Form S-3ASR
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 4, 2019

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

AutoZone, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   62-1482048

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

123 South Front Street

Memphis, Tennessee 38103

Telephone: (901) 495-6500

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Kristen C. Wright

Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

123 South Front Street

Memphis, Tennessee 38103

Telephone: (901) 495-6500

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

Laura R. Brothers

Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

150 Third Avenue South, Suite 2800

Nashville, TN 37201

Telephone: (615) 742-6200

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.

If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.  ☐

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.  ☒

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ☒

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ☐

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

 

Large accelerated filer      Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer      Smaller reporting company  
Emerging growth company       

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each class of

securities to be registered

 

Proposed

maximum

aggregate

offering price

 

Amount of

registration fee

Debt securities

  (1)(2)   (3)

 

 

(1)

There is being registered hereunder an indeterminate principal amount or number of debt securities as may from time to time be issued at indeterminate prices.

(2)

Omitted pursuant to Form S-3 General Instruction II.E.

(3)

In accordance with Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r), of the rules and regulations under the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant is deferring payment of all of the registration fee.

 

 

 


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Prospectus

AutoZone, Inc.

Debt Securities

We may offer and sell our debt securities from time to time in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the debt securities that we may offer. We may offer and sell debt securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continued or delayed basis.

Our principal executive offices are located at 123 South Front Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, and our telephone number is (901) 495-6500.

We will provide specific terms of debt securities we offer, and the manner in which they are being offered, in supplements to this prospectus. Our debt securities cannot be sold unless this prospectus is accompanied by a prospectus supplement. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully before you invest.

Investing in our debt securities involves certain risks. Before buying our debt securities, you should refer to the risks and uncertainties referenced under the heading “Risk Factors” on page 1 of this prospectus as well as those contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and in the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these debt securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is April 4, 2019.


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You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, in any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectus filed by us with the SEC. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these debt securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement or in any such free writing prospectus is accurate only as of the respective dates thereof. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

When we refer to “we,” “our” and “us” in this prospectus, we mean AutoZone, Inc., including, unless the context otherwise requires or as otherwise expressly stated, our subsidiaries. When we refer to “you” or “yours,” we mean the purchasers of the applicable debt securities.

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

     ii  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     ii  

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

     ii  

AUTOZONE, INC.

     1  

RISK FACTORS

     1  

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     1  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     2  

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

     3  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     7  

LEGAL MATTERS

     9  

EXPERTS

     9  

 

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a “shelf” registration statement that we filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. Under this shelf registration, we may sell the debt securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the debt securities that we may offer. Each time we sell debt securities, we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the terms of the debt securities being sold. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Before purchasing any debt securities, you should carefully read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are a public company and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. We also make available free of charge through our website our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as well as our definitive proxy statements and Section 16 reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5.

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the ticker symbol “AZO.” Our web site address is https://www.autozone.com. However, the information located on, or accessible from, our website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement or incorporated into any other filings that we make with the SEC.

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC. The full registration statement may be obtained from the SEC or us at the website addresses specified above. Documents establishing the terms of the offered debt securities are filed as exhibits to the registration statement. Statements in this prospectus about these documents are summaries. You should refer to the actual documents for a more complete description of the relevant matters.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The rules of the SEC allow us to “incorporate by reference” the reports and documents we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents set forth below that we have previously filed with the SEC and any future filings made under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, after the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of debt securities offered by this prospectus:

 

   

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018 (filed with the SEC on October 24, 2018);

 

   

the information specifically incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 25, 2018 from our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on October 26, 2018, for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on December 19, 2018;

 

   

our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended November 17, 2018 (filed with the SEC on December 18, 2018) and February 9, 2019 (filed with the SEC on March 15, 2019); and

 

   

our Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 26, 2018, September 27, 2018, October 19, 2018, November 19, 2018, December 20, 2018 and March 20, 2019.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, information that we furnish under Items 2.02 and 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K, including the related exhibits under Item 9.01, is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus, the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or any prospectus supplement.

We will furnish without charge to you, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the documents described above, except for exhibits to those documents, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. Requests should be addressed to:

Secretary

AutoZone, Inc.

123 South Front Street

Memphis, Tennessee 38103

(901) 495-6500

 

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AUTOZONE, INC.

We are the nation’s leading retailer, and a leading distributor, of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States. We began operations in 1979 and operate AutoZone stores in the United States, including Puerto Rico, Mexico and Brazil. Each AutoZone store carries an extensive product line for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories and non-automotive products. In certain of our domestic AutoZone stores, we also have a commercial sales program that provides commercial credit and prompt delivery of parts and other products to local, regional and national repair garages, dealers, service stations and public sector accounts. We also have commercial programs in select stores in Mexico and Brazil. We also sell the ALLDATA brand automotive diagnostic and repair software through www.alldata.com and www.alldatadiy.com. Additionally, we sell automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products through www.autozone.com and our commercial customers can make purchases through www.autozonepro.com. We do not derive revenue from automotive repair or installation services.

Our executive offices are located at 123 South Front Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, and our telephone number is (901) 495-6500. AutoZone, Inc. is a Nevada corporation.

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our debt securities involves a certain degree of risk. You should carefully consider the factors contained in Item 1A under Part 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018, under the heading “Risk Factors” and updated, if applicable, in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q before investing in our securities. You should also consider similar information contained in any Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or other document filed by us with the SEC after the date of this prospectus before deciding to invest in our securities. If any of these risks were to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. When we offer and sell any securities pursuant to a prospectus supplement, we may include additional risk factors relevant to such securities in the prospectus supplement.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus are forward-looking statements (as the term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) and constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements typically use words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “positioned,” “strategy,” “seek,” “may,” “could,” and similar expressions. These are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors that we believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: product demand; energy prices; weather; competition; credit market conditions; access to available and feasible financing; the impact of recessionary conditions; consumer debt levels; changes in laws or regulations; war and the prospect of war, including terrorist activity; inflation; the ability to hire and retain qualified employees; construction delays; the compromising of confidentiality, availability or integrity of information, including cyber-attacks; and raw material costs of suppliers. Certain of these risks are described in more detail in the “Risk Factors” section contained in Item 1A under Part 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018, which is expressly incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and those risks described in any supplement to this prospectus under “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in documents filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. These Risk Factors should be read carefully. However, it should be understood that it is not possible to identify or predict all

 

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such risks and other factors that could affect these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements, and events described above and in the “Risk Factors” section could materially and adversely affect our business. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Except as set forth in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the debt securities offered hereby for general corporate purposes, including repaying, redeeming or repurchasing outstanding debt and for working capital, capital expenditures, new store openings, stock repurchases and acquisitions. We may invest funds not required immediately for such purposes in short-term, interest-bearing and other investment-grade securities.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The following text describes the general terms and provisions of debt securities that we may offer from time to time. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the series in a supplement to this prospectus. We will also indicate in the supplement whether the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities. In this section entitled “Description of Debt Securities,” references to “we,” “us,” “our,” and “AutoZone” include only AutoZone, Inc. and not any of its subsidiaries.

We may offer either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. The senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities are together referred to in this prospectus as the “debt securities.” Unless otherwise specified in a supplement to this prospectus, the senior debt securities will be our direct, unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The subordinated debt securities generally will be entitled to payment only after payment of our senior debt. See “— Subordination” below.

The debt securities will be issued under an indenture dated as of August 8, 2003, as supplemented, between us and Regions Bank, successor in interest to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., successor in interest to Bank One Trust Company, N.A. The indenture, as supplemented, is referred to in this prospectus as the “indenture.” The indenture describes the terms of the debt securities and does not limit the amount of debt securities or other unsecured, senior debt we may issue. We have summarized the general terms and provisions of the debt securities to be governed by the indenture. The summary is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all provisions of the indenture and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or the Trust Indenture Act. The indenture, as supplemented, has been incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement that we have filed with the SEC, of which this prospectus forms a part. We encourage you to read the indenture. Capitalized terms used in this description of our debt securities have the meanings specified in the indenture.

General

The terms of each series of debt securities will be established by our board of directors or a committee thereof and set forth or determined in the manner provided in an officers’ certificate or by a supplemental indenture. The particular terms of each series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series.

We can issue debt securities under the indenture in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium or at a discount. We need not issue all debt securities of one series at the same time and, unless otherwise provided, we may without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of that series reopen a series and issue additional debt securities of that series. We will set forth in a prospectus supplement the aggregate principal amount of any series of debt securities being offered and the following terms of such debt securities:

 

   

the title of the debt securities;

 

   

any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;

 

   

the date or dates on which we will pay the principal on the debt securities;

 

   

the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum or the method used to determine the rate or rates (including any commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index) at which the debt securities will bear interest, the date or dates from which interest will accrue, the date or dates on which interest will commence and be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable on any interest payment date;

 

   

the place or places where principal of, and premium and interest on, the debt securities will be payable;

 

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the terms and conditions upon which we may redeem the debt securities;

 

   

any obligation we have to redeem or purchase the debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of a holder of debt securities;

 

   

the dates on which and the price or prices at which we will repurchase debt securities at the option of the holders of debt securities and other detailed terms and provisions of these repurchase obligations;

 

   

the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof;

 

   

whether the debt securities will be issued in certificated or “book-entry only” form;

 

   

the portion of principal amount of the debt securities payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date, if other than the entire principal amount;

 

   

the currency of denomination of the debt securities;

 

   

the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of principal of, and premium and interest on, the debt securities will be made;

 

   

if payments of principal of, or premium or interest on, the debt securities will be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which the debt securities are denominated, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to these payments will be determined;

 

   

the manner in which the amounts of payment of principal of, or premium or interest on, the debt securities will be determined, if these amounts may be determined by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies other than that in which the debt securities are denominated or designated to be payable or by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index;

 

   

any provisions relating to any collateral securing or guarantees of payments of principal of, or premium or interest on, the debt securities;

 

   

any addition to or change in the events of default described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities and any change in the acceleration provisions described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;

 

   

any addition to or change in the covenants described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;

 

   

any conversion provisions, including the conversion price, the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion if such series of debt securities are redeemed;

 

   

whether the debt securities will be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities and, if applicable, a description of the subordination terms thereof;

 

   

any depositories, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents or other agents with respect to the debt securities; and

 

   

any other terms of the debt securities, which may modify, delete, supplement or add to any provision of the indenture as it applies to that series.

We may issue debt securities that provide for an amount less than their stated principal amount to be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity pursuant to the terms of the indenture. We will provide you with information on the federal income tax considerations and other special considerations applicable to any of these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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If we denominate the purchase price of any of the debt securities in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, or if the principal of, and premium and interest on, any series of debt securities is payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, we will provide you with information on the restrictions, elections, general tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to that issue of debt securities and such foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Transfer and Exchange

Each debt security will be represented by either one or more global securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, as depositary, or a nominee (which we refer to, in the case of any debt security represented by a global debt security, as a “book-entry debt security”), or a certificate issued in definitive registered form (which we refer to, in the case of any debt security represented by a certificated security, as a “certificated debt security”) as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Except as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, book-entry debt securities will not be issuable in certificated form.

