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
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
(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>
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
330 SOUTH FOURTH STREET
P.O. BOX 1335
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23210
[ALBEMARLE CORPORATION LOGO]
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
March 23, 1999
To the Shareholders:
We enclose our annual report describing Albemarle's operations during the
past year. We hope you read this report, which summarizes major corporate
developments during the year.
We cordially invite you to attend the annual meeting of shareholders to be
held in the RESTORED GUN FOUNDRY BUILDING OF THE TREDEGAR IRON WORKS, 500
TREDEGAR STREET, in Richmond, Virginia, on Wednesday, April 21, 1999, at 11:00
A.M., Eastern Daylight Time. A formal notice of the meeting, together with a
proxy statement and proxy form, is enclosed with this letter. The notice points
out that you will be asked to elect a Board of Directors and approve the
designation of auditors for the coming year.
Please read the notice and proxy statement carefully, complete the proxy
form and mail it promptly.
Sincerely yours,
FLOYD D. GOTTWALD, JR.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
<PAGE>
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the holders of shares of
Common Stock, $.01 par value ("Albemarle Common Stock"), of Albemarle
Corporation (the "Corporation") will be held in the restored gun foundry
building of the Tredegar Iron Works, 500 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia,
on Wednesday, April 21, 1999, at 11:00 A.M., Eastern Daylight Time, for the
following purposes:
1. To elect a Board of Directors to serve for the ensuing year;
2. To approve the designation by the Board of Directors of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 1999; and
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Holders of shares of Albemarle Common Stock of record at the close of
business on March 1, 1999, will be entitled to vote at the meeting.
You are requested to fill in, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy
promptly, regardless of whether you expect to attend the meeting. A
postage-paid return envelope is enclosed for your convenience.
If you are present at the meeting, you may vote in person even if you
already have sent in your proxy.
By Order of the Board of Directors
E. WHITEHEAD ELMORE, SECRETARY
March 23, 1999
<PAGE>
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
TO BE HELD APRIL 21, 1999
APPROXIMATE DATE OF MAILING -- MARCH 23, 1999
Proxies in the form enclosed are solicited by the Board of Directors for
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Wednesday, April 21, 1999. Any
person giving a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is voted by
delivering another proxy, or written notice of revocation, to the Secretary of
the Corporation. A proxy, if executed and not revoked, will be voted, and, if
it contains any specific instructions, will be voted in accordance with such
instructions.
On March 1, 1999, the date for determining shareholders entitled to vote
at the meeting, there were outstanding 47,018,800 shares of Albemarle Common
Stock. Each share of Albemarle Common Stock is entitled to one vote.
The election of each nominee for director requires the affirmative vote of
the holders of a plurality of the shares of Albemarle Common Stock voted in the
election of directors. Votes that are withheld and shares held in street name
that are not voted in the election of directors will not be included in
determining the number of votes cast. Unless otherwise specified in the
accompanying form of proxy, it is intended that votes will be cast for the
election of all of the nominees as directors.
The cost of the solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Corporation.
In addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be solicited personally or by
telephone by regular employees of the Corporation. Corporate Investor
Communications, Inc. has been engaged to assist in the solicitation of proxies
from brokers, nominees, fiduciaries and other custodians. The Corporation will
pay that firm $7,000 for its services and reimburse its out-of-pocket expenses.
The Corporation's street address is 330 South Fourth Street, Richmond,
Virginia 23219.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Proxies will be voted for the election as directors for the ensuing year
of the persons named below (or if for any reason unavailable, of such
substitutes as the Board of Directors may designate). Each of the nominees
presently is serving as a director. The Board of Directors has no reason to
believe that any of the nominees will be unavailable.
CRAIG R. ANDERSSON; age 61; director since 1996; part-time consultant, having
served as Vice Chairman of Aristech Chemical Corporation (a commodity and
specialty chemicals and plastics business) from January 1, 1994, until
April 30, 1995, and President and Chief Operating Officer of Aristech
Chemical Corporation prior thereto. Other directorship: RMI International
Metals, Inc.
DIRK BETLEM; age 60; director since 1996; President and Chief Operating Officer
of the Corporation since August 15, 1996, having served as Senior Vice
President-International from April 24, 1996, to August 15, 1996,
1
<PAGE>
Vice President-International from March 1, 1994, to April 24, 1996, and
Vice President-International of Ethyl Corporation (developer and
manufacturer of petroleum additives products) from June 1, 1993, to March
1, 1994.
FLOYD D. GOTTWALD, JR.; age 76; director since 1994; Chairman of the Board and
Executive Committee and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since
March 1, 1994; Vice Chairman of the Board of Ethyl Corporation from March
1, 1994, until February 29, 1996, having served as Chairman of the Board
and the Executive Committee of Ethyl Corporation from April 1992 until
March 1, 1994, and as Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee and
Chief Executive Officer of Ethyl Corporation prior thereto. Other
directorship: Tredegar Industries, Inc.
JOHN D. GOTTWALD; age 44; director since 1994; President and Chief Executive
Officer of Tredegar Industries, Inc. (manufacturer of plastics and metal
products). Other directorship: Tredegar Industries, Inc.
