<PAGE>
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
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement RULE 14C-5(D)(2))
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to (S)240.14a-11(c) or (S)240.14a-12
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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] $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), 14a-6(i)(2) or
Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
[_] $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(3).
[_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
Notes:
<PAGE>
DuPont
1007 Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19898
[LOGO OF DUPONT APPEARS HERE]
EDGAR S. WOOLARD, JR.
Chairman of the Board
ANNUAL MEETING--APRIL 24, 1996
March 18, 1996
Dear Stockholder:
You are invited to attend the Company's 1996 Annual Meeting on Wednesday,
April 24, 1996, at 10:30 a.m. in The Playhouse Theatre, DuPont Building,
Wilmington, Delaware.
The enclosed Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement describe the
various matters to be acted upon during the meeting. In addition, there
will be a report on the state of the Company's business and an opportunity
for you to express your views on subjects related to the Company's
operations.
To obtain a ticket, please check the appropriate box on the enclosed proxy.
Please include information on any accommodation you may need because of a
disability. Because seating capacity is limited, we suggest that you arrive
as close as possible to 9:30 a.m., when The Playhouse opens.
If you are unable to attend this year's meeting, you can ensure your
representation by completing the enclosed proxy and returning it in the
postage-paid envelope.
The Annual Meeting gives us an opportunity to review results and discuss
the steps the Company is taking to assure a strong performance in the
future. Your interest in the Company is much appreciated, and I hope you
will be able to join us as we talk about these matters on April 24.
Sincerely,
/s/ Edgar S. Woolard, Jr.
Edgar S. Woolard, Jr.
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company [LOGO OF RECYCLED PAPER APPEARS HERE]
Printed on Recycled Paper
<PAGE>
March 18, 1996
To the Holders of Common Stock of
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
will be held on Wednesday, APRIL 24, 1996, at 10:30 a.m. local time, in The
Playhouse Theatre in the DuPont Building, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington,
Delaware. The meeting will be held to consider and act upon the election of
directors, ratification of independent accountants, management proposal on a
directors' stock plan, shareholder proposals described in the Proxy Statement
and such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Holders of record of DuPont Common Stock at the close of business on March
5, 1996, are entitled to vote at the meeting.
This notice and the accompanying proxy material are sent to you by order of
the Board of Directors.
Louise B. Lancaster
Secretary
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES BE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING. WHETHER OR NOT
YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE PROXY IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
<PAGE>
PROXY STATEMENT
March 18, 1996
The enclosed proxy is being solicited by order of the Board of Directors of
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company for use in connection with the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held April 24, 1996.
The record date with respect to this solicitation is March 5, 1996. All
holders of record of DuPont Common Stock as of the close of business on that
date are entitled to vote at the meeting. As of that date the Company had
579,042,724 shares of common stock outstanding. Each share of stock is
entitled to one vote. A favorable vote of a majority of the shares of common
stock voted in person or by proxy at the meeting is required for the approval
of each of the proposals described in this Proxy Statement. Abstentions and
broker non-votes are not counted in the calculation of the vote, except that
abstentions will be counted and have the same effect as votes against Proposal
Number 3. A proxy may be revoked by the stockholder at any time prior to its
being voted. If a proxy is properly signed and is not revoked by the
stockholder, the shares it represents will be voted at the meeting in
accordance with the instructions of the stockholder. If the proxy is signed
and returned without specifying choices, the shares will be voted in
accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors.
The enclosed proxy also serves as the voting instruction card for the
trustees who hold shares of record for participants in the DuPont Savings and
Investment Plan, the Conoco Thrift Plan, the Investment Plan for Salaried
Employees of Consolidation Coal Company and the Conoco Employee Stock
Ownership Plan. If proxies representing shares in the employee savings plans
listed above are not returned, those shares will be voted at the discretion of
a trustee. Shares in the Conoco Employee Stock Ownership Plan cannot be voted
unless the proxy is signed and returned.
The Company's Annual Report to Stockholders, containing financial statements
reflecting the financial position and results of the operations of the Company
for 1995, and this Proxy Statement were distributed together beginning March
18, 1996.
GENERAL INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PROPOSALS. Each year the Board of Directors submits to the
stockholders at the annual meeting its nominations for election of directors.
In addition, the Bylaws of the Company require that the selection of
independent accountants by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors be
submitted for stockholder ratification at each annual meeting. Other proposals
may be submitted by the Board of Directors or stockholders for inclusion in
the proxy statement for action at the annual meeting. Any proposal submitted
by a stockholder for inclusion in the 1997 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement must
be received by the Company no later than November 19, 1996.
STOCKHOLDER NOMINATIONS FOR ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. The Strategic Direction
Committee recommends to the Board of Directors nominees for election as
directors at the annual meeting. In making such recommendations, the Strategic
Direction Committee will consider nominations submitted by stockholders. Any
such nominations must be made by stockholders of record and received by the
Secretary of the Company by the first Monday in December. Nominations must be
accompanied by a statement of the nominee indicating willingness to serve if
elected and disclosing principal occupations or employments held over the past
five years.
PROXY COMMITTEE. The Proxy Committee is composed of directors of the Company
who vote as instructed the shares of DuPont Common Stock for which they
receive proxies. Proxy cards also confer upon the Proxy Committee
discretionary authority to vote the shares on any matter which was not known
to the Board of Directors a reasonable time before solicitation of proxies,
but which is properly presented for action at the meeting.
1
<PAGE>
PROXY SOLICITATION. All costs relating to the solicitation of proxies will be
borne by the Company. Morrow & Co. has been retained by the Company to aid in
the solicitation of proxies, at an estimated cost of $12,500 plus
reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. Proxies may also be solicited by
officers, directors and employees of the Company personally or by mail,
telephone or facsimile transmission. On request, the Company will pay brokers
and other persons holding shares of stock in their names or in those of their
nominees for their reasonable expenses in sending soliciting material to, and
seeking instructions from, their principals.
SECRECY IN VOTING. As a matter of policy, proxies, ballots and voting
tabulations that identify individual stockholders are held confidential by the
Company. Such documents are available for examination only by the inspectors
of election, none of whom is an employee of the Company, and certain employees
associated with tabulation of the vote. The identity of the vote of any
stockholder is not disclosed except as may be necessary to meet legal
requirements.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OPERATION AND MEETINGS. The Board of Directors is responsible for broad
corporate policy and the overall performance of the Company. Members of the
Board are kept informed of the Company's business by various documents sent to
them before each meeting and oral reports made to them during these meetings
by the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and other corporate
executives. They are advised of actions taken by the Audit, Compensation and
Benefits, Environmental Policy and Strategic Direction Committees and the
Office of the Chief Executive. In addition, the directors receive written
reports from the businesses when they propose actions for Board approval.
Directors have access to all books, records and reports, and members of
management are available at all times to answer their questions.
In 1995 eight regular meetings and two special meetings of the Board of
Directors were held. All current directors attended 75% or more of the total
Board and committee meetings held in 1995, and attendance averaged more than
95%. Directors discharge their responsibilities not only by attending Board
and committee meetings but also through communication with the Chairman and
members of management relative to matters of mutual interest and concern to
the Company.
RETIREMENT POLICY. The Company's retirement policy for directors provides that
no director may stand for reelection to the Board after reaching age 70. All
employee directors retire from the Board when they retire from employment with
the Company with the exception of former Chief Executive Officers. The Board
at its discretion may in unusual circumstances, and for a limited period, ask
a Board member to stand for reelection after the prescribed retirement date.
COMPENSATION. Members of the Board who are employees of DuPont or any of its
subsidiaries are not compensated for service on the Board or on committees. E.
S. Woolard, Jr., who retired as an employee of the Company and remains
Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Strategic Direction Committee,
receives $300,000 per year. All other nonemployee directors receive an annual
retainer fee of $35,000 for service on the Board, and a fee of $1,000 per
meeting for attending special meetings of the Board and stockholder meetings
held on a day when the Board does not meet. Nonemployee directors receive
annual compensation for committee service as follows: (a) committee chairmen
receive $15,000, (b) members of the Strategic Direction Committee receive
$15,000 and (c) members of the other Board committees receive $6,000. Pursuant
to a consulting agreement, A. F. Brimmer receives $40,000 annually for
providing economic advice to the Board.
2
<PAGE>
In addition, the Board is proposing for stockholder approval the DuPont
Stock Accumulation and Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, more fully
described beginning on page 16 and in Exhibit A. Under this Plan, nonemployee
directors will receive an annual grant of 200 shares of DuPont Common Stock,
except for the Chairman who will receive a nonqualified stock option grant for
100,000 shares of DuPont Common Stock.
