SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by 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 Materials Pursuant to SS. 240.14a-11(c) or SS. 240.14a-12
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NL INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] 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 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:
NL Industries, Inc.
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 1200
Houston, Texas 77060
March 27, 2000
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
of NL Industries, Inc., which will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2000 at 10:00
a.m. (C.D.T.) at the offices of Valhi, Inc. located at Three Lincoln Centre,
5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1700, Dallas, Texas. In addition to the matters to be
acted upon at the meeting, which are described in detail in the attached Notice
of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement, we will update you on the
Company. I hope that you will be able to attend.
Whether or not you plan to be at the meeting, please complete, date, sign
and return the proxy card or voting instruction form enclosed with this Proxy
Statement promptly or vote via the Internet or telephone following the
instructions on the proxy card so that your shares are represented at the
Meeting and voted in accordance with your wishes. Your vote, whether given by
proxy or in person at the Meeting, will be held in confidence by the Inspector
of Election for the meeting in accordance with NL's By-Laws.
Sincerely,
J. Landis Martin
President and Chief Executive Officer
NL Industries, Inc.
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 1200
Houston, Texas 77060
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held May 10, 2000
To the Shareholders of NL Industries, Inc.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the
"Annual Meeting") of NL Industries, Inc., a New Jersey corporation (the
"Company" or "NL"), will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2000, at 10:00 a.m.
(C.D.T.) at the offices of Valhi, Inc. located at Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ
Freeway, Suite 1700, Dallas, Texas, for the following purposes:
1. To elect seven directors to serve until the 2001 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified;
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual
Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
The Board of Directors of the Company set the close of business on March
22, 2000 as the record date (the "Record Date") for the determination of
shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. Only
holders of record of NL's common stock, $.125 par value per share, at the close
of business on the Record Date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
Annual Meeting. The Company's stock transfer books will not be closed following
the Record Date.
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you
expect to attend the Annual Meeting in person, please complete, sign, date and
mail the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction form promptly or vote via the
Internet or telephone following the instructions on the proxy card so that your
shares may be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. You may revoke your
proxy by following the procedures set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement.
If you choose, you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting even though you
previously submitted your proxy.
By order of the Board of Directors,
David B. Garten
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Houston, Texas
March 27, 2000
NL Industries, Inc.
16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 1200
Houston, Texas 77060
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PROXY STATEMENT
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GENERAL INFORMATION
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card or voting instruction
form are being furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by and
on behalf of the Board of Directors (the "Board") of NL Industries, Inc., a New
Jersey corporation (the "Company" or "NL"), for use at the Company's 2000 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 10:00 a.m. (C.D.T.) on Wednesday, May 10,
2000, at the offices of Valhi, Inc. located at Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ
Freeway, Suite 1700, Dallas, Texas 75240-2697, and at any adjournment or
postponement thereof (the "Annual Meeting"). This Proxy Statement and the
accompanying proxy card or voting instruction form were first mailed to the
holders of the Company's common stock, $.125 par value per share ("Common
Stock"), on or about April 3, 2000.
PURPOSE OF ANNUAL MEETING
At the Annual Meeting, shareholders of the Company will consider and vote
upon (i) the election of seven directors to serve until the Company's 2001
Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and
qualified, and (ii) such other business as may properly come before the Annual
Meeting. The Company is not aware of any business to come before the Annual
Meeting other than the election of directors.
QUORUM AND VOTING RIGHTS; PROXY SOLICITATION
The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of the
votes represented by the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at
the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum for the conduct of
business at the Annual Meeting. Director nominees will be elected by a plurality
of the votes cast. Except as may be provided in the Company's Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate"), any other matter that
may be submitted to a shareholder vote will require the affirmative vote of a
majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting. Shares of Common Stock that
are voted to abstain from business coming before the Annual Meeting and
broker/nominee non-votes will be counted as being in attendance at the Annual
Meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present, but will not be
counted as votes for or against any matter coming before the Annual Meeting. The
accompanying proxy card provides space for a shareholder to withhold voting for
any or all nominees for the Board. Because director nominees must receive a
plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, a vote withheld from a
particular nominee will not affect the election of that nominee.
The record date for determination of shareholders entitled to notice of,
and to vote at, the Annual Meeting is the close of business on March 22, 2000
(the "Record Date"). As of the Record Date, there were issued and outstanding
50,619,740 shares of Common Stock, each of which entitles the holder to one vote
on all matters that come before the Annual Meeting. Valhi, Inc. ("Valhi"), a
diversified company engaged in the titanium dioxide pigments, component products
(ergonomic computer support systems, precision ball bearing slides and security
products), titanium metals products, and waste management industries, and
Tremont Corporation ("Tremont"), a holding company engaged in the titanium
metals and titanium dioxide pigments industries, held approximately 60%
and 20%, respectively, of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock as of the
Record Date and have indicated their intention to have their shares represented
at the Annual Meeting. Both Valhi and Tremont are affiliates of Contran
Corporation ("Contran"). See "Security Ownership" and "Election of Directors."
If the shares of Common Stock held by Valhi and Tremont together or the shares
of Common Stock held by Valhi alone are represented at the Annual Meeting, a
quorum will be present.
All shares of Common Stock represented by properly executed proxies will,
unless such proxies have been previously revoked, be voted in accordance with
the instructions indicated in such proxies. If no such instructions are
indicated, such shares will be voted (i) "FOR" the election of each of the seven
nominees for director, and (ii) to the extent allowed by federal securities
laws, in the discretion of the proxy holders on any other matter that may
properly come before the Annual Meeting. Any holder of Common Stock has the
unconditional right to revoke his or her proxy at any time prior to the voting
thereof at the Annual Meeting by (i) filing with the Company's Secretary written
revocation of his or her proxy, (ii) giving a duly executed proxy bearing a
later date, or (iii) voting in person at the Annual Meeting. Attendance by a
shareholder at the Annual Meeting will not in and of itself revoke his or her
proxy.
This proxy solicitation is made by and on behalf of the Board. Solicitation
of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting may be made by mail, telephone or in
person, by directors, officers and regular employees of the Company. Such
persons will receive no additional compensation for any solicitation activities.
The Company will request banking institutions, brokerage firms, custodians,
trustees, nominees and fiduciaries to forward solicitation materials to the
beneficial owners of Common Stock held of record by such entities, and the
Company will, upon the request of such record holders, reimburse reasonable
forwarding expenses. The costs of preparing, printing, assembling and mailing
the Proxy Statement, proxy card or voting instruction form and all materials
used in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders of the Company, and all
clerical and other expenses of such solicitation, will be borne by the Company.
First Chicago Trust Company, a division of EquiServe ("First Chicago"), the
transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock, has been appointed by the
Board to serve as inspector of election (the "Inspector of Election") to
determine the number of shares of Common Stock represented and voted at the
Annual Meeting. All proxies and ballots delivered to First Chicago shall be kept
confidential by First Chicago in accordance with the terms of the Company's
By-Laws.
IT IS THE INTENTION OF THE AGENTS DESIGNATED IN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD TO
VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION OF ALL SEVEN NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR IDENTIFIED BELOW
UNLESS AUTHORITY IS WITHHELD BY THE SHAREHOLDER GRANTING THE PROXY. IF ANY
NOMINEE BECOMES UNAVAILABLE TO SERVE FOR ANY REASON, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR
A SUBSTITUTE NOMINEE OR NOMINEES TO BE SELECTED BY THE BOARD, UNLESS THE
SHAREHOLDER WITHHOLDS AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. VALHI AND
TREMONT, WHICH HOLD APPROXIMATELY 60% AND 20%, RESPECTIVELY, OF THE OUTSTANDING
COMMON STOCK, HAVE INFORMED THE COMPANY THAT THEY INTEND TO VOTE THEIR SHARES IN
FAVOR OF THE NOMINEES SET FORTH IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT. VALHI'S AND TREMONT'S
VOTES TOGETHER, OR VALHI'S VOTES ALONE, ARE SUFFICIENT TO ELECT ALL SEVEN
NOMINEES.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Certificate provides for a Board of Directors consisting of not less
than seven and not more than seventeen persons, as such number is determined
from time to time by a majority of the entire Board. The Board has determined
that it shall consist of seven members.
At the Annual Meeting, holders of Common Stock will be asked to elect seven
nominees to the Board, each to serve for a one-year term ending at the 2001
Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until his successor shall have been
elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation, removal or death. All of
the nominees are currently directors of the Company and have agreed to serve if
elected.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE NOMINEES IDENTIFIED
BELOW.
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR
The information provided below has been provided by the respective nominees
for election as directors for a term expiring at the 2001 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders of the Company. Each of the following nominees for election is
currently a director of the Company whose term expires at the Annual Meeting.