You may transfer or exchange certificated debt securities at any office we maintain for this purpose in accordance with the terms of the indenture. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of certificated debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with a transfer or exchange.

You may effect the transfer of certificated debt securities and the right to receive the principal of, and any premium and interest on, certificated debt securities only by surrendering the certificate representing those certificated debt securities and either reissuance by us or the trustee of the certificate to the new holder or the issuance by us or the trustee of a new certificate to the new holder.

We will not be required:

 

   

to issue, register the transfer of, or exchange debt securities for the period beginning at the opening of business fifteen days immediately preceding the mailing of a notice of redemption of debt securities selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing; or

 

   

to register the transfer of or exchange of debt securities selected, called or being called for redemption as a whole or the portion being redeemed of any such security selected, called or being called for redemption in part.

Ranking Senior Debt Securities

Our senior debt securities will rank equally with all our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.

Subordination

The subordination provisions for a series of subordinated debt securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement and in the subordinated debt securities themselves or a resolution of our board of directors, a supplemental indenture or an officers’ certificate.

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.

Concerning the Trustee

As of February 8, 2019, Regions Bank serves as the trustee under the indenture. Notice to the trustee should be directed to its Corporate Trust Services Office, located at 1180 West Peachtree Street, Suite 1200, Atlanta, Georgia 30309, Attention: Corporate Trust Services. Prior to February 8, 2019, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. served as the trustee under the indenture, as successor in interest to Bank One Trust Company, N.A.

 

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The indenture and provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, which are incorporated by reference therein, contain limitations on the rights of the trustee, should it become one of our creditors, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on property received in respect of any such claim, as security or otherwise. The trustee and its affiliates may engage in, and will be permitted to continue to engage in, other transactions with us and our affiliates; provided, however, that if it acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the Trust Indenture Act), it must eliminate the conflict or resign. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee. The Trust Indenture Act and the indenture provide that in case an event of default shall occur (and be continuing), the trustee will be required, in the exercise of its rights and powers, to use the degree of care and skill of a prudent person in the conduct of such person’s affairs. Subject to such provision, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any of the holders of the debt securities issued thereunder, unless they have offered to the trustee indemnity satisfactory to it.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the debt securities described in this prospectus from time to time in one or more transactions:

 

   

to purchasers directly;

 

   

to underwriters for public offering and sale by them;

 

   

through agents;

 

   

through dealers; or

 

   

through a combination of any of the foregoing methods of sale.

We may distribute the debt securities from time to time in one or more transactions at:

 

   

a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;

 

   

market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

 

   

prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

 

   

negotiated prices.

Direct Sales

We may sell the debt securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act, with respect to any resale of the debt securities. A prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any sale of debt securities we are offering hereunder. Direct sales may be arranged by a securities broker-dealer or other financial intermediary.

To Underwriters

The applicable prospectus supplement will name any underwriter involved in a sale of debt securities. Underwriters may offer and sell debt securities at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or from time to time at market prices or at negotiated prices. Underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us from sales of debt securities in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of debt securities for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may be involved in any at the market offering of debt securities by or on our behalf.

Underwriters may sell debt securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions (which may be changed from time to time) from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of any underwriters to purchase debt securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the debt securities if any are purchased.

The applicable prospectus supplement will set forth whether or not underwriters may over-allot or effect transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the debt securities at levels above those that might otherwise prevail in the open market, including, for example, by entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate covering transactions or imposing penalty bids.

 

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Through Agents and Dealers

We will name any agent involved in a sale of debt securities, as well as any commissions payable by us to such agent, in a prospectus supplement. Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a reasonable efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

If we utilize a dealer in the sale of the debt securities being offered pursuant to this prospectus, we will sell the debt securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the debt securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale.

Delayed Delivery Contracts

If we so specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters, dealers and agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase the debt securities pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on future dates. Such contracts will be subject to only those conditions set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The underwriters, dealers and agents will not be responsible for the validity or performance of the contracts. We will set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the contracts the price to be paid for the debt securities, the commissions payable for solicitation of the contracts and the date in the future for delivery of the debt securities.

General Information

The names of any agents, dealers or managing underwriters, and of any underwriters, involved in the sale of the debt securities under this prospectus and the applicable agent’s commission, dealer’s purchase price or underwriter’s discount or commission as well as the net proceeds to us from the sale of debt securities will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. Any underwriting compensation paid by us to underwriters or agents in connection with the offering of debt securities and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers will be set forth in a prospectus supplement.

Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in a sale of the debt securities may be deemed to be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the debt securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions, under the Securities Act. We may have agreements with underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to reimburse them for certain expenses.

Underwriters or agents and their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us or our affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

Unless we indicate differently in a prospectus supplement, we will not list the debt securities on any securities exchange. The debt securities will be a new issue of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters that purchase the debt securities for public offering and sale may make a market in such debt securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We make no assurance as to the liquidity of or the trading markets for any debt securities.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the debt securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, Nashville, Tennessee. Certain other matters of Nevada law with respect to the debt securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, Las Vegas, Nevada. Legal counsel to any underwriters may pass upon legal matters for such underwriters.

EXPERTS

Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 25, 2018, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of August 25, 2018, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

With respect to our unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial information for the twelve week periods ended November 17, 2018 and November 18, 2017 and the twelve and twenty-four week periods ended February 9, 2019 and February 10, 2018, incorporated by reference in this prospectus, Ernst & Young LLP reported that they have applied limited procedures in accordance with professional standards for a review of such information. However, their separate reports dated December 17, 2018 and March 15, 2019, included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended November 17, 2018 and February 9, 2019, and incorporated by reference herein, state that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on that interim financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their reports on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Ernst & Young LLP is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act for their reports on the unaudited interim financial information because those reports are not a “report” or a “part” of the registration statement prepared or certified by Ernst & Young LLP within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act.

 

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 14.

Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table sets forth an estimate of the fees and expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the debt securities being registered hereunder. Except for the SEC registration fee, all amounts are estimates.

 

     Amount to be Paid  

SEC Registration Fee

   $ —   (1) 

Rating Agency Fees

   $ —   (2) 
  

 

 

 

Accounting Fees and Expenses

   $ —   (2) 
  

 

 

 

Legal Fees and Expenses

   $ —   (2) 
  

 

 

 

Printing Expenses

   $ —   (2) 
  

 

 

 

Trustee Issuing & Paying Agent Fees and Expenses

   $ —   (2) 
  

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Expenses

   $ —   (2)
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ —   (2) 
  

 

 

 

 

(1)

Deferred in accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r).

(2)

The estimated amounts of fees and expenses to be incurred in connection with any offering pursuant to this registration statement will be determined at the time of the applicable offering and will be reflected in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Item 15.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

AutoZone, Inc.’s Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that a director or officer of AutoZone, Inc. shall not be personally liable to AutoZone, Inc. or its stockholders for damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, except for liability for (i) acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law, or (ii) the payment of distributions in violation of Nevada Revised Statutes Section 78.300. Nevada Revised Statutes Section 78.138, however, currently provides that a director or officer will not be individually liable unless it is proven that (i) the presumption established by subsection 3 of Nevada Revised Statutes Section 78.138 has been rebutted, (ii) the director’s or officer’s acts or omissions constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties, and (iii) such breach involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of the law. To the extent AutoZone, Inc.’s Restated Articles of Incorporation would be deemed to be inconsistent with Section 78.138, the provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes should control.

In addition, Nevada Revised Statutes Sections 78.7502, 78.751 and 78.752, and Article III, Section 13, of AutoZone, Inc.’s Seventh Amended and Restated By-Laws, under certain circumstances, provide for the indemnification of the Company’s officers, directors, employees and agents against liabilities they may incur in such capacities. A summary of the circumstances under which indemnification by AutoZone, Inc. is appropriate is contained herein, but such description is qualified in its entirety by reference to Article III, Section 13, of the Seventh Amended and Restated By-Laws.

In general, the Seventh Amended and Restated By-Laws provide that any officer, director, employee or agent shall be indemnified against expenses including attorneys’ fees, fines, settlements or judgments which were actually and reasonably incurred in connection with a legal proceeding, other than one brought by or on the behalf of AutoZone, Inc., to which he or she was a party as a result of such relationship, if he or she either is not liable pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes Section 78.138 or if he or she acted in good faith, and in the manner he or she believed to be in or not opposed to AutoZone, Inc.’s best interests and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. If the action or suit is brought by or on behalf of AutoZone, Inc., the person to be indemnified must have acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to AutoZone, Inc.’s best interests. No indemnification will be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, to be liable to AutoZone, Inc., or for amounts paid in settlement to AutoZone, Inc., unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action or suit was brought or other court of competent jurisdiction, determines upon application that in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.

Any indemnification described in the previous paragraphs, unless ordered by a court or advanced as provided in the succeeding paragraph, must be made by AutoZone, Inc. only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances. The determination must be made (i) by the stockholders, (ii) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to the act, suit

 

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or proceeding, (iii) if a majority vote of a quorum of directors who were not parties to the act, suit or proceeding so orders, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iv) if a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to the act, suit or proceeding cannot be obtained, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion. To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of AutoZone, Inc. has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in the previous paragraph, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he or she must be indemnified by AutoZone, Inc. against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the defense.

Expenses incurred by an officer or director in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by AutoZone, Inc. in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by AutoZone, Inc. as authorized by the Seventh Amended and Restated By-Laws. Such expenses incurred by other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.

The indemnification and advancement of expenses authorized in or ordered by a court as described in the foregoing paragraphs, (i) does not exclude any other rights to which a person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under the Restated Articles of Incorporation or any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, for either an action in his or her official capacity or an action in another capacity while holding such office, except that indemnification, unless ordered by a court as described in the third preceding paragraph or for advancement of expenses made as described in the next preceding paragraph, may not be made to or on behalf of any director or officer if a final adjudication establishes that his or her acts or omissions involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of the law and were material to the cause of action; and (ii) continues for a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and inures to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. If a claim for indemnification or payment of expenses under Article III, Section 13, of the Seventh Amended and Restated By-Laws is not paid in full within ninety (90) days after a written claim therefor has been received by AutoZone, Inc., the claimant may file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expenses of prosecuting such claim. In any such action, AutoZone, Inc. shall have the burden of proving that the claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification or payment of expenses under applicable law.

