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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[_] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[_] CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE
COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY
RULE 14A-6(E)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to (S) 240.14a-11(c) or (S) 240.14a-12
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[_] 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:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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Notes:
Reg. (S) 240.14a-101.
SEC 1913 (3-99)
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[ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. LETTERHEAD]
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Dear Fellow Armstrong Shareholders:
We cordially invite you to attend Armstrong's 2000 annual meeting of
shareholders to be held on Monday, May 1, 2000, at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will
be held at Armstrong's headquarters, which are located at 2500 Columbia Avenue,
Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
At the meeting, shareholders will vote to:
. elect three directors for terms expiring in 2003;
. approve three terms of Armstrong's Management Achievement Plan;
. approve a plan to establish a holding company for Armstrong and
related matters; and
. take action on any other matters properly brought before the meeting.
The accompanying proxy statement discusses these items in detail. The
enclosed proxy is being solicited on behalf of Armstrong's Board of Directors.
Registered representatives from American Stock Transfer & Trust Company will act
as the judges of election for the meeting. Record holders of Armstrong common
stock at the close of business on February 18, 2000, may vote at the meeting.
We especially look forward to your participation, in person or by proxy, at
this year's meeting because we are asking for your approval of a proposal to
form a holding company. This proposal will not have a material impact on you as
a shareholder, but we believe that a holding company structure is the right
legal structure for Armstrong in today's business environment. If the proposal
is approved by shareholders, each share of Armstrong common stock outstanding
will be converted into one share of common stock of a new holding company called
Armstrong Holdings, Inc. This will be the parent company for Armstrong's
operating companies. You will not be required to exchange your Armstrong stock
certificates for new certificates. This proposal is explained in Proposal 3 of
the accompanying proxy statement.
The Board of Directors believes that the proposed holding company structure
is in the best interests of Armstrong and its shareholders, and recommends that
you vote FOR the plan creating the holding company.
Please carefully review the enclosed proxy statement. Then please complete,
sign and date your proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed envelope.
Your vote is important. We appreciate your participation in the corporate
governance of your company.
Sincerely yours,
George A. Lorch
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
March 29, 2000
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION............................................................. 2
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE........................................... 2
PROXY INFORMATION................................................................. 3
SUMMARY........................................................................... 4
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS................................................ 7
NOMINEES FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE IN 2003.............................................. 8
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERM EXPIRES IN 2001.............................................. 9
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERM EXPIRES IN 2002.............................................. 10
DIRECTOR ATTENDANCE AT BOARD MEETINGS............................................. 11
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS......................................................... 11
BOARD COMMITTEES.................................................................. 12
DIRECTORS' AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS' STOCK OWNERSHIP................................ 13
COMMON STOCK AND STOCK-BASED HOLDINGS............................................. 14
MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT & COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.. 15
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS' COMPENSATION.................................................. 18
RETIREMENT INCOME PLAN BENEFITS................................................... 23
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS...................................... 24
TRANSACTIONS WITH ORGANIZATIONS AFFILIATED WITH DIRECTORS......................... 25
PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF THREE TERMS OF THE MANAGEMENT ACHIEVEMENT PLAN........... 25
DESCRIPTION OF THE ACHIEVEMENT PLAN............................................... 26
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
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SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.............................................................. 28
PROPOSAL 3: ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOLDING COMPANY................................... 28
CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOLDING COMPANY............... 29
REASONS FOR ESTABLISHING A HOLDING COMPANY........................................ 30
PLAN OF EXCHANGE.................................................................. 31
TERMINATION OR AMENDMENT OF PLAN OF EXCHANGE...................................... 31
CONDITIONS TO ESTABLISHING A HOLDING COMPANY...................................... 31
RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS................................................. 32
NO EXCHANGE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES................................................. 32
COMMON STOCK PLANS................................................................ 32
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR...................................................... 32
MARKET VALUE OF ARMSTRONG COMMON SHARES........................................... 32
DIVIDEND POLICY................................................................... 32
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.................................................. 33
DESCRIPTION OF HOLDINGS CAPITAL STOCK............................................. 33
COMPARISON OF ARMSTRONG COMMON STOCK AND HOLDINGS COMMON STOCK.................... 35
TREATMENT OF ARMSTRONG INDEBTEDNESS AND LIABILITIES............................... 36
INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES........................................................... 36
OTHER TAX ASPECTS................................................................. 37
LEGAL OPINIONS.................................................................... 37
EXPERTS........................................................................... 37
CONFIDENTIAL VOTING POLICY........................................................ 37
</TABLE>
(ii)
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<TABLE>
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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.............................................................. 37
PROPOSALS FOR 2001 ANNUAL MEETING................................................. 38
ANNUAL REPORT..................................................................... 38
MISCELLANEOUS..................................................................... 38
PART II. INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS.................................. 60
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS............................... 60
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.............................. 60
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS............................................................ 61
SIGNATURES........................................................................ 62
EXHIBIT INDEX..................................................................... 63
</TABLE>
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PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
AND
PROSPECTUS
FOR
ARMSTRONG HOLDINGS, INC.
