<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14 INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [ ]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [X]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6
(e)(2)
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
O.I. CORPORATION
------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
Bowne of Houston
-----------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1) Title or each class of securities to which transaction applies:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined);
----------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
5) Total Fee Paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Filing Party:
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4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE> 2
O. I. CORPORATION
151 GRAHAM ROAD, P.O. BOX 9010
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77842-9010
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MAY 10, 1999
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF O. I. CORPORATION:
You are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of O. I.
Corporation will be held on Monday, May 10, 1999 at 1:15 p.m. at O. I.
Corporation headquarters, 151 Graham Road, College Station, Texas, for the
purposes of considering and voting upon the following matters proposed by the
Board of Directors:
(i) the election of directors;
(ii) the ratification of the appointment of independent public
accountants; and
(iii) the transaction of such other business as may properly come
before the meeting.
The stock transfer books will not be closed, but only shareholders of record at
the close of business on March 15, 1999, will be entitled to notice of and to
vote at the meeting.
After completing the business of the meeting, we will discuss fiscal year 1998
results and the current outlook for the Company. There will be a period for
questions and discussion with the Company's officers and directors.
If you plan to be present, please notify the Secretary of the Company so that
the necessary arrangements can be made for your attendance. Regardless of
whether you plan to personally attend, it is important that your shares be
represented at the meeting; therefore, PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND IMMEDIATELY RETURN
YOUR PROXY CARD IN THE POST-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED. You may revoke your proxy
at any time prior to exercise.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Jane A. Smith
Vice President-Corporate Secretary
April 10, 1999
<PAGE> 3
O. I. CORPORATION
151 GRAHAM ROAD, P.O. BOX 9010
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77842-9010
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished to the shareholders of O. I. Corporation (the
"Company") in connection with the solicitation of proxies to be used in voting
at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 10, 1999. It is first
being mailed to shareholders on or about April 10, 1999. The enclosed proxy is
solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company. The person giving
the enclosed proxy has the power to revoke it by giving notice to the Secretary
in person, or by written notification actually received by the Secretary, at
any time prior to its being exercised.
The Company will bear the cost of the solicitation of the proxies, including
the charges and expenses of brokerage firms and others for forwarding
solicitation material to beneficial owners of stock. It is possible that
further solicitation of proxies will be made by telephone or oral communication
with some shareholders of the Company following the original solicitation. All
further solicitations will be made by either the Company's transfer agent or by
regular employees of the Company, neither of whom will be additionally
compensated therefor.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The mailing address of the Company's principal executive offices is O. I.
Corporation, P.O. Box 9010, College Station, Texas 77842-9010. The Company's
telephone number is (409) 690-1711, and its fax number is (409) 690-0440.
VOTING SECURITIES OUTSTANDING
As of March 15, 1999, there were 3,353,285 shares of common stock, par value
$0.10 per share, ("Common Stock"), of the Company issued and outstanding, and
each share is entitled to one vote. Only holders of Common Stock of record at
the close of business on March 15, 1999, will be entitled to vote at the
meeting. Shares not voted on matters, including broker non-votes, will not be
treated as votes cast with respect to those matters, and therefore will not
affect the outcome of any such matter. Shares abstaining from voting will be
treated as votes cast with respect to those matters, and therefore will have
the effect of votes against any such matter.
In the absence of a quorum (1,676,644 shares) at the meeting, either in person
or by proxy, the meeting may be adjourned from time to time for not more than
29 days, without notice, other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum
shall be formed.
<PAGE> 4
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The table below sets forth, as of March 15, 1999, certain information with
respect to the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by (i) each person
known by the Company to own beneficially five percent or more of the Common
Stock, (ii) each director and director nominee of the Company, (iii) each of
the executive officers of the Company named below under "Election of
Directors-Compensation of Executive Officers," and (iv) all directors, director
nominees and executive officers of the Company as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================================
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS AMOUNT AND NATURE OF PERCENT
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF CLASS
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
William W. Botts 380,041 (1) 10.88%
President, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer
P.O. Box 9010
College Station, TX 77842-9010
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------
Heartland Advisors, Inc. 333,100 (2) 9.8%
790 North Milwaukee Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. 248,000 (3) 7.4%
1299 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------
Jack S. Anderson, Director 23,564 (4) *
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------
Edwin B. King, Director 16,564 (5) *
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------
Craig R. Whited, Director 93,164 (6) 2.8%
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------
Mark G. Whiteman, Vice President 14,000 (7) *
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------
Directors and executive officers as a group (6 persons) 548,034 (8) 15.51%
====================================================================== =========================== ==============
</TABLE>
* Beneficial ownership of less than 1% of the class is omitted.
