KENNAMETAL INC
DEF 14A, 1998-09-21
MACHINE TOOLS, METAL CUTTING TYPES
Previous: JETRONIC INDUSTRIES INC, 10-Q, 1998-09-21
Next: LABARGE INC, DEF 14A, 1998-09-21



<PAGE>   1
 
                            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:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
/ /  Preliminary Proxy Statement                     / /  Confidential, for Use of Commission Only (as
/X/  Definitive Proxy Statement                           permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
/ /  Definitive Additional Materials
/ /  Soliciting Material Pursuant to sec.240.14a-11(c) or sec.240.14a-12
</TABLE>
 
                                KENNAMETAL INC.
                (NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
    (NAME OF PERSON(S) FILING PROXY STATEMENT IF OTHER THAN THE REGISTRANT)
 
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/  No fee required.
/ /  $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or 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 No.:
                                            ------------------------------
 
     (3) Filing Party:
                      ------------------------------
 
     (4) Date Filed:
                    ------------------------------

<PAGE>   2
 
                                KENNAMETAL INC.
                          LATROBE, PENNSYLVANIA 15650
 
                    NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                          TO BE HELD OCTOBER 26, 1998
 
To the Stockholders of Kennametal Inc.:
 
     The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Kennametal Inc. will be held at the
Technology Center, located on Route 981 South (recently designated "Technology
Way"), approximately 1/4 mile south of its intersection with U.S. Route 30 near
Latrobe, Unity Township, Pennsylvania, on Monday, October 26, 1998, at 2:00
p.m., to consider and act upon the following matters:
 
     1. The election of three directors for terms to expire in 2001;
 
     2. The election of auditors for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999; and
 
     3. Such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
 
     The Board of Directors has fixed Tuesday, September 8, 1998, as the record
date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at
the Annual Meeting.
 
     IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING, IT IS REQUESTED THAT YOU COMPLETE,
DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
 
                                          BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
                                                     David T. Cofer
                                                       Secretary
 
September 11, 1998
<PAGE>   3
 
               PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
 
                                OCTOBER 26, 1998
 
     This Proxy Statement is being furnished to the stockholders of Kennametal
Inc. (the "Corporation") in connection with the solicitation by the Board of
Directors of the Corporation of proxies to be voted at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders which is scheduled to be held on October 26, 1998. Only holders of
capital stock, par value $1.25 per share, of the Corporation ("Capital Stock")
of record at the close of business on September 8, 1998, will be entitled to
vote at the meeting. On that date there were 29,872,372 shares of Capital Stock
outstanding and entitled to one vote per share. Any stockholder who executes and
returns the proxy may revoke it at will at any time prior to the voting of the
proxy, but revocation of the proxy will not be effective until written notice
thereof has been received by the Secretary of the Corporation. The proxy also
may be revoked by voting in person at the meeting or by delivering a later
dated, signed proxy. The shares represented by all properly executed proxies
received by the Secretary in the accompanying form of proxy prior to the meeting
and not so revoked will be voted. Where a choice is specified on the form of
proxy, the shares will be voted in accordance with the choice made therein. If
no such choice is made, the shares will be voted in accordance with the
recommendation of the Board of Directors. Under Pennsylvania law and the
Corporation's Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, abstentions and broker
non-votes will have no effect on matters to be voted on at the Annual Meeting
since directors are elected by plurality vote and auditors are to be elected by
the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast by stockholders
present, in person or by proxy, at the meeting. A majority of the named proxies
who shall be present and shall act at the meeting (or if only one shall be
present and act, then that one) may exercise all powers granted to them by the
proxies solicited hereunder. The address of the principal executive offices of
the Corporation is 1600 Technology Way, P.O. Box 231, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
15650, and the date this Proxy Statement was mailed to stockholders was on or
about September 21, 1998.
 
                             ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
     Three directors are to be elected to hold office as Directors of the Third
Class for terms of three years, and until their successors are elected and
qualified.
 
     The holders of Capital Stock have cumulative voting rights in the election
of directors. In voting for directors, a stockholder has the right to multiply
the total number of shares which the stockholder is entitled to vote by the
number of directors to be elected in each class, and to cast the whole number of
votes so determined for one nominee in the class or to distribute them among the
nominees if more than one nominee is named in such class. Proxies who vote at
the meeting on behalf of a stockholder will have the discretion to and may
exercise such cumulative voting rights. The three individuals who receive the
largest number of votes cast will be elected as Directors of the Third Class.
 
     The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy were selected by the Board
of Directors and have advised the Board of Directors that, unless authority is
withheld, they intend to vote the shares represented by them at the meeting for
the election of the following nominees named to serve as directors. The nominees
for election for terms of three years in the Third Class of Directors are A.
Peter Held, Aloysius T. McLaughlin, Jr. and Larry Yost, who have served as
directors since 1995, 1986 and 1987, respectively. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THESE NOMINEES. On
April 8, 1998, the Board of Directors increased the number of directors to nine
members, expanded the Second Class of Directors, whose terms expire in the year
2000, to three members, and elected Timothy S. Lucas a Director of the Second
Class.
 
     If at the time of the meeting any of the foregoing nominees is not
available to serve as a director, an event which the Corporation has no reason
to anticipate, the Corporation has been informed that the persons named in the
enclosed form of proxy intend to vote the shares represented by them at the
meeting for such other person or persons, if any, as may be nominated by the
Board of Directors.
<PAGE>   4
 
     The following table provides certain information concerning each nominee
for election as a director and each director whose term of office will continue
after the meeting.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
     NAME, AGE AND YEAR                       AND DIRECTORSHIPS OF OTHER
     FIRST ELECTED (1)                     PUBLICLY-TRADED CORPORATIONS (2)
     -----------------                     --------------------------------
<S>                           <C>
Nominees for Directors of the Third Class Whose Terms Expire in 2001

A. Peter Held                 President of Cooper Power Tools Inc., a division of Cooper
Age: 54                       Industries, Inc. (a manufacturer and marketer of industrial
Director since 1995           power tools), having served as Vice President and General
                              Manager International of its Champion Spark Plug Division
                              from 1992 to 1994.

