<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[_] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[_] CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE
COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY
RULE 14A-6(E)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to (S) 240.14a-11(c) or (S) 240.14a-12
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
[LOGO OF NORTHROP GRUMMAN]
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
AND PROXY STATEMENT
NOTICE
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Northrop Grumman Corporation (the
"Company") will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. at the
Miramar Sheraton Hotel, 101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California
90401.
Stockholders at the close of business on March 23, 1999 are entitled to vote
at the Annual Meeting. The following items are on the agenda:
(1) Election of four Class II directors, each for a three year term
expiring in 2002;
(2) Proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the
Company's independent auditors for fiscal year ending December 31, 1999;
(3) Proposal to approve the Incentive Compensation Plan of Northrop
Grumman Corporation, as amended and restated;
(4) Stockholder proposal regarding military contracts;
(5) Stockholder proposal regarding super majority vote;
(6) Stockholder proposal regarding classified board;
(7) Stockholder proposal regarding the Shareholder Rights Plan;
(8) Other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any
adjournments thereof.
By order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ John H. Mullan
John H. Mullan
Corporate Vice President and
Secretary
1840 Century Park East
Los Angeles, California 90067
April 9, 1999
IMPORTANT
To assure your representation at the Annual Meeting, please sign, date and
return the enclosed proxy card for which a return envelope is provided. No
postage is required if mailed in the United States.
<PAGE>
PROXY STATEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
This proxy statement is issued in connection with solicitation of the
enclosed proxy by the Board of Directors of Northrop Grumman Corporation (the
"Company" or "Northrop Grumman") for use at the Company's 1999 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting"). The Company's principal office is
located at 1840 Century Park East, Los Angeles, California, 90067. This proxy
material will be sent to stockholders beginning approximately April 9, 1999.
OUTSTANDING SECURITIES
On March 23, 1999 there were 68,873,691 shares of the Company's common
stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Common Stock"), outstanding. Holders of
record at the close of business on that date are entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting. Each share is entitled to one vote.
VOTING AT THE MEETING OR BY PROXY
Shares represented by a properly executed proxy in the accompanying form
will be voted at the meeting in accordance with the stockholder's
instructions. If no instructions are given, the shares will be voted according
to the Board of Directors' recommendations. Therefore, if no instructions are
given, the persons named on the card will vote FOR Proposal One to elect the
four director nominees listed under "Election of Directors", FOR Proposal Two
to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as auditors of the Company
for the year ending December 31, 1999, FOR Proposal Three to approve the
Incentive Compensation Plan of Northrop Grumman Corporation, as amended and
restated, AGAINST Proposal Four, the stockholder proposal regarding military
contracts, AGAINST Proposal Five, the stockholder proposal regarding super
majority voting, AGAINST Proposal Six, the stockholder proposal regarding
classified board, and AGAINST Proposal Seven, the stockholder proposal
regarding the Shareholder Rights Plan.
A stockholder who executes a proxy may revoke it at any time before its
exercise by delivering a written notice of revocation to the Corporate
Secretary or by signing and delivering another proxy that is dated later. A
stockholder attending the meeting in person may revoke the proxy by giving
notice of revocation to an inspector of election at the meeting or voting at
the meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the meeting, the
enclosed proxy card gives discretionary authority to the persons named on the
card to vote the shares in their best judgment. At this time, the Company does
not know of any other such business.
With respect to the election of directors, stockholders may vote in favor of
all nominees, or withhold their votes as to all nominees or specific nominees.
There is no box to "abstain," but checking the box on the enclosed proxy card
that withholds authority to vote for a nominee is the equivalent of
abstaining. The four nominees receiving the greatest number of votes cast for
the election of directors by shares entitled to vote and present in person or
by proxy at the Annual Meeting will be elected directors.
With respect to any proposal other than the election of directors,
stockholders may vote in favor of the proposal, or against the proposal, or
abstain from voting. The affirmative vote of the majority of shares entitled
to vote and present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting is required
for approval. A stockholder who signs and submits a ballot or proxy is
"present," so an abstention will have the same effect as a vote against the
proposal.
Brokers who hold shares for the accounts of their clients may vote such
shares either as directed by their clients or in their own discretion if
permitted by the stock exchange or other organization of which they are
members. Members of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") are permitted to vote
their clients' proxies in their own discretion as to the election of directors
if the clients have not furnished voting instructions within ten days of the
meeting. Certain proposals other than the election of directors are "non-
discretionary" and brokers
1
<PAGE>
who have received no instructions from their clients do not have discretion to
vote on those items. When a broker votes a client's shares on some but not all
of the proposals at a meeting, the missing votes are referred to as "broker
non-votes." Those shares will be included in determining the presence of a
quorum at the meeting, but are not considered "present" for purposes of voting
on the non-discretionary proposals. They have no impact on the outcome of any
proposals included within this Proxy Statement.
VOTING SECURITIES
On December 31, 1998, the following entities beneficially owned, to the
Company's knowledge, more than five percent of the outstanding Common Stock:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount and Nature
of Beneficial Percent
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Ownership of Class
------------------------------------ ----------------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
U.S. Trust Company of California, N.A.(a)(b)..... 4,125,187 shares 5.99%
555 So. Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90071-2429
FMR Corp.(c)..................................... 3,852,479 shares 5.60%
82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA 02109
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.(d).............. 3,835,184 shares 5.57%
345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154
</TABLE>
- --------
(a) This information was provided by U.S. Trust Company of California, N.A.
("U.S. Trust Company") in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 3,
1999. U.S. Trust Company is an Investment Manager (the "Investment
Manager") for the Northrop Grumman Pension Plan and the pension plans for
certain divisions of the Company (the "Pension Plans"); the Corporation
has established a Master Trust with State Street Bank and Trust Company as
Trustee ("Trustee"). Under the Master Trust, the Investment Manager has
responsibility for the management and control of the Northrop Grumman
shares held in the Master Trust as assets of the Pension Plans. The
Investment Manager has sole dispositive and voting power over 4,125,187
shares held in the Master Trust between Northrop Grumman Corporation and
the Trustee.
(b) These shares are held for the account of (but not beneficially owned by)
the Trustee. The Investment Manager has voting power over these shares,
except in the event of a contested election of directors or in connection
with a tender offer. In such cases, the shares are voted in accordance
with instructions received from eligible participants in the Pension Plans
and undirected shares are voted in the same proportion as shares for which
instructions are received.
(c) This information was provided by FMR Corp. ("FMR") in a Schedule 13G filed
with the SEC on February 12, 1999. According to FMR, as of the date set
forth above, FMR had sole dispositive power over 3,852,479 shares but sole
voting power over only 111,479 shares.
(d) This information was provided by Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
("Scudder Kemper") in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 11,
1999. According to Scudder Kemper, as of the date set forth above, Scudder
Kemper had shared voting power over 2,155,079 shares but shared
dispositive power over only 41,779 shares.
Based on records of the Northrop Grumman Savings and Investment Plan, as of
December 31, 1998, a total of approximately 4,671,127 shares (6.79%) was held
for the account of employee participants in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan
portion of the Savings and Investment Plan for which Bankers Trust Company
acts as a trustee.
2
<PAGE>
Stock Ownership of Officers and Directors
The following table shows beneficial ownership (as defined by applicable
rules for proxy statement reporting purposes) of the Common Stock as of March
23, 1999 (the Annual Meeting record date) by each director and nominee, by the
Chief Executive Officer and the other four most highly compensated executive
officers (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers") and all directors and
executive officers as a group. Each individual owned less than 1% of the
outstanding Common Stock with the exception of Mr. Kresa, who owned 1.34% of
the outstanding Common Stock. Unless otherwise indicated, each individual has
sole investment power and sole voting power with respect to the shares owned
by such person. No family relationship exists between any of the directors or
executive officers of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Percentage of
Shares Outstanding Shares
Beneficially Owned (6) Beneficially Owned
---------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Directors
Jack R. Borsting.................. 5,613(1) *
John T. Chain, Jr................. 5,695 *
Jack Edwards...................... 5,078 *
Phillip Frost..................... 14,171 *
Robert A. Lutz.................... 3,599 *
Aulana L. Peters.................. 8,201 *
John E. Robson.................... 8,718 *
Richard M. Rosenberg.............. 7,065 *
John Brooks Slaughter............. 4,695 *
Richard J. Stegemeier............. 7,704(2) *
Named Executive Officers
Kent Kresa (3).................... 924,419(4) 1.34
Richard B. Waugh, Jr.............. 89,183(5) *
Richard R. Molleur................ 102,124 *
James G. Roche.................... 41,146 *
Ralph D. Crosby................... 66,596 *
Directors and Executive Officers as
a Group (21 persons)............... 1,509,469 2.19
</TABLE>
- --------
* The percentage of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned does not exceed
one percent of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
(1) Includes 1,200 shares held in the Borsting Family Trust of which Dr.
Borsting is trustee.
(2) Includes 1,000 shares held in the Richard J. Stegemeier Family Trust of
which Mr. Stegemeier and his wife are trustees.
(3) Mr. Kresa also serves as Chairman of the Board.
(4) Includes 214,004 shares held by the Kresa Family Trust of which Mr. Kresa
is trustee.
(5) Includes 12,324 shares held by the Waugh Family Trust of which Mr. Waugh
and his wife are trustees.
(6) Includes options exercisable within 60 days and shares or share
equivalents beneficially owned under one or more of the Company's
compensation or benefit plans, respectively, as follows: J.R. Borsting--
3,500 and 0 shares; J.T. Chain--4,000 and 0 shares; J. Edwards--4,000 and
338 shares; P. Frost--3,500 and 404 shares; R.A. Lutz--3,000 and 447
shares; A.L. Peters--4,000 and 1,924 shares; J.E. Robson-- 4,000 and
1,674 shares; R.M. Rosenberg--4,000 and 639 shares; J.B. Slaughter--4,000
and 0 shares; R.J. Stegemeier--4,000 and 0 shares; K. Kresa--661,400 and
5,089 shares; R.B. Waugh-- 60,400 and 3,183 shares; R.R. Molleur--80,000
and 0 shares; J.G. Roche--22,500 and 614 shares; and R.D. Crosby-- 42,680
and 2,660 shares.
3
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL ONE: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides for a classified Board
of Directors. Four directors in Class II will be elected at the 1999 Annual
Meeting to hold office for three years until the 2002 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and until their successors have been elected and qualified.
Unless instructed otherwise, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will
vote the shares represented by such proxy for the election of the four Class
II Director Nominees listed in the table below. If any nominee becomes
unavailable for election to the Board of Directors, an event which is not
anticipated, the persons named as proxies have full discretion and authority
to vote or refrain from voting for any other nominee in accordance with their
judgment.
The following information, furnished with respect to each of the four
nominees for election as a Class II director, and each of the four Class I and
three Class III directors whose terms continue after the Annual Meeting, is
obtained from the Company's records or from information furnished directly by
the individual to the Company. All the nominees are presently serving on the
Board of Directors. Members of the Board of Directors are generally ineligible
to stand for election if they will have attained age 70 by the date of the
Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders at which such election is held.
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR -- CLASS II
PHILLIP FROST, 62. Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, IVAX
Corporation, a pharmaceutical company
Elected 1996
Dr. Phillip Frost has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer of IVAX Corporation since 1987. He was Chairman of the
Department of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center of Greater Miami, Miami
Beach, Florida from 1972 to 1990. Dr. Frost was Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Key Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from 1972 to 1986. He is Chairman of
Whitman Education Group, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of North
American Vaccine, Inc., and Continucare Corporation. He is also a Vice
Chairman of the Board of the University of Miami and a member of the Board of
Governors of the American Stock Exchange.
ROBERT A. LUTZ, 67. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Exide
Corporation, a battery manufacturing company.
Elected 1997
Robert A. Lutz joined Chrysler Corporation in 1986 as Executive Vice
President of Chrysler Motors Corporation and was elected a director of
Chrysler Corporation that same year. He was elected President in 1991 and Vice
Chairman in 1996. He retired from Chrysler Corporation in July 1998. Prior to
joining Chrysler Corporation, Mr. Lutz held senior positions with Ford Motor
Company, General Motors Corporation Europe and Bavarian Motor Werke. In
December, 1998 he was named Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Exide Corporation. He is an executive director of the National Association of
Manufacturers and a member of the National Advisory Council of the University
of Michigan School of Engineering, the Board of Trustees of the U.S. Marine
Corps University Foundation and the Advisory Board of the University of
California-Berkeley, Haas School of Business. Mr. Lutz is also a director of
ASCOM Holdings, A.G. and Silicon Graphics, Inc.
JOHN E. ROBSON, 68. Senior Advisor, BancBoston Robertson Stephens, investment
bankers.
Elected 1993
From 1989 to 1993, John E. Robson served as Deputy Secretary of the United
States Treasury. He was Dean and Professor of Management at the Emory
University School of Business Administration from 1986 to 1989 and President
and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer of G.D. Searle & Co., a pharmaceutical company, from 1977 to 1986.
Previously, he held government posts as Chairman of the U.S. Civil Aeronautics
Board, regulator of the airline industry and Under Secretary of the U.S.