Under the terms of the Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, any
director may defer all or part of the payment of Board and committee fees in
the form of cash or stock units until a specified year or until ceasing to be
a director of the Company. Interest equivalents accrue on payments deferred in
the form of cash and dividend equivalents accrue on payments deferred in the
form of stock units. Five directors have elected to defer payment of
directors' fees in 1996. Nonemployee directors are also eligible to
participate in a retirement income plan if on the date of retirement from the
Board they have served on the Board for at least five years and have not
qualified for an immediate or deferred pension benefit from the Company or any
of its subsidiaries. The annual benefits payable under the plan are equal to
one-half of the annual Board retainer (exclusive of any committee
compensation) in effect on the date of the director's retirement. Benefits are
available for the lesser of life or 10 years.
The Directors' Charitable Gift Plan was established to improve the
competitiveness of the compensation and benefits package for Board members.
After a director's death, the Company will donate five consecutive annual
installments up to $200,000 each to tax-exempt educational institutions or
charitable organizations recommended by the director and approved by the
Company. A director will be fully vested in the Plan upon completion of five
years of service as a director or upon death or disability. The Plan is
unfunded. The Company may fund the Plan through, among other vehicles, the
purchase of life insurance policies on the lives of directors, and the Company
would own and be the beneficiary of the policies. Directors derive no personal
financial or tax benefit from the Plan because the charitable, tax deductible
donations and insurance proceeds, if any, accrue solely to the benefit of the
Company. Employee directors may participate in the Plan provided they bear
their allocable cost.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE. The Office of the Chief Executive has
responsibility for the strategic direction and operations of all the
businesses of the Company, including corporate financial performance,
environmental leadership and safety, and development of global talent. All
five members are employees and two are directors. Its members include the
President and Chief Executive Officer and the four Executive Vice Presidents.
The Office of the Chief Executive works in close coordination with the
executive officers of the Company who constitute the Operating Group.
Together, the Office of the Chief Executive and the Operating Group have broad
corporate responsibility for such areas as research and development,
marketing, manufacturing, global effectiveness and valuing people.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION COMMITTEE. The Strategic Direction Committee, which
consists of four directors, is responsible for reviewing the strategic
direction of the Company's major business segments. The Committee approves
targets for Company debt and capitalization. The Strategic Direction Committee
also has responsibility for recommending to the Board nominees for election as
directors at the annual meeting or between annual meetings. During 1995, the
Strategic Direction Committee held four meetings.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY COMMITTEE. The Environmental Policy Committee is
responsible for reviewing the Company's environmental policies and practices.
The Committee also provides support for the Company's leadership role in
corporate environmentalism. The Environmental Policy Committee, which consists
of four directors, held four meetings in 1995.
3
<PAGE>
AUDIT COMMITTEE. The Audit Committee, which consists of three directors,
employs independent accountants, subject to stockholder ratification, to audit
the Company's financial statements and perform other assigned duties. The
Committee also requests the Company's subsidiaries to engage independent
accountants, as the Committee deems appropriate, to audit their respective
financial statements. Further, the Committee provides general oversight with
respect to the accounting principles employed in financial reporting and the
adequacy of the Company's internal accounting controls. No member of the Audit
Committee may be an officer or employee of the Company or any subsidiary or
affiliated company. During 1995, the Audit Committee held four meetings.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE. The Compensation and Benefits Committee,
which consists of three directors, is responsible for establishing an
executive compensation policy consistent with corporate objectives and
stockholder interests. The Committee has responsibility for recommending to
the Board levels of compensation, including salaries as well as variable
compensation and stock options, for the employee directors. The Compensation
and Benefits Committee also administers grants under the Company's
compensation plans. During 1995, the Compensation and Benefits Committee held
four meetings.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION. The
membership of the Compensation and Benefits Committee currently includes C. M.
Harper, H. R. Sharp, III and C. M. Vest. E. M. Bronfman and J. L. Weinberg
also served as members of the Committee prior to their resignation from the
Board effective April 6, 1995, in connection with the Company's redemption of
shares of DuPont Common Stock beneficially owned by The Seagram Company Ltd.
OTHER INFORMATION. In August 1995 a purported shareholder derivative action
was brought in the U.S. District Court in Columbus, Georgia, by one individual
on behalf of the Company against the then current and certain former directors
(including all nominees except Mr. Dunham and Ms. Juliber). The civil suit
alleges a breach of fiduciary duty related to the Company's response to a
ruling by that court imposing a conditional fine of about $115 million on the
Company in connection with its conduct of certain Benlate(R) 50 DF fungicide
litigation. The suit seeks unspecified damages and other relief. The
derivative action has been stayed pending resolution of the Company's appeal
of the Georgia court's ruling to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
1--ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The 12 nominees for election as directors are identified on pages 5 through
7. All nominees are now members of the Board of Directors. The Board knows of
no reason why any nominee would be unable to serve as a director. If any
nominee should for any reason become unable to serve, the shares represented
by all valid proxies will be voted for the election of such other person as
the Board of Directors may designate following recommendation by the Strategic
Direction Committee, or the Board may reduce the number of directors to
eliminate the vacancy.
The following material contains information concerning the nominees,
including their recent employment, positions with the Company, other
directorships, and age as of the date of the 1996 Annual Meeting.
4
<PAGE>
PERCY N. BARNEVIK
Director since 1991 Member, Strategic
Age 55 Direction Committee
[PHOTO OF Mr. Barnevik is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ABB
PERCY N. Asea Brown Boveri Ltd., headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland,
BARNEVIK a company serving electric power generation, transmission and
APPEARS HERE] distribution customers as well as industrial, environmental
control and mass transit markets. He is a director of ABB
Asea Brown Boveri Ltd. and Investor AB and non-executive
chairman of the boards of Sandvik AB and Skanska AB.
ANDREW F. BRIMMER
Director since 1974 Chairman, Audit Committee
Age 69
[PHOTO OF Dr. Brimmer is President and a director of Brimmer & Company,
ANDREW F. Inc., a Washington, D.C.-based economic and financial con-
BRIMMER sulting firm. He serves as Chairman, District of Columbia Fi-
APPEARS HERE] nancial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority.
He was a visiting professor at the Harvard Business School
and a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System. Dr. Brimmer is a director of Airborne Freight Corpo-
ration, BankAmerica Corporation, BlackRock Investment Income
Trust, Carr Realty Corporation, Connecticut Mutual Life In-
surance Company, Gannett Company, Inc., Navistar Interna-
tional Corporation and PHH Corporation. He serves as chairman
of the Board of Trustees of Tuskegee University and as a
trustee of The College Retirement Equities Fund. He is a mem-
ber of the Council on Foreign Relations.
LOUISA C. DUEMLING
[PHOTO OF Director since 1982 Member, Environmental
LOUISA C. Age 60 Policy Committee
DUEMLING
APPEARS HERE] Mrs. Duemling is a member of the board of trustees of the Na-
ture Conservancy and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
ARCHIE W. DUNHAM
Director since January 1996
Age 57
[PHOTO OF An Executive Vice President, Mr. Dunham is also President and
ARCHIE W. Chief Executive Officer of Conoco. He is a former senior vice
DUNHAM APPEARS president-DuPont, executive vice president-exploration pro-
HERE] duction of Conoco and senior vice president of DuPont Poly-
mers and DuPont Chemicals and Pigments. He is a director of
the American Petroleum Institute and a director and member of
the Executive Committee of both the U.S.-Russia Business
Council and the Greater Houston Partnership. Mr. Dunham also
serves on the board of trustees of the Memorial Hospital Sys-
tem in Houston and is chairman of the Board of Visitors of
the University of Oklahoma College of Engineering.
5
<PAGE>
EDWARD B. DU PONT
Director since 1978 Member, Audit Committee
Age 62
[PHOTO OF Mr. du Pont is a former chairman of Atlantic Aviation Corpo-
EDWARD B. ration, the principal business of which is the charter, com-
DU PONT pletion, storage, operation and maintenance of aircraft. He
APPEARS HERE] is a former vice president of Wilmington Trust Company. He
serves as a director of Atlantic Aviation Corporation and
Wilmington Trust Corporation, treasurer and a director of the
Medical Center of Delaware, president and a trustee of
Eleutherian Mills- Hagley Foundation, and vice president and
a trustee of Longwood Foundation, Inc.
CHARLES M. HARPER
Director since 1992 Chairman, Compensation and
Age 68 Benefits Committee and Member,
Strategic Direction Committee
[PHOTO OF Mr. Harper is Chairman and former chief executive officer of
CHARLES M. RJR Nabisco Holdings, Corp., a food and tobacco company. He
HARPER is a director and former chairman and chief executive officer
APPEARS HERE] of ConAgra, Inc., and a director of Norwest Corporation, Pe-
ter Kiewit Sons', Inc., and Valmont Industries Inc.
LOIS D. JULIBER
Director since October 1995
Age 47
[PHOTO OF Ms. Juliber is President, Colgate-Palmolive North America,
LOIS D. JULIBER Colgate-Palmolive Company, the principal business of which is
APPEARS HERE] the production and marketing of consumer products. She for-
merly served as chief technological officer of Colgate-
Palmolive and president of that company's Far East/Canada
businesses. Ms. Juliber is a member of the board of trustees
of Wellesley College and the Brookdale Foundation.