Aloysius T. McLaughlin, Jr.   Retired, having served as Vice Chairman of Dick Corporation
Age: 63                       (a general contractor) from 1993 to 1995 and as President
Director since 1986           and Chief Operating Officer from 1985 until 1993. Director
                              of JLK Direct Distribution Inc.

Larry Yost                    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Meritor Automotive
Age: 60                       Inc. (a provider of components for heavy vehicles), having
Director since 1987           previously served as President, Heavy Vehicle Systems,
                              Rockwell International Corporation from November 1994 until
                              March 1997 and as Senior Vice President of the Operations
                              Group of Allen-Bradley Company until November 1994.
 
Directors of the First Class Whose Terms Expire in 1999

Peter B. Bartlett             General Partner of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (private
Age: 64                       bankers). Director of Erie Indemnity Company, Erie Family
Director since 1975           Life Insurance Company and Erie Insurance Company.

Warren H. Hollinshead         Retired, having served as Executive Vice President of
Age: 62                       Westinghouse Electric Corporation (a technology-based
Director since 1990           manufacturing, communications and services company) during
                              1994, and as Executive Vice President--Chief Financial
                              Officer from January 1991 until March 1994.

Robert L. McGeehan            President of the Corporation since July 1989 and Chief
Age: 61                       Executive Officer since October 1991. Director of JLK
Director since 1989           Direct Distribution Inc.
 
Directors of the Second Class Whose Terms Expire in 2000

Richard C. Alberding          Retired, having served as Executive Vice President,
Age: 67                       Marketing and International, of Hewlett-Packard Company (a
Director since 1982           designer and manufacturer of electronic products for
                              measurement and computation). Director of Walker
                              Interactive Systems, Inc., Sybase, Inc., Digital Microwave
                              Corp., Paging Network, Inc., Quickturn Design Systems Inc.,
                              Digital Link Corporation, Storm Technology Inc. and JLK
                              Direct Distribution Inc.
</TABLE>
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   5
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
     NAME, AGE AND YEAR                       AND DIRECTORSHIPS OF OTHER
     FIRST ELECTED (1)                     PUBLICLY-TRADED CORPORATIONS (2)
     -----------------                     --------------------------------
<S>                           <C>
William R. Newlin (3)         Managing Director of Buchanan Ingersoll Professional
Age: 57                       Corporation (attorneys at law). Managing General Partner of
Director since 1982           CEO Venture Funds (private venture capital funds). Director
                              of Black Box Corporation, National City Bank of
                              Pennsylvania, Parker/Hunter Incorporated and the Pittsburgh
                              High Technology Council. Chairman of the Board of Directors
                              of the Corporation and of JLK Direct Distribution Inc.

Timothy S. Lucas              Chairman since 1997 and President and Chief Executive
Age: 42                       Officer since 1990 of MacroSonix Corporation, which
Director since 1998           develops and licenses resonant macrosonic synthesis (RNS)
                              technologies.
</TABLE>
 
- ---------
 
(1) Each current director has served continuously since he was first elected.
 
(2) Unless otherwise shown in the table, each person named has served in his
    principal occupation during the past five years.
 
(3) The law firm of which William R. Newlin is a member performed services for
    the Corporation during fiscal years 1998 and 1999.
 
                    BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND BOARD COMMITTEES
 
     The Corporation's Board of Directors held eleven meetings during the year
ended June 30, 1998. The committees of the Board of Directors include an
Executive Committee, an Audit Committee, a Committee on Executive Compensation
and a Nominating Committee. Each director attended at least 75% of the meetings
of the Board of Directors and any committee of which he is a member.
 
     Executive Committee: The Executive Committee met four times during the past
fiscal year. The Committee's duties include monitoring performance of the
Corporation's business plan, reviewing certain business strategies and reviewing
management performance and succession. The following directors currently
comprise the Committee: William R. Newlin (Chairman), Peter B. Bartlett and
Richard C. Alberding.
 
     Audit Committee: The Audit Committee met four times during the past fiscal
year. The Committee's primary function is to evaluate management's performance
of its financial reporting responsibilities including the annual report and
proxy materials. The Committee also reviews the internal financial and
operational controls of the Corporation, monitors the fees, results and
effectiveness of the annual audit and compliance with the Corporation's code of
business conduct and the independence of the public accountants. The Committee
also reviews compliance with legal and regulatory and employee benefit plan
reporting requirements and monitors critical management information systems. The
Committee recommends to the Board of Directors for approval by the Board of
Directors and the stockholders the election of the independent public
accountants. The following directors currently comprise the Committee: Larry
Yost (Chairman), A. Peter Held, Warren H. Hollinshead and Aloysius T.
McLaughlin, Jr.
 
     Committee on Executive Compensation: The Committee on Executive
Compensation met four times during the past fiscal year. The Committee's duties
include the setting of compensation rates of the Corporation's officers, the
determination of additional compensation, if any, to be awarded to such
officers, and the administration of the Stock Option Plan of 1982, the Stock
Option and Incentive Plan of 1988, the Stock Option and Incentive Plan of 1992
and the Stock Option and Incentive Plan of 1996. The following directors
currently comprise the Committee: Richard C. Alberding (Chairman), Peter B.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   6
 
Bartlett and Aloysius T. McLaughlin, Jr. The report of the Committee on
Executive Compensation appears elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.
 
     Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee met once during the past
fiscal year. The Committee's duties include recommending to the Board of
Directors nominees for directors to be elected at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders or to be elected to fill any vacancies in the Board of Directors
which may occur. The Committee considers nominees recommended by stockholders.
Pursuant to the By-Laws of the Corporation, stockholder recommendations of
nominees for the Board must be submitted in advance of any meeting and must
comply with certain requirements set forth in the By-Laws. See "Stockholder
Proposals and Nominating Procedures" on page 15 of this Proxy Statement. The
following directors currently comprise the Committee: A. Peter Held (Chairman),
Warren H. Hollinshead and Timothy S. Lucas.
 
