Guarantor, and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.23 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.23

Supplement No. 2, dated as of December 31, 2007, to the Guarantee to the Credit Agreement, between Retail Risk Solutions, LLC, as New Guarantor, and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.34 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.24

Supplement No. 3, dated as of March 23, 2009, to the Guarantee to the Credit Agreement, between the New Guarantors referenced therein and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.30 to Dollar General Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-158281))


4.25

Supplement No. 4, dated as of March 25, 2010, to the Guarantee to the Credit Agreement, between the New Guarantors referenced therein and Citicorp North America, Inc., as



125



Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.33 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-165799))


4.26

Supplement No. 5 to the Guarantee to the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2010, by and between Retail Property Investments, LLC and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.57 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-165799))


4.27

Security Agreement, dated as of July 6, 2007, among Dollar General Corporation and certain domestic subsidiaries of Dollar General Corporation, as Grantors, and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2007, filed with the SEC on July 12, 2007 (file no. 001-11421))


4.28

Supplement No.1, dated as of September 11, 2007, to the Security Agreement, between DC Financial, LLC, as New Grantor, and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.25 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.29

Supplement No. 2, dated as of December 31, 2007, to the Security Agreement, between Retail Risk Solutions, LLC, as New Grantor, and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.35 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.30

Supplement No. 3, dated as of March 23, 2009, to the Security Agreement, between the New Grantors referenced therein and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.34 to Dollar General Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-158281))


4.31

Supplement No. 4, dated as of March 25, 2010, to the Security Agreement, between the New Grantors referenced therein and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.38 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-165799))


4.32

Supplement No. 5 to the Security Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2010, between Retail Property Investments, LLC and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.58 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-165799))


4.33

Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 6, 2007, among Dollar General Corporation and certain domestic subsidiaries of Dollar General Corporation, as Pledgors, and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2007, filed with the SEC on July 12, 2007 (file no. 001-11421))



126




4.34

Supplement No.1, dated as of September 11, 2007, to the Pledge Agreement, between DC Financial, LLC, as Additional Pledgor, and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.27 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.35

Supplement No. 2, dated as of December 31, 2007, to the Pledge Agreement, between Retail Risk Solutions, LLC, as Additional Pledgor, and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.36 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.36

Supplement No. 3, dated as of March 23, 2009, to the Pledge Agreement, between the Additional Pledgors referenced therein and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.38 to Dollar General Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-158281))  


4.37

Supplement No. 4, dated as of March 25, 2010, to the Pledge Agreement, between the Additional Pledgors referenced therein and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.43 to Dollar General Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-165799))  


4.38

Supplement No. 5 to the Pledge Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2010, between Retail Property Investments, LLC and Citicorp North America, inc., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.59 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-165799))


4.39

ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of July 6, 2007, among Dollar General Corporation, as Parent Borrower, certain domestic subsidiaries of Dollar General Corporation, as Subsidiary Borrowers, The CIT Group/Business Credit Inc., as ABL Administrative Agent, and the other lending institutions from time to time party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2007, filed with the SEC on July 12, 2007 (file no. 001-11421))


4.40

Appointment of Successor Agent and Amendment No. 1 to the ABL Credit Agreement entered into as of July 31, 2009, by and among The CIT Group/Business Credit, Inc., Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC, Dollar General Corporation and the Subsidiary Borrowers and the Lenders signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Dollar General Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 31, 2009, filed with the SEC on August 4, 2009 (file no. 001-11421))


4.41

Guarantee, dated as of September 11, 2007, to the ABL Credit Agreement, between DC Financial, LLC and The CIT Group/Business Credit Inc., as ABL Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.29 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.42

Supplement No. 1, dated as of December 31, 2007, to the Guarantee to the ABL Credit Agreement, between Retail Risk Solutions, LLC, as New Guarantor, and The CIT



127



Group/Business Credit Inc., as ABL Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.37 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.43

Supplement No. 2, dated as of March 23, 2009, to the Guarantee to the ABL Credit Agreement, between the New Guarantors referenced therein and The CIT Group/Business Credit Inc., as ABL Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.42 to Dollar General Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-158281))


4.44

Supplement No. 3, dated as of March 30, 2010, to the Guarantee to the ABL Credit Agreement, between the New Guarantors referenced therein and Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC, as ABL Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.49 to Dollar General Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-165799))


4.45

Supplement No. 4 to the Guarantee to the ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2010, between Retail Property Investments, LLC and Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC, as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.60 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-165799))


4.46

ABL Security Agreement, dated as of July 6, 2007, among Dollar General Corporation, as Parent Borrower, certain domestic subsidiaries of Dollar General Corporation, as Subsidiary Borrowers, collectively the Grantors, and The CIT Group/Business Credit Inc., as ABL Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2007, filed with the SEC on July 12, 2007 (file no. 001-11421))


4.47

Supplement No. 1, dated as of September 11, 2007, to the ABL Security Agreement, between DC Financial, LLC, as New Grantor, and The CIT Group/Business Credit Inc., as ABL Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.31 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.48

Supplement No. 2, dated as of December 31, 2007, to the ABL Security Agreement, between Retail Risk Solutions, LLC, as New Grantor, and The CIT Group/Business Credit Inc., as ABL Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.38 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


4.49

Supplement No. 3, dated as of March 23, 2009, to the ABL Security Agreement, between the New Grantors referenced therein and The CIT Group/Business Credit Inc., as ABL Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.46 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-158281))


4.50

Supplement No. 4, dated as of March 30, 2010, to the ABL Security Agreement, between the New Grantors referenced therein and Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC, as ABL Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.54 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-165799))



128




4.51

Supplement No. 5 to the Security Agreement to the ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2010, between Retail Property Investments, LLC and Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC, as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.61 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-165799))


10.1

Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of Dollar General Corporation and its affiliates (as approved by shareholders on October 23, 2009) ((incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-161464))*


10.2

Form of Stock Option Agreement between Dollar General Corporation and certain officers of Dollar General Corporation granting stock options pursuant to the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))*


10.3

Form of Option Rollover Agreement between Dollar General Corporation and certain officers of Dollar General Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))*


10.4

Waiver of Certain Limitations Pertaining to Options Previously Granted under the Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, effective August 26, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Dollar General Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 30, 2010, filed with the SEC on August 31, 2010 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.5

Form of Management Stockholder’s Agreement among Dollar General Corporation, Buck Holdings, L.P. and certain officers of Dollar General Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))*


10.6

Amendment to Management Stockholder's Agreement among Dollar General Corporation, Buck Holdings, L.P. and key employees of Dollar General Corporation (July 2007 grant group) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Dollar General Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 30, 2009, filed with the SEC on December 12, 2009 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.7

Amendment to Management Stockholder's Agreement among Dollar General Corporation, Buck Holdings, L.P. and key employees of Dollar General Corporation (post-July 2007 grant group) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Dollar General Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 30, 2009, filed with the SEC on December 12, 2009 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.8

Second Amendment to Management Stockholder’s Agreements, effective June 3, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Dollar General Corporation’s Quarterly



129



Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2010, filed with the SEC on June 8, 2010 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.9

Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement in connection with restricted stock unit grants made to outside directors pursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-161464))


10.10

Form of Director Stock Option Agreement in connection with option grants made to outside directors pursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-161464))


10.11

1998 Stock Incentive Plan (As Amended and Restated effective as of May 31, 2006) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2006, filed with the SEC on June 2, 2006 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.12

Amendment to Dollar General Corporation 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, effective November 28, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Dollar General Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2007, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2007 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.13

Amendment to Dollar General Corporation 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, effective August 26, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Dollar General Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 30, 2010, filed with the SEC on August 31, 2010 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.14

Form of Stock Option Grant Notice in connection with option grants made pursuant to the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Dollar General Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 29, 2005, filed with the SEC on August 25, 2005 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.15

Dollar General Corporation CDP/SERP Plan (as amended and restated effective December 31, 2007) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))*


10.16

First Amendment to the Dollar General Corporation CDP/SERP Plan (as amended and restated effective December 31, 2007) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))*


10.17

Second Amendment to the Dollar General Corporation CDP/SERP Plan (as amended and restated effective December 31, 2007), dated as of June 3, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Dollar General Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-



130



Q for the quarter ended August 1, 2008, filed with the SEC on September 3, 2008 (file no. 001-11421))*

10.18

Amended and Restated Dollar General Corporation Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-161464))*


10.19

Dollar General Corporation 2010 Teamshare Bonus Program for Named Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Dollar General Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2010, filed with the SEC on June 8, 2010 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.20

Summary of Dollar General Corporation Life Insurance Program as Applicable to Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Dollar General Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2007, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2007) (file no. 001-11421))*


10.21

Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy for Officers *


10.22

Summary of Director Compensation


10.23

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement effective April 23, 2010, by and between Dollar General Corporation and Richard Dreiling (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 23, 2010, filed with the SEC on April 27, 2010 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.24

Stock Option Agreement, dated as of January 21, 2008, between Dollar General Corporation and Richard Dreiling (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))*


10.25

Stock Option Agreement dated April 23, 2010, by and between Dollar General Corporation and Richard Dreiling (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Dollar General Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 23, 2010, filed with the SEC on April 27, 2010 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.26

Restricted Stock Award Agreement, effective as of January 21, 2008, between Dollar General Corporation and Richard Dreiling (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))*


10.27

Management Stockholder’s Agreement, dated as of January 21, 2008, among Dollar General Corporation, Buck Holdings, L.P. and Richard Dreiling (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))*


10.28

Employment Agreement effective April 1, 2009, by and between Dollar General Corporation and David M. Tehle (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Dollar



131



General Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 30, 2009, filed with the SEC on April 3, 2009 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.29

Employment Agreement effective April 1, 2009, by and between Dollar General Corporation and Kathleen R. Guion (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Dollar General Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 30, 2009, filed with the SEC on April 3, 2009 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.30

Employment Agreement, dated December 1, 2008, between Dollar General Corporation and Todd Vasos (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to Dollar General Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2010, filed with the SEC on March 24, 2009 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.31

Stock Option Agreement, dated December 19, 2008, between Dollar General Corporation and Todd Vasos (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to Dollar General Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2010, filed with the SEC on March 24, 2009 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.32

Management Stockholder's Agreement, dated December 19, 2008, among Dollar General Corporation, Buck Holdings, L.P., and Todd Vasos (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to Dollar General Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2010, filed with the SEC on March 24, 2009 (file no. 001-11421))*


10.33

Employment Agreement, effective March 24, 2010, by and between Dollar General Corporation and John Flanigan*


10.34

Stock Option Agreement, dated as of August 28, 2008, by and between Dollar General Corporation and John Flanigan*


10.35

Stock Option Agreement, dated as of May 28, 2009, by and between Dollar General Corporation and John Flanigan*


10.36

Stock Option Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2010, by and between Dollar General Corporation and John Flanigan*


10.37

Subscription Agreement entered into as of March 24, 2010, by and between Dollar General Corporation and John Flanigan*


10.38

Management Stockholder’s Agreement, dated as of August 28, 2008, by and between Dollar General Corporation, Buck Holdings, L.P., and John Flanigan*


10.39

Employment Agreement, effective March 24, 2010, by and between Dollar General Corporation and Robert Ravener*


10.40

Stock Option Agreement, dated as of August 28, 2008, by and between Dollar General Corporation and Robert Ravener*



132




10.41

Stock Option Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2008, by and between Dollar General Corporation and Robert Ravener*


10.42

Stock Option Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2010, by and between Dollar General Corporation and Robert Ravener*


10.43

Subscription Agreement entered into as of December 19, 2008 by and between Dollar General Corporation and Robert Ravener*


10.44

Management Stockholder’s Agreement entered into as of August 28, 2008 among Dollar General Corporation, Buck Holdings, L.P., and Robert Ravener*


10.45

Indemnification Agreement, dated July 6, 2007, among Buck Holdings, L.P., Dollar General Corporation, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co L.P., and Goldman, Sachs & Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 333-148320))


10.46

Indemnification Priority and Information Sharing Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2009, among Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., the funds named therein and Dollar General Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to Dollar General Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-161464))


21

List of Subsidiaries of Dollar General Corporation


23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


24

Powers of Attorney (included as part of the signature pages hereto)


31

Certifications of CEO and CFO under Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)


32

Certifications of CEO and CFO under 18 U.S.C. 1350


*

Management Contract or Compensatory Plan




133






[Logo of Dollar General Corporation]






Dollar General Corporation

Domestic Relocation Policy

Executives/Senior Officers

I









 

Congratulations on your new assignment!


In addition to the challenges your new position brings, you and your family will encounter many changes as you leave familiar surroundings, find a new place to live and settle into your new location.


The relocation of employees contributes to the Company’s ability to stay flexible and competitive. For that reason, we have partnered with Global Mobility Solutions (GMS), as well as a number of other top rate service providers, to provide you with a program of relocation support to reduce normal move disruptions, and enable you to get settled in your new home and job as quickly as possible.


This Relocation Guide outlines the services made available to you to help facilitate your move, including selling your current residence and finding a new community and home.


Please take the time to read through this guide and familiarize yourself with the policy and GMS relocation services before you begin planning your relocation. Recognizing that relocating can be a disruptive time, the Company, through your dedicated Relocation Coach will assist you and your family throughout your move.


Our best wishes for success in your new location.


Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

2




 


Relocation Program Contact Information


Global Mobility Solutions (GMS)

Dedicated Relocation Coach

Tricia Davis CRP, Senior Relocation Coach

800-617-1904 ext 8866

480-361-8867 fax

tdavis@gmsmobility.com




Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

3



TABLE OF CONTENTS



SUMMARY OF BENEFITS

6

INTRODUCTION

7

ON THE MOVE…

7

ELIGIBILITY

7

FAMILY

7

TIME LIMIT

7

DISCLAIMER

7

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

7

RELOCATION ADMINISTRATION

8

FORMS TO COMPLETE

8

EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT

9

RELOCATION AND TRANSITION EXPENSES

10

MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSE ALLOWANCE

10

HOUSE HUNTING

10

TEMPORARY LIVING

11

RETURN TRIP

11

TAX ASSISTANCE

11

HOME SALE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

12

HOME ELIGIBILITY

12

OVERVIEW

12

Marketing Your Home

12

Appraised Value Offer

13

Amended Value Sale

13

Marketing Assistance

13

How the Marketing Process Works…

13

Monitoring the Marketing Process

14

Negotiating a Sale

15

Finalizing a Sale

15

APPRAISED VALUE OFFER

16

APPRAISER SELECTION

16

APPRAISALS

16

DETERMINING THE APPRAISED VALUE OFFER

16

TITLE SEARCH

17

OFFER PERIOD

17

ACCEPTING THE APPRAISED VALUE OFFER

17

VACATING THE HOME

18

UTILITIES

18

INSURANCE

18

AMENDED VALUE SALE

19

ADVANTAGES OF AN AMENDED VALUE SALE

19

ANALYZING THE OFFER

19

AMENDING THE OFFER LETTER

19

BUYER’S OFFER LESS THAN APPRAISED VALUE OFFER

19

CLOSING AN AMENDED VALUE SALE

19

EQUITY

20



Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

4



TABLE OF CONTENTS



INDEPENDENT SALE

21

REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES

21

RENTERS’ ASSISTANCE

22

LEASE CANCELLATION

22

NEW LEASE AGREEMENT

22

DESTINATION LOCATION

23

PLANNING YOUR HOUSE HUNTING TRIP

23

INTERNET HOME SEARCH

23

HOME PURCHASE CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE

24

NATIONAL MORTGAGE LENDER PROGRAM

24

NEW CONSTRUCTION

24

MOVING TO THE NEW LOCATION

25

SHIPMENT OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS

25

ITEMS EXCLUDED FROM SHIPMENT

25

PLAYGROUND AND SIMILAR EQUIPMENT

25

INSURANCE

25

ITEMS OF EXTRAORDINARY VALUE (INCLUDING ANTIQUES)

26

PACKING AND LOADING

26

UNLOADING

26

BILLING

26

TIPPING

26

SHIPMENT OF AUTOMOBILES

26

STORAGE IN THE NEW LOCATION

26

TIME OFF FOR MOVING

27

TRAVEL TO THE NEW LOCATION

27

TAX ASSISTANCE

28

TAX TREATMENT TABLE

29



Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

5



 

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS


Provision

Description

Eligibility

You are eligible for coverage under the relocation program described in this guide if you are classified as an active full-time current or newly hired, salaried executive level employees and senior officers; homeowner or renter.  It is your responsibility to work with the Manager Corporate Recruiting and Relocation to monitor your eligibility for benefits and to ensure your status is accurately reflected in the payroll system.


Note:  Active Full-time (AF) means not L, LP, or T status .

 

Relocation and Transition

Expenses

·

A Miscellaneous Expense Allowance of 5% of your new base salary to cover incidental expenses associated with your move not otherwise covered by this policy

·

House hunting expenses will be reimbursed for two (2) trips totaling seven (7) days for you and your spouse or one additional household member and for your children

·

Temporary living expenses reimbursed for up to 90 days

 

Home Sale

Assistance

·

Marketing Assistance

·

Appraised Value Offer

·

Amended Value Sale

·

Independent Sale

 

Destination Services

Company’s relocation program offers you professional homefinding counseling through GMS

 

Home Purchase Closing Cost Assistance

·

Available to current homeowners and renters

·

Company reimburses reasonable and customary home purchase expenses plus up to 1% for loan origination fees

 

Renters’ Assistance

Company will reimburse up to two months’ rent for any combination of lease cancellation/duplicate rent

 

Moving to the New Location

·

Normal family household goods moved via van line plus up to $75,000 in full replacement valuation

·

Mileage reimbursed for driving up to two automobiles to the new location; in lieu of driving, the Company will pay to ship your second automobile if distance exceeds 300 miles

·

Storage for up to 90 days

 

Tax Assistance

Gross-up provided for most non-deductible relocation expenses including federal, state and FICA taxes


Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

6



 

INTRODUCTION  


On the Move…

This handbook has been designed to help you understand Dollar General’s relocation program and to assist you and your family in relocating as quickly as possible with minimal inconvenience.  You are encouraged to carefully read this handbook in its entirety.  Recognizing that relocating can be a disruptive process, the Company and GMS will assist you and your family throughout your move.


Eligibility

The relocation program was developed to facilitate the movement of active, full-time current, salaried, executive-level employees or senior officers who are requested to relocate by the Company and designated by the Company to receive the benefits described in this handbook.


In order to be eligible for relocation as described in this handbook, your relocation must meet the IRS 50-mile distance test.  The distance between your former residence and your new job site must be at least 50 miles greater than the distance between your former residence and your former job site.


Family

Your family members eligible for assistance under this policy include your spouse and your dependent household members.  In the event an additional member of your household is asked to relocate by the Company, you are eligible to receive only one set of benefits.


Time Limit

You are eligible for the benefits extended in this handbook for up to 12 months following your effective date of transfer. All expense reports related to your relocation are required to be submitted within 90 days of the date incurred within this 12-month period.


Disclaimer

The Company has the sole right at any time to revise, amend or discontinue this policy. This policy shall not be considered or construed as an employment contract and does not constitute a guarantee of employment for any minimum or specified period of time.


Policy Exceptions

If you feel an exception is needed, please submit your request in writing to your GMS dedicated Relocation Coach.  They will review and forward your request to the Relocation Department at Dollar General for consideration.  Upon initial receipt, the Relocation Department will present a recommendation along with facts to the appropriate senior level officer for final approval.  Your dedicated Relocation Coach will communicate the decision to you.





Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

7



 

RELOCATION ADMINISTRATION


Upon notification of your relocation, your dedicated Relocation Coach will contact you and be your main point of contact throughout your move.  Your dedicated Relocation Coach will guide you through each step of the relocation process, answer your questions, and help coordinate all aspects of your move.  Listed below are highlights of the services your dedicated Relocation Coach will provide to you:


·

general information,

·

expense report reimbursements,

·

disposition of your present home,

·

assistance in finding a new residence,

·

moving your household goods,

·

moving you and your family to the new location, and


We encourage you to become fully involved in your move and work closely with the professionals who have been made available to assist you throughout the relocation process.  By working closely with your dedicated Relocation Coach, you will be able to effectively manage your move.


Forms to Complete

Our goal is to have a relocation process that is as simple and easy to use as possible. Therefore, there are only two steps that you must complete before receiving your relocation benefits.


Step 1.  

Complete and return the Relocation Initiation Form

The Relocation Initiation Form provides us with important information to pass on to the moving company and for relocation check/reimbursement requests.


Step 2.  

Complete and return the Employee Reimbursement Form.

The Employee Reimbursement Form states that you have read Dollar General’s Relocation policy and understand that you are responsible for any expenses not covered under the policy.  This form may also have a reimbursement schedule you would follow to pay back a pro-rated share of your relocation benefits should you leave the company within a year of relocation.


Both of these forms can be mailed or faxed to the following:


Dollar General Human Resources Relocation

100 Mission Ridge

Goodlettsville, TN  37072

Fax (615) 855-5252


Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

8



 

EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT


Most ordinary expenses involved in moving from one location to another are covered under this policy.  Any questions of interpretation should be discussed with your dedicated Relocation Coach before you take action.


All relocation expenses must be submitted on the Relocation Expense Report Form (will be provided to you by GMS) and must not be combined with regular business expenses.  In order to determine the federal and state tax liability for reimbursed expenses, all relocation expenses must be reported accurately.


Where relocation-related expenses are specifically reimbursable, consistent guidelines apply.


·

All reimbursable expenses must be reasonable and appropriate.

·

All relocation benefits are reflected in U.S. dollars.

·

All reimbursable moving expenses must be incurred within 12 months from the date of transfer and submitted for payment within 90 days from the date the expense is incurred.

·

Only expenses specifically outlined in the policy will be reimbursed.

·

You must submit original receipts for reimbursement.  Your completed expense reports together with your original receipts should be forwarded directly to your dedicated Relocation Coach.

·

It is important not to include any business expenses on relocation expense forms.


Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

9



 

RELOCATION AND TRANSITION EXPENSES


Miscellaneous Expense Allowance

The Company will provide you with 5% of your new base salary to cover many of the incidental expenses not specifically reimbursed under this policy, which may occur as a direct result of your transfer:


·

driver’s licenses and automobile registrations in the new location,

·

utility deposits,

·

shipment of pets,

·

cleaning or maid service (new or old location),

·

non-refundable tuition, memberships, club dues or subscriptions,

·

piano tuning,

·

tips to movers,

·

drapery and carpet installation or alterations,

·

television or cable installation or adjustments,

·

overnight mail charges,

·

tax consulting,

·

items unique to your personal move not covered by this policy,

·

disassemble/reassemble playground, gym equipment, swimming pools, and similar items.


For newly hired employees check will be cut and mailed to address in Dollar General's payroll system within 2 weeks of start date.


Tax Assistance

Gross-up will not be provided for the Miscellaneous Expense Allowance.


House Hunting

Dollar General will provide you and your spouse or one additional household member and your children with two (2) house hunting/apartment hunting trips for a total of seven (7) days.  The House Hunting Trip will include the following:


·

Hotel accommodations for a maximum six (6) nights.

·

Airfare for entire family or mileage reimbursement at current Company rate if personal vehicle is driven.

·

Reimbursement for rental car for maximum of seven (7) days.

·

Reimbursable meal expenses not to exceed $25.00/day per adult, $15.00/day per child (original receipts must be submitted).


Tax Assistance

Gross-up will be provided for residence hunting expenses.


Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

10



 

Temporary Living

 

Temporary Living Assistance is intended only for short-term living arrangements at the new location.  Dollar General will reimburse you for up to 90 days of temporary living expenses.  Temporary living assistance includes the following:


·

Lodging for employee only

·

Meals for employee only (not to exceed $25.00/day based on original receipts)

·

Reimbursement for full size rental car for a maximum of two (2) weeks


If you require temporary living assistance please contact your dedicated Relocation Coach at least two weeks in advance.  He or she will be happy to help you make arrangements and answer any questions you may have.


Return Trip

If you are required to report to work in your new location prior to your family’s final move, you will be eligible to receive coverage of travel expenses for one (1) return trip home during your temporary living period. One family member may visit you in the new location in lieu of a return trip.


Tax Assistance

Gross-up will be provided for temporary living and return trip expenses.


Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

11



 

HOME SALE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM


Your dedicated Relocation Coach will provide you with the necessary expertise to facilitate the sale of your home through the services described below.


Home Eligibility

A home eligible for home sale assistance is any completed single-family or two-family residence, including a condominium that is used as your principal residence and that is owned by you, your spouse, any of your dependents residing in the same household, or any combination of those persons at the time you are asked to relocate.  This also includes land customarily considered part of a residential lot and all personal property normally sold with a residence according to local custom.  If your home does not meet these eligibility guidelines, you may qualify for reimbursement of certain home sale commission expenses if you sell your primary residence on your own (Independent Sale, page 21).


Homes considered ineligible for home sale assistance include, but are not limited to, the following:


·

cooperative apartments,

·

mobile homes,

·

vacation/secondary homes,

·

investment properties,

·

homes with excessive acreage (+5 acres),

·

homes that are partially completed or under substantial renovation,

·

homes ineligible for conventional financing,

·

houseboats,

·

homes deemed ineligible through building inspections, and

·

vacant lots appraised as contributory value only.

If you have any questions regarding your home’s eligibility, please contact your dedicated Relocation Coach prior to beginning the relocation process.


Overview


Marketing Your Home

The home sale process will begin with the appraisal and listing your home.  Your dedicated Relocation Coach will help you select a qualified real estate agent and together they will determine selling strategies targeted to help you receive the best possible offer for your home. The advantage to successfully marketing your home and selling to an outside buyer is that you may receive a greater cash return than the Appraised Value Offer.


You are required to speak with your dedicated Relocation Coach prior to taking any steps to list or market your home. You are required to market your home for a minimum of 90 days from the date your home is listed with an approved real estate agent.



Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

12



 

Appraised Value Offer

Two independent appraisers will appraise your home to determine the Appraised Value Offer.  Your relocation coach will provide a list of ERC endorsed appraisers in your area to choose from.  This offer will be your “safety net” providing you with a guaranteed price, should your home not sell on the open market.  Your Appraised Value Offer will be available to you for 90 days.


Amended Value Sale

If you receive a qualified offer on your home from an outside buyer as described on page 19, you have an opportunity to “amend” the Appraised Value Offer from GMS to reflect your buyer’s offer.  


Marketing Assistance

As soon as the Company authorizes your relocation, your dedicated Relocation Coach will contact you to explain the first step—the listing, marketing and appraisal of your home. Placing your home on the market as advantageously as possible is a critical element in successfully marketing your home.  Throughout the home sale process, your dedicated Relocation Coach will continuously track your agent’s efforts to market your home.  The goal of these efforts is to help you obtain the best offer for your home within a reasonable time frame.


Your dedicated Relocation Coach’s objectives are to:


·

help you identify a qualified and active broker to assist you in marketing and listing your home in a highly effective manner;

·

work with your real estate agent to develop a strategic marketing plan to sell your home at the best possible market value;

·

in conjunction with your real estate agent, suggest any minor repairs and/or improvements that will increase the marketability of your home; and

·

work with you throughout the process of you selling your home.

 

How the Marketing Process Works…

The following is a step-by-step process of marketing assistance services provided by your dedication Relocation Coach.


Agent Selection

Your dedicated Relocation Coach will place a referral with two (2) area real estate agents who will visit your home and prepare a complete Employee Relocation Council (ERC) Market Analysis.  If you would like to designate a particular real estate agent that has not been recommended, please notify your dedicated Relocation Coach.  As long as the real estate agent agrees to the program’s requirements, he or she will be able to work with you as one of your two selected agents.  You may not utilize or ask to have qualified any real estate agent that is a family member; i.e., spouse, child, mother, father, brother, sister or in-laws.  If you have no preference or are not familiar with local brokers, your dedicated Relocation Coach will assist you in the selection.






Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

13



 

Listing Your Home

Your dedicated Relocation Coach will ask you to select one real estate agent from the two you have interviewed.  He or she will then work with you and your selected agent to develop a marketing strategy and establish a list price that is both attractive and realistic in the local market.


You are required to list your home within 110% Appraised Value.  You are required to list your home for a minimum of 90 days from the initial list date before you are eligible to accept the Appraised Value Offer.


Listing Exclusion Clause

When you speak with your dedicated Relocation Coach, he or she will discuss the necessity of including the following language in the listing agreement with your broker. The reason for this clause is to allow for cancellation of the listing agreement if necessary for GMS to close with the buyer.  This clause is considered “standard operating procedure” among agents who work with corporate transferees.  The following Exclusion Clause should be attached as an addendum to the Listing Agreement.


“In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between this Addendum and the Listing Agreement, the terms of this Addendum shall control.


It is understood and agreed that regardless of whether or not an offer is presented by a ready, willing and able buyer:


1.

No commission or compensation shall be earned by, or be due and payable to, broker until the sale of the property has been consummated between seller and buyer, the deed delivered to the buyer and the purchase price delivered to the seller; and


2.

The seller reserves the right to sell the property to GMS or to: ____________


(individually and collectively a “Named Prospective Purchaser”) at any time.  Upon the execution by a Named Prospective Purchaser and me (us) of an Agreement of Sale with respect to the property, this listing agreement shall immediately terminate without obligation of my (our) part or on the part of any Named Prospective Purchaser to either pay a commission or to continue this listing.”


 

 

 

Real Estate Agent

 

Date


 

 

Seller

 

Date


 

 

Seller

 

Date


Monitoring the Marketing Process

Your dedicated Relocation Coach will work with you and your real estate agent throughout the marketing process to ensure maximum exposure for your home, provide feedback on the marketing process, and recommend strategy modifications, if needed.



Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

14



 

Negotiating a Sale

When you have an interested buyer and receive an offer, your dedicated Relocation Coach will be a valuable resource as you negotiate a price and an Offer Letter.  You must submit ALL offers received to your dedicated Relocation Coach for review and consideration. DO NOT SIGN a contract (or any other document) with the buyers or take any money as a deposit from the real estate agent or prospective buyer.


Finalizing a Sale

Your dedicated Relocation Coach will handle the details of the real estate transaction once the terms of the sales agreement have been finalized.



Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

15



 

APPRAISED VALUE OFFER


Your decision to relocate should not be hampered by concerns about selling your home. GMS will assist you by making an offer to purchase your home at a value established by independent fee appraisers.   The appraisal process will begin immediately after entering the relocation program


Appraiser Selection

Once you have notified your dedicated Relocation Coach of your choice of appraiser’s, your dedicated Relocation Coach will notify the approved appraisers to contact you in order schedule a convenient time to survey your home.


Appraisals

An appraisal is an estimate of the anticipated sales price of your home over a reasonable selling period.  Appraisers estimate value primarily by comparing your home to the sales of similar properties making detailed adjustments for the differences between those properties and your home.  The appraisers consider location, size, age, condition, and marketability.


When the appraisers arrive to inspect your home, you should be prepared to discuss any facts that may be important in determining the value of your home:


·

any improvements you have made to the home that may or may not be visible to the appraisers; and

·

any information on similar homes that have recently sold in your area.

Your home will be appraised in “as is” condition, so it is important your home shows favorably to maximize the appraised value and resale efforts. Your dedicated Relocation Coach and your real estate agent will assist in suggesting specific fix-up items to help maximize your marketing efforts.


The appraisers may also ask for a copy of the land survey and a copy of the title policy that you received when you closed on your home.  They will need these items to obtain the correct legal description.


Determining the Appraised Value Offer

Your Appraised Value Offer will be equal to the average of two independent appraisals. However, if the variance between the two appraisals is greater than 5% of the higher amount, a third appraisal will be ordered.  In this case, your offer will be determined by averaging the two closest appraisals. Normal and customary home inspections will be ordered at the time of the appraisals.


Your dedicated Relocation Coach will present you with your Appraised Value Offer once the inspection and appraisal reports have been received and reviewed.  Your home will have to pass all inspections and/or you must satisfactorily remedy any deficiencies before your offer is finalized.  The entire process should be completed within 30 days from the date of the last inspection.  




Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

16



 

You are required to list your home at no more than 110% of the Appraised Value Offer. This may require you to make an adjustment to your current list price.


Title Search

In addition to arranging for the appraisals and inspections, a title search will be initiated in order to prepare for closing.  You may need to be involved in clearing any title issues should they appear on the title report.  Please inform your real estate agent that GMS is bringing the title up-to-date.  This can avoid a duplicate title search.  Often an agent will arrange for a title search upon notification from a lender of a buyer’s loan approval.


Offer Period  

Your dedicated Relocation Coach will call you with your Appraised Value Offer and outline the timing and process of the home sale program. The Appraised Value Offer has a 90-day acceptance period—90 days to continue marketing your home knowing you have a set “safety net”.  Your 90-day acceptance period begins the day your Offer Letter is postmarked.  You may accept the appraised value offer at any time after marketing your home for 90 days.


[Graphic Omitted]


You are required to market your home for 90 days from the list date before you are able to accept the Appraised Value Offer.


Accepting the Appraised Value Offer

If you are unable to sell your home during the 90-day offer period and accept the Appraised Value Offer, you and your spouse should sign the GMS Offer Letter and return both copies to your dedicated Relocation Coach along with the other supporting documents.  Your execution of the Offer Letter is a legal transaction.  You will need to sign and notarize the Offer Letter and other related documents.


The signed GMS Offer Letter and related documents must be received by your dedicated Relocation Coach on or prior to the expiration date of your offer.  The contract will be dated on the day all necessary documents are completed and signed by you and your dedicated Relocation Coach.  


Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

17



 

Vacating the Home

You have 60 days from the date you sign the GMS Offer Letter in which to vacate the property provided a resale closing does not occur sooner.  If you cannot move within 60 days, please let your dedicated Relocation Coach know and you may be granted additional time to vacate, if circumstances warrant.


After you and GMS have signed the Offer Letter, you will continue to be responsible for the costs of maintenance, repairs, utilities, insurance, etc., until you actually vacate.  Prior to vacating, you will be expected to cooperate fully with all attempts by GMS to market the home by allowing prospective purchasers to view the premises by appointment during reasonable hours.


From the date you vacate, GMS will make all future mortgage, tax, and other carrying payments on your home.  It will also assume payment of maintenance and utility costs. Your equity statement will reflect mortgage interest through your executed GMS  contract or vacate date, whichever comes last.  


Utilities

Since sudden cold weather can cause damage due to freezing, do not turn off any utilities when you vacate the home.  The utilities must be left in your name until you contract with GMS or vacate the home, whichever is later.  At that time, you should request final readings from the utility companies serving your home.  Your dedicated Relocation Coach will instruct your real estate agent to transfer the utilities into the real estate company’s name until the home closes with new buyers. The day you vacate is customarily the date utilities are transferred to the real estate company.  If you receive a utility bill covering a period of time when payment was not your responsibility, please submit the invoice to your dedicated Relocation Coach for payment.


Insurance

You will need to cancel your homeowner’s insurance policy effective when GMS signs the Offer Letter or you vacate, whichever is later.  Any refund due to you from the insurance company will be paid directly to you.  Make note to discuss this with your insurance agent and follow-up if necessary.


If you are vacating your home prior to contracting with GMS, contact your insurance agent to arrange coverage during any periods the home will be unoccupied.  Most homeowner’s insurance policies state coverage is void if the dwelling is unoccupied for a specific period of time.



Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

18



 

AMENDED VALUE SALE


Achieving an Amended Value Sale is of benefit to you and the Company.  The Company avoids the significant expense of purchasing, maintaining, and reselling your home through GMS and you receive the highest possible price for your home.


If at any time during your marketing period, you receive an offer through the efforts of your real estate agent, you must submit the offer to your dedicated Relocation Coach. DO NOT SIGN a contract (or any other document) with the buyers or take any money as a deposit from the real estate agent or prospective buyer.


Advantages of an Amended Value Sale


·

You may receive a greater cash net return than the Appraised Value Offer.

·

You will be relieved of the responsibilities of property ownership upon vacate or contract date with GMS, whichever is later.

·

You will be relieved of the necessity of closing with the buyer.

·

After contracting with GMS, you will be assured of receiving the net proceeds based upon the Amended Value Sale even if the original sale falls through and does not close.


Analyzing the Offer

Your dedicated Relocation Coach will review the terms of the offer in an effort to determine whether the offer is bona fide (made in good faith), and to confirm that it is not subject to the sale of the buyer’s property, does not contain any unusual or unreasonable terms, and is not subject to interim financing.


Amending the Offer Letter

Once the final offer has been approved, your dedicated Relocation Coach will ask you to “amend” the amount in your GMS Offer Letter to reflect the buyer’s offer and to sign and return the Offer Letter.  


Buyer’s Offer Less Than Appraised Value Offer

At its discretion, the Company may also accept offers of at least 97% of your Appraised Value Offer.  You will remain eligible to receive your equity calculation based on the Appraised Value Offer.


Closing an Amended Value Sale

GMS will acquire your home, according to the terms of the amended GMS Offer Letter with you.  GMS will also fully honor the terms of the Purchase Agreement with the buyers.


GMS will make every effort to close the transaction with the buyer.  However, since GMS has already purchased your home, you will not be impacted if the sale to the buyer is not eventually consummated.  Your equity payment will be based upon the Amended Value Sale Price.



Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

19



 

Responsibility for your property remains with you until you contract with GMS or vacate, whichever is later.  This includes maintenance of your home, payments for utilities, mortgage, taxes, and premiums for insurance.


Equity

Your equity is calculated as of the GMS contract date or your scheduled vacate date, whichever is later, and is based upon the Amended Value sale price or guaranteed offer price, whichever is greater.  You will need to coordinate the timing of your equity check with your dedicated Relocation Coach. You may be eligible to receive an equity advance once you have signed the GMS Offer Letter and when there is a specific need for funds to close on a new home in the destination area.


It is important to note that certain items are not covered under the policy and will be deducted from your final equity, if you have agreed to any of these additional seller’s expenses:


·

repairs and improvements requested by the buyer;

·

buyer’s closing costs;

·

homeowner warranties;

·

buyer’s incentives;

·

real estate commission above the standard rate for your area;

·

closing dates beyond 60 days of vacating or contracting with GMS.



Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

20



 

INDEPENDENT SALE


If your home is considered ineligible for the Company’s Home Sale Assistance Program as set forth on page 12 ( Home Eligibility ) or you elect to sell your home independently prior to initiation into GMS’ Home Sale Assistance Program, you may be eligible to receive direct reimbursement of normal and customary home sale closing costs and commission when you sell your home on your own. Contact your dedicated Relocation Coach to determine if your home qualifies for this home sale option.


If your home is eligible for GMS’ home sale assistance and you sell your home on your own, the Company will not provide tax assistance for your home sale commission and closing cost expenses.


Reimbursement of Expenses

Normal and customary home sale closing costs and real estate commission at the prevailing rate in your current location (maximum of 6%) will be reimbursed if you sell your home independently within twelve (12) months of your effective date of transfer.  


Discount points incurred through negotiation with FHA, VA and conventional financing are not reimbursable.


Tax Assistance

You will receive tax assistance for home sale commission expenses only if your home is ineligible for the Home Sale Assistance Program.  If you choose to sell your home on your own, no tax assistance will be provided to you.



Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

21



 

R ENTERS’ ASSISTANCE


Lease Cancellation

If you are presently renting your home or apartment, you should immediately notify your landlord or lease holder of your move to avoid or minimize penalty charges.  You should attempt to obtain a written waiver of any provisions of the lease requiring fees or penalties due to your transfer.  The Company asks that you make every effort to minimize the penalties by making the best possible arrangements with your landlord.


Should you be required to pay a penalty, the Company reimburses up to a maximum of two (2) months’ rent for any combination of lease termination penalty charges, forfeiture of lease deposit, and/or duplicate rent on your former home or apartment.  If necessary, your dedicated Relocation Coach can assist you with lease cancellation arrangements.


New Lease Agreement

A new lease should be examined carefully before it is signed.  You should negotiate a cancellation clause that would give you the right to cancel the lease without penalty after giving 30 days notice, in the event of a company-initiated transfer.


Sample Clause:

If tenant’s employer relocates tenant to a location more than fifty (50) miles from the premises that are the subject of this lease, this lease will be automatically terminated without further liability at any time.  Tenant agrees to give landlord at least 30 days notice of his/her intention to terminate this lease along with proof of such transfer of employment.


Tax Assistance

Gross-up will be provided for renters’ assistance reimbursements.


Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

22



 

DESTINATION LOCATION


Planning Your House Hunting Trip

Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, selecting a new community and home is one of the most important decisions you will make as a result of your job transfer.  The Company’s relocation program offers you professional homefinding counseling through GMS.  The Company encourages you to take advantage of this valuable service.


Your dedicated Relocation Coach will discuss your family’s specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle.  After review of your requirements, your dedicated Relocation Coach will select a local real estate professional who is experienced in the areas of interest to you.


Remember to contact your dedicated Relocation Coach prior to contacting any real estate agent in the new location.


Your dedicated Relocation Coach and real estate agent will work together to organize your house hunting trip so it is productive.  By planning in advance, the agent will be prepared to take you on area tours and discuss items of interest to you and your family.  Preparation gives you a better chance of quickly finding a residence to fit your needs at a price you can afford.


Once your real estate agent is contacted, he or she will provide the following information:


·

schools, churches, etc.,

·

commuting times,

·

child and elder care services, and

·

pre-selected homes for viewing.


If you are a current homeowner, you should delay house hunting in the new location until you have an estimated value on your present home and you have been pre-qualified by a mortgage lender.  Home purchase decisions made with unrealistic expectations of current equity may result in over-commitment at the new location.


Internet Home Search

Although the Internet can be a useful tool to gain information on housing in the new area, keep in mind you need to use the approved real estate agent assigned to you to obtain information or to view any home you find on the Internet.  This will avoid confusion as to which agent you are working with and any possible real estate commission disputes.




Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

23



 

HOME PURCHASE CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE


If you are purchasing a residence in the new location, you will be reimbursed for reasonable and actual home purchase closing costs provided you sign a contract to purchase a home in the new area and close within one year of your effective date of transfer.


One time closing costs for permanent financing will be reimbursed including:


·

normal attorney’s fees,

·

appraisal fees,

·

tax service fees,

·

title insurance (lender’s coverage, only),

·

recording fees (including tax stamps),

·

credit reports,

·

survey fees,

·

flood certification, and

·

inspections required by the lender.


In addition to all closing costs mentioned, the Company will pay one origination point (fee) to close a new first mortgage.  The Company does not cover one-time closing adjustments such as property taxes, home hazard insurance, fuel adjustments, or private mortgage insurance (PMI).  The Company does not cover the costs associated with establishing second mortgages or home equity lines of credit.


Tax Assistance

Gross-up will be provided for non-deductible home purchase closing costs.


National Mortgage Lender Program

The Company has selected national mortgage lenders to provide you with a wide variety of mortgage services.  Your dedicated Relocation Coach will provide you with information on participating mortgage companies.


Using the services of these preferred lenders offers many advantages:


·

familiarity with the Company’s program,

·

mortgage loan pre-approval process,

·

direct billing of closing costs to the Company, and

·

consideration of current spousal income.


New Construction

If you elect to build a home in the new location, you may incur additional expenses as opposed to purchasing an existing home. Be aware in making your decision that policy benefits will not be extended if you decide to build.



Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

24



 

MOVING TO THE NEW LOCATION


To enable you and your family to make an effective transition to the new area, the Company’s relocation program provides for a range of move-related assistance:


·

pre-move survey of your household goods by the moving company;

·

complete packing of all items;

·

transportation of your household goods to your new residence;

·

Up to $75,000 in full replacement valuation coverage for your household goods;

·

unloading, unpacking, and placement of all furniture in your new residence; and

·

storage of your household goods for up to 90 days, if required.


Shipment of Household Goods

You will need to plan to be present during all phases of your move—pack, load, delivery, and unpacking.  Your own planning, preparation, and involvement during the process will contribute to a successful move.


Items Excluded From Shipment

The items listed below are not ordinarily considered household goods and are your responsibility.  The Company, GMS Relocation, and the moving company will not take responsibility for these items.  


The Miscellaneous Expense Allowance is intended to assist you with expenses unique to your personal move and for items not covered by this policy.  Please note the Company will not pay for the shipping of the following items.  If you have any questions, contact your dedicated Relocation Coach.


·

boats

·

camper, trailers, motor homes

·

farm machinery

·

firewood, rocks, sand, soil, etc.

·

perishable food items, refrigerated or

frozen

·

aerosol cans, flammable liquids and other hazardous materials

·

lumber, bricks, blocks, cement, tiles and building materials

·

airplanes

·

plants, animals

·

large playground equipment

·

tool or storage sheds, outdoor buildings

·

valuables such as jewelry, money, coins, coin and stamp collections, irreplaceable photos, stocks, bonds, deeds, wills, and other legal documents



Playground and Similar Equipment

Playground, gym equipment, swimming pools, and similar items must be disassembled prior to your move day.  If the movers disassemble and reassemble these items, you will be responsible for payment of these costs at the time of service.


Insurance

Your household goods are protected with up to $75,000 of full replacement valuation coverage.  




Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

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Items of Extraordinary Value (Including Antiques)

It is recommended that items of extraordinary value such as antiques, fine art, furs, silver, china, crystal, photography equipment, oriental rugs, baseball cards, comics, other collectibles, etc. be professionally appraised prior to your move.  If purchased within the last year, the value can be substantiated with a sales receipt.  The Company will not pay for appraisals or any special handling and packaging of antiques or other high-value items.


Packing and Loading

Careful packing and proper loading are very important steps in assuring a successful move. It is important that the mover packs all your household goods.  The driver will prepare a complete inventory list of your household goods describing the condition of each item (nicks, scratches, dents, etc.).  Review the inventory carefully to make sure you agree with the driver’s description before you sign the inventory.  The inventory is an important document in the settlement of claims for loss and damage.


Unloading

Check with the van driver about delivery times at the new location. Be sure to give them all possible telephone numbers where you can be reached en route and in the new location.


As your goods are being unloaded, you must check off each item on your inventory sheets. Make notations on the sheets of missing or damaged items immediately and have the driver sign it. Assembly of furniture will be completed prior to the driver leaving your home.  Unpacking of your goods consists of removing the items from the cartons in the room for which they are labeled.  This does not include putting items away.  Disposal of cartons is included in the move services.


Billing

The van line will send the invoice for your move directly to GMS.  If you transport household goods not covered by the policy or incur unauthorized charges, you will be expected to pay for these items at the time of delivery.


Tipping

Tips to the movers are not covered under this policy.  You may use your Miscellaneous Expense Allowance.


Shipment of Automobiles

The Company will reimburse mileage at the current business rate for up to two (2) automobiles to be driven to the new location.  In lieu of driving one automobile, the Company will pay to ship your second automobile if the distance to the new location exceeds 300 miles.  


Storage in the New Location

You should make every effort to move directly to your permanent residence.  If necessary, are eligible for the storage of your household goods for up to 90 days.



Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

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Time Off for Moving

Dollar General understands that moving can be a time-consuming, and stressful project. Therefore, you may need to take some time off from work for this purpose.  At your manager’s approval, Dollar General will allow you up to one week of paid time off for relocation.  During this time it is suggested that you take care of anything relating to your relocation so that you are able to become settled in your new residence and be fully focused on your job upon your return.  Please discuss your plans to take time off for moving with your manager well in advance , so that he or she may plan for your absence.


Travel to the New Location

You will be reimbursed for one-way transportation for you and your family to travel to the new location.  If you drive, you will be expected to drive a minimum of 300 miles per day and via the most direct route as established by a standard Rand McNally table or equivalent.


You will be reimbursed for the following reasonable and actual en route expenses:

·

lodging (one night in departure or destination location or en route night as needed),

·

meals, reimbursed up to $25.00/day for adults and $15.00/day for children (original receipts must be submitted),

·

mileage (current business mileage rate), parking, and tolls, and

·

airfare, if necessary (14-day advance purchase required).



Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

27



 

TAX ASSISTANCE


Many reimbursements made to you are considered taxable income.  The Company is required to report all relocation reimbursements as compensation with the exception of items identified below.  For informational purposes, the Company will provide you with a tax assistance sheet that will be prepared and mailed to you in January following your move.


The following expenses are excluded from taxable income:


·

reasonable and normal expenses for the movement of household goods;

·

up to thirty days (30) of household goods storage while waiting to occupy your residence in the new location; and

·

reasonable and normal expenses for transportation and lodging for you and your eligible family members from your present location to the new location.


The Company will assist in paying the additional tax resulting from taxable relocation reimbursements.  Payments will be made directly to the federal, state, and FICA tax authorities.  It is recommended you seek guidance from a tax professional for any year in which you receive relocation-related services or expense reimbursements.  Accurate expense documentation is very important.


The tax assistance provided to you is based solely on your Company derived income, your filing status, and number of 1040 exemptions. Spouse income, investment income or any other outside income will not be included in the calculations.  Individual variances from the program’s calculations will not be reimbursed.


The additional taxes as calculated by the gross-up program and paid on your behalf will be included on your W-2 as income.  




Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

28



 

TAX TREATMENT TABLE


Keep in mind some relocation items are not eligible for gross-up.  The table below outlines which relocation payments will be tax assisted.  



Relocation Provision


Taxable

Deductible/ Excludable

Grossed Up

Miscellaneous Expense Allowance

ü

 

No

 

 

 

 

House Hunting

ü

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

Temporary Living

ü

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

Home Sale Assistance

Billed directly to Company

 

 

 

 

Independent Sale - eligible home

Independent Sale - ineligible home

ü


ü

 

No


Yes

 

 

 

 

Renters’ Assistance

ü

 

Yes

 

 

 

 

Home Purchase Closing Cost

ü

Point may be deductible

Yes

excluding point

 

 

 

 

Household Goods Move

 

ü

 

 

 

 

 

Storage

ü

Days over 30

ü

Yes

Days over 30

 

 

 

 

Travel to the New Location

Meals & Mileage greater than $.24/mile

Transportation & Lodging

Meals & Mileage greater than $.24/mile

 

 

 

 



Dollar General Corporation Domestic Relocation Policy, Executives/Senior Officers

Effective 12/13/2010

29


Summary of Compensation of Non-Employee Directors of Dollar General Corporation


We do not compensate for Board service any director who simultaneously serves as a Dollar General employee. We will reimburse directors for certain fees and expenses incurred in connection with continuing education seminars and for travel and related expenses related to Dollar General business.  We may allow directors to travel on the Dollar General airplane for those purposes.


Each non-employee director receives quarterly payment of the following cash compensation, as applicable:


·

$75,000 annual retainer for service as a Board member;

·

$17,500 annual retainer for service as chairman of the Audit Committee;

·

$15,000 annual retainer for service as chairman of the Compensation Committee;

·

$10,000 annual retainer for service as chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; and

·

$1,500 for each Board or committee meeting in excess of an aggregate of 12 that a director attends during each fiscal year.


In addition to the director compensation described above, each non-employee director received in our 2009 fiscal year an equity award with an estimated value of $75,000 on the grant date. Sixty percent of the value of the equity grant consisted of non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of our common stock (“Options”) and forty percent consisted of restricted stock units ultimately payable in shares of our common stock (“RSUs”). The Options vest as to 25% of the Option on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date and the RSUs vest as to 33 % of the award on each of our first three annual shareholder meetings following the grant date, each subject to the director's continued service on our Board. Our directors may elect to defer receipt of shares under the RSUs. We did not make an annual equity grant to our non-employee directors in 2010.


