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: [ ] Confidential, for Use of the
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement Commission Only (as permitted by
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or
Section 240.14a-12
NYNEX Corporation
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), 14a-6(i)(2) or Item
22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
[ ] $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act
Rule 14a-6(i)(3).
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11(1) (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined:
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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5) Total fee paid:
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
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2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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3) Filing Party:
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4) Date Filed:
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Notes:
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PROXY STATEMENT
CONTENTS
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Voting of Shares 2
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Holders
and Management 3
Board of Directors 3
Election of Directors (Item A on Proxy Card) 5
Ratification of Appointment of Auditors
(Item B on Proxy Card) 8
Board of Directors' Proposal to Approve Changes in
the NYNEX Non-Employee Director Compensation
Program (Item C on Proxy Card) 8
Share Owners' Proposals: (Items 1-3 on Proxy Card)
#1 Repeal of Board Classification 10
#2 Charitable Contributions Listing 11
#3 Cumulative Voting 12
Other Matters to Come Before the Meeting 13
Submission of Director Nominations, Proposals or
Other Business at Share Owner Meetings 13
Executive Compensation:
Committee on Benefits Report on
Executive Compensation 13
Summary Compensation Table 18
1995 Option Exercises/1995 Option Grants 19
Retirement Plans/Pension Table 20
Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment
and Change in Control Arrangements 21
Share Owner Return Performance Graph 22
Other Information 22
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF SHARE OWNERS
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The 1996 Annual Meeting of Share Owners of NYNEX Corporation will be held at
the John Hancock Hall, 180 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts, on
Wednesday, May 1, 1996 at 10:30 a.m., for the following purposes:
o To elect four Directors;
o To ratify the appointment of auditors to audit NYNEX's consolidated financial
statements for the fiscal year 1996;
o To approve changes in the NYNEX Non-Employee Director Compensation Program;
and
o To act upon such other matters, including three Share Owner proposals
regarding the classified Board of Directors, charitable contributions, and
cumulative voting, as may properly come before the meeting.
Holders of record of shares of Common Stock of NYNEX at the close of business on
Monday, March 18, 1996 will be entitled to vote at the meeting and any
adjournment thereof.
/s/ Morrison DeS. Webb
Morrison DeS. Webb
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
March 18, 1996
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Whether or not you intend to be present at the meeting, please sign and date the
enclosed proxy and return it in the enclosed prepaid envelope.
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2 Voting of Shares NYNEX Proxy Statement
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PROXY STATEMENT
This proxy statement and the accompanying proxy voting instruction card ("proxy
card") are being mailed, beginning March 18, 1996, to owners of shares of Common
Stock ("Shares") of NYNEX Corporation ("NYNEX") in connection with the
solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors ("Board") for the 1996 Annual
Meeting of Share Owners ("Meeting") in Boston, Massachusetts. This proxy
procedure is necessary because many of NYNEX's Share Owners, who live throughout
the United States and in many foreign countries, will not be able to attend the
Meeting. Proxies are solicited to give all Share Owners an opportunity to vote.
Shares can be voted at the Meeting only if the Share Owner is represented by
proxy or is present in person (see "Voting of Shares" below).
If you plan to attend the meeting, please mark the appropriate box on the proxy
card, detach and return in the envelope provided, and retain the accompanying
admission ticket. Beneficial owners can obtain admission at the door by
presenting a legal proxy or other proof of ownership, such as a bank or broker
account statement, the day of the Meeting. No Share Owner will be permitted into
the Meeting without a ticket or proper identification.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU ARE
URGED TO EXECUTE AND RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO
ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION. IF YOU DO ATTEND, YOU MAY VOTE BY BALLOT AT THE
MEETING, THEREBY CANCELING ANY PROXY VOTE PREVIOUSLY GIVEN.
Share Owners who are receiving more than one Annual Report may discontinue
mailing of the duplicate copies by marking the appropriate box on the proxy card
of the selected accounts. This will help reduce the expense of printing and
mailing duplicate materials but will not affect the mailing of dividend checks,
dividend reinvestment statements, special notices and proxy materials.
VOTING OF SHARES
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The holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares entitled to vote, present in
person or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. Each Share represented is entitled to one vote on all matters properly
brought before the Meeting. Where a quorum is present, the vote of the holders
of a majority of Shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote will
decide any question voted upon, and the four nominees for Director receiving the
highest number of votes will be elected as Directors. For purposes of
determining whether a proposal has received a majority of those Shares entitled
to vote, abstentions will be included in the vote totals with the result that an
abstention has the same effect as a negative vote. In instances where brokers
are prohibited from exercising discretionary authority for beneficial owners who
have not returned a proxy (so-called "broker non-votes"), those Shares will not
be included in the vote totals and, therefore, will have no effect on the vote.
When proxies are returned properly executed, the Shares represented will be
voted by the Proxy Committee of the Board in accordance with Share Owners'
directions. You are urged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate
boxes on the enclosed proxy card. If the proxy is executed and returned without
specifying choices, the Shares will be voted by the Proxy Committee as
recommended by the Board of Directors. A Share Owner giving a proxy has the
power to revoke it at any time before it is voted at the Meeting by submitting a
written revocation to NYNEX or by attending the Meeting and voting by ballot at
the Meeting.
A Share Owner wishing to give a proxy to someone other than the Proxy Committee
should cross out all three committee members' names appearing on the enclosed
proxy card and insert the name(s) of another person or persons (not more than
three). In addition, the "Vote Limitations" box should be marked. The executed
proxy must be returned as indicated or presented at the Meeting by the Share
Owner or the person(s) representing the Share Owner.
For a Share Owner who is a participant in the NYNEX Corporation Dividend
Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, the proxy card represents the number of
full Shares in the participant's Dividend Reinvestment Plan account as well as
Shares registered in the participant's name. For a Share Owner who is a
participant in the NYNEX Corporation Savings Plan for Salaried Employees or the
NYNEX Corporation Savings and Security Plan (Non-Salaried Employees), the proxy
will serve as a voting instruction for the trustees of those Plans. If proxies
representing Shares in the NYNEX Corporation Savings Plan for Salaried Employees
or the NYNEX Corporation Savings and Security Plan (Non-Salaried Employees) are
not executed and returned, those Shares will be voted by the trustees in the
same proportion as the Shares for which executed proxies are returned by other
participants.
In accordance with NYNEX's Policy on Confidential Voting, proxies, ballots and
voting tabulations are available for examination only by the independent
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NYNEX Proxy Statement Stock Ownership of Directors and Executive 3
Officers/ Board of Directors
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Inspector(s) of Election and tabulators. The vote of any Share Owner cannot be
disclosed to the Board of Directors or management of NYNEX except as may be
required by law and in other limited circumstances. A list of Share Owners
eligible to vote will be available for examination by Share Owners for any
purpose germane to the Meeting at 185 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts,
from April 17 through April 30, 1996, and at the John Hancock Hall on the day of
the Meeting.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL HOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT
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On January 31, 1996, there were 435,932,086 Shares of NYNEX Common Stock
outstanding. The following table sets forth information as of January 31, 1996
(except as otherwise noted), relating to beneficial ownership of Shares by (i)
each person known by NYNEX to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding
Shares of NYNEX Common Stock, (ii) each Director, (iii) each of the named
Executive Officers and (iv) all Directors and Executive Officers as a group:
Shares Subject
to Options
Total Number (included in Percent
of Shares(1) total)(2) of Class
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FMR Corp.,
82 Devonshire Street,
Boston, MA 02109 30,296,289(3) N/A 7.05(3)
John Brademas 1,300 0 *
Randolph W. Bromery 1,020 0 *
Richard L. Carrion 125 0 *
Lodewijk J.R. de Vink 83 0 *
Stanley P. Goldstein 2,500 0 *
Richard A. Jalkut 175,229(4) 146,661 *
Helene L. Kaplan 2,500 0 *
Elizabeth T. Kennan 1,345 0 *
Edward E. Phillips 1,851 0 *
Hugh B. Price 42 0 *
Donald B. Reed 95,431(4) 83,795 *
Frederic V. Salerno 218,669(4) 177,789 *
Ivan G. Seidenberg 206,223(4) 164,731 *
Alan Z. Senter 54,657(4) 38,858 *
Walter V. Shipley 2,500 0 *
John R. Stafford 4,200 0 *
All Executive Officers and
Directors (as a group) 1,454,521(4) 1,137,481 *
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*Less than 1% of outstanding Shares of NYNEX Common Stock.
(1) Except as otherwise noted, all persons listed in the table have sole voting
and investment power with respect to their Shares.
(2) Shares subject to acquisition through exercise of stock options within 60
days.
(3) Based on Schedule 13G dated February 14, 1996, filed with the SEC by FMR
Corp. The Schedule 13G filing was made on behalf of FMR Corp., Edward C.
Johnson III, Chairman of FMR Corp., and who, together with family members
and trusts, represents a controlling group of FMR Corp., Fidelity Management
& Research Company ("FMRC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of FMR Corp.,
Fidelity Management Trust Company ("FMTC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of FMR
Corp., and Fidelity International Limited ("FIL"), an independent Bermudian
joint stock company affiliated with Mr. Johnson and members of his family.
The Schedule 13G reports that as of December 31, 1995: FMR Corp. had sole
voting power with respect to 2,986,280 Shares, shared voting power with
respect to no Shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 30,296,289
Shares and shared dispositive power with respect to no Shares; Mr. Johnson
had sole dispositive power with respect to 30,296,289 Shares, shared
dispositive power with respect to no Shares, sole voting power with respect
to 2,986,280 Shares and shared voting power with respect to no Shares; FMRC
was the beneficial owner of 25,800,109 Shares as a result of acting as
investment advisor to certain investment companies; FMTC was the beneficial
owner of 4,204,130 Shares as a result of serving as investment manager of
certain institutional accounts; and FIL was the beneficial owner of 292,050
Shares as the result of providing investment advisory and management
services to a number of non-U.S. investment companies and certain
institutional investors.
(4) Includes Shares held in the NYNEX Corporation Savings Plan for Salaried
Employees.
NYNEX has instituted stock ownership guidelines for all Executive Officers and
Directors. These guidelines require ownership (subject to certain transition
requirements) of NYNEX Common Stock equal to three times annual salary for the
Chief Executive Officer; two times annual salary for a Vice Chairman and those
Executive Officers reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer; and one
times annual salary for all other Executive Officers. Directors are expected to
hold throughout their tenure a minimum of 1,000 Shares, to be acquired over a
period of not longer than three years.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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The business of the Corporation is conducted by management under the direction
of the Board of Directors. Although Directors are not involved in day-to-day
operating details, they are kept informed of NYNEX's business by various reports
and documents given to them regularly, as well as by operating and financial
reports presented by the Chairman of the Board and other Officers at meetings of
the Board of Directors and committees of the Board.
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors are held each month, excluding
August, and special meetings are called when required. The Board of
Directors held fourteen meetings in 1995. On average, the Directors
attended approximately 93% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board
of Directors and committees of the Board; no Director attended fewer than
75% of such meetings.
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4 Board of Directors NYNEX Proxy Statement
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The Board of Directors has adopted a tenure policy for Directors which
establishes 70 as the retirement age for non-employee Directors, as well as
for any Director who was the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer. A
Director who reaches retirement age shall retire from the Board not later
than the next Annual Meeting, regardless of any unexpired term of office.
The policy also provides that a non-employee Director who discontinues his
or her principal employment, business or professional relationship, or
continues in a less responsible capacity, shall offer to submit his or her
resignation, but may, at the request of the Chairman of the Board,
following consultation with the Nominating and Board Affairs Committee,
continue as a Director. A Director who is an Officer of the Corporation
(other than the Chief Executive Officer) shall resign at the same time as
he or she ceases to be an Officer.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Board of Directors has established six standing committees: an Executive
Committee, Audit Committee, Committee on Benefits, Nominating and Board
Affairs Committee, Finance Committee and Public Responsibility Committee.
The Executive Committee, composed of one employee Director and three
non-employee Directors, has responsibility for activities in those areas
not assigned to other committees of the Board of Directors and may exercise
the full power and authority of the Board of Directors to the extent
permitted by Delaware law. The Executive Committee held no meetings in 1995.
The Audit Committee, composed of six non-employee Directors, is responsible for
recommending to the Board of Directors the accounting firm to be employed by
NYNEX as its independent auditors. The Audit Committee's duties include
consulting with NYNEX's independent auditors concerning the scope of the audit
and reviewing the audit results. The Audit Committee also consults with the
independent auditors with regard to the adequacy of internal controls and meets
with appropriate corporate personnel to review internal auditing programs and
findings. In 1995, the Audit Committee held six meetings.
