<PAGE>
PROXY SOLICITATION-SECTION 14(a) 17,579
SCHEDULE 14A
[PARA 24,031] INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
-- > SCHEDULE 14A IS PROPOSED TO BE AMENDED IN RELEASE NOS. 33-7607
AND 33-7606A, NOVEMBER 3, 1998 AND NOVEMBER 13, 1998. SEE PARA 86,058
AND PARA 86,108.
REG. SECTION 240.14a-101.
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
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the 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)(1)
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:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL SECURITIES LAW REPORTS REG. SECTION 240.14a-101 PARA 24,031
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
--------
Notice of
2000 Annual Meeting &
Proxy Statement
[LOGO]
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
One Malcolm Avenue
Teterboro, New Jersey 07608
www.questdiagnostics.com
<PAGE>
One Malcolm Avenue
Teterboro, New Jersey 07608
(201) 393-5000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of 2000 Annual Meeting To Be Held on May 9, 2000
To the Stockholders of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated:
The 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated will
be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2000 at 10:00 A.M., local time, at The Hotel
Intercontinental, Whitney Room, 111 East 48th Street, New York, New York 10017,
for the purpose of considering and voting upon the following matters:
1. To elect three directors for a three-year term.
2. To ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent
accountants to audit the financial statements of Quest Diagnostics for the
year ending December 31, 2000.
3. To approve an amendment of Paragraph 11 of Quest Diagnostics' Restated
Certificate of Incorporation to conform with a recent change to Section
145(d) of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL") by eliminating the
requirement that indemnification of employees and agents who are not
directors or officers be authorized by the Board of Directors.
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual
Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
These matters are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this
Notice.
Your Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 10, 2000, as
the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and
to vote at, the annual meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the
annual meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors
[LOGO]
Leo C. Farrenkopf, Jr.
Vice President and Secretary
April 10, 2000
<PAGE>
All stockholders are invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person. Whether or
not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting in person you are urged to complete,
date, sign and promptly return the enclosed proxy in the postage-paid envelope
provided. No postage need be affixed if mailed in the United States.
Alternatively, stockholders of record may vote by telephone by calling
(800) 213-3198 or on the internet at http//www.harrisbank.com/wproxy. Each proxy
is revocable and will not affect your right to vote in person in the event you
attend the Annual Meeting.
This notice and the proxy statement are dated April 10, 2000, and are first
being mailed to stockholders on or about April 11, 2000.
One Malcolm Avenue
Teterboro, New Jersey 07608
(201) 393-5000
[LOGO]
2 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
Proxy Statement
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To Be Held on May 9, 2000
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the
Board of Directors of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated ("Quest Diagnostics" or the
"Company") of proxies for use at the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
Quest Diagnostics to be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2000, and at any adjournments or
postponements of the annual meeting, for the purposes set forth herein and in
the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting. This proxy statement and the
accompanying proxy card are first being mailed to stockholders on or about
April 10, 2000.
Only holders of record of shares of Quest Diagnostics' common stock, par value
$.01 per share, and holders of record of shares of Quest Diagnostics' voting
cumulative preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, at the close of business
on March 10, 2000, are entitled to notice of the annual meeting and to vote on
all matters presented to the annual meeting. On that date, there were issued,
outstanding and entitled to vote 43,718,951 shares of common stock held by
approximately 7,150 stockholders of record and 1,000 shares of voting cumulative
preferred stock, all of which shares are held by Corning Incorporated. Each
share of common stock and voting cumulative preferred stock is entitled to one
vote, voting as one class. The common stock and voting cumulative preferred
stock are collectively referred to as the "shares." A majority of the shares
issued and outstanding at March 10, 2000, constitutes a quorum for the
transaction of business.
All proxies on the enclosed card which are properly executed and returned to
Quest Diagnostics or are properly voted by telephone or Internet will be voted
as provided therein at the annual meeting and any and all adjournments thereof.
Signed, unmarked proxies will be voted FOR the election of the Board's nominees
(Proposal 1), FOR ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
the independent accountants to audit the financial statements of Quest
Diagnostics for the year ending December 31, 2000 (Proposal 2) and FOR approval
of the amendment of Paragraph 11 of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation
(Proposal 3). A stockholder executing and returning a proxy may revoke it at any
time before it has been voted by filing with the Secretary of Quest Diagnostics
a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or
by attending the annual meeting and voting in person.
The required vote for election of directors (Proposal 1) is a plurality of the
votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and
entitled to vote on the election of directors. The required vote for approval of
Proposal 2 is the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares casting votes on
the proposal (whether present in
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 3
<PAGE>
person or represented by proxy) provided that the total votes cast on the
proposal represent over 50% of all shares entitled to vote on the proposal. The
required vote for approval of the amendment of Paragraph 11 of the Restated
Certificate of Incorporation (Proposal 3) is the affirmative vote of a majority
of the shares issued and outstanding as of March 10, 2000. Any proxy that is
properly executed and returned to Quest Diagnostics and marked "abstain" as to
any matter will, nevertheless, be counted in determining whether a quorum is
present at the annual meeting. The number of shares abstaining on each proposal
is counted and reported as a separate total. Broker non-votes are included in
the determination of the number of stockholders present at the meeting for
quorum purposes but are not counted in the tabulation of votes cast on proposals
presented to stockholders.
Quest Diagnostics' management does not know of any matters to be brought before
the annual meeting other than Proposals 1, 2 and 3. Quest Diagnostics' By-Laws
generally provide that no matters may be brought before any stockholder meeting
by a stockholder unless the proponent is a stockholder as of the record date and
Quest Diagnostics has received notice of the proposed matter, no later than
February 15 of the year in which the annual meeting is held, at its principal
executive office. Quest Diagnostics has not received notice of a proposal from
any stockholder.
Officers and employees of Quest Diagnostics may solicit proxies by mail,
telephone, facsimile transmission or telegraph, or in person, for which they
will receive no special compensation. Quest Diagnostics will bear all expenses
for the preparation, printing and use of Quest Diagnostics' proxy materials. In
addition, Quest Diagnostics has retained Georgeson Shareholder Communications
Inc. to assist in the solicitation for a fee of $12,000 and reimbursement of its
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. No portion of the proxy solicitor's fee is
dependent on the number of shares (as hereinbefore defined) voting in favor of
(as opposed to those voting against or abstaining) any matter being submitted
for approval at the annual meeting. Banks, brokerage houses and other
institutions, nominees and fiduciaries will be requested to forward the proxy
materials to beneficial owners of Quest Diagnostics' stock, and to obtain
authorizations for the execution of proxies. Quest Diagnostics will, upon
request, reimburse banks, brokerage houses and other institutions, nominees and
fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses in forwarding proxy materials to
beneficial owners.
Quest Diagnostics' 2000 Annual Report to Stockholders has been distributed to
stockholders and is not deemed a part of the materials for the solicitation of
proxies.
- ---------------------------------
Proposal No. 1
Election of Directors
The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Quest Diagnostics provides that the
Board of Directors shall consist of not less than three nor more than twelve
directors, the exact
4 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
number to be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of
Directors. The Board presently consists of nine directors. The Restated
Certificate of Incorporation further provides for three classes of directors
having staggered terms of office, each class consisting, so far as possible, of
one-third of the number of directors required at the time to constitute a full
Board. If the number of directors may not be evenly divided into thirds, the
Board of Directors shall determine which class or classes shall have one extra
director.
At the annual meeting, three directors will be elected to hold office until the
2003 annual meeting of stockholders and until their respective successors shall
have been duly elected and qualified.
The following tables identify the three persons nominated for election to the
Board of Directors at the annual meeting and the six members of the Board of
Directors whose terms will expire subsequent to the annual meeting. Each of the
nominees has consented to serve if elected. It is intended that the accompanying
form of proxy, unless otherwise specified, will be voted for the election of the
three nominees. Certain information concerning each of the nominees and
continuing directors and their business experience during the past five years is
provided following the tables below.
It is the intention of the persons named on the accompanying proxy card to vote
for the election of the nominees unless a stockholder has withheld such
authority. Management has no reason to believe that any nominee will not be
available to serve his or her prescribed term. However, the persons named on the
proxy card will have the discretionary authority to vote for substitutes if any
nominee is unable or unwilling to serve.