Beginning in our 2011 fiscal year, each non-employee director will receive an annual equity award with an estimated value of $75,000 on the grant date as determined by the Compensation Committee’s consultant using economic variables such as the trading price of our common stock, expected volatility of the stock trading prices of similar companies, and the terms of the awards.  We anticipate that sixty percent of the value of the annual equity award will consist of Options and forty percent will consist of RSUs. We expect that the Options will vest as to 25% of the Option on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date and that the RSUs will vest as to 33 % of the award on each of the Company’s first three annual shareholders’ meetings following the grant date, each subject to the director's continued service on our Board. The directors may elect to defer receipt of shares underlying the RSUs.


The effective date of the annual equity awards (the “grant date”) is expected to be the date on which the quarterly Board meeting is held in conjunction with the Company’s annual shareholders’ meeting, and such awards shall be made to those directors who are elected or reelected at such shareholders’ meeting.  Any new director appointed after the annual shareholders’ meeting but before February 1 of a given year will receive a full equity award no later than the first Compensation Committee meeting following the date on which he or she is elected. Any new director appointed on or after February 1 of a given year but before the next annual shareholders’ meeting shall not receive a full or pro-rated equity award, but rather shall be eligible to receive the next regularly scheduled annual award.




EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”), effective March 24, 2010 (“Effective Date”), is made and entered into by and between DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION (the “Company”), and John Flanigan  (“Employee”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Company desires to employ Employee upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, and Employee desires to accept such employment;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises, the mutual promises, covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

Employment Terms

1.

Employment .  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company agrees to employ Employee as Executive Vice President, Global Supply Chain of Dollar General Corporation.

2.

Term .  The term of this Agreement shall be until the third annual anniversary of the Effective Date (“Term” ) , unless otherwise terminated pursuant to Sections 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 hereof. The Term shall be automatically extended after the third annual anniversary of the Effective Date from month to month, for up to six (6) months, unless the Company gives written notice to Employee at least one month prior to the expiration of the original or any extended Term that no extension or further extension, as applicable, will occur or unless the Company replaces this Agreement with a new agreement or, in writing, extends or renews the Term of this Agreement for a period that is longer than six months from the expiration of the original Term. Unless otherwise noted, all references to the “Term” shall be deemed to refer to the original Term and any extension or renewal thereof.

3.

Position, Duties and Administrative Support .

a.

Position .  Employee shall perform the duties of the position noted in Section 1 above and shall perform such other duties and responsibilities as Employee’s supervisor or the Company’s CEO may reasonably direct.

b.

Full-Time Efforts .  Employee shall perform and discharge faithfully and diligently such duties and responsibilities and shall devote Employee’s full-time efforts to the



business and affairs of Company.  Employee agrees to promote the best interests of the Company and to take no action that is likely to damage the public image or reputation of the Company, its subsidiaries or its affiliates.

c.

Administrative Support .  Employee shall be provided with office space and administrative support.

d.

No Interference With Duties .  Employee shall not devote time to other activities which would inhibit or otherwise interfere with the proper performance of Employee’s duties and shall not be directly or indirectly concerned or interested in any other business occupation, activity or interest other than by reason of holding a non-controlling interest as a shareholder, securities holder or debenture holder in a corporation quoted on a nationally recognized exchange (subject to any limitations in the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics).  Employee may not serve as a member of a board of directors of a for-profit company, other than the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, without the express approval of the CEO and the Compensation Committee of the Board. Under no circumstances may Employee serve on more than one other board of a for-profit company.

4.

Work Standard .  Employee agrees to comply with all terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, as well as all applicable Company work policies, procedures and rules.  Employee also agrees to comply with all federal, state and local statutes, regulations and public ordinances governing Employee’s performance hereunder.

5.

Compensation .

a.

Base Salary .  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company shall pay Employee, and Employee shall accept, an annual base salary (“Base Salary”) of no less than Four Hundred Six Thousand Four Hundred Forty-Four Dollars ($406,444).  The Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with Company’s normal payroll practices (but no less frequently than monthly) and may be increased from time to time at the sole discretion of the Company.

b.

Incentive Bonus .  Employee’s incentive compensation for the Term of this Agreement shall be determined under the Company’s annual bonus program for officers at Employee’s grade level, as it may be amended from time to time.  The actual bonus paid pursuant to this Section 5(b), if any, shall be based on criteria established by the Board, its Compensation Committee and/or the CEO, as applicable, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the annual bonus program for officers. Any bonus payments due hereunder


2



shall be payable to the Employee no later than 2 1/2 months after the end of the Company’s taxable year or the calendar year, whichever is later, in which Employee is first vested in such bonus payments for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”) .

c.

Vacation .  Employee shall be entitled to three weeks paid vacation time within the first year of employment. After five years of employment, Employee shall be entitled to four weeks paid vacation. Vacation time is granted on the anniversary of Employee’s hire date each year. Any available but unused vacation as of the annual anniversary of employment date or at Employee’s termination date shall be forfeited.

d.

Business Expenses .  Employee shall be reimbursed for all reasonable business expenses incurred in carrying out the work hereunder.  Employee shall adhere to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and procedures. In no event will any such reimbursement be made later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Employee incurs the reimbursable expense .

e.

Perquisites .  Employee shall be entitled to receive such other executive perquisites, fringe and other benefits as are provided to officers at the same grade level under any of the Company’s plans and/or programs in effect from time to time.

6.

Benefits .  During the Term, Employee (and, where applicable, Employee’s eligible dependents) shall be eligible to participate in those various Company welfare benefit plans, practices and policies in place during the Term (including, without limitation, medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, disability, employee life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and other programs, if any) to the extent allowed under and in accordance with the terms of those plans.  In addition, Employee shall be eligible to participate, pursuant to their terms, in any other benefit plans offered by the Company to similarly-situated officers or other employees from time to time during the Term (excluding plans applicable solely to certain officers of the Company in accordance with the express terms of such plans).  Collectively the plans and arrangements described in this Section 6, as they may be amended or modified in accordance with their terms, are hereinafter referred to as the “Benefits Plans.”  Notwithstanding the above, Employee understands and acknowledges that Employee is not eligible for benefits under any other severance plan, program, or policy maintained by the Company, if any exists, and that the only severance benefits Employee is entitled to are set forth in this Agreement.

3




7.

Termination for Cause .  This Agreement is not intended to change the at-will nature of Employee’s employment with Company, and it may be terminated at any time by either party, with or without cause. If this Agreement is terminated by Company for “Cause” (Termination for Cause) as that term is defined below, it will be without any liability owing to Employee or Employee’s dependents and beneficiaries under this Agreement, (recognizing, however, that benefits covered by or owed under any other plan or agreement covering Employee shall be governed by the terms of such plan or agreement).  Any one of the following conditions or Employee conduct shall constitute “Cause”:

a.

Any act involving fraud or dishonesty, or any material act of misconduct relating to Employee’s performance of his or her duties hereunder;

b.

Any material breach of any SEC or other law or regulation or any Company policy governing trading or dealing with stocks, securities, public debt instruments, bonds, or investments and the like or with inappropriate disclosure or “tipping” relating to any stock, security, public debt instrument, bond or investment;

c.

Any material violation of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (or the equivalent code in place at the time);

d.

Other than as required by law, the carrying out of any activity or the making of any public statement which prejudices or reduces the good name and standing of Company or any of its affiliates or would bring any one of these into public contempt or ridicule;

e.

Attendance at work in a state of intoxication or being found with any drug or substance possession of which would amount to a criminal offense;

f.

Assault or other act of violence;

g.

Conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendre to any felony whatsoever or any misdemeanor that would preclude employment under the Company’s hiring policy; or

h.

Willful or repeated refusal or failure substantially to perform Employee’s material obligations and duties hereunder or those reasonably directed by Employee’s supervisor, the CEO and/or the Board (except in connection with a Disability).

A termination for Cause shall be effective when the Company has given Employee written notice of its intention to terminate for Cause, describing those acts or omissions that are believed to constitute Cause, and has given Employee ten days to respond.



4




8.

Termination upon Death .  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall terminate immediately upon Employee’s death, and the Company shall have no further liability to Employee or Employee’s dependents and beneficiaries under this Agreement, except for those benefits owed under any other plan or agreement covering Employee which shall be governed by the terms of such plan or agreement.

9.

Disability .  If a Disability (as defined below) of Employee occurs during the Term, unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Company may notify Employee of the Company’s intention to terminate Employee’s employment.  In that event, employment shall terminate effective on the termination date provided in such notice of termination (the “Disability Effective Date”), and this Agreement shall terminate without further liability to Employee, Employee’s dependents and beneficiaries, except for those benefits owed under any other plan or agreement covering Employee which shall be governed by the terms of such plan or agreement.  In this Agreement, “Disability” means:

a.

A long-term disability, as defined in the Company’s applicable long-term disability plan as then in effect, if any; or

b.

Employee’s inability to perform the duties under this Agreement in accordance with the Company’s expectations because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that (i) can reasonably be expected to result in death or (ii) has lasted or can reasonably be expected to last longer than ninety (90) consecutive days.  Under this Section 9(b), unless otherwise required by law, the existence of a Disability shall be determined by the Company, only upon receipt of a written medical opinion from a qualified physician selected by or acceptable to the Company.  In this circumstance, to the extent permitted by law, Employee shall, if reasonably requested by the Company, submit to a physical examination by that qualified physician. Nothing in this Section 9(b) is intended to nor shall it be deemed to broaden or modify the definition of “disability” in the Company’s long-term disability plan.  

10.

Employee’s Termination of Employment .

a.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Employee may terminate employment and this Agreement at any time, for no reason, with thirty (30) days written notice to Company (and in the event that Employee is providing notice of termination for Good Reason, Employee must provide such notice within 30 days after the event purported to give rise to Employee’s claim for Good Reason first occurs).  In such event, Employee shall not be entitled to those payments and benefits listed in Sections 11 or 12 below unless Employee


5



terminates employment for Good Reason, as defined below, or unless Section 11(a)(iii) applies.

b.

Upon any termination of employment , Employee shall be entitled to any earned but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination and such other vested benefits under any other plan or agreement covering Employee which shall be governed by the terms of such plan or agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, s uch unpaid Base Salary shall be paid to Employee as soon as practicable after the effective date of termination in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices (not less frequently than monthly); provided, however, that if payment at such time would result in a prohibited acceleration under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, then such amount shall be paid at the time the amount would otherwise have been paid absent such prohibited acceleration.

c.

Good Reason shall mean any of the following actions taken by the Company:

(i)

A reduction by the Company in Employee’s Base Salary or target bonus level;

(ii)

The Company shall fail to continue in effect any significant Company-sponsored compensation plan or benefit (without replacing it with a similar plan or with a compensation equivalent), unless such action is in connection with across-the-board plan changes or terminations similarly affecting at least 95 percent of all officers of the Company or 100 percent of officers at the same grade level;

(iii)

The Company’s principal executive offices shall be moved to a location outside the middle-Tennessee area, or Employee is required (absent mutual agreement) to be based anywhere other than the Company’s principal executive offices;

(iv)

Without Employee’s written consent, the assignment to Employee by the Company of duties inconsistent with, or the significant reduction of the title, powers and functions associated with, Employee’s position, title or office as described in Section 3 above, unless such action is the result of a restructuring or realignment of duties and responsibilities by the Company, for business reasons, that leaves Employee at the same rate of Base


6



Salary, annual target bonus opportunity, and officer level (i.e., Executive Vice President, etc.) and with a similar level of responsibility, or unless such action is the result of Employee’s failure to meet pre-established and objective performance criteria;

(v)

Any material breach by the Company of this Agreement; or

(vi)

The failure of any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, assignment, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.

Good Reason shall not include Employee’s death, Disability or Termination for Cause or Employee’s termination for any reason other than Good Reason as defined above .

d.

Prior to Employee being entitled to the payments or benefits described in Sections 11 or 12 below, the Company shall have the opportunity to cure any claimed event of Good Reason within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice from Employee specifying the same.

11.

Termination without Cause or by Employee for Good Reason .

a.

The continuation of Base Salary and other payments and benefits described in Section 11(b) shall be triggered only upon one or more of the following circumstances:

(i)

The Company terminates Employee (as it may do at any time) without Cause; it being understood that termination by death or Disability does not constitute termination without Cause;

(ii)

Employee terminates for Good Reason;

(iii)

The Company fails to offer to renew, extend or replace this Agreement before, at, or within six (6) months after, the end of its original three-year Term (or any term provided for in a written renewal or extension of the original Term), and Employee resigns from employment with the Company within sixty (60) days after such failure, unless such failure is accompanied by a mutually agreeable severance arrangement between the Company and Employee or is the result of Employee’s retirement or other termination from the Company


7



other than for Good Reason notwithstanding the Company’s offer to renew, extend or replace this Agreement .

b.

In the event of one of the triggers referenced in Sections 11(a)(i) through (iii) above, then, on the sixtieth (60th) day after Employee’s termination of employment, but contingent upon the execution and effectiveness of the Release attached hereto and made a part hereof, and subject to Section 22(n) below, Employee shall be entitled to the following:

(i)

Continuation of Employee’s Base Salary as of the date immediately preceding the termination (or, if the termination of employment is for Good Reason due to the reduction of Employee’s Base Salary, then such rate of Base Salary as in effect immediately prior to such reduction) for 24 months, payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll cycle and procedures (but not less frequently than monthly ) with a lump sum payment on the sixtieth (60th) day after Employee’s termination of employment of the amounts Employee would otherwise have received during the sixty (60) days after Employee’s termination had the payments begun immediately after Employee’s termination of employment . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the amount of any payment or entitlement to payment of the aforesaid Base Salary continuation shall be reduced, offset and subject to recovery by the Company in the event and to the extent of any base salary earned by the Employee as a result of subsequent employment during the 24 months after Employee’s termination of employment.  In no event shall Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of such amounts payable to Employee and, except as provided in the preceding sentence, such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Employee obtains other employment.

(ii)

A lump sum payment of two times the amount of the average percentage of target bonus paid or to be paid to employees at the same job grade level of Employee (if any) under the annual bonus programs for officers in respect of the Company’s two fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the termination date occurs.

(iii)

A lump sum payment in an amount equal to two times the annual contribution that would have been made by the Company in respect of


8



the plan year in which such termination of employment occurs for Employee’s participation in the Company’s medical, pharmacy, dental and vision benefits programs.

(iv)

Reasonable outplacement services, as determined and provided by the Company, for one year or until other employment is secured, whichever comes first.

No such payment or benefit shall be provided to Employee pursuant to this Section 11 if the Release attached hereto is not provided to the Company  no later than forty-five (45) days after Employee’s termination date; and no payment or benefit hereunder shall be provided to Employee prior to the Company’s receipt of the Release and the expiration of the period of revocation provided in the Release.

c.

In the event that there is a material breach by Employee of any continuing obligations under this Agreement or the Release after termination of employment, any unpaid amounts under this Section 11 shall be forfeited and Company shall retain any other rights available to it under law or equity.  Any payments or reimbursements under this Section 11 shall not be deemed the continuation of Employee’s employment for any purpose.  Except as specifically enumerated in the Release, the Company’s payment obligations under this Section 11 will not negate or reduce (i) any amounts otherwise due but not yet paid to Employee by the Company, or (ii) any other amounts payable to Employee outside this Agreement, or (iii) those benefits owed under any other plan or agreement covering Employee which shall be governed by the terms of such plan or agreement.  Subject to any applicable prohibition on acceleration of payment under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company may, at any time and in its sole discretion, make a lump-sum payment of all amounts, or all remaining amounts, due to Employee under this Section 11.

12.

Effect of 280G .

a.

Subject to Section 22(n) and contingent upon Employee’s timely execution and the effectiveness of the Release attached hereto and made a part hereof as provided in Section 11 hereof, if any payments and benefits by the Company to or for the benefit of Employee (whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, but determined without regard to any additional payments required under this Section 12 (a “Payment”) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code Section 280G”) so that Employee would


9



be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such tax (collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then Employee shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that, after Employee pays all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any Excise Tax, income tax or other tax (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto), Employee retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Net After-tax Benefit to Employee resulting from receiving the Gross-Up Payment is less than $50,000 greater than the Net After-tax Benefit to Employee resulting from having the Payments reduced to the Reduced Amount, then no Gross-Up Payment shall be made and the Payments shall be reduced to the Reduced Amount. Unless Employee and the Company shall otherwise agree (provided such agreement does not cause any payment or benefit hereunder which is deferred compensation covered by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code to be in non-compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code), in the event the Payments are to be reduced, the Company shall reduce or eliminate the payments or benefits to Employee by first reducing or eliminating those payments or benefits which are not payable in cash and then by reducing or eliminating cash payments, in each case in reverse order beginning with payments or benefits which are to be paid the farthest in time from the date of the “change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Code Section 280G) (a “Change in Control”).  Any reduction pursuant to the preceding sentence shall take precedence over the provisions of any other plan, arrangement or agreement governing Employee’s rights and entitlements to any benefits or compensation. For purposes hereof:

(i)

“Net After-tax Benefit” shall mean the Present Value of a Payment net of all taxes (including any Excise Tax imposed on Employee) with respect thereto, determined by applying the highest marginal rate(s) applicable to an individual for Employee’s taxable year in which the Change in Control occurs.

(ii)

“Present Value” shall mean such value determined in accordance with Section 280G(d)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(iii)

“Reduced Amount” shall be an amount expressed as a Present Value which maximizes the aggregate Present Value of Payments without causing any Payment to be subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the


10



Internal Revenue Code or the deduction limitation of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

b.

All determinations required to be made under this Section 12, including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be used in arriving at such determination, shall be made by the tax department of an independent public accounting firm (the “Accounting Firm”) or, at Company’s discretion, by a recognized compensation consulting firm (such as Hewitt Associates) (the “Consulting Firm”) which shall be engaged by the Company prior to the time of the first Payment to Employee.  The Accounting Firm or Consulting Firm selected shall not be serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change in Control. The Accounting Firm or Consulting Firm shall prepare and provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and Employee within fifteen (15) business days of the later of (i) the Accounting Firm’s or Consulting Firm’s engagement to make the required calculations or (ii) the date the Accounting Firm or Consulting Firm obtains all information needed to make the required calculation.  Any determination by the Accounting Firm or Consulting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and Employee.  All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm or Consulting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company.

c.

Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this Section 12, shall be paid by the Company to Employee within five (5) days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm’s or Consulting Firm’s determination if the Payment is then required to satisfy an assessment or other current demand for payment made of Employee by federal or state taxing authorities.  Gross-Up Payments due at a later date shall be paid to Employee no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the date that Employee’s federal or state payment is due.  If required by law, the Company shall treat all or any portion of the Gross-Up Payment as being subject to income tax withholding for federal or state tax purposes.  Amounts determined by the Company to be subject to federal or state tax withholding will not be paid directly to Employee but shall be timely paid to the respective taxing authority.

d.

As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm or Consulting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (“Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder.  In the event that Employee hereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred


11



and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company (or any successor or assign) to or for the benefit of Employee.  Conversely, if it is later determined that the actual required Gross-Up Payment was less than the amount paid to Employee, Employee shall refund the excess portion to the Company but only to the extent that Employee has not yet paid the excess amount to the taxing authorities or is able to obtain a refund from the respective taxing authorities of amounts previously paid.  The Company may pursue at its own expense the refund on behalf of Employee, and, if requested by the Company, Employee shall reasonably cooperate in such refund effort.

e.

All Gross-Up Payments to be made under this Section 12 (other than the Underpayment described in Section 12(e)) must be made no later than the end of the Employee’s taxable year next following the Employee’s taxable year in which the applicable related taxes are remitted.  Any right to reimbursement incurred due to a tax audit or litigation addressing the existence or amount of a tax liability must be made no later than the end of the Employee’s taxable year following the Employee’s taxable year in which the taxes that are the subject of the audit or litigation are remitted to the taxing authorities or, where no such taxes are remitted, the end of the Employee’s taxable year following the year in which the audit is completed or there is a final and non-appealable settlement or the resolution of the litigation.

13.

Publicity; No Disparaging Statement .  Except as otherwise provided in Section 14 hereof, Employee and the Company covenant and agree that they shall not engage in any communi­cations to persons outside the Company which shall disparage one another or interfere with their existing or prospective business relationships.

14.

Confidentiality and Legal Process .  Employee agrees to keep the proprietary terms, of this Agreement confidential and to refrain from disclosing any information concerning this Agreement to any one other than Employee’s immediate family and personal agents or advisors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement is intended to prohibit Employee or the Company from performing any duty or obligation that shall arise as a matter of law. Specifically, Employee and the Company shall continue to be under a duty to truthfully respond to any legal and valid subpoena or other legal process.  This Agreement is not intended in any way to proscribe Employee’s or the Company’s right and ability to provide information to any federal, state or local agency in response or adherence to the lawful exercise of such agency’s authority.

15.

Business Protection Provision Definitions .




12




a.

Preamble .  As a material inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement, and in recognition of the valuable experience, knowledge and proprietary information Employee has gained or will gain while employed, Employee agrees to abide by and adhere to the business protection provisions in Sections 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 herein.

b.

Definitions .  For purposes of Sections 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 herein:

(i)

“Competitive Position” shall mean any employment, consulting, advisory, directorship, agency, promotional or independent contractor arrangement between Employee and (x) any person or Entity engaged wholly or in material part in the business in which the Company is engaged (i.e., the discount consumable basic or general merchandise retail business), including but not limited to such other similar businesses as Wal-Mart, Sam’s, Target, Costco, K-Mart, Big Lots, BJs Wholesale, Walgreen’s, Rite-Aid, CVS, Family Dollar Stores, Fred’s, the 99 Cents Stores and Dollar Tree Stores, or (y) any person or Entity then attempting or planning to enter the discount consumable basics retail business, whereby Employee is required to perform services on behalf of or for the benefit of such person or Entity which are substantially similar to the services Employee provided or directed at any time while employed by the Company or any of its affiliates.

(ii)

“Confidential Information” shall mean the proprietary or confidential data, information, documents or materials (whether oral, written, electronic or otherwise) belonging to or pertaining to the Company, other than “Trade Secrets” (as defined below), which is of tangible or intangible value to the Company and the details of which are not generally known to the competitors of the Company.  Confidential Information shall also include any items marked “CONFIDENTIAL” or some similar designation or which are otherwise identified as being confidential.

(iii)

“Entity” or “Entities” shall mean any business, individual, partnership, joint venture, agency, governmental agency, body or subdivision, association, firm, corporation, limited liability company or other entity of any kind.

(iv)

“Restricted Period” shall mean two (2) years following Employee’s termination date.

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(v)

“Territory” shall include individually and as a total area those states in the United States in which the Company maintains stores at Employee’s termination date or those states in which the Company has specific and demonstrable plans to open stores within six months of Employee’s termination date.

(vi)

“Trade Secrets” shall mean information or data of or about the Company, including, but not limited to, technical or non-technical data, formulas, patterns, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques, drawings, processes, financial data, financial plans, product plans or lists of actual or potential customers or suppliers that:  (A) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; (B) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy; and (C) any other information which is defined as a “trade secret” under applicable law.

(vii)

“Work Product” shall mean all tangible work product, property, data, documentation, “know-how,” concepts or plans, inventions, improvements, techniques and processes relating to the Company that were conceived, discovered, created, written, revised or developed by Employee while employed by the Company.

16.

Nondisclosure:  Ownership of Proprietary Property .

a.

In recognition of the Company’s need to protect its legitimate business interests, Employee hereby covenants and agrees that, for the Term and thereafter (as described below), Employee shall regard and treat Trade Secrets and Confidential Information as strictly confidential and wholly-owned by the Company and shall not, for any reason, in any fashion, either directly or indirectly, use, sell, lend, lease, distribute, license, give, transfer, assign, show, disclose, disseminate, reproduce, copy, misappropriate or otherwise communicate any Trade Secrets or Confidential Information to any person or Entity for any purpose other than in accordance with Employee’s duties under this Agreement or as required by applicable law. This provision shall apply to each item constituting a Trade Secret at all times it remains a “trade secret” under applicable law and shall apply to any Confidential Information, during employment and for the Restricted Period thereafter.




14




b.

Employee shall exercise best efforts to ensure the continued confidentiality of all Trade Secrets and Confidential Information and shall immediately notify the Company of any unauthorized disclosure or use of any Trade Secrets or Confidential Information of which Employee becomes aware.  Employee shall assist the Company, to the extent reasonably requested, in the protection or procurement of any intellectual property protection or other rights in any of the Trade Secrets or Confidential Information.

c.

All Work Product shall be owned exclusively by the Company.  To the greatest extent possible, any Work Product shall be deemed to be “work made for hire” (as defined in the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C.A. § 101 et seq., as amended), and Employee hereby unconditionally and irrevocably transfers and assigns to the Company all right, title and interest Employee currently has or may have by operation of law or otherwise in or to any Work Product, including, without limitation, all patents, copyrights, trademarks (and the goodwill associated therewith), trade secrets, service marks (and the goodwill associated therewith) and other intellectual property rights.  Employee agrees to execute and deliver to the Company any transfers, assignments, documents or other instruments which the Company may deem necessary or appropriate, from time to time, to protect the rights granted herein or to vest complete title and ownership of any and all Work Product, and all associated intellectual property and other rights therein, exclusively in the Company.

17.

Non-Interference with Employees .  Through employment and thereafter through the Restricted Period, Employee will not, either directly or indirectly, alone or in conjunction with any other person or Entity:  actively recruit, solicit, attempt to solicit, induce or attempt to induce any person who is an exempt employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (or has been within the last 6 months) to leave or cease such employment for any reason whatsoever;

18.

Non-Interference with Business Relationships .

a.

Employee acknowledges that, in the course of employment, Employee will learn about Company’s business, services, materials, programs and products and the manner in which they are developed, marketed, serviced and provided.  Employee knows and acknowledges that the Company has invested considerable time and money in developing its product sales and real estate development programs and relationships, vendor and other service provider relationships and agreements, store layouts and fixtures, and marketing techniques and that those things are unique and original.  Employee further acknowledges that the Company has a strong business reason to keep secret information relating to Company’s


15



business concepts, ideas, programs, plans and processes, so as not to aid Company’s competitors.  Accordingly, Employee acknowledges and agrees that the protection outlined in (b) below is necessary and reasonable.

b.

During the Restricted Period, Employee will not, on Employee’s own behalf or on behalf of any other person or Entity, solicit, contact, call upon, or communicate with any person or entity or any representative of any person or entity who has a business relationship with Company and with whom Employee had contact while employed, if such contact or communication would likely interfere with Company’s business relationships or result in an unfair competitive advantage over Company.

19.

Agreement Not to Work in Competitive Position .  Employee covenants and agrees not to accept, obtain or work in a Competitive Position for a company or entity that operates anywhere within the Territory for the Restricted Period.

20.

Acknowledgements Regarding Sections 15 – 19.

a.

Employee and Company expressly covenant and agree that the scope, territorial, time and other restrictions contained in Sections 15 through 19 of this Agreement constitute the most reasonable and equitable restrictions possible to protect the business interests of the Company given: (i) the business of the Company; (ii) the competitive nature of the Company’s industry; and (iii) that Employee’s skills are such that Employee could easily find alternative, commensurate employment or consulting work in Employee’s field which would not violate any of the provisions of this Agreement.

b.

Employee acknowledges that the compensation and benefits described in Sections 5, 11 and 12 are also in consideration of his/her covenants and agreements contained in Sections 15 through 19 hereof and that a breach by Employee of the obligations contained in Sections 15 through 19 hereof shall forfeit Employee’s right to such compensation and benefits.

c.

Employee acknowledges and agrees that a breach by Employee of the obligations set forth in Sections 15 through 19 will likely cause Company irreparable injury and that, in such event, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief in addition to such other and further relief as may be proper.

d.

The parties agree that if, at any time, a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any of the provisions of Section 15 through 19 are unreasonable under


16



Tennessee law as to time or area or both, the Company shall be entitled to enforce this Agreement for such period of time or within such area as may be determined reasonable by such court.  

21.

Return of Materials .  Upon Employee’s termination, Employee shall return to the Company all written, electronic, recorded or graphic materials of any kind belonging or relating to the Company or its affiliates, including any originals, copies and abstracts in Employee’s possession or control.

22.

General Provisions .

a.

Amendment .  This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a writing signed by both of the parties hereto.

b.

Binding Agreement .  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Employee, his/her heirs and personal representatives, and the Company and its successors and assigns.

c.

Waiver Of Breach; Specific Performance .  The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other breach. Each of the parties to this Agreement will be entitled to enforce this Agreement, specifically, to recover damages by reason of any breach of this Agreement, and to exercise all other rights existing in that party’s favor.  The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that any party may apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance or injunctive relief to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Agreement.

d.

Unsecured General Creditor .  The Company shall neither reserve nor speci­fically set aside funds for the payment of its obligations under this Agreement, and such obligations shall be paid solely from the general assets of the Company.

e.

No Effect On Other Arrangements .  It is expressly understood and agreed that the payments made in accordance with this Agreement are in addition to any other benefits or compensation to which Employee may be entitled or for which Employee may be eligible.

f.

Tax Withholding .  There shall be deducted from each payment under this Agreement the amount of any tax required by any govern­mental authority to be withheld and paid over by the Company to such governmental authority for the account of Employee.

17




g.

Notices .

(i)

All notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and delivered personally to the other designated party, or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, or delivered by a recognized national overnight courier service, or sent by facsimile, as follows:

  

    If to Company to:

Dollar General Corporation

 

 

Attn: General Counsel

 

 

100 Mission Ridge

 

 

Goodlettsville, TN  37072-2171

 

 

Facsimile: (615)855-5180

 

 

 

 

   If to Employee to:

(Last address of Employee

 

 

known to Company unless

 

 

otherwise directed in writing by Employee)

 

 

 

(ii)

All notices sent under this Agreement shall be deemed given twenty-four (24) hours after sent by facsimile or courier, seventy-two (72) hours after sent by certified or registered mail and when delivered if by personal delivery.

(iii)

Either party hereto may change the address to which notice is to be sent hereunder by written notice to the other party in accordance with the provisions of this Section.

h.

Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee (without giving effect to conflict of laws).

i. Entire Agreement .  This Agreement contains the full and complete understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein and, unless specifically provided herein, this Agreement supersedes and replaces any prior agreement, either oral or written, which Employee may have with Company that relates generally to the same subject matter.

j.

Assignment .  This Agreement may not be assigned by Employee, and any attempted assignment shall be null and void and of no force or effect.

k.

Severability .  If any one or more of the terms, provisions, covenants or restrictions of this Agreement shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, then the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and


18



restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and to that end the provisions hereof shall be deemed severable.

l.

Section Headings .  The Section headings set forth herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement whatsoever.

m.

Voluntary Agreement .  Employee and Company represent and agree that each has reviewed all aspects of this Agreement, has carefully read and fully understands all provisions of this Agreement, and is voluntarily entering into this Agreement.  Each party represents and agrees that such party has had the opportunity to review any and all aspects of this Agreement with legal, tax or other adviser(s) of such party’s choice before executing this Agreement.

n.

Deferred Compensation Omnibus Provision .  It is intended that any payment or benefit which is provided pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement which is considered to be deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code shall be paid and provided in a manner, and at such time , including without limitation payment and provision of benefits only in connection with the occurrence of a permissible payment event contained in Section 409A (e.g. death, disability, separation from service from the Company and its affiliates as defined for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code), and in such form, as complies with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code to avoid the unfavorable tax consequences provided therein for non-compliance.  In connection with effecting such compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, the following shall apply:

(i)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company is authorized to amend this Agreement, to void or amend any election made by Employee under this Agreement and/or to delay the payment of any monies and/or provision of any benefits in such manner as may be determined by it to be necessary or appropriate to comply, or to evidence or further evidence required compliance, with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (including any transition or grandfather rules thereunder).  

(ii)

Neither Employee nor the Company shall take any action to accelerate or delay the payment of any monies and/or provision of any benefits in any manner which would not be in compliance with Section 409A of the


19



Internal Revenue Code (including any transition or grandfather rules thereunder).

(iii)

If Employee is a specified employee for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code, any payment or provision of benefits in connection with a separation from service payment event (as determined for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code) shall not be made until six months after Employee’s separation from service (the “409A Deferral Period”).  In the event such payments are otherwise due to be made in installments or periodically during the 409A Deferral Period, the payments which would otherwise have been made in the 409A Deferral Period shall be accumulated and paid in a lump sum as soon as the 409A Deferral Period ends, and the balance of the payments shall be made as otherwise scheduled.  In the event benefits are required to be deferred, any such benefit may be provided during the 409A Deferral Period at Employee’s expense, with Employee having a right to reimbursement from the Company once the 409A Deferral Period ends, and the balance of the benefits shall be provided as otherwise scheduled.

(iv)

If a Change in Control occurs but the Change in Control does not constitute a change in control within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (a “409A Change in Control”), then payment of any amount or provision of any benefit under this Agreement which is considered to be deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code shall be deferred until another permissible payment event contained in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code occurs (e.g., death, disability, separation from service from the Company and its affiliated companies as defined for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code), including any deferral of payment or provision of benefits for the 409A Deferral Period as provided above .

(v)

For purposes of this Agreement, all rights to payments and benefits hereunder shall be treated as rights to receive a series of separate payments and benefits to the fullest extent allowed by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

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     (vi)

For purposes of determining time of (but not entitlement to) payment or provision of deferred compensation under this Agreement under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code in connection with a termination of employment, termination of employment will be read to mean a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code where it is reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after that date or that the level of bona fide services Employee would perform after that date (whether as an employee or independent contractor) would permanently decrease to less than 50% of the average level of bona fide services performed over the immediately preceding thirty-six (36) month period.

(vii)

For purposes of this Agreement, a key employee for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code shall be determined on the basis of the applicable 12–month period ending on the specified employee identification date designated by the Company consistently for purposes of this Agreement and similar agreements or, if no such designation is made, based on the default rules and regulations under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(viii)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company shall not be liable to Employee if any payment or benefit which is to be provided pursuant to this Agreement and which is considered deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code otherwise fails to comply with, or be exempt from, the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.



21



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed, or caused their duly authorized representative to execute this Agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date.



 

 

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ S. Lanigan

 

 

 

 

Its:

       

     General Counsel

Date:

6/1/2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“EMPLOYEE”

 

 

 

 


/s/ John Flanigan

 

 

 

 

John Flanigan

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

6/10/2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Witnessed By:

 

 

 

 


/s/ Kelly Degnan


22



Addendum to Employment Agreement with ___________________


RELEASE AGREEMENT

THIS RELEASE (“Release”) is made and entered into by and between _________________ (“Employee”) and DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION , and its successor or assigns (“Company”).

WHEREAS, Employee and Company have agreed that Employee’s employment with Dollar General Corporation shall terminate on ___________________;

WHEREAS, Employee and the Company have previously entered into that certain Employment Agreement, effective _____________________ (“Agreement”), in which the form of this Release is incorporated by reference;

WHEREAS, Employee and Company desire to delineate their respective rights, duties and obligations attendant to such termination and desire to reach an accord and satisfaction of all claims arising from Employee’s employment, and termination of employment, with appropriate releases, in accordance with the Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to compensate Employee in accordance with the Agreement for service Employee has provided and/or will provide for the Company;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements of the parties set forth in this Release, and other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby covenant and agree as follows:

1.

Claims Released Under This Agreement .

In exchange for receiving the payments and benefits described in Section 11 and 12 of the Agreement, Employee hereby voluntarily and irrevocably waives, releases, dismisses with prejudice, and withdraws all claims, complaints, suits or demands of any kind whatsoever (whether known or unknown) which Employee ever had, may have, or now has against Company and other current or former subsidiaries or affiliates of the Company and their past, present and future officers, directors, employees, agents, insurers and attorneys (collectively, the “Releasees”), arising from or relating to (directly or indirectly) Employee’s employment or the termination of employment or other events that have occurred as of the date of execution of this Agreement, including but not limited to:

23




a.

claims for violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, the National Labor Relations Act, the Labor Management Relations Act, Executive Order 11246, Executive Order 11141, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act;

b.

claims for violations of any other federal or state statute or regulation or local ordinance;

c.

claims for lost or unpaid wages, compensation, or benefits, defamation, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, assault, battery, wrongful or constructive discharge, negligent hiring, retention or supervision, fraud, misrepresentation, conversion, tortious interference, breach of contract, or breach of fiduciary duty;

d.

claims to benefits under any bonus, severance, workforce reduction, early retirement, outplacement, or any other similar type plan sponsored by the Company (except for those benefits owed under any other plan or agreement covering Employee which shall be governed by the terms of such plan or agreement); or

e.

any other claims under state law arising in tort or contract.

2.

Claims Not Released Under This Agreement .

In signing this Release, Employee is not releasing any claims that may arise under the terms of this Release or which may arise out of events occurring after the date Employee executes this Release.

Employee also is not releasing claims to benefits that Employee is already entitled to receive under any other plan or agreement covering Employee which shall be governed by the terms of such plan or agreement.  However, Employee understands and acknowledges that nothing herein is intended to or shall be construed to require the Company to institute or continue in effect any particular plan or benefit sponsored by the Company, and the Company hereby reserves the right to amend or terminate any of its benefit programs at any time in accordance with the procedures set forth in such plans.


24



Nothing in this Release shall prohibit Employee from engaging in activities required or protected under applicable law or from communicating, either voluntarily or otherwise, with any governmental agency concerning any potential violation of the law.

3.

No Assignment of Claim .  Employee represents that Employee has not assigned or transferred, or purported to assign or transfer, any claims or any portion thereof or interest therein to any party prior to the date of this Release.

4.

Compensation .  In accordance with the Agreement, the Company agrees to pay Employee or, if Employee becomes eligible for payments and benefits under Section 11 and 12 but dies before receipt thereof, Employee’s spouse or estate, as the case may be, the amounts provided in Section 11 and 12 of the Agreement.

5.

Publicity; No Disparaging Statement .  Except as otherwise provided in Section 14 of the Agreement, Section 2 of this Release, and as privileged by law, Employee and the Company covenant and agree that they shall not engage in any communi­cations with persons outside the Company which shall disparage one another or interfere with their existing or prospective business relationships.

6.

No Admission Of Liability .  This Release shall not in any way be construed as an admission by the Company or Employee of any improper actions or liability whatsoever as to one another, and each specifically disclaims any liability to or improper actions against the other or any other person.

7.

Voluntary Execution .  Employee warrants, represents and agrees that Employee has been encouraged in writing to seek advice regarding this Release from an attorney and tax advisor prior to signing it; that this Release represents written notice to do so; that Employee has been given the opportunity and sufficient time to seek such advice; and that Employee fully understands the meaning and contents of this Release. Employee further represents and warrants that Employee was not coerced, threatened or otherwise forced to sign this Release, and that Employee’s signature appearing hereinafter is voluntary and genuine.  EMPLOYEE UNDERSTANDS THAT EMPLOYEE MAY TAKE UP TO TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO ENTER INTO THIS RELEASE.

8.

Ability to Revoke Agreement .  EMPLOYEE UNDERSTANDS THAT  THIS RELEASE MAY BE REVOKED BY EMPLOYEE BY NOTIFYING THE COMPANY IN WRITING OF SUCH REVOCATION WITHIN SEVEN (7) DAYS OF EMPLOYEE’S


25



EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE AND THAT THIS RELEASE IS NOT EFFECTIVE UNTIL THE EXPIRATION OF SUCH SEVEN (7) DAY PERIOD.  EMPLOYEE UNDERSTANDS THAT UPON THE EXPIRATION OF SUCH SEVEN (7) DAY PERIOD THIS RELEASE WILL BE BINDING UPON EMPLOYEE AND EMPLOYEE’S HEIRS, ADMINISTRATORS, REPRESENTATIVES, EXECUTORS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS AND WILL BE IRREVOCABLE.

Acknowledged and Agreed To:

 

“COMPANY”

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

By:

 

 

Its:

 


I UNDERSTAND THAT BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE, I AM GIVING UP RIGHTS I MAY

HAVE.  I UNDERSTAND THAT I DO NOT HAVE TO SIGN THIS RELEASE.


 

 

 

“EMPLOYEE”

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

WITNESSED BY:

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

 



26




STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT



THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of the date indicated on Schedule B hereto (the “ Grant Date ”), is made by and between Dollar General Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “ Company ”), and the individual whose name is set forth on the signature page hereof, who is an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, hereinafter referred to as the “ Optionee ”.  Any capitalized terms herein not otherwise defined in Article I shall have the meaning set forth in the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates, as such Plan may be amended from time to time (the “ Plan ”).

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to carry out the Plan, the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee of the Board of the Company (or, if no such committee is appointed, the Board) (the “ Committee ”) has determined that it would be to the advantage and best interest of the Company and its shareholders to grant the Option provided for herein to the Optionee as an incentive for increased efforts during his term of office with the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, and has advised the Company thereof and instructed the undersigned officers to issue said Option;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I


DEFINITIONS


Whenever the following terms are used in this Agreement, they shall have the meaning specified below unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary.

Section 1.1.

Base Price

“Base Price” shall mean $5.00.


Section 1.2.

Cause

“Cause” shall mean “Cause” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change-in-control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or, if there is no such employment or change-in-control agreement, “Cause” shall mean, with respect to an Optionee: (i) any act of the Optionee involving fraud or dishonesty, or any willful failure to perform reasonable duties assigned to the Optionee which failure is not cured within 10 business days after receipt from the Company of written notice of such failure; (ii) any material breach by the Optionee of any securities or other law or regulation or any Company policy governing trading or dealing with stock, securities, investments or the like, inappropriate disclosure or “tipping” relating to any stock, securities or investments or the like, (iii) other than as required by law, the carrying out by the Optionee of any activity, or the Optionee making any public statement, which prejudices or ridicules the good name and standing of the Company or its affiliates (including any limited partner of Parent) or would bring such persons into public contempt or ridicule; (iv) attendance by the Optionee at work in a state of intoxication or the Optionee otherwise being found in




possession at the Management Stockholder’s place of work of any prohibited drug or substance, possession of which would amount to a criminal office; (v) any assault or other act of violence by the Management Stockholder; or (vi) the Optionee being indicted for any crime constituting (x) any felony whatsoever or (y) any misdemeanor that would preclude employment under the Company’s hiring policy.


Section 1.3.

Closing Date

“Closing Date” shall mean July 6, 2007.


Section 1.4.

Disability

“Disability” shall mean “Disability” as such term is defined in any employment agreement between Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, if there is no such employment agreement, “Disability” as defined in the long-term disability plan of the Company.

Section 1.5.

Fiscal Year

“Fiscal Year” shall mean each of the fiscal years of the Company set forth on Schedule A attached hereto.

Section 1.6.

Good Reason

“Good Reason” shall mean “Good Reason” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change-in-control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or, if there is no such employment or change-in-control agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean (i) a reduction in the Optionee’s base salary or target bonus level; or (ii) the relocation by the Company of the Optionee’s principal place of employment to a site outside a fifty mile radius from the current site of the Optionee’s principal place of employment.  In each case other than any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure by the Company that is not in bad faith and is cured within ten (10) business days after the Participant gives the Company notice of such event.

Section 1.7.

Management Stockholder’s Agreement

“Management Stockholder’s Agreement” shall mean that certain Management Stockholder’s Agreement between the Optionee and the Company.

Section 1.8.

Option

“Option” shall mean the aggregate of the Time Option and the Performance Option granted under Section 2.1 of this Agreement.

Section 1.9.

Performance Option

“Performance Option” shall mean the right and option to purchase, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, all or any part of an aggregate of the number of shares of Common Stock set forth on Schedule B hereof opposite the term Performance Option.



2







Section 1.10.

Pro Rata Fraction

“Pro Rata Fraction” shall mean a fraction, the numerator of which equals the number of calendar months in the first Fiscal Year that the Optionee is employed with the Company or any Service Recipient and the denominator of which is equal to 12; provided, that an Optionee shall only be deemed to have been employed in any given calendar month if the Optionee commences employment with the Company or any Service Recipient on or before the fifteenth (15 th ) day of any calendar month occurring in the first Fiscal Year.  In the event an Optionee commences employment with the Company or any Service Recipient after the fifteenth day of any given calendar month, then the numerator of the foregoing fraction shall only include those calendar months immediately following the calendar month in which the Optionee commences such employment.


Section 1.11.

Secretary

“Secretary” shall mean the Secretary of the Company.

Section 1.12.

Sponsor IRR

“Sponsor IRR” shall mean, on any given date, a pretax compounded annual internal rate of return of at least 25% realized by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates after the Closing Date on any Shares held by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates, on a per Share, fully diluted basis, based on the amount invested by the Sponsors in the equity securities of the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, (a) any calculation of Sponsor IRR will for purposes of Section 3.1(c)(ii) and 3.1(d) be calculated solely with respect to Sponsor Shares (as defined herein) actually sold or otherwise disposed of in the applicable transaction, and (b) Sponsor IRR will not be calculated taking into account the receipt by the Sponsor or any of its affiliates of any management, monitoring, transaction or other fees payable to such parties in connection with their separate letter agreement with the Company, and shall only take into account actual distributions paid on the shares of Common Stock indirectly held by such parties.

Section 1.13.

Sponsor Return

“Sponsor Return” shall mean, on any given date, all cash proceeds actually received by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates after the Closing Date, including the receipt of any cash dividends or other cash distributions thereon, on a per Share, fully diluted basis, in an amount that equals or exceeds the product of 2.5 and the Base Price.   For the avoidance of doubt, (a) any calculation of Sponsor Return will for purposes of Section 3.1(c)(ii) and 3.1(d) be calculated solely with respect to Sponsor Shares actually sold or otherwise disposed of in the applicable transaction, and (b) Sponsor Return will not be calculated taking into account the receipt by the Sponsor or any of its affiliates of any management, monitoring, transaction or other fees payable to such parties in connection with their separate letter agreement with the Company, and shall only take into account actual distributions paid on the shares of Common Stock indirectly held by such parties.


Section 1.14.

Time Option

“Time Option” shall mean the right and option to purchase, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, all or any part of an aggregate of the number of shares of Common Stock set forth on Schedule B hereof opposite the term Time Option.

3




ARTICLE II


GRANT OF OPTIONS


Section 2.1.

Grant of Options

For good and valuable consideration, on and as of the Grant Date the Company irrevocably grants to the Optionee the following Stock Options:  (a) the Time Option and (b) the Performance Option, in each case on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

Section 2.2.

Exercise Price

Subject to Section 2.4, the exercise price of the shares of Common Stock covered by the Option (the “Exercise Price”) shall be as set forth on Schedule B hereof, which shall be the Fair Market Value on the Grant Date.

Section 2.3.

No Guarantee of Employment

Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon the Optionee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, which are hereby expressly reserved, to terminate the employment of the Optionee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, subject to the applicable provisions of, if any, the Optionee’s employment agreement with the Company or offer letter provided by the Company to the Optionee.

Section 2.4.

Adjustments to Option

The Option shall be subject to the adjustment provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of the Plan, provided , however , that in the event of the payment of an extraordinary dividend by the Company to its stockholders, then: the Exercise Prices of the Option shall be reduced by the amount of the dividend paid, but only to the extent the Committee determines it to be permitted under applicable tax laws and not have adverse tax consequences to the Optionee under Section 409A of the Code; and, if such reduction cannot be fully effected due to such tax laws and it will not have adverse tax consequences to the Optionee, then the Company shall pay to the Optionee a cash payment, on a per Share basis, equal to the balance of the amount of the dividend not permitted to be applied to reduce the Exercise Price of the applicable Option as follows: (a) for each Share subject to a vested Option, immediately upon the date of such dividend payment; and (b), for each Share subject to an unvested Option, on the date on which such Option becomes vested and exercisable with respect to such Share.

ARTICLE III


PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY


Section 3.1.

Commencement of Exercisability

(a)

So long as the Optionee continues to be employed by the Company or any other Service Recipients, the Option shall become exercisable pursuant to the following schedules:

(i)

Time Option .  The Time Option shall become vested and exercisable with respect to 20% of the Shares subject to such Option on each of the first five anniversaries of the date set forth on Schedule B (the “ Hire or Promotion Date ”).

4





(ii)

Performance Option .  If the Company, on a consolidated basis, achieves its annual EBITDA targets as set forth in Schedule A attached hereto (each an “ EBITDA Target ” or “Annual Performance Target”) for the applicable given Fiscal Year, then the Performance Option shall be eligible to become vested and exercisable as to a percentage of the Shares subject to such Option at the end of each of the six Fiscal Years as follows:

(A)

in respect of the first Fiscal Year, a Pro Rata Fraction of 20% of the Shares subject to the Option (the “Initial Tranche”);

(B)

in respect of each of the second through fifth Fiscal Years, 20% of the Shares subject to the Option; and

(C)

in respect of the sixth Fiscal Year, the portion of the Initial Tranche in excess of the Pro Rata Fraction of the Initial Tranche that did not become vested in respect of the first Fiscal Year.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that an EBITDA Target is not achieved in a particular Fiscal Year, then that portion of the Performance Option that was eligible to vest but failed to vest due to the Company’s failure to achieve its EBITDA Target shall nevertheless vest and become exercisable at the end of any subsequent Fiscal Years if the cumulative EBITDA Target (each a “ Cumulative EBITDA Target ”) set forth on Schedule A attached hereto is achieved on a cumulative basis at the end of such Fiscal Year with respect to all then completed Fiscal Years.  In addition, for the avoidance of doubt, except as otherwise provided in Section 3.1(b) below, no portion of the Performance Option shall become vested and exercisable at any time unless the Optionee remains employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through the date on which it is determined that the applicable EBITDA or Cumulative EBITDA Target of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year has been achieved.

(b)

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, upon a termination of the Optionee’s employment at any time by reason of death or Disability:

(i)

that 20% portion of the Time Option that would have become exercisable on the next anniversary date of the Closing Date if the Optionee had remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through such date will become vested and exercisable; and

(ii)

that portion of the Performance Option, if any, that would have become exercisable in respect of the Fiscal Year in which the Optionee’s employment terminates if the Optionee had remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through such date, shall remain outstanding through the date the Company determines whether the Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is met for such Fiscal Year, and shall become exercisable on such date if and only if , and only to the extent that, the Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is met for such Fiscal Year in accordance with Section 3.1(a)(ii) above; provided, however , that if such Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is not met for such Fiscal Year, that portion of the Performance Option shall remain unvested and shall be forfeited upon such date.


(c)

Notwithstanding any of Section 3.1(a) or (b) above, upon the earlier occurrence of a Change in Control:

(i)

the Time Option shall become immediately exercisable as to 100% of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option immediately prior to a Change in Control (but only to the extent such Option has not otherwise terminated or become exercisable); and



5







(ii)

the Performance Option shall become immediately exercisable as to 100% of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option immediately prior to a Change in Control (but only to the extent such Option has not otherwise terminated or become exercisable) if as a result of the Change in Control, (x) the Sponsor achieves the Sponsor IRR on 100% of the Sponsors’ aggregate investment, directly or indirectly, in the equity securities of the Company (the “Sponsor Shares”) and (y) the Sponsor earns an Sponsor Return on 100% of the Sponsor Shares; provided, however, that in the event that there occurs a Change in Control wherein more than 50% but less than 100% of the Common Stock or other voting securities of the Company or Buck Holdings, L.P. is sold or otherwise disposed of, then, the Performance Option will become vested (to the extent not already previously vested pursuant to Section 3.1(a) or (d)) up to the same percentage of Sponsor Shares on which such Sponsor Return and Sponsor IRR has been so achieved.

