<PAGE>
[LOGO]
August 26, 1996
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of AAR
CORP. ("Company") to be held on Wednesday, October 9, 1996, commencing at 3:00
P.M. (Chicago time) at 231 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois. The Board of
Directors and management look forward to personally greeting those shareholders
able to attend the meeting.
At the Annual Meeting you will be asked to consider and vote upon the election
of four Class III directors to serve for a three-year term expiring at the 1999
Annual Meeting of Shareholders. This year, in addition to electing four
directors, you are also being asked to consider and approve an amendment to the
Company's Stock Benefit Plan ("Plan"). The amendment will increase the number of
additional shares that become available for award under the Plan on January 1st
of each year from January 1, 1996 through December 31, 2001, from 0.9% to 2% of
the issued and outstanding shares on each such date. This Plan expires by its
terms on December 31, 2001. The proposal is more fully described in the
Company's Proxy Statement which you are urged to read carefully.
Your Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the election of
directors, and FOR the amendment to the AAR CORP. Stock Benefit Plan.
Regardless of the number of shares you own and whether or not you plan to
attend, it is important that your shares are represented and voted at the
Meeting. Accordingly, you are requested to sign, date and mail the enclosed
proxy at your earliest convenience.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your cooperation and support.
Sincerely,
Ira A. Eichner
Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer
1111 Nicholas Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007 USA Telephone
1-847-439-3939 Fax 1-847-439-3955
<PAGE>
THIS IS A DRAFT OF THE NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING, PROXY STATEMENT AND PROXY IN
WHICH CHANGES/ADDITIONS/DELETIONS WILL BE MADE BEFORE FINALIZATION
[LOGO]
1111 NICHOLAS BOULEVARD
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, ILLINOIS 60007
- ------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1996
To the Stockholders of AAR CORP.:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of AAR CORP. for the year 1996 will be held
in the Shareholders' Room (21st Floor) of Bank of America Illinois, 231 S.
LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday, October 9, 1996, at 3:00 P.M.
(Chicago time) for the purpose of considering and acting upon the following
proposals, all as described in the accompanying Proxy Statement:
1. To elect four Class III directors for a three-year term expiring at the 1999
Annual Meeting of Stockholders;
2. To amend the AAR CORP. Stock Benefit Plan ("Plan") to increase the total
number of shares that become available for award under the Plan each year;
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 August 12, 1996, will be
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Accompanying this notice and the Proxy Statement is a copy of the Annual Report
to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1996.
By Order of the Board of Directors
HOWARD A. PULSIFER,
SECRETARY
August 26, 1996
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
PLEASE DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED FORM OF PROXY AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED
STAMPED, ADDRESSED ENVELOPE, SO THAT IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING,
YOUR SHARES MAY NEVERTHELESS BE VOTED. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED FOR MAILING IN THE
UNITED STATES.
<PAGE>
[AAR CORP LOGO]
1111 NICHOLAS BOULEVARD
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, ILLINOIS 60007
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
October 9, 1996
SOLICITATION
This Proxy Statement is furnished to stockholders of AAR CORP., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company" or "AAR"), in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of the Company to be used at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held in the Shareholders' Room
(21st Floor) of Bank of America Illinois, 231 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago,
Illinois, on Wednesday, October 9, 1996, at 3:00 P.M. (Chicago time), or any
adjournment thereof (the "Annual Meeting"). This Proxy Statement is first being
sent to holders of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock, par value
$1.00 per share ("Common Stock") on or about August 26, 1996.
Any proxy solicited herewith may be revoked by a stockholder at any time prior
to the voting thereof by sending written notice of revocation to the Secretary
of the Company, or by delivering a later-dated proxy, or by attending the Annual
Meeting and voting in person. Shares of Common Stock represented by proxies that
are properly executed and returned to the Company will be voted as specified
thereon at the Annual Meeting. If no choice is specified, such shares will be
voted FOR the election of the four nominees for director designated by the Board
of Directors, FOR the amendment of the AAR CORP. Stock Benefit Plan ("Plan") to
increase the total number of shares of Common Stock that become available for
award each year, and upon any other matters that may properly come before the
Annual Meeting in the discretion of the named proxies in accordance with their
best judgment. In the event any nominee is unavailable for election, which is
not presently anticipated, shares represented by valid proxies will be voted for
such other person or persons in the named proxies in accordance with their best
judgment.
As provided in the Company's Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase
Plan, shares held by the Dividend Reinvestment Agent for a participant will be
voted in accordance with the instructions on the proxy card received
representing such shares or otherwise as set forth above.
The cost of the solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company and will
consist primarily of printing, postage and handling, including reimbursement to
banks, brokers, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in forwarding proxy material to their respective
principals. The Company has engaged D. F. King & Co., 77 Water Street, New York,
New York, to aid in the solicitation of proxies at a total estimated cost of
$7,500.00. D. F. King & Co. may solicit proxies by mail, personally, or by
telephone or telegraph. In addition to the solicitation of
1
<PAGE>
proxies by D. F. King & Co. and by use of the mails, certain officers, directors
and employees of the Company may solicit proxies personally, or by telephone or
telegraph, without additional compensation.
QUORUM AND VOTING RIGHTS
At the close of business on August 12, 1996, the record date for the
determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, there were
outstanding 15,960,310 shares of Common Stock. Each stockholder of record is
entitled to one vote for every share of Common Stock held on the record date.
Shares cannot be voted at the Annual Meeting unless the owner thereof is present
in person or by proxy. A quorum of stockholders is necessary to take action at
the Annual Meeting. The holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock
entitled to vote and present in person or represented by proxy will constitute a
quorum of stockholders at the Annual Meeting. Votes cast in person or by proxy
at the Annual Meeting will be tabulated by the inspectors of election appointed
for the Annual Meeting. The inspectors of election will treat directions to
withhold authority, abstentions and broker non-votes as shares that are present
and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. Directions to
withhold authority will have no effect on the election of directors, because
directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast. Abstentions and broker non-
votes will be disregarded for purposes of determining whether a matter has been
approved, because they are not considered votes cast.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Company provide
that the Board of Directors shall consist of between three and fifteen
directors, with the exact number of directors to be fixed from time to time by
the Board of Directors, and that the directors shall be divided into three
classes as nearly equal in number as possible. The Board of Directors has fixed
the number of directors on the Board at ten.
The ten members of the Board of Directors are divided into three classes: Class
I (3 directors), Class II (3 directors) and Class III (4 directors). One class
is elected each year for a three-year term. At the Annual Meeting, A. Robert
Abboud, Howard B. Bernick, Ira A. Eichner and Robert D. Judson will be nominated
to serve in Class III until the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until
their successors are duly elected and qualified. Each of the nominees is
currently a director of the Company. Under Delaware law, the four nominees for
director who individually receive the greatest number of votes shall be elected
directors of the Company.