COMMON STOCK
This document constitutes both:
. a proxy statement for the 2000 annual meeting of shareholders of Armstrong
World Industries, Inc.; and
. a prospectus for Armstrong Holdings, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation, for
the issuance of up to 40,300,000 shares of common stock to Armstrong
shareholders to establish a holding company structure.
The holding company will be established by means of a transaction spelled out in
an agreement and plan of exchange, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A. If
Armstrong shareholders approve the plan:
. All of the outstanding common stock of Armstrong will be exchanged on a
share-for-share basis for shares of Holdings common stock.
. Your Armstrong shares will be automatically exchanged for Holdings common
stock without any action on your part. You will not have to actually
surrender your existing Armstrong common stock certificates; after the
exchange they will represent Holdings common stock.
. After the exchange, Armstrong will be a wholly owned subsidiary of
Holdings.
THE SECURITIES OF HOLDINGS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION. NOR HAS
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The principal executive offices of Armstrong and Holdings are located at 2500
Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17603; telephone: (717) 397-0611.
Armstrong began mailing this proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card to
shareholders on or about March 29, 2000.
The date of this proxy statement prospectus is March 29, 2000
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Armstrong is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and files annual, quarterly and special
reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information
Armstrong files at the SEC's public reference rooms in Chicago, Illinois, and
New York, New York. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further
information. Armstrong's SEC filings are also available to the public at the
World Wide Web site maintained by the SEC on the Internet at www.sec.gov.
Holdings has filed a registration statement with the SEC in order to register
the Holdings common stock that will be issued in exchange for Armstrong common
stock pursuant to the proposed plan of exchange. See "Proposal 3:
Establishment of a Holding Company" on page 28. Accordingly, this document
constitutes a prospectus for the common stock of Holdings as well as a proxy
statement of Armstrong. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC,
this document does not contain all of the information set forth in the
registration statement. For further information, we refer you to the
registration statement.
Armstrong common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Pacific
Stock Exchange and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange under the symbol ACK. Upon
completion of the share exchange, Holdings common shares will be listed on the
same exchanges with the same stock trading symbol.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
Note that in this proxy statement we "incorporate by reference" certain
information in parts of other documents filed with the SEC. The SEC allows us
to disclose important information by referring to it in that manner. Please
refer to that information if you are interested.
The following documents filed with the SEC by Armstrong are incorporated by
reference into this proxy statement:
. Armstrong's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1999.
All Form 10-Q and 8-K documents filed by Armstrong with the SEC after the date
of this proxy statement and prior to the termination of the offering made by
this proxy statement are deemed to be incorporated here by reference. Any
statement contained in any document incorporated by reference is deemed to be
modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained in this proxy
statement or in any other subsequently filed document modifies or supersedes the
prior statement. Any prior statement so modified only becomes a part of this
proxy statement in its modified form.
YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT. NO
ONE IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS
CONTAINED HERE. THIS PROXY STATEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY HOLDINGS COMMON STOCK IN ANY JURISDICTION IN
WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION.
Neither the delivery of this proxy statement nor the share exchange to be made
pursuant to this document, under any circumstances, creates any implication that
there has been no change in Armstrong's affairs since the date of this proxy
statement.
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PROXY INFORMATION
Armstrong's Board of Directors is soliciting proxies for Armstrong's 2000 annual
meeting of shareholders.
How to Vote
To vote by proxy, you must complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy
card. Alternatively, you may vote in person if you attend the meeting. If your
shares are held jointly with another person, either one of you may sign the
card.
Who May Vote
Only holders of common stock, as recorded in Armstrong's stock register on
February 18, 2000, may vote at the meeting. On that date, Armstrong had
40,217,225 shares of common stock outstanding. Each of these shareholders may
vote in person or by proxy. The presence at the meeting (in person or by proxy)
of a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding constitutes a quorum for
conducting business at the meeting.
Proxy Cards
You may receive more than one proxy card depending on how you hold your shares.
