<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14A-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant [x]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[ ] 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 Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
</TABLE>
National Instruments Corporation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[x] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) 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> 2
NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 11, 1999
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
National Instruments Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), will
be held on May 11, 1999, at 9:00 a.m. local time, at the Company's principal
executive offices located at 11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas, for
the following purposes as more fully described in the Proxy Statement
accompanying this Notice:
1. To elect two directors to the Board of Directors for a term of three
years;
2. To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company's
independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31,
1999; and
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment thereof.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 22, 1999, are
entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person.
However, to assure your representation at the meeting, you are urged to mark,
sign, date and return the enclosed Proxy card as promptly as possible in the
postage-prepaid envelope enclosed for that purpose. Stockholders attending the
meeting may vote in person even if they have returned a Proxy.
Sincerely,
DAVID G. HUGLEY
Secretary
Austin, Texas
April 2, 1999
<PAGE> 3
NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
------------------------
INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING
GENERAL
The enclosed Proxy is solicited on behalf of National Instruments
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), for use at its 1999 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") to be held on May 11, 1999, at
9:00 a.m., local time, or at any adjournments or postponements thereof, for the
purposes set forth in this Proxy Statement and in the accompanying Notice of
Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Annual Meeting will be held at the Company's
principal executive offices at 11500 North Mopac Expressway, Building B, Austin,
Texas 78759. The Company's telephone number is (512) 338-9119.
These proxy solicitation materials were mailed on or about April 2, 1999 to
all stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting.
RECORD DATE; OUTSTANDING SHARES
Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 22, 1999 (the
"Record Date"), are entitled to receive notice of and vote at the meeting. On
the Record Date, 32,992,539 shares of the Company's Common Stock, $.01 par
value, were issued and outstanding. For information regarding holders of more
than five percent of the outstanding Common Stock, see "Election of
Directors -- Security Ownership."
REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
Proxies given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked at any time
before they have been used. Revocation will occur by delivering a written notice
of revocation to the Company or by duly executing a proxy bearing a later date.
Revocation will also occur if the individual attends the meeting and votes in
person.
VOTING AND SOLICITATION
Every stockholder of record on the Record Date is entitled, for each share
held, to one vote on each proposal or item that comes before the meeting. In the
election of directors, each stockholder will be entitled to vote for two
nominees and the two nominees with the greatest number of votes will be elected.
The cost of this solicitation will be borne by the Company. The Company may
reimburse expenses incurred by brokerage firms and other persons representing
beneficial owners of shares in forwarding solicitation material to beneficial
owners. Proxies may be solicited by certain of the Company's directors, officers
and regular employees, without additional compensation, personally, by telephone
or by telefax.
DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholder proposals which are intended to be presented at the Company's
2000 Annual Meeting must be received by the Company no later than December 3,
1999 in order to be included in the proxy statement and form of proxy for that
meeting.
<PAGE> 4
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
GENERAL
The Company's Board of Directors is divided into three classes, with the
term of office of one class expiring each year. The Company currently has six
directors with two directors in three classes. The terms of office of directors
L. Wayne Ashby and Donald M. Carlton expire at the 1999 Annual Meeting. Mr.
Ashby and Dr. Carlton will stand for re-election to the Board of Directors at
the 1999 Annual Meeting. The terms of office of directors Jeffrey L. Kodosky and
Ben G. Streetman expire at the 2000 Annual Meeting, and the terms of office of
directors James J. Truchard and William C. Nowlin expire at the 2001 Annual
Meeting. At the 1999 Annual Meeting, stockholders will elect two directors for a
term of three years.
VOTE REQUIRED
The two nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes of the
shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and
entitled to vote on the election of directors shall be elected to the Board of
Directors. Votes withheld from any director are counted for purposes of
determining the presence or absence of a quorum, but have no legal effect under
Delaware law. While there is no definitive statutory or case law authority in
Delaware as to the proper treatment of abstentions and broker non-votes in the
election of directors, the Company believes that both abstentions and broker
non-votes should be counted for purposes of whether a quorum is present at the
Annual Meeting. In the absence of precedent to the contrary, the Company intends
to treat abstentions and broker non-votes with respect to the election of
directors in this manner. Cumulative voting is not permitted by the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation.
Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies
received by them for the Company's two nominees named below. If any nominee of
the Company is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the
Meeting, the proxies will be voted for any nominee who is designated by the
present Board of Directors to fill the vacancy. It is not expected that any
nominee will be unable or will decline to serve as a director. THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE NOMINEES LISTED BELOW.
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
The following sets forth information concerning the nominees for election
as directors at the Annual Meeting, including information as to each nominee's
age as of the Record Date, position with the Company and business experience.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIRECTOR
NAME OF NOMINEE AGE POSITION/PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION SINCE
--------------- --- ----------------------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
L. Wayne Ashby(2).............. 59 Director 1977
Donald M. Carlton(1)(3)........ 61 Past President and Chief Executive 1994
Officer of
Radian International LLC
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Member of Nominating and Governance Committee
(2) Member of Compensation Committee
(3) Member of Audit Committee
L. Wayne Ashby has been a member of the Company's Board of Directors since
1977. From January 1983 until August 1995, Mr. Ashby served as Program Manager
and as Division Head of the U.S. Navy's Electronic Warfare Programs at the
Applied Research Laboratories ("ARL"), The University of Texas, Austin ("UT
Austin"). From 1964 to 1980, Mr. Ashby worked at ARL in various positions
including Research Engineer, Project Leader and Division Head. Mr. Ashby was
Vice President, Special Projects at the Company from 1980 to 1983. Mr. Ashby
received his BS in Electrical Engineering and his MS in Electrical Engineering,
both from UT Austin.
2
<PAGE> 5
Donald M. Carlton, PhD, has been a member of the Company's Board of
Directors since 1994. From February 1996 until December 1998, Dr. Carlton served
as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Radian International LLC, and
from 1969 until January 1996, Dr. Carlton served as President and Chairman of
the Board of Radian Corporation, both of which are environmental engineering
firms. Dr. Carlton received his BS in Chemistry from the University of St.
Thomas and his PhD in Chemistry from UT Austin. Dr. Carlton is currently a
director of the following publicly traded companies: Central & Southwest
Corporation and Concert Investment Series Fund.
INCUMBENT DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS OF OFFICE CONTINUE AFTER THE ANNUAL MEETING
The following sets forth information concerning the directors whose terms
of office continue after the Annual Meeting, including information as to each
director's age as of the Record Date, position with the Company and business
experience.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIRECTOR
NAME OF DIRECTOR AGE POSITION/PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION SINCE
---------------- --- ----------------------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
James J. Truchard.................. 55 Chairman of the Board of Directors and 1976
President of the Company
William C. Nowlin, Jr.(1)(2)(3).... 50 Director 1976
Jeffrey L. Kodosky(1).............. 49 Director; Vice President, Research and 1976
Development of the Company
Ben G. Streetman(1)(2)(3).......... 59 Dean, College of Engineering at The 1997
University of Texas at Austin
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Member of Nominating and Governance Committee
(2) Member of Compensation Committee
(3) Member of Audit Committee
James J. Truchard, PhD, co-founded the Company in 1976 and has served as
its President and Chairman of the Board of Directors since inception. From 1963
to 1976 Dr. Truchard was the Managing Director of the Acoustical Measurements
Division at ARL, UT Austin. Dr. Truchard received his PhD in Electrical
Engineering, his MS in Physics and his BS in Physics, all from UT Austin.
William C. Nowlin, Jr., co-founded the Company in 1976 and has served as a
director since inception. Mr. Nowlin served as the Company's Chief Quality
Officer and Secretary until January 1996. Prior to that time, his positions with
the Company included Treasurer, Vice President of Engineering, Sales Manager and
Vice President of Special Projects. Mr. Nowlin received his MS in Electrical
Engineering and his BS in Electrical Engineering, both from UT Austin.
Jeffrey L. Kodosky co-founded the Company in 1976 and has been a director
since that time. He was appointed Vice President of the Company in 1978 and has
served as Vice President, Research and Development since 1980. Prior to 1976, he
was employed at ARL, UT Austin. Mr. Kodosky received his BS in Physics from
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Ben G. Streetman, PhD, has been a member of the Company's Board of
Directors since 1997 and is the Dean of the College of Engineering at UT Austin,
as well as Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dula D. Cockrell
Centennial Chair in Engineering, and Henry E. Singleton Research Fellow at IC2
Institute. From 1984 to 1996, Dr. Streetman served as Director of the
Microelectronics Research Center at UT Austin. Dr. Streetman received his BS,
MS, and PhD in Electrical Engineering, all from UT Austin. Dr. Streetman is
currently a director of the following publicly traded companies: Global Marine
Corporation and CustomTracks Corporation.