     Directors who are not employees of the Corporation each receive
compensation from the Corporation for services as a director at an annual rate
of $30,000. Members of the Audit Committee and members of the Committee on
Executive Compensation who are not employees of the Corporation each receive
additional annual compensation of $4,000. Nonemployee directors who are members
of the Executive Committee receive a fee of $1,100 per Executive Committee
meeting. Nonemployee directors who are members of the Nominating Committee
receive a fee of $1,000 per meeting. Under the Deferred Fee Plan for Outside
Directors (the "Deferred Fee Plan"), directors are permitted annually to request
that the payment of any compensation that may be payable to them for services as
a director or committee member be deferred for payment, with interest, at a
later time. The deferred payments would be actually funded by a transfer of cash
into a deferred compensation trust (a so-called "Rabbi Trust"), administered by
an independent trustee, upon the occurrence of a threatened or actual change in
control of the Corporation (as defined in the deferred compensation trust
agreement). Under the Corporation's Directors Stock Incentive Plan, any director
who is not an employee may elect to receive shares of the Corporation's Capital
Stock in lieu of all or a portion of any consideration payable for services as a
director that is not deferred pursuant to the Deferred Fee Plan. In addition,
any director who is not an employee may elect to receive credits, representing
shares of the Corporation's Capital Stock ("Stock Credits") or Class A Common
Stock of JLK Direct Distribution Inc., with respect to all or a portion of any
consideration deferred pursuant to the Directors Stock Incentive Plan. Directors
who are not employees of the Corporation also receive $50,000 of life insurance
coverage which is paid for by the Corporation. Directors who are employees of
the Corporation do not receive any compensation for services as a director or as
a member of any committee of the Board of Directors.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   7
 
                         OWNERSHIP OF CAPITAL STOCK BY
                   DIRECTORS, NOMINEES AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
     The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of the
Corporation's Capital Stock as of July 30, 1998, by each director, each nominee
for director, each Named Executive Officer (as hereinafter defined) and all
directors and executive officers as a group.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           TOTAL
                                                                                         BENEFICIAL
                                                                                         OWNERSHIP
                                                      AMOUNT OF               STOCK      AND STOCK
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                     BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (1)(2)   CREDITS (7)    CREDITS
- ------------------------                     ---------------------------   -----------    -------
<S>                                          <C>                           <C>           <C>
Richard C. Alberding.......................              6,336(3)                119        6,455
Peter B. Bartlett..........................              6,800                 5,964       12,764
A. Peter Held..............................              6,204                   447        6,651
Warren H. Hollinshead......................              8,005(4)                704        8,709
Timothy S. Lucas...........................                  0                     0            0
Robert L. McGeehan.........................            328,986(5)              5,983      334,969
Aloysius T. McLaughlin, Jr.................             25,695                 7,103       32,798
William R. Newlin..........................             79,215(6)             11,317       90,532
Larry Yost.................................              6,000                 4,501       10,501
Michael W. Ruprich.........................             38,272                     0       38,272
H. Patrick Mahanes, Jr.....................            105,173                 5,525      110,698
Richard J. Orwig...........................            113,527                 6,683      120,210
David B. Arnold............................             87,541                 3,155       90,696
Paul W. Jones..............................              3,000                     0        3,000
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
  (18 persons).............................            970,695                54,066     1,024,761
</TABLE>
 
- ---------
 
(1) The figures shown include 271,404, 34,834, 92,400, 94,393, 60,056 and
    743,970 shares over which Messrs. McGeehan, Ruprich, Mahanes, Orwig, and
    Arnold, and all directors and executive officers as a group, respectively,
    have the right to acquire within 60 days of July 30, 1998, pursuant to the
    Corporation's stock option plans. The figures shown include 6,000 shares
    over which each of Messrs. Alberding, Bartlett, Held, Hollinshead,
    McLaughlin and Yost, and 56,000 shares over which Mr. Newlin, respectively,
    have the right to acquire within 60 days of July 30, 1998, pursuant to the
    Corporation's stock option plans.
 
(2) Other than Mr. McGeehan, who beneficially owns 1.1% of the Capital Stock, no
    individual beneficially owns in excess of one percent of the Capital Stock.
    Directors and executive officers as a group beneficially own 3.3% of the
    total shares outstanding. Unless otherwise noted, the shares shown are
    subject to the sole voting and investment power of the person named.
 
(3) The figure shown includes 336 shares owned jointly by Mr. Alberding and his
    wife.
 
(4) All outstanding shares are owned jointly by Mr. Hollinshead and his wife.
 
(5) The figure shown includes 8,214 shares owned jointly by Mr. McGeehan and his
    wife.
 
(6) The figure shown includes 2,309 shares owned jointly by Mr. Newlin and his
    wife and 6,254 shares owned by Mr. Newlin's wife. Mr. Newlin disclaims
    beneficial ownership of shares owned by his wife.
 
(7) These amounts represent Stock Credits to which non-employee directors are
    entitled pursuant to the Directors Stock Incentive Plan described on page 4
    and to which executive officers are entitled pursuant to the Corporation's
    Performance Bonus Stock Plan.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   8
 