4
<PAGE>
Department of Transportation, and engaged in the private practice of law as a
partner of Sidley and Austin. Mr. Robson earned his B.A. from Yale University
and his J.D. from Harvard Law School. Mr. Robson is a director of Monsanto
Company and ProLogis Trust. He is also a Distinguished Visiting Fellow of the
Hoover Institution at Stanford University, a Visiting Fellow at the Heritage
Foundation and a Trustee of St. John's College.
JOHN BROOKS SLAUGHTER, 65. President, Occidental College.
Elected 1993
Dr. John Brooks Slaughter earned a B.S.E.E. from Kansas State University, an
M.S. in Engineering from the University of California at Los Angeles and a
Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences from the University of California at San Diego.
He began his career as an electronics engineer with General Dynamics Convair
in San Diego in 1956. He joined the U.S. Navy Electronics Laboratory in San
Diego in 1960. In 1975, he became Director of the Applied Physics Laboratory
of the University of Washington. In 1977, he was appointed Assistant Director
for Astronomics, Atmospherics, Earth and Ocean Sciences at the National
Science Foundation. From 1979 to 1980, he served as Academic Vice President
and Provost of Washington State University. In 1980, he returned to the
National Science Foundation as Director and served in that capacity until 1982
when he became Chancellor of the University of Maryland, College Park. In
1988, Dr. Slaughter became President of Occidental College in Los Angeles. He
is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a fellow of the American
Academy of Arts and Sciences and serves as a director of Atlantic Richfield
Company, Avery Dennison Corporation, Solutia, Inc. and International Business
Machines Corporation.
CONTINUING DIRECTORS -- CLASS I
JACK R. BORSTING, 70. E. Morgan Stanley professor of Business Administration
and Director of the Center for Telecommunications
Management, University of Southern California.
Elected 1991
Dr. Jack R. Borsting was at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey,
California from 1959 to 1980. During his tenure at Monterey, he was professor
of Operations Research, Chairman of the Department of Operations Research and
Administration Science, and Provost and Academic Dean. Dr. Borsting was
Assistant Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) from 1980 to 1983 and Dean of the
School of Business at the University of Miami from 1983 to 1988. From 1988 to
1994, he was the Robert R. Dockson professor and Dean of the School of
Business Administration at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
He is past president of both the Operations Research Society of America and
the Military Operations Research Society. He is currently Chairman of the
Board of Trustees of the Orthopaedic Hospital of Los Angeles and serves as a
director of Whitman Education Group, TRO Learning, Inc. and Bristol Retail
Systems. He is also a trustee of the Rio Hondo Foundation.
AULANA L. PETERS, 57. Partner, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
Elected 1992
Aulana L. Peters joined the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in 1973. In
1980, she was named a partner in the firm and continued in the practice of law
until 1984 when she accepted an appointment as Commissioner of the Securities
and Exchange Commission. In 1988, after serving four years as a Commissioner,
she returned to Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Ms. Peters is a director of Callaway
Golf Company, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, Mobil Corporation
and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. She is also a member of the Board of Directors
of Community Television for Southern California (KCET) and of the Legal
Advisory Board of the National Association of Securities Dealers.
5
<PAGE>
RICHARD M. ROSENBERG, 68. Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
(Retired), BankAmerica Corporation and Bank of
America NT&SA.
Elected 1991
Richard M. Rosenberg was the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of BankAmerica Corporation ("BAC") and Bank of America ("BoA") from
1990 to 1996. He had served as President since February 1990 and as Vice
Chairman of the Board and a director of BAC and the BoA since 1987. Before
joining BAC, Mr. Rosenberg served as President and Chief Operating Officer of
Seafirst Corporation and Seattle-First National Bank, which he joined in 1986.
Mr. Rosenberg is a retired Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, a director of
Airborne Express Corporation, SBC Communications, Potlatch Corporation,
Chronicle Publishing, Pacific Life Insurance Company, and BankAmerica
Corporation and a member of the Board of Trustees of the California Institute
of Technology.
RICHARD J. STEGEMEIER, 71. Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors, Unocal
Corporation, an integrated petroleum company.
Elected 1990
Richard J. Stegemeier joined Union Oil Company of California, principal
operating subsidiary of Unocal Corporation ("Unocal"), in 1951. Mr. Stegemeier
was Chairman of the Board for Unocal from April 1989 to May 1995 and was Chief
Executive Officer from 1988 to 1994. From 1985 to 1992, he was President and,
from 1985 to 1988, he was Chief Operating Officer of Unocal. Mr. Stegemeier is
a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a director of Foundation
Health Systems, Inc., Haliburton Company, SempraEnergy and Montgomery Watson,
Inc.
CONTINUING DIRECTORS -- CLASS III
JOHN T. CHAIN, JR., 64. General, United States Air Force (Ret.) and Chairman of
the Board, Thomas Group, a management consulting
company.
Elected 1991
During his military career, General John T. Chain held a number of Air Force
commands. In 1978, he became military assistant to the Secretary of the Air
Force. In 1984, he became the Director of Politico-Military Affairs,
Department of State. General Chain has been Chief of Staff for Supreme
Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, and Commander in Chief, Strategic Air
Command, the position from which he retired in February 1991. In March 1991,
he became Executive Vice President for Burlington Northern Railroad, serving
in that capacity until February 1996. In December 1996, he assumed the
position of President of Quarterdeck Equity Partners, Inc. and in May 1998, he
became Chairman of the Board of Thomas Group, Inc. He is also a director of
RJR Nabisco, Inc. and Nabisco, Inc.
JACK EDWARDS, 70. Member, Hand Arendall, L.L.C.
Elected 1991
Jack Edwards was elected in 1964 to the U.S. House of Representatives and
served in Congress for twenty years, representing the First District of
Alabama. During his tenure in the House, Mr. Edwards served on the
Appropriations Committee for sixteen years, including ten years as Senior
Republican on the Defense Subcommittee and sixteen years on the Transportation
Subcommittee. He also served on the Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs
Committee. He retired from Congress in January 1985 and became a member of his
current law firm, Hand Arendall, L.L.C. He is a director of The Southern
Company, Holnam Inc. and QMS, Inc. Mr. Edwards is also President Pro Tempore
of the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama System.
6
<PAGE>
KENT KRESA, 61. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Elected 1987
Before joining the Company, Kent Kresa was associated with the Lincoln
Laboratories of M.I.T. and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. In
1975, he joined the Company as Vice President and Manager of the Company's
Research and Technology Center. He became General Manager of the Ventura
Division in 1976, Group Vice President of the Aircraft Group in 1982 and
Senior Vice President for Technology and Development in 1986. Mr. Kresa was
elected President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company in 1987. He was
named Chief Executive Officer in 1989 and Chairman of the Board in 1990. Mr.
Kresa is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and is past Chairman
of the Board of Governors of the Aerospace Industries Association and was
elected an honorary fellow in 1998. He is also a Fellow of the American
Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He serves on the Board of Directors
of the W.M. Keck Foundation and on the Board of Trustees of the California
Institute of Technology, and serves as a director of Avery Dennison
Corporation, Atlantic Richfield Company, the Los Angeles World Affairs
Council, the John Tracy Clinic and the Board of Governors of the Los Angeles
Music Center.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has Audit, Compensation and Management Development,
Nominating and Corporate Governance, Finance and Executive and Public Policy
Committees. The membership of these committees is usually determined at the
organizational meeting of the Board held in conjunction with the Annual
Meeting. The membership of each committee is as follows, with the chairman
listed first:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Compensation and Nominating and Executive and
Audit Management Development Corporate Governance Finance Public Policy
- --------------------- ---------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Jack Edwards Richard J. Stegemeier Jack R. Borsting Richard M. Rosenberg Aulana L. Peters
Jack R. Borsting Jack R. Borsting John T. Chain, Jr. John T. Chain, Jr. Phillip Frost
Aulana L. Peters John T. Chain, Jr. Richard M. Rosenberg Jack Edwards Robert A. Lutz
John Brooks Slaughter Jack Edwards John Brooks Slaughter Phillip Frost John Brooks Slaughter
Richard J. Stegemeier John E. Robson Robert A. Lutz Richard J. Stegemeier
John E. Robson
</TABLE>
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee meets periodically with both the Company's independent
auditors and the Company's chief internal auditor to review audit results and
the adequacy of the Company's system of internal controls. In addition, the
Audit Committee recommends to the Board of Directors the appointment or
discharge of the Company's independent auditors, and reviews professional
services of a non-audit nature to be provided by the independent auditors to
evaluate the impact of undertaking such added services on the independence of
the auditors. The Audit Committee held six meetings in 1998.
Compensation and Management Development Committee
The Compensation and Management Development Committee (the "Compensation
Committee") recommends to the Board of Directors the base salary and incentive
compensation of all elected officers and takes final action with respect to
base salary and incentive compensation for certain other officers and key
employees. It reviews the Company's compensation policies and management
actions to assure the succession of qualified officers. The Committee also
establishes the Company's annual performance objectives under the incentive
compensation plans and recommends to the Board of Directors the amounts to be
appropriated for awards under such plans and under the Company's 1973
Incentive Compensation Plan (the "1973 Incentive Plan"). The Committee grants
awards under and administers the Company's Stock Plans (as defined below) and
recommends to the Board of Directors all compensation plans in which Company
officers are eligible to participate. The Compensation and Management
Development Committee held eleven meetings in 1998.
7
<PAGE>
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews candidates to
serve as directors and recommends to the Board of Directors nominees for
election. The activities and associations of each candidate are examined to
ensure that there is no legal impediment, conflict of interest or other
consideration that might prevent service on the Board of Directors. In making
its selection, the Board of Directors bears in mind that the foremost
responsibility of a Northrop Grumman director is to represent the interests of
the stockholders as a whole. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
will consider nominees recommended by stockholders if such nominations have
been submitted in writing, accompanied both by a description of the proposed
nominee's qualifications and an indication of the consent of the proposed
nominee and relevant biographical information. The recommendation should be
addressed to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in care of the
Secretary of the Company. In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning the
composition and size of the Board of Directors, candidates to fill vacancies,
the remuneration of non-employee directors, and matters of corporate
governance as appropriate. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
held three meetings in 1998.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee reviews and makes recommendations concerning proposed
dividend actions and issuance of debt or equity securities. The Finance
Committee considers and makes recommendations for final action by the Board on
contracts, programs, acquisitions, mergers or divestments of an unusual or
material nature. The Finance Committee also reviews the investment performance
of the employee benefit plans, capital asset requirements and short-term
investment policy when appropriate. The Finance Committee held four meetings
in 1998.
Executive and Public Policy Committee
The Executive and Public Policy Committee reviews and monitors the Northrop
Grumman Employees Political Action Committee and makes policy and budget
recommendations to the Board on proposed charitable contributions and aid to
higher education. The Executive and Public Policy Committee reviews and
approves the Company's policy for engaging the services of consultants and
commission agents. The Executive and Public Policy Committee held three
meetings in 1998.
BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
During 1998, the Board held 17 meetings and the committees described above
held 27 meetings. Average attendance at all such meetings was 95%. Each
incumbent director attended at least 75% of the total number of board and
committee meetings he or she was eligible to attend.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
The Company paid each director an annual retainer of $28,000 and an
additional $1,000 for each Board and committee meeting attended during 1998.
Committee chairmen are paid an annual retainer of $3,000. Any director who
performs extraordinary services for the Board at the request of the Chairman
of the Board or the chairman of a committee is paid $1,000 per day. Directors
are reimbursed for all reasonable expenses in attending these meetings and in
performing extraordinary services. Directors who are employees of the Company
do not receive any compensation for their service as directors.
The 1993 Stock Plan For Non-Employee Directors provides that 30% of the
retainer earned by each director is paid in shares of Common Stock, issued
following the close of the fiscal year. In addition, directors may defer
payment of all or a portion of their remaining retainer fees, Committee
Chairman retainer fees and/or Board and committee meeting fees. Deferred
compensation may either be distributed in shares of Common Stock, issued after
the close of the fiscal year, or placed in a stock unit Account until the
conclusion of a director-specified
8
<PAGE>
deferral period, generally for a minimum of two years from the time the
compensation is earned. All deferral elections must be made prior to the
beginning of the year for which the retainer and fees will be paid. Directors
are credited with dividend equivalents in connection with the shares of Common
Stock, which are distributed early in the year following the year earned or
deferred into the stock unit account. The Board has adopted a Company stock
ownership guideline for outside directors which provides that directors should
hold shares of Common Stock equal in market value to three times the annual
retainer, to be achieved within five years of joining the Board (for existing
directors, five years from the 1995 date of adoption).
The 1995 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended, provides
for the annual grant of options to each non-employee director to purchase
1,500 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price equal to the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the grant date. The options have a term of ten
years. If the individual ceases to serve as a director, the options continue
to be exercisable for the lesser of five years or the expiration of the
original term of the options. If termination is for cause, the options
terminate when the director ceases to serve.