The Board of Directors may authorize, by a vote of a majority of a quorum of the Board of Directors, AutoZone, Inc. to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of AutoZone, Inc. or is or was serving at AutoZone, Inc.’s request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not AutoZone, Inc. would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under provisions of Article III, Section 13, of the Seventh Amended and Restated By-Laws. AutoZone, Inc. has purchased insurance for its directors and officers for certain losses arising from claims or charges made against them in their capacities as directors and officers. The Board of Directors may authorize AutoZone, Inc. to enter into a contract with any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of AutoZone, Inc. or is or was serving at AutoZone, Inc.’s request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise providing for indemnification rights equivalent to or, if the Board of Directors so determines, greater than those provided for in Article III, Section 13, of the Seventh Amended and Restated By-Laws.

 

Item 16.

Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description of Document

  1.1*    Underwriting Agreement.
  3.1    Restated Articles of Incorporation of AutoZone, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 13, 1999).
  3.2    Seventh Amended and Restated By-Laws of AutoZone, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 19, 2018).
  4.1    Indenture dated as of August 8, 2003, between AutoZone, Inc. and Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333–107828, dated August 8, 2003).
  4.2    Agreement of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance by and among AutoZone, Inc., The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as prior Trustee, and Regions Bank, as successor Trustee, dated January 29, 2019.
  4.3*    Form of Officers’ Certificate(s) pursuant to Section 3.2 of the Indenture setting forth the terms of the applicable notes.

 

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  4.4*    Form of Note.
  5.1    Opinion of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC.
  5.2    Opinion of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP.
15.1    Letter of Ernst & Young LLP re Unaudited Interim Financial Information.
23.1    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.2    Consent of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.3    Consent of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP (included Exhibit 5.2)
24.1    Power of Attorney (included on the signature page hereof).
25.1    Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of Regions Bank, as Trustee under the Indenture.

 

*

To be filed by amendment or incorporated by reference from a Current Report on Form 8-K in connection with offerings of debt securities.

 

Item 17.

Undertakings.

 

(a)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

  (1)

To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

  (i)

to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

  (ii)

to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

 

  (iii)

to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-1, Form S-3, Form SF-3 or Form F-3, and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or, as to a registration statement on Form S-3, Form SF-3 or Form F-3, is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

 

  (2)

That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

  (3)

To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

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  (4)

That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933:

 

  (i)

each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

 

  (ii)

each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

 

  (5)

That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities, in a primary offering of the securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

  (i)

any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

  (ii)

any free writing prospectus to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

  (iii)

the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

  (iv)

any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

(b)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

(c)

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

(d)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Memphis, state of Tennessee, as of the 4th day of April, 2019.

 

AUTOZONE, INC.
By:  

/s/ William C. Rhodes, III

  William C. Rhodes, III
  Chairman, President, Chief Executive
  Officer and Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Kristen C. Wright and William T. Giles, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

SIGNATURE

  

TITLE

 

DATE

/s/ William C. Rhodes, III

William C. Rhodes, III

  

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

  April 4, 2019

/s/ William T. Giles

William T. Giles

  

Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President – Finance and Information Technology

(Principal Financial Officer)

  April 4, 2019

/s/ Charlie Pleas, III

Charlie Pleas, III

  

Senior Vice President and Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

  April 4, 2019

/s/ Douglas H. Brooks

Douglas H. Brooks

   Director   April 4, 2019

/s/ Linda A. Goodspeed

Linda A. Goodspeed

   Director   April 4, 2019

/s/ Earl G. Graves, Jr.

Earl G. Graves, Jr.

   Director   April 4, 2019

/s/ Enderson Guimaraes

Enderson Guimaraes

   Director   April 4, 2019

 

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/s/ D. Bryan Jordan

D. Bryan Jordan

   Director   April 4, 2019

/s/ Gale V. King

Gale V. King

   Director   April 4, 2019

/s/ W. Andrew McKenna

W. Andrew McKenna

   Director   April 4, 2019

/s/ George R. Mrkonic, Jr.

George R. Mrkonic, Jr.

   Director   April 4, 2019

/s/ Luis P. Nieto

Luis P. Nieto

   Director   April 4, 2019

/s/ Jill A. Soltau

Jill A. Soltau

   Director   April 4, 2019

 

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EX-4.2

Exhibit 4.2

AGREEMENT OF RESIGNATION, APPOINTMENT AND ACCEPTANCE, dated as of January 29, 2019 (this “Agreement”), by and among AutoZone, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company” ), The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company N.A., (as successor in interest to Bank One Trust Company, N.A.), a national banking association (the “Prior Trustee”), and Regions Bank, an Alabama banking corporation (the “Successor Trustee”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, pursuant to an Indenture dated as of August 8, 2003 (the “Indenture”), between the Company and the Prior Trustee, the Company has heretofore issued nine series of its Securities (each, a “Series”) as described on Exhibit A attached hereto; and

WHEREAS, the Prior Trustee has indicated to the Company the Prior Trustee’s willingness to resign as Trustee, Registrar and Paying Agent for each Series; and

WHEREAS, the Company desires to appoint the Successor Trustee to succeed the Prior Trustee as Trustee, Registrar and Paying Agent under each Series; and

WHEREAS, the Successor Trustee is willing to accept such appointment as Trustee, as Registrar and Paying Agent for each Series under the Indenture;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Company, the Prior Trustee and the Successor Trustee, for and in consideration of the premises of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, hereby consent and agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

THE PRIOR TRUSTEE

SECTION 1.01 The Prior Trustee hereby resigns as Trustee, Registrar and Paying Agent under the Indenture, effective as of the Effective Time (as defined below).

SECTION 1.02 The Prior Trustee hereby acknowledges that all sums owned to it in its capacity as Trustee for each Series under the Indenture pursuant to Section 8.7 of the Indenture have been paid.

SECTION 1.03 As of the Effective Time, the Prior Trustee hereby assigns, transfers, delivers and confirms to the Successor Trustee all right, title and interest of the Prior Trustee in and to the trusts of the Trustee with respect to each Series under the Indenture and all the rights, powers and trusts of the Trustee with respect to each Series under the Indenture. The Prior Trustee shall execute and deliver such further instruments and shall do such other things as the Successor Trustee may reasonably require so as to more fully and certainly vest and confirm in the Successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trust hereby assigned, transferred, delivered and confirmed to the Successor Trustee as Trustee, Registrar and Paying Agent.


SECTION 1.04 On or prior to the Effective Time, the Prior Trustee will deliver (i) all monies and securities held with respect to each Series under the Indenture and (ii) the items in its possession listed on Exhibit B to the Successor Trustee.

ARTICLE II

THE COMPANY AND THE PRIOR TRUSTEE

SECTION 2.01 The Company hereby waives the notice period required by Section 8.8 of the Indenture and accepts the resignation of the Prior Trustee as Trustee, Registrar and Paying Agent under each Series under the Indenture.

SECTION 2.02 Pursuant to Section 8.8 of the Indenture, the Company hereby appoints the Successor Trustee as Trustee, Registrar and Paying Agent under each Series under the Indenture, effective as of the Effective Time.

SECTION 2.03 The Company hereby represents and warrants to Prior Trustee and Successor Trustee that:

 

  (a)

The Company is a corporation duly and validly organized and existing pursuant to the laws of the State of Nevada.

 

  (b)

The Indenture was validly and lawfully executed and delivered by the Company and the Securities were validly issued by the Company.

 

  (c)

The Company has performed or fulfilled prior to the date hereof, and will continue to perform and fulfill after the date hereof, each covenant, agreement, condition, obligation and responsibility under the Indenture.

 

  (d)

No event has occurred and is continuing which is, or after notice or lapse of time would become, an Event of Default under Section 7.1 of the Indenture.

 

  (e)

No covenant or condition contained in the Indenture has been waived by Company or, to the best of Company’s knowledge, by Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities required to effect any such waiver.

 

  (f)

There is no action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the best of Company’s knowledge, threatened against the Company before any court or any governmental authority arising out of any action or omission by Company under the Indenture.

 

  (g)

This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered on behalf of Company and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation.

 

  (h)

All conditions precedent relating to the appointment of Regions Bank as successor Trustee under the Indenture have been complied with by the Company.

SECTION 2.04 The Prior Trustee hereby represents and warrants to Company and Successor Trustee that:

 

  (a)

The Indenture was validly and lawfully executed and delivered by the Prior Trustee.

 

  (c)

The Prior Trustee has performed or fulfilled prior to the date hereof, and will continue to perform and fulfill after the date hereof until the Effective Time, each covenant, agreement, condition, obligation and responsibility under the Indenture.

 

2


  (d)

No event has occurred and is continuing which is, or after notice or lapse of time would become, an Event of Default under Section 7.1 of the Indenture.

 

  (e)

No covenant or condition contained in the Indenture has been waived by the Prior Trustee or, to the best of the Prior Trustee’s knowledge, by Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Securities required to effect any such waiver.

 

  (f)

There is no action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the best of Prior Trustee’s knowledge, threatened against the Prior Trustee before any court or any governmental authority arising out of any action or omission by Prior Trustee under the Indenture.

 

  (g)

This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered on behalf of Prior Trustee and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation.

ARTICLE III

THE SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE

SECTION 3.01 The Successor Trustee hereby represents and warrants to the Prior Trustee and to the Company that the Successor Trustee meets the eligibility requirements for serving as Trustee, Registrar and Paying Agent under each Series under the Indenture, including, without limitation, Section 8.10 of the Indenture.

SECTION 3.02 Pursuant to Section 8.8 of the Indenture, the Successor Trustee hereby accepts its appointment as the Successor Trustee, Registrar and Paying Agent under each Series under the Indenture, effective as of the Effective Time.

SECTION 3.03 Promptly after the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Successor Trustee, on behalf of the Company, shall cause a written notice to be sent to the Holders of the Securities of each Series informing such Holders of the resignation of the Prior Trustee and the appointment of the Successor Trustee as Trustee, Registrar and Paying Agent.

ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 4.01 Except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires, all capitalized terms used herein which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

SECTION 4.02 The resignation of the Prior Trustee as Trustee, Registrar and Paying Agent and the appointment and acceptance of the Successor Trustee as Trustee, Registrar and Paying Agent shall be effective as of the opening of business on February 8, 2019 (the “Effective Time”), provided that each of the parties hereto shall have executed and delivered this Agreement by such time.

 

3


SECTION 4.03 The Company acknowledges its obligation set forth in Section 8.7 of the Indenture to indemnify Prior Trustee for, and to hold Prior Trustee harmless against, any loss, liability and expense incurred (i) without negligence or bad faith on the part of the Prior Trustee or any officer, director, employee, shareholder or agent of the Prior Trustee and (ii) arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust evidenced by the Indenture (which obligation shall survive the execution hereof).

SECTION 4.04 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

SECTION 4.05 All notices, whether faxed or mailed, will be deemed received when sent pursuant to the following instructions:

TO THE PRIOR TRUSTEE:

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

Corporate Trust Services

10161 Centurion Parkway North

Jacksonville, FL 32256

TO THE SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE:

Regions Bank

Corporate Trust Services

1180 West Peachtree Street

Suite 1200

Atlanta, GA 30309

Attention: Kristine Prall

TO THE COMPANY:

AutoZone, Inc.

