SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant (X)
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ( )
Check the appropriate box:
( ) Preliminary Proxy Statement ( ) Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted
by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
(X) Definitive Proxy Statement
( ) Definitive Additional Materials
( ) Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
OWENS & MINOR, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
(X) No fee required
( ) Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
5) Total fee paid:
( ) 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:
4) Date Filed:
<PAGE>
[OWENS & MINOR LOGO]
NOTICE OF
1999
ANNUAL MEETING
AND
PROXY STATEMENT
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PRESENTLY PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING
IN PERSON, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS URGES YOU TO SIGN AND
RETURN THE PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
OWENS & MINOR, INC.
4800 COX ROAD
GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIA 23060-6292
<PAGE>
[OWENS & MINOR LOGO]
4800 Cox Road, Post Office Box 27626
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060-6292
(804) 747-9794 FAX (804) 270-7281
March 11, 1999
Dear Shareholders:
It is my pleasure to invite you to our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on
Wednesday, April 28, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the
Virginia Historical Society, 428 North Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia.
Directions are on the back of the Proxy Statement. Morning refreshments will be
served.
The primary business of the meeting will be to elect three directors and
to ratify KPMG LLP as our independent auditors. In addition to considering
these matters, we will review major developments since our last shareholders
meeting as well as opportunities in 1999.
Please complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card as soon as
possible in the postage-paid envelope provided. Your vote is important. All of
us at Owens & Minor appreciate your continued interest and support.
Warm regards,
/s/ G. Gilmer Minor III
-----------------------
G. GILMER MINOR, III
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
PROXY STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
- - ------------------------------------------------------------ -----
Notice of Meeting .......................................... 1
Questions and Answers ...................................... 2
Board Meetings and Committees .............................. 3
Director Compensation ...................................... 4
PROPOSAL 1 -- ELECTION OF DIRECTORS ........................ 5
Nominees for Election ..................................... 5
Directors Continuing in Office ............................ 6
Retiring Director ......................................... 7
PROPOSAL 2 -- APPROVAL OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS ............. 8
Stock Ownership Information ................................ 8
Compliance with Section 16(a) Reporting ................... 8
Stock Ownership Guidelines ................................ 8
Stock Ownership by Management ............................. 9
Executive Compensation ..................................... 10
Summary Compensation Table ................................ 10
1998 Option Grants ........................................ 11
1998 Option Exercises and Year-End Option Values .......... 11
Retirement Plans .......................................... 11
Report of the Compensation & Benefits Committee ........... 12
Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return ........... 15
Severance Agreements ...................................... 15
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN
THE PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
<PAGE>
[OWENS & MINOR LOGO]
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1999
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF OWENS & MINOR:
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Owens & Minor will be held on
Wednesday, April 28, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. at the Virginia Historical Society, 428
North Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia.
The purposes of the meeting are:
1. To elect three directors to serve until the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders in 2002;
2. To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent auditors; and
3. To transact any other business properly before the Annual Meeting.
Shareholders as of March 2, 1999 will be entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting.
Your attention is directed to the attached Proxy Statement. This Proxy
Statement, proxy card and Owens & Minor's 1998 Annual Report are being
distributed on or about March 11, 1999.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DREW ST. J. CARNEAL
Secretary
1
<PAGE>
[OWENS & MINOR LOGO]
STREET ADDRESS MAILING ADDRESS
4800 Cox Road P.O. Box 27626
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060-6292 Richmond, Virginia 23261-7626
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON APRIL 28, 1999
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Q: WHAT AM I VOTING ON?
A: Proposal 1: The election of the following three directors, each for a three-year term:
Vernard W. Henley, G. Gilmer Minor, III and Peter S. Redding.
Proposal 2: Ratification of KPMG LLP as Owens & Minor's independent auditors.
Q: WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE?
A: Shareholders as of the close of business on March 2, 1999 (the Record Date) are entitled to vote. Each
share of common stock is entitled to one vote.
Q: HOW DO I VOTE?
A: Vote by completing, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card. You may revoke a proxy prior to the
meeting by (1) submitting a subsequently dated proxy, (2) giving notice in writing to the Secretary of
the Company or (3) voting in person at the meeting.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T MAKE SELECTIONS ON MY PROXY CARD?
A: If you sign your proxy card, but do not make any selections, you give authority to the individuals
designated on the proxy card to vote on the two proposals and any other matter that may arise at the
meeting. All proxies will be voted in favor of the election of directors and in favor of the ratification of
independent auditors unless otherwise indicated on the proxy card.
Q: WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I GET MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD?
A: Your shares are probably registered differently or are in more than one account. Sign and return all
proxy cards to ensure that all your shares are voted. Please have all of your accounts registered in the
same name and address. You may do this by contacting our transfer agent, Bank of New York, at
1-800-524-4458.
Q: WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM?
A: As of March 2, 1999, 32,685,349 shares of Owens & Minor common stock were issued and outstanding.