JOHN A. KROL
Director since 1992 Member, Strategic Direction and
Age 59 Environmental Policy Committees
[PHOTO OF President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Krol is a former
JOHN A. KROL vice chairman and senior vice president of DuPont Fibers. He
APPEARS HERE] is a director of Mead Corporation and a member of the Busi-
ness Roundtable and serves on the boards of the National As-
sociation of Manufacturers, the Delaware Art Museum and Elwyn
Institute for the Handicapped. Mr. Krol is also a trustee of
Eleutherian Mills-Hagley Foundation, Tufts University, the
University of Delaware and the United States Council for In-
ternational Business.
6
<PAGE>
WILLIAM K. REILLY
Director since 1993 Chairman, Environmental
Age 56 Policy Committee
[PHOTO OF Mr. Reilly is Visiting Professor at the Institute for Inter-
WILLIAM K. national Studies at Stanford University. He is a former ad-
REILLY ministrator of the United States Environmental Protection
APPEARS HERE] Agency and a former president of World Wildlife Fund and The
Conservation Foundation. Mr. Reilly is a director of Allied
Waste Industries, Inc., Catalytic Combustion Systems, Ever-
green Holdings, Inc., The National Geographic Society and
World Wildlife Fund. He also serves on the boards of The Yale
Corporation, the American Farmland Trust and the German Mar-
shall Fund of the United States.
H. RODNEY SHARP, III
Director since 1981 Member, Audit and Compensation
Age 60 and Benefits Committees
[PHOTO OF Mr. Sharp served as manager of Computer Systems of DuPont In-
H. RODNEY formation Systems. He is president of the Board of Trustees
SHARP, III of Longwood Foundation, Inc., and serves as a trustee of St.
APPEARS HERE] Augustine's College (Raleigh, North Carolina). Mr. Sharp is
also a director of the Medical Center of Delaware Foundation,
Community Housing, Inc., Planned Parenthood of Delaware, and
the YMCA of Delaware.
CHARLES M. VEST
Director since 1993 Member, Environmental Policy and
Age 54 Compensation and Benefits Committees
[PHOTO OF Mr. Vest is President of the Massachusetts Institute of Tech-
CHARLES M. nology. He is a former provost and vice president of Academic
VEST APPEARS Affairs and dean of Engineering of the University of Michi-
HERE] gan. Mr. Vest is a director of International Business Ma-
chines Corporation, a member of the National Academy of Engi-
neering and the Corporation of the Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution and a trustee of Wellesley College.
EDGAR S. WOOLARD, JR.
Director since 1983 Chairman, Strategic
Age 62 Direction Committee
[PHOTO OF Chairman of the Board, Mr. Woolard served as chairman and
EDGAR S. chief executive officer, president and chief operating offi-
WOOLARD, JR. cer, vice chairman and executive vice president. He is a di-
APPEARS HERE] rector of Citicorp and chairman of The Business Council. He
also serves as a trustee of the Medical Center of Delaware,
Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary and the Winterthur
Museum and Gardens.
7
<PAGE>
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS. As of December 31, 1995, Wilmington Trust Corporation,
Wilmington, Delaware, beneficially owned an aggregate of 66,549,826 shares of
the Company's Common Stock, or 11.5% of such shares outstanding at the time.
The shares held by Wilmington Trust are held of record for trust, estate,
custody or agency accounts, and include 23,546,176 shares held in the DuPont
Flexitrust, a trust created by the Company to satisfy obligations of the
Company under various employee benefit and compensation plans.
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. Following is information concerning
beneficial ownership of shares in DuPont for each director and nominee,
executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table on page 12 and for
all directors and executive officers as a group as of December 31, 1995. Also
included are shares of DuPont Common Stock granted in 1996 under the Variable
Compensation Plan. Under rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
"beneficial ownership" is deemed to include shares for which the individual,
directly or indirectly, has or shares voting or investment power, whether or
not they are held for the individual's benefit.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
--------------------------------
(NUMBER OF SHARES)
VOTING OR
INVESTMENT RIGHT TO PERCENT OF
DIRECT(1) POWER(2) ACQUIRE(3) CLASS(4)
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DUPONT COMMON STOCK
P. N. Barnevik............. 1,000 -- -- --
A. F. Brimmer.............. 6,458 162 -- --
L. C. Duemling............. 155,778 741,558 -- --
A. W. Dunham............... 48,883 -- 247,500 --
E. B. du Pont.............. 743,141 3,998,290* -- 0.8%
C. M. Harper............... 7,759 -- -- --
C. L. Henry................ 17,187 -- 147,000 --
L. D. Juliber.............. 133 300 -- --
J. A. Krol................. 29,181 71,130* 282,300 --
R. v.d. Luft............... 30,153 -- 154,300 --
C. S. Nicandros............ 64,359 -- 240,393 --
W. K. Reilly............... 2,212 -- -- --
H. R. Sharp, III........... 98,784 3,228,800* -- 0.6%
C. M. Vest................. 854 -- -- --
E. S. Woolard, Jr.......... 152,132 166,644 725,882 --
Directors and Executive
Officers as a Group....... 1,454,819 5,498,157 2,650,025 1.7%
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Reported in this column are shares held individually or jointly with others,
or in the name of a bank, broker or nominee for the individual's account.
Also included in this column are shares to be delivered at a future date
under the Variable Compensation Plan and the Deferred Compensation Plan for
Directors.
(2) Reported in this column are other shares with respect to which directors and
executive officers have or share voting or investment power, including
shares directly owned by certain relatives with whom they are presumed to
share voting and/or investment power.
(3) Reported in this column are shares which directors and executive officers
have a right to acquire through the exercise of stock options granted under
the DuPont Stock Performance Plan.
(4) Unless otherwise indicated, beneficial ownership of any named individual
does not exceed 0.5% of the outstanding shares of the class.
* Because they may be deemed to share, directly or indirectly, voting and/or
investment power, E. B. du Pont and H. R. Sharp, III are each listed as
beneficial owners of the same 2,660,151 shares; and E. B. du Pont and
J. A. Krol are each listed as beneficial owners of the same 71,130 shares.
These shares of DuPont Common Stock are reported only once in the total
for directors and executive officers as a group.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT. The Company's directors and
executive officers are required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to
file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of DuPont Common Stock with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange. During
1995, all such reports were filed on a timely basis.
8
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Committee") is responsible for establishing policies and programs which
govern compensation for executive officers and other employees who participate
in the Company's Variable Compensation Plan and Stock Performance Plan. The
Committee makes specific individual recommendations to the Board of Directors
for employee directors.
The Company's executive compensation policy is to provide appropriate total
annual compensation when compared with positions of equivalent responsibility
within a self-constructed group of peer companies. Total annual compensation
consists of salary and variable compensation. When determining variable
compensation, the Committee evaluates the Company's corporate performance and
annual compensation against the peer group, which are the same companies
included in the peer group index used in the stock performance graph shown on
page 14. The policy also provides for competitive long-term compensation
opportunity when compared with other major industrial companies, including
many of those shown in the peer group index.
Compensation for executive officers consists of three components: salary,
variable compensation and stock options.
SALARY
Consistent with the Company's policy, salaries are generally maintained near
the average of the peer group. Salary increases for executive officers are
determined through the administrative process used for all salaried employees.
Specific increases reflect individual contribution.
VARIABLE COMPENSATION
The Variable Compensation Plan (VCP) provides approximately 10,000
employees, including executive officers, with total annual compensation that
varies up or down based on the performance of the Company, the performance of
their business unit and their own contribution. Typically, 25% of variable
compensation is paid in DuPont Common Stock.
As approved by shareholders, the VCP limits the annual maximum funding to
20% of consolidated net income after deducting 6% of net capital employed.
Each year the Committee reviews operating results, excluding all nonrecurring
items, in determining the overall limit on variable compensation. This ensures
that the amount available for variable compensation fluctuates in relation to
the Company's operating results.
To determine the amounts of payments to VCP participants for 1995, the
Committee used a formula, approved in 1994, which consists of equally weighted
components of earnings per share (EPS) versus the prior year and return on
equity (ROE) versus a target of 18%. The formula may be adjusted based on a
subjective assessment of cash flow management for the year and corporate
financial performance compared with the peer group companies. For 1995 the
Committee reviewed the Company's performance relative to the peer group's ROE
and total shareholder return.
Since 1993, the Company has had a program to differentiate variable
compensation payments by business unit. Business differentiation is based on
underlying after-tax operating income and cash flow from operations versus
each business unit's financial commitment for the year. In addition, payments
may be differentiated by business unit based on a subjective assessment of
performance in such areas as valuing and developing people, safety, the
environment, and continuous improvement. The assessment of performance in
these areas may also be used to adjust the formula for overall corporate
performance.