There is no family relationship between any director of the Company.
3
<PAGE> 6
SECURITY OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of the Company's
Common Stock as of the Record Date (i) by each of the executive officers named
in the table under "Executive Compensation -- Summary Compensation Table," (ii)
by each director and nominee, (iii) by all current directors and executive
officers as a group and (iv) by all persons known to the Company, based on
statements filed by such persons pursuant to Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to be the beneficial owners of more
than 5% of the Company's Common Stock:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE
NUMBER OF PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL
NAME OF PERSON OR ENTITY SHARES(1) VOTING POWER
------------------------ ---------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
James J. Truchard(2)..................................... 8,830,474 26.8%
11500 North Mopac Expressway
Austin, Texas 78759
Jeffrey L. Kodosky(3).................................... 3,813,610 11.6%
11500 North Mopac Expressway
Austin, Texas 78759
Gail T. Kodosky(4)....................................... 3,089,010 9.4%
11500 North Mopac Expressway
Austin, Texas 78759
William C. Nowlin, Jr.(5)................................ 1,479,297 4.5%
11500 North Mopac Expressway
Austin, Texas 78759
L. Wayne Ashby(6)........................................ 2,132,671 6.5%
5512 Cuesta Verde Drive
Austin, Texas 78746
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.(7)............................. 2,210,000 6.7%
World Financial Center, North Tower
250 Vesey Street
New York, NY 10381
Peter Zogas, Jr.(8)...................................... 48,426 *
Carsten Thomsen(9)....................................... 32,103 *
Timothy R. Dehne(10)..................................... 44,063 *
Donald M. Carlton(11).................................... 14,711 *
Ben G. Streetman(12)..................................... 12,416 *
All executive officers and directors as a group (14
persons) (13).......................................... 16,477,271 49.7%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Represents less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
(1) Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table, the persons named in
the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares
of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to community
property laws where applicable.
(2) Includes 810,000 shares held by a trust for which Dr. Truchard is the
trustee and 87,900 shares held by a corporation of which Dr. Truchard is
president.
(3) Includes an aggregate of 724,600 shares held in two trusts for the benefit
of Mr. Kodosky's daughters for which Mr. Kodosky is the trustee; includes
an aggregate of 210,600 shares held by a corporation of which Mr. Kodosky
is president and his wife, Gail T. Kodosky is secretary; includes 75,000
shares held by a trust for the benefit of Mr. Kodosky and his wife; and
includes 1,402,955 shares owned by his wife. Mr. Kodosky disclaims
beneficial ownership of the shares owned by his wife. (Cumulatively, Jeff
and Gail Kodosky control and/or beneficially own a total of 3,813,610
shares.)
(4) Includes 210,600 shares held by a corporation of which Ms. Kodosky is
secretary and her husband, Jeffrey L. Kodosky is president; includes 75,000
shares held by a trust for the benefit of Ms. Kodosky and her husband; and
includes 1,400,455 shares owned by her husband. Ms. Kodosky disclaims
4
<PAGE> 7
beneficial ownership of the shares owned by her husband. (Cumulatively,
Jeff and Gail Kodosky control and/or beneficially own a total of 3,813,610
shares.)
(5) Includes 30,000 shares held in trusts for the benefit of Mr. Nowlin's
daughters, all of which shares Mr. Nowlin disclaims beneficial ownership
of; includes 19,308 shares held in a trust for the benefit of Mr. Nowlin's
mother for which Mr. Nowlin is the trustee, all of which shares Mr. Nowlin
disclaims beneficial ownership of; includes 14,307 shares held by a trust
for the benefit of Mr. Nowlin and his sister; and includes 393 shares
subject to options exercisable on or before May 21, 1999.
(6) Includes 921 shares subject to options exercisable on or before May 21,
1999.
(7) The information as to beneficial ownership is based on a Schedule 13G filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 1999, reflecting
its beneficial ownership of Common Stock as of February 4, 1999. The
Schedule 13G states that Merrill Lynch & Co, Inc. has shared dispositive
power with respect to 2,210,000 shares of Common Stock and shared voting
power with respect to 2,210,000 shares of Common Stock.
