<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
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:
/X/ Preliminary Proxy Statement
/ / Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
/ / Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section240.14a-11(c) or
Section240.14a-12
HAWKINS CHEMICAL, INC.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(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:
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2 Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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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):
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4 Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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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:
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2 Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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3 Filing Party:
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4 Date Filed:
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<PAGE>
PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT
[HAWKINS LOGO]
HAWKINS CHEMICAL, INC.
3100 EAST HENNEPIN AVENUE
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55413
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD
FEBRUARY 14, 2001
The annual meeting of shareholders of Hawkins Chemical, Inc. (the "Company")
will be held at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, 1330 Industrial Boulevard,
Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday, February 14, 2001, at 3:30 P.M., Central
Standard Time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect nine directors.
2. To approve an amendment to the Company's Amended and Second Restated
Articles of Incorporation to change the name of the Company from Hawkins
Chemical, Inc. to Hawkins, Inc.
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on January 5, 2001 as
the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to vote at the annual
meeting. Accordingly, only shareholders of record at the close of business on
that date will be entitled to vote at the meeting. The Company's transfer books
will not be closed.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Dated: January 15, 2001. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MARVIN E. DEE, SECRETARY
</TABLE>
IMPORTANT: TO ASSURE THE NECESSARY REPRESENTATION AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU
ARE URGED TO SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY PROMPTLY TO SAVE THE COMPANY THE
EXPENSE OF ADDITIONAL SOLICITATION. DOING SO WILL NOT PREVENT YOU FROM VOTING IN
PERSON IF YOU SO DESIRE.
<PAGE>
PRELIMINARY COPY
PROXY STATEMENT
HAWKINS CHEMICAL, INC.
3100 EAST HENNEPIN AVENUE
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55413
JANUARY 15, 2001
The following statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of Hawkins Chemical, Inc. (the "Company") to
be voted at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held on
Wednesday, February 14, 2001, or at any adjournment or adjournments of such
meeting. Distribution of this proxy statement and proxy to the shareholders
began on or about January 15, 2001.
SOLICITATION
The cost of soliciting proxies and of the notices of the meeting, including
the preparation, assembly and mailing of proxies and this statement, will be
borne by the Company. In addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be
solicited personally or by telephone or telegraph by directors, officers and
regular employees of the Company. Furthermore, arrangements may be made with
brokers, banks and similar organizations to send proxies and proxy materials to
beneficial owners for voting instructions. The Company will reimburse such
organizations for their expenses.
REVOCATION AND VOTING OF PROXY
Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation and received in time for the
annual meeting will be voted in accordance with the instructions in such proxy,
unless the proxy is properly revoked prior to the meeting. Any shareholder
giving a proxy may revoke it prior to its use at the meeting by (1) delivering a
written notice expressly revoking the proxy to the Secretary at the Company's
offices, (2) signing and forwarding to the Company at its offices a later dated
proxy, or (3) attending the annual meeting and casting his or her votes
personally.
Unless otherwise directed in the accompanying proxy, the persons named
therein will vote FOR the nominees for director as set forth in this Notice of
Annual Meeting of Shareholders and FOR the amendment authorizing the change of
the Company's name to "Hawkins, Inc." Management is not aware of any other
business that will, or is likely to, come before the meeting. If any other
business does properly come before the meeting, such persons will vote in
accordance with their judgment as to what is in the Company's best interests.
A majority of the outstanding shares will constitute a quorum at the annual
meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of
determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business.
Pursuant to Minnesota law and the Company's Amended and Second Restated Articles
of Incorporation, abstentions are counted in determining the total number of the
votes cast on proposals presented to shareholders, but will not be treated as
votes in favor of the proposals. Broker non-votes are not counted for purposes
of determining the total number of votes cast on proposals presented to
shareholders.
OUTSTANDING SHARES AND VOTING RIGHTS
As of the close of business on January 5, 2001, there were outstanding
10,374,439 shares of common stock, par value $.05 per share, which is the only
outstanding class of stock of the Company. Holders of common shares are entitled
to one vote for each share held on the record date with respect to all matters
that may be brought before the meeting. The record date for determining the
shareholders entitled to vote at the 2001 annual meeting is January 5, 2001.