A majority of the outstanding shares, present or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum. A quorum is
required to conduct the Annual Meeting. If you vote by proxy card, you will be considered part of the
quorum. Abstentions and shares held by brokers that are voted on any matter are included in the
quorum.
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Q: WHICH SHAREHOLDERS OWN AT LEAST 5% OF OWENS & MINOR?
A: Westport Asset Management, Inc. (253 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT 06880) owned 2,976,450 shares,
or 9.11%, as of February 16, 1999.
Wellington Management Company, LLP (75 State Street, Boston, MA 02109) owned 2,896,300 shares,
or 8.86%, as of December 31, 1998.
Valenzuela Capital Partners LLC (1270 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 508, New York, NY 10020)
owned 2,211,350 shares, or 6.77%, as of February 1, 1999.
Q: WHAT PERCENTAGE OF OWENS & MINOR STOCK IS OWNED BY ITS DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS?
A: As of March 2, 1999, approximately 5.5%.
Q: WHEN ARE THE YEAR 2000 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS DUE?
A: Shareholder proposals must be submitted in writing by December 11, 1999 to Drew St.J. Carneal,
Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Owens & Minor, 4800 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
Shareholder recommendations for director-nominees must be accompanied by a consent of the nominee
to serve if elected and set forth the following:
(i) the name and address of the nominating shareholder and each proposed nominee;
(ii) the number of shares of common stock owned by the nominating shareholder and each nominee;
and
(iii) such other information about each nominee as is required by rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission to be disclosed in a proxy statement.
Q: WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF SOLICITING PROXIES?
A: Owens & Minor will pay all costs of this proxy solicitation. Corporate Investor Communications has
been retained to aid in the distribution and solicitation of proxies for approximately $4,000 plus
expenses. The Company will reimburse stockbrokers and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for
their expenses in forwarding proxy and solicitation materials.
</TABLE>
BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors held nine meetings during 1998. All directors
attended at least 75% of the total meetings of the Board of Directors and any
committees on which they serve.
The Board of Directors has the following committees:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Exercises limited powers of the Board when the Board
is not in session.
AUDIT COMMITTEE: Oversees the Company's financial reporting and internal
control structure and serves as a direct line of communication among the
Company's independent auditors, Internal Audit Department and the Board.
Recommends the Company's independent auditors. All members are non-employee
directors.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS COMMITTEE: Administers executive compensation
programs, policies and practices. Advises the Board on salaries and
compensation of the executive officers and makes other studies and
recommendations concerning compensation and compensation policies. All members
are non-employee directors.
GOVERNANCE & NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Considers and recommends nominees for
election as directors and officers. Reviews and evaluates the procedures,
practices and policies of the Board and its members. All members are
non-employee directors.
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE: Reviews and makes recommendations for the
strategic direction of the Company.
3
<PAGE>
BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPENSATION & GOVERNANCE & STRATEGIC
DIRECTOR BOARD AUDIT BENEFITS EXECUTIVE NOMINATING PLANNING
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
G. Gilmer Minor, III X X* X
Henry A. Berling X X X
Josiah Bunting, III X X X
R. E. Cabell, Jr., Esq. X X* X
James B. Farinholt, Jr. X X X X*
Vernard W. Henley X X X X
E. Morgan Massey X X X X
James E. Rogers X X* X X
James E. Ukrop X X X
Anne Marie Whittemore X X X X*
No. of meetings in 1998 9 4 4 4 3 1
</TABLE>
*Chairperson
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS receive no additional compensation other than their
normal salary for serving on the Board or its committees.
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS receive the following annual cash and stock
compensation:
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TYPE OF COMPENSATION CASH STOCK
<S> <C> <C>
Annual Retainer $ 10,000* $ 10,000*
Additional Retainer for Committee Chair $ 3,000*
Board or Committee Attendance Fee (per meeting) $ 1,000*
Board or Committee Telephone Conference (per meeting) $ 500*
Stock Options Option for 3000 shares
</TABLE>
*Effective April 28, 1999, director compensation will be increased to the
following amounts: Annual Retainer (cash), $12,500; Annual Retainer (stock),
$12,500; Additional Retainer for Committee Chair, $3,500; Board or Committee
Attendance Fee (per meeting), $1,200; Board or Committee Telephone Conference
(per meeting), $600.
Directors may defer the receipt of all or part of their directors fees.
Amounts deferred are "invested" in bookkeeping accounts that measure earnings
and losses based on the performance of a particular investment. Directors may
elect to defer their fees into the following two subaccounts: (i) an account
based upon the price of the common stock and (ii) an account based upon the
current interest rate of the Company's fixed income fund in its 401(k) plan.
Subject to certain restrictions, a director may take cash distributions from a
deferred fee account either prior to or following the termination of his or her
service as a director. Directors are also permitted to receive payment of their
director fees in common stock.