(8) Includes 25,077 shares subject to options exercisable on or before May 21,
1999.
(9) Includes 26,313 shares subject to options exercisable on or before May 21,
1999.
(10) Includes 25,154 shares subject to options exercisable on or before May 21,
1999.
(11) Includes 8,711 shares subject to options exercisable on or before May 21,
1999.
(12) Includes 11,666 shares subject to options exercisable on or before May 21,
1999.
(13) Includes 150,496 shares subject to options exercisable on or before May 21,
1999.
BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors of the Company held a total of ten meetings during
1998. During 1998, the Board of Directors had an Audit Committee, Compensation
Committee, and a Nominating and Governance Committee.
The Audit Committee, which currently consists of directors Donald M.
Carlton, William C. Nowlin, Jr., and Ben G. Streetman, met four times during
1998. The Audit Committee recommends to the Board of Directors the engagement of
the Company's independent accountants, reviews with such accountants the plan,
scope and results of their examination of the consolidated financial statements
and determines the independence of such accountants. The Audit Committee
inquires about any significant risks or exposures and assesses the steps
management has taken to minimize such risk to the Company, including adequacy of
insurance coverage and the strategy for management of foreign currency risk. The
Audit Committee also reviews the Company's compliance with matters relating to
antitrust, environmental, EEOC and SEC regulations.
The Compensation Committee, which currently consists of directors William
C. Nowlin Jr., Ben G. Streetman and L. Wayne Ashby, met eight times during 1998.
The Compensation Committee sets the level of compensation of executive officers
and advises management with respect to compensation levels for key employees.
The Compensation Committee also administers the Company's 1994 Incentive Plan
and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
The Nominating and Governance Committee, which currently consists of
directors Donald M. Carlton, Jeffrey L. Kodosky, Ben G. Streetman and William C.
Nowlin, Jr., met three times during 1998. The Nominating and Governance
Committee recommends to the Board of Directors the selection criteria for board
members, compensation of outside directors, appointment of board committee
members and committee chairmen and develops board governance principles.
No director attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings of the
Board of Directors or the total number of meetings held by all committees of the
Board of Directors on which he served.
5
<PAGE> 8
BOARD COMPENSATION
Non-employee directors are paid a $10,000 annual retainer ($12,000 for
committee chairs), $1,000 for each Board meeting attended in person, $750
($1,000 for committee chairs) for each committee meeting attended in person,
$150 for each Board or committee meeting attended telephonically, and
reimbursement of out-of-town travel expenses. Prior to March 1997, non-employee
directors were also entitled to receive options (exercisable at fair market
value on the date of grant) to purchase 1350 shares of Common Stock upon joining
the Board, and 675 shares on June 1st of each year. Non-employee directors no
longer receive automatic option grants although they may still exercise options
previously granted to them and are currently eligible to receive discretionary
option grants under the terms of the Company's Amended and Restated 1994
Incentive Plan. Employee directors of the Company do not receive any additional
compensation for services provided as a director.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following sets forth information concerning the persons currently
serving as executive officers of the Company, including information as to each
executive officer's age as of the Record Date, position with the Company and
business experience.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AGE POSITION
- ------------------------- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
James J. Truchard......... 55 Chairman of the Board of Directors and President
Jeffrey L. Kodosky........ 49 Vice President, Research and Development and
Director
Carsten Thomsen........... 49 Acting Vice President, Strategic Planning
Timothy R. Dehne.......... 33 Vice President, Engineering
Peter Zogas, Jr. ......... 38 Vice President, Sales
Mark A. Finger............ 41 Vice President, Human Resources
Ruben Reynoso-Mangin...... 51 Vice President, Manufacturing
John Graff................ 34 Acting Vice President, Marketing
Alexander M. Davern....... 32 Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
David G. Hugley........... 35 Secretary, General Counsel
</TABLE>
See "Election of Directors" for additional information with respect to Dr.
Truchard and Mr. Kodosky.