There is no cumulative voting for directors.
<PAGE>
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
executive officers and directors to file initial reports of ownership and
reports of changes in ownership of common stock of the Company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Executive officers, directors and persons
who beneficially own more than ten percent of the common stock of the Company
are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of the copies of such
forms furnished to the Company, and written representations from the Company's
executive officers and directors, all Section 16(a) filing requirements
applicable to the Company's executive officers and directors have been
satisfied, except that (i) Howard M. Hawkins inadvertently failed to file a Form
4 for a transaction that occurred in June 2000 and (ii) each of Keenan A.
Paulson, John R. Sevenich, and Daniel E. Soderlund inadvertently failed to file
their initial reports on Form 3 upon becoming executive officers of the Company
in May 2000, all of which reports have since been filed.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
AND BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
The following table contains information as of December 1, 2000 concerning
the beneficial ownership of the Company's common shares by all directors and
nominees, by the named executive officers in the Summary Compensation table, by
all current directors and executive officers as a group and by persons known to
the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of its common shares. Unless
otherwise noted, the address for each person listed below is the Company's
executive offices.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER SHARES(a) CLASS
---------------- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Howard M. Hawkins........................................... 174,593(b) 1.7%
Dean L. Hahn................................................ 108,173(c) 1.0%
Donald L. Shipp............................................. 123,950(d) 1.2%
John R. Hawkins............................................. 82,901(e) *
John S. McKeon.............................................. 19,125(f) *
Duane M. Jergenson.......................................... 6,125 *
G. Robert Gey............................................... 2,171 *
Kurt R. Norman.............................................. 15,023(g) *
Daryl I. Skaar.............................................. -- *
John R. Sevenich............................................ 16,817(h) *
Daniel E. Soderlund......................................... 8,754(i) *
All current directors and officers as a group (13
persons).................................................. 564,513(j) 5.4%
Trustees, Hawkins Chemical, Inc.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust..................... 2,418,023(k) 23.2%
</TABLE>
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* Less than one percent.
(a) Unless otherwise noted, all shares shown are held by individuals possessing
sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares.
(b) Includes 64,195 shares held by Mr. Hawkins' wife as to which he may be
deemed to share voting and investment power, but as to which he disclaims
beneficial ownership; and 8,876 shares that Mr. Hawkins holds jointly with
his wife as to which he shares voting and investment power. Does not include
shares representing the beneficial interest of Mr. Hawkins as of
September 30, 2000 in the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (106,540
shares).
2
<PAGE>
(c) Includes 9,797 shares that Mr. Hahn holds jointly with his wife as to which
he shares voting and investment power. Does not include shares representing
Mr. Hahn's beneficial interest as of September 30, 2000 in the Company's
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (114,348 shares).
(d) Includes 60,000 shares held by Mr. Shipp's wife as to which he may be deemed
to share voting and investment power, but as to which he disclaims
beneficial ownership. Does not include shares representing Mr. Shipp's
beneficial interest as of September 30, 2000 in the Company's Employee Stock
Ownership Plan (189,176 shares).
(e) Includes 44,535 shares held by Mr. Hawkins as custodian for his child as to
which he has sole voting and investment power, but as to which he disclaims
beneficial ownership, as well as 38,019 shares held by Mr. Hawkins jointly
with his wife as to which he shares voting and investment power. Does not
include shares representing the beneficial interest of Mr. Hawkins as of
September 30, 2000 in the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (127,728
shares).
(f) Includes 782 shares held by Mr. McKeon as custodian for his children as to
which Mr. McKeon has sole voting and investment power, but as to which he
disclaims beneficial ownership.
(g) Includes 1,491 shares held by Mr. Norman's wife as custodian for their
children, as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership. Does not include
shares representing the beneficial interest of Mr. Norman as of
September 30, 2000, in the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (28,910
shares).
(h) Does not include share representing the beneficial interest of Mr. Sevenich
in the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (18,501 shares as of
September 30, 2000).
(i) Mr. Soderlund holds these shares jointly with his spouse and shares voting
and investment power. Does not include shares representing the beneficial
interest of Mr. Soderlund in the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan
(9,834 shares as of September 30, 2000).