JOSEPH S. COMPOFELICE, age 50, has been a director of NL since 1995. He has
served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of CompX
International Inc. ("CompX"), a leading manufacturer of ergonomic computer
support systems, precision ball bearing slides and security products and a
majority-owned subsidiary of Valhi, since February 1998, as President of CompX
since January 1999, and as a director of CompX since December 1997. Mr.
Compofelice was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NL from 1994 until
1998. Mr. Compofelice served as Executive Vice President of Valhi and Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of Tremont from 1994 until February 1998.
From February 1996 until February 1998, Mr. Compofelice also served as Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer and, except for a period from March 1996 to
July 1996, has served as a director of Titanium Metals Corporation ("TIMET"), an
integrated producer of titanium metals products which is 39%-owned by Tremont,
since February 1994.
J. LANDIS MARTIN, age 54, has been President and Chief Executive Officer of
NL since 1987, and a director of NL since 1986. He has served as Chairman of the
Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tremont since prior to 1995. Mr.
Martin also has served as Chairman of the Board of TIMET since prior to 1995 and
Chief Executive Officer of TIMET since 1995. Mr. Martin is a director of
Halliburton Company, a diversified energy services company, Apartment Investment
and Management Corporation, a real estate investment trust, and Crown Castle
International Corporation, a telecommunications company.
KENNETH R. PEAK, age 54, has been a director of NL since 1989. Mr. Peak is
President and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Contango Oil
& Gas, a publicly traded independent oil and gas exploration and production
company. Since prior to 1995 to 1999, Mr. Peak was President of Peak Enernomics,
Inc., an energy industry consulting firm. Mr. Peak serves as a director of
Cheniere Energy Company, an oil and gas exploration company. He serves as
Chairman of NL's Audit Committee and Management Development and Compensation
Committee and is a member of NL's Nominations Committee.
GLENN R. SIMMONS, age 72, has been a director of NL since 1986. Mr. Simmons
is Chairman of the Board of Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc. ("Keystone"),
a steel fabricated wire products, industrial wire and carbon steel rod company.
Since prior to 1995, Mr. Simmons has been Vice Chairman of the Board of Valhi
and Contran, a diversified holding company which directly and through related
entities holds approximately 93% of the outstanding common stock of Valhi and
48% of the outstanding common stock of Keystone. Mr. Simmons is also a director
of Tremont, CompX, and TIMET. Mr. Simmons has been an executive officer and/or
director of various companies related to Valhi and Contran since 1969. He serves
as Chairman of NL's Nominations Committee. He is a brother of Harold C. Simmons.
HAROLD C. SIMMONS, age 68, has been a director of NL since 1986 and
Chairman of the Board of NL since 1987. He has been Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of Valhi and Contran since prior to 1995 and was
President of Valhi and Contran from 1994 until 1998. Mr. Simmons is also a
director of Tremont. Mr. Simmons has been an executive officer and/or director
of various companies related to Valhi and Contran since 1964. He is a brother of
Glenn R. Simmons.
GENERAL THOMAS P. STAFFORD (retired), 69, served as a director of NL from
1984 to 1986 and was re-appointed in February 2000. General Stafford was a
co-founder of and has been affiliated with Stafford, Burke and Hecker, Inc., a
Washington-based consulting firm, since 1982. General Stafford graduated from
the United States Naval Academy in 1952. He was commissioned as an officer in
the United States Air Force ("USAF") and attended the USAF Experimental Flight
Test School in 1958. He was selected as an astronaut in 1962, piloted Gemini VI
in 1965 and commanded Gemini IX in 1966. In 1969, General Stafford was named
Chief of the Astronaut Office and was the Apollo X commander for the first lunar
module flight to the moon. He commanded the Apollo-Soyuz joint mission with the
Soviet cosmonauts in 1975. After his retirement from the USAF in 1979 as
Lieutenant General, he became Chairman of Gibraltar Exploration Limited, an oil
and gas exploration and production company, and served in that position until
1984, when he joined General Technical Services, Inc., a consulting firm. In
addition to serving as a director of NL, General Stafford is a director of
TIMET, Tremont, CMI Corporation, Seagate Technologies, Inc. and The Wackenhut
Corp. General Stafford is a member of NL's Audit Committee and its Management
Development & Compensation Committee.
LAWRENCE A. WIGDOR, age 58, has been a director and Executive Vice
President of NL since 1992. Dr. Wigdor has been President and Chief Executive
Officer of Kronos, Inc. ("Kronos"), a wholly owned subsidiary of NL involved in
the titanium dioxide pigments business, since prior to 1995 and was President
and Chief Executive Officer of Rheox, Inc. ("Rheox"), a wholly owned subsidiary
of NL involved in the specialty chemicals business, since prior to 1995 until it
was sold in January 1998.
See also "Certain Relationships and Transactions."
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
The Board held five meetings and took action by unanimous written consent
in lieu of a meeting on four occasions in 1999. Each of the directors
participated in more than 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board and
committees on which he served that were held during 1999.
The Board has established three standing committees, an Audit Committee, a
Management Development and Compensation Committee and a Nominations Committee,
all of which are composed entirely of individuals who are not employees of the
Company.
Audit Committee. The principal responsibilities of the Audit Committee are
to recommend to the Board the selection of the firm of independent auditors; to
review the plan and results of the independent audit engagement, the program for
internal auditing, the system of internal accounting controls and the internal
audit results; to review and approve the professional services provided by the
independent auditors; and to direct and supervise special audit inquiries. The
Committee held two meetings in 1999. The current members of the Audit Committee
are Mr. Peak, Chairman, and General Stafford.
Management Development and Compensation Committee. The principal
responsibilities of the Management Development and Compensation Committee are to
review and make recommendations regarding executive compensation policies and
periodically review and approve or make recommendations with respect to matters
involving executive compensation, to take action or to review and make
recommendations to the Board regarding employee benefit plans or programs, and
to serve as a counseling committee to the Chief Executive Officer regarding
matters of key personnel selection, organization strategies and such other
matters as the Board may from time to time direct. The Management Development
and Compensation Committee also has been responsible for reviewing and approving
stock option and other stock-based compensation awards under the Company's
incentive plans. The Management Development and Compensation Committee held one
meeting and took action by written consent in lieu of a meeting on four
occasions in 1999. Its current members are Mr. Peak, Chairman, and General
Stafford.
Nominations Committee. The principal responsibilities of the Nominations
Committee are to review and make recommendations to the Board regarding such
matters as the size and composition of the Board and criteria for director
nominations, director candidates, the term of office of directors, and such
other related matters as the Board may request from time to time. The
Nominations Committee held one meeting in 1999. The current members of the
Nominations Committee are Mr. Glenn Simmons, Chairman, and Mr. Peak. The
Nominations Committee made its recommendations to the Board of Directors with
respect to the election of directors at the Annual Meeting. The Nominations
Committee will consider recommendations by shareholders of the Company with
respect to nominees for election as director if such recommendations are
submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Company and received not later than
December 31 of the year prior to the next annual meeting of shareholders, and
are accompanied by a full statement of qualifications and confirmation of the
recommended nominees' willingness to serve.
The Board has previously established, and from time to time may establish,
other committees to assist it in discharging its responsibilities.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
Set forth below is certain information regarding the Company's executive
officers. Biographical information with respect to Messrs. Simmons and Martin
and Dr. Wigdor is set forth above under "Election of Directors."
Name Age Position(s)
Harold C. Simmons......... 68 Chairman of the Board
J. Landis Martin.......... 54 President and Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Lawrence A. Wigdor.... 58 Executive Vice President; President and
Chief Executive Officer of Kronos
Susan E. Alderton......... 48 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
David B. Garten........... 48 Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary
Robert D. Hardy........... 39 Vice President, Controller, Assistant
Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
Susan E. Alderton has been Chief Financial Officer of the Company since
February 1998 and Vice President and Treasurer of the Company since prior to
1995. Ms. Alderton has been a director of Tremont since prior to 1995.
David B. Garten has been Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of
the Company since prior to 1995.
Robert D. Hardy has been Vice President, Controller of the Company since
March 1999, Assistant Treasurer since May 1995 and Assistant Secretary since May
1998. From prior to 1995 to February 1998, Mr. Hardy served as the Company's
Director of Taxes, and from February 1998 to March 1999 served as Vice President
- - Tax.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP
Ownership of NL Common Stock. The following table and accompanying notes
set forth as of the Record Date the beneficial ownership, as defined by
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"), of Common Stock held by (a) each person or group of persons known
by NL to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock, (b) each director or nominee for director of NL, (c) each executive
officer of NL listed on the Summary Compensation Table below, and (d) all
executive officers and directors of NL as a group. See note (3) below for
information concerning individuals and entities which may be deemed to
indirectly beneficially own those shares of Common Stock directly beneficially
held by Valhi and Tremont, as reported in the table below. No securities of NL's
subsidiaries are beneficially owned by any director, nominee for director, or
officer of NL. Information concerning ownership of equity securities of NL's
parent companies is contained in note (3) below and the table under the caption
"Ownership of Valhi and Tremont Common Stock" below. All information is taken
from or based upon ownership filings made by such persons with the Commission or
information provided by such persons to NL.
