-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, DVqw4dViz7uBwxrh/f/68aSfGqQK785fWvRFam8I1YsCQDrrNsmjdWaAVwP4+r52 aZF6pW3t7yZzMuXBaVFnPg== 0000916641-99-000212.txt : 19990331 0000916641-99-000212.hdr.sgml : 19990331 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000916641-99-000212 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: DEF 14A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19990421 FILED AS OF DATE: 19990323 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ALBEMARLE CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000915913 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: 2821 IRS NUMBER: 541692118 STATE OF INCORPORATION: VA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: DEF 14A SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-12658 FILM NUMBER: 99570622 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 330 SOUTH FOURTH STREET STREET 2: P O BOX 1335 CITY: RICHMOND STATE: VA ZIP: 23219 BUSINESS PHONE: 504-388-74 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 451 FLORIDA STREET CITY: BATON ROUGE STATE: LA ZIP: 70801 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: ECHEM INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19931208 DEF 14A 1 ALBEMARLE CORPORATION DEF 14A SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. ) Filed by the Registrant (X) Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ( ) Check the appropriate box: ( ) Preliminary Proxy Statement ( ) Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) (X) Definitive Proxy Statement ( ) Definitive Additional Materials ( ) Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12 ALBEMARLE CORPORATION (Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than Registrant) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): (X) No fee required ( ) Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11. 1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: 2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: 3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): 4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: 5) Total fee paid: ( ) Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. ( ) Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. 1) Amount Previously Paid: 2) Form, Schedule, or Registration Statement No.: 3) Filing Party: 4) Date Filed: ALBEMARLE CORPORATION 330 SOUTH FOURTH STREET P.O. BOX 1335 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23210 [ALBEMARLE CORPORATION LOGO] ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS March 23, 1999 To the Shareholders: We enclose our annual report describing Albemarle's operations during the past year. We hope you read this report, which summarizes major corporate developments during the year. We cordially invite you to attend the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in the RESTORED GUN FOUNDRY BUILDING OF THE TREDEGAR IRON WORKS, 500 TREDEGAR STREET, in Richmond, Virginia, on Wednesday, April 21, 1999, at 11:00 A.M., Eastern Daylight Time. A formal notice of the meeting, together with a proxy statement and proxy form, is enclosed with this letter. The notice points out that you will be asked to elect a Board of Directors and approve the designation of auditors for the coming year. Please read the notice and proxy statement carefully, complete the proxy form and mail it promptly. Sincerely yours, FLOYD D. GOTTWALD, JR. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the holders of shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value ("Albemarle Common Stock"), of Albemarle Corporation (the "Corporation") will be held in the restored gun foundry building of the Tredegar Iron Works, 500 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia, on Wednesday, April 21, 1999, at 11:00 A.M., Eastern Daylight Time, for the following purposes: 1. To elect a Board of Directors to serve for the ensuing year; 2. To approve the designation by the Board of Directors of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999; and 3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Holders of shares of Albemarle Common Stock of record at the close of business on March 1, 1999, will be entitled to vote at the meeting. You are requested to fill in, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy promptly, regardless of whether you expect to attend the meeting. A postage-paid return envelope is enclosed for your convenience. If you are present at the meeting, you may vote in person even if you already have sent in your proxy. By Order of the Board of Directors E. WHITEHEAD ELMORE, SECRETARY March 23, 1999 PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ALBEMARLE CORPORATION TO BE HELD APRIL 21, 1999 APPROXIMATE DATE OF MAILING -- MARCH 23, 1999 Proxies in the form enclosed are solicited by the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Wednesday, April 21, 1999. Any person giving a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is voted by delivering another proxy, or written notice of revocation, to the Secretary of the Corporation. A proxy, if executed and not revoked, will be voted, and, if it contains any specific instructions, will be voted in accordance with such instructions. On March 1, 1999, the date for determining shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, there were outstanding 47,018,800 shares of Albemarle Common Stock. Each share of Albemarle Common Stock is entitled to one vote. The election of each nominee for director requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the shares of Albemarle Common Stock voted in the election of directors. Votes that are withheld and shares held in street name that are not voted in the election of directors will not be included in determining the number of votes cast. Unless otherwise specified in the accompanying form of proxy, it is intended that votes will be cast for the election of all of the nominees as directors. The cost of the solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Corporation. In addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited personally or by telephone by regular employees of the Corporation. Corporate Investor Communications, Inc. has been engaged to assist in the solicitation of proxies from brokers, nominees, fiduciaries and other custodians. The Corporation will pay that firm $7,000 for its services and reimburse its out-of-pocket expenses. The Corporation's street address is 330 South Fourth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS Proxies will be voted for the election as directors for the ensuing year of the persons named below (or if for any reason unavailable, of such substitutes as the Board of Directors may designate). Each of the nominees presently is serving as a director. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unavailable. CRAIG R. ANDERSSON; age 61; director since 1996; part-time consultant, having served as Vice Chairman of Aristech Chemical Corporation (a commodity and specialty chemicals and plastics business) from January 1, 1994, until April 30, 1995, and President and Chief Operating Officer of Aristech Chemical Corporation prior thereto. Other directorship: RMI International Metals, Inc. DIRK BETLEM; age 60; director since 1996; President and Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation since August 15, 1996, having served as Senior Vice President-International from April 24, 1996, to August 15, 1996, 1 Vice President-International from March 1, 1994, to April 24, 1996, and Vice President-International of Ethyl Corporation (developer and manufacturer of petroleum additives products) from June 1, 1993, to March 1, 1994. FLOYD D. GOTTWALD, JR.; age 76; director since 1994; Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since March 1, 1994; Vice Chairman of the Board of Ethyl Corporation from March 1, 1994, until February 29, 1996, having served as Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Ethyl Corporation from April 1992 until March 1, 1994, and as Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee and Chief Executive Officer of Ethyl Corporation prior thereto. Other directorship: Tredegar Industries, Inc. JOHN D. GOTTWALD; age 44; director since 1994; President and Chief Executive Officer of Tredegar Industries, Inc. (manufacturer of plastics and metal products). Other directorship: Tredegar Industries, Inc. ANDRE B. LACY; age 59; director since 1994; Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of LDI Management, Inc., Managing General Partner, LDI, Ltd. (industrial and investment limited partnership). Other directorships: Herff Jones, Inc., IPALCO Enterprises, Inc., The National Bank of Indianapolis, Patterson Dental Co., Tredegar Industries, Inc. and FinishMaster, Inc. SEYMOUR S. PRESTON III; age 65; director since 1996; Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of AAC Engineered Systems, Inc. (manufacturer of centrifugal, deburring and finishing machinery) since 1994, having served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Elf Atochem North America, Inc. (chemicals and plastics business) prior thereto. EMMETT J. RICE; age 79; director since 1994; retired member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Other directorship: Tredegar Industries, Inc. CHARLES E. STEWART; age 63; director since September 1, 1997; Partner of BTC Partners Inc. (investment and acquisitions consultants) since June 1997, having served as President and Chief Executive Officer of OCI Enterprises Inc. and OCI Chemical Corp. from October 1995 to December 1996, and as Executive Vice President of Occidental Chemical Corporation and Vice President of Occidental Petroleum Corporation from September 1986 to June 1995. CHARLES B. WALKER; age 60; director since 1994; Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation (and Treasurer of the Corporation until March 1, 1996) since March 1, 1994, having served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Ethyl Corporation prior to March 1, 1994. Mr. Walker continued to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer of Ethyl Corporation from March 1, 1994, to September 30, 1997, and as Vice Chairman of the Board of Ethyl Corporation from October 1, 1997, to January 31, 1998. Other directorships: Ethyl Corporation and Nations Fund Trust/Nations Fund, Inc. ANNE MARIE WHITTEMORE; age 53; director since 1996; Partner of McGuire, Woods, Battle & Boothe, L.L.P. (law firm). Other directorships: Owens & Minor, Inc., Fort James Corporation and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. In 1998, each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of all committees of the Board on which the director then served and (ii) the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors. Eight meetings of the Corporation's Board of Directors were held during 1998. 2 The Corporation's executive committee currently consists of Messrs. Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr., Walker and Betlem. The executive committee acts not only as the executive committee of the Board of Directors but also as the Corporation's principal management committee. During 1998, the executive committee met on five occasions as the executive committee of the Board of Directors and on 12 occasions as the principal management committee. Messrs. Lacy, Rice, Stewart and Mrs. Whittemore currently serve on the Corporation's audit committee. During 1998, the audit committee met on three occasions. The audit committee reviews the Corporation's internal audit and financial reporting functions and the scope and results of the audit performed by the Corporation's independent accountants and matters relating thereto and reports thereon to the Board of Directors. The audit committee also reviews audit fees and recommends to the Board of Directors the engagement of the independent accountants of the Corporation. The nominating committee currently consists of Messrs. Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr., Lacy and Rice. During 1998, the nominating committee met once. The nominating committee recommends candidates for election as directors and in some cases the election of officers. The Corporation's bylaws provide that a shareholder of the Corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors may nominate persons for election to the Board by mailing written notice to the Secretary of the Corporation not later than (i) with respect to an election to be held at an annual meeting of shareholders, 60 days prior to such meeting, and (ii) with respect to an election to be held at a special meeting of shareholders for the election of directors, the close of business on the seventh day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first given to shareholders. Such shareholder's notice shall include (i) the name and address of the shareholder and of each person to be nominated, (ii) a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate each person specified, (iii) a description of all understandings between the shareholder and each nominee and any other person (naming such person) pursuant to which the nomination is to be made by the shareholder, (iv) such other information regarding each nominee as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission had the nominee been nominated by the Board of Directors and (v) the consent of each nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation if so elected. Messrs. Andersson, Lacy, Preston, Rice and Mrs. Whittemore currently serve as the Corporation's executive compensation committee. During 1998, the executive compensation committee met on nine occasions. This committee approves the salaries of management-level employees. It also approves all bonus awards, certain consultant agreements and initial salaries of new management level personnel and grants stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), performance