The Northrop Grumman Corporation Board of Directors Retirement Plan (the
"Retirement Plan") provides that outside directors, as defined in the
Company's Bylaws, are eligible to receive a retirement benefit if they retire
from the Board following completion of at least five or more consecutive years
of service as an outside Board member. Outside directors are also eligible for
benefits if they are ineligible to stand for election because they will have
attained age 70 prior to the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders at which
such election is held and have not completed at least five consecutive years
of service as an outside director. The annual benefit payable is equal to the
annual retainer then being paid to active directors or such lesser amount as
is provided for under the Retirement Plan. Benefits are payable for ten years
or less (as set forth in the Retirement Plan), from the director's retirement
date. In the case of a director's death while receiving benefits, the benefits
are payable to the director's surviving spouse, as defined in the Retirement
Plan. In the event of a change in control (as defined in the Retirement Plan),
all outside directors serving on the Board at that time shall be immediately
vested and entitled to an annual benefit amount for each year of consecutive
service. In addition, benefits payable under the Retirement Plan have been
funded through the establishment of a grantor trust. In March 1997, the Board
of Directors terminated the Retirement Plan with respect to future outside
directors.
On March 19, 1997, the Board of Directors adopted the Northrop Grumman Non-
Employee Directors Equity Participation Plan (the "Equity Plan" and, together
with the Retirement Plan, collectively, the "Directors Plans"). The Equity
Plan is applicable to outside directors who become such after March 1, 1997
and directors serving prior to that date who elect to participate in the
Equity Plan. Directors who elect to participate in the Equity Plan must
terminate their participation in the Retirement Plan. Under the Equity Plan,
outside directors shall have an amount equal to 50% of their annual retainer
credited to an equity participation account and converted into stock units
based on the then fair market value of the Common Stock. Existing directors
who elect to participate in the Equity Plan will receive a special accrual
into the equity participation account equal to the present value of accrued
benefits under the Retirement Plan. Each stock unit will be credited with
dividend equivalents, which will be deemed reinvested in additional stock
units. Each outside director who terminates service after three or more years
of service shall be entitled to receive cash payments from the equity
participation account in a number of annual installments equal to the number
of years for which benefits have been accrued (not to exceed ten), each
installment to be in an amount equal to the dollar value of the equity
participation account based on Common Stock value as of the date of
determination of the installment payment, divided by the number of
installments then remaining to be paid. Upon a change in control (as defined
in the Equity Plan), benefits under the Equity Plan immediately vest. The
Board of Directors believes that the Equity Plan will further align the
interests of the directors with the interests of the stockholders by making
this part of the directors' benefits dependent upon the value of the Common
Stock.
9
<PAGE>
Vote Required
The vote of a plurality of the shares of Common Stock voting at the Annual
Meeting (with each share entitled to one vote) is required for the election of
directors.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE FOUR NOMINEES FOR
DIRECTOR LISTED ABOVE.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Report of the Compensation and Management Development Committee
The Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of
Directors (the "Compensation Committee") has furnished the following report on
executive compensation applicable to employees elected as executive officers
of the Company. The Compensation Committee is comprised exclusively of outside
directors.
Compensation Philosophy
The Company's executive compensation program is designed to promote
recruitment and retention of key employees of exceptional ability and motivate
them to superior performance. It is comprised of linked plans that encourage
and reward participants for achieving superior current performance, financial
results exceeding specific thresholds, and long-term prosperous growth.
Major components of executive compensation are at risk and vary directly in
their amount with each executive's impact on desired business results.
Successful accomplishment of business goals in both annual operating
performance and resulting shareholder value can produce significant individual
rewards. Failure to attain business goals will have a negative effect on
rewards.
In addition to variations attributable to individual performance against
business goals and Company performance, executive total compensation is
influenced directly by competitive considerations. Base salaries of executives
are targeted at a competitive market median on a job-by-job basis with
individual variations explained by differences in experience, skills and
sustained performance. Annual incentive compensation and long-term incentive
stock compensation vary with individual job level, scope and overall influence
on the Company's business results and individual, unit and Company
performance.
Normalized for these individual variations, annual total cash compensation--
the sum of base salary and annual incentive compensation--will be lower than
competitive market median in years of below target performance, and above
competitive market median in years performance exceeds target.
Deductibility of Compensation
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code ("Code") generally limits the
tax deduction to $1 million for compensation paid to the corporation's chief
executive officer ("CEO") and the four other most highly compensated executive
officers. Qualifying performance-based compensation is not subject to the
deduction limit.
In 1995 and 1996 shareholders approved amendments to the Company's Long-Term
Incentive Stock Plan ("1993 Stock Plan") to meet the performance-based
criteria of Section 162(m).
Payments pursuant to the 1973 Incentive Compensation Plan ("Incentive Plan")
are also subject to Section 162(m) of the Code. Although the Incentive Plan is
performance driven, it does not meet the performance based criteria of Section
162(m) and therefore, the CEO elected to defer 1996, 1997 and 1998 cash
compensation to the extent that it would cause the loss of a deduction under
Section 162(m). Loss of a tax deduction for 1998 attributable to cash
compensation of other officers should not be material.
10
<PAGE>
In November 1998, the Compensation Committee approved amendments to the
Incentive Plan to comply with the performance based criteria of Section
162(m). If shareholders adopt the amended and restated Incentive Plan
contained in Appendix A, compensation paid under the Incentive Plan should be
deductible.
Measuring Company Performance
Consistent with the Company's business plan, management in each
organizational element prepares and submits for assessment an Annual Operating
Plan containing Financial and Supplemental Goals together with defined
performance measures and numerical weights.
. Financial Goals focus on operating earnings, cash flow and shareholder
value metrics.
. Supplemental Goals focus on such factors as customer satisfaction, new
product development, new business initiatives, productivity, quality
improvement, workplace diversity, management development, and
environmental management.
These goals are communicated within each organizational element resulting in
the formation of individual performance goals specific to each salaried
employee. Documented and approved in accordance with the Company's Performance
Management Process, accomplishments against individual goals are evaluated at
year-end.
For the executive officers, three weighted Performance Measurement Factors
are used to determine annual incentive compensation. For 1998, these factors
and their relative weightings were:
1. Value creation as measured by Improvement in Warranted Equity Value (a
measure of stockholder value)--weighted 50%;
2. Pre-tax return on 3-year average stockholder equity--weighted 30%;
3. Supplemental Goals such as delineated above--weighted 20%.
Factors (1) and (2) above have specific numerical thresholds approved by the
Committee within 90-days of the commencement of the performance measurement
period.
Annually, the Compensation Committee reviews, approves and--at its
discretion--modifies the CEO's written proposal of goals and numerical values
for each Performance Measurement Factor. Performance highlights against 1998
goals can be found below in Chief Executive Officer 1998 Compensation.
Determining Competitive Compensation
In determining base salaries for 1999 and incentive compensation for 1998
for the named executive officers, sources of competitive compensation
information are independent surveys of industry peer companies. Peer companies
include:
. Companies comprising the aerospace and defense group depicted in the
performance graph in the Stockholder Return Performance Presentation
following this Report;
. Other companies designated by the Compensation Committee.
The Company uses a number of survey sources to assess competitiveness of
executive compensation including the Hewitt Associates MCS Project 777, Towers
Perrin CDB and periodic custom surveys of companies selected by the
Compensation Committee.
Competitive award guidelines contained in the Company's Long-Term Incentive
Stock Plan Guide to Administration have been established by the Compensation
Committee with the assistance of Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., an independent
compensation consulting firm.
11
<PAGE>
Establishing Executive Compensation
The Company's executive compensation program includes the following linked
elements:
. Base Salary
. Annual Incentive Compensation
. Long-Term Incentive Compensation.
Base Salary
Annually, the Compensation Committee reviews, and accepts or modifies as it
deems appropriate, base salary recommendations submitted by the CEO for
executive officers (other than the CEO). Separately, the Compensation
Committee reviews the base salary of the CEO, considering competitive
compensation data, its assessment of past performance and its expectation of
future contributions. The Board then approves or modifies the Compensation
Committee's recommendations for executive officers and the CEO.
Annual Incentive Compensation
Executive officers are eligible for incentive compensation annually under
the Company's stockholder-approved 1973 Incentive Plan. However, no awards may
be earned or paid for years in which the pre-tax return on 3-year average
stockholder equity is not at least 10%, or in which no dividend is declared on
common stock. For 1998, the aggregate amount of awards payable may not exceed
3% of the pre-tax adjusted gross margin for that year.
For years in which incentive compensation awards are payable, the
Compensation Committee decides individual awards for the executive officers
following its consideration of the CEO's report of Company performance against
the Performance Measurement Factors delineated above. Annual incentive awards
for executive officers are the product of individual base salary, target bonus
percentage based on position, Unit Performance Factor, and an individual
performance score between 0.00 and 1.50. The Unit Performance Factor
represents the Committee's assessment of overall Company performance expressed
as a single numerical value between 0.00 and 2.00.
Accompanying his performance report, the CEO submits recommendations to the
Compensation Committee for individual incentive awards for the executive
officers, except the CEO, which reflect judgments as to contributions to the
accomplishment of annual goals and the Company's long-term business plan.
Separately, the Compensation Committee considers an incentive compensation
award for the CEO based on its assessment of prior-year performance. The Board
then approves or modifies the Compensation Committee's incentive compensation
recommendations for the executive officers and the CEO.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
The 1993 Stock Plan provides the flexibility to grant awards in a variety of
forms spanning a number of years, including stock options, restricted stock
rights and restricted performance stock rights (RPSRs). The purpose of this
form of compensation is to establish long-term performance horizons for
participants. By promoting ownership of the Company's common stock, the 1993
Stock Plan creates stockholder-managers interested in the sustained growth and
prosperity of the Company.
The performance variable governing the future payments and the ultimate
value of RPSRs is linked to Company total shareholder return compared to that
of companies charted in the Industry Peer Group performance graph depicted in
the Stockholder Return Performance Presentation that follows this Report.
In March 1998, the Compensation Committee concluded that it was in the
Company's best interests to adopt a program to preserve the incentive and
employee-retention benefits of stock awards that vested as a result of the
February 26, 1998 stockholder vote to merge with Lockheed Martin. The Board
adopted this voluntary program
12
<PAGE>
which encouraged executive officers and key employees to place those shares
(net of taxes) into escrow until the earlier of (i) March 1, 2000; (ii) an
actual change in control of the Company; or (iii) the executive officer's
death, qualifying retirement, disability or termination other than for Cause
or termination by the executive for Good Reason. All executive officers placed
their shares into escrow. Overall, approximately 74% of subject shares were
placed in escrow.
Recognizing the competitive practice of annual grants and that the last such
grant was in 1996, the Compensation Committee recommended and the Board
approved in November 1998 a plan to grant stock incentives to executive
officers and key employees to strengthen incentives for participants to
increase shareholder value. Made on December 16, 1998, the grant to the CEO,
seven elected officers and 76 appointed officers consisted of: a) premium
priced stock options, and b) RPSRs for which a five-year performance period
began January 1, 1999. Two elected officers chose and instead received option
awards reflecting historical grant practice. The CEO received 1/3 of his stock
options at a 20% premium over the market value on the date of grant, 1/3 at a
35% premium and 1/3 at a 60% premium. Seven elected officers and the appointed
officers received 1/2 of their options at a 20% premium over the market value
on the date of grant and 1/2 at a 35% premium. Premium stock options have a
positive spread value only when the price at exercise exceeds the market price
on date of grant by an amount greater than the premium. RPSRs granted in 1998
have performance hurdles five percentage points higher than those granted in
prior years.
The number of stock options awarded to certain officers in December is
larger than historical annual grants for two reasons. First, recipients of
premium options received awards to cover a longer period than the customary
annual awards. The next regular grant of stock options for these individuals
is planned for May 2001. Second, the Compensation Committee determined that in
order to provide incentive value equivalent to market priced options which the
Company has awarded in the past--premium options should be awarded on a 5:3
ratio (premium options:market options).
On November 18, 1998, the Board amended the 1993 Long-Term Incentive Stock
Plan to provide that the vesting of stock options would not accelerate upon a
vote of the Stockholders favoring a change in control of the Company. Rather,
options would accelerate: (i) if a successor company failed to continue those
options; or (ii) if continued, only following both an actual close of a change
in control transaction and either termination of an option holder not for
Cause or termination by an option holder for Good Reason. Following a change
in control, RPSRs would accelerate only prorated on time lapsed from the start
of the performance period for which they were granted.
To further promote alignment of management and stockholder interests, the
Board adopted Stock Ownership Guidelines for the CEO and other officers of the
Company. These guidelines contemplate that officers own Company stock
denominated as a percentage of their annual salaries, accumulated over a 3-
year period: seven (7) times annual salary for the CEO; three (3) times salary
for other elected officers; one and one-half times salary for appointed
officers.
1998 Chief Executive Officer Compensation
In evaluating performance of the CEO and establishing his annual incentive
compensation, the Compensation Committee reviewed the overall performance of
the Company and Mr. Kresa's individual contributions. The Compensation
Committee noted that overall performance met targets for two of the Company's
three Performance Measurement Factors and fell short of the third, Warranted
Equity Value. This performance which did not meet the Company's plan or
expectations is partially a result of the terminated merger with Lockheed
Martin, which resulted in charges to earnings that adversely affected the
Company's performance.