NL Common Stock
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Name of Amount and Nature of Percent
Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership(1) of Class(2)
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Valhi, Inc. 30,135,390(3) 59.5%
Three Lincoln Centre
5430 LBJ Freeway
Suite 1700
Dallas, TX 75240
Tremont Corporation 10,215,541(3) 20.2%
1999 Broadway
Suite 4300
Denver, CO 80202
Joseph S. Compofelice 258,716(4) --
J. Landis Martin 720,772(5) 1.4%
Kenneth R. Peak 13,825(6) --
Glenn R. Simmons 7,800(3)(7) --
Harold C. Simmons 75,475(3)(8) --
General Thomas P. Stafford -0- --
Dr. Lawrence A. Wigdor 325,331(9) --
Susan E. Alderton 135,422(10) --
David B. Garten 160,298(11) --
Robert D. Hardy 60,826(12) --
All directors and executive officers
of the Company as a group
(10 persons) 1,758,466(3)(4)(5)(6)(7) 3.4%
(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)
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(1) All beneficial ownership is sole and direct unless otherwise noted.
(2) No percent of class is shown for holdings of less than 1%.
(3) Valhi Group, Inc. ("VGI"), National City Lines, Inc. ("National") and
Contran are the holders of approximately 81.8%, 9.5% and 1.6%,
respectively, of the outstanding common stock, $.01 par value per share, of
Valhi, Inc. (the "Valhi Common Stock"). Valhi, the Company, and the Harold
Simmons Foundation, Inc. (the "Foundation"), hold approximately 59.9%, 8.4%
and 3.1%, respectively, of the outstanding common stock, $1.00 par value
per share, of Tremont (the "Tremont Common Stock"). National, NOA, Inc.
("NOA") and Dixie Holding Company ("Dixie Holding") are the holders of
approximately 73.3%, 11.4% and 15.3%, respectively, of the outstanding
common stock of VGI. Contran and NOA are the holders of approximately 85.7%
and 14.3%, respectively, of the outstanding common stock of National.
Contran and Southwest Louisiana Land Company, Inc. ("Southwest") are the
holders of approximately 49.9% and 50.1%, respectively, of the outstanding
common stock of NOA. Dixie Rice Agricultural Corporation, Inc. ("Dixie
Rice") is the holder of 100% of the outstanding common stock of Dixie
Holding. Contran is the holder of approximately 100% and approximately
88.9% of the outstanding common stock of Dixie Rice and Southwest,
respectively. Substantially all of Contran's outstanding voting stock is
held either by trusts established for the benefit of certain of Harold C.
Simmons' children and grandchildren (the "Trusts"), of which Harold C.
Simmons is the sole trustee, or by Harold C. Simmons directly. As sole
trustee of the Trusts, Harold C. Simmons has the power to vote and direct
the disposition of the shares of Contran common stock held by each of the
Trusts. Mr. Simmons, however, disclaims beneficial ownership of all Contran
shares held by the Trusts.
The Combined Master Retirement Trust (the "Master Trust") holds
approximately 0.1% of the outstanding shares of Valhi Common Stock and
Tremont Common Stock. Valhi established the Master Trust to permit the
collective investment by master trusts that maintain the assets of certain
employee benefit plans Valhi and related companies adopt. Harold C. Simmons
is the sole trustee of the Master Trust and a member of the trust
investment committee for the Master Trust. Valhi's Board of Directors
select the trustee and members of the trust investment committee for the
Master Trust. Harold C. Simmons and Glenn R. Simmons are members of Valhi's
Board of Directors and are participants in one or more of the employee
benefit plans which invest through the Master Trust. Each of such persons,
however, disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Valhi Common Stock
and Tremont Common
Stock held by the Master Trust, except to the extent of his individual
vested beneficial interest in the assets held by the Master Trust.
Harold C. Simmons is Chairman of the Board of NL, a director of Tremont,
and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Contran, Dixie
Rice, Southwest, Dixie Holding, NOA, National, VGI and Valhi. By virtue of
the holding of such offices, the stock ownership and his service as
trustee, all as described above, (a) Mr. Simmons may be deemed to control
such entities, and (b) Mr. Simmons, and certain of such entities may be
deemed to possess indirect beneficial ownership of the Common Stock
directly beneficially owned by Valhi and Tremont and the shares of Valhi
Common Stock and Tremont Common Stock held by Contran and its subsidiaries.
However, Mr. Simmons disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Common
Stock, Valhi Common Stock and Tremont Common Stock beneficially owned,
directly and indirectly, by such entities except to the extent of his
individual vested beneficial interest in the assets held by the Master
Trust.
The shares of Valhi Common Stock described above as beneficially owned by
Contran include approximately 0.4% of the outstanding Valhi Common Stock
that is directly held by the Contran Deferred Compensation Trust No. 2 (the
"CDCT No. 2"). Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company serves as trustee of
the CDCT No. 2 (the "Trustee"). Contran established the CDCT No. 2 as an
irrevocable "rabbi trust" to assist Contran in meeting certain deferred
compensation obligations that it owes to Harold C. Simmons. If the CDCT No.
2 assets are insufficient to satisfy such obligations, Contran must satisfy
the balance of such obligations. Pursuant to the terms of the CDCT No. 2,
Contran (i) retains the sole power to vote the Valhi Common Stock held by
the CDCT No. 2, (ii) retains dispositive power over such shares, and (iii)
may be deemed the indirect beneficial owner of such shares. However, Mr.
Simmons disclaims such beneficial ownership of the shares beneficially
owned by the CDCT No. 2, except to the extent of his interest as a
beneficiary of CDCT No. 2.
The Foundation directly holds approximately 3.1% of the outstanding Tremont
Common Stock and 0.5% of the outstanding Valhi Common Stock. The Foundation
is a tax-exempt foundation organized for charitable purposes. Harold C.
Simmons is the chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the
Foundation and may be deemed to control the Foundation. Mr. Simmons,
however, disclaims beneficial ownership of any shares held by the
Foundation.
Valmont Insurance Company ("Valmont") and a subsidiary of the Company
directly own 1,000,000 shares and 1,186,200 shares, respectively, of Valhi
common stock. Valhi holds 100% of the outstanding common stock of Valmont.
Pursuant to Delaware law, Valhi treats the shares of Valhi common stock
owned by Valmont and the subsidiary of the Company as treasury stock for
voting purposes and for the purposes of this footnote are not deemed
outstanding.
The business address of VGI, National, NOA, Dixie Holding, the CMRT, the
Foundation and Contran is Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Suite
1700, Dallas, Texas 75240-2697. The business address of Dixie Rice is 600
Pasquiere Street, Gueydan, Louisiana 70542. The business address of
Southwest is 402 Canal Street, Houma, Louisiana 70360.
(4) The shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned include (i) 205,800
shares of Common Stock which Joseph S. Compofelice has the right to acquire
by exercise of options within 60 days of the Record Date under the 1989 and
1998 Long-Term Performance Incentive Plans of NL Industries, Inc. (the
"1989 Incentive Plan" and the "1998 Incentive Plan", respectively, and
together the "Incentive Plans"), (ii) 7,916 shares credited to Mr.
Compofelice's account under the NL Industries, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan
(the "Savings Plan"), and (iii) 45,000 shares held by Mr. Compofelice and
his wife as joint tenants.
(5) The shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned include (i) 493,000
shares of Common Stock which J. Landis Martin has the right to acquire by
exercise of options within 60 days of the Record Date under the Incentive
Plans and (ii) 17,631 shares credited to Mr. Martin's account under the
Savings Plan.
(6) The shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned include (i) 6,000
shares of Common Stock which Kenneth R. Peak has the right to acquire by
exercise of options within 60 days of the Record Date pursuant to the NL
Industries, Inc. 1992 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the
"Director Plan") and the 1998 Incentive Plan and (ii) 21 shares of Common
Stock held by Mr. Peak's wife with respect to which Mr. Peak disclaims
beneficial ownership.
(7) The shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned include 4,000 shares
which Glenn R. Simmons has the right to acquire by exercise of options
within 60 days of the Record Date under the 1998 Incentive Plan.
(8) The shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by Harold C. Simmons
include 69,475 shares held by Mr. Simmons' wife with respect to which
beneficial ownership is disclaimed by Mr. Simmons and 4,000 shares which
Mr. Simmons has the right to acquire by exercise of options within 60 days
of the Record Date under the 1998 Incentive Plan.