(j) Does not include shares representing the beneficial interest of the
directors and officers in the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan
(661,264 shares as of September 30, 2000).
(k) The current trustees of the Hawkins Chemical, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership
Plan and Trust are John R. Hawkins, Kurt R. Norman, and Marvin E. Dee.
Although these individuals could be deemed to "beneficially own" all of the
shares held by this Plan because of their shared voting and investment power
with respect to those shares, they have not been included in the share
ownership figures listed above for these individuals or for all current
directors and officers as a group. Voting rights as to shares of the
Company's stock are passed through to participants under the Employee Stock
Ownership Plan.
PROPOSALS TO BE ACTED UPON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(PROPOSAL 1)
At the forthcoming annual meeting, nine persons are to be elected to the
Company's Board of Directors, each to hold office for the ensuing year or until
his successor is duly elected and qualified. The Company's bylaws provide for a
Board of Directors of not fewer than three nor more than eleven directors. The
Company's bylaws provide that the nominees must be elected by the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares represented
at the meeting (whether in person or by proxy). Abstentions and broker non-votes
have the effect of a vote against the nominees. Proxies will be voted for the
election of all nominees unless you direct otherwise. Should any nominee decline
or be unable to accept such nomination or to serve as a director (an event which
management does not now expect to occur), proxies will be voted for a substitute
nominee or nominees in accordance with the best judgment of the person or
persons acting under them.
3
<PAGE>
INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINEES
All nominees who are now directors of the Company have served continuously
since the year indicated below. The following information, including the
principal occupation or employment of each nominee, has been furnished to the
Company by the respective nominees, as of December 6, 2000; all occupations are
with the Company unless otherwise noted.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DIRECTOR
NOMINEE AND EMPLOYMENT AGE SINCE
------- -------------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
John R. Hawkins...................... Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive 49 1989
Officer since February 2000; President from
December 1998 to February 2000; Executive Vice
President from 1997 to December 1998; Vice
President of Sales from 1987 to 1997;
Secretary from 1991 to 1999.
Kurt R. Norman....................... President and Chief Operating Officer since 45 2000
February 2000; Vice President from February
1999 to February 2000; Vice President, Hawkins
Water Treatment Group from 1996 to
February 1999; General Manager of Hawkins
Water Treatment Group from 1988 to 1996.
Dean L. Hahn......................... Retired; Chairman of the Board and Chief 67 1974
Executive Officer from 1996 to 2000; President
from 1983 to 1996.
Donald L. Shipp...................... Retired; Vice Chairman from December 1998 to 65 1977
September 2000; President from 1996 to
December 1998; Executive Vice President from
1983 to 1996; President of Feed-Rite
Controls, Inc., then a subsidiary of the
Company, from 1967 to 1996.
Howard M. Hawkins.................... Retired; Treasurer from 1973 to 1999; Vice 56 1976
President from 1996 to 1999.
John S. McKeon....................... President of Golden Valley Microwave Foods, 56 1984
Inc. since August 1993; President of McKeon
Associates, Inc. 1991 to 1993 (corporate
finance consulting); Vice President of
Northstar Industries, Inc. 1976 to 1990.
Duane M. Jergenson................... Retired; Vice President, Operations of Taylor 54 1996
Corporation from 1985 to 1999.
G. Robert Gey........................ President, Pentair Service Equipment Business 56 1999
since 1996; Vice President, Pentair Corporate
Development from 1995 to 1996; President,
Niagara Paper Corp. from 1992 to 1995; various
positions with Pentair, Inc. from 1983 to
1992.
Daryl I. Skaar....................... Retired; Vice President, Chief Procurement 59 nominee
Officer of Lucent Technologies from 1997 to
2000; various positions at 3M from 1965 to
1997, most recently as Vice President of
Purchasing and Packaging Engineering.
</TABLE>
Howard M. Hawkins and John R. Hawkins are brothers. Donald L. Shipp is the
father-in-law of Kurt R. Norman. There are no other family relationships between
officers or directors of the Company.
