<PAGE>
<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
JAMES L. PARKER
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii),14a-6(j)(2).
[ ] $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:
.....................................................................
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
.....................................................................
Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was
determined.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
...................................................................
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
...................................................................
3) Filing Party:
...................................................................
4) Date Filed:
...................................................................
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 2
MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
1996
NOTICE
OF
ANNUAL
MEETING
AND
PROXY
STATEMENT
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 3
Matthews International Corporation
Corporate Office
Two NorthShore Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212-5851
412.442.8200 Fax 412.442.8290
Notice of
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be held February 16, 1996
To Our Shareholders:
The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Matthews International Corporation
will be held at 6:00 PM on Friday, February 16, 1996 at the Health and Science
Theater, Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the purpose of
considering and acting upon the following:
1. To elect two Directors of the Company for a term of three years.
2. To ratify the appointment of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. as independent
certified public accountants to audit the records of the Company for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1996.
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on December 29, 1995 will be
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
Please indicate on the enclosed proxy card whether you will or will not be able
to attend this meeting. Return the card in the enclosed envelope as soon as
possible. If you receive two proxies because you own both Class A and Class B
Common Stock, please be sure to complete and return them both.
We hope you can be with us for this important occasion.
Sincerely,
James L. Parker
James L. Parker
Corporate Secretary
January 16, 1996
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 4
Matthews International Corporation
Two NorthShore Center
Pittsburgh, PA 15212 - 5851
412 / 442-8200
PROXY STATEMENT
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company
whose principal executive offices are located at Two NorthShore Center,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy
were first released to shareholders on January 16, 1996.
Execution of the proxy will not affect a shareholder's right to attend the
meeting and vote in person. Any shareholder giving a proxy has the right to
revoke it at any time before it is voted by giving notice to the Corporate
Secretary or by attending the meeting and voting in person.
Matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting are those set forth in the
accompanying notice. Shares represented by proxy will be voted in accordance
with instructions. In the absence of instructions to the contrary, the proxy
solicited will be voted for the proposals set forth.
Management does not intend to bring before the meeting any business other than
that set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders. If any other
business should properly come before the meeting, it is the intention of
Management that the persons named in the proxy will vote in accordance with
their best judgment.
OUTSTANDING STOCK AND VOTING RIGHTS
The Company has two classes of stock outstanding: Class A Common Stock, par
value $1.00 per share, and Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share.
Together, these two classes are referred to as the "Common Stock."
Each outstanding share of Class A Common Stock of the Company entitles the
holder to one vote, and each outstanding share of Class B Common Stock entitles
the holder to ten votes upon any business properly presented at the
shareholders' meeting. Cumulative voting is not applicable to the election of
directors.
The Board of Directors of the Company has established December 29, 1995 as the
record date for shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The
transfer books of the Company will not be closed. A total of 5,020,250 shares
of Class A Common Stock, and 3,830,100 shares of Class B Common Stock are
outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting.
Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on any proposal to be voted
upon. Broker nonvotes as to any matter are shares held by brokers and other
nominees which are voted at the meeting on matters as to which the nominee has
discretionary authority, but which are not voted on the matter in question
because the nominee does not have discretionary voting authority as to such
matter.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 5
GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is the ultimate governing body of the Company. As such,
it functions within a framework of duties and requirements established by
statute, government regulations and court decisions. In carrying out their
responsibilities, directors are expected to perform their duties in good faith
and with the diligence, care and skill which ordinarily prudent people would
exercise under similar circumstances.
Generally, the Board of Directors reviews and confirms the basic objectives and
broad policies of the Company, approves various important transactions,
appoints the officers of the Company and monitors Company performance in key
results areas. Management is accountable to the Board of Directors for the
satisfactory conduct of the day-to-day business of the Company.
Management is responsible for providing the Board of Directors with adequate
support, services and resources, together with thorough information, reports
and analyses concerning the Company's principal activities and plans. In
addition, the Board of Directors has the power, in its discretion, to employ
the services of outside consultants and is free to have discussions and
interviews with personnel of the Company and others as it deems appropriate and
helpful to its work.
Board Composition
The Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company provide that the Board of
Directors has the power to set the number of Directors constituting the full
Board, provided that such number shall not be less than five nor more than 15.
Until further action, the Board of Directors has fixed the number of directors
constituting the full Board at nine, divided into three classes. The terms of
office of the three classes of Directors end in successive years.
During fiscal year 1995, there were 4 regularly scheduled meetings of the Board
of Directors.
Board Committees
There are three standing committees appointed by the Board of Directors -- the
Executive, Audit and Compensation Committees.
Management has the same responsibility to each committee as it does to the
Board of Directors with respect to providing adequate staff services and
information. Furthermore, each committee has the same power as the Board of
Directors to employ the services of outside consultants and to have discussions
and interviews with personnel of the Company and others.