123 South Front Street, Dept. 8074

Memphis, TN 38103

Attention: General Counsel

SECTION 4.06 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

SECTION 4.07 The persons signing this Agreement on behalf of the Company, Successor Trustee and Prior Trustee are duly authorized to execute it on behalf of the each party, and each party warrants that it is authorized to execute this Agreement and to perform its duties hereunder.

[signature pages follow]

 

4


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance to be duly executed and acknowledged all as of the day and year first above written.

 

                                                   

AUTOZONE, INC.,

as the Company

      By:   

/s/ Brian L. Campbell

      Name:    Brian L. Campbell
      Title:    VP-Tax, Treasury, IR
      By:   

/s/ William T. Giles

      Name:    William T. Giles
      Title:    EVP / CFO
     

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,

as Prior Trustee

      By:   

/s/ Kandy Williams

      Name:    Kandy Williams
      Title:    Associate
     

REGIONS BANK,

as Successor Trustee

      By:   

/s/ Kristine Prall

      Name:    Kristine Prall
      Title:    Vice President

 

5


EXHIBIT A

Series of Securities

 

Description    Principal      Rate     Maturity      CUSIP  

1.625% Senior Notes

   $ 250.0        1.625     4/21/2019        053332 AU6  

4.000% Senior Notes

   $ 500.0        4.000     11/15/2020        053332 AL6  

2.500% Senior Notes

   $ 250.0        2.500     4/15/2021        053332 AS1  

3.700% Senior Notes

   $ 500.0        3.700     4/15/2022        053332 AM4  

2.875% Senior Notes

   $ 300.0        2.875     1/15/2023        053332 AN2  

3.125% Senior Notes

   $ 500.0        3.125     7/15/2023        053332 AP7  

3.250% Senior Notes

   $ 400.0        3.250     4/15/2025        053332 AR3  

3.125% Senior Notes

   $ 400.0        3.125     4/21/2026        053332 AT9  

3.75% Senior Notes

   $ 600.0        3.75     6/1/2027        053332 AV4  

 

6

EX-5.1

Exhibit 5.1

 

LOGO

150 Third Avenue South, Suite 2800

Nashville, TN 37201

(615) 742-6200

April 4, 2019

AutoZone, Inc.

123 South Front Street

Memphis, Tennessee 38103

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel for AutoZone, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the registration of an indeterminate principal amount of debt securities (the “Debt Securities”), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), on a registration statement on Form S-3 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Registration Statement”), including the prospectus constituting a part thereof (the “Prospectus”). In connection with the Registration Statement, you have requested our opinion with respect to the matters set forth below.

The Prospectus provides that it will be supplemented in the future by one or more supplements to the Prospectus (each, a “Prospectus Supplement”). The Prospectus, as supplemented by various Prospectus Supplements, will provide for the registration by the Company of unsecured debt securities, in one or more series, which may be either senior or subordinated debt securities. Each series of Debt Securities will be evidenced by a note in the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or as an exhibit to a document filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and incorporated into the Registration Statement by reference. The Debt Securities will be issued pursuant to and governed by an indenture, dated as of August 8, 2003, between the Company and Regions Bank, successor in interest to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., successor in interest to Bank One Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”) (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Indenture”).

In our capacity as your counsel in connection with the Registration Statement, we are familiar with the proceedings taken and proposed to be taken by the Company in connection with the authorization and issuance of the Debt Securities, and, for purposes of this opinion, have assumed such proceedings will be timely completed in the manner presently proposed and that the terms of each issuance will otherwise be in compliance with law. In addition, we have examined such matters of fact and questions of law as we have considered appropriate for purposes of this letter. As to facts material to the opinions, statements and assumptions expressed herein, we have, with your consent, relied upon oral or written statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others. We have not independently verified such factual matters.

In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified, facsimile, conformed or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. In making our examination of documents executed or to be executed, we have assumed that the parties thereto other than the Company had or will have the power, corporate or other, to enter into and perform all obligations thereunder and have also assumed the due authorization by all requisite action, corporate or other, and execution and delivery by such parties of such documents and the validity and binding effect of such documents on such parties.

Further, for purposes of this opinion, we have assumed that (i) the issuance, sale, amount and terms of any Debt Securities to be offered from time to time will have been duly authorized and established by action by the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof and other proper corporate action of the Company (“Corporate Action”), consistent with the procedures and terms described in the Registration Statement and in accordance with the procedures and terms described in the Registration Statement and in accordance with the Company’s articles of incorporation and bylaws and applicable Nevada corporate law, in a manner that does not violate any law, government or court-imposed order or restriction or agreement or instrument then binding on the Company or otherwise impair the legal or binding nature of the obligations represented by the applicable Debt Securities; (ii) at the time of offer, issuance and sale of any Debt Securities, the Registration Statement will be

bassberry.com


April 4, 2019

Page 2

 

effective under the Securities Act, and no stop order suspending its effectiveness will have been issued and remain in effect; (iii) any Debt Securities will be issued pursuant to the Indenture; (iv) the Debt Securities will be delivered against payment of valid consideration therefor and in accordance with the terms of the applicable Corporate Action authorizing such sale and any underwriting agreement, purchase agreement or other applicable agreement as contemplated by the Registration Statement and/or the applicable supplement to the Prospectus; and (v) the Company will remain a Nevada corporation.

We are opining as to the effect on the subject transaction only of the applicable provisions of the laws of the State of New York (but not including any laws, statutes, ordinances, administrative decisions, rules or regulations of any political subdivision below the state level), as currently in effect, and we express no opinion with respect to the applicability thereto, or the effect thereon, of the laws of any other jurisdiction or as to any matters of municipal law or the laws of any local agencies within any state.

This opinion letter is provided for use solely in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Registration Statement and may not be used, circulated, quoted or otherwise relied upon for any other purpose without our express written consent. No opinion may be implied or inferred beyond the opinion expressly stated below. Our opinion expressed herein is as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to advise you of any changes in applicable law or any other matters that may come to our attention after the date hereof that may affect our opinion expressed herein.

Subject to the foregoing and the other matters set forth herein, it is our opinion that as of the date hereof:

When the specific terms of the Debt Securities have been duly authorized and duly established in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and applicable law (including, without limitation, the adoption by the Board of Directors of the Company of a resolution authorizing the issuance and delivery of the Debt Securities), and the Debt Securities have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered by or on behalf of the Company against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the related Prospectus Supplement(s), the Debt Securities will constitute legally valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.

The opinions rendered in the above paragraph are subject to the following exceptions, limitations and qualifications: (i) the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer and fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting the rights and remedies of creditors; (ii) the effect of general principles of equity (including, without limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing and the possible unavailability of specific performance, injunctive relief and other equitable remedies), regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law; (iii) the unenforceability under certain circumstances under law or court decisions of provisions providing for the indemnification of or contribution to a party with respect to a liability where such indemnification or contribution is contrary to public policy; and (iv) the unenforceability of any provision requiring the payment of attorneys’ fees, where such payment is contrary to law or public policy. We express no opinion (i) concerning the enforceability of any waiver of rights or defenses with respect to stay, extension or usury laws, (ii) with respect to whether acceleration of Debt Securities may affect the collectibility of any portion of the stated principal amount thereof which might be determined to constitute unearned interest thereon or (iii) as to the enforceability of any provision to the extent it requires any party to indemnify any other person against loss in obtaining the currency due following a court judgment rendered in another currency. The opinions rendered in the above paragraph do not include opinions with respect to compliance with laws relating to permissible rates of interest.

To the extent that the obligations of the Company under the Indenture may be dependent upon such matters, we assume for purposes of this opinion that the Trustee is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization; that the Trustee is duly qualified to engage in the activities contemplated by the Indenture; that a Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee on Form T-1 has been properly filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission; that the Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Trustee and constitutes the legally valid and binding obligation of the Trustee, enforceable against the Trustee in accordance with its terms; that the Trustee is in compliance, generally and with respect to acting as a trustee under such Indenture, with all applicable laws and regulations; and that the Trustee has the requisite organizational and legal power and authority to execute and deliver and to perform its obligations under such Indenture.


April 4, 2019

Page 3

 

We consent to your filing this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm contained under the heading “Legal Matters.” In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are an “expert” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

 

Yours very truly,
/s/ Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
EX-5.2

Exhibit 5.2

April 4, 2019

AutoZone, Inc.

123 South Front Street

Memphis, Tennessee 38103

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as local Nevada counsel to AutoZone, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the filing by the Company of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), relating to the registration for offering and sale from time to time by the Company of an indeterminate principal amount or number of the Company’s debt securities (the “Securities”), to be issued pursuant to and in accordance with that certain Indenture, dated as of August 8, 2003, by and between the Company and Regions Bank (successor in interest to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., successor in interest to Bank One Trust Company, N.A.), as trustee, as filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement (the “Indenture”). This opinion letter is being furnished at your request in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Act.

In our capacity as such counsel, we are familiar with the proceedings taken and proposed to be taken by the Company in connection with the registration of the Securities, as described in the Registration Statement. For purposes of this opinion letter, and except to the extent set forth in the opinions below, we have assumed all such proceedings have been timely completed or will be timely completed in the manner presently proposed in the Registration Statement.

For purposes of issuing this opinion letter, we have made such legal and factual examinations and inquiries, including an examination of originals or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction as being true copies of (i) the Registration Statement, (ii) the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Company (collectively, the “Governing Documents”) and (iii) such other agreements, instruments, corporate records and other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purpose of issuing this opinion letter, and we have obtained from officers and other representatives and agents of the Company and from public officials, and have relied upon, such certificates, representations and assurances as we have deemed necessary or appropriate.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in issuing this opinion letter, we have, with your permission, assumed without independent verification, that (i) except to the extent set forth in numbered opinion paragraph 2 below, any and all agreements, instruments or other documents relating to the offering, issuance or sale of any Securities, including, without limitation, any officers’ certificate pursuant to Section 3.2 of the Indenture (collectively, the “Securities Documents”) have been or will be duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company; (ii) the obligations of each party set forth in the Securities Documents are or will be its valid and binding obligations, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms; (iii) no Securities have been or will be offered, issued or sold in violation or breach of, nor will any such offering, issuance or sale result in a default under, any agreement or instrument that is binding upon the Company or any requirement or restriction imposed by any governmental or regulatory agency, authority or body; (iv) the Company has taken or will take all corporate action required in connection with the authorization, offering, issuance and sale of Securities (including, without limitation, any other securities of the Company underlying any Securities or into which any Securities will or may be convertible), and all

100 North City Parkway, Suite 1600

Las Vegas, NV 89106-4614             

main 702.382.2101                           


AutoZone, Inc.