shares, restricted stock and incentive awards under the Corporation's 1998 Incentive Plan (the "1998 Plan") and the 1994 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the "1994 Plan"). CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS William M. Gottwald, MD, a Vice President of the Corporation, and John D. Gottwald, a director of the Corporation, are sons of Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. The members of the family of Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. may be deemed to be control persons of the Corporation. Mr. Stewart, a director of the Corporation, entered into a one-year mutually renewable consulting contract with the Corporation beginning September 1, 1997, and renewed effective September 1, 1998, for $150,000 per year. 3 SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE Based solely on its review of the forms required by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), that have been received by the Corporation, the Corporation believes that there has been compliance with all filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and beneficial owners of greater than 10% of the Albemarle Common Stock. STOCK OWNERSHIP The following table lists any person (including any "group" as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) who, to the knowledge of the Corporation, was the beneficial owner as of December 31, 1998, of more than 5% of the outstanding voting shares of the Corporation.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF NUMBER OF TITLE OF CLASS BENEFICIAL OWNERS SHARES PERCENT OF CLASS - - ---------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------------- ----------------- Common Stock Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. and 18,274,181(b)(c) 38.82% Bruce C. Gottwald (a) 330 South Fourth Street P.O. Box 2189 Richmond, Virginia 23218 J. P. Morgan & Co., Incorporated (d) 3,232,155 6.88% 60 Wall Street New York, New York 10260
- - ---------- (a) Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. and Bruce C. Gottwald, who are brothers, may be deemed to be a "group" for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, although there is no arrangement between them with respect to the acquisition, retention, disposition or voting of Albemarle Common Stock. (b) As of December 31, 1998, Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. and Bruce C. Gottwald had sole voting and investment power over all of the shares disclosed except 14,103,268 shares held by their wives, adult sons and in certain trust relationships as to which they disclaim beneficial ownership. This amount includes an aggregate of 2,210,082 shares of Albemarle Common Stock beneficially owned by the adult sons of Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. and an aggregate of 2,306,273 shares of Albemarle Common Stock beneficially owned by the adult sons of Bruce C. Gottwald. Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr., Bruce C. Gottwald and their adult sons have no agreement with respect to the acquisition, retention, disposition or voting of Albemarle Common Stock. (c) This amount includes any shares owned of record by the Trustee of the Corporation's savings plan for the benefit of William M. Gottwald, MD. This amount does not include shares held by the Trustee of such plan for the benefit of other employees. Shares held under the Corporation's savings plan are voted by the Trustee in accordance with instructions solicited from employees participating in the plan. If a participating employee does not give the Trustee voting instructions, his shares generally are voted by the Trustee in accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendations to the shareholders. Because Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. is a director and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, he and the members of his family may be deemed to be control persons of the Corporation and to have the capacity to control any such recommendation of the Board of Directors. 4 (d) The information contained herein with respect to J.P. Morgan & Co., Incorporated is based on a Schedule 13G filed by such entity with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such filing further stated that the acquisition of such shares was in the ordinary course of business and not in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having the purpose or effect of changing or influencing the control of the Corporation. The following table sets forth as of January 31, 1999, the beneficial ownership of Albemarle Common Stock by all directors of the Corporation, the Chief Executive Officer and the other three executive officers and all directors and executive officers of the Corporation as a group.
NUMBER OF SHARES NUMBER OF SHARES TOTAL NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER WITH SOLE VOTING AND WITH SHARED VOTING NUMBER PERCENT OR NUMBER OF PERSONS IN GROUP INVESTMENT POWER(1) AND INVESTMENT POWER OF SHARES OF CLASS(2) - - ----------------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------- ---------- Craig R. Andersson 293 10,000 10,293 Dirk Betlem 147,396 19,194 166,590 E. Whitehead Elmore 268,632 -- 268,632 Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. 953,141 5,964,061(3) 6,917,202 14.71% John D. Gottwald 119,536 1,652,986(4) 1,772,522 3.77% Andre B. Lacy 15,996(5) 462,500 478,496 1.02% Seymour S. Preston III 6,593 -- 6,593 Emmett J. Rice 1,878 -- 1,878 Charles E. Stewart -- 3,126 3,126 Charles B. Walker 222,481 -- 222,481 Anne Marie Whittemore 800 11,497 12,297 Directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons) 1,736,746 8,123,364 9,860,110 20.81%
- - ---------- (1) The amounts in this column include shares of Albemarle Common Stock with respect to which certain persons had the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days of January 31, 1999: Mr. Betlem: 142,800 shares; Mr. Elmore: 84,940 shares; Mr. Walker: 156,940 shares; and directors and executive officers as a group: 384,680 shares. (2) Except as indicated, each person owns less than 1% of Albemarle Common Stock. (3) Mr. Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. disclaims beneficial ownership of all 5,964,061 of such shares. (4) Mr. John D. Gottwald disclaims beneficial ownership of all 1,652,986 of such shares. This amount includes 1,593,050 shares of Albemarle Common Stock that Mr. John D. Gottwald may be deemed to own beneficially. Such shares constitute his interest as beneficiary of a trust of which he is a co-trustee. (5) Mr. Lacy disclaims beneficial ownership of 14,741 of such shares. 5 COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS The following table presents information relating to total compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and the other three executive officers of the Corporation for the period from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 1998.