(d)

Notwithstanding any of Section 3.1(a), (b) or (c) above, if after a Public Offering (as such term is defined in the Management Stockholder’s Agreement), the Sponsor or its affiliates, through one transaction or a series of transactions, sells Shares and achieves the Sponsor Return and the Sponsor IRR on any percentage of Sponsor Shares, so long as the Optionee has remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through the relevant sale date, then, the Performance Option will become vested (to the extent not already previously vested pursuant to Section 3.1(a) or (c)) up to the same percentage of Sponsor Shares on which such Sponsor Return and Sponsor IRR has been so achieved.

(e)

Notwithstanding the foregoing but except as provided in Section 3.1(b), no Option shall become exercisable as to any additional shares of Common Stock following the termination of employment of the Optionee for any reason and any Option, which is unexercisable as of the Optionee’s termination of employment, shall immediately expire without payment therefor.

Section 3.2.

Expiration of Option

Except as otherwise provided in Section 5 or 6 of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement, the Optionee may not exercise the Option to any extent after the first to occur of the following events:

(a)

The tenth anniversary of the Grant Date so long as the Optionee remains employed with the Company or any Service Recipient through such date;

(b)

The first anniversary of the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment with the Company and all Service Recipients, if the Optionee’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability (unless earlier terminated as provided in Section 3.2(h) below);

(c)

Immediately upon the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients for Cause;

(d)

Immediately upon the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients by the Optionee without Good Reason (except due to death or Disability);

(e)

Ninety (90) days after the date of an Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients without Cause (for any reason other than as set forth in Section 3.2(b));



6







(f)

Ninety (90) days after the date of an Optionee’s termination of employment with the Company and all Service Recipients by the Optionee for Good Reason;

(g)

The date the Option is terminated pursuant to Section 6 or 7 of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement; or

(h)

At the discretion of the Company, if the Committee so determines pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan.

ARTICLE IV


EXERCISE OF OPTION


Section 4.1.

Person Eligible to Exercise

During the lifetime of the Optionee, only the Optionee (or his or her duly authorized legal representative) may exercise an Option or any portion thereof.  After the death of the Optionee, any exercisable portion of an Option may, prior to the time when an Option becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2, be exercised by his personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the Optionee’s will or under the then applicable laws of descent and distribution.

Section 4.2.

Partial Exercise

Any exercisable portion of an Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to the time when the Option or portion thereof becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2; provided , however , that any partial exercise shall be for whole shares of Common Stock only.

Section 4.3.

Manner of Exercise

An Option, or any exercisable portion thereof, may be exercised solely by delivering to the Secretary or his or her office or designee all of the following prior to the time when the Option or such portion becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2:

(a)

Notice in writing signed by the Optionee or the other person then entitled to exercise the Option or portion thereof, stating that the Option or portion thereof is thereby exercised, such notice complying with all applicable rules established by the Committee;

(b)

(i) Full payment (in cash or by check or by a combination thereof) for the shares with respect to which such Option or portion thereof is exercised or (ii) indication that the Optionee elects to have the number of Shares that would otherwise be issued to the Optionee reduced by a number of Shares having an equivalent Fair Market Value to the payment that would otherwise be made by Optionee to the Company pursuant to clause (i) of this subsection (b);

(c)

(i) Full payment (in cash or by check or by a combination thereof) to satisfy the minimum withholding tax obligation with respect to which such Option or portion thereof is exercised; or (ii) solely in the event that the Optionee’s employment terminates under circumstances identified in Section 3.2(b), (e) or (f) above, notice in writing that the Optionee elects to have the number of Shares that would otherwise be issued to the Optionee reduced by a number of Shares having an equivalent Fair Market Value to the payment that would otherwise be made by Optionee to the Company pursuant to clause (i) of this subsection (c);



7







(d)

A bona fide written representation and agreement, in a form satisfactory to the Committee, signed by the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise such Option or portion thereof, stating that the shares of Common Stock are being acquired for his own account, for investment and without any present intention of distributing or reselling said shares or any of them except as may be permitted under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Act ”), and then applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and that the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise such Option or portion thereof will indemnify the Company against and hold it free and harmless from any loss, damage, expense or liability resulting to the Company if any sale or distribution of the shares by such person is contrary to the representation and agreement referred to above; provided , however , that the Committee may, in its reasonable discretion, take whatever additional actions it deems reasonably necessary to ensure the observance and performance of such representation and agreement and to effect compliance with the Act and any other federal or state securities laws or regulations; and

(e)

In the event the Option or portion thereof shall be exercised pursuant to Section 4.1 by any person or persons other than the Optionee, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the option.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee may require an opinion of counsel acceptable to it to the effect that any subsequent transfer of shares acquired on exercise of an Option does not violate the Act, and may issue stop-transfer orders covering such shares.  Share certificates evidencing stock issued on exercise of this Option shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the provisions of subsection (d) above and the agreements herein. The written representation and agreement referred to in subsection (d) above shall, however, not be required if the shares to be issued pursuant to such exercise have been registered under the Act, and such registration is then effective in respect of such shares.

Section 4.4.

Conditions to Issuance of Stock Certificates

The shares of stock deliverable upon the exercise of an Option, or any portion thereof, may be either previously authorized but unissued shares or issued shares, which have then been reacquired by the Company.  Such shares shall be fully paid and nonassessable.  The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for shares of stock purchased (if certified, or if not certified, register the issuance of such shares on its books and records) upon the exercise of an Option or portion thereof prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions:

(a)

The obtaining of approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its reasonable and good faith discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

(b)

The execution by the Optionee of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement and a Sale Participation Agreement; and

(c)

The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of the Option as the Committee may from time to time establish for reasons of administrative convenience or as may otherwise be required by applicable law.

Section 4.5.

Rights as Stockholder

Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.4 of this Agreement, the holder of an Option shall not be, nor have any of the rights or privileges of, a stockholder of the Company in respect of any shares purchasable upon the exercise of the Option or any portion thereof unless and until certificates



8




representing such shares shall have been issued by the Company to such holder or the Shares have otherwise been recorded in the records of the Company as owned by such holder.

ARTICLE V


MISCELLANEOUS


Section 5.1.

Administration

The Committee shall have the power to interpret the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules.  All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee shall be final and binding upon the Optionee, the Company and all other interested persons.  No member of the Committee shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or the Option.  In its absolute discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Committee under the Plan and this Agreement.

Section 5.2.

Option Not Transferable

Neither the Option nor any interest or right therein or part thereof shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of the Optionee or his successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect; provided, however, that this Section 5.2 shall not prevent transfers by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution.

Section 5.3.

Notices

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company shall be addressed to the Company in care of its Secretary, and any notice to be given to the Optionee shall be addressed to him at the address given beneath his signature hereto.  By a notice given pursuant to this Section 5.3, either party may hereafter designate a different address for notices to be given to him.  Any notice, which is required to be given to the Optionee, shall, if the Optionee is then deceased, be given to the Optionee’s personal representative if such representative has previously informed the Company of his status and address by written notice under this Section 5.3.  Any notice shall have been deemed duly given when (i) delivered in person, (ii) enclosed in a properly sealed envelope or wrapper addressed as aforesaid, deposited (with postage prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service, or (iii) enclosed in a properly sealed envelope or wrapper addressed as aforesaid, deposited (with fees prepaid) in an office regularly maintained by FedEx, UPS, or comparable non-public mail carrier.

Section 5.4.

Titles; Pronouns

Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.  The masculine pronoun shall include the feminine and neuter, and the singular the plural, where the context so indicates.



9







Section 5.5.

Applicability of Plan, Management Stockholder’s Agreement and Sale Participation Agreement

The Option and the shares of Common Stock issued to the Optionee upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to all of the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Management Stockholder’s Agreement and a Sale Participation Agreement, to the extent applicable to the Option and such Shares.

Section 5.6.

Amendment

Subject to Section 10 of the Plan, this Agreement may be amended only by a writing executed by the parties hereto, which specifically states that it is amending this Agreement.

Section 5.7.

Governing Law

The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the interpretation, validity and performance of the terms of this Agreement regardless of the law that might be applied under principles of conflicts of laws.

Section 5.8.

Arbitration

In the event of any controversy among the parties hereto arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement which cannot be settled amicably by the parties, such controversy shall be finally, exclusively and conclusively settled by mandatory arbitration conducted expeditiously in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules, by a single independent arbitrator.  Such arbitration process shall take place within the Nashville, Tennessee metropolitan area.  The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding upon all parties hereto and shall be rendered pursuant to a written decision, which contains a detailed recital of the arbitrator’s reasoning.  Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  Each party shall bear its own legal fees and expenses, unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.



[ Signatures on next pages .]



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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered by the parties hereto.

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ S. Lanigan

 

 

 

 

Name:

 Susan Lanigan

 

 

 

 

Title:

   Executive Vice President







































[Signature Page of Stock Option Agreement]



11







 

OPTIONEE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John W. Flanigan

 

John W. Flanigan

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS:

 

 

 

 

 

c/o Dollar General Corporation

 

100 Mission Ridge

 

Goodlettsville, TN  37072










[Signature Page of Stock Option Agreement]




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Schedule A to Stock Option Agreement
Annual and Cumulative Performance Targets

 

The Annual and Cumulative Performance Targets are based on the Company’s achievement of the following EBITDA targets for the following Fiscal Years:


 

Fiscal Year

 

Annual Performance Target

Cumulative Performance Target

2008

 

[    ]

N/A

2009

 

[    ]

[    ]

2010

 

[    ]

[    ]

2011

 

[    ]

[    ]

2012

 

[    ]

[    ]

2013

 

[    ]

[    ]

2014

 

N/A

[    ]


"EBITDA" shall mean earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization plus transaction, management and/or similar fees paid to the Sponsor and/or its Affiliates. The Board shall, fairly and appropriately, adjust the calculation of EBITDA to reflect, to the extent not contemplated in the management plan, the following: acquisitions, divestitures, any change required by GAAP relating to share-based compensation or for other changes in GAAP promulgated by accounting standard setters that, in each case, the Board in good faith determines require adjustment of EBITDA. The Board’s determination of such adjustment shall be based on the Company’s accounting as set forth in its books and records and on the financial plan of the Company pursuant to which the Annual Performance Targets were originally established.

If the Company makes an acquisition in any year, the Annual Performance Target for such year and Cumulative Performance Target for such year and subsequent years will be adjusted, fairly and appropriately, by the amount of EBITDA in the plan for the target presented to the Board at the time the acquisition is approved by the Board. Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets will also be fairly and appropriately adjusted by the Board, in consultation with management, to the extent not contemplated in the plan for the following: any divestitures, major capital investment programs, any change required by GAAP relating to share-based compensation or other changes in GAAP promulgated by accounting standard setters. In the event that any of the foregoing action is taken, such adjustment shall be only the amount deemed reasonably necessary by the Board, in the exercise of its good faith judgment, after consultation of the Company’s accountants, to accurately reflect the direct and measurable effect such event has on such Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets. The intent of such adjustments is to keep the probability of achieving the Annual Performance



A-1






Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets the same as if the event triggering such adjustment had not occurred. The Board’s determination of such necessary adjustment shall be made within 60 days following the completion or closing of such event, and shall be based on the Company’s accounting as set forth in its books and records and on the Company’s financial plan pursuant to which the Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets were originally established.



A-2






Schedule B to Stock Option Agreement

Grant Date :

August 28, 2008

Exercise Price of Options :

$5.00

Option Grants :


Aggregate number of shares of Common Stock

for which the Time Option granted hereunder is

exercisable:

160,000


Aggregate number of shares of Common Stock

for which the Performance Option

granted hereunder is exercisable:

160,000


Hire or Promotion Date :

May 27, 2008



B-1





STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT



THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of the date indicated on Schedule B hereto (the “ Grant Date ”), is made by and between Dollar General Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “ Company ”), and the individual whose name is set forth on the signature page hereof, who is an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, hereinafter referred to as the “ Optionee ”.  Any capitalized terms herein not otherwise defined in Article I shall have the meaning set forth in the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates, as such Plan may be amended from time to time (the “ Plan ”).

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to carry out the Plan, the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee of the Board of the Company (or, if no such committee is appointed, the Board) (the “ Committee ”) has determined that it would be to the advantage and best interest of the Company and its shareholders to grant the Option provided for herein to the Optionee as an incentive for increased efforts during his term of office with the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, and has advised the Company thereof and instructed the undersigned officers to issue said Option;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS


Whenever the following terms are used in this Agreement, they shall have the meaning specified below unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary.

Section 1.1.

Base Price

“Base Price” shall mean $5.00.


Section 1.2.

Cause

“Cause” shall mean “Cause” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change-in-control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or, if there is no such employment or change-in-control agreement, “Cause” shall mean, with respect to an Optionee: (i) any act of the Optionee involving fraud or dishonesty, or any willful failure to perform reasonable duties assigned to the Optionee which failure is not cured within 10 business days after receipt from the Company of written notice of such failure; (ii) any material breach by the Optionee of any securities or other law or regulation or any Company policy governing trading or dealing with stock, securities, investments or the like, inappropriate disclosure or “tipping” relating to any stock, securities or investments or the like, (iii) other than as required by law, the carrying out by the Optionee of any activity, or the Optionee making any public statement, which prejudices or ridicules the good name and standing of the Company or its affiliates (including any limited partner of Parent) or would bring such persons into public contempt or ridicule; (iv) attendance by the Optionee at work in a state of intoxication or the Optionee otherwise being found in possession at the Management Stockholder’s place of work of any prohibited drug or substance,



 




possession of which would amount to a criminal office; (v) any assault or other act of violence by the Management Stockholder; or (vi) the Optionee being indicted for any crime constituting (x) any felony whatsoever or (y) any misdemeanor that would preclude employment under the Company’s hiring policy.


Section 1.3.

Closing Date

“Closing Date” shall mean July 6, 2007.


Section 1.4.

Disability

“Disability” shall mean “Disability” as such term is defined in any employment agreement between Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, if there is no such employment agreement, “Disability” as defined in the long-term disability plan of the Company.

Section 1.5.

Fiscal Year

“Fiscal Year” shall mean each of the fiscal years of the Company set forth on Schedule A attached hereto.

Section 1.6.

Good Reason

“Good Reason” shall mean “Good Reason” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change-in-control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or, if there is no such employment or change-in-control agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean (i) a reduction in the Optionee’s base salary or target bonus level; or (ii) the relocation by the Company of the Optionee’s principal place of employment to a site outside a fifty mile radius from the current site of the Optionee’s principal place of employment.  In each case other than any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure by the Company that is not in bad faith and is cured within ten (10) business days after the Participant gives the Company notice of such event.

Section 1.7.

Management Stockholder’s Agreement

“Management Stockholder’s Agreement” shall mean that certain Management Stockholder’s Agreement between the Optionee and the Company.

Section 1.8.

Option

“Option” shall mean the aggregate of the Time Option and the Performance Option granted under Section 2.1 of this Agreement.

Section 1.9.

Performance Option

“Performance Option” shall mean the right and option to purchase, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, all or any part of an aggregate of the number of shares of Common Stock set forth on Schedule B hereof opposite the term Performance Option.



2







Section 1.10.

Pro Rata Fraction

“Pro Rata Fraction” shall mean a fraction, the numerator of which equals the number of calendar months in the first Fiscal Year that the Optionee is employed with (in the case of a new employee), or is employed in the promoted position giving rise to the Option grant by (in the event of a promoted employee), the Company or any Service Recipient and the denominator of which is equal to 12; provided, that an Optionee shall only be deemed to have been employed in any given calendar month if the Optionee commences initial employment (in the event of a new employee) or commences employment into the promoted position (in the event of a promoted employee) with the Company or any Service Recipient on or before the fifteenth (15 th ) day of any calendar month occurring in the first Fiscal Year.  In the event an Optionee commences employment (whether initial or promoted) with the Company or any Service Recipient after the fifteenth day of any given calendar month, then the numerator of the foregoing fraction shall only include those calendar months immediately following the calendar month in which the Optionee commences such employment (whether initial or promoted).


Section 1.11.

Secretary

“Secretary” shall mean the Secretary of the Company.

Section 1.12.

Sponsor IRR

 “Sponsor IRR” shall mean, on any given date, a pretax compounded annual internal rate of return of at least 25% realized by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates after the Closing Date on any Shares held by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates, on a per Share, fully diluted basis, based on the amount invested by the Sponsors in the equity securities of the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, (a) any calculation of Sponsor IRR will for purposes of Section 3.1(c)(ii) and 3.1(d) be calculated solely with respect to Sponsor Shares (as defined herein) actually sold or otherwise disposed of in the applicable transaction, and (b) Sponsor IRR will not be calculated taking into account the receipt by the Sponsor or any of its affiliates of any management, monitoring, transaction or other fees payable to such parties in connection with their separate letter agreement with the Company, and shall only take into account actual distributions paid on the shares of Common Stock indirectly held by such parties.

Section 1.13.

Sponsor Return

“Sponsor Return” shall mean, on any given date, all cash proceeds actually received by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates after the Closing Date, including the receipt of any cash dividends or other cash distributions thereon, on a per Share, fully diluted basis, in an amount that equals or exceeds the product of 2.5 and the Base Price.   For the avoidance of doubt, (a) any calculation of Sponsor Return will for purposes of Section 3.1(c)(ii) and 3.1(d) be calculated solely with respect to Sponsor Shares actually sold or otherwise disposed of in the applicable transaction, and (b) Sponsor Return will not be calculated taking into account the receipt by the Sponsor or any of its affiliates of any management, monitoring, transaction or other fees payable to such parties in connection with their separate letter agreement with the Company, and shall only take into account actual distributions paid on the shares of Common Stock indirectly held by such parties.


Section 1.14.

Time Option

“Time Option” shall mean the right and option to purchase, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, all or any part of an aggregate of the number of shares of Common Stock set forth on Schedule B hereof opposite the term Time Option.



3




ARTICLE II

GRANT OF OPTIONS


Section 2.1.

Grant of Options

For good and valuable consideration, on and as of the Grant Date the Company irrevocably grants to the Optionee the following Stock Options:  (a) the Time Option and (b) the Performance Option, in each case on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

Section 2.2.

Exercise Price

Subject to Section 2.4, the exercise price of the shares of Common Stock covered by the Option (the “Exercise Price”) shall be as set forth on Schedule B hereof, which shall be the Fair Market Value on the Grant Date.

Section 2.3.

No Guarantee of Employment

Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon the Optionee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, which are hereby expressly reserved, to terminate the employment of the Optionee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, subject to the applicable provisions of, if any, the Optionee’s employment agreement with the Company or offer letter provided by the Company to the Optionee.

Section 2.4.

Adjustments to Option

The Option shall be subject to the adjustment provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of the Plan, provided , however , that in the event of the payment of an extraordinary dividend by the Company to its stockholders, then: the Exercise Prices of the Option shall be reduced by the amount of the dividend paid, but only to the extent the Committee determines it to be permitted under applicable tax laws and not have adverse tax consequences to the Optionee under Section 409A of the Code; and, if such reduction cannot be fully effected due to such tax laws and it will not have adverse tax consequences to the Optionee, then the Company shall pay to the Optionee a cash payment, on a per Share basis, equal to the balance of the amount of the dividend not permitted to be applied to reduce the Exercise Price of the applicable Option as follows: (a) for each Share subject to a vested Option, immediately upon the date of such dividend payment; and (b), for each Share subject to an unvested Option, on the date on which such Option becomes vested and exercisable with respect to such Share.


ARTICLE III

PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY


Section 3.1.

Commencement of Exercisability

(a)

So long as the Optionee continues to be employed by the Company or any other Service Recipients, the Option shall become exercisable pursuant to the following schedules:

(i)

Time Option .  The Time Option shall become vested and exercisable with respect to 20% of the Shares subject to such Option on each of the first five anniversaries of the date set forth on Schedule B (the “ Hire or Promotion Date ”).



4







(ii)

Performance Option .  If the Company, on a consolidated basis, achieves its annual EBITDA targets as set forth in Schedule A attached hereto (each an “ EBITDA Target ” or “Annual Performance Target”) for the applicable given Fiscal Year, then the Performance Option shall be eligible to become vested and exercisable as to a percentage of the Shares subject to such Option at the end of each of the six Fiscal Years as follows:

(A)

in respect of the first Fiscal Year, a Pro Rata Fraction of 20% of the Shares subject to the Option (the “Initial Tranche”);

(B)

in respect of each of the second through fifth Fiscal Years, 20% of the Shares subject to the Option; and

(C)

in respect of the sixth Fiscal Year, the portion of the Initial Tranche in excess of the Pro Rata Fraction of the Initial Tranche that did not become vested in respect of the first Fiscal Year.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that an EBITDA Target is not achieved in a particular Fiscal Year, then that portion of the Performance Option that was eligible to vest but failed to vest due to the Company’s failure to achieve its EBITDA Target shall nevertheless vest and become exercisable at the end of any subsequent Fiscal Years if the cumulative EBITDA Target (each a “ Cumulative EBITDA Target ”) set forth on Schedule A attached hereto is achieved on a cumulative basis at the end of such Fiscal Year with respect to all then completed Fiscal Years.  In addition, for the avoidance of doubt, except as otherwise provided in Section 3.1(b) below, no portion of the Performance Option shall become vested and exercisable at any time unless the Optionee remains employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through the date on which it is determined that the applicable EBITDA or Cumulative EBITDA Target of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year has been achieved.

(b)

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, upon a termination of the Optionee’s employment at any time by reason of death or Disability:

(i)

that 20% portion of the Time Option that would have become exercisable on the next anniversary date of the Hire or Promotion Date if the Optionee had remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through such date will become vested and exercisable; and

(ii)

that portion of the Performance Option, if any, that would have become exercisable in respect of the Fiscal Year in which the Optionee’s employment terminates if the Optionee had remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through such date, shall remain outstanding through the date the Company determines whether the Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is met for such Fiscal Year, and shall become exercisable on such date if and only if , and only to the extent that, the Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is met for such Fiscal Year in accordance with Section 3.1(a)(ii) above; provided, however , that if such Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is not met for such Fiscal Year, that portion of the Performance Option shall remain unvested and shall be forfeited upon such date.


(c)

Notwithstanding any of Section 3.1(a) or (b) above, upon the earlier occurrence of a Change in Control:

(i)

the Time Option shall become immediately exercisable as to 100% of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option immediately prior to a Change in Control (but only to the extent such Option has not otherwise terminated or become exercisable); and



5







(ii)

the Performance Option shall become immediately exercisable as to 100% of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option immediately prior to a Change in Control (but only to the extent such Option has not otherwise terminated or become exercisable) if as a result of the Change in Control, (x) the Sponsor achieves the Sponsor IRR on 100% of the Sponsors’ aggregate investment, directly or indirectly, in the equity securities of the Company (the “Sponsor Shares”) and (y) the Sponsor earns an Sponsor Return on 100% of the Sponsor Shares; provided, however, that in the event that there occurs a Change in Control wherein more than 50% but less than 100% of the Common Stock or other voting securities of the Company or Buck Holdings, L.P. is sold or otherwise disposed of, then, the Performance Option will become vested (to the extent not already previously vested pursuant to Section 3.1(a) or (d)) up to the same percentage of Sponsor Shares on which such Sponsor Return and Sponsor IRR has been so achieved.

(d)

Notwithstanding any of Section 3.1(a), (b) or (c) above, if after a Public Offering (as such term is defined in the Management Stockholder’s Agreement), the Sponsor or its affiliates, through one transaction or a series of transactions, sells Shares and achieves the Sponsor Return and the Sponsor IRR on any percentage of Sponsor Shares, so long as the Optionee has remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through the relevant sale date, then, the Performance Option will become vested (to the extent not already previously vested pursuant to Section 3.1(a) or (c)) up to the same percentage of Sponsor Shares on which such Sponsor Return and Sponsor IRR has been so achieved.

(e)

Notwithstanding the foregoing but except as provided in Section 3.1(b), no Option shall become exercisable as to any additional shares of Common Stock following the termination of employment of the Optionee for any reason and any Option, which is unexercisable as of the Optionee’s termination of employment, shall immediately expire without payment therefor.

Section 3.2.

Expiration of Option

Except as otherwise provided in Section 5 or 6 of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement, the Optionee may not exercise the Option to any extent after the first to occur of the following events:

(a)

The tenth anniversary of the Grant Date so long as the Optionee remains employed with the Company or any Service Recipient through such date;

(b)

The first anniversary of the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment with the Company and all Service Recipients, if the Optionee’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability (unless earlier terminated as provided in Section 3.2(h) below);

(c)

Immediately upon the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients for Cause;

(d)

Immediately upon the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients by the Optionee without Good Reason (except due to death or Disability);

(e)

Ninety (90) days after the date of an Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients without Cause (for any reason other than as set forth in Section 3.2(b));



6







(f)

Ninety (90) days after the date of an Optionee’s termination of employment with the Company and all Service Recipients by the Optionee for Good Reason;

(g)

The date the Option is terminated pursuant to Section 6 or 7 of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement; or

(h)

At the discretion of the Company, if the Committee so determines pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan.

ARTICLE IV
EXERCISE OF OPTION


Section 4.1.

Person Eligible to Exercise


During the lifetime of the Optionee, only the Optionee (or his or her duly authorized legal representative) may exercise an Option or any portion thereof.  After the death of the Optionee, any exercisable portion of an Option may, prior to the time when an Option becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2, be exercised by his personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the Optionee’s will or under the then applicable laws of descent and distribution.

Section 4.2.

Partial Exercise

Any exercisable portion of an Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to the time when the Option or portion thereof becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2; provided , however , that any partial exercise shall be for whole shares of Common Stock only.

Section 4.3.

Manner of Exercise

An Option, or any exercisable portion thereof, may be exercised solely by delivering to the Secretary or his or her office or designee all of the following prior to the time when the Option or such portion becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2:

(a)

Notice in writing signed by the Optionee or the other person then entitled to exercise the Option or portion thereof, stating that the Option or portion thereof is thereby exercised, such notice complying with all applicable rules established by the Committee;

(b)

(i) Full payment (in cash or by check or by a combination thereof) for the shares with respect to which such Option or portion thereof is exercised or (ii) indication that the Optionee elects to have the number of Shares that would otherwise be issued to the Optionee reduced by a number of Shares having an equivalent Fair Market Value to the payment that would otherwise be made by Optionee to the Company pursuant to clause (i) of this subsection (b);

(c)

(i) Full payment (in cash or by check or by a combination thereof) to satisfy the minimum withholding tax obligation with respect to which such Option or portion thereof is exercised; or (ii) solely in the event that the Optionee’s employment terminates under circumstances identified in Section 3.2(b), (e) or (f) above, notice in writing that the Optionee elects to have the number of Shares that would otherwise be issued to the Optionee reduced by a number of Shares having an equivalent Fair Market Value to the payment that would otherwise be made by Optionee to the Company pursuant to clause (i) of this subsection (c);



7







(d)

A bona fide written representation and agreement, in a form satisfactory to the Committee, signed by the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise such Option or portion thereof, stating that the shares of Common Stock are being acquired for his own account, for investment and without any present intention of distributing or reselling said shares or any of them except as may be permitted under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Act ”), and then applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and that the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise such Option or portion thereof will indemnify the Company against and hold it free and harmless from any loss, damage, expense or liability resulting to the Company if any sale or distribution of the shares by such person is contrary to the representation and agreement referred to above; provided , however , that the Committee may, in its reasonable discretion, take whatever additional actions it deems reasonably necessary to ensure the observance and performance of such representation and agreement and to effect compliance with the Act and any other federal or state securities laws or regulations; and

(e)

In the event the Option or portion thereof shall be exercised pursuant to Section 4.1 by any person or persons other than the Optionee, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the option.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee may require an opinion of counsel acceptable to it to the effect that any subsequent transfer of shares acquired on exercise of an Option does not violate the Act, and may issue stop-transfer orders covering such shares.  Share certificates evidencing stock issued on exercise of this Option shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the provisions of subsection (d) above and the agreements herein. The written representation and agreement referred to in subsection (d) above shall, however, not be required if the shares to be issued pursuant to such exercise have been registered under the Act, and such registration is then effective in respect of such shares.

Section 4.4.

Conditions to Issuance of Stock Certificates

The shares of stock deliverable upon the exercise of an Option, or any portion thereof, may be either previously authorized but unissued shares or issued shares, which have then been reacquired by the Company.  Such shares shall be fully paid and nonassessable.  The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for shares of stock purchased (if certified, or if not certified, register the issuance of such shares on its books and records) upon the exercise of an Option or portion thereof prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions:

(a)

The obtaining of approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its reasonable and good faith discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

(b)

The execution by the Optionee of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement and a Sale Participation Agreement; and

(c)

The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of the Option as the Committee may from time to time establish for reasons of administrative convenience or as may otherwise be required by applicable law.

Section 4.5.

Rights as Stockholder

Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.4 of this Agreement, the holder of an Option shall not be, nor have any of the rights or privileges of, a stockholder of the Company in respect of any shares purchasable upon the exercise of the Option or any portion thereof unless and until certificates



8




representing such shares shall have been issued by the Company to such holder or the Shares have otherwise been recorded in the records of the Company as owned by such holder.


ARTICLE V
MISCELLANEOUS


Section 5.1.

Administration

The Committee shall have the power to interpret the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules.  All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee shall be final and binding upon the Optionee, the Company and all other interested persons.  No member of the Committee shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or the Option.  In its absolute discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Committee under the Plan and this Agreement.

Section 5.2.

Option Not Transferable

Neither the Option nor any interest or right therein or part thereof shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of the Optionee or his successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect; provided, however, that this Section 5.2 shall not prevent transfers by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution.

Section 5.3.

Notices

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company shall be addressed to the Company in care of its Secretary, and any notice to be given to the Optionee shall be addressed to him at the address given beneath his signature hereto.  By a notice given pursuant to this Section 5.3, either party may hereafter designate a different address for notices to be given to him.  Any notice, which is required to be given to the Optionee, shall, if the Optionee is then deceased, be given to the Optionee’s personal representative if such representative has previously informed the Company of his status and address by written notice under this Section 5.3.  Any notice shall have been deemed duly given when (i) delivered in person, (ii) enclosed in a properly sealed envelope or wrapper addressed as aforesaid, deposited (with postage prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service, or (iii) enclosed in a properly sealed envelope or wrapper addressed as aforesaid, deposited (with fees prepaid) in an office regularly maintained by FedEx, UPS, or comparable non-public mail carrier.

Section 5.4.

Titles; Pronouns

Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.  The masculine pronoun shall include the feminine and neuter, and the singular the plural, where the context so indicates.



9







Section 5.5.

Applicability of Plan, Management Stockholder’s Agreement and Sale Participation Agreement

The Option and the shares of Common Stock issued to the Optionee upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to all of the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Management Stockholder’s Agreement and a Sale Participation Agreement, to the extent applicable to the Option and such Shares.

Section 5.6.

Amendment

Subject to Section 10 of the Plan, this Agreement may be amended only by a writing executed by the parties hereto, which specifically states that it is amending this Agreement.

Section 5.7.

Governing Law

The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the interpretation, validity and performance of the terms of this Agreement regardless of the law that might be applied under principles of conflicts of laws.

Section 5.8.

Arbitration

In the event of any controversy among the parties hereto arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement which cannot be settled amicably by the parties, such controversy shall be finally, exclusively and conclusively settled by mandatory arbitration conducted expeditiously in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules, by a single independent arbitrator.  Such arbitration process shall take place within the Nashville, Tennessee metropolitan area.  The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding upon all parties hereto and shall be rendered pursuant to a written decision, which contains a detailed recital of the arbitrator’s reasoning.  Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  Each party shall bear its own legal fees and expenses, unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.



[ Signatures on next pages .]



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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered by the parties hereto.

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ S. Lanigan

 

 

 

 

Name:

Susan Lanigan

 

 

 

 

Title:

  Executive Vice President &

 

 

  General Counsel


ADDRESS:


Dollar General Corporation

100 Mission Ridge

Goodlettsville, TN 37072
































[Signature Page of Stock Option Agreement]



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OPTIONEE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John Flanigan

 

John Flanigan

 

 

 

ADDRESS:

 

3100 West End Circle, Apt. 303

 

Nashville, TN 37203















[Signature Page of Stock Option Agreement]




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Schedule A to Stock Option Agreement

Annual and Cumulative Performance Targets

 

The Annual and Cumulative Performance Targets are based on the Company’s achievement of the following EBITDA targets for the following Fiscal Years:


Fiscal Year

 

Annual Performance Target

 

Cumulative Performance Target

2008

 

 

[    ]

 

N/A

2009

[    ]

 

[    ]

2010

[    ]

 

[    ]

2011

[    ]

 

[    ]

2012

[    ]

 

[    ]

2013

[    ]

 

[    ]

2014

N/A

 

[    ]


"EBITDA" shall mean earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization plus transaction, management and/or similar fees paid to the Sponsor and/or its Affiliates. The Board shall, fairly and appropriately, adjust the calculation of EBITDA to reflect, to the extent not contemplated in the management plan, the following: acquisitions, divestitures, any change required by GAAP relating to share-based compensation or for other changes in GAAP promulgated by accounting standard setters that, in each case, the Board in good faith determines require adjustment of EBITDA. The Board’s determination of such adjustment shall be based on the Company’s accounting as set forth in its books and records and on the financial plan of the Company pursuant to which the Annual Performance Targets were originally established.

If the Company makes an acquisition in any year, the Annual Performance Target for such year and Cumulative Performance Target for such year and subsequent years will be adjusted, fairly and appropriately, by the amount of EBITDA in the plan for the target presented to the Board at the time the acquisition is approved by the Board. Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets will also be fairly and appropriately adjusted by the Board, in consultation with management, to the extent not contemplated in the plan for the following: any divestitures, major capital investment programs, any change required by GAAP relating to share-based compensation or other changes in GAAP promulgated by accounting standard setters. In the event that any of the foregoing action is taken, such adjustment shall be only the amount deemed reasonably necessary by the Board, in the exercise of its good faith judgment, after consultation of the Company’s accountants, to accurately reflect the direct and measurable effect such event has on such Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets. The intent of such adjustments is to keep the probability of achieving the Annual Performance



A-1






Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets the same as if the event triggering such adjustment had not occurred. The Board’s determination of such necessary adjustment shall be made within 60 days following the completion or closing of such event, and shall be based on the Company’s accounting as set forth in its books and records and on the Company’s financial plan pursuant to which the Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets were originally established.



A-2






Schedule B to Stock Option Agreement

Grant Date :

May 28, 2009

Exercise Price of Options :

$7.40

Option Grants :


Aggregate number of shares of Common Stock

for which the Time Option granted hereunder is

exercisable:

40,000


Aggregate number of shares of Common Stock

for which the Performance Option

granted hereunder is exercisable:

40,000


Hire or Promotion Date :

May 27, 2008



B-1






STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT



THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of the date indicated on Schedule B hereto (the “ Grant Date ”), is made by and between Dollar General Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “ Company ”), and the individual whose name is set forth on the signature page hereof, who is an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, hereinafter referred to as the “ Optionee ”.  Any capitalized terms herein not otherwise defined in Article I shall have the meaning set forth in the Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates, as such Plan may be amended from time to time (the “ Plan ”).

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to carry out the Plan, the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee of the Board of the Company (or, if no such committee is appointed, the Board) (the “ Committee ”) has determined that it would be to the advantage and best interest of the Company and its shareholders to grant the Option provided for herein to the Optionee as an incentive for increased efforts during his term of office with the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, and has advised the Company thereof and instructed the undersigned officers to issue said Option;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS


Whenever the following terms are used in this Agreement, they shall have the meaning specified below unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary.

Section 1.1.

Base Price

“Base Price” shall mean $8.75.


Section 1.2.

Cause

“Cause” shall mean “Cause” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change-in-control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or, if there is no such employment or change-in-control agreement, “Cause” shall mean, with respect to an Optionee: (i) any act of the Optionee involving fraud or dishonesty, or any willful failure to perform reasonable duties assigned to the Optionee which failure is not cured within 10 business days after receipt from the Company of written notice of such failure; (ii) any material breach by the Optionee of any securities or other law or regulation or any Company policy governing trading or dealing with stock, securities, investments or the like, inappropriate disclosure or “tipping” relating to any stock, securities or investments or the like, (iii) other than as required by law, the carrying out by the Optionee of any activity, or the Optionee making any public statement, which prejudices or ridicules the good name and standing of the Company or its affiliates (including any limited partner of Parent) or would bring such persons into public contempt or ridicule; (iv) attendance by the Optionee at work in a state of intoxication or the Optionee otherwise being found in



1






possession at the Management Stockholder’s place of work of any prohibited drug or substance, possession of which would amount to a criminal office; (v) any assault or other act of violence by the Management Stockholder; or (vi) the Optionee being indicted for any crime constituting (x) any felony whatsoever or (y) any misdemeanor that would preclude employment under the Company’s hiring policy.


Section 1.3.

Closing Date

“Closing Date” shall mean July 6, 2007.


Section 1.4.

Disability

“Disability” shall mean “Disability” as such term is defined in any employment agreement between Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, if there is no such employment agreement, “Disability” as defined in the long-term disability plan of the Company.

Section 1.5.

Fiscal Year

“Fiscal Year” shall mean each of the fiscal years of the Company set forth on Schedule A attached hereto.

Section 1.6.

Good Reason

“Good Reason” shall mean “Good Reason” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change-in-control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or, if there is no such employment or change-in-control agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean (i) a reduction in the Optionee’s base salary or target bonus level; or (ii) the relocation by the Company of the Optionee’s principal place of employment to a site outside a fifty mile radius from the current site of the Optionee’s principal place of employment.  In each case other than any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure by the Company that is not in bad faith and is cured within ten (10) business days after the Participant gives the Company notice of such event.

Section 1.7.

Management Stockholder’s Agreement

“Management Stockholder’s Agreement” shall mean that certain Management Stockholder’s Agreement between the Optionee and the Company.

Section 1.8.

Option

“Option” shall mean the aggregate of the Time Option and the Performance Option granted under Section 2.1 of this Agreement.

Section 1.9.

Performance Option

“Performance Option” shall mean the right and option to purchase, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, all or any part of an aggregate of the number of shares of Common Stock set forth on Schedule B hereof opposite the term Performance Option.



2







Section 1.10.

Pro Rata Fraction

“Pro Rata Fraction” shall mean a fraction, the numerator of which equals the number of calendar months in the first Fiscal Year that the Optionee is employed with (in the case of a new employee), or is employed in the promoted position giving rise to the Option grant by (in the event of a promoted employee), the Company or any Service Recipient and the denominator of which is equal to 12; provided, that an Optionee shall only be deemed to have been employed in any given calendar month if the Optionee commences initial employment (in the event of a new employee) or commences employment into the promoted position (in the event of a promoted employee) with the Company or any Service Recipient on or before the fifteenth (15 th ) day of any calendar month occurring in the first Fiscal Year.  In the event an Optionee commences employment (whether initial or promoted) with the Company or any Service Recipient after the fifteenth day of any given calendar month, then the numerator of the foregoing fraction shall only include those calendar months immediately following the calendar month in which the Optionee commences such employment (whether initial or promoted).


Section 1.11.

Secretary

“Secretary” shall mean the Secretary of the Company.

Section 1.12.

Sponsor IRR

“Sponsor IRR” shall mean, on any given date, a pretax compounded annual internal rate of return of at least 25% realized by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates after the Closing Date on any Shares held by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates, on a per Share, fully diluted basis, based on the amount invested by the Sponsors in the equity securities of the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, (a) any calculation of Sponsor IRR will for purposes of Section 3.1(c)(ii) be calculated solely with respect to Sponsor Shares (as defined herein) actually sold or otherwise disposed of in the applicable transaction, and (b) Sponsor IRR will not be calculated taking into account the receipt by the Sponsor or any of its affiliates of any management, monitoring, transaction or other fees payable to such parties in connection with their separate letter agreement with the Company, and shall only take into account actual distributions paid on the shares of Common Stock indirectly held by such parties.

Section 1.13.

Sponsor Return

“Sponsor Return” shall mean, on any given date, all cash proceeds actually received by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates after the Closing Date, including the receipt of any cash dividends or other cash distributions thereon, on a per Share, fully diluted basis, in an amount that equals or exceeds the product of 2.5 and the Base Price.  For the avoidance of doubt, (a) any calculation of Sponsor Return will for purposes of Section 3.1(c)(ii) be calculated solely with respect to Sponsor Shares actually sold or otherwise disposed of in the applicable transaction, and (b) Sponsor Return will not be calculated taking into account the receipt by the Sponsor or any of its affiliates of any management, monitoring, transaction or other fees payable to such parties in connection with their separate letter agreement with the Company, and shall only take into account actual distributions paid on the shares of Common Stock indirectly held by such parties.


Section 1.14.

Time Option

“Time Option” shall mean the right and option to purchase, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, all or any part of an aggregate of the number of shares of Common Stock set forth on Schedule B hereof opposite the term Time Option.



3






ARTICLE II

 

GRANT OF OPTIONS


Section 2.1.

Grant of Options

For good and valuable consideration, on and as of the Grant Date the Company irrevocably grants to the Optionee the following Stock Options:  (a) the Time Option and (b) the Performance Option, in each case on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

Section 2.2.

Exercise Price

Subject to Section 2.4, the exercise price of the shares of Common Stock covered by the Option (the “Exercise Price”) shall be as set forth on Schedule B hereof, which shall be the Fair Market Value on the Grant Date.

Section 2.3.

No Guarantee of Employment

Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon the Optionee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, which are hereby expressly reserved, to terminate the employment of the Optionee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, subject to the applicable provisions of, if any, the Optionee’s employment agreement with the Company or offer letter provided by the Company to the Optionee.

Section 2.4.

Adjustments to Option

The Option shall be subject to the adjustment provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of the Plan, provided , however , that in the event of the payment of an extraordinary dividend by the Company to its stockholders, then: the Exercise Prices of the Option shall be reduced by the amount of the dividend paid, but only to the extent the Committee determines it to be permitted under applicable tax laws and not have adverse tax consequences to the Optionee under Section 409A of the Code; and, if such reduction cannot be fully effected due to such tax laws and it will not have adverse tax consequences to the Optionee, then the Company shall pay to the Optionee a cash payment, on a per Share basis, equal to the balance of the amount of the dividend not permitted to be applied to reduce the Exercise Price of the applicable Option as follows: (a) for each Share subject to a vested Option, immediately upon the date of such dividend payment; and (b), for each Share subject to an unvested Option, on the date on which such Option becomes vested and exercisable with respect to such Share.

ARTICLE III

 

PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY

 

Section 3.1.

Commencement of Exercisability

(a)

So long as the Optionee continues to be employed by the Company or any other Service Recipients, the Option shall become exercisable pursuant to the following schedules:

(i)

Time Option .  The Time Option shall become vested and exercisable with respect to 25% of the Shares subject to such Option on each of the first four anniversaries of the Grant Date .



4







(ii)

Performance Option .  If the Company, on a consolidated basis, achieves its annual EBITDA targets as set forth in Schedule A attached hereto (each an “ EBITDA Target ” or “Annual Performance Target”) for the applicable given Fiscal Year, then the Performance Option shall be eligible to become vested and exercisable as to a percentage of the Shares subject to such Option at the end of each of the five Fiscal Years as follows:

(A)

in respect of the first Fiscal Year, a Pro Rata Fraction of 25% of the Shares subject to the Option (the “Initial Tranche”);

(B)

in respect of each of the second through fourth Fiscal Years, 25% of the Shares subject to the Option; and

(C)

in respect of the fifth Fiscal Year, the portion of the Initial Tranche in excess of the Pro Rata Fraction of the Initial Tranche that did not become vested in respect of the first Fiscal Year.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that an EBITDA Target is not achieved in a particular Fiscal Year, then that portion of the Performance Option that was eligible to vest but failed to vest due to the Company’s failure to achieve its EBITDA Target shall nevertheless vest and become exercisable at the end of any subsequent Fiscal Years if the cumulative EBITDA Target set forth on Schedule A attached hereto (each a “ Cumulative EBITDA Target ”) is achieved on a cumulative basis at the end of such Fiscal Year with respect to all then completed Fiscal Years.  For the avoidance of doubt, except as otherwise provided in Section 3.1(b) below, no portion of the Performance Option shall become vested and exercisable at any time unless the Optionee remains employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through the date on which it is determined that the applicable EBITDA Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year has been achieved.

(b)

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, upon a termination of the Optionee’s employment at any time by reason of death or Disability:

(i)

that 25% portion of the Time Option that would have become exercisable on the next anniversary date of the  Grant Date if the Optionee had remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through such date will become vested and exercisable; and

(ii)

that portion of the Performance Option, if any, that would have become exercisable in respect of the Fiscal Year in which the Optionee’s employment terminates if the Optionee had remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through such date, shall remain outstanding through the date the Company determines whether the Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is met for such Fiscal Year, and shall become exercisable on such date if and only if , and only to the extent that, the Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is met for such Fiscal Year in accordance with Section 3.1(a)(ii) above; provided, however , that if such Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is not met for such Fiscal Year, that portion of the Performance Option shall remain unvested and shall be forfeited upon such date.


(c)

Notwithstanding any of Section 3.1(a) or (b) above, upon the earlier occurrence of a Change in Control:

(i)

the Time Option shall become immediately exercisable as to 100% of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option immediately prior to a Change in Control (but only to the extent such Option has not otherwise terminated or become exercisable); and



5







(ii)

the Performance Option shall become immediately exercisable as to 100% of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option immediately prior to a Change in Control (but only to the extent such Option has not otherwise terminated or become exercisable) if as a result of the Change in Control, (x) the Sponsor achieves the Sponsor IRR on 100% of the Sponsors’ aggregate investment, directly or indirectly, in the equity securities of the Company (the “Sponsor Shares”) and (y) the Sponsor earns a Sponsor Return on 100% of the Sponsor Shares; provided, however, that in the event that there occurs a Change in Control wherein more than 50% but less than 100% of the Common Stock or other voting securities of the Company or Buck Holdings, L.P. is sold or otherwise disposed of, then, the Performance Option will become vested (to the extent not already previously vested pursuant to Section 3.1(a)) up to the same percentage of Sponsor Shares on which such Sponsor Return and Sponsor IRR has been so achieved.

(d)

Notwithstanding the foregoing but except as provided in Section 3.1(b), no Option shall become exercisable as to any additional shares of Common Stock following the termination of employment of the Optionee for any reason and any Option, which is unexercisable as of the Optionee’s termination of employment, shall immediately expire without payment therefor.

(e)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 3.1 or of this Agreement, in the event that the Optionee does not contribute to the Company, in exchange for shares of Common Stock, the Minimum Investment, as set forth on Schedule B hereof, no portion of the Time Option or the Performance Option shall become vested and exercisable, and the Option will expire, without payment therefor, on the earlier to occur of a Change in Control or the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date.

Section 3.2.

Expiration of Option

Except as otherwise provided in Section 5 or 6 of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement, the Optionee may not exercise the Option to any extent after the first to occur of the following events:

(a)

The tenth anniversary of the Grant Date so long as the Optionee remains employed with the Company or any Service Recipient through such date;

(b)

The first anniversary of the date of7 the Optionee’s termination of employment with the Company and all Service Recipients, if the Optionee’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability (unless earlier terminated as provided in Section 3.2(h) below);

(c)

Immediately upon the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients for Cause;

(d)

Immediately upon the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients by the Optionee without Good Reason (except due to death or Disability);

(e)

Ninety (90) days after the date of an Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients without Cause (for any reason other than as set forth in Section 3.2(b));

(f)

Ninety (90) days after the date of an Optionee’s termination of employment with the Company and all Service Recipients by the Optionee for Good Reason;



6







(g)

The date the Option is terminated pursuant to Section 6 or 7 of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement; or

(h)

At the discretion of the Company, if the Committee so determines pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan.

ARTICLE IV

 

EXERCISE OF OPTION


Section 4.1.

Person Eligible to Exercise

During the lifetime of the Optionee, only the Optionee (or his or her duly authorized legal representative) may exercise an Option or any portion thereof.  After the death of the Optionee, any exercisable portion of an Option may, prior to the time when an Option becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2, be exercised by his personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the Optionee’s will or under the then applicable laws of descent and distribution.

Section 4.2.

Partial Exercise

Any exercisable portion of an Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to the time when the Option or portion thereof becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2; provided , however , that any partial exercise shall be for whole shares of Common Stock only.

Section 4.3.

Manner of Exercise

An Option, or any exercisable portion thereof, may be exercised solely by delivering to the Secretary or his or her office or designee all of the following prior to the time when the Option or such portion becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2:

(a)

Notice in writing signed by the Optionee or the other person then entitled to exercise the Option or portion thereof, stating that the Option or portion thereof is thereby exercised, such notice complying with all applicable rules established by the Committee;

(b)

(i) Full payment (in cash or by check or by a combination thereof) for the shares with respect to which such Option or portion thereof is exercised or (ii) indication that the Optionee elects to have the number of Shares that would otherwise be issued to the Optionee reduced by a number of Shares having an equivalent Fair Market Value to the payment that would otherwise be made by Optionee to the Company pursuant to clause (i) of this subsection (b);

(c)

(i) Full payment (in cash or by check or by a combination thereof) to satisfy the minimum withholding tax obligation with respect to which such Option or portion thereof is exercised; or (ii) solely in the event that the Optionee’s employment terminates under circumstances identified in Section 3.2(b), (e) or (f) above, notice in writing that the Optionee elects to have the number of Shares that would otherwise be issued to the Optionee reduced by a number of Shares having an equivalent Fair Market Value to the payment that would otherwise be made by Optionee to the Company pursuant to clause (i) of this subsection (c);

(d)

A bona fide written representation and agreement, in a form satisfactory to the Committee, signed by the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise such Option or portion



7






thereof, stating that the shares of Common Stock are being acquired for his own account, for investment and without any present intention of distributing or reselling said shares or any of them except as may be permitted under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Act ”), and then applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and that the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise such Option or portion thereof will indemnify the Company against and hold it free and harmless from any loss, damage, expense or liability resulting to the Company if any sale or distribution of the shares by such person is contrary to the representation and agreement referred to above; provided , however , that the Committee may, in its reasonable discretion, take whatever additional actions it deems reasonably necessary to ensure the observance and performance of such representation and agreement and to effect compliance with the Act and any other federal or state securities laws or regulations; and

(e)

In the event the Option or portion thereof shall be exercised pursuant to Section 4.1 by any person or persons other than the Optionee, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the option.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee may require an opinion of counsel acceptable to it to the effect that any subsequent transfer of shares acquired on exercise of an Option does not violate the Act, and may issue stop-transfer orders covering such shares.  Share certificates evidencing stock issued on exercise of this Option shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the provisions of subsection (d) above and the agreements herein. The written representation and agreement referred to in subsection (d) above shall, however, not be required if the shares to be issued pursuant to such exercise have been registered under the Act, and such registration is then effective in respect of such shares.

Section 4.4.

Conditions to Issuance of Stock Certificates

The shares of stock deliverable upon the exercise of an Option, or any portion thereof, may be either previously authorized but unissued shares or issued shares, which have then been reacquired by the Company.  Such shares shall be fully paid and nonassessable.  The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for shares of stock purchased (if certificated, or if not certificated, register the issuance of such shares on its books and records) upon the exercise of an Option or portion thereof prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions:

(a)

The obtaining of approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its reasonable and good faith discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

(b)

The execution by the Optionee of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement; and

(c)

The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of the Option as the Committee may from time to time establish for reasons of administrative convenience or as may otherwise be required by applicable law.