If you hold shares under different names, you may receive multiple sets of proxy
materials. Also, if a stockbroker or someone else holds shares for you in their
name, you may get material from the stockbroker asking how you want to vote
those shares. Shares held through Armstrong's Automatic Dividend Reinvestment
Plan, including fractional shares, are included on the same proxy card as shares
registered in your name.
Revocation of a Proxy
Any shareholder who executes and returns a proxy card may revoke the proxy at
any time before it is voted. You can revoke a proxy by:
. filing a written notice of revocation with Armstrong's Secretary;
. executing and returning a proxy card bearing a later date; or
. attending the meeting and voting in person.
Attendance at the meeting will not in and of itself revoke any proxy you
previously granted.
Voting Rights and Cumulative Voting
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on
February 18, 2000, other than in the election of directors. In the election of
directors, shareholders may cumulate their votes. Under cumulative voting, a
shareholder multiplies the number of shares he or she holds times the number of
directors being elected to determine the number of votes the shareholder may
cast in the election of directors. The shareholder may cast all of his or her
votes for one director or distribute the votes in any other manner the
shareholder chooses. The nominees receiving the greatest number of votes will
be elected directors.
Abstentions and Broker Nonvotes
Abstentions and broker nonvotes have the effect of votes against any matter
submitted to shareholders for approval, other than the election of directors. A
shareholder can abstain from voting by marking the "abstain" box on the proxy
card, or if the shareholder chooses to attend and vote at the meeting, on the
ballot at the meeting. Broker nonvotes occur when a broker returns a proxy for
the shares it holds for customers, but does not have the authority to vote on a
particular matter. Armstrong's Bylaws require matters presented to shareholders
to be approved by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes
present (in person or by proxy) and entitled to vote at the meeting. Therefore,
abstentions and broker nonvotes will have the effect of votes against any matter
submitted to the
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shareholders for approval. This is because the shares they represent are present
at the meeting, but are not voted in favor of the matter. Shares covered by
abstentions and broker nonvotes are considered present at the meeting for the
purpose of a quorum even though no vote is cast.
SUMMARY
This summary highlights basic information about the annual meeting, Armstrong,
Holdings and the share exchange, but does not contain all information important
to you. You should read the more detailed information and consolidated
financial statements, including the related notes, appearing elsewhere in this
proxy statement, as well as the documents that have been incorporated by
reference.
The Armstrong Annual Meeting
Armstrong's annual meeting of shareholders will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday,
May 1, 2000, at Armstrong's principal executive offices, which are located at
2500 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Holders of Armstrong common
stock at the close of business on February 18, 2000, are entitled to receive
notice of and to vote at the annual meeting. On that date there were 40,217,225
shares outstanding. The purpose of the annual meeting is to:
. elect three directors for terms expiring in 2003;
. approve three terms of Armstrong's Management Achievement Plan;
. approve the plan of share exchange by which Armstrong will establish a
holding company; and
. take action on any other matters properly brought before the meeting.
The Companies
Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
Armstrong designs, manufactures and markets:
. floor coverings;
. ceiling systems;
. wood flooring and cabinets; and
. insulation products.
Armstrong sells these products around the world for use in the finishing,
refurbishing, repair, modernization and construction of residential, commercial
and institutional buildings.
Armstrong Holdings, Inc.
Holdings was incorporated in Pennsylvania for the purpose of establishing a
holding company. It was formed for the purpose of becoming the parent holding
company of Armstrong following shareholder approval of the plan of exchange.
Holdings has not conducted any business and has only nominal assets. Its sole
shareholder is George A. Lorch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Armstrong. The principal executive offices of Holdings are at 2500 Columbia
Avenue, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17603. The offices will remain at that address
after the proposed exchange of Holdings stock for Armstrong stock is completed.
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PROPOSALS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
Proposal 1 - Election of Directors
Armstrong has a classified Board of Directors, currently consisting of ten
directors divided into three classes. These classes consist of three directors
whose terms will expire at the 2000 annual meeting, four directors whose terms
will expire at the 2001 annual meeting and three directors whose terms will
expire at the 2002 annual meeting.
The terms of three directors currently serving will expire in 2000. They are
nominated for re-election for terms to expire at the 2003 annual meeting:
. Van C. Campbell
. John A. Krol
. David W. Raisbeck
See page 7.
Proposal 2 - Approval of Three Terms of Armstrong's Management Achievement Plan
Five years ago, Armstrong shareholders approved performance criteria and other
provisions of this plan, which provides for cash compensation to Armstrong's
management based on performance. The law requires the performance criteria,
participant eligibility and the award maximum under the plan to be approved
every five years to allow Armstrong to deduct on its tax returns the full
amounts paid to Armstrong's five highest paid executive officers. We are again
seeking shareholder approval of these plan features, including these changes.