ANDRE B. LACY; age 59; director since 1994; Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer and President of LDI Management, Inc., Managing General
Partner, LDI, Ltd. (industrial and investment limited partnership). Other
directorships: Herff Jones, Inc., IPALCO Enterprises, Inc., The National
Bank of Indianapolis, Patterson Dental Co., Tredegar Industries, Inc. and
FinishMaster, Inc.
SEYMOUR S. PRESTON III; age 65; director since 1996; Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of AAC Engineered Systems, Inc. (manufacturer of
centrifugal, deburring and finishing machinery) since 1994, having served
as President and Chief Executive Officer of Elf Atochem North America,
Inc. (chemicals and plastics business) prior thereto.
EMMETT J. RICE; age 79; director since 1994; retired member of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Other directorship: Tredegar
Industries, Inc.
CHARLES E. STEWART; age 63; director since September 1, 1997; Partner of BTC
Partners Inc. (investment and acquisitions consultants) since June 1997,
having served as President and Chief Executive Officer of OCI Enterprises
Inc. and OCI Chemical Corp. from October 1995 to December 1996, and as
Executive Vice President of Occidental Chemical Corporation and Vice
President of Occidental Petroleum Corporation from September 1986 to June
1995.
CHARLES B. WALKER; age 60; director since 1994; Vice Chairman of the Board and
Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation (and Treasurer of the
Corporation until March 1, 1996) since March 1, 1994, having served as
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Ethyl
Corporation prior to March 1, 1994. Mr. Walker continued to serve as Vice
Chairman of the Board and Chief Financial Officer of Ethyl Corporation
from March 1, 1994, to September 30, 1997, and as Vice Chairman of the
Board of Ethyl Corporation from October 1, 1997, to January 31, 1998.
Other directorships: Ethyl Corporation and Nations Fund Trust/Nations
Fund, Inc.
ANNE MARIE WHITTEMORE; age 53; director since 1996; Partner of McGuire, Woods,
Battle & Boothe, L.L.P. (law firm). Other directorships: Owens & Minor,
Inc., Fort James Corporation and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
In 1998, each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (i) the
total number of meetings of all committees of the Board on which the director
then served and (ii) the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors.
Eight meetings of the Corporation's Board of Directors were held during 1998.
2
<PAGE>
The Corporation's executive committee currently consists of Messrs. Floyd
D. Gottwald, Jr., Walker and Betlem. The executive committee acts not only as
the executive committee of the Board of Directors but also as the Corporation's
principal management committee. During 1998, the executive committee met on
five occasions as the executive committee of the Board of Directors and on 12
occasions as the principal management committee.
Messrs. Lacy, Rice, Stewart and Mrs. Whittemore currently serve on the
Corporation's audit committee. During 1998, the audit committee met on three
occasions. The audit committee reviews the Corporation's internal audit and
financial reporting functions and the scope and results of the audit performed
by the Corporation's independent accountants and matters relating thereto and
reports thereon to the Board of Directors. The audit committee also reviews
audit fees and recommends to the Board of Directors the engagement of the
independent accountants of the Corporation.
The nominating committee currently consists of Messrs. Floyd D. Gottwald,
Jr., Lacy and Rice. During 1998, the nominating committee met once. The
nominating committee recommends candidates for election as directors and in
some cases the election of officers. The Corporation's bylaws provide that a
shareholder of the Corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors
may nominate persons for election to the Board by mailing written notice to the
Secretary of the Corporation not later than (i) with respect to an election to
be held at an annual meeting of shareholders, 60 days prior to such meeting,
and (ii) with respect to an election to be held at a special meeting of
shareholders for the election of directors, the close of business on the
seventh day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first given
to shareholders. Such shareholder's notice shall include (i) the name and
address of the shareholder and of each person to be nominated, (ii) a
representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of stock of the
Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or
by proxy at the meeting to nominate each person specified, (iii) a description
of all understandings between the shareholder and each nominee and any other
person (naming such person) pursuant to which the nomination is to be made by
the shareholder, (iv) such other information regarding each nominee as would be
required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules
of the Securities and Exchange Commission had the nominee been nominated by the
Board of Directors and (v) the consent of each nominee to serve as a director
of the Corporation if so elected.
Messrs. Andersson, Lacy, Preston, Rice and Mrs. Whittemore currently serve
as the Corporation's executive compensation committee. During 1998, the
executive compensation committee met on nine occasions. This committee approves
the salaries of management-level employees. It also approves all bonus awards,
certain consultant agreements and initial salaries of new management level
personnel and grants stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"),
performance shares, restricted stock and incentive awards under the
Corporation's 1998 Incentive Plan (the "1998 Plan") and the 1994 Omnibus Stock
Incentive Plan (the "1994 Plan").
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
William M. Gottwald, MD, a Vice President of the Corporation, and John D.
Gottwald, a director of the Corporation, are sons of Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. The
members of the family of Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. may be deemed to be control
persons of the Corporation. Mr. Stewart, a director of the Corporation, entered
into a one-year mutually renewable consulting contract with the Corporation
beginning September 1, 1997, and renewed effective September 1, 1998, for
$150,000 per year.