Directors will be elected by the plurality vote of the holders of shares
entitled to vote at the annual meeting and present in person or by proxy.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 5
<PAGE>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Nominees for the Board with Terms Expiring at the
2003 Annual Meeting
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Position with
Name Quest Diagnostics Age
<S> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenneth W. Freeman Chairman of the Board, Chief 49
Executive Officer and
Director
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Gail R. Wilensky Director 56
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
John B. Ziegler Nominee for Director 53
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Members of the Board Continuing in Office with Terms Expiring
at the 2001 Annual Meeting
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Position with
Name Quest Diagnostics Age
<S> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenneth D. Brody Director 56
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary A. Cirillo Director 52
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
William R. Grant Director 75
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Members of the Board Continuing in Office with Terms Expiring
at the 2002 Annual Meeting
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Position with
Name Quest Diagnostics Age
<S> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
William F. Buehler Director 60
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Van C. Campbell Director 61
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan C. Stanzione Director 54
</TABLE>
6 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
Kenneth D. Brody is the founding partner of Winslow Partners LLC, a Washington,
D.C. private investment firm. He is also the co-founder and principal of Taconic
Capital Advisors, an investment adviser firm. From 1993 to early 1996, he was
the chairman and president of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, a
position to which he was appointed by President Clinton. From 1971 to 1991,
Mr. Brody was with Goldman, Sachs & Co., where he was a partner and member of
the management committee. Mr. Brody is a director of Federal Realty Investment
Trust. Mr. Brody has been a director of Quest Diagnostics since January 1997.
William F. Buehler is Vice Chairman of Xerox Corporation, which he joined in
1991. He is responsible for the company's sales and marketing operations in
North America and Europe. Mr. Buehler is a director of A.O. Smith. Prior to
joining Xerox, Mr. Buehler spent 27 years with AT&T. Mr. Buehler has been a
director of Quest Diagnostics since July 1998.
Van C. Campbell retired in 1999 as Vice Chairman of Corning Incorporated, which
he joined in 1965. He was elected treasurer in 1972, a vice president in 1973,
financial vice president in 1975 and senior vice president for finance in 1980.
He became general manager of the Consumer Products Division in 1981.
Mr. Campbell was elected vice chairman and a director in 1983 and during 1995
was appointed to the additional position of chairman of Corning Life Sciences
Inc. He is a director of Armstrong World Industries, Inc and Covance Inc.
Mr. Campbell has been a director of Quest Diagnostics since January 1991.
Mary A. Cirillo was Chief Executive Officer of Global Institutional Services of
Deutsche Bank from July 1999 until February 2000. Previously, she served as
Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Bankers Trust Company (which
was acquired by Deutsche Bank), which she joined in 1997. From 1977 to 1997, she
was with Citibank, N.A., most recently serving as Senior Vice President. From
April 1994 until she joined Bankers Trust Company, Ms. Cirillo was responsible
for Citibank's Global Relationship Banking Operations and Technology Group,
which supported the infrastructure and information technology needs of the North
America, Europe and Japan global markets. Ms. Cirillo previously served as the
Senior Corporate Officer for Citicorp's Business Evaluation and Corporate
Re-engineering Unit. Ms. Cirillo is a director of Cisco Systems, Inc.
Ms. Cirillo has been a director of Quest Diagnostics since April 1997.
Kenneth W. Freeman is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Quest
Diagnostics. Mr. Freeman joined Quest Diagnostics in May 1995 as President and
Chief Executive Officer, was elected a director in July 1995 and was elected
Chairman of the Board in December 1996. Prior to 1995, he served in a variety of
financial and managerial positions at Corning Incorporated, which he
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 7
<PAGE>
joined in 1972. He was elected Controller and a Vice President of Corning in
1985, Senior Vice President in 1987, and General Manager of the Science Products
Division in 1989. He was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of
Corning Asahi Video Products Company in 1990. In 1993, he was elected Executive
Vice President of Corning.
William R. Grant has been Chairman of Galen Associates, a New York investment
firm, since 1989. From 1987 to 1989 he was Chairman of New York Life
International and from 1979 to 1987 of MacKay-Shields Financial Corp. He is also
a former director and Vice-Chairman of SmithKline Beecham plc, and is currently
a director of Allergan, Inc., MiniMed, Inc., Ocular Sciences, Vasogen Inc., and
WBN.Com. He has been a director of Quest Diagnostics since August, 1999.
Mr. Grant was designated by SmithKline Beecham to be a director of Quest
Diagnostics pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement with SmithKline Beecham. See
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions- Stockholders Agreement."
Dan C. Stanzione is President Emeritus of Bell Laboratories at Lucent
Technologies Incorporated. Dr. Stanzione began his career in 1972 with Bell
Labs, where he led the teams working on the first microprocessors and digital
signal processors. He was appointed president of Network Systems, Lucent's
largest business unit, in 1996 and was appointed Chief Operating Officer of
Lucent in 1997. Dr. Stanzione has been a director of Quest Diagnostics since
January 1997.
Gail R. Wilensky is the John M. Olin Senior Fellow at Project HOPE, an
international non-profit health foundation, which she joined in 1993. She is
currently the chair of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, which advises
Congress on all issues relating to Medicare. From 1995 to 1997 she chaired the
Physician Payment Review Commission, which advised Congress on physician payment
and other Medicare issues. In 1992 and 1993, Dr. Wilensky served as a deputy
assistant to the President for policy development relating to health and welfare
issues. From 1990 to 1992, she was the administrator of the Health Care
Financing Administration where she directed the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Dr. Wilensky is a director of Advanced Tissue Sciences Inc., Manor Care Inc.,
St. Jude Medical Corp., SMS Corporation, Syncor Corporation and United
Healthcare Corporation. Dr. Wilensky has been a director of Quest Diagnostics
since January 1997.
John B. Ziegler is the President, Worldwide Consumer Healthcare, of SmithKline
Beecham. Mr. Ziegler joined SmithKline Beecham in 1991 as the head of SB
Consumer Healthcare- North American Division. He became Executive Vice President
of SmithKline Beecham in 1996 and assumed his current responsibilities in 1998.
Mr. Ziegler has been designated by SmithKline Beecham to replace John O. Parker
as a director of Quest Diagnostics
8 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement with SmithKline Beecham. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions-Stockholders Agreement."
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote "For" the election of all
nominees for Director.
DIRECTORS
- -------------------------------------
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has four standing committees: an Audit and Finance
Committee, a Compensation and Nominating Committee, a Compliance Committee and
an Executive Committee. The Audit and Finance Committee, composed of
Mr. Campbell, Ms. Cirillo, Mr. Grant and Dr. Stanzione, examines and considers
matters relating to the financial affairs of Quest Diagnostics, including
reviewing Quest Diagnostics' annual financial statements, the scope of
independent and internal audits and the auditors' letters to management
concerning the effectiveness of Quest Diagnostics' internal financial and
accounting controls. The Compensation and Nominating Committee, composed of
Mr. Brody, Ms. Cirillo, Mr. Grant and Dr. Stanzione, makes recommendations to
the Board with respect to programs for human resource development and management
organization and succession, and makes recommendations to the Board with respect
to compensation matters and policies and employee benefit and incentive plans,
including Quest Diagnostics' 1999 Employee Equity Participation Program. The
Compliance Committee, composed of Mr. Buehler, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Parker and
Dr. Wilensky, oversees Quest Diagnostics' compliance program, which is
administered by management's Compliance Team and the Legal and Compliance
Department. The Executive Committee, composed of Mr. Brody, Mr. Campbell and
Mr. Freeman, has and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of
Directors in the management of the business and affairs of Quest Diagnostics
except with respect to certain major corporate matters, such as mergers, the
election of directors, the amendment of Quest Diagnostics' certificate of
incorporation and By-laws, incurring indebtedness in excess of $20 million and
such matters as are delegated to other committees of the Board of Directors.
During 1999, there were eight meetings of the Board of Directors, five meetings
of the Audit and Finance Committee, ten meetings of the Compensation and
Nominating Committee, four meetings of the Compliance Committee and two meetings
of the Executive Committee. During the year, each director attended at least 75%
of the meetings held by the Board of Directors and each committee of which he or
she was a member.
- ---------------------------------
Directors' Compensation
Each non-employee director is entitled to receive a fee in an annual sum of
$26,000, payable in quarterly installments of $6,500. Directors who serve as
committee chairs receive an additional annual sum of $1,500, payable in
quarterly installments of $375. In addition, each
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 9
<PAGE>
non-employee director also participates in Quest Diagnostics' stock option plan
for non-employee directors. The option plan authorizes the grant on the date of
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of non-qualified stock options to acquire
9,000 shares of common stock of Quest Diagnostics to each non-employee director.
In the event that a person is elected as a director of Quest Diagnostics other
than on the date of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Board of Directors
may grant to such director, on his/ her election, an option to acquire a number
of shares (not to exceed 9,000) that is proportional to the fraction of a year
remaining until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders. A director may elect to
receive his or her annual retainer in options in lieu of cash. Currently two
directors have elected to receive options in lieu of cash. The aggregate number
of shares of common stock of Quest Diagnostics which may be issued pursuant to
the exercise of options granted under the plan may not exceed 500,000 (subject
to adjustments in certain circumstances). The exercise price of all stock
options issued under the plan is the fair market value of Quest Diagnostics'
common stock on the date of grant.
Under the Quest Diagnostics deferred compensation plan for directors, each
director may elect to defer, until a date specified by him or her, receipt of
all or a portion of his or her cash compensation. Such plan provides that
amounts deferred may be allocated to (i) a cash account upon which amounts
deferred may earn interest, compounded quarterly, at the base rate of Citibank,
N.A. in effect on certain specified dates, (ii) a market value account, the
value of which will be based upon the market value of Quest Diagnostics' common
stock from time to time, or (iii) a combination of such accounts. All non-
employee directors are eligible to participate in the plan. Currently, two
directors have elected to defer compensation pursuant to the plan.