See page 25.
Proposal 3 - Establishment of Holding Company Structure
We propose to establish a holding company for Armstrong by exchanging all
current Armstrong common stock held by shareholders for the same number of
shares of a new corporation. This process will have no material effect on
shareholders, and share certificates will not need to be exchanged. See page
28.
The following questions and answers highlight selected information regarding the
proposed plan of exchange for Armstrong stock which will establish the holding
company. This summary may not contain all of the information that is important
to you. For more details about this proposal, please read carefully this entire
document, the attached exhibits and the documents incorporated by reference.
For example, the plan of exchange, which is attached as Exhibit A, provides
information about the exchange of stock. The Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws of the proposed holding company are also attached as Attachments 1 & 2 to
the plan of exchange.
1. WHAT IS A HOLDING COMPANY?
A holding company is a parent company that conducts no business operations
itself. It owns stock of operating subsidiaries and may own various
investments. Its sources of revenue are cash flow from its subsidiaries and
earnings on any investments it holds. Many public companies are organized as
holding companies. For example, many financial institutions, insurance
companies and utilities are organized as holding companies. Many other
companies also find this structure to be effective for their businesses,
including several in the building products and construction businesses.
2. EXPLAIN ARMSTRONG'S PROPOSAL TO FORM A HOLDING COMPANY.
This will take place through a plan of exchange. That is the name for the legal
transaction that will take place to exchange your shares of the current public
company, Armstrong World Industries, Inc., for shares in the new holding
company. Once that share exchange is completed, Armstrong's shareholders will
be shareholders of Holdings, and Holdings will be the parent company of
Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
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In the share exchange, all Armstrong common stock will be exchanged for Holdings
common stock on a share-for-share basis. For example, if you currently hold 100
shares of Armstrong common stock, after the exchange you will automatically hold
100 shares of Holdings common stock.
3. WHY IS ARMSTRONG PROPOSING THIS HOLDING COMPANY?
In today's business environment, a holding company structure will give Armstrong
financial and organizational flexibility to compete more effectively. It will
allow us to more efficiently complete future acquisitions and possible
divestitures. A holding company structure should also provide greater
flexibility in financings and developing new businesses. Specifically, it may
also allow us to:
. operate, evaluate and potentially finance some business units on a stand-
alone basis and, if equity market conditions permit, possibly support
separate capitalization and price/earnings ratios;
. provide increased organizational, managerial and financial flexibility
for our business units, and facilitate compensation of business unit
managers based on the equity of their particular business unit; and
. dispose of businesses that are not performing in accordance with our
requirements or which no longer have a strategic fit.
4. WHAT ARE SOME OTHER COMPANIES THAT ARE ORGANIZED AS HOLDING COMPANIES?
A number of companies in the building products and construction industries are
already organized as holding companies. These include Building Materials
Holding Corp., Zaring National Corporation and Eagle Supply Group Inc. Of
Armstrong's peer group companies, American Standard Companies Inc. and USG Corp.
are currently organized as holding companies.
Other examples of U.S. companies moving to a holding company structure in recent
years include PP&L Resources, Inc., Bank One Corporation, Northwest Airlines
Corp., FDX Corp., IPC Information Systems Inc., American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
and Payless Shoesource, Inc. International companies like Mitsubishi and Toyota
of Japan also publicly announced within the past year that they plan to move to
a holding company structure which is now allowed in Japan.
5. WHAT WILL I RECEIVE FROM THE HOLDING COMPANY?
Nothing will be sent to you. You will not need to send in your stock
certificates for exchange. Each share of Armstrong stock you hold now will be
automatically converted into one equivalent share of the holding company. Your
proportionate ownership interest will not change as a result of the
reorganization.
6. WHEN DO YOU EXPECT THE HOLDING COMPANY TO BE IN PLACE?
As soon as possible following approval at the May 1, 2000, shareholder meeting.
7. WHERE WILL HOLDINGS COMMON STOCK BE TRADED? WHAT WILL BE THE TICKER SYMBOL?
Armstrong's common stock is currently traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the
Pacific Stock Exchange and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange under the symbol ACK.
The new holding company common stock will be listed on those same exchanges and
trade under the same ticker symbol.
8. WHO WILL MANAGE THE HOLDING COMPANY?
The directors of our current public company will become the directors of
Holdings. Some officers of the current company will become officers of the
holding company. After the transaction is complete, the officers and directors
of the current company may change as a result of its new status as a wholly-
owned operating company.
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9. WILL THE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OF THE HOLDING COMPANY BE DIFFERENT FROM
ARMSTRONG CURRENTLY?