3
<PAGE>
SECTION 16(a)
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Based solely on its review of the forms required by Section 16(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), that have
been received by the Corporation, the Corporation believes that there has been
compliance with all filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors
and beneficial owners of greater than 10% of the Albemarle Common Stock.
STOCK OWNERSHIP
The following table lists any person (including any "group" as that term
is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) who, to the knowledge of the
Corporation, was the beneficial owner as of December 31, 1998, of more than 5%
of the outstanding voting shares of the Corporation.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS OF NUMBER OF
TITLE OF CLASS BENEFICIAL OWNERS SHARES PERCENT OF CLASS
- - ---------------- -------------------------------------- ------------------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. and 18,274,181(b)(c) 38.82%
Bruce C. Gottwald (a)
330 South Fourth Street
P.O. Box 2189
Richmond, Virginia 23218
J. P. Morgan & Co., Incorporated (d) 3,232,155 6.88%
60 Wall Street
New York, New York 10260
</TABLE>
- - ----------
(a) Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. and Bruce C. Gottwald, who are brothers, may be
deemed to be a "group" for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange
Act, although there is no arrangement between them with respect to the
acquisition, retention, disposition or voting of Albemarle Common Stock.
(b) As of December 31, 1998, Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. and Bruce C. Gottwald had
sole voting and investment power over all of the shares disclosed except
14,103,268 shares held by their wives, adult sons and in certain trust
relationships as to which they disclaim beneficial ownership. This amount
includes an aggregate of 2,210,082 shares of Albemarle Common Stock
beneficially owned by the adult sons of Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. and an
aggregate of 2,306,273 shares of Albemarle Common Stock beneficially owned
by the adult sons of Bruce C. Gottwald. Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr., Bruce C.
Gottwald and their adult sons have no agreement with respect to the
acquisition, retention, disposition or voting of Albemarle Common Stock.
(c) This amount includes any shares owned of record by the Trustee of the
Corporation's savings plan for the benefit of William M. Gottwald, MD.
This amount does not include shares held by the Trustee of such plan for
the benefit of other employees. Shares held under the Corporation's
savings plan are voted by the Trustee in accordance with instructions
solicited from employees participating in the plan. If a participating
employee does not give the Trustee voting instructions, his shares
generally are voted by the Trustee in accordance with the Board of
Directors' recommendations to the shareholders. Because Floyd D. Gottwald,
Jr. is a director and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, he
and the members of his family may be deemed to be control persons of the
Corporation and to have the capacity to control any such recommendation of
the Board of Directors.
4
<PAGE>
(d) The information contained herein with respect to J.P. Morgan & Co.,
Incorporated is based on a Schedule 13G filed by such entity with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such filing further stated that the
acquisition of such shares was in the ordinary course of business and not
in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having the
purpose or effect of changing or influencing the control of the
Corporation.
The following table sets forth as of January 31, 1999, the beneficial
ownership of Albemarle Common Stock by all directors of the Corporation, the
Chief Executive Officer and the other three executive officers and all
directors and executive officers of the Corporation as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES NUMBER OF SHARES TOTAL
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER WITH SOLE VOTING AND WITH SHARED VOTING NUMBER PERCENT
OR NUMBER OF PERSONS IN GROUP INVESTMENT POWER(1) AND INVESTMENT POWER OF SHARES OF CLASS(2)
- - ----------------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Craig R. Andersson 293 10,000 10,293
Dirk Betlem 147,396 19,194 166,590
E. Whitehead Elmore 268,632 -- 268,632
Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. 953,141 5,964,061(3) 6,917,202 14.71%
John D. Gottwald 119,536 1,652,986(4) 1,772,522 3.77%
Andre B. Lacy 15,996(5) 462,500 478,496 1.02%
Seymour S. Preston III 6,593 -- 6,593
Emmett J. Rice 1,878 -- 1,878
Charles E. Stewart -- 3,126 3,126
Charles B. Walker 222,481 -- 222,481
Anne Marie Whittemore 800 11,497 12,297
Directors and executive
officers as a group (11 persons) 1,736,746 8,123,364 9,860,110 20.81%
</TABLE>
- - ----------
(1) The amounts in this column include shares of Albemarle Common Stock with
respect to which certain persons had the right to acquire beneficial
ownership within 60 days of January 31, 1999: Mr. Betlem: 142,800 shares;
Mr. Elmore: 84,940 shares; Mr. Walker: 156,940 shares; and directors and
executive officers as a group: 384,680 shares.
(2) Except as indicated, each person owns less than 1% of Albemarle Common
Stock.
(3) Mr. Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. disclaims beneficial ownership of all 5,964,061
of such shares.
(4) Mr. John D. Gottwald disclaims beneficial ownership of all 1,652,986 of such
shares. This amount includes 1,593,050 shares of Albemarle Common Stock that
Mr. John D. Gottwald may be deemed to own beneficially. Such shares
constitute his interest as beneficiary of a trust of which he is a
co-trustee.
(5) Mr. Lacy disclaims beneficial ownership of 14,741 of such shares.