The Committee on Benefits, composed of four non-employee Directors, is
responsible for reviewing and approving for presentation to the Board of
Directors compensation for Officers who are members of the senior management
compensation group ("Senior Managers"), administering the NYNEX management
incentive plans, keeping informed as to the administration and management of
NYNEX's employee benefit plans, and insuring that the actions of Officers and
benefit plan administrators are in the best interest of the participants in, and
beneficiaries of, such benefit plans. The Committee on Benefits also approves or
disapproves the presentation of proposed new trusteed employee benefit plans and
material changes to such benefit plans to the Board of Directors and, further,
recommends to the Board of Directors new benefit plans and programs, and
amendments thereto, which exclusively benefit Senior Managers. No member of the
Committee on Benefits is eligible to receive benefits under any of such benefit
plans. The Committee on Benefits met on five occasions in 1995.
The Nominating and Board Affairs Committee, composed of three non-employee
Directors, makes recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning the
selection of candidates as nominees for election as Directors and advises on all
directorship practices. In recommending candidates for the Board of Directors,
the committee seeks individuals who have the experience and expertise which will
allow them to contribute significantly to NYNEX's success. The committee's goal
is to create a Board that is diverse and balanced in its membership, consistent
with NYNEX's equal employment opportunity policy. NYNEX Directors must have
integrity and independence and be willing to represent all Share Owners rather
than a special interest or constituency. Directors must also be willing to
commit the necessary time and energy to prepare for, attend and participate in
Board and committee meetings. The Nominating and Board Affairs Committee held
four meetings in 1995. Share Owners who wish to suggest qualified candidates
should write to the Secretary of NYNEX Corporation at 1095 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10036, stating in detail the qualifications of such
persons for consideration by the Nominating and Board Affairs Committee.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Directors who are not employees receive an annual retainer fee of $30,000 and a
fee of $1,500 for each Board and committee meeting attended. Non-employee
Directors who serve as chairpersons of the committees of the Board receive an
additional annual retainer fee of $5,000. Non-employee Directors may elect to
defer the receipt of all or a part of their fees and retainers. Currently,
amounts so deferred earn interest, compounded quarterly, at a rate equal to the
average interest rate for ten-year United States Treasury notes for the previous
quarter.
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NYNEX Proxy Statement Election of Directors 5
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At the Meeting, Share Owners will be asked to approve certain changes to
non-employee Director compensation which were adopted by the Board of Directors
on December 21, 1995. These changes (which are detailed in this proxy statement,
beginning on page 58) will affect the manner of payment of the annual retainer
and pension benefits of the non-employee Directors.
Currently, under the NYNEX Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, each
non-employee Director is granted 100 shares of NYNEX Common Stock on an annual
basis. Non-employee Directors elected by the Board to fill vacancies and newly
created directorships in the interim between Annual Meetings receive a prorated
grant based upon the number of full or partial months such Director will serve
between his or her election and the next Annual Meeting. A committee of the
Board, consisting of not more than three Directors (or such lesser number as
there may be from time to time) who are not eligible to receive grants,
administers and interprets the plan.
Non-employee Directors are entitled to reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in connection with attendance at Board of Directors and committee
meetings. In addition, NYNEX provides non-employee Directors with travel
accident insurance when on NYNEX business. The total cost of the travel accident
insurance policy for 1995 was approximately $1,900.
Under the current NYNEX Non-Employee Director Pension Plan (pending amendment
subject to Share Owner approval at the Meeting), each non-employee Director who
serves on the Board of NYNEX, or any of its subsidiaries, and retires from the
NYNEX Board with a minimum of five years' combined service on such Boards as a
non-employee Director qualifies for a yearly pension equal to 50% of the
Director's annual retainer fee (excluding the retainer received for chairing a
committee of the Board). Pension payments increase by 10% of the annual retainer
fee for each additional year served up to 100% of such fee. The pension is
adjusted to reflect the first subsequent increase, if any, in the annual
retainer for service on the Board following the Director's retirement. Such
pension is payable to a qualified Director upon (i) retirement from the NYNEX
Board and (ii) the attainment of age 65.
Directors are eligible to participate in the Directors' Charitable Award
Program, which is designed to acknowledge the service of Directors and to
recognize the mutual interest of NYNEX and its Directors in supporting worthy
educational and charitable institutions. Under the program, NYNEX will
contribute up to $1 million to tax-exempt organization(s) designated by a
Director, payable over a ten-year period, on behalf of a participating Director
who retires or attains age 65 (whichever occurs later) after five years of
service on the Board of NYNEX, or dies or becomes disabled while serving as a
Director. All charitable deductions accrue to NYNEX and the individual Directors
derive no financial benefit from the program. NYNEX has purchased life insurance
on the Directors, naming NYNEX as beneficiary, which is expected to recover the
costs of contributions and the premium payments.
Directors who are also employees of NYNEX or one of its subsidiaries receive no
remuneration for serving as Directors.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
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(Item A on Proxy Card)
The Board of Directors consists of thirteen members, divided into three classes,
with the terms of each class staggered so that the term of one class expires at
each Annual Meeting of Share Owners. Mr. William C. Ferguson, former Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of NYNEX (1989-1995) and a Director since
1987, retired as a Director on December 31, 1995, and the Board was reduced to
its present number. On May 1, 1996, Dr. Randolph W. Bromery, a Director since
1986, will retire in accordance with the previously described tenure policy, and
it is anticipated that the Board of Directors will be reduced on that occurrence
to twelve members.
The terms of Directors in one class, consisting of four Directors, expire at the
1996 Annual Meeting. Unless otherwise instructed on the proxy card, the Proxy
Committee intends to vote for the election of the four nominees to three-year
terms expiring at the 1999 Annual Meeting, in each case subject to the tenure
policy described on page 54. These nominees have been selected by the Board on
the recommendation of the Nominating and Board Affairs Committee. If any nominee
becomes unable or unwilling to serve at the time of the Meeting, the Shares
represented by proxy will be voted for the remaining nominees and for any
substitute nominee(s) designated by the Board. The Board of Directors does not
anticipate that any nominee will be unavailable to serve.
The following sets forth information regarding principal occupation, other major
affiliations, NYNEX committee memberships and age, for the four nominees and
each Director continuing in office.
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6 Nominees for Election at this Meeting NYNEX Proxy Statement
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NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AT THIS MEETING
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CLASS III-TERMS EXPIRING AT 1999 ANNUAL MEETING
[Picture] LODEWIJK J.R. DE VINK, President and Chief Operating Officer of
Warner-Lambert Company since 1991; Executive Vice President
(1990-1991). Director of Warner-Lambert Company. Director of NYNEX
since July 20, 1995; member of Committee on Benefits. Age 51.
[Picture] HELENE L. KAPLAN, Of Counsel to the firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate,
Meagher & Flom since 1990. Director of The May Department Stores
Company, Chemical Banking Corporation, Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company and Mobil Corporation. Director of NYNEX since 1990; member of
Committee on Benefits and Public Responsibility Committee. Age 62.
[Picture] HUGH B. PRICE, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National
Urban League since 1994. Vice President of Rockefeller Foundation
(1988-1994). Director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Director
of NYNEX since December 1, 1995; member of Audit Committee and Public
Responsibility Committee. Age 54.
[Picture] IVAN G. SEIDENBERG, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
of NYNEX since April 1, 1995; President and Chief Executive Officer
(January-March, 1995); Chief Operating Officer (March-December, 1994);
Vice Chairman of the Board (1991-1995); Executive Vice President and
President of NYNEX Worldwide Information and Cellular Services Group
(1990-1991). Director of AlliedSignal Inc., Melville Corporation and
Viacom Inc. Director of NYNEX since 1991; Chairperson of Executive
Committee. Age 49.
INCUMBENT MEMBERS OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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CLASS I-TERMS EXPIRING AT 1997 ANNUAL MEETING
[Picture] JOHN BRADEMAS, President Emeritus, New York University since 1992;
President (1981-1992). Director of Loews Corporation, Texaco Inc. and
Scholastic, Inc. Director of NYNEX since 1991; member of Audit
Committee and Public Responsibility Committee. Age 69.
[Picture] ELIZABETH T. KENNAN, President Emeritus, Mount Holyoke College since
June 1995; President (1978-1995). Director of Northeast Utilities,
Kentucky Home Mutual Life Insurance Company, Kentucky Home Life
Insurance Company, Putnam Funds, Inc. and Talbots Inc. Director of
NYNEX since 1984; member of Nominating and Board Affairs Committee and
Chairperson of Audit Committee. Age 58.
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NYNEX Proxy Statement Nominees for Election at this Meeting 7
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[Picture] FREDERIC V. SALERNO, Vice Chairman of the Board-Finance and Business
Development of NYNEX since 1994; President of NYNEX Worldwide Services
Group, Inc. (1991-1994); President and Chief Executive Officer of New
York Telephone Company (1987-1991). Director of Avnet Inc., Orange and
Rockland Utilities, Inc., The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. and Viacom
Inc. Director of NYNEX since 1991; member of Finance Committee. Age
52.
[Picture] JOHN R. STAFFORD, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer of American Home Products Corporation since 1986 (for the
period 1990-1993 did not hold the additional title of President).
Director of AlliedSignal Inc., Chemical Banking Corporation and
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Director of NYNEX since 1989;
member of Finance Committee and Chairperson of Committee on Benefits.
Age 58.
CLASS II -TERMS EXPIRING AT 1998 ANNUAL MEETING
[Picture] RICHARD L. CARRION, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of BanPonce Corporation (bank holding company) since
1990. Director of NYNEX since February 16, 1995; member of Audit
Committee and Committee on Benefits. Age 43.
[Picture] STANLEY P. GOLDSTEIN, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of Melville Corporation since 1987; President (1985-1993).
Director of NYNEX since 1990; member of Audit Committee and Finance
Committee. Age 61.
[Picture] EDWARD E. PHILLIPS, Retired. Chairman of the Board of New England
Mutual Life Insurance Company (1978-1993); Chief Executive Officer
(1978-1991). Director of New England Mutual Life Insurance Company and
New England Investment Companies. Director of NYNEX since 1983; member
of Executive Committee, Finance Committee and Chairperson of
Nominating and Board Affairs Committee. Age 68.
[Picture] WALTER V. SHIPLEY, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
of Chemical Banking Corporation since 1994; President (1992-1993);
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (1983-1991).
Director of Champion International Corporation and The Reader's Digest
Association, Inc. Director of NYNEX since 1983; member of Executive
Committee, Nominating and Board Affairs Committee and Chairperson of
Finance Committee. Age 60.
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8 Directors' Proposals NYNEX Proxy Statement
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RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
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(Item B on Proxy Card)
Subject to Share Owner ratification, the Board of Directors, upon recommendation
of the Audit Committee, has reappointed the firm of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
("Coopers & Lybrand"), Certified Public Accountants, as independent auditors to
audit the consolidated financial statements of NYNEX for the fiscal year 1996.
Coopers & Lybrand has audited NYNEX's financial statements since NYNEX's
incorporation in 1983.
One or more representatives of Coopers & Lybrand are expected to be present at
the Meeting. They will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so
desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
If Share Owners do not ratify the appointment of Coopers & Lybrand, other
certified public accountants will be considered by the Board of Directors upon
recommendation of the Audit Committee.
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION.
DIRECTORS' PROPOSAL TO APPROVE
CHANGES IN THE NON-EMPLOYEE
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION PROGRAM
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(Item C on Proxy Card)
Your Board of Directors recommends approval of certain changes in the
compensation program for each member of the Board of Directors who is not an
Officer or employee of NYNEX or any of its affiliates ("non-employee
Directors"), currently eleven in number.
On December 21, 1995, upon the recommendation of NYNEX's management, the Board
of Directors approved and adopted, subject to Share Owner approval, the NYNEX
Corporation Non-Employee Director Retainer Stock Plan ("Retainer Plan") and
certain amendments to the NYNEX Corporation Non-Employee Director Pension Plan
("Pension Plan"). The Retainer Plan and the amended Pension Plan will change the
compensation program for non-employee Directors by providing for (i) the
replacement of the NYNEX Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors ("Stock Plan")
with the annual grant of 250 shares of NYNEX Common Stock ("Shares") as part of
the annual Director retainer fee under the Retainer Plan, effective May 1, 1996,
(ii) the automatic payment in Shares of 50% of the balance of the annual
Director retainer fee, effective May 1, 1996, (iii) at the Director's
discretion, the payment in Shares of the remaining 50% of such annual Director
retainer fee and/or 100% of the annual committee chairperson retainer fee,
effective May 1, 1996, and (iv) the termination of future benefits under the
Pension Plan and the voluntary conversion of a Director's accrued benefits into
Shares, effective August 1, 1996. These changes are designed to increase
generally the portion of non-employee Director compensation that is
equity-based, thereby aligning the Directors' interests more closely with those
of the Share Owners.
RETAINER PLAN. The Retainer Plan is designed to provide non-employee Directors
with an additional proprietary interest in NYNEX in a manner that is competitive
with compensation programs of other major corporations. This should serve to
promote NYNEX's long term interests by attracting and retaining qualified and
experienced leaders of business and other fields.