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM COMPENSATION ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------- OTHER ANNUAL RESTRICTED ALL OTHER NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION STOCK AWARDS OPTIONS/SARS COMPENSATION - - ----------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr 1998 $450,000 $193,700 -- -- 35,000 $ 0 Chairman of the Board 1997 503,750 0 -- -- 0 0 and Executive Committee, 1996 665,000 0 -- -- 0 4,356(1) Chief Executive Officer Dirk Betlem 1998 $550,000(2) $236,700 $381,263(3) -- 30,000 $38,787(4) President and Chief 1997 504,324 268,000 388,263 -- 0 32,026 Operating Officer 1996 437,090 181,150 -- -- 143,000 12,658 Charles B. Walker 1998 $478,400(5) $206,000(5) -- -- 80,000 $ 0(8) Vice Chairman of the 1997 299,000 233,000 -- -- 0 14,950 Board and Chief 1996 239,000 122,500 $488,128(6,7) $554,880(6) 0 11,960 Financial Officer E. Whitehead Elmore 1998 $323,200 $111,000 -- -- 20,000 $16,160(10) Senior Vice President, 1997 218,400(9) 100,000(9) -- -- 0 11,185 Secretary and General 1996 218,400 50,000 $244,064(6,7) $277,440(6) 0 10,990 Counsel
- - ---------- (1) Mr. Gottwald participated in the savings plan and the excess benefit plan of Ethyl Corporation ("Ethyl") through February 29, 1996. This amount reflects the amounts reimbursed to Ethyl by the Corporation for the Corporation's allocable portion of his benefits under Ethyl's excess benefit plan and savings plan. (2) Until May 15, 1997, Mr. Betlem was compensated in Belgian francs. Each amount listed here for 1996 in U.S. dollars is based on the exchange rate at December 31, 1996, and each amount listed for 1997 prior to May 15, 1997, in U.S. dollars is based on the exchange rate at May 15, 1997. (3) Includes payments for expatriate expenses and allowances ($171,872 and $78,125), tax subsidies ($165,037 and $197,566) and a housing and relocation allowance ($44,354 and $38,717) for 1998 and 1997, respectively. (4) Includes contributions to the Corporation's savings plan ($8,000 and $8,000) and accruals in the Corporation's excess benefit plan ($30,787 and $9,724) for 1998 and 1997, respectively, and contributions to the Albemarle S.A. Savings Plan ($14,302 and $12,658) for 1997 and 1996, respectively. Each amount listed here for 1996 in U.S. dollars is based on the exchange rate at December 31, 1996, and each amount listed for 1997 prior to May 15, 1997, in U.S. dollars is based on the exchange rate at May 15, 1997. (5) Mr. Walker also served as an officer of Ethyl until his retirement from Ethyl on February 1, 1998, and was compensated separately by Ethyl for such services. (6) On March 1, 1996, the Corporation sold its olefins business to Amoco Chemical Company for approximately $500 million, with a gain on the sale of $158.2 million ($94.4 million after income taxes). On the recommendation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the executive compensation committee concluded that Messrs. Walker and Elmore had made special contributions in effecting the successful disposition of the olefins business and, accordingly, were entitled to special restricted stock awards under the 1994 Plan of 6 23,120 shares and 11,560 shares, respectively. The executive compensation committee also concluded that the amount of the awards should be net of taxes and should be included in the calculations of amounts payable under excess benefit plans covering these officers. Shares of restricted stock were forfeitable if the award recipient's employment were terminated except by reason of death, disability or a change of control. One half of the shares became non-forfeitable on the first anniversary of the date of the award and the balance became non-forfeitable on the second anniversary of the date of the award. (7) Reflects tax reimbursement in connection with the restricted stock award discussed in Note 6. (8) Mr. Walker participated in the savings plan and the excess benefit savings plan of Ethyl during one month of 1998 and in 1997 and 1996. The amounts reflect the amounts reimbursed to Ethyl by the Corporation for the Corporation's allocable portion of these benefits. (9) Mr. Elmore also served as an officer of Ethyl until January 1, 1998, and was compensated separately by Ethyl for such services. (10)Includes contributions to the Corporation's savings plan ($8,000, $8,000 and $7,500) and accruals in the Corporation's excess benefit plan ($8,160, $3,185 and $3,490) for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. 7 OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR Each of the following options relates to Albemarle Common Stock and does not include a related SAR.