However, the Compensation Committee noted that Mr. Kresa instituted a timely
and effective plan to reestablish the Company's competitive footing. This plan
was executed immediately upon termination of the proposed merger and produced
a major reorganization of the Company. By year end, Mr. Kresa had completed
restructuring, installed executive leadership, obtained the support of key
customers for these changes and refocused the management team on the urgent
business of raising Company performance to its recent past high levels. For
these actions the Compensation Committee commended Mr. Kresa.
13
<PAGE>
Considering competitive market compensation practice derived from sources
cited in this Report and Mr. Kresa's performance as outlined in this section,
and considering Mr. Kresa's recommendation that he forego an annual incentive
compensation award in 1998, the Compensation Committee submitted
recommendations to the Board for Mr. Kresa's 1998 cash compensation. The Board
approved these recommendations. The Summary Compensation Table following this
Report details the foregoing cash compensation actions. Mr. Kresa's incentive
stock award is reflected in both the Option Grants and Long-Term Incentive
Plan tables also following this Report.
THE COMPENSATION AND MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
RICHARD J. STEGEMEIER, CHAIRMAN
JACK R. BORSTING
JOHN T. CHAIN, JR.
JACK EDWARDS
JOHN E. ROBSON
14
<PAGE>
Stockholder Return Performance Presentation
The line graph below compares the relative change for the 5 year period ended
December 31, 1998 in the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company's
Common Stock against the cumulative total return of the S&P Composite-500 Stock
Index, and the S&P Aerospace/Defense Index comprised of The Boeing Company,
General Dynamics Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman
Corporation, Raytheon Company (B), Rockwell International Corporation and
United Technologies Corporation.
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORP.,
S&P 500 INDEX & S&P AEROSPACE/DEFENSE INDEX
[PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Measurement Period NORTHROP S&P S&P AEROSPACE/
(Fiscal Year Covered) GRUMMAN CORP. 500 INDEX DEFENSE INDEX
- --------------------- ------------- --------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Measurement Pt-1993 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00
FYE 1994 $116.66 $101.28 $108.09
FYE 1995 $182.20 $138.88 $177.93
FYE 1996 $240.14 $170.38 $228.88
FYE 1997 $338.37 $226.78 $237.65
FYE 1998 $219.87 $291.04 $219.42
</TABLE>
Assumes $100 invested at the beginning of the period in the Common Stock,
S&P Composite--500 Stock Index and S&P Aerospace/Defense Index.
* Total Return Assumes Reinvestment of Dividends.
15
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The table below shows the annual and long-term compensation for services in
all capacities to the Company for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996 of the Named Executive Officers at December 31, 1998:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation Long-Term Compensation
----------------------------------- --------------------------------
Awards Payouts
--------------------- ----------
Other Restricted Securities
Name and Annual Stock Underlying All Other
Principal Compensation Award(s) Options/ LTIP Compensation
Position Year Salary($)(1) Bonus($) ($) ($) SARs(#) Payouts($) ($)(2)
--------- ---- ------------ --------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1) KENT KRESA(3)........ 1998 900,000 0 50,068(4) 200,000 * 6,400
Chairman of the Board,
President 1997 889,167 1,711,125 66,308(5) 2,303,220 6,400
and Chief Executive
Officer 1996 835,000 1,200,000 58,544(6) 45,000 1,112,574 6,339
2) RICHARD B. WAUGH,
JR..................... 1998 390,885 92,000 56,217(7) 75,000 * 6,400
Corporate Vice
President 1997 370,833 530,000 803,390 6,400
and Chief Financial
Officer 1996 338,333 345,000 13,000 388,098 6,000
3) JAMES G. ROCHE....... 1998 385,731 111,000 63,527(8) 75,000 * 6,400
Corporate Vice
President 1997 358,333 450,000 669,645 6,400
and President 1996 310,417 320,000 674,384(9) 315,625 12,500 323,387 6,000
Electronic Sensors and
Systems Sector
4) RICHARD R. MOLLEUR... 1998 347,808 69,000 46,373(10) 20,000 * 6,000
Corporate Vice
President 1997 334,167 490,000 669,645 6,000
and General Counsel 1996 302,500 275,500 11,000 323,387 5,625
5) RALPH D. CROSBY,
JR. ................... 1998 357,693 50,000 75,000 * 6,400
Corporate Vice
President and 1997 316,666 385,000 696,440 6,400
President, Integrated 1996 280,000 295,000 189,375 12,500 336,379 6,000
Systems and
Aerostructures Sector
</TABLE>
- -------
(1) The amounts listed in this column do not include amounts paid for
vacation hours accrued but not used for the following individuals in the
following years: Mr. Waugh: $9,109 in 1998, $10,096 in 1997 and $30,078
in 1996; Dr. Roche: $16,053 in 1998, $19,903 in 1997, and $33,497 in
1996; Mr. Molleur: $4,692 in 1997, and $5,865 in 1996; and Mr. Crosby:
$4,185 in 1998, $3,692 in 1997 and $1,615 in 1996.
(2) "All Other Compensation" consists of Company contributions to the
Northrop Grumman Savings and Investment Plan for the Named Executive
Officers.
(3) Annual Compensation in excess of $1,000,000 attributable to 1998 that
would be disallowed for tax deduction under Internal Revenue Code Section
162(m) will be deferred in accordance with the Company's Executive
Deferred Compensation Plan, which provides for interest on the deferred
amount and payment in installments or lump sum at the election of the
participant.
(4) Amount includes $20,464 for car allowance and $17,526 for premium amounts
paid on behalf of Mr. Kresa for life, accidental death and dismemberment,
medical, dental and long-term disability insurance.
(5) Amount includes, among other items, $19,872 for car allowance.
(6) Amount includes $14,953 for premium amounts paid on behalf of Mr. Kresa
for life, accidental death and dismemberment, medical, dental and long-
term disability insurance.
(7) Amount includes $17,295 for car allowance, $15,000 for income tax
preparation services and $18,838 for premium amounts paid on behalf of
Mr. Waugh for life, accidental death and dismemberment, medical, dental
and long-term disability.
(8) Amount includes, among other items, $15,934 for car allowance.
(9) Amount includes $352,172 in relocation expenses incurred by Dr. Roche in
his transfer to the Electronics Sensors and Systems Division and
$291,387 constituting reimbursement for payment of taxes related to
those expenses.
(10) Amount includes $17,719 for car allowance and $15,572 for premium
amounts paid on behalf of Mr. Molleur for life, accidental death and
dismemberment, medical, dental and long-term disability.
16
<PAGE>
* Upon the February 26, 1998 shareholder vote in favor of the proposed
merger of the Company with Lockheed Martin Corporation, the unvested RPSRs
under the 1993 Stock Plan vested and became distributable. In response to
these accelerations, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors
adopted a program ("Program") to preserve the incentive and employee-
retention benefits of such amounts. The Program involved placing in escrow
the net shares of Company stock issued to the executive officers after the
acceleration. Fifty percent of the number of RPSRs that vested upon the
shareholder vote were issued, and the remaining fifty percent was deemed
tax owed with respect to the vested RPSRs. Of the fifty percent deemed tax
owed, any amount in excess of the amount each executive officer previously
instructed the Company to withhold for taxes was paid to the executive
officer in cash. The shares issued were placed in escrow pursuant to the
terms of the Program as described on Pages 12 and 13, and remain subject
to the risks of forfeiture, company performance and overall market
conditions.
The 1993 Stock Plan provides for release of RPSRs in annual interim
installments in the third and fourth years, with final reconciliation in
the fifth year in the event payments are then due to the executive. For
the Named Executive Officers, the numbers of shares placed in escrow and
the aggregate dollar value of RPSR shares which vested under the 1993
Stock Plan are as follows:
Mr. Kresa, 43,926 shares, $12,145,539; Mr. Waugh, 13,276 shares,
$3,670,952; Dr. Roche, 12,328 shares, $3,408,554; Mr. Molleur, 11,189
shares, $3,093,897; and Mr. Crosby, 12,365 shares, $3,418,923. The dollar
amounts of the RPSR shares that accelerated were calculated using the
vesting date price per share of $138.25. On April 5, 1999, the price of a
share of Company stock was $59.938.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The table below shows individual grants of stock options made in 1998 to
each named executive officer.
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Potential Realizable Value
Individual Grants At Assumed Annual Rates
---------------------------------------------------------------- of Stock Price Appreciation
Number of Securities % of Total Options Exercise or for Option Term (1)
Underlying Options Granted to Employees Base Price Expiration ----------------------------
Granted (#) (2) in Fiscal Year ($/Sh) Date 5% (#) 10% (#)
-------------------- -------------------- ----------- ---------- ------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Kent Kresa.............. 66,667 2.25 88.125 12/16/08 2,099,875 6,823,649
66,667 2.25 99.141 12/16/08 1,365,472 6,089,245
66,666 2.25 117.50 12/16/08 141,530 4,865,423
Richard B. Waugh, Jr. .. 37,500 1.27 88.125 12/16/08 1,181,167 3,838,283
37,500 1.27 99.141 12/16/08 768,067 3,425,183
James G. Roche.......... 37,500 1.27 88.125 12/16/08 1,181,167 3,838,283
37,500 1.27 99.141 12/16/08 768,067 3,425,183
Richard R. Molleur...... 10,000 .34 73.438 12/16/08 461,850 1,170,412
10,000 .34 106.125 12/16/08 134,980 843,542
Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. ... 37,500 1.27 88.125 12/16/08 1,181,167 3,838,283
37,500 1.27 99.141 12/16/08 768,067 3,425,183
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The potential realizable value of each grant of options assuming that the
market price of the Company's Common Stock from the date of grant
($73.438) to the end of the option term (10 years) appreciates in value at
an annualized rate of 5% and 10%.
(2) The first installment of 25% of the total grant becomes exercisable two
years after the date of the grant, with 25% vesting annually thereafter,
with the exception of the 10,000 shares granted to Mr. Molleur at $106.125
which fully vested on the date of grant and the 10,000 shares granted at
$73.438 which will become exercisable two years after the date of grant.
17
<PAGE>
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Value of
Unexercised
Number of In-the-Money
Securities Underlying Options at
Unexercised Options at FY-End($)
Shares Acquired on FY-End(#) Exercisable/
Name Exercise (#) Value Realized ($) Exercisable/Unexercisable Unexercisable(1)
- ---- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Kent Kresa.............. 0 0 661,400/200,000 30,730,450/0
Richard B. Waugh, Jr. .. 0 0 60,400/75,000 1,641,550/0
James G. Roche.......... 27,200 1,900,800 22,500/75,000 161,250/0
Richard R. Molleur...... 0 0 80,000/10,000 2,215,000/0
Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. ... 0 0 42,680/75,000 930,285/0
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Based on the market value at December 31, 1998 of $73.125
Restricted Performance Stock Rights Grants in Last Fiscal Year
There is shown below information concerning grants of Restricted Performance
Stock Rights made to Named Executive Officers during the last completed fiscal
year.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN--AWARDS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Estimated Future Payouts Under
Number of Shares, Performance or Non-Stock Price-Based Plans
Units or Other Other Period Until ------------------------------------
Name Rights (#) (1) Maturation or Payout Threshold (#) Target (#) Maximum (#)
- ---- ----------------- -------------------- ------------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Kent Kresa.............. 40,000 5 yrs. 0 40,000 60,000
Richard B. Waugh, Jr. .. 15,000 5 yrs. 0 15,000 22,500
James G. Roche.......... 15,000 5 yrs. 0 15,000 22,500
Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. ... 15,000 5 yrs. 0 15,000 22,500
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The number of Restricted Performance Stock Rights which may be earned
under the 1993 Stock Plan is based on Company total stockholder return
compared to that of companies in the Industry Peer Group. Earnouts over a
five year performance period range from 0% to 150% of the rights awarded.
Dividend equivalents will be distributed in shares on those shares earned
over the five year period. Interim payments may be made if earned by
prorata performance at the end of years 3 and 4. Interim payments are
reconciled with and offset by any final payment due at the end of year 5
based on performance. In the unlikely event that the sum of interim
payments made at the end of years 3 and 4 exceed the final payment due, no
restoration of shares received will be required.
18
<PAGE>
Pension Plans
For purposes of illustration, the following table shows the amount of annual
retirement benefits that would be accrued at age 65 under the Northrop Grumman
Pension Plan (the "Pension Plan"), as supplemented by the Northrop Corporation
ERISA Supplemental Plan I ("ERISA 1") and the ERISA Supplemental Program 2
("ERISA 2") (collectively, the "Supplemental Retirement Plans").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual
Average
Compensation
(highest 3 Years of Benefit Service
years out of --------------------------------------------------------------------
last 10) 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
- ------------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 100,000 $ 8,300 $ 16,700 $ 25,000 $ 33,300 $ 41,700 $ 50,000 $ 50,000
150,000 12,500 25,000 37,500 50,000 62,500 75,000 75,000
200,000 16,700 33,300 50,000 66,700 83,300 100,000 100,000
250,000 20,800 41,700 62,500 83,300 104,200 125,000 125,000
300,000 25,000 50,000 75,000 100,000 125,000 150,000 150,000
400,000 33,300 66,700 100,000 133,300 166,700 200,000 200,000
500,000 41,700 83,300 125,000 166,700 208,300 250,000 250,000
600,000 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000 300,000 300,000
1,000,000 83,300 166,700 250,000 333,300 416,700 500,000 500,000
1,400,000 116,700 233,300 350,000 466,700 583,300 700,000 700,000
1,800,000 150,000 300,000 450,000 600,000 750,000 900,000 1,050,000
2,200,000 183,300 366,700 550,000 733,300 916,700 1,100,000 1,283,300
2,600,000 216,700 433,300 650,000 866,700 1,083,300 1,300,000 1,516,700
</TABLE>
Compensation covered by the plans for executive officers is substantially
equivalent to salary and bonuses as reflected in the Summary Compensation
Table. Benefit Service earned after January 1, 1995 in excess of 30 years will
not be taken into account for accrual of retirement benefits. Benefits payable
under the Supplemental Retirement Plans have been secured through the
establishment of two grantor trusts. The credited years of service under the
Pension Plan and Supplemental Retirement Plans of the five individuals named
in the Summary Compensation Table are as follows: Mr. Kresa, 24 years; Mr.