The principal functions of the three standing committees are summarized as
follows:
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 6
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors to have and
exercise during periods between Board meetings all of the powers of the Board
of Directors, except that the Executive Committee may not elect directors,
change the membership of or fill vacancies in the Executive Committee, change
the By-Laws of the Company or exercise any authority specifically reserved by
the Board of Directors. Among the functions customarily performed by the
Executive Committee during periods between Board meetings are the approval,
within limitations previously established by the Board of Directors, of the
principal terms involved in sales of securities of the Company, and such
reviews as may be necessary of significant developments in major events and
litigation involving the Company. In addition, the Executive Committee is
called upon periodically to provide advice and counsel in the formulation of
corporate policy changes and, where it deems advisable, make recommendations to
the Board of Directors.
The Executive Committee holds meetings at such times as are required. During
fiscal year 1995, the Executive Committee met a total of 11 times. The
Chairman of the Executive Committee is David M. Kelly. The other Committee
members are James L. Parker, David J. DeCarlo and Geoffrey D. Barefoot.
The membership of the Executive Committee since October 1, 1994 consisted of
the following:
Oct. 1, 1994 to Oct. 1, 1995 Messrs. Hauber, Parker and Kennedy
Oct. 1, 1995 to Dec. 1, 1995 Messrs. Kelly, Parker, Kennedy,
DeCarlo and Barefoot
Dec. 1, 1995 to the date of this proxy Messrs. Kelly, Parker, DeCarlo and
Barefoot
Audit Committee
The principal function of the Audit Committee is to endeavor to assure the
integrity and adequacy of financial statements issued by the Company. It is
intended that the Audit Committee will review internal auditing systems and
procedures as well as the activities of the public accounting firm performing
the external audit.
The Committee members are William J. Stallkamp (Chairman) and John P. O'Leary,
Jr. During fiscal year 1995, the Audit Committee met twice.
Compensation Committee
The principal function of the Compensation Committee is to review periodically
the suitability of the remuneration arrangements (including benefits) for the
officers of the Company. The Committee members are William A. Coates
(Chairman), William J. Stallkamp and, effective October 1, 1995, William M.
Hauber. The Compensation Committee met three times in fiscal year 1995.
Meeting Attendance
Under the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the
Company's Proxy Statement is required to name those directors who during the
preceding year attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings held by
the Board and by the Committees of which they are members. During fiscal year
1995, all directors attended more than 75% of such meetings for which they were
eligible.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 7
Compensation of Directors
A fee plan for directors of the Company was approved by the shareholders at the
annual meeting held February 17, 1995. Pursuant to such plan, directors who
are not also officers of the Company receive 800 shares of the Company's Class
A Common Stock as an annual retainer fee. Each director may elect to be paid
these shares on a current basis or have such shares credited to a deferred
stock account as phantom stock, with such shares to be paid to the director
subsequent to leaving the Board. In addition, each such director is paid $800
for every meeting of the Board of Directors attended and (other than a
Chairman) $500 for every committee meeting attended. The Chairman of a
committee of the Board of Directors is paid $700 for every committee meeting
attended. No other remuneration is otherwise paid by the Company to any
director for services as a director.
Prior to fiscal year 1995, directors who were not also officers of the Company
were paid directors' fees of $12,000 per year. Members of the Audit and
Compensation Committees who were not also officers of the Company received $100
for each meeting of such committee held in conjunction with a meeting of the
Board of Directors and $250 for each meeting of such committee held otherwise.
No other remuneration was otherwise paid by the Company to any director for
services as a director. Prior to and during fiscal year 1993, directors who
were also officers of the Company were paid directors' fees of $5,250 per year.
For fiscal 1994 and thereafter, such directors are no longer paid directors'
fees.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominations for election to the Board of Directors may be made by the Board of
Directors or by the shareholders. Mr. Parker, whose term of office is
expiring, and Mr. Kelly, who was elected as a new member by the Board in May
1995, have been nominated by the Board to serve for three-year terms that will
end in 1999. Nominations made by the shareholders shall be made in writing in
accordance with Section 6.1 of the Articles. No such nominations have been
received.
The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that either of the nominees
will become unavailable for election. If a nominee should become unavailable
prior to the meeting, the accompanying proxy will be voted for the election in
his place of such other person as the Board of Directors may recommend.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the election of Directors.
The following information is furnished with respect to the two persons
nominated by the Board of Directors for election as a director and with respect
to the continuing directors.
The Nominees
David M. Kelly, age 53, joined Matthews on April 3, 1995 as President and Chief
Operating Officer. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer October 1, 1995.
Prior to his employment with Matthews, Mr. Kelly was employed by Carrier
Corporation for 22 years. During that time his positions included Marketing
Vice President for Asia Pacific; President of Japanese Operations;
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 8
Vice President, Manufacturing; and President of North American Operations.