                       COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
     The following table sets forth the compensation paid by the Corporation
during its last three fiscal years to its Chief Executive Officer and each of
the other four most highly compensated executive officers and one former
executive officer of the Corporation (the "Named Executive Officers") whose
aggregate direct remuneration exceeded $100,000 during the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1998.
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         LONG-TERM
                                                ANNUAL COMPENSATION     COMPENSATION    ALL OTHER
                                              -----------------------      AWARDS      COMPENSATION
     NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION       YEAR   SALARY($)   BONUS($)(1)   OPTIONS (2)     (3)(4)($)
     ---------------------------       ----   ---------   -----------   -----------     ---------
<S>                                    <C>    <C>         <C>           <C>            <C>
Robert L. McGeehan,                    1998    599,880      444,000        56,000          17,384
  President and                        1997    550,045      330,000        45,000          15,629
  Chief Executive Officer                                                  15,000(5)
                                       1996    513,025      240,000        20,000          25,793
Michael W. Ruprich,                    1998    380,765      220,000            --           7,745
  President,                           1997    264,508      120,000        12,500           5,045
  JLK Direct Distribution Inc.(6)                                         100,000(5)
                                       1996    197,968      103,696        11,000           5,045
H. Patrick Mahanes, Jr.,               1998    325,465      189,997        31,600           8,450
  Vice President,                      1997    306,295      122,500        15,000           5,750
  Chief Operating Officer              1996    285,765       98,000        15,000           5,750

Richard J. Orwig,                      1998    308,464      193,875        31,600          10,170
  Vice President,                      1997    284,880      150,000        15,000           5,970
  Chief Financial and                  1996    248,665      100,000        13,000           5,970
  Administrative Officer

David B. Arnold,                       1998    242,605      106,375        22,300           9,243
  Vice President and                   1997    232,045       62,500        10,000           7,167
  Chief Technical Officer              1996    221,577       52,500        11,000           7,151

Paul W. Jones,                         1998    155,769      254,250            --       1,392,889(8)
  President and Chief Executive
  Officer of Greenfield Industries,
  Inc.(7)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------
 
(1) Includes, for Messrs. McGeehan, Mahanes, Orwig and Arnold bonuses paid
    partially or entirely in shares of Capital Stock or in Stock Credits as
    elected by the individual under the Corporation's Management Performance
    Bonus Plan. Under the Management Performance Bonus Plan, any portion of a
    bonus paid in shares of Capital Stock or in Stock Credits was increased by
    25% of that value.
 
(2) Unless otherwise indicated, represents options to purchase shares of the
    Corporation's Capital Stock.
 
(3) This figure includes imputed income based upon premiums paid by the
    Corporation to secure and maintain for certain officers, including all
    executive officers of the Corporation who elect to participate, a $500,000
    term life insurance policy on the life of such officer until he reaches age
    65. For Mr. McGeehan, Mr. Orwig and Mr. Arnold, this figure also includes
    amounts paid for Medicare tax and income tax gross-up on supplemental
    pension benefit accrual.
 
(4) This figure includes amounts contributed by the Corporation under its Thrift
    Plan. Eligible employees may elect to contribute 2% to 12% of their monthly
    compensation (salary and, if applicable, bonus) to this plan. The
    Corporation contributes to each participant's account an amount equal to
    one-half of that portion of the employee's contribution that does not exceed
    6% of the employee's compensation. Contributed sums are invested in
    proportions as directed by the employee in a fixed income fund, various
    equity funds (including the Corporation's Capital Stock) and balanced funds
    (consisting of both equity
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   9
 
    and fixed income securities), each managed by investment management
    companies, and can be withdrawn by the employee only upon the occurrence of
    certain events. Certain terms of the plan are designed to make available to
    participants the provisions of section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code,
    which permit elective employee contributions on a pre-tax basis.
 
(5) Represents options to purchase shares of the Class A Common Stock of JLK
    Direct Distribution Inc.
 
(6) Mr. Ruprich was a Vice President of the Corporation from August 1, 1994
    until July 2, 1997. He served as President of J&L America, Inc. ("J&L"),
    then a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, from August 1, 1994 to
    September 1, 1996, and currently holds that office, having been reelected on
    May 1, 1997. In April 1997, the Corporation formed JLK Direct Distribution
    Inc. ("JLK") to hold J&L and the Corporation's full service supply programs.
    In July 1997, JLK effected an initial public offering of its Class A Common
    Stock as a result of which the Corporation now owns approximately 82.5% of
    all outstanding shares of common stock of JLK. Mr. Ruprich has been
    President of JLK since its formation.
 
(7) The information provided with respect to Mr. Jones is for the period from
    November 18, 1997 (the date upon which Greenfield Industries, Inc. became a
    wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation) through June 30, 1998.
 
(8) This figure includes amounts paid as severance under Mr. Jones' employment
    agreement entered into with Greenfield Industries, Inc. prior to its
    acquisition by the Corporation.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
     The Corporation has agreements with four (4) of the Named Executive
Officers and three (3) other executive officers whereby, subject to review by
the Board of Directors and a provision for termination without cause by either
party upon written notice, they will be employed by the Corporation. The
agreements generally provide that the officers will devote their entire time and
attention to the business of the Corporation, will refrain during employment and
for three years thereafter from competing with the Corporation (unless
employment is terminated by the Corporation without cause or following a change
in control), and will not disclose confidential or trade secret information
belonging to the Corporation. These agreements also require the officers to
assign to the Corporation all inventions conceived or made during their
employment by the Corporation. The agreements provide for severance payments
upon termination of employment occurring either before or after a change in
control of the Corporation, and, in the case of Mr. Ruprich, occurring either
before or after a change in control of the Corporation or JLK.
 