Waugh, 20 years; Dr. Roche, 15 years; Mr. Molleur, 8 years; and Mr. Crosby; 18
years. Benefits are calculated on a straight life annuity basis at selected
compensation levels and years of service reflected in the table above. The
listed benefit amounts are not subject to any reduction for Social Security
benefits or other offset amounts.
The Company maintains a Supplemental Retirement Income Program for Senior
Executives ("SRI"), under which certain employees are designated by the Board
of Directors to receive benefits in lieu of benefits otherwise payable under
the Pension Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plans. The amount of the
supplemental benefit under the SRI is equal to the greater of (1) the
participant's benefit under the Pension Plan calculated without regard to the
limits imposed under Sections 415 and 401(a)(17) of the Code, or (2) a fixed
percentage of the participant's final average salary (which term includes
bonus and is based on the highest 3 years out of the last 5) equal to 30% at
age 55, increasing 4% for each year up to and including age 60, and increasing
2% for each year beyond age 60 to 65, in each case offset by the benefit
allowable under the Pension Plan. Mr. Kresa, who is eligible to receive an
annual benefit (estimated to be $1,566,675 payable at age 65, assuming
continued employment and based upon estimated levels of final average salary)
under SRI, is the only Named Executive Officer currently participating in the
SRI. SRI eligibility, in addition to designation by the Board of Directors,
requires the attainment of age 55 and 10 years of vesting service. The vesting
service requirement may be waived by the CEO.
On February 25, 1998, the Northrop Grumman Board adopted the CPC
Supplemental Executive Retirement Program (the "CPC SERP"). The CPC SERP is
applicable to elected officers who report directly to the CEO (which group
currently consists of eight elected executive officers of Northrop Grumman as
of January 1, 1999). The CPC SERP provides to each participant a pension
accrual of 1.667% of final average pay for each year or
19
<PAGE>
portion thereof that the participant has served as an elected officer
reporting to the CEO. The total accrual percentage under the CPC SERP cannot
exceed the greater of the maximum of 1) 10% or 2) the percentage necessary for
the participant to receive an annuity of 50% of final average salary when all
pension benefits are taken in total. This provides a pension accrual to the
elected officer for the period that he has served as such, in addition to
regular pension benefits payable from Northrop Grumman's tax qualified and
supplemental retirement plans on the basis of all creditable years of service.
The benefits paid from this plan are paid in a lump sum or in installments
upon termination of employment. The amount is the actuarial equivalent of the
straight life benefit beginning on the retirement date. The compensation used
in the calculation of benefit is the same as for the qualified plan. The
pension table is applicable if benefit years of service is considered only for
CPC Service. The CPC service years for the four Named Executive Officers who
report directly to the CEO are as follows: Mr. Waugh 6.08, Dr. Roche, 6.58,
Mr. Molleur 7.92, and Mr. Crosby, 4.58.
Change in Control Arrangements
Special Agreements. In August 1996, the Company entered into special
severance agreements (the "Special Agreements") with its executive officers,
including Messrs. Kresa, Waugh, Molleur, Roche and Crosby. The purpose of the
Special Agreements is to encourage these key executives to continue to carry
out their duties in the event of the possibility of a change in control of the
Company.
Under the Special Agreements, a "Change in Control," inter alia, is deemed
to occur when the stockholders approve a merger of the Company and the Company
is not the surviving corporation or the Company's stockholders do not own more
than 75% of the voting stock of the surviving corporation. The February 26,
1998 vote in favor of the merger with Lockheed Martin (the "Merger Vote")
constituted a "Change in Control" for purposes of the Special Agreements.
Although the Merger Vote constituted a "Change in Control" under the Special
Agreements, executives are generally entitled to certain benefits under the
Special Agreements only upon termination of the executive's employment by
Northrop Grumman for any reason other than "Cause" (as defined below) or by
the executive for "Good Reason" (as defined below) within two years following
a "Change in Control." Severance benefits consist of : (1) an amount equal to
three times the executive's highest annual base salary in effect at any time
up to and including the effective date of termination; (ii) an amount equal to
three times the greater of (a) the executive's average annual bonus for the
three full fiscal years prior to the effective date of termination, or (b) the
executive's target annual bonus established for the bonus plan year during
which the executive's termination occurs; (iii) an amount equal to the
executive's unpaid base salary and accrued vacation pay through the effective
date of termination, together with a pro rata portion of the executive's
target bonus for the bonus plan year during which termination occurs. (iv)
continuation for thirty-six months following the effective date of termination
of all benefits pursuant to all welfare benefit plans under which the
executive or his family is eligible to receive benefits as of the effective
date of the "Change in Control," and further continuation of medical benefits
for the lives of the executive and spouse; (v) a lump sum cash payment
representing the present value of benefits accrued under Northrop Grumman's
qualified defined benefit pension plan and supplemental retirement plans
(calculated as though the executive's employment had continued for three
years) offset by the actuarial present value equivalent of benefits payable to
the executive from Northrop Grumman's qualified defined benefit pension plan
accrued through the effective date of termination; and (vi) a lump sum cash
payment equal to the entire balance of the executive's deferred compensation,
if any, together with any interest thereon. The Special Agreements define
"Good Reason" to include the assignment of the executive to duties materially
inconsistent with the executive's authorities, duties, responsibilities and
status (including titles and reporting requirements) as an officer of Northrop
Grumman; a reduction of the executive's base salary as in effect on the date
of the agreement; a significant reduction of the executive's aggregate
incentive opportunities under the Northrop Grumman short and/or long term
incentive programs as such opportunities exist on the date of the agreement or
as increased thereafter; the failure to maintain the executive's relative
level of coverage and accruals under the Northrop Grumman employee benefit
and/or retirement plans, policies, practices or arrangements in which the
executive participates as of the date of the agreement; the failure of
Northrop Grumman to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to
assume and agree to perform Northrop Grumman's obligations under the
agreement; and
20
<PAGE>
any purported termination of the executive's employment with Northrop Grumman
that is not effected pursuant to the procedures set forth in the agreement.
"Cause" is defined in the Special Agreements as (i) the executive's conviction
for fraud, embezzlement, theft or another felony, or (ii) the willful engaging
by the executive in gross misconduct materially and demonstrably injurious to
Northrop Grumman; provided that, no act or failure to act on the executive's
part can be considered willful unless done or omitted to be done by that
executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that the act or
omission was in the best interest of Northrop Grumman. The Special Agreements
also provide that if, following a "Change in Control," excise taxes under
Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")
apply to payments made under the Special Agreements or other plans or
agreements, the executive will be entitled to receive an additional payment
(net of income, Medicare and excise taxes) to compensate the executive for any
excise tax imposed.
Long-Term Incentive Stock Plans. The 1993 Stock Plan and the 1987 Stock Plan
(collectively, the "Stock Plans"), permit grants to selected employees of the
Company consisting of stock options ("Stock Options"), RPSRs, RSRs and RASs. A
Stock Option granted under the Stock Plans is a right to purchase a number of
shares of Common Stock for a specified period of time at a price per share not
less than the fair market value on the date of grant. An RPSR is a right to
receive a number of shares of Common Stock on a specified future date
conditioned upon continued employment and Northrop Grumman's achievement of
specified performance in relation to a list of peer companies. RSRs are the
right to receive a specified number of shares of Common Stock contingent upon
continued employment with the Company and other terms set forth in the Stock
Plans. RASs are restricted shares of Common Stock granted under the 1987 Stock
Plan.
Prior to amendment of the 1993 Stock Plan on November 18, 1998, under the
Stock Plans, a "Change in Control" had the same definition as used in the
Special Agreements. Consequently, the Merger Vote constituted a "Change in
Control" for purposes of the Stock Plans, and, upon the Merger Vote, (a) all
Stock Options under the Stock Plans outstanding as of February 26, 1998 vested
and became fully exercisable; (b) the RPSRs under the Stock Plans outstanding
as of February 26, 1998 vested and became payable in shares of Northrop
Grumman Common Stock, which payment is calculated based upon attainment of
certain stock price performance targets; and (c) the RSRs and RASs under the
Stock Plans outstanding as of February 26, 1998 vested and became
distributable.
On November 18, 1998, the Board amended the 1993 Stock Plan to provide that
the vesting of stock options would not accelerate upon a vote of the
Stockholders favoring a change in control of the Company. Rather, options
would accelerate: (i) if a successor company failed to continue those options;
or (ii) if continued only following both an actual close of a change in
control transaction and either termination of an option holder not for Cause
or termination by an option holder for Good Reason. Following a change in
control, RPSRs would accelerate only prorated on time lapsed from the start of
the performance period for which they were granted.
1998 Restricted Stock Rights Plan In response to the acceleration of RPSR,
RSR and RAS stock awards under the Stock Plans caused by the Merger Vote, the
uncertainty created by the Government's decision to challenge the Merger on
antitrust grounds and the Company's agreement to defer the closing of the
Merger pending resolution of the Government's antitrust challenge, the
Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company concluded
that it was appropriate to adopt a program that would undertake to ensure that
receipt by the Company's executive officers and key employees of shares
("Shares") of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the RPSR, RSR and RAS stock
awards would not adversely affect their incentive to serve the Company's and
the stockholders' best interests. The Compensation Committee and the Board of
Directors also concluded that a program pursuant to which the Shares were
placed into escrow for a period of time would have the effect of creating an
incentive for such persons to remain with the Company and to create additional
value in the Company in other ways in the event that the Merger were not
consummated. Accordingly, on March 24, 1998, the Board of Directors adopted
the 1998 Restricted Stock Rights Plan and related Ownership Retention
Agreements (the "1998 Plan"). All executive officers of the Company (including
the Named Executive Officers) voluntarily agreed to participate in the 1998
Plan and placed their Shares (net of tax withholding as described below) into
escrow until the earlier of (i) March 1, 2000, (ii) a "Change in Control"
(which includes consummation of the Merger) or (iii) the executive officer's
death, qualifying Retirement (as
21
<PAGE>
defined therein) subsequent to March 1, 1999, disability or termination by the
Company other than for Cause. They also agreed to forfeit their Shares if they
voluntarily leave the Company other than for Good Reason (which has the same
definition as in the Special Agreements) or if they are terminated for Cause.
Pursuant to the 1998 Plan, applicable tax owed with respect to receipt of the
Shares was deemed to equal the value of the remaining fifty percent of vested
Shares as of the vesting date (February 26, 1998), with any amount in excess
of the amount the executive officers previously instructed the Company to
withhold for taxes paid to the executive officer in cash.
The 1998 Plan also applies to the vested Shares received by Northrop Grumman
key employees other than executive officers, with the addition that, any key
employee who voluntarily placed his or her Shares into escrow, also received
an award of additional shares ("Additional Shares") of Common Stock when the
Merger had not been consummated on or prior to July 1, 1998. The awards made
to key employees will consist of a restricted stock right (the "Right") to
receive, subject to the terms and conditions of the 1998 Plan, a number of
Additional Shares equal to 14.5% of the total number of his or her Shares (29%
of the shares placed in escrow).
The Compensation Committee of the Board is responsible for administering the
1998 Plan, and shall have full and exclusive power to interpret the 1998 Plan
and to adopt such rules, regulations and guidelines for carrying out the 1998
Plan as it may deem necessary or proper, all of which power shall be executed
in the best interests of the Company and in keeping with the objectives of the
Plan.
The 1998 Plan will terminate on March 24, 2000, unless previously terminated
by the Board of Directors of the Company.
Certain Transactions
Ms. Peters is a partner of the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Another
partner of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is a consultant for the Company, providing
analysis and advice with respect to pending and proposed legislation. The firm
also provided legal counsel in connection with various corporate matters.
Mr. Lutz was the Vice Chairman of Chrysler Corporation ("Chrysler") until
July 1998. Mr. Kresa was a director of Chrysler until October 1998. In
December 1996, Chrysler awarded the Company's Electronics Sensors and Systems
Division facility in Puerto Rico a contract for power trains for Chrysler's
electric vehicle program. The total amount paid by Chrysler to the Company in
1998 under this contract was $11,020,637.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a
registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the SEC and the
New York Stock Exchange. The SEC requires officers, directors and greater than
ten percent beneficial owners to furnish the Company with copies of all Forms
3, 4 and 5 they file.