9
<PAGE>
In arriving at the level of payments for 1995, the Committee considered that
1995 reported EPS was an all-time high and 40% higher than 1994, ROE was
significantly above the 18% target, and average business unit performance was
19% above commitment. After adjusting EPS and ROE for certain items not
representative of operating results (e.g., Seagram share redemption), the
Committee approved average payments that were about 14% higher than 1994
levels. Payments among business units ranged from 66% to 134% of the average.
Variable compensation payments for 1995 were 40% of the maximum amount
available under the overall VCP limit. Over the past ten years, the Committee
has approved payments on average of 60% of the maximum available.
For 1996 the Committee approved the replacement of ROE in the variable
compensation formula with return on investors' capital (ROIC). Since ROIC
measures return on both debt and equity, it is less volatile and facilitates
financial performance comparisons with the peer companies with different
financial structures.
STOCK OPTIONS
Stock options are designed to provide an incentive for employees primarily
responsible for the growth and success of the Company. Stock option grants are
also intended to encourage the ownership of DuPont stock and thereby further
the identity of interests of optionees with those of the Company's
shareholders. About 1,100 employees, including executive officers and key
leaders in all global regions and middle management, received grants in 1995.
The Committee has established stock option targets for each participating
level of responsibility within the Company based on a survey conducted by
Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., of 33 large industrial companies. The consulting
firm's survey included nine of the peer group companies used for the total
annual compensation and stock performance graph comparisons described above,
as well as other publicly traded companies with multibillion dollar revenues.
This broader group of companies, rather than the peer group, is used for
determining long-term compensation because of the greater variability in value
of long-term compensation plans. Corporate financial performance is not
considered by the Committee in determining the number of stock options
granted. Targets for DuPont are intended to be near the median long-term
incentive opportunity granted by the survey group.
Stock options are typically granted annually. Individual grants may range
from one-half to one-and-one-half of the target for each level of
responsibility to reflect individual performance and potential. In addition to
annual grants, special stock option grants are made to employees to recognize
advancement to key senior management positions and to recognize significant
achievements. All grants are at market price on the date of grant and, after
they become exercisable, have value only if the price of DuPont Common Stock
has increased to a value greater than at the grant date. As further incentive
for stock performance, the price of DuPont Common Stock must be at least 120%
of the price on the date of grant for the options to be exercisable. This
insures that a significant gain for shareholders is achieved before any
compensation is realized.
COMPENSATION FOR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
There were two CEOs in 1995: Edgar S. Woolard, Jr. and John A. Krol.
Mr. Woolard served as CEO until December 1, 1995 and retired as an employee
of the Company on January 1, 1996. He continues to serve as Chairman of the
Board of Directors and Chairman of the Strategic Direction Committee.
10
<PAGE>
In 1990, the Committee established the position of Senior Vice President as
the primary benchmark tie to comparison companies and set the CEO's total
compensation target at about two times that of the Senior Vice President
position. This practice addressed growing concerns over upward spiraling of
CEO pay and the divergence in CEO compensation compared to the average
employee. For 1995 Mr. Woolard's salary was increased 19% to reflect his
strong contribution to the Company and in recognition of the disparity between
his salary and that of peer group CEOs. Even with this increase, his salary
remained substantially below the average of the peer group.
For 1995 Mr. Woolard's variable compensation of $1,700,000 was about 25%
above target and 43% higher than 1994. In determining his variable
compensation the Committee applied the same formula -- performance factors,
goals and weighting -- on a basis consistent with the determination of
variable compensation granted to other employees for 1995, as described above
under Variable Compensation. In evaluating Mr. Woolard's performance for 1995,
the Committee noted the Company's outstanding business results, including a
record high in earnings, as well as Mr. Woolard's strong leadership in
continuing the transformation of the Company. In recognition of his key role
in the redemption of shares from Seagram, his variable compensation was
calculated including the full effect of that redemption on EPS and ROE in the
variable compensation formula.
Mr. Krol was promoted from Vice Chairman to President effective October 1,
1995 and Chief Executive Officer on December 1, 1995. In recognition of his
substantially increased responsibilities, the Committee approved a salary
increase of 42% for Mr. Krol. For 1995, his variable compensation was about
100% of a target prorated to reflect his performance as Vice Chairman,
President and CEO. In determining his variable compensation, the Committee
applied the same formula on a basis consistent with the determination of
variable compensation granted to other employees for 1995. In evaluating Mr.
Krol's performance for 1995, the Committee noted his strong leadership in the
Chemicals and Specialties businesses, improvements in productivity, and his
focus on profitable growth.
In 1995 Mr. Krol received a stock option grant that was at 100% of target
for his level of responsibility at that time as Vice Chairman. Consistent with
Company practice, Mr. Krol also received a special stock option grant that was
about 150% of target for his new level of responsibility as CEO.
* * * * *
The federal tax laws impose requirements in order for compensation payable
to the CEO and certain executive officers to be fully deductible. The Company
has taken appropriate actions to preserve its income tax deduction.
The Compensation and Benefits Committee believes the executive compensation
programs and practices described above are competitive. They are designed to
provide increased compensation with improved financial results and provide
additional opportunity for capital accumulation, but only if shareholder value
is increased.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE
Charles M. Harper, Chairman
H. Rodney Sharp, III
Charles M. Vest
11
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION AND STOCK OPTION INFORMATION
The following table shows information about the compensation of the
Company's chief executive officers during 1995 and four other highest paid
executive officers. Two additional tables provide detailed information about
these employees' stock options.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
--------------------------------------- ---------------
NAME AND VARIABLE OTHER SHARES ALL OTHER
PRINCIPAL COMPENSATION ANNUAL UNDERLYING COMPENSA-
POSITION YEAR SALARY (BONUS)(1) COMPENSATION(2) OPTIONS GRANTED TION(3)
--------- ---- ---------- ------------ --------------- --------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
E. S. Woolard, Jr. 1995 $1,000,000 $1,700,000 -- 122,000 $30,000
Chairman of the 1994 840,000 1,185,000 -- 87,100 25,200
Board and CEO 1993 792,000 450,000 -- 75,800 7,005
J. A. Krol 1995 702,000 1,040,000 -- 213,500 21,060
President and CEO 1994 567,000 830,000 -- 43,200 17,010
1993 528,000 300,000 -- 36,600 7,005
C. S. Nicandros 1995 696,000 900,000 -- 63,500 41,750
Vice Chairman 1994 648,000 800,000 -- 49,400 38,730
1993 618,000 360,000 -- 43,800 14,150
R. v.d. Luft 1995 427,200 580,000 $546,633 30,000 12,816
Senior Vice President 1994 406,000 500,000 437,112 22,000 12,180
1993 394,600 185,000 60,800 24,200 7,005
C. L. Henry 1995 436,000 540,000 -- 53,000 13,080
Executive Vice 1994 393,800 450,000 -- 22,000 10,639
President 1993 370,800 155,000 -- 19,500 7,005
A. W. Dunham 1995 454,400 470,000 -- 35,000 27,254
Executive Vice 1994 434,800 470,000 -- 28,000 26,058
President 1993 416,800 270,000 -- 26,400 14,150
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) On average, about 25% of variable compensation is paid in DuPont Common
Stock.
(2) For 1995, 1994 and 1993 respectively, includes $388,133, $316,438 and
$55,964 for reimbursement of taxes in excess of those that would have been
incurred in a foreign service employee's base country; and $158,500,
$120,674 and $4,836 in foreign housing allowances and other customary
payments for expenses related to overseas assignments.
(3) The Company's matching contributions made pursuant to the Company's
savings and thrift plans, including the following amounts credited under
the related savings restoration plan in 1995: $25,500 for E. S. Woolard,
Jr.; $16,560 for J. A. Krol; $32,760 for C. S. Nicandros; $8,316 for R.
v.d. Luft; $8,580 for C. L. Henry; and $18,264 for A. W. Dunham.
12
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT
ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
INDIVIDUAL OPTION GRANTS IN 1995 FOR OPTION TERM(3)
---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF PERCENT
SHARES OF TOTAL
UNDERLYING OPTIONS EXPIRA-
OPTIONS GRANTED EXERCISE TION 0% 5% 10%
NAME GRANTED(1) IN 1995 PRICE(2) DATE $55.50 $90.50 $144.00
- ---- ---------- -------- --------- ---------- ------ ------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
E. S. Woolard, Jr. ..... 122,000 3.59% $55.50 3/2/2005 0 $4,270,000.00 $10,797,000.00
J. A. Krol.............. 63,500 1.87% 55.50 3/2/2005 0 2,222,500.00 5,619,750.00
150,000 4.42% 62.75 10/24/2005 0(4) 4,162,500.00(4) 12,187,500.00(4)
C. S. Nicandros......... 63,500 1.87% 55.50 3/2/2005 0 2,222,500.00 5,619,750.00
R. v.d. Luft............ 30,000 0.88% 55.50 3/2/2005 0 1,050,000.00 2,655,000.00
C. L. Henry............. 38,000 1.12% 55.50 3/2/2005 0 1,330,000.00 3,363,000.00
15,000 0.44% 62.75 10/24/2005 0(4) 416,250.00(4) 1,218,750.00(4)
A. W. Dunham............ 35,000 1.03% 55.50 3/2/2005 0 1,225,000.00 3,097,500.00
- --------
All Shareholders'
Gains................ increase in market value of DuPont
Common Stock at assumed rates of stock
price appreciation(5) ................. $23,843,443,470.00 $60,289,849,917.00
All Optionees'
Gains................ as a percent of all shareholders'
gains(6)............................... 0.50% 0.50%
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Stock options are exercisable twelve months from the date of grant and
have a term of ten years. The price of DuPont Common Stock must be at
least 120% of the price on the date of grant for the options to be
exercisable. All of these options were granted on March 3, 1995, except
for the 150,000 options granted to J. A. Krol and the 15,000 options
granted to C. L. Henry on October 25, 1995.