Under the Retainer Plan, 250 Shares will be granted to each non-employee
Director as part of his or her annual retainer fee, provided that the initial
grant for the period July 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996 shall be 125 Shares.
These Shares will replace the Shares currently granted under the Stock Plan,
which will be terminated. In addition, (i) 50% of the balance of the
non-employee Director annual retainer fee, as determined from time to time by
the Board, will be paid automatically in Shares, and (ii) up to the remaining
50% of such annual retainer fee and/or 100% of the Committee chairperson annual
retainer fee may be paid in Shares at the Director's election. Such election
shall be effected by filing a written notice with the Secretary of NYNEX and
shall be irrevocable with respect to the first payment of retainer fees
occurring more than six months after the date of the election. Further, the
election shall continue in effect until terminated or modified by written notice
to the Secretary.
Shares granted or paid under the Retainer Plan shall be issued and delivered to
each non-employee Director in four installments on or as soon as practicable
after the dates that cash installments of their annual retainer fee are
scheduled to be paid. In accordance with the terms of the NYNEX Corporation
Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended ("Deferral Plan"),
each Director may make a prospective election to defer the receipt of all or any
portion of the Shares to be granted under the Retainer Plan. All deferred
compensation which would otherwise have been payable currently in Shares shall
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NYNEX Proxy Statement Directors' Proposals 9
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be credited to the Director's account under the Deferral Plan, provided that, in
lieu of being so credited, compensation payable in Shares may, in the sole
discretion of the Committee (described below), be issued to and held by the
NYNEX Corporation Non-Employee Director Trust ("Trust") for the period specified
by the Director in his or her deferral election.
The Retainer Plan will be administered and interpreted by a committee
("Committee") which shall be composed of three Directors (or such lesser number
of Directors as there may be from time to time), all of whom are not eligible to
receive grants or payments under the Retainer Plan. The total number of Shares
that may be granted under the Retainer Plan may not exceed 300,000, subject to
adjustments deemed equitable by the Committee to prevent dilution or enlargement
of rights resulting from a recapitalization, stock split or other similar change
in the corporate structure or Shares outstanding. The Shares may be authorized
but unissued Shares or Shares which have been or may be reacquired by NYNEX,
whether purchased in the open market or otherwise.
The Board of Directors may at any time amend or terminate the Retainer Plan,
provided that no alteration or amendment may be made which would increase the
number of Shares which may be granted (except previously discussed equitable
adjustments) or change the category of Directors eligible under the Retainer
Plan.
PENSION PLAN. The purpose of the Pension Plan is to reward for past services
those non-employee Directors whose loyalty and efforts have made significant
contributions to NYNEX. To qualify for a yearly pension under the Pension Plan
(prior to amendment by the Board), each non-employee Director who serves on the
Board of NYNEX, or any of its subsidiaries, must retire from the NYNEX Board
with a minimum of five years' combined service on such Boards as a non-employee
Director. A Director with five years service is entitled to a pension equal to
50% of the Director's annual retainer fee (excluding the retainer received for
chairing a committee of the Board). Pension payments increase by 10% of the
annual retainer fee for each additional year served up to 100% of such fee. The
pension is adjusted to reflect the first subsequent increase, if any, in the
annual retainer for service on the Board following the Director's retirement.
Such pension is payable to a qualified Director upon (i) retirement from the
NYNEX Board and (ii) the attainment of age 65. The Pension Plan has been
amended, subject to Share Owner approval, to terminate the accrual of future
benefits thereunder, effective August 1, 1996. Effective that date, any
non-employee Director who has served as a non-employee Director on the Board of
NYNEX or on a subsidiary board for an aggregate of at least five years will be
given the option to convert the present value of his or her benefits under the
Pension Plan into Shares. Except as described below, the present value of the
Directors' benefit shall be determined as of August 1, 1996.
If a Director makes the above described conversion election, he or she shall not
be entitled to any other benefits under the Pension Plan. The election shall be
irrevocable and shall be made by filing a written form with the Secretary of
NYNEX prior to February 1, 1996. If a Director does not elect to convert his or
her accrued benefits into Shares, then he or she shall receive a cash pension
upon retirement from the NYNEX Board and attainment of age 65 under the terms of
the Pension Plan prior to its amendment. If a Director files the appropriate
election form prior to February 1, 1996 and retires from the Board prior to
August 1, 1996, the present value of his or her benefits under the Pension Plan
shall be determined as of his or her retirement date. If the Director makes the
conversion election, the number of Shares determined upon the conversion shall
be deposited by NYNEX with the Trust. The trustees of the Trust will be directed
to hold the Shares issued to the Trust, receive dividends thereon, reinvest such
dividends in additional Shares as soon as practicable after the receipt of such
dividends and, pending such reinvestment, invest the dividend proceeds in such a
manner as the trustees deem appropriate. The Director shall have the authority
to direct the trustees' exercise of voting rights with respect to Shares
credited to the Director's account, but shall have no other rights with respect
to such Shares.
The Director's conversion election shall also include an election with respect
to the distribution of Shares held by the Trust upon the Director's ceasing to
serve on the NYNEX Board. Shares may be distributed either in one payment, in up
to ten approximately equal annual installments, or in approximately equal
quarterly payments for a period of up to ten years.
The total number of Shares which may be granted under the Pension Plan may not
exceed 50,000, subject to adjustments deemed equitable by the Executive
Committee of the Board to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights resulting
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10 Share Owners' Proposals NYNEX Proxy Statement
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from recapitalization, stock split or other similar change in the corporate
structure or Shares outstanding. The Shares granted under the Pension Plan may
be authorized but unissued Shares or Shares which have been or may be reacquired
by NYNEX, whether purchased in the open market or otherwise.
The Pension Plan is administered and interpreted by the Executive Committee of
the Board of Directors. The Pension Plan may be modified or terminated at any
time, provided that no such modification or termination shall affect the rights
of a Director to a pension to which he or she had become entitled. Cash payments
under the Pension Plan are made from the general assets of NYNEX and no assets
are earmarked in respect of any amount due thereunder. Share payments are made
from the Trust, subject to the claims of NYNEX creditors.
The foregoing summary of each of the Retainer Plan and the Pension Plan is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such plan, a copy of
which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although
approval of the Retainer Plan and the amendments to the Pension Plan by Share
Owners is not required as a matter of law, the Board of Directors believes that
it is appropriate to give Share Owners the opportunity to vote on matters of
this kind. Share Owner approval is a condition of listing stock issued under the
Retainer Plan and the Pension Plan on the New York Stock Exchange and will
exempt the receipt of shares issued under such plans from Section 16(b) of the
Securities Act of 1934. Approval of the Retainer Plan and the amendments to the
Pension Plan requires the affirmative vote of the holders of the majority of the
Shares present, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote at the Meeting.
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THIS PROPOSAL.
SHARE OWNERS' PROPOSALS
- -----------------------
Proponents have stated they intend to have the following proposals presented at
the Meeting. The proposals and supporting statements are quoted below. Approval
of a Share Owner Proposal serves only as a recommendation to the Board of
Directors to take the necessary steps to initiate such action as called for. The
Board of Directors has concluded it cannot support these proposals for the
reasons given.
SHARE OWNER PROPOSAL 1:
Mrs. Evelyn Y. Davis, Watergate Office Building, 2600 Virginia Avenue, N.W.,
Suite 215, Washington, D.C. 20037, record owner of 120 shares of NYNEX Common
Stock, has stated that she intends to have the following proposal presented at
the Meeting.
"RESOLVED: 'That the shareholders of NYNEX recommend that the Board
of Directors take the necessary steps to reinstate the election of directors
ANNUALLY, instead of the stagger system which was recently adopted.'"
The supporting statement by the proponent is:
"REASONS: 'Until recently, directors of NYNEX were elected annually by all
shareholders.
'The great majority of New York Stock Exchange listed corporations elect all
their directors each year.
'This insures that ALL directors will be more accountable to ALL shareholders
each year and to a certain extent prevents the self-perpetuation of the Board.
'Last year the owners of 120,217,178 shares, representing approximately 37.3% of
shares voting, voted FOR this proposal.
'If you AGREE, please mark your proxy FOR this resolution.'"
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YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST THIS PROPOSAL.
The Board of Directors notes that the proponent has submitted an identical
proposal yearly, commencing with the 1988 Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors
continues to believe, for reasons stated below, that a classified board is in
the best interests of NYNEX and its Share Owners.
Currently, under NYNEX's Classified Board Provision, the number of Directors in
each class is as nearly equal in number as possible, with each Director serving
for three years and with one class being elected each year. This provision is
similar to those which have been adopted by the stockholders of many major
corporations. In the opinion of the NYNEX Directors, a classified Board of
Directors facilitates continuity and stability of leadership and policy by
assuring that experienced personnel familiar with NYNEX and its business will be
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NYNEX Proxy Statement Share Owners' Proposals 11
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on the Board of Directors at all times. The classified Board of Directors is
also intended to prevent precipitous changes in the composition of the NYNEX
Board and, thereby, serves to moderate those changes in NYNEX policies, business
strategies and operations which the Board of Directors does not deem to be in
the best interests of NYNEX and its Share Owners. Board classification is
intended to encourage any person seeking to acquire control of the Corporation
to initiate such an action through arm's-length negotiations with management and
the Board of Directors, who are in a position to negotiate a transaction which
is fair to all NYNEX Share Owners.
If approved, the proposal would serve as a recommendation to the Board of
Directors to take the necessary steps to reinstate the annual election of all
Directors. Such steps would include the repeal of the Classified Board Provision
in the NYNEX Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which requires the
affirmative vote of fully 75% of the outstanding Shares entitled to vote at a
subsequent meeting of Share Owners.
Your Board of Directors urges that Share Owners vote AGAINST this proposal.
SHARE OWNER PROPOSAL 2:
Mr. Hans R. Reinisch, 155 West 68th Street, New York, New York 10023, record
owner of 800 shares of NYNEX Common Stock, has submitted the following proposal:
"RESOLVED: 'That the NYNEX Corporation specifically list in its annual report
all donations and contributions made to charitable and not-for-profit
organizations by NYNEX and any subsidiaries, and that the total amount
contributed during the course of the year be stated as a separate item in the
financial tables of the annual report -- especially since this is a very large
amount nearing the $20 million mark!'"
"SUPPORTING STATEMENT: 'At recent annual meetings a number of fellow
shareholders strongly supported my contention that a list of charitable
contributions could easily be printed on one page of the annual report, except
for smaller matching contributions for employees' donations. Despite the usual
misguided opposition by the Board of Directors and management to this and other
shareholder resolutions, the number of shares voted in favor of my resolution
has nearly doubled during the past few years.
'On one hand NYNEX claims that its charitable contributions are of vital
importance to the corporation because these donations enhance its standing in
the community and improve its public image! Why then exclude this vital
information from the annual report and try to hide it from the shareholders?
'Nevertheless, the Board and management continue to claim that it would be too
"costly" and "burdensome" to provide only a one page listing of contributions in
the annual report. What utter nonsense! In the annual report and other corporate
publications dozens of pages of photography and art work are printed at far
greater cost, providing no particular useful information to shareholders or
potential investors.
'And as to NYNEX's offer to send a listing of contributions to shareholders
requesting this information, shareholders have communicated to me that either
they never received a response or that only a summary of the largest
contributions was sent.
'One particularly outrageous contribution made by NYNEX and which the Board of
Directors has refused to explain for the past several years is why a senior
NYNEX officer was provided with a $100,000 donation upon her retirement to start
her own foundation. Unless there is full public disclosure questionable
donations will be made on an ongoing basis.
'Yet NYNEX refuses to contribute to Planned Parenthood because its policies are
too controversial. Nevertheless, it is willing to support equally controversial
religious institutions which are strongly opposed to a woman's right to choose.
'No, it is not our intention to question each and every contribution and
decision made by the NYNEX Foundation. However, under a veil of secrecy lasting
many years, a clear pattern of favoritism and questionable donations has
emerged. Full disclosure in the annual report may induce the Foundation to be
more even-handed and equitable in the distribution of funds, which after all
belong to the shareholders.
'The $20 million distributed annually to charities in behalf of NYNEX
shareholders should be done more equitably and better reflect the diversity of
the shareholders and customers of the corporation.
'If the $20 million distributed annually to charities in behalf of NYNEX and its
shareholders, is so useful for enhancing our public image and standing in the
community this information must be included in the annual report!'"
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YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST THIS PROPOSAL.
The NYNEX contributions process is conducted in an entirely open manner with
full disclosure. The Board has long recognized that contributions information
should be available to NYNEX Share Owners and NYNEX has made that information
available. However, the Annual Report to Share Owners is intended to be a
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12 Share Owners' Proposals NYNEX Proxy Statement
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synopsis of business activity in a given year rather than a detailed accounting.