To the Company's knowledge, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998,
two Corporate Vice Presidents of the Company, Mr. Herbert W. Anderson and Mr.
Charles L. Jones, Jr., as a result of inadvertent oversights, each failed to
report on a timely basis one transaction on Form 4. Form 4s were subsequently
filed by each of them to report these transactions.
The Company believes that all its other officers, directors and greater than
ten percent beneficial owners complied with all their applicable filing
requirements for 1998 transactions. This is based on the Company's review of
copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 it has received and written representations from
certain reporting persons that they were not required to file a Form 5.
22
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL TWO: APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders ratify the Board's
appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent auditors for
1999. Deloitte & Touche LLP served the Company as its independent auditors for
1998. Should the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment of Deloitte &
Touche LLP, the Board of Directors will consider this an indication to select
other auditors for the following year.
A representative of Deloitte & Touche LLP will be present at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and will have the opportunity to make a statement if
such representative desires to do so and also will be available to answer
appropriate questions from stockholders.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock voting at
the annual meeting (with each share entitled to one vote) is required for
approval of this proposal.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE ABOVE PROPOSAL.
PROPOSAL THREE: APPROVAL OF INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
OF NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION,
AS AMENDED AND RESTATED
In 1973, the shareholders approved the 1973 Incentive Compensation Plan
("Incentive Compensation Plan"). Since 1994, compensation payable thereunder
has been subject to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under section
162(m), in order for compensation in excess of $1,000,000 for any taxable year
paid to the chief executive officer and the four other highest paid executive
officers of a public company (for purposes of the Incentive Compensation Plan,
"Section 162(m) Officers") to be deductible by the Company, such compensation
must qualify as performance-based. Compensation paid to a Section 162(m)
Officer in excess of $1,000,000 for a taxable year is not deductible if it is
not performance-based.
The Board of Directors has adopted an amended and restated Incentive
Compensation Plan, subject to stockholder approval, under which annual
incentive compensation to be paid to Section 162(m) Officers would be
performance-based for purposes of exemption from the limitations of Section
162(m). Except for the changes made to qualify annual incentive compensation
for Section 162(m) Officers as performance-based compensation, the basic
structure and operation of the Incentive Compensation Plan as originally
adopted in 1973 have been retained.
The full text of the Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated,
is attached to this Proxy Statement as Exhibit A. Principal features are
described below, but such description is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the text.
In addition to other requirements for qualification as performance-based
compensation, shareholders must be advised of and approve the material terms
of the performance goals under which such compensation is to be paid. The
material terms of the performance goals under the Incentive Compensation Plan
and the guidelines adopted thereunder by the Compensation and Management
Development Committee ("Committee") of the Board of Directors include the
eligible class of participants, the performance goal or goals and the maximum
annual amount payable thereunder to any individual participant. The terms
adopted by the Committee pursuant to the Incentive Compensation Plan and the
guidelines thereunder are as follows:
--The class of persons covered consists of all elected Corporate Officers
of the rank of Vice President and above and the Presidents of those
consolidated subsidiaries that the Committee determines to be significant
in the overall corporate operations are eligible to participate in the
Incentive Compensation Plan.
23
<PAGE>
--The performance criteria for annual incentive payments to Section 162(m)
Officers for performance years 1999 and thereafter will be limited to
objective tests based on Income Before Income Taxes and Return on
Shareholders Equity. Use of any other criterion will require ratification
by stockholders if failure to obtain such approval would jeopardize the
tax deductibility of future incentive payments.
--In administering the incentive program and determining incentive awards,
the Committee will not have the flexibility to pay a Section 162(m)
Officer more than the incentive amount indicated by his or her attainment
under the applicable payment schedule. The Committee will have the
flexibility, based on its business judgment, to reduce this amount.
--There will be a maximum individual annual incentive amount limit of
$3,000,000 for any Section 162(m) Officer for any performance year. This
annual incentive payment maximum will not be increased without
ratification by stockholders if failure to obtain such approval could
result in future annual incentive payments not being tax deductible. The
Incentive Compensation Plan provides the Committee with complete
discretion to make awards of cash, Northrop Grumman common stock, or a
combination thereof to employees who are eligible for awards thereunder.
Awards under the Incentive Compensation Plan may be deferred, as
determined by the Committee.
With respect to awards made under the Incentive Compensation Plan that are
settled in cash or stock that is either transferable or not subject to
substantial risk of forfeiture, the participant must recognize ordinary income
equal to the cash or the fair market value of the shares received at that
time, and the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction for the same
amount. With respect to awards that are settled in stock or other property
that is restricted as to transferability and subject to substantial risk of
forfeiture, unless a special election to be taxed is made, the participant
must recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the shares or
other property received at the time the shares or other property become
transferable or not subject to substantial risk of forfeiture, whichever
occurs earlier, over the amount (if any) paid by the participant, and the
Company will be entitled to a deduction for the same amount at that time.
The preceding discussion is only a general summary of certain Federal income
tax consequences arising from participation in the Incentive Compensation Plan
and should not be used for a determination of an individual's unique tax
situation. It is suggested that the individual consult with a tax advisor
regarding the application of Federal, state and local tax laws to his/her
particular situation.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock voting at
the Annual Meeting (with each share entitled to one vote) is required for
approval of this proposal.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE ABOVE PROPOSAL.
----------------
PROPOSAL FOUR: STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL
The proponent of a stockholder proposal has stated that the proponent
intends to present a proposal at the Annual Meeting. The name, address and
number of shares held by the proponent will be furnished by the Company upon
request to the Corporate Secretary. The proposal and supporting statement, for
which the Board of Directors accepts no responsibility, is set forth below.
The Board of Directors opposes the proposal for the reasons stated after the
proposal.
ETHICAL CRITERIA
Proposal
Whereas the proponents of this resolution believe that the Board of
Directors of Northrop Grumman should establish criteria to guide management in
their defense contract bidding and implementation activities;
Whereas we believe that economic decision-making has both an ethical and a
financial component;
24
<PAGE>
Whereas we believe our company's ethical responsibilities include analyzing
the effects of its decisions with respect to employees, communities, and
nations;
Whereas we believe decisions to develop and to produce weapons can have
grave consequences to the lives and/or freedoms of people worldwide, if the
company has not considered its ethical responsibilities ahead of time;
therefore be it
Resolved that the shareholders request the Board of Directors to establish a
committee to research this issue and to develop criteria for the bidding,
acceptance, and implementation of military contracts and to report the results
of its study to shareholders at its 2000 annual meeting. Proprietary
information may be omitted and the cost limited to a reasonable amount.
Supporting Statement
The proponents of this resolution believe that all human beings are called
to seek justice and peace. An ethic of stewardship of the earth must include
respect for humanity and for creation. Because we believe that corporate
social responsibility in a successful free enterprise system demands ethical
reflection and action upon activities that are socially useful as well as
economically profitable, we recommend that the Board study include the
following subjects:
. Arms sales to governments that repress their citizens,
. The connection between arms sales and geographical or political
instability,
. Lobbying and marketing activities, both in the United States and abroad,
including costs,
. Sales of weapons, parts, technology, and components convertible to
military use (dual-use) to foreign governments,
. Transfers of technology, including co-production agreements.
A YES vote recommends that the Board consider the above-listed criteria in a
study of our company's military sales and production activities.
Management's Position
Northrop Grumman sells military equipment and services only in compliance
with stringent United States regulations that control where products can be
sold overseas and what products may be exported. Further, a report on
procedures used to negotiate sales would be disadvantageous to the Company and
contrary to national security interests through the revelation of proprietary
business information, the disclosure of which would not be in the best
interest of the Company and its stockholders.
Approval of this proposal would require the approval of holders of a
majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting. However, because the
proposal is only a recommendation, its approval would not effectuate the
changes contemplated by the proposal. Establishment of the committee and
publication of the committee's report would require separate approval of the
Board of Directors.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "AGAINST" THE ABOVE PROPOSAL
NUMBER FOUR.
25
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL FIVE: STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL
The proponent of a stockholder proposal has stated that the proponent
intends to present a proposal at the Annual Meeting. The name, address and
number of shares held by the proponent will be furnished by the Company upon
request to the Corporate Secretary. The proposal and supporting statement, for
which the Board of Directors accepts no responsibility, is set forth below.
The Board of Directors opposes the proposal for the reasons stated after this
proposal.
REINSTATE SIMPLE MAJORITY VOTE
Proposal
Resolved: Reinstate Simple-Majority Vote on all issues that are submitted to
Shareholder Vote. Reinstate simple-majority vote recommendation to enhance
shareholder value. Delete Northrop requirements for greater than a majority
shareholder vote. This includes Northrop's insurmountable 80% super-majority
vote requirement to change key corporate practices.
For instance, an 80%-vote of all outstanding shares is required to remove a
director with cause. This 80%-requirement can equal 90% of votes cast--since
shareholder turn-out is always less than 100%.
Reinstate the simple-majority vote that was the rule for decades at
Northrop. Also, require that any future super-majority proposal be put to
shareholder vote--as a separate issue
Supporting Statement
Super-majority requirements of any kind are widely opposed. The bi-partisan
National Conference of State Legislatures urged States to ban super-majority
requirements. Major pension funds, including those holding Northrop stock,
declare that super-majority provisions are not in the best interest of the
shareholders.
The Northrop super-majority provision means that if a majority of the
shareholders (but less than an insurmountable 80%-majority) vote for key
corporate changes, management can override the overwhelming majority.
Proponents of the simple-majority vote said that super-majority vote
requirements may stifle bidder interest in the company and therefore devaluate
the stock.
Higher stock value is of key importance to Northrop shareholders:
Northrop said its 1999 earnings could be 20% lower than Wall Street analysts
expect.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Northrop plans to take a $125-million write-off.
Washington Post Jan. 7, 1999
Northrop revised downward its earnings projections for the 3rd
time in 7-months.
Wall Street Journal Jan. 7, 1999
Northrop's net-return-on-productive-assets plunged 49% in 5-year
period.
Aviation Week Aug. 10, 1998
Northrop stock has been very weak this year. Price has fallen
almost 50% since March.
Value Line Oct. 2, 1998
Northrop stock hammered the hardest--falling 38%. Northrop has
under-performed the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.
Aviation Week Aug. 31, 1998
</TABLE>
26
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Imagine you work for Northrop and started the year with
$100,000 of Northrop stock in your 401(k) retirement plan.
You'd be left with only $52,000.
Los Angeles Times Sept. 15, 1998
</TABLE>
This resolution topic received an outstanding 57% approval at the 1998
AlliedSignal shareholder meeting. The AlliedSignal resolution was presented by
Harold Mathis, Richmond, Texas.
This resolution is submitted to improve corporate governance at Northrop. "A
number of recent studies show that well-governed companies not only make more
money than poorly governed, but investors are likely to give them a higher
stock market value," said Business Week on September 15, 1997.
The need for greater management accountability, inherent with a simple-
majority vote, is necessary given the perils and opportunities from defense
industry consolidation.
Institutional Shareholder Services (website "http://www.cda.com/iss") said
the super-majority votes serve to lock in provisions that are harmful to
shareholders. ISS said that super-majority requirements may entrench
management by preventing action that may benefit shareholders.
To increase Northrop's stock price:
Reinstate Simple-Majority Vote
YES on 5
Management's Position
Authorization of most proposals submitted to a vote of the Company's
stockholders, whether by the Company's management or its stockholders,
currently requires the approval of a majority of the votes cast at a meeting,
whether in person or by proxy. Consistent with Delaware law, the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation, which has been approved by the stockholders of
the Company, provides that the vote of holders of at least 80% of the
outstanding voting stock is required to authorize certain significant
corporate actions.
These "super-majority' provisions, like those contained in the governance
documents of many public corporations, are designed to provide protection for
all stockholders against self-interested actions by one or a few large
stockholders. The provisions are not intended to, and do not, preclude
unsolicited, non-abusive offers to acquire the Company at a fair price. They
are designed, instead, to encourage any potential acquirer to negotiate
directly with the Board. This is desirable because the Company believes the
Board is in the best position to evaluate the adequacy and fairness of
proposed offers, to negotiate on behalf of all stockholders and to protect
stockholders against abusive tactics during a takeover process.
Approval of this proposal would require the approval of the holders of a
majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting. However, because the
proposal in only a recommendation, its approval would not effectuate the
changes contemplated by the proposal. Elimination of the super-majority voting
requirements would require amendment of the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation, which requires approval by the Board and the holders of at
least 80% of the outstanding voting stock of the Company.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "AGAINST" THE ABOVE PROPOSAL
NUMBER FIVE.
27
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL SIX: STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL
The proponent of a stockholder proposal has stated that the proponent
intends to present a proposal at the Annual Meeting. The name, address and
number of shares held by the proponent will be furnished by the Company upon
request to the Corporate Secretary. The proposal and supporting statement, for
which the Board of Directors accepts no responsibility, is set forth below.
The Board of Directors opposes the proposal for the reasons stated after this
proposal.
ELECT THE ENTIRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS EACH YEAR
Proposal
RESOLVED: ELECT THE ENTIRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS EACH YEAR WITH ONLY INDEPEN-
DENT DIRECTORS ON THE KEY AUDIT, NOMINATING AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEES.