(9) The shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned include 209,800
shares of Common Stock which Dr. Lawrence A. Wigdor has the right to
acquire by exercise of options within 60 days of the Record Date under the
Incentive Plans.
(10) The shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned include (i) 82,200
shares of Common Stock which Susan E. Alderton has the right to acquire by
exercise of options within 60 days of the Record Date under the Incentive
Plans, and (ii) 12,065 shares credited to Ms. Alderton's account under the
Savings Plan.
(11) The shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned include (i) 99,600
shares of Common Stock which David B. Garten has the right to acquire by
exercise of options within 60 days of the Record Date under the Incentive
Plans, and (ii) 15,763 shares credited to Mr. Garten's account under the
Savings Plan.
(12) The shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned include (i) 43,000
shares of Common Stock which Robert D. Hardy has the right to acquire by
exercise of options within 60 days of the Record Date under the Incentive
Plans, (ii) 5,326 shares credited to Mr. Hardy's account under the Savings
Plan, and (iii) 12,500 shares held by Mr. Hardy and his wife as joint
tenants.
Ownership of Valhi and Tremont Common Stock. The following table and
accompanying notes set forth as of the Record Date (i) the beneficial ownership,
as defined above, of Valhi Common Stock held by (a) each director or nominee for
director of NL, (b) each executive officer of NL listed in the Summary
Compensation Table below, and (c) all executive officers and directors of NL as
a group, and (ii) the beneficial ownership, as defined above, of Tremont Common
Stock held by (a) each director or nominee for director of NL, and (b) each
executive officer of NL listed in the Summary Compensation Table below, and (c)
all executive officers and directors of NL as a group. See note (3) to the table
following the caption "Ownership of NL Common Stock" above, for information
concerning individuals and entities who may be deemed to indirectly beneficially
own those shares of Common Stock directly beneficially held by Tremont and
Valhi. Except as described in note (3) above and the table below and the
accompanying notes, no equity securities of NL's parent companies are
beneficially owned by any director, nominee for director or executive officer of
NL. All information is taken from or based upon ownership filings made by such
persons with the Commission or information provided by such persons to NL.
Tremont Common Stock Valhi Common Stock
----------------------------- -------------------------------
Amount and Amount and
Nature of Nature of
Name of Beneficia Percent Beneficial Percent
Beneficial Owner Ownership(1) of Class (2) Ownership (1) of Class (2)
---------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------
Joseph S. Compofelice 5,000(3) -- -0- --
J. Landis Martin 210,428(4) 3.2% 25,000 --
Kenneth R. Peak -0- -- -0- --
Glenn R. Simmons 534(5)(10) -- 423,183(5)(9)(10) --
Harold C. Simmons 3,747(5)(6) -- 630,383(5)(9)(11) --
General Thomas P. Stafford 4,000(7) -- -0- --
Dr. Lawrence A. Wigdor -0- -- -0- --
Susan E. Alderton 7,011(12) -- -0- --
David B. Garten 12,000(8) -- -0- --
Robert D. Hardy 318 -- -0- --
All directors and executive
officers of the Company 243,038(3)(4)(5) 3.8% 1,078,566(5)(9) --
as a group (10 persons) (6)(7)(8)(12) (10)(11)
- --------------
(1) All beneficial ownership is sole and direct unless otherwise noted.
(2) No percent of class is shown for holdings of less than 1%. For purposes of
calculating the percent of class owned 1,186,200 shares of Valhi Common
Stock held by a subsidiary of NL and 1,000,000 shares of Valhi Common Stock
held by Valmont are excluded from the amount of Valhi Common Stock. The
Company understands that, pursuant to Delaware law, Valhi treats these
excluded shares as treasury stock for voting purposes.
(3) The shares of Tremont Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by Joseph S.
Compofelice represent 5,000 shares Mr. Compofelice has the right to acquire
by the exercise of options within 60 days of the Record Date.
(4) The shares of Tremont Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by J. Landis
Martin include 60,000 shares of Tremont Common Stock which Mr. Martin has
the right to acquire by exercise of options within 60 days of the Record
Date and 520 shares held by the trustee for the benefit of Mr. Martin under
the Savings Plan. Such shares also include 1,800 shares held by Mr.
Martin's wife, 2,400 shares held by the Martin Children's Trust No. II for
which Mr. Martin is the sole trustee and 100 shares held by one of Mr.
Martin's daughters, with respect to all of which beneficial ownership is
disclaimed by Mr. Martin.
(5) Excludes certain shares which may be deemed to be indirectly beneficially
owned by such individual as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership. See
note (3) to the table following "Ownership of NL Common Stock" above.
(6) The shares of Tremont Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by Harold C.
Simmons consist of 3,747 shares held by Mr. Simmons' wife with respect to
which beneficial ownership is disclaimed by Mr. Simmons.
(7) The shares of Tremont Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by Thomas P.
Stafford include 4,000 shares which General Stafford has the right to
acquire by exercise of options within 60 days of the Record Date.
(8) The shares of Tremont Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by David B.
Garten include 11,500 shares which Mr. Garten has the right to acquire by
exercise of options within 60 days of the Record Date.
(9) Includes shares that such person or group could acquire upon the exercise
of stock options within 60 days of the Record Date. During such 60-day
period, options for 550,000 shares of Valhi Common Stock are exercisable by
Harold C. Simmons and options for 420,000 shares of Valhi Common Stock are
exercisable by Glenn R. Simmons, all of which shares are included in the
amount outstanding for purposes of calculating the percent of class owned
by such persons.
(10) Includes 2,383 shares of Valhi Common Stock and 515 shares of Tremont
Common Stock held in Glenn R. Simmons' individual retirement account. The
Valhi shares also include 800 shares held in a retirement account for Mr.
Simmons' wife, with respect to all of which beneficial ownership is
disclaimed by Mr. Simmons.
(11) Includes 77,000 shares of Valhi Common Stock held by Harold C. Simmons'
wife, with respect to which beneficial ownership is disclaimed by Mr.
Simmons.
(12) The shares of Tremont Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by Susan E.
Alderton include 6,500 shares which Ms. Alderton has the right to acquire
by exercise of options within 60 days of the Record Date and 11 shares held
by the trustee for the benefit of Ms. Alderton under the Savings Plan.
The Company understands that Valhi, Tremont and related entities may
consider acquiring or disposing of shares of Common Stock through open-market or
privately negotiated transactions, depending upon future developments,
including, but not limited to, the availability and alternative uses of funds,
the performance of the Common Stock in the market, an assessment of the business
of and prospects for the Company, financial and stock market conditions and
other factors deemed relevant by such entities. The Company does not presently
intend, and understands that neither Valhi nor Tremont presently intends, to
engage in any transaction or series of transactions that would result in the
Common Stock becoming eligible for termination of registration under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or ceasing to be traded on a
national securities exchange.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires
the Company's executive officers, directors, and persons who own beneficially
more than 10% of a registered class of the Company's equity securities to file
reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Commission, the New York
Stock Exchange, the Pacific Exchange and the Company. Based solely on a review
of copies of the Section 16(a) reports furnished to the Company and written
representations by certain reporting persons, the Company believes that all of
the Company's executive officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial
owners filed on a timely basis all reports required during and with respect to
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
AND OTHER INFORMATION
Compensation of Directors
During 1999, fees were paid to each director who was not an employee of the
Company or a subsidiary of the Company. Fees consisted of an annual retainer of
$15,000, payable in quarterly installments and 1,000 shares of Common Stock
granted pursuant to the 1998 Incentive Plan, plus an attendance fee of $1,000
for each meeting of the Board or a committee at which the director was present.
Such directors also received a fee of $1,000 per day for each day spent on NL
business at the request of the Board or the Chairman of the Board, other than
the day of Board or committee meetings. Directors are reimbursed for reasonable
expenses incurred in attending Board of Directors and committee meetings. If any
director who is not an officer or employee of NL or any subsidiary or affiliate
of NL dies while in active service, his designated beneficiary or estate will be
entitled to receive a life insurance benefit equal to the annual retainer then
in effect. Directors receiving fees for serving on the Board of Directors in
1999 were Messrs. Compofelice, Peak, G. Simmons, H. Simmons, and former director
Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt. See "Certain Relationships and Transactions." In
addition, General Stafford receives an annual payment of $15,000 as a result of
his service on the Board in the period prior to 1987.
In 1999, Messrs. Compofelice, Peak, G. Simmons, H. Simmons, and Admiral
Zumwalt were each granted an option pursuant to the 1998 Incentive Plan to
purchase 2,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $12.5625 per
share, representing the last reported sales price of Common Stock on the New
York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on the date of the grant. These options
become exercisable one year after the date of grant and expire on the fifth
anniversary following the date of the grant.