4
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors held four meetings in fiscal 2000. All directors
attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board and the
committees on which they served. The Audit Committee, which presently consists
of John S. McKeon, Duane M. Jergenson and G. Robert Gey, is responsible for
selecting auditors, ensuring the fiscal integrity of the Company, and
establishing and reviewing internal controls. The Audit Committee held four
meetings during fiscal 2000. The Compensation Committee, which consists of John
S. McKeon, Duane M. Jergenson and G. Robert Gey, is responsible for establishing
compensation policies for the Company and for reviewing and setting compensation
for senior executives of the Company. The Compensation Committee held three
meetings during fiscal 2000.
NOMINATION
Sections 8 through 11 of Article II of the Company's Second Amended and
Superseding By-Laws, as currently in effect (the "Bylaws"), provide that a
candidate may not be nominated for election as a director at the annual meeting
of shareholders unless the nomination was previously submitted to the Board or
its nominating committee. A shareholder wishing to nominate a candidate for
director must do so no later than sixty days following the end of the Company's
fiscal year. Nominations are deemed made when the Secretary of the Company
receives all of the following: (1) all information about the nominee that may be
required to be provided in any proxy statement pursuant to the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and regulations promulgated thereunder; (2) an executed
directors' questionnaire provided by the Company and completed by the nominee;
(3) the nominee's statement consenting to his nomination and agreeing to serve,
if elected; and (4) evidence that the person making the nomination is a
shareholder. After reviewing the submission, the Board or the appointed
nominating committee may, but need not, designate one or more of the nominees to
appear as an alternate candidate on any proxy solicited by management or any
proxy statement furnished by management. The number of such alternate candidates
may not exceed the number of directors to be elected at that annual meeting.
Exclusion of any eligible candidate from a proxy solicited by management does
not affect the right of shareholders to nominate, vote for, or elect such
candidate at any shareholders' meeting held within twelve months after
submission of the nomination material described above.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
During fiscal 2000, each director who is not an employee of the Company was
paid $12,000 as an annual retainer plus $1,000 for each meeting attended.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION OF ALL NOMINEES
FOR DIRECTOR.
AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
TO CHANGE CORPORATE NAME
(PROPOSAL 2)
The Board of Directors of the Company has recommended to the shareholders
that the Company's corporate name be changed to "Hawkins, Inc." Currently, the
Company's legal name is "Hawkins Chemical, Inc." The Board believes that the
change of name will benefit the Company by reflecting the fact that the Company
has expanded its original business from the distribution of chemicals to include
the formulation of products, including food and pharmaceutical products as well
as distribution of equipment, including water treatment equipment. The Board
also would like to avoid any negative perceptions because of environmental or
other risks associated with the use of the word "chemicals" that are not
applicable to the Company's business.
5
<PAGE>
The change of name requires an amendment of Article I of the Company's
Amended and Second Restated Articles of Incorporation. If approved, the
amendment will be filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State and will be
effective upon filing. If approved, shareholders will not have to surrender
their stock certificates for replacements. As transfers occur, new certificates
reflecting the name Hawkins, Inc. will be issued after the name change becomes
effective. The Nasdaq trading symbol "HWKN" will not be changed.
The resolution proposed to be adopted to amend the Amended and Second
Restated Articles of Incorporation is set forth below:
RESOLVED, that Article I of the Amended and Second Restated Articles of
Incorporation of the Company shall be amended to read as follows:
"ARTICLE I
THE NAME OF THE CORPORATION IS HAWKINS, INC."
Adoption of this amendment only requires the affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock.
Accordingly, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of a vote
against this amendment. Since management owns approximately 5% of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote on this matter, their vote will not have a
significant impact on the outcome.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THIS AMENDMENT.
OTHER MATTERS
Management does not know of any other business which will be presented for
consideration at the annual meeting. If, however, any other business does
properly come before the meeting, proxies will be voted in accordance with the
judgment of the person or persons acting under them as to what is in the best
interests of the Company.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent certified public accountants, have been
the auditors of the Company since 1971. They have been retained by the Board of
Directors as the Company's auditors for the current fiscal year.
Audit services performed by Deloitte & Touche LLP for the year ended
October 1, 2000 consisted of the examination of the financial statements of the
Company and services related to filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. All services rendered by Deloitte & Touche LLP are reviewed and
approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has not specifically
considered the independence of the auditors in relation to the services
rendered, but the auditors have informed the Company that neither the firm nor
any of its partners holds any financial interest in the securities of the
Company.
Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to attend this annual
meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if they desire. They will be
available to respond to appropriate questions.
6
<PAGE>
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for selecting
auditors, ensuring the fiscal integrity of the Company and establishing and
reviewing internal controls. The Audit Committee was comprised of the following
directors during fiscal 2000:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF DIRECTOR DIRECTOR SINCE
---------------- --------------
<S> <C>
John S. McKeon, Chair....................................... 1984
Duane M. Jergenson.......................................... 1996
G. Robert Gey............................................... 1999
</TABLE>
During fiscal 2000, the Committee considered the revised requirements for
members of audit committees adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC"). All of the members of the Committee have been determined to be
independent. None of the members of the Committee were officers or employees of
the Company during fiscal 2000 or had a relationship with the Company that
would, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, interfere with the exercise of
his independence from management and the Company. All of the members of the
Audit Committee have substantial experience in financial matters and business
operations.
The Audit Committee has (i) reviewed and discussed the Company's audited
financial statements with management; (ii) discussed with the Company's
independent auditors, Deloitte & Touche, LLP, the matters required to be
discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61; and (iii) received from the
auditors disclosures regarding the auditors' independence required by
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 and discussed with the auditors the
auditors' independence. Based on the review and discussions described above, the
Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Company's audited
financial statements for the year ended October 1, 2000 be included in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the SEC.
The Audit Committee also reviewed its charter in light of the "Blue Ribbon
Committee Report" concerning audit committees and the rules adopted by the SEC.
The revised charter has been adopted by the Board of Directors and is attached
as Appendix I to this Proxy Statement.
JOHN S. MCKEON, CHAIR DUANE M. JERGENSON G. ROBERT GEY
AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
7
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS
The following table sets forth the compensation of the Chief Executive
Officer and the four highest paid executive officers whose aggregate annual
salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 for the Company's last fiscal year ended
October 1, 2000 (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers"):
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
------------------------------------------------
FISCAL OTHER ANNUAL ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION(A) COMPENSATION(B)(C)
--------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John R. Hawkins (1)................ 2000 $155,988 $160,000 $4,500 $30,000
Chairman of the Board and 1999 146,560 173,400 4,500 30,000
Chief Executive Officer 1998 138,440 131,000 4,500 30,000
Donald L. Shipp (2)................ 2000 $161,500 $147,000 $4,500 $30,000
Former Vice Chairman of the 1999 156,773 196,600 4,500 30,000
Board and President 1998 151,333 157,000 4,500 30,000
Kurt R. Norman (3)................. 2000 $130,915 $143,000 $4,500 $30,000
President and Chief Operating 1999 111,788 149,000 4,500 30,000
Officer 1998 101,173 91,500 4,500 30,000
John R. Sevenich................... 2000 $110,683 $ 74,000 $4,500 $30,000
Vice President--Manufacturing 1999 102,817 70,000 4,500 30,000
and Specialty 1998 96,000 57,000 4,500 30,000
Daniel E. Soderlund................ 2000 $109,497 $ 69,000 $4,500 $30,000
Vice President--Pharmaceuticals 1999 96,433 56,000 4,500 30,000
1998 90,700 31,350 4,500 30,000
</TABLE>
------------
(1) Mr. Hawkins was elected Chairman and CEO effective February 16, 2000.
(2) Mr. Shipp retired as Vice Chairman effective September 30, 2000.
(3) Mr. Norman was elected President and COO effective February 16, 2000.
(a) EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
All employees of the Company who have attained the age of 18 years and who
have been employed by the Company for 90 days are eligible to participate in the
Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Under the Plan, each participant
authorizes the Company to deduct a specified amount, not to exceed $500, from
his paycheck each month, to which the Company adds a bonus of 75% of such
amount, to be used by a depository agent to purchase common shares of the
Company's stock for the participant's individual account under the Plan. Shares
purchased with the Company's bonus vest over a five-year schedule.
