<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A
(EXCHANGE ACT RULE 14A-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[ ] 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 Rule 14a-12
</TABLE>
R.H. DONNELLEY CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
LOGO
R.H. DONNELLEY CORPORATION
ONE MANHATTANVILLE ROAD
PURCHASE, NEW YORK 10577
------------------------
March 22, 2000
To Our Stockholders:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
of R.H. Donnelley Corporation to be held on May 4, 2000, at 9:00 a.m. local
time, at CT Corporation, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware.
The Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement dated March 22, 2000
accompanying this letter describe the business to be acted upon at the meeting.
The Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999 and a form of proxy are
also enclosed. These materials are being mailed to all stockholders on or about
March 27, 2000.
Sincerely,
/s/ Frank R. Noonan
Frank R. Noonan
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE> 3
LOGO
R.H. DONNELLEY CORPORATION
ONE MANHATTANVILLE ROAD
PURCHASE, NEW YORK 10577
------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 4, 2000
To the Stockholders of
R.H. Donnelley Corporation:
Notice is hereby given that the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the
"Meeting") of R.H. Donnelley Corporation (the "Company") will be held on May 4,
2000, at 9:00 a.m. local time, at CT Corporation, 1209 Orange Street,
Wilmington, Delaware.
At the Meeting, you will be asked to vote upon the following matters:
1. Election of two Class I members of the Board of Directors, each for a
term of three years;
2. Ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the
Company's independent accountants for 2000; and
3. Any other matters that may properly come before the Meeting or any
postponements or adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 6, 2000 as
the record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, the Meeting or any postponements or adjournments thereof. A
list of such stockholders will be available at the Meeting and, during the ten
days prior to the Meeting, at the place of the Meeting as well as the Company's
executive offices located at One Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York 10577.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Jane B. Clark
Jane B. Clark
Vice President and
Corporate Secretary
Purchase, New York
March 22, 2000
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU
MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE POSTAGE PREPAID
ENVELOPE PROVIDED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY REVOKE
YOUR PROXY AT THAT TIME AND VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON AT THE MEETING.
<PAGE> 4
LOGO
R.H. DONNELLEY CORPORATION
ONE MANHATTANVILLE ROAD
PURCHASE, NEW YORK 10577
------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by
the Board of Directors of R.H. Donnelley Corporation (the "Company") of proxies
for use at the Company's 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting") or
at any adjournments or postponements thereof.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Questions and Answers....................................... 2
Proposals to be Voted Upon.................................. 5
Board of Directors.......................................... 6
Nominees.................................................. 6
Directors Continuing in Office............................ 6
Committees of the Board of Directors...................... 8
Attendance at Board Meetings.............................. 8
Director and Executive Compensation......................... 9
Directors' Compensation................................... 9
Executive Compensation.................................... 9
Employment Agreements..................................... 13
Performance Measurement Comparison........................ 15
Report of the Compensation and Benefits Committee......... 16
Security Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners And
Management................................................ 20
Other Information........................................... 22
How to Nominate Members of the Board of Directors......... 22
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange
Act.................................................... 22
Delivery of Annual Report on Form 10-K.................... 22
Return of Proxy........................................... 23
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 5
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHAT AM I VOTING ON AT THE MEETING?
A: 1. Election of two Class I members of the Board of Directors of the
Company for three year terms (Diane P. Baker and Robert Kamerschen);
and
2. Ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company's
independent accountants for 2000.
(See page 5 for more details.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHAT DOES THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND WITH RESPECT TO THE MATTERS
TO BE PRESENTED AT THE MEETING?
A: The Board of Directors recommends a vote IN FAVOR of the (i) election
of the nominees for the Class I members of the Board of Directors; and
(ii) ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company's
independent accountants for 2000.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE?
A: Stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 6, 2000
(the "Record Date") are entitled to vote at the Meeting. As of the
Record Date, 32,422,752 shares of the Company's common stock were
outstanding and entitled to vote at the Meeting. As of the Record Date,
the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock were held by
approximately 8,500 holders of record in addition to approximately
22,500 stockholders whose shares were held in nominee name. Each share
of common stock is entitled to one vote on each proposal to properly
come before the Meeting.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: HOW DO I VOTE BY PROXY?
A: Sign and date each proxy card that you receive and return it in the
postage prepaid envelope. The proxy will be voted at the Meeting
according to your instructions as indicated on the proxy card. If no
instructions are given, then your proxy will be voted in favor of the
proposals described herein and on the proxy card. With respect to
proposals brought before the Meeting but not referenced on the proxy
card or in this Proxy Statement, your proxy will be voted in the
discretion of the proxies named on the proxy card. (See page 3 for more
details.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: MAY I REVOKE MY PROXY?
A: Yes. Your proxy may be revoked at any time before it is voted at the
Meeting by (i) written notice to the Secretary of the Company (at the
address of the Company set forth on the first page of this Proxy
Statement), (ii) a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or (iii)
voting in person at the Meeting.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2
<PAGE> 6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: HOW DO I VOTE SHARES THAT ARE HELD IN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS?
A: If you are a participant in the Company's Profit Participation Plan or
the DonTech Profit Participation Plan (collectively the "Plans") and
have funds invested in the Company's common stock, your proxy card will
serve as a voting instruction for the trustee of each of the Plans.
Fractional shares you hold in the Plans are not printed on the proxy
card but will be voted by the trustee as if included thereon. If a
proxy covering shares in the Plans has not been received on or before
April 28, 2000, or if it is signed and returned without instructions,
the trustee will vote those shares in the same proportion as the shares
for which it has received instructions, except as otherwise required by
law.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHO WILL COUNT THE VOTE AT THE MEETING?
A: Representatives of CT Corporation will tabulate the vote and act as
inspector of election at the Meeting.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM FOR THE MEETING?
A: A majority of the Company's outstanding shares, present or represented
by proxy at the Meeting, constitutes a quorum for purposes of
conducting business at the Meeting. Shares represented by proxies that
are marked "abstain" or "withhold authority" on any or all matters will
be counted as shares present for purposes of determining the presence
of a quorum on all matters. Proxies relating to shares held in "street
name" that are voted by brokers on some but not all of the matters will
be treated as shares present for purposes of determining the presence
of a quorum on all matters.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHAT ARE THE VOTING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE APPROVAL OF EACH OF THE
PROPOSALS?
A: 1. The nominees for Class I members of the Board of Directors must be
elected by a plurality of the shares present in person or represented
by proxy and entitled to vote; and
2. The ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
the Company's independent accountants for 2000 requires the approval of
the majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy
and entitled to vote. (See page 5 for further details.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: HOW IS MY PROXY VOTED ON MATTERS NOT IDENTIFIED ON THE PROXY CARD OR IN
THIS PROXY STATEMENT?
A: The Board of Directors presently knows of no other matters to be
presented for action at the Meeting. However, the proxy card confers
upon the persons named on the proxy card authority to vote your shares
in their discretion upon any other matter that may properly come before
the Meeting.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I GET MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD?
A: It means that your shares are registered differently and, therefore,
are in more than one account. Sign and return all proxy cards to ensure
that all of your shares are voted. To provide better stockholder
services, we encourage you to have all shares and accounts registered
in the same name and address. You may do this by contacting our
transfer agent, First Chicago Trust Company, at (800) 519-3111.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3
<PAGE> 7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHO MAY ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING?