4
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is divided into three classes for purposes of
election. One class is elected at each Annual Meeting to serve for a three-year
term. Three directors will be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for a
three-year term expiring at the Company's Annual Meeting in the year 2002. Each
nominee has agreed to serve if elected. If any nominee is not able to serve,
the Board may designate a substitute or reduce the number of directors serving
on the Board.
Unless otherwise directed, a proxy will be voted for the nominees shown
below. Each nominee must be elected by a plurality of shares voted in this
election. Votes that are withheld and broker shares that are not voted in the
election of directors will not be included in determining the number of votes
cast.
Information on each nominee and continuing director, including age and
principal occupation during the past five years, is set forth below.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH NOMINEE
AS DIRECTOR.
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION
FOR THREE-YEAR TERM EXPIRING IN 2002:
[PHOTO] VERNARD W. HENLEY, 69, is Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of Consolidated Bank and Trust Company,
Richmond, Virginia. Mr. Henley has been a director since 1993.
[PHOTO] G. GILMER MINOR, III, 58, is Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Owens & Minor. Mr. Minor also serves on
the Boards of Directors of SunTrust Banks, Inc. and Richfood
Holdings, Inc. Mr. Minor has been a director since 1980.
[PHOTO] PETER S. REDDING, 60, is President and Chief Executive Officer
of Standard Register. From January to December 1994, Mr.
Redding was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer of Standard Register. Mr. Redding also serves on The
Boards of Directors of KeyBank (Dayton, OH), The Victoria
Theatre Association, The Human Race Theatre, The Children's
Medical Center Foundation, the Ohio Foundation of
Independent Colleges and Projects Unlimited. Mr. Redding
would join the Board as a new director of Owens & Minor.
5
<PAGE>
DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
TERMS EXPIRING IN 2001:
[PHOTO] E. MORGAN MASSEY, 72, is Chairman of Inter-American Coal,
N.V. and Chairman Emeritus of A.T. Massey Coal Company,
Inc., both coal companies. Mr. Massey also serves as Chairman
of the Massey Cancer Center Advisory Board, Richmond,
Virginia, and is a member of the Board of Directors of VCU
Engineering School Foundation. He is also Vice Chairman of
the Marine Advisory Council of the Virginia Institute for
Marine Science. Mr. Massey has been a director since 1988.
[PHOTO] JAMES B. FARINHOLT, JR., 64, is Special Assistant to the
President of Virginia Commonwealth University for Economic
Development, advising on campus expansion and commercial-
ization of scientific discoveries. From 1978 to 1995, Mr.
Farinholt served as President of Galleher & Company, Inc., an
investment company, which he sold. Mr. Farinholt has been a
director since 1974.
[PHOTO] ANNE MARIE WHITTEMORE, 53, is a partner in the law firm of
McGuire, Woods, Battle & Boothe, L.L.P. Mrs. Whittemore
also serves on the Boards of Directors of Fort James
Corporation, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and Albemarle
Corporation. Mrs. Whittemore has been a director since 1991.
[PHOTO] HENRY A. BERLING, 56, is Executive Vice President, Partnership
Development of Owens & Minor and has served in this
position since 1995. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Berling also
served as the Company's Chief Sales Officer. Mr. Berling
served as Executive Vice President, Sales and Customer
Development from 1994 to 1995. Mr. Berling has been a
director since 1998.
6
<PAGE>
TERMS EXPIRING IN 2000:
[PHOTO] JOSIAH BUNTING, III, 58, is Superintendent of the Virginia
Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia. From 1987 to 1995, he
served as Headmaster of The Lawrenceville School. General
Bunting has been a director since 1995.
[PHOTO] JAMES E. UKROP, 61, is Chairman of Ukrop's Super Markets,
Inc., a retail grocery chain, and Chairman of First Market
Bank. Mr. Ukrop also serves on the Boards of Directors of
Richfood Holdings, Inc.and Legg Mason, Inc. Mr. Ukrop has
been a director since 1987.
[PHOTO] JAMES E. ROGERS, 53, is President of SCI Investors Inc, a
private equity investment firm. Mr. Rogers also serves on the
Boards of Directors of Wellman, Inc. and Caraustar Industries,
Inc. Mr. Rogers has been a director since 1991.
RETIRING DIRECTOR
Effective at the Annual Meeting, Mr. Cabell will retire as a director because he
has reached our mandatory retirement age. The Company gratefully acknowledges
Mr. Cabell's 37 years of service and dedication to Owens & Minor.
[PHOTO] R.E. CABELL, JR., ESQ., 75, is retired (Of Counsel) from the
law firm of Williams, Mullen, Christian & Dobbins. Mr. Cabell
also serves on the Board of Directors of The C.F. Sauer Company
and is a Trustee of Hampden-Sydney College. Mr. Cabell has
been a director since 1962.
7
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of its Audit Committee,
has appointed KPMG LLP to serve as the Company's independent auditors for 1999,
subject to ratification by the shareholders. Unless otherwise directed, a proxy
will be voted for the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as
independent auditors of the Company.