Section 4.5.

Rights as Stockholder

Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.4 of this Agreement, the holder of an Option shall not be, nor have any of the rights or privileges of, a stockholder of the Company in respect of any shares purchasable upon the exercise of the Option or any portion thereof unless and until certificates representing such shares shall have been issued by the Company to such holder or the Shares have otherwise been recorded in the records of the Company as owned by such holder.



8






ARTICLE V

 

MISCELLANEOUS


Section 5.1.

Administration

The Committee shall have the power to interpret the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules.  All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee shall be final and binding upon the Optionee, the Company and all other interested persons.  No member of the Committee shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or the Option.  In its absolute discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Committee under the Plan and this Agreement.

Section 5.2.

Option Not Transferable

Neither the Option nor any interest or right therein or part thereof shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of the Optionee or his successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect; provided, however, that this Section 5.2 shall not prevent transfers by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution.

Section 5.3.

Notices

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company shall be addressed to the Company in care of its Secretary, and any notice to be given to the Optionee shall be addressed to him at the address given beneath his signature hereto.  By a notice given pursuant to this Section 5.3, either party may hereafter designate a different address for notices to be given to him.  Any notice, which is required to be given to the Optionee, shall, if the Optionee is then deceased, be given to the Optionee’s personal representative if such representative has previously informed the Company of his status and address by written notice under this Section 5.3.  Any notice shall have been deemed duly given when (i) delivered in person, (ii) enclosed in a properly sealed envelope or wrapper addressed as aforesaid, deposited (with postage prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service, or (iii) enclosed in a properly sealed envelope or wrapper addressed as aforesaid, deposited (with fees prepaid) in an office regularly maintained by FedEx, UPS, or comparable non-public mail carrier.

Section 5.4.

Titles; Pronouns

Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.  The masculine pronoun shall include the feminine and neuter, and the singular the plural, where the context so indicates.

Section 5.5.

Applicability of Plan and Management Stockholder’s Agreement

The Option and the shares of Common Stock issued to the Optionee upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to all of the terms and provisions of the Plan and the Management Stockholder’s Agreement, to the extent applicable to the Option and such Shares.



9







Section 5.6.

Amendment

Subject to Section 10 of the Plan, this Agreement may be amended only by a writing executed by the parties hereto, which specifically states that it is amending this Agreement.

Section 5.7.

Governing Law

The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the interpretation, validity and performance of the terms of this Agreement regardless of the law that might be applied under principles of conflicts of laws.

Section 5.8.

Arbitration

In the event of any controversy among the parties hereto arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement which cannot be settled amicably by the parties, such controversy shall be finally, exclusively and conclusively settled by mandatory arbitration conducted expeditiously in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules, by a single independent arbitrator.  Such arbitration process shall take place within the Nashville, Tennessee metropolitan area.  The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding upon all parties hereto and shall be rendered pursuant to a written decision, which contains a detailed recital of the arbitrator’s reasoning.  Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  Each party shall bear its own legal fees and expenses, unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.



[ Signatures on next pages .]



10






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered by the parties hereto.

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ S. Lanigan

 

 

 

 

Name:

Susan Lanigan

 

 

 

 

Title:

Executive Vice President &

 

 

General Counsel



ADDRESS:


Dollar General Corporation

100 Mission Ridge

Goodlettsville, TN 37072
































[Signature Page of Stock Option Agreement]



11







 

OPTIONEE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John W. Flanigan

 

John W. Flanigan

 

 

 

ADDRESS:

 

 

 

3100 West End Circle, Apt. 303

 

Nashville, TN 37203













[Signature Page of Stock Option Agreement]




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Schedule A to Stock Option Agreement

Annual EBITDA Targets and Cumulative EBITDA Targets


 

Fiscal Year

 

Annual Performance Target

Cumulative EBITDA Target

2010

 

[    ]

N/A

2011

 

[    ]

[    ]

2012

 

[    ]

[    ]

2013

 

[    ]

[    ]

2014

 

[    ]

[    ]

2015

 

N/A

[    ]


"EBITDA" shall mean earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization plus transaction, management and/or similar fees paid to the Sponsor and/or its Affiliates. The Board shall, fairly and appropriately, adjust the calculation of EBITDA to reflect, to the extent not contemplated in the management plan, the following: acquisitions, divestitures, any change required by GAAP relating to share-based compensation or for other changes in GAAP promulgated by accounting standard setters that, in each case, the Board in good faith determines require adjustment of EBITDA. The Board’s determination of such adjustment shall be based on the Company’s accounting as set forth in its books and records and on the financial plan of the Company pursuant to which the Annual Performance Targets were originally established.

If the Company makes an acquisition in any year, the Annual Performance Target for such year and Cumulative EBITDA Target for such year and subsequent years will be adjusted, fairly and appropriately, by the amount of EBITDA in the plan for the target presented to the Board at the time the acquisition is approved by the Board. Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative EBITDA Targets will also be fairly and appropriately adjusted by the Board, in consultation with management, to the extent not contemplated in the plan for the following: any divestitures, major capital investment programs, any change required by GAAP relating to share-based compensation or other changes in GAAP promulgated by accounting standard setters. In the event that any of the foregoing action is taken, such adjustment shall be only the amount deemed reasonably necessary by the Board, in the exercise of its good faith judgment, after consultation of the Company’s accountants, to accurately reflect the direct and measurable effect such event has on such Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative EBITDA Targets. The intent of such adjustments is to keep the probability of achieving the Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative EBITDA Targets the same as if the event triggering such adjustment had not occurred. The Board’s determination of such necessary adjustment shall be made within 60 days following the completion or closing of such event, and shall be based on the Company’s accounting as set forth in its books and records and on the Company’s financial plan pursuant to which the Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative EBITDA Targets were originally established.








Schedule B to Stock Option Agreement

Grant Date :

March 24, 2010

Exercise Price of Options :

$25.25

Option Grants :


Aggregate number of shares of Common Stock

for which the Time Option granted hereunder is

exercisable:

49,759


Aggregate number of shares of Common Stock

for which the Performance Option

granted hereunder is exercisable:

 

49,759


Minimum Investment :

$158,325.00






SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

This Subscription Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of March 24, 2010 among Dollar General Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (the “ Company ”), and the undersigned person (the “ Management Stockholder ”) (the Company and the Management Stockholder being hereinafter collectively referred to as the “ Parties ”).  All capitalized terms not immediately defined are hereinafter defined in Section 4(b) of this Agreement.

WHEREAS, the Management Stockholder has been selected by the Company (i) to purchase additional shares of Common Stock, $0.875 par value per share (the “ Common Stock ”), from the Company for cash (the “ Purchased Stock ”); and (ii) to receive additional options to purchase shares of Common Stock (the “ Options ”) pursuant to the terms set forth below and the terms of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates (the “ Option Plan ”) and the Stock Option Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, entered into by and between the Company and the Management Stockholder (the “ Option Agreement ”); and

WHEREAS, prior to the date hereof, the Management Stockholder purchased shares of Common Stock and received options to purchase Common Stock (the “ Prior Investment ”) and, in connection therewith, the Management Stockholder entered into a Management Stockholder’s Agreement with the Company (a “ Management Stockholder’s Agreement ”) and a Sale Participation Agreement (as defined herein).

NOW THEREFORE, to implement the foregoing and in consideration of the mutual agreements contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

1.

Issuance of Purchased Shares; Options.

(a)

Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Management Stockholder hereby subscribes for and shall purchase, as of the date the Company receives such purchase price from the Management Stockholder prior to 5 p.m. GMT (such time, the “ Close of Business ”), or if the purchase price is received following the Close of Business, the next business day thereafter (either such date, the “ Effective Date ”), and the Company shall issue and deliver to the Management Stockholder as of the Effective Date, the number of shares of Purchased Stock at a per share purchase price (such price, with respect to the shares of Purchased Stock, the “ Base Price ”), in each case as set forth on Schedule I hereto.

(b)

As set forth in the Option Plan and the Option Agreement, as of March 24, 2010 the Company granted to the Management Stockholder Options to acquire the number of shares of Common Stock as set forth on Schedule I hereto, at an initial per share exercise price equal to the Base Price, and the Parties shall, to the extent not previously done so, execute and deliver to each other copies of the Option Agreement.

(c)

The Company shall have no obligation to sell any Purchased Stock to any person who (i) is a resident or citizen of a state or other jurisdiction in which the sale of the Common Stock to him or her would constitute a violation of the securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdiction or (ii) is not an employee or director of the Company or its subsidiaries as of the Effective Date.



[ Signature page to Subscription Agreement ]






 

2.

      Management Stockholder’s Representations, Warranties and Agreements .

(a)

        The Management Stockholder agrees and acknowledges that he will not, directly or indirectly, offer, transfer, sell, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of (any of the foregoing acts being referred to herein as a “ transfer ”) any shares of Purchased Stock and, at the time of exercise, Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Options (“ Option Stock ”; together with all Purchased Stock and any other Common Stock otherwise acquired and/or held by the Management Stockholder Entities as of or after the date hereof, “ Stock ”), except as otherwise provided for in the Management Stockholder’s Agreement.  If the Management Stockholder is an Affiliate of the Company, the Management Stockholder also agrees and acknowledges that he or she will not transfer any shares of the Stock unless:

(i)  the transfer is pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations in effect thereunder (the “ Act ”), and in compliance with applicable provisions of state securities laws; or

(ii)  (A) counsel for the Management Stockholder (which counsel shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company) shall have furnished the Company with an opinion or other advice, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, that no such registration is required because of the availability of an exemption from registration under the Act and (B) if the Management Stockholder is a citizen or resident of any country other than the United States, or the Management Stockholder desires to effect any transfer in any such country, counsel for the Management Stockholder (which counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company) shall have furnished the Company with an opinion or other advice reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company to the effect that such transfer will comply with the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

(b)

        The Management Stockholder acknowledges that he has been advised that (i) a restrictive legend in the form heretofore set forth shall be placed on the certificates (if any) representing the Stock and (ii) a notation shall be made in the appropriate records of the Company indicating that the Stock is subject to restrictions on transfer and appropriate stop transfer restrictions will be issued to the Company’s transfer agent, if any, with respect to the Stock.  

(c)

        If any shares of the Stock are to be disposed of in accordance with Rule 144 under the Act or otherwise, the Management Stockholder shall promptly notify the Company of such intended disposition and shall deliver to the Company at or prior to the time of such disposition such documentation as the Company may reasonably request in connection with such sale and take any actions reasonably requested by the Coordination Committee prior to any such sale (provided that such instructions shall not have a disproportionate adverse impact on the Management Stockholder vis-á-vis any other shareholders of the Company or limited partners of Parent) and, in the case of a disposition pursuant to Rule 144, shall deliver to the Company an executed copy of any notice on Form 144 required to be filed with the SEC.

(d)

        The Management Stockholder agrees that, if any shares of the Stock are offered to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Act (other than registration of securities issued on Form S-8, S-4 or any successor or similar form), the



[ Signature page to Subscription Agreement ]






Management Stockholder will not effect any public sale or distribution of any shares of the Stock not covered by such registration statement from the time of the receipt of a notice from the Company that the Company has filed or imminently intends to file such registration statement to, or within 180 days (or such shorter period as may be consented to by the managing underwriter or underwriters) in the case of the IPO and 90 days (or in an underwritten offering such shorter period as may be consented to by the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any) in the case of any other Public Offering after, the effective date of such registration statement, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Company.

(e)

        The Management Stockholder represents and warrants that (i) with respect to the Purchased Stock and Option Stock, the Management Stockholder has received and reviewed the available information relating to such Stock, including having received and reviewed the documents related thereto, certain of which documents set forth the rights, preferences and restrictions relating to the Options and the Stock underlying the Options and the Management Stockholder has relied solely on such information.

(f)

        The Management Stockholder further represents and warrants that (i) the Management Stockholder’s financial condition is such that the Management Stockholder can afford to bear the economic risk of holding the Stock for an indefinite period of time and has adequate means for providing for the Management Stockholder’s current needs and personal contingencies, (ii) the Management Stockholder can afford to suffer a complete loss of his or her investment in the Stock, (iii) the Management Stockholder understands and has taken cognizance of all risk factors related to the purchase of the Stock, and (iv) the Management Stockholder’s knowledge and experience in financial and business matters are such that the Management Stockholder is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the Management Stockholder’s purchase of the Stock as contemplated by this Agreement.

(g)

        For avoidance of doubt, the Stock shall constitute “Stock” for purposes of the Management Stockholders Agreement.

3.

     The Company’s Representations and Warranties and Covenants .  The Company represents and warrants to the Management Stockholder that (i) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and is enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms and (ii) the Stock, when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms hereof and the other agreements contemplated hereby, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

4.

     Definitions .

(a)

Definitions .  All capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not defined herein shall have such meaning as such terms are defined in the Option Plan.  Terms used herein and as listed below shall be defined as follows:

Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations in effect thereunder.

 “ Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.



[ Signature page to Subscription Agreement ]







Base Price ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(a) hereof.

“Close of Business” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(a) hereof.

Common Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first recital.

Company ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Effective Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(a) hereof.

Investors ” shall mean, collectively, the KKR 2006 Fund L.P. and its affiliated investment funds, KKR PEI Investments, L.P., GS Capital Partners VI Fund, L.P., GS Capital Partners VI Parallel, L.P., GS Capital Partners VI GmbH& Co. KG, GS Capital Partners VI Offshore Fund, L.P. and Goldman Sachs DGC Investors, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II Employee Master Fund, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II 2007 Citigroup Investment, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II Onshore, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II Cayman Holdings, L.P. and CPE Co-Investment (Dollar General LLC) and certain other investors in Parent.

Management Stockholder ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Management Stockholder’s Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the second recital.

Options ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first recital.

Option Plan ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first recital.

Option Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.

Parties ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Person ” shall mean “person,” as such term is used for purposes of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act.

Public Offering ” shall mean the sale of shares of Common Stock to the public subsequent to the date hereof pursuant to a registration statement under the Act which has been declared effective by the SEC (other than a registration statement on Form S-4, S-8 or any other similar form).

Purchased Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first recital.

Sale Participation Agreement ” shall mean that certain sale participation agreement entered into by and between the Management Stockholder and the Investors.

Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.

5.

      Rights to Negotiate Repurchase Price .  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to restrict or prohibit the Company from purchasing, redeeming or otherwise acquiring for value shares of Stock or Options from the Management Stockholder, at any time, upon such terms and conditions, and for such price, as may be mutually agreed upon in



[ Signature page to Subscription Agreement ]






writing between the Parties, whether or not at the time of such purchase, redemption or acquisition circumstances exist which specifically grant the Company the right to purchase, or the Management Stockholder the right to sell, shares of Stock or any Options under the terms of this Agreement; provided that no such purchase, redemption or acquisition shall be consummated, and no agreement with respect to any such purchase, redemption or acquisition shall be entered into, without the prior approval of the Board.

6.

     Recapitalizations, etc.  The provisions of this Agreement shall apply, to the full extent set forth herein with respect to the Stock or the Options, to any and all shares of capital stock of the Company or any capital stock, partnership units or any other security evidencing ownership interests in any successor or assign of the Company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise) which may be issued in respect of, in exchange for, or substitution of the Stock or the Options by reason of any stock dividend, split, reverse split, combination, recapitalization, liquidation, reclassification, merger, consolidation or otherwise.

7.

     Management Stockholder’s Employment by the Company .  Nothing contained in this Agreement or in any other agreement entered into by the Company and the Management Stockholder contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement (i) obligates the Company or any subsidiary of the Company to employ the Management Stockholder in any capacity whatsoever or (ii) prohibits or restricts the Company (or any such subsidiary) from terminating the employment of the Management Stockholder at any time or for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause, and the Management Stockholder hereby acknowledges and agrees that neither the Company nor any other person has made any representations or promises whatsoever to the Management Stockholder concerning the Management Stockholder’s employment or continued employment by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company.

8.

     Binding Effect .  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and accrue to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.  No provision of this Agreement is intended to or shall confer upon any Person other than the Parties any rights or remedies hereunder or with respect hereto.

9.

     Amendment .  This Agreement may be amended by the Company at any time upon notice to the Management Stockholder thereof.

10.

     Closing .  Except as otherwise provided herein, the closing of each purchase and sale of shares of Stock pursuant to this Agreement shall take place at the principal office of the Company on the tenth business day following delivery of the notice by either Party to the other of its exercise of the right to purchase or sell such Stock hereunder.

11.

     Applicable Law; Jurisdiction; Arbitration; Legal Fees .

(a)

        The laws of the State of Tennessee applicable to contracts executed and to be performed entirely in such state shall govern the interpretation, validity and performance of the terms of this Agreement.

(b)

        In the event of any controversy among the parties hereto arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement which cannot be settled amicably by the parties, such controversy shall be finally, exclusively and conclusively settled by mandatory arbitration



[ Signature page to Subscription Agreement ]






conducted expeditiously in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules by a single independent arbitrator.  Such arbitration process shall take place in Nashville, TN. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding upon all parties hereto and shall be rendered pursuant to a written decision, which contains a detailed recital of the arbitrator’s reasoning.  Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

(c)

        In the event of any arbitration or other disputes with regard to this Agreement or any other document or agreement referred to herein, each Party shall pay its own legal fees and expenses, unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.    

12.

    Miscellaneous .

(a)

        In this Agreement all references to “dollars” or “$” are to United States dollars and the masculine pronoun shall include the feminine and neuter, and the singular the plural, where the context so indicates.

(b)

        If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared illegal, void or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect.

13.

    Notices .  All notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing.  Any notice or other communication hereunder shall be deemed duly given (i) upon electronic confirmation of facsimile, (ii) one (1) business day following the date sent when sent by overnight delivery and (iii) five (5) business days following the date mailed when mailed by registered or certified mail return receipt requested and postage prepaid, in each case as follows:

(a)

      If to the Company, to it at the following address:

Dollar General Corporation
100 Mission Ridge
Goodlettsville, TN  37072
Attention:  General Counsel
Telecopy:  (615) 855-5180


with copies to:

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.
2800 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Attention:  Michael Calbert
Telecopy:  (650) 233-6553

and

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attention:  Marni J. Lerner, Esq.
Telecopy:  (212) 455-2502



[ Signature page to Subscription Agreement ]







(b)

        If to the Management Stockholder, to the Management Stockholder at the address set forth below under the Management Stockholder’s signature;

or at such other address as either party shall have specified by notice in writing to the other.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

 

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

 



 

By:

/s/ S. Lanigan

 

 

Name: Susan S. Lanigan

 

 

Title:    Executive Vice President and

           General Counsel


 

 

 

 

 

MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDER

 

 


/s/ John W. Flanigan

 

Name:

John W. Flanigan

 

Address:

3100 West End Circle, Apt. 303

 

 

Nashville, TN 37203





[ Signature page to Subscription Agreement ]






Schedule I



Management Stockholder:   John W. Flanigan



PURCHASED STOCK


Number of shares of Purchased Stock:  5,388


Base Price: $ 29.38


OPTIONS


Number of shares of Common Stock underlying Options:  99,518









MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDER’S AGREEMENT

This Management Stockholder’s Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of the date indicated on Schedule I hereto (the “ Effective Date ”) among Dollar General Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (the “ Company ”), Buck Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ Parent ”), and the undersigned person (the “ Management Stockholder ”) (the Company, Parent and the Management Stockholder being hereinafter collectively referred to as the “ Parties ”).  All capitalized terms not immediately defined are hereinafter defined in Section 7(b) of this Agreement.

WHEREAS , the Management Stockholder has been selected by the Company (i) to be permitted to transfer to the Company cash in exchange for shares of Common Stock (the “ Purchased Stock ”); and/or (ii) to receive options to purchase shares of Common Stock (the “ Options ”) pursuant to the terms set forth below and the terms of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates, as such Plan may be amended from time to time (the “ Option Plan ”), and the Stock Option Agreement dated as of the Effective Date, entered into by and between the Company and the Management Stockholder (the “ Stock Option Agreement ”); and

WHEREAS , this Agreement is one of several other agreements (“ Other Management Stockholders Agreements ”) which have in the past, concurrently with the execution hereof or in the future will be entered into between the Company and other individuals who are or will be key employees of the Company or one of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “ Other Management Stockholders ”).

NOW THEREFORE , to implement the foregoing and in consideration of the mutual agreements contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

1.

Issuance of Purchased Shares; Options .

(a)

Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Management Stockholder hereby subscribes for and shall purchase, as of the Effective Date, and the Company shall issue, as of the Effective Date,  and deliver promptly thereafter to the Management Stockholder (if such shares are issued in certificated form) the number of shares of Purchased Stock equal to the investment amount set forth on the Management Stockholder’s signature page hereto divided by the  per share purchase price which shall equal the Fair Market Value on the Effective Date (the “ Base Price ”), payable by the Management Stockholder on the Effective Date by check payable to Dollar General Corporation.

(b)

Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth and as set forth in the Option Plan, the Company will grant to the Management Stockholder Options to acquire shares of Common Stock, at an initial per share exercise price equal to the Fair Market Value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date the Options are granted (the “ Grant Date ”), and the Parties shall execute and deliver to each other copies of the Stock Option Agreement.

(c)

The Company shall have no obligation to sell any Purchased Stock to any person who (i) is a resident or citizen of a state or other jurisdiction in which the sale of the Common Stock to him or her would constitute a violation of the securities or “blue sky”




2


laws of such jurisdiction or (ii) is not an employee or director of the Company or its subsidiaries as of the date of such sale.

2.

Management Stockholder’s Representations, Warranties and Agreements.

(a)

The Management Stockholder agrees and acknowledges that he will not, directly or indirectly, offer, transfer, sell, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of (any of the foregoing acts being referred to herein as a “ transfer ”) any shares of Purchased Stock and, at the time of exercise, Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Options (“ Option Stock ”; together with all Purchased Stock and any other Common Stock otherwise acquired and/or held by the Management Stockholder Entities as of or after the date hereof, “ Stock ”), except as otherwise provided for in this Section 2(a) below and Section 3 hereof.  If the Management Stockholder is an Affiliate of the Company, the Management Stockholder also agrees and acknowledges that he or she will not transfer any shares of the Stock unless:

(i)

the transfer is pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations in effect thereunder (the “ Act ”), and in compliance with applicable provisions of state securities laws; or

(ii)

(A) counsel for the Management Stockholder (which counsel shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company) shall have furnished the Company with an opinion or other advice, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, that no such registration is required because of the availability of an exemption from registration under the Act and (B) if the Management Stockholder is a citizen or resident of any country other than the United States, or the Management Stockholder desires to effect any transfer in any such country, counsel for the Management Stockholder (which counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company) shall have furnished the Company with an opinion or other advice reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company to the effect that such transfer will comply with the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company acknowledges and agrees that any of the following transfers of Stock are deemed to be in compliance with the Act and this Agreement (including without limitation any restrictions or prohibitions herein) and no opinion of counsel is required in connection therewith: (1) a transfer made pursuant to Sections 3, 4, 5, 6 or 9 hereof, (2) a transfer (x) upon the death or Disability of the Management Stockholder to the Management Stockholder’s Estate or (y) a transfer to the executors, administrators, testamentary trustees, legatees, immediate family members or beneficiaries of a person who has become a holder of Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided that it is expressly understood that any such transferee shall be bound by the provisions of this Agreement, (3) a transfer made after the date hereof in compliance with the federal securities laws to a Management Stockholder’s Trust, provided that such transfer is made expressly subject to this Agreement and that the transferee agrees in writing to be bound by the terms and conditions hereof as a “Management Stockholder” with respect to the representations and warranties and other obligations of this Agreement, and provided further that it is expressly understood and agreed that if such Management Stockholder’s Trust at any point includes any person or entity other than the Management Stockholder, his spouse (or ex-spouse) or his lineal descendants (including adopted children) such that it fails to meet the definition thereof as set forth in Section 7(b) hereof, such transfer shall no longer be deemed in compliance with this Agreement and shall be subject to Section 3(d) below, (4) a transfer of Stock made by the Management Stockholder to Other Management Stockholders, provided that it is




3


expressly understood that any such transferee(s) shall be bound by the provisions of this Agreement (in addition to the provisions set forth in any Other Management Stockholders Agreement to which such Other Management Stockholders are a party), and (5) a transfer made by the Management Stockholder, with the Board’s approval, to the Company or any subsidiary of the Company.

(b)

The certificate (or certificates) representing the Stock, if any, shall bear the following legend:

“THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF UNLESS SUCH TRANSFER, SALE, ASSIGNMENT, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION OR OTHER DISPOSITION COMPLIES WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDER’S AGREEMENT AMONG DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION (THE “COMPANY”), BUCK HOLDINGS, L.P., AND THE MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDER NAMED ON THE FACE HEREOF OR THE SALE PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT AMONG SUCH MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDER AND BUCK HOLDINGS, L.P., IN EACH CASE DATED AS OF [EFFECTIVE DATE] (COPIES OF WHICH ARE ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY) AND ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.”

(c)

The Management Stockholder acknowledges that he has been advised that (i) a restrictive legend in the form heretofore set forth shall be placed on the certificates (if any) representing the Stock and (ii) a notation shall be made in the appropriate records of the Company indicating that the Stock is subject to restrictions on transfer and appropriate stop transfer restrictions will be issued to the Company’s transfer agent, if any, with respect to the Stock.

(d)

If any shares of the Stock are to be disposed of in accordance with Rule 144 under the Act or otherwise, the Management Stockholder shall promptly notify the Company of such intended disposition and shall deliver to the Company at or prior to the time of such disposition such documentation as the Company may reasonably request in connection with such sale and take any actions reasonably requested by the Coordination Committee prior to any such sale (provided that such instructions shall not have a disproportionate adverse impact on the Management Stockholder vis-á-vis any other shareholders of the Company or limited partners of Parent) and, in the case of a disposition pursuant to Rule 144, shall deliver to the Company an executed copy of any notice on Form 144 required to be filed with the SEC.

(e)

The Management Stockholder agrees that, if any shares of the Stock are offered to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Act (other than registration of securities issued on Form S-8, S-4 or any successor or similar form), the Management Stockholder will not effect any public sale or distribution of any shares of the Stock not covered by such registration statement from the time of the receipt of a notice from the Company that the Company has filed or imminently intends to file such registration statement to, or within 180 days (or such shorter period as may be consented to by the managing underwriter or underwriters) in the case of the IPO and 90 days (or in an underwritten offering such shorter period as may be consented to by the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any) in the case of any other Public Offering after, the




4


effective date of such registration statement, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Company.

(f)

The Management Stockholder represents and warrants that (i) with respect to the Purchased Stock and Option Stock, the Management Stockholder has received and reviewed the available information relating to such Stock, including having received and reviewed the documents related thereto, certain of which documents set forth the rights, preferences and restrictions relating to the Options and the Stock underlying the Options and the Management Stockholder has relied solely on such information.

(g)

The Management Stockholder further represents and warrants that (i) the Management Stockholder’s financial condition is such that the Management Stockholder can afford to bear the economic risk of holding the Stock for an indefinite period of time and has adequate means for providing for the Management Stockholder’s current needs and personal contingencies, (ii) the Management Stockholder can afford to suffer a complete loss of his or her investment in the Stock, (iii) the Management Stockholder understands and has taken cognizance of all risk factors related to the purchase of the Stock, and (iv) the Management Stockholder’s knowledge and experience in financial and business matters are such that the Management Stockholder is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the Management Stockholder’s purchase of the Stock as contemplated by this Agreement.

3.

Transferability of Stock .  

(a)

The Management Stockholder agrees that he or she will not transfer any shares of Stock at any time during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date; provided , however , that during such period, the Management Stockholder may transfer shares of Stock during such time pursuant to one of the following exceptions: (i) transfers permitted by Sections 5 or 6; (ii) transfers permitted by clauses (2), (3) and (4) of Section 2(a); (iii) a sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Act filed by the Company upon the proper exercise of registration rights, if any, of such Management Stockholder under Section 9 (excluding any registration on Form S-8, S-4 or any successor or similar form); (iv) transfers permitted pursuant to the Sale Participation Agreement (as defined in Section 7(b));  (v) transfers permitted by the Board or (vi) transfers to Parent or its designee (any such exception, a “ Permitted Transfer ”).  In addition, during the period commencing on the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date through the earlier of a Change of Control or consummation of a Qualified Public Offering, the Management Stockholder may only transfer shares of Stock in compliance with Section 4.

(b)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (i) Section 3(a) shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the occurrence of a Change in Control and (ii) upon the occurrence of any sale or other disposition of any percentage of limited partnership units of Parent held by the Sponsors or their Affiliates who are limited partners of Parent, the restrictions on transfer of shares of Common Stock contained in Section 3(a) shall cease to be of any further force or effect with respect to the percentage of shares of Common Stock held by the Management Stockholder Entities equal to the quotient of the number of limited partnership units of Parent sold or disposed of by the Sponsors or such Affiliates in such transaction divided by the aggregate number of Limited Partnership Units owned by the Sponsors or such Affiliates prior to such transaction, and for the avoidance of doubt, such transfer restrictions shall continue to apply to the remaining shares of Common Stock held by the Management Stockholder Entities.




5




(c)

No transfer of any such shares in violation hereof shall be made or recorded on the books of the Company and any such transfer shall be void ab initio and of no effect.

(d)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Parent may, at any time and from time to time, waive the restrictions on transfers contained in Section 3(a), whether such waiver is made prior to or after the transferee has effected or committed to effect the transfer, or has notified Parent of such transfer or commitment to transfer.  Any transfers made pursuant to such waiver or which are later made subject to such a waiver shall, as of the date of the waiver and at all times thereafter, not be deemed to violate any applicable restrictions on transfers contained in this Agreement.

4.

Right of First Refusal .  (a)

If, at any time after the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date and prior to the earlier to occur of a Change of Control or consummation of a Qualified Public Offering, the Management Stockholder proposes to transfer any or all of the Management Stockholder’s Stock to a third party (any such third party, the “ ROFR Transferee ”) (other than any transfer pursuant to clauses (1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) of Section 2(a), to the extent made to a third party), the Management Stockholder shall notify the Company in writing of the Management Stockholder’s intention to transfer such Stock (such written notice, a “ ROFR Notice ”).  The ROFR Notice shall include a true and correct description of the number of shares of Stock to be transferred and the material terms of such proposed transfer and a copy of any proposed documentation to be entered into with any ROFR Transferee in respect of such transfer) and shall contain an irrevocable offer to sell such Stock to the Company or its designees (as provided below) (in the manner set forth below) at a purchase price equal to the minimum price at which the Management Stockholder proposes to transfer such Stock to any ROFR Transferee and on substantially the same terms and conditions as the proposed transfer.  At any time within twenty (20) days after the date of the receipt by the Company of the ROFR Notice, the Company shall have the right and option to purchase, or to arrange for a subsidiary, third party or Affiliate to purchase, all (but not less than all) of the shares of Stock proposed to be transferred to a ROFR Transferee, pursuant to Section 4(b).

(b)

The Company shall have the right and option to purchase, or to arrange for a subsidiary, third party or Affiliate to purchase, all of the shares of Stock proposed to be transferred to any ROFR Transferee at a purchase price equal to the minimum price at which the Management Stockholder proposes to transfer such Stock to any ROFR Transferee and otherwise on substantially the same terms and conditions as the proposed transfer (or, if the proposed transfer to any ROFR Transferee includes any consideration other than cash, then at the sole option of the Company, at the equivalent all cash price, determined in good faith by the Board), by delivering (i) a certified bank check or checks in the appropriate amount (or by wire transfer of immediately available funds, if the Management Stockholder Entities provide to the Company wire transfer instructions) and/or (ii) if the proposed transfer to any ROFR Transferee includes any consideration other than cash, any such non-cash consideration to be paid to the Management Stockholder at the principal office of the Company against delivery of certificates or other instruments representing the shares of Stock so purchased, appropriately endorsed by the Management Stockholder.  If at the end of the 20-day period, the Company has not tendered (or caused to be tendered) the purchase price for such shares in the manner set forth above, the Management Stockholder may, during the succeeding 60-day period, sell not less than all of the shares of Stock proposed to be transferred to any ROFR Transferee (subject to compliance with the other terms of this Agreement) on terms no less




6


favorable to the Management Stockholder than those contained in the ROFR Notice.  Promptly after such sale, the Management Stockholder shall notify the Company of the consummation thereof and shall furnish such evidence of the completion and time of completion of such sale and of the terms thereof as may reasonably be requested by the Company.  If, at the end of sixty (60) days following the expiration of the 20-day period during which the Company is entitled hereunder to purchase the Stock, the Management Stockholder has not completed the sale of such shares of the Stock as aforesaid, all of the restrictions on sale, transfer or assignment contained in this Agreement shall again be in effect with respect to such shares of the Stock.

(c)

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 4 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earlier of occurrence of a Change in Control or a Qualified Public Offering.

5.

The Management Stockholder’s Right to Resell Stock and Options to the Company .

(a)

Except as otherwise provided herein, if, prior to the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date, the Management Stockholder’s employment with the Company (or, if applicable, any of its subsidiaries or affiliates) terminates as a result of the death or Disability of the Management Stockholder, then the applicable Management Stockholder Entity, shall, for 365 days (the “ Put Period ”) following the date of such termination for death or Disability, have the right to:

(i)

With respect to Stock, sell to the Company, and the Company shall be required to purchase, on one occasion, all of the shares of Stock then held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities at a per share price equal to Fair Market Value on the Repurchase Calculation Date (the “ Section 5 Repurchase Price ”); and

(ii)

With respect to any outstanding vested Options, sell to the Company, and the Company shall be required to purchase, on one occasion, all of the vested Options then held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities for an amount equal to the product of (x) the excess, if any, of the Section 5 Repurchase Price over the Option Exercise Price and (y) the number of Exercisable Option Shares, which Options shall be terminated in exchange for such payment.  In the event the Management Stockholder Entity elects to sell under this Section 5(a)(ii) and the foregoing Option Excess Price is zero or a negative number, all outstanding exercisable Options granted to the Management Stockholder shall be automatically terminated without any payment in respect thereof.  In addition, and for the avoidance of doubt, all unvested Options shall be terminated and cancelled without any payment therefor.

(b)

In the event the applicable Management Stockholder Entities intend to exercise their rights pursuant to Section 5(a), such Management Stockholder Entities shall send written notice to the Company, at any time during the Put Period, of their intention to sell shares of Stock in exchange for the payment referred to in Section 5(a)(i) and/or to sell such Options in exchange for the payment referred to in Section 5(a)(ii) and shall indicate the number of shares of Stock to be sold and the number of Options (based on the number of Exercisable Option Shares) to be sold with payment in respect thereof (the “ Redemption Notice ”).  The completion of the purchases shall take place at the principal office of the Company no later than the twentieth (20 th ) business day (such date to be determined by the


7



Company) after the giving of the Redemption Notice.  The applicable Repurchase Price (including any payment with respect to the Options as described above) shall be paid by delivery to the applicable Management Stockholder Entities, at the option of the Company, of a check or checks in the appropriate amount payable to the order of each of the applicable Management Stockholder Entities (or by wire transfer of immediately available funds, if the Management Stockholder Entities provide to the Company wire transfer instructions) against delivery of certificates or other instruments representing the Stock so purchased and appropriate documents cancelling the Options so terminated appropriately endorsed or executed by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities or any duly authorized representative.

(c)

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5 to the contrary, if there exists and is continuing a default or an event of default on the part of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company under any loan, guarantee or other agreement under which the Company or any subsidiary of the Company has borrowed money or if the repurchase referred to in Section 5(a) (or Section 6 below, as the case may be) would result in a default or an event of default on the part of the Company or any affiliate of the Company under any such agreement or if a repurchase would reasonably be expected to be prohibited by the Tennessee Business Corporation Act (“ TBCA ”) or any federal or state securities laws or regulations (or if the Company reincorporates in another state, the business corporation law of such state) (each such occurrence being an “ Event ”), the Company shall not be obligated to repurchase any of the Stock or the Options from the applicable Management Stockholder Entities to the extent it would cause any such default or would be so prohibited by the Event for cash but instead, with respect to such portion with respect to which cash settlement is prohibited, may satisfy its obligations with respect to the Management Stockholder Entities’ exercise of their rights under Section 5(a) by delivering to the applicable Management Stockholder Entity a note with a principal amount equal to the amount payable under this Section 5 that was not paid in cash, having terms acceptable to the Company’s (and its affiliate’s, as applicable) lenders and permitted under the Company’s (and its affiliate’s, as applicable) debt instruments but which in any event: (i) shall be mandatorily repayable promptly and to the extent that an Event no longer prohibits the payment of cash to the applicable Management Stockholder Entity pursuant to this Agreement; and (ii) shall bear interest at a rate equal to the effective rate of interest in respect of the Company’s U.S. dollar-denominated subordinated public debt securities (including any original issue discount).  Notwithstanding the foregoing and subject to Section 5(d), if an Event exists and is continuing for ninety (90) days after the date of the Redemption Notice, the Management Stockholder Entities shall be permitted by written notice to rescind any Redemption Notice with respect to that portion of the Stock and Options repurchased by the Company from the Management Stockholder Entities pursuant to this Section 5 with the note described in the foregoing sentence, and such repurchase shall be rescinded; provided that, upon such rescission, such note shall be immediately canceled without any action on the part of the Company or the Management Stockholder Entities and, notwithstanding anything herein or in such note to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to pay any amounts of principal or interest thereunder.

(d)

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, except for any payment obligation of the Company which has arisen prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control, this Section 5 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the occurrence of such Change in Control.


8



6.

The Company’s Option to Purchase Stock and Options of the Management Stockholder Upon Certain Terminations of Employment .

(a)

Termination for Cause by the Company and other Call Events .  If, (i) prior to the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date, the Management Stockholder’s active employment with the Company (or, if applicable, its subsidiaries or affiliates) is terminated by the Company (or, if applicable, its subsidiaries or affiliates) for Cause or (ii) the Management Stockholder Entities effect a transfer of Stock (or Options) that is prohibited under this Agreement (or the Stock Option Agreements, as applicable), after notice from the Company of such impermissible transfer and a reasonable opportunity to cure such transfer which is not so cured (each event described above, a “ Section 6(a) Call Event ”), then:

(i)

With respect to Stock, the Company may purchase, on one occasion, all or any portion of the shares of Stock then held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities at a per share purchase price equal to the lesser of (x) Base Price (or other applicable price paid by such Management Stockholder Entities for such Stock) and (y) the Fair Market Value on the Repurchase Calculation Date; and

(ii)

with respect to all Options, all Options shall be automatically terminated without any payment in respect thereof upon the occurrence of the Section 6(a) Call Event.

(b)

Termination without Cause by the Company (other than due to his death or Disability), and Termination by the Management Stockholder with Good Reason .  If, prior to the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date, the Management Stockholder’s active employment with the Company (or, if applicable, its subsidiaries or affiliates) is terminated (i) by the Company (or, if applicable, its subsidiaries or affiliates) without Cause (which shall constitute any termination without Cause under any applicable employment agreement) (other than due to his death or Disability), or (ii) by the Management Stockholder with Good Reason (each, a “ Section 6(b) Call Event ”) then:

(i)

With respect to Stock, the Company may purchase all or any portion of the shares of such Stock then held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities at a per share purchase price equal to Fair Market Value on the Repurchase Calculation Date;

(ii)

With respect to any vested Options, the Company may purchase, on one occasion, all or any portion of the exercisable vested Options held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities for an amount equal to the product of (x) the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value on the Repurchase Calculation Date of a share of Stock underlying such Options over the Option Exercise Price and (y) the number of Exercisable Option Shares (solely related to vested Options), which vested Options shall be terminated in exchange for such payment.  In the event the Company elects to repurchase under this Section 6(b)(ii) and the foregoing Option Excess Price is zero or a negative number, all outstanding exercisable vested Options shall be automatically terminated without any payment in respect thereof; and

(iii)

With respect to unvested Options, all outstanding unvested Options shall automatically be terminated without any payment in respect thereof.




9


(c)

Termination for Death or Disability .  if, prior to the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date, the Management Stockholder’s employment with the Company (or, if applicable, its subsidiaries or affiliates) is terminated as a result of the death or Disability of the Management Stockholder (each a “ Section 6(c) Call Event ”), then:

(i)

With respect to Stock, the Company may purchase, on one occasion, all or any portion of the shares of such Stock then held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities at a per share purchase price equal to Fair Market Value on the Repurchase Calculation Date;

(ii)

With respect to any vested Options, the Company may purchase, on one occasion, all or any portion of the exercisable vested Options held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities for an amount equal to the product of (x) the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value on the Repurchase Calculation Date of a share of Stock underlying such Options over the Option Exercise Price and (y) the number of Exercisable Option Shares (solely related to vested Options), which vested Options shall be terminated in exchange for such payment.  In the event the Company elects to repurchase under this Section 6(c)(ii) and the foregoing Option Excess Price is zero or a negative number, all outstanding exercisable vested Options shall be automatically terminated without any payment in respect thereof; and

(iii)

With respect to unvested Options, all outstanding unvested Options shall automatically be terminated without any payment in respect thereof.

(d)

Termination by the Management Stockholder without Good Reason .  If, prior to the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date, the Management Stockholder’s active employment by the Company (and/or, if applicable, its subsidiaries or affiliates) is terminated by the Management Stockholder without Good Reason (a “ Section 6(d) Call Event ”), then:

(i)

With respect to any Purchased Stock, the Company may purchase, on one occasion, all or any portion of the shares of such Purchased Stock then held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities at a per share purchase price equal to the lesser of (x) the Fair Market Value and (y) the sum of (A) the Base Price (or other applicable price paid by such Management Stockholder Entities for such Purchased Stock), plus (B) the Applicable Percentage of the excess of the Fair Market Value over the Base Price (or other applicable price paid by such Management Stockholder Entities for such Purchased Stock), as of the Repurchase Calculation Date;

(ii)

With respect to any Option Stock, the Company may purchase, on one occasion, all or any portion of the shares of such Stock then held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities at a per share purchase price equal to the lesser of (x) the Fair Market Value as of the Repurchase Calculation Date and (y) the applicable per share purchase price paid by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities for such Stock; and

(iii)

With respect to the Options, all such Options (whether or not then exercisable) held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities shall automatically be terminated without any payment in respect thereof.

(e)

Call Notice .  The Company shall have a period (the “ Call Period ”) of one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of any Call Event (or, if later, with respect to a




10


Section 6(a) Call Event, the date after discovery of, and the applicable cure period for, an impermissible transfer constituting a Section 6(a) Call Event) in which to give notice in writing to the Management Stockholder of its election to exercise its rights and obligations pursuant to this Section 6 (“ Repurchase Notice ”).  The completion of the purchases pursuant to the foregoing shall take place at the principal office of the Company no later than the fifteenth (15 th ) business day after the giving of the Repurchase Notice.  The applicable Repurchase Price (including any payment with respect to the Options as described in this Section 6) shall be paid by delivery to the applicable Management Stockholder Entities of a check or checks in the appropriate amount payable to the order of each of the applicable Management Stockholder Entities (or by wire transfer of immediately available funds, if the Management Stockholder Entities provide to the Company wire transfer instructions) against delivery of certificates or other instruments representing the Stock so purchased and appropriate documents canceling the Options so terminated, appropriately endorsed or executed by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities or any duly authorized representative.

(f)

Use of Note to Satisfy Call Payment .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6 to the contrary, if there exists and is continuing any Event, the Company will, to the extent it has exercised its rights to purchase Stock or Options pursuant to this Section 6, in order to complete the purchase of any Stock or Options pursuant to this Section 6, deliver to the applicable Management Stockholder Entities (i) a cash payment for any amounts payable pursuant to this Section 6 that would not cause an Event and (ii) a note having the same terms as that provided in Section 5(c) above with a principal amount equal to the amount payable but not paid in cash pursuant to this Section 6 due to the Event.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event exists and is continuing for ninety (90) days from the date of the Call Event, the Management Stockholder Entities shall be permitted by written notice to cause the Company to rescind any Repurchase Notice with respect to that portion of the Stock and Options repurchased by the Company from the Management Stockholder Entities pursuant to this Section 6 with the note described in the foregoing sentence, provided that, upon such rescission, such repurchase shall be immediately rescinded and such note shall be immediately canceled without any action on the part of the Company or the Management Stockholder Entities and, notwithstanding anything herein or in such note to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to pay any amounts of principal or interest thereunder.

(g)

Effect of Change in Control .  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, except for any payment obligation of the Company which has arisen prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control, this Section 6 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the occurrence of such Change in Control.

7.

Adjustment of Repurchase Price; Definitions .

(a)

Adjustment of Repurchase Price .  In determining the applicable repurchase price of the Stock and Options, as provided for in Sections 5 and 6, above, appropriate adjustments shall be made for any stock dividends, splits, combinations, recapitalizations or any other adjustment in the number of outstanding shares of Stock in order to maintain, as nearly as practicable, the intended operation of the provisions of Sections 5 and 6.


11



(b)

Definitions .  All capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not defined herein shall have such meaning as such terms are defined in the Option Plan.  Terms used herein and as listed below shall be defined as follows:

Act ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(i) hereof.

Affiliate ” means with respect to any Person, any entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person; provided , however , for purposes of this Agreement, Buck Holdings Co-Invest, LP, shall not be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Sponsor.

Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Applicable Percentage ” shall mean:  (i) 20% on or after the first anniversary of the Grant Date; (ii) 40% on and after the second anniversary of the Grant Date; (iii) 60% on and after the third anniversary of the Grant Date; (iv) 80% on and after the fourth anniversary of the Grant Date; and (v) 100% on and after the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date.

Base Price ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(a) hereof.

Board ” shall mean the board of directors of the Company.

Call Events ” shall mean, collectively, Section 6(a) Call Events, Section 6(b) Call Events, Section 6(c) Call Events and Section 6(d) Call Events.

Call Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(e) hereof.

Call Period ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(e) hereof.

Cause ” shall mean “Cause” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change in control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Management Stockholder and the Company or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates; or, if there is no such employment or change in control agreement, “Cause” shall mean, with respect to the Management Stockholder: (i) any act involving fraud or dishonesty, or any willful failure to perform reasonable duties assigned to him or her which continues beyond ten (10) business days after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Management Stockholder by the Company; (ii) any material breach of any securities or other law or regulation or any Company policy governing trading or dealing with stock, securities, investments or the like or with inappropriate disclosure or “tipping” relating to any stock, securities or investments or the like; (iii) other than as required by law, the carrying out of any activity or making any public statement which prejudices or ridicules the good name and standing of the Company or its Affiliates (including any limited partner of Parent) or would bring such persons into public contempt or ridicule; (iv) attendance at work in a state of intoxication or otherwise being found in possession at the place of work of any prohibited drug or substance, possession of which would amount to a criminal offense; (v) any assault or other act of violence; or (vi) indictment from any crime constituting (x) a felony whatsoever or (y) any misdemeanor that would preclude employment under the Company’s hiring policy.

Change in Control ” shall mean, in one or a series of related transactions, (i) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Buck Holdings, L.P. or the Company and its subsidiaries to any person (or group of persons acting in concert), other than to (x) investment


12


funds affiliated with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (the “ Sponsor ”) or its Affiliates or (y) any employee benefit plan (or trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Company, the Sponsor or their respective Affiliates or other person of which a majority of its voting power or other equity securities is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, the Sponsor or their respective Affiliates; or (ii) a merger, recapitalization or other sale by the Company, the Sponsor (indirectly) or any of their respective Affiliates, to a person (or group of persons acting in concert) of Common Stock or other voting securities of the Company that results in more than 50% of the Common Stock or other voting securities of the Company (or any resulting company after a merger) being held, directly or indirectly, by a person (or group of persons acting in concert) that is not Controlled by (x) the Sponsor or its Affiliates or (y) an employee benefit plan (or trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Company, the Sponsor or their respective Affiliates or other person of which a majority of its voting power or other equity securities is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, the Sponsor or their respective Affiliates; in any event, which results in the Sponsor and its Affiliates or such employee benefit plan ceasing to hold the ability to elect (or cause to be elected) a majority of the members of the Board.

Closing Date ” shall mean July 6, 2007.

Common Stock ” shall mean the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.50 per share.

Company ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Confidential Information ” shall mean all non-public information concerning trade secret, know-how, software, developments, inventions, processes, technology, designs, the financial data, strategic business plans or any proprietary or confidential information, documents or materials in any form or media, including any of the foregoing relating to research, operations, finances, current and proposed products and services, vendors, customers, advertising and marketing, and other non-public, proprietary, and confidential information of the Restricted Group.

Controlled by ” with respect to the relationship between or among two or more Persons, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs or management of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, including the ownership, directly or indirectly, of securities having the power to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar body governing the affairs of such Person.

Coordination Committee ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Partnership Agreement.

Disability ” shall mean “Disability” as such term is defined in any employment agreement between the Management Stockholder and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, if there is no such employment agreement, shall mean “Disability” as defined in the Option Plan.

Event ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c) hereof.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (or any successor act or relevant section thereto).


13



Exercisable Option Shares ” shall mean the shares of Common Stock that, at the time that the Redemption Notice or Repurchase Notice is delivered (as applicable), could be purchased by the Management Stockholder upon exercise of his or her outstanding and exercisable Options.

Fair Market Value ” shall mean the fair market value of one share of Common Stock on any given date, as determined reasonably and in good faith by the Board (after consultation with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company in the case of put and call rights set forth in Sections 5 and 6 of this Agreement), determined without regard to any discount for minority interest and transfer restrictions imposed on the Common Stock of the Management Stockholder Entities.

Good Reason ” shall mean “Good Reason” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change-in-control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Management Stockholder and the Company or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates, or, if there is no such employment or change-in-control agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean, with respect to the Management Stockholder: (i) a reduction in base salary or target bonus level; or (ii) the relocation of the Management Stockholder’s principal place of employment to a site outside of a twenty-five mile radius from the site of such Management Stockholder’s principal place of employment prior to such relocation; provided , however , that any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure by the Company that is not in bad faith and is cured within ten (10) business days after the Management Stockholder gives the Company written notice of any such event set forth above, shall not constitute Good Reason.

Group ” shall mean “group,” as such term is used for purposes of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act.

Investors ” shall mean, collectively, the KKR 2006 Fund L.P. and its affiliated investment funds, KKR PEI Investments, L.P., GS Capital Partners VI Fund, L.P., GS Capital Partners VI Parallel, L.P., GS Capital Partners VI GmbH& Co. KG, GS Capital Partners VI Offshore Fund, L.P. and Goldman Sachs DGC Investors, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II Employee Master Fund, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II 2007 Citigroup Investment, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II Onshore, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II Cayman Holdings, L.P. and CPE Co-Investment (Dollar General LLC) and certain other investors in Parent.

Management Stockholder ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Management Stockholder Entities ” shall mean the Management Stockholder’s Trust, the Management Stockholder and the Management Stockholder’s Estate, collectively.

Management Stockholder’s Estate ” shall mean the conservators, guardians, executors, administrators, testamentary trustees, legatees or beneficiaries of the Management Stockholder.

Management Stockholder’s Trust ” shall mean a partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust, private foundation or custodianship, the beneficiaries of which may include only the Management Stockholder, his or her spouse (or ex-spouse) or his or her lineal descendants (including adopted) or, if at any time after any such transfer there shall be


14

 

no then living spouse or lineal descendants, then to the ultimate beneficiaries of any such trust or to the estate of a deceased beneficiary.