A: All stockholders as of the Record Date (March 6, 2000) are invited to
attend, although seating may be limited.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHO IS BEARING THE COST OF THIS PROXY SOLICITATION AND HOW IS THE
SOLICITATION EFFECTED?
A: The cost of soliciting proxies, including expenses in connection with
preparing and mailing this Proxy Statement, will be borne by the
Company. The solicitation of proxies may be made by directors, officers
and employees of the Company personally or by mail, telephone or
facsimile communication. No additional compensation will be paid for
such solicitation. In addition, arrangements will be made with
brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to
forward proxy soliciting material to the beneficial owners of stock
held of record by such persons, and the Company will reimburse them for
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in so doing.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES MAY THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED?
A: Adjournments may be made for the purpose of, among other things,
soliciting additional proxies. Any adjournment may be made from time to
time by approval of the holders of a majority of the shares present in
person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting
(whether or not a quorum exists) without further notice other than by
an announcement made at the Meeting. The Company does not currently
intend to seek an adjournment of the Meeting.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHEN ARE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS DUE FOR INCLUSION IN THE COMPANY'S PROXY
STATEMENT FOR THE 2001 ANNUAL MEETING?
A: Proposals of the Company's stockholders intended to be presented at the
Company's 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received by the
Company no later than November 24, 2000 to be included in the Company's
proxy statement and form of proxy relating to the 2001 Annual Meeting.
Any proposal should be addressed to Stephen B. Wiznitzer, Esq., Senior
Vice President and General Counsel, R.H. Donnelley Corporation, One
Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York 10577, and should be sent by
certified mail, return receipt requested. (Also see "Other
Information -- How to Nominate Members of the Board of Directors" on
page 22.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4
<PAGE> 8
PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED UPON
PROPOSAL 1:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Company is divided into three classes. At the
2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Diane P. Baker and Robert Kamerschen,
presently Class I directors and the Board of Directors' nominees for Class I of
the Board of Directors, are up for re-election. (See page 6 for more information
regarding the nominees.) If elected, they will each serve until the 2003 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and until their respective successors are duly elected
and qualified. Unless a proxy shall specify that it is not to be voted for them,
the shares of common stock represented by each duly executed and returned proxy
will be voted FOR their election as directors.
With respect to the election of directors, only shares that are voted in
favor of a particular nominee will be counted toward such nominee's achievement
of a plurality. Shares present at the Meeting that are not voted for a
particular nominee or shares present by proxy where the stockholder properly
withholds authority to vote for such nominee or broker non-votes will not be
counted toward such nominee's achievement of a plurality. A "broker non-vote"
occurs when a broker does not have the authority to vote on a particular
proposal. This happens because brokers who hold shares in "street name" have the
authority to vote only on certain routine matters in the absence of instructions
from the beneficial owners.
If any nominee does not stand for re-election at the Meeting, an event
which the Board of Directors does not anticipate, the proxies will be voted for
a substitute nominee appointed by the Board of Directors.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE
NOMINEES.
PROPOSAL 2:
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
It is proposed that the stockholders ratify the appointment by the Board of
Directors of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent accountants for the
Company for the year ending December 31, 2000. The Company expects
representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to be present at the Meeting and
available to respond to appropriate questions submitted by stockholders. Such
representatives will also be afforded an opportunity at such time to make such
statements as they may desire.
Approval by the stockholders of the appointment of the Company's
independent accountants is not required by law or the Company's organizational
documents, but the Board of Directors deems it desirable to submit this matter
to stockholders. If holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common
stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the
Meeting do not ratify the Company's appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
the selection of independent accountants will be reconsidered by the Board, but
not necessarily changed.
With respect to Proposal 2, if a stockholder abstains from voting or
directs the stockholder's proxy to abstain from voting, the shares are
considered present at the Meeting for such proposal but, since they are not
affirmative votes for the proposal, they will have the same effect as votes
against the proposal. With respect to broker non-votes on such proposal, the
shares are not considered present at the Meeting for such proposal and they are,
therefore, not counted in respect of such proposal. Such broker non-votes,
however, do have the practical effect of reducing the number of affirmative
votes required to achieve a majority for such proposal by reducing the total
number of shares from which the majority is calculated.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT
OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE COMPANY FOR
2000.
5
<PAGE> 9
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NOMINEES
CLASS I -- TERM TO EXPIRE AT THE 2003 ANNUAL MEETING
DIANE P. BAKER Director since June 1998
Ms. Baker, 45, was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The
New York Times Company from 1995 to 1998. From 1990 through 1995, Ms. Baker was
Group Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of R.H. Macy & Co., Inc.
Ms. Baker is a Trustee for the New School University and serves on the boards of
a number of not-for-profit organizations.
ROBERT KAMERSCHEN Director since June 1998
Mr. Kamerschen, 64, has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DIMAC
Corporation since September 1999. In July 1999, he retired as Chairman of ADVO,
Inc., a position he had held since 1989, and has served as Senior Consultant to
ADVO, Inc. since July 1999. Prior to January 1999, in addition to serving as
Chairman of ADVO, Inc., Mr. Kamerschen had also been Chief Executive Officer
since 1988. Mr. Kamerschen currently serves on the boards of Coolsavings.com,
DIMAC Corporation, IMS Health Incorporated, Micrografx, Inc., Tandy Corporation
and TravelCLICK.com. Mr. Kamerschen is a Trustee for the University of Hartford
and serves on the boards of a number of not-for-profit organizations.
DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
CLASS II -- TERM EXPIRES AT THE 2001 ANNUAL MEETING
KENNETH G. CAMPBELL Director since November 1999
Mr. Campbell, 53, was the co-founder and has been President and Chief
Executive Officer of Centegy Corporation (formerly NETEQ, Inc.) since 1998. Mr.
Campbell co-founded and was Executive Vice President of Affiliate Sales and
Operations at USWEB from 1995 to 1998. From 1992 to 1995, Mr. Campbell was Vice
President and General Manager, North America at Inmac Corporation. From 1990 to
1992, Mr. Campbell was co-founder and President of Advanced Partners. Prior to
that, Mr. Campbell held management positions at CopyMat Corporation from 1988 to
1990 and was co-founder and Vice President of Sales and Operations for
USTelecenters from 1985 to 1988. Mr. Campbell serves on the board of Centegy
Corporation.
CAROL J. PARRY Director since June 1998
Ms. Parry, 58, was Executive Vice President in charge of the Community
Development Group at The Chase Manhattan Bank (the "Bank") from 1996 to June
1999. Ms. Parry was Managing Director of the Bank's Community Development Group
from 1992 to 1996 and served on the Bank's Policy Council, the central governing
body of the Bank, from 1997 to 1999. Ms. Parry was nominated to be a member of
the Federal Reserve Board in August 1999 pending Senate confirmation. Ms. Parry
serves on the Federal Reserve Board Advisory Council and the advisory board for
the Community Development Financial Institutions Program. Ms. Parry is a Trustee
for the Committee for Economic Development and serves on the boards of a number
of not-for-profit organizations.
The Bank is Administrative Agent for, and one of the lenders under, the
Company's $400 million credit facility, and an affiliate of the Bank was one of
the initial purchasers of the Company's 9 1/8% subordinated notes in the
aggregate principal amount of $150 million. In connection with serving in such
roles, the Bank and its affiliate received usual and customary fees. All of such
debt was incurred by the Company in order to fund certain cash distributions
payable to The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation
6
<PAGE> 10
("D&B"), the Company's former parent, in connection with the spin-off
("Spin-Off") of D&B from the Company effective as of July 1, 1998.