Northrop shareholders request the Board of Directors take all necessary steps
to enact this resolution today. This includes that less frequent than annual
election of the entire board can be enacted only by a majority of shareholder
votes, on a separate-issue basis.
Supporting Statement
WHY ELECT THE ENTIRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS EACH YEAR? To make Northrop Grumman
more competitive through independent oversight at the highest corporate level.
Competitiveness and independence at the highest corporate level will have the
greatest impact to improve Northrop's performance:
Northrop ranks 16 out of 20 large aerospace firms in "Best Managed" survey.
Aviation Week Aug. 10, 1998
Northrop relies too heavily on employee pension profits. According to Value
Line, Oct. 2, 1998. Northrop earned a $121-million pension profit in the first
half of 1998.
However, this pension profit was not enough to pay for the $150-million
"golden parachute" given to Northrop executives for the failed Lockheed
merger.
A federal class action suit was filed against Northrop, its officers and its
directors. The complaint seeks recovery of the $150-million that it alleges
was unjustly taken by insiders for arranging the aborted Lockheed merger.
Value Line Oct. 2, 1998
Annual election of directors will encourage a competitive, independent and
dedicated Northrop board for effective management oversight.
Northrop director independence is diminished by directors sitting on
interlocking outside boards as cross-directors. This negatively impacts
director commitment to Northrop. For example:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Interlocking
Northrop
Company Directors
------- ----------------
<S> <C>
Chrysler Kresa, Lutz
Atlantic Richfield Kresa, Slaughter
Whitman Education Borsting, Frost
</TABLE>
Slaughter, who serves with Kresa at Atlantic Richfield, also serves on the key
Audit and Nominating Committees, where independence is particularly important.
Institutional Shareholder Services (www.cda.com/iss) said it recommends that
all the key board committees have only independent outside directors.
28
<PAGE>
Corporate governance experts say cross-directors tend to look out for each
others' interest, rather than shareholder interest.
Business Week Mar. 9, 1998
Too Close for Comfort? Aulana Peters sits on the Northrop board while her
firm, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, does legal work for Northrop. Ms. Peters has
the same arrangement with 3M, Merrill Lynch and Mobil.
Business Week Dec. 8, 1997
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher was the trial counsel for Northrop Grumman in the
Department of Justice lawsuit against the Lockheed merger.
Washington Post April 15, 1998
Thus there was a conflict with director Aulana Peters' duty to oversee
Northrop's proposed merger while her law firm profited from merger litigation
fees. Peters, in addition to Slaughter cited above, also sits on the key Audit
Committee which requires greater independence.
Vote for improved performance through independent and dedicated directors
accountable to shareholder election annually.
The best boards continue to raise the bar, said Business Week.
Place the entire Board up for election every year
YES on 6
Management's Position
Under the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as approved by the
stockholders of the Company, the Board of Directors is divided into three
classes. Each class serves a term of three years, with one class, constituting
approximately one-third of the Board, being elected each year at the Company's
Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The classified board structure enhances the
likelihood of continuity and stability in the Board's business strategies and
policies, since generally two-thirds of the directors at all times will have
had prior experience and familiarity with business and affairs of the Company.
The Board believes that this is especially important to the Company because of
its significant investments in research and development, which are essential
to the Company's future long-term growth.
The Board also believes that classification of the Board limits the
possibility of an abrupt and unforeseen change in majority control of the
Board. A staggered board system provides the Company with the time and the
leverage to negotiate at arms-length with parties seeking control of the
Board, allowing the Board to negotiate terms or consider alternatives that are
best for the Company and that maximize stockholder value. Declassification of
the Board could eliminate these benefits and make the Company a target for
unsolicited hostile overtures from parties seeking to benefit themselves at
the expense of the Company and its stockholders.
Finally, the proposal states that only independent directors should be
members of the "key audit, nominating and compensation committees." Sections
3.14, 3.15 and 3.18 of the Company by-laws already require that the members of
these committees be outside independent directors. Thus, this portion of the
proposal has previously been implemented by the Board and therefore should be
disregarded.
Approval of this proposal would require the approval of holders of a
majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting. However, because the
proposal is only a recommendation, its approval would not effectuate the
changes contemplated by the proposal. Elimination of the classified board
would require amendment of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and By-
Laws, which requires approval by the Board and holders of at least 80% of the
outstanding voting stock of the Company.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "AGAINST" THE ABOVE PROPOSAL
NUMBER SIX.
29
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL SEVEN: STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL
The proponent of a stockholder proposal has stated that the proponent
intends to present a proposal at the Annual Meeting. The name, address and
number of shares held by the proponent will be furnished by the Company upon
request to the Corporate Secretary. The proposal and supporting statement, for
which the Board of Directors accepts no responsibility, is set forth below.
The Board of Directors opposes the proposal for the reasons stated after this
proposal.
RECOMMEND SHAREHOLDERS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE ON POISON PILLS
Proposal
RESOLVED: Recommend shareholders have the opportunity to vote on poison
pills. The Company shall not adopt or maintain any poison pill,
euphemistically called a rights plan, share purchase rights plan or similar
agreement, designed to block, the acquisition of stock in excess of a
specified threshold:
Unless such plan or agreement has previously been approved by a majority of
the outstanding shares of stock at a general or special meeting of
shareholders.
Recommend the Company shall redeem or terminate any such plan or agreement
including, but without limitation, the poison pill that was adopted by the
Company without shareholder approval in 1998. Recommend this Resolution not be
amended, modified or repealed, except by a majority vote of the outstanding
shares of stock. Recommend the Company resolve all potential conflicts with
the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and by-laws to enact shareholder
voting on poison pills.
Supporting Statement
Why submit Northrop's poison pill to a shareholder vote?
. On Sept. 22, 1998 the Northrop Grumman Board adopted, WITHOUT
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL, a poison pill.
. The poison pill is an anti-takeover device, which injure shareholders by
reducing management accountability and adversely affect shareholder
value.
. Poison pills are a major shift of shareholders rights from shareholders
to management. They give directors absolute veto power over any proposed
business combination, no matter how beneficial it might be for the
shareholders.
Neil Minow and Robert Monks in their book
Power and Accountability
. Given the substantial power that poison pills shift from shareholders to
management, and the potential this holds for reducing management
accountability, shareholders should have the opportunity to vote on this
significant corporate issue. This is particularly important since the
Company already insulates management from shareholders through 3-year
terms for directors who run unopposed.
. Rights plans such as Northrop's are increasingly unpopular. Shareholder
proposals seeking to redeem poison pills or subject plans to shareholder
votes achieved 56% approval from shareholders.
. Investor Responsibility Research Center's Corporate Governance Bulletin,
April-June, 1998
. The Council of Institutional Investors (Internet address:
"www.ciicentral.com")--an organization of large pension plans--calls for
shareholder approval of all poison pills in its Shareholder Bill of
Rights.
. Harvard University Professor John Pound's study found a link between
high corporate performance and the absence of poison pills.
30
<PAGE>
What issues highlight concern about Northrop's performance:
. In early January, Northrop surprised the financial community by
announcing it will take a $125-million charge for the Boeing 747 and a
military program.
. We now expect Northrop stock to under perform the year-ahead market.
Value Line Jan. 15, 1999
. Northrop will have to pay the IRS $1-billion in deferred taxes in 2000.
Value Line Jan. 1, 1999
. Northrop's 1998 earnings included $266 million from employee pensions.
To increase shareholder value vote yes:
Recommend Shareholders have the opportunity to vote on Poison Pills
YES on 7
Management's Position
Northrop Grumman is one of more than 2,200 public companies that have a
shareholder rights plan in place. Northrop Grumman adopted a shareholder
rights plan in 1988, and the current shareholder rights plan (the "Rights
Plan") was adopted in 1998 by the Board to continue this mechanism to preserve
and maximize value for the Company's shareholders. The Company believes that
potential acquirers will be encouraged by the Rights Plan to negotiate
directly with the Board of Directors. In the Board's view, the Rights Plan
will provide the Board adequate flexibility in any negotiations and will
enhance the Board's ability to negotiate the highest possible bid from a
potential acquirer. The Company believes the Board is in the best position to
evaluate and negotiate any potential offer, and to develop alternatives to
maximize shareholder value. The Rights Plan is also intended to protect
shareholders against tactics that do not treat all shareholders fairly and
equally, such as partial and two-tiered tender offers and creeping stock
accumulation programs. The Rights Plan is not intended to prevent, nor does it
prevent, bidders from making offers to acquire the Company at a price and on
terms that would be in the best interests of all shareholders.
The terms of the Rights Plan allow the Board to redeem the rights to permit
an acquisition that it determines, in the exercise of its fiduciary duties,
adequately reflects the value of the Company and is in the best interests of
the shareholders. In fact, a number of target companies with rights plans in
place have redeemed the rights after their directors were satisfied that an
offer, as negotiated by them, was in the best interests of the target's
shareholders.
The Company disagrees with many of the "supporting statements" contained in
this proposal and believes many are out of context.
This proposal requires the approval of holders of a majority of the shares
voting at the Annual Meeting. Because the proposal is only a recommendation,
however, its approval would not effectuate the changes it references.
Redemption of the existing rights under the Rights Plan requires Board action.
Implementation of a requirement for shareholder approval of future shareholder
rights plans would require either Board action or a shareholder amendment of
the Company's by-laws, which in turn requires approval by holders of at least
80% of the outstanding voting stock of the Company.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "AGAINST" THE ABOVE PROPOSAL
NUMBER SEVEN.
31
<PAGE>
MISCELLANEOUS
Voting on Other Matters
Management is not aware of any other matters that will be presented for
action at the Annual Meeting other than proposals of stockholders that have
been omitted from this proxy statement in accordance with rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission which may be sought to be presented. The
Company's By-Laws outline procedures, including minimum notice provisions, for
stockholder nomination of directors and submission of other stockholder
business to be brought before the Annual Meeting. A copy of the pertinent By-
Law provisions is available on request to Corporate Secretary, Northrop
Grumman Corporation, 1840 Century Park East, Los Angeles, California 90067. If
any such stockholder proposals or other matters properly come before the
Annual Meeting, it is intended that the shares represented by proxies will be
voted in accordance with the judgment of the persons authorized to vote them.
Proposal of Stockholders
Copies of proposals which stockholders of the Company wish to be included in
the Company's proxy statement relating to its Annual Meeting to be held in
2000 must be received by the Company no later than December 11, 1999.
In addition, the By-laws of the Corporation establish an advance notice
requirement, for any proposal of business to be considered at an annual
meeting of stockholders. Written notice must be delivered to the Secretary of
the Company not less than 45 days nor more than 75 days prior to the first
anniversary of the date on which the Company first mailed its proxy materials
for the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, provided, however, that if the
date of the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is advanced more than 30 days
prior to, or delayed more than 30 days after, the first anniversary of the
date on which the Company first mailed its proxy materials for the 1999 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders, then such notice must be delivered on the later of
the 90th day prior to the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or the 10th day
following the day on which public announcement of the date of the 2000 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders is first made. Such written notice must contain
specified information concerning the matter to be brought before such meeting
and concerning the stockholder proposing such a matter. Any stockholder
desiring a copy of the By-laws of the Company will be furnished one without
charge upon written request to the Secretary of the Company.
Copies of such proposals should be sent to the Corporate Secretary, Northrop
Grumman Corporation, 1840 Century Park East, Los Angeles, California 90067.
32
<PAGE>
Cost of Soliciting Proxies
The cost of soliciting proxies in the accompanying form will be paid by the
Company. In addition to solicitation by mail, arrangements will, where
appropriate, be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries to send proxy materials to beneficial owners. The Company will,
upon request, reimburse them for reasonable expenses incurred. The Company has
retained Georgeson & Company Inc. of New York at an estimated fee of $12,000
plus reasonable disbursements. Officers, directors and regular employees of
the Company may request the return of proxies personally, by means of
materials prepared for stockholders and employee-stockholders or by telephone
or telegram to the extent deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. No
additional compensation will be paid to such individuals for this activity.
The extent to which this solicitation will be necessary will depend upon how
promptly proxies are received; therefore, stockholders are urged to return
their proxies without delay.
/s/ John H. Mullan
John H. Mullan
Corporate Vice President and
Secretary
April 9, 1999
NOTICE: THE COMPANY FILED AN ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K ON March 23, 1999.
STOCKHOLDERS OF RECORD ON March 23, 1999 MAY OBTAIN A COPY OF THESE REPORTS
WITHOUT CHARGE FROM THE CORPORATE SECRETARY, NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION,
1840 CENTURY PARK EAST, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90067.
33
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
THE INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
OF
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
(AS AMENDED AND RESTATED)
SECTION 1
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Plan is to promote the success of the Company and render
its operations profitable to the maximum extent by providing for the Senior
Executives of the Company incentives that continue to be dependent upon the
return on total Shareholders' Equity and the overall successful performance of
the Company. The Senior Executives, for this purpose, are only those elected
corporate officers who participate in making the basic and strategic decisions
which affect the corporate-wide performance of the Company, together with
those Senior Executives who are in charge of significant operating
subsidiaries. The Plan is designed to comply with the performance-based
compensation exception under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended.