Representatives of KPMG LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting to
answer questions and to make a statement, if they desire to do so.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF KPMG LLP
AS OWENS & MINOR'S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR 1999.
STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) REPORTING
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Company's directors and executive officers to file reports with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC) of holdings and transactions in the Company's
common stock. Based on the Company's records and information provided by the
directors and officers, the Company believes that the filing requirements were
satisfied in 1998, except that an option grant to Gloria Farrow, Senior Vice
President and Managing Director, Human Resources, was reported late due to a
Company reporting error.
STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
Under the Company's Management Equity Ownership Program adopted in 1997,
officers are expected, over a five-year period, to achieve the following levels
of ownership of common stock:
Officer Value of Common Stock Owned
- - ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Chief Executive Officer 4.0 x Base Salary
Executive Vice Presidents 2.0 x Base Salary
Senior Vice Presidents 1.5 x Base Salary
Vice Presidents, Group and Regional
Vice Presidents 1.0 x Base Salary
In addition, the Board of Directors adopted a policy in 1997 that each
director achieve, over a five-year period, a level of ownership in common stock
equal to at least five times the annual retainer fee (including both cash and
stock retainer).
8
<PAGE>
STOCK OWNERSHIP BY MANAGEMENT
This table shows as of March 2, 1999 the number of shares of common stock
beneficially owned by each director and nominee, the Company's five most highly
compensated officers and all current executive officers and directors of the
Company as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SOLE VOTING AGGREGATE
NAME OF AND INVESTMENT PERCENTAGE
BENEFICIAL OWNER POWER(1) OTHER(2) OWNED
<S> <C> <C> <C>
G. Gilmer Minor, III 715,817 13,976 2.2%
Henry A. Berling 406,317 8,457 1.3%
Josiah Bunting, III 9,135 0 *
R. E. Cabell, Jr. 89,103 8,655 *
James B. Farinholt, Jr. 20,699 0 *
Vernard W. Henley 14,849 750 *
E. Morgan Massey 210,696 23,000 *
Peter S. Redding 0 0 *
James E. Rogers 23,693 0 *
James E. Ukrop 55,014 0 *
Anne Marie Whittemore 21,413 225 *
Craig R. Smith 139,202 45 *
Ann Greer Rector 48,630 2,342 *
Drew St.J. Carneal 93,283 2,191 *
All Executive Officers and Directors as a group (26 persons) 2,167,072 58,157 5.5%
</TABLE>
*Represents less than 1% of the total number of shares outstanding.
(1) Includes 808,262 shares which certain officers and directors of the
Company have the right to acquire through the exercise of stock options within
60 days following March 2, 1999. Stock options exercisable within 60 days of
March 2, 1999 for each of the Named Executive Officers are as follows: Mr.
Minor 190,000, Mr. Smith 107,750, Mr. Berling 80,000, Mrs. Rector 41,100, Mr.
Carneal 61,500.
(2) Includes: (a) shares held by certain relatives or in estates; (b)
shares held in various fiduciary capacities; (c) shares held by the 401(k)
plan; and (d) shares for which the shareholder has shared power to dispose or
to direct disposition. These shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned
under the rules and regulations of the SEC, but the inclusion of such shares in
the table does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership.
9
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
This table shows for each of the past three years the compensation paid by
the Company to its five most highly compensated officers (Named Executive
Officers).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM COMPENSATION (1)
AWARDS
OTHER RESTRICTED SECURITIES
ANNUAL STOCK UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION AWARDS OPTIONS COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS ($) ($)(2) ($)(3) (#)(4) ($)(5)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
G. Gilmer Minor, III 1998 $503,462 $118,125 -- $239,532 50,000 $36,724
Chairman, President & 1997 476,926 110,000 -- 227,500 50,000 35,921
Chief Executive Officer 1996 409,619 0 -- 0 45,000 33,217
Craig R. Smith 1998 266,676 65,314 -- 60,202 25,000 18,807
Executive Vice President 1997 262,062 64,974 -- 47,380 20,000 17,978
Chief Operating Officer 1996 231,620 0 -- 0 20,000 15,563
Henry A. Berling 1998 266,676 61,145 -- 70,873 25,000 21,199
Executive Vice President 1997 256,369 60,996 -- 68,289 25,000 20,706
Partnership Development 1996 223,789 0 -- 0 15,000 15,133
Ann Greer Rector 1998 226,246 52,820 -- 24,266 15,000 10,240
Senior Vice President 1997 201,539 52,875 -- 17,043 15,000 9,602
Chief Financial Officer 1996 159,866 0 -- 0 15,000 2,777
Drew St.J. Carneal 1998 182,630 47,549 -- 40,417 15,000 5,006
Senior Vice President 1997 178,800 41,860 -- 37,765 15,000 4,791
General Counsel & Secretary 1996 167,633 0 -- 0 15,000 2,894
</TABLE>
(1) The Company has no Long-Term Incentive Plans as defined by applicable
SEC rules.