BARRY LAWSON WILLIAMS Director since June 1998
Mr. Williams, 55, has been President and Founder of Williams Pacific
Ventures, Inc. since 1988, Senior Mediator of JAMS/Endispute, Inc. since 1993,
Adjunct Lecturer, Entrepreneurship at Haas School of Business since 1995, and
General Partner of WDG Ventures since 1987. Mr. Williams serves on the boards of
CompUSA, Inc., Newhall Land & Farming Company, PG&E Corp. and Simpson
Manufacturing Company. Mr. Williams is Head Trustee of the Willits Environmental
Trust and serves on the boards of a number of not-for-profit organizations.
CLASS III -- TERM EXPIRES AT THE 2002 ANNUAL MEETING
DARIUS W. GASKINS, JR. Director since November 1999
Mr. Gaskins, 60, has been a founding partner of Norbridge, Inc. since 1993
and a partner of High Street Associates since 1991. Mr. Gaskins was a visiting
professor at Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Center
for Business and Government from 1989-1991. Mr. Gaskins served as President and
Chief Executive Officer of Burlington Northern Railroad from 1985 to 1989. Prior
to that, Mr. Gaskins held several senior federal government positions including
Chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission. Mr. Gaskins serves on the boards
of Anacomp, Inc., Northwestern Steel and Wire Company and Sapient Corporation.
Mr. Gaskins is Chairman of Resources for the Future, a not-for-profit
organization.
WILLIAM G. JACOBI Director since June 1998
Mr. Jacobi, 56, was Chairman of Nielsen Media Research, Inc. from November
1996 to October 1999. He was Chairman of IMS International from February 1995 to
December 1997 and Executive Vice President of Cognizant Corporation from
September 1996 to December 1997. Mr. Jacobi served as Executive Vice President
of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation from February 1995 to October 1996 and
Senior Vice President of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation from July 1993 to
February 1995. Mr. Jacobi was President and Chief Operating Officer of Nielsen
Media Research, Inc. from 1991 to 1993. Mr. Jacobi held other management
positions at Dun & Bradstreet since joining in 1978. Mr. Jacobi serves on the
board of the Windward School.
FRANK R. NOONAN Director since April 1998
Mr. Noonan, 57, has been a director of R.H. Donnelley Inc. since February
1995, President since August 1991, and has been Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and R.H. Donnelley Inc. since June 30, 1998. Mr. Noonan
was a director of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation from April 1998 to June 1998.
Mr. Noonan was Senior Vice President Finance of Dun & Bradstreet Information
Services from 1989 to August 1991. Prior to joining Dun & Bradstreet, Mr. Noonan
served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of UNUM Corporation
and in various financial positions for the General Electric Company. Mr. Noonan
is Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees for New York United Hospital Medical
Center, a member of the Boards of Trustees of Manhattanville College and the
University of New Hampshire Foundation, Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors
for the Buick Classic, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Yellow
Pages Publishers Association.
7
<PAGE> 11
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Audit and Finance Committee
The Audit & Finance Committee has overall responsibility for the integrity
of the Company's financial reporting process, including oversight of the
preparation of financial statements and related financial information, as well
as the annual independent audit of such statements. The Audit & Finance
Committee, among other matters: recommends independent certified public
accountants; reviews the scope of the audit examination, including fees and
staffing; reviews the independence of the accountants; reviews and approves
non-audit services provided by the accountants, if any; reviews findings and
recommendations of the accountants and management's response; and reviews the
internal audit and control function. In addition, the Audit and Finance
Committee has responsibility for reviewing existing financing arrangements and
compliance therewith and for making recommendations to the Board regarding
financing requirements for the Company and sources for such financing. The Audit
and Finance Committee met three times during 1999. The Audit and Finance
Committee members are Messrs. Williams (chairperson) and Gaskins and Mdmes.
Baker and Parry.
Compensation & Benefits Committee
The Compensation & Benefits Committee, among other matters: reviews
management compensation programs; reviews and approves compensation changes for
senior management; and administers compensation and benefit plans for
management. The Compensation & Benefits Committee met four times during 1999.
The Compensation and Benefits Committee members are Messrs. Kamerschen
(chairperson) and Williams and Ms. Baker.
Corporate Governance Committee
The Corporate Governance Committee, among other matters: makes
recommendations to the Board regarding criteria to be used to assess
qualifications for Board membership; reviews qualifications of potential
candidates and makes recommendations to the Board of persons to serve on the
Board and the various committees of the Board; and makes recommendations to the
Board regarding corporate governance guidelines. The Corporate Governance
Committee, formerly the Nominating Committee, met three times during 1999. The
Corporate Governance Committee members are Ms. Parry (chairperson) and Messrs.
Campbell, Jacobi and Kamerschen.
Stockholders' recommendations for nominees to the Board of Directors will
be considered by the Corporate Governance Committee provided such nominations
are made in accordance with the Company's By-Laws. (See discussion on page 22.)
ATTENDANCE AT BOARD MEETINGS
Eight meetings of the Board of Directors were held during 1999. No director
attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate of all meetings of the Board of
Directors and of the committees of the Board on which he or she served during
the period for which he or she was a director.
8
<PAGE> 12
DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
Each non-employee director annually receives a cash retainer of $20,000,
1,500 deferred shares of the Company's common stock and an option to purchase
1,500 shares of the Company's common stock. In addition, each non-employee
director receives $1,000 for each Board and committee meeting he or she attends
and $1,000 for each committee meeting for which he or she serves as chairperson.
Each new non-employee director is granted an option to purchase 1,500 shares of
the Company's common stock upon his or her election to the Board of Directors.
All such deferred share and option grants vest in three equal installments as of
the close of business on the day immediately preceding the date of the three
annual meetings of stockholders immediately following the date of grant, subject
to acceleration in the event of death, disability or retirement or change in
control of the Company. Directors may elect to defer their cash retainer fees
into a deferred cash account, which may be invested in various investment
alternatives, a deferred share account or options to purchase additional shares
of the Company's common stock.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Background
Prior to July 1, 1998, the effective date of the Spin-Off, the below-named
officers were employed and paid by D&B. Thereafter, they have been employed and
paid by the Company.