- ---------------------------------
Proposal No. 2
Ratification of Appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
The Board of Directors recommends the ratification of its selection of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent accountants to audit the financial
statements of Quest Diagnostics for its current fiscal year, which ends December
31, 2000. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has served as Quest Diagnostics'
independent accountants since 1982. Should the selection of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP by the Board of Directors not be ratified, the Board
will consider the selection of a different firm to serve as independent
accountants of Quest Diagnostics.
It is expected that representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will attend
the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they elect
to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote "For" Ratification of
appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
10 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------------------
Proposal No. 3
Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders approve an amendment of
Paragraph 11 of Quest Diagnostics' Restated Certificate of Incorporation to
conform with a recent change to Section 145(d) of the Delaware General
Corporation Law ("DGCL") by eliminating the requirement that indemnification of
employees and agents who are not directors or officers be authorized by the
Board of Directors.
Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a Delaware corporation has power to
indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party
to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether
civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in
the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at
the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with
such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a
manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person's conduct was
unlawful. In conformity with the DGCL, Paragraph 11 of Quest Diagnostics'
Restated Certificate of Incorporation currently provides for indemnification of
directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law and permits Quest
Diagnostics, by action of the Board of Directors, to indemnify employees and
agents.
Unless ordered by a court, any indemnification pursuant to Section 145 of the
DGCL may be made by a Delaware corporation only as authorized in the specific
case upon determination that indemnification of a present or former director,
officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the person has
met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL. Until 1997, the
determination was generally required to be made in all cases by the Board of
Directors, independent counsel or the stockholders. In 1997, the DGCL was
amended to eliminate the requirement that indemnification of employees and
agents who are not directors or officers (as well as indemnification of former
directors or officers) be authorized by the directors, independent counsel or
the stockholders.
The Board of Directors has approved, subject to approval by the stockholders, an
amendment of the last sentence of Paragraph 11(b) of Quest Diagnostics' Restated
Certificate of Incorporation to conform with the change to the DGCL by
eliminating the requirement that
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 11
<PAGE>
indemnification of employees and agents who are not officers or directors be
authorized by the Board of Directors. The proposed change to the last sentence
of Paragraph 11(b) is as follows:
"The Corporation may also provide indemnification to employees and agents of the
Corporation with the same scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification of
directors and officers."
The full text of Paragraph 11 of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
indicating the proposed changes, is set forth in Exhibit A to this Proxy
Statement.
The Board of Directors unanimously
recommends a vote "For" approval of
the amendment of paragraph 11 of the
Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
- -------------------------------------
Other Matters
As of the date hereof, the Board does not know of any matter that will come
before the annual meeting other than Proposals 1, 2 and 3. If any other matter
is properly presented at the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement
of the annual meeting, it is intended that the persons named in the accompanying
proxy will vote thereon in accordance with their best judgment. Quest
Diagnostics' By-Laws generally provide that no matters may be brought before any
stockholder meeting by a stockholder unless the proponent is a stockholder as of
the record date and Quest Diagnostics has received notice of the proposed
matter, no later than the February 15 preceding the date of an annual meeting,
at its principal executive office at One Malcolm Avenue, Teterboro, NJ 07608.
Quest Diagnostics has not received notice of any such proposal.
- ---------------------------------
Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table. The following table shows the compensation for the
past three years of the Chief Executive Officer and each of Quest Diagnostics'
other four most highly compensated executive officers (the "named executive
officers").
12 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
(This page has been left blank intentionally.)
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 13
<PAGE>
Summary Compensation Table
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
NAME AND -------------------
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Kenneth W. Freeman 1999 $598,078
Chairman & CEO (5) 1998 500,000
1997 500,000
Surya Mohapatra (6) 1999 $361,539
President & Chief Operating Officer
James D. Chambers 1999 $349,039
President 1998 298,845
Business Services 1997 226,160
Gerald C. Marrone 1999 $310,299
Corporate Vice President 1998 300,000
& Chief Information Officer 1997 40,385
Robert A. Hagemann (7) 1999 $241,247
Corporate Vice President 1998 194,566
& Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>
(1) 1999 bonus includes 1999 Management Incentive Plan bonus paid in cash and
vested shares.
(2) Includes $77,499, $37,750 and $35,182 in tax gross-up payments on forgiven
loan amounts for Mr. Freeman, Dr. Mohapatra and Mr. Chambers, respectively.
The loans were provided in connection with the relocation of the executives,
bear no interest and are forgiven over five year periods. The principal
balance of the loan to Mr. Freeman was $240,000 at January 1, 1999 and
$160,000 at December 31, 1999. The principal balance of the loan to
Dr. Mohapatra was $250,000 at June 18, 1999 and $200,000 at December 31,
1999. Also includes tax and financial planning assistance payment of
$123,592 for Mr. Freeman. Includes $160,000 and $50,000 sign on bonus
payments for Dr. Mohapatra and Mr. Marrone, respectively.
(3) 1999 values are based on a per share price of $34.03 at February 29, 2000
and represent shares of incentive stock that were awarded based on 1999
financial performance results, subject to forfeiture and transfer
restrictions until vested. Performance shares earned for Mr. Freeman, Dr.
Mohapatra, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Marrone, and Mr. Hagemann are 62,500, 25,000,
17,500, 11,250, and 8,125 shares, respectively. The shares vest in three
equal annual installments beginning February 28, 2001. In addition, Dr.
Mohapatra was awarded 8,000 shares (subject to forfeiture and transfer
restrictions) as a sign-on bonus. The shares vest in four equal annual
installments beginning February 28, 2000.
14 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION AWARDS
- --------------------------------- -----------------------
OTHER RESTRICTED SECURITIES ALL
ANNUAL STOCK UNDERLYING LTIP OTHER
BONUS (1) COMP. (2) AWARDS (3) OPTIONS PAYOUTS COMP. (4)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$1,200,000 $231,203 $2,126,875 332,151 $0 $1,711,848
460,000 183,292 926,316 180,000 0 131,963
187,485 125,403 145,002 137,000 0 320,474
$ 400,000 $197,750 $1,094,250 140,000 $0 $ 443,955
$ 275,100 $ 35,182 $ 595,525 85,000 $0 $ 592,993
189,751 35,901 257,310 50,000 0 57,593
105,429 0 32,290 30,500 0 6,880
$ 203,378 $ 50,000 $ 382,838 55,000 $0 $ 362,143
172,500 100,000 180,117 35,000 0 8,190
0 0 0 10,000 0 0
$ 158,290 $ 0 $ 276,494 40,000 $0 $ 329,036
102,784 0 154,386 27,000 0 23,747
</TABLE>
(4) Includes a special share grant, subject to restrictions on transfer, of
60,805, 14,000, 15,478, 9,950 and 7,186 shares for Mr. Freeman, Dr.
Mohapatra, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Marrone and Mr. Hagemann, respectively.
Includes forgiven principal on relocation loans of $80,000, $50,000 and
$50,000 for Mr. Freeman, Dr. Mohapatra and Mr. Chambers, respectively.
Includes special Integration Bonus award of 3,470 shares and $42,370 for
Mr. Chambers, 2,080 shares and $25,470 for Mr. Marrone, 2,780 shares and
$33,800 for Mr. Hagemann, which shares are subject to forfeiture and
transfer restrictions. Includes payments of $20,164 and $1,000 to Mr.
Freeman and Mr. Chambers, respectively, under the Transferee Supplemental
Pension Plan. Includes $6,880, $6,880, $6,880, $6,880 and $6,880 contributed
to the Company's Profit Sharing Plan for Mr. Freeman, Dr. Mohapatra,
Mr. Chambers, Mr. Marrone and Mr. Hagemann, respectively. Includes $15,546,
$16,030 and $7,914 contributed to the Company's Supplemental Deferred
Compensation Plan for Dr. Mohapatra, Mr. Marrone and Mr. Hagemann,
respectively. Includes $23,291 contributed to MetPath Deferred Compensation
Plan for Mr. Hagemann. Includes ESOP contribution of $3,200, $2,769, $2,423,
$2,150 and $1,673 for Mr. Freeman, Dr. Mohapatra, Mr. Chambers,
Mr. Marrone, and Mr. Hagemann, respectively.
(5) As of December 31, 1999, 10,778 shares (with a value of $329,403) remained
unvested from an award in 1996 that was reflected as compensation in 1996.
(6) Dr. Mohapatra began employment and was elected an executive officer in
February 1999.
(7) Mr. Hagemann was elected an executive officer in October 1998.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 15
<PAGE>
Option Grants. The following table sets forth certain information regarding
options granted in 1999 to the named executive officers pursuant to stock option
plans.