 

Options ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first “whereas” paragraph.

Option Excess Price ” shall mean the aggregate amount paid or payable by the Company in respect of Exercisable Option Shares, as determined pursuant to Section 5 or 6 hereof, as applicable.

Option Exercise Price ” shall mean the then-current exercise price of the shares of Common Stock covered by the applicable Option.

Option Plan ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first “whereas” paragraph.

Option Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.

Other Management Stockholders ” shall have the meaning set forth in the second “whereas” paragraph.

Other Management Stockholders Agreements ” shall have the meaning set forth in the second “whereas” paragraph.

Parent ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Parties ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Partnership Agreement ” shall mean the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement of Buck Holdings, L.P., as it may be amended, modified, restated or supplemented from time to time

Permitted Transfer ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).

Person ” shall mean “person,” as such term is used for purposes of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act.

Piggyback Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(b) hereof.

Piggyback Registration Rights ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(a) hereof.

Proposed Registration ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(b) hereof.

Public Offering ” shall mean the sale of shares of Common Stock to the public subsequent to the date hereof pursuant to a registration statement under the Act which has been declared effective by the SEC (other than a registration statement on Form S-4, S-8 or any other similar form).

Purchased Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first “whereas” paragraph.

Put Period ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(a) hereof.

Qualified Public Offering ” shall mean the initial Public Offering (i) for which cash proceeds to be received by the Company (or any successor thereto) from such offering (or


15

 

series of related offerings) (without deducting underwriter discounts, expenses and commissions) are at least $400,000,000, or (ii) pursuant to which at least 35% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock are sold by the Company (or any successor thereto).

 

Redemption Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(b) hereof.

Registration Rights Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(a) hereof.

Repurchase Calculation Date ” shall mean (i) prior to the occurrence of a Public Offering, the last day of the month preceding the month in which date of repurchase occurs, and (ii) on and after the occurrence of a Public Offering, the closing trading price on the date immediately preceding the date of repurchase.

Repurchase Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(e) hereof.

Repurchase Price ” shall mean the amount to be paid in respect of the Stock and Options to be purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 5 and Section 6, as applicable.

Request ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(b) hereof.

Restricted Group ” shall mean, collectively, the Company, its subsidiaries, the Investors and their respective affiliates.

ROFR Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) hereof.

ROFR Transferee ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) hereof.

Sale Participation Agreement ” shall mean that certain sale participation agreement entered into by and between the Management Stockholder and Parent dated as of the date hereof.

SEC ” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Senior Management Stockholder ” shall mean any of the Management Stockholders or Other Management Stockholders whose job grade level is Vice President or above and who has been designated as such on Schedule I hereto or the corresponding schedule of the Other Management Stockholders Agreements, as applicable.

Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.

Stock Option Agreements ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first “whereas” paragraph.

TBCA ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c) hereof.

transfer ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.

8.

The Company’s Representations and Warranties and Covenants .

(a)

The Company represents and warrants to the Management Stockholder that (i) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and


16

 

is enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms and (ii) the Stock, when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms hereof and the other agreements contemplated hereby, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

(b)

If the Company is or becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 12 of the Exchange Act, the Company will file the reports required to be filed by it under the Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted by the SEC thereunder, to the extent required from time to time to enable the Management Stockholder to sell shares of Stock, subject to compliance with the provisions hereof (including requirements of the Coordination Committee of Parent or the Company) without registration under the Exchange Act within the limitations of the exemptions provided by (A) Rule 144 under the Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or (B) any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC.  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 8(b), the Company may de-register under Section 12 of the Exchange Act if it is then permitted to do so pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and, in such circumstances, shall not be required hereby to file any reports which may be necessary in order for Rule 144 or any similar rule or regulation under the Act to be available.  Nothing in this Section 8(b) shall be deemed to limit in any manner the restrictions on transfers of Stock contained in this Agreement.

(c)

The Company will not agree to any amendment of the terms of the credit agreement entered into on the Closing Date, or to any corresponding provision in any successor or equivalent debt agreement, that imposes any limits on the Company's permission thereunder to repurchase stock, or make payments on any note, in each case under Section 5(c) or 6(e) of this Agreement, that are materially more restrictive than such provision under such credit agreement as in effect on the Closing Date if, at or prior to the time of such agreement, restrictions corresponding and proportionate thereto have not also been imposed thereunder on the payment of cash dividends on the Common Stock.


9.

“Piggyback” Registration Rights .  Effective after the occurrence of an initial Public Offering:

(a)

The Parties agree to be bound, with respect to Senior Management Stockholders or to any other Management Stockholder who are provided such rights pursuant to this Section 9, by all of the terms, conditions and obligations of the Registration Rights Agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”) as they relate to the exercise of piggyback registration rights as provided in Sections 4, 6, 7, 8 and 11 (but not Section 11(l)) of the Registration Rights Agreement entered into by and among the Company and investors party thereto (the “ Piggyback Registration Rights ”), as in effect on the date hereof (subject, with respect to any such Management Stockholder expressly provided Piggyback Registration Rights, only to any amendments thereto to which such Management Stockholder has agreed in writing to be bound), and, if any of the Investors are selling stock, shall have all of the rights and privileges of the Piggyback Registration Rights (including, without limitation, the right to participate in the initial Public Offering and any rights to indemnification and/or contribution from the Company and/or the Investors), in each case as if the Management Stockholder were an original party (other than the Company) to the Registration Rights Agreement, subject to applicable and customary underwriter restrictions; provided , however , that at no time shall the Management Stockholder have any rights to request registration under Section 3 of the Registration Rights Agreement.  All Stock purchased or held by the


17



applicable Management Stockholder Entities pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be “ Registrable Securities” as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement.

(b)

In the event of a sale of Common Stock by any of the Investors in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will promptly notify each Senior Management Stockholder or other Management Stockholder to whom the Board, after consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, has decided to extend the Piggyback Registration Rights, in writing (a “ Piggyback Notice ”) of any proposed registration (a “ Proposed Registration ”), which Piggyback Notice shall include: the principal terms and conditions of the proposed registration, including (A) the number of the shares of Common Stock to be sold, (B) the fraction expressed as a percentage, determined by dividing the number of shares of Common Stock to be sold by the holders of Registrable Securities by the total number of shares held by the holders of Registrable Securities selling the shares of Common Stock, (C) the proposed per share purchase price (or an estimate thereof), and (D) the proposed date of sale.  If within fifteen (15) days of the receipt by the Management Stockholder or Management Stockholder, as the case may be, of such Piggyback Notice, the Company receives from the applicable Management Stockholder Entities of the Senior Management Stockholder or Management Stockholder, as the case may be, a written request (a “ Request ”) to register shares of Stock held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities (which Request will be irrevocable unless otherwise mutually agreed to in writing by the Senior Management Stockholder or Management Stockholder, if any, and the Company), shares of Stock will be so registered as provided in this Section 9; provided , however , that for each such registration statement only one Request, which shall be executed by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities, may be submitted for all Registrable Securities held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities.

(c)

The maximum number of shares of Stock which will be registered pursuant to a Request will be the lowest of (i) the number of shares of Stock then held by the Management Stockholder Entities, including all shares of Stock which the Management Stockholder Entities are then entitled to acquire under an unexercised Option to the extent then exercisable, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the aggregate number of shares of Stock being sold by holders of Registrable Securities and the denominator of which is the aggregate number of shares of Stock owned by the holders of Registrable Securities or (ii) the maximum number of shares of Stock which the Company can register in connection with such Request in the Proposed Registration without adverse effect on the offering in the view of the managing underwriters (reduced pro rata as more fully described in subsection (d) of this Section 9 or (iii) the maximum number of shares which the Senior Management Stockholder (pro rata based upon the aggregate number of shares of Stock the Senior Management Stockholder and all Other Management Stockholders who are Senior Management Stockholders have requested to be registered) is permitted to register under the Piggyback Registration Rights.

(d)

If a Proposed Registration involves an underwritten offering and the managing underwriter advises the Company in writing that, in its opinion, the number of shares of Stock requested to be included in the Proposed Registration exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering, so as to be likely to have an adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the shares of Stock offered in such Public Offering as contemplated by the Company, then, unless the managing underwriter advises that marketing factors require a different allocation, the Company will include in the Proposed Registration (i) first,


18

 

100% of the shares of Stock the Company proposes to sell and (ii) second, to the extent of the number of shares of Stock requested to be included in such registration which, in the opinion of such managing underwriter, can be sold without having the adverse effect referred to above, the number of shares of Stock which the selling holders of Registrable Securities, the Senior Management Stockholder and all Other Management Stockholders who are Senior Management Stockholders and any other Persons who are entitled to piggyback or incidental registration rights in respect of Stock (together, the “ Holders ”) have requested to be included in the Proposed Registration, such amount to be allocated pro rata among all requesting Holders on the basis of the relative number of shares of Stock then held by each such Holder (including upon exercise of all exercisable Options) ( provided that any shares thereby allocated to any such Holder that exceed such Holder’s request will be reallocated among the remaining requesting Holders in like manner).

(e)

Upon delivering a Request a Senior Management Stockholder or other Management Stockholder having Piggyback Registration Rights pursuant to clause (b) of this Section 9 will, if requested by the Company, execute and deliver a custody agreement and power of attorney having customary terms and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company with respect to the shares of Stock to be registered pursuant to this Section 9 (a “ Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney ”).  The Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney will provide, among other things, that the Senior Management Stockholder or Management Stockholder, as the case may be, will deliver to and deposit in custody with the custodian and attorney-in-fact named therein a certificate or certificates (to the extent applicable) representing such shares of Stock (duly endorsed in blank by the registered owner or owners thereof or accompanied by duly executed stock powers in blank) and irrevocably appoint said custodian and attorney-in-fact as the Senior Management Stockholder’s or Management Stockholder’s agent and attorney-in-fact with full power and authority to act under the Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney on the Senior Management Stockholder’s or Management Stockholder’s behalf with respect to the matters specified therein.

(f)

The Management Stockholder agrees that he will execute such other agreements as the Company may reasonably request to further evidence the provisions of this Section 9, including reasonable and customary lock-up agreements; provided that Parent and its Affiliates enter into a similar agreement if requested by the managing underwriter.

(g)

Notwithstanding Section 11(l) of the Registration Rights Agreement, this Section 9 will terminate on the earlier of (i) the occurrence of a Change in Control and (ii) with respect to each Management Stockholder, on the date on which such Management Stockholder ceases to own any Registrable Securities.

10.

Additional Rights of Management Stockholders .  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that the Company receives notice of any event giving rise to any of the tag-along or piggyback registration rights set forth in Section 9 hereof or in the Sale Participation Agreement, in each such case with respect to a Senior Management Stockholder, the Board shall promptly (and in event within such period of time to allow the Management Stockholder to exercise such right, if applicable) after being informed of such notice consult with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company to determine whether and to what extent any such rights shall be granted to the Management Stockholder and the Other Management Stockholders who are not Senior Management Stockholders.  Any such grant shall be effective upon, and to the extent set forth in, any applicable resolution passed by the Board, and the Company shall give




19

 

prompt notice to the Management Stockholder and the Other Management Stockholders of the adoption thereof.

11.

Rights to Negotiate Repurchase Price .  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to restrict or prohibit the Company from purchasing, redeeming or otherwise acquiring for value shares of Stock or Options from the Management Stockholder, at any time, upon such terms and conditions, and for such price, as may be mutually agreed upon in writing between the Parties, whether or not at the time of such purchase, redemption or acquisition circumstances exist which specifically grant the Company the right to purchase, or the Management Stockholder the right to sell, shares of Stock or any Options under the terms of this Agreement; provided that no such purchase, redemption or acquisition shall be consummated, and no agreement with respect to any such purchase, redemption or acquisition shall be entered into, without the prior approval of the Board.

12.

Notice of Change of Beneficiary .  Immediately prior to any transfer of Stock to a Management Stockholder’s Trust, the Management Stockholder shall provide the Company with a copy of the instruments creating the Management Stockholder’s Trust and with the identity of the beneficiaries of the Management Stockholder’s Trust.  The Management Stockholder shall notify the Company as soon as practicable prior to any change in the identity of any beneficiary of the Management Stockholder’s Trust.

13.

Recapitalizations, etc.  The provisions of this Agreement shall apply, to the full extent set forth herein with respect to the Stock or the Options, to any and all shares of capital stock of the Company or any capital stock, partnership units or any other security evidencing ownership interests in any successor or assign of the Company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise) which may be issued in respect of, in exchange for, or substitution of the Stock or the Options by reason of any stock dividend, split, reverse split, combination, recapitalization, liquidation, reclassification, merger, consolidation or otherwise.

14.

Management Stockholder’s Employment by the Company .  Nothing contained in this Agreement or in any other agreement entered into by the Company and the Management Stockholder contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement (i) obligates the Company or any subsidiary of the Company to employ the Management Stockholder in any capacity whatsoever or (ii) prohibits or restricts the Company (or any such subsidiary) from terminating the employment of the Management Stockholder at any time or for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause, and the Management Stockholder hereby acknowledges and agrees that neither the Company nor any other person has made any representations or promises whatsoever to the Management Stockholder concerning the Management Stockholder’s employment or continued employment by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company.

15.

Binding Effect .  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and accrue to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.  In the case of a transferee permitted under Section 2(a) or Section 3(a) (other than clauses (iii) or (iv) thereof) hereof, such transferee shall be deemed the Management Stockholder hereunder; provided , however , that no transferee (including without limitation, transferees referred to in Section 2(a) or Section 3(a) hereof) shall derive any rights under this Agreement unless and until such transferee has delivered to the Company a valid undertaking and becomes bound by the terms of this Agreement.  No


20


provision of this Agreement is intended to or shall confer upon any Person other than the Parties any rights or remedies hereunder or with respect hereto.

16.

Amendment .  This Agreement may be amended by the Company at any time upon notice to the Management Stockholder thereof; provided that any amendment (i) that materially disadvantages the Management Stockholder shall not be effective unless and until the Management Stockholder has consented thereto in writing and (ii) that disadvantages a class of stockholders in more than a de minimis way but less than a material way shall require the consent of a majority of the equity interests held by such affected class of stockholders.

17.

Closing .  Except as otherwise provided herein, the closing of each purchase and sale of shares of Stock pursuant to this Agreement shall take place at the principal office of the Company on the tenth business day following delivery of the notice by either Party to the other of its exercise of the right to purchase or sell such Stock hereunder.

18.

Applicable Law; Jurisdiction; Arbitration; Legal Fees .

(a)

The laws of the State of Tennessee applicable to contracts executed and to be performed entirely in such state shall govern the interpretation, validity and performance of the terms of this Agreement.

(b)

In the event of any controversy among the parties hereto arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement which cannot be settled amicably by the parties, such controversy shall be finally, exclusively and conclusively settled by mandatory arbitration conducted expeditiously in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules by a single independent arbitrator.  Such arbitration process shall take place in Nashville, TN.  The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding upon all parties hereto and shall be rendered pursuant to a written decision, which contains a detailed recital of the arbitrator’s reasoning.  Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

(c)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Management Stockholder acknowledges and agrees that the Company, its subsidiaries, the Investors and any of their respective affiliates shall be entitled to injunctive or other relief in order to enforce the covenant not to compete, covenant not to solicit and/or confidentiality covenants as set forth in Section 22(a) of this Agreement.

(d)

In the event of any arbitration or other disputes with regard to this Agreement or any other document or agreement referred to herein, each Party shall pay its own legal fees and expenses, unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.

19.

Assignability of Certain Rights by the Company .  The Company shall have the right to assign any or all of its rights or obligations to purchase shares of Stock pursuant to Sections 4, 5 and 6 hereof; provided , however , that no such assignment shall relieve the Company from its obligations hereunder.

20.

Miscellaneous .

(a)

In this Agreement all references to “dollars” or “$” are to United States dollars and the masculine pronoun shall include the feminine and neuter, and the singular the plural, where the context so indicates.


21


(b)

If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared illegal, void or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect.

21.

Withholding .  The Company or its subsidiaries shall have the right to deduct from any cash payment made under this Agreement to the applicable Management Stockholder Entities any federal, state or local income or other taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such payment, if applicable.

22.

Notices .  All notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing.  Any notice or other communication hereunder shall be deemed duly given (i) upon electronic confirmation of facsimile, (ii) one (1) business day following the date sent when sent by overnight delivery and (iii) five (5) business days following the date mailed when mailed by registered or certified mail return receipt requested and postage prepaid, in each case as follows:

(a)

If to the Company, to it at the following address:

Dollar General Corporation
100 Mission Ridge
Goodlettsville, TN  37202
Attention:  General Counsel
Telecopy:  (615) 855-5180

 

with copies to:

 

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.

2800 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200

Menlo Park, CA 94025

Attention:  Michael Calbert
Telecopy:  (650) 233-6553

 

and

 

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Attention:  David J. Sorkin, Esq.

                Marni J. Lerner, Esq.
Telecopy:  (212) 455-2502


(b)

If to the Management Stockholder, to the Management Stockholder at the address set forth below under the Management Stockholder’s signature;

or at such other address as either party shall have specified by notice in writing to the other.

23.

Confidential Information; Covenant Not to Compete; Covenant Not to Solicit .

(a)

In consideration of the Company entering into this Agreement with the Management Stockholder, unless there exists any covenant that pertains to the same subject matter as set forth in this Section 23 in any employment agreement or change in control


22

 

agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Management Stockholder and the Company or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates (the “Existing Restrictive Covenants”), in which case such covenants shall supersede the covenants contained in this Section 23; then the Management Stockholder shall be subject to the covenants contained in this Section 23:

(i)

at any time during or after the Management Stockholder’s employment with the Company or its subsidiaries, disclose any Confidential Information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of the Investors or any of their respective Affiliates, except when required to perform his or her duties to the Company or one of its subsidiaries, by law or judicial process;

(ii)

at any time during the Management Stockholder’s employment with the Company or its subsidiaries and for the lesser period of (a) the period during which the Management Stockholder receives severance payments and benefits pursuant to the Dollar General Corporation Severance Plan and Summary Plan Description, as it may be amended from time to time and (b) six (6) months after the Management Stockholder’s termination of employment , directly or indirectly, act as a proprietor, investor director, officer, employee, substantial stockholder, consultant, or partner in any of the following businesses in any geographic area where the Company or its Affiliates manufactures, produces, sells, leases, rents, licenses or otherwise provides products or services: Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, Walgreen’s, Rite-Aid, CVS, Family Dollar Stores, Fred’s, the 99 Cents Stores, and Dollar Tree Stores;

(iii)

at any time during the Management Stockholder’s employment with the Company or its subsidiaries and for a period of six (6) months thereafter, directly or indirectly (A) solicit customers or clients of the Company, any of its subsidiaries, the Investors or any of their respective Affiliates to terminate their relationship with the Company, any of its subsidiaries, the Investors or any of their respective Affiliates or otherwise solicit such customers or clients to compete with any business of the Company, any of its subsidiaries, the Investors or any of their respective Affiliates or (B) solicit or offer employment to any person who is, or has been at any time during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the termination of the Management Stockholder’s employment, employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates;

provided that in each of clauses (ii) and (iii) above, such restrictions shall not apply with respect to any Investor or any of their Affiliates that is not engaged in any business that competes, directly or indirectly, with the Company or any of its subsidiaries.  If the Management Stockholder is bound by any other agreement with the Company regarding the use or disclosure of Confidential Information, the provisions of this Agreement shall be read in such a way as to further restrict and not to permit any more extensive use or disclosure of Confidential Information.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purposes of Section 23(a)(ii), the Management Stockholder may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in the business of the Company or its affiliates which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or quotation system or on the over the counter market if the Management Stockholder (I) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (II) does not, directly or indirectly, own 5% or more of any class of securities of such Person.

(b)

Notwithstanding clause (a) above, if at any time a court holds that the restrictions stated in such clause (a) are unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable under


23

 

circumstances then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum period, scope or geographic area determined to be reasonable under such circumstances by such court will be substituted for the stated period, scope or area.  Because the Management Stockholder’s services are unique and because the Management Stockholder has had access to Confidential Information, the parties hereto agree that money damages will be an inadequate remedy for any breach of this Agreement.  In the event of a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, the Company or its successors or assigns may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and/or injunctive relief in order to enforce, or prevent any violations of, the provisions hereof (without the posting of a bond or other security).

(c)

In the event that the Management Stockholder breaches any of the provisions of Section 23(a), in addition to all other remedies that may be available to the Company, the Management Stockholder shall be required to pay to the Company any amounts actually paid to him or her by the Company in respect of any repurchase by the Company of any Options or Stock held by such Management Stockholder; provided that with respect to Option Stock, the Management tockholder shall be required to pay to the Company only such amounts, if any, that the Management Stockholder received in excess of the exercise price paid by the Management Stockholder in acquiring such Option Stock, on a net after-tax basis.

24.

Irrevocable Proxy .  In accordance with Tenn. CodeAnn. § 48-17-203, each Management Stockholder hereby irrevocably appoints Buck Holdings, L.P. and any authorized representatives and designees thereof as its lawful proxy and attorney-in-fact to exercise with full power in such Management Stockholder’s name and on its behalf such Management Stockholder’s right to vote all of the shares of outstanding Common Stock owned by the Management Stockholder at any regular or special meeting of the stockholders of the Company for the express purpose of electing any one or more members to the Board.  Buck Holdings, L.P. and any authorized representatives and designees thereof shall vote under this proxy on behalf of each such Management Stockholder in the same manner as Buck Holdings, L.P. votes any outstanding shares of Common Stock owned by it at any such regular or special meeting of the stockholders of the Company for the express purpose of electing any one or more members to the Board.    This proxy is irrevocable and is coupled with an interest and shall not be terminable as long as this Agreement remains effective among the parties hereto, their successors, transferees and assigns and, if such Management Stockholder is a natural person, shall not terminate on the disability or incompetence of such Management Stockholder.  The Company is hereby requested and directed to honor this proxy upon its presentation by Buck Holdings, L.P. and any authorized representatives and designees thereof, without any duty of investigation whatsoever on the part of the Company. Each such Management Stockholder agrees that the Company, and the Company’s secretary shall not be liable to such Management Stockholder for so honoring this proxy.

25.

Shareholder Actions by Written Consent .  The Management Stockholder (a) agrees that, in respect of actions undertaken without a meeting pursuant to Article I, Section 6 of the bylaws of the Company and T.C.A. section 48-17-104, unless otherwise provided by the Company's charter or bylaws or applicable law, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the shareholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote if a consent inwriting, setting forth the action so taken, is signed in one or more counterparts by shareholders having not less that the minimum number of votes


24

 

that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and (b) hereby consents to the taking of any such action as set forth in this Section 25 and in Article I, Section 6 of the bylaws of the Company.

26.

Effectiveness .  This Agreement, if duly executed, shall become effective on the Effective Date and prior thereto shall be of no force or effect.


[ Signatures on next pages .]




 



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the date(s) set forth below.

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:


/s/ S. Lanigan

 

Name:


    Susan Lanigan

 

Title:


    Executive Vice President

 

Date:


    September 16, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUCK HOLDINGS, L.P.

 

By: Buck Holdings, LLC, its General
Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:


/s/ Raj Agrawal

 

Name:


Raj Agrawal

 

Title:


Vice President

 

Date:


9/15/08




 



 

MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDER:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature:

/s/ John Flanigan

 

Name:

      John W. Flanigan

 

Date:

8/21/08

ADDRESS:

c/o Dollar General Corporation

100 Mission Ridge

Goodlettsville, TN  37072



PURCHASED STOCK


I hereby elect to invest $200,000 (the additional $50,000 in March, 2009)  in the Company’s Common Stock (NOTE:  the amount you invest, if any, must equal at least $250,000 and may not exceed $500,000).
























[s ignature page to Management Stockholder’s Agreement ]




 



Schedule I to Management Stockholder’s Agreement




OPTIONS


Number of shares of Common Stock underlying Options (assuming you have satisfied the minimum investment amount):  320,000


EFFECTIVE DATE


August 28, 2008


SENIOR MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDER?


Yes      X    

No  ____






EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”), effective March 24, 2010 (“Effective Date”), is made and entered into by and between DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION (the “Company”), and Robert Ravener (“Employee”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Company desires to employ Employee upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, and Employee desires to accept such employment;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises, the mutual promises, covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

Employment Terms

 

1.

Employment .  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company agrees to employ Employee as Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer of Dollar General Corporation.

2.

Term .  The term of this Agreement shall be until the third annual anniversary of the Effective Date (“Term” ) , unless otherwise terminated pursuant to Sections 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 hereof. The Term shall be automatically extended after the third annual anniversary of the Effective Date from month to month, for up to six (6) months, unless the Company gives written notice to Employee at least one month prior to the expiration of the original or any extended Term that no extension or further extension, as applicable, will occur or unless the Company replaces this Agreement with a new agreement or, in writing, extends or renews the Term of this Agreement for a period that is longer than six months from the expiration of the original Term. Unless otherwise noted, all references to the “Term” shall be deemed to refer to the original Term and any extension or renewal thereof.

3.

Position, Duties and Administrative Support .

a.

Position .  Employee shall perform the duties of the position noted in Section 1 above and shall perform such other duties and responsibilities as Employee’s supervisor or the Company’s CEO may reasonably direct.

b.

Full-Time Efforts .  Employee shall perform and discharge faithfully and diligently such duties and responsibilities and shall devote Employee’s full-time efforts to the


 




business and affairs of Company.  Employee agrees to promote the best interests of the Company and to take no action that is likely to damage the public image or reputation of the Company, its subsidiaries or its affiliates.

c.

Administrative Support .  Employee shall be provided with office space and administrative support.

d.

No Interference With Duties .  Employee shall not devote time to other activities which would inhibit or otherwise interfere with the proper performance of Employee’s duties and shall not be directly or indirectly concerned or interested in any other business occupation, activity or interest other than by reason of holding a non-controlling interest as a shareholder, securities holder or debenture holder in a corporation quoted on a nationally recognized exchange (subject to any limitations in the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics).  Employee may not serve as a member of a board of directors of a for-profit company, other than the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, without the express approval of the CEO and the Compensation Committee of the Board. Under no circumstances may Employee serve on more than one other board of a for-profit company.

4.

Work Standard .  Employee agrees to comply with all terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, as well as all applicable Company work policies, procedures and rules.  Employee also agrees to comply with all federal, state and local statutes, regulations and public ordinances governing Employee’s performance hereunder.

5.

Compensation .

a.

Base Salary .  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Company shall pay Employee, and Employee shall accept, an annual base salary (“Base Salary”) of no less than Four Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($445,200).  The Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with Company’s normal payroll practices (but no less frequently than monthly) and may be increased from time to time at the sole discretion of the Company.

b.

Incentive Bonus .  Employee’s incentive compensation for the Term of this Agreement shall be determined under the Company’s annual bonus program for officers at Employee’s grade level, as it may be amended from time to time.  The actual bonus paid pursuant to this Section 5(b), if any, shall be based on criteria established by the Board, its Compensation Committee and/or the CEO, as applicable, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the annual bonus program for officers. Any bonus payments due hereunder


2



shall be payable to the Employee no later than 2 1/2 months after the end of the Company’s taxable year or the calendar year, whichever is later, in which Employee is first vested in such bonus payments for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”) .

c.

Vacation .  Employee shall be entitled to three weeks paid vacation time within the first year of employment. After five years of employment, Employee shall be entitled to four weeks paid vacation. Vacation time is granted on the anniversary of Employee’s hire date each year. Any available but unused vacation as of the annual anniversary of employment date or at Employee’s termination date shall be forfeited.

d.

Business Expenses .  Employee shall be reimbursed for all reasonable business expenses incurred in carrying out the work hereunder.  Employee shall adhere to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and procedures. In no event will any such reimbursement be made later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Employee incurs the reimbursable expense .

e.

Perquisites .  Employee shall be entitled to receive such other executive perquisites, fringe and other benefits as are provided to officers at the same grade level under any of the Company’s plans and/or programs in effect from time to time.

6.

Benefits .  During the Term, Employee (and, where applicable, Employee’s eligible dependents) shall be eligible to participate in those various Company welfare benefit plans, practices and policies in place during the Term (including, without limitation, medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, disability, employee life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and other programs, if any) to the extent allowed under and in accordance with the terms of those plans.  In addition, Employee shall be eligible to participate, pursuant to their terms, in any other benefit plans offered by the Company to similarly-situated officers or other employees from time to time during the Term (excluding plans applicable solely to certain officers of the Company in accordance with the express terms of such plans).  Collectively the plans and arrangements described in this Section 6, as they may be amended or modified in accordance with their terms, are hereinafter referred to as the “Benefits Plans.”  Notwithstanding the above, Employee understands and acknowledges that Employee is not eligible for benefits under any other severance plan, program, or policy maintained by the Company, if any exists, and that the only severance benefits Employee is entitled to are set forth in this Agreement.


3




7.

Termination for Cause .  This Agreement is not intended to change the at-will nature of Employee’s employment with Company, and it may be terminated at any time by either party, with or without cause. If this Agreement is terminated by Company for “Cause” (Termination for Cause) as that term is defined below, it will be without any liability owing to Employee or Employee’s dependents and beneficiaries under this Agreement, (recognizing, however, that benefits covered by or owed under any other plan or agreement covering Employee shall be governed by the terms of such plan or agreement).  Any one of the following conditions or Employee conduct shall constitute “Cause”:

a.

Any act involving fraud or dishonesty, or any material act of misconduct relating to Employee’s performance of his or her duties hereunder;

b.

Any material breach of any SEC or other law or regulation or any Company policy governing trading or dealing with stocks, securities, public debt instruments, bonds, or investments and the like or with inappropriate disclosure or “tipping” relating to any stock, security, public debt instrument, bond or investment;

c.

Any material violation of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (or the equivalent code in place at the time);

d.

Other than as required by law, the carrying out of any activity or the making of any public statement which prejudices or reduces the good name and standing of Company or any of its affiliates or would bring any one of these into public contempt or ridicule;

e.

Attendance at work in a state of intoxication or being found with any drug or substance possession of which would amount to a criminal offense;

f.

Assault or other act of violence;

g.

Conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendre to any felony whatsoever or any misdemeanor that would preclude employment under the Company’s hiring policy; or

h.

Willful or repeated refusal or failure substantially to perform Employee’s material obligations and duties hereunder or those reasonably directed by Employee’s supervisor, the CEO and/or the Board (except in connection with a Disability).

A termination for Cause shall be effective when the Company has given Employee written notice of its intention to terminate for Cause, describing those acts or omissions that are

believed to constitute Cause, and has given Employee ten days to respond.


4





8.

Termination upon Death .  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Agreement shall terminate immediately upon Employee’s death, and the Company shall have no further liability to Employee or Employee’s dependents and beneficiaries under this Agreement, except for those benefits owed under any other plan or agreement covering Employee which shall be governed by the terms of such plan or agreement.

9.

Disability .  If a Disability (as defined below) of Employee occurs during the Term, unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Company may notify Employee of the Company’s intention to terminate Employee’s employment.  In that event, employment shall terminate effective on the termination date provided in such notice of termination (the “Disability Effective Date”), and this Agreement shall terminate without further liability to Employee, Employee’s dependents and beneficiaries, except for those benefits owed under any other plan or agreement covering Employee which shall be governed by the terms of such plan or agreement.  In this Agreement, “Disability” means:

a.

A long-term disability, as defined in the Company’s applicable long-term disability plan as then in effect, if any; or

b.

Employee’s inability to perform the duties under this Agreement in accordance with the Company’s expectations because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that (i) can reasonably be expected to result in death or (ii) has lasted or can reasonably be expected to last longer than ninety (90) consecutive days.  Under this Section 9(b), unless otherwise required by law, the existence of a Disability shall be determined by the Company, only upon receipt of a written medical opinion from a qualified physician selected by or acceptable to the Company.  In this circumstance, to the extent permitted by law, Employee shall, if reasonably requested by the Company, submit to a physical examination by that qualified physician. Nothing in this Section 9(b) is intended to nor shall it be deemed to broaden or modify the definition of “disability” in the Company’s long-term disability plan.

10.

Employee’s Termination of Employment .

a.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Employee may terminate employment and this Agreement at any time, for no reason, with thirty (30) days written notice to Company (and in the event that Employee is providing notice of termination for Good Reason, Employee must provide such notice within 30 days after the event purported to give rise to Employee’s claim for Good Reason first occurs).  In such event, Employee shall not be entitled to those payments and benefits listed in Sections 11 or 12 below unless Employee 


5




terminates employment for Good Reason, as defined below, or unless Section 11(a)(iii) applies.

b.

Upon any termination of employment , Employee shall be entitled to any earned but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination and such other vested benefits under any other plan or agreement covering Employee which shall be governed by the terms of such plan or agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, s uch unpaid Base Salary shall be paid to Employee as soon as practicable after the effective date of termination in accordance with the Company’s usual payroll practices (not less frequently than monthly); provided, however, that if payment at such time would result in a prohibited acceleration under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, then such amount shall be paid at the time the amount would otherwise have been paid absent such prohibited acceleration.

c.

Good Reason shall mean any of the following actions taken by the Company:

(i)

A reduction by the Company in Employee’s Base Salary or target bonus level;

(ii)

The Company shall fail to continue in effect any significant Company-sponsored compensation plan or benefit (without replacing it with a similar plan or with a compensation equivalent), unless such action is in connection with across-the-board plan changes or terminations similarly affecting at least 95 percent of all officers of the Company or 100 percent of officers at the same grade level;

(iii)

The Company’s principal executive offices shall be moved to a location outside the middle-Tennessee area, or Employee is required (absent mutual agreement) to be based anywhere other than the Company’s principal executive offices;

(iv)

Without Employee’s written consent, the assignment to Employee by the Company of duties inconsistent with, or the significant reduction of the title, powers and functions associated with, Employee’s position, title or office as described in Section 3 above, unless such action is the result of a restructuring or realignment of duties and responsibilities by the Company, for business reasons, that leaves Employee at the same rate of Base


6




Salary, annual target bonus opportunity, and officer level (i.e., Executive Vice President, etc.) and with a similar level of responsibility, or unless such action is the result of Employee’s failure to meet pre-established and objective performance criteria;

(v)

Any material breach by the Company of this Agreement; or

(vi)

The failure of any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, assignment, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.

Good Reason shall not include Employee’s death, Disability or Termination for Cause or Employee’s termination for any reason other than Good Reason as defined above .

d.

Prior to Employee being entitled to the payments or benefits described in Sections 11 or 12 below, the Company shall have the opportunity to cure any claimed event of Good Reason within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice from Employee specifying the same.

11.

Termination without Cause or by Employee for Good Reason .

a.

The continuation of Base Salary and other payments and benefits described in Section 11(b) shall be triggered only upon one or more of the following circumstances:

(i)

The Company terminates Employee (as it may do at any time) without Cause; it being understood that termination by death or Disability does not constitute termination without Cause;

(ii)

Employee terminates for Good Reason;

(iii)

The Company fails to offer to renew, extend or replace this Agreement before, at, or within six (6) months after, the end of its original three-year Term (or any term provided for in a written renewal or extension of the original Term), and Employee resigns from employment with the Company within sixty (60) days after such failure, unless such failure is accompanied by a mutually agreeable severance arrangement between the Company and Employee or is the result of Employee’s retirement or other termination from the Company


7





other than for Good Reason notwithstanding the Company’s offer to renew, extend or replace this Agreement .

b.

In the event of one of the triggers referenced in Sections 11(a)(i) through (iii) above, then, on the sixtieth (60th) day after Employee’s termination of employment, but contingent upon the execution and effectiveness of the Release attached hereto and made a part hereof, and subject to Section 22(n) below, Employee shall be entitled to the following:

(i)

Continuation of Employee’s Base Salary as of the date immediately preceding the termination (or, if the termination of employment is for Good Reason due to the reduction of Employee’s Base Salary, then such rate of Base Salary as in effect immediately prior to such reduction) for 24 months, payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll cycle and procedures (but not less frequently than monthly ) with a lump sum payment on the sixtieth (60th) day after Employee’s termination of employment of the amounts Employee would otherwise have received during the sixty (60) days after Employee’s termination had the payments begun immediately after Employee’s termination of employment . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the amount of any payment or entitlement to payment of the aforesaid Base Salary continuation shall be reduced, offset and subject to recovery by the Company in the event and to the extent of any base salary earned by the Employee as a result of subsequent employment during the 24 months after Employee’s termination of employment.  In no event shall Employee be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of such amounts payable to Employee and, except as provided in the preceding sentence, such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Employee obtains other employment.

(ii)

A lump sum payment of two times the amount of the average percentage of target bonus paid or to be paid to employees at the same job grade level of Employee (if any) under the annual bonus programs for officers in respect of the Company’s two fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the termination date occurs.

(iii)

A lump sum payment in an amount equal to two times the annual contribution that would have been made by the Company in respect of


8




the plan year in which such termination of employment occurs for Employee’s participation in the Company’s medical, pharmacy, dental and vision benefits programs.

(iv)

Reasonable outplacement services, as determined and provided by the Company, for one year or until other employment is secured, whichever comes first.

No such payment or benefit shall be provided to Employee pursuant to this Section 11 if the Release attached hereto is not provided to the Company  no later than forty-five (45) days after Employee’s termination date; and no payment or benefit hereunder shall be provided to Employee prior to the Company’s receipt of the Release and the expiration of the period of revocation provided in the Release.

c.

In the event that there is a material breach by Employee of any continuing obligations under this Agreement or the Release after termination of employment, any unpaid amounts under this Section 11 shall be forfeited and Company shall retain any other rights available to it under law or equity.  Any payments or reimbursements under this Section 11 shall not be deemed the continuation of Employee’s employment for any purpose.  Except as specifically enumerated in the Release, the Company’s payment obligations under this Section 11 will not negate or reduce (i) any amounts otherwise due but not yet paid to Employee by the Company, or (ii) any other amounts payable to Employee outside this Agreement, or (iii) those benefits owed under any other plan or agreement covering Employee which shall be governed by the terms of such plan or agreement.  Subject to any applicable prohibition on acceleration of payment under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company may, at any time and in its sole discretion, make a lump-sum payment of all amounts, or all remaining amounts, due to Employee under this Section 11.

12.

Effect of 280G .

a.

Subject to Section 22(n) and contingent upon Employee’s timely execution and the effectiveness of the Release attached hereto and made a part hereof as provided in Section 11 hereof, if any payments and benefits by the Company to or for the benefit of Employee (whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, but determined without regard to any additional payments required under this Section 12 (a “Payment”) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code Section 280G”) so that Employee would


9





be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such tax (collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then Employee shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a “Gross-Up Payment”) in an amount such that, after Employee pays all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without limitation, any Excise Tax, income tax or other tax (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereto), Employee retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Net After-tax Benefit to Employee resulting from receiving the Gross-Up Payment is less than $50,000 greater than the Net After-tax Benefit to Employee resulting from having the Payments reduced to the Reduced Amount, then no Gross-Up Payment shall be made and the Payments shall be reduced to the Reduced Amount. Unless Employee and the Company shall otherwise agree (provided such agreement does not cause any payment or benefit hereunder which is deferred compensation covered by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code to be in non-compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code), in the event the Payments are to be reduced, the Company shall reduce or eliminate the payments or benefits to Employee by first reducing or eliminating those payments or benefits which are not payable in cash and then by reducing or eliminating cash payments, in each case in reverse order beginning with payments or benefits which are to be paid the farthest in time from the date of the “change in ownership or control” (within the meaning of Code Section 280G) (a “Change in Control”).  Any reduction pursuant to the preceding sentence shall take precedence over the provisions of any other plan, arrangement or agreement governing Employee’s rights and entitlements to any benefits or compensation. For purposes hereof:

(i)

“Net After-tax Benefit” shall mean the Present Value of a Payment net of all taxes (including any Excise Tax imposed on Employee) with respect thereto, determined by applying the highest marginal rate(s) applicable to an individual for Employee’s taxable year in which the Change in Control occurs.

(ii)

“Present Value” shall mean such value determined in accordance with Section 280G(d)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(iii)

“Reduced Amount” shall be an amount expressed as a Present Value which maximizes the aggregate Present Value of Payments without causing any Payment to be subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the


10





Internal Revenue Code or the deduction limitation of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

b.

All determinations required to be made under this Section 12, including whether and when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be used in arriving at such determination, shall be made by the tax department of an independent public accounting firm (the “Accounting Firm”) or, at Company’s discretion, by a recognized compensation consulting firm (such as Hewitt Associates) (the “Consulting Firm”) which shall be engaged by the Company prior to the time of the first Payment to Employee.  The Accounting Firm or Consulting Firm selected shall not be serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change in Control. The Accounting Firm or Consulting Firm shall prepare and provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and Employee within fifteen (15) business days of the later of (i) the Accounting Firm’s or Consulting Firm’s engagement to make the required calculations or (ii) the date the Accounting Firm or Consulting Firm obtains all information needed to make the required calculation.  Any determination by the Accounting Firm or Consulting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and Employee.  All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm or Consulting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company.

c.

Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this Section 12, shall be paid by the Company to Employee within five (5) days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm’s or Consulting Firm’s determination if the Payment is then required to satisfy an assessment or other current demand for payment made of Employee by federal or state taxing authorities. Gross-Up Payments due at a later date shall be paid to Employee no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the date that Employee’s federal or state payment is due.  If required by law, the Company shall treat all or any portion of the Gross-Up Payment as being subject to income tax withholding for federal or state tax purposes.  Amounts determined by the Company to be subject to federal or state tax withholding will not be paid directly to Employee but shall be timely paid to the respective taxing authority.

d.

As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm or Consulting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made (“Underpayment”), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder.  In the event that Employee hereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred


11





and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company (or any successor or assign) to or for the benefit of Employee.  Conversely, if it is later determined that the actual required Gross-Up Payment was less than the amount paid to Employee, Employee shall refund the excess portion to the Company but only to the extent that Employee has not yet paid the excess amount to the taxing authorities or is able to obtain a refund from the respective taxing authorities of amounts previously paid.  The Company may pursue at its own expense the refund on behalf of Employee, and, if requested by the Company, Employee shall reasonably cooperate in such refund effort.

e.

All Gross-Up Payments to be made under this Section 12 (other than the Underpayment described in Section 12(e)) must be made no later than the end of the Employee’s taxable year next following the Employee’s taxable year in which the applicable related taxes are remitted.  Any right to reimbursement incurred due to a tax audit or litigation addressing the existence or amount of a tax liability must be made no later than the end of the Employee’s taxable year following the Employee’s taxable year in which the taxes that are the subject of the audit or litigation are remitted to the taxing authorities or, where no such taxes are remitted, the end of the Employee’s taxable year following the year in which the audit is completed or there is a final and non-appealable settlement or the resolution of the litigation.

13.

Publicity; No Disparaging Statement .  Except as otherwise provided in Section 14 hereof, Employee and the Company covenant and agree that they shall not engage in any communi­cations to persons outside the Company which shall disparage one another or interfere with their existing or prospective business relationships.

14.

Confidentiality and Legal Process .  Employee agrees to keep the proprietary terms, of this Agreement confidential and to refrain from disclosing any information concerning this Agreement to any one other than Employee’s immediate family and personal agents or advisors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement is intended to prohibit Employee or the Company from performing any duty or obligation that shall arise as a matter of law. Specifically, Employee and the Company shall continue to be under a duty to truthfully respond to any legal and valid subpoena or other legal process.  This Agreement is not intended in any way to proscribe Employee’s or the Company’s right and ability to provide information to any federal, state or local agency in response or adherence to the lawful exercise of such agency’s authority.

15.

Business Protection Provision Definitions .


12





a.

Preamble .  As a material inducement to the Company to enter into this Agreement, and in recognition of the valuable experience, knowledge and proprietary information Employee has gained or will gain while employed, Employee agrees to abide by and adhere to the business protection provisions in Sections 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 herein.

b.

Definitions .  For purposes of Sections 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 herein:

(i)

“Competitive Position” shall mean any employment, consulting, advisory, directorship, agency, promotional or independent contractor arrangement between Employee and (x) any person or Entity engaged wholly or in material part in the business in which the Company is engaged (i.e., the discount consumable basic or general merchandise retail business), including but not limited to such other similar businesses as Wal-Mart, Sam’s, Target, Costco, K-Mart, Big Lots, BJs Wholesale, Walgreen’s, Rite-Aid, CVS, Family Dollar Stores, Fred’s, the 99 Cents Stores and Dollar Tree Stores, or (y) any person or Entity then attempting or planning to enter the discount consumable basics retail business, whereby Employee is required to perform services on behalf of or for the benefit of such person or Entity which are substantially similar to the services Employee provided or directed at any time while employed by the Company or any of its affiliates.

(ii)

“Confidential Information” shall mean the proprietary or confidential data, information, documents or materials (whether oral, written, electronic or otherwise) belonging to or pertaining to the Company, other than “Trade Secrets” (as defined below), which is of tangible or intangible value to the Company and the details of which are not generally known to the competitors of the Company.  Confidential Information shall also include any items marked “CONFIDENTIAL” or some similar designation or which are otherwise identified as being confidential.

(iii)

“Entity” or “Entities” shall mean any business, individual, partnership, joint venture, agency, governmental agency, body or subdivision, association, firm, corporation, limited liability company or other entity of any kind.

(iv)

“Restricted Period” shall mean two (2) years following Employee’s termination date.


13





(v)

“Territory” shall include individually and as a total area those states in the United States in which the Company maintains stores at Employee’s termination date or those states in which the Company has specific and demonstrable plans to open stores within six months of Employee’s termination date.

(vi)

“Trade Secrets” shall mean information or data of or about the Company, including, but not limited to, technical or non-technical data, formulas, patterns, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques, drawings, processes, financial data, financial plans, product plans or lists of actual or potential customers or suppliers that:  (A) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; (B) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy; and (C) any other information which is defined as a “trade secret” under applicable law.

(vii)

“Work Product” shall mean all tangible work product, property, data, documentation, “know-how,” concepts or plans, inventions, improvements, techniques and processes relating to the Company that were conceived, discovered, created, written, revised or developed by Employee while employed by the Company.

16.

Nondisclosure:  Ownership of Proprietary Property .

a.

In recognition of the Company’s need to protect its legitimate business interests, Employee hereby covenants and agrees that, for the Term and thereafter (as described below), Employee shall regard and treat Trade Secrets and Confidential Information as strictly confidential and wholly-owned by the Company and shall not, for any reason, in any fashion, either directly or indirectly, use, sell, lend, lease, distribute, license, give, transfer, assign, show, disclose, disseminate, reproduce, copy, misappropriate or otherwise communicate any Trade Secrets or Confidential Information to any person or Entity for any purpose other than in accordance with Employee’s duties under this Agreement or as required by applicable law. This provision shall apply to each item constituting a Trade Secret at all times it remains a “trade secret” under applicable law and shall apply to any Confidential Information, during employment and for the Restricted Period thereafter.


14





b.

Employee shall exercise best efforts to ensure the continued confidentiality of all Trade Secrets and Confidential Information and shall immediately notify the Company of any unauthorized disclosure or use of any Trade Secrets or Confidential Information of which Employee becomes aware.  Employee shall assist the Company, to the extent reasonably requested, in the protection or procurement of any intellectual property protection or other rights in any of the Trade Secrets or Confidential Information.

c.

All Work Product shall be owned exclusively by the Company.  To the greatest extent possible, any Work Product shall be deemed to be “work made for hire” (as defined in the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C.A. § 101 et seq., as amended), and Employee hereby unconditionally and irrevocably transfers and assigns to the Company all right, title and interest Employee currently has or may have by operation of law or otherwise in or to any Work Product, including, without limitation, all patents, copyrights, trademarks (and the goodwill associated therewith), trade secrets, service marks (and the goodwill associated therewith) and other intellectual property rights.  Employee agrees to execute and deliver to the Company any transfers, assignments, documents or other instruments which the Company may deem necessary or appropriate, from time to time, to protect the rights granted herein or to vest complete title and ownership of any and all Work Product, and all associated intellectual property and other rights therein, exclusively in the Company.

17.

Non-Interference with Employees .  Through employment and thereafter through the Restricted Period, Employee will not, either directly or indirectly, alone or in conjunction with any other person or Entity:  actively recruit, solicit, attempt to solicit, induce or attempt to induce any person who is an exempt employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (or has been within the last 6 months) to leave or cease such employment for any reason whatsoever;

18.

Non-Interference with Business Relationships .

a.

Employee acknowledges that, in the course of employment, Employee will learn about Company’s business, services, materials, programs and products and the manner in which they are developed, marketed, serviced and provided.  Employee knows and acknowledges that the Company has invested considerable time and money in developing its product sales and real estate development programs and relationships, vendor and other service provider relationships and agreements, store layouts and fixtures, and marketing techniques and that those things are unique and original.  Employee further acknowledges that the Company has a strong business reason to keep secret information relating to Company’s


15





business concepts, ideas, programs, plans and processes, so as not to aid Company’s competitors.  Accordingly, Employee acknowledges and agrees that the protection outlined in (b) below is necessary and reasonable.

b.

During the Restricted Period, Employee will not, on Employee’s own behalf or on behalf of any other person or Entity, solicit, contact, call upon, or communicate with any person or entity or any representative of any person or entity who has a business relationship with Company and with whom Employee had contact while employed, if such contact or communication would likely interfere with Company’s business relationships or result in an unfair competitive advantage over Company.

19.

Agreement Not to Work in Competitive Position .  Employee covenants and agrees not to accept, obtain or work in a Competitive Position for a company or entity that operates anywhere within the Territory for the Restricted Period.

20.

Acknowledgements Regarding Sections 15 – 19.

a.

Employee and Company expressly covenant and agree that the scope, territorial, time and other restrictions contained in Sections 15 through 19 of this Agreement constitute the most reasonable and equitable restrictions possible to protect the business interests of the Company given: (i) the business of the Company; (ii) the competitive nature of the Company’s industry; and (iii) that Employee’s skills are such that Employee could easily find alternative, commensurate employment or consulting work in Employee’s field which would not violate any of the provisions of this Agreement.

b.

Employee acknowledges that the compensation and benefits described in Sections 5, 11 and 12 are also in consideration of his/her covenants and agreements contained in Sections 15 through 19 hereof and that a breach by Employee of the obligations contained in Sections 15 through 19 hereof shall forfeit Employee’s right to such compensation and benefits.

c.

Employee acknowledges and agrees that a breach by Employee of the obligations set forth in Sections 15 through 19 will likely cause Company irreparable injury and that, in such event, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief in addition to such other and further relief as may be proper.

d.

The parties agree that if, at any time, a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any of the provisions of Section 15 through 19 are unreasonable under


16





Tennessee law as to time or area or both, the Company shall be entitled to enforce this Agreement for such period of time or within such area as may be determined reasonable by such court.

21.

Return of Materials .  Upon Employee’s termination, Employee shall return to the Company all written, electronic, recorded or graphic materials of any kind belonging or relating to the Company or its affiliates, including any originals, copies and abstracts in Employee’s possession or control.

22.

General Provisions .

a.

Amendment .  This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a writing signed by both of the parties hereto.

b.

Binding Agreement .  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Employee, his/her heirs and personal representatives, and the Company and its successors and assigns.

c.