     In the event of termination of his employment by the officer's employer
prior to a change in control, each officer would receive as severance pay an
amount equal to three months' base salary at the time of such termination. In
the event of termination by the officer prior to a change in control, or without
good reason following a change in control, no severance payments will be made.
In general, in the event of termination of employment after a change in control
by the officer for good reason or by the employer other than for cause or
disability, each officer would receive as severance pay 2.8 times the sum of (i)
his respective annual base salary at the date of termination or, at the
officer's election, his salary as of the beginning of the month preceding the
month in which the change in control occurs, and (ii) the average of any bonuses
which he was entitled to or paid during the three most recent fiscal years
ending prior to the date of termination or, at the officer's election, the
average of any bonuses which the officer was entitled to or paid for the three
fiscal years preceding the fiscal year in which the change in control occurred.
In addition, for a three year period the officer would receive the same medical
and group insurance benefits that he received at the date of termination. The
officer also would receive three years of additional credit for purposes of
computing benefits under the Corporation's retirement and supplemental
retirement plans.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   10
 
STOCK OPTIONS
 
     The Kennametal Inc. Stock Option and Incentive Plan of 1988 (the "1988
Plan") provides for the granting of nonstatutory and incentive stock options and
share awards covering 1,000,000 shares of the Capital Stock of the Corporation.
The Kennametal Inc. Stock Option and Incentive Plan of 1992 (the "1992 Plan")
provides for the granting of nonstatutory and incentive stock options and share
awards covering the lesser of 1,650,000 shares (gross) and 1,109,255 shares
(net) of the Corporation's Capital Stock. The Kennametal Inc. Stock Option and
Incentive Plan of 1996 (the "1996 Plan") provides for the granting of
nonstatutory and incentive stock options and share awards covering 1,500,000
shares of the Corporation's Capital Stock. Although options are still
outstanding under the Kennametal Inc. Stock Option Plan of 1982, as amended, no
further grants of options may be made under that plan.
 
     Under each of the plans, the price at which shares covered by an option may
be purchased must not be less than the fair market value of such shares at the
time the option is granted or, in the case of the non-qualified stock options
granted under the 1992 Plan and the 1996 Plan, at not less than 75% of the fair
market value. The purchase price must be paid in full at the time of exercise
either in cash or, in the discretion of the Committee administering the plan, by
delivering shares of the Corporation's Capital Stock or a combination of shares
and cash having an aggregate fair market value equal to the purchase price.
Under the 1988 Plan and 1996 Plan, any shares of the Corporation's Capital Stock
delivered as payment, in whole or in part, of the purchase price must have been
held by the optionee for at least six months.
 
     The following table sets forth information concerning options granted to
the Named Executive Officers during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998:
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             INDIVIDUAL GRANT
                          -------------------------------------------------------
                            NUMBER OF
                           SECURITIES      % OF TOTAL
                           UNDERLYING       OPTIONS      EXERCISE OR                GRANT DATE
                             OPTIONS       GRANTED IN    BASE PRICE    EXPIRATION     PRESENT
NAME                      GRANTED(1)(#)   FISCAL YEAR     ($/SHARE)       DATE      VALUE(2)($)
- ----                      -------------   -----------     ---------       ----      -----------
<S>                       <C>             <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
Robert L. McGeehan......     56,000            7.7         48.5625      07/30/07       758,650
Michael W. Ruprich......          0             --              --            --            --
H. Patrick Mahanes,
  Jr....................     31,600            4.3         48.5625      07/30/07       428,100
Richard J. Orwig........     31,600            4.3         48.5625      07/30/07       428,100
David B. Arnold.........     22,300            3.1         48.5625      07/30/07       302,110
Paul W. Jones...........          0             --              --            --            --
</TABLE>
 
- ---------
 
(1) Options with respect to the Corporation's Capital Stock were granted with an
    exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Capital Stock on the
    date of grant and require the optionee to hold ten percent of the shares
    received from any exercise for a one-year period from the date of exercise.
 
(2) Based on the Black-Scholes Option Valuation model adjusted for dividends to
    determine grant date present value of the options. The Corporation does not
    advocate or necessarily agree that the Black-Scholes model properly reflects
    the value of an option. The assumptions used in calculating the option value
    with respect to the Corporation's Capital Stock include the following: a
    risk-free interest rate of 6.12% (the rate applicable to a ten-year treasury
    security at the time of the award); a dividend yield of 1.59% (the
    annualized yield at the date of grant); volatility of 23.8% (calculated
    using daily stock returns for the twelve-month period preceding the option
    award); and a stock price at date of grant of $48.5625 (the exercise price
    at which these options were granted was equal to the fair market value of
    the Capital Stock on the date of grant). The value of these options under
    the Black-Scholes model of option valuation applying the preceding
    assumptions is $13.55 per share.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   11
 
    The ultimate value of the options will depend on the future market price of
    the stock of the Corporation which cannot be forecast with reasonable
    accuracy. The actual value, if any, an optionee will realize upon exercise
    of an option will depend on the excess of the market value of the relevant
    stock over the exercise price on the date the option is exercised. No
    adjustments were made for forfeitures or vesting restrictions on exercise.
 
     The following table sets forth information concerning options to purchase
the Corporation's Capital Stock held by the Named Executive Officers:
 
                AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
                       AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               NUMBER OF
                                                              SECURITIES           VALUE OF
                                                              UNDERLYING          UNEXERCISED
                                                              UNEXERCISED        IN-THE-MONEY
                                                           OPTIONS AT FISCAL   OPTIONS AT FISCAL
                                                             YEAR END (#)        YEAR END ($)
                          SHARES ACQUIRED      VALUE         EXERCISABLE/        EXERCISABLE/
NAME                      ON EXERCISE (#)   REALIZED ($)     UNEXERCISABLE       UNEXERCISABLE
- ----                      ---------------   ------------     -------------       -------------
<S>                       <C>               <C>            <C>                 <C>
Robert L. McGeehan......       7,007          215,872       271,404/21,352     3,582,446/529,797
Michael W. Ruprich......           0                0             34,834/0             380,959/0
H. Patrick Mahanes,
  Jr....................       9,000          273,375             92,400/0             867,350/0
Richard J. Orwig........           0                0             94,393/0             925,856/0
David B. Arnold.........      13,000          299,000             60,056/0             516,102/0
Paul W. Jones...........           0                0                  0/0                   0/0
</TABLE>
 
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
 
     The following table indicates, for purposes of illustration, the
approximate annual retirement benefits that would be payable at the present time
on a straight life annuity basis pursuant to the Kennametal Inc. Retirement
Income Plan and agreements providing supplemental retirement benefits under
various assumptions as to salary and years of service to employees in higher
salary classifications. The amounts shown have not been adjusted for Social
Security offset.
 