Carsten Thomsen joined the Company in November 1993 and is currently Acting
Vice President, Strategic Planning. He previously served as Vice President,
Engineering and as Director of Engineering. Mr. Thomsen was formerly employed by
Bruel & Kjaer (Denmark), an instrumentation manufacturer, from 1983 to 1993,
serving as Engineering Manager from 1983 to 1991, Manager of the Test Systems
Division from 1991 to 1992 and as Manager of the Condition Monitoring Systems
Division from 1992 to 1993. Mr. Thomsen received his BA in Math and Physics from
Andrews University.
Timothy R. Dehne joined the Company in 1987 and is currently Vice
President, Engineering. He previously served as the Company's Vice President,
Marketing; Vice President, Strategic Marketing; Strategic Marketing Manager;
GPIB Marketing Manager; GPIB Product Manager and as an Applications Engineer.
Mr. Dehne received his BS in Electrical Engineering from Rice University.
Peter Zogas, Jr., joined the Company in 1985 and is currently Vice
President, Sales. He served as the Company's National Sales Manager from July
1992 until his appointment as Vice President, Sales in July 1996. Earlier
positions with the Company include Business Development Manager, Regional Sales
Manager, and Sales Engineer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Zogas worked as
an engineer at Texas Instruments and, prior to that, at AT&T. Mr. Zogas received
his BS in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University. He is co-holder of one
patent on multichip packaging issued in 1986.
Mark A. Finger joined the Company in August 1995 as Director of Human
Resources and became Vice President, Human Resources in December 1996. Prior to
joining the Company, Mr. Finger was employed by Rosemount Inc. and Fisher
Rosemount Systems Inc., from 1981 to 1995. Positions held at Rosemount include
Human Resources Manager, Staffing Manager, Senior Human Resources
Representative, Compensation and Benefits Specialist and Staffing Specialist.
Mr. Finger received his BS in Marketing from St. Cloud University.
6
<PAGE> 9
Ruben Reynoso-Mangin joined the Company in February 1997 as Vice President,
Manufacturing. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Reynoso-Mangin was employed by
3M Corporation from 1972 to 1997. Positions held at 3M Corporation include Plant
Manager, Plant Quality Manager, Technology Manager, and Product Manager. Mr.
Reynoso-Mangin received his BS in BSIE from the California State Polytechnic
University.
John Graff joined the Company in June 1987 and is currently Acting Vice
President, Marketing. He previously served as the Company's Director, Corporate
Marketing; Corporate Marketing Manager; Product Marketing Manager and as an
Applications Engineer. Mr. Graff received his BS in Electrical Engineering from
UT Austin.
Alexander M. Davern joined the Company in February 1994 and is currently
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. He previously served as Corporate
Controller and International Controller. Prior to joining the Company, Mr.
Davern worked both in Europe and in the United States for the international
accounting firm of Price Waterhouse, LLP. Mr. Davern received his BBA and a
master's degree in professional accounting from University College in Dublin,
Ireland.
David G. Hugley joined the Company in 1991 as General Counsel and currently
also serves as Secretary of the Company. Mr. Hugley received his BBA and JD from
UT Austin and is a licensed attorney in Texas.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table. The following table shows the compensation paid
by the Company during the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 to the
Company's Chief Executive Officer and the four other most highly compensated
executive officers of the Company whose total salary and bonus exceeded $100,000
(collectively, the "Named Executive Officers"):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
AWARDS
ANNUAL SECURITIES
COMPENSATION UNDERLYING
------------------- OPTIONS ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS(1) (# OF SHARES) COMPENSATION(2)
--------------------------- ---- -------- -------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dr. James J. Truchard................. 1998 $195,797 $27,020 -- $5,470
Chairman of the Board and President 1997 195,797 39,159 -- 5,050
1996 195,797 53,299(3) -- 5,000
Jeffrey L. Kodosky.................... 1998 $143,803 $19,845 -- $ 346
Vice President, Research 1997 140,411 28,082 -- 300
and Development..................... 1996 147,008 38,516 -- 2,150
Carsten Thomsen....................... 1998 $169,999 $23,554(4) 11,700 $4,236
Acting Vice President, 1997 161,004 32,950(5) 17,250 5,050
Strategic Planning 1996 149,260 39,106 17,100 4,728
Peter Zogas, Jr. ..................... 1998 $145,561 $20,087 11,500 $5,071
Vice President, Sales 1997 143,121 28,624 16,950 5,050
1996 128,352 33,628 16,800 4,764
Timothy R. Dehne...................... 1998 $138,500 $19,113 11,300 $4,847
Vice President, Engineering 1997 127,250 26,450(6) 16,800 4,118
1996 111,524 29,219 16,500 3,570
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Bonus amounts for 1998, 1997 and 1996 include bonus amounts paid in fiscal
year 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, for services rendered in fiscal
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
(2) Represents Company contributions to the Company's 401(k) plan on behalf of
the Named Executive Officers and the full dollar value of premiums paid by
the Company for term life insurance on behalf of the Named Executive
Officers for 1998, 1997 and 1996. Mr. Kodosky did not participate in the
Company's 401(k) plan in 1998 and 1997.