Option/SAR Grants in 1999(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT
ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
PRICE APPRECIATION FOR OPTION
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS TERM(2)
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------
NUMBER OF % OF
SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO GAIN GAIN GAIN
OPTIONS ALL EMPLOYEES EXERCISE EXPIRATION AT AT AT
EXECUTIVE GRANTED IN FISCAL YEAR PRICE DATE 0% 5% 10%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Kenneth W. Freeman 330,000(3) 10.0% $26.34 8/16/2009 $0 $5,466,478 $13,853,128
2,151(4) 0.1% $31.00 12/05/2005 0 41,935 106,272
Surya N. Mohapatra 80,000(5) 2.4% $19.06 2/03/2009 0 958,939 2,430,139
60,000(3) 1.8% $26.34 8/16/2009 0 993,905 2,518,751
James D. Chambers 85,000(3) 2.6% $26.34 8/16/2009 0 1,408,032 3,568,230
Gerald C. Marrone 55,000(3) 1.7% $26.34 8/16/2009 0 911,080 2,308,855
Robert A. Hagemann 40,000(3) 1.2% $26.34 8/16/2009 0 662,603 1,679,167
</TABLE>
(1) No stock apprecation rights ("SARs") were granted. All options provide that
an additional option may be granted when the optionee uses shares of Quest
Diagnostics common stock to pay the purchase price of an option. The
additional option will be exercisable for the number of shares tendered in
payment of the option price, will be exercisable at the then fair market
value of Quest Diagnostics common stock, will become exercisable only after
the lapse of twelve months and will expire on the expiration date of the
original option.
(2) The dollar amounts set forth under these columns are the result of
calculations at the 5% and 10% rates established by the Securities and
Exchange Commission and therefore, are not intended to forecast future
appreciation of Quest Diagnostics common stock.
(3) The options vest in four equal annual installments in August 2000, 2001,
2002 and 2003.
(4) The options vest in December 2000.
(5) The options vest in three equal annual installments in February 2000, 2001
and 2002.
Option Exercises and Fiscal Year-End Values. The following table sets forth
certain information regarding stock option exercises by the named executive
officers during 1999 and the number of shares of Quest Diagnostics' Common Stock
covered by both exercisable and unexercisable stock options as of December 31,
1999, for the named executive officers.
16 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
Aggregate Option/SAR Exercises In 1999
& 1999 Year-End Option/SAR Values(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
DECEMBER 31, 1999 DECEMBER 31, 1999(2)
SHARES --------------------------- ---------------------------
ACQUIRED VALUE
NAME ON EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Kenneth W. Freeman 6,344 $196,664 396,883 418,378 $6,145,716 $3,122,492
Surya N. Mohapatra 0 0 0 140,000 0 1,173,550
James D. Chambers 0 0 95,367 99,866 1,453,677 657,013
Gerald C. Marrone 0 0 45,000 55,000 646,013 232,238
Robert A. Hagemann 0 0 34,600 40,000 420,523 168,900
</TABLE>
(1) There are no SARs outstanding.
(2) Based on a price of $30.5625 per share.
Variable Compensation. Quest Diagnostics maintains a Management Incentive Plan,
which is an annual incentive cash compensation plan for approximately 1,600
supervisory, management and executive employees. The terms of the Management
Incentive Plan are described below.
The performance-based annual cash incentive awards payable under the Management
Incentive Plan are grounded in financial goals such as net income, cash flow,
operating margin, return on equity, or earnings per share, or a combination
thereof, and quantifiable non-financial goals. Each participant is assigned a
target award, as a percentage of base salary in effect at the end of the
performance year for which the target is set, payable if the target is achieved.
Actual results are compared to the scale of targets with each gradation of
desired result corresponding to a percentage, which are multiplied by the
employee's assigned target award. If the actual result is below target, awards
are to be less than target, down to a point below which no awards are earned. If
the desired result is above target, awards are greater than target, up to a
stated maximum award. The maximum award assigned to the Chief Executive Officer
may not exceed 200% of his target annual bonus. The Compensation and Nominating
Committee retains the right to reduce any award if it believes that individual
performance does not warrant the award calculated by reference to the result.
Employee Equity Participation Program. Effective June 29, 1999, Quest
Diagnostics adopted the 1999 Employee Equity Participation Program. The types of
awards that may be granted under the 1999 Employee Equity Participation Program
are stock options, stock appreciation rights and stock awards. An award may be
granted separately or with another award. An award may also be granted in
tandem, so that the exercise or vesting of one award cancels another award held
by the same participant.
The 1999 Employee Equity Participation Program authorizes the issuance of up to
six million shares of Quest Diagnostics' common stock.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 17
<PAGE>
The 1999 Employee Equity Participation Program also authorizes the issuance of
shares of common stock of Quest Diagnostics that are represented by awards
granted under the 1996 Employee Equity Participation Program or the 1999
Employee Equity Participation Program that are forfeited, expired or canceled.
No additional options or stock awards can be issued under the 1996 Employee
Equity Participation Program. In determining the number of shares of common
stock of Quest Diagnostics available for delivery under the 1999 Employee Equity
Participation Program, shares issued through the settlement, assumption or
substitution of outstanding awards or obligations to grant future awards as a
condition of Quest Diagnostics acquiring another entity will not reduce the
maximum number of shares available.
Except in connection with certain transactions such as stock dividends or stock
splits or mergers, Quest Diagnostics may not (1) grant new options or stock
appreciation rights with a lower exercise price in exchange for previously
granted options or stock appreciation rights, or (2) lower the price of
outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights. A maximum of 1,800,000
shares of Quest Diagnostics common stock awards may be issued as incentive stock
awards under the 1999 Employee Equity Participation Program. No one individual
may receive awards granted as options or stock appreciation rights covering more
than 1,000,000 shares of Quest Diagnostics common stock under the 1999 Employee
Equity Participation Program. No one individual may receive awards granted as
stock awards covering more than 300,000 shares of Quest Diagnostics common stock
under the 1999 Employee Equity Participation Program. Vesting of outstanding
stock options and stock awards are subject to acceleration in the case of a
change in control. Change of control, for purposes of existing options and
grants, would be (1) any person becoming the beneficial owner of 40% or more of
the voting stock of Quest Diagnostics, (2) a change in the membership of the
Quest Diagnostics Board of Directors as a result of a contested election such
that a majority of the Board members at any particular time were initially
placed on the Board as a result of such contested election, or (3) approval by
Quest Diagnostics' stockholders of a transaction in which Quest Diagnostics
ceases to be an independent public company, or a sale or disposition of all or
substantially all of Quest Diagnostics' assets or a plan of partial or complete
liquidation.
Pension Plans. None of the executive officers of Quest Diagnostics is currently
an active participant in a qualified defined benefit plan of Quest Diagnostics.
Effective as of January 1, 1997, Quest Diagnostics adopted a Transferee
Supplemental Pension Plan, a nonqualified, unfunded defined benefit plan for the
benefit of key employees and executive officers of Quest Diagnostics who are
former employees of Corning Incorporated, including Mr. Freeman and Mr.
Chambers. The Transferee Supplemental Pension Plan is intended to provide
benefits approximately equal
18 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
to the difference between the benefits provided for under the Corning Salaried
Pension Plan and the Executive Supplemental Pension Plan and the benefits which
would have been payable thereunder but for the termination of employment with
Corning of such employees.
Prior to June 1, 1995, Mr. Freeman was eligible, and prior to January 1, 1995,
Mr. Chambers was eligible, to participate in, and accrue benefits under,
Corning's Salaried Pension Plan, a defined benefit plan, contributions to which
are determined by Corning's actuaries and are not made on an individual basis.
Benefits paid under this plan are based upon career earnings (regular salary and
cash awards paid under Corning's variable compensation plans) and years of
credited service. Effective as of January 1, 1997, the Corning Salaried Pension
Plan provides that salaried employees of Corning who retire on or after
December 31, 1996 will receive pension benefits equal to 1% of the first $27,000
of average earnings for the highest five consecutive years in the ten years
immediately prior to 1997 plus 1.5% of such average earnings in excess of
$27,000 for all years of credited service prior to 1997, and 1.5% of annual
earnings up to the social security wage base and 2% of annual earnings in excess
of such base for 1997 and each year of credited service thereafter. Salaried
employees may contribute to the Corning Salaried Pension Plan 2% of their annual
earnings up to the social security wage base. Such employees will receive for
each year of credited service after December 31, 1990, an additional amount of
pension benefit reflecting the value of the increased voluntary contribution.
Corning maintains a non-qualified Executive Supplemental Pension Plan pursuant
to which it will pay to certain executives amounts approximately equal to the
difference between the benefits provided for under the Corning Salaried Pension
Plan and benefits which would have been payable thereunder but for the
provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA").