(b) MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN
Non-bargaining employees of the Company who have attained the age of 21
years and completed one year of service are eligible to participate in this
defined contribution pension plan. For each year, the Company contributes an
amount equal to ten percent of an eligible participant's compensation, and this
amount is credited to an account maintained for the participant under the Plan.
The maximum annual compensation that may be used to determine Plan benefits is
capped at $160,000 for the current plan year; this limit will be adjusted in
future years under federal tax law for cost-of-living increases.
8
<PAGE>
Participant accounts are credited with the appropriate gains or losses
resulting from employee-directed investments made by the Plan. A participant is
fully vested after completing seven years of service. At retirement, the
participant receives the amount credited to his or her account either as a lump
sum, in installments, or in the form of an annuity contract.
(c) EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
Non-bargaining employees of the Company who have attained the age of 21
years and completed one year of service are eligible to participate in the
Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Contributions to this Plan are made at
the discretion of the Board of Directors and credited to individual accounts
maintained for participants under the Plan.
The amount of each contribution credited to a participant's account is
proportionate to that participant's compensation compared to the total
compensation paid to all participants in the Plan. The maximum annual
compensation that may be used to determine benefits in the current plan year is
$160,000, which amount will be adjusted in future years for cost-of-living
increases. In addition, the aggregate amount contributed in any one plan year
for a participant under the Money Purchase Pension Plan and Employee Stock
Ownership Plan may not exceed the lesser of 25% of compensation or $30,000.
Participant accounts in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan are also credited
with the appropriate gains or losses resulting from Plan investments. A
participant is fully vested after completing seven years of service. At
retirement, the participant receives the amount credited to his or her account
either as a lump sum or in installments.
OPTION GRANTS AND EXERCISES IN FISCAL 2000
There were no options granted to or exercised by the Named Executive
Officers in fiscal 2000.
REPORT ON REPRICING OF OPTIONS
None.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
All decisions regarding compensation of executive officers of the Company in
fiscal 2000 were made by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
During fiscal 2000, the Compensation Committee was made up of the following
directors: John S. McKeon, Duane M. Jergenson and G. Robert Gey. None of the
current officers of the Company participates in any board vote setting his
annual salary or bonus.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON ANNUAL COMPENSATION
The annual compensation programs of the Company are highly leveraged on the
basis of performance. The Company's annual compensation mix generally has lower
base salaries than comparable companies, coupled with a highly leveraged
incentive system which will pay more with good performance and less with below
par performance.
EXECUTIVE SALARIES
The salary increase of the Company's executive officers are tied to
inflation, performance and increase in corporate profits.
9
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN
The bonus plan for executive officers is based on the following factors:
corporate performance, business unit performance and personal performance. The
corporate performance rating is based on the Company's percentage growth in
earnings per share over the prior year and its return on equity. These two
factors are the primary determinants of share price over time. Business unit
ratings are based primarily on profit performance (market share performance, new
product development, workplace diversity and other factors are also considered).
Personal ratings can include such qualitative factors as quality of the
strategic plan, organizational and management development progress and industry,
public affairs, and civic involvement.
Corporate business unit ratings can range from .5 to 1.8 with top annual
performance represented by a 1.5 or higher rating. Personal ratings can range
from 0.0 to 1.5. These ratings are then combined with the participant's target
incentive participation rate (a percentage of base salary which increases for
higher positions within the Company). Both business unit and personal ratings
are heavily dependent on achievement of financial objectives. The weights for
executive officers are 50% corporate and 50% personal, while business unit
officers are generally 38% unit, 12% corporate and 50% personal. The total
corporate bonus package is approximately 11% of the Company's income from
operations.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
The compensation of John R. Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer, is determined
in the same manner as set forth above for all other executive officers.
JOHN S. MCKEON DUANE M. JERGENSON G. ROBERT GEY
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
None.
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COMPARATIVE STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following is a graph comparing the annual percentage change in the
cumulative total shareholder return on the Company's Common Stock with the
cumulative total returns of the NASDAQ Composite Index and the NASDAQ Industrial
Index for the Company's last five fiscal years. The graph assumes the investment
of $100 in the Company's Common Stock, the NASDAQ Composite Index and the NASDAQ
Industrial Index on October 1, 1995, and reinvestment of all dividends.