(2) None of the Named Executive Officers received Other Annual
Compensation in excess of the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of combined salary and
bonus for fiscal years 1998, 1997 or 1996.
(3) Of the total Restricted Stock awards for 1998, the following amounts
were awarded to the Named Executive Officer for achieving his or her stock
ownership requirement under the Management Equity Ownership Program:
Mr. Minor $210,000 Mrs. Rector $11,061
Mr. Smith $ 43,873 Mr. Carneal $28,529
Mr. Berling $ 55,586
Aggregate restricted stock holdings and values at December 31, 1998 for
the Named Executive Officers are as follows. Dividends are paid on restricted
stock at the same rate as all shareholders of record.
Mr. Minor 29,891 shares, $470,783 Mrs. Rector 3,329 shares, $52,432
Mr. Smith 6,593 shares, $103,840 Mr. Carneal 4,784 shares, $75,348
Mr. Berling 8,759 shares, $137,954
(4) No SARs were granted in 1998, 1997 or 1996.
(5) Includes for each officer Company contributions to the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
401(k) Plan Stock Purchase Plan Company-Owned Life Insurance
------------- --------------------- -----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Mr. Minor $5,000 $720 $31,004
Mr. Smith 5,000 225 13,582
Mr. Berling 5,000 0 16,199
Mrs. Rector 4,286 720 5,234
Mr. Carneal 4,286 720 0
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE>
1998 OPTION GRANTS
This table shows options granted during 1998 to the Named Executive
Officers. The Company granted no SARs during 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS(1) VALUE(2)
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES % OF TOTAL
UNDERLYING OPTIONS GRANTED EXERCISE OR
OPTIONS TO EMPLOYEES BASE PRICE EXPIRATION GRANT DATE
NAME GRANTED IN FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARES) DATE PRESENT VALUE ($)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
G. Gilmer Minor, III 50,000 9.91% $ 13.5625 2/02/08 $204,500
Craig R. Smith 25,000 4.96% 13.5625 2/02/08 102,250
Henry A. Berling 25,000 4.96% 13.5625 2/02/08 102,250
Ann Greer Rector 15,000 2.97% 13.5625 2/02/08 61,350
Drew St.J. Carneal 15,000 2.97% 13.5625 2/02/08 61,350
</TABLE>
(1) The vesting schedule is as follows: 40% on 2/2/99; 30% on 2/2/00; and
30% on 2/2/01.
(2) Based upon Black Scholes option valuation model. Assumptions include a
risk-free interest rate of 4.7%, annual dividend yield of 1.47%, an average
period outstanding of 4.1 years and expected volatility of approximately
35.11%.
1998 OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
This table shows for the Named Executive Officers any options exercised
during 1998 and unexercised options held on December 31, 1998. There were no
SARs exercised during 1998 or outstanding on December 31, 1998. Value of
unexercised options is calculated using the difference between the option
exercise price and $15.75 (year-end stock price) multiplied by the number of
shares underlying the option.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF
ACQUIRED UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
UPON VALUE OPTIONS AT YEAR END OPTIONS AT YEAR END
NAME EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
G. Gilmer Minor, III 0 $ 0 141,500 93,500 $152,251 $227,406
Craig R. Smith 10,500 73,941 85,750 43,000 128,489 103,063
Henry A. Berling 22,500 211,883 58,000 44,500 63,456 109,344
Ann Greer Rector 0 0 28,500 28,500 97,519 78,544
Drew St.J. Carneal 22,500 150,008 46,500 28,500 48,709 69,094
</TABLE>
RETIREMENT PLANS
PENSION PLAN. The Company provides retirement benefits under a defined
benefit pension plan to substantially all employees who had earned benefits as
of December 31, 1996. Benefits under the pension plan are based upon both
length of service and compensation and are determined under a formula based on
an individual's earnings and years of credited service. Funding is determined
on an actuarial basis. Effective December 31, 1996, participants in the pension
plan ceased to accrue additional benefits; provided, however, that participants
who have completed at least five years of service as of January 1, 1997 and
whose age plus years of service equaled at least 65 continue to earn an accrued
benefit until the earlier of (i) December 31, 2001 or (ii) until retirement,
death or termination of employment (with the exception of certain highly
compensated employees if the pension plan does not meet certain coverage
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code).
11
<PAGE>
The following table shows estimated annual benefits payable under the
pension plan at normal retirement age of 65 years based on the specified
remuneration and years of service:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE STRAIGHT LIFE ANNUITY BENEFITS BASED
ON YEARS OF CREDITED SERVICE
AVERAGE
COMPENSATION(1) 15 YRS. 20 YRS. 25 YRS. 30 YRS. 35 YRS.