Maximum annual benefits calculated under the straight life annuity option form
of pension payable to participants at age 65, the normal retirement age
specified in the Corning Salaried Pension Plan with at least five years of
credited service, are illustrated in the table set forth below. The table below
does not reflect any limitations on benefits imposed by ERISA. It is estimated
that Messrs. Freeman and Chambers, who have 28 and 14 years of credited service,
respectively, would receive each year if they worked to age 65, $426,329 and
$175,466, respectively, under the Corning Salaried Pension Plan, the Executive
Supplemental Pension Plan and the Transferee Supplemental Pension Plan.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 19
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS OF SERVICE
5 YEAR AVERAGE ---------------------------------------------------------------
FINAL COMPENSATION 15 YEARS 20 YEARS 25 YEARS 30 YEARS 35 YEARS 40 YEARS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$100,000 19,800 26,400 33,000 39,600 46,200 53,700
200,000 42,300 56,400 70,500 84,600 98,700 113,700
300,000 64,800 86,400 108,000 129,600 151,200 173,700
400,000 87,300 116,400 145,500 174,600 203,700 233,700
500,000 109,800 146,400 183,000 219,600 256,200 293,700
600,000 132,300 176,400 220,500 264,600 308,700 353,700
700,000 154,800 206,400 258,000 309,600 361,200 413,700
800,000 177,300 236,400 295,500 354,600 413,700 473,700
900,000 199,800 266,400 333,000 399,600 466,200 533,700
1,000,000 222,300 296,400 370,500 444,600 518,700 593,700
1,100,000 244,800 326,400 408,000 489,600 571,200 653,700
1,200,000 267,300 356,400 445,500 534,600 623,700 713,700
1,300,000 289,800 386,400 483,000 579,600 676,200 773,700
</TABLE>
Employment Agreement
Mr. Freeman entered into a new three year employment agreement with Quest
Diagnostics in December 1999, which provides for:
- - an annual base salary of no less than $750,000, with any increases subject to
the discretion of the Board of Directors or the Compensation and Nominating
Committee;
- - an annual target participation in the Management Incentive Plan in amounts no
less than 140% of annual base salary in effect at the time performance goals
are established;
- - a retirement pension benefit, which is secured by a letter of credit,
equivalent to benefits under Corning's qualified salaried pension plan and
Corning's non-qualified executive supplemental pension plan based upon not
less than 34 years of credited service in the event of termination for reasons
other than for cause;
- - the opportunity to receive grants of stock options and restricted shares under
the 1999 Employee Equity Participation Program; and
- - severance payments in an amount equal to three times his base salary and three
times his target annual bonus award in the event Mr. Freeman terminates his
employment for good reason or the Company terminates his employment without
cause.
- - Good reason would include (1) a material change in Mr. Freeman's duties or
responsibilities, (2) removal or a failure to re-elect Mr. Freeman to the
position of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, (3) a greater
than 75-mile relocation without his consent, (4) a reduction in compensation
or benefits, (5) a change in control or (6) a failure to renew his employment
agreement. Change of control would include (1) a sale or disposition of all or
substantially all of Quest Diagnostics' assets or a partial or
20 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
complete liquidation of Quest Diagnostics, (2) a merger of consolidation in
which the surviving entity becomes a subsidiary of a publicly traded parent
and Mr. Freeman is not the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of such
parent, (3) the acquisition by any third party of at least 51% of the
outstanding shares of capital of Quest Diagnostics in a transaction not
covered by clause (2) following which Quest Diagnostics ceases to be an
independent public company or (4) a change in the membership of the Quest
Diagnostics Board of Directors as a result of a contested election such that a
majority of the Board members at any particular time were initially placed on
the Board as a result of such contested election.
- ---------------------------------
Severance Arrangements
Quest Diagnostics has a severance policy for certain executive officers, other
than Mr. Freeman, whereby:
- - Severance is paid to an executive officer if his or her employment is
terminated by Quest Diagnostics (1) other than for cause and (2) upon a
determination that the business needs of Quest Diagnostics require the
replacement of the executive officer, in an amount not to exceed two times the
executive officer's base annual salary at the annual rate in effect on the
date of termination of employment and an amount not to exceed two times the
annual award of variable compensation at the most recent target level. The
executive would also be entitled to participate in Quest Diagnostics' health
and welfare plans, to the extent permitted by the terms of the plans and
applicable law, for a period of up to two years or until the officer is
covered by a successor employer's benefit plans, whichever occurs first.
- - If, however, an executive officer's employment is terminated by Quest
Diagnostics other than for cause, during the 12-month period following a
change in control, the severance benefit may be up to three times the
executive officer's base annual salary at the annual rate in effect on the
date of termination of employment and three times the annual award of variable
compensation at the most recent target level. The executive officer would also
be entitled to participate in Quest Diagnostics' health and welfare plans, to
the extent permitted by the terms of these plans and applicable law, for a
period of up to three years or until the officer is covered by a successor
employer's benefit plans, whichever is first. A "Change of Control" is defined
in the policy to include the following: the acquisition by a person of 20% or
more of the voting stock of the Company; the membership of the Board of
Directors changes as a result of a contested election such that a majority of
the Board members at any particular time were initially placed on the Board as
a result of such contested election; approval by the Company's stockholders of
a merger or consolidation in which the Company
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 21
<PAGE>
ceases to be an independent public company; or a sale or disposition of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets or a plan of partial or complete
liquidation.
COMPENSATION AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The compensation of Quest Diagnostics' executive officers is determined by the
Compensation and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors. The Committee
has four members, each of whom is independent of management. None of the
Committee members has any insider or interlocking relationship with the Company,
and each of them is a non-employee director, as these terms are defined in
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- ---------------------------------
Compensation Philosophy
The Compensation and Nominating Committee is responsible for ensuring that
executive compensation is aligned with the Quest Diagnostics' values and
strategic objectives and is based on corporate, applicable business unit, and
individual performance measures. The Committee intends to design and administer
its compensation plans to:
- - Recruit and retain highly qualified executive officers by offering overall
compensation and benefits that are competitive with comparable companies.
- - Reward executive officers based upon their position, performance, and
potential.
- - Motivate and align the interests of executive officers with those of the Quest
Diagnostics' stockholders by tying a significant portion of executive total
compensation to the Quest Diagnostics' performance through participation in
the Management Incentive Plan and equity-based incentive compensation program.
- - Maximize, as appropriate, the deductibility of executive compensation for tax
purposes.
The key elements of executive compensation are base salary, annual incentive
awards, and equity participation. Each year the Committee evaluates Quest
Diagnostics' performance and executive target and actual compensation levels
compared to an executive compensation peer group and a broader group of U.S.
corporations comparable in scope of operations.
- ---------------------------------
Base Salary
Quest Diagnostics sets salaries for most executive officers to approximate
median levels in its executive compensation peer group and broader surveys of
U.S. corporate executive salary levels. Base salary adjustments are determined
following an assessment of each executive officer's position, performance,
potential, and current salary level in relation to market data for similar
positions with comparable scope of responsibilities. For critical positions and
high-performance and high-potential executives, salary levels may be set above
median competitive levels.
22 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
- ---------------------------------
Annual Incentives
Quest Diagnostics' Management Incentive Plan is designed to reward executives
for the achievement of objectives linked to the Company's critical success
factors. Individual incentive targets are established for plan participants
based on competitive levels in the compensation peer group of companies.
Incentive target levels are set so as to result in annual cash compensation in
the range of 50th to 75th percentile of competitive practice, depending on an
executive's responsibilities, future potential, individual performance, and
Quest Diagnostics' performance.
For the Chief Executive Officer and all corporate executive officers, the 1999
Management Incentive Plan award was based 70% on financial performance results
of the Company and 30% on quantitative operational performance results relative
to objective performance targets set at the beginning of the year.
- ---------------------------------
Long-term Incentives
Long-term incentive compensation is based on annual grants of stock options and
shares of incentive stock under the terms of the 1999 Employee Equity
Participation Program. The Committee believes that these grants directly align
stockholder and executive officer interests.
Stock option and incentive stock target grant levels and terms are established
to deliver executive total compensation ranging from 50th to 90th percentile
competitive levels, depending an executive's responsibilities, future potential,
individual performance, and Company performance.
In 1999, the Committee approved grants of non-qualified stock options and shares
of incentive stock for the Chief Executive Officer and each named executive
officer disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table. The grants of stock options
approved by the Committee in 1999 were designed to cover both 1999 and 2000.
- ---------------------------------
Compensation of the Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer
The compensation of Mr. Freeman consists of the same elements as that of other
senior executives, namely base salary, annual incentive, and grants of stock
options and shares of incentive stock. The Committee determined the level for
each of these elements using methods consistent with those used for other
executive officers. For 1999, the Committee authorized an annual incentive
payout equal to 131% of the target award. In addition to the $787,200 Management
Incentive Plan award, the Committee approved a special incentive award in the
amount of $412,800. The Committee also authorized an award of 330,000
non-qualified stock options and a target award of 50,000 shares of incentive
stock in August 1999 in accordance with the 1999 Employee Equity Participation
Program. Based on Quest Diagnostics' 1999 financial results, the Committee
determined that 62,500 shares of incentive stock were earned (125% of the target
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 23
<PAGE>
award), subject to vesting restrictions that extend into 2003.