Compensation Information
The following tables provide information regarding the compensation of the
Chief Executive Officer and the next four most highly compensated executive
officers (the "Executive Officer Group" and, together with the Chief Executive
Officer, the "Named Executive Officers") in 1999.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION AWARDS PAYOUTS
----------------------------- -------------------------------------
OTHER SECURITIES LONG- ALL
ANNUAL RESTRICTED UNDERLYING TERM OTHER
COMPEN- STOCK OPTIONS/ INCENTIVE COMPEN-
NAME AND SALARY BONUS(1) SATION(2) AWARD(S) SARS PAYOUTS(4) SATION(5)
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR ($) ($) ($) ($) (#) ($) ($)
- ------------------ ---- ------- -------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Frank R. Noonan.................. 1999 430,000 308,052 4,491 0 0 448,805 22,423
Chairman and Chief 1998 402,917 413,167 6,287 0 420,000 83,118 27,234
Executive Officer 1997 347,000 346,913 11,630 0 68,607 0 11,863
Philip C. Danford................ 1999 300,000 161,190 1,993 0 0 195,700 12,431
Senior Vice President and 1998 290,250 181,852 0 0 81,000 90,488 9,231
Chief Financial Officer 1997 265,000 238,582 0 0 56,498 0 8,787
David C. Swanson................. 1999 244,843 145,519 4,396 0 27,100(3) 152,935 9,998
President -- Directory
Services, 1998 206,875 108,820 3,144 0 58,050 11,713 8,096
R.H. Donnelley, Inc. 1997 195,000 41,927 2,162 0 27,336 0 6,238
Judith A. Norton................. 1999 210,000 94,028 4,005 0 0 107,852 10,623
Senior Vice President 1998 190,151 139,550 6,115 0 63,525 7,944 3,095
Human Resources(6)
Stephen B. Wiznitzer............. 1999 200,000 89,550 1,993 0 0 104,373 6,730
Senior Vice President and 1998 186,458 84,750 3,515 0 40,500 7,944 4,803
General Counsel(7) 1997 95,625 85,000 0 0 38,289 0 0
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The 1999 bonus awards were paid in February 2000 based on 1999 performance.
Included in 1998 for Mr. Noonan is a $50,000 special transition-related
bonus paid in connection with the Spin-Off. Included in 1998 for Ms. Norton
and 1997 for Mr. Wiznitzer are $50,000 sign-on bonuses.
9
<PAGE> 13
(2) Amounts shown represent reimbursement for taxes paid by the Named Executive
Officers with respect to company-directed travel and certain other expenses.
(3) In February 1999, Mr. Swanson received a grant of non-qualified stock
options covering 27,100 shares in connection with his promotion to President
of R.H. Donnelley Directory Services.
(4) Amounts shown for 1999 represent the dollar value of the performance shares
("PERS") earned under the Long-Term Incentive Plan. Upon completion of the
performance period (July 1, 1998 to December 31, 1999), a dollar amount was
determined for each recipient based on the Company's performance against
economic profit and EPS goals. The dollar amount was converted into a number
of performance shares by dividing the dollar amount of the award by the
Company's stock price (calculated as the average of the high and low prices
of the Company's common stock on the 10 trading days subsequent to approval
of the Company's 1999 financial statements by the Compensation and Benefits
Committee). Dollar amounts shown in 1999 represent one-third of the
aggregate award, which was paid in the form of shares in March 2000. An
additional one-third of the aggregate award will be payable in shares in the
first quarter of each of 2001 and 2002.
(5) Amounts shown represent aggregate annual Company contributions for the
account of each Named Executive Officer under the Company's Profit
Participation Plan (the "PPP") and the Profit Participation Benefit
Equalization Plan (the "PPBEP"). The PPP is a tax-qualified defined
contribution plan and the PPBEP is a non-qualified plan that provides
benefits to participants in the PPP equal to the amount of Company's
contributions that would have been made to the participant's PPP account but
for certain Federal tax laws.
(6) Ms. Norton has been employed by the Company since January 1998.
(7) Mr. Wiznitzer has been employed by the Company since June 1997.
STOCK OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST YEAR
The following table provides information on grants of options to the Named
Executive Officers for the year ended December 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL
SECURITIES OPTIONS/SARS
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR GRANT DATE
OPTIONS/SARS EMPLOYEES IN BASE PRICE EXPIRATION PRESENT
NAME GRANTED(1)(#) 1999(2) ($/SHARE) DATE VALUE(3)($)
---- ------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Frank R. Noonan............. 0 0 0 0 0
Philip C. Danford........... 0 0 0 0 0
David C. Swanson............ 27,100 32.6% 15.2187 02/23/09 193,657
Judith A. Norton............ 0 0 0 0 0
Stephen B. Wiznitzer........ 0 0 0 0 0
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The underlying options were granted to Mr. Swanson on February 23, 1999 at
market price and are exercisable in four equal installments on the first
four anniversaries of the date of grant.
(2) In 1999, stock options were generally granted as a one-time special
recognition or to select new hires only. See "Report of the Compensation and
Benefits Committee on Executive Compensation -- Compensation
Components -- Long Term Equity Opportunities -- Stock Options."
(3) The hypothetical grant date present value is calculated under the modified
Black-Scholes Option Price Model, which is a mathematical formula used to
value options traded on stock exchanges. This formula considers a number of
factors in hypothesizing an option's present value. The range of factors
used to value the February 23, 1999 option grant includes the stock's
expected volatility rate (35.0%), risk free rate of return (5.27%), dividend
yield (0%) and projected time of exercise (7 years).
10
<PAGE> 14
AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST YEAR AND YEAR END OPTION VALUES
The following table provides information concerning the number and value of
(i) option exercises during 1999 and (ii) unexercised stock options held at
December 31, 1999 by the Named Executive Officers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDER- VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
LYING UNEXERCISED OPTIONS/ IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS/
SHARES SAR'S AT YEAR-END(3) SAR'S AT YEAR-END(4)
ACQUIRED ON VALUE ---------------------------- ----------------------------
NAME EXERCISE(1) REALIZED(2) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Frank R. Noonan........ 37,438 $374,669 316,185 472,150 $2,479,390 $1,776,591
Philip C. Danford...... 0 0 121,468 109,250 857,472 422,983
David C. Swanson....... 0 0 78,484 107,701 557,087 431,365
Judith A. Norton....... 0 0 4,631 58,894 15,305 206,232
Stephen B. Wiznitzer... 0 0 19,144 59,645 91,092 235,377
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Represents all shares covered by options exercised by the Named Executive
Officers during 1999.
(2) The value realized equals the market value of the common stock acquired on
the date of exercise minus the exercise price.
(3) No SAR's were outstanding at December 31, 1999.
(4) The values shown equal the difference between the exercise price of the
unexercised in-the-money options and the closing market price of the
Company's common stock on December 31, 1999 ($18.875). Options are
"in-the-money" if the fair market value of the Company's common stock
covered by such option exceeds the exercise price of the option.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS IN LAST YEAR
The following table provides information on Long-Term Incentive Plan awards
to the Named Executive Officers during the year ended December 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS
PERFORMANCE OR UNDER NON-STOCK PRICE-BASED PLANS(1)
OTHER PERIOD UNTIL -------------------------------------------
NAME MATURATION OR PAYOUT THRESHOLD($) TARGET($)(2) MAXIMUM($)(2)
- ---- -------------------- ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Frank R. Noonan..................... 1/1/99 -- 12/31/01 0 688,000 1,376,000
Philip C. Danford................... 1/1/99 -- 12/31/01 0 300,000 600,000
David C. Swanson.................... 1/1/99 -- 12/31/01 0 275,000 550,000
Judith A. Norton.................... 1/1/99 -- 12/31/01 0 168,000 336,000
Stephen B. Wiznitzer................ 1/1/99 -- 12/31/01 0 160,000 320,000
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Upon completion of the performance period, the dollar amounts awarded are
calculated based on the Company's performance against economic profit and
EPS goals. The dollar amount is then converted into a number of PERS by
dividing the dollar amount of the award by the Company's stock price
(calculated as the average of the high and low prices of the Company's
common stock on the 10 trading days subsequent to approval of the Company's
2001 financial statements by the Compensation and Benefits Committee).
One-third of such shares will be payable immediately after calculation of
the Company's stock price for purposes of computing PERS, an additional
one-third will be payable one year thereafter, and the last one-third two
years thereafter.