Summary of Cash and Certain Other Compensation of Executive Officers
The Summary Compensation Table set forth below provides certain summary
information concerning annual and long-term compensation paid or accrued by the
Company to or on behalf of its Chief Executive Officer and each of its other
four most highly compensated executive officers for services rendered during the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Long Term
Annual Compensation (1) Compensation (1)
----------------------- Awards
----------------
Other Restricted Securities
Name and Annual Stock Underlying All Other
Principal Position Year Salary Bonus (2) Compensation Awards Options Compensation
($) ($) (3)($) ($) (#) (5)($)
- ------------------------- ---- ------- ---------- ------ ------ ---------- ------------
J. Landis Martin 1999 500,000 500,000 17,435 -0- 99,000 125,320
President and Chief 1998 500,000 2,750,000 19,742 -0- 120,000 328,520
Executive Officer (4) 1997 500,000 750,000 -0- -0- 90,000 19,520
Dr. Lawrence A. Wigdor 1999 650,000 650,000 8,833 -0- 99,000 171,073
Executive Vice President 1998 650,000 2,175,000 11,125 -0- 90,000 277,987
1997 550,000 825,000 121 -0- 75,000 25,804
Susan E. Alderton 1999 225,000 225,000 -0- -0- 45,000 52,944
Vice President, 1998 212,813 419,200 -0- -0- 30,000 49,883
Chief Financial Officer, 1997 178,500 166,800 -0- -0- 30,000 14,765
and Treasurer
David B. Garten 1999 325,000 325,000 -0- -0- 45,000 69,427
Vice President, General Counsel 1998 250,000 575,000 -0- -0- 45,000 84,408
and Secretary 1997 250,000 375,000 -0- -0- 45,000 18,013
Robert D. Hardy 1999 200,000 147,500 -0- -0- 30,000 34,531
Vice President and 1998 170,000 385,300 -0- -0- 30,000 44,424
Controller 1997 130,000 84,500 -0- -0- 30,000 19,724
(1) No payouts under any long-term incentive plans (as defined by applicable
federal securities regulations) were made during 1999, 1998 or 1997.
Therefore the column for such compensation otherwise required by applicable
federal securities regulations has been omitted.
(2) In 1998, amounts paid pursuant to the Variable Compensation Plan and
special discretionary bonuses paid in view of contributions to the sale of
the Company's rheological additives business. See "Compensation Committee's
Report on Executive Compensation" below.
(3) Amount which exceeds 120% of the applicable federal long-term interest rate
accrued on deferred compensation.
(4) During 1999, 1998 and 1997, Mr. Martin also served as an executive officer
of Tremont and TIMET. Mr. Martin is expected to continue to serve as an
executive officer of NL, TIMET and Tremont in 2000 and to be compensated
directly by NL for services to NL and by TIMET for services to TIMET and
Tremont. Mr. Martin is expected to continue to devote approximately
one-half of his working time to his duties as President and Chief Executive
Officer of NL. See "Certain Relationships and Transactions."
(5) For 1999 represents (i) $6,493, $924, $1,827, and $801 of life insurance
premiums paid by the Company for the benefit of Dr. Wigdor, Ms. Alderton,
and Messrs. Garten and Hardy respectively, (ii) a contribution of $6,400 to
the account of each of the named executive officers under the Savings Plan,
(iii) a contribution of $11,680, $7,200, $9,920, $7,200 and $4,800 to the
Savings Plan accounts of Dr. Wigdor, Ms. Alderton and Messrs. Martin,
Garten and Hardy respectively, as a pension contribution, and (iv)
$146,500, $38,420, $109,000, $54,000 and $22,530 accrued by the Company in
unfunded accounts for the benefit of Dr. Wigdor, Ms. Alderton and Messrs.
Martin, Garten, and Hardy, respectively, under the NL Supplemental
Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). For 1998 represents: (i) $5,207, $672,
$1,108 and $574 of life insurance premiums paid by the Company for the
benefit of Dr. Wigdor, Ms. Alderton, and Messrs. Garten and Hardy
respectively, (ii) a contribution of $7,500 to the account of Ms. Alderton
and $9,600 to the account of each of the other named executive officers
under the Savings Plan, (iii) a contribution of $11,680, $7,200, $9,920,
$7,200 and $4,800 to the Savings Plan accounts of Dr. Wigdor, Ms. Alderton
and Messrs Martin, Garten and Hardy respectively, as a pension
contribution, and (iv) $251,500, $34,511, $309,000, $66,500 and $29,450
accrued by the company in unfunded accounts for the benefit of Dr. Wigdor,
Ms. Alderton, and Messrs. Martin, Garten and Hardy, respectively, under the
SERP. For 1997 represents: (i) $4,524, $440, $1,213 and $527 of life
insurance premiums paid by the Company for the benefit of Dr. Wigdor, Ms.
Alderton, and Messrs. Garten and Hardy, respectively, (ii) a contribution
of $7,125 to the account of Ms. Alderton and $9,600 to the account of each
of the other named executive officers under the Savings Plan, and (iii) a
contribution of $11,680, $7,200, $9,920, $7,200 and $9,597 to the Savings
Plan accounts of Dr. Wigdor, Ms. Alderton and Messrs. Martin, Garten and
Hardy respectively, as a pension contribution.
Stock Option Grants
The following table provides information with respect to the individual
stock option grants to the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation
Table set forth above under the 1998 Incentive Plan during fiscal year 1999.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
Potential Realizable Value at
Assumed Rates of Stock
Percent of Total Exercise or Appreciation for
Number of Securities Options Granted Base Option Term (3)
Underlying Options to Employees in Price(2) Expiration
Name Granted (#)(1) Fiscal Year ($/Share) Date 5% ($) 10% ($)
---- -------------- ----------- --------- ---------- ------- --------
J. Landis Martin 33,000 24.1% $12.1875 5/04/09 252,934 640,983
33,000 $13.6875 203,434 591,483
33,000 $15.1875 153,934 541,983
Lawrence A. Wigdor 33,000 24.1% $12.1875 5/04/09 252,934 640,983
33,000 $13.6875 203,434 591,483
33,000 $15.1875 153,934 541,983
Susan E. Alderton 15,000 11.0% $12.1875 5/04/09 114,970 291,356
15,000 $13.6875 92,470 268,856
15,000 $15.1875 69,970 246,356
David B. Garten 15,000 11.0% $12.1875 5/04/09 114,970 291,356
15,000 $13.6875 92,470 268,856
15,000 $15.1875 69,970 246,356
Robert D. Hardy 10,000 7.3% $11.2813 2/10/09 70,947 179,795
10,000 $12.7813 55,947 164,795
10,000 $14.2813 40,947 149,795
(1) Grants of options to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Incentive
Plan vest over five years from the date of grant, at a rate of 40% on the
second anniversary of the date of grant, and 20% on each of the next three
succeeding anniversary dates. The options expire on the tenth anniversary
date of the date of grant.
(2) Exercise price for the first tranche of stock is equal to the mean of the
high and low prices of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange
Composite Tape on the date of grant; exercise prices of the second and
third tranches are equal to the foregoing mean price on the date of grant
plus $1.50 and $3.00, respectively.
(3) Pursuant to the rules of the Commission, these amounts reflect the
calculations at assumed 5% and 10% appreciation rates. Such calculations
are not intended to forecast future appreciation, if any, and do not
necessarily reflect the actual value, if any, that may be realized. The
actual value of such options, if any, would be realized only upon the
exercise of such options and depends upon the future performance of the
Common Stock. No assurance can be made that the amounts reflected in these
columns will be achieved. The potential realizable value was computed as
the difference between the appreciated value (at the end of the ten-year
term of the options) of the Common Stock into which the listed options are
exercisable and the aggregate exercise price of such options. The
appreciated value per share at the end of the ten-year term would be $18.38
and $29.26 at the assumed 5% and 10% rates, respectively, with respect to
options granted to Mr. Hardy and $19.85 and $31.61 at the assumed 5% and
10% rates, respectively, with respect to options granted to the other named
executive officers.