Most recently, he had global responsibility for Carrier's residential and light
commercial businesses. Mr. Kelly received a Bachelor of Science in Physics
from Boston College in 1964, a Master of Science degree in Molecular Biophysics
from Yale University in 1966, and a Master of Business Administration from
Harvard Business School in 1968. He is chairman of the Executive Committee and
the Jas. H. Matthews & Co. Educational and Charitable Trust and a member of the
Pension Board. Mr. Kelly also serves on the boards of various subsidiaries of
Matthews International Corporation.
James L. Parker, age 57, is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary of the Company and has been a Director of the Company since 1981. Mr.
Parker has been employed by the Company since 1967. He was appointed Vice
President and General Counsel in 1973 and Corporate Secretary in 1976. Mr.
Parker received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the
University of Pittsburgh in 1963. He earned a Juris Doctor Degree from Case--
Western Reserve University in 1967. He is admitted to practice as an attorney
before the Supreme Court of Ohio, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and the
United States Supreme Court. He was elected and currently serves as a
councilman in the Borough of Fox Chapel, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Mr.
Parker is Chairman of the Fox Chapel Zoning Committee and a member of the
Borough Planning Commission. He is also a Director of the Fox Chapel Land Trust
Corporation. He serves as a Trustee of the Jas. H. Matthews & Co. Educational
and Charitable Trust and is a member of the Matthews Pension Board, as well as
Director and Secretary of various subsidiaries of Matthews International
Corporation. Mr. Parker serves as Secretary of the Executive Committee.
Continuing Directors
Geoffrey D. Barefoot, age 49, is President, Graphic Systems Division and has
been a Director since 1990. Mr. Barefoot has been employed by the Company since
1975 and has held various management positions, both in Corporate Personnel and
the Graphic Systems Division. He was appointed Pittsburgh Branch Manager in
November 1979, Eastern Regional Manager for the Graphic Systems Division in
July 1984 and Division Manager in March 1986. He was subsequently elected Vice
President in March 1988 and elected President, Graphic Systems Division in
November 1993. Mr. Barefoot received a B.S. Degree in Business Administration
from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1968 and holds an M.A. Degree in
Industrial Relations from St. Francis College. Prior to joining Matthews, Mr.
Barefoot served as an aviator in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1974.
William A. Coates, age 66, worked for the Westinghouse Electric Corporation for
37 years where he managed a variety of businesses, both domestic and foreign,
and served in various corporate assignments. At the time of his retirement in
1989, he held the position of Executive Vice President, Technology, Quality and
Operations Services. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Westminster
College. Mr. Coates has previously served on the boards of numerous foreign and
domestic Westinghouse subsidiaries and on the boards of Pacific Electronics,
the YMCA of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of International
Visitors. He is currently a member of the Boards of Directors of the Pittsburgh
High Technology Council, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource
Center, and the Pittsburgh Biotechnical Corp.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 9
David J. DeCarlo, age 50, is President, Bronze Division and has been a Director
of the Company since 1987. He was hired by the Company in 1985 as Director of
Financial Planning and Analysis. He was named Division Manager of the Bronze
Division and was appointed Vice President in 1986. He was elected President,
Bronze Division in November 1993. Mr. DeCarlo received a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Industrial Management from West Virginia University in 1967, a Master
of Arts Degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Pennsylvania
in 1970, and an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton
School of Finance in 1971 where he also completed all the required courses for
a Ph.D. in Applied Economics and Finance. Prior to joining Matthews, Mr.
DeCarlo held various management positions with Reynolds Aluminum Company,
Westinghouse Electric Corporation, and Joy Manufacturing Company where his last
position was Vice President of Field Operations.
William M. Hauber, age 67, has been Chairman of the Board since 1987 and has
been a Director of the Company since 1973. Mr. Hauber, who retired in October
1995 as Chief Executive Officer, had been employed by Matthews since 1951. He
held a wide variety of management positions during his 44 year career. Mr.
Hauber attended Robert Morris College and the University of Pittsburgh. He is
a past president of St. Clair Country Club and serves on the Boards of the
Pittsburgh Blind Association, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, and the
YMCA of Metropolitan Pittsburgh.
Thomas N. Kennedy, age 60, was elected a Director in 1987. He was Senior Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company until his
retirement from Matthews which became effective December 1, 1995. Mr. Kennedy
has been employed by the Company since 1972. He was elected Treasurer in 1974
and Vice President--Treasurer in 1986. Mr. Kennedy received a Bachelor of
Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 1958. Mr. Kennedy
is a member of the Financial Executives Institute. Prior to joining Matthews,
Mr. Kennedy held various management positions at Rust Engineering Company with
his last position being Controller.
John P. O'Leary, Jr., age 48, is President and Chief Executive Officer of
Tuscarora Incorporated, the nation's largest producer of custom-molded foam
plastic products. He also serves as a member of Tuscarora's Board of
Directors. Immediately prior to taking over as President and Chief Executive
Officer, Mr. O'Leary served as President of Western Division operations and was
responsible for overseeing the operation of 12 profit centers located
throughout the Midwest and South. Mr. O'Leary holds a Masters in Business
Administration from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business
and received a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Gettysburg College. He
currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Medical Center, Beaver, Pa.,
the Beaver County Corporation of Economic Development, First Western Bancorp,
Inc., Southwestern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, and Gateway
Rehabilitation Center. Mr. O'Leary is a Trustee of Gettysburg College.
William J. Stallkamp, age 56, has been a Director of the Company since 1981.
Mr. Stallkamp is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mellon PSFS in
Philadelphia. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business
Administration from Miami University of Oxford, Ohio in 1961. He serves as a
Director of Yoder Brothers, Inc., Veritus Inc. and its subsidiaries, Blue Cross
of Western Pennsylvania, Trans General Life and Casualty Group and Alliance
Health Ventures, YMCA of Philadelphia and Vicinity and the Southeastern
Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross. See "Certain Reportable
Transactions" below.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 10
The term for each nominee and each Director is listed below:
Term to expire at Annual
Nominees Meeting of Shareholders in:
David M. Kelly 1999
James L. Parker 1999
Continuing Directors
Thomas N. Kennedy 1997
William J. Stallkamp 1997
Geoffrey D. Barefoot 1997
William M. Hauber 1998
William A. Coates 1998
John P. O'Leary, Jr. 1998
David J. DeCarlo 1998
PROPOSAL 2
SELECTION OF AUDITORS
The Board of Directors of the Company, upon recommendation of the Audit
Committee, has appointed Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. as independent certified
public accountants to audit the records of the Company for the year ending
September 30, 1996.
The Board of Directors has determined that it would be desirable to request an
expression of opinion from the shareholders on the appointment. Ratification
of the appointment of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. requires the affirmative vote of
a majority of all the votes cast by shareholders of Common Stock entitled to
vote at the meeting. If the shareholders do not ratify the selection of
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., the selection of alternative independent certified
public accountants will be considered by the Board of Directors.
It is not expected that any representative of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. will be
present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 11
OTHER INFORMATION
Certain Reportable Transactions
The Securities and Exchange Commission requires disclosure of certain business
transactions or relationships between the Company, or its subsidiaries, and
other organizations with which any of the Company's directors are affiliated as
an owner, partner, director, officer or employee. Briefly, disclosure is
required where such a business transaction or relationship meets the standards
of significance established by the Securities and Exchange Commission with
respect to the types and amounts of business transacted. The Company is aware
of no transaction requiring disclosure pursuant to this item during the past
fiscal year. Mellon Bank, N.A., of which Mr. Stallkamp is an officer, is the
Company's principal bank. During the past year, the Company engaged in banking
transactions with such bank, and it is anticipated that the Company may make
secured or unsecured loans and engage in other banking transactions with Mellon
Bank, N.A. in the future.
The Company has a Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement with Mellon Bank,
N.A. Under terms of the agreement, the Company may borrow principal amounts up
to $6 million at various interest rate options approximating current market
rates. The Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement requires the Company to
maintain minimum levels of consolidated working capital and tangible net worth.
This agreement will expire March 31, 1996 unless extended by the parties. At
December 31, 1995, no amounts were outstanding under this agreement.
Stock Ownership
The Company's Articles of Incorporation divide its voting stock into three
classes: Preferred Stock and Class A and Class B Common Stock. At the present
time, none of the Preferred Stock is issued or outstanding. The following
information is furnished with respect to persons who the Company believes,
based on its records, beneficially own more than five percent of the
outstanding shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock of the Company, and with
respect to nominees for election to and continuing members of the Board of
Directors. Those individuals with more than five percent of such shares could
be deemed to be "control persons" of the Company.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 12
This information is as of November 30, 1995.
Number of Number of
Class A Shares Class B Shares
Name of Beneficially Percent Beneficially Percent
Beneficial Owner (1) Owned (2) of Class Owned (2) of Class
- ---------------- -------------- -------- -------------- --------
Directors and Officers:
- ----------------------
W.M. Hauber (3) 473,675 9.5% None -
D.M. Kelly 17,000 0.3 23,000 0.6%
G.D. Barefoot None - 104,500 2.7
W.A. Coates 11,700 0.2 None -
D.J. DeCarlo None - 194,995 5.0
T.N. Kennedy (3) 145,490 2.9 None -
G.C. Oehmler 500 * None -
J.P. O'Leary, Jr. 5,000 0.1 None -
J.L. Parker (3) 45,000 0.9 672,760 17.3
W.J. Stallkamp 2,000 * None -
All directors and
officers as a group 704,865 14.9 1,129,505 29.0
Other:
- -----
W. Witte None - 267,840 6.9
* Less than 0.1%
(1) The mailing address of each beneficial owner is the same as that of the
Registrant.
(2) The nature of the beneficial ownership for all shares is sole voting and
investment power, except those of Mr. Oehmler, whose shares were owned
jointly with his spouse, and as to which voting and investment power were
shared. Mr. Oehmler passed away on December 10, 1995.
(3) On November 22, 1995, a Registration Statement on Form S-3 was filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of Messrs. Hauber,
Kennedy and Parker for the sale of 800,000 shares of Class A Common Stock.
Of the 800,000 shares, 600,000 shares are being offered by Mr. Parker,
100,000 shares are being offered by Mr. Hauber and 100,000 shares are
being offered by Mr. Kennedy. As of December 15, 1995, the sale of such
shares had not occurred.
Changes in Control
The Company knows of no arrangement which may, at a subsequent date, result in
a change in control of the Company.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act:
On June 2, 1995, David M. Kelly filed an amended Form 3 with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, reporting ownership of the Company's stock as of his
employment commencement date, April 3, 1995. Former officer and director, R.T.
Busteed also did not file with the Company a Form 5 with respect to his stock
options. Apart from such matters, the Company is aware of no delinquent
filings of Securities and Exchange Commission Forms 3, 4 or 5 during the period
September 30, 1994 through November 30, 1995 by any holder of the registrant's
equity securities.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 13
Executive Officers
The Executive Officers of the Company as of December 31, 1995 are the
following:
Year First
Elected as
Name Age an Officer Positions with Registrant
- ---- --- ---------- -------------------------
David M. Kelly 53 1995 President and Chief Executive
Officer
Geoffrey D. Barefoot 49 1988 President, Graphic Systems
Division
Edward J. Boyle 49 1991 Vice President, Accounting
& Finance
David J. DeCarlo 50 1986 President, Bronze Division
Richard C. Johnson 49 1991 Vice President, Corporate
Development and Human Resources
Steven F. Nicola 35 1995 Controller
James L. Parker 57 1973 Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary
During the past five years, the business experience of each executive officer
named has been as reflected above or in a management capacity with the Company,
except for Mr. Kelly, who was an officer of Carrier Corporation prior to April
1995, and Mr. Nicola, who was a manager with Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P. prior to
November 1992.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 14
Compensation of Executive Officers and Retirement Benefits
The following table sets forth the individual compensation information for the
fiscal years ended September 30, 1995, 1994, and 1993 for the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and the four most highly compensated executive officers.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Long-Term
Compensation Compensation
----------------- -----------------------
Awards Payouts
------ ------- All
Securities Other
Name of Individual Underlying LTIP Compen-
and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Options Payouts sation
- ---------------------- ---- ------- ------- ---------- --------- -------
(1) (2) (Shares) (3) (4)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William M. Hauber (5) 1995 $305,070 $276,700 None None $546,285
Chairman of the Board and 1994 290,256 275,085 None None 474,639
Chief Executive Officer 1993 286,500 165,278 None $3,333,480 329,956
David M. Kelly (6) 1995 $125,004 $ 94,233 100,000 None None
Director, President and
Chief Operating Officer
David J. DeCarlo 1995 177,636 162,132 43,000 None 3,851
Director and President, 1994 169,224 161,168 None None 3,408
Bronze Division 1993 162,756 130,961 None 1,219,870 3,158
James L. Parker 1995 143,580 111,633 33,000 None 424,311
Director, Senior Vice 1994 139,296 121,430 None None 375,478
President, General 1993 137,694 80,593 None 2,369,351 260,496
Counsel and Secretary
Thomas N. Kennedy (7) 1995 136,884 97,304 33,000 None 106,991
Director, Senior Vice 1994 128,892 102,178 None None 93,952
President, Chief Financial 1993 127,413 72,175 None 1,664,545 65,462
Officer and Treasurer
<FN>
(1) Includes salaries. Also includes directors' fees for fiscal year 1993.
(2) Includes management incentive plan and supplemental management incentive payments and,
for Mr. Kelly, an amount equal to his life insurance premium cost. At his request, the
Company does not provide life insurance for Mr. Kelly, but in lieu thereof pays to him
annually the amount which the Company would have paid in premiums to provide coverage,
considering his position and age. Such amonuts are not included in calculating other
Company benefits for Mr. Kelly. The amount paid to Mr. Kelly in lieu of life insurance
for 1995 was $4,100. The Company has adopted a management incentive plan for officers
and key management personnel. Participants in such plan are not eligible for the
Company's profit distribution plan. The incentive plan is based on attainment of
established personal goals and on divisional and Company performance for the fiscal year.
In addition, payments include a supplement in amounts which are sufficient to pay annual
interest expense on the outstanding notes of management under the Company's Designated
Employee Stock Purchase Plan and to pay medical costs which are not otherwise covered by
a Company plan. As of the date of the Company's Initial Public Offering (July 20, 1994),
no further notes have been issued under the Designated Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 15
(3) Represents distribution of all appreciation accumulated under the Company's Restricted
Stock Plan during the six-year period that the Plan was in effect. On December 4, 1992,
the Board of Directors of the Company terminated the Restricted Stock Plan, which had
been in effect since 1986, and all risks of forfeiture thereunder and authorized the
liquidation of all participants' accrued value under the Plan. As provided by the
Restricted Stock Plan, restricted share value was limited to the difference between
book value at September 30, 1992 of $7.45 per share and base price per share. The
distribution was made on December 10, 1992 and did not impact fiscal 1993 earnings
because the appreciation had been accrued in the previous six years. Redemption of
restricted shares reduced total outstanding shares of the Company's common stock by
2,888,250 shares. If the Restricted Stock Plan had not been terminated, the fiscal
1993 pre-tax earnings of the Company would have been approximately $1.5 million lower
and its Consolidated Adjusted Book Value would have decreased concurrently.
(4) Includes stock appreciation right benefits, educational assistance for dependent
children and premiums for term life insurance. Messrs. Hauber, Parker and Kennedy
previously have exchanged a portion of their respective common stock shareholdings
for an equivalent number of stock appreciation rights, pursuant to which the Company
credits and pays annually an amount equal to the participation value of all units so
acquired. Participation value of each unit is the amount of earnings per share of
common stock adjusted to account for retiree benefits on a cash basis, calculated on
the basis of the weighted average number of unrestricted shares outstanding during the
fiscal year. Stock appreciation right benefits expire upon retirement or death. Each
officer of the Company is provided term life insurance coverage in an amount
approximately equivalent to three times his respective salary. Amounts reported in
this column for the named officers in fiscal 1995, 1994 and 1993 include the following
respective life insurance benefit costs: Mr. Hauber, $17,193, $5,932 and $5,408;
Mr. DeCarlo, $1,851, $2,408 and $2,158; Mr. Parker, $3,135, $2,371 and $2,144; and
Mr. Kennedy, $3,491, $2,264 and $1,974. Educational assistance for dependent children
is provided to any officer or employee of the Company whose child meets the scholastic
eligibility criteria and is attending an eligible college or university. Mr. DeCarlo
received educational assistance benefits of $2,000 in fiscal 1995 and $1,000 in fiscal
1994 and 1993. See also note (2).
(5) Mr. Hauber retired as Chief Executive Officer effective October 1, 1995, but is expected to
continue as a director.
(6) Mr. Kelly joined the Company on April 3, 1995 and was elected Chief Executive Officer
effective October 1, 1995. Mr. Kelly has an employment arrangement with the Company which
provides that, in the event of his discharge without cause prior to April 3, 1998, he will
receive additional compensation of double his annual base salary rate as of the discharge
date. Such arrangement further provides for the life insurance payments described in
note (2) above and the waiver of minimum service for vesting purposes described below under
"Retirement Plan."
(7) Mr. Kennedy retired as an officer December 1, 1995, but is expected to continue as a
director.
</TABLE>
The Summary Compensation Table does not include expenses to the Company of
incidental benefits of a limited nature to executive officers including use of
Company vehicles, club memberships, dues, or tax planning services. The Company
believes such incidental benefits are in the conduct of the Company's business,
but, to the extent such benefits and use would be considered personal benefits,
the value thereof is not reasonably ascertainable and does not exceed, with
respect to any individual named in the compensation table, the lesser of
$50,000 or 10% of the annual compensation reported in such table.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 16
Option / SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Potential Realized
Value at Assumed Annual
Rates of Stock Price
Appreciation for
Individual Grants Option Term
- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
Percent of
Number of Total Options
Securities Granted to Exercise
Underlying Employees or Base
Options in Fiscal Price Expiration
Name Granted Year per Share Date 5% 10%
- -------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
W.M. Hauber None -- -- -- -- --
D.M. Kelly 100,000 20.9% $16.375 5/19/05 $1,029,800 $2,609,800
D.J. DeCarlo 43,000 9.0% $14.25 12/9/04 385,366 $976,573
J.L. Parker 33,000 6.9% $14.25 12/9/04 295,746 749,463
T.N. Kennedy (2) 33,000 6.9% $14.25 12/9/04 197,164 499,642
<FN>
(1) All options were granted at market value as of the date of grant. Options are exercisable
in various share amounts based on the attainment of certain market value levels of Class A
Common Stock, but, in the absence of such events, are exercisable in full for a one-week
period beginning five years from the date of grant. The options are not exercisable within
six months from the date of grant and expire on the earlier of ten years from the date of
grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary
employment termination (with consent of the Company), retirement or death.
(2) In accordance with plan provisions, options for 11,000 shares were cancelled effective with
Mr. Kennedy's retirement on December 1, 1995.
</TABLE>
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Company's officer compensation policies are administered by the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Committee consists of
three independent, non-employee directors: Messrs. Coates, Stallkamp and,
effective October 1, 1995, Mr. Hauber. Executive compensation for the
Company's chief executive officer and the four other most highly compensated
executive officers is presented in the Summary Compensation Table.
Objectives and Policies
The Compensation Committee seeks to:
Ensure that there is a strong linkage between officer compensation and the
creation of shareowner value;
Align the interests of the Company's officers with those of its stockholders
through potential stock ownership;
Ensure that compensation and incentives are at levels which enable the
Company to attract and retain high-quality officers.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 17
Components of Compensation
The Company's officer compensation program presently is comprised of three
elements: base salary, annual incentives (bonuses) and stock options. An
executive compensation consulting firm is periodically engaged to provide
comparative market compensation data.