Therefore, we have consistently highlighted and described NYNEX's philanthropic
programs and contributions in a detailed Corporate Responsibility Report
available to all Share Owners upon request. This report describes the grant
programs and the contribution guidelines pursuant to which these programs are
selected. Moreover, specific listings of corporate contributions are fully
disclosed, as required, to federal and state regulatory agencies and are
available to the public on request. The Board of Directors believes that to go
beyond the aforementioned policy, that is, to provide detailed information to
the over one million NYNEX Share Owners, when not more than a few hundred have
expressed an interest, would not be prudent or practical.
In 1995, the NYNEX family of companies made charitable grants totaling
approximately $19.5 million, reflecting NYNEX's strong commitment to corporate
social responsibility. In addition, NYNEX has instituted programs that encourage
and recognize employee participation in community service, resulting in many
thousands of employee hours devoted to charitable work without compensation. The
Board of Directors is justifiably proud of NYNEX's philanthropic efforts and
will continue to share this information with interested parties.
Your Board of Directors urges that Share Owners vote AGAINST this proposal.
SHARE OWNER PROPOSAL 3:
Mr. John J. Gilbert and Mrs. Margaret R. Gilbert, 29 East 64th Street, New York,
New York 10121-7043, co-trustees of family trusts holding 3,058 shares of NYNEX
Common Stock and owning of record an additional 252 shares, and Ms. Edith Rudy
and Mr. Edward Rudy, owners of 413 shares of NYNEX Common Stock, have stated
that they intend to have the following proposal presented at the Meeting:
"RESOLVED: 'That the stockholders of NYNEX Corporation, assembled in annual
meeting in person and by proxy, hereby request the Board of Directors to take
the steps necessary to provide for cumulative voting in the election of
directors, which means each stockholder shall be entitled to as many votes as
shall equal the number of shares he or she owns multiplied by the number of
directors to be elected, and he or she may cast all of such votes for a single
candidate, or any two or more of them as he or she may see fit.'"
"REASONS: 'A California law provides that all state pension holdings and state
college funds, invested in shares must be voted in favor of cumulative voting
proposals, showing increasing recognition of the importance of this democratic
means of electing directors.
'The National Bank Act provides for cumulative voting. In many cases companies
get around it by forming holding companies without cumulative voting. Banking
authorities have the right to question the capability of directors to be on
banking boards. In many cases authorities come in after and say the director or
directors were not qualified. We were delighted to see the SEC has finally taken
action to prevent bad directors from being on boards of public companies. The
SEC should have hearings to prevent such persons becoming directors before they
harm investors.
'We think cumulative voting is the answer to find new directors for various
committees.
'Some recommendations have been made to carry out the CERES 10 points. The 11th
should be, in our opinion, having cumulative voting and ending staggered boards.
'When Alaska became a state it took away cumulative voting over our objections.
The Valdez oil spill might have been prevented if environmental directors were
elected through cumulative voting. The huge derivative losses might have also
been prevented with cumulative voting.
'Many successful corporations have cumulative voting. Example, Penzoil defeated
Texaco in that famous case. Ingersoll-Rand also having cumulative voting won two
awards. Fortune magazine ranked it second in its industry as "America's Most
Admired Corporations" and the Wall Street Transcript noted "on almost any
criteria used to evaluate management, Ingersoll-Rand excels." In 1994 and 1995
they raised their dividend.
'Lockheed-Martin, as well as VWR Corporation now have a provision that if anyone
has 40% of the shares cumulative voting applies, it applies at the latter
company.
'In 1995 American Premier adopted cumulative voting. Allegheny Power Systems
tried to take away cumulative voting, as well as put in a stagger system, and
stockholders defeated it, showing stockholders are interested in their rights.
'If you agree, please mark your proxy for this resolution; otherwise it will
automatically be cast against it, unless you have marked to abstain.'"
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NYNEX Proxy Statement Executive Compensation 13
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YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST THIS PROPOSAL.
The Board of Directors believes that the present system of electing Directors,
in which those Directors receiving a plurality of votes cast by the Share Owners
as a whole are elected, best represents the interests of all NYNEX Share Owners.
Electing Directors in this manner avoids the aggravated conflicts that can occur
in Board activities when a Director is elected by a narrow constituency, which
cumulative voting rules would foster.
Cumulative voting is a device that can be used by relatively small factions of
Share Owners to elect a Director through 'stacking' of their votes. Directors
elected in such a manner may have their loyalty and judgement compromised and
directed toward the interests of the particular constituency responsible for
their election. This may lead to partisanship among Directors and interfere with
each Director's fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interest of all
NYNEX Share Owners. Furthermore, cumulative voting can be employed as a coercive
tactic, such as threatening to obtain Board representation, in an effort to
unduly influence management.
The majority of companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange elect their
directors in a fashion similar to NYNEX. The Board of Directors believes that
the present electoral method is the most universally accepted, appropriate and
democratic practice available and should be retained.
Your Board of Directors urges that Share Owners vote AGAINST this proposal.
OTHER MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING
- ----------------------------------------
An address by the Chairman is planned, followed by a general discussion period
during which Share Owners will have an opportunity to ask questions about the
business of NYNEX.
If any matter not described herein should come before the Meeting, the Proxy
Committee of the Board of Directors will vote the Shares represented by it in
accordance with its best judgment. At the time this proxy statement went to
press, NYNEX knew of no other matters which might be presented for Share Owner
action at the Meeting, with the exception of matters omitted from this proxy
statement pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
SUBMISSION OF DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS,
PROPOSALS OR OTHER BUSINESS
AT SHARE OWNER MEETINGS
- -----------------------------------
Proposals intended for inclusion in next year's proxy statement should be sent
to the Secretary of NYNEX Corporation, 1095 Avenue of the Americas, New York,
New York 10036, and must be received by November 18, 1996.
Share Owners who do not submit proposals for inclusion in the proxy statement
but who intend to present a proposal, nomination for Director, or other business
for consideration at any meeting of Share Owners are required to notify the
Secretary of NYNEX of their intentions and provide certain other information in
advance of such meeting, in accordance with the procedures detailed in the NYNEX
By-Laws. Share Owners interested in making any nomination or proposal should
request a copy of the By-Laws from the Secretary of NYNEX.
COMMITTEE ON BENEFITS REPORT
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
- ----------------------------
TO OUR SHARE OWNERS:
A primary role of the Committee on Benefits ("Committee") is to determine and
oversee the administration of compensation for NYNEX's Executive Officers. In
this capacity, the Committee is dedicated to ensuring that NYNEX's compensation
policies and practices are used effectively to support the achievement of
NYNEX's short and long term business objectives. In carrying out its
responsibilities, the Committee reviews the recommendations of compensation
consulting firms engaged by NYNEX. There are several principles that guide the
Committee in its decision-making capacity. The Committee:
o Emphasizes a pay-for-performance philosophy, ensuring that overall
compensation paid to Executive Officers reflects the fulfillment of NYNEX's key
goals.
o Reinforces the central importance of Share Owner value creation through the
use of several key compensation plans, each of which provides Executive Officers
with value when Share Owners realize corresponding gains.
o Encourages NYNEX stock ownership by Executive Officers with the objective of
strengthening the common interests of management and Share Owners, thereby
promoting the maximization of Share Owner value.
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14 Executive Compensation NYNEX Proxy Statement
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o Targets executive compensation levels at rates that are consistent with levels
at comparable companies ("Comparable Companies"), consisting of the six other
Regional Holding Companies, as well as 123 large industrial companies with
revenues in excess of $1 billion, and 24 industrial companies with sales of
approximately $15 billion, selected by compensation consulting firms advising
the Committee.
o Maintains a total compensation perspective on executive pay in judging the
appropriateness of rewards for NYNEX's Executive Officers.
In 1995, the Committee approved a completely new compensation program for
NYNEX's Executive Officers. This program is characterized by long intervals
between salary adjustments; a strong and direct connection between compensation
and NYNEX's stock price; a single, streamlined compensation plan to replace the
prior Executive and Senior Management Short and Long Term Incentive Plans;
mandatory deferral of a portion of incentive earnings; and an enhanced emphasis
on stock options.
The Committee believes that the new compensation program will serve as a
powerful catalyst for directing Executive Officer activities in support of
NYNEX's goal achievement and that it will appropriately recognize the
contributions of the Executive Officer group.
DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION POLICIES
It is NYNEX's policy to target levels of Executive Officer compensation to
reflect pay rates that are typical at Comparable Companies. Consistent with
NYNEX's pay-for-performance orientation, actual compensation levels may lead or
lag target rates, but under the terms of the new compensation framework, such
variances depend on NYNEX's stock price appreciation and demonstrated operating
success.
The principal elements of the new compensation program are a merit-driven base
salary; a single, value creation based, variable compensation opportunity; and
stock options. In addition, NYNEX has terminated its supplemental executive
defined benefit pension plan and replaced it with a defined contribution plan in
which one-half of all annual contributions to an Executive Officer's account
must be invested in shares of NYNEX Common Stock.
During 1994, the compensation consulting firm provided the Committee with survey
information comparing NYNEX's Executive Officer compensation to median 1994
executive compensation at Comparable Companies. This data indicated that NYNEX
Executive Officers' salaries paid in 1994 and total compensation were
approximately at the median paid by Comparable Companies. The Committee has used
this comparison to assist it in setting 1995 salary levels, variable
compensation award target levels, and stock option grants.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") generally
denies a tax deduction to any publicly-held corporation for compensation that
exceeds $1 million paid to any proxy-named executive in a taxable year, subject
to an exception for "performance-based compensation" as defined in the Code and
subject to certain transition provisions. Base salaries paid to such NYNEX
Executive Officers for 1995 will continue to be tax-deductible since no such
amount will exceed the $1 million limit. Compensation for such NYNEX Executive
Officers for 1995 received under the variable compensation plan also should
qualify for the "performance-based compensation" exception since the Share
Owner-approved terms of the Executive Officer Short Term Incentive Plan comply
with the stipulated requirements of Section 162(m) governing the tax
deductibility of such income. Gains on the exercise of non-qualified stock
options granted through December 31, 1995 should be fully deductible since the
Share Owner approved terms of the 1995 Stock Option Plan also comply with the
stipulated requirements of Section 162(m). Notwithstanding the Committee's
belief that Executive Officer compensation will be fully deductible, the
Committee reserves the right to pay compensation that is not tax-deductible if
it is determined to be in the best interests of NYNEX and its Share Owners.
SALARY. In 1995, the Committee changed its policy of annual salary reviews to
one of considering the salary level of each Executive Officer once every 18
months. The longer intervals between salary actions allow the Committee to
assess more accurately the contributions of each Executive Officer and to make
salary decisions accordingly.
NYNEX's executive compensation policy is to establish new Executive Officer
salaries at levels that reflect the median salaries paid by Comparable
Companies. In determining salary levels paid by Comparable Companies, NYNEX
reviews a number of executive compensation surveys conducted by various
consulting firms which include information regarding salaries paid by the
companies shown in the Share Owner Return Performance Graph contained in this
proxy statement.
Salaries for experienced Executive Officers are expected to vary from those of
entry level Executive Officers, reflecting the incumbent's demonstrated
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NYNEX Proxy Statement Executive Compensation 15
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contributions to NYNEX's goal achievement. In assessing whether salary increases
are warranted, the Committee's principal consideration is the Executive
Officer's performance on the job, including the impact such Executive Officer
has had on effecting strategic change. The Committee also reviews any or all of
the following factors in assessing salary actions:
o Internal compensation equity;
o Compensation practices for Comparable Companies; and
o The Executive Officer's level of responsibility, experience, and expertise.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER SHORT TERM INCENTIVE PLAN.
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The Committee believes that the new Executive Officer Short Term Incentive Plan
("Short Term Plan") is a cornerstone in reinforcing NYNEX's pay-for-performance
philosophy. Beginning in 1995, awards from this program represent the only
cash-based incentive compensation opportunity available to Executive Officers.
The Short Term Plan is characterized by its method of solely rewarding
accomplishments that create value for all NYNEX Share Owners.
The Short Term Plan provides Executive Officers with the opportunity to earn
incentive compensation from two sources:
o Achievement of annual performance goals that correlate with value creation;
and
o NYNEX's Total Share Owner Return compared to the returns generated by the
Comparable Companies.
The sum of the awards earned relative to these accomplishments comprises an
Executive Officer's overall incentive compensation reward. Payment of one-half
of the incentive award is mandatorily deferred, and deferred account balances
are credited with interest each year at a rate equal to NYNEX's annualized Total
Share Owner Return over the preceding three-year period. One-half of an
Executive Officer's deferred account balance is distributed after the end of
each year; the remaining deferred account balance carries over to future years.
The account balance is paid out in full only upon the Executive Officer's
retirement or other termination from service.