                               PENSION PLAN TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               ANNUAL BENEFIT UPON RETIREMENT WITH YEARS OF CREDITED SERVICE INDICATED
 ANNUALIZED    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPENSATION        15             20             25             30             35
- ------------        --             --             --             --             --
<S>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
  $75,000        $ 22,500       $ 30,000       $ 37,500       $ 41,250       $ 45,000
  100,000          30,000         40,000         50,000         55,000         60,000
  150,000          45,000         60,000         75,000         82,500         90,000
  200,000          60,000         80,000        100,000        110,000        120,000
  250,000          75,000        100,000        125,000        137,500        150,000
  300,000          90,000        120,000        150,000        165,000        180,000
</TABLE>
 
     Pursuant to the Kennametal Inc. Retirement Income Plan, annual benefits
payable upon retirement to eligible salaried employees are calculated based upon
a monthly benefit equal to 2% of Covered Compensation for each year of credited
service up to a maximum of twenty-five years, plus 1% of Covered Compensation
for each year of credited service over twenty-five years, less 1.5% of the
primary monthly Social Security benefit payable for each year of credited
service up to a maximum of 33 years (50% of the monthly Social Security
benefit). Covered Compensation is based on average monthly earnings, consisting
solely of base salary and bonus (which amounts for the past three fiscal years
are included in the Salary and Bonus columns of the Summary Compensation Table),
for the nine years out of the last twelve years of service immediately preceding
retirement during which the highest
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   12
 
compensation was received. The entire cost of the plan is paid by the
Corporation. Under the Internal Revenue Code, certain limits are imposed on
payments under the plan. Payments in excess of the maximum annual pension
benefits payable under this plan to the Named Executive Officers and certain
other executive officers would be paid pursuant to agreements with such
individuals providing for the annual payment of supplemental retirement
benefits, as more fully described under the section "Employment Agreements"
above.
 
     As of June 30, 1998, the credited years of service under the Retirement
Income Plan for the Named Executive Officers were approximately: Robert L.
McGeehan, 25 years; Michael W. Ruprich, 9 years; H. Patrick Mahanes, Jr., 13
years; Richard J. Orwig, 14 years; and David B. Arnold, 19 years.
 
     Annualized Covered Compensation as of June 30, 1998, for purposes of the
retirement benefits under the Retirement Income Plan for the Named Executive
Officers is as follows: Robert L. McGeehan, $152,221; Michael W. Ruprich,
$139,701; H. Patrick Mahanes, Jr., $151,111; Richard J. Orwig, $147,507; and
David B. Arnold, $151,111.
 
                           CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND
                              RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
     In connection with the initial public offering of approximately 20 percent
of the common stock of JLK, the Corporation's industrial supply subsidiary, the
Corporation offered to its directors, officers and certain employees and others
the ability to purchase and such persons purchased in the aggregate
approximately 270,000 shares (1 percent) of the Class A Common Stock of JLK at
the initial public offering price ($20 per share) of JLK's Class A Common Stock.
The purchasers included the following executive officers and directors of the
Corporation: Robert L. McGeehan --10,000 shares; Michael W. Ruprich --7,500
shares; Richard J. Orwig --10,000 shares; six other executive officers --41,900
shares; William R. Newlin --20,000 shares; Richard C. Alberding --1,000 shares;
Aloysius T. McLaughlin, Jr. --2,500 shares; A. Peter Held --1,000 shares and
Warren H. Hollinshead --1,100 shares.
 
                        REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
                      COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY
 
Executive and managerial compensation programs at the Corporation are designed
and implemented with certain guiding principles in mind:
 
     - To link the interests of executives and managers to the interests of the
       stockholders and other potential investors.
 
     - To provide incentives for working toward increasing the market value of
       the Corporation's stock and to increase stockholder value through value
       management.
 
     - To provide incentives for strategic vision and decision-making that will
       promote the longer-term health and viability of the Corporation.
 
     - To provide incentives for innovation, quality management, responsiveness
       to customer needs, value-added products and services, and an
       action-oriented approach to opportunities in the marketplace.
 
     - To attract and retain individuals with the leadership and technical
       skills required to carry the Corporation forward into the future, given
       the belief that the Corporation's human resources can provide a
       competitive advantage in the marketplace.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   13
 
GENERAL COMPENSATION PLAN DESIGN
 
Executive and management compensation plans consist of (1) a long-term element,
(2) annual performance rewards, (3) basic compensation, and (4) executive
ownership goals.
 
     -  The primary vehicles for providing long-term incentives are the
        Corporation's stock option plans. The belief is that key executives and
        certain managers should hold stock options in such quantities as to
        provide an incentive to make decisions and take actions that will
        enhance the performance of the Corporation and increase its value. The
        interests of stockholders and executives are tied together by the market
        value of the stock.
 
     -  Annual performance rewards include a management performance bonus plan
        and annual base salary merit increases.
 
      -- The Management Performance Bonus Plan for executives and managers, is
         designed to closely tie bonus awards to corporate performance, unit
         performance, and individual contribution, relative to the Corporation's
         business plans, strategies, and stockholder value creation. The Bonus
         Plan is also intended to maintain management compensation at a
         competitive level, as indicated by published compensation surveys.
 
      -- The annual Base Salary Merit Increase Review for executives and
         managers provides rewards for more qualitative achievements in
         innovation, quality, service to the customer, and leadership.
         Consideration is given to competitive salary increases that are being
         awarded by other industrial firms, as indicated by published salary
         surveys.
 
     -  Basic compensation, for executives, is intended to be competitive in the
        employment market and is designed to attract, retain, and motivate
        high-quality individuals. Basic compensation includes base salary,
        flexible and fixed benefit plans, minor executive perquisites, and the
        Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.
 
     -  In 1995, executive stock ownership goals were established by the Chief
        Executive Officer, ratified by the Board of Directors Committee on
        Executive Compensation, and presented to the Board of Directors. The
        ownership goals are voluntary but very much encouraged.
 
COMPENSATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
     -  The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Robert L. McGeehan, received a stock
        option grant of 56,000 shares on July 31, 1997. The option price was the
        average of the high and low market prices on the date of the award. Ten
        percent of shares exercised must be held in ownership for a period of
        one year following the exercise date. On July 28, 1997, the option award
        was approved by the Board of Directors.
 
     -  Under the plan design of the Management Performance Bonus Plan for
        Fiscal Year 1998, a stockholder value creation target and a bonus pool
        were calculated by management and approved by the Board of Directors.
        Based on the actual level of stockholder value creation in Fiscal Year
        1998 and on specific personal achievements, the Committee recommended a
        bonus award of $370,000 for the Chief Executive Officer. On July 27,
        1998, Mr. McGeehan's bonus award was approved by the Board of Directors.
 
     -  Mr. McGeehan's base salary was reviewed by the Board of Directors
        Committee on Executive Compensation in January 1998. In recognition of
        Mr. McGeehan's leadership and performance as Chief Executive Officer of
        the Corporation, and in consideration of competitive salary survey data,
        the Committee recommended a base salary increase to $650,000, effective
        February 1, 1998. The increase was approved by the Board of Directors on
        January 26, 1998. The base salary increase, the aforementioned bonus
        award, and the aforementioned stock option award, constituted a
        coordinated compensation program for Mr. McGeehan's leadership in
        performance of certain corporate value creation goals, and in the
        general growth and performance of the Corporation.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   14
 
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
     -  Stock options were awarded to certain executive officers and others, on
        July 31, 1997 for the purpose of providing an incentive for managing the
        continuing performance and value of the Corporation. The awards, as
        recommended by the Chief Executive Officer, were approved by the Board
        of Directors Committee on Executive Compensation on July 27, 1997.
 
     -  Individual executive officer bonus awards were determined by corporate
        performance (actual value creation vs. planned value creation), by unit
        performance, and by individual performance. The awards, as recommended
        by the Chief Executive Officer, were approved by the Board of Directors
        Committee on Executive Compensation on July 26, 1998.
 
     -  Base salary performance increases for certain corporate executive
        officers were approved by the Board of Directors Committee on Executive
        Compensation on January 25, 1998. The individual increases, as
        recommended by the Chief Executive Officer and approved by the
        Committee, were based on individual performance and competitive salary
        survey data.
 
                                            Committee on Executive Compensation:
 
                                            Richard C. Alberding, Chairman
                                            Peter B. Bartlett
                                            Aloysius T. McLaughlin, Jr.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   15
 
                COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
 
     The following graph compares cumulative total stockholder return on the
Corporation's Capital Stock with the cumulative total stockholder return on the
common equity of the companies in the Standard & Poor's Mid-Cap 400 Market Index
(the "S & P Mid-Cap") and a peer group of companies determined by the
Corporation (the "Peer Group") for the period from July 1, 1993 to June 30,
1998. The Peer Group consists of the following companies: Binks Sames
Corporation; Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Co.; Cincinnati Milacron Inc.; Federal
Screw Works Inc.; Federal-Mogul Corp.; Gleason Corp.; Kaydon Corp.; Monarch
Machine Tool Company Inc.; Newcor Inc.; Regal-Beloit Corp.; Snap-On
Incorporated; SPS Technologies, Inc.; The L. S. Starrett Company; and Timken Co.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              Measurement Period                   KENNAMETAL         S&P MID-            PEER
            (Fiscal Year Covered)                     INC               CAP              GROUP
<S>                                               <C>               <C>               <C>
1993                                                 100.00            100.00            100.00
1994                                                 151.01             99.94            100.56
1995                                                 216.32            122.27            114.61
1996                                                 216.94            148.66            129.96
1997                                                 279.31            183.34            181.86
1998                                                 274.90            233.12            210.22
</TABLE>
 
     The above graph assumes a $100 investment on July 1, 1993, in each of
Kennametal Inc. Capital Stock, the S & P Mid-Cap and the Peer Group, and further
assumes the reinvestment of all dividends.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   16
 
                     PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES
 
     The following table sets forth each person or entity who may be deemed to
have beneficial ownership of more than 5% of the outstanding Capital Stock of
the Corporation based upon information publicly available to the Corporation as
of August 24, 1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       PERCENT OF
                                       NUMBER OF      OUTSTANDING
NAME AND ADDRESS                        SHARES      CAPITAL STOCK(1)
- ----------------                        ------      ----------------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.        2,305,505(2)       7.7%
1585 Broadway
New York, NY 10036

Franklin Resources, Inc.                1,671,600(3)       5.6%
777 Mariners Island Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404

PRIMECAP Management Company             1,600,400(4)       5.4%
225 South Lake Ave.#400
Pasadena, CA 91101-3005
</TABLE>
 
- ---------
 
(1) Based on the number of shares outstanding as of September 8, 1998.
 
(2) Based upon information provided by the holder, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter &
    Co. is a registered investment advisor and holds shared voting power over
    2,025,555 shares, and shared dispositive power over all shares. Miller
    Anderson & Sherrerd, LLP, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan
    Stanley Dean Witter & Co., is a registered investment advisor and holds
    shared voting power over 1,349,744 shares, and shared dispositive power over
    all shares.
 
(3) Based upon information provided by the holder, Franklin Resources, Inc. is
    the parent corporation of Franklin Mutual Advisers, Inc., a registered
    investment advisor with sole voting power and sole dispositive power over
    all shares.
 
(4) According to Amendment No. 3 to Schedule 13G dated February 10, 1998,
    PRIMECAP Management Company is a registered investment advisor. All shares
    are held with sole voting power and sole dispositive power.
 
                              ELECTION OF AUDITORS
 
     Unless otherwise directed by the stockholders, proxies will be voted for
the election of Arthur Andersen LLP as the Corporation's independent auditors
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999. The affirmative vote of the holders of
at least a majority of the shares cast at the meeting is required to elect such
firm as auditors. Representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP are expected to be
present at the meeting to respond to appropriate questions and will have the
opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP AS THE
CORPORATION'S AUDITORS.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   17
 
                   FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SECURITIES
                            AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
     COPIES OF THE ANNUAL REPORT (FORM 10-K) OF THE CORPORATION FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WILL BE AVAILABLE TO STOCKHOLDERS AFTER SEPTEMBER 30, 1998. A STOCKHOLDER MAY
OBTAIN ONE WITHOUT CHARGE BY WRITING TO: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, KENNAMETAL
INC., 1600 TECHNOLOGY WAY, P.O. BOX 231, LATROBE, PENNSYLVANIA 15650.
 
                                 OTHER MATTERS
 
     The Corporation knows of no other matters to be presented for action at the
annual meeting. However, if any other matters should properly come before the
meeting, it is intended that votes will be cast pursuant to the proxy in respect
thereto in accordance with the best judgment of the persons acting as proxies.
 
     The Corporation will pay the expense in connection with the printing,
assembling and mailing of the notice of meeting, this Proxy Statement and the
accompanying form of proxy to the holders of Capital Stock of the Corporation.
In addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited by directors,
officers or employees of the Corporation personally or by telephone or telex or
facsimile. The Corporation may request the persons holding stock in their names,
or in the names of their nominees, to send proxy material to and obtain proxies
from their principals and will reimburse such persons for their expense in so
doing. In addition, the Corporation has retained the services of Georgeson &
Company Inc., a professional soliciting organization, to assist in soliciting
proxies from brokerage houses, custodians, nominees, other fiduciaries and other
stockholders of the Corporation. The fees and expenses of that firm in
connection with such solicitation are not expected to exceed $25,000.
 
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATING PROCEDURES
 
     Stockholders who intend to submit a proposal for inclusion in the
Corporation's 1999 Proxy Statement for consideration at the Annual Meeting of
the Stockholders of the Corporation to be held in October 1999, must submit such
proposal to the attention of the Secretary of the Corporation at the address of
its executive offices no later than May 21, 1999. Any such proposal must comply
with Rule 14a-8 of Regulation 14A of the proxy rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission and must contain certain information specified in the
By-Laws of the Corporation.
 
     The By-Laws of the Corporation require that all stockholder proposals to be
submitted at the Annual Meeting but not included in the Corporation's Proxy
Statement be submitted to the Secretary of the Corporation at the address of its
executive offices prior to July 1, 1999, together with certain information
specified in the By-Laws. The By-Laws of the Corporation also require that
nominations for directors to be elected at the 1999 Annual Meeting, other than
those made by the Board of Directors, be submitted to the Secretary of the
Corporation no earlier than May 1, 1999 and prior to July 1, 1999. The By-Laws
require that notice of such nominations contain certain information regarding
the nominee and certain information regarding the nominating stockholder. Any
stockholder may obtain a copy of the applicable By-Law from the Secretary of the
Corporation upon written request.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   18
PROXY                                                                      PROXY

                                KENNAMETAL INC.
 THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATION

     The undersigned hereby appoints Robert L. McGeehan, Peter B. Bartlett and
William R. Newlin, and each of them with power of substitution in each, as
proxies to represent the undersigned at the annual meeting of the stockholders
of Kennmetal Inc. to be held at the Technology Center, located on Route 981
South, (recently designated "Technology Way") approximately 1/4 mile south of
its intersection with U.S. Route 30 near Latrobe, Unity Township, Pennsylvania,
on Monday, October 26, 1998 at 2:00 p.m., and at any adjournments thereof, to
vote the same number of shares and as fully as the undersigned would be entitled
to vote if then personally present (including the power to vote cumulatively in
the election of directors as explained in the Proxy Statement) in the manner
directed by the undersigned as follows:

 THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES LISTED IN ITEM I
                       AND FOR THE ELECTION OF AUDITORS.


                                     (Over)

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              FOLD AND DETACH HERE

<PAGE>   19
                                                            Please mark
                                                            your vote as   [ X ]
                                                            indicated in
                                                            this example

I. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE IN 2001

<TABLE>
   
    <S>                   <C>               <C>
    Vote FOR ALL          WITHHOLD          Nominees: A. Peter Held, Aloysius T. McLaughlin, Jr. and Larry Yost
   NOMINEES listed        AUTHORITY         (INSTRUCTIONS: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEES, WRITE 
  (except as shown     to vote FOR ALL      NOMINEE'S NAME ON THE LINE PROVIDED BELOW): 
   to the contrary)    NOMINEES Listed.      
                                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      [    ]               [    ]

</TABLE>

II. ELECTION OF AUDITORS

<TABLE>
   
   <S>         <C>           <C>                              <C>
    FOR        AGAINST       ABSTAIN                          This Proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed
                                                              herein. If no direction is made, this Proxy will be voted FOR the
                                                              election of the nominees in Item I above and FOR the election of
                                                              auditors. The proxies are authorized, in accordance with their
                                                              judgment, to vote upon such other matters as may properly come before
                                                              the meeting and any adjournments thereof.

                                                              Dated:                                                          , 1998
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------------------

                                                              ----------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                              ----------------------------------------------------------------------
        
                                                              Sign exactly as addressed, but if executed for a corporation, minor,
                                                              etc., sign that name and signature and capacity of authorized signer.


</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              FOLD AND DETACH HERE



                                                                 KENNAMETAL INC.

September 11, 1998

Dear Kennametal Inc. Stockholder:

The 1998 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of Kennametal Inc. will be held at 
2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 1998, at Technology Center, located on Route
981 South, (recently designated "Technology Way") approximately 1/4 mile south
of its intersection with U.S. Route 30 near Latrobe, Unity Township,
Pennsylvania.

I cordially invite you to attend.

Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please detach the proxy above,
complete it, and return it in the enclosed envelope. Your vote is important to
us.

Sincerely,



- --------------------
William R. Newlin
Chairman of the Board
Kennametal Inc. 


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission