<PAGE> 1
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
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 the
Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12
</TABLE>
Newpark Resources, 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.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE> 2
[NEWPARK LOGO]
April 28, 2000
Dear Fellow Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
of Newpark Resources, Inc., which will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2000, at
10:00 a.m., Central Daylight Time, in Conference Room B at I Lakeway Center,
3900 North Causeway Blvd., Metairie, Louisiana 70002. Both your Board of
Directors and I hope you will be able to attend.
There are three items on this year's agenda to which we direct your
attention: (1) to elect six directors to the Board; (2) to approve an increase
in the number of shares issuable under the 1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan; and
(3) to ratify the selection of auditors. These items are described fully in the
enclosed Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement.
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, it is important that you
study carefully the information provided in the Proxy Statement and vote. Please
sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy card in the prepaid envelope so that your
shares may be voted in accordance with your wishes.
Sincerely,
/s/ JAMES D COLE
JAMES D. COLE
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE> 3
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
---------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 14, 2000
---------------------
To the Stockholders of Newpark Resources, Inc.
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Newpark Resources, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Newpark"), will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2000, at 10:00
a.m., Central Daylight Time, in Conference Room B at I Lakeway Center, 3900
North Causeway Blvd., Metairie, Louisiana, for the following purposes:
(1) To elect a Board of Directors;
(2) To consider and act upon a proposal to amend the 1995 Incentive
Stock Option Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock issuable
under this plan from 5,250,000 to 8,000,000;
(3) To consider and act upon a proposal to ratify the selection of
auditors; and
(4) To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on April 24, 2000,
will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting and any adjournments of
the meeting.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person.
Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, PLEASE COMPLETE AND SIGN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. The giving
of your proxy will not affect your right to vote in person should you later
decide to attend the meeting.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
/s/ EDAH KEATING
Edah Keating
Secretary
Metairie, Louisiana
Dated: April 28, 2000
<PAGE> 4
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
3850 NORTH CAUSEWAY BLVD., SUITE 1770
METAIRIE, LOUISIANA 70002
---------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
APRIL 28, 2000
---------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of Newpark Resources, Inc. ("Newpark"), for
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 14, 2000, and any
postponements or adjournments of the Annual Meeting. This Proxy Statement and
the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and form of Proxy were first mailed to
stockholders on or about April 28, 2000.
Any stockholder giving a proxy may revoke it before it is voted by
notifying the Secretary of Newpark in writing before or at the meeting, by
providing a proxy bearing a later date, or by attending the meeting and
expressing a desire to vote in person. Subject to such revocation, all proxies
will be voted as directed by the stockholder on the proxy card. IF NO CHOICE IS
SPECIFIED, PROXIES WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE DIRECTORS NOMINATED BY THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS, "FOR" THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SHARES ISSUABLE UNDER THE 1995
INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN, "FOR" THE RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF AUDITORS
AND, IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PERSONS ACTING AS PROXIES, UPON ANY OTHER MATTERS.
Your cooperation in promptly returning the enclosed proxy will reduce
Newpark's expenses and enable its management and employees to continue their
normal duties for your benefit with minimum interruption for follow-up proxy
solicitation.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on April 24, 2000 are
entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting. On that date, Newpark
had outstanding 69,145,764 shares of common stock, each of which is entitled to
one vote upon each proposal presented at the meeting. The presence at the Annual
Meeting, either in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the
shares of common stock outstanding on the record date is necessary to constitute
a quorum for the transaction of business.
A plurality of the votes cast is required for the election of directors,
while the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Newpark's
common stock is necessary to ratify each of the other matters to be acted upon
at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes (which occur if a broker
or other nominee does not have discretionary authority and has not received
voting instructions from the beneficial owner with respect to the particular
item) are counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a
quorum for the transaction of business. Abstentions are counted in tabulations
of the votes cast on proposals presented to the stockholders and have the same
legal effect as a vote against a particular proposal. Broker non-votes are not
counted for purposes of determining whether a proposal has been approved by the
requisite stockholder vote.
If sufficient votes in favor of the proposals are not received by the date
of the Annual Meeting, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more
adjournments of the Annual Meeting to permit further solicitations of proxies.
Any adjournment will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the shares of common stock present in person or by proxy at the Annual
Meeting. The persons named as proxies will vote in favor of any adjournment.
The cost of preparing, printing and mailing the Proxy Statement, the Notice
and the enclosed form of Proxy, as well as the cost of soliciting proxies
relating to the Annual Meeting, will be borne by Newpark. The original
solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by telephone, telegram and
personal solicitation by officers and other regular employees of Newpark, but no
additional compensation will be paid to these individuals on account of these
activities. Newpark will reimburse banks, brokerage houses and other custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses in forwarding proxy
materials to their principals.
<PAGE> 5
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
NOMINEES AND VOTING
Six directors are to be elected at the Annual Meeting. All directors hold
office until the next Annual Meeting and until their respective successors are
elected and qualified. Directors need not be stockholders. The Board of
Directors has nominated for election as directors the six persons named below,
all of whom have indicated that they are able and willing to serve as directors.
All nominees other than Mr. Stull are incumbent directors. Mr. Stull has been
nominated in lieu of Mr. William Goodson, who has served as a director since
1971 and who has elected to retire from the Board of Directors effective
immediately before the Annual Meeting. Mr. Dibo Attar, who has served as a
director since 1987, also has elected to retire from the Board of Directors
immediately before the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors has decided not to
fill Mr. Attar's position at this time and will instead reduce the size of the
Board from seven to six members.
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote "FOR" the
election of its nominees. Unless directed otherwise, the Board's proxies intend
to vote the shares of common stock represented by the proxies in favor of the
election of these nominees. If for any reason any of these nominees will be
unable to serve, the Board's proxies will vote instead for such other person or
persons as the Board of Directors may recommend.
The following table sets forth certain information as of April 24, 2000,
with respect to the Board's nominees:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIRECTOR
NAME OF NOMINEE AGE SINCE
- --------------- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
William Thomas Ballantine................................... 55 1993
James D. Cole............................................... 59 1976
David P. Hunt............................................... 58 1995
Alan J. Kaufman............................................. 62 1987
James H. Stone.............................................. 74 1987
Roger C. Stull.............................................. 59 --
</TABLE>
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE OF DIRECTORS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS
WILLIAM THOMAS BALLANTINE joined Newpark in December 1988, serving as Vice
President of Operations, and was elected Executive Vice President in 1992. He
was elected a Director of Newpark in October 1993.
JAMES D. COLE joined Newpark in 1976, serving as Executive Vice President
until May 1977, when he was elected President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr.
Cole has served as a director since joining Newpark and was elected Chairman of
the Board of Directors in April 1996.
DAVID P. HUNT joined Newpark's Board of Directors in November 1995. Prior
to joining Newpark and until his retirement in 1995, Mr. Hunt was employed by
Consolidated Natural Gas Company for 32 years, having most recently served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of New Orleans based CNG Producing
Company, an oil and gas exploration and production company.
ALAN J. KAUFMAN, who retired in May 1997, had been engaged in the private
practice of medicine since 1969. Dr. Kaufman is a neurosurgeon.
JAMES H. STONE is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
Stone Energy Corporation, which is engaged in oil and gas exploration.
ROGER C. STULL is currently a principal in Stull Investments, L.L.C., a
private investment company formed by Mr. Stull in August 1998. From 1963 until
August 1998, Mr. Stull was the principal stockholder and the Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer of Penhall International, Inc., one of the
largest renters and operators of specialty equipment for the industrial market,
particularly the construction industry, in the United States. The company was
sold in August 1998.
No family relationships exist between any of the directors or officers of
Newpark.
2
<PAGE> 6
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
Newpark maintains an Audit Committee, the current members of which are
David P. Hunt, Alan J. Kaufman and James H. Stone. The Audit Committee met four
times during 1999.
Newpark maintains a Compensation Committee whose current members are David
P. Hunt, Alan J. Kaufman, and James H. Stone. Mr. Goodson and Mr. Attar also
were members of the Compensation Committee during 1999. The Compensation
Committee administers Newpark's stock option plans and is responsible for
establishing and administering the compensation for the executive officers of
Newpark. The Compensation Committee met once during 1999.
Newpark's Board of Directors held seven meetings during 1999 and took
action by unanimous written consent six times. Each director attended at least
75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of each committee on which he
served.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
In 1999, each Newpark director who was not otherwise employed full time by
Newpark received an annual retainer of $5,000, paid quarterly, and $1,500 for
each board meeting attended. No payments are made to directors for telephonic
board meetings, for committee meetings or for actions by written consent. All
directors were reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in attending meetings of
the Board and committee meetings. The same compensation arrangements will apply
in 2000.
Pursuant to the provisions of the 1993 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option
Plan, as amended, each new non-employee director, on the date of his or her
election to the Board of Directors (whether elected by the stockholders or the
Board of Directors), automatically will be granted a stock option to purchase
10,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market
value of the common stock on the date of grant. The plan also provides for the
automatic additional grant to each non-employee director of stock options to
purchase 10,000 shares of common stock each time the non-employee director is
re-elected to the Board. In accordance with the provisions of this plan, on May
26, 1999, the date of their re-election to the Board at the 1999 Annual Meeting,
Messrs. Attar, Goodson, Hunt, Kaufman and Stone were each granted a stock option
to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $8.1875 per
share, the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Assuming
their re-election to the Board at the 2000 Annual Meeting, Messrs. Hunt, Kaufman
and Stone will each receive an additional 10,000 share option on June 14, 2000.
In addition, assuming his election to the Board at the 2000 Annual Meeting, Mr.
Stull also will receive a 10,000 share option on June 14, 2000.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
As of April 24, 2000, the executive officers of Newpark, their ages and
positions are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
James D. Cole......................... 59 Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
William Thomas Ballantine............. 55 Executive Vice President
Matthew W. Hardey..................... 47 Vice President of Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
</TABLE>
For a description of the business experience of Messrs. Ballantine and Cole
during the past five years, see "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS -- Business Experience of
Directors During the Past Five Years", above.
MATTHEW W. HARDEY joined Newpark in May 1988 as Treasurer and Assistant
Secretary and was elected Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer
in April 1991. From 1973 until joining Newpark, Mr. Hardey was employed in the
commercial banking business.
3
<PAGE> 7
OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial
ownership of Newpark's outstanding common stock as of April 24, 2000, by (i)
each person who is known by Newpark to be the beneficial owner of more than five
percent (5%) of Newpark's outstanding common stock (based on Schedules 13G filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission), (ii) each director and each
nominee for director of Newpark, (iii) the executive officers of Newpark named
in the Summary Compensation Table on page 6 and (iv) all directors and executive
officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated below, each person named in
the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of
common stock beneficially owned by such person, except to the extent that
authority is shared by spouses under applicable law.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES BENEFICIALLY
OWNED(1)
--------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER NUMBER PERCENT
- ------------------------------------ --------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Mellon Financial Corporation(2)............................. 4,136,284 5.98%
One Mellon Center
Pittsburgh, PA 15258
James D. Cole(3)............................................ 1,282,624 1.85%
James H. Stone(4)........................................... 844,868 1.22%
Alan Kaufman(5)............................................. 784,060 1.13%
Matthew W. Hardey........................................... 278,060 *
Dibo Attar.................................................. 194,676 *
Wm. Thomas Ballantine....................................... 182,334 *
David P. Hunt............................................... 85,068 *
William W. Goodson.......................................... 57,668 *
Roger C. Stull.............................................. 20,000 *
All directors and executive officers as a group (9
persons).................................................. 3,729,358 5.33%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Indicates ownership of less than one percent.
(1) Includes shares which may be purchased upon the exercise of stock options
which are exercisable as of April 24, 2000, or become exercisable within 60
days thereafter, for the following: Mr. Cole -- 140,000 shares; Mr.
Stone -- 16,668 shares; Dr. Kaufman -- 46,668 shares; Mr. Hardey -- 217,268
shares; Mr. Attar -- 121,668 shares; Mr. Ballantine -- 182,334 shares; Mr.
Hunt -- 67,068 shares; Mr. Goodson -- 46,668 shares; and all directors and
executive officers as a group -- 836,342 shares.
(2) Sole voting power with respect to 3,284,884 shares and shared voting power
with respect to 258,600 shares. Sole dispositive power with respect to
3,604,284 shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to 532,000
shares.
(3) Includes 280,336 shares held by four separate Trusts of which Mr. Cole is a
Trustee and of which the beneficiaries are children of Mr. Cole. Mr. Cole
disclaims ownership of the 280,336 shares held by the four Trusts.
(4) Includes 12,200 shares held either as custodian for or in a trust of which
the beneficiaries are children of Mr. Stone. Also includes 4,000 shares held
in a partnership in which a company controlled by Mr. Stone is the majority
partner, and 100,000 shares owned by the Stone Family Fund, LLC, of which
Mr. Stone is the sole managing member and holds a 4% membership interest.
Also includes 7,000 shares held by Mr. Stone's charitable foundation.
(5) Includes 14,000 shares held in a Trust of which the beneficiaries are
children of Dr. Kaufman and 12,600 shares held by his spouse. Dr. Kaufman
disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.
4
<PAGE> 8
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes all compensation paid to Newpark's President
and Chief Executive Officer, Newpark's Executive Vice President and Newpark's
Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (the only executive
officers of Newpark) for services rendered in all capacities to Newpark for the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
AWARDS
---------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION SECURITIES
-------------------------- UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS OPTIONS/SARS(1) COMPENSATION(2)
--------------------------- ---- -------- -------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
James D. Cole..................... 1999 $280,000 $ 0 -- $ 5,900
President and 1998 280,000 0 -- 11,109
Chief Executive Officer 1997 220,000 220,000 -- 9,799
Wm. Thomas Ballantine............. 1999 220,000 0 25,000 5,541
Executive Vice President 1998 220,000 0 20,000 7,356
1997 200,000 100,000 -- 7,918
Matthew W. Hardey................. 1999 160,000 0 25,000 5,398
Vice President of Finance 1998 160,000 0 20,000 7,138
and Chief Financial Officer 1997 145,000 60,000 -- 6,090
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Number of shares of common stock underlying options granted under the 1995
Incentive Stock Option Plan.
(2) Includes contributions by Newpark to a defined contribution 401(k) Plan of
$3,062 in 1999, $6,159 in 1998 and $4,750 in 1997 for Mr. Cole, $4,203 in
1999, $4,188 in 1998 and $4,750 in 1997 for Mr. Ballantine, and $4,624 in
1999, $5,642 in 1998 and $5,642 in 1997 for Mr. Hardey. Additional amounts
indicated represent excess group term life insurance premiums paid by
Newpark for the benefit of each of the named executive officers.
5
<PAGE> 9
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth certain information at December 31, 1999,
and for the year then ended, with respect to stock options granted to the
individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table. No options have been
granted at an option price below the fair market value of the common stock on
the date of grant.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
VALUE AT ASSUMED
NUMBER OF PERCENTAGE OF ANNUAL RATE OF STOCK
SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OPTION TERM(3)
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN PRICE PER EXPIRATION ----------------------
NAME GRANTED(1) 1999 SHARE(2) DATE 5% 10%
- ---- ---------- ------------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
James D. Cole................ -- -- -- -- -- --
Wm. Thomas Ballantine........ 25,000 2.48% $4.94 03/01/06 $43,103 $100,973
Matthew W. Hardey............ 25,000 2.48% $4.94 03/01/06 43,103 100,973
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The options were granted on March 1, 1999 under the 1995 Incentive Stock
Option Plan and first become exercisable on March 1, 2000, vesting at the
rate of one-third per year over the three years following the date of grant.
(2) At the discretion of the Compensation Committee, the exercise price may be
paid by delivery of already-owned shares of common stock valued at the fair
market value on the date of exercise, and the tax withholding obligations
related to the exercise of the stock options, if any, may be satisfied by
offset of the underlying shares, subject to certain conditions. The
Compensation Committee retains the discretion, subject to plan limits, to
modify the terms of outstanding options and to reprice the options, and the
options are transferable so long as the transfer would not cause the options
to fail to qualify for the exemption provided for in Section 16b-3 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as determined by the Compensation
Committee.
(3) The potential realizable values shown under these columns represent the
future value of the options (net of exercise price) assuming the market
price of the common stock appreciates annually by 5% and 10%, respectively.
The 5% and 10% rates of appreciation are prescribed by the Securities and
Exchange Commission and are not intended to forecast possible future
appreciation of Newpark's common stock.
OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND YEAR-END VALUE
The following table sets forth information for the named executive officers
regarding the unexercised stock options held by them as of December 31, 1999.
None of the named executive officers exercised any stock options during 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS HELD AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
DECEMBER 31, 1999 AT DECEMBER 31, 1999(1)
------------------------- -------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
- ---- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
James D. Cole..................................... 140,000/ 0 $324,100/$ 0
Wm. Thomas Ballantine............................. 167,333/38,333 32,410/ 29,688
Matthew W. Hardey................................. 202,267/38,333 181,062/ 29,688
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Based on the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange of Newpark's
common stock on that date ($6.125), minus the exercise price.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
James D. Cole serves as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Newpark pursuant to an employment agreement that
automatically renews for successive one-year periods unless terminated by either
party. Mr. Cole receives an annual base salary of $280,000 and is entitled to an
annual
6
<PAGE> 10
bonus equal to 5% of Newpark's pre-tax profit (as defined in the employment
agreement), subject to a maximum of such year's base salary.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors sets Newpark's
compensation policies applicable to executive officers, determines the
compensation of the executive officers, subject to review by the Board of
Directors, and administers Newpark's stock option plans. The current members of
the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Hunt, Kaufman and Stone, each of whom is
a non-employee director. Mr. Goodson and Mr. Attar also were members of the
Compensation Committee during 1999. The Compensation Committee has prepared the
following report for inclusion in this Proxy Statement.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
Mr. Cole's compensation for 1999 was based on his rights under his
employment agreement with Newpark. This employment agreement was entered into in
1990 and provided for an initial term which expired on January 1, 1993.
Thereafter, the employment agreement automatically renews for successive
one-year periods unless terminated by either party. Mr. Cole received a base
salary of $280,000 in 1999 under the Employment Agreement.
In keeping with Newpark's objective of rewarding executive officers based
on corporate performance, Mr. Cole's employment agreement also provides for a
bonus equal to 5% of Newpark's pre-tax profit, subject to a maximum bonus equal
to the amount of Mr. Cole's base salary. By excluding from the calculation of
pre-tax profit any capital gains and focusing instead on income from operations,
the employment agreement attempts to focus on the long-term prospects of
Newpark. Based on the calculation of pre-tax profit under his employment
agreement, Mr. Cole did not receive a bonus for 1999.
Mr. Cole also participates in Newpark's defined contribution plan.
Executive Officers Compensation
In 1999, compensation paid to Newpark's executive officers other than Mr.
Cole consisted of salary and contributions to a defined contribution plan. The
compensation of executive officers other than Mr. Cole is determined initially
by Mr. Cole, subject to review and approval by the Compensation Committee. In
determining salaries, Mr. Cole and the Compensation Committee considered
available information about the pay scales of companies of similar size in the
oilfield services industry. The Compensation Committee believes that the
salaries of these executive officers are comparable to the salaries of executive
officers with similar responsibilities at other oilfield services companies.
Given the performance of Newpark as a whole and the performance of individual
operating units, no bonuses were paid to any of the executive officers for 1999.
Newpark's incentive stock option program provides additional incentives to
key employees to work to maximize stockholder value and provides a link between
the interests of senior managers and stockholders. By utilizing vesting periods,
the option program encourages key employees to remain in the employ of Newpark
and provides a long-term perspective to the compensation available under the
option program. During 1999, options to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock
were granted to each of the executive officers other than Mr. Cole, with an
exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of
grant.
Internal Revenue Code Amendments
The Compensation Committee continues to consider the anticipated tax
treatment to Newpark regarding the compensation and benefits paid to its Chief
Executive Officer and the other executive officers of Newpark in light of the
1993 addition to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"). The Compensation Committee will from time to time consider changes
to Newpark's compensation structure, including amendments to its equity-based
incentive plans, necessary to preserve the deductibility of all compensation
paid by Newpark which is subject to Section 162(m) of the Code. While Newpark
does not expect to pay its executive officers compensation in 2000 in excess of
the Section 162(m) deductibility limit,
7
<PAGE> 11
the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee retain discretion to
authorize the payment of compensation that does not qualify for income tax
deductibility under Section 162(m).
If the Board's nominees are elected at the Annual Meeting, the Board
intends to appoint David P. Hunt, Alan J. Kaufman, and James H. Stone to serve
on the Compensation Committee.
Dibo Attar
David P. Hunt
William W. Goodson
Alan J. Kaufman
James H. Stone
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph reflects a comparison of the cumulative total
stockholder return of Newpark common stock from December 31, 1994 through
December 31, 1999 with the New York Stock Exchange Market Value Index, Newpark's
broad equity market index, and the Media General Oil &Gas Equipment/ Services
Index, Newpark's peer group index. The graph assumes that the value of the
investment in Newpark common stock and each index was $100 on December 31, 1994
and that all dividends, if any, were reinvested. The comparisons in this table
are not intended to forecast or indicate possible future price performance.
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
OF NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC., NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE MARKET
VALUE INDEX, AND MEDIA GENERAL OIL & GAS FIELD EQUIPMENT/SERVICES INDEX
[PERFORMANCE GRAPH]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12/30/1994 12/29/1995 12/31/1996 12/31/1997 12/31/1998 12/31/1999
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Newpark Resources, Inc. 100.00 97.38 163.03 306.37 119.27 107.23
MG Group Index 100.00 134.62 199.91 302.99 155.80 208.99
NYSE Market Index 100.00 129.66 156.20 205.49 244.52 267.75
</TABLE>
ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON JANUARY 01, 1995
ASSUMES DIVIDEND REINVESTED
FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1999
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Mr. Goodson served on the Compensation Committee of Newpark during 1999.
Mr. Goodson was formerly an officer of a Newpark subsidiary.
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO
1995 INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
INTRODUCTION
The 1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "1995 Plan") was adopted by the
Board of Directors on November 2, 1995 and was approved by the stockholders at
the 1996 Annual Meeting. The 1995 Plan enables the Compensation Committee to
grant to executive officers, other corporate and divisional officers and key
employees of Newpark and its subsidiaries options to purchase shares of common
stock.
The maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
options granted under the 1995 Plan (sometimes called "Option Shares") was
initially set at 2,100,000. This maximum is to be increased on the last business
day of each fiscal year of Newpark, commencing with the last business day of the
fiscal year ending December 31, 1996, by a number equal to 1.25% of the number
of shares of common stock issued and outstanding on the close of business on
that date, up to a maximum of 5,250,000 Option Shares. As a result of these
annual increases, as of December 31, 1999, the maximum number of shares of
common stock that may be issued upon exercise of options granted under the 1995
Plan was 4,813,487.
As a result of prior grants made under the 1995 Plan, there were 145,260
Option Shares available for future grants under the 1995 Plan as of April 24,
2000. In addition, up to 436,513 additional Option Shares would become available
as of result of the annual increase scheduled to occur for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2000. After this increase, no additional Option Shares would
be available under the 1995 Plan.
The stockholders are being asked to vote on a proposal to amend the 1995
Plan to increase the maximum number of Option Shares issuable under the 1995
Plan from 5,250,000 to 8,000,000. The amendment would allow Newpark to continue
to annually increase the Option Shares available under the 1995 Plan by a number
equal to 1.25% of the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding at
the last business day of each fiscal year of Newpark, up to a maximum of
8,000,000 Option Shares. No other changes are being made to the 1995 Plan.
The Board of Directors believes the opportunity to receive options under
the 1995 Plan provides an important incentive to employees to make significant
and extraordinary contributions to the long-term performance and growth of
Newpark. Accordingly, the Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote
"FOR" the amendment to the 1995 Plan in order to assure that Newpark will
continue to have sufficient options and Option Shares to serve as a vehicle for
attracting and retaining employees of exceptional ability.
PRINCIPAL FEATURES OF THE PLAN
Stock options granted under the 1995 Plan are intended to qualify as
incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, if so
designated on the date of grant. Stock options that are not designated or do not
qualify as incentive stock options are nonstatutory stock options and are not
eligible for the tax benefits applicable to incentive stock options.
No stock options may be granted under the 1995 Plan after November 2, 2005.
If a stock option expires, terminates or is cancelled for any reason without
having been exercised in full, the shares of common stock not purchased under
that option are available for future grants.
The 1995 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, all of whose
members are non-employee directors. Members of the Compensation Committee are
eligible to and have received awards under the 1993 Non-Employee Directors'
Stock Option Plan, but are not eligible to receive awards under the 1995 Plan.
The Compensation Committee has complete authority, subject to the express
provisions of the 1995 Plan, to approve the employees nominated by the
management of Newpark to be granted stock options, to
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<PAGE> 13
determine the number of stock options to be granted to employees, to set the
terms and conditions of stock options, to remove or adjust any restrictions and
conditions upon stock options and to adopt such rules and regulations, and to
make all other determinations, deemed necessary or desirable for the
administration of the 1995 Plan.
In selecting optionees, consideration is given to factors such as
employment position, duties and responsibilities, ability, productivity, length
of service, morale, interest in Newpark and supervisor recommendations. Awards
may be granted to the same employee on more than one occasion. Each stock option
is evidenced by a written option agreement in a form approved by the
Compensation Committee.
The exercise price of the option must be at least equal to the fair market
value of the Option Shares on the date the stock option is granted. The
determination of fair market value of Option Shares is based on New York Stock
Exchange quotations. The stock option term is for a period of ten years from the
date of grant or such shorter period as is determined by the Compensation
Committee. Each stock option may provide that it is exercisable in full or in
cumulative or non-cumulative installments, and each stock option is exercisable
from the date of grant or any later date specified in the option, all as
determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee's authority
to take certain actions under the 1995 Plan includes authority to accelerate
vesting schedules and to otherwise waive or adjust restrictions applicable to
the exercise of stock options.
Each stock option may be exercised in whole or in part (but not as to
fractional shares) by delivering a notice of exercise to Newpark, together with
payment of the exercise price. The exercise price may be paid in cash, by
cashier's or certified check or, if the Compensation Committee authorizes
payment in stock, by surrender of shares of common stock owned by the holder of
the option.
Except as otherwise provided below, an optionee may not exercise a stock
option unless from the grant date to the exercise date the optionee remains
continuously in the employ of Newpark. If the optionee's employment terminates
for any reason other than death, disability or retirement at or after the age of
65, the stock options then currently exercisable remain exercisable for 90 days
after termination of employment (except that the 90 day period is extended to 12
months if the optionee dies during this 90 day period), subject to earlier
expiration at the end of their fixed term. If optionee's employment terminates
because of death, disability or retirement at or after the age of 65, the stock
options then currently exercisable remain in full force and effect and may be
exercised at any time during the option term pursuant to the provisions of the
1995 Plan.
An employee may receive incentive stock options covering Option Shares of
any value, provided that the value of all Option Shares subject to one or more
of incentive stock options which are first exercisable in any one calendar year
may not exceed the maximum amount permitted under Section 422 of the Code
(currently $100,000). No employee may be granted incentive or nonstatutory stock
options in any calendar year with respect to more than 105,000 Option Shares.
Each stock option granted under the 1995 Plan is exercisable during an
optionee's lifetime only by the optionee or by the optionee's legal
representative. Incentive stock options are transferable only by will or the
laws of intestate succession, but the Compensation Committee has the discretion
to grant non-statutory stock options free of these restrictions.
The Board of Directors may at any time suspend, amend or terminate the 1995
Plan. Stockholder approval is required, however, to materially increase the
benefits accruing to optionees, materially increase the number of securities
which may be issued (except for adjustments under anti-dilution clauses) or
materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation. The 1995
Plan authorizes the Compensation Committee to include in stock options
provisions which permit the acceleration of vesting if there is a change in
control of Newpark resulting from certain occurrences. Newpark intends to
maintain a current registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 with
respect to the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock
options granted under the 1995 Plan.
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SUMMARY OF OPTION GRANTS
There are currently 379 employees, including three executive officers,
eligible to participate in the 1995 Plan. From the inception of the 1995 Plan
through December 31, 1999, stock options to purchase a total of 4,294,363 Option
shares, net of cancellations, were granted under the 1995 Plan, of which options
to purchase 3,756,725 were outstanding at December 31, 1999, with a total of
537,638 Option Shares having been acquired upon the exercise of stock options.
From the inception of the 1995 Plan through April 24, 2000, Mr. Cole has been
granted an option to purchase 420,000 Option Shares, Mr. Ballantine has been
granted options to purchase 205,000 Option Shares and Mr. Hardey has been
granted an option to purchase 165,000 Option Shares, for total grants of 790,000
Option Shares to Newpark's executive officers. In addition, all employees other
than Newpark's executive officers have been granted options to purchase
3,504,363 Option Shares, net of cancellations. Non-employee directors of Newpark
are not eligible to participate in the 1995 Plan.
Since December 31, 1999, the Compensation Committee has granted stock
options covering 1,026,500 Option Shares to 305 employees, including options to
purchase 40,000 Option Shares to two executive officers. The following table
sets forth certain information with respect to this grant. Future grants under
the 1995 Plan will be made at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and
are not yet determinable.
NEW PLAN BENEFITS
1995 INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
NAME OR POSITION OPTIONS GRANTED
- ---------------- ---------------
<S> <C>
James D. Cole........................................ 0
Wm. Thomas Ballantine................................ 20,000
Matthew W. Hardey.................................... 20,000
Executive Group...................................... 40,000
Non-Executive Director Group......................... 0
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group................. 986,500
</TABLE>
All outstanding stock options under the 1995 Plan have a term of seven
years, are non-statutory stock options and are subject to vesting over a
three-year period, with one-third of the options becoming exercisable on each
successive anniversary of the date of grant. On April 24, 2000, the last sales
price of the common Stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was $8.50
per share.
SUMMARY OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following discussion is a short summary of the Federal income tax
consequences of the grant and exercise of stock options under the 1995 Plan.
Tax Consequences to Optionees
Incentive Stock Options. An optionee recognizes no taxable income upon the
grant of an incentive stock option. In addition, there will be no taxable income
recognized by the optionee at the time of exercise of an incentive stock option
provided the optionee has been in the employ of Newpark at all times during the
period beginning on the date of grant and ending on the date three months before
the date of exercise.
Gain recognized upon a disposition of the Option Shares generally will be
taxable as long-term capital gain if the shares are not disposed of within (i)
two years from the date of grant of the incentive stock option and (ii) one year
from the exercise date. If both of these conditions are not satisfied, the
disposition is a "disqualifying disposition". In that event, gain equal to the
excess of the fair market value of the Option Shares at the exercise date over
the exercise price generally will be taxed as ordinary income and any further
gain will be taxed as long-term capital gain if the shares were held more than
12 months. Different rules apply if an optionee exercises a stock option by
surrendering shares of common stock which were previously acquired
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<PAGE> 15
upon the exercise of an incentive stock option and with respect to which the
optionee has not satisfied certain holding periods.
Shares acquired upon the exercise of an incentive stock option by the
payment of cash will have a basis equal to the exercise price of the stock
option. Different rules apply if an optionee exercises a stock option by
surrendering previously owned shares of common stock.
Upon the exercise of an incentive stock option, an amount equal to the
excess of the fair market value of the Option Shares at the exercise date over
the exercise price is treated as alternative minimum taxable income for purposes
of the alternative minimum tax.
Incentive stock options exercised by an optionee who has not satisfied the
applicable requirements as to continuous employment do not qualify for the tax
treatment discussed above. Instead, the exercise of such options will be subject
to the rules which apply to the exercise of nonstatutory stock options.
Nonstatutory Stock Options. An optionee recognizes no taxable income upon
the grant of a nonstatutory stock option. In general, upon the exercise of a
nonstatutory stock option, the optionee will recognize ordinary income in an
amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the Option Shares on the
exercise date over the exercise price.
Shares acquired upon the exercise of a nonstatutory stock option by the
payment of cash will have a basis equal to their fair market value on the
exercise date and have a holding period beginning on the exercise date.
Different rules apply if an optionee exercises a stock option by surrendering
previously owned shares of common stock. Gain or loss recognized on a
disposition of the Option Shares generally will qualify as long-term capital
gain or loss if the shares have a holding period of more than 12 months.
Newpark generally must collect and pay withholding taxes upon the exercise
of a nonstatutory stock option. Withholding tax obligations arising from the
exercise of a nonstatutory stock option may be satisfied by any payment method
deemed appropriate by the Compensation Committee, including by withholding from
the Option Shares otherwise issuable upon the exercise of the nonstatutory stock
option the number of Option Shares having a fair market value equal to the
amount of the withholding tax obligation. If Option Shares are withheld upon
exercise in order to satisfy withholding taxes, this withholding will be treated
as though the optionee had received the withheld Option Shares upon the exercise
of the nonstatutory stock option and immediately sold them to Newpark at their
fair market value on the exercise date. The optionee accordingly must recognize
ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the
withheld Option Shares on the exercise date over the amount he or she is deemed
to have paid for them, in addition to the ordinary income attributable to the
Option Shares which were not withheld.
Tax Consequences to Newpark
Newpark generally is allowed an income tax deduction for amounts that are
taxable to optionees as ordinary income under the foregoing rules, if it
satisfies all Federal income tax withholding requirements. Amounts deemed to be
compensation to executive officers as a result of the exercise of stock options
or the sale of Option Shares will not be taken into account in determining
whether the compensation paid to the executive exceeds the limits on
deductibility imposed under Section 162(m) of the Code.
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF AUDITORS
On April 13, 1999, Newpark issued a request for proposals for outside audit
services to four firms, including Deloitte & Touche LLP, Newpark's independent
auditors since October 1993. On April 26, 1999, Deloitte & Touche LLP notified
Newpark that it would not be submitting a proposal to provide services for the
1999 calendar year. The accountant's reports issued by Deloitte & Touche LLP on
the financial statements for 1997 and 1998 were unqualified, and Newpark had no
disagreements with Deloitte & Touche LLP in 1997, 1998 or the subsequent interim
period preceding declination. In addition, no "reportable events", as defined in
Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K, occurred during 1997, 1998 or the
subsequent interim period preceding declination.
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<PAGE> 16
On May 10, 1999, Newpark engaged Arthur Andersen LLP as its new independent
auditors. During 1997 and 1998, and during the subsequent interim period prior
to May 10, 1999, neither Newpark nor anyone acting on Newpark's behalf consulted
with Arthur Andersen LLP regarding either (a) the application of accounting
principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type
of audit opinion that might be rendered on Newpark's financial statements, or
(b) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement between Newpark and
Deloitte & Touche LLP. Newpark's Audit Committee participated in and approved
the engagement of Arthur Andersen LLP.
The Board of Directors has again selected the accounting firm of Arthur
Andersen LLP to serve as independent auditors for the current fiscal year,
subject to ratification by the stockholders. The Board of Directors recommends a
vote "FOR" ratification of this selection. Stockholder ratification of the
selection of auditors is not required under the laws of the State of Delaware,
but the Board has determined to ascertain the position of the stockholders on
the selection. The Board of Directors will reconsider the selection if it is not
ratified by the stockholders.
Representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP are expected to be present at the
Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make statements if they so
desire and respond to appropriate questions from the stockholders.
MISCELLANEOUS
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholder proposals intended to be presented at the 2001 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders must be received by Newpark by December 31, 2000, to be
considered by Newpark for inclusion in Newpark's proxy statement and form of
proxy relating to that meeting. Such proposals should be directed to the
attention of the Corporate Secretary, Newpark Resources, Inc., 3850 North
Causeway Blvd., Suite 1770, Metairie, Louisiana 70002.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires Newpark's
officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten-percent of a
registered class of Newpark's equity securities, to file reports of ownership
and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New
York Stock Exchange. Officers, directors and greater than ten-percent
stockholders are required by Securities and Exchange Commission regulations to
furnish Newpark with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on review of the copies of such forms furnished to Newpark, or
written representations that no Forms 5 were required, Newpark believes that
during the period from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 1999 all Section 16(a)
filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than
ten-percent beneficial owners were complied with, except that the acquisition of
1,300 shares for the benefit of children of James H. Stone, a director of
Newpark, was reported late.
OTHER MATTERS
Neither Newpark nor any of the persons named as proxies knows of matters
other than those described above to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. However,
if any other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting, it is the
intention of the persons named as proxies to vote in accordance with their
judgment on such matters, subject to direction by the Board.
Newpark's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999
accompanies this Proxy Statement, but is not to be deemed a part of the proxy
soliciting material.
WHILE YOU HAVE THE MATTER IN MIND, PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND RETURN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY CARD.
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<PAGE> 17
NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC.
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE ANNUAL
MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 14, 2000
The undersigned, revoking any previous proxies for such stock, hereby
appoints James D. Cole and Edah Keating, and each of them, proxies of the
undersigned with full power of substitution to each, to vote all shares of
common stock of NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC. which the undersigned is entitled to
vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of NEWPARK RESOURCES, INC. to be held
on June 14, 2000, and all postponements or adjournments thereof, with all the
power the undersigned would possess if personally present, with authority to
vote (i) as specified by the undersigned below and (ii) in the discretion of any
proxy upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Vote this proxy as follows:
1. Election of directors:
FOR [ ] WITHHELD [ ]
vote for all nominees listed
NOMINEES: William Thomas Ballantine, James D. Cole, David P. Hunt,
Alan J. Kaufman, James H. Stone and Roger C. Stull
INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, MARK THROUGH THE
NOMINEE'S NAME.
2. Proposal to approve an amendment to the 1995 Incentive Stock
Option Plan:
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
3. Proposal to ratify the selection of Arthur Andersen LLP as
independent auditors:
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE
VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, FOR THE
PROPOSAL AMENDING THE 1995 INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN, FOR THE RATIFICATION OF
AUDITORS AND OTHERWISE IN THE DISCRETION OF ANY OF THE PERSONS ACTING AS
PROXIES.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE SIGN THIS PROXY EXACTLY AS YOUR NAME OR NAMES APPEAR HEREON
AND RETURN THE PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
SIGNATURE DATE SIGNATURE DATE
----------------- ------ ------------------- ------
IMPORTANT: Please date this proxy and sign exactly as your name or names appear
hereon. If stock is held jointly, each should sign. Executors, administrators,
trustees, guardians and others signing in a representative capacity, please give
your full title(s). If this proxy is submitted to a corporation or partnership,
it should be executed in the full corporate or partnership name by a duly
authorized person.