(3) Includes a non-cash bonus with a fair market value of $2,000 on the date
such bonus was paid.
(4) Includes an award of $94 for filing a patent.
(5) Includes an award of $750 paid to Mr. Thomsen upon issuance of a patent.
(6) Includes an award of $1,000 paid to Mr. Dehne upon his completion of ten
years of service with the Company.
7
<PAGE> 10
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year. The following table sets forth each
grant of stock options made during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 to
each Named Executive Officer.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
------------------------------------ VALUE AT ASSUMED
% OF TOTAL ANNUAL RATES OF
OPTIONS STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
GRANTED TO EXERCISE FOR OPTION TERM(1)
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES OR BASE EXPIRATION ------------------------
NAME GRANTED IN FY98 PRICE DATE 5% ($) 10% ($)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dr. James J. Truchard...... -- -- -- -- -- --
Jeffrey L. Kodosky......... -- -- -- -- -- --
Carsten Thomsen............ 1,700(2) 0.2% $34.4375 3/19/08 $ 36,818 $ 93,304
10,000(3) 1.0% $34.4375 3/19/08 $216,576 $548,845
Peter Zogas, Jr. .......... 1,500(2) 0.2% $34.4375 3/19/08 $ 32,487 $ 82,327
10,000(3) 1.0% $34.4375 3/19/08 $216,576 $548,845
Timothy R. Dehne........... 1,300(2) 0.1% $34.4375 3/19/08 $ 28,154 $ 71,350
10,000(3) 1.0% $34.4375 3/19/08 $216,576 $548,845
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The dollar amounts under these columns are the result of calculations at the
5% and 10% rates set by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and
therefore are not intended to forecast possible future appreciation, if any,
of the Company's stock price. The Company did not use an alternative formula
for a grant date valuation, as the Company does not believe that any formula
will determine with reasonable accuracy a present value based on future
unknown or volatile factors.
(2) These options vest as to 1/60th of the shares per month after the date of
grant.
(3) These options vest as to 1/120th of the shares per month after the date of
grant, subject to acceleration based upon Company financial performance.
Aggregate Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End
Values. The following table sets forth, for each of the Named Executive
Officers, the year-end value of unexercised options. No stock options were
exercised by any Named Executive Officer during the fiscal year ended December
31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE(1) OF UNEXERCISED
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE MONEY
OPTIONS AT YEAR-END: OPTIONS AT YEAR-END:
---------------------------------- ----------------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE(#) UNEXERCISABLE(#) EXERCISABLE($) UNEXERCISABLE($)
---- -------------- ---------------- -------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dr. James J. Truchard........... -- -- -- --
Jeffrey L. Kodosky.............. -- -- -- --
Carsten Thomsen................. 21,668 41,332 $429,504 $554,676
Peter Zogas, Jr. ............... 20,581 40,569 $406,348 $543,007
Timothy R. Dehne................ 20,671 40,279 $410,512 $541,743
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Based on a fair market value of $34.125, which was the closing price of the
Company's Common Stock on December 31, 1998, as reported on the NASDAQ Stock
Market.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
In 1998, the Compensation Committee consisted of Directors Gerald T. Olson,
William C. Nowlin, Jr., Ben G. Streetman and L. Wayne Ashby. Mr. Olson's term of
office as a member of the Board expired on May 12, 1998 and, accordingly, Mr.
Olson's participation in the Compensation Committee ceased as of that date. Mr.