SECTION II
DEFINITIONS
1. PLAN--This Incentive Compensation Plan.
2. COMPANY--Northrop Grumman Corporation and such of its subsidiaries as are
consolidated in its consolidated financial statements.
3. YEAR--The fiscal year of Northrop Grumman Corporation.
4. CODE--The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
5. COMMITTEE--The Compensation and Management Development Committee of the
Board of Directors of the Company. It shall be composed of not less than three
members of the Board of Directors, no one of whom shall be an officer or
employee of the Company and it shall be constituted so as to permit this Plan
to comply with the "outside director" requirement of Code section 162(m).
6. INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES--The Performance Year's net income as reported
on the Company's consolidated financial statement included in its annual
report on Form 10-K for such Year, adjusted to eliminate the following:
(a) Federal and foreign income taxes;
(b) Incentive Compensation awards under the Plan;
(c) The effect of changes in accounting principles;
(d) Unless otherwise determined by the Committee by no later than the
90th day of such Performance Year, extraordinary items determined under
generally accepted accounting principles; and
(e) Unless otherwise determined by the Committee by no later than the
90th day of such Performance Year, restructuring or similar charges to the
extent they are separately disclosed in such annual report.
A-1
<PAGE>
7. INCENTIVE COMPENSATION--Awards payable under this Plan.
8. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA--Return on Shareholder's Equity and Income Before
Income Taxes.
9. PERFORMANCE YEAR--The Year with respect to which an award of Incentive
Compensation is calculated and paid.
10. SECTION 162(m) OFFICER--A Participant who is a "covered employee" as
defined in Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to an award of Incentive
Compensation under the Plan for a Performance Year.
11. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY--The sum of the following consolidated accounts at
the close of business on the last day of each Performance Year, as shown by
the consolidated financial statements of the Company:
(a) Preferred stock
(b) Common stock
(c) Additional capital paid-in
(d) Retained earnings
12. RETURN ON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY--The Return on Shareholders' Equity for a
Performance Year shall be determined by dividing the Income Before Income
Taxes for such Performance Year by the "Three Year Moving Average Equity Base"
for such Year. The "Three Year Moving Average Equity Base" applicable to such
Performance Year shall be the sum of the dollar amounts of the Shareholders'
Equity at the close of business on the last day of each of the last two prior
Years and the Performance Year divided by three.
SECTION III
PARTICIPATION
1. The persons eligible to receive Incentive Compensation awards under this
Plan are all elected Corporate Officers of the rank of Vice President and
above and the Presidents of those consolidated subsidiaries that the Committee
determines to be significant in the overall Corporate operations.
2. A "Participant" is a person granted or eligible to receive an Incentive
Compensation award under this Plan.
3. Directors as such shall not participate in this Plan, but the fact that
an elected Corporate Officer or subsidiary President is also a Director shall
not prevent his participation.
4. The death of a Participant shall not disqualify him for an Incentive
Compensation award for the Performance Year in which he dies or the preceding
Performance Year. In the case of a deceased Participant, the Incentive
Compensation, if any, determined for him for the Performance Year by the
Committee shall be paid to his spouse, children, or legal representatives as
directed by the Committee.
SECTION IV
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION APPROPRIATIONS AND AWARDS
1. Subject to the limitations set forth in this Section IV, the Committee
shall, with respect to each Performance Year, establish the amount of the
appropriation, if any, to be made to the Plan for distribution with respect to
that Performance Year.
A-2
<PAGE>
2. In the event the Company achieves a 10 percent (10%) Return on
Shareholders' Equity, an amount shall be appropriated to the Plan equaling 3%
of the Company's Income Before Income Taxes, with the following exceptions:
(a) No appropriation to the Plan shall be made with respect to any
Performance Year which would reduce the Return on Shareholders equity below
such 10%, and
(b) No appropriation to the Plan shall be made with respect to any
Performance Year during which no dividends in either cash or property have
been declared on the preferred and common stock of the Company.
The amount appropriated to the Plan for a Performance Year based on the
Performance Criteria set forth in this Paragraph 2, SECTION IV shall be
referred to as the "Tentative Appropriated Incentive Compensation" for such
Year.
3. The amount of the Tentative Appropriated Incentive Compensation for a
Performance year may be reduced (but not increased) by the Committee, in its
sole discretion, after taking into account an appraisal of the overall
performance of the Company in the attainment of such predetermined financial
and nonfinancial objectives as are selected by the Committee. The amount
appropriated to the Plan for a Performance Year by the Committee under this
Paragraph 3, SECTION IV shall be referred to herein as the "Appropriated
Incentive Compensation" for such Year. In no event shall Incentive
Compensation payable to Participants for a Performance Year exceed the
Appropriated Incentive Compensation under the Plan for such Year. Any
Tentative Appropriated Incentive Compensation for a Performance Year, which is
not actually appropriated to the Plan for such Year, shall be forfeited.
4. Incentive Compensation Awards to Section 162(m) Officer:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Plan, any Incentive
Compensation award for a Performance Year under this Plan payable to a
Section 162(m) Officer must satisfy the requirements of this Paragraph 4,
SECTION IV. The purpose of this Paragraph 4 is to ensure compliance by the
Plan with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code relating to
performance-based compensation. Incentive Compensation awards to Section
162(m) Officers under this Plan are subject to:
(i) Approval of this Plan and the criteria stated in Paragraph 4(b)
of this SECTION IV by the shareholders of the Company;
(ii) The maximum amount that may be awarded to any Section 162(m)
Officer under the Plan for any Performance Year as stated in Paragraph
4(b) of this SECTION IV; and
(iii) Approval by the Committee.
(b) The maximum potential amount of Appropriated Incentive Compensation
(as defined in Paragraph 3 of this SECTION IV) payable to a Section 162(m)
Officer as an Incentive Compensation award for a Performance Year shall be
limited to $3,000,000.
(c) The Performance Criteria established in Paragraph 4(b) of this
SECTION IV on which Incentive Compensation awards under the Plan are based
shall first apply in the Performance Year 1999, but such Performance
Criteria and any Incentive Compensation awards based thereon shall be
conditional upon a vote of the shareholders of the Company approving the
Plan and the Performance Criteria and performance goals stated herein.
(d) Prior to the payment of any Incentive Compensation awards for a
Performance year, the Committee shall make a determination and
certification in writing as to whether the Section 162(m) Officers have
meet the Performance Criteria, performance goals, and any other material
terms of the Plan for each Performance Year. The Committee may, in its sole
discretion, exercise negative discretion by reducing amounts of Incentive
Compensation awards to all or any of the Section 162(m) Officers from the
maximum potential awards payable by application of Paragraph 4(b) of this
SECTION IV. No such reduction shall increase the
A-3
<PAGE>
amount of the maximum award payable to any other Section 162(m) Officer.
The Committee shall determine the amount of any reduction in a Section
162(m) Officer's Incentive Compensation award on the basis of such factors
as it deems relevant, and it shall not be required to establish any
allocation or weighting component with respect to the factors it considers.
The Committee shall have no discretion to increase any Incentive
Compensation award for a Performance Year above the amount determined by
application of Paragraph 4(b) of this SECTION IV.
5. After the end of a Performance Year, in determining each Participant's
Incentive Compensation award for such Year, the Committee may make a downward
adjustment after considering such factors as it deems relevant, which shall
include but not be limited to the following factors:
(a) The evaluation of the Participant's performance during that
Performance Year in relation to the Participant's predetermined objectives
and the Participant's contribution during such Year to the success or
profit of the Company.
(b) The classification of the Participant's position, relative to the
position of all Participants.
The Committee shall make the final determination of each Participant's
Incentive Compensation award for a Performance Year.
SECTION V
ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
The Committee shall be responsible for the administration of the Plan. The
Committee shall:
1. Interpret the Plan, make any rules and regulations relating to the Plan,
determine which consolidated subsidiaries are significant for the purpose of
the first paragraph of SECTION III, and determine factual questions arising in
connection with the Plan, after such investigation or hearing as the Committee
may deem appropriate.
2. As soon as practicable after the close of each Performance Year and prior
to the payment of any Incentive Compensation for such Year, review the
performance of each Participant and determine the amount of each Participant's
individual Incentive Compensation award, if any, with respect to that Year.
3. Have sole discretion in determining Incentive Compensation awards under
the Plan, except that, in making awards the Committee may, in its discretion,
request and consider the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer of the
Company and others whom it may designate.
Any decisions made by the Committee under the provisions of this SECTION V
shall be conclusive and binding on all parties concerned. Except as otherwise
specifically provided in this Plan, the provisions of this Plan shall be
interpreted and administered by the Committee in a manner consistent with the
requirements for exemption of Incentive Compensation awards granted to
Participants who are Section 162(m) Officers as "performance-based
compensation" under Code Section 162(m) and regulations and other
interpretations issued by the Internal Revenue Service thereunder.
SECTION VI
METHOD OF PAYMENT OF INCENTIVE COMPENSATION TO INDIVIDUALS
1. The amount of Incentive Compensation award determined for each
Participant with respect to a given Performance Year shall be paid in cash or
in Common Stock of the Company ("Northrop Grumman Common Stock") or partly in
cash and partly in Northrop Grumman Common Stock, as the Committee may
determine.
A-4
<PAGE>
2. Payments in cash may be made in a lump sum with respect to an Incentive
Compensation award for a Performance Year, or in installments, as the
Committee may determine. In either event, the Committee may impose such
conditions, including forfeitures and restrictions as the Committee believes
will best serve the interests of the Company and the purposes of the Plan.
3. Payments in Northrop Grumman Common Stock may be made in full with
respect to an Incentive Compensation award for a Performance Year, or in
installments, as the Committee may determine. In either event, the Committee
may impose such conditions, including forfeitures and restrictions as the
Committee believes will best serve the interests of the Company and the
purposes of the Plan.
4. In making awards of Northrop Grumman Common Stock, the Committee shall
first determine all Incentive Compensation awards in terms of dollars. The
total dollar amount of all Incentive Compensation awards for a particular
Performance Year shall not exceed the Appropriated Incentive Compensation for
that Year under this Plan. In the case of Section 162(m) Officers, the total
dollar amount of an Incentive Compensation award for a particular Performance
Year shall be no greater than the maximum potential awards payable by
application of Paragraph 4(b) of SECTION IV. After fixing the total amount of
each Participant's Incentive Compensation award in terms of dollars, then if
some or all of the award is to be paid in Northrop Grumman Common Stock, the
dollar amount of the Incentive Compensation award so to be paid shall be
converted into shares of Northrop Grumman Common Stock by using the fair
market value of such stock on the date of the award. "Fair market value" shall
be closing price of such stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of
the award, or, if no sales of such stock occurred on that date, then on the
last preceding date on which such sales occurred. No fractional share shall be
issued.
5. If an Incentive Compensation award is paid in Northrop Grumman Common
Stock, the number of shares shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock
splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or other relevant changes in
capitalization effective after the date of award and prior to the date as of
which the Participant becomes the record owner of the shares received in
payment of the award. All such adjustments thereafter shall accrue to the
Participant as the record owner of the shares.
6. Northrop Grumman Common Stock issued in payment of Incentive
Compensation awards may, at the option of the Board of Directors, be either
originally issued shares or treasury shares.
7. Distribution of awards shall be governed by the terms and conditions
applicable to such awards, as determined by the Committee or its delegate. An
award, the payment of which is to be deferred pursuant to the terms of an
employment agreement, shall be paid as provided by the terms of such
agreement. Awards or portions thereof deferred pursuant to any other deferred
compensation plan or deferral arrangement shall be paid as provided in such
plan or arrangement. Any other awards the payment of which has been deferred,
in whole or in part, shall be paid as determined by the Committee.
8. The Committee shall have the exclusive right to interpret the provisions
of this SECTION VI to determine all questions arising under it or in
connection with its administration, and to issue regulations and take actions
implementing its provisions.
SECTION VII
AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN
The Board of Directors of the Company shall have the right to terminate or
amend this Plan at any time and to discontinue further appropriations thereto,
except that no amendment to the Plan shall be made without the approval of the
Shareholders, which would (i) increase the amount authorized for appropriation
pursuant to Section IV of this Plan, (ii) permit a member of the Committee to
participate in the Plan, or (iii) modify the right of the Committee to make
the appropriations or allocations set forth in this Plan.
A-5
<PAGE>
SECTION VIII
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Plan shall be effective for Performance Years commencing with 1999. No
appropriations will be made, and no Incentive Compensation shall be paid,
under the Plan for Years after 1998 if the Plan as amended herein is not
approved by the Shareholders.
A-6
<PAGE>
DIRECTIONS TO
NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
1999 ANNUAL MEETING
OF STOCKHOLDERS
Miramar Sheraton Hotel
101 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, California
Take Santa Monica Freeway (10) west to City of Santa Monica. Take Lincoln
Boulevard exit and turn right (heading in a northwest direction).
Go approximately 3/4 of a mile to Wilshire Boulevard and turn left. Go seven
blocks to Ocean Avenue and turn right. You will immediately see signs for
valet parking on the right side of Ocean Avenue.