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS ---------------------------------------------------------- POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT ASSUMED % OF ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK TOTAL OPTIONS PRICE APPRECIATION FOR GRANTED TO EXERCISE OPTION TERM OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN OR BASE EXPIRATION -------------------------- NAME GRANTED (#) FISCAL YEAR PRICE ($) DATE 5% ($) 10% ($) - - ------------------------ ------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. 35,000(1) 6.5% $ 25.75 4/21/05 $366,899 $ 855,031 Dirk Betlem 30,000(1) 5.6% $ 25.75 4/21/05 314,485 732,884 Charles B. Walker 50,000(2) 9.3% $ 25.25 3/30/08 793,979 2,012,100 30,000(1) 5.6% $ 25.75 4/21/05 314,485 732,884 E. Whitehead Elmore 20,000(1) 3.7% $ 25.75 4/21/05 209,657 488,589
- - ---------- (1) Vest upon an increase in share price, with a maximum of 25% becoming exercisable in any single year, and in any event becoming exercisable on the sixth anniversary of the date of grant. (2) Vest upon the attainment of either a certain share price or earnings per share and in any event becoming exercisable 30 days prior to the expiration date. AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUES The following table presents information concerning stock options and SAR exercises by the Chief Executive Officer and the other three executive officers of the Corporation and fiscal year end option/SAR values.
VALUE OF UNEXERCISED NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY SHARES OPTIONS/SARS AT FY-END (#) OPTIONS/SARS AT FY-END ($)(4) ACQUIRED ON VALUE ------------------------------- ------------------------------ NAME EXERCISE (#) REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE - - ----------------------- -------------- --------------- ------------- --------------- ------------- -------------- Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr -- -- 0 35,000 $ 0 $ 0 Dirk Betlem -- -- 142,800(1) 87,200(2) 1,152,600 364,650 Charles B. Walker -- -- 156,940(3) 80,000(2) 1,665,093 0 E. Whitehead Elmore 11,560 $ 55,935.95 84,940(3) 20,000(2) 903,108 0
- - ---------- (1) 57,000 of these options relate to Albemarle Common Stock and include a tandem SAR; 85,800 of these options relate to Albemarle Common Stock and do not include a tandem SAR. (2) Each of these options relates to Albemarle Common Stock and does not include a tandem SAR. (3) Each of these options relates to Albemarle Common Stock and includes a tandem SAR. (4) These values are based on $23.75, the closing price of Albemarle Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 31, 1998. 8 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN - AWARDS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR The following table presents information concerning performance share grants made under the 1994 Plan during 1998 to the Chief Executive Officer and the other three executive officers of the Corporation.
ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS UNDER NON-STOCK NUMBER OF PERFORMANCE OR PRICE-BASED PLANS(1) SHARES, UNITS OTHER PERIOD UNTIL ------------------------------------ OR OTHER MATURATION THRESHOLD TARGET MAXIMUM NAME RIGHTS (#) OR PAYOUT ($ OR #) ($ OR #) ($ OR #) - - ----------------------- --------------- ------------------- ----------- ---------- --------- Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr 20,000 April 21, 2000 N/A 20,000 40,000 15,000 April 21, 2002 N/A 15,000 30,000 Dirk Betlem 15,000 April 21, 2000 N/A 15,000 30,000 10,000 April 21, 2002 N/A 10,000 20,000 Charles B. Walker 15,000 April 21, 2000 N/A 15,000 30,000 10,000 April 21, 2002 N/A 10,000 20,000 E. Whitehead Elmore 4,000 April 21, 2000 N/A 4,000 8,000 6,000 April 21, 2002 N/A 6,000 12,000
- - ---------- (1) At the end of the performance period for the performance shares, the executive officer will be entitled to receive that number of shares of restricted stock ranging from 0% to 200% of the number of performance shares based upon the Corporation's return on gross assets and increase in operating income for the performance period. 9 RETIREMENT BENEFITS The following table illustrates under the Corporation's pension plan for salaried employees the estimated benefits upon retirement at age 65, determined as of December 31, 1998, to persons with specified earnings and years of pension benefit service. To the extent benefits payable at retirement exceed amounts that may be payable under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), they will be paid under the Corporation's excess benefit or supplemental retirement plans, as applicable. This table includes the amounts that would be payable under such plans. PENSION PLAN TABLE*
YEARS OF PENSION BENEFIT SERVICE AND ESTIMATED ANNUAL BENEFITS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINAL AVERAGE EARNINGS 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 50 - - ----------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- $ 300,000 $ 43,755 $ 65,632 $ 87,510 $109,387 $131,265 $153,142 $175,020 $218,774 350,000 51,255 76,882 102,510 128,137 153,765 179,392 205,020 256,274 400,000 58,755 88,132 117,510 146,887 176,265 205,642 235,020 293,774 450,000 66,255 99,382 132,510 165,637 198,765 231,892 265,020 331,274 500,000 73,755 110,632 147,510 184,387 221,265 258,142 295,020 368,774 550,000 81,255 121,882 162,510 203,137 243,765 284,392 325,020 406,274 600,000 88,755 133,132 177,510 221,887 266,265 310,642 355,020 443,774 650,000 96,255 144,382 192,510 240,637 288,765 336,892 385,020 481,274 700,000 103,755 155,632 207,510 259,387 311,265 363,142 415,020 518,774 750,000 111,255 166,882 222,510 278,137 333,765 389,392 445,020 556,274 800,000 118,755 178,132 237,510 296,887 356,265 415,642 475,020 593,774 850,000 126,255 189,382 252,510 315,637 378,765 441,892 505,020 631,274 900,000 133,755 200,632 267,510 334,387 401,265 468,142 535,020 668,774 950,000 141,255 211,882 282,510 353,137 423,765 494,392 565,020 706,274 1,000,000 148,755 223,132 297,510 371,887 446,265 520,642 595,020 743,774
* Assumes attainment of age 65 in 1998 and Social Security Covered Compensation of $31,128. The benefit formula under the pension plans is based on the participant's final-average earnings, which are defined as the average of the highest three consecutive calendar years' earnings (base pay plus 50% of incentive bonuses paid in any fiscal year) during the ten consecutive calendar years immediately preceding the date of determination. The years of pension benefit service for certain of the executive officers named in the above compensation table as of December 31, 1998, are: E. Whitehead Elmore, 29; and Dirk Betlem, 2. Benefits under the pension plans are computed on the basis of a life annuity with 60 months guaranteed payments. The benefits listed in the above compensation table are not subject to deduction for Social Security or other offset payments. Pension benefits payable to Messrs. Gottwald and Walker are paid from the pension plan of Ethyl. Mr. Betlem also is entitled to a benefit from the Albemarle S.A. Pension Plan (Belgium) for his service with Albemarle S.A. through April 30, 1997, which provides for a lump sum payment at age 65 equal to years of service times the sum of 4% of final average pay up to covered compensation plus 17.5% of the excess of final average pay over covered compensation. This amount is multiplied by 1.20 for married individuals. Mr. Betlem's accrued benefit as of December 31, 1998, determined as an annual benefit payable at age 65, is $14,204. Such amount is determined in Belgian francs. The amount shown in U.S. dollars is based on the exchange rate at December 31, 1998. 10 EXCESS BENEFIT PLANS The Corporation maintains excess benefit plans in the form of non-qualified pension plans (the "Excess Plans") that provide eligible individuals the difference between the benefits they actually accrue under the qualified employee pension and savings plans of the Corporation and the benefits they would have accrued under such plans but for the maximum benefit and annual addition limitations and the limitation on compensation that may be recognized thereunder under the Code. Certain key employees may be granted additional pension service benefits equal to 4% of the employee's average pay over his last three years multiplied by the number of years of service to the Corporation (including service with Ethyl) up to 15 years, net of certain other benefits received from the Corporation, previous employers, including Ethyl, and Social Security. These benefits have been granted to Mr. Walker. All benefits under the Excess Plans vest upon a Change in Control of the Corporation, as defined in the Excess Plans. Pursuant to the Corporation's agreement with Ethyl in connection with the 1994 spin-off of the Corporation, in lieu of receiving benefits under the Corporation's non-qualified pension plan, Mr. Walker remained in Ethyl's non-qualified pension plan until his retirement from Ethyl on February 1, 1998, and the Corporation reimbursed Ethyl for the costs under that plan attributable to his service and pay with the Corporation. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS Outside directors are paid (i) $1,000 for attendance at each Board meeting and (ii) $600 for attendance at each meeting of a committee of the Board of which he or she was a member. In addition, each such director is paid a quarterly fee of $5,000. Employee members of the Board of Directors are not paid separately for service on the Board or its committees. Any director retiring from the Board after age 60 with at least five years' service on the Board and who is not employed by the Corporation will receive $12,000 per year for life, payable in quarterly installments. The service and age at retirement requirements for this benefit may be waived in certain circumstances with the commencement of the benefit no earlier than age 60. Any director retiring under other circumstances will receive $12,000 per year, payable in quarterly installments, commencing no earlier than age 60, for a period not to exceed his years of service on the Board. The payment period limitation on this benefit may be waived in certain circumstances. Such retirement payments to former directors may not commence and may be discontinued under certain circumstances. On each July 1, the Corporation awards to each non-employee director that number of whole shares of Albemarle Common Stock when multiplied by the closing price of Albemarle Common Stock on the immediately preceding business day, as reported in The Wall Street Journal, as shall as nearly as possible equal but not exceed $2,000. The shares of Albemarle Common Stock awarded under the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Acquisition Plan are nonforfeitable and the recipient directors immediately and fully vest in Albemarle Common Stock issued under the plan. Subject only to such limitations on transfer as may be specified by applicable securities laws, directors may sell the shares received under the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Acquisition Plan at any time. The Non-Employee Directors' Stock Acquisition Plan provides that no awards may be made after July 1, 2004. Non-employee directors may defer, in ten percent increments, all or part of their retainer fee and meeting fees into either a deferred cash account or a deferred stock account, or a percentage of the fees into each of the accounts, both of which are unfunded and maintained for record-keeping purposes only. Distributions under the Deferred Compensation Plan, paid in a single sum or in up to ten annual installments, cannot begin within two years of the beginning of the deferral year. The maximum aggregate number of shares of Albemarle Common Stock that may be issued under the Deferred Compensation Plan is 100,000 shares. 