Ashby was appointed to the Compensation Committee on June 17, 1998. Mr. Ashby
was an executive officer of the Company from 1980 to 1983. Dr. Truchard may
participate in the deliberations of the
8
<PAGE> 11
Compensation Committee with respect to the compensation of the Company's
executive officers, changes in the incentive plan and in other compensation
matters.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's officers and
directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of
the Company's equity securities, to file reports of ownership on Form 3 and
changes in ownership on Form 4 or Form 5 with the SEC. Such officers, directors
and 10% stockholders are also required by SEC rules to furnish the Company with
copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on its review of the
copies of such forms received by it, the Company believes that, during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, all Section 16(a) filing requirements
applicable to its officers, directors and 10% stockholders were satisfied.
9
<PAGE> 12
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following line graph compares the cumulative total return to
stockholders of the Company's Common Stock from March 13, 1995 (the date of the
Company's initial public offering) to December 31, 1998 to the cumulative total
return over such period of (i) Nasdaq Composite Index and (ii) Russell 2000
Index. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on March 13, 1995 in the
Company's common stock at its initial public offering price of $9.67 per share
and in each of the other two indices and the reinvestment of all dividends, if
any.
The information contained in the Performance Graph shall not be deemed to
be "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the SEC, nor shall such
information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), except to the extent that
the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into any such filing. The
graph is presented in accordance with SEC requirements. Stockholders are
cautioned against drawing any conclusions from the data contained therein, as
past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAT. INST. NASDAQ RUSSELL 2000
---------- ------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
3/13/95 100 100 100
12/29/95 140 132 123
12/31/96 221 161 142
12/31/97 300 199 171
12/31/98 353 270 161
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE> 13
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REGARDING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee, comprised of directors Nowlin, Streetman and
Ashby, is responsible for recommending to the Board of Directors the
compensation programs and levels of pay for executive officers. The Committee
also advises management on pay programs and levels for other employees. The
Committee regularly retains an independent compensation consulting firm to
provide analyses of competitive industry pay levels and practices, and to advise
the Committee on appropriate pay levels for the Company.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives. The Company's basic philosophy is
to align executive compensation with increases in stockholder value through
growth in sales and operating profits. Primarily, this is accomplished through
the use of stock options, which provide compensation in direct proportion to
increases in stockholder value, and profit sharing. In addition, the Company
believes it is important to emphasize teamwork, entrepreneurship and active
participation by all employees. This is accomplished through providing options
to a majority of full-time, exempt domestic employees and similarly situated
international employees, and through cash incentives, through which both
executives and employees receive cash bonuses based on company-wide financial
goals. Finally, it is the Company's philosophy that no special perquisites
should be provided to senior executives.
Executive Compensation Programs. The Company's executive compensation
programs consist of three principal elements: base salary, cash bonus and stock
options. The Company emphasizes incentive compensation in the form of stock
options and bonuses, rather than base salary. The Compensation Committee has
adopted a guideline that executives should be paid competitive base salaries.
The Compensation Committee sets the annual base salary for executives after
review of historical compensation levels of the executives, evaluations of past
performance, assessments of expected future contributions of the executives,
competitive pay levels and programs provided by other comparable companies, and
pay practices in general industry. In making its determinations, the Committee
does not utilize any particular indices or formulae to arrive at each
executive's recommended pay level.
For many years, the Company has maintained a cash bonus plan under which
executive officers participate. In recent years, this plan provided for a target
incentive to be paid based on achieving pre-determined levels of revenue growth
and profitability. For fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 these goals were 40% revenue
growth and 18% operating profit as a percent of revenue, the same goals as for
all other employees. At the end of each year, actual results for the Company are
compared to these targets and executive bonuses are based on actual Company
performance in relation to these factors. If there is no growth or no
profitability, no cash bonuses are payable to executive officers. Individual
performance is not considered in determining the bonus of individual officers,
except for the Vice President, Sales, who is eligible for a separate sales
commission program. The growth and profitability performance measures were
approved by the Board of Directors.