5
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The following table presents information relating to total compensation of
the Chief Executive Officer and the other three executive officers of the
Corporation for the period from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
OTHER ANNUAL RESTRICTED ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION STOCK AWARDS OPTIONS/SARS COMPENSATION
- - ----------------------------- ------ ------------ ------------ -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr 1998 $450,000 $193,700 -- -- 35,000 $ 0
Chairman of the Board 1997 503,750 0 -- -- 0 0
and Executive Committee, 1996 665,000 0 -- -- 0 4,356(1)
Chief Executive Officer
Dirk Betlem 1998 $550,000(2) $236,700 $381,263(3) -- 30,000 $38,787(4)
President and Chief 1997 504,324 268,000 388,263 -- 0 32,026
Operating Officer 1996 437,090 181,150 -- -- 143,000 12,658
Charles B. Walker 1998 $478,400(5) $206,000(5) -- -- 80,000 $ 0(8)
Vice Chairman of the 1997 299,000 233,000 -- -- 0 14,950
Board and Chief 1996 239,000 122,500 $488,128(6,7) $554,880(6) 0 11,960
Financial Officer
E. Whitehead Elmore 1998 $323,200 $111,000 -- -- 20,000 $16,160(10)
Senior Vice President, 1997 218,400(9) 100,000(9) -- -- 0 11,185
Secretary and General 1996 218,400 50,000 $244,064(6,7) $277,440(6) 0 10,990
Counsel
</TABLE>
- - ----------
(1) Mr. Gottwald participated in the savings plan and the excess benefit plan of
Ethyl Corporation ("Ethyl") through February 29, 1996. This amount reflects
the amounts reimbursed to Ethyl by the Corporation for the Corporation's
allocable portion of his benefits under Ethyl's excess benefit plan and
savings plan.
(2) Until May 15, 1997, Mr. Betlem was compensated in Belgian francs. Each
amount listed here for 1996 in U.S. dollars is based on the exchange rate at
December 31, 1996, and each amount listed for 1997 prior to May 15, 1997, in
U.S. dollars is based on the exchange rate at May 15, 1997.
(3) Includes payments for expatriate expenses and allowances ($171,872 and
$78,125), tax subsidies ($165,037 and $197,566) and a housing and
relocation allowance ($44,354 and $38,717) for 1998 and 1997, respectively.
(4) Includes contributions to the Corporation's savings plan ($8,000 and $8,000)
and accruals in the Corporation's excess benefit plan ($30,787 and $9,724)
for 1998 and 1997, respectively, and contributions to the Albemarle S.A.
Savings Plan ($14,302 and $12,658) for 1997 and 1996, respectively. Each
amount listed here for 1996 in U.S. dollars is based on the exchange rate
at December 31, 1996, and each amount listed for 1997 prior to May 15,
1997, in U.S. dollars is based on the exchange rate at May 15, 1997.
(5) Mr. Walker also served as an officer of Ethyl until his retirement from
Ethyl on February 1, 1998, and was compensated separately by Ethyl for such
services.
(6) On March 1, 1996, the Corporation sold its olefins business to Amoco
Chemical Company for approximately $500 million, with a gain on the sale of
$158.2 million ($94.4 million after income taxes). On the recommendation of
the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the executive compensation
committee concluded that Messrs. Walker and Elmore had made special
contributions in effecting the successful disposition of the olefins
business and, accordingly, were entitled to special restricted stock awards
under the 1994 Plan of
6
<PAGE>
23,120 shares and 11,560 shares, respectively. The executive compensation
committee also concluded that the amount of the awards should be net of
taxes and should be included in the calculations of amounts payable under
excess benefit plans covering these officers. Shares of restricted stock
were forfeitable if the award recipient's employment were terminated except
by reason of death, disability or a change of control. One half of the
shares became non-forfeitable on the first anniversary of the date of the
award and the balance became non-forfeitable on the second anniversary of
the date of the award.
(7) Reflects tax reimbursement in connection with the restricted stock award
discussed in Note 6.
(8) Mr. Walker participated in the savings plan and the excess benefit savings
plan of Ethyl during one month of 1998 and in 1997 and 1996. The amounts
reflect the amounts reimbursed to Ethyl by the Corporation for the
Corporation's allocable portion of these benefits.
(9) Mr. Elmore also served as an officer of Ethyl until January 1, 1998, and was
compensated separately by Ethyl for such services.
(10)Includes contributions to the Corporation's savings plan ($8,000, $8,000 and
$7,500) and accruals in the Corporation's excess benefit plan ($8,160,
$3,185 and $3,490) for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
7
<PAGE>
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
Each of the following options relates to Albemarle Common Stock and does
not include a related SAR.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
----------------------------------------------------------
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
VALUE AT ASSUMED
% OF ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
TOTAL OPTIONS PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
GRANTED TO EXERCISE OPTION TERM
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN OR BASE EXPIRATION --------------------------
NAME GRANTED (#) FISCAL YEAR PRICE ($) DATE 5% ($) 10% ($)
- - ------------------------ ------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr. 35,000(1) 6.5% $ 25.75 4/21/05 $366,899 $ 855,031
Dirk Betlem 30,000(1) 5.6% $ 25.75 4/21/05 314,485 732,884
Charles B. Walker 50,000(2) 9.3% $ 25.25 3/30/08 793,979 2,012,100
30,000(1) 5.6% $ 25.75 4/21/05 314,485 732,884
E. Whitehead Elmore 20,000(1) 3.7% $ 25.75 4/21/05 209,657 488,589
</TABLE>
- - ----------
(1) Vest upon an increase in share price, with a maximum of 25% becoming
exercisable in any single year, and in any event becoming exercisable on the
sixth anniversary of the date of grant.
(2) Vest upon the attainment of either a certain share price or earnings per
share and in any event becoming exercisable 30 days prior to the expiration
date.
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
The following table presents information concerning stock options and SAR
exercises by the Chief Executive Officer and the other three executive officers
of the Corporation and fiscal year end option/SAR values.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
SHARES OPTIONS/SARS AT FY-END (#) OPTIONS/SARS AT FY-END ($)(4)
ACQUIRED ON VALUE ------------------------------- ------------------------------
NAME EXERCISE (#) REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- - ----------------------- -------------- --------------- ------------- --------------- ------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr -- -- 0 35,000 $ 0 $ 0
Dirk Betlem -- -- 142,800(1) 87,200(2) 1,152,600 364,650
Charles B. Walker -- -- 156,940(3) 80,000(2) 1,665,093 0
E. Whitehead Elmore 11,560 $ 55,935.95 84,940(3) 20,000(2) 903,108 0
</TABLE>
- - ----------
(1) 57,000 of these options relate to Albemarle Common Stock and include a
tandem SAR; 85,800 of these options relate to Albemarle Common Stock and do
not include a tandem SAR.
(2) Each of these options relates to Albemarle Common Stock and does not include
a tandem SAR.
(3) Each of these options relates to Albemarle Common Stock and includes a
tandem SAR.
(4) These values are based on $23.75, the closing price of Albemarle Common
Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 31, 1998.
8
<PAGE>
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN - AWARDS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table presents information concerning performance share
grants made under the 1994 Plan during 1998 to the Chief Executive Officer and
the other three executive officers of the Corporation.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS UNDER
NON-STOCK
NUMBER OF PERFORMANCE OR PRICE-BASED PLANS(1)
SHARES, UNITS OTHER PERIOD UNTIL ------------------------------------
OR OTHER MATURATION THRESHOLD TARGET MAXIMUM
NAME RIGHTS (#) OR PAYOUT ($ OR #) ($ OR #) ($ OR #)
- - ----------------------- --------------- ------------------- ----------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr 20,000 April 21, 2000 N/A 20,000 40,000
15,000 April 21, 2002 N/A 15,000 30,000
Dirk Betlem 15,000 April 21, 2000 N/A 15,000 30,000
10,000 April 21, 2002 N/A 10,000 20,000
Charles B. Walker 15,000 April 21, 2000 N/A 15,000 30,000
10,000 April 21, 2002 N/A 10,000 20,000
E. Whitehead Elmore 4,000 April 21, 2000 N/A 4,000 8,000
6,000 April 21, 2002 N/A 6,000 12,000
</TABLE>
- - ----------
(1) At the end of the performance period for the performance shares, the
executive officer will be entitled to receive that number of shares of
restricted stock ranging from 0% to 200% of the number of performance shares
based upon the Corporation's return on gross assets and increase in
operating income for the performance period.
9
<PAGE>
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The following table illustrates under the Corporation's pension plan for
salaried employees the estimated benefits upon retirement at age 65, determined
as of December 31, 1998, to persons with specified earnings and years of
pension benefit service. To the extent benefits payable at retirement exceed
amounts that may be payable under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), they will be paid under the
Corporation's excess benefit or supplemental retirement plans, as applicable.
This table includes the amounts that would be payable under such plans.
PENSION PLAN TABLE*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS OF PENSION BENEFIT SERVICE AND ESTIMATED ANNUAL BENEFITS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINAL AVERAGE EARNINGS 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 50
- - ----------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 300,000 $ 43,755 $ 65,632 $ 87,510 $109,387 $131,265 $153,142 $175,020 $218,774
350,000 51,255 76,882 102,510 128,137 153,765 179,392 205,020 256,274
400,000 58,755 88,132 117,510 146,887 176,265 205,642 235,020 293,774
450,000 66,255 99,382 132,510 165,637 198,765 231,892 265,020 331,274
500,000 73,755 110,632 147,510 184,387 221,265 258,142 295,020 368,774
550,000 81,255 121,882 162,510 203,137 243,765 284,392 325,020 406,274
600,000 88,755 133,132 177,510 221,887 266,265 310,642 355,020 443,774
650,000 96,255 144,382 192,510 240,637 288,765 336,892 385,020 481,274
700,000 103,755 155,632 207,510 259,387 311,265 363,142 415,020 518,774
750,000 111,255 166,882 222,510 278,137 333,765 389,392 445,020 556,274
800,000 118,755 178,132 237,510 296,887 356,265 415,642 475,020 593,774
850,000 126,255 189,382 252,510 315,637 378,765 441,892 505,020 631,274
900,000 133,755 200,632 267,510 334,387 401,265 468,142 535,020 668,774
950,000 141,255 211,882 282,510 353,137 423,765 494,392 565,020 706,274
1,000,000 148,755 223,132 297,510 371,887 446,265 520,642 595,020 743,774
</TABLE>
* Assumes attainment of age 65 in 1998 and Social Security Covered
Compensation of $31,128.
The benefit formula under the pension plans is based on the participant's
final-average earnings, which are defined as the average of the highest three
consecutive calendar years' earnings (base pay plus 50% of incentive bonuses
paid in any fiscal year) during the ten consecutive calendar years immediately
preceding the date of determination. The years of pension benefit service for
certain of the executive officers named in the above compensation table as of
December 31, 1998, are: E. Whitehead Elmore, 29; and Dirk Betlem, 2. Benefits
under the pension plans are computed on the basis of a life annuity with 60
months guaranteed payments. The benefits listed in the above compensation table
are not subject to deduction for Social Security or other offset payments.
Pension benefits payable to Messrs. Gottwald and Walker are paid from the
pension plan of Ethyl.
Mr. Betlem also is entitled to a benefit from the Albemarle S.A. Pension
Plan (Belgium) for his service with Albemarle S.A. through April 30, 1997,
which provides for a lump sum payment at age 65 equal to years of service times
the sum of 4% of final average pay up to covered compensation plus 17.5% of the
excess of final average pay over covered compensation. This amount is
multiplied by 1.20 for married individuals. Mr. Betlem's accrued benefit as of
December 31, 1998, determined as an annual benefit payable at age 65, is
$14,204. Such amount is determined in Belgian francs. The amount shown in U.S.
dollars is based on the exchange rate at December 31, 1998.
10
<PAGE>
EXCESS BENEFIT PLANS
The Corporation maintains excess benefit plans in the form of
non-qualified pension plans (the "Excess Plans") that provide eligible
individuals the difference between the benefits they actually accrue under the
qualified employee pension and savings plans of the Corporation and the
benefits they would have accrued under such plans but for the maximum benefit
and annual addition limitations and the limitation on compensation that may be
recognized thereunder under the Code. Certain key employees may be granted
additional pension service benefits equal to 4% of the employee's average pay
over his last three years multiplied by the number of years of service to the
Corporation (including service with Ethyl) up to 15 years, net of certain other
benefits received from the Corporation, previous employers, including Ethyl,
and Social Security. These benefits have been granted to Mr. Walker. All
benefits under the Excess Plans vest upon a Change in Control of the
Corporation, as defined in the Excess Plans.
Pursuant to the Corporation's agreement with Ethyl in connection with the
1994 spin-off of the Corporation, in lieu of receiving benefits under the
Corporation's non-qualified pension plan, Mr. Walker remained in Ethyl's
non-qualified pension plan until his retirement from Ethyl on February 1, 1998,
and the Corporation reimbursed Ethyl for the costs under that plan attributable
to his service and pay with the Corporation.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Outside directors are paid (i) $1,000 for attendance at each Board meeting
and (ii) $600 for attendance at each meeting of a committee of the Board of
which he or she was a member. In addition, each such director is paid a
quarterly fee of $5,000. Employee members of the Board of Directors are not
paid separately for service on the Board or its committees.
Any director retiring from the Board after age 60 with at least five
years' service on the Board and who is not employed by the Corporation will
receive $12,000 per year for life, payable in quarterly installments. The
service and age at retirement requirements for this benefit may be waived in
certain circumstances with the commencement of the benefit no earlier than age
60. Any director retiring under other circumstances will receive $12,000 per
year, payable in quarterly installments, commencing no earlier than age 60, for
a period not to exceed his years of service on the Board. The payment period
limitation on this benefit may be waived in certain circumstances. Such
retirement payments to former directors may not commence and may be
discontinued under certain circumstances.
On each July 1, the Corporation awards to each non-employee director that
number of whole shares of Albemarle Common Stock when multiplied by the closing
price of Albemarle Common Stock on the immediately preceding business day, as
reported in The Wall Street Journal, as shall as nearly as possible equal but
not exceed $2,000. The shares of Albemarle Common Stock awarded under the
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Acquisition Plan are nonforfeitable and the
recipient directors immediately and fully vest in Albemarle Common Stock issued
under the plan. Subject only to such limitations on transfer as may be
specified by applicable securities laws, directors may sell the shares received
under the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Acquisition Plan at any time. The
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Acquisition Plan provides that no awards may be
made after July 1, 2004.
Non-employee directors may defer, in ten percent increments, all or part
of their retainer fee and meeting fees into either a deferred cash account or a
deferred stock account, or a percentage of the fees into each of the accounts,
both of which are unfunded and maintained for record-keeping purposes only.
Distributions under the Deferred Compensation Plan, paid in a single sum or in
up to ten annual installments, cannot begin within two years of the beginning
of the deferral year. The maximum aggregate number of shares of Albemarle
Common Stock that may be issued under the Deferred Compensation Plan is 100,000
shares.
11
<PAGE>
THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Executive Compensation Committee (the "Committee") of the Board of
Directors is pleased to present its annual report on executive compensation.
This report describes the objectives of the Corporation's executive
compensation program, the various components of the program, and explains the
basis on which 1998 compensation determinations were made by the Committee with
respect to the executive officers of the Corporation.
During 1998, the Committee completed a comprehensive examination of the
Corporation's executive compensation policies using the services of an
independent consulting firm. The philosophy and new incentive programs
resulting from the study are outlined below.
OVERALL OBJECTIVES OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAMS
The Committee's guiding philosophy is to establish executive compensation
policies that are linked to the sustained creation of shareholder value. The
following objectives serve as the guiding principles for all compensation
decisions:
o Provide a competitive total compensation opportunity that will enable the
Corporation to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified executives.
o Align compensation opportunities with shareholder interests by making the
executive compensation program highly sensitive to the Corporation's
performance, which is defined in terms of long-term profitability and
creating shareholder value.
o Provide a strong emphasis on equity-based compensation and equity
ownership, creating a direct link between shareholder and management
interests.
COMPENSATION PROGRAM COMPONENTS
The Committee believes that the total compensation opportunity available
to executives should consist of base salary, annual incentives and long-term
incentives with each component geared to the median of the market for all
positions in the aggregate. Individuals may be compensated above or below the
median of the marketplace based on the Corporation's performance and on
considerations of individual performance and experience. The Committee
considers all elements of the program when setting compensation levels. The
Committee is placing increasing emphasis on incentive compensation. As a
result, the Committee intends over the next several years to restrict increases
in base salary in order that base salary generally will be at or below the
median of the market.
The Committee periodically meets individually with the executive officers
of the Corporation in order to assess progress toward meeting objectives set by
the Board of Directors for both annual and long-term compensation.
The Committee utilizes compensation surveys to aid in the determination of
competitive levels of executive pay. The surveys include companies that are
larger and smaller than the Corporation. Some surveys are limited to companies
in the chemical business, including, but not limited to, some of the companies
included in the Chemical Composite shown in the Performance Graph. The
Committee also utilizes executive compensation information compiled from the
proxy statements of other chemical companies. References to the "market" in
this report refer to these survey and proxy data.
12
<PAGE>
BASE SALARIES
Base salaries are determined in accordance with the responsibilities of
each executive, median market data for the position and the performance of each
executive. The Committee considers each of these factors but does not assign a
specific value to each factor. Furthermore, a subjective element is
acknowledged in evaluating each executive's overall span of responsibility and
control.
Salaries for some executive officers for 1999 are being maintained at
current levels to reflect the increased emphasis on compensation that is tied
to the long-term performance of the Corporation. Total compensation for
executive officers is believed to be generally in line with the median of the
market as described above.
ANNUAL INCENTIVES
The purpose of the 1998 Plan is to create a substantial incentive to
officers and key employees to maximize shareholder value and provide a means
for recognizing individual contribution to corporate and business unit results.
Key features of the new annual incentive program include the following:
o A primary emphasis on sustained operating earnings growth and return on
gross assets.
o A significant emphasis on the achievement of key strategic objectives
related to future profitable growth, market leadership and safety.
o A more formulaic and objective approach to award calculation.
o A means for recognizing individual achievement and contribution for
participants (other than the executives named in the compensation table).
Annual incentive awards are reviewed by the Committee in conjunction with
senior management. Awards are based on an evaluation of the performance, level
of responsibility and leadership of the individual executive in relation to
overall corporate results. In 1998, annual incentives were based on the
attainment of financial results for the Corporation as a whole, performance of
the Corporation's business units and other financial measures, including return
on gross assets.
STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK
The Committee believes strongly that equity-based awards are an integral
part of total compensation for executives and certain key managers with
significant responsibility for the long-term results of the Corporation. Stock
options and restricted stock awards that are tied to corporate performance
provide an effective means of delivering incentive compensation and also foster
stock ownership on the part of management.
The 1998 Plan:
o Authorizes the granting of stock options, SARs, performance shares,
restricted stock and other incentive awards, all of which may be made
subject to the attainment of performance goals established by the
Committee.
o Provides for the enumeration of the business criteria on which an
executive's performance goals are to be based.
13
<PAGE>
o Establishes the maximum share grants or awards (or, in the case of
incentive awards, the maximum compensation) that can be paid to an
executive.
Incentive awards for 1998 were made in accordance with the
performance-based focus of the 1998 Plan. For example, the exercisability of
the 1998 stock option awards is tied to the performance of Albemarle Common
Stock.
EXECUTIVE STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
To further align the interests of executives with the Corporation's
shareholders, the Committee has established stock ownership guidelines that are
designed to encourage the accumulation and retention of a significant portion
of Albemarle Common Stock by the Corporation's executive officers. The
guidelines call for each executive officer to hold a minimum multiple of base
salary in shares of Albemarle Common Stock by the end of the year 2002.