(1) Includes 140,001 shares subject to presently exercisable options.
(2) As of January 28, 1999, Heartland Advisors, Inc. has sole dispositive
power as to all 333,100 shares, which are beneficially owned. All shares
are held in investment advisory accounts of Heartland Advisors, Inc. As a
result, various persons have the right to receive or the power to direct
the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, the
securities. The interests of one such account, Heartland Value Fund, a
series of Heartland Group, Inc., a registered investment company, relates
to more than 5% of the class.
(3) As of December 31, 1998, Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. ("Dimensional"),
a registered investment advisor, is deemed to have beneficial ownership
of 248,000 shares of Common Stock, all of which shares are held in
portfolios of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc., a registered open-end
investment company, or in series of the DFA Investment Trust Company, a
Delaware business trust, or the DFA Group Trust and DFA Participating
Group Trust, investment vehicles for qualified employee benefit plans,
all of which Dimensional serves as investment manager. Dimensional
disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares.
(4) Includes 6,000 shares subject to presently exercisable options.
(5) Includes 4,000 shares subject to presently exercisable options.
(6) Includes 3,000 shares subject to presently exercisable options.
(7) Presently exercisable options.
(8) Includes 180,002 shares subject to presently exercisable options.
2
<PAGE> 5
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
PROPOSAL 1: THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS NOMINATED AND URGES YOU TO VOTE FOR THE
FOUR NOMINEES LISTED BELOW. PROXIES SOLICITED HEREBY WILL BE SO VOTED UNLESS
SHAREHOLDERS SPECIFY OTHERWISE IN THEIR PROXIES. THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE
HOLDERS OF A PLURALITY OF THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK PRESENT IN PERSON OR BY
PROXY AT THE MEETING AND ENTITLED TO VOTE IS REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL OF THIS
PROPOSAL.
At the meeting, four (4) directors are to be elected to serve for the ensuing
year and until their respective successors are elected and qualified, in
accordance with the provisions of the bylaws. The shareholders are being asked
to vote for the election of Messrs. Anderson, Botts, King, and Whited. Unless
otherwise marked, the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted
"FOR" the election as directors of the four (4) nominees named above. The proxy
cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees
named. If any nominee becomes unavailable for any reason, or if a vacancy
should occur before the election (which events are not anticipated), the shares
represented by the enclosed proxy may be voted for such person as may be
determined by the holders of such proxy.
NOMINEES FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The nominees to serve as directors of the Company until the next annual meeting
of shareholders and until their successors are elected and qualified, and
certain information with respect to the business experience of each nominee
during the last five years, is set forth below.
WILLIAM W. BOTTS. Mr. Botts, age 56, has served on the Board of Directors since
1986. Mr. Botts was Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of The
Brandt Company, a privately owned oil field service company headquartered in
Houston, Texas until it was sold to TRW, Inc. in August 1982. At the time of
such sale, he was named Vice-President and General Manager of the Brandt
Division of TRW Inc. Mr. Botts served in that position until he was elected
President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company on February 1, 1985. Mr.
Botts was subsequently elected Chief Executive Officer of the Company on July
19, 1985, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company on May 26,
1986.
JACK S. ANDERSON. Mr. Anderson, age 73, has served on the Board of Directors
since 1980. Mr. Anderson was Senior Vice President of NL Petroleum Services in
Houston, Texas from June 1969 to September 1980. He was Executive Vice
President and Director of GEO International, Houston, Texas from October 1980
to October 1983, and from October 1983 until the present, he has served as
President of Jasada Corporation, an investment firm located in Houston, Texas.
Mr. Anderson has served since November 1983 as President of Anlo Energy, Inc.,
a mining company. Mr. Anderson serves as a director of Califone International
located in Los Angeles, California, Shoreline, Inc. located in Taft, Texas,
FMI, Inc. located in Houston, Texas, and executive officer and director of
Virosafe, Inc. located in Houston, Texas, all of which are privately owned
companies.
EDWIN B. KING. Mr. King, age 71, has served on the Board of Directors since
February 1995. Mr. King was President of Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Co., of
Texas City, Texas, a chemical and metallurgical processing company from 1969 to
1984. From 1984 to present, Mr. King has served as Vice President and Director
of Scientific Management, Inc., which has been engaged in management consulting
and personnel testing and evaluation. From 1984 to 1996, Mr. King held the
position of President and CEO, director, and majority owner of Asoma
Instruments, Inc. of Austin, Texas, an analytical instrument manufacturer. Mr.
King resigned as President of Asoma Instruments, Inc. in mid-1996, and remained
CEO, director and majority owner until he sold the company in 1998. From 1984
to 1997, Mr. King held the position of President, co-owner, and director of
Jumbo Mining Company, a gold mining company whose principal operations are
located in Winnemucca, Nevada and Delta, Utah. He also served as director and
President of Asoma (Utah) Inc. from 1982 to 1997 and WTC Engineering Inc. of
Bozeman, Montana and director and Vice President of Asoma Tower, Inc. On
November 10, 1997, Jumbo Mining Company and Asoma (Utah) Inc. filed for
protection under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Mr. King was a majority
stockholder and executive officer of each corporation, as well as one of the
principal creditors of each corporation.
3
<PAGE> 6
CRAIG R. WHITED. Mr. Whited, age 52, was elected to the Board of Directors of
the Company in May 1996 and has served since that time. From 1975 to the
present, Mr. Whited has held numerous financial and consulting positions. From
1975 to 1979, he was a CPA, management consultant, and supervisor for the
auditing firm of Deloitte, Haskins & Sells CPAs, Los Angeles, California. From
1979 to 1986, he served as Vice President of Finance for Penberthy Lumber
Company, a major hardwood lumber products manufacturer and importer, Los
Angeles, California. From 1986 to 1988, he served as President and Chief
Financial Officer of Connor Forest Industries, Inc., a major domestic hardwood
lumber products grower and manufacturer, with offices in California, Michigan
and Texas. From 1987 to 1988, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Bridgewater Resources Corporation, the domestic holding
company of a European conglomerate engaged in the manufacture of lumber
products, electronics, and real estate development, with offices in California,
Michigan, New York, and Texas. From 1988 to the present, Mr. Whited has served
as President, Chief Executive Officer, and director of The Oxford Group, Inc.,
a management and financial consulting firm, with offices in both Los Angeles,
California and Las Vegas, Nevada.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During fiscal 1998, no executive officer of the Company served as (i) a member
of the compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent
functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of
directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the
Board of Directors of the Company, or (ii) a director of another entity, one of
whose executive officers served on the Board of Directors of the Company or its
subsidiaries.
During fiscal 1998, no member of the compensation committee (or board committee
performing equivalent functions) (i) was an officer or employee of the Company,
(ii) was formerly an officer of the Company or (iii) had any business
relationship or conducted any transactions with the Company.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES
Directors are elected at each annual meeting of shareholders and serve until a
successor shall be elected and qualified at an appropriate annual meeting of
the shareholders. Vacancies may be filled by a majority of the remaining
directors. The Company's Board of Directors met five times during 1998. The
Board of Directors has a standing Stock Option and Compensation Committee and
Finance and Audit Committee. The Company does not have a Nominating Committee.
During 1998, the Stock Option and Compensation Committee met once, and the
Finance and Audit Committee met twice. Each member of the Board of Directors
attended all the meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees of which
such person was a member during 1998.
STOCK OPTION AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE. The Stock Option and Compensation
Committee (the "Compensation Committee") consists of Messrs. Anderson, King,
and Whited. Functions of this committee are to approve and recommend to the
Board of Directors the approval of remuneration arrangements of directors and
senior management personnel, adopting, subject to Board approval, compensation
plans for officers and directors and administering and granting benefits
pursuant to such plans.
FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE. The Finance and Audit Committee consists of
Messrs. Anderson, King, and Whited. The function of this committee is to (A)
investigate and study matters relating to the operations and finances of the
Company, (B) meet periodically with the Company's management and its
independent public accountants to review (i) their reports relating to their
examination of the financial statements and of the internal accounting control
systems of the Company, (ii) their recommendations for strengthening internal
controls and improving operating procedures and (iii) compliance by Company
personnel with Company policies relating to various governmental laws and
regulations dealing with ethics, conflicts of interest and disbursements of
corporate funds, and (C) to give advice and make recommendations with respect
to such matters.
4
<PAGE> 7
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
During 1998, all non-employee directors received a fee of $2,000 for each
regular Board of Directors meeting attended and $500 for each committee meeting
and special Board of Directors meeting attended. Directors who are also
officers or employees of the Company receive no additional compensation for
attendance at such Board or committee meetings. For the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998, directors fees paid were: Mr. Anderson, $11,500; Mr. Botts,
$0; Mr. King, $11,500; and Mr. Whited, $11,500.
Pursuant to the Company's 1993 Incentive Compensation Plan (the "1993 Plan"),
each non-employee director shall be granted annually a stock option for 1,000
shares at an exercise price determined by the fair market value of a share of
Common Stock on the day of grant, which shall be the day of Company's Annual
Meeting of Shareholders. The options (i) vest six months from the date of
grant, (ii) are exercisable to the extent vested until (a) three months
following termination of service as a director for reasons other than
retirement, disability, death or cause or (b) generally, twelve months
following termination of service as a director for retirement, disability or
death; (iii) have a term of ten years and; (iv) are exercisable in full
following a "Change in Control" event (as defined in the 1993 Plan).
On May 11, 1998, the day of the 1998 Annual Shareholders Meeting, each
non-employee director was granted options to purchase 1,000 shares of the
Company's common stock under the 1993 Plan as described above.
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table lists, for the year ended December 31, 1998, cash
compensation paid by the Company to each of the most highly compensated
executive officers whose cash compensation exceeded $100,000 during 1998.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
====================================================================================================================
LONG-TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
AWARDS
- - ---------------------------- ------------- -------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
SALARY BONUS OPTIONS/SARS COMPENSATION
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR ($) ($) (#)(1) ($)(2)
- - ---------------------------- ------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William W. Botts 1998 $ 155,385 $ 50,000 30,000 $ 22,651
President/Chief 1997 $ 138,308 $ -0- 10,000 $ 20,749
Executive Officer 1996 $ 123,250 $ -0- 10,000 $ 19,462
- - ---------------------------- ------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------------- --------------------
Mark G. Whiteman 1998 $ 119,039 $ 28,750 8,000 $ 3,049
Vice President 1997 $ 85,885 (3) $ -0- 52,000 $ 29,936
============================ ============= =============== ================ =================== ====================
</TABLE>
- - ---------
(1) No SARs were granted to the named executives.
(2) The amounts in this column represent contributions to the 401K Plan. At the
end of each fiscal year, the Company makes a discretionary contribution to
its 401(k) Plan. Contributions for Mr. Botts in 1998, 1997, and 1996 were
$7,651, $5,759, and $4,463, respectively. Contributions for Mr. Whiteman in
1998 were $3,049. Also included in this column is a life insurance premium
in the amount of $15,000 per year for Mr. Botts and relocation costs of
$29,401 reimbursed to Mr. Whiteman in 1997.
(3) Mr. Whiteman's compensation reflects approximately nine months of
employment.
5
<PAGE> 8
The following table provides information on option exercises in fiscal 1998 by
the named executive officers and the values of such officers' unexercised
options at December 31, 1998.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==================================================================================================================
SHARES NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
ACQUIRED UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
ON VALUE OPTIONS/SARS AT OPTIONS/SARS AT
NAME EXERCISE REALIZED DECEMBER 31, 1998 DECEMBER 31, 1998
- - -------------------- -------- -------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------
Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William W. Botts 15,000 $ 41,250 140,001 9,999 $ 261,760 $ 16,045
==================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS, EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS, TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND
CHANGE-IN-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS.
Under the terms of an employment agreement with the Company effective May 1,
1998 and terminating December 31, 2000, Mr. Botts, a Director of the Company,
is performing executive duties as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company. Compensation paid pursuant to this agreement includes an annual salary
as determined by the Board of Directors (such amount is included in the Summary
Compensation Table above), a life insurance policy, and an automobile
allowance. The employment agreement remains in effect until its expiration
date, unless Mr. Botts dies, becomes disabled or violates his duty of loyalty
to the Company, or following a change in control of the Company. Commencing on
January 1, 1999 and on each January 1 thereafter the term of Mr. Botts'
employment agreement (the "Term") shall automatically be extended one
additional year unless, not later than September 30 of the preceding year, the
Company's Board of Directors shall give written notice to Mr. Botts that the
Term shall cease to be so extended. In no event will the Term extend beyond the
end of the calendar month in which Mr. Botts' 65th birthday occurs. If Mr.