Stock Option Exercises and Holdings
The following table provides information with respect to the executive
officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, as set forth above, concerning
the exercise of options during the last fiscal year and the value of unexercised
options held as of December 31, 1999. One of those executive officers exercised
options during 1999 as shown in the table below. No stock appreciation rights
have been granted under the Incentive Plans.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 1999 AND 12/31/99 OPTION VALUES
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised Value of Unexercised In-the-
Shares Acquired on Options at 12/31/99(#) Money Options at 12/31/99
Name Exercise (#) Value Realized ($) Exercisable/Unexercisable ($) Exercisable/Unexercisable
---- --------------- ------------------ ------------------------- -----------------------------
J. Landis Martin -0- -0- 418,000/291,000 1,904,438/232,155
Lawrence A. Wigdor -0- -0- 301,600/248,400 589,517/216,324
Susan E. Alderton -0- -0- 62,400/96,600 261,677/93,501
David B. Garten -0- -0- 145,200/121,800 272,075/108,708
Robert D. Hardy 12,500 28,594 22,200/81,800 45,366/104,603
Pension Plan
The Retirement Program of NL Industries, Inc. for its U.S. employees (the
"Pension Plan") provides lifetime retirement benefits to eligible employees. In
February 1996, the Company approved the suspension of all future accruals under
the salaried component of the Pension Plan effective as of March 31, 1996 (the
"Suspension Date"). Salaried employees who were at least 21 years of age became
eligible to participate in the Pension Plan if they completed at least five
months of service (as defined in the Pension Plan) in a specified
twelve-month period prior to the Suspension Date. Annually, prior to the
Suspension Date, the Board established, in its discretion, the amount of an
employee's annual pension benefit for the year based primarily on the employee's
total eligible earnings for that year and the Company's financial performance in
relationship to its annual operating plan for the previous year. To the extent
that the minimum, target, or maximum level of operating income performance were
achieved, the employee earned an annual benefit equal to 1%, 2% or 3%,
respectively, of such employee's total base salary and bonus, up to the limits
set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. See "Compensation Committee's Report on
Executive Compensation - Variable Compensation Plan" below. Such pension
benefits are payable upon retirement and attainment of ages specified in the
Pension Plan. The Pension Plan covers each executive officer named in the
Summary Compensation Table set forth above. No amounts were paid or distributed
to any of the named executive officers in 1999. The estimated accrued annual
benefits payable upon retirement at normal retirement age for Dr. Wigdor, Ms.
Alderton, and Messrs. Martin, Garten, and Hardy are $29,439, $34,419, $50,277,
$26,410, and $12,348, respectively.
Severance Agreements
Mr. Martin has entered into an executive severance agreement with the
Company which provides that he may be terminated at any time by action of the
Board of Directors. The executive severance agreement also provides that the
following payments shall be made to Mr. Martin in the event Mr. Martin's
employment is terminated by the Company without cause (as defined in the
agreement) or Mr. Martin terminates his employment with the Company for good
reason (as defined in the agreement): (i) two times Mr. Martin's annual base
salary plus target bonus (which target bonus shall not be less than the amount
of his annual salary); (ii) accrued salary and bonus through the date of
termination; and (iii) certain other benefits. The agreement provides that it
shall be in effect through December 31, 2000.
Dr. Wigdor has entered into an executive severance agreement with the
Company which provides that he may be terminated at any time by action of the
Board of Directors. The executive severance agreement also provides that the
following payments shall be made to Dr. Wigdor in the event Dr. Wigdor's
employment is terminated by the Company without cause (as defined in the
agreement) or Dr. Wigdor terminates his employment with the Company for good
reason (as defined in the agreement): (i) the greater of two times Dr. Wigdor 's
annual base salary plus target bonus (which target bonus shall not be less than
the amount of his annual salary) or Dr. Wigdor's actual salary and bonus for the
two years prior to termination; (ii) accrued salary and bonus through the date
of termination; (iii) an amount in cash or Common Stock equal to the fair market
value of outstanding stock options granted to Dr. Wigdor in excess of the
exercise price and unvested restricted stock grants; (iv) an amount equal to
unvested Company contributions together with an amount equal to the Company's
matching contributions to Dr. Wigdor's account under the Savings Plan for a
period of two years; (v) an amount equal to the vested and unvested portions of
Dr. Wigdor's account under the SERP; and (vi) certain other benefits. This
agreement is automatically extended for a one-year term commencing each January
1, unless the Company and Dr. Wigdor agree otherwise in writing.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE'S REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Company's Management Development and Compensation Committee (the "MDC
Committee") consists of individuals who are neither officers nor employees of
the Company or its subsidiaries and who are not eligible to participate in any
of the employee benefit plans administered by the MDC Committee.
The MDC Committee reviews and recommends compensation policies and
practices related to the Company's executive officers. The MDC Committee also
was responsible for reviewing and approving all compensation actions during
1999, including stock-based compensation, involving the Company's executive
officers. However, any action in connection with the Chief Executive Officer's
(the "CEO") base salary is
reviewed and approved by the Board after recommendation by the MDC Committee.
See "Meetings and Committees."
The Company's executive compensation system generally consists of three
primary components: base salary, annual variable compensation provided by the
Variable Compensation Plan, and the grant of stock options, restricted stock
and/or stock appreciation rights. Through the use of the foregoing, the
Committee seeks to achieve a balanced compensation package that will attract and
retain high-quality key executives, appropriately reflect each such executive
officer's individual performance, contributions, and general market value, and
provide further incentives to the officers to maximize annual operating
performance and long-term shareholder value.
Base Salaries
The MDC Committee reviews recommendations by the CEO regarding changes
in base salaries for executive officers. These recommendations are made by the
CEO after consultation with the Chairman of the Board. Reviews regarding changes
in the base salaries of executive officers occur no more frequently than
annually. When recommendations regarding changes in base salary levels are made
by the CEO, the MDC Committee may take such actions, including any
modifications, as it deems appropriate. The CEO's recommendations and the MDC
Committee's actions in 1999 were based primarily on a subjective evaluation of
past and potential future individual performance and contributions, and
alternative opportunities that might be available to the executives in question.
The Committee also had available to it compensation data from companies
employing executives in positions similar to those whose salaries were being
reviewed as well as market conditions for executives in general with similar
skills, background and performance levels, both inside and outside of the
chemicals industry (such companies may include companies contained in the peer
group index plotted on the Performance Graph following this report), and other
companies with similar financial and business characteristics as the Company, or
where the executive in question has similar responsibilities. In 1999, the MDC
Committee approved a base annual salary increase for Mr. Garten from $250,000 to
$325,000, and a base salary increase for Mr. Hardy from $170,000 to $200,000. No
action was taken with respect to the base salaries of any of the other named
executive officers of the Company.
Variable Compensation Plan
Awards under the Variable Compensation Plan constitute a significant
portion of an executive's potential annual cash compensation (between 0% and
150% of base salary for the CEO and certain executive officers). Awards are
based primarily on Kronos achieving annual predetermined operating income goals
and secondarily, with respect to Mr. Hardy, on individual performance. The
Company's management makes recommendations to the Board regarding the operating
income plan for the year after reviewing market conditions and the Company's
operations, competitive position, marketing opportunities, and strategies for
maximizing financial performance. The Board approves this recommendation with
modifications it deems appropriate. Based on the business plan for the year, the
MDC Committee sets the Company's and its business segment's operating income
goals at three levels which are designed to help focus the Company's executives
on achieving superior annual operating results in light of existing conditions:
a threshold level, which is the minimum operating income level for any award to
be made under the Variable Compensation Plan (the "Minimum Level"), a target
level (the "Target Level"), and a maximum level (the "Maximum Level"). The
Variable Compensation Plan, in combination with base salary, is designed to
result in executive officers and other eligible participants receiving annual
cash compensation below competitive compensation levels if the Minimum Level is
not achieved.
Pursuant to the Variable Compensation Plan, if operating income is below
the Minimum Level, no variable compensation is paid. If the Minimum Level is
met, executive officers are eligible to receive variable compensation payments
that in 1999 ranged between 14% and 60% of base salary, depending on the
executive. If the Target Level is reached, the range of variable compensation
payments is higher, and in 1999 ranged between 22% and 100% of base salary,
depending on the executive. If the Maximum Level is reached or exceeded,
executives are eligible to receive the highest variable compensation payments,
and in 1999 the range of payments for which executives were eligible was between
35% and 150% of base salary, depending on the executive. In view of the
achievement of operating income above the Maximum Level during 1998, in 1999 the
MDC Committee approved Maximum Level payments under the Variable Compensation
Plan to the executive officers, including the CEO. Such awards to the CEO and
the four other highest paid executive officers under the Variable Compensation
Plan are reported in the bonus column in the Summary Compensation Table set
forth above. In addition, target levels for operating income performance were
utilized by the MDC Committee and the Board, as applicable, for determining the
contributions by the Company to the accounts of eligible participants, including
the CEO and the executive officers, under the Savings Plan, the Pension Plan,
and the SERP. See "Pension Plan" above.
Stock-Based Compensation
The 1998 Incentive Plan further supports the goal of maximizing long-term
shareholder value by providing for stock-based compensation, the value of which
is directly related to increases in shareholder value. Stock option grants, in
particular, are considered a significant element of the Company's total
compensation package for the CEO and the other executive officers of the
Company. The Committee believes that compensation linked to stock price
performance helps focus the executives' attention on management of the Company
from the shareholders' perspective.