(2) The exercise price is the average of the high and low prices of DuPont
Common Stock as reported on the NYSE-Composite Transactions Tape on the
date of grant.
(3) Represents total potential appreciation of about 0%, 63% and 159% for
assumed annual rates of appreciation of 0%, 5% and 10%, respectively,
compounded annually for the ten-year option term.
(4) Potential realizable value based on assumed DuPont Common Stock prices of
$55.50, $90.50 and $144.00 determined as described in Note 3 above. For
options granted on October 25, 1995, the representative equivalent DuPont
Common Stock prices applying the total potential appreciation of about 0%,
63% and 159% to the exercise price of $62.75 would be $62.75, $102.25 and
$162.75, which results in potential realizable values of $0, $5,925,000
and $15,000,000 for J. A. Krol and $0, $592,500 and $1,500,000 for C. L.
Henry, respectively.
(5) Calculated from the $55.50 exercise price applicable to most options
granted in 1995 based on the 681,241,242 shares outstanding on the March
3, 1995 grant date.
(6) Represents potential realizable value for all options granted in 1995 as
compared to the increase in market value of DuPont Common Stock at assumed
rates of stock price appreciation. Potential realizable value for all
options granted in 1995 is calculated from the $55.50 exercise price
applicable to most options granted in 1995.
13
<PAGE>
AGGREGATED 1995 OPTION EXERCISES/YEAR-END 1995 OPTION VALUES TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTION UNEXERCISED OPTIONS IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
EXERCISES IN 1995 HELD AT DEC. 31, 1995 HELD AT DEC. 31, 1995(2)
---------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
SHARES
UNDERLYING VALUE
NAME OPTIONS REALIZED(1) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---- ---------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
E. S. Woolard, Jr. ..... 16,185 $1,809,249 603,882 122,000 $17,479,689 $1,753,750
J. A. Krol.............. 2,991 316,526 218,800 213,500 5,622,187 1,981,563
C. S. Nicandros......... 24,308 2,545,125 176,893 63,500 3,844,195 912,813
R. v.d. Luft............ 0 0 124,300 30,000 3,052,714 431,250
C. L. Henry............. 12,342 1,612,928 109,000 53,000 2,789,952 653,125
A. W. Dunham............ 2,981 196,893 212,500 35,000 6,271,283 503,125
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Represents the pre-tax gain, which is the difference between the market
value of the shares on the date of exercise of the options and the exercise
price.
(2) Represents the closing price for DuPont Common Stock on December 31, 1995
of $69.875 less the exercise price for all outstanding exercisable and
unexercisable options for which the exercise price is less than such
closing price. Exercisable options have been held at least one year from
the date of grant. Unexercisable options have been held for less than one
year.
STOCK PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The following graph presents the cumulative, five-year total return for
DuPont Common Stock compared with the S&P 500 Stock Index and a peer group of
companies. DuPont has used this peer group for several years to compare
compensation for senior management, and eight of the twelve companies are
direct competitors. The peer group companies are: AlliedSignal, Amoco, Dow
Chemical, Eastman Kodak, Exxon, Ford Motor, General Electric, International
Business Machines, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, Monsanto, Union Carbide
and Xerox.
The graph assumes that the value of the investment in DuPont Common Stock,
the S&P 500 Stock Index and the peer group of companies each was $100 on
December 31, 1990 and that all dividends were reinvested. The peer group is
weighted by market capitalization.
[LINE GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DUPONT $100 $131.8 $138.0 $146.5 $175.8 $226.0
S&P 500 100 130.3 140.3 154.3 156.4 215.0
PEER GROUP 100 114.7 118.0 141.8 149.7 200.6
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE>
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Retirement benefits for DuPont employees under the DuPont Pension and
Retirement Plan are based on an employee's years of service and average
monthly pay during the employee's three highest-paid years. "Average monthly
pay" for this purpose includes regular compensation and 100% of annual
variable compensation payments, but excludes other bonuses and compensation in
excess of limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. The Internal Revenue
Code limits the amount of annual benefits which may be payable from the
pension trust. Retirement benefits provided under the pension plan in excess
of these limitations are paid from the Company's general revenues under a
separate, nonfunded Pension Restoration Plan.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED ANNUAL RETIREMENT
SALARY AND BENEFITS BASED ON SERVICE OF:
VARIABLE --------------------------------
COMPENSATION 25 YEARS 30 YEARS 35 YEARS
------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ 900,000............................ $ 330,000 $ 398,000 $ 465,000
1,400,000............................ 518,000 623,000 728,000
1,900,000............................ 705,000 848,000 990,000
2,400,000............................ 893,000 1,073,000 1,253,000
2,900,000............................ 1,080,000 1,298,000 1,516,000
3,400,000............................ 1,268,000 1,523,000 1,778,000
</TABLE>
The above table illustrates the straight life annuity amounts payable under
the DuPont Pension and Retirement Plan and Pension Restoration Plan to DuPont
employees retiring at age 65 in 1996. As of normal retirement age (65), the
years of service credited for retirement benefits for DuPont employees named
in the Summary Compensation Table on page 12 would be as follows: 38 years for
J. A. Krol, 43 years for R. v.d. Luft and 42 years for C. L. Henry. E. S.
Woolard, Jr. retired with about 38 years of service.
The DuPont Pension and Retirement Plan as it applies to Conoco employees and
the Retirement Restoration Benefit Plan of Conoco are similar to the DuPont
Pension and Retirement Plan and the Pension Restoration Plan described above
for DuPont employees.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED ANNUAL
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
SALARY AND BASED ON SERVICE OF:
VARIABLE ------------------------------
COMPENSATION 25 YEARS 30 YEARS 35 YEARS
------------ -------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ 900,000............................. $354,000 $ 425,000 $ 496,000
1,400,000............................. 554,000 665,000 776,000
1,900,000............................. 754,000 905,000 1,056,000
2,400,000............................. 954,000 1,145,000 1,336,000
</TABLE>
The above table illustrates the straight life annuity amounts payable to
employees of Conoco retiring at age 65 in 1996, including payments under the
Retirement Restoration Benefit Plan. As of normal retirement age (65), A. W.
Dunham would have 37 years of credited service.
C. S. Nicandros elected to retire February 29, 1996, with about 38 years of
service. In connection with his retirement, Mr. Nicandros will be treated as
vested under the Directors' Charitable Gift Plan in consideration, in part,
for bearing his allocable cost as provided by the Plan. In addition, Mr.
Nicandros has entered into a consulting agreement with the Company beginning
March 1, 1996, through December 31, 1997, where he will receive $50,000
monthly plus reimbursement of certain expenses including up to $12,000 monthly
for office expenses.
15
<PAGE>
2--RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Article III, Section 5, of the Bylaws provides that it shall be the duty of
the Audit Committee to employ, subject to stockholder ratification at each
annual meeting, independent accountants to audit the books of account,
accounting procedures and financial statements of the Company for the year and
to perform such other duties as prescribed from time to time by the Audit
Committee. On April 26, 1995, the stockholders ratified the appointment by the
Audit Committee of Price Waterhouse LLP to perform the functions assigned to
it in accordance with the Bylaws.
Price Waterhouse LLP has served as independent accountants of the Company
continuously since 1954. It is believed that its knowledge of the Company's
business gained through this period of service is most valuable. Partners and
employees of the firm who work on the Company's account are periodically
changed, thus giving the Company the benefit of new thinking and approaches in
the audit area.
During 1995, Price Waterhouse LLP audited the Company's annual consolidated
financial statements and those of a significant majority of its subsidiaries,
reviewed financial information in filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and other regulatory agencies, audited employee benefit plans and
provided various other services. Worldwide fees for all services provided by
Price Waterhouse LLP totaled $15.1 million for the year, of which $6.2 million
was for the annual audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements
and those of its subsidiaries.
Subject to ratification by the holders of DuPont Common Stock, the Audit
Committee has reemployed Price Waterhouse LLP as independent accountants to
perform an examination of the Company's consolidated financial statements for
the year 1996 and to render other services as required of them.