11 THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT The Executive Compensation Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of Directors is pleased to present its annual report on executive compensation. This report describes the objectives of the Corporation's executive compensation program, the various components of the program, and explains the basis on which 1998 compensation determinations were made by the Committee with respect to the executive officers of the Corporation. During 1998, the Committee completed a comprehensive examination of the Corporation's executive compensation policies using the services of an independent consulting firm. The philosophy and new incentive programs resulting from the study are outlined below. OVERALL OBJECTIVES OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAMS The Committee's guiding philosophy is to establish executive compensation policies that are linked to the sustained creation of shareholder value. The following objectives serve as the guiding principles for all compensation decisions: o Provide a competitive total compensation opportunity that will enable the Corporation to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified executives. o Align compensation opportunities with shareholder interests by making the executive compensation program highly sensitive to the Corporation's performance, which is defined in terms of long-term profitability and creating shareholder value. o Provide a strong emphasis on equity-based compensation and equity ownership, creating a direct link between shareholder and management interests. COMPENSATION PROGRAM COMPONENTS The Committee believes that the total compensation opportunity available to executives should consist of base salary, annual incentives and long-term incentives with each component geared to the median of the market for all positions in the aggregate. Individuals may be compensated above or below the median of the marketplace based on the Corporation's performance and on considerations of individual performance and experience. The Committee considers all elements of the program when setting compensation levels. The Committee is placing increasing emphasis on incentive compensation. As a result, the Committee intends over the next several years to restrict increases in base salary in order that base salary generally will be at or below the median of the market. The Committee periodically meets individually with the executive officers of the Corporation in order to assess progress toward meeting objectives set by the Board of Directors for both annual and long-term compensation. The Committee utilizes compensation surveys to aid in the determination of competitive levels of executive pay. The surveys include companies that are larger and smaller than the Corporation. Some surveys are limited to companies in the chemical business, including, but not limited to, some of the companies included in the Chemical Composite shown in the Performance Graph. The Committee also utilizes executive compensation information compiled from the proxy statements of other chemical companies. References to the "market" in this report refer to these survey and proxy data. 12 BASE SALARIES Base salaries are determined in accordance with the responsibilities of each executive, median market data for the position and the performance of each executive. The Committee considers each of these factors but does not assign a specific value to each factor. Furthermore, a subjective element is acknowledged in evaluating each executive's overall span of responsibility and control. Salaries for some executive officers for 1999 are being maintained at current levels to reflect the increased emphasis on compensation that is tied to the long-term performance of the Corporation. Total compensation for executive officers is believed to be generally in line with the median of the market as described above. ANNUAL INCENTIVES The purpose of the 1998 Plan is to create a substantial incentive to officers and key employees to maximize shareholder value and provide a means for recognizing individual contribution to corporate and business unit results. Key features of the new annual incentive program include the following: o A primary emphasis on sustained operating earnings growth and return on gross assets. o A significant emphasis on the achievement of key strategic objectives related to future profitable growth, market leadership and safety. o A more formulaic and objective approach to award calculation. o A means for recognizing individual achievement and contribution for participants (other than the executives named in the compensation table). Annual incentive awards are reviewed by the Committee in conjunction with senior management. Awards are based on an evaluation of the performance, level of responsibility and leadership of the individual executive in relation to overall corporate results. In 1998, annual incentives were based on the attainment of financial results for the Corporation as a whole, performance of the Corporation's business units and other financial measures, including return on gross assets. STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK The Committee believes strongly that equity-based awards are an integral part of total compensation for executives and certain key managers with significant responsibility for the long-term results of the Corporation. Stock options and restricted stock awards that are tied to corporate performance provide an effective means of delivering incentive compensation and also foster stock ownership on the part of management. The 1998 Plan: o Authorizes the granting of stock options, SARs, performance shares, restricted stock and other incentive awards, all of which may be made subject to the attainment of performance goals established by the Committee. o Provides for the enumeration of the business criteria on which an executive's performance goals are to be based. 13 o Establishes the maximum share grants or awards (or, in the case of incentive awards, the maximum compensation) that can be paid to an executive. Incentive awards for 1998 were made in accordance with the performance-based focus of the 1998 Plan. For example, the exercisability of the 1998 stock option awards is tied to the performance of Albemarle Common Stock. EXECUTIVE STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES To further align the interests of executives with the Corporation's shareholders, the Committee has established stock ownership guidelines that are designed to encourage the accumulation and retention of a significant portion of Albemarle Common Stock by the Corporation's executive officers. The guidelines call for each executive officer to hold a minimum multiple of base salary in shares of Albemarle Common Stock by the end of the year 2002. Participation in the 1998 Plan beyond 2002 will be contingent upon satisfying the guidelines. The established guidelines are as follows: o CEO 4x salary o Other named executives 3x salary o Other management level employees 1x to 2x (depending upon position level) salary DISCUSSION OF 1998 COMPENSATION FOR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER At his request, Mr. Floyd D. Gottwald Jr.'s compensation as Chief Executive Officer was reduced to $450,000 in 1997 and remained unchanged during 1998. However, the Committee has insisted that Mr. Gottwald receive a bonus for 1998. The award of $193,700 is considered an appropriate recognition of the leadership that Mr. Gottwald has shown in focusing management on the achievement of substantial earnings growth and maximizing long-term value for the Corporation's shareholders. DEDUCTIBILITY OF COMPENSATION The Committee has carefully considered Section 162(m) of the Code, which provides certain criteria for the tax deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million paid to the Corporation's executive officers. The Committee believes it is in the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders to comply with the requirements of Section 162(m), but the Committee intends to preserve the flexibility to reward executives consistent with the Corporation's pay philosophy for each compensation element. The Committee intends that grants of options, awards of performance shares, restricted stock and other incentive awards under the 1998 Plan comply with the requirements of Section 162(m). THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE Craig R. Andersson, Chairman Andre B. Lacy Seymour S. Preston III Emmett J. Rice Anne Marie Whittemore March 8, 1999 14 PERFORMANCE GRAPH Cumulative Total Shareholder Return* Performance from March 1, 1994, through December 31, 1998 [GRAPH] Albemarle Chemical Composite S&P 500 Companies --------- ------------------ ----------------- March 1994 100 100 100 Dec. 1994 106 103 101 Dec. 1995 150 135 139 Dec. 1996 142 167 171 Dec. 1997 190 203 228 Dec. 1998 192 190 293 *ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON FIRST DAY OF MARCH 1994. DIVIDENDS ARE REINVESTED QUARTERLY. DESIGNATION OF AUDITORS The Board of Directors has designated PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, certified public accountants, as the Corporation's independent auditors for fiscal year 1999, subject to shareholder approval. A representative of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is expected to be present at the annual meeting with an opportunity to make a statement and to be available to respond to appropriate questions. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's principal function is to audit the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation and its subsidiaries and, in connection with that audit, to review certain related filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and to conduct limited reviews of the financial statements included in the Corporation's quarterly reports. 15 PROPOSALS FOR 2000 ANNUAL MEETING Under the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any shareholder desiring to make a proposal to be acted upon at the 2000 annual meeting of shareholders must present such proposal to the Corporation at its principal office in Richmond, Virginia, not later than November 24, 1999, in order for the proposal to be considered for inclusion in the Corporation's proxy statement. The Corporation anticipates holding the 2000 annual meeting on April 26, 2000. The Corporation's bylaws provide that, in addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought before the annual meeting by a shareholder, the shareholder must give timely notice in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation not later than 60 days prior to the meeting. As to each matter, the notice should contain (i) a brief description of the matter and the reasons for addressing it at the annual meeting, (ii) the name, record address of and number of shares beneficially owned by the shareholder proposing such business and (iii) any material interest of the shareholder in such business. OTHER MATTERS The Board of Directors is not aware of any matters to be presented for action at the meeting other than as set forth herein. However, if any other matters properly come before the meeting, or any adjournment thereof, the person or persons voting the proxies will vote them in accordance with their best judgment. By Order of the Board of Directors E. WHITEHEAD ELMORE, SECRETARY 16 NOTICE and PROXY STATEMENT for ANNUAL MEETING of SHAREHOLDERS APRIL 21, 1999 [ALBEMARLE CORPORATION LOGO] ALBEMARLE CORPORATION 330 SOUTH FOURTH STREET P.O. BOX 1335 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23210 ALBEMARLE CORPORATION Richmond, Virginia PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD APRIL 21, 1999 The undersigned hereby appoints Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr., and Emmett J. Rice, or either of them, with full power of substitution in each, proxies to vote all shares of the undersigned in Albemarle Corporation, at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 21, 1999, and at any and all adjournments thereof: 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS [ ] FOR ALL [ ] WITHHOLD ALL [ ] FOR ALL EXCEPT Craig R. Andersson, Dirk Betlem, Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr., John D. Gottwald, Andre B. Lacy, Seymour S. Preston III, Emmett J. Rice, Charles E. Stewart, Charles B. Walker and Anne Marie Whittemore. INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY SUCH NOMINEE(S), WRITE THE NAME(S) OF THE NOMINEE(S) IN THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW. - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. The proposal to approve the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the auditors for the Corporation for 1999. [ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN 3. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business and matters incident to the conduct of the meeting as may properly come before the meeting. This Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors. This Proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is made, this Proxy will be voted FOR all nominees and FOR Proposal 2. Dated _____________________, 1999 ---------------------------------- Please sign name exactly as it appears on the stock certificate. Only one of several joint owners or co-owners need sign. Fiduciaries should give full title. PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----