NOMINEES AND CONTINUING DIRECTORS
The following sets forth certain information with respect to the nominees as
well as the other current and continuing directors:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name, Age, Principal Occupation Director
and Other Information Since
- -------------------------------------------------------------------- --------
<S> <C>
NOMINEES:
CLASS III -- DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE AT THE 1996 ANNUAL
MEETING:
A. ROBERT ABBOUD, 67--Since 1984, President of A. Robert Abboud &
Co., a private investment business.
Other directorships: Inland Steel Company, Hartmarx Corporation,
and Alberto-Culver Company. 1987
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name, Age, Principal Occupation Director
and Other Information Since
- -------------------------------------------------------------------- --------
<S> <C>
HOWARD B. BERNICK, 44--Since November, 1994, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Alberto-Culver Company, a manufacturer,
marketer and distributor of personal care and household products.
From 1988 to November, 1994, President and Chief Operating Officer
of Alberto-Culver Company.
Other directorship: Alberto-Culver Company 1994
IRA A. EICHNER(1), 65--Since 1973, Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of AAR. Mr. Eichner is the founder of the
Company and has been its Chief Executive Officer since it was
founded in 1955. 1955
ROBERT D. JUDSON, 71--Since 1984, Financial Consultant. Prior to
1980, Senior Vice President, The First National Bank of Chicago. 1979
OTHER CURRENT AND CONTINUING DIRECTORS:
CLASS I--DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE AT THE 1997 ANNUAL MEETING:
ERWIN E. SCHULZE, 71--Since January, 1993, Chairman, Chicago Stock
Exchange (formerly Midwest Stock Exchange). Since January, 1991,
private investor. From 1981 to 1991, Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Ceco Industries, Inc., a
manufacturer of building products and provider of concrete forming
services for the construction industry.
Other directorship: The Interlake Corporation 1977
JOEL D. SPUNGIN, 58--Since March, 1995, Managing Partner, DMS
Enterprises, L.P., a consulting and management advisory
partnership. Since 1994, Chairman Emeritus, and from 1988 to
March, 1995, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United
Stationers Inc.
Other directorships: United Stationers Inc., Ball Horticultural
Company 1992
DAVID P. STORCH(2), 43--Since 1989, President and Chief Operating
Officer of AAR. From 1988 to 1989, Vice President of AAR. 1989
CLASS II -- DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE AT THE 1998 ANNUAL MEETING:
EDGAR D. JANNOTTA, 65--Since January, 1996, Senior Director of
William Blair & Company, an investment banking firm ("William
Blair"). From 1995 to 1996, Senior Partner of William Blair. From
1977 to 1995, Managing Partner of William Blair & Company.
Other directorships: Aon Corporation, Bandag, Incorporated,
Commonwealth Edison Company, Molex Incorporated, New York Stock
Exchange, Inc., Oil-Dri Corporation of America, and
Safety-Kleen Corp. 1964
LEE B. STERN, 69--Since December, 1992, President of LBS Co., and
Managing Partner of LBS Limited Partnership, a member firm of the
Chicago Board of Trade and Futures Commission Merchant since 1992.
From 1967 to December, 1992, President and Chief Executive Officer
of Lee B. Stern & Company, Ltd., a Futures Commission Merchant.
Mr. Stern has been a member of the Chicago Board of Trade since
1949, a member of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange since 1963, and
an owner-director of the Chicago White Sox since 1976.
Other directorship: Anicom, Inc. 1982
RICHARD D. TABERY, 67--Since December, 1993, Aviation Business
Consultant. Since February 21, 1995, Chairman of HKS&A, Inc., an
aviation consulting company. From June, 1988, through November,
1993, Vice Chairman of AAR. From 1957 to 1988, Mr. Tabery held
various positions with United Airlines, Inc., most recently Senior
Vice President-Maintenance Operations. 1989
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
MEETINGS AND STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors held four meetings during the fiscal year ended May 31,
1996. All of the incumbent directors attended 75% or more of the aggregate
number of meetings of the Board and of the Committees on which they serve during
the fiscal year ended May 31, 1996.
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, an
Executive Committee, and a Nominating Committee.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee is comprised entirely of independent directors. Its members
are Edgar D. Jannotta (Chairman), Robert D. Judson, Erwin E. Schulze and Joel D.
Spungin. The functions of this committee include maintaining communication
between the Company's Board and its independent auditors, monitoring performance
of the independent auditors, reviewing audit scope and results, reviewing the
organization and performance of the Company's internal systems of audit and
financial controls, and recommending the retention or, when appropriate, the
replacement of independent auditors. The Audit Committee held two meetings
during the fiscal year ended May 31, 1996.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Compensation Committee is comprised entirely of independent directors. Its
members are Erwin E. Schulze (Chairman), A. Robert Abboud, Edgar D. Jannotta,
Robert D. Judson, and Lee B. Stern. The functions of this committee include
reviewing and approving compensation policies and practices for all elected
corporate officers and fixing the total compensation of the Chief Executive
Officer. The Compensation Committee also administers the long-term incentive
program and the AAR CORP. Stock Benefit Plan. The Compensation Committee held
four meetings during the fiscal year ended May 31, 1996.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee is comprised of Ira A. Eichner (Chairman), Edgar D.
Jannotta, Erwin E. Schulze and David P. Storch. The Executive Committee is
authorized to meet between meetings of the Board of Directors and exercise the
powers of the Board, subject to limitations imposed by law and by the Board. The
Executive Committee did not hold any meetings during the fiscal year ended May
31, 1996.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Nominating Committee is comprised of Robert D. Judson (Chairman), Ira A.
Eichner and Lee B. Stern. The functions of this committee include recommending
to the Board of Directors qualified candidates for election as directors and
considering the performance of incumbent directors to determine whether they
should be recommended to the Board for nomination for reelection. The Nominating
Committee will consider director candidates recommended by stockholders. Any
stockholder wishing to submit a recommendation to the Nominating Committee with
respect to the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, should send a signed letter
of recommendation to AAR CORP., 1111 Nicholas Boulevard, Elk Grove Village,
Illinois 60007, Attention: Howard A. Pulsifer, Secretary. To be considered,
recommendation letters must be received prior to May 1, 1997, must state the
reasons for the recommendation and contain the full name and address of each
proposed nominee, as well as a brief biographical history setting forth past and
present directorships, employment and occupations. The recommendation letter
must also include a statement indicating that such nominee has consented to
being named in the proxy statement and to serve if elected. The Nominating
Committee held one meeting during fiscal year ended May 31, 1996.
- ----------
(1) Mr. Eichner is Mr. Storch's father-in-law.
(2) Mr. Storch is Mr. Eichner's son-in-law.
4
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS
The following tables show the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned as of
July 31, 1996 for management and as of the date of the Schedule 13G filing for
certain beneficial owners, (i) by each director and nominee for election to the
Board of Directors, by each of the five executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table below, and by all directors and executive officers as a group
and (ii) by each beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Common Stock. To the
Company's knowledge, no person beneficially owned more than 5% of the Common
Stock except as set forth below.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percent
of
Shares
Outstanding
if
Number of greater
Name Shares (1) than 1%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ---
<S> <C> <C>
A. Robert Abboud................................................... 19,750
Howard B. Bernick.................................................. 10,000
Ira A. Eichner..................................................... 519,953 3.3
Edgar D. Jannotta.................................................. 25,000
Robert D. Judson................................................... 14,025
Howard A. Pulsifer................................................. 21,986
Timothy J. Romenesko............................................... 16,367
Erwin E. Schulze................................................... 11,351
Philip C. Slapke................................................... 41,788
Joel D. Spungin.................................................... 11,000
Lee B. Stern....................................................... 134,800
David P. Storch.................................................... 191,260(2) 1.2
Richard D. Tabery.................................................. 42,375
All directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons)....... 1,059,655(1),(2) 6.6
<FN>
--------------
(1) Includes the following shares of the identified person that may be acquired through
the exercise of options as of July 31, 1996: Mr. Abboud, 10,000 shares; Mr. Bernick,
5,000 shares; Mr. Eichner, 68,000 shares; Mr. Jannotta, 10,000 shares; Mr. Judson,
10,000 shares; Mr. Pulsifer, 15,115 shares; Mr. Romenesko, 6,006 shares; Mr. Schulze,
10,000 shares; Mr. Slapke, 26,650 shares; Mr. Spungin, 7,500 shares; Mr. Stern,
10,000 shares; Mr. Storch, 75,800 shares; and Mr. Tabery, 23,900 shares; and all
directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons), 277,971 shares.
(2) Includes 18,880 shares beneficially owned by Mr. Storch's wife (12,540 shares) and
minor children (6,340 shares), as to which Mr. Storch disclaims beneficial ownership.
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and Address Number of
of Stockholder Shares
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------
<S> <C>
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. (1)................................................................ 994,000(1)
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company (2)....................................................... 1,297,946(2)
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts 02117
Norwest Corporation (3).............................................................................. 1,386,900(3)
Norwest Center
Sixth and Marquette
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-1026
The Prudential Insurance Company of America (4)...................................................... 1,255,780(4)
751 Broad Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102-3777
Radnor Capital Management, Inc.(5)................................................................... 809,000(5)
Two Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 250
Radnor, Pennsylvania 19087
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.(6).................................................................... 940,800(6)
Two International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103
<CAPTION>
Name and Address Percent of Shares
of Stockholder Outstanding
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------
<S> <C>
The Capital Group Companies, Inc. (1)................................................................ 6.2%
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company (2)....................................................... 8.1%
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts 02117
Norwest Corporation (3).............................................................................. 8.7%
Norwest Center
Sixth and Marquette
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-1026
The Prudential Insurance Company of America (4)...................................................... 7.9%
751 Broad Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102-3777
Radnor Capital Management, Inc.(5)................................................................... 5.1%
Two Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 250
Radnor, Pennsylvania 19087
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.(6).................................................................... 5.9%
Two International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-4103
<FN>
---------------
(1) In their joint Schedule 13G filing dated February 9, 1996, The Capital Group Companies, Inc.
(formerly known as the Capital Group, Inc.) and Capital Guardian Trust Company, an operating
subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc., disclaimed beneficial ownership of these
shares and stated the following:
(i) sole voting power: 830,000
(ii) shared voting power: -0-
(iii) sole dispositive power: 994,000
(iv) shared dispositive power: -0-
(2) In their joint Schedule 13G filing dated January 24, 1996, John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance
Company ("JHMLICO"), John Hancock Subsidiaries, Inc. ("JHSI"), John Hancock Asset Management
("JHAM") , The Berkley Financial Group ("TBFG"), and NM Capital Management, Inc. ("NM"), stated
the following:
NM beneficially owns 1,297,946 shares of common stock in various advisory accounts. In addition to
the shares owned by NM, John Hancock Advisers, Inc. ("JHA") , an Investment Adviser registered under
Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of TBFG,
beneficially owns 30,000 shares of common stock. Through their parent-subsidiary relationship to NM
and JHA, JHMLICO, JHSI, JHAM and TBFG have indirect, beneficial ownership of these same shares. The
JHA shares are held by the John Hancock Special Value Fund, an open-end diversified management
company registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act. Under an Advisory Agreement dated
October 1, 1993, JHA has beneficial ownership of the 30,000 shares held in the fund.
(i) sole voting power: NM 635,299 shares; JHA 30,000 shares
(ii) shared voting power: -0-
(iii) sole dispositive power: NM 1,297,946 shares; JHA 30,000 shares
(iv) shared dispositive power: -0-
(3) In their joint Schedule 13G filing dated January 22, 1996, Norwest Corporation, and its
subsidiaries, Norwest Colorado, Inc. ("NCI") and Norwest Bank Colorado ("NBC"), stated the
following:
Norwest beneficially owns 1,386,900 shares of common stock, which includes 1,360,400 shares deemed to
be beneficially owned by NBC and, accordingly, NCI
(i) sole voting power: 1,162,600
(ii) shared voting power: -0-
(iii) sole dispositive power: 1,386,900
(iv) shared dispositive power: -0-
(4) In its Schedule 13G filing dated February 8, 1996, The Prudential Insurance Company disclaimed
beneficial ownership of 1,255,780 of these shares and stated the following:
(i) sole voting power: -0-
(ii) shared voting power: 1,252,880
(iii) sole dispositive power: -0-
(iv) shared dispositive power: 1,255,780
(5) In its Schedule 13G filing dated February 13, 1996, Radnor Capital Management, Inc. ("Radnor")
stated as follows:
Radnor beneficially ownes 809,000 shares of common stock
(i) sole voting power: 789,000
(ii) shared voting power: -0-
(iii) sole dispositive power: 809,000
(iv) shared dispositive power: -0-
While Radnor's advisory clients (collectively) had been more than a 5% shareholder at December 31,
1995, during January, February, and March 1996, most of its clients' holdings were sold, thereby
reducing their collective holdings to under 5%.
(6) In its Schedule 13G filing dated February 7, 1996, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. ("Scudder")
disclaimed beneficial ownership of 940,800 shares of common stock
(i) sole voting power: 5,600
(ii) shared voting power: 883,700
(iii) sole dispositive power: 940,800
(iv) shared dispositive power: -0-
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Based solely upon a review of Securities and Exchange Commission Forms 3, 4 and
5 and upon related written representations furnished to the Company with respect
to its most recent fiscal year, no person who, at any time during the fiscal
year, was a director, officer or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of
any class of equity securities of the Company registered pursuant to Section 12
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"), failed to file on a
timely basis, as disclosed in the above Forms, reports required by Section 16(a)
of the Exchange Act during the most recent fiscal year or prior fiscal years.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE'S REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
GENERAL
The Company's executive compensation program is structured and administered by
the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee"), which is
comprised of the five individuals listed below, all of whom are independent
directors of the Company.