Base Salary
The objective of the base salary policy is to provide income reflecting
individual performance and a median level in comparison to a peer group. An
outside consulting firm specializing in such services is retained to compare
each officer's responsibilities with a peer group of other corporations whose
annual revenues range between $100 and $250 million. Accordingly, base
salaries of executive officers for calendar 1995 were increased over calendar
1994 to reflect competitive market pay practices. The Company endeavors via
annual base salary adjustments to determine that officers' base salary levels
and opportunities for incentive compensation are competitive in the
marketplace.
Annual Incentive Compensation (Bonuses)
Annual incentive payments paid to officers in 1995 were based upon four
parameters:
Achievement of economic value added (EVA) objectives;
Operating profit performance to budget;
Operating profit performance to two year average;
Achievement of personal goals.
The target awards, which are percentages of base salary, vary with position. A
70% performance threshold must be reached for any payout for the first three of
the above items. Based on these performance criteria, officers again received
incentive payments under this program.
Stock Options
Stock options, which are an integral part of incentive compensation for the
officers of the Company, serve to encourage share ownership by Company
executives and thus align the interests of officers and shareholders. The
aggregate number of shares of the Company's common stock which may be issued
for stock options is 600,000. The Committee plans to make periodic grants of
stock options to executive officers and other key employees of the Company to
foster a commitment to increasing long-term shareholder value. During 1995
certain officers and other management personnel were granted nonstatutory stock
options to purchase a combined total of 477,500 shares of the Company's stock
at fair market value at the time of the grants. These were the first such
option grants under the existing plan.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 18
Report on 1995 CEO Compensation
The chief executive officer's compensation is established based on the
philosophy and policies enunciated above for all executive officers. This
includes cash compensation (base salary and annual cash incentive payouts) and
long-term incentives (stock option awards.) In calendar 1995, Mr. Hauber's
base salary was increased 5%, maintaining Mr. Hauber at the median for the
comparison group. Mr. Hauber's annual incentive in 1995 was based upon the
factors discussed above and was essentially unchanged from 1994 based upon the
financial performance of the Company in 1995 and achievement of personal goals.
Compensation Committee:*
W. A. Coates, Chairman
W. J. Stallkamp
December 14, 1995
* Mr. Hauber, who joined the Compensation Committee on October 1, 1995, did
not participate on the Compensation Committee as to decisions affecting
fiscal 1995 compensation.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE RETURN *
AMONG MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION,
S&P 500 INDEX AND S&P MANUFACTURING INDEX **
S&P
S&P 500 Manufacturing
Year Matthews Index Index
- ---- -------- ------- -------------
1990 $100 $100 $100
1991 114 131 132
1992 134 145 140
1993 144 164 168
1994 276 170 188
1995 371 219 252
* Total return assumes reinvestment of dividends
** Fiscal year ended September 30
Note:
Performance graph assumes $100 invested on October 1, 1990 in Matthews
International Corporation common stock, Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index and
S&P Manufacturing (Diversified) Index. Prior to the Company's initial public
offering (July 20, 1994), the performance of Matthews International Corporation
common stock was based on Consolidated Adjusted Book Value per share as defined
under the Employees' Stock Purchase Plan (assuming dividend reinvestment). The
results are not necessarily indicative of future performance.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Company's Compensation Committee in fiscal 1995 consisted entirely of
directors who were not officers of or employed by the Company, namely Messrs.
Coates, Oehmler and Stallkamp. Beginning October 1, 1995, Mr. Hauber joined
the Compensation Committee. Until such date, Mr. Hauber was Chief Executive
Officer of the Company.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 19
Retirement Plan
The Company's domestic retirement plan is noncontributory and provides benefits
based upon length of service and final average earnings. Generally, employees
age 21 with one year of continuous service are eligible to participate in the
retirement plan. The benefit formula is 3/4 of 1% of the first $550 of final
average monthly earnings plus 1-1/4% of the excess times years of credited
service (maximum 35). The plan is an insured, defined benefit plan and covered
compensation is limited generally to base salary or wages. Benefits are not
subject to any deduction or offset for Social Security.
In addition to benefits provided by the Company's retirement plan, the Company
has a Supplemental Retirement Plan, which provides for supplemental pension
benefits to executive officers of the Company designated by the Board of
Directors, including those named in the Summary Compensation Table. Upon normal
retirement under this plan, such individuals who meet stipulated age and
service requirements are entitled to receive monthly supplemental retirement
payments which, when added to their pension under the Company's retirement plan
and their maximum anticipated Social Security primary insurance amount, equal,
in total, 1.85% of final average monthly earnings (including incentive
compensation) times the individual's years of continuous service (subject to a
maximum of 35 years). Upon early retirement under this plan, reduced benefits
will be provided, depending upon age and years of service. Benefits under this
plan do not vest until age 55 and the attainment of 15 years of continuous
service. However, in order to recruit Mr. Kelly, the Company waived such
minimum service requirement with respect to Mr. Kelly. No benefits will be
payable under such supplemental plan following the voluntary employment
termination or death of any such individual. The Supplemental Retirement Plan
is unfunded; however, a provision has been made on the Company's books for the
actuarially computed obligation.