(2) The target and maximum amounts listed are based upon 1999 base salary. Any
increase in base salary would increase the target and maximum amounts listed
in this table on a pro rata basis for the time period during which base
salary increased during the performance period.
11
<PAGE> 15
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The following table sets forth the estimated aggregate annual benefits
payable under the Company's Retirement Account Plan, Pension Benefit
Equalization Plan ("PBEP") and Supplemental Executive Benefit Plan ("SEBP") to
Messrs. Noonan and Danford upon retirement at age 65. Amounts shown in the table
include U.S. Social Security benefits and benefits payable under predecessor
plans of the Company which would be deducted in calculating benefits payable
under these plans. These aggregate annual retirement benefits do not increase as
a result of additional credited service after 20 years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE YEARS OF PARTICIPATION SERVICE
FINAL -----------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPENSATION 5 YRS 10 YRS 15 YRS 20 YRS 25 YRS 30 YRS
- ------------ -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 450,000 $112,500 $225,000 $ 270,000 $ 270,000 $ 270,000 $ 270,000
500,000 125,000 250,000 300,000 300,000 300,000 300,000
550,000 137,500 275,000 330,000 330,000 330,000 330,000
700,000 175,000 350,000 420,000 420,000 420,000 420,000
850,000 212,500 425,000 510,000 510,000 510,000 510,000
1,000,000 250,000 500,000 600,000 600,000 600,000 600,000
1,300,000 325,000 650,000 780,000 780,000 780,000 780,000
1,600,000 400,000 800,000 960,000 960,000 960,000 960,000
1,900,000 475,000 950,000 1,140,000 1,140,000 1,140,000 1,140,000
</TABLE>
The number of years of credited service under the plans as of December 31,
1999 of Messrs. Noonan and Danford are 10 and 11, respectively.
Compensation, for the purpose of determining retirement benefits, consists
of salary, wages, regular cash bonuses, commissions and overtime pay. Severance
pay, contingent payments and other forms of special remuneration are excluded.
Bonuses included in the Summary Compensation Table are normally not paid until
the year following the year in which they are accrued and expensed; therefore,
compensation for purposes of determining retirement benefits varies from the
Summary Compensation Table amounts in that bonuses expensed in the previous
year, but paid in the current year, are part of retirement compensation in the
current year, and current year's bonuses accrued and included in the Summary
Compensation Table are not. For 1999, compensation for purposes of determining
retirement benefits also varies from the Summary Compensation Table in that the
amounts shown in the "Bonus" column for 1997 and 1998 include performance share
payouts under the Key Employees Performance Unit Plan of The Dun & Bradstreet
Corporation, which were not creditable compensation under the retirement plans.
For the reasons discussed above, compensation for determining retirement
benefits for the Named Executive Officers differed by more than 10% from the
amounts shown in the Summary Compensation Table. 1999 compensation for purposes
of determining retirement benefits for Messrs. Noonan and Danford was $624,860
and $407,190, respectively.
Average final compensation is defined as the highest average annual
compensation during five consecutive twelve-month periods in the last ten
consecutive twelve-month periods of the member's credited service. Members vest
in their accrued retirement benefit upon completion of five years of service.
The benefits shown in the table above are calculated on a straight-life annuity
basis.
The Retirement Account Plan, together with the PBEP, provides retirement
income based on a percentage of annual compensation. The percentage of
compensation allocated annually ranges from 3% to 12.5%, based on age and
credited service. Amounts allocated also receive interest credits based on
30-year Treasury rates with a minimum interest credit rate of 3%. Messrs.
Swanson and Wiznitzer and Ms. Norton participate only in the Retirement Account
Plan and the PBEP, but do not participate in the SEBP. The number of years of
credited service under the plans as of December 31, 1999 for Messrs. Swanson and
Wiznitzer and Ms. Norton are 13.5, 1.5 and 1.0, respectively. Based on their
current salaries (as set forth in the Employment Agreements section that
follows), the annual projected pension at normal retirement age for Messrs.
Swanson and Wiznitzer and Ms. Norton are $174,000, $64,000 and $33,000,
respectively.
12
<PAGE> 16
The SEBP provides retirement benefits in addition to the benefits provided
under the Retirement Account Plan and the PBEP. The SEBP has the effect of
increasing the retirement benefits under the Retirement Account Plan and the
PBEP to the amounts depicted in the preceding table under the compensation
levels applicable to Messrs. Noonan and Danford. The SEBP provides maximum
benefits after 20 years. Executives close to or eligible for retirement, as
approved by the chairman and chief executive officer of the Company, will
receive maximum benefits after 15 years.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Each of the Named Executive Officers executed an employment agreement with
the Company dated as of September 28, 1998.
As of December 31, 1999, the base salary and bonus opportunity established
by the employment agreements (and, in certain cases, as increased thereafter in
accordance with the terms of the employment agreements) are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME BASE SALARY GUIDELINE BONUS OPPORTUNITY
- ---- ----------- ---------------------------
(% OF BASE SALARY)
<S> <C> <C>
Frank R. Noonan.......................... $430,000 80%
Philip C. Danford........................ $300,000 60%
David C. Swanson......................... $250,000 65%
Judith A. Norton......................... $210,000 50%
Stephen B. Wiznitzer..................... $200,000 50%
</TABLE>
The bonus is measured as a percentage of base salary and is governed by the
Company's Annual Incentive Plan which mandates the establishment of criteria for
the determination of an executive's bonus. The foregoing compensation is subject
to annual review and increase (but not decrease).
The terms and conditions of each of the employment agreements are
substantially similar, except where specified below. The key terms of the
employment agreements are as follows:
TERM The employment agreements expire on June 30, 2001,
subject to automatic one-year renewals unless
notice has been given ninety days prior to any
termination date. In the case of the Chief
Executive Officer, a nonrenewal of the employment
agreement by the Company shall be considered a
termination without Cause*.
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION Each executive is eligible to participate in all
bonuses, long-term incentive compensation, stock
options and other equity participation arrangements
made available to other senior executives of the
Company.
BENEFITS Each executive is eligible to participate in all
employee benefit programs (including fringe
benefits, vacation, pension and profit sharing plan
participation and life, health, accident and
disability insurance) no less favorable than prior
to September 28, 1998.
TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE*
BY
THE COMPANY NOT ARISING
FROM A
CHANGE IN CONTROL* Chief Executive Officer: Receives a severance
package equal to three times the sum of his base
salary and target bonus.
Executive Officer Group: Each receives a severance
package equal to two times the sum of base salary
and target bonus. Both the Chief Executive Officer
and the Executive Officer Group receive
continuation of benefits for three and two years,
respectively.
13
<PAGE> 17
TERMINATION ARISING FROM,
AND
WITHIN TWO YEARS AFTER, A
CHANGE
IN CONTROL Each executive shall receive a severance package
equal to three times the sum of base salary and
target bonus and continuation of benefits for three
years.
DEATH/DISABILITY Each executive (or beneficiary) shall receive
salary through date of termination and a pro rata
portion of the target bonus.
EXCISE TAX The compensation of each executive will be "grossed
up" for any excise tax imposed under Section 4999
of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code relating to any
payments made on account of a Change in Control or
a termination of the executive's employment.
- ---------------
* Such terms have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the employment
agreements. The employment agreements have been filed as exhibits to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999.