Representatives of Price Waterhouse LLP are expected to be present at the
meeting and will have an opportunity to address the meeting and respond to
appropriate questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE FOLLOWING
RESOLUTION:
RESOLVED, That the action of the Audit Committee in employing Price
Waterhouse LLP as independent accountants for the year 1996 to perform the
functions assigned to them in accordance with Article III, Section 5, of
the Bylaws of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company hereby is ratified.
3--MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL ON DIRECTORS' STOCK PLAN
Under the terms of the DuPont Stock Accumulation and Deferred Compensation
Plan for Directors (formerly the Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors)
(the "Plan"), nonemployee directors may defer all or part of the payment of
Board and committee fees in the form of cash or DuPont stock units until a
specified year or until ceasing to be a director of the Company. Interest
equivalents accrue on payments deferred in the form of cash and dividend
equivalents accrue on payments deferred in the form of DuPont stock units. For
20 years, nonemployee directors have had this opportunity to convert cash fees
to DuPont stock units and therefore accumulate shares of DuPont Common Stock
to be delivered at a future date. The Plan has been described in the Company's
proxy statements since 1979.
16
<PAGE>
The Board of Directors approved for submission to stockholders at the 1996
Annual Meeting the Plan as amended to provide for an annual grant of 200
shares of DuPont Common Stock to nonemployee directors and a nonqualified
stock option for 100,000 DuPont shares as part of the compensation for E. S.
Woolard, Jr., as nonexecutive Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman
of the Strategic Direction Committee. The Plan, as amended, is effective
January 1, 1996, subject to stockholder approval. Key provisions of the Plan
are summarized below and a copy of the DuPont Stock Accumulation and Deferred
Compensation Plan for Directors is set forth in Exhibit A of this proxy
statement.
DuPont Stock Grant to Nonemployee Directors. Beginning in 1996, each
nonemployee director other than the nonexecutive Chairman will receive an
annual grant of DuPont Common Stock following election at the Annual Meeting
of Stockholders. Directors joining the Board during a year will receive 200
shares following their election, but in no event more than 200 shares in any
calendar year.
The grant of 200 shares is intended to further align nonemployee directors
with the interests of the Company's other stockholders, provide an additional
opportunity to accumulate DuPont stock beyond the deferral of DuPont stock
units feature described above and maintain a competitive compensation program
for nonemployee directors. The value of the stock grant will not be used in
computing a director's benefit under the Retirement Income Plan for Directors.
DuPont Stock Option Grant to Nonexecutive Chairman. The Plan grants a
nonqualified stock option to E. S. Woolard, Jr., as part of his compensation
in his capacity as nonexecutive Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chairman of the Strategic Direction Committee. The option covers 100,000
shares of DuPont Common Stock; is granted at market price ($70.00) on January
1, 1996, the effective date of grant; has a term of ten years; and is
contingent on stockholder approval of the Plan.
Provisions of the Plan and terms and conditions established by the
Compensation and Benefits Committee for this option grant are consistent with
those for options granted under the Company's Stock Performance Plan which is
referred to in the Compensation and Benefits Committee Report on pages 9 to 11
of this proxy statement. For example, the option vests and becomes exercisable
on January 1, 1997. In addition, beginning January 1, 1997, and ending six
months prior to expiration of the option, the price of DuPont Common Stock
must be at least 120 percent of the price on date of grant (or $84.00) in
order for the option to be exercisable.
Counsel advises that under the Internal Revenue Code there is no taxable
income as a result of the option grant. Exercise of the option will result in
taxable income to Mr. Woolard to the extent of the difference between the fair
market value of the stock at the time of exercise and the exercise price. The
Company will be entitled to a tax deduction upon the exercise of the option in
the amount equal to Mr. Woolard's taxable income.
Administration and Amendment. The Plan is administered by the Compensation
and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors, which established terms and
conditions of the stock option grant. The Board of Directors reserves the
right to modify the Plan from time to time or repeal the Plan entirely,
provided, however, that no modification shall operate to annul deferral
elections already in effect. All expenses and costs in connection with the
operation of the Plan are borne by the Company.
The closing price of a share of the Company's Common Stock on the New York
Stock Exchange Composite Transactions Tape on March 5, 1996 was $80.75.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE FOLLOWING
RESOLUTION:
Resolved, That the DuPont Stock Accumulation and Deferred Compensation Plan
for Directors, as set forth in Exhibit A to the Proxy Statement of the
Company for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on April 24, 1996, hereby is
approved.
17
<PAGE>
4--STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL ON ANNUAL MEETING DATE
Mrs. Evelyn Y. Davis, Watergate Office Building, 2600 Virginia Avenue, N.W.,
Suite 215, Washington D.C., owner of 150 shares of DuPont Common Stock, has
given notice that she will introduce the following resolution and statement in
support thereof:
Resolved: That the stockholders recommend that the Board of Directors take
the necessary steps to change the Annual Meeting date to the first
Wednesday of June.
STOCKHOLDER'S STATEMENT
REASONS: Recently the Annual Meetings were held on a date when other major
corporations met. Until a few years ago, the Company has met on a date when
more independent non-employee shareholders could meet.
The many problems the Company faces makes maximum attendance by outside
independent stockholders especially desirable.
If you AGREE, please mark your proxy FOR this resolution.
POSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "AGAINST" THIS PROPOSAL.
In 1988, the Board of Directors changed the annual meeting date from the
first Monday in May to the Wednesday after the fourth Monday in April to
coincide with a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. It is
impossible to choose a meeting date that is satisfactory to every one of the
more than 200,000 stockholders of the Company. A large number of corporations
hold their annual meetings in April. Any date selected will be convenient for
some stockholders and pose a conflict for others. The Wednesday after the
fourth Monday in April is believed to best serve the interests of the Company
and the majority of its stockholders.
5--STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL ON CUMULATIVE VOTING
John J. and Margaret R. Gilbert, 29 E. 64th Street, New York, New York,
owners of 612 and 60 shares respectively, of DuPont Common Stock, who
represent an additional family interest of 500 shares and are trustees under
wills for an additional 1,436 shares, and John C. Henry, 5 E. 93rd Street, New
York, New York, owner of 1,080 shares of DuPont Common Stock, have given
notice that one or all of them will introduce the following resolution and
statement in support thereof:
Resolved, That the stockholders of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company,
Inc., assembled in annual meeting in person and by proxy, hereby request
the Board of Directors to take the steps necessary to provide for
cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means each
stockholder shall be entitled to as many votes as shall equal the number of
shares he or she owns multiplied by the number of directors to be elected,
and he or she may cast all of such votes for a single candidate, or any two
or more of them as he or she may see fit.
STOCKHOLDERS' STATEMENT
Continued strong support along the lines we suggest were shown at the last
annual meeting when over 21%, 7,135 owners of 87,501,257 shares, were cast in
favor of this proposal. The vote against included approximately 12,100
unmarked proxies.
18
<PAGE>
A law enacted in California provides that all state pension holdings and
state college funds invested in shares must be voted in favor of cumulative
voting proposals, showing increasing recognition of the importance of this
democratic means of electing directors.
The National Bank Act provides for cumulative voting. Unfortunately, in many
cases companies get around it by forming holding companies without cumulative
voting. Banking authorities have the right to question the capability of
directors to be on banking boards. Unfortunately, in many cases authorities
come in after and say the director or directors were not qualified. We were
delighted to see that the SEC has finally taken action to prevent bad
directors from being on the boards of public companies.
We think cumulative voting is the answer to find new directors for various
committees. In addition, some recommendations have been made to carry out the
CERES 10 points. The 11th should be, in our opinion, having cumulative voting
and ending stagger systems of electing directors.
When Alaska became a state it took away cumulative voting over our
objections. The Valdez oil spill might have been prevented if environmental
directors were elected through cumulative voting. Also, the huge derivative
losses might have been prevented with cumulative voting.
Many successful corporations have cumulative voting. For example, Pennzoil
having cumulative voting defeated Texaco in that famous case. Another example
is Ingersoll-Rand, which has cumulative voting and won two awards. In FORTUNE
magazine it was ranked second in its industry as "America's Most Admired
Corporations." and the WALL STREET TRANSCRIPT noted "on almost any criteria
used to evaluate management, Ingersoll-Rand excels." Also, in 1994 and 1995
they raised their dividend. In the recent Lockheed-Martin merger they put in
that if any one has 40% of the shares, cumulative voting would apply. We
believe that DuPont should follow these examples.
If you agree, please mark your proxy for this resolution; otherwise it is
automatically cast against it, unless you have marked to abstain.
POSITION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "AGAINST" THIS PROPOSAL.
The Company's stockholders have had the opportunity to consider and vote on
this issue on numerous occasions beginning in 1955. Each time, the
stockholders have rejected the proposal by more than 75% of the votes cast.