Waiver Of Breach; Specific Performance .  The waiver of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other breach. Each of the parties to this Agreement will be entitled to enforce this Agreement, specifically, to recover damages by reason of any breach of this Agreement, and to exercise all other rights existing in that party’s favor.  The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that money damages may not be an adequate remedy for any breach of the provisions of this Agreement and that any party may apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance or injunctive relief to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions of this Agreement.

d.

Unsecured General Creditor .  The Company shall neither reserve nor speci­fically set aside funds for the payment of its obligations under this Agreement, and such obligations shall be paid solely from the general assets of the Company.

e.

No Effect On Other Arrangements .  It is expressly understood and agreed that the payments made in accordance with this Agreement are in addition to any other benefits or compensation to which Employee may be entitled or for which Employee may be eligible.

f.

Tax Withholding .  There shall be deducted from each payment under this Agreement the amount of any tax required by any govern­mental authority to be withheld and paid over by the Company to such governmental authority for the account of Employee.


17





g.

Notices .

(i)

All notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and delivered personally to the other designated party, or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, or delivered by a recognized national overnight courier service, or sent by facsimile, as follows:

If to Company to:

Dollar General Corporation

Attn: General Counsel

100 Mission Ridge

Goodlettsville, TN  37072-2171

Facsimile: (615)855-5180

If to Employee to:

(Last address of Employee

known to Company unless

otherwise directed in writing by Employee)


(ii)

All notices sent under this Agreement shall be deemed given twenty-four (24) hours after sent by facsimile or courier, seventy-two (72) hours after sent by certified or registered mail and when delivered if by personal delivery.

(iii)

Either party hereto may change the address to which notice is to be sent hereunder by written notice to the other party in accordance with the provisions of this Section.

h.

Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee (without giving effect to conflict of laws).

i. Entire Agreement .  This Agreement contains the full and complete understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein and, unless specifically provided herein, this Agreement supersedes and replaces any prior agreement, either oral or written, which Employee may have with Company that relates generally to the same subject matter.

j.

Assignment .  This Agreement may not be assigned by Employee, and any attempted assignment shall be null and void and of no force or effect.

k.

Severability .  If any one or more of the terms, provisions, covenants or restrictions of this Agreement shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, then the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and


18





restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and to that end the provisions hereof shall be deemed severable.

l.

Section Headings .  The Section headings set forth herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement whatsoever.

m.

Voluntary Agreement .  Employee and Company represent and agree that each has reviewed all aspects of this Agreement, has carefully read and fully understands all provisions of this Agreement, and is voluntarily entering into this Agreement.  Each party represents and agrees that such party has had the opportunity to review any and all aspects of this Agreement with legal, tax or other adviser(s) of such party’s choice before executing this Agreement.

n.

Deferred Compensation Omnibus Provision .  It is intended that any payment or benefit which is provided pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement which is considered to be deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code shall be paid and provided in a manner, and at such time , including without limitation payment and provision of benefits only in connection with the occurrence of a permissible payment event contained in Section 409A (e.g. death, disability, separation from service from the Company and its affiliates as defined for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code), and in such form, as complies with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code to avoid the unfavorable tax consequences provided therein for non-compliance.  In connection with effecting such compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, the following shall apply:

(i)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company is authorized to amend this Agreement, to void or amend any election made by Employee under this Agreement and/or to delay the payment of any monies and/or provision of any benefits in such manner as may be determined by it to be necessary or appropriate to comply, or to evidence or further evidence required compliance, with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (including any transition or grandfather rules thereunder).

(ii)

Neither Employee nor the Company shall take any action to accelerate or delay the payment of any monies and/or provision of any benefits in any manner which would not be in compliance with Section 409A of the


19





Internal Revenue Code (including any transition or grandfather rules thereunder).

(iii)

If Employee is a specified employee for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code, any payment or provision of benefits in connection with a separation from service payment event (as determined for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code) shall not be made until six months after Employee’s separation from service (the “409A Deferral Period”).  In the event such payments are otherwise due to be made in installments or periodically during the 409A Deferral Period, the payments which would otherwise have been made in the 409A Deferral Period shall be accumulated and paid in a lump sum as soon as the 409A Deferral Period ends, and the balance of the payments shall be made as otherwise scheduled.  In the event benefits are required to be deferred, any such benefit may be provided during the 409A Deferral Period at Employee’s expense, with Employee having a right to reimbursement from the Company once the 409A Deferral Period ends, and the balance of the benefits shall be provided as otherwise scheduled.

(iv)

If a Change in Control occurs but the Change in Control does not constitute a change in control within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (a “409A Change in Control”), then payment of any amount or provision of any benefit under this Agreement which is considered to be deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code shall be deferred until another permissible payment event contained in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code occurs (e.g., death, disability, separation from service from the Company and its affiliated companies as defined for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code), including any deferral of payment or provision of benefits for the 409A Deferral Period as provided above .

(v)

For purposes of this Agreement, all rights to payments and benefits hereunder shall be treated as rights to receive a series of separate payments and benefits to the fullest extent allowed by Section 409A of the

Internal Revenue Code.


20





(vi)

For purposes of determining time of (but not entitlement to) payment or provision of deferred compensation under this Agreement under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code in connection with a termination of employment, termination of employment will be read to mean a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code where it is reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after that date or that the level of bona fide services Employee would perform after that date (whether as an employee or independent contractor) would permanently decrease to less than 50% of the average level of bona fide services performed over the immediately preceding thirty-six (36) month period.

(vii)

For purposes of this Agreement, a key employee for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code shall be determined on the basis of the applicable 12–month period ending on the specified employee identification date designated by the Company consistently for purposes of this Agreement and similar agreements or, if no such designation is made, based on the default rules and regulations under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(viii)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company shall not be liable to Employee if any payment or benefit which is to be provided pursuant to this Agreement and which is considered deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code otherwise fails to comply with, or be exempt from, the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.



21




IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed, or caused their duly authorized representative to execute this Agreement to be effective as of the Effective Date.


 

 

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ S. Lanigan

 

 

 

Its:

            General Counsel

Date:

6/1/2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“EMPLOYEE”

 

 

 

 


/s/ Robert Ravener

 

 

 

 

Robert Ravener

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

6/9/2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Witnessed By:

 

 

 

 


/s/ Julie L. Filson



22



Addendum to Employment Agreement with ___________________

 

RELEASE AGREEMENT

THIS RELEASE (“Release”) is made and entered into by and between _________________ (“Employee”) and DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION , and its successor or assigns (“Company”).

WHEREAS, Employee and Company have agreed that Employee’s employment with Dollar General Corporation shall terminate on ___________________;

WHEREAS, Employee and the Company have previously entered into that certain Employment Agreement, effective _____________________ (“Agreement”), in which the form of this Release is incorporated by reference;

WHEREAS, Employee and Company desire to delineate their respective rights, duties and obligations attendant to such termination and desire to reach an accord and satisfaction of all claims arising from Employee’s employment, and termination of employment, with appropriate releases, in accordance with the Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to compensate Employee in accordance with the Agreement for service Employee has provided and/or will provide for the Company;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements of the parties set forth in this Release, and other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby covenant and agree as follows:

1.

Claims Released Under This Agreement .

In exchange for receiving the payments and benefits described in Section 11 and 12 of the Agreement, Employee hereby voluntarily and irrevocably waives, releases, dismisses with prejudice, and withdraws all claims, complaints, suits or demands of any kind whatsoever (whether known or unknown) which Employee ever had, may have, or now has against Company and other current or former subsidiaries or affiliates of the Company and their past, present and future officers, directors, employees, agents, insurers and attorneys (collectively, the “Releasees”), arising from or relating to (directly or indirectly) Employee’s employment or the termination of employment or other events

that have occurred as of the date of execution of this Agreement, including but not limited to:


23




a.

claims for violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, the National Labor Relations Act, the Labor Management Relations Act, Executive Order 11246, Executive Order 11141, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act;

b.

claims for violations of any other federal or state statute or regulation or local ordinance;

c.

claims for lost or unpaid wages, compensation, or benefits, defamation, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, assault, battery, wrongful or constructive discharge, negligent hiring, retention or supervision, fraud, misrepresentation, conversion, tortious interference, breach of contract, or breach of fiduciary duty;

d.

claims to benefits under any bonus, severance, workforce reduction, early retirement, outplacement, or any other similar type plan sponsored by the Company (except for those benefits owed under any other plan or agreement covering Employee which shall be governed by the terms of such plan or agreement); or

e.

any other claims under state law arising in tort or contract.

2.

Claims Not Released Under This Agreement .

In signing this Release, Employee is not releasing any claims that may arise under the terms of this Release or which may arise out of events occurring after the date Employee executes this Release.

Employee also is not releasing claims to benefits that Employee is already entitled to receive under any other plan or agreement covering Employee which shall be governed by the terms of such plan or agreement.  However, Employee understands and acknowledges that nothing herein is intended to or shall be construed to require the Company to institute or continue in effect any particular plan or benefit sponsored by the Company, and the Company hereby reserves the right to amend or terminate any of its benefit programs at any time in accordance with the procedures set

forth in such plans.


24




Nothing in this Release shall prohibit Employee from engaging in activities required or protected under applicable law or from communicating, either voluntarily or otherwise, with any governmental agency concerning any potential violation of the law.

3.

No Assignment of Claim .  Employee represents that Employee has not assigned or transferred, or purported to assign or transfer, any claims or any portion thereof or interest therein to any party prior to the date of this Release.

4.

Compensation .  In accordance with the Agreement, the Company agrees to pay Employee or, if Employee becomes eligible for payments and benefits under Section 11 and 12 but dies before receipt thereof, Employee’s spouse or estate, as the case may be, the amounts provided in Section 11 and 12 of the Agreement.

5.

Publicity; No Disparaging Statement .  Except as otherwise provided in Section 14 of the Agreement, Section 2 of this Release, and as privileged by law, Employee and the Company covenant and agree that they shall not engage in any communi­cations with persons outside the Company which shall disparage one another or interfere with their existing or prospective business relationships.

6.

No Admission Of Liability .  This Release shall not in any way be construed as an admission by the Company or Employee of any improper actions or liability whatsoever as to one another, and each specifically disclaims any liability to or improper actions against the other or any other person.

7.

Voluntary Execution .  Employee warrants, represents and agrees that Employee has been encouraged in writing to seek advice regarding this Release from an attorney and tax advisor prior to signing it; that this Release represents written notice to do so; that Employee has been given the opportunity and sufficient time to seek such advice; and that Employee fully understands the meaning and contents of this Release. Employee further represents and warrants that Employee was not coerced, threatened or otherwise forced to sign this Release, and that Employee’s signature appearing hereinafter is voluntary and genuine.  EMPLOYEE UNDERSTANDS THAT EMPLOYEE MAY TAKE UP TO TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO ENTER INTO THIS RELEASE.

8.

Ability to Revoke Agreement .  EMPLOYEE UNDERSTANDS THAT  THIS RELEASE MAY BE REVOKED BY EMPLOYEE BY NOTIFYING THE COMPANY IN WRITING OF SUCH REVOCATION WITHIN SEVEN (7) DAYS OF EMPLOYEE’S


25



EXECUTION OF THIS RELEASE AND THAT THIS RELEASE IS NOT EFFECTIVE UNTIL THE EXPIRATION OF SUCH SEVEN (7) DAY PERIOD.  EMPLOYEE UNDERSTANDS THAT UPON THE EXPIRATION OF SUCH SEVEN (7) DAY PERIOD THIS RELEASE WILL BE BINDING UPON EMPLOYEE AND EMPLOYEE’S HEIRS, ADMINISTRATORS, REPRESENTATIVES, EXECUTORS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS AND WILL BE IRREVOCABLE.

Acknowledged and Agreed To:

 

“COMPANY”

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

By:

 

 

Its:

 


I UNDERSTAND THAT BY SIGNING THIS RELEASE, I AM GIVING UP RIGHTS I MAY

HAVE.  I UNDERSTAND THAT I DO NOT HAVE TO SIGN THIS RELEASE.


 

 

 

“EMPLOYEE”

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

WITNESSED BY:

 

 

 

 

Date

 

 

 





26




STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT



THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of the date indicated on Schedule B hereto (the “ Grant Date ”), is made by and between Dollar General Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “ Company ”), and the individual whose name is set forth on the signature page hereof, who is an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, hereinafter referred to as the “ Optionee ”.  Any capitalized terms herein not otherwise defined in Article I shall have the meaning set forth in the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates, as such Plan may be amended from time to time (the “ Plan ”).

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to carry out the Plan, the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee of the Board of the Company (or, if no such committee is appointed, the Board) (the “ Committee ”) has determined that it would be to the advantage and best interest of the Company and its shareholders to grant the Option provided for herein to the Optionee as an incentive for increased efforts during his term of office with the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, and has advised the Company thereof and instructed the undersigned officers to issue said Option;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS


Whenever the following terms are used in this Agreement, they shall have the meaning specified below unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary.

Section 1.1.

Base Price

“Base Price” shall mean $5.00.


Section 1.2.

Cause

“Cause” shall mean “Cause” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change-in-control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or, if there is no such employment or change-in-control agreement, “Cause” shall mean, with respect to an Optionee: (i) any act of the Optionee involving fraud or dishonesty, or any willful failure to perform reasonable duties assigned to the Optionee which failure is not cured within 10 business days after receipt from the Company of written notice of such failure; (ii) any material breach by the Optionee of any securities or other law or regulation or any Company policy governing trading or dealing with stock, securities, investments or the like, inappropriate disclosure or “tipping” relating to any stock, securities or investments or the like, (iii) other than as required by law, the carrying out by the Optionee of any activity, or the Optionee making any public statement, which prejudices or ridicules the good name and standing of the Company or its affiliates (including any limited partner of Parent) or would bring such persons into public contempt or ridicule; (iv) attendance by the Optionee at work in a state of intoxication or the Optionee otherwise being found in



 




possession at the Management Stockholder’s place of work of any prohibited drug or substance, possession of which would amount to a criminal office; (v) any assault or other act of violence by the Management Stockholder; or (vi) the Optionee being indicted for any crime constituting (x) any felony whatsoever or (y) any misdemeanor that would preclude employment under the Company’s hiring policy.


Section 1.3

Closing Date

“Closing Date” shall mean July 6, 2007.


Section 1.4.

Disability

“Disability” shall mean “Disability” as such term is defined in any employment agreement between Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, if there is no such employment agreement, “Disability” as defined in the long-term disability plan of the Company.

Section 1.5.

Fiscal Year

“Fiscal Year” shall mean each of the fiscal years of the Company set forth on Schedule A attached hereto.

Section 1.6.

Good Reason

“Good Reason” shall mean “Good Reason” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change-in-control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or, if there is no such employment or change-in-control agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean (i) a reduction in the Optionee’s base salary or target bonus level; or (ii) the relocation by the Company of the Optionee’s principal place of employment to a site outside a fifty mile radius from the current site of the Optionee’s principal place of employment.  In each case other than any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure by the Company that is not in bad faith and is cured within ten (10) business days after the Participant gives the Company notice of such event.

Section 1.7.

Management Stockholder’s Agreement

“Management Stockholder’s Agreement” shall mean that certain Management Stockholder’s Agreement between the Optionee and the Company.

Section 1.8.

Option

“Option” shall mean the aggregate of the Time Option and the Performance Option granted under Section 2.1 of this Agreement.

Section 1.9.

Performance Option

“Performance Option” shall mean the right and option to purchase, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, all or any part of an aggregate of the number of shares of Common Stock set forth on Schedule B hereof opposite the term Performance Option.



2




 

Section 1.10.

Pro Rata Fraction

“Pro Rata Fraction” shall mean a fraction, the numerator of which equals the number of calendar months in the first Fiscal Year that the Optionee is employed with the Company or any Service Recipient and the denominator of which is equal to 12; provided, that an Optionee shall only be deemed to have been employed in any given calendar month if the Optionee commences employment with the Company or any Service Recipient on or before the fifteenth (15 th ) day of any calendar month occurring in the first Fiscal Year.  In the event an Optionee commences employment with the Company or any Service Recipient after the fifteenth day of any given calendar month, then the numerator of the foregoing fraction shall only include those calendar months immediately following the calendar month in which the Optionee commences such employment.


Section 1.11.

Secretary

“Secretary” shall mean the Secretary of the Company.

Section 1.12.

Sponsor IRR

“Sponsor IRR” shall mean, on any given date, a pretax compounded annual internal rate of return of at least 25% realized by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates after the Closing Date on any Shares held by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates, on a per Share, fully diluted basis, based on the amount invested by the Sponsors in the equity securities of the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, (a) any calculation of Sponsor IRR will for purposes of Section 3.1(c)(ii) and 3.1(d) be calculated solely with respect to Sponsor Shares (as defined herein) actually sold or otherwise disposed of in the applicable transaction, and (b) Sponsor IRR will not be calculated taking into account the receipt by the Sponsor or any of its affiliates of any management, monitoring, transaction or other fees payable to such parties in connection with their separate letter agreement with the Company, and shall only take into account actual distributions paid on the shares of Common Stock indirectly held by such parties.

Section 1.13.

Sponsor Return

“Sponsor Return” shall mean, on any given date, all cash proceeds actually received by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates after the Closing Date, including the receipt of any cash dividends or other cash distributions thereon, on a per Share, fully diluted basis, in an amount that equals or exceeds the product of 2.5 and the Base Price.   For the avoidance of doubt, (a) any calculation of Sponsor Return will for purposes of Section 3.1(c)(ii) and 3.1(d) be calculated solely with respect to Sponsor Shares actually sold or otherwise disposed of in the applicable transaction, and (b) Sponsor Return will not be calculated taking into account the receipt by the Sponsor or any of its affiliates of any management, monitoring, transaction or other fees payable to such parties in connection with their separate letter agreement with the Company, and shall only take into account actual distributions paid on the shares of Common Stock indirectly held by such parties.


Section 1.14.

Time Option

“Time Option” shall mean the right and option to purchase, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, all or any part of an aggregate of the number of shares of Common Stock set forth on Schedule B hereof opposite the term Time Option.



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ARTICLE II

 

GRANT OF OPTIONS


Section 2.1.

Grant of Options

For good and valuable consideration, on and as of the Grant Date the Company irrevocably grants to the Optionee the following Stock Options:  (a) the Time Option and (b) the Performance Option, in each case on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

Section 2.2.

Exercise Price

Subject to Section 2.4, the exercise price of the shares of Common Stock covered by the Option (the “Exercise Price”) shall be as set forth on Schedule B hereof, which shall be the Fair Market Value on the Grant Date.

Section 2.3.

No Guarantee of Employment

Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon the Optionee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, which are hereby expressly reserved, to terminate the employment of the Optionee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, subject to the applicable provisions of, if any, the Optionee’s employment agreement with the Company or offer letter provided by the Company to the Optionee.

Section 2.4.

Adjustments to Option

The Option shall be subject to the adjustment provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of the Plan, provided , however , that in the event of the payment of an extraordinary dividend by the Company to its stockholders, then: the Exercise Prices of the Option shall be reduced by the amount of the dividend paid, but only to the extent the Committee determines it to be permitted under applicable tax laws and not have adverse tax consequences to the Optionee under Section 409A of the Code; and, if such reduction cannot be fully effected due to such tax laws and it will not have adverse tax consequences to the Optionee, then the Company shall pay to the Optionee a cash payment, on a per Share basis, equal to the balance of the amount of the dividend not permitted to be applied to reduce the Exercise Price of the applicable Option as follows: (a) for each Share subject to a vested Option, immediately upon the date of such dividend payment; and (b), for each Share subject to an unvested Option, on the date on which such Option becomes vested and exercisable with respect to such Share.

ARTICLE III


PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY


Section 3.1.

Commencement of Exercisability

(a)

So long as the Optionee continues to be employed by the Company or any other Service Recipients, the Option shall become exercisable pursuant to the following schedules:

(i)

Time Option .  The Time Option shall become vested and exercisable with respect to 20% of the Shares subject to such Option on each of the first five anniversaries of the date set forth on Schedule B (the “ Hire or Promotion Date ”).



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(ii)

Performance Option .  If the Company, on a consolidated basis, achieves its annual EBITDA targets as set forth in Schedule A attached hereto (each an “ EBITDA Target ” or “Annual Performance Target”) for the applicable given Fiscal Year, then the Performance Option shall be eligible to become vested and exercisable as to a percentage of the Shares subject to such Option at the end of each of the six Fiscal Years as follows:

(A)

in respect of the first Fiscal Year, a Pro Rata Fraction of 20% of the Shares subject to the Option (the “Initial Tranche”);

(B)

in respect of each of the second through fifth Fiscal Years, 20% of the Shares subject to the Option; and

(C)

in respect of the sixth Fiscal Year, the portion of the Initial Tranche in excess of the Pro Rata Fraction of the Initial Tranche that did not become vested in respect of the first Fiscal Year.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that an EBITDA Target is not achieved in a particular Fiscal Year, then that portion of the Performance Option that was eligible to vest but failed to vest due to the Company’s failure to achieve its EBITDA Target shall nevertheless vest and become exercisable at the end of any subsequent Fiscal Years if the cumulative EBITDA Target (each a “ Cumulative EBITDA Target ”) set forth on Schedule A attached hereto is achieved on a cumulative basis at the end of such Fiscal Year with respect to all then completed Fiscal Years.  In addition, for the avoidance of doubt, except as otherwise provided in Section 3.1(b) below, no portion of the Performance Option shall become vested and exercisable at any time unless the Optionee remains employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through the date on which it is determined that the applicable EBITDA or Cumulative EBITDA Target of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year has been achieved.

(b)

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, upon a termination of the Optionee’s employment at any time by reason of death or Disability:

(i)

that 20% portion of the Time Option that would have become exercisable on the next anniversary date of the Closing Date if the Optionee had remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through such date will become vested and exercisable; and

(ii)

that portion of the Performance Option, if any, that would have become exercisable in respect of the Fiscal Year in which the Optionee’s employment terminates if the Optionee had remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through such date, shall remain outstanding through the date the Company determines whether the Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is met for such Fiscal Year, and shall become exercisable on such date if and only if , and only to the extent that, the Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is met for such Fiscal Year in accordance with Section 3.1(a)(ii) above; provided, however , that if such Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is not met for such Fiscal Year, that portion of the Performance Option shall remain unvested and shall be forfeited upon such date.


(c)

Notwithstanding any of Section 3.1(a) or (b) above, upon the earlier occurrence of a Change in Control:

(i)

the Time Option shall become immediately exercisable as to 100% of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option immediately prior to a Change in Control (but only to the extent such Option has not otherwise terminated or become exercisable); and



5







(ii)

the Performance Option shall become immediately exercisable as to 100% of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option immediately prior to a Change in Control (but only to the extent such Option has not otherwise terminated or become exercisable) if as a result of the Change in Control, (x) the Sponsor achieves the Sponsor IRR on 100% of the Sponsors’ aggregate investment, directly or indirectly, in the equity securities of the Company (the “Sponsor Shares”) and (y) the Sponsor earns an Sponsor Return on 100% of the Sponsor Shares; provided, however, that in the event that there occurs a Change in Control wherein more than 50% but less than 100% of the Common Stock or other voting securities of the Company or Buck Holdings, L.P. is sold or otherwise disposed of, then, the Performance Option will become vested (to the extent not already previously vested pursuant to Section 3.1(a) or (d)) up to the same percentage of Sponsor Shares on which such Sponsor Return and Sponsor IRR has been so achieved.

(d)

Notwithstanding any of Section 3.1(a), (b) or (c) above, if after a Public Offering (as such term is defined in the Management Stockholder’s Agreement), the Sponsor or its affiliates, through one transaction or a series of transactions, sells Shares and achieves the Sponsor Return and the Sponsor IRR on any percentage of Sponsor Shares, so long as the Optionee has remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through the relevant sale date, then, the Performance Option will become vested (to the extent not already previously vested pursuant to Section 3.1(a) or (c)) up to the same percentage of Sponsor Shares on which such Sponsor Return and Sponsor IRR has been so achieved.  

(e)

Notwithstanding the foregoing but except as provided in Section 3.1(b), no Option shall become exercisable as to any additional shares of Common Stock following the termination of employment of the Optionee for any reason and any Option, which is unexercisable as of the Optionee’s termination of employment, shall immediately expire without payment therefor.

Section 3.2.

Expiration of Option

Except as otherwise provided in Section 5 or 6 of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement, the Optionee may not exercise the Option to any extent after the first to occur of the following events:

(a)

The tenth anniversary of the Grant Date so long as the Optionee remains employed with the Company or any Service Recipient through such date;

(b)

The first anniversary of the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment with the Company and all Service Recipients, if the Optionee’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability (unless earlier terminated as provided in Section 3.2(h) below);

(c)

Immediately upon the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients for Cause;

(d)

Immediately upon the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients by the Optionee without Good Reason (except due to death or Disability);

(e)

Ninety (90) days after the date of an Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients without Cause (for any reason other than as set forth in Section 3.2(b));



6




 


(f)

Ninety (90) days after the date of an Optionee’s termination of employment with the Company and all Service Recipients by the Optionee for Good Reason;

(g)

The date the Option is terminated pursuant to Section 6 or 7 of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement; or

(h)

At the discretion of the Company, if the Committee so determines pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan.

ARTICLE IV


EXERCISE OF OPTION

 

Section 4.1.

Person Eligible to Exercise

During the lifetime of the Optionee, only the Optionee (or his or her duly authorized legal representative) may exercise an Option or any portion thereof.  After the death of the Optionee, any exercisable portion of an Option may, prior to the time when an Option becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2, be exercised by his personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the Optionee’s will or under the then applicable laws of descent and distribution.

Section 4.2.

Partial Exercise

Any exercisable portion of an Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to the time when the Option or portion thereof becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2; provided , however , that any partial exercise shall be for whole shares of Common Stock only.

Section 4.3.

Manner of Exercise

An Option, or any exercisable portion thereof, may be exercised solely by delivering to the Secretary or his or her office or designee all of the following prior to the time when the Option or such portion becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2:

(a)

Notice in writing signed by the Optionee or the other person then entitled to exercise the Option or portion thereof, stating that the Option or portion thereof is thereby exercised, such notice complying with all applicable rules established by the Committee;

(b)

(i) Full payment (in cash or by check or by a combination thereof) for the shares with respect to which such Option or portion thereof is exercised or (ii) indication that the Optionee elects to have the number of Shares that would otherwise be issued to the Optionee reduced by a number of Shares having an equivalent Fair Market Value to the payment that would otherwise be made by Optionee to the Company pursuant to clause (i) of this subsection (b);

(c)

(i) Full payment (in cash or by check or by a combination thereof) to satisfy the minimum withholding tax obligation with respect to which such Option or portion thereof is exercised; or (ii) solely in the event that the Optionee’s employment terminates under circumstances identified in Section 3.2(b), (e) or (f) above, notice in writing that the Optionee elects to have the number of Shares that would otherwise be issued to the Optionee reduced by a number of Shares having an equivalent Fair Market Value to the payment that would otherwise be made by Optionee to the Company pursuant to clause (i) of this subsection (c);



7




 

(d)

A bona fide written representation and agreement, in a form satisfactory to the Committee, signed by the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise such Option or portion thereof, stating that the shares of Common Stock are being acquired for his own account, for investment and without any present intention of distributing or reselling said shares or any of them except as may be permitted under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Act ”), and then applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and that the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise such Option or portion thereof will indemnify the Company against and hold it free and harmless from any loss, damage, expense or liability resulting to the Company if any sale or distribution of the shares by such person is contrary to the representation and agreement referred to above; provided , however , that the Committee may, in its reasonable discretion, take whatever additional actions it deems reasonably necessary to ensure the observance and performance of such representation and agreement and to effect compliance with the Act and any other federal or state securities laws or regulations; and

(e)

In the event the Option or portion thereof shall be exercised pursuant to Section 4.1 by any person or persons other than the Optionee, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the option.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee may require an opinion of counsel acceptable to it to the effect that any subsequent transfer of shares acquired on exercise of an Option does not violate the Act, and may issue stop-transfer orders covering such shares.  Share certificates evidencing stock issued on exercise of this Option shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the provisions of subsection (d) above and the agreements herein. The written representation and agreement referred to in subsection (d) above shall, however, not be required if the shares to be issued pursuant to such exercise have been registered under the Act, and such registration is then effective in respect of such shares.

Section 4.4.

Conditions to Issuance of Stock Certificates

The shares of stock deliverable upon the exercise of an Option, or any portion thereof, may be either previously authorized but unissued shares or issued shares, which have then been reacquired by the Company.  Such shares shall be fully paid and nonassessable.  The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for shares of stock purchased (if certified, or if not certified, register the issuance of such shares on its books and records) upon the exercise of an Option or portion thereof prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions:

(a)

The obtaining of approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its reasonable and good faith discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

(b)

The execution by the Optionee of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement and a Sale Participation Agreement; and

(c)

The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of the Option as the Committee may from time to time establish for reasons of administrative convenience or as may otherwise be required by applicable law.

Section 4.5.

Rights as Stockholder

Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.4 of this Agreement, the holder of an Option shall not be, nor have any of the rights or privileges of, a stockholder of the Company in respect of any shares purchasable upon the exercise of the Option or any portion thereof unless and until certificates



8




representing such shares shall have been issued by the Company to such holder or the Shares have otherwise been recorded in the records of the Company as owned by such holder.

ARTICLE V


MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 5.1.

Administration

The Committee shall have the power to interpret the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules.  All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee shall be final and binding upon the Optionee, the Company and all other interested persons.  No member of the Committee shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or the Option.  In its absolute discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Committee under the Plan and this Agreement.

Section 5.2.

Option Not Transferable

Neither the Option nor any interest or right therein or part thereof shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of the Optionee or his successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect; provided, however, that this Section 5.2 shall not prevent transfers by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution.

Section 5.3.

Notices

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company shall be addressed to the Company in care of its Secretary, and any notice to be given to the Optionee shall be addressed to him at the address given beneath his signature hereto.  By a notice given pursuant to this Section 5.3, either party may hereafter designate a different address for notices to be given to him.  Any notice, which is required to be given to the Optionee, shall, if the Optionee is then deceased, be given to the Optionee’s personal representative if such representative has previously informed the Company of his status and address by written notice under this Section 5.3.  Any notice shall have been deemed duly given when (i) delivered in person, (ii) enclosed in a properly sealed envelope or wrapper addressed as aforesaid, deposited (with postage prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service, or (iii) enclosed in a properly sealed envelope or wrapper addressed as aforesaid, deposited (with fees prepaid) in an office regularly maintained by FedEx, UPS, or comparable non-public mail carrier.

Section 5.4.

Titles; Pronouns

Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.  The masculine pronoun shall include the feminine and neuter, and the singular the plural, where the context so indicates.



9




 


Section 5.5.

Applicability of Plan, Management Stockholder’s Agreement and Sale Participation Agreement

The Option and the shares of Common Stock issued to the Optionee upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to all of the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Management Stockholder’s Agreement and a Sale Participation Agreement, to the extent applicable to the Option and such Shares.  

Section 5.6.

Amendment

Subject to Section 10 of the Plan, this Agreement may be amended only by a writing executed by the parties hereto, which specifically states that it is amending this Agreement.

Section 5.7.

Governing Law

The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the interpretation, validity and performance of the terms of this Agreement regardless of the law that might be applied under principles of conflicts of laws.

Section 5.8.

Arbitration

In the event of any controversy among the parties hereto arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement which cannot be settled amicably by the parties, such controversy shall be finally, exclusively and conclusively settled by mandatory arbitration conducted expeditiously in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules, by a single independent arbitrator.  Such arbitration process shall take place within the Nashville, Tennessee metropolitan area.  The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding upon all parties hereto and shall be rendered pursuant to a written decision, which contains a detailed recital of the arbitrator’s reasoning.  Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  Each party shall bear its own legal fees and expenses, unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.  



[ Signatures on next pages .]



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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered by the parties hereto.

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ S. Lanigan

 

 

 

 

Name:

 Susan Lanigan

 

 

 

 

Title:

   Executive Vice President







































[Signature Page of Stock Option Agreement]



11







 

OPTIONEE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Robert Ravener

 

Robert Ravener

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS:

 

 

 

 

 

c/o Dollar General Corporation

 

100 Mission Ridge

 

Goodlettsville, TN  37072












[Signature Page of Stock Option Agreement]




12






Schedule A to Stock Option Agreement
Annual and Cumulative Performance Targets

 

The Annual and Cumulative Performance Targets are based on the Company’s achievement of the following EBITDA targets for the following Fiscal Years:


 

Fiscal Year

 

Annual Performance Target

Cumulative Performance Target

2008

 

[    ]

N/A

2009

 

[    ]

[    ]

2010

 

[    ]

[    ]

2011

 

[    ]

[    ]

2012

 

[    ]

[    ]

2013

 

[    ]

[    ]

2014

 

NA

[    ]


"EBITDA" shall mean earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization plus transaction, management and/or similar fees paid to the Sponsor and/or its Affiliates. The Board shall, fairly and appropriately, adjust the calculation of EBITDA to reflect, to the extent not contemplated in the management plan, the following: acquisitions, divestitures, any change required by GAAP relating to share-based compensation or for other changes in GAAP promulgated by accounting standard setters that, in each case, the Board in good faith determines require adjustment of EBITDA. The Board’s determination of such adjustment shall be based on the Company’s accounting as set forth in its books and records and on the financial plan of the Company pursuant to which the Annual Performance Targets were originally established.

If the Company makes an acquisition in any year, the Annual Performance Target for such year and Cumulative Performance Target for such year and subsequent years will be adjusted, fairly and appropriately, by the amount of EBITDA in the plan for the target presented to the Board at the time the acquisition is approved by the Board. Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets will also be fairly and appropriately adjusted by the Board, in consultation with management, to the extent not contemplated in the plan for the following: any divestitures, major capital investment programs, any change required by GAAP relating to share-based compensation or other changes in GAAP promulgated by accounting standard setters. In the event that any of the foregoing action is taken, such adjustment shall be only the amount deemed reasonably necessary by the Board, in the exercise of its good faith judgment, after consultation of the Company’s accountants, to accurately reflect the direct and measurable effect such event has on such Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets. The intent of such adjustments is to keep the probability of achieving the Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets the same as if the event triggering such adjustment had not



A-1






occurred. The Board’s determination of such necessary adjustment shall be made within 60 days following the completion or closing of such event, and shall be based on the Company’s accounting as set forth in its books and records and on the Company’s financial plan pursuant to which the Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets were originally established.



A-2






Schedule B to Stock Option Agreement

Grant Date :

August 28, 2008

Exercise Price of Options :

$5.00

Option Grants :


Aggregate number of shares of Common Stock

for which the Time Option granted hereunder is

exercisable:

100,000


Aggregate number of shares of Common Stock

for which the Performance Option

granted hereunder is exercisable:

100,000


Hire or Promotion Date :

August 25, 2008



B-1





STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT



THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of the date indicated on Schedule B hereto (the “ Grant Date ”), is made by and between Dollar General Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “ Company ”), and the individual whose name is set forth on the signature page hereof, who is an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, hereinafter referred to as the “ Optionee ”.  Any capitalized terms herein not otherwise defined in Article I shall have the meaning set forth in the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates, as such Plan may be amended from time to time (the “ Plan ”).

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to carry out the Plan, the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee of the Board of the Company (or, if no such committee is appointed, the Board) (the “ Committee ”) has determined that it would be to the advantage and best interest of the Company and its shareholders to grant the Option provided for herein to the Optionee as an incentive for increased efforts during his term of office with the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, and has advised the Company thereof and instructed the undersigned officers to issue said Option;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I


DEFINITIONS


Whenever the following terms are used in this Agreement, they shall have the meaning specified below unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary.

Section 1.1.

Base Price

“Base Price” shall mean $5.00.


Section 1.2.

Cause

“Cause” shall mean “Cause” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change-in-control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or, if there is no such employment or change-in-control agreement, “Cause” shall mean, with respect to an Optionee: (i) any act of the Optionee involving fraud or dishonesty, or any willful failure to perform reasonable duties assigned to the Optionee which failure is not cured within 10 business days after receipt from the Company of written notice of such failure; (ii) any material breach by the Optionee of any securities or other law or regulation or any Company policy governing trading or dealing with stock, securities, investments or the like, inappropriate disclosure or “tipping” relating to any stock, securities or investments or the like, (iii) other than as required by law, the carrying out by the Optionee of any activity, or the Optionee making any public statement, which prejudices or ridicules the good name and standing of the Company or its affiliates (including any limited partner of Parent) or would bring such persons into public contempt or ridicule; (iv) attendance by the Optionee at work in a state of intoxication or the Optionee otherwise being found in







possession at the Management Stockholder’s place of work of any prohibited drug or substance, possession of which would amount to a criminal office; (v) any assault or other act of violence by the Management Stockholder; or (vi) the Optionee being indicted for any crime constituting (x) any felony whatsoever or (y) any misdemeanor that would preclude employment under the Company’s hiring policy.


Section 1.3.

Closing Date

“Closing Date” shall mean July 6, 2007.


Section 1.4.

Disability

“Disability” shall mean “Disability” as such term is defined in any employment agreement between Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, if there is no such employment agreement, “Disability” as defined in the long-term disability plan of the Company.

Section 1.5.

Fiscal Year

“Fiscal Year” shall mean each of the fiscal years of the Company set forth on Schedule A attached hereto.

Section 1.6.

Good Reason

“Good Reason” shall mean “Good Reason” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change-in-control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or, if there is no such employment or change-in-control agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean (i) a reduction in the Optionee’s base salary or target bonus level; or (ii) the relocation by the Company of the Optionee’s principal place of employment to a site outside a fifty mile radius from the current site of the Optionee’s principal place of employment.  In each case other than any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure by the Company that is not in bad faith and is cured within ten (10) business days after the Participant gives the Company notice of such event.

Section 1.7.

Management Stockholder’s Agreement

“Management Stockholder’s Agreement” shall mean that certain Management Stockholder’s Agreement between the Optionee and the Company.

Section 1.8.

Option

“Option” shall mean the aggregate of the Time Option and the Performance Option granted under Section 2.1 of this Agreement.

Section 1.9.

Performance Option

“Performance Option” shall mean the right and option to purchase, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, all or any part of an aggregate of the number of shares of Common Stock set forth on Schedule B hereof opposite the term Performance Option.



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Section 1.10.

Pro Rata Fraction

“Pro Rata Fraction” shall mean a fraction, the numerator of which equals the number of calendar months in the first Fiscal Year that the Optionee is employed with (in the case of a new employee), or is employed in the promoted position giving rise to the Option grant by (in the event of a promoted employee), the Company or any Service Recipient and the denominator of which is equal to 12; provided, that an Optionee shall only be deemed to have been employed in any given calendar month if the Optionee commences initial employment (in the event of a new employee) or commences employment into the promoted position (in the event of a promoted employee) with the Company or any Service Recipient on or before the fifteenth (15 th ) day of any calendar month occurring in the first Fiscal Year.  In the event an Optionee commences employment (whether initial or promoted) with the Company or any Service Recipient after the fifteenth day of any given calendar month, then the numerator of the foregoing fraction shall only include those calendar months immediately following the calendar month in which the Optionee commences such employment (whether initial or promoted).    


Section 1.11.

Secretary

“Secretary” shall mean the Secretary of the Company.

Section 1.12.

Sponsor IRR

 “Sponsor IRR” shall mean, on any given date, a pretax compounded annual internal rate of return of at least 25% realized by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates after the Closing Date on any Shares held by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates, on a per Share, fully diluted basis, based on the amount invested by the Sponsors in the equity securities of the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, (a) any calculation of Sponsor IRR will for purposes of Section 3.1(c)(ii) and 3.1(d) be calculated solely with respect to Sponsor Shares (as defined herein) actually sold or otherwise disposed of in the applicable transaction, and (b) Sponsor IRR will not be calculated taking into account the receipt by the Sponsor or any of its affiliates of any management, monitoring, transaction or other fees payable to such parties in connection with their separate letter agreement with the Company, and shall only take into account actual distributions paid on the shares of Common Stock indirectly held by such parties.

Section 1.13.

Sponsor Return

“Sponsor Return” shall mean, on any given date, all cash proceeds actually received by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates after the Closing Date, including the receipt of any cash dividends or other cash distributions thereon, on a per Share, fully diluted basis, in an amount that equals or exceeds the product of 2.5 and the Base Price.   For the avoidance of doubt, (a) any calculation of Sponsor Return will for purposes of Section 3.1(c)(ii) and 3.1(d) be calculated solely with respect to Sponsor Shares actually sold or otherwise disposed of in the applicable transaction, and (b) Sponsor Return will not be calculated taking into account the receipt by the Sponsor or any of its affiliates of any management, monitoring, transaction or other fees payable to such parties in connection with their separate letter agreement with the Company, and shall only take into account actual distributions paid on the shares of Common Stock indirectly held by such parties.

 

Section 1.14.

Time Option

“Time Option” shall mean the right and option to purchase, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, all or any part of an aggregate of the number of shares of Common Stock set forth on Schedule B hereof opposite the term Time Option.



3




ARTICLE II


GRANT OF OPTIONS


Section 2.1.

Grant of Options

For good and valuable consideration, on and as of the Grant Date the Company irrevocably grants to the Optionee the following Stock Options:  (a) the Time Option and (b) the Performance Option, in each case on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

Section 2.2.

Exercise Price

Subject to Section 2.4, the exercise price of the shares of Common Stock covered by the Option (the “Exercise Price”) shall be as set forth on Schedule B hereof, which shall be the Fair Market Value on the Grant Date.

Section 2.3.

No Guarantee of Employment

Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon the Optionee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, which are hereby expressly reserved, to terminate the employment of the Optionee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, subject to the applicable provisions of, if any, the Optionee’s employment agreement with the Company or offer letter provided by the Company to the Optionee.

Section 2.4.

Adjustments to Option

The Option shall be subject to the adjustment provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of the Plan, provided , however , that in the event of the payment of an extraordinary dividend by the Company to its stockholders, then: the Exercise Prices of the Option shall be reduced by the amount of the dividend paid, but only to the extent the Committee determines it to be permitted under applicable tax laws and not have adverse tax consequences to the Optionee under Section 409A of the Code; and, if such reduction cannot be fully effected due to such tax laws and it will not have adverse tax consequences to the Optionee, then the Company shall pay to the Optionee a cash payment, on a per Share basis, equal to the balance of the amount of the dividend not permitted to be applied to reduce the Exercise Price of the applicable Option as follows: (a) for each Share subject to a vested Option, immediately upon the date of such dividend payment; and (b), for each Share subject to an unvested Option, on the date on which such Option becomes vested and exercisable with respect to such Share.

ARTICLE III


PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY


Section 3.1.

Commencement of Exercisability

(a)

So long as the Optionee continues to be employed by the Company or any other Service Recipients, the Option shall become exercisable pursuant to the following schedules:

(i)

Time Option .  The Time Option shall become vested and exercisable with respect to 20% of the Shares subject to such Option on each of the first five anniversaries of the date set forth on Schedule B (the “ Hire or Promotion Date ”).



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(ii)

Performance Option .  If the Company, on a consolidated basis, achieves its annual EBITDA targets as set forth in Schedule A attached hereto (each an “ EBITDA Target ” or “Annual Performance Target”) for the applicable given Fiscal Year, then the Performance Option shall be eligible to become vested and exercisable as to a percentage of the Shares subject to such Option at the end of each of the six Fiscal Years as follows:

(A)

in respect of the first Fiscal Year, a Pro Rata Fraction of 20% of the Shares subject to the Option (the “Initial Tranche”);

(B)

in respect of each of the second through fifth Fiscal Years, 20% of the Shares subject to the Option; and

(C)

in respect of the sixth Fiscal Year, the portion of the Initial Tranche in excess of the Pro Rata Fraction of the Initial Tranche that did not become vested in respect of the first Fiscal Year.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that an EBITDA Target is not achieved in a particular Fiscal Year, then that portion of the Performance Option that was eligible to vest but failed to vest due to the Company’s failure to achieve its EBITDA Target shall nevertheless vest and become exercisable at the end of any subsequent Fiscal Years if the cumulative EBITDA Target (each a “ Cumulative EBITDA Target ”) set forth on Schedule A attached hereto is achieved on a cumulative basis at the end of such Fiscal Year with respect to all then completed Fiscal Years.  In addition, for the avoidance of doubt, except as otherwise provided in Section 3.1(b) below, no portion of the Performance Option shall become vested and exercisable at any time unless the Optionee remains employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through the date on which it is determined that the applicable EBITDA or Cumulative EBITDA Target of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year has been achieved.

(b)

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, upon a termination of the Optionee’s employment at any time by reason of death or Disability:

(i)

that 20% portion of the Time Option that would have become exercisable on the next anniversary date of the Hire or Promotion Date if the Optionee had remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through such date will become vested and exercisable; and

(ii)

that portion of the Performance Option, if any, that would have become exercisable in respect of the Fiscal Year in which the Optionee’s employment terminates if the Optionee had remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through such date, shall remain outstanding through the date the Company determines whether the Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is met for such Fiscal Year, and shall become exercisable on such date if and only if , and only to the extent that, the Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is met for such Fiscal Year in accordance with Section 3.1(a)(ii) above; provided, however , that if such Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is not met for such Fiscal Year, that portion of the Performance Option shall remain unvested and shall be forfeited upon such date.


(c)

Notwithstanding any of Section 3.1(a) or (b) above, upon the earlier occurrence of a Change in Control:

(i)

the Time Option shall become immediately exercisable as to 100% of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option immediately prior to a Change in Control (but only to the extent such Option has not otherwise terminated or become exercisable); and



5







(ii)

the Performance Option shall become immediately exercisable as to 100% of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option immediately prior to a Change in Control (but only to the extent such Option has not otherwise terminated or become exercisable) if as a result of the Change in Control, (x) the Sponsor achieves the Sponsor IRR on 100% of the Sponsors’ aggregate investment, directly or indirectly, in the equity securities of the Company (the “Sponsor Shares”) and (y) the Sponsor earns an Sponsor Return on 100% of the Sponsor Shares; provided, however, that in the event that there occurs a Change in Control wherein more than 50% but less than 100% of the Common Stock or other voting securities of the Company or Buck Holdings, L.P. is sold or otherwise disposed of, then, the Performance Option will become vested (to the extent not already previously vested pursuant to Section 3.1(a) or (d)) up to the same percentage of Sponsor Shares on which such Sponsor Return and Sponsor IRR has been so achieved.

(d)

Notwithstanding any of Section 3.1(a), (b) or (c) above, if after a Public Offering (as such term is defined in the Management Stockholder’s Agreement), the Sponsor or its affiliates, through one transaction or a series of transactions, sells Shares and achieves the Sponsor Return and the Sponsor IRR on any percentage of Sponsor Shares, so long as the Optionee has remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through the relevant sale date, then, the Performance Option will become vested (to the extent not already previously vested pursuant to Section 3.1(a) or (c)) up to the same percentage of Sponsor Shares on which such Sponsor Return and Sponsor IRR has been so achieved.  

(e)

Notwithstanding the foregoing but except as provided in Section 3.1(b), no Option shall become exercisable as to any additional shares of Common Stock following the termination of employment of the Optionee for any reason and any Option, which is unexercisable as of the Optionee’s termination of employment, shall immediately expire without payment therefor.

Section 3.2.

Expiration of Option

Except as otherwise provided in Section 5 or 6 of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement, the Optionee may not exercise the Option to any extent after the first to occur of the following events:

(a)

The tenth anniversary of the Grant Date so long as the Optionee remains employed with the Company or any Service Recipient through such date;

(b)

The first anniversary of the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment with the Company and all Service Recipients, if the Optionee’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability (unless earlier terminated as provided in Section 3.2(h) below);

(c)

Immediately upon the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients for Cause;

(d)

Immediately upon the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients by the Optionee without Good Reason (except due to death or Disability);

(e)

Ninety (90) days after the date of an Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients without Cause (for any reason other than as set forth in Section 3.2(b));



6







(f)

Ninety (90) days after the date of an Optionee’s termination of employment with the Company and all Service Recipients by the Optionee for Good Reason;

(g)

The date the Option is terminated pursuant to Section 6 or 7 of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement; or

(h)

At the discretion of the Company, if the Committee so determines pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan.

ARTICLE IV


EXERCISE OF OPTION


Section 4.1.

Person Eligible to Exercise

During the lifetime of the Optionee, only the Optionee (or his or her duly authorized legal representative) may exercise an Option or any portion thereof.  After the death of the Optionee, any exercisable portion of an Option may, prior to the time when an Option becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2, be exercised by his personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the Optionee’s will or under the then applicable laws of descent and distribution.

Section 4.2.

Partial Exercise

Any exercisable portion of an Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to the time when the Option or portion thereof becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2; provided , however , that any partial exercise shall be for whole shares of Common Stock only.

Section 4.3.

Manner of Exercise

An Option, or any exercisable portion thereof, may be exercised solely by delivering to the Secretary or his or her office or designee all of the following prior to the time when the Option or such portion becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2:

(a)

Notice in writing signed by the Optionee or the other person then entitled to exercise the Option or portion thereof, stating that the Option or portion thereof is thereby exercised, such notice complying with all applicable rules established by the Committee;

(b)

(i) Full payment (in cash or by check or by a combination thereof) for the shares with respect to which such Option or portion thereof is exercised or (ii) indication that the Optionee elects to have the number of Shares that would otherwise be issued to the Optionee reduced by a number of Shares having an equivalent Fair Market Value to the payment that would otherwise be made by Optionee to the Company pursuant to clause (i) of this subsection (b);

(c)

(i) Full payment (in cash or by check or by a combination thereof) to satisfy the minimum withholding tax obligation with respect to which such Option or portion thereof is exercised; or (ii) solely in the event that the Optionee’s employment terminates under circumstances identified in Section 3.2(b), (e) or (f) above, notice in writing that the Optionee elects to have the number of Shares that would otherwise be issued to the Optionee reduced by a number of Shares having an equivalent Fair Market Value to the payment that would otherwise be made by Optionee to the Company pursuant to clause (i) of this subsection (c);



7







(d)

A bona fide written representation and agreement, in a form satisfactory to the Committee, signed by the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise such Option or portion thereof, stating that the shares of Common Stock are being acquired for his own account, for investment and without any present intention of distributing or reselling said shares or any of them except as may be permitted under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Act ”), and then applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and that the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise such Option or portion thereof will indemnify the Company against and hold it free and harmless from any loss, damage, expense or liability resulting to the Company if any sale or distribution of the shares by such person is contrary to the representation and agreement referred to above; provided , however , that the Committee may, in its reasonable discretion, take whatever additional actions it deems reasonably necessary to ensure the observance and performance of such representation and agreement and to effect compliance with the Act and any other federal or state securities laws or regulations; and

(e)

In the event the Option or portion thereof shall be exercised pursuant to Section 4.1 by any person or persons other than the Optionee, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the option.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee may require an opinion of counsel acceptable to it to the effect that any subsequent transfer of shares acquired on exercise of an Option does not violate the Act, and may issue stop-transfer orders covering such shares.  Share certificates evidencing stock issued on exercise of this Option shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the provisions of subsection (d) above and the agreements herein. The written representation and agreement referred to in subsection (d) above shall, however, not be required if the shares to be issued pursuant to such exercise have been registered under the Act, and such registration is then effective in respect of such shares.

Section 4.4.