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE GOALS. Each year, the Committee reviews management's
suggestions and recommends for Board of Directors' ("Board") approval
performance goals, the achievement of which will enhance NYNEX's value. The
Committee also reviews and recommends to the Board maximum levels of performance
for determining the ultimate payment of awards. For this purpose, maximum means
the level of performance above which no incremental incentive awards will be
paid. Achievement of the maximum performance level results in an award that is
equal to one-half of the maximum possible incentive compensation payment.
For Executive Officers in 1995, the approved goals were exclusively financial
and related to pre-established levels of NYNEX Net Income and Cash Flow Return
on Investment. The Committee also recommended, and the Board approved, Service
Quality standards at each organization level, the achievement of which were
intended to modify incentive award levels for every Executive Officer. In 1995,
there were no other factors the Committee considered in determining Executive
Officer incentive compensation awards.
TOTAL SHARE OWNER RETURN. Executive Officers also earn incentive awards based on
NYNEX's Total Return to Share Owners (stock price growth and dividends paid over
the previous twelve-month period) compared to the returns generated by the six
other Regional Holding Companies. Top relative ranking by NYNEX yields awards
equal in size to one-half of the maximum incentive payment permissible for the
Executive Officer under the plan. Lower NYNEX rankings generate proportionally
smaller awards.
The levels of incentive compensation earned by the proxy-named executives for
the 1995 fiscal year are reflected in the "Bonus" column of the Summary
Compensation Table contained in this proxy statement. For the 1995 performance
year, the Committee determined that the Corporate Net Income goal had been
achieved, the Cash Flow Return on Investment had been achieved, and taking into
account performance against Service Quality imperatives, the Committee awarded
Executive Officers 41% of their maximum incentive awards. The Committee also
determined that NYNEX's Total Share Owner Return for the year placed it fourth
relative to the Comparable Companies and, therefore, awarded 25% of the maximum
incentive award for this factor for a total award of 66% of the maximum award
payable to Executive Officers. One-half of these awards were automatically
deferred in accordance with the terms of the Short Term Plan.
SENIOR MANAGEMENT LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN.
- -------------------------------------------
No grants were made under this plan in 1995, and no future grants are planned;
however, the payout of the 1992-1995 performance period is reflected in the
Summary Compensation Table. In addition, any payouts for the 1993-1996 and the
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 Executive Compensation NYNEX Proxy Statement
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994-1997 performance periods will be contained in future proxy statements as
these performance periods are completed.
Each year, the Committee recommends to the Board for approval grants of long
term incentive awards to Executive Officers. The Committee establishes a maximum
award based on an assessment of the average long term award levels at Comparable
Companies. Long term incentive opportunities reinforce NYNEX's policy of
requiring stock ownership by Executive Officers in support of building Share
Owner value. Plan participants have the opportunity to earn incentive
compensation over a four-year performance period based on two factors, each
accorded equal weight:
o Return to Share Owners
o Corporate achievement of strategic objectives
RETURN TO SHARE OWNERS. Payment of one-half of the maximum award is determined
by reference to NYNEX's Total Return to Share Owners (stock price growth and
dividends paid over a four-year period) as compared with the returns generated
by the six other Regional Holding Companies. A top relative ranking of NYNEX
yields awards equal in size to one-half of the maximum long term incentive
awards payable under this plan. Lower rankings of NYNEX generate proportionally
smaller awards.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES. Payment of the remaining one-half of the maximum award
reflects the Committee's assessment of management's effectiveness during the
four-year period in positioning NYNEX for future success. In conducting its
assessment, the Committee considers: regulatory and legislative progress,
business growth and focus, customer service and quality, and employee-related
issues, each accorded approximately equal weight. The Committee can recommend to
the Board for its approval payment of up to one-half of the maximum long term
incentive award payable under this plan for strategic accomplishments.
Awards are paid at the completion of each performance period in a combination of
cash and shares of NYNEX stock. Participants may elect the extent to which they
are paid in stock. However, to encourage stock ownership among Executive
Officers, a minimum of one-half of the value of the award must be paid in NYNEX
stock. For the 1992-1995 performance period, the Committee determined that
NYNEX's Total Return to Share Owners over the period relative to the other six
Regional Holding Companies was below the target level and, therefore, awarded
16.7% of the maximum long term incentive award for this factor. The Committee
also determined that there was significant progress in implementing NYNEX's
strategic objectives and that the target objective level had been exceeded and,
therefore, awarded to Executive Officers a payout of 50% of the maximum long
term award for this factor, for a total payout of 66.7% of the maximum award
payable to Executive Officers.
STOCK OPTION PLAN. Each year, the Committee recommends to the Board for approval
grants of stock options to Executive Officers. Stock options provide Executive
Officers with the opportunity to acquire an equity interest in NYNEX and to
participate in the creation of Share Owner value as reflected in growth in the
price of NYNEX Common Stock. Under the terms of the plan, the option exercise
price is equal to 100% of the fair market value of NYNEX Common Stock on the
date of option grant, thereby ensuring that plan participants will derive
benefits only as Share Owners realize corresponding gains. To ensure a long term
perspective, options have a ten-year term and become exercisable at the
cumulative rate of one-third per year for the first three years.
The number of options the Committee may grant in a plan year to the Chief
Executive Officer and other proxy-named Executive Officers is limited by the
plan, in each case, to 250,000 options. The actual number of options granted is
based upon competitive compensation practices, as reflected in the surveys of
Comparable Companies as prepared by the consulting firm and the individual
Executive Officer's performance as compared to the performance of the other
Executive Officers.
The Committee believes that the practice of granting stock options annually
reinforces NYNEX's policy of requiring stock ownership by Executive Officers.
Furthermore, options only provide value to Executive Officers when Share Owners
realize positive returns on their investment in NYNEX. In this way, stock option
grants reward Executive Officers only in conjunction with value creation for
Share Owners.
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD PLAN. The Committee also administers the Restricted Stock
Award Plan and determines the key employees to whom Restricted Stock awards will
be granted, the number of shares of NYNEX Common Stock with respect to which
Restricted Stock awards will be made, the applicable restriction periods and any
other terms and conditions of each award. The purpose of the plan is to attract
and retain selected individuals of exceptional skill. The grant criteria reflect
the Committee's assessment of the requirements for hiring and retaining the
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NYNEX Proxy Statement Executive Compensation 17
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
particular individual. Restricted Stock awards were granted in 1995 to certain
newly appointed NYNEX Officers, but none to the proxy-named Executive Officers.
RATIONALE FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ("CEO") COMPENSATION IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
SALARY. The CEO's salary is based solely upon competitive compensation
practices. Mr. Seidenberg was named President and CEO of NYNEX on January 1,
1995. On January 1, 1995, his annual salary rate was increased to $640,000 to
give recognition to his new position and to bring it more in line with
compensation of other CEOs in Comparable Companies.
SHORT TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. Mr. Seidenberg's variable incentive award for
1995 reflected NYNEX's financial performance discussed above. In accordance with
the terms of the plan, the Committee recommended to the Board that it approve an
award for Mr. Seidenberg equal to 66% of his maximum possible award.
LONG TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. Mr. Seidenberg's available long term incentive
awards are also a function of salary and are based on compensation practices for
similar jobs in Comparable Companies. As discussed above under the heading
Senior Management Long Term Incentive Plan, Return to Share Owners and strategic
objectives are each accorded equal weight in determining long term incentive
compensation. In 1996, the Committee recommended to the Board a long term award
for the 1992-1995 performance period under the Senior Management Long Term
Incentive Plan. It was the Committee's assessment that there was significant
progress in implementing NYNEX's strategic objectives. The Committee believes
that such strategic accomplishment should serve as a platform for future
business success and resultant appreciation of Share Owners' investment over the
long term. The Committee also considered Total Return to Share Owners, which was
below the target level over the period relative to the other six Regional
Holding Companies.
STOCK OPTIONS. In January 1995, the Committee awarded Mr. Seidenberg options to
purchase 105,727 shares of NYNEX Common Stock at a price of $36.32 per share,
which was the fair market value at that time. The number of options granted
reflected the Committee's assessment of competitive compensation practices and
Mr. Seidenberg's individual contribution toward the achievement of NYNEX's
strategic objectives.
SUMMARY
The Committee is responsible for reviewing, monitoring and approving for
presentation to the non-employee Directors of the Board, for their approval, all
compensation decisions affecting NYNEX Executive Officers. The Committee
endeavors to ensure that the entire remuneration paid to Executive Officers is
consistent with NYNEX's interest in providing market competitive compensation
opportunities, reflective of its pay-for-performance philosophy, and supportive
of its business mission. We will continue to actively monitor the effectiveness
of NYNEX's executive compensation plans and assess the appropriateness of
executive pay levels to assure prudent use of NYNEX's resources.
John R. Stafford, Richard L. Carrion
Chairperson
Lodewijk J.R. de Vink Helene L. Kaplan
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS
AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
- ---------------------------------
Mr. Ivan Seidenberg, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of NYNEX,
is a Director of Melville Corporation and serves as a member of its Compensation
Committee. Mr. Stanley Goldstein, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of Melville Corporation, serves on the NYNEX Board of Directors but does
not serve on NYNEX's Committee on Benefits.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18 Summary Compensation Table NYNEX Proxy Statement
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table shows, for the fiscal years ending December 31, 1993, 1994,
and 1995, the cash compensation, as well as certain other compensation, paid or
accrued to the named Executive Officers by NYNEX and its subsidiaries.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation Long Term Compensation
----------------------------------------- -------------------------------
Awards Payouts
--------------------- --------
Restricted
Stock Securities Long Term All Other
Name and Principal Position(1) Awards Underlying Incentive Compen-
at December 31, 1995 Year Salary($) Bonus($)(2) Other($)(3) ($)(4) Options(#) Payouts($) sation($)(5)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ivan G. Seidenberg 1995 640,000 844,800 50,613 0 105,727 288,480 369,552
Chairman of the Board and 1994 540,000 189,000 62,598 380,520 40,248 231,312 26,371
Chief Executive Officer 1993 474,000 222,000 46,267 0 38,892 37,170 20,052
Frederic V. Salerno 1995 530,000 699,600 48,332 0 87,555 289,438 305,330
Vice Chairman of the Board - 1994 491,000 278,000 64,636 380,520 40,248 233,478 26,967
Finance and Business Development 1993 474,000 313,500 47,459 0 38,892 57,326 20,661
Richard A. Jalkut 1995 500,000 620,000 47,090 0 82,599 334,561 276,393
President and Group Executive - 1994 464,000 153,000 58,888 359,520 37,302 215,353 24,566
NYNEX Telecommunications 1993 416,000 209,500 45,262 0 18,018 36,746 19,960
Alan Z.Senter 1995 411,000 396,000 49,747 0 60,573 0 222,108
Executive Vice President and 1994 133,000 100,000 11,183 600,000 56,000 0 1,500
Chief Financial Officer 1993
Donald B. Reed 1995 370,000 429,600 29,028 0 55,011 152,344 199,783
President and Group Executive - 1994 341,000 194,000 32,599 272,500 27,420 99,647 18,355
External Affairs & Communications 1993 293,000 139,500 23,514 0 8,190 29,832 13,815
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William C. Ferguson 1995 200,000 264,000 156,137 0 132,158 625,971 13,103
Retired Chairman of the Board 1994 800,000 885,000 210,194 0 87,126 511,351 32,751
and Chief Executive Officer 1993 773,000 526,000 103,446 0 84,180 120,605 31,671
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Mr. Seidenberg was elected Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1,
1995, and to the additional office of Chairman of the Board, effective
April 1, 1995. Mr. Ferguson retired as Chairman of the Board, effective
April 1, 1995. Mr. Senter joined NYNEX on September 1, 1994.
(2) As described in the Committee on Benefits Report on Executive Compensation,
effective January 1, 1995, one-half of the Short Term Incentive award is
mandatorily deferred under the Senior Management Account Balance Deferral
Plan; however, the amount shown above includes the deferral.
(3) These amounts include dividend equivalents paid pursuant to the Senior
Management Long Term Incentive Plan; dividends pursuant to the 1987
Restricted Stock Award Plan; amounts reimbursed for the payment of taxes in
connection with personal benefits; and, in the case of Mr. Ferguson only,
perquisites and other personal benefits of which $18,730 was for financial
counselling and $24,014 for the personal use of the corporate aircraft.
(4) On December 29, 1995, the number and value of all outstanding grants of
restricted NYNEX Shares held by named Executive Officers were as follows:
Mr. Seidenberg 10,535/$557,126; Mr. Salerno 10,535/$557,126; Mr. Jalkut
9,954/$526,380; Mr. Senter 15,609/$825,404 and Mr. Reed 7,545/$399,002.
Except in the case of Mr. Senter, these figures include dividends that have
been reinvested in additional restricted NYNEX Shares. These NYNEX Shares
were awarded pursuant to the Executive Retention Agreements, effective
January 3, 1994, and for Messrs. Salerno and Senter, employment agreements
effective August 1, 1994 and September 1, 1994, respectively. Dividends are
paid on Mr. Senter's restricted NYNEX Shares and are included in the Other
Annual Compensation column for 1995.
(5) These amounts include company contributions to tax qualified and
non-qualified savings plans; company contributions to Executive Retirement
Accounts (described under the heading Retirement Plans on page 70 of the
proxy statement); plus the value of premiums paid by NYNEX for split-dollar
life insurance coverage. The company contributions to the tax qualified
savings plan for Messrs. Seidenberg. Salerno, Jalkut, Senter, Reed and
Ferguson were; $7,793, $6,750, $6,750, $9,921, $6,750, and $6,750,
respectively. The company contributions to the Non-Qualified Savings Plan
for Messrs. Seidenberg, Salerno, Jalkut, Senter, Reed and Ferguson were:
$19,654, $15,245, $15,596, $10,474, $8,831 and $2,000, respectively.
Company contributions to the Executive Retirement Account for Messrs.
Seidenberg, Salerno. Jalkut, Senter and Reed were $333,700, $269,900,
$242,500, $201,713 and $176,285, respectively. The amount of the dollar
benefit for 1995 projected on an actuarial basis which represents the
excess of the amount needed to fund the death benefit under the
split-dollar life insurance policy for Messrs. Seidenberg, Salerno, Jalkut,
Reed and Ferguson were: $8,406, $13,435, $11,547, $7,917 and $4,353,
respectively.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NYNEX Proxy Statement 1995 Option Exercises/1995 Option Grants 19
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL YEAR 1995 AND 1995 FY-END OPTION VALUES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table shows information with respect to the named Executive
Officers concerning the exercise of options to purchase Shares of NYNEX Common
Stock during 1995 and unexercised stock options held as of the end of 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Securities Value of Unexercised
Underlying Unexercised In-the-Money
Options at 1995 Options at 1995
Fiscal Year-End Fiscal Year-End($)(1)
Shares Acquired Value ---------------------------- -----------------------------
Name of Individual on Exercise Realized($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ivan G. Seidenberg 4,750 50,208 103,108 145,523 1,480,713 2,232,147
Frederic V. Salerno 0 0 122,224 127,351 1,761,415 1,931,219
Richard A. Jalkut 12,286 87,649 92,455 121,706 1,300,393 1,831,702
Alan Z. Senter 0 0 18,667 97,906 269,551 1,542,178
Donald B. Reed 0 0 50,858 78,751 626,873 1,204,423
William C. Ferguson 0 0 278,836 218,302 4,081,505 3,230,401
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Amounts reflect potential gains on outstanding options based upon the
December 29, 1995 average NYNEX Common Stock price of $52.88.
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1995
- ---------------------------------
The following table contains information concerning the grant of options under
the NYNEX 1995 Stock Option Plan to the named Executive Officers during 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of %of Total
Securities Options
Underlying Granted to Exercise or Grant Date
Options Granted Employees Base Price Expiration Present
Name of Individual (#)(1) in 1995 ($/Share)(2) Date(3) Value($)(4)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ivan G. Seidenberg 105,727 3.338 36.32 1/12/05 441,939
Frederic V. Salerno 87,555 2.764 36.32 1/12/05 365,980
Richard A. Jalkut 82,599 2.608 36.32 1/12/05 345,264
Alan Z. Senter 60,573 1.913 36.32 1/12/05 253,195
Donald B. Reed 55,011 1.737 36.32 1/12/05 229,945
William C. Ferguson 132,158 4.173 36.32 3/30/00 552,420
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The date of grant for options subject to this footnote is January 13, 1995.
(2) The exercise price of the option is equal to the fair market value of NYNEX
Common Stock on the date of grant of the options. The exercise price may be
paid in cash, or by tendering already owned NYNEX Shares with a fair market
value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price. For exercises
where NYNEX Shares have been tendered in payment of the exercise price, a
new grant of options will be made equal to the number of Shares tendered. A
grant made under these circumstances will have an exercise price equal to
the fair market value on the date of such exercise and grant.
(3) Options expire ten years from date of grant or in case of retirement, the
fifth anniversary date of the cessation of employment. Options become
one-third exercisable one year after the date of grant, two-thirds
exercisable two years after the date of grant, and fully exercisable three
years after the date of grant. To the extent not already exercisable, the
options become fully exercisable in the event of a "change in control", as
defined in the NYNEX 1995 Long Term Incentive Program.
(4) As permitted by SEC rules, the Black-Scholes method of option valuation has
been used to determine grant date present value. The assumptions used in
the Black-Scholes option valuation calculation are: estimated future annual
stock price volatility of 0.153; risk-free rate of return 7.83%; and
estimated future dividend yield of 6.50%. NYNEX does not advocate or
necessarily agree that the Black-Scholes method, or any other method
permitted by the SEC, can properly determine the value of an option.
However, no gain to the optionees is possible without an increase in the
stock price, which will benefit all Share Owners. Thus, a zero increase or
decrease in stock price, compared to the exercise price, will not produce
any gain for the optionee.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 Pension Table NYNEX Proxy Statement
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETIREMENT PLANS
- ----------------
During 1995, NYNEX terminated its supplemental executive defined benefit
non-qualified pension plan and replaced it with a defined contribution plan. The
value of the pension accrued for years prior to 1995 under the supplemental
defined benefit plan was converted into a starting balance for the defined
contribution plan. The annual company contribution to the defined contribution
plan is determined as 25% of base salary that exceeds $150,000, plus 25% of
bonus. This amount is included in the All Other Compensation column of the
Summary Compensation Table on page 68 of this proxy statement.
PENSION TABLE
- -------------
This table provides the estimated annual benefits payable upon retirement under
the NYNEX qualified pension plan. Pensions are computed on a straight-life
annuity basis and are not reduced for Social Security or other offset amounts
except in cases where a joint or survivor annuity is selected. Participants
receive a pension based upon average compensation up to $150,000 multiplied by
1.6%. Average compensation is determined as five-year average base pay for the
period January 1, 1986 to December 31, 1990, times years of service on December
31, 1990, plus all future base pay. The Executive Officers named below receive a
benefit under this table, plus the annual credit under the defined contribution
plan which has been included in the All Other Compensation column of the Summary
Compensation Table.
Years of Service
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Compensation 15 20 25 30 35
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$300,000 $36,000 $48,000 $60,000 $72,000 $84,000
400,000 36,000 48,000 60,000 72,000 84,000
500,000 36,000 48,000 60,000 72,000 84,000
600,000 36,000 48,000 60,000 72,000 84,000
700,000 36,000 48,000 60,000 72,000 84,000
800,000 36,000 48,000 60,000 72,000 84,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Base Credited Years
Name of Individual Compensation* of Service*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ivan G. Seidenberg** $640,000 29
Frederic V. Salerno 530,000 30
Richard A. Jalkut 500,000 29
Alan Z. Senter** 411,000 1
Donald B. Reed 370,000 29
* as of 12/31/95
** Although not currently service pension-eligible under the age and/or
service requirements of the NYNEX pension plans, the amounts shown for
Messrs. Seidenberg and Senter are as if they were pension-eligible. In
addition, pensions are subject to a reduction for retirement prior to age
60.
Note: Benefits shown in this table may be further limited under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Under the prior executive non-qualified pension plan, executives retiring during
1995 received an annual benefit based upon average compensation multiplied by
the number of years service, times 1.6%. Average compensation was determined by
adding the average of the five highest Short Term Incentive Plan awards received
during the last ten years of employment, plus the total of the last sixty full
months of salary divided by five. Pensions may not exceed 60% of the average
compensation used in the pension formula. In connection with his retirement on
March 31, 1995, Mr. Ferguson elected and received a lump sum payment of
$4,671,468 under the Senior Management Non-Qualified Pension Plan. Mr. Ferguson
also receives an annual pension of $268,747 from the NYNEX Management Pension
Plan.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NYNEX Proxy Statement Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment
and Change in Control Arrangements 21
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS,
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND
CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
- ------------------------------
On December 16, 1993, the Board of Directors approved the NYNEX Executive
Severance Pay Plan (the "Severance Plan") and the Executive Retention Agreement
(the "Agreement") to be entered into with certain NYNEX Executive Officers as
well as certain other Officers of NYNEX companies. The purpose of the Severance
Plan and the Agreement is to enable NYNEX and its subsidiaries to remain
competitive in attracting and retaining the very best executive talent. The
Agreement provides the Executive Officer with certain benefits, pursuant to the
Severance Plan, upon termination of employment under specified conditions.
Certain NYNEX Executive Officers, including Messrs. Seidenberg, Jalkut and Reed
but excluding Messrs. Salerno and Senter, entered into an Agreement with NYNEX,
effective January 3, 1994, for a term of employment to continue day to day. Mr.
Salerno entered into an employment agreement with NYNEX on terms substantially
similar to those in the Agreement, but for a minimum term commencing August 1,
1994 through December 31, 1996. A retention award consisting of a grant of
restricted stock was made to each such NYNEX Executive Officer at the time of
signing the Agreement. The value of the retention award equals 50% of the sum of
the Executive Officer's 1994 annual salary and the standard award granted under
the NYNEX Senior Management Short Term Incentive Plan for 1994 performance.
During the term of the Agreement, dividends on the restricted stock will be
reinvested in additional NYNEX restricted stock. The retention award
restrictions on the restricted stock shall lapse at the time of termination of
employment only if the Executive Officer voluntarily separates from employment
with the consent of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NYNEX (or, in
the case of Mr. Seidenberg, with the consent of the Board of Directors); dies;
or is terminated by NYNEX without cause during the term of the Agreement. In the
case of all other terminations, the restricted stock will be forfeited by the
Executive Officer.
An Executive Officer who separates from active service with the consent of the
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (or, in the case of Mr.
Seidenberg, with the consent of the Board of Directors) or is separated from
active service pursuant to the terms of the NYNEX Force Management Plan, and in
either case signs a separation agreement and release, or dies during the term of
the Agreement, shall be entitled to a severance payment. The severance payment
will be the value of the restricted stock, including reinvested dividends, which
is designated as the retention award in the Executive Officer's Agreement, plus
an additional three times salary as of July 1, 1996 for Mr. Seidenberg and two
times such salary for Messrs. Salerno, Jalkut and Reed and certain other NYNEX
Executive Officers and one times such salary for certain other Officers of NYNEX
companies, plus interest accrued based upon the earnings of the Global Balanced
Fund investment option of the NYNEX Corporation Savings Plan for Salaried
Employees. An Executive Officer will not receive benefits or payment under the
Severance Plan if he or she is separated from active service for cause; is
separated from active service with an Employing Company that is sold and the
Employing Company hires or offers employment within 60 days of the Executive
Officer's separation from the Employing Company; or if the Executive Officer has
an employment agreement other than the Agreement with the Employing Company.
Mr. Senter entered into a three-year employment agreement with NYNEX commencing
September 1, 1994. The agreement provides for a sign-on bonus of $600,000 in
restricted NYNEX Shares which vest at the rate of one-third per year, subject to
certain conditions. Under terms of the agreement, if NYNEX terminates Mr.
Senter's employment without cause prior to the third anniversary of the
commencement of his employment, he will continue to receive monthly payments
equal to his base salary until the end of the term of his agreement. In
addition, Mr. Senter is entitled to receive a severance payment equal to two
times his salary as of July 1, 1996, on substantially the same terms and
conditions as contained in the Agreement described above.
NYNEX maintains various plans pursuant to which NYNEX Executive Officers and
certain other Officers of NYNEX companies defer (on a voluntary and, in certain
cases, involuntary basis) the receipt of all or part of certain specified
compensation payments. NYNEX also maintains certain non-qualified pension,
savings and retirement plans for such individuals. Amounts credited to the
accounts of such individuals accrue earnings based upon various investment
options selected by such individuals. To safeguard these benefits and other
non-qualified benefits for other Officers, NYNEX will establish a trust which
would become fully funded and irrevocable upon a Change of Control. As defined
in the trust, a Change of Control occurs if (a) any person (other than a trustee
or other fiduciary of securities held under an employee benefit plan of NYNEX)
becomes the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the NYNEX voting stock, (b) a
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22 Share Owner Return Performance Graph NYNEX Proxy Statement
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
tender offer is made and the offerer owns or has accepted payment for 15% or
more of the NYNEX voting stock, or (c) during any period of twenty-four
consecutive months members of the Board at the beginning of such period,
together with new Directors nominated or appointed during that period by a vote
of at least two-thirds of such existing Directors (or of Directors whose
election or nomination for election was previously so approved), cease to
comprise a majority of the Board of Directors. The assets in the trust, however,
remain subject to the claims of NYNEX's general creditors in the event of
insolvency. In the event of a Change in Control (defined substantially identical
to "Change of Control" above), NYNEX's 1995 Long Term Incentive Program provides
that all stock options and stock appreciation rights previously granted will
become fully exercisable, the restrictions on restricted stock previously
granted will terminate, and performance units under the Senior Management Long
Term Incentive Plan will be immediately valued based on the highest fair market
value of NYNEX Common Stock during the period beginning thirty days prior to and
ending thirty days after the Change in Control.
SHARE OWNER RETURN PERFORMANCE GRAPH
- ------------------------------------
The following line graph compares the yearly percent change in the cumulative
Total Share Owner Return of NYNEX Common Stock against the cumulative total
return of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the Regional Holding Company
peer group stock index for the period of five fiscal years (1991-1995).
[THE FOLLOWING TABLE REPRESENTS PLOT POINTS IN THE PRINTED PIECE]
Comparison of 5-Year Cumulative Total Return*
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
NYNEX 100.0 120.7 132.8 134.2 130.5 202.9
PEER's** 100.0 103.1 114.4 137.3 134.7 195.9
S&P 500 100.0 130.5 140.4 154.6 156.7 215.6
- ---------
* Assumes $100 invested on December 31, 1990 in NYNEX Common Stock, Standard &
Poor's 500 Index and Peer Group Index, with all dividends reinvested; also
assumes retention by Pacific Telesis Group stockholders of the AirTouch
Communications stock spin-off, effective April 1, 1994, and conversion of
U S WEST's common stock into Communications Stock and Media Stock effective
November 1, 1995.
** Composite of 6 Regional Holding Companies: Ameritech Corporation, Bell
Atlantic Corporation, BellSouth Corporation, Pacific Telesis Group, SBC
Communications Inc., U S WEST, Inc.
OTHER INFORMATION
- -----------------
As required by SEC rules, it is herein noted that in August 1995 four separate
transactions in Shares of NYNEX Common Stock by a retired NYNEX Executive
Officer, Raymond F. Burke, were not timely reported.
Solicitation of proxies is being made by management through the mail, in person
and by telephone and telegraph. NYNEX will be responsible for costs associated
with this solicitation. NYNEX has retained Kissel-Blake Inc., to aid in the
solicitation of proxies at a cost of approximately $21,000, plus reimbursement
of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
By order of the Board of Directors,
/s/Morrison DeS. Webb
MORRISON DeS. WEBB
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary March 18, 1996
NYNEX CORPORATION
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR PENSION PLAN
(Amended and Restated as of August 1, 1996)
1. Purpose of Plan
The purpose of the NYNEX Corporation ("NYNEX") Non-Employee Director
Pension Plan (the "Plan") is to reward for past services those non-employee
members of NYNEX's Board of Directors (the "Board") whose loyalty and efforts
have made significant contributions to NYNEX.
2. Effective Date of Plan
The effective date of the Plan shall be October 17, 1985. Effective
August 1, 1996, this Plan is terminated with respect to future benefits.
3. Plan Eligibility
(a) Only Directors who are not employees of NYNEX or a NYNEX Affiliate
who have been duly elected to the Board by the stockholders or duly appointed by
the Board in accordance with the By-Laws of NYNEX are covered by the Plan.
(b) Any such non-employee Director who has (i) served as a non-employee
Director on the Board or on the Board of Directors of a NYNEX Subsidiary
("Subsidiary Board") for an aggregate of at least five (5) years, (ii) served
his or her last year on the Board, and (iii) has attained the age of sixty-five
(65) years shall be eligible to participate in the Plan. Years served on one of
the aforementioned Boards prior to the adoption of the Plan shall be counted in
calculating the five (5)-year requirement. Years served on a Subsidiary Board
shall only be counted for such years as the Subsidiary is an Affiliate of NYNEX.
(c) Directors who have not served as a non-employee Director on the
Board or on a Subsidiary Board for an aggregate of at least five (5) years as of
August 1, 1996 shall not be entitled to any benefits under this Plan.
(d) Effective August 1, 1996, years served on the Board or a Subsidiary
Board will not be counted for purposes of determining pension benefits under
this Plan.
<PAGE>
4. Pension Benefits
A director shall be entitled to the pension benefits described in
Sections 4(a) or 4(b) below, but not both, paid for by NYNEX:
(a) After becoming eligible, he or she shall receive each year for life
a sum equal to the product of (i) 10% of the Annual Retainer Fee and (ii) the
number of full years he or she has served as a Director of NYNEX and/or a NYNEX
Subsidiary; the maximum benefit to be 100% of the Annual Retainer Fee and the
minimum benefit to be 50% of the Annual Retainer Fee. In the event a former
Director is requested to attend any Board or Committee meeting, he or she shall
receive the then current attendance fee therefor in addition to any and all
payment he or she is entitled to hereunder. In the event a former Director is
employed by NYNEX or any of its Affiliates, he or she shall continue to receive
any and all payments he or she is entitled to hereunder.
(b) Any Director who, as of January 1, 1996, is actively serving on the
Board and has served as a non-employee Director on the Board or on a Subsidiary
Board for an aggregate of at least five (5) years, regardless if such Director
has satisfied the conditions described in clauses (ii) and (iii) of Section
3(b), will be given the option to convert the present value of his or her
benefits under the Plan, as determined by NYNEX, into shares of Common Stock of
NYNEX based on the method described in Section 5(b) below. If a Director so
elects to convert his or her benefits under the Plan, he or she shall not be
entitled to any other benefits under this Plan. The election described in this
Section shall be irrevocable and shall be made by filing the appropriate
election form with the Secretary of NYNEX prior to February 1, 1996.
5. Method of Payment
(a) With respect to the benefits described in Section 4(a) above,
payments of the aforesaid annual sum shall be made on a quarterly basis; as soon
as practicable following the first day of January, April, July and October,
commencing (i) the first quarter after such Director receives his or her last
Annual Retainer Fee as an active Director or (ii) the first quarter after the
month in which such Director attains age sixty-five (65), whichever occurs
later.
(b) If a Director elects the option described in Section 4(b) above,
the present value of his or her benefits under the Plan as of August 1, 1996, as
determined by NYNEX, shall be converted into the number of shares of NYNEX
Common Stock determined by dividing (i) the present value of his or her benefits
under the Plan as of August 1, 1996 by (ii) the price of a share of NYNEX Common
Stock, as determined in the following sentence. The price of a share of NYNEX
Common Stock shall be the average of the daily high and low
2
<PAGE>
sale prices of a share of NYNEX Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for
the period of five trading days ending August 1, 1996. The number of shares
determined pursuant to this formula shall be deposited by NYNEX with the NYNEX
Corporation Trust for Non-Employee Directors (the "Trust"). The trustee under
the Trust ("Trustee") will be directed to hold the shares of NYNEX Common Stock
issued to the Trust, receive dividends on such shares, reinvest such dividends
in additional shares of NYNEX Common Stock as soon as practicable after the
receipt of such dividends, and, pending such reinvestment, invest the dividend
proceeds in such manner as the Trustee deems appropriate. The Trustee will also
be directed to establish an account within the Trust for each Director and to
credit such account with (i) the number of shares of NYNEX Common Stock issued
to the Trust as a result of an election made by the Director under this Plan;
(ii) dividends paid on such shares; and (iii) the additional shares of NYNEX
Common Stock or other investments acquired by the Trustee with such dividends.
The Director shall have the authority to direct the Trustee's exercise of voting
rights with respect to shares credited to the Director's account, but shall
otherwise have no beneficial ownership in or any other rights with respect to
such shares. If a Director files the appropriate election form described in
Section 4(b) prior to February 1, 1996 and retires from the Board prior to
August 1, 1996, the present value of his or her benefits under the Plan shall
not be determined as of August 1, 1996, but shall be determined as of his or her
retirement date and shall be converted into the number of shares of NYNEX Common
Stock determined by dividing the present value of his or her benefits under the
Plan as of his or her retirement date by the price of a share of NYNEX Common
Stock, as determined above.
(c) The election described in Section 4(b) shall include an election by
the Director with respect to the distribution of shares of NYNEX Common Stock
held under the Trust. A Director may elect to receive such shares as follows:
(i) in one payment to be paid as soon as practicable following the first day of
the calendar year immediately following the year in which the Director ceases to
be a Director of NYNEX; (ii) in one annual payment for each year of
approximately equal annual installments (not exceeding 10 annual installments);
or (iii) in approximately equal quarterly payments for each year of
approximately equal annual installments (not exceeding 10 annual installments).
In the case of the options described in clauses (ii) and (iii) above, the first
installment shall be paid as soon as practicable following the first day of the
calendar year (in the case of option (ii)) or calendar quarter (in the case of
option (iii)), immediately following the calendar year (in the case of option
(ii)) or calendar quarter (in the case of option (iii)) in which the Director
ceases to be a Director of NYNEX, and subsequent installments shall be paid as
soon as practicable following the first day of each succeeding calendar year (in
the case of option (ii)) or calendar quarter (in the case of option (iii)) until
the entire amount credited to the Director's account under the Trust shall have
been paid; provided, however, that no payment under this Section will be made
earlier than October 1, 1996.
3
<PAGE>
(d) The election described in Section 4(b) shall also include a
beneficiary designation. As soon as practicable following the death of any
Director who has made the election described in Section 4(b), the Trustee of the
Trust shall pay to the designated beneficiary the remaining shares of NYNEX
Common Stock, if any, in the Director's account under the Trust. If the
designated beneficiary pre-deceases the Director, as soon as practicable
following the death of the Director, the remaining shares of NYNEX Common Stock,
if any, in the Director's account under the Trust shall be paid to the
Director's estate.
6. Total Number of Shares
The total number of shares of NYNEX Common Stock that may be granted
under the Plan may not exceed 50,000, subject to adjustment in accordance with
Section 7 hereof. The shares of NYNEX Common Stock granted under the Plan may be
either authorized but unissued shares or shares which have been or may be
reacquired by NYNEX, including shares purchased by NYNEX in the open market, by
private purchase or otherwise.
7. Adjustment in Event of Changes in Capitalization
In the event of a recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend,
combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation, rights offering,
separation, reorganization or liquidation, or any other similar change in the
corporate structure or shares of NYNEX Common Stock, the Directors' Pension
Committee may make such equitable adjustments to prevent dilution or enlargement
of rights in the number and class of shares authorized to be granted hereunder
as the Directors' Pension Committee may deem appropriate.
8. Termination
Except as provided in Section 5(d), this Plan shall terminate with
respect to a covered Director in the event he or she dies.
9. Definitions
Affiliate - Any trade or business under common control with NYNEX.
Subsidiary - Any business in which NYNEX Corporation or a Subsidiary of
NYNEX Corporation owns more than 49% interest.
4
<PAGE>
Annual Retainer Fee - Such annual retainer for service on the Board as
the Director earned the last year he or she served as a Director,
excluding the additional retainer received for chairing a Committee of
the Board and meeting attendance fees. Effective November 1, 1987, the
Annual Retainer shall be adjusted to reflect the first subsequent
increase, if any, in the annual retainer for service on the Board
following the Director's retirement.
Directors' Pension Committee - The Committee is the Executive Committee
of the Board. Such Committee shall administer, construe and interpret
the Plan, resolve any disputes under the Plan, establish and amend
rules and regulations for administration of the Plan, and perform all
other acts relating to the Plan, including the delegation of
administrative responsibilities, which it believes reasonable and
proper.
10. Miscellaneous
(a) This Plan shall be binding upon NYNEX and its successors and
assigns and shall be construed under the laws of the State of New York.
(b) No benefit hereunder shall be subject to sale, assignment, pledge,
hypothecation, transfer, encumbrance or charge, and any attempt to
sell, assign, pledge, hypothecate, transfer, encumber or charge the
same shall be void. No benefit shall, in any manner, be liable for or
subject to bankruptcy proceedings, legal processes, interference or
control of creditors, the debts, contracts, liabilities or torts of the
Director.
(c) NYNEX may modify in whole or in part or terminate the Plan at any
time, provided, however, that no such modification or termination shall
affect the rights of a Director, without his or her consent, to a
pension to which he or she had become entitled prior to such
modification or termination.
(d) Payments under the Plan are made from general assets of NYNEX and
no assets are earmarked in respect of any amount due hereunder. The
Plan and the amount due hereunder shall not constitute a funded plan.
(e) NYNEX reserves the right to deduct Federal, State and local tax
amounts from any payment to the extent required by law to be withheld
or deducted, if any.
(f) When receiving payments under this Plan, an individual shall not be
considered to be serving as a Director.
5
<PAGE>
(g) All expenses of administering the Plan will be borne by NYNEX.
(h) This Plan is subject to the approval of the Board and with respect
to provisions relating to the conversion of benefits into shares of
NYNEX Common Stock, the approval of NYNEX's stockholders at the 1996
Annual Meeting.
<PAGE>
NYNEX CORPORATION
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR
RETAINER STOCK PLAN
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the NYNEX Corporation Non-Employee Director Retainer Stock Plan
(the "Plan") is to promote the interests of NYNEX Corporation ("NYNEX") and its
shareholders by attracting and retaining non-employee Directors capable of
furthering the future success of NYNEX and by aligning their economic interests
more closely with those of NYNEX shareholders.