April 4, 2019

Page 2

 

Securities will be offered, issued and sold, in compliance with all applicable laws, the Governing Documents and the relevant Securities Documents in effect at all relevant times (collectively, “Corporate Proceedings”); (v) the statements of fact and representations and warranties set forth in the documents we have reviewed are, or at all relevant times will be, true and correct as to factual matters; (vi) each natural person executing a document has or will have sufficient legal capacity to do so; (vii) all documents submitted to us as originals are authentic, the signatures on all documents that we have examined are genuine, and all documents submitted to us as certified, conformed, photostatic, electronic or facsimile copies conform to the original documents; and (viii) all corporate records made available to us by the Company, and all public records we have reviewed, are accurate and complete;

We are qualified to practice law in the State of Nevada. The opinions set forth herein are expressly limited to and based exclusively on the general corporate laws of the State of Nevada, and we do not purport to be experts on, or to express any opinion with respect to the applicability or effect of, the laws of any other jurisdiction. We express no opinion herein concerning, and we assume no responsibility as to laws or judicial decisions related to, or any orders, consents or other authorizations or approvals as may be required by, any federal laws, rules or regulations, including, without limitation, any federal securities laws, rules or regulations, or any state securities or “blue sky” laws, rules or regulations.

Based on the foregoing and in reliance thereon, and having regard to legal considerations and other information that we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that:

1.    The Company is validly existing as a corporation and in good standing under the laws of the State of Nevada.

2.    The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company

3.    When all Corporate Proceedings have been taken and completed in respect of any offering, issuance or sale of Securities, such Securities will be duly authorized by the Company.

The opinions expressed herein are based upon the applicable laws of the State of Nevada and the facts in existence on the date hereof. In delivering this opinion letter to you, we disclaim any obligation to update or supplement the opinions set forth herein or to apprise you of any changes in such laws or facts after such time as the Registration Statement is declared effective. No opinion is offered or implied as to any matter, and no inference may be drawn, beyond the strict scope of the specific issues expressly addressed by the opinions set forth herein.

We hereby consent to your filing this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm therein under the heading “Legal Matters”. In giving such consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder. Subject to all of the qualifications, limitations, exceptions, restrictions and assumptions set forth herein, Bass, Berry & Sims PLC may rely on this opinion letter as if it were an addressee hereof on this date for the sole purpose of rendering its opinion letter to the Company relating to the validity of the Securities, as filed with the Commission as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP

EX-15.1

Exhibit 15.1

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

AutoZone, Inc.

We are aware of the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-3 filed April 4, 2019) of AutoZone, Inc. for the registration of debt securities of our reports dated December 18, 2018 and March 15, 2019 relating to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of AutoZone, Inc. that are included in its Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended November 17, 2018 and February 9, 2019.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Memphis, Tennessee

April 1, 2019

EX-23.1

EXHIBIT 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in this Registration Statement (Form S-3 filed April 4, 2019) and related Prospectus of AutoZone, Inc. for the registration of debt securities and to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated October 24, 2018, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of AutoZone, Inc., and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of AutoZone, Inc., included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended August 25, 2018, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Memphis, Tennessee

April 1, 2019

EX-25.1

Exhibit 25.1

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM T-1

 

 

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY

UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939

OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

 

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b) (2)

 

 

REGIONS BANK

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Alabama   63-0371391

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or

organization if not a U.S. national bank)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1900 Fifth Avenue North  
Birmingham, AL   35203
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

Regions Bank

1180 West Peachtree Street

Atlanta, GA 30309

(404) 581-3742

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

 

 

AutoZone, Inc.

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   62-1482048

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

123 South Front Street, Memphis, Tennessee  
(901) 495-6500   38103
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

 

Debt Securities

(Titles of the indenture securities)

 

 

 


Item 1.   General Information. Furnish the following information as to the trustee:
 

(a)

   Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.
    

State of Alabama State Banking Department

PO Box 4600

Montgomery, AL 36103-4600

    

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Washington, D.C.

    

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

 

(b)

  

Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

    

Yes.

Item 2.

  Affiliations with Obligor. If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.
 

None with respect to the trustee.

Items 3-15.  

No responses are included for Items 3 through 15. Responses to those Items are not required because, as provided in General Instruction B the obligor is not in default on any securities issued under indentures under which Regions Bank is a trustee.

Item 16.

  List of Exhibits. List below all exhibits filed as a part of this Statement of Eligibility.
  Exhibit 1.      A copy of the Articles of Incorporation of the trustee now in effect.
  Exhibit 2.    The authority of Regions Bank to commence business was granted under the Articles of Incorporation for Regions Bank, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 of Form T-l.
  Exhibit 3.    The authorization to exercise corporate trust powers was granted under the Articles of Incorporation for Regions Bank, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 of Form T-l.
  Exhibit 4.    A copy of the bylaws of the trustee as now in effect.
  Exhibit 5.    Not applicable.
  Exhibit 6.    The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.
  Exhibit 7.    A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.
  Exhibit 8.    Not applicable.
  Exhibit 9.    Not applicable.


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the trustee, Regions Bank, a state chartered bank under the laws of Alabama, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Atlanta and State of Georgia on March 12, 2019.

 

   REGIONS BANK   
  

/s/ Sean Julien                                             

                                            
   Sean Julien   
   Vice President   


EXHIBIT 1

RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

REGIONS BANK

The name of this corporation shall be Regions Bank.

The principal place of business shall be 1900 Fifth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama. The general business of Regions Bank (the “Bank”) shall be conducted at its main office and its branches and other facilities.

The Bank shall have the following objects, purposes and powers:

To sue and be sued, complain and defend, in its corporate name.

To have a corporate seal which may be altered at pleasure, and to use the same by causing it, or a facsimile thereof, to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced.

To purchase, take, receive, lease, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, improve, use and otherwise deal in and with, real or personal property, or any interest therein, wherever situated.

To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, transfer and otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property and assets, subject to the limitations hereinafter prescribed.

To lend money and use its credit to assist its employees.

To purchase, take, receive, subscribe for, or otherwise acquire, own, hold, vote, use, employ, sell, mortgage, lend, pledge, or otherwise dispose of, and otherwise use and deal in and with, shares or other interests in, or obligations of, other domestic or foreign corporations, associations, partnerships or individuals, or direct or indirect obligations of the United States or of any other government, state, territory, governmental district, or municipality or of any instrumentality thereof as may be permitted by law or appropriate regulations.

To make contracts, guarantees, and indemnity agreements and incur liabilities, borrow money at such rates of interest as the corporation may determine, issue its notes, bonds, and other obligations, and secure any of its obligations by mortgage, pledge of, or creation of security interests in, all or any of its property, franchises, or income, or any interest therein, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution of Alabama as the same may be amended from time to time.


To lend money for its corporate purposes, invest and reinvest its funds, and take and hold real and personal property as security for the payment of funds so loaned or invested.

To conduct its business, carry on its operations and have offices and exercise the powers granted by this Article, within or without the State of Alabama.

To elect or appoint and remove officers and agents of the Bank, and define their duties and fix their compensation.

To make and alter by its board of directors bylaws not inconsistent with its articles of incorporation or with the laws of this state for the administration and regulation of the affairs of the Bank.

To make donations for the public welfare or for charitable, scientific, or educational purposes.

To transact any lawful business which the board of directors shall find will be in aid of governmental policy.

To pay pensions and establish pension plans, pension trusts, profit sharing plans, stock bonus plans, stock option plans and other incentive plans for any or all of its directors, officers and employees.

To be a promoter, incorporator, partner, member, trustee, associate, or manager of any domestic or foreign corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise.

To consolidate or merge, before or after the completion of its works or plants, in the manner herein provided, with any other foreign or domestic corporation or corporations engaged in the business of banking or trust companies doing a banking business subject to the limitations hereinafter prescribed.

To have and exercise all powers permitted by the laws of Alabama necessary or convenient to effect its purposes.

To discount bills, notes or other evidences of debt.

To receive and pay out deposits, with or without interest, pay checks, and impose charges for any services.

To receive on special deposit money, bullion or foreign coins or bonds or other securities.

To buy and sell foreign and domestic exchanges, gold and silver bullion or foreign coins, bonds, bills of exchange, notes and other negotiable paper.

To lend money on personal security or upon pledges of bonds, stocks or other negotiable securities.


To take and receive security by mortgage, security or otherwise on property, real and personal.

To become trustee for any purpose and be appointed and act as executor, administrator, guardian, receiver, or fiduciary.

To lease real and personal property upon specific request of a customer, provided it complies with any applicable Alabama laws regulating leasing real property or improvements thereon to others.

To perform computer, management and travel agency services for others.

To subscribe to the capital stock and become a member of the federal reserve system and comply with rules and regulations thereof.

To do any business and exercise directly or through operating subsidiaries any powers incident to the business of banks.

The duration of the corporation shall be perpetual.

The Board of Directors is expressly authorized from time to time to fix the number of Directors which shall constitute the entire Board, subject to the following:

The number of Directors constituting the entire Board shall be fixed from time to time by vote of a majority of the entire Board, provided, however, that the number of Directors shall not be reduced so as to shorten the term of any Director at the time in office, and provided further, shall not be less than three nor more than twenty-five (25). Each Director shall be the record owner of the requisite number of shares of common stock of the Bank’s parent bank holding company fixed by the appropriate regulatory authorities.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or the bylaws of the Bank (and notwithstanding the fact that some lesser percentage may be specified by law, these Restated Articles of Incorporation or the bylaws of the Bank), any Director or the entire Board of Directors of the Bank may be removed at any time, with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of ninety percent (90%) or more of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Bank entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one class) cast at a meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose.

The aggregate number of shares of capital stock which the Bank shall have authority to issue is thirty thousand five hundred forty six (30,546) shares, which shall be common stock, par value five dollars ($5.00) per share (the “Common Stock”). The Bank shall not issue fractional shares of stock, but shall pay in cash the fair value of fractions of a share as of the time when those otherwise entitled to receive such fractions are determined.

Shareholders shall not have pre-emptive rights to purchase shares of any class of capital stock of the Bank. The Bank, at any time and from time to time, may authorize and issue debt obligations, whether or not subordinated, without the approval of the shareholders.


Authority is hereby expressly granted to the Board of Directors from time to time to issue any authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock for such consideration and on such terms as it may determine. Every share of Common Stock of the Bank shall have one vote at any meeting of the shareholders and may be voted by the shareholders of record either in person or by proxy.

In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Bank or upon the distribution of the assets of the Bank, the assets of the Bank remaining after satisfaction of all obligations and liabilities shall be divided and distributed among the holders of the Common Stock ratably. Neither the merger or consolidation of the Bank with another corporation nor the sale or lease of all or substantially all of the assets of the Bank shall be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Bank or a distribution of its assets.

The holders of Common Stock shall have the exclusive power to vote and shall have one vote in respect of each share of such stock held by them.

The Chief Executive Officer, Secretary, Board of Directors, or holder(s) of at least 90% of the issued and outstanding voting stock of the Bank may call a special meeting of shareholders at any time. Unless otherwise provided by the laws of Alabama, notice of the time, place, and purpose of every annual and special meeting of the shareholders shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed at least ten days prior to the date of such meeting to each shareholder of record at his address as shown upon the stock transfer book of this Bank.