Total compensation for executive officers also includes long-term
incentives in the form of stock options, which are generally provided through
initial stock option grants at the date of hire and periodic additional stock
option grants. Stock options are instrumental in promoting the alignment of
long-term interests between the Company's executive officers and stockholders
due to the fact that executives realize gains only if the stock price increases
over the fair market value at the date of grant and the executives exercise
their options. In determining the amount of such grants, the Committee evaluates
the job level of the executive, responsibilities of the executive, and
competitive practices in the industry. All options are granted at 100% of fair
market value at the date of grant. Options vest over a period of five years to
ten years, subject to acceleration based on Company performance (in case of
special option grants to executives). The long-term value realized by executives
through option exercises can be directly linked to the enhancement of
stockholder value.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation. While the Board was highly pleased
with Dr. Truchard's performance in 1998, at his request, the Chief Executive
Officer's base salary was not changed during the fiscal year and he received no
stock options. Based on the same formula applied to other executive officers,
Dr. Truchard's bonus for 1998 was $27,020 based on the Company's revenue growth
of 13.8% and its profit percentage of 19.3%. Dr. Truchard is the Company's
largest stockholder with an ownership of 26.8% of the Company's stock.
11
<PAGE> 14
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), imposes a limit on tax deductions for annual compensation in excess of
one million dollars paid by a corporation to its chief executive officer and the
other four most highly compensated executive officers of a corporation. None of
the compensation paid by the Company in fiscal 1998 was subject to the
limitation on deductibility. The Compensation Committee will continue to assess
the impact of Section 162(m) of the Code on its compensation practices and
determine what further action, if any, is appropriate.
Respectfully Submitted,
WILLIAM C. NOWLIN, JR.
BEN G. STREETMAN
L. WAYNE ASHBY
12
<PAGE> 15
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Management has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants
to audit the books, records and accounts of the Company for the current fiscal
year ending December 31, 1999. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has audited the
Company's financial statements since the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Company's Common
Stock represented and voting at the meeting will be required to approve and
ratify the Board's selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The Board of
Directors recommends voting "FOR" approval and ratification of such selection.
In the event of a negative vote on such ratification, the Board of Directors
will reconsider its selection.
A representative of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is expected to be available
at the Annual Meeting to make a statement if such representative desires to do
so and to respond to appropriate questions.
OTHER MATTERS
The Company knows of no other matters to be submitted to the meeting. If
any other matters properly come before the meeting, it is the intention of the
persons named in the enclosed proxy card to vote the shares they represent as
the Board of Directors may recommend.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DAVID G. HUGLEY
Secretary
Austin, Texas
April 2, 1999
13
<PAGE> 16
1389-PS-1999
<PAGE> 17
DETACH HERE
PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
1999 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 11, 1999
The undersigned stockholder of NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION, a Delaware
corporation, hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and Proxy Statement, each dated April 2, 1999, and 1998 Annual
Report to Stockholders and hereby appoints Dr. James J. Truchard and William C.
Nowlin, Jr., and each of them, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, with full power
of substitution, on behalf and in the name of the undersigned, to represent the
undersigned at the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS
CORPORATION to be held on May 11, 1999 at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the
Company's headquarters at 11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, Texas 78759,
and at any adjournments thereof, and to vote all shares of Common Stock which
the undersigned would be entitled to vote if then and there personally present,
on the matters set forth below.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO CONTRARY DIRECTION IS INDICATED,
WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS, AND AS
SAID PROXIES DEEM ADVISABLE ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE
THE MEETING.
- ----------- -----------
SEE REVERSE SEE REVERSE
SIDE CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE SIDE
- ----------- -----------
<PAGE> 18
DETACH HERE
PLEASE MARK
[X] VOTES AS IN
THIS EXAMPLE
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:
NOMINEES: L. Wayne Ashby, Donald M. Carlton
FOR WITHHELD
[ ] [ ]
[ ]
-----------------------------------------------------------
(if you wish to withhold authority to vote for any individual,
nominee, please write that nominee's name on the line above)
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
2. PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF [ ] [ ] [ ]
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT
ACCOUNTANTS OF THE COMPANY FOR FISCAL 1999.
3. TO TRANSACT SUCH OTHER BUSINESS, IN THEIR
DISCRETION, AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE
THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS THEREOF.
MARK HERE FOR ADDRESS CHANGE AND NOTE AT LEFT [ ]
Either of such attorneys or substitutes shall
have and may exercise all of the powers of said
attorneys-in-fact hereunder.
(This Proxy should be marked, dated and signed by
the shareholder(s) exactly as his, her or its
name appears hereon, and returned promptly in the
enclosed envelope. Persons signing in a fiduciary
capacity should so indicate, if shares are held
by joint tenants or as community property, both
should sign.)
Signature: Date:
------------------------------------------------ ---------------
Signature: Date:
------------------------------------------------ ---------------