Conditions to Issuance of Stock Certificates

The shares of stock deliverable upon the exercise of an Option, or any portion thereof, may be either previously authorized but unissued shares or issued shares, which have then been reacquired by the Company.  Such shares shall be fully paid and nonassessable.  The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for shares of stock purchased (if certified, or if not certified, register the issuance of such shares on its books and records) upon the exercise of an Option or portion thereof prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions:

(a)

The obtaining of approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its reasonable and good faith discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

(b)

The execution by the Optionee of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement and a Sale Participation Agreement; and

(c)

The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of the Option as the Committee may from time to time establish for reasons of administrative convenience or as may otherwise be required by applicable law.

Section 4.5.

Rights as Stockholder

Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.4 of this Agreement, the holder of an Option shall not be, nor have any of the rights or privileges of, a stockholder of the Company in respect of any shares purchasable upon the exercise of the Option or any portion thereof unless and until certificates



8




representing such shares shall have been issued by the Company to such holder or the Shares have otherwise been recorded in the records of the Company as owned by such holder.

ARTICLE V


MISCELLANEOUS


Section 5.1.

Administration

The Committee shall have the power to interpret the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules.  All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee shall be final and binding upon the Optionee, the Company and all other interested persons.  No member of the Committee shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or the Option.  In its absolute discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Committee under the Plan and this Agreement.

Section 5.2.

Option Not Transferable

Neither the Option nor any interest or right therein or part thereof shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of the Optionee or his successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect; provided, however, that this Section 5.2 shall not prevent transfers by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution.

Section 5.3.

Notices

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company shall be addressed to the Company in care of its Secretary, and any notice to be given to the Optionee shall be addressed to him at the address given beneath his signature hereto.  By a notice given pursuant to this Section 5.3, either party may hereafter designate a different address for notices to be given to him.  Any notice, which is required to be given to the Optionee, shall, if the Optionee is then deceased, be given to the Optionee’s personal representative if such representative has previously informed the Company of his status and address by written notice under this Section 5.3.  Any notice shall have been deemed duly given when (i) delivered in person, (ii) enclosed in a properly sealed envelope or wrapper addressed as aforesaid, deposited (with postage prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service, or (iii) enclosed in a properly sealed envelope or wrapper addressed as aforesaid, deposited (with fees prepaid) in an office regularly maintained by FedEx, UPS, or comparable non-public mail carrier.

Section 5.4.

Titles; Pronouns

Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.  The masculine pronoun shall include the feminine and neuter, and the singular the plural, where the context so indicates.



9







Section 5.5.

Applicability of Plan, Management Stockholder’s Agreement and Sale Participation Agreement

The Option and the shares of Common Stock issued to the Optionee upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to all of the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Management Stockholder’s Agreement and a Sale Participation Agreement, to the extent applicable to the Option and such Shares.  

Section 5.6.

Amendment

Subject to Section 10 of the Plan, this Agreement may be amended only by a writing executed by the parties hereto, which specifically states that it is amending this Agreement.

Section 5.7.

Governing Law

The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the interpretation, validity and performance of the terms of this Agreement regardless of the law that might be applied under principles of conflicts of laws.

Section 5.8.

Arbitration

In the event of any controversy among the parties hereto arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement which cannot be settled amicably by the parties, such controversy shall be finally, exclusively and conclusively settled by mandatory arbitration conducted expeditiously in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules, by a single independent arbitrator.  Such arbitration process shall take place within the Nashville, Tennessee metropolitan area.  The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding upon all parties hereto and shall be rendered pursuant to a written decision, which contains a detailed recital of the arbitrator’s reasoning.  Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  Each party shall bear its own legal fees and expenses, unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.  



[ Signatures on next pages .]



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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered by the parties hereto.

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ S. Lanigan

 

 

 

 

Name:

Susan Lanigan

 

 

 

 

Title:

Executive Vice President


































[Signature Page of Stock Option Agreement]



11







 

OPTIONEE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Robert D. Ravener

 

Robert Ravener

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS:

 

 

 

 

 

c/o Dollar General Corporation

 

100 Mission Ridge

 

Goodlettsville, TN  37072













[Signature Page of Stock Option Agreement]




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Schedule A to Stock Option Agreement

Annual and Cumulative Performance Targets

The Annual and Cumulative Performance Targets are based on the Company’s achievement of the following EBITDA targets for the following Fiscal Years:

 


Fiscal Year

 

Annual Performance Target

Cumulative Performance Target

2008

 

[    ]

N/A

2009

 

[    ]

[    ]

2010

 

[    ]

[    ]

2011

 

[    ]

[    ]

2012

 

[    ]

[    ]

2013

 

[    ]

[    ]

2014

 

NA

[    ]


"EBITDA" shall mean earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization plus transaction, management and/or similar fees paid to the Sponsor and/or its Affiliates. The Board shall, fairly and appropriately, adjust the calculation of EBITDA to reflect, to the extent not contemplated in the management plan, the following: acquisitions, divestitures, any change required by GAAP relating to share-based compensation or for other changes in GAAP promulgated by accounting standard setters that, in each case, the Board in good faith determines require adjustment of EBITDA. The Board’s determination of such adjustment shall be based on the Company’s accounting as set forth in its books and records and on the financial plan of the Company pursuant to which the Annual Performance Targets were originally established.

If the Company makes an acquisition in any year, the Annual Performance Target for such year and Cumulative Performance Target for such year and subsequent years will be adjusted, fairly and appropriately, by the amount of EBITDA in the plan for the target presented to the Board at the time the acquisition is approved by the Board. Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets will also be fairly and appropriately adjusted by the Board, in consultation with management, to the extent not contemplated in the plan for the following: any divestitures, major capital investment programs, any change required by GAAP relating to share-based compensation or other changes in GAAP promulgated by accounting standard setters. In the event that any of the foregoing action is taken, such adjustment shall be only the amount deemed reasonably necessary by the Board, in the exercise of its good faith judgment, after consultation of the Company’s accountants, to accurately reflect the direct and measurable effect such event has on such Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets. The intent of such adjustments is to keep the probability of achieving the Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets the same as if the event triggering such adjustment had not



A-1






occurred. The Board’s determination of such necessary adjustment shall be made within 60 days following the completion or closing of such event, and shall be based on the Company’s accounting as set forth in its books and records and on the Company’s financial plan pursuant to which the Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative Performance Targets were originally established.



A-2






Schedule B to Stock Option Agreement

Grant Date :

December 19, 2008

Exercise Price of Options :

$5.00

Option Grants :


Aggregate number of shares of Common Stock

for which the Time Option granted hereunder is

exercisable:

100,000


Aggregate number of shares of Common Stock

for which the Performance Option

granted hereunder is exercisable:

 

100,000


Hire or Promotion Date :

August 25, 2008



B-1





STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT



THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of the date indicated on Schedule B hereto (the “ Grant Date ”), is made by and between Dollar General Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “ Company ”), and the individual whose name is set forth on the signature page hereof, who is an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, hereinafter referred to as the “ Optionee ”.  Any capitalized terms herein not otherwise defined in Article I shall have the meaning set forth in the Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates, as such Plan may be amended from time to time (the “ Plan ”).

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to carry out the Plan, the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee of the Board of the Company (or, if no such committee is appointed, the Board) (the “ Committee ”) has determined that it would be to the advantage and best interest of the Company and its shareholders to grant the Option provided for herein to the Optionee as an incentive for increased efforts during his term of office with the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, and has advised the Company thereof and instructed the undersigned officers to issue said Option;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I


DEFINITIONS

 

Whenever the following terms are used in this Agreement, they shall have the meaning specified below unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary.

Section 1.1.      Base Price

“Base Price” shall mean $8.75.


Section 1.2.

Cause

“Cause” shall mean “Cause” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change-in-control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or, if there is no such employment or change-in-control agreement, “Cause” shall mean, with respect to an Optionee: (i) any act of the Optionee involving fraud or dishonesty, or any willful failure to perform reasonable duties assigned to the Optionee which failure is not cured within 10 business days after receipt from the Company of written notice of such failure; (ii) any material breach by the Optionee of any securities or other law or regulation or any Company policy governing trading or dealing with stock, securities, investments or the like, inappropriate disclosure or “tipping” relating to any stock, securities or investments or the like, (iii) other than as required by law, the carrying out by the Optionee of any activity, or the Optionee making any public statement, which prejudices or ridicules the good name and standing of the Company or its affiliates (including any limited partner of Parent) or would bring such persons into public contempt or ridicule; (iv) attendance by the Optionee at work in a state of intoxication or the Optionee otherwise being found in



1






possession at the Management Stockholder’s place of work of any prohibited drug or substance, possession of which would amount to a criminal office; (v) any assault or other act of violence by the Management Stockholder; or (vi) the Optionee being indicted for any crime constituting (x) any felony whatsoever or (y) any misdemeanor that would preclude employment under the Company’s hiring policy.


Section 1.3.

Closing Date

“Closing Date” shall mean July 6, 2007.


Section 1.4.

Disability

“Disability” shall mean “Disability” as such term is defined in any employment agreement between Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, if there is no such employment agreement, “Disability” as defined in the long-term disability plan of the Company.

Section 1.5.

Fiscal Year

“Fiscal Year” shall mean each of the fiscal years of the Company set forth on Schedule A attached hereto.

Section 1.6.

Good Reason

“Good Reason” shall mean “Good Reason” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change-in-control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or, if there is no such employment or change-in-control agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean (i) a reduction in the Optionee’s base salary or target bonus level; or (ii) the relocation by the Company of the Optionee’s principal place of employment to a site outside a fifty mile radius from the current site of the Optionee’s principal place of employment.  In each case other than any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure by the Company that is not in bad faith and is cured within ten (10) business days after the Participant gives the Company notice of such event.

Section 1.7.

Management Stockholder’s Agreement

“Management Stockholder’s Agreement” shall mean that certain Management Stockholder’s Agreement between the Optionee and the Company.

Section 1.8.

Option

“Option” shall mean the aggregate of the Time Option and the Performance Option granted under Section 2.1 of this Agreement.

Section 1.9.

Performance Option

“Performance Option” shall mean the right and option to purchase, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, all or any part of an aggregate of the number of shares of Common Stock set forth on Schedule B hereof opposite the term Performance Option.



2






Section 1.10.

Pro Rata Fraction

“Pro Rata Fraction” shall mean a fraction, the numerator of which equals the number of calendar months in the first Fiscal Year that the Optionee is employed with (in the case of a new employee), or is employed in the promoted position giving rise to the Option grant by (in the event of a promoted employee), the Company or any Service Recipient and the denominator of which is equal to 12; provided, that an Optionee shall only be deemed to have been employed in any given calendar month if the Optionee commences initial employment (in the event of a new employee) or commences employment into the promoted position (in the event of a promoted employee) with the Company or any Service Recipient on or before the fifteenth (15 th ) day of any calendar month occurring in the first Fiscal Year.  In the event an Optionee commences employment (whether initial or promoted) with the Company or any Service Recipient after the fifteenth day of any given calendar month, then the numerator of the foregoing fraction shall only include those calendar months immediately following the calendar month in which the Optionee commences such employment (whether initial or promoted).    


Section 1.11.

Secretary

“Secretary” shall mean the Secretary of the Company.

Section 1.12.

Sponsor IRR

“Sponsor IRR” shall mean, on any given date, a pretax compounded annual internal rate of return of at least 25% realized by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates after the Closing Date on any Shares held by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates, on a per Share, fully diluted basis, based on the amount invested by the Sponsors in the equity securities of the Company.  For the avoidance of doubt, (a) any calculation of Sponsor IRR will for purposes of Section 3.1(c)(ii) be calculated solely with respect to Sponsor Shares (as defined herein) actually sold or otherwise disposed of in the applicable transaction, and (b) Sponsor IRR will not be calculated taking into account the receipt by the Sponsor or any of its affiliates of any management, monitoring, transaction or other fees payable to such parties in connection with their separate letter agreement with the Company, and shall only take into account actual distributions paid on the shares of Common Stock indirectly held by such parties.

Section 1.13.

Sponsor Return

“Sponsor Return” shall mean, on any given date, all cash proceeds actually received by the Sponsors or any of their affiliates after the Closing Date, including the receipt of any cash dividends or other cash distributions thereon, on a per Share, fully diluted basis, in an amount that equals or exceeds the product of 2.5 and the Base Price.  For the avoidance of doubt, (a) any calculation of Sponsor Return will for purposes of Section 3.1(c)(ii) be calculated solely with respect to Sponsor Shares actually sold or otherwise disposed of in the applicable transaction, and (b) Sponsor Return will not be calculated taking into account the receipt by the Sponsor or any of its affiliates of any management, monitoring, transaction or other fees payable to such parties in connection with their separate letter agreement with the Company, and shall only take into account actual distributions paid on the shares of Common Stock indirectly held by such parties.

 

Section 1.14.

Time Option

“Time Option” shall mean the right and option to purchase, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, all or any part of an aggregate of the number of shares of Common Stock set forth on Schedule B hereof opposite the term Time Option.



3






ARTICLE II

 

GRANT OF OPTIONS

 

Section 2.1.

Grant of Options

For good and valuable consideration, on and as of the Grant Date the Company irrevocably grants to the Optionee the following Stock Options:  (a) the Time Option and (b) the Performance Option, in each case on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

Section 2.2.

Exercise Price

Subject to Section 2.4, the exercise price of the shares of Common Stock covered by the Option (the “Exercise Price”) shall be as set forth on Schedule B hereof, which shall be the Fair Market Value on the Grant Date.

Section 2.3.

No Guarantee of Employment

Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon the Optionee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, which are hereby expressly reserved, to terminate the employment of the Optionee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, subject to the applicable provisions of, if any, the Optionee’s employment agreement with the Company or offer letter provided by the Company to the Optionee.

Section 2.4.

Adjustments to Option

The Option shall be subject to the adjustment provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of the Plan, provided , however , that in the event of the payment of an extraordinary dividend by the Company to its stockholders, then: the Exercise Prices of the Option shall be reduced by the amount of the dividend paid, but only to the extent the Committee determines it to be permitted under applicable tax laws and not have adverse tax consequences to the Optionee under Section 409A of the Code; and, if such reduction cannot be fully effected due to such tax laws and it will not have adverse tax consequences to the Optionee, then the Company shall pay to the Optionee a cash payment, on a per Share basis, equal to the balance of the amount of the dividend not permitted to be applied to reduce the Exercise Price of the applicable Option as follows: (a) for each Share subject to a vested Option, immediately upon the date of such dividend payment; and (b), for each Share subject to an unvested Option, on the date on which such Option becomes vested and exercisable with respect to such Share.

ARTICLE III

 

PERIOD OF EXERCISABILITY

 

Section 3.1.

Commencement of Exercisability

(a)

So long as the Optionee continues to be employed by the Company or any other Service Recipients, the Option shall become exercisable pursuant to the following schedules:

(i)

Time Option .  The Time Option shall become vested and exercisable with respect to 25% of the Shares subject to such Option on each of the first four anniversaries of the Grant Date .



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(ii)

Performance Option .  If the Company, on a consolidated basis, achieves its annual EBITDA targets as set forth in Schedule A attached hereto (each an “ EBITDA Target ” or “Annual Performance Target”) for the applicable given Fiscal Year, then the Performance Option shall be eligible to become vested and exercisable as to a percentage of the Shares subject to such Option at the end of each of the five Fiscal Years as follows:

(A)

in respect of the first Fiscal Year, a Pro Rata Fraction of 25% of the Shares subject to the Option (the “Initial Tranche”);

(B)

in respect of each of the second through fourth Fiscal Years, 25% of the Shares subject to the Option; and

(C)

in respect of the fifth Fiscal Year, the portion of the Initial Tranche in excess of the Pro Rata Fraction of the Initial Tranche that did not become vested in respect of the first Fiscal Year.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that an EBITDA Target is not achieved in a particular Fiscal Year, then that portion of the Performance Option that was eligible to vest but failed to vest due to the Company’s failure to achieve its EBITDA Target shall nevertheless vest and become exercisable at the end of any subsequent Fiscal Years if the cumulative EBITDA Target set forth on Schedule A attached hereto (each a “ Cumulative EBITDA Target ”) is achieved on a cumulative basis at the end of such Fiscal Year with respect to all then completed Fiscal Years.  For the avoidance of doubt, except as otherwise provided in Section 3.1(b) below, no portion of the Performance Option shall become vested and exercisable at any time unless the Optionee remains employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through the date on which it is determined that the applicable EBITDA Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year has been achieved.

(b)

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, upon a termination of the Optionee’s employment at any time by reason of death or Disability:

(i)

that 25% portion of the Time Option that would have become exercisable on the next anniversary date of the  Grant Date if the Optionee had remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through such date will become vested and exercisable; and

(ii)

that portion of the Performance Option, if any, that would have become exercisable in respect of the Fiscal Year in which the Optionee’s employment terminates if the Optionee had remained employed with the Company or the applicable Service Recipient through such date, shall remain outstanding through the date the Company determines whether the Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is met for such Fiscal Year, and shall become exercisable on such date if and only if , and only to the extent that, the Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is met for such Fiscal Year in accordance with Section 3.1(a)(ii) above; provided, however , that if such Annual Performance Target or Cumulative EBITDA Target is not met for such Fiscal Year, that portion of the Performance Option shall remain unvested and shall be forfeited upon such date.


(c)

Notwithstanding any of Section 3.1(a) or (b) above, upon the earlier occurrence of a Change in Control:

(i)

the Time Option shall become immediately exercisable as to 100% of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option immediately prior to a Change in Control (but only to the extent such Option has not otherwise terminated or become exercisable); and



5







(ii)

the Performance Option shall become immediately exercisable as to 100% of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option immediately prior to a Change in Control (but only to the extent such Option has not otherwise terminated or become exercisable) if as a result of the Change in Control, (x) the Sponsor achieves the Sponsor IRR on 100% of the Sponsors’ aggregate investment, directly or indirectly, in the equity securities of the Company (the “Sponsor Shares”) and (y) the Sponsor earns a Sponsor Return on 100% of the Sponsor Shares; provided, however, that in the event that there occurs a Change in Control wherein more than 50% but less than 100% of the Common Stock or other voting securities of the Company or Buck Holdings, L.P. is sold or otherwise disposed of, then, the Performance Option will become vested (to the extent not already previously vested pursuant to Section 3.1(a)) up to the same percentage of Sponsor Shares on which such Sponsor Return and Sponsor IRR has been so achieved.

(d)

Notwithstanding the foregoing but except as provided in Section 3.1(b), no Option shall become exercisable as to any additional shares of Common Stock following the termination of employment of the Optionee for any reason and any Option, which is unexercisable as of the Optionee’s termination of employment, shall immediately expire without payment therefor.

Section 3.2.

Expiration of Option

Except as otherwise provided in Section 5 or 6 of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement, the Optionee may not exercise the Option to any extent after the first to occur of the following events:

(a)

The tenth anniversary of the Grant Date so long as the Optionee remains employed with the Company or any Service Recipient through such date;

(b)

The first anniversary of the date of7 the Optionee’s termination of employment with the Company and all Service Recipients, if the Optionee’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability (unless earlier terminated as provided in Section 3.2(h) below);

(c)

Immediately upon the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients for Cause;

(d)

Immediately upon the date of the Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients by the Optionee without Good Reason (except due to death or Disability);

(e)

Ninety (90) days after the date of an Optionee’s termination of employment by the Company and all Service Recipients without Cause (for any reason other than as set forth in Section 3.2(b));

(f)

Ninety (90) days after the date of an Optionee’s termination of employment with the Company and all Service Recipients by the Optionee for Good Reason;

(g)

The date the Option is terminated pursuant to Section 6 or 7 of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement; or

(h)

At the discretion of the Company, if the Committee so determines pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan.



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ARTICLE IV

 

EXERCISE OF OPTION

 

Section 4.1.

Person Eligible to Exercise

During the lifetime of the Optionee, only the Optionee (or his or her duly authorized legal representative) may exercise an Option or any portion thereof.  After the death of the Optionee, any exercisable portion of an Option may, prior to the time when an Option becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2, be exercised by his personal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the Optionee’s will or under the then applicable laws of descent and distribution.

Section 4.2.

Partial Exercise

Any exercisable portion of an Option or the entire Option, if then wholly exercisable, may be exercised in whole or in part at any time prior to the time when the Option or portion thereof becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2; provided , however , that any partial exercise shall be for whole shares of Common Stock only.

Section 4.3.

Manner of Exercise

An Option, or any exercisable portion thereof, may be exercised solely by delivering to the Secretary or his or her office or designee all of the following prior to the time when the Option or such portion becomes unexercisable under Section 3.2:

(a)

Notice in writing signed by the Optionee or the other person then entitled to exercise the Option or portion thereof, stating that the Option or portion thereof is thereby exercised, such notice complying with all applicable rules established by the Committee;

(b)

(i) Full payment (in cash or by check or by a combination thereof) for the shares with respect to which such Option or portion thereof is exercised or (ii) indication that the Optionee elects to have the number of Shares that would otherwise be issued to the Optionee reduced by a number of Shares having an equivalent Fair Market Value to the payment that would otherwise be made by Optionee to the Company pursuant to clause (i) of this subsection (b);

(c)

(i) Full payment (in cash or by check or by a combination thereof) to satisfy the minimum withholding tax obligation with respect to which such Option or portion thereof is exercised; or (ii) solely in the event that the Optionee’s employment terminates under circumstances identified in Section 3.2(b), (e) or (f) above, notice in writing that the Optionee elects to have the number of Shares that would otherwise be issued to the Optionee reduced by a number of Shares having an equivalent Fair Market Value to the payment that would otherwise be made by Optionee to the Company pursuant to clause (i) of this subsection (c);

(d)

A bona fide written representation and agreement, in a form satisfactory to the Committee, signed by the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise such Option or portion thereof, stating that the shares of Common Stock are being acquired for his own account, for investment and without any present intention of distributing or reselling said shares or any of them except as may be permitted under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Act ”), and then applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and that the Optionee or other person then entitled to exercise such Option or portion thereof will indemnify the Company against and hold it free and harmless from any loss, damage, expense or liability resulting to the Company if any sale or distribution of the shares by such



7






person is contrary to the representation and agreement referred to above; provided , however , that the Committee may, in its reasonable discretion, take whatever additional actions it deems reasonably necessary to ensure the observance and performance of such representation and agreement and to effect compliance with the Act and any other federal or state securities laws or regulations; and

(e)

In the event the Option or portion thereof shall be exercised pursuant to Section 4.1 by any person or persons other than the Optionee, appropriate proof of the right of such person or persons to exercise the option.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee may require an opinion of counsel acceptable to it to the effect that any subsequent transfer of shares acquired on exercise of an Option does not violate the Act, and may issue stop-transfer orders covering such shares.  Share certificates evidencing stock issued on exercise of this Option shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the provisions of subsection (d) above and the agreements herein. The written representation and agreement referred to in subsection (d) above shall, however, not be required if the shares to be issued pursuant to such exercise have been registered under the Act, and such registration is then effective in respect of such shares.

Section 4.4.

Conditions to Issuance of Stock Certificates

The shares of stock deliverable upon the exercise of an Option, or any portion thereof, may be either previously authorized but unissued shares or issued shares, which have then been reacquired by the Company.  Such shares shall be fully paid and nonassessable.  The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for shares of stock purchased (if certificated, or if not certificated, register the issuance of such shares on its books and records) upon the exercise of an Option or portion thereof prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions:

(a)

The obtaining of approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its reasonable and good faith discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;

(b)

The execution by the Optionee of the Management Stockholder’s Agreement; and

(c)

The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of the Option as the Committee may from time to time establish for reasons of administrative convenience or as may otherwise be required by applicable law.

Section 4.5.

Rights as Stockholder

Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.4 of this Agreement, the holder of an Option shall not be, nor have any of the rights or privileges of, a stockholder of the Company in respect of any shares purchasable upon the exercise of the Option or any portion thereof unless and until certificates representing such shares shall have been issued by the Company to such holder or the Shares have otherwise been recorded in the records of the Company as owned by such holder.



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ARTICLE V

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 5.1.

Administration

The Committee shall have the power to interpret the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith and to interpret or revoke any such rules.  All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee shall be final and binding upon the Optionee, the Company and all other interested persons.  No member of the Committee shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or the Option.  In its absolute discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Committee under the Plan and this Agreement.

Section 5.2.

Option Not Transferable

Neither the Option nor any interest or right therein or part thereof shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of the Optionee or his successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect; provided, however, that this Section 5.2 shall not prevent transfers by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution.

Section 5.3.

Notices

Any notice to be given under the terms of this Agreement to the Company shall be addressed to the Company in care of its Secretary, and any notice to be given to the Optionee shall be addressed to him at the address given beneath his signature hereto.  By a notice given pursuant to this Section 5.3, either party may hereafter designate a different address for notices to be given to him.  Any notice, which is required to be given to the Optionee, shall, if the Optionee is then deceased, be given to the Optionee’s personal representative if such representative has previously informed the Company of his status and address by written notice under this Section 5.3.  Any notice shall have been deemed duly given when (i) delivered in person, (ii) enclosed in a properly sealed envelope or wrapper addressed as aforesaid, deposited (with postage prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Postal Service, or (iii) enclosed in a properly sealed envelope or wrapper addressed as aforesaid, deposited (with fees prepaid) in an office regularly maintained by FedEx, UPS, or comparable non-public mail carrier.

Section 5.4.

Titles; Pronouns

Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.  The masculine pronoun shall include the feminine and neuter, and the singular the plural, where the context so indicates.

Section 5.5.

Applicability of Plan and Management Stockholder’s Agreement

The Option and the shares of Common Stock issued to the Optionee upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to all of the terms and provisions of the Plan and the Management Stockholder’s Agreement, to the extent applicable to the Option and such Shares.



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Section 5.6.

Amendment

Subject to Section 10 of the Plan, this Agreement may be amended only by a writing executed by the parties hereto, which specifically states that it is amending this Agreement.

Section 5.7.

Governing Law

The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the interpretation, validity and performance of the terms of this Agreement regardless of the law that might be applied under principles of conflicts of laws.

Section 5.8.

Arbitration

In the event of any controversy among the parties hereto arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement which cannot be settled amicably by the parties, such controversy shall be finally, exclusively and conclusively settled by mandatory arbitration conducted expeditiously in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules, by a single independent arbitrator.  Such arbitration process shall take place within the Nashville, Tennessee metropolitan area.  The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding upon all parties hereto and shall be rendered pursuant to a written decision, which contains a detailed recital of the arbitrator’s reasoning.  Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  Each party shall bear its own legal fees and expenses, unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.



[ Signatures on next pages .]



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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered by the parties hereto.

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ S. Lanigan

 

 

 

 

Name:

Susan Lanigan

 

 

 

 

Title:

Executive Vice President &

 

 

General Counsel



ADDRESS:


Dollar General Corporation

100 Mission Ridge

Goodlettsville, TN 37072
































[Signature Page of Stock Option Agreement]



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OPTIONEE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Robert D. Ravener

 

Robert D. Ravener

 

 

 

ADDRESS:

 

 

 

c/o Dollar General Corporation

 

100 Mission Ridge

 

Goodlettsville, TN  37072











[Signature Page of Stock Option Agreement]




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Schedule A to Stock Option Agreement

Annual EBITDA Targets and Cumulative EBITDA Targets

 

Fiscal Year

 

Annual Performance Target

Cumulative EBITDA Target

2010

 

[    ]

N/A

2011

 

[    ]

[    ]

2012

 

[    ]

[    ]

2013

 

[    ]

[    ]

2014

 

[    ]

[    ]

2015

 

N/A

[    ]


"EBITDA" shall mean earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization plus transaction, management and/or similar fees paid to the Sponsor and/or its Affiliates. The Board shall, fairly and appropriately, adjust the calculation of EBITDA to reflect, to the extent not contemplated in the management plan, the following: acquisitions, divestitures, any change required by GAAP relating to share-based compensation or for other changes in GAAP promulgated by accounting standard setters that, in each case, the Board in good faith determines require adjustment of EBITDA. The Board’s determination of such adjustment shall be based on the Company’s accounting as set forth in its books and records and on the financial plan of the Company pursuant to which the Annual Performance Targets were originally established.

If the Company makes an acquisition in any year, the Annual Performance Target for such year and Cumulative EBITDA Target for such year and subsequent years will be adjusted, fairly and appropriately, by the amount of EBITDA in the plan for the target presented to the Board at the time the acquisition is approved by the Board. Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative EBITDA Targets will also be fairly and appropriately adjusted by the Board, in consultation with management, to the extent not contemplated in the plan for the following: any divestitures, major capital investment programs, any change required by GAAP relating to share-based compensation or other changes in GAAP promulgated by accounting standard setters. In the event that any of the foregoing action is taken, such adjustment shall be only the amount deemed reasonably necessary by the Board, in the exercise of its good faith judgment, after consultation of the Company’s accountants, to accurately reflect the direct and measurable effect such event has on such Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative EBITDA Targets. The intent of such adjustments is to keep the probability of achieving the Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative EBITDA Targets the same as if the event triggering such adjustment had not occurred. The Board’s determination of such necessary adjustment shall be made within 60 days following the completion or closing of such event, and shall be based on the Company’s accounting as set forth in its books and records and on the Company’s financial plan pursuant to which the Annual Performance Targets and Cumulative EBITDA Targets were originally established.





Schedule B to Stock Option Agreement

Grant Date :

March 24, 2010

Exercise Price of Options :

$25.25

Option Grants :


Aggregate number of shares of Common Stock

for which the Time Option granted hereunder is

exercisable:

53,688


Aggregate number of shares of Common Stock

for which the Performance Option

granted hereunder is exercisable:

 

53,688








SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

This Subscription Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of December 19, 2008, (the “ Effective Date ”) among Dollar General Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (the “ Company ”), and the undersigned person (the “ Management Stockholder ”) (the Company and the Management Stockholder being hereinafter collectively referred to as the “ Parties ”).  All capitalized terms not immediately defined are hereinafter defined in Section 4(b) of this Agreement.

WHEREAS, the Management Stockholder has been selected by the Company (i) to purchase additional shares of Common Stock, $0.50 par value per share (the “ Common Stock ”), from the Company for cash (the “ Purchased Stock ”); and (ii) to receive additional options to purchase shares of Common Stock (the “ Options ”) pursuant to the terms set forth below and the terms of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates (the “ Option Plan ”) and the Stock Option Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, entered into by and between the Company and the Management Stockholder (the “ Option Agreement ”); and

WHEREAS, prior to the date hereof, the Management Stockholder purchased shares of Common Stock and received options to purchase Common Stock (the “ Prior Investment ”) and, in connection therewith, the Management Stockholder entered into a Management Stockholder’s Agreement with the Company (a “ Management Stockholder’s Agreement ”) and a Sale Participation Agreement (as defined herein).

NOW THEREFORE, to implement the foregoing and in consideration of the mutual agreements contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

1.

Issuance of Purchased Shares; Options .

(a)

Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Management Stockholder hereby subscribes for and shall purchase, as of the Effective Date, and the Company shall issue and deliver to the Management Stockholder as of the Effective Date, the number of shares of Purchased Stock at a per share purchase price (such price, with respect to the shares of Purchased Stock, the “ Base Price ”), in each case as set forth on Schedule I hereto.

(b)

Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth and as set forth in the Option Plan and the Option Agreement, as of the Effective Date the Company is granting to the Management Stockholder Options to acquire the number of shares of Common Stock as set forth on Schedule I hereto, at an initial per share exercise price equal to the Base Price, and the Parties shall execute and deliver to each other copies of the Option Agreement concurrently with the issuance of the Options.

(c)

The Company shall have no obligation to sell any Purchased Stock to any person who (i) is a resident or citizen of a state or other jurisdiction in which the sale of the Common Stock to him or her would constitute a violation of the securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdiction or (ii) is not an employee or director of the Company or its subsidiaries as of the Effective Date.











2.

       Management Stockholder’s Representations, Warranties and Agreements .

(a)

The Management Stockholder agrees and acknowledges that he will not, directly or indirectly, offer, transfer, sell, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of (any of the foregoing acts being referred to herein as a “ transfer ”) any shares of Purchased Stock and, at the time of exercise, Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Options (“ Option Stock ”; together with all Purchased Stock and any other Common Stock otherwise acquired and/or held by the Management Stockholder Entities as of or after the date hereof, “ Stock ”), except as otherwise provided for in the Management Stockholder’s Agreement.  If the Management Stockholder is an Affiliate of the Company, the Management Stockholder also agrees and acknowledges that he or she will not transfer any shares of the Stock unless:

(i)

the transfer is pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations in effect thereunder (the “ Act ”), and in compliance with applicable provisions of state securities laws; or

(ii)

(A) counsel for the Management Stockholder (which counsel shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company) shall have furnished the Company with an opinion or other advice, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, that no such registration is required because of the availability of an exemption from registration under the Act and (B) if the Management Stockholder is a citizen or resident of any country other than the United States, or the Management Stockholder desires to effect any transfer in any such country, counsel for the Management Stockholder (which counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company) shall have furnished the Company with an opinion or other advice reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company to the effect that such transfer will comply with the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

(b)

The Management Stockholder acknowledges that he has been advised that (i) a restrictive legend in the form heretofore set forth shall be placed on the certificates (if any) representing the Stock and (ii) a notation shall be made in the appropriate records of the Company indicating that the Stock is subject to restrictions on transfer and appropriate stop transfer restrictions will be issued to the Company’s transfer agent, if any, with respect to the Stock.  

(c)

If any shares of the Stock are to be disposed of in accordance with Rule 144 under the Act or otherwise, the Management Stockholder shall promptly notify the Company of such intended disposition and shall deliver to the Company at or prior to the time of such disposition such documentation as the Company may reasonably request in connection with such sale and take any actions reasonably requested by the Coordination Committee prior to any such sale (provided that such instructions shall not have a disproportionate adverse impact on the Management Stockholder vis-á-vis any other shareholders of the Company or limited partners of Parent) and, in the case of a disposition pursuant to Rule 144, shall deliver to the Company an executed copy of any notice on Form 144 required to be filed with the SEC.

(d)

The Management Stockholder agrees that, if any shares of the Stock are offered to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Act (other than registration of securities issued on Form S-8, S-4 or any successor or similar form), the Management Stockholder will not effect any public sale or distribution of any shares of the


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Stock not covered by such registration statement from the time of the receipt of a notice from the Company that the Company has filed or imminently intends to file such registration statement to, or within 180 days (or such shorter period as may be consented to by the managing underwriter or underwriters) in the case of the IPO and 90 days (or in an underwritten offering such shorter period as may be consented to by the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any) in the case of any other Public Offering after, the effective date of such registration statement, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Company.

(e)

The Management Stockholder represents and warrants that (i) with respect to the Purchased Stock and Option Stock, the Management Stockholder has received and reviewed the available information relating to such Stock, including having received and reviewed the documents related thereto, certain of which documents set forth the rights, preferences and restrictions relating to the Options and the Stock underlying the Options and the Management Stockholder has relied solely on such information.

(f)

The Management Stockholder further represents and warrants that (i) the Management Stockholder’s financial condition is such that the Management Stockholder can afford to bear the economic risk of holding the Stock for an indefinite period of time and has adequate means for providing for the Management Stockholder’s current needs and personal contingencies, (ii) the Management Stockholder can afford to suffer a complete loss of his or her investment in the Stock, (iii) the Management Stockholder understands and has taken cognizance of all risk factors related to the purchase of the Stock, and (iv) the Management Stockholder’s knowledge and experience in financial and business matters are such that the Management Stockholder is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the Management Stockholder’s purchase of the Stock as contemplated by this Agreement.

(g)

For avoidance of doubt, the Stock shall constitute “Stock” for purposes of the Management Stockholders Agreement.

3.

The Company’s Representations and Warranties and Covenants .  The Company represents and warrants to the Management Stockholder that (i) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and is enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms and (ii) the Stock, when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms hereof and the other agreements contemplated hereby, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

4.

Definitions .

(a)

Definitions .  All capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not defined herein shall have such meaning as such terms are defined in the Option Plan.  Terms used herein and as listed below shall be defined as follows:

Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations in effect thereunder.

Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Base Price ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(a) hereof.



3






 


Common Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first recital.

Company ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Investors ” shall mean, collectively, the KKR 2006 Fund L.P. and its affiliated investment funds, KKR PEI Investments, L.P., GS Capital Partners VI Fund, L.P., GS Capital Partners VI Parallel, L.P., GS Capital Partners VI GmbH& Co. KG, GS Capital Partners VI Offshore Fund, L.P. and Goldman Sachs DGC Investors, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II Employee Master Fund, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II 2007 Citigroup Investment, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II Onshore, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II Cayman Holdings, L.P. and CPE Co-Investment (Dollar General LLC) and certain other investors in Parent.

Management Stockholder ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Management Stockholder’s Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the second recital.

Options ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first recital.

Option Plan ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first recital.

Option Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.

Parties ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Person ” shall mean “person,” as such term is used for purposes of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act.

Public Offering ” shall mean the sale of shares of Common Stock to the public subsequent to the date hereof pursuant to a registration statement under the Act which has been declared effective by the SEC (other than a registration statement on Form S-4, S-8 or any other similar form).

Purchased Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first recital.

Sale Participation Agreement ” shall mean that certain sale participation agreement entered into by and between the Management Stockholder and the Investors.

  “ Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.

5.

Rights to Negotiate Repurchase Price .  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to restrict or prohibit the Company from purchasing, redeeming or otherwise acquiring for value shares of Stock or Options from the Management Stockholder, at any time, upon such terms and conditions, and for such price, as may be mutually agreed upon in writing between the Parties, whether or not at the time of such purchase, redemption or acquisition circumstances exist which specifically grant the Company the right to purchase, or the Management Stockholder the right to sell, shares of Stock or any Options under the terms of this Agreement; provided that no such purchase, redemption or acquisition shall be consummated, and no agreement with respect to any such purchase, redemption or acquisition shall be entered into, without the prior approval of the Board.

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6.

Recapitalizations, etc.  The provisions of this Agreement shall apply, to the full extent set forth herein with respect to the Stock or the Options, to any and all shares of capital stock of the Company or any capital stock, partnership units or any other security evidencing ownership interests in any successor or assign of the Company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise) which may be issued in respect of, in exchange for, or substitution of the Stock or the Options by reason of any stock dividend, split, reverse split, combination, recapitalization, liquidation, reclassification, merger, consolidation or otherwise.

7.

Management Stockholder’s Employment by the Company .  Nothing contained in this Agreement or in any other agreement entered into by the Company and the Management Stockholder contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement (i) obligates the Company or any subsidiary of the Company to employ the Management Stockholder in any capacity whatsoever or (ii) prohibits or restricts the Company (or any such subsidiary) from terminating the employment of the Management Stockholder at any time or for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause, and the Management Stockholder hereby acknowledges and agrees that neither the Company nor any other person has made any representations or promises whatsoever to the Management Stockholder concerning the Management Stockholder’s employment or continued employment by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company.

8.

Binding Effect .  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and accrue to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.  No provision of this Agreement is intended to or shall confer upon any Person other than the Parties any rights or remedies hereunder or with respect hereto.

9.

Amendment .  This Agreement may be amended by the Company at any time upon notice to the Management Stockholder thereof.

10.

Closing .  Except as otherwise provided herein, the closing of each purchase and sale of shares of Stock pursuant to this Agreement shall take place at the principal office of the Company on the tenth business day following delivery of the notice by either Party to the other of its exercise of the right to purchase or sell such Stock hereunder.

11.

Applicable Law; Jurisdiction; Arbitration; Legal Fees.

(a)

The laws of the State of Tennessee applicable to contracts executed and to be performed entirely in such state shall govern the interpretation, validity and performance of the terms of this Agreement.

(b)

In the event of any controversy among the parties hereto arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement which cannot be settled amicably by the parties, such controversy shall be finally, exclusively and conclusively settled by mandatory arbitration conducted expeditiously in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules by a single independent arbitrator.  Such arbitration process shall take place in Nashville, TN. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding upon all parties hereto and shall be rendered pursuant to a written decision, which contains a detailed recital of the arbitrator’s reasoning.  Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

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(c)

In the event of any arbitration or other disputes with regard to this Agreement or any other document or agreement referred to herein, each Party shall pay its own legal fees and expenses, unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.

12.

Miscellaneous .

(a)

In this Agreement all references to “dollars” or “$” are to United States dollars and the masculine pronoun shall include the feminine and neuter, and the singular the plural, where the context so indicates.

(b)

If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared illegal, void or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect.

13.

Notices .  All notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing.  Any notice or other communication hereunder shall be deemed duly given (i) upon electronic confirmation of facsimile, (ii) one (1) business day following the date sent when sent by overnight delivery and (iii) five (5) business days following the date mailed when mailed by registered or certified mail return receipt requested and postage prepaid, in each case as follows:

(a)

If to the Company, to it at the following address:

Dollar General Corporation
100 Mission Ridge
Goodlettsville, TN  37072
Attention:  General Counsel
Telecopy:  (615) 855-5180


with copies to:

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.
2800 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Attention:  Michael Calbert
Telecopy:  (650) 233-6553

 

and

 

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attention:  Marni J. Lerner, Esq.
Telecopy:  (212) 455-2502


(b)

If to the Management Stockholder, to the Management Stockholder at the address set forth below under the Management Stockholder’s signature;

 or at such other address as either party shall have specified by notice in writing to the other.

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[ Signatures on next page .]



7







 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

 

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

 



 

By:

/s/ S. Lanigan

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:


 

 

 

 

 

MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDER

 

 


/s/ Robert D. Ravener

 

Name:

Robert D. Ravener

 

Address:

c/o Dollar General Corporation

 

 

100 Mission Ridge

 

 

Goodlettsville, TN  37072





[ Signature page to Subscription Agreement ]





Schedule I



Management Stockholder:   Robert D. Ravener



PURCHASED STOCK


Number of shares of Purchased Stock:

35,000


Base Price: $5.00


OPTIONS


Number of shares of Common Stock underlying Options:   200,000











MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDER’S AGREEMENT

This Management Stockholder’s Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of the date indicated on Schedule I hereto (the “ Effective Date ”) among Dollar General Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (the “ Company ”), Buck Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ Parent ”), and the undersigned person (the “ Management Stockholder ”) (the Company, Parent and the Management Stockholder being hereinafter collectively referred to as the “ Parties ”).  All capitalized terms not immediately defined are hereinafter defined in Section 7(b) of this Agreement.

WHEREAS , the Management Stockholder has been selected by the Company (i) to be permitted to transfer to the Company cash in exchange for shares of Common Stock (the “ Purchased Stock ”); and/or (ii) to receive options to purchase shares of Common Stock (the “ Options ”) pursuant to the terms set forth below and the terms of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates, as such Plan may be amended from time to time (the “ Option Plan ”), and the Stock Option Agreement dated as of the Effective Date, entered into by and between the Company and the Management Stockholder (the “ Stock Option Agreement ”); and

WHEREAS , this Agreement is one of several other agreements (“ Other Management Stockholders Agreements ”) which have in the past, concurrently with the execution hereof or in the future will be entered into between the Company and other individuals who are or will be key employees of the Company or one of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “ Other Management Stockholders ”).

NOW THEREFORE , to implement the foregoing and in consideration of the mutual agreements contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

1.

Issuance of Purchased Shares; Options .

(a)    Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Management Stockholder hereby subscribes for and shall purchase, as of the Effective Date, and the Company shall issue, as of the Effective Date,  and deliver promptly thereafter to the Management Stockholder (if such shares are issued in certificated form) the number of shares of Purchased Stock equal to the investment amount set forth on the Management Stockholder’s signature page hereto divided by the  per share purchase price which shall equal the Fair Market Value on the Effective Date (the “ Base Price ”), payable by the Management Stockholder on the Effective Date by check payable to Dollar General Corporation.

(b)    Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth and as set forth in the Option Plan, the Company will grant to the Management Stockholder Options to acquire shares of Common Stock, at an initial per share exercise price equal to the Fair Market Value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date the Options are granted (the “ Grant Date ”), and the Parties shall execute and deliver to each other copies of the Stock Option Agreement.

(c)    The Company shall have no obligation to sell any Purchased Stock to any person who (i) is a resident or citizen of a state or other jurisdiction in which the sale of the Common Stock to him or her would constitute a violation of the securities or “blue sky”







2


laws of such jurisdiction or (ii) is not an employee or director of the Company or its subsidiaries as of the date of such sale.

2.

Management Stockholder’s Representations, Warranties and Agreements .

(a)

The Management Stockholder agrees and acknowledges that he will not, directly or indirectly, offer, transfer, sell, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of (any of the foregoing acts being referred to herein as a “ transfer ”) any shares of Purchased Stock and, at the time of exercise, Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Options (“ Option Stock ”; together with all Purchased Stock and any other Common Stock otherwise acquired and/or held by the Management Stockholder Entities as of or after the date hereof, “ Stock ”), except as otherwise provided for in this Section 2(a) below and Section 3 hereof.  If the Management Stockholder is an Affiliate of the Company, the Management Stockholder also agrees and acknowledges that he or she will not transfer any shares of the Stock unless:

(i)  the transfer is pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations in effect thereunder (the “ Act ”), and in compliance with applicable provisions of state securities laws; or

(ii)  (A) counsel for the Management Stockholder (which counsel shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company) shall have furnished the Company with an opinion or other advice, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, that no such registration is required because of the availability of an exemption from registration under the Act and (B) if the Management Stockholder is a citizen or resident of any country other than the United States, or the Management Stockholder desires to effect any transfer in any such country, counsel for the Management Stockholder (which counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company) shall have furnished the Company with an opinion or other advice reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company to the effect that such transfer will comply with the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company acknowledges and agrees that any of the following transfers of Stock are deemed to be in compliance with the Act and this Agreement (including without limitation any restrictions or prohibitions herein) and no opinion of counsel is required in connection therewith: (1) a transfer made pursuant to Sections 3, 4, 5, 6 or 9 hereof, (2) a transfer (x) upon the death or Disability of the Management Stockholder to the Management Stockholder’s Estate or (y) a transfer to the executors, administrators, testamentary trustees, legatees, immediate family members or beneficiaries of a person who has become a holder of Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided that it is expressly understood that any such transferee shall be bound by the provisions of this Agreement, (3) a transfer made after the date hereof in compliance with the federal securities laws to a Management Stockholder’s Trust, provided that such transfer is made expressly subject to this Agreement and that the transferee agrees in writing to be bound by the terms and conditions hereof as a “Management Stockholder” with respect to the representations and warranties and other obligations of this Agreement, and provided further that it is expressly understood and agreed that if such Management Stockholder’s Trust at any point includes any person or entity other than the Management Stockholder, his spouse (or ex-spouse) or his lineal descendants (including adopted children) such that it fails to meet the definition thereof as set forth in Section 7(b) hereof, such transfer shall no longer be deemed in compliance with this Agreement and shall be subject to Section 3(d) below, (4) a transfer of Stock made by the Management Stockholder to Other Management Stockholders, provided that it is





3


expressly understood that any such transferee(s) shall be bound by the provisions of this Agreement (in addition to the provisions set forth in any Other Management Stockholders Agreement to which such Other Management Stockholders are a party), and (5) a transfer made by the Management Stockholder, with the Board’s approval, to the Company or any subsidiary of the Company.

(b)

The certificate (or certificates) representing the Stock, if any, shall bear the following legend:

“THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF UNLESS SUCH TRANSFER, SALE, ASSIGNMENT, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION OR OTHER DISPOSITION COMPLIES WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDER’S AGREEMENT AMONG DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION (THE “COMPANY”), BUCK HOLDINGS, L.P., AND THE MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDER NAMED ON THE FACE HEREOF OR THE SALE PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT AMONG SUCH MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDER AND BUCK HOLDINGS, L.P., IN EACH CASE DATED AS OF [EFFECTIVE DATE] (COPIES OF WHICH ARE ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY) AND ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.”

(c)

The Management Stockholder acknowledges that he has been advised that (i)  a restrictive legend in the form heretofore set forth shall be placed on the certificates (if any) representing the Stock and (ii) a notation shall be made in the appropriate records of the Company indicating that the Stock is subject to restrictions on transfer and appropriate stop transfer restrictions will be issued to the Company’s transfer agent, if any, with respect to the Stock.  

(d)    If any shares of the Stock are to be disposed of in accordance with Rule 144 under the Act or otherwise, the Management Stockholder shall promptly notify the Company of such intended disposition and shall deliver to the Company at or prior to the time of such disposition such documentation as the Company may reasonably request in connection with such sale and take any actions reasonably requested by the Coordination Committee prior to any such sale (provided that such instructions shall not have a disproportionate adverse impact on the Management Stockholder vis-á-vis any other shareholders of the Company or limited partners of Parent) and, in the case of a disposition pursuant to Rule 144, shall deliver to the Company an executed copy of any notice on Form 144 required to be filed with the SEC.

(e)    The Management Stockholder agrees that, if any shares of the Stock are offered to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Act (other than registration of securities issued on Form S-8, S-4 or any successor or similar form), the Management Stockholder will not effect any public sale or distribution of any shares of the Stock not covered by such registration statement from the time of the receipt of a notice from the Company that the Company has filed or imminently intends to file such registration statement to, or within 180 days (or such shorter period as may be consented to by the managing underwriter or underwriters) in the case of the IPO and 90 days (or in an underwritten offering such shorter period as may be consented to by the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any) in the case of any other Public Offering after, the





4


effective date of such registration statement, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Company.

(f)    The Management Stockholder represents and warrants that (i) with respect to the Purchased Stock and Option Stock, the Management Stockholder has received and reviewed the available information relating to such Stock, including having received and reviewed the documents related thereto, certain of which documents set forth the rights, preferences and restrictions relating to the Options and the Stock underlying the Options and the Management Stockholder has relied solely on such information.

(g)    The Management Stockholder further represents and warrants that (i) the Management Stockholder’s financial condition is such that the Management Stockholder can afford to bear the economic risk of holding the Stock for an indefinite period of time and has adequate means for providing for the Management Stockholder’s current needs and personal contingencies, (ii) the Management Stockholder can afford to suffer a complete loss of his or her investment in the Stock, (iii) the Management Stockholder understands and has taken cognizance of all risk factors related to the purchase of the Stock, and (iv) the Management Stockholder’s knowledge and experience in financial and business matters are such that the Management Stockholder is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the Management Stockholder’s purchase of the Stock as contemplated by this Agreement.

3.

Transferability of Stock .  

(a)

The Management Stockholder agrees that he or she will not transfer any shares of Stock at any time during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date; provided , however , that during such period, the Management Stockholder may transfer shares of Stock during such time pursuant to one of the following exceptions: (i) transfers permitted by Sections 5 or 6; (ii) transfers permitted by clauses (2), (3) and (4) of Section 2(a); (iii) a sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Act filed by the Company upon the proper exercise of registration rights, if any, of such Management Stockholder under Section 9 (excluding any registration on Form S-8, S-4 or any successor or similar form); (iv) transfers permitted pursuant to the Sale Participation Agreement (as defined in Section 7(b));  (v) transfers permitted by the Board or (vi) transfers to Parent or its designee (any such exception, a “ Permitted Transfer ”).  In addition, during the period commencing on the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date through the earlier of a Change of Control or consummation of a Qualified Public Offering, the Management Stockholder may only transfer shares of Stock in compliance with Section 4.