The following table shows the total estimated annual retirement benefits
payable at normal retirement under the above plans for the individuals named in
the Summary Compensation Table at the specified executive remuneration and
years of continuous service:
Years of Continuous Service
Covered ----------------------------------------------------
Remuneration 15 20 25 30 35
- ------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
$125,000 $ 34,688 $ 46,250 $ 57,813 $ 69,375 $ 80,938
150,000 41,625 55,500 69,375 83,250 97,125
175,000 48,563 64,750 80,938 97,125 113,313
200,000 55,500 74,000 92,500 111,000 129,500
225,000 62,438 83,250 104,063 124,875 145,688
250,000 69,375 92,500 115,625 138,750 161,875
300,000 83,250 111,000 138,750 166,500 194,250
400,000 111,000 148,000 185,000 222,000 259,000
450,000 124,875 166,500 208,125 249,750 291,375
500,000 138,750 185,000 231,250 277,500 323,750
600,000 166,500 222,000 277,500 333,000 388,500
700,000 194,250 259,000 323,750 388,500 453,250
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 20
The table shows benefits at the normal retirement age of 65, before applicable
reductions for social security benefits. The Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 places limitations, which may vary from time to time, on
pensions which may be paid under federal income tax qualified plans, and some
of the amounts shown on the foregoing table may exceed the applicable
limitation. Such limitations are not currently applicable to the Company's
Supplemental Retirement Plan.
Estimated years of continuous service for each of the individuals named in the
Summary Compensation Table, as of October 1, 1995 and rounded to the next
higher year, are: Mr. Hauber, 35 years; Mr. Kelly, 1 year; Mr. DeCarlo, 11
years; Mr. Parker, 29 years, and Mr. Kennedy, 24 years.
Indebtedness of Management
The following officers and directors were indebted to the Company on notes
carrying annual interest rates of not less than 6.5% or more than 8% (depending
on the date of inception or renewal) which were issued under the Company's
Designated Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as referred to in Note 7 of the Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements:
Highest Amount
Outstanding During Amount
the Year Ended Outstanding at
September 30, 1995 November 30, 1995
------------------ -----------------
Geoffrey D. Barefoot $ 254,536 $ 188,351
Edward J. Boyle 149,338 108,085
David J. DeCarlo 676,887 530,182
Richard C. Johnson 181,446 131,861
Thomas N. Kennedy 309,845 None
James L. Parker 575,280 287,684
The Company has annually made supplemental management incentive payments to
officers and other employees indebted on such notes in amounts equal to the
interest paid by such persons on their respective notes. As of the date of the
Company's Initial Public Offering (July 20, 1994), no further notes have been
issued under the Designated Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
OTHER MATTERS
Shareholders may make proposals for inclusion in the proxy statement and proxy
form for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Any such proposal should be
written and mailed to the Secretary of the Company at the corporate office for
receipt by November 1, 1996.
The cost of soliciting proxies in the accompanying form will be paid by the
Company. Shareholder votes at the Annual Meeting will be tabulated by the
Company's transfer agent, Chemical Mellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C.
A copy of the Company's Annual Report for 1995 has previously been mailed to
each shareholder of record, or will be mailed with this Proxy Statement.
By Order of The Board of Directors
James L. Parker
James L. Parker
Corporate Secretary
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 21
APPENDIX
PROXY
MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
I hereby appoint David M. Kelly and James L. Parker and each of them, with full
power of substitution and revocation, proxies to vote all shares of Common
Stock of Matthews International Corporation which I am entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders or any adjournment thereof, with the authority
to vote as designated on the reverse side.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 22
Please mark your vote as indicated in this example [ X ]
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS David M. Kelly and James L. Parker
FOR all nominess listed WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to
above (except as marked vote for all nominees
to the contrary). listed above
[ ] [ ]
(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write
that nominee's name on the line provided below.)
______________________________________________________________
2. To ratify the appointment of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. as independent
certified public accountants to audit the records of the Company for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1996.
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
I plan to attend the meeting. [ ]
IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE LISTED PROPOSALS.
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both should sign. When signing as an attorney, executor,
administrator, 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
authorized person.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
PREPAID ENVELOPE.
Signature(s) ________________________________________ Date ________, 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
Notice of
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be held February 16, 1996
To Our Shareholders:
The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Matthews International Corporation
will be held at 6:00 PM, Friday, February 16, 1996 at Carnegie Science Center,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the purpose of considering and acting upon the
proposals set forth above.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on December 29, 1995, will be
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