Option grants are intended to provide incentives to increase shareholder
value in the future and to reward past performance by the executive. In 1999,
the MDC Committee reviewed recommendations by the CEO regarding option grants to
executive officers other than the CEO. Options were granted to executive
officers, including the CEO, in the MDC Committee's discretion based on a
subjective evaluation regarding each executive's performance and
responsibilities. In 1999, the MDC Committee included in its determination
regarding the number of options to be granted to each executive officer,
including the CEO, the amount and terms of options already held by such
officers. Grants made in 1999 are reported in the Option Grants in Last Fiscal
Year Table set forth above.
To help assure a focus on long-term creation of shareholder value, the MDC
Committee granted ten year options, which vest 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% on the
second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary dates of the date of grant,
respectively. In 1999 the MDC Committee granted options in three exercise-price
tranches. One-third of such options granted in 1999 are exercisable at the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. The remaining two-thirds
of the options are exercisable at levels that are above the market price on the
date of grant. See the Summary Compensation Table above. Although permitted
under the Incentive Plan, the MDC Committee in 1999 did not make or recommend
any grants of restricted stock, stock appreciation rights or other equity-based
awards.
To encourage growth in shareholder value, the MDC Committee believes that
executives who are in a position to make a substantial contribution to the
long-term success of the Company should have a significant stake in its ongoing
success. The MDC Committee has established goals for minimum Common Stock
ownership for executive officers to encourage executives to build their Common
Stock ownership. The MDC Committee intends to take into consideration in making
grants of stock options, among other things, whether or not an executive has
achieved his or her ownership goals, with a new executive being allowed a period
of 5 years over which to meet his or her goal. The table below shows the goals
for the Company's current executive officers at year-end 1999 for minimum Common
Stock ownership and year-end market value of the actual share ownership
(excluding unexercised options) as a multiple of 1999 base salary.
Year-end Market Value of Share
Ownership as a Multiple of Base Salary
Actual Goal
President and Chief Executive Officer 6.9X 4X
Executive Vice President 2.7X 3X
Vice Presidents: Chief Financial Officer 3.6X 3X
General Counsel 2.8X 3X
Controller 1.3X 2X
Special Discretionary Bonuses
Apart from the Variable Compensation Plan, the MDC Committee may award
other bonuses as the Committee deems appropriate from time to time under its
general authority or under a separate discretionary plan. During 1999 the
Committee made no such awards.
Tax Code Limitation on Executive Compensation Deductions
In 1993, Congress amended the Internal Revenue Code to impose a $1 million
deduction limit on compensation paid to the CEO and the four other most highly
compensated executive officers of public companies, subject to certain
transition rules and exceptions for compensation received pursuant to
non-discretionary performance-based plans approved by such company's
shareholders. In 1996, the Board and the Company's shareholders approved
amendments to the Company's Variable Compensation Plan and Incentive Plan which
permit compensation paid or awards or grants made to executives pursuant to such
plans to continue to qualify for deductibility by the Company.
The foregoing report on executive compensation has been furnished by the
Company's MDC Committee of the Board of Directors.
Mr. Kenneth R. Peak (Chairman)
General Thomas P. Stafford
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly change in the
cumulative total shareholder return on the Common Stock against the cumulative
total return of the S & P Composite 500 Stock Index and the S & P Chemicals
Index for the period commencing December 31, 1994 and ending December 31, 1999.
The graph shows the value at December 31 of each year assuming an original
investment of $100 and reinvestment of dividends and other distributions to
shareholders.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED - GRAPH DESCRIPTION] a line graph plotting the points
shown in the chart below which compares the yearly percentage change in the
cumulative total shareholder return on the Common Stock against the cumulative
total return of the S & P Composite 500 Stock Index and S & P Chemical Index for
the period commencing December 31, 1994 and ending December 31, 1999.
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
NL Industries, Inc. $100 $ 96 $ 88 $111 $116 $125
S & P 500 $100 $138 $169 $226 $290 $351
S & P Chemicals Index $100 $131 $173 $212 $193 $253
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS
Relationships with Related Parties
As set forth under the caption "Security Ownership," Harold C. Simmons,
through Valhi and Tremont, may be deemed to control NL. The Company and other
entities that may be deemed to be controlled by or affiliated with Mr. Simmons
sometimes engage in (a) intercorporate transactions such as guarantees,
management and expense sharing arrangements, shared fee arrangements, joint
ventures, partnerships, loans, options, advances of funds on open account, and
sales, leases and exchanges of assets, including securities issued by both
related and unrelated parties, and (b) common investment and acquisition
strategies, business combinations, reorganizations, recapitalizations,
securities repurchases, and purchases and sales (and other acquisitions and
dispositions) of subsidiaries, divisions or other business units, which
transactions have involved both related and unrelated parties and have included
transactions which resulted in the acquisition by one related party of a
publicly-held equity interest in another related party. The Company from time to
time considers, reviews and evaluates, and understands that Contran, Valhi and
related entities consider, review and evaluate, such transactions. Depending
upon the business, tax and other objectives then relevant, including, without
limitation, restrictions under certain indentures and other agreements of the
Company, it is possible that the Company might be a party to one or more such
transactions in the future. It is the policy of the Company to engage in
transactions with related parties on terms, in the opinion of the Company, no
less favorable to the Company than could be obtained from unrelated parties.
Harold C. Simmons and Glenn R. Simmons, each a director of NL, are also
directors of Valhi and Contran. Each of the foregoing persons and Mr. Martin,
General Stafford, and Ms. Alderton are directors of Tremont. Mr. Martin, the
Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, serves as an executive officer
and director of Tremont and TIMET. Mr. Compofelice serves as a director of TIMET
and assistant treasurer of the
Company and served as an executive officer of Tremont and TIMET until 1998. In
addition, Mr. Compofelice served as an executive officer of Valhi in 1998.
General Stafford serves as director of TIMET. Mr. Garten serves as assistant
secretary of Tremont, and Mr. Hardy serves as assistant treasurer of Tremont and
TIMET. Such persons served in their current capacities in 1999 and expect to
continue to serve in their current capacities in 2000. Such management
interrelationships and the existing intercorporate relationships may lead to
possible conflicts of interest. These possible conflicts may arise from the
duties of loyalty owed by persons acting as corporate fiduciaries of two or more
companies under circumstances where such companies may have adverse interests.
Mr. Martin devotes approximately one-half of his working time to NL and the
remainder of his working time to TIMET and Tremont. See "Certain Contractual
Relationships and Transactions" below.
Although no specific procedures are in place that govern the treatment of
transactions among the Company, Valhi, TIMET, Tremont and related entities, the
boards of directors of the Company, Valhi, TIMET and Tremont include one or more
members who are not officers or directors of any other entity that may be deemed
to be related to the Company. Additionally, under applicable principles of law,
in the absence of shareholder ratification or approval by directors of the
Company who may be deemed disinterested, transactions involving contracts among
the Company and any other companies under common control with the Company must
be fair to all companies involved. Furthermore, each director and officer of the
Company owes fiduciary duties of good faith and fair dealing with respect to all
shareholders of the company or companies for which they serve.
Certain Contractual Relationships and Transactions
Intercorporate Services Agreements. The Company and Contran are parties to
an intercorporate services agreement (the "Contran ISA") whereby Contran makes
available to the Company the services of Harold C. Simmons to consult with the
Company and assist in the development and implementation of the Company's
strategic plans and objectives. The services do not include major corporate
acquisitions, divestitures and other special projects outside the scope of the
Company's business as it has been conducted in the past. NL paid Contran
approximately $950,00 in 1999 for services pursuant to the Contran ISA and
expects to pay approximately the same amount in 2000 for such services. The
Contran ISA is subject to automatic renewal and may be terminated by either
party pursuant to a written notice delivered 30 days prior to a quarter-end. The
Company will continue to pay directors' fees and expenses separately to Harold
C. Simmons. See "Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers and Other
Information" above.
The Company and Valhi are parties to an intercorporate services agreement
(the "Valhi ISA") whereby Valhi renders certain management, financial and
administrative services to the Company and NL provided to Valhi certain
insurance and risk management services. The Company paid total net fees of
approximately $114,000 to Valhi for services provided during 1999. NL expects to
pay approximately the same amount or lower for services in 2000. The Valhi ISA
is subject to automatic renewal and may be terminated by either party pursuant
to a written notice delivered 30 days prior to a quarter-end.
The Company and Tremont are parties to an intercorporate services agreement
(the "Tremont ISA") whereby the Company makes available to Tremont certain
services with respect to Tremont's tax, insurance, risk management, real
property and internal audit needs. Tremont paid fees of approximately $85,000 to
the Company for services pursuant to the Tremont ISA during 1999. The Tremont
ISA is subject to automatic renewal and may be terminated by either party
pursuant to a written notice delivered 30 days prior to a quarter-end. NL
expects to receive approximately the same amount for services to be provided to
Tremont in 2000.
The Company and TIMET are parties to an intercorporate services agreement
(the "TIMET ISA") whereby the Company makes available to TIMET certain services
with respect to TIMET's tax, insurance, risk management, real property, and
internal audit needs. TIMET paid fees of approximately $392,000 for services
pursuant to the TIMET ISA during 1999. The TIMET ISA is subject to automatic
renewal and may be terminated by either party pursuant to a written notice
delivered 30 days prior to a quarter-end. NL expects to receive approximately
the same amount for services to be provided to TIMET in 2000.
The Company and CompX are parties to an intercorporate services agreement
(the "CompX ISA") whereby the Company makes available to CompX certain services
with respect to CompX's occupancy, accounting, computer support and internal
audit needs. CompX paid fees of approximately $173,000 for services pursuant to
the CompX ISA during 1999. The CompX ISA is subject to automatic renewal and may
be terminated by either party pursuant to a written notice delivered 30 days
prior to a quarter-end. NL expects to receive approximately the same amount for
services to be provided to CompX in 2000.
Aircraft. In February 1999, the Company purchased for $2.85 million a 25%
undivided interest in an aircraft. The seller of the aircraft interest to the
Company reacquired the interest from TIMET in February 1999 for $2.85 million.
The purchase of the aircraft interest was unanimously approved by the outside
directors of the Board. During 1999, the Company charged $58,824, $35,648, and
$10,908 to TIMET, CompX and Keystone, respectively, for use of the aircraft and
the Company paid TIMET $86,418 for the use of a TIMET owned aircraft. In 1998,
TIMET paid the Company $271,405 and the Company paid TIMET $10,892 for aircraft
usage.
Insurance Brokerage Commissions. EWI RE, Inc. ("EWI") arranges for and
brokers certain of the Company's insurance policies and those of the Company's
50%-owned joint venture. Parties related to Contran own 90% of the outstanding
common stock of EWI, and a son-in-law of Harold C. Simmons manages the
operations of EWI. Consistent with insurance industry practices, EWI receives a
commission from the insurance underwriters for the policies that it arranges or
brokers. The Company and its joint venture paid an aggregate of approximately
$3.7 million for such policies in 1999, which amount principally included
payments for reinsurance premiums paid to third parties, but also included
commissions paid to EWI. In the Company's opinion, the amounts that the Company
and its joint venture paid for these insurance policies are reasonable and the
terms are similar to those the Company and its joint venture could have obtained
through an unrelated insurance broker. The Company expects that these
relationships with EWI will continue in 2000.
Tremont Registration Rights Agreement. In connection with the 1991 purchase
by Tremont of 7.8 million shares of Common Stock from Valhi, the Company entered
into a Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to which Tremont received certain
registration rights with respect to the purchased shares. Unless all
registration rights are exercised earlier, such agreement expires in December
2001.
Insurance Sharing Agreement. An insurance subsidiary of Tremont has assumed
the obligations of the issuer of certain reinsurance contracts that relate to
primary insurance policies issued by a third-party insurance company in favor of
Tremont and the Company. The Company and the Tremont insurance subsidiary are
parties to an insurance sharing agreement with respect to such reinsurance
contracts (the "Insurance Sharing Agreement"). Under the terms of the Insurance
Sharing Agreement, the Company will reimburse the Tremont insurance subsidiary
with respect to certain loss payments and reserves established by such Tremont
subsidiary that (a) arise out of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries
(the "NL Liabilities"), and (b) are subject to payment by such Tremont
subsidiary under its reinsurance contracts with the third-party insurance
company. Also pursuant to the Insurance Sharing Agreement, the Tremont insurance
subsidiary is to credit the Company with respect to certain underwriting profits
or recoveries that such Tremont subsidiary receives from independent reinsurers
that relate to the NL Liabilities. As of December 31, 1999, the Company had
current accounts payable to such Tremont subsidiary of approximately $2.9
million with respect to such Agreement. At December 31, 1999, the Company had
$9.7 million of restricted cash equivalents that collateralized letters of
credit relating to the NL Liabilities issued and outstanding on behalf of the
insurance subsidiary of Tremont pursuant to the Insurance Sharing Agreement.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP served as independent auditors of
the Company for the year ended December 31, 1999, and is expected to be
considered for appointment to serve for the year ended December 31, 2000.
Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are not expected to attend the
Annual Meeting.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2001 ANNUAL MEETING
In order to be included in the Company's 2001 Proxy Statement and form of
proxy, shareholder proposals for the 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be
received at the principal executive offices of the Company, 16825 Northchase
Drive, Suite 1200, Houston, Texas 77060, Attention: Mr. David B. Garten,
Secretary, not later than December 15, 2000. All such proposals shall be treated
in accordance with applicable rules administered by the Commission.
1999 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
A copy of the Company's 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the
Commission, may be obtained without charge by writing: Investor Relations
Department, NL Industries, Inc., 16825 Northchase Drive, Suite 1200, Houston,
Texas 77060.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board does not know of any business except as described above which may
be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any business not
described in this Proxy Statement should properly come before the Annual
Meeting, the persons designated as agents in the enclosed proxy card or voting
instruction form will vote on those matters in accordance with their best
judgment.
NL INDUSTRIES, INC.
Houston, Texas
March 27, 2000
APPENDIX A
NL INDUSTRIES, INC.
16825 NORTHCHASE DRIVE, SUITE 1200
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77060
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS, MAY 10, 2000
The undersigned hereby appoints David B. Garten and Robert D. Hardy and each of
them, the proxy and attorney-in-fact for the undersigned, with full power of
substitution in each, to represent the undersigned and to vote on behalf of the
undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of NL Industries, Inc. to be
held on May 10, 2000, and at any adjournment or postponement of such meeting
(the "Annual Meeting"), all shares of Common Stock of NL Industries, Inc.
standing in the name of the undersigned or which the undersigned may be entitled
to vote on the matters described on the reverse side.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NL INDUSTRIES,
INC.
You are encouraged to specify your voting choices by marking the appropriate
boxes on the reverse side of this card but you need not mark any boxes if you
wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendations. The
above-named proxies cannot vote your shares unless you sign, date and promptly
return this card. Please use the enclosed return envelope. This proxy may be
revoked by a proxy accepted at a later date or otherwise as set forth in the NL
Proxy Statement that accompanied this proxy card.
SEE REVERSE
SIDE
/X/ Please mark your votes as in this example
This proxy, if properly executed, will be voted as specified below by the
shareholder. If no direction is given, this proxy will be voted "FOR" all
nominees for Director listed below.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" all nominees for Director listed
below.
1. Election of Directors.
For Withheld Election of Directors.
/ / / / Nominees: 01. Joseph S. Compofelice, 02. J. Landis Martin,
03. Kenneth R. Peak, 04. Glenn R. Simmons,
05. Harold C. Simmons, 06. General Thomas P.
Stafford, and 07. Lawrence A. Wigdor
Withhold authority to vote for the following individual nominees:
- ---------------------------------------------------
2. In their discretion, proxies are authorized to vote upon other such
business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments
or postponements thereof.
Please sign exactly as shareholder's name appears on this card.
Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full
title as such. If a corporation or partnership, please sign full
corporate or partnership name and sign authorized person's name
and title.
The undersigned shareholder hereby revokes all proxies heretofore
given by the undersigned to vote at the Annual Meeting or any
adjournments or postponements thereof.
----------------------------------------
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SIGNATURE(S) DATE
Dear Stockholder:
NL Industries, Inc. encourages you to take advantage of new and convenient
ways by which you can vote your shares. You can vote your shares electronically
through the Internet or the telephone. This eliminates the need to return the
proxy card.
To vote your shares electronically, you must use the control number printed
in the box above, just below the perforation. The series of numbers that appear
in the box above must be used to access the system.
To vote over the Internet:
Log on to the Internet and go the Web site http://www/eproxyvote.com/nl.
Internet voting will be available until 12:01 A.M. on May 10, 2000.
To vote over the telephone: On a touch-tone telephone, call 1-877-PRX-VOTE
(1-877-779-8683) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Telephone voting will
be available until 12:01 A.M. on May 10, 2000
Non-U.S. stockholders should call 1-201-536-8073
Your electronic vote authorizes the names Proxies in the same manner as if
you marked, signed, dated and returned the proxy card. If you vote your shares
electronically, do not mail back your proxy card.
Your vote is important. Thank you for voting.