The executive compensation program is designed to enable the Company to attract,
motivate and retain talented executives capable of achieving strategic business
initiatives and to reward them for their achievement. It is intended to
complement the Company's short-term and long-term business objectives and to
focus executives' efforts on fulfilling these objectives. The program consists
of three elements: (i) base salaries which are generally set at approximately
the median salary level of comparable positions in similar companies, adjusted
up or down to reflect individual capabilities and responsibilities and
experience levels; (ii) annual variable incentive opportunities paid in cash and
stock based on individual contribution and performance; and (iii) long-term
incentive opportunities, in the form of stock option/restricted stock awards.
Total compensation opportunities for each executive are intended to be
competitive with those offered by other companies competing for their talent in
the Company's employment market. In designing and administering the individual
elements of the executive compensation program for each executive, the Committee
strives to balance short- and long-term incentive objectives and employ prudent
judgment in establishing base salary levels and performance criteria, evaluating
performance and determining actual incentive payments. To ensure competitiveness
and reasonableness of the Committee's compensation decisions, independent
compensation consulting firms are retained periodically to advise the Committee
in connection with both the design and implementation of the various elements of
the program and the level of individual executive participation. Generally, as
an executive's level of responsibility increases, a greater percentage of total
compensation is based on performance, and the mix of total compensation shifts
toward stock, thereby aligning the long-term interest of senior executives with
those of stockholders. To encourage stock ownership in the Company by senior
executives, the Company has established guidelines for ownership of Common Stock
by senior management equal in value to 75% of salary, to be voluntarily achieved
over the next several years. An executive's progress towards achieving these
guidelines will be used by the Committee in making incentive stock compensation
decisions for the executive in the future.
Base salary levels of all executives, including the Chief Executive Officer, are
reviewed annually and may be adjusted depending upon the executive's
responsibilities, assessed performance contribution, qualifications and tenure
in the Company and in the position held, and competitive salary considerations
relative to similar positions at selected companies in the employment market
from which the Company draws its executives.
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer each have an annual
performance-based incentive bonus opportunity of up to 100% of their respective
base salary. That portion of the Chief Operating Officer's incentive bonus
opportunity in excess of 80% of his base salary is payable in restricted stock.
The percentage opportunity for other executive positions varies depending on
their
7
<PAGE>
responsibility level, and 10% of any bonus paid is payable in restricted stock.
As pertains to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer,
three-fourths of their incentive opportunity is based upon operating profit
results and the remainder is based on asset management results. Performance
objectives for other executives are established annually and the incentive
opportunity varies depending on position.
The long-term incentive program consists of stock option and/or restricted stock
awards granted under the AAR CORP. Stock Benefit Plan approved by stockholders
in 1992.
Stock option awards typically expire 10 years from the date of grant or earlier
upon termination of employment, become exercisable in five equal increments on
successive grant anniversary dates at the NYSE closing stock price on the date
of grant, and are accompanied by reload features and, for certain individuals,
stock rights exercisable in the event of a change in control of the Company. In
determining stock option and restricted stock awards, the Committee considers
the recipient's position and responsibilities in the Company, performance and
contributions made during the preceeding year, capabilities and potential for
future contribution to the Company, the number of options and awards previously
granted to the recipient and, for senior management, their progress toward
achieving the Company's guidelines for stock ownership by senior management.
Restrictions imposed on restricted stock awards vary and are designed, among
other things, to encourage executives to stay with the Company and to maintain a
focus on long-term objectives of the Company. Typically, restricted stock grants
vest over five (5) years (20% each anniversary) or over seven (7) years (25% on
4th anniversary, 25% on 6th anniversary and 50% on 7th anniversary); restricted
stock used in lieu of cash to pay earned bonuses vests over three (3) years (1/3
each anniversary). Typically, awards are subject to forfeiture if employment
terminates for any reason during the award cycle. During the award cycle the
participant receives dividends for the shares and also has the right to vote the
awarded shares.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
The base salary level of the Chief Executive Officer and founder of the Company
has been increased progressively since 1951 to reflect his performance,
leadership and responsibilities for increasingly complex and diversified
domestic and international operations as the Company has expanded into new
product lines and markets. Competitive compensation analyses by independent
consultants are used by the Committee to ensure that the Chief Executive
Officer's base salary is at an appropriate competitive level relative to base
salaries of chief executive officers at other companies in the relevant
employment market.
The Committee's action with respect to the Chief Executive Officer's total
fiscal year 1996 compensation reflects consideration of the base salary factors
discussed earlier, and the leadership role he played in the performance results
of the Company overall in a difficult environment and in maintaining the
financial strength and liquidity of the Company.
The Chief Executive Officer's base salary was increased 3% January 1, 1996 and
2 1/4% June 1, 1996, as were management salaries generally.
The Chief Executive Officer was awarded an incentive bonus equal to 100% of his
base salary reflecting achievement of (i) a 75% incentive opportunity benefit
for operating performance based on a substantial improvement over the prior year
in consolidated net sales (up 11.9%) and in net income (up 53%), and (ii) a 25%
incentive opportunity benefit for asset management based on improving the
balance sheet performance.
The Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers named in the
Summary Compensation Table below received the stock options and restricted stock
awards reflected in the table. The number of shares covered by each grant
reflects individual contributions and performance, as well as competitive
industry practices, in the view of the Committee; it also continues the
Committee's
8
<PAGE>
emphasis on executive share ownership and furthers the Company's objective of
tying incentive compensation to performance and aligning executives' interests
with the interests of the Company's stockholders.
The tables which follow and accompanying footnotes and narrative reflect the
decisions covered by the above discussion.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The Internal Revenue Code places a $1 million cap on the deductibility of
compensation, subject to certain exceptions, paid to certain executives of
publicly held corporations. Since the current levels of compensation subject to
the cap will not exceed $1 million for any executives of the Company, the
Committee did not take into consideration the deductibility of compensation for
federal income tax purposes in establishing compensation of the named executives
during the present review cycle.
The Committee will continue to review the deductibility of Compensation under
Section 162(m) and any regulations adopted under it, with the goal of assuring
that compensation paid is deductible by the Company to the extent that this can
be reasonably accomplished in a manner that provides adequate incentives and
allows the Company to attract and retain qualified executives.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
This report of the Committee shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by
any general statement incorporating this Proxy Statement into any filing under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1933 or under the Exchange Act (collectively, the
"Acts"), except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this
report by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Erwin E. Schulze, Chairman
A. Robert Abboud
Edgar D. Jannotta
Robert D. Judson
Lee B. Stern
9
<PAGE>
SUMMARY OF CASH AND CERTAIN OTHER COMPENSATION
The following table shows, for the fiscal years ending May 31, 1994, 1995, and
1996, the cash compensation paid by the Company, as well as certain other
compensation paid or accrued for those years, to each of the five most highly
compensated executive officers of the Company in all capacities in which they
served.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long Term
Annual Compensation Compensation
--------------------------------- ---------------------------
Awards
---------------------------
Other
Annual Securities
Compen- Restricted Underlying All Other
Bonus sation Stock Award(s) Options Compen-
Name and Principal Position Year Salary ($) ($)(1) ($) ($)(2) (#) sation ($)(3)
- -------------------------------------- ---- ---------- ---------- ------- -------------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
IRA A. EICHNER 1996 498,400 503,100 -- (4) 330,000 30,000 4,700
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 1995 480,000 265,000 156,600 206,250 30,000 3,600
1994 474,200 240,000 -- -- 20,000 7,500
DAVID P. STORCH 1996 348,900 352,200 -- 165,619 75,000 4,700
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 1995 336,000 224,000 -- 107,250 60,000 2,500
1994 332,000 175,000 -- 102,988 30,400 3,200
PHILIP C. SLAPKE 1996 223,000 277,300 -- 110,000 10,000 3,300
VICE PRESIDENT-ENGINE GROUP 1995 214,600 215,900 -- 68,750 10,000 2,600
1994 208,400 174,100 -- -- 7,500 2,700
HOWARD A. PULSIFER 1996 172,200 86,900 -- 66,000 6,000 4,000
VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND 1995 165,800 67,500 -- 41,250 6,000 3,100
SECRETARY 1994 163,900 57,500 -- -- 4,000 3,500
TIMOTHY J. ROMENESKO 1996 153,100 77,300 -- 66,000 6,000 4,000
VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL 1995 136,700 60,000 -- 41,250 6,000 1,800
OFFICER & TREASURER 1994 117,000 35,000 -- -- 3,000 1,500
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) Fiscal 1996 bonus compensation for Mr. Eichner was paid 100% in cash, for
Mr. Storch 80% in cash and 20% in restricted stock, and for all others 90%
in cash and 10% in restricted stock, based on NYSE May 31, 1996 closing
price, in accordance with applicable employment contracts and the Company's
executive and key employment incentive bonus payment policy. The restricted
shares vest over a three year period (one-third each grant anniversary
date). Dividends are paid on all restricted shares to the same extent as any
other shares of the Company's Common Stock.
(2) As of May 31, 1996, fiscal year, the following restricted shares were held
by each named executive: Mr. Eichner, 31,159; Mr. Storch, 25,294; Mr.
Slapke, 12,255; Mr. Pulsifer, 6,295; Mr. Romenesko, 6,262. The May 31, 1996,
market value of each named executive's restricted shares is as follows: Mr.
Eichner, $689,393; Mr. Storch, $559,630; Mr. Slapke, $271,142; Mr. Pulsifer,
$139,277; Mr. Romenesko, $138,547. Dividends are paid on all restricted
shares to the same extent as any other shares of the Common Stock.
(3) "All Other Compensation" includes the following: (i) contributions to the
Company's 401(k) Plan on behalf of each of the named executives as a 1%
match of 1996 pre-tax elective deferred contributions (Mr. Eichner $1,940,
Mr. Storch $1,940, Mr. Slapke $1,940, Mr. Pulsifer $1,940, and Mr.
Romenesko, $1,940), and (ii) premium payments for each of the named
executives under the Company's standard health plan (Mr. Eichner, $2,760,
Mr. Storch, $2,760, Mr. Pulsifer, $2,060, Mr. Romenesko, $2,060 and Mr.
Slapke, $1,360).
(4) Represents a tax reimbursement to Mr. Eichner due to the Company's funding
of Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") benefits.
STOCK OPTIONS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding stock options
granted to the named executive officers in fiscal 1996 (the Company does not
grant stock appreciation rights). In addition, hypothetical gains or option
spreads that would exist for the respective options are shown based on assumed
rates of annual compound stock price appreciation of 0%, 5% and 10% required (in
the case of the 5% and 10% rates) by applicable regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission; these rates are for illustration purposes only and are
not a forecast of future appreciation.
10
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Individual Grants
---------------------------------------------------- Potential Realizable Value at
Number of % of Total Assumed Annual Rates of Stock
Securities Options Price Appreciation for Option
Underlying Granted to Exercise Term (3)
Options Employees in Price Expiration -----------------------------
Name Granted (#)(1) Fiscal Year ($/Sh) Date (2) 0% 5% ($) 10% ($)
- ------------------------------------ -------------- ------------ ------- ---------- --- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ira A. Eichner...................... 30,000 10.42% $17.50 10/11/05 0 330,170 836,715
David P. Storch..................... 75,000 26.05% $17.50 10/11/05 0 825,424 2,091,787
Philip C. Slapke.................... 10,000 3.47% $17.50 10/11/05 0 110,057 278,905
Howard A. Pulsifer.................. 6,000 2.08% $17.50 10/11/05 0 66,034 167,343
Timothy J. Romenesko................ 6,000 2.08% $17.50 10/11/05 0 66,034 167,343
All Stockholders.................... N/A N/A N/A N/A 0 177,672,833 450,257,844
All Employee Optionees.............. 287,901 100% $17.66(4) 10/11/05 (5) 0 3,197,509 8,103,115
Total Optionee Gain as % of all
Stockholder Gain................... N/A N/A N/A N/A 0 1.80% 1.80%
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) 10 year options subject to reload and change in control rights provisions;
20% of option shares become exercisable on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th
anniversary dates of the grant.
(2) These options are subject to earlier expiration in the event of
termination of employment.
(3) Data shows appreciation in value of stock from market value on the date of
option grant.
(4) Average exercise price.
(5) Options with respect to 277 shares expire 7/6/05, with respect to 7,500
shares expire 8/7/05, with respect to 3,000 shares expire 1/2/06, with
respect to 629 shares expire 1/17/06, with respect to 5,135 shares expire
2/7/06, with respect to 496 shares expire 2/13/06, with respect to 863
shares expire 2/15/06, with respect to 152 shares expire 2/27/06, with
respect to 202 shares expire 4/22/06, with respect to 1,055 shares expire
5/15/06, with respect to 183 shares expire 5/16/06, with respect to 1,909
shares expire 5/17/06; all others expire 10/11/05.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table shows stock options exercised by named executive officers
during fiscal 1996, including the aggregate value of gains on the date of
exercise. In addition, this table includes the number of shares of Common Stock
covered by both exercisable and non-exercisable stock options as of May 31,
1996. Also reported are the number and value of in-the-money unexercised
options.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised Value of Unexercised
Options at Fiscal In-the-Money Options at
Shares Acquired Year-End (#) Fiscal Year-End ($)(2)
on Value --------------------------- ---------------------------
Name Exercise (#)(1) Realized ($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- --------------------------------- --------------- ------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ira A. Eichner................... 0 0 68,000 78,000 $678,500 $539,250
David P. Storch.................. 0 0 75,800 155,300 $745,428 1$,034,498
Philip C. Slapke................. 0 0 26,650 27,100 $263,344 $255,138
Howard A. Pulsifer............... 0 0 15,115 15,200 $157,607 $104,150
Timothy J. Romenesko............. 0 0 10,150 14,100 $102,131 $ 95,025
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) Value realized equals the fair market value on the date of exercise, less
the exercise price, times the number of shares acquired.
(2) Value of unexercised in-the-money options equals the fair market value of
the Common Stock at May 31, 1996, less the exercise price, times the number
of option shares outstanding. The closing price of the Common Stock on the
NYSE at May 31, 1996, was $22.125.
11
<PAGE>
PENSION PLANS
The following table indicates a straight life annuity pension benefit (based on
30% of an employee's final average compensation) payable annually under the AAR
CORP. Retirement Plan ("Retirement Plan") and Supplemental Key Employee
Retirement Plan ("SKERP") commencing at age 65 at various combinations of
average compensation and years of service.
PENSION BENEFIT TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Benefit for
Years of Service
------------------
Final Average Compensation 15 20
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
$100,000............................................ $ 22,500 $ 30,000
125,000............................................ 28,100 37,500
150,000............................................ 33,750 45,000
175,000............................................ 39,400 52,500
200,000............................................ 45,000 60,000
225,000............................................ 50,600 67,500
250,000............................................ 56,250 75,000
275,000............................................ 61,875 82,500
300,000............................................ 67,500 90,000
350,000............................................ 78,750 105,000
400,000............................................ 90,000 120,000
450,000............................................ 101,250 135,000
500,000............................................ 112,500 150,000
600,000............................................ 135,000 180,000
700,000............................................ 157,500 210,000
800,000............................................ 180,000 240,000
900,000............................................ 202,500 270,000
</TABLE>
The Company's Retirement Plan covers all named executive officers. Benefits
under the Retirement Plan are determined pursuant to a formula set forth in the
Retirement Plan and take into consideration years of credited service, a
percentage of the participant's final average compensation (the five highest
consecutive calendar years of compensation out of the employee's last ten
calendar years of employment) and adjustments for social security "covered
compensation" which is an "offset" under the Retirement Plan. The term
"compensation" means cash compensation shown as income on an employee's Form
W-2, plus amounts contributed to the Profit Sharing Plan and reduced by certain
items specified in the Retirement Plan. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence,
compensation for purposes of the Retirement Plan is subject to an annual
$150,000 annual compensation limitation in accordance with applicable provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code.
The aggregate salary and bonus compensation shown for the executive officers
named in the Summary Compensation Table above is the compensation currently
included for purposes of determining benefits under the Retirement Plan and
SKERP described below. The number of years of credited service under the Plan
(effective maximum is 20 years), is as follows: Mr. Eichner, 20 years; Mr.
Storch, 18 years; Mr. Pulsifer, 9 years; Mr. Romenesko, 15 years; and Mr.
Slapke, 12 years. Benefits under the Retirement Plan may be limited by
applicable laws or regulations.
SUPPLEMENTAL KEY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company also provides supplemental retirement benefits to certain executives
and key employees under the SKERP. All of the named executives are participants
in the SKERP, except that Mr. Eichner's participation does not include
supplemental retirement benefits. The SKERP is designed to restore the
approximate amount of employer-provided benefits under the Company's Retirement
Plan lost as a result of Internal Revenue Code limitations, including those
limiting compensation for purposes of benefit calculations. Such lost benefits
restored under the SKERP are
12
<PAGE>
determined in the same manner, using the same compensation data and years of
credited service, as retirement benefits are determined under the Retirement
Plan described above, subject to maximum compensation limits established by the
Company from time to time (presently $350,000 for key employee participants and
$500,000 for executive officer participants). The SKERP also provides for
aggregate retirement benefits at fifty percent (50%) of final average
compensation (as defined in the Retirement Plan) for certain executive officers
designated by the Compensation Committee (including four of the named executive
officers), subject to maximum compensation limits established by the Company
from time to time and reduced by certain items specified in the Retirement Plan.
The SKERP is unfunded and supplemental retirement benefits thereunder are
forfeited if the participant violates a covenant not to compete set forth in the
SKERP or his or her employment is terminated for cause.
The Chief Executive Officer is also the beneficiary of a Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan ("SERP"). Annual retirement benefits under the SERP are equal to
60% of the Chief Executive Officer's aggregate average of annual salary, bonus
and long-term incentive cash payments ("cash compensation") for the three fiscal
years during the ten fiscal years preceding the date of his termination of
active employment during which his cash compensation was highest, subject to an
offset for benefits received under the Retirement Plan and certain reductions.
Based on the Chief Executive Officer's cash compensation history to date, it is
estimated that he would receive an annual retirement benefit of $328,850 under
the SERP upon retirement at age 65. The Company funds the benefits through an
irrevocable trust arrangement with a bank. The level of funding is based on
actuarial computations determined by an independent actuary. The residual in the
trust upon the death of the Chief Executive Officer will be paid to the Chief
Executive Officer's estate or designated beneficiaries.
STOCKHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE GRAPHS
The following graphs compare the five-year cumulative total stockholder return
(including reinvestment of dividends) of the Company, the S&P (Standard &
Poor's) Composite--500 Stock Index, and a peer group index selected by the
Company.
The S&P Composite--500 Stock Index is composed of domestic industry leaders in
four major sectors: Industrials, Financials, Utilities and Transportation, and
serves as a broad indicator of the performance of the U.S. equity market. The
peer group index selected by the Company is comprised of companies engaged in
engine, airframe and/or manufacturing activities in support of the
aerospace/aviation aftermarket similar to those conducted by the Company. The
peer group selected by the Company is comprised of the following companies:
Aviall, Inc., Banner Aerospace, Inc., Greenwich Air Services, Inc., Hi-Shear
Industries, Inc., Sequa Corp., SPS Technologies Inc., UNC, Inc., and Wyman
Gordan Co.
These indices relate only to stock prices; they do not purport to afford a
direct comparison of the business or financial performance of the companies
comprising such indices with the Company nor with each other.
13
<PAGE>
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE STOCKHOLDER
TOTAL RETURN (1)
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RETURN TO SHAREHOLDER
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AAR CORP. S&P 500 PEER GROUP
1991 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100
1992 $ 94.16 $ 109.85 $ 77.63
1993 $ 102.66 $ 122.61 $ 65.56
1994 $ 112.93 $ 127.83 $ 71.60
1995 $ 124.18 $ 153.64 $ 66.11
1996 $ 184.82 $ 197.33 $ 116.90
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Assumes $100 invested on June 1, 1991, and reinvestment of dividends in
the Company's Common Stock, S&P Composite--500 Stock Index and Companies
comprising the Peer Group.
EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER AGREEMENTS
Mr. Eichner has an agreement with the Company providing for employment in his
present capacity at a base compensation of $503,100 per year, effective January
1, 1996, or such increased amount as the Board may determine, and for retirement
benefits following termination of his full-time employment with the Company
pursuant to the Retirement Plan and the SKERP described under "Pension Plans"
above. His term of employment is continuously extended so as to have a remaining
term of three years, but shall expire on the first to occur of his death,
disability, voluntary termination or attainment of age 68.
Upon Mr. Eichner's death, under certain circumstances, his designated
beneficiary is entitled to receive a death benefit equal to the present value of
the right of a 60 year old male to receive an annual annuity of $125,000,
subject to certain reductions.
The Company has entered into an irrevocable trust agreement with The Northern
Trust Company as trustee to fund at certain dates the Company's obligations to
Mr. Eichner and his widow or other beneficiary under his employment agreement.
The Company will pay bonuses to Mr. Eichner (or his widow or other beneficiary)
to provide for federal, state and local income taxes incurred as a result of
contributions to the trust and income earned by trust assets. Mr. Eichner's
estate or designated beneficiary(ies) will receive any residual amounts in the
trust after payment of all retirement, death benefit and other obligations under
the trust agreement.
The Company has entered into an employment agreement ("Employment Agreement")
with Mr. Storch designed to assure his continued services with the Company at a
base compensation of $352,000 per year, effective January 1, 1996, or such
increased amount as the Board may
14
<PAGE>
determine. Mr. Storch's term of employment is continuously extended so as to
have a remaining term of three years, but shall expire upon his death,
disability, retirement or termination by the Company or Mr. Storch pursuant to
the terms of the Employment Agreement.
The Employment Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions of Mr. Storch's
employment, including: confidentiality and non-compete provisions, participation
in the Company's benefit plans, a severance payment upon termination of
employment by the Company for other than cause (as defined in the Agreement)
prior to a change in control of the Company (as defined in the Employment
Agreement) equal to two times base salary then in effect, a severance payment
equal to three (3) times his average cash compensation (base salary plus cash
bonus) for the last two fiscal years of employment upon termination of
employment under certain circumstances in the event of a change in control of
the Company, an incentive bonus opportunity of up to 100% of base salary subject
to annual financial targets approved by the Compensation Committee, incentive
stock bonus awards to be granted over a three year period ending October of 1996
of a total of 27,308 shares of five year restricted common stock vesting
20%/year on successive grant date anniversaries and stock options under the AAR
CORP. Stock Benefit Plan in the discretion of the Compensation Committee.
The Company has entered into severance agreements with certain key employees,
including all named executive officers other than Mr. Storch and Mr. Eichner.
The severance agreements are substantially identical, include confidentiality
and non-compete covenants, and provide for payment of compensation and certain
benefits in consideration thereof in the event of termination of employment for
other than cause, including a change in control of the Company.
Severance equal to one year base salary plus any earned incentive cash bonus
will be paid upon termination of employment for other than cause (as defined in
the severance agreement) prior to a change in control of the Company; severance
equal to three times average annual total compensation (base salary plus cash
bonus) for the last two fiscal years of employment will be paid upon termination
of employment under certain circumstances following a change in control of the
Company.
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
Directors who are not officers or employees of the Company or any subsidiary
each receive an annual retainer of $22,000, a fee of $1,500 for attendance at
each meeting of the Board of Directors or of any Board committee and
reimbursement of expenses. The chairman of each committee receives an additional
$1,500 annual retainer. The Company also provides each of its outside directors
with group term life insurance coverage of $200,000. In addition, under the AAR
CORP. Stock Benefit Plan, each outside director, upon becoming a director,
automatically receives stock options for 10,000 shares of the Common Stock which
can be exercised in 25% increments each anniversary grant date at the closing
NYSE price on the date of grant. Directors who are officers or employees of the
Company or any subsidiary receive no additional compensation for service on the
Board of Directors or any of its committees.
The Company also has a Directors' Retirement Plan for its outside directors. The
Plan provides for a benefit to outside directors upon retirement on or after age
65, provided they have completed at least five years of service as a director.
Benefits are payable as a quarterly annuity in an amount equal to 25% of the
annual retainer fee payable by the Company to an active outside director.
Payment of benefits commences upon retirement and continues for a period equal
to the total number of years of the retired director's service as a director to
a maximum of ten years or death, whichever first occurs. The Directors'
Retirement Plan is unfunded. As of May 31, 1996, one former director was
receiving benefits under the Directors' Retirement Plan.
15
<PAGE>
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Mr. Tabery, a director of the Company, provides consulting services to the
Company from time to time pursuant to a consultant services agreement for which
he receives consultant fees at customary rates; in fiscal 1996, he received
$56,950 in consulting fees.
Mr. Irving Storch, an attorney-at-law and father of David Storch, President of
the Company, provides legal services to the Company from time to time. For legal
services rendered in connection with certain property tax abatement matters on
property owned by a subsidiary of the Company in New York City for the tax years
1990/91 through 1996/97, Mr. Storch received contingency fee compensation at the
customary rate totalling approximately $299,000 and is expected to receive
additional contingency fee compensation of approximately $50,000 in connection
with these services. It is anticipated that the Company may engage Mr. Irving
Storch to provide additional legal services in the future.
PROPOSAL 2
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE AAR CORP. STOCK BENEFIT PLAN
The Board of Directors of the Company has unanimously adopted, subject to
stockholder approval, an amendment (the "Amendment") to the AAR CORP. Stock
Benefit Plan ("Plan") to be presented at the Annual Meeting, increasing the
number of additional shares of Common Stock that become available each year for
award under the Plan from approximately 144,000 shares to approximately 320,000
shares (based upon the approximately 16,000,000 shares currently issued and
outstanding). Specifically, the Amendment revises the first sentence of Section
4.1 of the Plan to provide that the number of additional shares that become
available under the Plan on January 1 of each year from January 1, 1996, through
December 31, 2001, shall be 2% (rather than 0.9%) of the issued and outstanding
shares on each such date. The Plan expires by its terms on December 31, 2001.
As previously disclosed, the Company established stock ownership guidelines for
executives, took steps to pay portions of annual bonuses in stock in lieu of
cash and is granting options and stock to a wider range of employees in order to
increase the percentage of total pay based on performance and further align its
compensation program with stockholder interests. Based on a review of stock
compensation practices, including information supplied by the Company's
independent compensation consultant, the Board has determined that increasing
the number of shares available for awards each year is necessary and appropriate
in order to accomplish the Company's objectives of increasing the percentage of
pay based on performance and further aligning the interests of its employees
with those of its stockholders.
SUMMARY OF THE PLAN
The Plan was approved by the Company's stockholders in 1992. The Plan enables
the Company to grant incentive stock options with respect to a maximum of
1,000,000 shares, non-qualified stock options, reload options, "limited rights"
in tandem with option grants and restricted stock awards to Key Employees. It
also provides for automatic grants of non-qualified stock options to purchase
10,000 shares to each non-employee director in the year such person becomes a
director. Stock options entitle the holder to purchase Common Stock from the
Company for a specified exercise price during a period specified in the
applicable option agreement. Restricted stock awards entitle the recipient to
receive Common Stock from the Company under terms which provide for vesting over
a period of time, subject to forfeiture upon the termination of the recipient's
employment with the Company. The Plan is administered by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors, which selects the persons to whom stock
options and other awards are granted and determines the number of shares of
Common Stock covered by the option or award, its exercise price or purchase
price, its vesting schedule and (in the case of stock options) its expiration
date.
As option grants and other awards under the Plan (other than the automatic
grants to non-employee directors) are discretionary, the Company cannot now
determine the number of any such
16
<PAGE>
securities that will be granted in the future to any particular executive
officer, all executive officers as a group, or all employees as a group.
Information relating to awards made in fiscal year 1996 under the Plan to the
executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table is presented in the
various tables under the caption "Executive Compensation and Other Information."
In fiscal 1996, 127,000 options at an exercise price of $17.50 were granted to
all executive officers of the Company as a group, and 287,901 options at an
average exercise price of $17.66 were granted to all employees, including the
executive officers, of the Company as a group. As of May 31, 1996, there were
107 persons eligible to receive awards under the Plan.
The Plan will remain in effect until December 31, 2001, unless earlier
terminated by the Board of Directors.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
Neither non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, nor restricted
stock awards require the holder to recognize income at the time of grant.
Upon the exercise of non-qualified stock options, the holder will recognize
ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the
option stock as of the date of exercise over the exercise price.
Upon the vesting of restricted stock awards, the holder will realize ordinary
income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares at such time. A
holder may elect to recognize ordinary income on the fair market value of the
restricted stock at the time of the award, and thus recognize capital gain on
the subsequent sale of the stock in an amount equal to the excess of the fair
market value of the stock at vesting over the fair market value at the date of
the award.
Incentive stock options are not ordinarily subject to taxation until the holder
sells the option shares, although the excess of the fair market value of the
option stock over the exercise price is a tax preference item subject to
alternative minimum taxation at the time of exercise. When stock acquired
through exercise of an incentive stock option is sold at least two years after
grant and at least one year after exercise, the holder recognizes as capital
gain the excess of the sale proceeds of the option stock over the exercise
price. If these holding periods are not met, the holder will recognize ordinary
income.
The Company is entitled to deduct the amount of income recognized by the holder
upon the vesting of a restricted stock award or the exercise of a non-qualified
stock option, provided the Company complied with certain withholding
requirements. In the case of an incentive stock option, the Company is entitled
to no deduction where the holder recognizes capital gain; the Company is,
however, entitled to a deduction when and to the extent the holder recognizes
ordinary income.
VOTE REQUIRED
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock
present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is
required to approve the Amendment.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE AMENDMENT
TO THE AAR CORP. STOCK BENEFIT PLAN.
OTHER MATTERS
Management knows of no other matters which are to be brought before this Annual
Meeting. However, if any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting,
it is intended that the persons voting the proxies will vote them in accordance
with their judgment on such other matters.
17
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Company's Board of Directors, upon recommendation of its Audit Committee,
has selected KPMG Peat Marwick as its independent public accountants for the
fiscal year ending May 31, 1997. Representatives of that firm are expected to be
present at the Annual Meeting, with the opportunity to make a statement if they
so desire and to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 1997 ANNUAL MEETING
Any stockholder who wishes to present a proposal for consideration at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 1997 must submit such proposal in
accordance with the rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In order for a proposal to be eligible for inclusion in the Company's Proxy
Statement and form of proxy relating to the 1997 Annual Meeting, the stockholder
must submit such proposal to the Company, in writing, to be received by the
Secretary of the Company, AAR CORP., 1111 Nicholas Boulevard, Elk Grove Village,
Illinois 60007, no later than May 1, 1997.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Howard A. Pulsifer
SECRETARY
August 26, 1996
UPON THE WRITTEN REQUEST OF ANY RECORD HOLDER OR BENEFICIAL OWNER OF COMMON
STOCK OF AAR CORP., THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE, WITHOUT CHARGE, A COPY OF ITS
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 1996. REQUESTS SHOULD BE MADE TO MR. HOWARD A.
PULSIFER, SECRETARY, AAR CORP., 1111 NICHOLAS BOULEVARD, ELK GROVE VILLAGE,
ILLINOIS 60007, (847) 439-3939.
18
<PAGE>
P
R
O
X
Y
AAR CORP. PROXY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE OCTOBER 9,
1996 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
The undersigned hereby appoints IRA A. EICHNER, DAVID P. STORCH and HOWARD A.
PULSIFER, or any of them, with full power of substitution, as Proxies, and
hereby authorizes them to represent the undersigned at the 1996 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders of AAR CORP. to be held on October 9, 1996, or any adjournment
thereof, and to vote all shares of AAR CORP. Common Stock which the undersigned
would be entitled to vote if personally present.
1. Election of four Class III directors, nominees: A. Robert Abboud, Howard B.
Bernick, Ira A. Eichner, and Robert D. Judson (see reverse side).
2. Amendment to the AAR CORP. Stock Benefit Plan ("Plan") to increase the
total number of shares that become available for award under the Plan each
year.
AS TO EACH ITEM SET FORTH ON THE REVERSE HEREOF, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN THE
MANNER DIRECTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED
FOR ITEM 1 AND ITEM 2. As to any other business that may come before the Annual
Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, this Proxy will be voted in the discretion
of the proxies.
(Continued and to be dated and signed on reverse side.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*FOLD AND DETACH HERE*
[LOGO]
<PAGE>
/x/ PLEASE MARK YOUR 6019
VOTES AS IN THIS
EXAMPLE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" ITEMS 1 AND 2 DESCRIBED IN THE
PROXY STATEMENT:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Election of four FOR WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
Class III directors ALL NOMINEES* TO VOTE FOR ALL NOMINEES
(nominees: A. Robert / / / /
Abboud, Howard B.
Bernick, Ira A. Eichner,
and Robert D. Judson).
* (Instructions: to withhold authority to vote for any individual
nominee, write that nominee's name(s) in the space below)
---------------------------------------------------------------
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
2. Amendment to the AAR CORP. / / / / / /
Stock Benefit Plan
(Please sign as name appears above. Joint owners should all sign. Executors,
administrators, trustees, etc. should so indicate when signing. If signer is a
corporation, sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer who adds his or
her name and title.)
- --------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE(S) DATE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*FOLD AND DETACH HERE*