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
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<CAPTION>
DOLLARS NASDAQ INDUSTRIAL INDEX NASDAQ COMPOSITE INDEX HAWKINS CHEMICAL, INC.
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1995 100 100 100
1996 112.83 117.87 103.49
1997 139.62 162.43 139.82
1998 107.82 166.67 147.49
1999 165.07 267.93 113.98
2000 208.49 351.96 121.91
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PROPOSALS BY SHAREHOLDERS
In order for a shareholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in the
Company's proxy statement for next year's annual meeting, the written proposal
must be received by the Company at its principal executive office no later than
September 17, 2001. Any such proposals also must comply with the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the inclusion of
shareholder proposals in company sponsored proxy materials. In order for a
shareholder proposal to be raised from the floor during next year's annual
meeting (without being included in the proxy materials), written notice of the
proposal must be received by the Company no later than December 1, 2001. The
persons named as proxies by the Company for that meeting will have discretionary
authority to vote on any shareholder proposal for which such notice is not
properly received by the Company and as otherwise permitted pursuant to the
Commission's rules and regulations regarding the voting of proxies. Any director
nominations made by shareholders also must comply with the relevant provisions
set forth in Article I of the Company's Bylaws, as described under the caption
"Election of Directors--Nominations" elsewhere in this proxy statement. A copy
of the Bylaws have been filed with the Commission and are available on the
Commission's website (www.sec.gov) or they may be obtained by sending a written
request to the Corporate Secretary at the Company's headquarters.
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FORM 10-K
The Company will provide each person whose proxy is solicited, upon receipt
of a written request from such person, a copy of its annual report on Form 10-K
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the financial
statements and financial statement schedules required to be filed with the
Commission. Such written request should be directed to, Hawkins Chemical, Inc.,
3100 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413, Attention: Corporate
Secretary. The annual report on Form 10-K, as well as other Company reports, are
also available on the Commission's website (www.sec.gov).
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Dated: January 15, 2001. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MARVIN E. DEE, SECRETARY
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12
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APPENDIX I
HAWKINS CHEMICAL, INC.
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
I. PURPOSE
The primary function of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of
Directors of Hawkins Chemical, Inc. in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities
related to corporate accounting, financial reporting practices, quality and
integrity of financial reports as well as legal compliance and business ethics.
The Audit Committee's primary duties and responsibilities are to:
- Provide an open avenue of communication among the independent accountants,
financial and senior management and the Board of Directors.
- Serve as an independent and objective party to monitor the corporation's
financial reporting process and internal control system.
- Review and appraise the audit efforts of the corporation's independent
accountants.
II. MEMBERSHIP
The Audit Committee shall be comprised of three or more directors as
determined by the Board of Directors, each of whom shall be independent
directors as defined in Rule 4200 of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. The members will be free from any financial, family or other
material personal relationships that, in the opinion of the Board or Audit
Committee members, would interfere with the exercise of his or her independence
from management and the corporation. All members of the Audit Committee will
have a working familiarity with basic finance and accounting practices, and at
least one member of the Audit Committee must have accounting or related
financial management experience.
The members of the Audit Committee shall be elected by the Board of
Directors at the annual organizational meeting of the Board of Directors. Unless
the Board of Directors elects a Chair, the members of the Audit Committee may
designate a Chair by majority vote of the Committee.
III. MEETINGS
The Audit Committee will meet at least four times annually, either in person
or by conference calls. A majority shall constitute a quorum of the Audit
Committee. A majority of the members in attendance shall decide any questions
brought before any meeting of the Committee.
As part of its job to foster open communication, the Audit Committee has
access to management and the independent accountants to discuss any matters that
the Committee or any one of these groups feels need to be discussed privately.
In addition, the Audit Committee or at least the Chair should meet with
management quarterly to review the corporation's quarterly financial results
prior to release.
IV. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
The Audit Committee will fulfill their duties and responsibilities as
follows:
A. GENERAL
- Review annually the formal written charter that is adopted by the full
Board of Directors that specifies scope of responsibility, membership,
etc.
- Maintain minutes or other records of meetings and activities.
I-1
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- Report Committee actions to the Board of Directors with recommendations
the Committee may deem appropriate.
B. INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
- Recommend to the Board of Directors the selection of independent
accountants for the annual financial audit, considering independence and
effectiveness. Review and approve the discharge of the independent
accountants.
- Consult with independent accountants, with and without (at least once per
year without) management's presence about internal controls, disagreements
between the independent accountants and management, and the
completeness/accuracy of financial statements.
- Review, prior to the annual audit, the scope and general extent of the
independent accountants' audit examinations, including their engagement
letter.
- Be apprised on audit work performed by other accounting firms that the
independent accountants rely upon.
- On an annual basis, review and discuss with the accountants all
significant relationships the accountants have with the corporation to
determine the accountants' independence. This should include a review of
management consulting services.
- Consider results of the independent accountants' last peer review,
litigation status and disciplinary actions, if any.
C. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS/INTERNAL CONTROLS
- Review annual financial statements with management and the independent
accountants to determine that the independent auditors are satisfied with
the disclosure and content of the financial statements, and approve such
financial statements prior to release of the annual earnings.
- Review the SEC Form 10-K prior to its filing.
- Consider independent accountants' judgments regarding the quality and
appropriateness of financial statements.
- Make inquiries of management and independent accountants' concerning the
adequacy of the corporation's system of internal controls.
- Inquire of management and the independent accountants about significant
risks or exposures, including legal matters, that exist and assess the
steps management has taken to minimize such risks and exposures.
- Following completion of the annual audit, be apprised of any significant
difficulties encountered during the course of the audit, including any
restrictions on the scope of work or access to required information.
D. ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT
- Review the corporation's codes of conduct annually and direct management
to establish a system reasonably designed to assure compliance with the
code.
The above list represents examples of actions the Audit Committee may take
in fulfilling their responsibilities. The list shall not be construed as
mandatory functions of the committee. The Audit Committee has the power to
conduct or authorize investigations into any matters within the committee's
scope of responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of a member of the
Audit Committee are in addition to those duties set out for a member of the
Board of Directors.
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HAWKINS CHEMICAL, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2001
3:30 P.M., CENTRAL STANDARD TIME
FOUR POINTS SHERATON HOTEL
1330 INDUSTRIAL BOULEVARD
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
[HAWKINS LOGO] HAWKINS CHEMICAL, INC.
3100 EAST HENNEPIN AVENUE, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55413 PROXY
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR USE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
ON FEBRUARY 14, 2001.
The shares of stock you hold in your account or in a dividend reinvestment
account will be voted as you specify on the reverse side.
IF NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" ALL NOMINEES IN ITEM
1 AND "FOR" ITEM 2.
By signing the proxy, you revoke all prior proxies and appoint John R. Hawkins,
Kurt R. Norman and Marvin E. Dee, and each of them, with full power of
substitution, to vote your shares on the matters shown on the reverse side and
any other matters that may come before the Annual Meeting and all adjournments.
SEE REVERSE FOR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS.
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V PLEASE DETACH HERE V
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES IN ITEM 1.
1. Election of directors: 01 John R. Hawkins 06 John S. McKeon / / Vote FOR / / Vote WITHHELD
02 Kurt R. Norman 07 Duane M. Jergenson all Nominees for ALL nominees
03 Dean L. Hahn 08 G. Robert Gey (except as marked)
04 Donald L. Shipp 09 Daryl I. Skaar
05 Howard M. Hawkins
(INSTRUCTIONS: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDICATED NOMINEE, ----------------------------------------------
WRITE THE NUMBER(S) OF THE NOMINEE(S) IN THE BOX PROVIDED TO THE RIGHT.)
----------------------------------------------
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ITEM 2.
2. Amendment of Articles of Incorporation to change corporate name
to "Hawkins, Inc." / / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
3. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH PROPOSAL.
Address Change? Mark Box / /
Indicate changes below:
Date
--------------------------
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
Signature(s) In Box
(Please sign exactly as your name
appears to the left. When shares are
held by joint tenants, both should
sign. When signing as executor,
administrator, attorney, trustee or
guardian, please give full title as
such. If a corporation, please sign in
full corporate name by president or
other authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in
partnership name by an authorized
person.)
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