2. ADMINISTRATOR
The Plan shall be administered, construed and interpreted by a committee (the
"Committee") which shall be comprised of three members of NYNEX's Board of
Directors who are not eligible under Section 3 hereof to participate in the
Plan, or such lesser number of such members of NYNEX's Board of Directors as
there may be from time to time.
3. ELIGIBILITY
All members of NYNEX's Board of Directors who are not officers or employees of
NYNEX or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates shall participate in the Plan
(the "Eligible Directors"). Directors shall cease to be Eligible Directors at
the time their membership on NYNEX's Board of Directors shall terminate.
4. GRANTS
Each Eligible Director shall be granted 250 shares of NYNEX's Common Stock
("Common Stock") annually as part of his or her annual retainer fee, provided
that the initial grant for the period July 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996
shall be 125 shares. Subject to Sections 9 and 10 hereof, (i) shares granted for
the period July 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996 shall be issued and delivered
to the Eligible Directors in two approximately equal installments on the same
dates that installments of their annual retainer fee are scheduled to be paid,
and (ii) shares granted in each calendar year thereafter shall be issued and
delivered to the Eligible Directors in four approximately equal installments on
the same dates that installments of their annual retainer fee are scheduled to
be paid.
<PAGE>
5. ANNUAL RETAINER
For purposes of this Section, the term "annual retainer fee" shall mean the
annual retainer fee paid for service on the NYNEX Board of Directors, as
determined from time to time by such Board, without regard to the grant
described in Section 4 hereof. Following the effective date of this Plan, fifty
percent (50%) of the annual retainer fee of each Eligible Director shall be paid
in shares of Common Stock. Subject to Sections 9 and 10 hereof, such shares
shall be issued and delivered to the Eligible Directors on (or as soon as
practicable after) the dates that installments of their annual retainer fee are
scheduled to be paid. The number of shares of Common Stock to be issued and
delivered (or to be eligible for deferral as provided in Section 9) shall be
determined by dividing one-half of the amount of the retainer installment by the
price of such shares, as determined in the following sentence. The price of
shares of Common Stock related to any installment payment date shall be the
average of the daily high and low sale prices of shares of Common Stock on the
New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") for the period of five trading days ending on
such payment date, or the period of five trading days immediately preceding such
payment date if the NYSE is closed on such payment date. A whole share of Common
Stock shall be paid in lieu of any fractional share resulting from the
computation described in this Section.
6. ELECTION TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
For purposes of this Section, the term "annual retainer fee" shall have the same
meaning as in Section 5 hereof, and the term "chairperson retainer fee" shall
mean the retainer fee paid for services as a chairperson of a Board Committee,
as determined from time to time by the Board. In addition to the automatic
payment of shares of Common Stock pursuant to Section 5 hereof, an Eligible
Director may also elect to receive shares of Common Stock in lieu of (i) all or
any portion of the annual retainer fee that is not automatically paid in such
shares, and (ii) all (but not less than all) of a chairperson retainer fee. In
the event such an election is in effect, the number of shares to be issued and
delivered (or to be eligible for deferral as provided in Section 9) shall be
determined using the formula described in Section 5 hereof, adjusted to take
into account the additional portion of retainer fees which the Eligible Director
has elected to receive in shares.
7. MAKING OR REVISING AN ELECTION
An Eligible Director may make the election described in Section 6 hereof by
filing the appropriate election form with the Secretary of NYNEX. Any such
election
2
<PAGE>
(i) shall take effect and be irrevocable with respect to the first payment of
retainer fees occurring more than six months after the date the election was
filed, and (ii) shall continue in effect with respect to subsequent payments of
retainer fees until terminated or modified by written notice to the Secretary of
NYNEX. Any such termination or modification shall become effective with respect
to the first payment of retainer fees occurring more than six months after the
date such termination or modification was filed.
8. TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES
The total number of shares of Common Stock that may be granted under the Plan
may not exceed 300,000 subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 11
hereof. The shares of Common Stock granted under the Plan may be either
authorized but unissued shares or shares which have been or may be reacquired by
NYNEX, including shares purchased by NYNEX in the open market, by private
purchase or otherwise.
9. DEFERRAL
In accordance with the terms of the NYNEX Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan
for Non-Employee Directors (the "Deferral Plan"), each Eligible Director may
make a prospective election to defer the receipt of all or any portion of the
shares of Common Stock to be granted under this Plan. All deferred compensation
which would otherwise have been payable currently in shares of Common Stock
shall be credited to the Director's account under the Deferral Plan, provided
that, in lieu of being so credited, compensation payable in shares of Common
Stock may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be issued to and held by the
NYNEX Corporation Non-Employee Director Trust (the "Trust") for the period
specified by the Director in his or her deferral election.
10. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND LISTING
The issuance or delivery of any shares of Common Stock hereunder may be
postponed by NYNEX for such period as may be required to comply with any
applicable requirements under the Federal securities laws, any applicable
listing requirements of any national securities exchange and requirements under
any other law or regulation applicable to the issuance or delivery of such
shares, and NYNEX shall not be obligated to issue or deliver any such shares of
Common Stock if the issuance or delivery of such shares shall constitute a
violation of any provisions of any law or of any regulation of any governmental
authority or any national securities exchange.
3
<PAGE>
11. ADJUSTMENT IN EVENT OF CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION
In the event of a recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend, combination or
exchange of shares, merger, consolidation, rights offering, separation,
reorganization or liquidation, or any other similar change in the corporate
structure or shares of Common Stock, the Committee may make such equitable
adjustments to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights in the number and class
of shares authorized to be granted hereunder as the Committee may deem
appropriate.
12. TERMINATION OR AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN
The Board of Directors may at any time terminate the Plan and may from time to
time alter or amend the Plan or any part thereof provided that, unless otherwise
required by law, without the approval of NYNEX's stockholders, no alteration or
amendment may be made which would increase the number of shares that may be
granted to any Eligible Director (except by operation of Section 11) or change
the category of Directors eligible to receive shares under the Plan. The
Committee, with the approval of the Executive Vice President and General Counsel
of NYNEX (or any successor position), shall be authorized to make minor or
administrative amendments to the Plan, as well as amendments required by federal
or state statutes applicable to the Plan.
13. NO OBLIGATION TO REELECT
Nothing in the Plan shall be deemed to create any obligation on the part of the
Board of Directors to nominate any Director for reelection by NYNEX
stockholders.
14. EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN
The Plan shall be effective upon approval by both NYNEX's Board of Directors and
its stockholders at NYNEX's 1996 Annual Meeting.
4
<PAGE>
Proxy/Voting Instruction Card
NYNEX
NYNEX CORPORATION
1095 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE ANNUAL P
MEETING OF SHARE OWNERS ON MAY 1, 1996 R
O
The undersigned hereby appoints E.T. Kennan, E.E. Phillips and I.G. Seidenberg, X
and each of them, proxies, with the powers the undersigned would possess if Y
personally present, and with full power of substitution, to vote all Shares of
the undersigned in NYNEX Corporation at the Annual Meeting of Share Owners to be
held at the John Hancock Hall, Boston, Massachusetts on May 1, 1996, and at any
adjournment thereof, upon all subjects that may properly come before the meeting
including the matters described in the proxy statement furnished herewith,
subject to any directions indicated on the reverse side of this card. IF NO
DIRECTIONS ARE GIVEN, THE PROXIES WILL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: (1) FOR THE ELECTION OF
ALL LISTED NOMINEES; (2) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATIONS ON
THE OTHER SUBJECTS LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD; AND (3) AT THEIR
DISCRETION ON ANY OTHER MATTER THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. (If
you have indicated any changes or voting limitations in this paragraph, please
mark the "Vote Limitations" box on the reverse side of this card in order to
expedite processing.)
Your vote for the election of Directors may be indicated on the reverse side of
this card. Four Directors are to be elected at the meeting. Nominees are L.J.R.
de Vink, H.L. Kaplan, H.B. Price, and I.G. Seidenberg.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THE REVERSE SIDE.
<PAGE>
/X/ PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE.
To vote your Shares for all Director nominees, mark the "For" box in Item A. To
withhold voting for all nominees, mark the "Withheld" box. If you do not wish
your Shares voted "For" a particular nominee, mark the "Exceptions" box and
enter the name(s) of the person(s) you do not wish to vote for in the space
provided.
Directors recommend a vote "For"
A. Election of Directors For Withheld
/ / / /
Exceptions
/ /____________________________________________
For all nominees except as noted above
For Against Abstain
B. Ratification of Auditors / / / / / /
C. Non-Employee
Director Compensation
Program / / / / / /
Directors recommend a vote "Against"
the Share Owner proposals regarding
For Against Abstain
1. Repeal of Board Classification / / / / / /
2. Charitable Contributions Listing / / / / / /
3. Cumulative Voting / / / / / /
You must return this card promptly to have your Shares voted. If you do attend
the meeting and decide to vote by ballot, such vote will supersede this proxy.
If signing for a corporation or partnership or as agent, attorney or fiduciary,
indicate the capacity in which you are signing.
Signature(s)__________________________________________ Date_____________
Signature(s)__________________________________________ Date_____________
Please Sign This Proxy as Name(s) Appear Above.
<PAGE>
ADMISSION TICKET
NYNEX
ANNUAL MEETING
OF
SHARE OWNERS
Wednesday, May 1, 1996
10:30 a.m. EDT
John Hancock Hall
180 Berkeley Street
Boston, Massachusetts
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are planning to attend the Annual Meeting, please retain this ticket and
mark the appropriate box on the proxy card indicating that you plan to attend.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detach Proxy Card Here
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROXY/VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD
NYNEX
NYNEX CORPORATION
1095 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE ANNUAL P
MEETING OF SHARE OWNERS ON MAY 1, 1996 R
O
The undersigned hereby appoints E.T. Kennan, E.E. Phillips and I.G. Seidenberg, X
and each of them, proxies, with the powers the undersigned would possess if Y
personally present, and with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of
the undersigned in NYNEX Corporation at the Annual Meeting of Share Owners to be
held at the John Hancock Hall, Boston, Massachusetts on May 1, 1996, and at any
adjournment thereof, upon all subjects that may properly come before the meeting
including the matters described in the proxy statement furnished herewith,
subject to any directions indicated on the reverse side of this card. IF NO
DIRECTIONS ARE GIVEN, THE PROXIES WILL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: (1) FOR THE ELECTION OF
ALL LISTED NOMINEES; (2) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATIONS ON
THE OTHER SUBJECTS LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD; AND (3) AT THEIR
DISCRETION ON ANY OTHER MATTER THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. (If
you have indicated any changes or voting limitations in this paragraph, please
mark the "Vote Limitations" box on the reverse side of this card in order to
expedite processing.)
Your vote for the election of Directors may be indicated on the reverse side of
this card. Four Directors are to be elected at the meeting. Nominees are L.J.R.
de Vink, H.L. Kaplan, H.B. Price, and I.G. Seidenberg.
PLEASE SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE TO P.O.
BOX 9020, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02205-8651. IF YOU DO NOT SIGN AND RETURN A
PROXY, OR DO NOT ATTEND THE MEETING AND VOTE BY BALLOT, YOUR SHARES CANNOT BE
VOTED.
This proxy also provides voting instructions for shares held in the dividend
reinvestment plan and , if registrations are identical, Shares held in the
various employee stock purchase and savings plans described in the proxy
statement.
(If you have written on this side of the card, please mark the "Vote
Limitations" box on the reverse side.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
- -----------
MAP OF AREA
[Area map illustration]
/X/ PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE.
To vote your Shares for all Director nominees, mark the "For" box in Item A. To
withhold voting for all nominees, mark the "Withheld" box. If you do not wish
your Shares voted "For" a particular nominee, mark the "Exceptions" box and
enter the name(s) of the person(s) you do not wish to vote for in the space
provided.
Directors recommend a vote "For"
A. Election of Directors For Withheld
/ / / /
Exceptions
/ /____________________________________________
For all nominees except as noted above
For Against Abstain
B. Ratification of Auditors / / / / / /
C. Non-Employee
Director Compensation
Program / / / / / /
Directors recommend a vote "Against"
the Share Owner proposals regarding
For Against Abstain
1. Repeal of Board Classification / / / / / /
2. Charitable Contributions Listing / / / / / /
3. Cumulative Voting / / / / / /
ANNUAL REPORT Discontinue Mailing of Duplicate Report / /
Will Attend Annual Meeting / /
Vote Limitations on Other Side of Card / /
You must return this card promptly to have your Shares voted. If you do attend
the meeting and decide to vote by ballot, such vote will supersede this proxy.
If signing for a corporation or partnership or as agent, attorney or fiduciary,
indicate the capacity in which you are signing.
Signature(s)__________________________________________ Date_____________
Signature(s)__________________________________________ Date_____________
Please Sign This Proxy as Name(s) Appear Above.