(b)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (i) Section 3(a) shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the occurrence of a Change in Control and (ii) upon the occurrence of any sale or other disposition of any percentage of limited partnership units of Parent held by the Sponsors or their Affiliates who are limited partners of Parent, the restrictions on transfer of shares of Common Stock contained in Section 3(a) shall cease to be of any further force or effect with respect to the percentage of shares of Common Stock held by the Management Stockholder Entities equal to the quotient of the number of limited partnership units of Parent sold or disposed of by the Sponsors or such Affiliates in such transaction divided by the aggregate number of Limited Partnership Units owned by the Sponsors or such Affiliates prior to such transaction, and for the avoidance of doubt, such transfer restrictions shall continue to apply to the remaining shares of Common Stock held by the Management Stockholder Entities.




5




(c)

No transfer of any such shares in violation hereof shall be made or recorded on the books of the Company and any such transfer shall be void ab initio and of no effect.

(d)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Parent may, at any time and from time to time, waive the restrictions on transfers contained in Section 3(a), whether such waiver is made prior to or after the transferee has effected or committed to effect the transfer, or has notified Parent of such transfer or commitment to transfer.  Any transfers made pursuant to such waiver or which are later made subject to such a waiver shall, as of the date of the waiver and at all times thereafter, not be deemed to violate any applicable restrictions on transfers contained in this Agreement.

4.

Right of First Refusal .  (a)  If, at any time after the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date and prior to the earlier to occur of a Change of Control or consummation of a Qualified Public Offering, the Management Stockholder proposes to transfer any or all of the Management Stockholder’s Stock to a third party (any such third party, the “ ROFR Transferee ”) (other than any transfer pursuant to clauses (1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) of Section 2(a), to the extent made to a third party), the Management Stockholder shall notify the Company in writing of the Management Stockholder’s intention to transfer such Stock (such written notice, a “ ROFR Notice ”).  The ROFR Notice shall include a true and correct description of the number of shares of Stock to be transferred and the material terms of such proposed transfer and a copy of any proposed documentation to be entered into with any ROFR Transferee in respect of such transfer) and shall contain an irrevocable offer to sell such Stock to the Company or its designees (as provided below) (in the manner set forth below) at a purchase price equal to the minimum price at which the Management Stockholder proposes to transfer such Stock to any ROFR Transferee and on substantially the same terms and conditions as the proposed transfer.  At any time within twenty (20) days after the date of the receipt by the Company of the ROFR Notice, the Company shall have the right and option to purchase, or to arrange for a subsidiary, third party or Affiliate to purchase, all (but not less than all) of the shares of Stock proposed to be transferred to a ROFR Transferee, pursuant to Section 4(b).

(b)

The Company shall have the right and option to purchase, or to arrange for a subsidiary, third party or Affiliate to purchase, all of the shares of Stock proposed to be transferred to any ROFR Transferee at a purchase price equal to the minimum price at which the Management Stockholder proposes to transfer such Stock to any ROFR Transferee and otherwise on substantially the same terms and conditions as the proposed transfer (or, if the proposed transfer to any ROFR Transferee includes any consideration other than cash, then at the sole option of the Company, at the equivalent all cash price, determined in good faith by the Board), by delivering (i) a certified bank check or checks in the appropriate amount (or by wire transfer of immediately available funds, if the Management Stockholder Entities provide to the Company wire transfer instructions) and/or (ii) if the proposed transfer to any ROFR Transferee includes any consideration other than cash, any such non-cash consideration to be paid to the Management Stockholder at the principal office of the Company against delivery of certificates or other instruments representing the shares of Stock so purchased, appropriately endorsed by the Management Stockholder.  If at the end of the 20-day period, the Company has not tendered (or caused to be tendered) the purchase price for such shares in the manner set forth above, the Management Stockholder may, during the succeeding 60-day period, sell not less than all of the shares of Stock proposed to be transferred to any ROFR Transferee (subject to compliance with the other terms of this Agreement) on terms no less






6



favorable to the Management Stockholder than those contained in the ROFR Notice. Promptly after such sale, the Management Stockholder shall notify the Company of the consummation thereof and shall furnish such evidence of the completion and time of completion of such sale and of the terms thereof as may reasonably be requested by the Company.  If, at the end of sixty (60) days following the expiration of the 20-day period during which the Company is entitled hereunder to purchase the Stock, the Management Stockholder has not completed the sale of such shares of the Stock as aforesaid, all of the restrictions on sale, transfer or assignment contained in this Agreement shall again be in effect with respect to such shares of the Stock.

(c)

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 4 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the earlier of occurrence of a Change in Control or a Qualified Public Offering.

5.

The Management Stockholder’s Right to Resell Stock and Options to the Company .

(a)

Except as otherwise provided herein, if, prior to the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date, the Management Stockholder’s employment with the Company (or, if applicable, any of its subsidiaries or affiliates) terminates as a result of the death or Disability of the Management Stockholder, then the applicable Management Stockholder Entity, shall, for 365 days (the “ Put Period ”) following the date of such termination for death or Disability, have the right to:

(i)  With respect to Stock, sell to the Company, and the Company shall be required to purchase, on one occasion, all of the shares of Stock then held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities at a per share price equal to Fair Market Value on the Repurchase Calculation Date (the “ Section 5 Repurchase Price ”); and

(ii)  With respect to any outstanding vested Options, sell to the Company, and the Company shall be required to purchase, on one occasion, all of the vested Options then held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities for an amount equal to the product of (x) the excess, if any, of the Section 5 Repurchase Price over the Option Exercise Price and (y) the number of Exercisable Option Shares, which Options shall be terminated in exchange for such payment.  In the event the Management Stockholder Entity elects to sell under this Section 5(a)(ii) and the foregoing Option Excess Price is zero or a negative number, all outstanding exercisable Options granted to the Management Stockholder shall be automatically terminated without any payment in respect thereof.  In addition, and for the avoidance of doubt, all unvested Options shall be terminated and cancelled without any payment therefor.

(b)

In the event the applicable Management Stockholder Entities intend to exercise their rights pursuant to Section 5(a), such Management Stockholder Entities shall send written notice to the Company, at any time during the Put Period, of their intention to sell shares of Stock in exchange for the payment referred to in Section 5(a)(i) and/or to sell such Options in exchange for the payment referred to in Section 5(a)(ii) and shall indicate the number of shares of Stock to be sold and the number of Options (based on the number of Exercisable Option Shares) to be sold with payment in respect thereof (the “ Redemption Notice ”).   The completion of the purchases shall take place at the principal office of the Company no later than the twentieth (20 th ) business day (such date to be determined by the






7



Company) after the giving of the Redemption Notice.  The applicable Repurchase Price (including any payment with respect to the Options as described above) shall be paid by delivery to the applicable Management Stockholder Entities, at the option of the Company, of a check or checks in the appropriate amount payable to the order of each of the applicable Management Stockholder Entities (or by wire transfer of immediately available funds, if the Management Stockholder Entities provide to the Company wire transfer instructions) against delivery of certificates or other instruments representing the Stock so purchased and appropriate documents cancelling the Options so terminated appropriately endorsed or executed by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities or any duly authorized representative.

(c)

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5 to the contrary, if there exists and is continuing a default or an event of default on the part of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company under any loan, guarantee or other agreement under which the Company or any subsidiary of the Company has borrowed money or if the repurchase referred to in Section 5(a) (or Section 6 below, as the case may be) would result in a default or an event of default on the part of the Company or any affiliate of the Company under any such agreement or if a repurchase would reasonably be expected to be prohibited by the Tennessee Business Corporation Act (“ TBCA ”) or any federal or state securities laws or regulations (or if the Company reincorporates in another state, the business corporation law of such state) (each such occurrence being an “ Event ”), the Company shall not be obligated to repurchase any of the Stock or the Options from the applicable Management Stockholder Entities to the extent it would cause any such default or would be so prohibited by the Event for cash but instead, with respect to such portion with respect to which cash settlement is prohibited, may satisfy its obligations with respect to the Management Stockholder Entities’ exercise of their rights under Section 5(a) by delivering to the applicable Management Stockholder Entity a note with a principal amount equal to the amount payable under this Section 5 that was not paid in cash, having terms acceptable to the Company’s (and its affiliate’s, as applicable) lenders and permitted under the Company’s (and its affiliate’s, as applicable) debt instruments but which in any event: (i) shall be mandatorily repayable promptly and to the extent that an Event no longer prohibits the payment of cash to the applicable Management Stockholder Entity pursuant to this Agreement; and (ii) shall bear interest at a rate equal to the effective rate of interest in respect of the Company’s U.S. dollar-denominated subordinated public debt securities (including any original issue discount). Notwithstanding the foregoing and subject to Section 5(d), if an Event exists and is continuing for ninety (90) days after the date of the Redemption Notice, the Management Stockholder Entities shall be permitted by written notice to rescind any Redemption Notice with respect to that portion of the Stock and Options repurchased by the Company from the Management Stockholder Entities pursuant to this Section 5 with the note described in the foregoing sentence, and such repurchase shall be rescinded; provided that, upon such rescission, such note shall be immediately canceled without any action on the part of the Company or the Management Stockholder Entities and, notwithstanding anything herein or in such note to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to pay any amounts of principal or interest thereunder.

(d)

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, except for any payment obligation of the Company which has arisen prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control, this Section 5 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the occurrence of such Change in Control.






8




6.

The Company’s Option to Purchase Stock and Options of the Management Stockholder Upon Certain Terminations of Employment .

(a)

Termination for Cause by the Company and other Call Events .  If, (i) prior to the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date, the Management Stockholder’s active employment with the Company (or, if applicable, its subsidiaries or affiliates) is terminated by the Company (or, if applicable, its subsidiaries or affiliates) for Cause or (ii) the Management Stockholder Entities effect a transfer of Stock (or Options) that is prohibited under this Agreement (or the Stock Option Agreements, as applicable), after notice from the Company of such impermissible transfer and a reasonable opportunity to cure such transfer which is not so cured (each event described above, a “ Section 6(a) Call Event ”), then:

(i)

With respect to Stock, the Company may purchase, on one occasion, all or any portion of the shares of Stock then held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities at a per share purchase price equal to the lesser of (x) Base Price (or other applicable price paid by such Management Stockholder Entities for such Stock) and (y) the Fair Market Value on the Repurchase Calculation Date; and

(ii)

with respect to all Options, all Options shall be automatically terminated without any payment in respect thereof upon the occurrence of the Section 6(a) Call Event.

(b)

Termination without Cause by the Company (other than due to his death or Disability), and Termination by the Management Stockholder with Good Reason .  If, prior to the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date, the Management Stockholder’s active employment with the Company (or, if applicable, its subsidiaries or affiliates) is terminated (i) by the Company (or, if applicable, its subsidiaries or affiliates) without Cause (which shall constitute any termination without Cause under any applicable employment agreement) (other than due to his death or Disability), or (ii) by the Management Stockholder with Good Reason (each, a “ Section 6(b) Call Event ”) then:

(i)

With respect to Stock, the Company may purchase all or any portion of the shares of such Stock then held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities at a per share purchase price equal to Fair Market Value on the Repurchase Calculation Date;

(ii)

With respect to any vested Options, the Company may purchase, on one occasion, all or any portion of the exercisable vested Options held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities for an amount equal to the product of (x) the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value on the Repurchase Calculation Date of a share of Stock underlying such Options over the Option Exercise Price and (y) the number of Exercisable Option Shares (solely related to vested Options), which vested Options shall be terminated in exchange for such payment.  In the event the Company elects to repurchase under this Section 6(b)(ii) and the foregoing Option Excess Price is zero or a negative number, all outstanding exercisable vested Options shall be automatically terminated without any payment in respect thereof; and

(iii)  With respect to unvested Options, all outstanding unvested Options shall automatically be terminated without any payment in respect thereof.






9




(c)

Termination for Death or Disability .  if, prior to the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date, the Management Stockholder’s employment with the Company (or, if applicable, its subsidiaries or affiliates) is terminated as a result of the death or Disability of the Management Stockholder (each a “ Section 6(c) Call Event ”), then:

(i)

With respect to Stock, the Company may purchase, on one occasion, all or any portion of the shares of such Stock then held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities at a per share purchase price equal to Fair Market Value on the Repurchase Calculation Date;

(ii)

With respect to any vested Options, the Company may purchase, on one occasion, all or any portion of the exercisable vested Options held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities for an amount equal to the product of (x) the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value on the Repurchase Calculation Date of a share of Stock underlying such Options over the Option Exercise Price and (y) the number of Exercisable Option Shares (solely related to vested Options), which vested Options shall be terminated in exchange for such payment.  In the event the Company elects to repurchase under this Section 6(c)(ii) and the foregoing Option Excess Price is zero or a negative number, all outstanding exercisable vested Options shall be automatically terminated without any payment in respect thereof; and

(iii)

With respect to unvested Options, all outstanding unvested Options shall automatically be terminated without any payment in respect thereof.

(d)

Termination by the Management Stockholder without Good Reason . If, prior to the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date, the Management Stockholder’s active employment by the Company (and/or, if applicable, its subsidiaries or affiliates) is terminated by the Management Stockholder without Good Reason (a “ Section 6(d) Call Event ”), then:

(i)

With respect to any Purchased Stock, the Company may purchase, on one occasion, all or any portion of the shares of such Purchased Stock then held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities at a per share purchase price equal to the lesser of (x) the Fair Market Value and (y) the sum of (A) the Base Price (or other applicable price paid by such Management Stockholder Entities for such Purchased Stock), plus (B) the Applicable Percentage of the excess of the Fair Market Value over the Base Price (or other applicable price paid by such Management Stockholder Entities for such Purchased Stock), as of the Repurchase Calculation Date;

(ii)

With respect to any Option Stock, the Company may purchase, on one occasion, all or any portion of the shares of such Stock then held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities at a per share purchase price equal to the lesser of (x) the Fair Market Value as of the Repurchase Calculation Date and (y) the applicable per share purchase price paid by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities for such Stock; and

(iii)

With respect to the Options, all such Options (whether or not then exercisable) held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities shall automatically be terminated without any payment in respect thereof.

(e)

Call Notice .  The Company shall have a period (the “ Call Period ”) of one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of any Call Event (or, if later, with respect to a






10



Section 6(a) Call Event, the date after discovery of, and the applicable cure period for, an impermissible transfer constituting a Section 6(a) Call Event) in which to give notice in writing to the Management Stockholder of its election to exercise its rights and obligations pursuant to this Section 6 (“ Repurchase Notice ”).  The completion of the purchases pursuant to the foregoing shall take place at the principal office of the Company no later than the fifteenth (15 th ) business day after the giving of the Repurchase Notice.  The applicable Repurchase Price (including any payment with respect to the Options as described in this Section 6) shall be paid by delivery to the applicable Management Stockholder Entities of a check or checks in the appropriate amount payable to the order of each of the applicable Management Stockholder Entities (or by wire transfer of immediately available funds, if the Management Stockholder Entities provide to the Company wire transfer instructions) against delivery of certificates or other instruments representing the Stock so purchased and appropriate documents canceling the Options so terminated, appropriately endorsed or executed by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities or any duly authorized representative.

(f)

Use of Note to Satisfy Call Payment .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6 to the contrary, if there exists and is continuing any Event, the Company will, to the extent it has exercised its rights to purchase Stock or Options pursuant to this Section 6, in order to complete the purchase of any Stock or Options pursuant to this Section 6, deliver to the applicable Management Stockholder Entities (i) a cash payment for any amounts payable pursuant to this Section 6 that would not cause an Event and (ii) a note having the same terms as that provided in Section 5(c) above with a principal amount equal to the amount payable but not paid in cash pursuant to this Section 6 due to the Event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event exists and is continuing for ninety (90) days from the date of the Call Event, the Management Stockholder Entities shall be permitted by written notice to cause the Company to rescind any Repurchase Notice with respect to that portion of the Stock and Options repurchased by the Company from the Management Stockholder Entities pursuant to this Section 6 with the note described in the foregoing sentence, provided that, upon such rescission, such repurchase shall be immediately rescinded and such note shall be immediately canceled without any action on the part of the Company or the Management Stockholder Entities and, notwithstanding anything herein or in such note to the contrary, the Company shall have no obligation to pay any amounts of principal or interest thereunder.

(g)

Effect of Change in Control .  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, except for any payment obligation of the Company which has arisen prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control, this Section 6 shall terminate and be of no further force or effect upon the occurrence of such Change in Control.

7.

Adjustment of Repurchase Price; Definitions .

(a)

Adjustment of Repurchase Price .  In determining the applicable repurchase price of the Stock and Options, as provided for in Sections 5 and 6, above, appropriate adjustments shall be made for any stock dividends, splits, combinations, recapitalizations or any other adjustment in the number of outstanding shares of Stock in order to maintain, as nearly as practicable, the intended operation of the provisions of Sections 5 and 6.






11




(b)

Definitions .  All capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not defined herein shall have such meaning as such terms are defined in the Option Plan.  Terms used herein and as listed below shall be defined as follows:

Act ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(i) hereof.

Affiliate ” means with respect to any Person, any entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person; provided , however , for purposes of this Agreement, Buck Holdings Co-Invest, LP, shall not be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Sponsor.

Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Applicable Percentage ” shall mean:  (i) 20% on or after the first anniversary of the Grant Date; (ii) 40% on and after the second anniversary of the Grant Date; (iii) 60% on and after the third anniversary of the Grant Date; (iv) 80% on and after the fourth anniversary of the Grant Date; and (v) 100% on and after the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date.

Base Price ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1(a) hereof.

Board ” shall mean the board of directors of the Company.

Call Events ” shall mean, collectively, Section 6(a) Call Events, Section 6(b) Call Events, Section 6(c) Call Events and Section 6(d) Call Events.

Call Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(e) hereof.

Call Period ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(e) hereof.

Cause ” shall mean “Cause” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change in control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Management Stockholder and the Company or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates; or, if there is no such employment or change in control agreement, “Cause” shall mean, with respect to the Management Stockholder: (i) any act involving fraud or dishonesty, or any willful failure to perform reasonable duties assigned to him or her which continues beyond ten (10) business days after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Management Stockholder by the Company; (ii) any material breach of any securities or other law or regulation or any Company policy governing trading or dealing with stock, securities, investments or the like or with inappropriate disclosure or “tipping” relating to any stock, securities or investments or the like; (iii) other than as required by law, the carrying out of any activity or making any public statement which prejudices or ridicules the good name and standing of the Company or its Affiliates (including any limited partner of Parent) or would bring such persons into public contempt or ridicule; (iv) attendance at work in a state of intoxication or otherwise being found in possession at the place of work of any prohibited drug or substance, possession of which would amount to a criminal offense; (v) any assault or other act of violence; or (vi) indictment from any crime constituting (x) a felony whatsoever or (y) any misdemeanor that would preclude employment under the Company’s hiring policy.

Change in Control ” shall mean, in one or a series of related transactions, (i) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Buck Holdings, L.P. or the Company and its subsidiaries to any person (or group of persons acting in concert), other than to (x) investment






12



funds affiliated with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (the “ Sponsor ”) or its Affiliates or (y) any employee benefit plan (or trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Company, the Sponsor or their respective Affiliates or other person of which a majority of its voting power or other equity securities is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, the Sponsor or their respective Affiliates; or (ii) a merger, recapitalization or other sale by the Company, the Sponsor (indirectly) or any of their respective Affiliates, to a person (or group of persons acting in concert) of Common Stock or other voting securities of the Company that results in more than 50% of the Common Stock or other voting securities of the Company (or any resulting company after a merger) being held, directly or indirectly,  by a person (or group of persons acting in concert) that is not Controlled by (x) the Sponsor or its Affiliates or (y) an employee benefit plan (or trust forming a part thereof) maintained by the Company, the Sponsor or their respective Affiliates or other person of which a majority of its voting power or other equity securities is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, the Sponsor or their respective Affiliates; in any event, which results in the Sponsor and its Affiliates or such employee benefit plan ceasing to hold the ability to elect (or cause to be elected) a majority of the members of the Board.

Closing Date ” shall mean July 6, 2007.

Common Stock ” shall mean the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.50 per share.

Company ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Confidential Information ” shall mean all non-public information concerning trade secret, know-how, software, developments, inventions, processes, technology, designs, the financial data, strategic business plans or any proprietary or confidential information, documents or materials in any form or media, including any of the foregoing relating to research, operations, finances, current and proposed products and services, vendors, customers, advertising and marketing, and other non-public, proprietary, and confidential information of the Restricted Group.

Controlled by ” with respect to the relationship between or among two or more Persons, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs or management of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, including the ownership, directly or indirectly, of securities having the power to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar body governing the affairs of such Person.

Coordination Committee ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Partnership Agreement.

Disability ” shall mean “Disability” as such term is defined in any employment agreement between the Management Stockholder and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or, if there is no such employment agreement, shall mean “Disability” as defined in the Option Plan.

 “ Event ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c) hereof.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (or any successor act or relevant section thereto).







13


Exercisable Option Shares ” shall mean the shares of Common Stock that, at the time that the Redemption Notice or Repurchase Notice is delivered (as applicable), could be purchased by the Management Stockholder upon exercise of his or her outstanding and exercisable Options.

Fair Market Value ” shall mean the fair market value of one share of Common Stock on any given date, as determined reasonably and in good faith by the Board (after consultation with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company in the case of put and call rights set forth in Sections 5 and 6 of this Agreement), determined without regard to any discount for minority interest and transfer restrictions imposed on the Common Stock of the Management Stockholder Entities.

Good Reason ” shall mean “Good Reason” as such term may be defined in any employment agreement or change-in-control agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Management Stockholder and the Company or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates, or, if there is no such employment or change-in-control agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean, with respect to the Management Stockholder: (i) a reduction in base salary or target bonus level; or (ii) the relocation of the Management Stockholder’s principal place of employment to a site outside of a twenty-five mile radius from the site of such Management Stockholder’s principal place of employment prior to such relocation; provided , however , that any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure by the Company that is not in bad faith and is cured within ten (10) business days after the Management Stockholder gives the Company written notice of any such event set forth above, shall not constitute Good Reason.

Group ” shall mean “group,” as such term is used for purposes of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act.

Investors ” shall mean, collectively, the KKR 2006 Fund L.P. and its affiliated investment funds, KKR PEI Investments, L.P., GS Capital Partners VI Fund, L.P., GS Capital Partners VI Parallel, L.P., GS Capital Partners VI GmbH& Co. KG, GS Capital Partners VI Offshore Fund, L.P. and Goldman Sachs DGC Investors, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II Employee Master Fund, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II 2007 Citigroup Investment, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II Onshore, L.P., Citigroup Capital Partners II Cayman Holdings, L.P. and CPE Co-Investment (Dollar General LLC) and certain other investors in Parent.

Management Stockholder ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Management Stockholder Entities ” shall mean the Management Stockholder’s Trust, the Management Stockholder and the Management Stockholder’s Estate, collectively.

Management Stockholder’s Estate ” shall mean the conservators, guardians, executors, administrators, testamentary trustees, legatees or beneficiaries of the Management Stockholder.

Management Stockholder’s Trust ” shall mean a partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust, private foundation or custodianship, the beneficiaries of which may include only the Management Stockholder, his or her spouse (or ex-spouse) or his or her lineal descendants (including adopted) or, if at any time after any such transfer there shall be




14



no then living spouse or lineal descendants, then to the ultimate beneficiaries of any such trust or to the estate of a deceased beneficiary.

Options ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first “whereas” paragraph.

Option Excess Price ” shall mean the aggregate amount paid or payable by the Company in respect of Exercisable Option Shares, as determined pursuant to Section 5 or 6 hereof, as applicable.

Option Exercise Price ” shall mean the then-current exercise price of the shares of Common Stock covered by the applicable Option.

Option Plan ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first “whereas” paragraph.

Option Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.

Other Management Stockholders ” shall have the meaning set forth in the second “whereas” paragraph.

Other Management Stockholders Agreements ” shall have the meaning set forth in the second “whereas” paragraph.

Parent ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Parties ” shall have the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph.

Partnership Agreement ” shall mean the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement of Buck Holdings, L.P., as it may be amended, modified, restated or supplemented from time to time

Permitted Transfer ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).

Person ” shall mean “person,” as such term is used for purposes of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act.

Piggyback Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(b) hereof.

Piggyback Registration Rights ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(a) hereof.

Proposed Registration ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(b) hereof.

Public Offering ” shall mean the sale of shares of Common Stock to the public subsequent to the date hereof pursuant to a registration statement under the Act which has been declared effective by the SEC (other than a registration statement on Form S-4, S-8 or any other similar form).

Purchased Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first “whereas” paragraph.

Put Period ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(a) hereof.

Qualified Public Offering ” shall mean the initial Public Offering (i) for which cash proceeds to be received by the Company (or any successor thereto) from such offering (or






15



series of related offerings) (without deducting underwriter discounts, expenses and commissions) are at least $400,000,000, or (ii) pursuant to which at least 35% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock are sold by the Company (or any successor thereto).

Redemption Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(b) hereof.

Registration Rights Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(a) hereof.

Repurchase Calculation Date ” shall mean (i) prior to the occurrence of a Public Offering, the last day of the month preceding the month in which date of repurchase occurs, and (ii) on and after the occurrence of a Public Offering, the closing trading price on the date immediately preceding the date of repurchase.

Repurchase Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(e) hereof.

Repurchase Price ” shall mean the amount to be paid in respect of the Stock and Options to be purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 5 and Section 6, as applicable.

Request ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(b) hereof.

Restricted Group ” shall mean, collectively, the Company, its subsidiaries, the Investors and their respective affiliates.

ROFR Notice ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) hereof.

ROFR Transferee ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) hereof.

Sale Participation Agreement ” shall mean that certain sale participation agreement entered into by and between the Management Stockholder and Parent dated as of the date hereof.

SEC ” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Senior Management Stockholder ” shall mean any of the Management Stockholders or Other Management Stockholders whose job grade level is Vice President or above and who has been designated as such on Schedule I hereto or the corresponding schedule of the Other Management Stockholders Agreements, as applicable.

Stock ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.

Stock Option Agreements ” shall have the meaning set forth in the first “whereas” paragraph.

TBCA ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c) hereof.

transfer ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) hereof.

8.

The Company’s Representations and Warranties and Covenants .

(a)

The Company represents and warrants to the Management Stockholder that (i) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and






16



is enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms and (ii) the Stock, when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms hereof and the other agreements contemplated hereby, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

(b)

If the Company is or becomes subject to the reporting requirements of Section 12 of the Exchange Act, the Company will file the reports required to be filed by it under the Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted by the SEC thereunder, to the extent required from time to time to enable the Management Stockholder to sell shares of Stock, subject to compliance with the provisions hereof (including requirements of the Coordination Committee of Parent or the Company) without registration under the Exchange Act within the limitations of the exemptions provided by (A) Rule 144 under the Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or (B) any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC.  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 8(b), the Company may de-register under Section 12 of the Exchange Act if it is then permitted to do so pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and, in such circumstances, shall not be required hereby to file any reports which may be necessary in order for Rule 144 or any similar rule or regulation under the Act to be available.  Nothing in this Section 8(b) shall be deemed to limit in any manner the restrictions on transfers of Stock contained in this Agreement.

(c)

The Company will not agree to any amendment of the terms of the credit agreement entered into on the Closing Date, or to any corresponding provision in any successor or equivalent debt agreement, that imposes any limits on the Company's permission thereunder to repurchase stock, or make payments on any note, in each case under Section 5(c) or 6(e) of this Agreement, that are materially more restrictive than such provision under such credit agreement as in effect on the Closing Date if, at or prior to the time of such agreement, restrictions corresponding and proportionate thereto have not also been imposed thereunder on the payment of cash dividends on the Common Stock.


9.

“Piggyback” Registration Rights .  Effective after the occurrence of an initial Public Offering:

(a)

The Parties agree to be bound, with respect to Senior Management Stockholders or to any other Management Stockholder who are provided such rights pursuant to this Section 9, by all of the terms, conditions and obligations of the Registration Rights Agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”) as they relate to the exercise of piggyback registration rights as provided in Sections 4, 6, 7, 8 and 11 (but not Section 11(l)) of the Registration Rights Agreement entered into by and among the Company and investors party thereto (the “ Piggyback Registration Rights ”), as in effect on the date hereof (subject, with respect to any such Management Stockholder expressly provided Piggyback Registration Rights, only to any amendments thereto to which such Management Stockholder has agreed in writing to be bound), and, if any of the Investors are selling stock, shall have all of the rights and privileges of the Piggyback Registration Rights (including, without limitation, the right to participate in the initial Public Offering and any rights to indemnification and/or contribution from the Company and/or the Investors), in each case as if the Management Stockholder were an original party (other than the Company) to the Registration Rights Agreement, subject to applicable and customary underwriter restrictions; provided , however , that at no time shall the Management Stockholder have any rights to request registration under Section 3 of the Registration Rights Agreement.  All Stock purchased or held by the






17



applicable Management Stockholder Entities pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be “ Registrable Securities” as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement.

(b)

In the event of a sale of Common Stock by any of the Investors in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will promptly notify each Senior Management Stockholder or other Management Stockholder to whom the Board, after consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, has decided to extend the Piggyback Registration Rights, in writing (a “ Piggyback Notice ”) of any proposed registration (a “ Proposed Registration ”), which Piggyback Notice shall include: the principal terms and conditions of the proposed registration, including (A) the number of the shares of Common Stock to be sold, (B) the fraction expressed as a percentage, determined by dividing the number of shares of Common Stock to be sold by the holders of Registrable Securities by the total number of shares held by the holders of Registrable Securities selling the shares of Common Stock, (C) the proposed per share purchase price (or an estimate thereof), and (D) the proposed date of sale.  If within fifteen (15) days of the receipt by the Management Stockholder or Management Stockholder, as the case may be, of such Piggyback Notice, the Company receives from the applicable Management Stockholder Entities of the Senior Management Stockholder or Management Stockholder, as the case may be, a written request (a “ Request ”) to register shares of Stock held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities (which Request will be irrevocable unless otherwise mutually agreed to in writing by the Senior Management Stockholder or Management Stockholder, if any, and the Company), shares of Stock will be so registered as provided in this Section 9; provided , however , that for each such registration statement only one Request, which shall be executed by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities, may be submitted for all Registrable Securities held by the applicable Management Stockholder Entities.

(c)

The maximum number of shares of Stock which will be registered pursuant to a Request will be the lowest of (i) the number of shares of Stock then held by the Management Stockholder Entities, including all shares of Stock which the Management Stockholder Entities are then entitled to acquire under an unexercised Option to the extent then exercisable, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the aggregate number of shares of Stock being sold by holders of Registrable Securities and the denominator of which is the aggregate number of shares of Stock owned by the holders of Registrable Securities or (ii) the maximum number of shares of Stock which the Company can register in connection with such Request in the Proposed Registration without adverse effect on the offering in the view of the managing underwriters (reduced pro rata as more fully described in subsection (d) of this Section 9 or (iii) the maximum number of shares which the Senior Management Stockholder (pro rata based upon the aggregate number of shares of Stock the Senior Management Stockholder and all Other Management Stockholders who are Senior Management Stockholders have requested to be registered) is permitted to register under the Piggyback Registration Rights.

(d)

If a Proposed Registration involves an underwritten offering and the managing underwriter advises the Company in writing that, in its opinion, the number of shares of Stock requested to be included in the Proposed Registration exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering, so as to be likely to have an adverse effect on the price, timing or distribution of the shares of Stock offered in such Public Offering as contemplated by the Company, then, unless the managing underwriter advises that marketing factors require a different allocation, the Company will include in the Proposed Registration (i) first,






18



100% of the shares of Stock the Company proposes to sell and (ii) second, to the extent of the number of shares of Stock requested to be included in such registration which, in the opinion of such managing underwriter, can be sold without having the adverse effect referred to above, the number of shares of Stock which the selling holders of Registrable Securities, the Senior Management Stockholder and all Other Management Stockholders who are Senior Management Stockholders and any other Persons who are entitled to piggyback or incidental registration rights in respect of Stock (together, the “ Holders ”) have requested to be included in the Proposed Registration, such amount to be allocated pro rata among all requesting Holders on the basis of the relative number of shares of Stock then held by each such Holder (including upon exercise of all exercisable Options) ( provided that any shares thereby allocated to any such Holder that exceed such Holder’s request will be reallocated among the remaining requesting Holders in like manner).

(e)

Upon delivering a Request a Senior Management Stockholder or other Management Stockholder having Piggyback Registration Rights pursuant to clause (b) of this Section 9 will, if requested by the Company, execute and deliver a custody agreement and power of attorney having customary terms and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company with respect to the shares of Stock to be registered pursuant to this Section 9 (a “ Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney ”).  The Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney will provide, among other things, that the Senior Management Stockholder or Management Stockholder, as the case may be, will deliver to and deposit in custody with the custodian and attorney-in-fact named therein a certificate or certificates (to the extent applicable) representing such shares of Stock (duly endorsed in blank by the registered owner or owners thereof or accompanied by duly executed stock powers in blank) and irrevocably appoint said custodian and attorney-in-fact as the Senior Management Stockholder’s or Management Stockholder’s agent and attorney-in-fact with full power and authority to act under the Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney on the Senior Management Stockholder’s or Management Stockholder’s behalf with respect to the matters specified therein.

(f)

The Management Stockholder agrees that he will execute such other agreements as the Company may reasonably request to further evidence the provisions of this Section 9, including reasonable and customary lock-up agreements; provided that Parent and its Affiliates enter into a similar agreement if requested by the managing underwriter.

(g)

Notwithstanding Section 11(l) of the Registration Rights Agreement, this Section 9 will terminate on the earlier of (i) the occurrence of a Change in Control and (ii) with respect to each Management Stockholder, on the date on which such Management Stockholder ceases to own any Registrable Securities.

10.

Additional Rights of Management Stockholders .  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that the Company receives notice of any event giving rise to any of the tag-along or piggyback registration rights set forth in Section 9 hereof or in the Sale Participation Agreement, in each such case with respect to a Senior Management Stockholder, the Board shall promptly (and in event within such period of time to allow the Management Stockholder to exercise such right, if applicable) after being informed of such notice consult with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company to determine whether and to what extent any such rights shall be granted to the Management Stockholder and the Other Management Stockholders who are not Senior Management Stockholders.  Any such grant shall be effective upon, and to the extent set forth in, any applicable resolution passed by the Board, and the Company shall give







19


prompt notice to the Management Stockholder and the Other Management Stockholders of the adoption thereof.

11.

Rights to Negotiate Repurchase Price .  Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to restrict or prohibit the Company from purchasing, redeeming or otherwise acquiring for value shares of Stock or Options from the Management Stockholder, at any time, upon such terms and conditions, and for such price, as may be mutually agreed upon in writing between the Parties, whether or not at the time of such purchase, redemption or acquisition circumstances exist which specifically grant the Company the right to purchase, or the Management Stockholder the right to sell, shares of Stock or any Options under the terms of this Agreement; provided that no such purchase, redemption or acquisition shall be consummated, and no agreement with respect to any such purchase, redemption or acquisition shall be entered into, without the prior approval of the Board.

12.

Notice of Change of Beneficiary .  Immediately prior to any transfer of Stock to a Management Stockholder’s Trust, the Management Stockholder shall provide the Company with a copy of the instruments creating the Management Stockholder’s Trust and with the identity of the beneficiaries of the Management Stockholder’s Trust.  The Management Stockholder shall notify the Company as soon as practicable prior to any change in the identity of any beneficiary of the Management Stockholder’s Trust.

13.

Recapitalizations, etc.  The provisions of this Agreement shall apply, to the full extent set forth herein with respect to the Stock or the Options, to any and all shares of capital stock of the Company or any capital stock, partnership units or any other security evidencing ownership interests in any successor or assign of the Company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise) which may be issued in respect of, in exchange for, or substitution of the Stock or the Options by reason of any stock dividend, split, reverse split, combination, recapitalization, liquidation, reclassification, merger, consolidation or otherwise.

14.

Management Stockholder’s Employment by the Company .  Nothing contained in this Agreement or in any other agreement entered into by the Company and the Management Stockholder contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement (i) obligates the Company or any subsidiary of the Company to employ the Management Stockholder in any capacity whatsoever or (ii) prohibits or restricts the Company (or any such subsidiary) from terminating the employment of the Management Stockholder at any time or for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause, and the Management Stockholder hereby acknowledges and agrees that neither the Company nor any other person has made any representations or promises whatsoever to the Management Stockholder concerning the Management Stockholder’s employment or continued employment by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company.

15.

Binding Effect .  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and accrue to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.  In the case of a transferee permitted under Section 2(a) or Section 3(a) (other than clauses (iii) or (iv) thereof) hereof, such transferee shall be deemed the Management Stockholder hereunder; provided , however , that no transferee (including without limitation, transferees referred to in Section 2(a) or Section 3(a) hereof) shall derive any rights under this Agreement unless and until such transferee has delivered to the Company a valid undertaking and becomes bound by the terms of this Agreement.  No




20



provision of this Agreement is intended to or shall confer upon any Person other than the Parties any rights or remedies hereunder or with respect hereto.

16.

Amendment .  This Agreement may be amended by the Company at any time upon notice to the Management Stockholder thereof; provided that any amendment (i) that materially disadvantages the Management Stockholder shall not be effective unless and until the Management Stockholder has consented thereto in writing and (ii) that disadvantages a class of stockholders in more than a de minimis way but less than a material way shall require the consent of a majority of the equity interests held by such affected class of stockholders.

17.

Closing .  Except as otherwise provided herein, the closing of each purchase and sale of shares of Stock pursuant to this Agreement shall take place at the principal office of the Company on the tenth business day following delivery of the notice by either Party to the other of its exercise of the right to purchase or sell such Stock hereunder.

18.

Applicable Law; Jurisdiction; Arbitration; Legal Fees .

(a)

The laws of the State of Tennessee applicable to contracts executed and to be performed entirely in such state shall govern the interpretation, validity and performance of the terms of this Agreement.

(b)

In the event of any controversy among the parties hereto arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement which cannot be settled amicably by the parties, such controversy shall be finally, exclusively and conclusively settled by mandatory arbitration conducted expeditiously in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules by a single independent arbitrator.  Such arbitration process shall take place in Nashville, TN. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding upon all parties hereto and shall be rendered pursuant to a written decision, which contains a detailed recital of the arbitrator’s reasoning.  Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

(c)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Management Stockholder acknowledges and agrees that the Company, its subsidiaries, the Investors and any of their respective affiliates shall be entitled to injunctive or other relief in order to enforce the covenant not to compete, covenant not to solicit and/or confidentiality covenants as set forth in Section 22(a) of this Agreement.

(d)

In the event of any arbitration or other disputes with regard to this Agreement or any other document or agreement referred to herein, each Party shall pay its own legal fees and expenses, unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.    

19.

Assignability of Certain Rights by the Company .  The Company shall have the right to assign any or all of its rights or obligations to purchase shares of Stock pursuant to Sections 4, 5 and 6 hereof; provided , however , that no such assignment shall relieve the Company from its obligations hereunder.

20.

Miscellaneous .

(a)

In this Agreement all references to “dollars” or “$” are to United States dollars and the masculine pronoun shall include the feminine and neuter, and the singular the plural, where the context so indicates.






21




(b)

If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared illegal, void or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect.

21.

Withholding .  The Company or its subsidiaries shall have the right to deduct from any cash payment made under this Agreement to the applicable Management Stockholder Entities any federal, state or local income or other taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such payment, if applicable.

22.

Notices .  All notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing.  Any notice or other communication hereunder shall be deemed duly given (i) upon electronic confirmation of facsimile, (ii) one (1) business day following the date sent when sent by overnight delivery and (iii) five (5) business days following the date mailed when mailed by registered or certified mail return receipt requested and postage prepaid, in each case as follows:

(a)

If to the Company, to it at the following address:

Dollar General Corporation
100 Mission Ridge
Goodlettsville, TN  37202
Attention:  General Counsel
Telecopy:  (615) 855-5180


with copies to:

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.

2800 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200

Menlo Park, CA 94025

Attention:  Michael Calbert
Telecopy:  (650) 233-6553

and


Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attention:  David J. Sorkin, Esq.

                  Marni J. Lerner, Esq.

Telecopy:  (212) 455-2502

(b)

If to the Management Stockholder, to the Management Stockholder at the address set forth below under the Management Stockholder’s signature;

or at such other address as either party shall have specified by notice in writing to the other.

23.

Confidential Information; Covenant Not to Compete; Covenant Not to Solicit .

(a)

In consideration of the Company entering into this Agreement with the Management Stockholder, unless there exists any covenant that pertains to the same subject matter as set forth in this Section 23 in any employment agreement or change in control






22



agreement in effect at the time of termination of employment between the Management Stockholder and the Company or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates (the “Existing Restrictive Covenants”), in which case such covenants shall supersede the covenants contained in this Section 23; then the Management Stockholder shall be subject to the covenants contained in this Section 23:

(i)

at any time during or after the Management Stockholder’s employment with the Company or its subsidiaries, disclose any Confidential Information pertaining to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of the Investors or any of their respective Affiliates, except when required to perform his or her duties to the Company or one of its subsidiaries, by law or judicial process;

(ii)

at any time during the Management Stockholder’s employment with the Company or its subsidiaries and for the lesser period of (a) the period during which the Management Stockholder receives severance payments and benefits pursuant to the Dollar General Corporation Severance Plan and Summary Plan Description, as it may be amended from time to time and (b) six (6) months after the Management Stockholder’s termination of employment , directly or indirectly, act as a proprietor, investor director, officer, employee, substantial stockholder, consultant, or partner in any of the following businesses in any geographic area where the Company or its Affiliates manufactures, produces, sells, leases, rents, licenses or otherwise provides products or services: Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, Walgreen’s, Rite-Aid, CVS, Family Dollar Stores, Fred’s, the 99 Cents Stores, and Dollar Tree Stores;

(iii)

at any time during the Management Stockholder’s employment with the Company or its subsidiaries and for a period of six (6) months thereafter, directly or indirectly (A) solicit customers or clients of the Company, any of its subsidiaries, the Investors or any of their respective Affiliates to terminate their relationship with the Company, any of its subsidiaries, the Investors or any of their respective Affiliates or otherwise solicit such customers or clients to compete with any business of the Company, any of its subsidiaries, the Investors or any of their respective Affiliates or (B) solicit or offer employment to any person who is, or has been at any time during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the termination of the Management Stockholder’s employment, employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates;

provided that in each of clauses (ii) and (iii) above, such restrictions shall not apply with respect to any Investor or any of their Affiliates that is not engaged in any business that competes, directly or indirectly, with the Company or any of its subsidiaries.  If the Management Stockholder is bound by any other agreement with the Company regarding the use or disclosure of Confidential Information, the provisions of this Agreement shall be read in such a way as to further restrict and not to permit any more extensive use or disclosure of Confidential Information.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purposes of Section 23(a)(ii), the Management Stockholder may, directly or indirectly own, solely as an investment, securities of any Person engaged in the business of the Company or its affiliates which are publicly traded on a national or regional stock exchange or quotation system or on the over the counter market if the Management Stockholder (I) is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group which controls, such person and (II) does not, directly or indirectly, own 5% or more of any class of securities of such Person.

(b)

Notwithstanding clause (a) above, if at any time a court holds that the restrictions stated in such clause (a) are unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable under






23



circumstances then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum period, scope or geographic area determined to be reasonable under such circumstances by such court will be substituted for the stated period, scope or area.  Because the Management Stockholder’s services are unique and because the Management Stockholder has had access to Confidential Information, the parties hereto agree that money damages will be an inadequate remedy for any breach of this Agreement.  In the event of a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, the Company or its successors or assigns may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and/or injunctive relief in order to enforce, or prevent any violations of, the provisions hereof (without the posting of a bond or other security).

(c)

In the event that the Management Stockholder breaches any of the provisions of Section 23(a), in addition to all other remedies that may be available to the Company, the Management Stockholder shall be required to pay to the Company any amounts actually paid to him or her by the Company in respect of any repurchase by the Company of any Options or Stock held by such Management Stockholder; provided that with respect to Option Stock, the Management Stockholder shall be required to pay to the Company only such amounts, if any, that the Management Stockholder received in excess of the exercise price paid by the Management Stockholder in acquiring such Option Stock, on a net after-tax basis.

24.

Irrevocable Proxy .  In accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. § 48-17-203, each Management Stockholder hereby irrevocably appoints Buck Holdings, L.P. and any authorized representatives and designees thereof as its lawful proxy and attorney-in-fact to exercise with full power in such Management Stockholder’s name and on its behalf such Management Stockholder’s right to vote all of the shares of outstanding Common Stock owned by the Management Stockholder at any regular or special meeting of the stockholders of the Company for the express purpose of electing any one or more members to the Board. Buck Holdings, L.P. and any authorized representatives and designees thereof shall vote under this proxy on behalf of each such Management Stockholder in the same manner as Buck Holdings, L.P. votes any outstanding shares of Common Stock owned by it at any such regular or special meeting of the stockholders of the Company for the express purpose of electing any one or more members to the Board.    This proxy is irrevocable and is coupled with an interest and shall not be terminable as long as this Agreement remains effective among the parties hereto, their successors, transferees and assigns and, if such Management Stockholder is a natural person, shall not terminate on the disability or incompetence of such Management Stockholder.  The Company is hereby requested and directed to honor this proxy upon its presentation by Buck Holdings, L.P. and any authorized representatives and designees thereof, without any duty of investigation whatsoever on the part of the Company. Each such Management Stockholder agrees that the Company, and the Company’s secretary shall not be liable to such Management Stockholder for so honoring this proxy.

25.

Shareholder Actions by Written Consent .  The Management Stockholder (a) agrees that, in respect of actions undertaken without a meeting pursuant to Article I, Section 6 of the bylaws of the Company and T.C.A. section 48-17-104, unless otherwise provided by the Company's charter or bylaws or applicable law, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the shareholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed in one or more counterparts by shareholders having not less that the minimum number of votes






24



that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and (b) hereby consents to the taking of any such action as set forth in this Section 25 and in Article I, Section 6 of the bylaws of the Company.

26.

Effectiveness .  This Agreement, if duly executed, shall become effective on the Effective Date and prior thereto shall be of no force or effect.


[ Signatures on next pages .]








IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the date(s) set forth below.

 

DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:


/s/ S. Lanigan

 

Name:


    Susan Lanigan

 

Title:


    Executive Vice President

 

Date:


    September 16, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUCK HOLDINGS, L.P.

 

By: Buck Holdings, LLC, its General
Partner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:


/s/ Raj Agrawal

 

Name:


Raj Agrawal

 

Title:


Vice President

 

Date:


9/15/08




[ signature page to Management Stockholder’s Agreement ]






 

MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDER:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature:

 /s/ Robert Ravener 

 

 

Name:

      

     Robert Ravener 

 

 

Date:

      

     8/26/08 

ADDRESS:

c/o Dollar General Corporation

100 Mission Ridge

Goodlettsville, TN  37072




PURCHASED STOCK


I hereby elect to invest $125,000 in the Company’s Common Stock (NOTE:  the amount you invest, if any, must equal at least $250,000 and may not exceed $500,000).



[ signature page to Management Stockholder’s Agreement ]





Schedule I to Management Stockholder’s Agreement



OPTIONS


Number of shares of Common Stock underlying Options (assuming you have satisfied the minimum investment amount):  200,000


EFFECTIVE DATE


August 28, 2008


SENIOR MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDER?


Yes     X  

No  ____





  





SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
(as of March 18, 2011)

 

Name of Entity

 

Jurisdiction of
Incorporation/Organization

DC Financial, LLC

 

Tennessee

Dolgencorp, LLC

 

Kentucky

Dolgencorp of New York, Inc.

 

Kentucky

Dolgen I, Inc.

 

Tennessee

Dolgen II, Inc.

 

Tennessee

Dolgen III, Inc.

 

Tennessee

DG Strategic I, LLC

 

Tennessee

Dolgen Midwest, LLC (f/k/a DG Strategic III, LLC) (1)

 

Tennessee

Dolgencorp of Texas, Inc. (2)

 

Kentucky

DG Strategic II, LLC

 

Tennessee

Dolgen California, LLC (f/k/a DG Strategic IV, LLC)

 

Tennessee

DG Strategic V, LLC

 

Tennessee

DG Strategic VI, LLC

 

Tennessee

DG Strategic VII, LLC

 

Tennessee

DG Strategic VIII, LLC

 

Tennessee

DG Transportation, Inc.

 

Tennessee

DG Logistics LLC (3)

 

Tennessee

South Boston Holdings, Inc.

 

Delaware

Sun-Dollar, L.P. (4)

 

California

South Boston FF&E, LLC (5)

 

Delaware

DG Promotions, Inc.

 

Tennessee

DG Retail, LLC (6)

 

Tennessee

Ashley River Insurance Company, Inc.

 

South Carolina

DGC Holdings, LLC

 

Delaware

Dollar General Global Sourcing Limited (7)

 

Hong Kong

Dollar General Literacy Foundation (8)

 

Tennessee

Dollar General Partners (9)

 

Kentucky

Retail Property Investments, LLC

 

Delaware

Retail Risk Solutions, LLC

 

Tennessee

                                                                

 

 

 

 

(1)

A limited liability company in which DG Strategic I, LLC is the sole member.

(2)

A corporation in which the sole shareholder is DG Strategic I, LLC.

(3)

A limited liability company in which DG Transportation, Inc. is the sole member.

(4)

A limited partnership in which the general partner is South Boston Holdings, Inc. and the limited partner is Dollar General Corporation.

(5)

A limited liability company in which Sun-Dollar, L.P. is the sole member.

(6)

A limited liability company in which DG Promotions, Inc. is the sole member.

(7)

Held 99.9% by Dollar General Corporation and 0.1% by DGC Holdings, LLC.

(8)

A nonprofit, public benefit membership corporation in which Dollar General Corporation is the sole member.

(9)

A general partnership in which the general partners are Dollar General Corporation and DG Promotions, Inc.




Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements and related prospectuses:

(1) Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-165800) pertaining to the Shelf Registration Statement of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates,

(2) Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-165799) pertaining to the Shelf Registration Statement of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates,

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-163200) pertaining to the Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates,

(4) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-151655) pertaining to the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates,

(5) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-151661) pertaining to the Dollar General Corporation 1998 Stock Incentive Plan,

(6) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-151049) pertaining to the Dollar General Corporation CDP/SERP Plan, and

(7) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-151047) pertaining to the Dollar General Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan for Key Employees of Dollar General Corporation and its Affiliates;

of our reports dated March 22, 2011, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Dollar General Corporation  and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Dollar General Corporation included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 28, 2011.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Nashville, Tennessee

March 22, 2011



CERTIFICATIONS


I, Richard W. Dreiling, certify that:


1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Dollar General Corporation;


2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date:  March 22, 2011

 

/s/ Richard W. Dreiling

 

 

Richard W. Dreiling

 

 

Chief Executive Officer





I, David M. Tehle, certify that:


1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Dollar General Corporation;


2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: March 22, 2011

 

/s/ David M. Tehle

 

 

David M. Tehle

 

 

Chief Financial Officer




CERTIFICATIONS

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350


Each of the undersigned hereby certifies that to his knowledge the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2011 of Dollar General Corporation (the “Company”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.



 

/s/ Richard W. Dreiling

 

Name:

Richard W. Dreiling

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

Date:

March 22, 2011



 

/s/ David M. Tehle

 

Name:

David M. Tehle

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

Date:

March 22, 2011