- ---------------------------------
1999 Compensation Actions: Other Executive Officers
The other executive officers, including the named executives disclosed in the
Summary Compensation Table, received salary increases that ranged from 4% to 23%
of salary, averaging 8.3% (excluding salary adjustments tied to promotions). The
Committee authorized annual incentive awards under the terms of the Management
Incentive Plan that ranged from 109% to 131% of target. Each executive officer
also received a grant of stock options and a target award of incentive stock
under the terms of the Program. Based on Quest Diagnostics' 1999 financial
results, the Committee determined that 106% to 125% of each target grant of
incentive stock was earned, subject to vesting restrictions that extend into
2003.
- ---------------------------------
Internal Revenue Code Section 162(M)
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, precludes a
public corporation from taking a deduction for compensation in excess of $1
million for its chief executive officer or any of its other proxy-disclosed
executive officers, unless certain specific and detailed criteria are satisfied.
The Committee considers the anticipated tax treatment to Quest Diagnostics and
to the executive officers in its review and establishment of compensation
programs and payments. The deductibility of some types of compensation payments
can depend upon the timing of an executive's vesting or exercise of previously
granted rights. Interpretations of and changes in applicable tax laws and
regulations as well as other factors beyond the control of the Committee also
can affect deductibility of compensation. Quest Diagnostics' general policy is
to preserve the tax deductibility of compensation paid to its executive
officers, including annual incentive awards paid under the Management Incentive
Plan and grants of stock options and shares of incentive stock under the terms
of the 1999 Employee Equity Participation Program.
The Committee will continue to monitor developments and assess alternatives for
preserving the deductibility of compensation payments and benefits to the extent
reasonably practicable, consistent with its compensation policies and as
determined to be in the best interests of Quest Diagnostics and its
stockholders.
THE COMPENSATION AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
Kenneth D. Brody, Chairman
Mary A. Cirillo
William R. Grant
Dan C. Stanzione
Performance Comparison
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total stockholder
return on Quest Diagnostics' common stock since December 17, 1996 (when the
Company's common stock became listed on the New York Stock Exchange on a when
issued basis), based on the market price of the Company's common stock and
24 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
assuming reinvestment of dividends, with the cumulative total stockholder return
of companies on the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and a group consisting of
23 publicly traded companies that are engaged primarily in the healthcare
services and medical products and pharmaceuticals manufacturing industries:
Alpharma Inc., Bard (C.R.) Inc., Beckman Coulter Inc., Becton Dickinson & Co.,
Caremark Rx Inc., Chiron Corp., Covance Inc., Express Scripts Inc., Fisher
Scientific International Inc., Genentech Inc., Genzyme General Corp., IVAX
Corp., Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings Inc., Mallinckrodt Inc., Manor
Care Inc., Novacare Inc., Omnicare Inc., Oxford Health Plans Inc., Pacificare
Health Systems Inc., Quintiles Transnational Corp., Quorum Health Group Inc.,
St. Jude Medical Inc., and Tenet Healthcare Corporation.
Quest Diagnostics is changing the peer group index it uses for comparison to the
S&P Midcap Healthcare Index. Due to consolidation in the healthcare industry,
the 23-company peer group has had a number of changes and requires the
assistance of an outside consultant to create and track. Quest Diagnostics
believes that the publicly available S&P Midcap Healthcare Index is comparable,
since it includes most of the companies in the 23-company peer group, and as a
published index is more appropriate to use for comparison purposes. The
differences between the 23-company peer group and the S&P Healthcare Index have
not been significant during the last three years.
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12/17/96 12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98 12/31/99
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated $100 $108.04 $120.54 $127.24 $218.32
S&P 500 $100 $102.20 $136.29 $175.23 $212.10
Old Peer Group $100 $101.92 $102.91 $119.97 $146.41
S&P Midcap Healthcare Index $100 $103.09 $106.63 $136.28 $147.21
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12/17/96 12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98 12/31/99 TOTAL RETURN
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated $ 100 $108.04 $120.54 $127.24 $218.32 118.3%
S & P 500 $ 100 $102.20 $136.29 $175.23 $212.10 112.1%
23-Company Peer Group $ 100 $101.92 $102.91 $119.97 $146.41 46.4%
(former peer group)
S & P Midcap Healthcare
Index $ 100 $103.09 $106.63 $136.28 $147.21 47.2%
(new peer group)
</TABLE>
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 25
<PAGE>
Security Ownership by Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth the number of shares of Quest Diagnostics' common
stock beneficially owned as of February 29, 2000 by (1) each person who is known
to Quest Diagnostics to own beneficially more than 5% of the common stock,
(2) each director of Quest Diagnostics and each nominee, (3) each named
executive officer and (4) all directors, nominees and executive officers of
Quest Diagnostics as a group, excluding shares held under the Corning Investment
Plans. Corning Incorporated owns all 1,000 outstanding shares of Quest
Diagnostics' voting cumulative preferred stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENTAGE
NAME BENEFICIALLY OWNED OF CLASS (8)
- ---- ------------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
SmithKline Beecham plc 12,564,336(1) 28.7%
FMR Corp. 3,904,200(2) 8.9%
Wellington Management Company, LLP 3,800,700(3) 8.7%
Mellon Financial Corporation 2,857,169(4) 6.5%
Vanguard Specialized Funds--Vanguard 2,312,000(5) 5.3%
Healthcare Fund
Kenneth D. Brody 7,306(6) --
William F. Buehler 4,750(6) --
Van C. Campbell 29,717(6)(7) --
James D. Chambers 158,504(8) --
Mary A. Cirillo 7,306(6)(7) --
Kenneth W. Freeman 711,345(8) 1.6%
William R. Grant 8,014(6)(9) --
Robert A. Hagemann 59,693(8) --
Gerald S. Marrone 71,761(8) --
Surya N. Mohapatra 56,482(8) --
John O. Parker 930(6)(10) --
Dan C. Stanzione 7,306(6) --
Gail R. Wilensky 7,306(6) --
John B. Ziegler 0(11) --
All Directors, Nominees and Executive
Officers as a Group (18 persons) 1,169,608(6)(8)(12) 2.7%
</TABLE>
26 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
(1) The business address of SmithKline Beecham plc is New Horizons Court,
Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9EP, England. The shares are held of record by
SmithKline Beecham Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of SmithKline
Beecham plc. This information is based solely on the information contained
on a Schedule 13D filed by SmithKline Beecham with the Securities and
Exchange Commission in August 1999.
(2) The business address of FMR Corp., which is the parent of Fidelity
Management & Research Corporation, is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA
02109. FMR Corp. has sole dispositive power (but does not have voting power)
over all these shares. This information is based solely on the information
contained in a Schedule 13-G filed by FMR Corp. with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on February 14, 2000.
(3) The business address of Wellington Management Company, LLP ("WMC") is 75
State Street, Boston, MA 02109. WMC has shared dispositive power (but not
shared voting power) over all these shares. This information is based solely
on the information contained on a Schedule 13-G filed by WMC with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2000.
(4) The business address of Mellon Financial Corporation ("MFC") is One Mellon
Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15258. MFC beneficially owns all these shares,
together with Boston Group Holdings, Inc. This information is based solely
on the information contained in a Schedule 13-G filed by MFC with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on January 20, 2000.
(5) The business address of Vanguard Specialized Funds--Vanguard Healthcare Fund
("Vanguard") is P.O. Box 2600, Valley Forge, PA 19482. Vanguard beneficially
owns all these shares and has sole voting power (but not sole dispositive
power). This information is based solely on the information contained in a
Schedule 13-G filed by Vanguard with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on February 4, 2000.
(6) Includes options issued under the Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee
Directors that are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(7) In addition, Mr. Campbell and Ms. Cirillo have credited to their accounts
the equivalent of 4,493 and 3,028 shares, respectively, of common stock
under Quest Diagnostics' Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors. Deferred
fees will be paid solely in cash at or following termination of service as a
director, with the amount of the payment based on the then value of Quest
Diagnostics' common stock.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 27
<PAGE>
(8) Includes shares of common stock which are subject to options issued under
Quest Diagnostics' Stock Option Plan that are presently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days. Mr. Chambers, Mr. Freeman, Mr. Hagemann, Mr.
Marrone and Dr. Mohapatra have the right to purchase 113,283, 503,878,
35,360, 45,000 and 26,666 shares, respectively, pursuant to such presently
exercisable options.
(9) Mr. Grant was nominated to be a director of the Company by SmithKline
Beecham pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement discussed below. Mr. Grant, a
former director of SmithKline Beecham, disclaims beneficial ownership of the
shares of common stock owned by SmithKline Beecham.
(10) Mr. Parker was nominated to be a director of the Company by SmithKline
Beecham pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement discussed below. Mr. Parker,
the Senior Vice President, Information Resources of SmithKline Beecham
Corporation, a subsidiary of SmithKline Beecham, disclaims beneficial
ownership of the shares of common stock owned by SmithKline Beecham. Mr.
Parker's term expires on May 9, 2000 and SmithKline Beecham has nominated
Mr. Ziegler as Mr. Parker's replacement.
(11) Mr. Ziegler has been nominated to be a director of the Company by
SmithKline Beecham pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement discussed below.
Mr. Ziegler, the President, Worldwide Consumer Healthcare of SmithKline
Beecham, disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock owned
by SmithKline Beecham.
(12) Includes 241 shares owned by the spouses and minor children of certain
executive officers and directors as to which such officers and directors
disclaim beneficial ownership.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
- ---------------------------------
Smithkline Beecham
SmithKline Beecham plc owns 12,564,336 shares of Quest Diagnostics' common stock
which it obtained on August 16, 1999 as consideration, together with $1.025
billion in cash, for its sale of SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories, Inc.
("SBCL") to Quest Diagnostics.
- ---------------------------------
Stockholders Agreement
Quest Diagnostics entered into a stockholders agreement with SmithKline Beecham
upon the closing of the purchase of SBCL. During the ten-year term of the
stockholders agreement, SmithKline Beecham has the right to designate two
nominees to the Quest Diagnostics' Board of Directors (or three nominees if the
Company's Board of Directors consists of more than ten directors) as long as
SmithKline Beecham owns at least 20% of the outstanding common
28 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
stock of Quest Diagnostics. The stockholders agreement imposes limitations on
the right of SmithKline Beecham to sell or vote its shares and prohibits
SmithKline Beecham from acquiring in excess of 29.5% of the outstanding common
stock of Quest Diagnostics.
- ---------------------------------
Clinical Trials Agreement
At the closing, SmithKline Beecham and Quest Diagnostics entered into a global
clinical trials testing agreement. Under this agreement, SmithKline Beecham will
use Quest Diagnostics as the provider of SmithKline Beecham's clinical trials
testing requirements for ten years. The services that Quest Diagnostics will
provide to SmithKline Beecham include support for studies conducted by
SmithKline Beecham of the effects of pharmacological compounds on humans.
SmithKline Beecham will pay Quest Diagnostics fees based upon a fee schedule
attached to the global clinical trials agreement, subject to adjustment. Quest
Diagnostics received approximately $10.3 million from SmithKline Beecham with
respect to services performed during 1999 after the closing of the acquisition
of SBCL.
- ---------------------------------
Transition Services Agreement
At the closing of the acquisition of SBCL, SmithKline Beecham and Quest
Diagnostics entered into a transition services agreement which requires
SmithKline Beecham to provide various administrative services that SmithKline
Beecham previously performed for its clinical laboratories testing business. The
agreement terminates on December 31, 2000. The services covered by this
agreement include treasury, payroll and benefits administration, human resource
services, telecommunications, and information resource management. Generally,
the fees associated with each respective service are substantially at cost and
are listed in a schedule attached to the transition services agreement. Quest
Diagnostics paid approximately $4.6 million to SmithKline Beecham with respect
to services performed under the transition services agreement in 1999.
- ---------------------------------
Data Access Agreements
At the closing of the acquisition of SBCL, Quest Diagnostics entered into two
data access agreements under which SmithKline Beecham has the right to use Quest
Diagnostics' laboratory data. Under the first agreement, SmithKline Beecham has
the right to use the data (a) within SmithKline Beecham and its affiliates and
(b) in programs or services supplied to third parties in support of disease
state categories which SmithKline Beecham is developing, marketing, or selling
pharmaceutical or vaccine products. Under the second agreement, SmithKline
Beecham has the right, through a new entity to be formed ("Newco") in which the
Company will receive approximately a 29.5% equity interest before any external
financing, to commercialize information programs or services that include
laboratory data (but are materially enhanced by the inclusion of non-laboratory
data). Quest Diagnostics is not required to advance funds to the new entity but
Quest Diagnostics'
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 29
<PAGE>
interest will be diluted if Quest Diagnostics does not advance funds and/or
other parties invest in the new entity. If SmithKline Beecham does not organize
the new entity by August 16, 2000, Quest Diagnostics can terminate the second
agreement. Both agreements restrict disclosure of data that would identify the
patient or payor without appropriate authorization. Following an initial term
ending 42 months following the closing, each data access agreement can be
renewed by SmithKline Beecham or Newco, as the case may be, for seven successive
one-year renewal options. No fee was required to be paid for 1999. The fees
payable during the balance of the initial term will be below market prices, but
at the time of renewal, terms will generally be determined based on the most
favorable rate that Quest Diagnostics charges third party for similar access to
and use of Quest Diagnostics' laboratory data.
- ---------------------------------
Indemnification
The stock and asset purchase agreement for the acquisition of SBCL includes
customary indemnification agreements relating to breaches of representations,
warranties and covenants of SmithKline Beecham and Quest Diagnostics. Except for
the obligations of SmithKline Beecham and Quest Diagnostics with respect to tax
indemnification payments, the obligations of both SmithKline Beecham and Quest
Diagnostics to indemnify each other for breaches of representations and
warranties and pre-closing covenants are each subject to $25 million deductible
amounts. In addition, their obligations to indemnify each other for breach of
some specified representations and warranties and pre-closing covenants, other
than those relating to taxes, cannot be greater than $946.6 million and Quest
Diagnostics' indemnification obligation for breaches of representations and
warranties and pre-closing covenants, other than those relating to taxes, cannot
be greater than $245 million. All amounts paid under these indemnification
agreements are net of amounts recovered from insurance and are calculated on an
after-tax basis.
In addition to the above indemnification provisions, in the stock and asset
purchase agreement, SmithKline Beecham has agreed to indemnify Quest Diagnostics
against monetary payments required to be made to the United States government or
any state government, or any agency or subdivision of any of them, arising out
of alleged violations of applicable federal fraud and healthcare statutes and
relating to billing practices, in any case, that have been settled prior to or
are pending as of the closing date. SmithKline Beecham has also agreed to
indemnify Quest Diagnostics against monetary payments required to be made to
private parties, such as insurance companies, relating to or arising out of the
governmental claims described in the prior sentence. The indemnification with
respect to governmental claims is for 100% of these claims while the
indemnification with respect to the private party claims is for 100% of those
claims, up to an aggregate amount of $80 million, 50% of those claims to the
extent they exceed $80 million but are than
30 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
$130 million and 100% of those claims to the extent that they exceed
$130 million plus 80% of out-of-pocket costs and expenses.
The special indemnification does not cover:
- - Governmental claims that arise after the closing date from service of a
subpoena or other notice of such investigation after the closing date;
- - private claims unrelated to the indemnified governmental claims or
investigations; or
- - any consequential or incidental damages relating to the billing claims,
including losses of revenues and profits as a consequence of exclusion from
participation in federal or state health care programs.
SmithKline Beecham is also required to indemnify Quest Diagnostics against any
action, matter or claim arising from SmithKline Beecham's conduct of its
business prior to the closing date (including medical professional liability
claims) to the extent that these claims are covered by its insurance policies or
would have been covered by policies if not for existing alternative arrangements
made by SmithKline Beecham for the payment of such claims. SmithKline Beecham is
also required to indemnify Quest Diagnostics and its affiliates for the
out-of-pocket costs of the counseling and testing, for liabilities arising out
of the civil actions, and for other losses arising out of the conduct of an SBCL
employee at a patient service center in Palo Alto, California who, at times,
reused certain needles when drawing blood from patients, other than
consequential damages.
- ---------------------------------
Corning
Corning Incorporated owns all of the 1,000 outstanding shares of Quest
Diagnostics' voting cumulative preferred stock, which shares were issued to
Corning Life Sciences Inc. and subsequently transferred to Corning during the
fourth quarter of 1996. Prior to December 31, 1996, Quest Diagnostics was a
wholly owned subsidiary of Corning. During 1999, Quest Diagnostics paid to
Corning $117,500 in preferred stock dividends.
- ---------------------------------
Transaction Agreement
Under the Transaction Agreement entered into in connection with the 1996
spin-off of Quest Diagnostics, Corning agreed to indemnify Quest Diagnostics
against all monetary penalties, fines or settlements for any government claims
that (1) arise out of alleged violations of applicable federal fraud and
healthcare statutes; (2) relate to billing practices of Quest Diagnostics and
its predecessors; and (3) were pending in December 31, 1996.
Corning has also agreed to indemnify Quest Diagnostics in respect of private
claims relating to indemnified or previously settled government claims that
alleged overbilling by Quest Diagnostics or any of its existing subsidiaries for
services provided before January 1, 1997. Corning will indemnify Quest
Diagnostics for 50% of the aggregate of all judgment or settlement payments made
by December 31, 2001 that exceed $42 million. The 50% share will be
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 31
<PAGE>
limited to a total amount of $25 million and will be reduced to take into
account any deductions or tax benefits realized by Quest Diagnostics, or a
consolidated group of which Quest Diagnostics is a member, to the extent that
the deductions or tax benefits are deemed to actually reduce the tax liability
of Quest Diagnostics. Corning will not indemnify Quest Diagnostics against
damages suffered as a result of, or incidental to, the billing claims and the
fees and expenses of litigation.
Quest Diagnostics will control the defense of any government claim or
investigation unless Corning elects to assume the defense. However, in the case
of all non-government claims related to indemnified government claims of alleged
overbilling, Quest Diagnostics will control the defense. All disputes relating
to the Corning indemnification agreement are subject to binding arbitration.
- ---------------------------------
Tax Sharing Agreement
In connection with the 1996 spin-off from Corning, Quest Diagnostics and another
former Corning subsidiary entered into a tax sharing agreement with Corning
which allocates responsibility for federal income and various other taxes for
1996 and prior years among the three companies. The tax sharing agreement
further provides in general that if the 1996 spin-off becomes taxable, this tax
is allocated among Corning, Quest Diagnostics and the other former Corning
subsidiary in such a manner as will take into account the extent to which the
actions or inactions of each may have caused the tax and each will indemnify and
hold harmless the other from and against the taxes so allocated.
Compensation and Nominating Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Based solely on a review of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to
Quest Diagnostics during 1999, Forms 5 and amendments thereto furnished to Quest
Diagnostics with respect to 1999 and written representations furnished to Quest
Diagnostics, Quest Diagnostics believes that all reports required by Section
16(a) of the Exchange Act were filed on a timely basis.
Proposals of Stockholders
The proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at Quest Diagnostics'
2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received by Quest Diagnostics at its
office at One Malcolm Avenue, Teterboro, New Jersey 07608, Attention: Corporate
Secretary, on or before November 20, 2000, if they are to be considered for
possible inclusion in the 2001 Proxy Statement and form of proxy, in accordance
with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
32 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Quest Diagnostics files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements
and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read
and copy any reports, statements or other information that we file at the
Securities and Exchange Commission's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C.,
New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the Securities and
Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public
reference rooms. Our Securities and Exchange Commission filings are also
available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the
Internet web site maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at
http://www.sec.gov. Reports, proxy statements and other information should also
be available for inspection at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange.
The annual report to stockholders being sent in connection with this proxy
statement includes (other than the exhibits thereto) the entire annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999. Upon request, the Company will
provide without charge a copy of its annual report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1999 to each record or beneficial owner of its common stock.
Such requests should be directed to:
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
One Malcolm Avenue
Teterboro, New Jersey 07608
Attn: Corporate Secretary
(201) 393-5000
By Order of the Board of Directors
Leo C. Farrenkopf, Jr.
Vice President and Secretary
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 33
<PAGE>
Exhibit A
Paragraph 11 of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation
11. Indemnification. (a) No director of the Corporation shall have any personal
liability to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach
of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that this provision shall not
eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the
director's duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts
or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law
of the State of Delaware, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit.
(b) Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party
to or is involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative (hereinafter a "proceeding"), by reason of the
fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or is or
was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of
another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other
enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether
the basis of such proceeding is alleged action either in an official capacity as
a director or officer or in any other capacity while serving as a director or
officer, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the
fullest extent authorized by the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of
any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the
Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted
the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), against all expenses,
liability and loss (including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, excise taxes
pursuant to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or
penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or
suffered by such person in connection therewith and such indemnification shall
continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall
inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators;
provided, however, that the Corporation shall indemnify any such person seeking
indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by
such person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation. The right to be indemnified conferred in
this Paragraph 11 shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be
paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding
in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that the payment of such
expenses incurred by the director or officer in his or her capacity
34 -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement
<PAGE>
as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or
is to be rendered by such person while a director or officer, including, without
limitation, service to an employee benefit plan), in advance of the final
disposition of proceeding, shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation
of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such director or officer, to repay all
amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or
officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Paragraph or otherwise. The
Corporation may, by action of its Directors, also provide indemnification to
employees and agents of the Corporation with the same scope and effect as the
foregoing indemnification of directors and officers.
(c) The indemnification provided by this Paragraph 11 shall not limit or exclude
any rights, indemnities or limitations of liability to which any person may be
entitled, whether as a matter of law, under the By-Laws of the Corporation, by
agreement, vote of the stockholders or disinterested directors of the
Corporation or otherwise.
(d) If a claim under paragraph (b) of this Paragraph 11 is not paid in full by
the Corporation within sixty (60) days after a written claim has been received
by the Corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against
the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in
whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of
prosecuting such claim. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an
action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any
proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the required undertaking,
if any is required, has been tendered to the Corporation) that the claimant has
not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware for the Corporation to indemnify the
claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be
on the Corporation. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board,
independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination
prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is
proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard or
conduct set forth in the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, nor
an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board, independent
legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such
applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the claimant has
not met the applicable standard of conduct.
(e) The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself
and any director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any
such expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the
power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated -- 2000 Proxy Statement -- 35
<PAGE>
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - MAY 9, 2000
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED
The undersigned hereby appoints Kenneth W. Freeman, Michael E. Prevoznik and Leo
C. Farrenkopf, Jr., and each of them, proxies for the undersigned, with full
power of substitution and revocation, to vote all shares of the Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, which the
undersigned is entitled to vote, with all powers the undersigned would possess
if personally present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated, to be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2000 at 10:00 a.m., local time, in
New York, New York, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof. The
undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and accompanying Proxy Statement and the Annual Report to
Stockholders and hereby instructs said proxies to vote said shares as indicated
herein. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
A majority of the proxies present and acting at the Annual Meeting in
person or by substitute (or, if only one shall be so present, then that one)
shall have and may exercise all of the power and authority of said proxies
hereunder. The undersigned hereby revokes any proxy previously given.
PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THIS PROXY ON THE REVERSE
SIDE AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED, POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE, TO
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED
c/o Harris Trust and Savings Bank
P.O. Box 2702
Chicago, Illinois 60690-9402
PLEASE INDICATE YOUR VOTE BY AN `'X" IN THE APPROPRIATE BOX ON
THE REVERSE SIDE
This proxy, if properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed
by the undersigned stockholders. If no direction is made, this proxy will be
voted, FOR the election of the Board's nominees, FOR ratification of the
selection of the independent public accountants, and FOR approval of an
Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:
FOR all nominees listed below WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
(except as marked to the contrary below) / / to vote for all nominees below / /
For terms expiring in 2003, 01-Kenneth W. Freeman,
02-Gail R. Wilensky, and 03-John B. Ziegler
INSTRUCTION. To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, strike
a line through the nominee's name above.
2. PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE SELECTION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS INDEPENDENT
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS TO AUDIT THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF QUEST DIAGNOSTICS FOR
THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2000.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
3. PROPOSAL TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO PARAGRAPH 11 OF QUEST DIAGNOSTICS'
RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO CONFORM WITH A RECENT CHANGE TO SECTION
145(D) OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
Date:_________________________ 2000
------------------------------------
(Signature)
------------------------------------
(Signature if held jointly)
------------------------------------
(Title or authority (if applicable))
</TABLE>
For Information Only:
Check here if you plan to attend the meeting / /
Check here to discontinue mailing duplicate
Annual Report / /
NOTE: Please sign above exactly as your name appears on this Proxy Card. If
shares are registered in more than one name, the signatures of all such persons
are required. A corporation should sign in its full corporate name by a duly
authorized officer stating his or her title. Trustees, guardians, executors and
administrators should sign in their official capacity, giving their full title
as such. If a partnership, please sign in the partnership name by authorized
person(s).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Detach Proxy Card Here
CONTROL NUMBER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOW YOU CAN VOTE YOUR SHARES BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET! QUICK * EASY *
IMMEDIATE * AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY * 7 DAYS A WEEK
QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INCORPORATED ENCOURAGES YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE NEW AND
CONVENIENT WAYS TO VOTE YOUR SHARES. IF VOTING BY PROXY, THIS YEAR YOU MAY VOTE
BY MAIL, OR CHOOSE ONE OF THE TWO METHODS DESCRIBED BELOW. YOUR TELEPHONE OR
INTERNET VOTE AUTHORIZES THE NAMED PROXIES TO VOTE YOUR SHARES IN THE SAME
MANNER AS IF YOU MARKED, SIGNED, AND RETURNED YOUR PROXY CARD. TO VOTE BY
TELEPHONE OR INTERNET, READ THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT AND THEN FOLLOW
THESE EASY STEPS:
TO VOTE BY PHONE Call TOLL FREE 1-800-213-3198 any
time on a touch tone telephone.
There is NO CHARGE to you for
the call.
Enter the 6-digit CONTROL NUMBER
located above.
Option #1: To vote as the Board of
Directors recommends on ALL
proposals: Press 1
When asked, please confirm your vote
by pressing
1. Option #2: If you choose to vote on
each proposal separately, Press 0
and follow the recorded
instructions.
<PAGE>
TO VOTE BY INTERNET Go to the following Website:
WWW.HARRISBANK.COM/WPROXY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enter the information requested on
your computer screen, including the
6-digit CONTROL NUMBER located
above.
Follow the instructions on the
screen.
IF YOU VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET, DO NOT MAIL BACK THE PROXY CARD.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING