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
200,000 32,055 41,674 51,293 60,912 70,531
250,000 36,265 48,364 60,462 72,561 84,660
300,000 39,736 54,315 68,893 83,472 98,050
350,000 43,208 60,266 77,325 94,383 111,441
400,000 46,680 66,218 85,756 105,294 124,832
450,000 50,151 72,169 94,187 116,205 130,000
500,000 53,623 78,121 102,618 127,116 130,000
550,000 57,095 84,072 111,049 130,000 130,000
600,000 60,566 90,023 119,480 130,000 130,000
650,000 64,038 95,975 127,911 130,000 130,000
700,000 67,510 101,926 130,000 130,000 130,000
750,000 70,981 107,878 130,000 130,000 130,000
</TABLE>
(1) Average compensation represents compensation based upon a benefit
formula applied to an employee's career average earnings, which approximates
the amount of salary set forth in the Summary Compensation Table. The maximum
amount of covered compensation is $160,000, or some other amount as may be
determined by the Secretary of Treasury pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the
Internal Revenue Code.
Benefits are computed on a straight-life annuity basis, and are not
subject to offset for Social Security benefits or other amounts. The years of
service credited for the Named Executive Officers under the pension plan are
presently as follows: Mr. Minor, 35 years; Mr. Smith, 7 years; Mr. Berling, 32
years; Mrs. Rector, 0 years; and Mr. Carneal, 10 years.
SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN. The Company provides supplemental
retirement benefits to certain employees selected by the Compensation &
Benefits Committee under the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP). The
SERP entitles participants to receive a specified percentage of the
participant's average base monthly salary during the five years preceding his
or her retirement (in the case of the Named Executive Officers, 65%) reduced by
the benefit payable under the pension plan and Social Security. The estimated
annual benefits payable under the SERP upon retirement at normal retirement age
for the Named Executive Officers are: Mr. Minor $237,666, Mr. Smith $144,524,
Mr. Berling $111,673, Mrs. Rector $128,970, Mr. Carneal $86,747.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION & BENEFITS COMMITTEE
The Compensation & Benefits Committee (Compensation Committee) is
comprised of five outside directors who are not current or past employees of
the Company. The primary functions of the Compensation Committee are to oversee
the design and competitiveness of the Company's total compensation program, to
evaluate the performance of the Company's senior executives and approve related
compensation actions, and to administer the Company's compensation plans for
employees who are subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
in accordance with the terms of each respective plan. The Compensation
Committee met four times during 1998.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY
The Compensation Committee's philosophy is to establish and maintain
programs and practices that promote achievement of the Company's strategic
objectives, provide rewards that reflect the Company's performance and align
executives' financial interests with those of shareholders. Compensation for
executives is therefore based upon measures of the Company's financial
performance and strategic results that are intended to lead to the creation of
shareholder value. The Compensation Committee also strives to maintain market
competitive compensation levels and therefore regularly evaluates executive
compensation levels through comparisons against the peer
12
<PAGE>
companies reflected in the Performance Graph of this proxy statement, and other
companies of similar size and operating characteristics. Base salary levels
generally are targeted at competitive market averages for like experienced
executives. Annual incentive compensation opportunities, when combined with
base salaries, are intended to fully reach competitive average total cash
compensation levels as warranted by the Company's and the individual officer's
performance. Longer-term incentive compensation opportunities, such as stock
options, link executive compensation with achievement of strategic objectives
and shareholder value growth. This combination is intended to focus management
on the annual and longer-term success of the Company.
The Compensation Committee recognizes it may sometimes be necessary to
sacrifice short-term financial performance to obtain longer-term business
success. This belief leads the Compensation Committee to regularly monitor the
balance between annual and longer-term rewards, and act as needed to encourage
meaningful levels of share ownership among executives. The Management Equity
Ownership Program for the Company's officers works to further align the
interests of executives and shareholders.
Executive base salaries were adjusted in 1998 to maintain competitive pay
levels consistent with the Compensation Committee's compensation philosophy.
The base salary for the Chief Executive Officer increased 5% over the 1997
level. Base salaries for the other Named Executive Officers increased an
average of 4.7% over 1997 levels.
COMMITTEE PROCESS AND ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN
Early each year the Compensation Committee meets to review key aspects of
the upcoming year's business plan and to establish Annual Incentive Plan goals
for each corporate officer, including the Chief Executive Officer, executive
and senior vice presidents and vice presidents. Goals under this plan are
weighted to reflect their importance and contribution to desired Company and
shareholder outcomes. The 1998 Annual Incentive Plan goals for named executives
were based on results in two areas: the Company's earnings per share (EPS)
achievement and pre-established personal performance objectives. These goals
were weighted two-thirds based on EPS and one-third on personal performance for
the Chief Executive Officer and each of the other Named Executive Officers. The
Compensation Committee receives periodic updates during the year on business
performance in relation to incentive plan goals, particularly with respect to
senior executives. Discussions of management contribution and performance are
the norm, not the exception, in Compensation Committee meetings.
At the close of each year, the Compensation Committee meets to discuss
financial and other performance compared to Annual Incentive Plan goals and
longer-term strategic business goals. These longer-term business goals center
around the Company's strategic objectives to remain customer oriented in
everything it does and to actively evolve its business consistent with the
service needs of customers and the Company's markets. In deciding the level of
annual salary increases, incentive payments and granting of stock options, the
Compensation Committee looks to the Chief Executive Officer for recommendations
on senior executives and then meets privately, without the presence of
management, including the Chief Executive Officer in relation to his own
compensation, to determine compensation actions. The Compensation Committee's
decision-making process is benefited by input from the Company's Human
Resources Department, and periodically from outside advisors, to maintain the
desired level of competitiveness and technically sound compensation and benefit
programs.
The loss in 1998 of Columbia/HCA as a customer was moderated by the
aggressive actions of management to add new business with favorable terms.
These efforts kept Company sales in 1998 level with 1997 at $3.1 billion, and
net income excluding the non-recurring restructuring charge due to the
Columbia/HCA loss was $26.8 million versus $24.3 million in 1997. Net income
per common share was $.75 compared to $.60 in 1997.
The maximum cash award payable under the Company's Annual Incentive Plan
to the Chief Executive Officer for full attainment of EPS and personal
performance goals would be 50% of his base salary. An annual incentive cash
award in the amount of $118,125, or 22.5% of base salary, was paid to the Chief
Executive Officer for 1998 performance.
Under the Company's Annual Incentive Plan, executives are also eligible to
receive a bonus of common stock equivalent to an additional 25% of the cash
incentive payment. The shares are restricted and vest provided the officer
maintains a continuous employment relationship with the Company for the
following three years. The restricted stock bonus for Named Executive Officers
is dependent on performance against the same goals as for the Annual Incentive
Plan. The Chief Executive Officer and other Named Executive Officers each
received a
13
<PAGE>
restricted stock bonus equal to 25% of the cash annual incentive award paid for
1998 performance. The value of restricted stock provided to the Chief Executive
Officer was $29,532.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
Each year the Compensation Committee considers the desirability of
granting senior executives awards under the Company's stock option plan. The
plan provides for the use of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock
options and stock appreciation rights. The Compensation Committee's decision to
grant stock options is discretionary and largely determined by key financial
performance measures and strategic accomplishments, though no specific
performance targets are applied for this purpose. Option grant decisions may
also be based upon outstanding individual performance, job promotions and
greater responsibility within the Company. Stock option levels are a component
of competitive total compensation and include such considerations as salary
grade levels, responsibility levels and expectations of future impact on
overall Company performance. The Compensation Committee believes stock option
grants have historically been effective in helping to focus executives on
enhancing long-term profitability and shareholder value. The Compensation
Committee granted 50,000 stock options to the Chief Executive Officer in 1998
to encourage future growth in shareholder returns. Grants were also provided to
the other Named Executive Officers. The Compensation Committee does not
specifically consider the number of options currently held by an officer in
determining current option grant levels.
MANAGEMENT EQUITY OWNERSHIP PROGRAM
As stated earlier, in 1997 the Compensation Committee approved the
Management Equity Ownership Program for members of the management team,
including each of the Named Executive Officers. This program is intended to
strengthen the alignment of management and shareholder interests by creating
meaningful levels of stock ownership by management. An ownership target has
been determined for each level of the management team. These targets range from
four times salary for the Chief Executive Officer to one times salary for
Regional Vice Presidents. Eligible holdings in meeting these targets include
direct holdings, indirect holdings, shares held through Company plans such as
the 401(k) Plan and Stock Purchase Plan and restricted stock holdings.
Participants are given a five year period to progress to the full target
ownership amount with interim ownership requirements to meet each year. During
the initial investment phase, 4% of any 1998 salary increase was delivered in
the form of restricted stock. Participants have the option to receive a portion
of their annual cash incentive award in restricted stock to help meet their
equity investment requirements. In addition, a 10% annual equity ownership
dividend is paid on all common stock owned up to the participant's full target
level. The dividend is paid in the form of restricted stock and will vest five
years after grant if the desired ownership level is achieved and maintained. If
a participant's ownership falls below the desired ownership level, a portion of
his or her annual bonus and/or salary increase, if earned, will be paid in the
form of restricted stock and dividend shares will be forfeited until the
required ownership level is met. During 1998, 4% of the Chief Executive
Officer's salary increase was paid in the form of restricted stock and an
annual dividend of 13,254 restricted shares was granted.
CORPORATE TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Congress passed a law effective in 1994, covered in Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code, that disallows corporate tax deductions for executive
compensation in excess of $1 million for "proxy table" executives. This law
does allow for certain exemptions to the deduction cap, including pay plans
that depend on formulas rather than discretion and therefore are
"performance-based."