Botts is terminated for any reason other than Misconduct or Disability (both as
defined in the employment agreement), he will continue to be compensated for
the remainder of the term of the employment agreement and to receive coverage
under the Company's life, disability, accident and group health insurance
plans. Additionally, Mr. Botts may receive the same benefits if he terminates
his employment for Good Reason (as defined in the employment agreement).
Under the terms of an employment agreement with the Company effective March 15,
1997, Mr. Whiteman is performing duties as Vice President/General Manager of
the Company. Compensation paid pursuant to this agreement includes an annual
salary as determined by the Board of Directors (such amount is included in the
Summary Compensation Table above), and the use of a company vehicle. The
employment agreement is terminable at the option of the Company, provided the
Company gives Mr. Whiteman ten days written notice. If Mr. Whiteman is
terminated for any reason other than cause (as defined in the agreement), he
will continue to be compensated for six months from the date of termination.
In addition to the above, Mr. Botts and Mr. Whiteman have entered agreements
with the Company relating to a split dollar life insurance policy owned by the
Company and on which the Company is entitled to full repayment of any premiums
paid at the time of their termination or death.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), requires the Company's directors and officers, and persons who own more
than ten percent of the Common Stock, to file initial reports of ownership and
reports of changes in ownership (Forms 3, 4, and 5) of Common Stock with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC
regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all such forms that they file.
To the Company's knowledge, based solely on the Company's review of the copies
of such reports received by the
6
<PAGE> 9
Company and on written representation by certain reporting persons that no
reports on Form 5 were required, the Company believes that during the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998, its officers and directors were in compliance
with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY
The Company's primary business objective is to maximize shareholder value over
the long term. To help accomplish this objective, the Committee has developed
an overall executive compensation philosophy with goals as follows:
o Attract, retain, and motivate key executives;
o Reward performance rather than create a sense of entitlement;
o Align executive and shareholder interests by stock ownership;
o Assure that objectives for corporate and individual performance are
established and measured.
For comparison of peer performance, and in order to maintain consistency in the
Company's method of determining executive compensation, the Company uses a
method for selecting comparable companies, which includes searches in various
data bases from the NASDAQ National Market System, Media General Financial
Services, and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes 382 (Laboratory
and Analytical Instruments) and 3823 (Process Control Instruments). Management
believes that SIC Code 382 contains companies that most closely represent an
established grouping of which the Company may be called a peer. The Company was
not able to obtain compensation information for all of the companies in SIC
Code 382; however, certain companies within such classification, including
Arizona Instruments (AZIC), Bioanalytical Systems (BASI), CEM Corp. (CEMX),
Industrial Scientific Corp. (ISCX), Isco, Inc. (ISKO), Mesa Labs Inc. (MLAB),
Modern Controls (MOCO), and TSI, Inc. (TSII), were compared to the Company in
terms of growth in revenue, operating profit, net income, earnings per share,
average return on assets and equity and compensation of executive management.
The Committee desires to set executive compensation to correspond to a range of
what is believed to be between the mid-to-high end of compensation ranges for
executives in such companies, with further consideration based on the Company's
performance compared to such companies. It should be noted, however, that the
CEO and other executive officers are at risk for compensation through both
bonuses and stock option appreciation, as reflected in the 1997 and 1998
compensation.
BASE SALARIES
The Committee reviews annually each executive's base salary. Base salaries are
targeted at median levels for public companies of O. I. Corporation's relative
size, as discussed above, but are determined primarily by individual
performance relative to achieving Company goals. It is believed that base
salaries paid in 1998 to the named executive and the CEO were consistent with
such policy.
When evaluating individual performance, the Committee considers the executive's
efforts in promoting Company values; contribution to the Company's financial
performance; developing and executing a strategic plan for growth in revenues
and net income; improving product quality; specific job responsibilities, prior
experience, job knowledge, and performance appraisals for each executive. No
specific weights have been assigned to the various factors.
During 1998, most markets served by the Company remained soft, and substantial
consolidation occurred among the buyers to whom the Company sells its products;
therefore, management performance was evaluated on an officer's ability to
change strategy and copy with these market conditions, including his or her
ability to hold market share, contain cost, seek new business opportunities,
and maintain customer satisfaction, as well as develop new products and acquire
additional products or businesses.
The base salary of Mr. William W. Botts (Chairman of the Board, CEO, and
President of the Company) and other executives of the Company were reviewed at
a meeting of the Compensation Committee on January 25, 1999. In view of the
Company meeting certain predetermined financial goals relating to growth in
sales, net income, and
7
<PAGE> 10
earnings per share for the 1998 fiscal year, the Compensation Committee raised
Mr. Botts' base salary to $165,000 per year. Mr. Whiteman, Vice President of
the Company, received a base salary increase based on his performance during
1998 from $115,000 to $125,000.
ANNUAL CASH INCENTIVES
Annual cash bonuses provide executives with direct financial incentives to
achieve corporate and individual performance goals. Bonuses for each executive
are determined by the extent to which the Company met its financial goals for
growth in revenue, operating profit, net income, earnings per share, and
average return on assets and equity. Performance is also judged on the
achievement of business plan goals relating to improving product quality and
productivity and growth through new product development and acquisitions. No
specific weights have been assigned to the various factors.
During 1998, the Company achieved sales growth and consolidated operating
profit goals for 1998, therefore, as shown in the Summary Compensation Table on
page 5 of this Proxy Statement, Mr. Botts and Mr. Whiteman both received a
bonus.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVES (STOCK OPTIONS)
Long-term incentives are provided pursuant to the 1993 Plan. The Committee
determines annually the total amount of options that will be made available to
the Company's executives. The amount of options granted each year are based on
the executive's total compensation package and reflect the desire of the
Compensation Committee to encourage equity ownership by the Company's
executives in order to provide an appropriate link to the interest of the
shareholders, to reward prior performance, and to provide long-term incentive
award opportunities.
The stock option grants for 1998 were determined based on the performance of
each executive with respect to their contribution to the Company's financial
performance, measured as discussed above, together with an appraisal of the
extent to which pre-established objectives were achieved, as well as the
Committee's perception of the executive's ability and potential to contribute
to the long-term growth and profitability of the Company, to identify changing
business conditions (such as market changes and competitive threats), and to
respond with appropriate business strategies. No specific weights have been
assigned to the foregoing factors.
On May 5, 1998, grants covering 12,000 shares were made to key employees. On
January 25, 1999, grants covering 30,000 shares were made to Mr. Botts and
8,000 to Mr. Whiteman as reflected in the Summary Compensation Table on page 5
of this proxy statement, and 25,800 shares to other employees. This decision
was based on both the Company's achievement of certain business plan goals for
the 1998 fiscal year as well as the Committee's desire to ensure Mr. Botts' and
Mr. Whiteman's long-term perspective for Company stock price performance.
SUMMARY
The Committee believes that the incentive compensation program for the
executives of the Company is comparable to the compensation programs provided
by comparable companies and serves the best interest of the shareholders of the
Company. The Committee also believes that annual performance pay is
appropriately linked to individual performance, the Company's annual financial
performance, and shareholder value. The Company intends to continue its program
for setting executive compensation as outlined above.
The report of the Compensation Committee shall not be deemed incorporated by
reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy
Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), or under the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the
Company specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not
otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
The foregoing report is given by the following members of the Compensation
Committee:
Jack S. Anderson Edwin B. King Craig R. Whited
8
<PAGE> 11
FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG O.I. CORPORATION, NASDAQ MARKET INDEX,
AND PEER GROUP INDEX
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the
cumulative total shareholder return (change in year-end stock price plus
reinvested dividends) on the Company's Common Stock against the cumulative
total return of the NASDAQ Market Index and a peer group index consisting of
public companies with the Company's Standard Industrial Classification ("SIC")
Code (Laboratory and Analytical Instruments) for the period of five years
beginning at the beginning of fiscal year 1994. The SIC Code for Laboratory and
Analytical Instruments includes over ninety (90) issuers, such as Arizona
Instrument, Bioanalytical, CEM, Isco, Industrial Scientific Corp., Mesa Labs,
Modern Controls, and TSI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OI Corporation 100 76 57 70 85 109
--- --- --- --- --- ---
SIC Code 382 100 103 153 181 208 198
--- --- --- --- --- ---
NASDAQ Market Index 100 105 136 169 207 292
--- --- --- --- --- ---
</TABLE>
The foregoing stock price performance comparisons shall not be deemed
incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference
this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act or under the
Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates
this graph by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such
acts.
There can be no assurance that the Company's stock performance will continue
into the future with the same or similar trends depicted in the graph above.
The Company will not make or endorse any predictions as to future stock
performance.
9
<PAGE> 12
RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
PROPOSAL 2: THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY SELECTED
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS AND URGES YOU TO VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF SUCH FIRM, AS INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS OF THE COMPANY FOR
THE YEAR 1999. PROXIES SOLICITED HEREBY WILL BE SO VOTED UNLESS SHAREHOLDERS
SPECIFY OTHERWISE IN THEIR PROXIES. THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE HOLDERS OF A
MAJORITY OF THE COMMON STOCK PRESENT IN PERSON OR BY PROXY AT THE MEETING AND
ENTITLED TO VOTE IS REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL OF THIS PROPOSAL.
The Board of Directors has appointed the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
the Company's independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 1999, subject to ratification by the Company's shareholders.
PricewaterhouseCoopers has served as the Company's independent public
accountants since May 1992. Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers are
expected to be present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and will have an
opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and to respond to
appropriate questions from those attending the meeting.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
No shareholder's proposals were received for inclusion in this Proxy Statement.
The Company has also adopted Bylaw provisions which require the nominations of
persons for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business by
shareholders at an annual meeting of shareholders must fulfill certain
requirements which include the requirement that notice of such nominations or
proposals must be delivered to the Secretary of the Company not less than 60
days nor more than 90 days prior to the anniversary of the prior annual
meeting. In order to be timely for next year's annual meeting such notice must
be delivered between February 10, 2000 and March 11, 2000. If timely notice is
given but is not accompanied by a written statement to the extent required by
applicable securities laws, the Company may exercise discretionary voting
authority over proxies with respect to such proposal if presented at the
Company's 2000 annual meeting of Stockholders.
A proposal of a stockholder intended to be presented at the next annual meeting
must be received at the Company's principal executive offices no later than
January 11, 2000 if the stockholder making the proposal desires such proposal
to be considered for inclusion in the Company's proxy statement and form of
proxy relating to such meeting.
OTHER MATTERS
Management knows of no other matters to be brought before the annual meeting of
shareholders at the time and place indicated in the notice thereof; however, if
any additional matters are properly brought before the meeting, the persons
named in the enclosed proxy shall vote the proxies in their discretion in the
manner they believe to be in the best interest of the Company.
The accompanying form of proxy has been prepared at the direction of the Board
of Directors of the Company, of which you are a shareholder, and is sent to you
at the request of the Board of Directors. The proxies named therein have been
designated by your Board of Directors.
The management of the Company urges you, even if you presently plan to attend
the meeting in person, to execute the enclosed proxy and mail it immediately.
You may revoke your proxy and vote in person if you are able to attend.
O. I. CORPORATION
By Order of the Board of Directors
Jane A. Smith
Vice President-Corporate Secretary
April 10, 1999
<PAGE> 13
PROXY O.I. CORPORATION PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoint(s) William W. Botts and Jane A. Smith,
and each of them, lawful attorneys and proxies of the undersigned to vote as
Proxy at the Annual Shareholders' Meeting of O.I. Corporation (herein the
"Company") to be held on Monday, May 10, 1999, and any adjournment(s) thereof
according to the number of votes owned by the undersigned as follows:
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" Proposals 1 and 2.
PROPOSAL 1: The Election of Directors.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[ ] FOR all nominees [ ] FOR all nominees (except as listed below)
[ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees
Jack S. Anderson Edwin B. King
William W. Botts Craig R. Whited
(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual
nominee, write that nominee's name in the space provided
below.)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
PROPOSAL 2: The Ratification of the Appointment [ ] [ ] [ ]
of independent public accountants.
</TABLE>
In accordance with their discretion, said Attorneys and Proxies are authorized
to vote upon such other matters or proposals not known at the time of
solicitation of this proxy which may properly come before the meeting.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein
by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be
voted for Proposals 1 and 2. Any prior proxy is hereby revoked.
1999
---------------------------------------------,
---------------------------------------------------
Signature
---------------------------------------------------
Signature if held jointly
Please sign exactly as your name appears at the
left. When shares are held by joint tenants, both
should sign. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full
title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full
corporate name by president or other authorized
person. If a partnership, please sign in partnership
name by authorized person.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD
PROMPTLY, USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. THANK YOU.