14
<PAGE> 18
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT COMPARISON
The following graph sets forth as of December 31, 1999, the cumulative
total stockholder return on the Company's common stock compared with the
cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Stock Index and a peer group of the
Company. As the Company is not included in an identifiable and accepted peer
group, the Company has created a peer group based on several factors: revenues,
net income and enterprise value, which is comprised of market capitalization and
total debt. The peer group consists of the following companies: Acxiom
Corporation, Advest Group Inc., ADVO, Inc., APAC Teleservices, Inc., Catalina
Marketing Corporation, HA-LO Industries, Inc., Hanover Direct, Inc., National
Processing, Inc., Personnel Group of America, Inc., Precision Response
Corporation, Romac International Inc., Sitel Corporation, True North
Communications, Inc., and Valassis Communications, Inc.
For purposes of this year's performance comparison, the following companies
have been eliminated from the peer group (as disclosed last year) for the
following reasons. LCS Industries, Inc. and The Vincam Group, Inc. are no longer
independent, publicly-traded companies as a result of extraordinary corporate
transactions during 1999. LCS Industries, Inc. was effectively acquired by
CustomerOne Holding Corporation in January 1999. The Vincam Group, Inc. was
effectively acquired by Automatic Data Processing, Inc. in March 1999. In both
these cases, the acquiring companies are not comparable to the Company (or the
other peer group members) based upon the criteria listed above. In addition, TMP
Worldwide Inc. was also deemed no longer comparable to the Company or the other
peer group members due to its status within the investing community as an
internet company with an attendant significantly higher price to earnings ratio
than the other companies within the peer group.
The total return assumes a $100 investment on July 1, 1998 (the date of the
Spin-Off) and reinvestment of dividends in the Company's common stock and in
each index.
[PERFORMANCE GRAPH]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
R.H. DONNELLEY CORP. RUSSELL 2000 INDEX PEER GROUP INDEX
-------------------- ------------------ ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
7/1/98 100 100 100
9/30/98 80.23 79.85 83.55
12/3198 95.56 92.63 101.79
3/31/99 101.3 87.31 85.17
6/30/99 128.37 100.55 91.41
9/30/99 122.22 93.87 92.79
12/31/99 123.86 110.78 118.02
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE> 19
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE
The Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Committee") is comprised entirely of outside and independent Directors. The
Committee is responsible for establishing, implementing, administering and
monitoring the Company's strategy, policies and plans for executive
compensation.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION OBJECTIVES
The Company's executive compensation objectives are to:
- Attract and retain top-performing executives at the corporate level and
in each of the Company's business units;
- Provide compensation opportunities that are fair and competitive with
those provided by comparable organizations;
- Utilize compensation vehicles that are cost-effective and tax efficient;
and
- Motivate and reward its executives based on corporate, business unit and
individual annual and long-term business performance, strategic progress
and the creation of stockholder value.
DETERMINING EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
In accordance with its responsibilities, the Committee reviews the
Company's overall corporate mission, strategy and objectives. These form the
basis for establishing both corporate and business unit annual and long-term
performance goals that are subject to Board and Committee review and approval at
the beginning of each year, and for executive officer performance-based
compensation initiatives. Based on this review, the Committee, in its sole
discretion, determines the Company's total compensation structure for the coming
year, including the elements and level of compensation opportunities and the
variable portion of "at risk" pay for performance and equity participation. At
year-end, results and strategic progress achieved at the corporate, business
unit and individual levels are assessed by the Committee, relative to previously
approved goals, taking into consideration prevailing economic and business
conditions and opportunities, performance by comparable organizations, and
stockholder value.
In establishing the Company's executive officer compensation structure and
program, the Committee also considers:
- Industry conditions;
- Corporate performance relative to a selected peer group;
- Current market data among comparable companies;
- Current and evolving practices and trends among comparable companies; and
- Overall effectiveness of the program in measuring and rewarding desired
performance levels.
The Committee has been assisted in this review and evaluation by an
independent consulting firm retained by the Company to serve as outside advisors
in the discharge of the Committee's responsibilities. The consultants provide
data to the Committee, relative to the above-mentioned considerations, with
respect to the compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer and other
executive officers. In setting competitive compensation levels, the Company
compares itself with a peer group of companies based on several factors
including revenues, net income and enterprise value, which is comprised of
market capitalization and total debt. Based on this information, the Committee
evaluates the reasonableness, fairness and competitiveness of the Company's
executive compensation program. The peer group used for
16
<PAGE> 20
executive compensation purposes is essentially the same as the peer group used
for the Performance Measurement Comparison on page 15 above.
COMPENSATION COMPONENTS
The compensation program for the Company's Chief Executive Officer and
other executive officers is comprised of three major elements:
- Base Salary
- Annual Incentive Opportunity
- Long-Term Equity Incentive Opportunities
Base salaries and total compensation for target performance are generally
positioned in the mid-range of the peer group. Actual annual and long-term
incentive compensation levels, which are based on performance relative to
aggressive goals, will vary from year to year below and above those of the peer
group.
BASE SALARY:
Salaries are established relative to the competitive marketplace at the
appropriate level and reflect the individual performance and contribution of
each executive officer to the business, the level of the executive's experience
and overall corporate financial circumstances. Base salaries are generally
subject to review for adjustment by the Committee every twelve to eighteen
months. Recommendations are provided by the Chief Executive Officer after a
performance evaluation of each executive.
ANNUAL INCENTIVE OPPORTUNITY:
Executive officers participate in the Annual Incentive Plan ("AIP") under
which annual incentive awards are generally made in cash. Each executive officer
is assigned performance goals and an annual incentive award opportunity based on
position responsibilities. Performance weightings vary by executive officer and
include corporate performance goals and/or business unit performance goals for
those executive officers who have business unit responsibilities. In addition,
the Committee may, in its sole discretion, adjust annual incentive awards by
20%, based on an individual's annual accomplishments and achievements versus
pre-defined goals.
The target annual award opportunity for the Named Executive Officers range
from 50% to 80% of base salary. In 1999, performance goals included advertising
sales, operating income, and earnings per share growth for all executive
officers, and business unit advertising sales and operating income for those
executive officers who also have business unit responsibilities. Based on
performance versus goals, awards to the Named Executive Officers, including the
Chief Executive Officer, averaged 89.6% of target. The below target payout
reflects mixed results with respect to the three performance criteria, with
above target earnings per share growth and below target growth in operating
income and gross advertising sales. The Committee did not make any individual
adjustments.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE EQUITY OPPORTUNITIES:
Grants are in the form of stock options to purchase the Company's common
stock and long-term performance-based stock awards. These equity opportunities
are designed to align the interests of executive officers and the stockholders
in the Company's long-term growth by increasing each executive officer's equity
position in the Company.
- - STOCK OPTIONS
Executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, were granted
stock options shortly after the Spin-Off in mid-1998 in recognition of the
Company's new status as an independent, publicly-traded
17
<PAGE> 21
entity. With the exception of a one-time special recognition grant to Mr.
Swanson and grants to select new hires, subsequent option grants to the Chief
Executive Officer and other executive officers are currently scheduled for the
year 2000 and annually thereafter.
- - LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE-BASED STOCK AWARDS
This "at risk" equity interest in the Company is granted to executive
officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, under the Company's Key
Employee Performance Unit Plan, with such grants in the form of performance
shares ("PERS"). Target award opportunities are determined as a percent of base
salary. Actual awards are based on performance versus objectives for each
performance period. Award values, in dollars, are determined upon the completion
of each performance period and are converted into shares of the Company's common
stock by dividing the dollar amount of the award by the Company's common stock
price (calculated as the average of the high and low prices of the Company stock
on the 10 trading days subsequent to approval of the Company's financial
statements by the Compensation and Benefits Committee). The PERS vest and are
payable one-third immediately after calculation of the Company's stock price for
purposes of computing PERS, an additional one-third one year thereafter and the
last one-third two years thereafter.
The annualized target award opportunity for the Named Executive Officers
range from 40% to 80% of base salary. As the current plan calls for new
performance cycles to commence every other year, the target award opportunity
for each performance period is two times the annualized target.
In 1999, one performance period concluded and another performance period
commenced as follows:
- To replace the two-year long-term award program that commenced in January
1998 as part of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation executive compensation
program that was terminated upon the Spin-Off, the first PERS performance
period with full award opportunity was based on performance versus
objectives from July 1998 to December 1999. The value of the performance
shares earned by each participant upon completion of this performance
period was based on the Company's performance against economic profit and
earnings per share goals for that period. Based on performance versus
goals, awards to the Named Executive Officers, including the Chief
Executive Officer, were 195.7% of target. The above target payout
reflects eighteen-month results that significantly exceeded both the
economic profit and earnings per share target performance criteria
established at the time of the Spin-Off.
- The second performance period with a regular three-year cycle is based on
performance versus objectives from January 1999 to December 2001. The
Committee established economic profit and earnings per share growth
objectives for this performance period. The current plan calls for the
next performance cycle to commence in January 2001.
It is the Committee's policy to make stock option grants, as well as
long-term performance related stock award opportunities to executive officers on
a discretionary basis within a guideline range that takes into account the
position responsibilities of each individual executive officer and competitive
practice. Such grants reflect the relative value of the individual's position,
as well as the current performance, continuing contribution and prospective
impact of executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, on the
Company's future success and creation of long-term stockholder value.
CEO COMPENSATION
Mr. Noonan's salary remained unchanged in 1999. As outlined earlier in this
report, base salaries are generally subject to review for adjustment by the
Committee every twelve to eighteen months. Mr. Noonan last received a salary
increase in July 1998.
Mr. Noonan's 1999 AIP performance goals were based on the Company's gross
advertising sales, operating income, and earnings per share. Based on results
versus these performance goals, Mr. Noonan received an award of $308,052, or
89.6% of his annual incentive target. Mr. Noonan's annual target is set
18
<PAGE> 22
at 80% of base salary. As earlier stated, the below target payout reflects mixed
results with respect to the three performance criteria, with above target
earnings per share growth and below target growth in operating income and gross
advertising sales.
In 1998, Mr. Noonan was granted stock options shortly after the Spin-Off in
recognition of the Company's new status as an independent, publicly-traded
entity. Accordingly, Mr. Noonan did not receive an option grant in 1999, but
will be eligible for a stock option grant for the year 2000 and annually
thereafter. In March 2000, Mr. Noonan received a PERS award payment in shares
equal to $448,805, which represents one-third of the award for the performance
period July 1998 to December 1999. He is also eligible for a PERS award of 160%
of current base salary at target performance in Company common stock after
completion of the long-term performance period from January 1, 1999 to December
31, 2001.
TAX CONSIDERATIONS
As noted above, one of the Company's objectives is to maintain
cost-effective and tax efficient executive compensation programs. Section 162(m)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, limits the tax deduction to $1
million for compensation paid to any one of the Named Executive Officers
identified in this Proxy Statement unless certain requirements are met. One of
the requirements is that compensation over $1 million must be based upon
attainment of performance goals approved by stockholders. The Annual Incentive
Plan, the 1991 Key Employees Stock Option Plan and the Key Employees Performance
Unit Plan are designed to meet these requirements. The Committee's policy is to
preserve corporate tax deductions attributable to the compensation of executives
while maintaining the flexibility to approve, when appropriate, compensation
arrangements which it deems to be in the best interests of the Company and its
stockholders, but which may not always qualify for full tax deductibility.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE
Robert Kamerschen, Chairperson
Diane P. Baker
Barry Lawson Williams
19
<PAGE> 23
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth the number of shares of the Company's common
stock beneficially owned as of March 1, 2000 by (i) each of the Company's Named
Executive Officers, (ii) each of the Company's directors, (iii) all directors
and executive officers of the Company as a group and (iv) owners of more than 5%
of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock. Except as indicated in
the footnotes to the table, the Company believes that the persons named in the
table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares owned
beneficially by them. The mailing address for each of the Company's directors
and Named Executive Officers listed below is One Manhattanville Road, Purchase,
NY 10577.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OF THE COMPANY'S
COMMON STOCK
----------------------------------
AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY PERCENTAGE
BENEFICIAL OWNERS OWNED(1) OF CLASS(1)
- ----------------- ------------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Frank R. Noonan............................................. 334,383(2) 1.02%
Philip C. Danford........................................... 127,224(3) *
David C. Swanson............................................ 86,938(4) *
Stephen B. Wiznitzer........................................ 24,461(5) *
Judith A. Norton............................................ 11,157(6) *
Diane P. Baker.............................................. 4,545(7) *
Kenneth G. Campbell......................................... 1,650(8) *
Darius W. Gaskins, Jr....................................... 1,000(8) *
William G. Jacobi........................................... 5,661(7) *
Robert Kamerschen........................................... 11,545(7) *
Carol J. Parry.............................................. 5,545(7) *
Barry Lawson Williams....................................... 10,347(7) *
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (16
persons).................................................. 799,366(9) 2.41%
Fir Tree, Inc. d/b/a Fir Tree Partners...................... 3,196,920(10) 9.86%
535 Fifth Avenue
31st Floor
New York, New York 10017
Institutional Capital Corporation........................... 2,906,000(11) 8.96%
225 West Wacker Drive
Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60606
FMR Corp.................................................... 1,720,100(12) 5.31%
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
</TABLE>
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* Represents ownership of less than 1%.
(1) The amounts and percentage of the Company's common stock beneficially owned
are reported on the basis of rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") governing the determination of
beneficial ownership of securities. Under such rules and regulations, a
person is deemed to be a "beneficial owner" of a security if that person
has or shares "voting power", which includes the power to vote or to direct
the voting of such security, or "investment power", which includes the
power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person
is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities which that person
has a right to acquire beneficial ownership of within 60 days. Under these
rules and regulations, more than one person may be deemed a beneficial
owner of the same securities and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial
owner of securities in which he has no economic interest. As of March 1,
2000, the Company had 32,422,752 shares outstanding.
20
<PAGE> 24
(2) Includes 316,185 shares of the Company's common stock which may be acquired
pursuant to options exercisable as of March 1, 2000 or within 60 days
thereafter.
(3) Includes 121,468 shares of the Company's common stock which may be acquired
pursuant to options exercisable as of March 1, 2000 or within 60 days
thereafter.
(4) Includes 85,259 shares of the Company's common stock which may be acquired
pursuant to options exercisable as of March 1, 2000 or within 60 days
thereafter.
(5) Includes 19,144 shares of the Company's common stock which may be acquired
pursuant to options exercisable as of March 1, 2000 or within 60 days
thereafter.
(6) Includes 9,262 shares of the Company's common stock which may be acquired
pursuant to options exercisable as of March 1, 2000 or within 60 days
thereafter.
(7) Includes (i) 3,045 deferred shares of the Company's common stock and (ii)
options to purchase 1,500 shares of the Company's common stock, except for
Mr. Williams, for whom it includes (i) 3,045 deferred shares and (ii) 7,302
options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock. Excludes (i)
1,500 options to purchase the Company's common stock, which options will
become exercisable on the day before the 2001 annual meeting, except for
Mr. Williams, for whom it excludes 2,338 options to purchase the Company's
shares.
(8) Includes (i) for Mr. Campbell an option to purchase 650 shares which will
vest entirely on March 31, 2000 (ii) and for both Mr. Campbell and Mr.
Gaskins, (a) an option to purchase 500 shares which vests on the day before
the Annual Meeting and (b) 500 defered shares which vest on the day before
the Annual Meeting. Excludes for both Messrs. Campbell and Gaskins, options
to purchase 1,000 shares of the Company's common stock, which will become
exercisable in equal increments on the day before each of the 2001 and 2002
annual meetings, and 1,000 deferred shares of the Company's common stock,
which will vest in equal increments on the day before each of the 2001 and
2002 annual meetings.
(9) Includes options to purchase 734,954 shares of the Company's common stock.
(10) The information on the share ownership by Fir Tree, Inc. ("Fir Tree") is
based on a Schedule 13D/ A filed by Fir Tree on November 29, 1999. The
Schedule 13D/A indicates that Mr. Jeffrey Tannenbaum is the sole
shareholder, executive officer, director and principal of Fir Tree.
Accordingly, Fir Tree and Mr. Tannenbaum have sole voting and dispositive
power over the 3,196,920 shares.
(11) Institutional Capital Corporation ("ICC") and Mr. Robert H. Lyon, the
president and majority shareholder of ICC, filed Amendment No. 1 to
Schedule 13G with the Commission on January 31, 2000. According to such
Amendment to Schedule 13G, ICC, a registered investment adviser, had as of
December 31, 1999, sole voting power over 2,824,800 shares and sole
dispositive power over 2,906,000 shares.
(12) FMR Corp., Edward C. Johnson 3d and Abigail P. Johnson jointly filed a
Schedule 13G with the Commission on February 14, 2000. According to such
Schedule, FMR Corp. and its affiliates beneficially own 1,720,100 shares as
of December 31, 1999, including the sole power to vote 306,600 shares and
sole power to dispose of 1,720,100 shares. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are control
persons of FMR Corp.
21
<PAGE> 25
OTHER INFORMATION
HOW TO NOMINATE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Company's By-Laws provide that stockholders may nominate individuals
for the Board of Directors if such nomination is made pursuant to timely notice
in writing to the Secretary of the Company at the address set forth on the cover
page of this Proxy Statement. To be timely, a stockholder's notice shall be
delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the
Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting;
provided, however, that in the event that less than 70 days' notice by prior
public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders,
notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so received by the Company not
later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such
notice of the date of the meeting or such public disclosure was made. Such
stockholder's notice shall set forth (a) as to each person whom the stockholder
proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director all information
relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of
proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case
pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (including
such person's written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee
and to serving as a director if elected); and (b) as to the stockholder giving
the notice (i) the name and address, as they appear on the Company's books, of
such stockholder and (ii) the class and number of shares of the Company which
are beneficially owned by such stockholder as of the date of such notice. At the
request of the Board of Directors, any person nominated by the Board of
Directors for election as a director shall furnish to the Secretary of the
Company that information required to be set forth in a stockholder's notice of
nomination which pertains to the nominee.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a
registered class of the Company's equity securities to file reports of ownership
and changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the New York Stock Exchange. Officers, directors and greater than
ten percent stockholders are required by the Commission to furnish the Company
with copies of all Forms 3, 4 and 5 they file.
Based solely on the Company's review of the copies of such forms it has
received, the Company believes that all of its officers, directors and greater
than ten percent beneficial owners complied with all filing requirements
applicable to them with respect to transactions during 1999.
DELIVERY OF ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
The Company will provide without charge a copy of the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 to each of the
Company's stockholders of record as of March 6, 2000 and each beneficial
stockholder on that date, upon receipt of a written request therefor mailed to
the Company's principal executive offices, One Manhattanville Road, Purchase,
New York 10577, Attention: Investor Relations. Requests from beneficial
stockholders must set forth a good faith representation as to such ownership on
that date.
22
<PAGE> 26
RETURN OF PROXY
It is important that the accompanying proxy be returned promptly.
Therefore, whether or not you plan to attend the Meeting in person, you are
earnestly requested to date, sign and return your proxy in the enclosed
envelope. No postage is required if mailed in the United States. Thanks for your
prompt attention to this important matter.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Jane B. Clark
Jane B. Clark
Vice President and
Corporate Secretary
March 22, 2000
Purchase, New York
23
<PAGE> 27
R.H. DONNELLEY CORPORATION
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS -- MAY 4, 2000
PROXY SOLICITATION ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Frank R. Noonan, Philip C.
Danford and Stephen B. Wiznitzer (collectively, the "Proxies"), and each of
them, his, her or its true and lawful agents and Proxies with full power of
substitution in each, to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders (the "Meeting") of R.H. Donnelley Corporation (the "Company"), to
be held at CT Corporation, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware, on May 4,
2000 at 9:00 a.m. local time, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof,
and to vote all the shares of common stock of the Company which the undersigned
may be entitled to vote on all matters properly coming before the Meeting, and
any adjournments or postponements thereof.
The trustees of the Company's Profit Participation Plan and the DonTech
Profit Participation Plan (collectively the "Plans") have agreed that this proxy
will also serve as voting instructions from participants in those Plans who have
plan contributions for their respective accounts invested in the Company's
common stock. Proxies covering shares in the Plans must be received on or prior
to April 28, 2000. If a proxy covering shares in either of the Plans has not
been received on or prior to April 28, 2000 or if it is signed and returned
without specification marked in the instruction boxes, the trustee will vote
those Plan shares in the same proportion as the respective shares in such Plan
for which it has received instructions, except as otherwise required by law.
SEE REVERSE SIDE
/X/ Please mark your
votes as in this
example.
(1) Election of Class I Members of the Board of Directors
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
Nominees VOTE FOR TO VOTE FOR
Diane P. Baker |_| |_|
Robert Kamerschen |_| |_|
(2) Ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
independent accountants for 2000.
FOR |_| AGAINST |_| ABSTAIN |_|
(3) In their discretion, the Proxies are hereby authorized to vote upon
such other business as may properly come before the Meeting, and any
adjournments or postponements thereof.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY
THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN HEREIN, THE SHARES
REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED (A) IN FAVOR OF THE ELECTION OF THE
NOMINEES FOR THE CLASS I MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, (B) FOR ITEM 2 AND
(C) IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY
COME BEFORE THE MEETING, AND ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF. PLEASE
MARK YOUR DIRECTIONS ABOVE, FILL IN THE DATE AND SIGN AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD
PROMPTLY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE. NO POSTAGE IS NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE
UNITED STATES.
SIGNATURE(S): _____________________________________ DATED: _______________, 2000
NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear hereon. Joint owners
should each sign personally. When signing as executor, administrator,
corporation, officer, attorney, agent, trustee or guardian, etc., please add
your full title, following your signature.