All current executive compensation is fully deductible. The Compensation
Committee intends for the Company's pay plans and actions to be
performance-based and therefore fully eligible for compensation expense
deductions.
The foregoing report has been furnished by Mrs. Whittemore and Messrs.
Henley, Massey, Rogers (Chairman) and Ukrop.
14
<PAGE>
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
The following performance graph compares the performance of the Company's
common stock to the S&P 500 Index and a Peer Group (which includes the Company
and the companies listed below) for the last five years. The graph assumes that
the value of the investment in the common stock and each index was $100 on
December 31, 1993 and that all dividends were reinvested.
5-YEAR TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN
[GRAPH]
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dec-93 Dec-94 Dec-95 Dec-96 Dec-97 Dec-98
Owens & Minor, Inc. 100 94 85 70 100 110
S&P 500 100 101 139 171 229 294
Industry Peer Index 100 102 137 181 244 310
</TABLE>
The Peer Group selected for purposes of the above graph consists of
companies engaged in the business of distribution, and includes Owens & Minor,
Inc., Arrow Electronics Inc., Bergen Brunswig Corp., Bindley Western
Industries, Cardinal Health, Inc., Hughes Supply Inc., Moore Medical Corp.,
Nash Finch Company, Richfood Holdings, Inc., United Stationers Inc. and VWR
Scientific Products Corp.
SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS
The Company has entered into Severance Agreements with certain officers in
order to encourage key management personnel to remain with the Company and to
avoid distractions regarding potential or actual changes in control of the
Company.
The Severance Agreements provide for the payment of a severance benefit if
the officer's employment with the Company is terminated for any reason (other
than as a consequence of death, disability or normal retirement) within two
years after a change in control. For the Named Executive Officers, the
severance benefit is equal to 2.99 times the officer's annual base salary plus
bonus.
Each Severance Agreement continues in effect through December 31, 1999,
and unless notice is given to the contrary, the term is automatically extended
for an additional year at the end of each year.
March 11, 1999
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DREW ST. J. CARNEAL
Secretary
15
<PAGE>
Directions to
Owens & Minor, Inc. Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Wednesday, April 28, 1999 -- 10:00 a.m.
Virginia Historical Society
428 North Boulevard
Richmond, Virginia
The Boulevard is Exit 78 on both I-64 and I-95:
From Washington DC, follow I-95 South to the exit.
From Petersburg, follow I-95 North.
From Charlottesville, follow I-64 East.
From Norfolk and the Airport, follow I-64 West.
Take the Boulevard south just past Kensington Avenue, turn right into the
Virginia Historical Society. Parking is available behind the building and in
the adjacent Virginia Museum parking lot.
<PAGE>
OWENS & MINOR, INC.
P R O X Y
Solicited by the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
The undersigned hereby appoints Henry A. Berling, James B. Farinholt, E.
Morgan Massey and Anne Marie Whittemore (and if the undersigned is a proxy, the
substitute proxy) and each of them with power of substitution, the proxies of
the undersigned to vote all shares held of record on March 2, 1999 by the
undersigned as directed on the reverse side and in their discretion on all other
matters which may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
Owens & Minor, Inc., to be held on April 28, 1999 at 10:00 A.M. at the Virginia
Historical Society, 428 North Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia, and any
adjournments or postponements thereof.
The undersigned directs said proxies to vote as specified upon the Items
shown herein which are referred to in the Notice of Annual Meeting and as set
forth in the Proxy Statement.
This Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed by
the undersigned shareholder(s). If no direction is made, this Proxy will be
voted FOR Proposals 1 and 2.
(Continued and to be dated and signed on the reverse side.)
OWENS & MINOR, INC.
P.O. BOX 11421
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10203-0421
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
[ ]
<S> <C> <C>
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1 and 2.
1. Election of Directors FOR all nominees [X] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to [X] FOR ALL EXCEPT [X]
vote for all nominees nominee(s) marked
in space below
For a term of three years: Vernard W. Henley, G. Gilmer Minor, III and Peter S. Redding.
(INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark the "FOR ALL EXCEPT" box and write the
nominee's(s') name(s) in the space provided below. Your shares will be voted for the remaining nominee(s).)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Ratification of appointment of KPMG LLP as independent auditors. 3. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote
upon such other matters as may properly come before the
meeting.
FOR [X] AGAINST [X] ABSTAIN [X]
Change of Address and [X]
or Comments Mark Here
Please sign exactly as your name appears herein.
Attorneys-in-fact, executors, administrators,
trustees and guardians should give full title as
such. If a corporation, please sign in full
corporate name by President or other authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized person.
Shareholders who are present at the meeting may
withdraw their proxy and vote in person if they so
desire.
Dated:_______________________________________, 1999
___________________________________________________
Signature
___________________________________________________
Signature
Votes must be indicated
(Please sign, date and return this proxy in the enclosed postage prepaid envelope.) (x) in Black or Blue ink. []
</TABLE>