The Bank reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in these Restated Articles of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter provided by law, at any regular or special meeting of the shareholders, and all rights conferred upon officers, directors and shareholders of the Bank hereby are granted subject to this reservation.

The Bank shall indemnify its officers, directors, employees, and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama.


This amendment to and restatement of the Articles of Incorporation was duly adopted by vote of the directors of the Bank pursuant to Section 10A-2-10.03 of the Alabama Business Corporation Law and was approved by the sole shareholder in accordance with Section 10A-2- 10.03, by unanimous consent of the holder of 21,546 shares of common stock, constituting all of the shares of capital stock of the Bank outstanding, indisputably represented, and entitled to vote on the amendment. The date of adoption of the Restated Articles of Incorporation was July 17, 2014.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said Regions Bank has caused this certificate to be signed by Fournier J. Gale, III, its Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, this 17th day of July, 2014.

 

REGIONS BANK
By:  

/s/ Fournier J. Gale, III

  Fournier J. Gale, III
  Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary


STATE OF ALABAMA

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

I, John D. Harrison, as Superintendent of Banks for the State of Alabama, do hereby certify that I have fully and duly examined the foregoing Articles of Amendment whereby the shareholder of Regions Bank, a banking corporation located at Birmingham, Alabama, proposes to Restate the Articles of Incorporation.

See attached Articles of Amendment which Restate the Articles of Incorporation of Regions Bank.

I do hereby certify that said Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation appear to be in substantial conformity with the requirements of law and they are hereby approved. Upon the filing of the same, together with this Certificate of Approval, with the proper agency as required by law, the Restated Articles of Incorporation of said bank shall be effective.

Given under my hand and seal of office this the 30th day of July, 2014.

 

/s/ John D. Harrison

John D. Harrison
Superintendent of Banks


Jefferson County  

I, the Undersigned, as Judge of Probate in and for said County, in said State, hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of the instrument with the filing of same as appears of record in this office in vol. 201415 page 9638. Given under my hand and official seal, this the 31st day of July, 2014.

/s/ Alan L. King

                            Judge of Probate


EXHIBIT 4

BY-LAWS OF

REGIONS BANK

(As amended July 18, 2013)

ARTICLE I. OFFICES

Section 1.    Registered Office.

The registered office shall be established and maintained at the office of the CSC Lawyers Incorporating Service, Inc., in the City of Montgomery, in the County of Montgomery, in the State of Alabama, and said corporation shall be the registered agent of this Bank in charge thereof.

Section 2.    Other Offices.

The Bank may have other offices, either within or without the State of Alabama, at such place or places as the Board of Directors may from time to time appoint or the business of the Bank may require.

Section 3.    Principal Place of Business.

The principal place of business of the Bank shall be in Birmingham, Alabama.

ARTICLE II. MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Section 1.    Annual Meeting.

Annual meetings of stockholders for the election of Directors and for such other business as may be stated in the notice of the meeting, shall be held at such place, either within or without the State of Alabama, and at such time and date as the Board of Directors, by resolution, shall determine and as set forth in the notice of the meeting.

At each annual meeting, the stockholders entitled to vote shall elect Directors, and they may transact such other corporate business as may properly come before the meeting.

Section 2.    Special Meeting.

Special meetings of the stockholders for any purpose or purposes, other than the election of Directors, may be called at any time by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Secretary, or by resolution of the Directors. Special meetings of stockholders may be held at such time and place, within or without the State of Alabama, as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting.

Section 3.    Voting.

The vote of a majority of the votes cast by the shares entitled to vote on any matter at a meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the stockholders on that matter, except as otherwise required by law or by the articles of incorporation of the Bank.


Section 4.     Quorum.

A majority of the outstanding shares of the Bank entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at meetings of stockholders. If less than a majority of the outstanding shares are represented, a majority of the shares so represented may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, but until a quorum is secured no other business may be transacted. The stockholders present at a duly organized meeting may continue to transact business until an adjournment notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum.

ARTICLE III. DIRECTORS

Section 1.    Number of Term.

The number of Directors which shall constitute the whole Board of Directors shall be fixed, from time to time, by resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors, but shall not be less than three persons. The number of Directors shall not be reduced so as to shorten the term of any Director at the time in office.

At each annual meeting of stockholders, all Directors shall be elected for terms of one year, and except as hereinafter provided, each Director shall hold office until the next annual meeting or until his or her successor shall have been elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier retirement, death, resignation or removal. Directors need not be residents of Alabama.

Section 2.     Chairman of the Board and Vice Chairman of the Board.

The Board of Directors shall by majority vote designate from time to time from among its members a Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors of the Bank. He or she shall have and perform such duties as prescribed by the By-Laws and by the Board of Directors. The position of Chairman of the Board is a Board position, provided however, the position of Chairman of the Board may be held by a person who is also an officer of the Bank.

The Board of Directors may by majority vote designate from time to time from among its members one or more Vice Chairmen of the Board. A Vice Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of Directors of the Bank which the Chairman of the Board shall be unable to attend. He or she shall assist the Chairman of the Board in the exercise of his or her duties and shall have and perform such duties as are prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors. In the event of the death or incapacity of the Chairman of the Board, he or she shall perform all the duties of the Chairman of the Board until the next annual meeting of the stockholders or until the Board shall have sooner elected a successor Chairman of the Board. The position of Vice Chairman of the Board is a Board position, provided however, that the position of Vice Chairman of the Board may be held by a person who is also an officer of the Bank.

In the absence of the Chairman of the Board and Vice Chairman of the Board or in case of their inability to act, the Independent Lead Director, if at the time a Director of the Bank has been designated by the Board of Directors as such, shall have and exercise all the powers and duties of such office and shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. If at any Board of Directors meeting none of such persons is present or able to act, the Board of Directors shall select one of its members as acting chair of the meeting or portion thereof.

Section 3.     Resignations.

Any Director may resign at any time. Such resignation shall be made in writing, and shall take effect at the time of its receipt by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, the President, or the Secretary or at such other time as may be specified therein. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.


Section 4.     Vacancies.

If the office of any Director becomes vacant, the remaining Directors in office, though less than a quorum, by a majority vote, may appoint any qualified person to fill such vacancy, who shall hold office for the unexpired term and until his successor shall be duly chosen.

Section 5.     Removal.

Any Director may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Bank entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors considered for this purpose as one class cast at a meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose.

Section 6.     Powers.

The Board of Directors shall exercise all the powers of the Bank except such as are by law, by the Articles of Incorporation of the Bank or pursuant to the Bank’s bylaws conferred upon or reserved to the stockholders.

Section 7.     Meetings.

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately before or after the annual meeting of stockholders. Additional regular meetings of the Directors may be held without notice at such places and times as shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Directors.

Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or by the Secretary on the written request of a majority of the Board of Directors on at least two days’ notice to each Director and shall be held at such place or places as may be determined by the Directors, or as shall be stated in the call of the meeting.

Unless otherwise restricted by the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws, members of the Board of Directors, or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors, or any committee, by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

Section 8.     Quorum.

A majority of the Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If at any meeting of the Board of Directors there shall be less than a quorum present, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is obtained, and no further notice thereof need be given other than by announcement at the meeting which shall be so adjourned. Notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough Directors to leave less than a quorum, the Directors present at a duly organized meeting may continue to transact business until adjournment.

Section 9.     Compensation.

Directors shall not receive any stated salary for their services as Directors or as members of committees, except that by resolution of the Board of Directors, retainer fees, meeting fees, and expenses of attendance at meetings may be authorized. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any Director from serving the Bank in any other capacity as an officer, agent or otherwise, and receiving compensation therefore.


Section 10.    Action Without Meeting.

Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting, if prior to such action a written consent thereto is signed by all members of the Board of Directors, or of such committee as the case may be, and such written consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.

Section 11.    Committees.

A majority of the whole Board of Directors shall have the authority to designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the Directors of the Bank. The Board may designate one or more Directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board or in these By-Laws, shall have and may exercise the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Bank, and may authorize the seal of the Bank to be affixed to all papers which may require it; provided, however, that in the absence or disqualification of any member of such committee or committees, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not the member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.

Section 12.    Eligibility.

No person shall be eligible to serve as Director of the Bank unless such person shall be the owner of shares of stock of the parent holding company of the number and held in the manner sufficient to meet the requirements of any applicable law or regulation in effect requiring the ownership of Directors’ qualifying shares.

Section 13.    Directors Protected.

Each Director shall in the performance of his or her duties be fully protected in relying in good faith upon reports made to the Directors by the officers of the Bank or by state or federal bank examiners or by any independent accountant or by any appraiser selected with reasonable care, or by counsel, or by a committee of the Board, or in relying in good faith upon other records or books of account of the Bank.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS

Section 1.    Officers, Elections, Terms.

The officers of the Bank shall be a Chief Executive Officer; a President; one or more Regional or Local Presidents if the Board so determines; one or more Vice Presidents, who may be designated Senior Executive Vice Presidents, Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Assistant Vice Presidents; a Secretary; one or more Assistant Secretaries; a Chief Financial Officer; a Controller; an Auditor; and such other officers as may be deemed appropriate. All of such officers shall be appointed annually by the Board of Directors to serve for a term of one year and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified or until such officer’s earlier death, resignation, retirement, or removal, except that the Board of Directors may delegate the authority to appoint officers holding the position of Senior Executive Vice President and below in accordance with procedures established or modified by the Board from time to time. Those Officers who serve in the Trust Department shall be so designated by the word “Trust” in their title. None of the officers of the Bank need be Directors. More than one office may be held by the same person.


Section 2.    Chief Executive Officer.

The Board of Directors shall appoint a Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. The Chief Executive Officer is the most senior executive officer of the Bank, and shall be vested with authority to act for the Bank in all matters and shall have general supervision of the Bank and of its business affairs, including authority over the detailed operations of the Bank and over its personnel, with full power and authority during intervals between sessions of the Board to do and perform in the name of the Bank all acts and deeds necessary or proper, in his or her opinion, to be done and performed and to execute for and in the name of the Bank all instruments, agreements, and deeds which may be authorized to be executed in behalf of the Bank or which may be required by law. The Chief Executive Officer may, but need not, also hold the office of President.

Section 3.    President.

The President shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors and of any committee of the Board having authority in the premises, have, and may exercise the authority to act for the Bank in all ordinary matters and perform other such duties as directed by the By-Laws, the Board of Directors, or the Chief Executive Officer. Among the officers of the Bank, the President is subordinate to only the Chief Executive Officer and is senior to the other officers of the Bank. The authority of the President shall include authority over the detailed operations of the Bank and over its personnel with full power and authority during intervals between sessions of the Board to do and perform in the name of the Bank all acts and deeds necessary or proper, in his or her opinion, to be done and performed and to execute for and in the name of the Bank all instruments, agreements, and deeds which may be authorized to be executed in behalf of the Bank or which may be required by law.

Section 4.    Vice Presidents.

The Vice Presidents shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the President, have and may exercise the authority vested in them in all proper matters, including authority over the detailed operations of the Bank and over its personnel.

Section 5.    Chief Financial Officer.

The Chief Financial Officer or his designee shall have custody of all funds of the Bank. He or his designee shall have and perform such duties as are incident to the office of Chief Financial Officer and such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, or the President.

Section 6.    Secretary.

The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors unless otherwise directed by those bodies. The Secretary, or in his absence, any Assistant Secretary, shall attend to the giving and serving of all notices of the Bank. He shall perform all the duties incident to the office of Secretary, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, and shall do and perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or the President.

Section 7.    Controller.

The Controller shall, under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, or a more senior officer, have general supervision and authority over all reports required of the Bank by law or by any public body or officer or regulatory authority pertaining to the condition of the Bank and its assets and liabilities. The Controller shall have general supervision of the books and accounts of the Bank and its methods and systems of recording and keeping accounts of its business transactions and of its assets and liabilities. The Controller shall be responsible for preparing statements showing the financial condition of the Bank and shall furnish such reports and financial records as may be required of him or her by the Board of Directors or by the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, or other more senior officer.


Section 8.    Auditor.

The Auditor’s office may be filled by an employee of the Bank or his or her duties may be performed by an employee or committee of the parent company of the Bank. The Auditor shall have general supervision of the auditing of the books and accounts of the Bank, and shall continuously and from time to time check and verify the Bank’s transactions, its assets and liabilities, and the accounts and doings of the officers, agents and employees of the Bank with respect thereto. The Auditor whether an employee of the Bank or of its parent shall be directly accountable to and under the jurisdiction of the Board of Directors and, if applicable, its designated committee, acting independently of all officers, agents and employees of the bank. The Auditor shall render reports covering matters in his or her charge regularly and upon request to the Board and, if applicable, its designated committee.

Section 9.    Other Officers and Agents.

The Board of Directors may appoint such other officers and agents as it may deem advisable, who shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. The functions of a cashier of the Bank may be performed by the Controller or any other officer of the Bank whose area of responsibility includes the function to be performed.

Section 10.    Officer in Charge of Wealth Management.

The officer in charge of Wealth Management shall be designated as such by the Board of Directors and shall exercise general supervision and management over the affairs of Private Wealth Management, Institutional Services, and Wealth Management Operations and Support, which groups are responsible for exercise of the Bank’s trust powers. That officer is hereby empowered to appoint all necessary agents or attorneys; also to make, execute and acknowledge all checks, bonds, certificates, deeds, mortgages, notes, releases, leases, agreements, contracts, bills of sale, assignments, transfers, powers of attorney or of substitution, proxies to vote stock, or any other instrument in writing that may be necessary in the purchase, sale, mortgage, lease, assignment, transfer, management or handling, in any way of any property of any description held or controlled by the Bank in any fiduciary capacity. Said officer shall have such other duties and powers as shall be designated by the Board of Directors.

Section 11.    Other Officers in Private Wealth Management, Institutional Services, and Wealth Management Operations and Support.

The officer in charge of Wealth Management shall appoint officers responsible for the activities of Private Wealth Management, Institutional Services, and Wealth Management Operations and Support. Various other officers as designated by the officers responsible for the activities of Private Wealth Management, Institutional Services, and Wealth Management Operations and Support are empowered and authorized to make, execute, and acknowledge all checks, bonds, certificates, deeds, mortgages, notes, releases, leases, agreements, contracts, bills of sale, assignments, transfers, powers of attorney or substitution, proxies to vote stock or any other instrument in writing that may be necessary to the purchase, sale, mortgage, lease, assignments, transfer, management or handling in any way, of any property of any description held or controlled by the Bank in any fiduciary capacity.

Section 12.    Removal and Retirement of Officers.

At its pleasure, the Board of Directors may remove any officer from office at any time by a majority vote of the Board, provided however that the terms of any employment or compensation contract shall be honored according to its terms. An individual’s status as an officer will terminate without the necessity of any other action or ratification immediately upon termination for any reason of the individual’s employment by the Bank.


ARTICLE V. MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1.    Certificates of Stock.

Certificates of stock of the Bank shall be signed by the President and the Secretary of the Bank, which signatures may be represented by a facsimile signature. The certificate may be sealed with the seal of the Bank or an engraved or printed facsimile thereof. The certificate represents the number of shares of stock registered in certificate form owned by such holder.

Section 2.    Lost Certificates.

In case of the loss or destruction of any certificate of stock, the holder or owner of same shall give notice thereof to the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Vice President, or the Secretary of the Bank and, if such holder or owner shall desire the issue of a new certificate in the place of the one lost or destroyed, he or she shall make affidavit of such loss or destruction and deliver the same to any one of said officers and accompany the same with a bond with surety satisfactory to the Bank to indemnify the Bank and save it harmless against any loss, cost or damage in case such certificate should thereafter be presented to the Bank, which affidavit and bond shall be, at the discretion of the deciding party listed in this Section 2, unless so ordered by a court having jurisdiction over the matter, approved or rejected by the Board of Directors or by the Chief Executive Officer or by the President or an Executive or Senior Vice President before the issue of any new certificate.

Section 3.    Transfer of Shares.

Title to a certificate and to the shares represented thereby can be transferred only by delivery of the certificate endorsed either in blank or to a specified person by the person appearing by the certificate to be the owner of the shares represented thereby, or by delivery of the certificate and a separate document containing a written assignment of the certificate or a power of attorney to sell, assign, or transfer the same or the shares represented thereby, signed by the person appearing by the certificate to be the owner of the shares represented thereby. Such assignment or power of attorney may be either in blank or to a specified person.

Section 4.    Fractional Shares.

No fractional part of a share of stock shall ever be issued by this Bank.

Section 5.    Stockholders Record Date.

In order that the Bank may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty days prior to any other action. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

Section 6.    Dividends.

Subject to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may, out of funds legally available therefore at any regular or special meeting, declare dividends upon the capital stock of the Bank as and when they deem expedient. Before declaring any dividend there may be set apart out of any fund of the Bank available for dividends, such sum or sums as the Directors from time to time in their discretion deem proper for working capital or as a reserve fund to meet contingencies or for equalizing dividends or for such other purposes as the Directors shall deem conducive to the interests of the Bank. No dividends shall be declared which exceed the amounts authorized by applicable laws and regulations or are otherwise contrary to law.


Section 7.    Seal.

The corporate seal of the Bank shall be circular in shape and shall include the words “Regions Bank” around the outer edge of the circle and the word “Seal” in the center of the circle. The seal may also include appropriate descriptors, such as the words: “An Alabama Banking Corporation”. The Secretary of the Bank shall have custody of the seal and is authorized to affix the same to instruments, documents, and papers as required by law or as customary or appropriate in the Secretary’s judgment and discretion. Without limiting the general authority of the Board of Directors of the Bank to name, appoint, remove, and define the duties of officers of the Bank, the Secretary is further authorized to cause reproductions of the seal to be made, distributed to, and used by officers and employees of the Bank whose duties and responsibilities involve the execution and delivery of instruments, documents, and papers bearing the seal of the Bank. In this regard, the Secretary is further authorized to establish, implement, interpret, and enforce policies and procedures governing the use of the seal and the authorization by the Secretary of officers and employees of the Bank to have custody of and to use the seal. Such policies and procedures may include (i) the right of the Secretary to appoint any Bank employee as an Assistant Secretary of the Bank, if such appointment would, in the Secretary’s judgment, be convenient with respect to such employee’s custody and use of a seal and/or (ii) the right of the Secretary to authorize Bank employees to have and use seals as delegates of the Secretary without appointing such employees as Assistant Secretaries of the Bank.

Section 8.     Fiscal Year.

The fiscal year of the Bank shall be the calendar year.

Section 9.    Checks, Drafts, Transfers, etc.

The Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Regional or Local President, any Vice President or Assistant Vice President, any Branch Manager or any other employee designated by the Board of Directors, is authorized and empowered on behalf of the Bank and in its name to sign and endorse checks and warrants, to draw drafts, to issue and sign cashier’s checks, to guarantee signatures, to give receipts for money due and payable to the Bank, to sell, assign and transfer shares of capital stock, bonds, or other personal property or securities standing in the name of or held by the Bank, whether in its own right or in any fiduciary capacity, and to make or join in such consents, requests or commitments with respect to the same as may be appropriate or authorized as to the holder thereof, and to sign such other papers and do such other acts as are necessary in the performance of his or her duties. The authority conveyed to any employee designated by the Board may be limited by general or specific resolution of the Board.

Section 10.    Notice and Waiver of Notice.

Whenever any notice is required by these By-Laws to be given, personal notice is not meant unless expressly so stated, and any notice so required shall be deemed to be sufficient if given by depositing the same in the United States, mail, postage, prepaid, or by telegram, teletype, facsimile transmission or other form of wire, wireless, or other electronic communication or by private carrier addressed to the person entitled thereto at his address as it appears on the records of the Bank, and such notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date of such mailing. Stockholders not entitled to vote shall not be entitled to receive notice of meetings except as otherwise provided by statute.

Whenever any notice whatever is required to be given under the provisions of any law, or under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation of the Bank or these By-Laws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto.


Section 11.    Right of Indemnity.

To the full extent allowed by Section 10-2B-8.5 et seq. of the Code of Alabama (1975), or any statute amendatory or supplemental thereof, the Bank shall indemnify and hold harmless each director or officer now or hereafter serving the Bank against any loss and reasonable expenses actually and necessarily incurred by him or her in connection with the defense of any claim, or any action, suit or proceeding against him or her or in which he or she is made a party, by reason of his or her being or having been a Director or officer of the Bank, or who, while a Director or officer of the Bank, is or was serving as at the Bank’s request as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise. Such right of indemnity shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which such Director or officer may be entitled under any statute, article of incorporation, rule of law, other bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or directors, or otherwise. Nor shall anything herein contained restrict the right of the Bank to indemnify or reimburse any officer or Director in any proper case even though not specifically provided for herein. The Bank may purchase and maintain insurance in such amounts as the Board of Directors deems appropriate on behalf of said Directors or officers so as to offset any potential liability asserted against said Directors or officers acting in such capacity as described in these By-Laws.

Section 12.    Execution of Instruments and Documents.

The Chief Executive Officer, or the President, or any Regional or Local President or any Vice President is authorized, in his or her discretion, to do and perform any and all corporate and official acts in carrying on the business of the Bank, including, but not limited to, the authority to make, execute, acknowledge, accept and deliver any and all deeds, mortgages, releases, bills of sale, assignments, transfers, leases (as lessor or lessee), powers of attorney or of substitution, servicing or sub-servicing agreements, vendor agreements, proxies to vote stock or any other instrument in writing that may be necessary in the purchase, sale, lease, assignment, transfer, discount, management or handling in any way of any property of any description held, controlled or used by Bank or to be held, controlled or used by Bank, either in its own or in its fiduciary capacity and including the authority from time to time to open bank accounts with the Bank or any other institution, to borrow money in such amounts for such lengths of time, at such rates of interest and upon such terms and conditions as any said officer may deem proper and to evidence the indebtedness thereby created by executing and delivering in the name of the Bank promissory notes or other appropriate evidences of indebtedness, and to guarantee the obligations of any subsidiary or affiliate of the Bank. The enumeration herein of particular powers shall not restrict in any way the general powers and authority of said officers.

By way of example and not limitation, such officers of the Bank are authorized to execute, accept, deliver and issue, on behalf of the Bank and as binding obligations of Bank, such agreements and instruments as may be within the officer’s area of responsibility, including, as applicable, agreements and related documents (such as schedules, confirmations, transfers, assignments, acknowledgments, and other documents) relating to derivative transactions, loan or letter of credit transactions, syndications, participations, trades, purchase and sale or discount transactions, transfers and assignments, servicing and sub-servicing agreements, vendor agreements, securitizations, and transactions of whatever kind or description arising in the conduct of the Bank’s business.

The authority to execute and deliver documents, instruments, and agreements may be limited by resolution of the Board of Directors, by a committee of the Board of Directors, by the Chief Executive Officer, or by the President, by reference to subject matter, category, amount, geographical location, or any other criteria, and may be made subject to such policies, procedures, and levels of approval as may be adopted or amended from time to time.

Section 13.    Voting Bank’s Securities.

Unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Executive Vice President or above, the Controller, the Bank’s General Counsel, and any other officer as may be designated by the Board of Directors shall have full power and authority on behalf of the Bank to attend, and to act and to vote, and to execute a proxy or proxies empowering others to attend, and to act and to vote, at any meetings of security holders of any of the corporations in which the Bank may hold


securities and, at such meetings, such officer shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and powers incident to the ownership of such securities which, as the owner thereof, the Bank might have possessed and exercised, if present.

Section 14.    Bonds of Officers and Employees.

The Board of Directors shall from time to time designate the officers and employees who shall be required to give bond and fix the amounts thereof.

Section 15.    Satisfaction of Loans.

On payment of sums lent, for which security shall have been taken either by way of mortgage or other lien on real or personal property or by the pledge of collateral, whether said loans have been made from funds of the Bank or from funds held in fiduciary capacity, any officer of the Bank shall have the power and authority to enter the fact of payment or satisfaction on the margin of the record of any such security or in any other legal manner to cancel such indebtedness and to release said security, and the Chief Executive Officer or the President or any Regional or Local President or any Vice President of the Bank shall have power and authority to execute a power of attorney authorizing the cancellation, release or satisfaction of any mortgage or other security given to the Bank in its corporate or fiduciary capacity, by such person as he or she may in his or her discretion appoint.

Section 16.    Emergencies.

In the event of an emergency declared by the President of the United States or the person performing his or her functions, the officers and employees of this Bank will continue to conduct the affairs of the Bank under such guidance from the Directors as may be available except as to matters which by statute require specific approval of the Board of Directors and subject to conformance with any governmental directives or directives of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation during the emergency.

ARTICLE VI. AMENDMENTS

Except as otherwise provided herein or in the articles of incorporation of the Bank, these By-Laws may be amended or repealed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors then holding office at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors, and the Stockholders may make, alter or repeal any By-Laws, whether or not adopted by them.


EXHIBIT 6

CONSENT

In accordance with Section 321 (b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, Regions Bank hereby consents that reports of examination of Regions Bank by Federal, State, Territorial or District regulatory authorities may be furnished by such regulatory authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request therefor.

Dated: March 12, 2019

 

   REGIONS BANK   
  

/s/ Sean Julien                                         

  
   Sean Julien   
   Vice President   


EXHIBIT 7

Consolidated Report of Condition for Insured Banks

and Savings Associations

REGIONS BANK

As of the close of business on December 31, 2018:


Regions Bank

              FFIEC 031
Legal Title of Bank                  Page 16 of 88

Birmingham

              RC-1
City         

AL                                               35203

     
State                                         Zip Code      
FDIC Certificate Number: 12368         
Printed on 2/20/2019 at 8:52 AM - Submitted to CDR on 1/30/2019 at 3:30 PM   

 

Consolidated Report of Condition for Insured Banks

and Savings Associations for December 31, 2018

 

All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, report the amount outstanding as of the last business day of the quarter.

     

Schedule RC—Balance Sheet

 

     Dollar Amounts in Thousands      RCFD      Amount         

Assets

           

1.  Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):

              

a.   Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin (1)

           0081        2,073,009        l.a  

b.  Interest-bearing balances (2)

           0071        1,394,017        l.b  

2.  Securities:

              

a.   Held-to-maturity securities (from Schedule RC-B, column A)

           1754        1,481,533        2.a  

b.  Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D)

           1773        22,709,077        2.b  

c.   Equity securities with readily determinable fair values not held for trading (3)

           JA22        428,469        2.c  

3.  Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:

           RCON        

a.   Federal funds sold in domestic offices

           B987        0        3.a  
           RCFD        

b.  Securities purchased under agreements to resell (4)

           B989        0        3.b  

4.  Loans and lease financing receivables (from Schedule RC-C):

              

a.   Loans and leases held for sale

           5369        304,155        4.a  

b.  Loans and leases held for investment

     B528        83,151,781              4.b  

c.   LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

     3123        839,594              4.c  

d.  Loans and leases held for investment, net of allowance (item 4.b minus 4.c)

           B529        82,312,187        4.d  

5.  Trading assets (from Schedule RC-D)

           3545        53,840        5  

6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

           2145        1,996,656        6  

7.  Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)

           2150        62,748        7  

8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

           2130        58,789        8  

9.  Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures

           3656        0        9  

10.  Intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M)

           2143        4,849,497        10  

11.  Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)

           2160        6,992,611        11  

12.  Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)

           2170        124,716,588        12  

 

(1)

Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.

(2)

Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.

(3)

Item 2.c is to be completed only by institutions that have adopted ASU 2016-01, which includes provisions governing the accounting for investments in equity securities. See the instructions for further detail on ASU 2016-01.

(4)

Includes all securities resale agreements, regardless of maturity.


Regions Bank

             FFIEC 031
Legal Title of Bank              Page 16a of 88
FDIC Certificate Number: 12368              RC-la
Printed on 2/20/2019 at 8:52 AM - Submitted to CDR on 1/30/2019 at 3:30 PM   

Schedule RC—Continued

 

     Dollar Amounts in Thousands      RCON      Amount         

Liabilities

              

13.  Deposits:

              

a.   In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C from Schedule RC-E, part I)

           2200        96,461,044        13.a  

(1)   Noninterest-bearing (5)

     6631        36,998,538              13.a.1  

(2)   Interest-bearing

     6636        59,462,506              13.a.2  

b.  In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs
(from Schedule RC-E, part II)

          
RCFN
2200
 
 
     0        13.b  

(1)   Noninterest-bearing

     6631        0              13.b.1  

(2)   Interest-bearing

     6636        0              13.b.2  

14.  Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

           RCON        

a.   Federal funds purchased in domestic offices (6)

           B993        0        14.a  
           RCFD        

b.  Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (7)

           B995        0        14.b  

15.  Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D)

           3548        151,434        15  

16.  Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases) (from Schedule RC-M)

           3190        10,472,765        16  

17.  and 18. Not applicable

              

 

(5)

Includes noninterest-bearing demand, time, and savings deposits.

(6)

Report overnight Federal Home Loan Bank advances in Schedule RC, item 16, “Other borrowed money.”

(7)

Includes all securities repurchase agreements, regardless of maturity.


Regions Bank

             FFIEC 031
Legal Title of Bank              Page 17 of 88
FDIC Certificate Number: 12368              RC-2
Printed on 2/20/2019 at 8:52 AM - Submitted to CDR on 1/30/2019 at 3:30 PM   

Schedule RC—Continued

 

    Dollar Amounts in Thousands      RCFD      Amount         

Liabilities—Continued

            

19.  Subordinated notes and debentures (1)

         3200        495,140        19  

20.  Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)

         2930        1,701,329        20  

21.  Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20)

                                  2948        109,281,712        21  

22.  Not applicable

            

Equity Capital

            

    Bank Equity Capital

                                     

23.  Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

         3838        0        23  

24.  Common stock

         3230        103        24  

25.  Surplus (excludes all surplus related to preferred stock)

         3839        16,398,901        25  

26.  a.     Retained earnings

         3632        0        26.a  

b.  Accumulated other comprehensive income (2)

         B530        -964,128        26.b  

c.   Other equity capital components (3)

         A130        0        26.c  

27.  a.     Total bank equity capital (sum of items 23 through 26.c)

         3210        15,434,876        27.a  

b.  Noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated subsidiaries

         3000        0        27.b  

28.  Total equity capital (sum of items 27.a and 27.b)

         G105        15,434,876        28  

29.  Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28)

         3300        124,716,588        29  
Memoranda             
To be reported with the March Report of Condition.             

1.  Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below that best describes the most comprehensive level of auditing work performed for the bank by independent external auditors as of any date during 2017

   

      

RCFD

6724

 

 

    

Number

N/A

 

 

     M.1  

 

1a =

An integrated audit of the reporting institution’s financial statements and its internal control over financial reporting conducted in accordance with the standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) by an independent public accountant that submits a report on the institution

lb =

An audit of the reporting institution’s financial statements only conducted in accordance with the auditing standards of the AICPA or the PCAOB by an independent public accountant that submits a report on the institution.

2a =

An integrated audit of the reporting institution’s parent holding company’s consolidated financial statements and its internal control over financial reporting conducted in accordance with the standards of the AICPA or the PCAOB by an independent public accountant that submits a report on the consolidated holding company (but not on the institution separately).

2b =

An audit of the reporting institution’s parent holding company’s consolidated financial statements only conducted in accordance with the auditing standards of the AICPA or the PCAOB by an independent public accountant that submits a report on the consolidated holding company (but not on the institution separately)

3 =

This number is not to be used.

4 =

Directors’ examination of the bank conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by state chartering authority)

5 =

Directors’ examination of the bank performed by other external auditors (may be required by state chartering authority)

6 =

Review of the bank’s financial statements by external auditors

7 =

Compilation of the bank’s financial statements by external auditors

8 =

Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)

9 =

No external audit work

 

 

To be reported with the March Report of Condition.

     RCON          MMDD       

2.  Bank’s fiscal year-end date (report the date in MMDD format)

     8678      N/A      M.2  

 

(1)

Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.

(2)

Includes, but is not limited to, net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, accumulated net gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments, and accumulated defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan adjustments.

(3)

Includes treasury stock and unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan shares.