The Board continues to believe that cumulative voting is not in the best
interest of the Company or its stockholders. In the opinion of the Board,
cumulative voting would permit a small minority of shares to elect a director
for the sole purpose of supporting a particular point of view, without regard
to the interests of other parties. A director elected in this manner could not
be expected to exercise free judgment and would not represent the stockholders
as a whole.
6--STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL ON CONSIDERING POTENTIAL NOMINEES
Ed Escue, 4253 Samoa Drive, Hermitage, Tennessee, owner of 484 shares of
DuPont Common Stock, has given notice that he will introduce the following
resolution and statement in support thereof:
Resolved: That the stockholders of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company,
assembled in annual meeting in person and by proxy, hereby request that the
Board of Directors give consideration to having a DuPont wage roll employee
who is currently serving as a representative of the employees at his or her
plant site to be nominated for election to the Board of Directors.
19
<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDER'S STATEMENT
Right now the Board is composed of twelve individuals who have the following
qualifications and experience:
-executives and retired executives of DuPont;
-executives and retired executives of other major corporations;
-a financial consultant;
-a trustee of an environmental organization;
-the former head of the Environmental Protection Agency;
-the president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
With the sale of stock by Seagram back to DuPont, four Seagram directors
resigned from the DuPont Board of Directors. Since that time only one person
has been nominated to the Board, this nominee currently serving as an
executive with another major corporation.
I believe it would be of great benefit to DuPont for a wage roll DuPont
employee who is currently serving as a representative of the workers at his or
her site to serve on the Board of Directors.
A wage roll employee who has spent years working in a factory, who as an
employee representative has listened first hand to employees, learning what
motivates them positively and negatively, would provide the Board with
knowledge and insight that is not now present on the Board.
Moreover, such an addition to the Board would be viewed by the wage roll
employees, who comprise the vast majority of the DuPont workforce, as a
sincere effort by DuPont to recognize and understand their concerns. This is
particularly important at a time when there have been so many reductions in
the number of employees and a resulting increase in each employee's work load
and responsibility.
Chairman Woolard has credited the employees as being the key factor in the
outstanding financial performance of DuPont. He has stated that, in order for
the Company to move to the next level, the Company must enable employees to
become energized about the role they see for themselves.
For the employees to become so energized, for the Company to reach the next
level of performance, it is necessary that the wage roll employees' voice be
present at the highest decision making level of the Company, on the Board of
Directors.
POSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "AGAINST" THIS PROPOSAL.
The Board of Directors believes that each director should represent all
shareholders and has long been opposed to electing a director to represent a
particular point of view or particular constituency other than shareholders as
a whole.
It is important to the Board that its members possess a breadth of
experience, insight and knowledge to exercise independent judgment in carrying
out its responsibilities for broad corporate policy and the overall
performance of the Company. When it reviews potential nominees to recommend to
the Board, the nominating committee considers a wide range of criteria, which
will vary over time depending on the needs of the Board. For example, in
recent years, the Board's composition has broadened to include members with
global business perspectives and strong marketing experience.
In the Board's view, the interests of shareholders as a whole are best
served when the nominating committee and the Board are able to exercise
discretion to consider potential qualified nominees who will bring broad
experience, skills and perspectives to bear on the Company's efforts to
achieve continued business success and increase shareholder value.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other proposals to be presented for
consideration at the meeting but, if other matters do properly come before the
meeting, the persons named in the proxy will vote your shares according to
their best judgment.
20
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
DUPONT STOCK ACCUMULATION AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN FOR DIRECTORS
1. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
The purpose of the DuPont Stock Accumulation and Deferred Compensation Plan
for Directors (the "Plan") is (1) to further the identity of interests of
members of the Board of Directors of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (the
"Company") with those of the Company's stockholders generally through the
grant of common stock of the Company (the "Stock"); (2) to permit Directors to
defer the payment of all or a specified part of their compensation, including
any grant of Stock by the Company, for services performed as Directors; and
(3) to provide for a grant of stock options to Edgar S. Woolard, Jr. in
connection with his service as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
2. ELIGIBILITY
Members of the Board of Directors of the Company who are not employees of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and who do not receive a form
of compensation for Board service in lieu of customary Directors' fees shall
be eligible to receive grants of Stock under the Plan. Members of the Board of
Directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates shall be eligible under this Plan to defer
compensation for services performed as Directors.
3. ADMINISTRATION AND AMENDMENT
The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation and Benefits Committee of
the Board of Directors (the "Committee"). The decision of the Committee with
respect to any questions arising as to the interpretation of this Plan,
including the severability of any and all of the provisions thereof, shall be
final, conclusive and binding. The Board of Directors of the Company reserves
the right to modify the Plan from time to time, or to repeal the Plan
entirely, provided, however, that (1) no modification of the Plan shall
operate to annul an election already in effect for the current calendar year
or any preceding calendar year; and (2) to the extent required under Section
16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"), Plan provisions
relating to the amount, price and timing of stock grants and options shall not
be amended more than once every six months, except that the foregoing shall
not preclude any amendment necessary to conform to changes in the Internal
Revenue Code or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
The Committee is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Plan, from time
to time to establish such rules and regulations as it deems appropriate for
the proper administration of the Plan, and to make such determinations and
take such steps in connection therewith as it deems necessary or advisable.
4. COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16 OF THE EXCHANGE ACT/CHANGE IN LAW
It is the Company's intent that the Plan comply in all respects with Rule 16b-
3 of the Exchange Act, or its successor, and any regulations promulgated
thereunder. If any provision of this Plan is found not to be in compliance
with such rule and regulations, the provision shall be deemed null and void,
and the remaining provisions of the Plan shall continue in full force and
effect. All transactions under this Plan shall be executed in accordance with
the requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and regulations promulgated
thereunder.
The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, modify the terms and
conditions of this Plan in response to and consistent with any changes in
applicable law, rule or regulation.
5. ANNUAL STOCK GRANT
Effective with the 1996 Annual Meeting and annually thereafter, each Director
eligible under Article 2 hereof shall be awarded an annual grant of two
hundred (200) shares of Stock following his/her election to the Board of
Directors at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. A Director elected to the
Board at a time other than at the Annual Meeting shall receive a grant of two
hundred (200) shares of Stock following his/her first attendance at a Board
Meeting, provided, however, that no Director shall receive more than two
hundred (200) shares of Stock in any calendar year. A Director may use shares
of Stock granted hereunder to satisfy withholding taxes related to grants
under this Plan in accordance with terms and conditions established by the
Committee.
6. ELECTION TO DEFER
On or before December 31 of any year, a Director may elect to defer, until a
specified year or retirement as a Director of the Company, the receipt of the
Stock granted under Article 5 or the payment of all or a specified
21
<PAGE>
part of all fees payable to the Director for services as a Director during the
calendar year following the election and succeeding calendar years in the form
of cash or stock units, provided, however, that Stock may only be deferred as
stock units. Any person who shall become a Director during any calendar year,
and who was not a Director of the Company on the preceding December 31, may
elect, within thirty days after election to the Board, to defer in the same
manner the receipt of the Stock granted under Article 5 or the payment of all
or a specified part of fees not yet earned for the remainder of that calendar
year and for succeeding calendar years in the form of cash or stock units.
Elections shall be made by written notice delivered to the Secretary of the
Committee.
7. DIRECTORS' ACCOUNTS
Fees deferred in the form of cash shall be held in the general funds of the
Company and shall be credited to an account in the name of the Director. On
the first day of each quarter, interest shall be credited to each account
calculated on the basis of the cash balance in each account on the first day
of each month of the preceding quarter at the Prime Rate of Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company of New York (or at such other rate as may be specified by the
Committee from time to time) in effect on the first day of each month. Stock
granted under Article 5 to be deferred in the form of stock units, or fees to
be deferred in the form of stock units, shall be allocated to each Director's
account based on the closing price of the Company's common stock as reported
on the Composite Tape of the New York Stock Exchange ("Stock Price") on the
effective date of the Stock grant or the date the fees would otherwise have
been paid. The Company shall not be required to reserve or otherwise set aside
shares of common stock for the payment of its obligations hereunder, but shall
make available as and when required a sufficient number of shares of common
stock to meet the needs of the Plan. An amount equal to any cash dividends (or
the fair market value of dividends paid in property other than dividends
payable in common stock of the Company) payable on the number of shares
represented by the number of stock units in each Director's account will be
allocated to each Director's account in the form of stock units based upon the
Stock Price on the dividend payment date. Any stock dividends payable on such
number of shares will be allocated in the form of stock units. If adjustments
are made to outstanding shares of common stock as a result of split-ups,
recapitalizations, mergers, consolidations and the like, an appropriate
adjustment will also be made in the number of stock units in a Director's
account. Stock units shall not entitle any person to rights of a stockholder
unless and until shares of Company common stock have been issued to that
person with respect to stock units as provided in Article 8.
8. PAYMENT FROM DIRECTORS' ACCOUNTS
The aggregate amount of Stock granted under Article 5 which has been deferred
and deferred fees, together with interest and dividend equivalents accrued
thereon, shall be paid in the year specified or after a Director ceases to be
a Director of the Company. Amounts deferred to a specified year shall only be
paid in a lump sum and shall be paid promptly at the beginning of that
specified year. Amounts deferred to retirement shall be paid in a lump sum or,
if the Director elects, in substantially equal annual installments over a
period of years specified by the Director. The delivery election must be made
by written notice delivered to the Secretary of the Committee prior to the
date of retirement, and the first installment (or lump sum payment) shall be
paid promptly at the beginning of the following calendar year. Subsequent
installments shall be paid promptly at the beginning of each succeeding
calendar year until the entire amount credited to the Director's account shall
have been paid. Amounts credited to a Director's account in cash shall be paid
in cash and amounts credited in stock units shall be paid in one share of
common stock of the Company for each stock unit, except that a cash payment
will be made with any final installment for any fraction of a stock unit
remaining in the Director's account. Such fractional share will be valued at
the closing Stock Price on the date of settlement.
9. PAYMENT IN EVENT OF DEATH
A Director may file with the Secretary of the Committee a written designation
of a beneficiary for his or her account under the Plan on such form as may be
prescribed by the Committee, and may, from time to time, amend or revoke such
designation. If a Director should die before all deferred amounts credited to
the Director's account have been distributed, the balance of any deferred
Stock and fees and interest and dividend equivalents then in the Director's
account shall be paid promptly to the Director's designated beneficiary. If
the Director did not designate a beneficiary, or in the event that the
beneficiary designated by the Director shall have predeceased the Director,
the balance in the Director's account shall be paid promptly to the Director's
estate.
10. TERMINATION OF ELECTION
A Director may terminate his/her election to defer payment of fees in cash or
stock units by written notice delivered to the Secretary of the Committee.
Termination shall become effective as of the end of the calendar year in which
notice of termination is given with respect to fees payable for services as a
Director during subsequent calendar years. Amounts credited to the account of
a Director prior to the effective date of termination shall not be affected
thereby and shall be paid only in accordance with Articles 7 and 8.
22
<PAGE>
11. NONASSIGNABILITY
During the Director's lifetime, the right to any deferred Stock or fees
including interest and dividend equivalents thereon shall not be transferable
or assignable.
12. OPTION GRANT
A. Grant
In recognition of his current and future contributions to the Company as
Chairman of the Board of Directors and subject to approval by the stockholders
at the Company's 1996 Annual Meeting, Edgar S. Woolard, Jr. (Grantee) is
granted one hundred thousand (100,000) nonqualified options to purchase shares
of Stock, effective January 1, 1996. The terms and conditions of such options
shall be determined by the Committee consistent with the provisions of this
Plan.
B. Nontransferability of Options
During Grantee's lifetime, no stock options granted under this Plan shall be
transferable, and stock options may be exercised only by Grantee, except as
may otherwise be provided in rules established by the Committee to permit
transfers or to authorize a third party to act on behalf of Grantee with
respect to any such stock options.
C. Option Price
The price per share of Stock which may be purchased upon exercise of a stock
option granted hereunder shall be determined by the Committee, but shall in no
event be less than the fair market value of such share on the date the stock
option is granted, and in no event less than the par value thereof. For
purposes of this Plan, fair market value shall be the average of the high and
low prices of the Stock as reported on the "NYSE--Composite Transactions Tape"
on the date of grant of a stock option or the date of exercise of a stock
option, or if no sales of such Stock were reported on said Tape on such date,
the average of the high and low prices of such Stock on the next preceding day
on which sales were reported on said Tape. Such price shall be subject to
adjustment as provided in paragraph 12(D) hereof.
D. Adjustment
(i) In the event of any stock dividend, split-up, reclassification or other
analogous change in capitalization, the Committee shall make such
adjustments, in the light of the change, as it deems to be equitable,
both to Grantee and to the Company, in the number of shares and prices
per share applicable to outstanding stock options. Furthermore, in the
event of a distribution to common stockholders other than interim or
year-end dividends declared as such by the Board of Directors, the
Committee shall make such adjustments, in the light of the
distribution, as it deems to be equitable, both to Grantee and to the
Company, in respect to the item described herein.
(ii) Any fractional shares resulting from adjustments made pursuant to this
subparagraph shall be eliminated.
E. Option Term
The term of each stock option granted under this Plan shall be for such period
as the Committee shall determine, but not for more than ten (10) years from
the date of grant.
F. Exercise of Options
(i) Subject to the provisions of this Plan, each stock option granted
hereunder shall be exercisable on such date or dates and during such
period and for such number of shares as the Committee may determine.
However, in no event shall a stock option be exercisable prior to six
months from the date of grant. The Committee may fix from time to time
a minimum number of shares which must be purchased at the time a stock
option is exercised.
(ii) At the time he elects to exercise a stock option, Grantee shall pay the
Company the full purchase price of the shares he has elected to purchase.
Payment of the purchase price shall be made in cash, Stock (valued at fair
market value on the date of exercise), or a combination thereof, as the
Committee may determine from time to time. With respect to Stock to be
delivered upon exercise of a stock option, the Committee shall
periodically determine whether, and to what extent, such Stock shall be in
the form of new common stock issued for such purposes, or common stock
acquired by the Company.
23
<PAGE>
G. Tax Withholding
Grantee may use shares of Stock to satisfy withholding taxes relating to the
grants under this Plan to the extent provided in terms and conditions
established by the Committee.
H. Termination of Options
(i) The Committee shall, subject to the provisions of the Plan, determine
the rules relating to rights of Grantee in the event Grantee ceases to
be a director of the Company or in the event of his death.
(ii) In the event the Committee establishes a period of time in excess of
six months from date of grant for the first date of exercisability of
options granted hereunder, the Board of Directors, in its sole
discretion, may waive such longer period.
(iii) Grantee shall forfeit all rights under stock options granted
hereunder if the Committee, after a hearing at which Grantee shall be
entitled to be present, shall find that Grantee has willfully engaged
in any activity harmful to the interest of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates provided, however, that such stock options
may continue in effect to such extent and under such conditions as
the Committee may determine.
13. GOVERNING LAW
The validity and construction of the Plan shall be governed by the laws of the
State of Delaware.
14. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Plan shall become effective as of January 1, 1996, provided it is
approved by stockholders at the Company's 1996 Annual Meeting, and shall
continue in full force and effect until terminated by the Board of Directors.
[LOGO OF RECYCLED PAPER APPEARS HERE]
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
(10% POSTCONSUMER WASTE)
<PAGE>
[LOGO APPEARS HERE]
PROXY/VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD
E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints A.F. Brimmer, J.A. Krol and E.S. Woolard,
Jr., or any of them, each with power of substitution, as proxies for the
undersigned to vote all shares of Common Stock of said Company which the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held
on April 24, 1996, and any adjournments thereof, as hereinafter specified and,
in their discretion, upon such other matters as may properly come before the
meeting. The undersigned hereby revokes all proxies heretofore given.
As described on page 1 of the proxy statement, this proxy also provides
voting instructions for shares held for the account of the undersigned in the
employee savings and stock ownership plans. A trustee for these plans will vote
these shares as directed provided you sign and return a proxy by April 17, 1996.
A trustee for the employee savings plans may vote in its discretion all shares
held in these plans for which no voting instructions are received. Shares held
through the Conoco Employee Stock Ownership Plan will be voted for you only if
you sign and return a proxy. Other shares owned by you will be voted only if
you sign and return a proxy, or attend the meeting and vote by ballot.
On matters for which you do not specify a choice, your shares will be voted
in accordance with the recommendation of The Board of Directors.
1. Election of Directors (mark only one)
[_] Vote FOR all nominees listed below and recommended by the Board of
Directors (except as directed to the contrary below)
[_] Vote WITHHELD from all nominees
P.N. Barnevik; A.F. Brimmer; L.C. Duemling; A.W. Dunham;
E.B. du Pont; C.M. Harper; L.D. Juliber; J.A. Krol;
W.K. Reilly; H.R. Sharp, III; C.M. Vest; E.S. Woolard, Jr.
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write
that nominee's name in the space provided below.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(continued, and to be signed, on other side)
<PAGE>
(continued from other side)
NO.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" Board
proposals No. 2 and No. 3:
For Against Abstain
2. On independent accountants [_] [_] [_]
3. On directors' stock plan [_] [_] [_]
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "AGAINST"
the following stockholder proposals:
For Against Abstain
4. On annual meeting date [_] [_] [_]
5. On cumulative voting [_] [_] [_]
6. On considering potential nominees [_] [_] [_]
PLEASE SIGN, DATE,
DETACH AND RETURN
THIS PROXY, USING THE
ENCLOSED POSTAGE [_] Please check to receive
PREPAID ENVELOPE. an admission ticket to the
meeting.
Dated ____________, 1996. SIGN HERE _________________________________________
When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please
give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, sign the full corporate
name by duly authorized officer.