Participation in the 1998 Plan beyond 2002 will be contingent upon satisfying
the guidelines. The established guidelines are as follows:
o CEO 4x salary
o Other named executives 3x salary
o Other management
level employees 1x to 2x (depending upon position level) salary
DISCUSSION OF 1998 COMPENSATION FOR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
At his request, Mr. Floyd D. Gottwald Jr.'s compensation as Chief
Executive Officer was reduced to $450,000 in 1997 and remained unchanged during
1998. However, the Committee has insisted that Mr. Gottwald receive a bonus for
1998. The award of $193,700 is considered an appropriate recognition of the
leadership that Mr. Gottwald has shown in focusing management on the
achievement of substantial earnings growth and maximizing long-term value for
the Corporation's shareholders.
DEDUCTIBILITY OF COMPENSATION
The Committee has carefully considered Section 162(m) of the Code, which
provides certain criteria for the tax deductibility of compensation in excess
of $1 million paid to the Corporation's executive officers. The Committee
believes it is in the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders to
comply with the requirements of Section 162(m), but the Committee intends to
preserve the flexibility to reward executives consistent with the Corporation's
pay philosophy for each compensation element. The Committee intends that grants
of options, awards of performance shares, restricted stock and other incentive
awards under the 1998 Plan comply with the requirements of Section 162(m).
THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Craig R. Andersson, Chairman
Andre B. Lacy
Seymour S. Preston III
Emmett J. Rice
Anne Marie Whittemore
March 8, 1999
14
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Cumulative Total Shareholder Return*
Performance from March 1, 1994, through December 31, 1998
[GRAPH]
Albemarle Chemical Composite S&P 500 Companies
--------- ------------------ -----------------
March 1994 100 100 100
Dec. 1994 106 103 101
Dec. 1995 150 135 139
Dec. 1996 142 167 171
Dec. 1997 190 203 228
Dec. 1998 192 190 293
*ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON FIRST DAY OF MARCH 1994. DIVIDENDS ARE REINVESTED
QUARTERLY.
DESIGNATION OF AUDITORS
The Board of Directors has designated PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
certified public accountants, as the Corporation's independent auditors for
fiscal year 1999, subject to shareholder approval. A representative of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is expected to be present at the annual meeting with
an opportunity to make a statement and to be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's principal function is to audit the
consolidated financial statements of the Corporation and its subsidiaries and,
in connection with that audit, to review certain related filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and to conduct limited reviews of the
financial statements included in the Corporation's quarterly reports.
15
<PAGE>
PROPOSALS FOR 2000 ANNUAL MEETING
Under the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any
shareholder desiring to make a proposal to be acted upon at the 2000 annual
meeting of shareholders must present such proposal to the Corporation at its
principal office in Richmond, Virginia, not later than November 24, 1999, in
order for the proposal to be considered for inclusion in the Corporation's
proxy statement. The Corporation anticipates holding the 2000 annual meeting on
April 26, 2000.
The Corporation's bylaws provide that, in addition to any other applicable
requirements, for business to be properly brought before the annual meeting by
a shareholder, the shareholder must give timely notice in writing to the
Secretary of the Corporation not later than 60 days prior to the meeting. As to
each matter, the notice should contain (i) a brief description of the matter
and the reasons for addressing it at the annual meeting, (ii) the name, record
address of and number of shares beneficially owned by the shareholder proposing
such business and (iii) any material interest of the shareholder in such
business.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is not aware of any matters to be presented for action
at the meeting other than as set forth herein. However, if any other matters
properly come before the meeting, or any adjournment thereof, the person or
persons voting the proxies will vote them in accordance with their best
judgment.
By Order of the Board of Directors
E. WHITEHEAD ELMORE, SECRETARY
16
<PAGE>
NOTICE
and
PROXY STATEMENT
for
ANNUAL MEETING
of
SHAREHOLDERS
APRIL 21, 1999
[ALBEMARLE CORPORATION LOGO]
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
330 SOUTH FOURTH STREET
P.O. BOX 1335
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23210
<PAGE>
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
Richmond, Virginia
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD APRIL 21, 1999
The undersigned hereby appoints Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr., and Emmett J. Rice,
or either of them, with full power of substitution in each, proxies to vote all
shares of the undersigned in Albemarle Corporation, at the annual meeting of
shareholders to be held April 21, 1999, and at any and all adjournments thereof:
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
[ ] FOR ALL [ ] WITHHOLD ALL [ ] FOR ALL EXCEPT
Craig R. Andersson, Dirk Betlem, Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr., John D. Gottwald,
Andre B. Lacy, Seymour S. Preston III, Emmett J. Rice, Charles E. Stewart,
Charles B. Walker and Anne Marie Whittemore.
INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY SUCH NOMINEE(S), WRITE
THE NAME(S) OF THE NOMINEE(S) IN THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW.
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. The proposal to approve the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
the auditors for the Corporation for 1999.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
3. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business and matters incident to the conduct of the meeting as may properly come
before the meeting.
This Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors. 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 all nominees
and FOR Proposal 2.
Dated _____________________, 1999
----------------------------------
Please sign name exactly as it appears on
the stock certificate. Only one of several
joint owners or co-owners need sign.
Fiduciaries should give full title.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