No. Its capital structure and home state will be identical. Its Bylaws will be
identical. Its Articles of Incorporation will be identical, except that an
obsolete series of preferred stock will be eliminated. Holdings' board of
directors and board committees will be structured the same way as those of the
current public company.
10. WILL THE HOLDING COMPANY HAVE NEW "ANTI-TAKEOVER" PROTECTION?
No. There are no "anti-takeover" measures being introduced through this
transaction. That is not its purpose. The holding company will have the same
shareholder protection "anti-takeover" measures as the current company.
11. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE OPERATIONS, ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND LEGAL
OBLIGATIONS OF ARMSTRONG?
The holding company structure will not impact any of these items. All of
Armstrong's current operations and assets will remain with Armstrong or a
subsidiary. The liabilities and legal obligations of Armstrong will remain with
Armstrong and will not be assumed by Holdings through the plan of exchange.
12. WHAT ARE THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO ARMSTRONG SHAREHOLDERS?
Basically none. For U.S. shareholders, this transaction will have no federal
tax consequences. The exchange of Armstrong common stock for Holdings common
stock will be tax-free to Armstrong shareholders for federal income tax
purposes. To review the tax consequences in greater detail, see page 36.
You should consult your tax advisor for a full understanding of any state, local
and other tax consequences the plan of exchange may have for you.
13. WILL MY DIVIDENDS BE AFFECTED?
No. This transaction, in and of itself, will have no effect on Armstrong's
dividend policy. Future dividends on Holdings common stock will depend on the
earnings, financial condition and capital requirements of Holdings and its
subsidiaries. Holdings will be dependent on cash flow from the current company
and any other subsidiaries, plus its investments, for any dividends Holdings may
pay to shareholders.
14. HOW WILL MY PARTICIPATION IN THE DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN BE AFFECTED?
The Dividend Reinvestment Plan will be amended to become Holdings' plan. Shares
of Armstrong common stock held under the Plan will be automatically exchanged
for an equal number of shares of Holdings common stock. Accounts in the Plan
will be credited for fractional shares.
15. SHOULD I SEND IN MY STOCK CERTIFICATES FOR EXCHANGE NOW?
No. You will not need to send in your certificates at all. When the holding
company is in place, however, you may exchange your current stock certificates
for new ones if you wish.
16. WHOM CAN I CALL IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
You are welcome to call Armstrong at (717) 396-2216.
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Armstrong has a classified Board of Directors, currently consisting of ten
directors divided into three classes. These classes consist of three directors
whose terms will expire at the 2000 annual meeting, four directors whose terms
will expire at the 2001 annual meeting, and three directors whose terms will
expire at the 2002 annual meeting.
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The persons named on the accompanying proxy card have advised Armstrong that
they intend to vote the proxies they receive for the election of the Board
nominees. If a nominee refuses or is unable to serve as a director, the persons
named on the accompanying proxy card intend to vote for the election of any
other persons who may be nominated by the Board. The persons listed on the
proxy card also intend to exercise cumulative voting rights to elect as many of
the Board nominees as possible.
The Board has nominated the persons identified below for the election as
directors.
NOMINEES FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE IN 2003
[PHOTO OF VAN C. CAMPBELL APPEARS HERE]
VAN C. CAMPBELL
Former Vice Chairman, Corning Incorporated
Member -- Audit Committee and Finance Committee (Chairman)
Director since 1991 Age 61
Mr. Campbell graduated from Cornell University and holds an MBA degree from
Harvard University. He retired in 1999 as Vice Chairman of Corning Incorporated
(glass and ceramic products) and a member of its Board of Directors. He also
serves on the Boards of Dow Corning Corporation, Covance Inc., and Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated. Mr. Campbell is a Trustee of the Corning Museum of
Glass.
[PHOTO OF JOHN A. KROL APPEARS HERE]
JOHN A. KROL
Former Chairman of the Board, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
Member -- Board Affairs and Governance Committee and Management Development and
Compensation Committee
Director since February 1998 Age 63
Mr. Krol is a graduate of Tufts University where he also received a master's
degree in chemistry. From 1997 until his retirement in 1998, he was Chairman of
the Board of DuPont (chemicals, fibers, petroleum, life sciences and diversified
businesses), which he joined in 1963, and where he also served as Chief
Executive Officer (1995-1998), President (1995-1997), Vice Chairman (1992-1995),
and Senior Vice President of DuPont Fibers (1990-1992). He is a director of
Mead Corporation, J.P. Morgan & Co. and Milliken & Company. Mr. Krol also
serves on the Boards of Trustees of the Tufts University and the University of
Delaware, and the corporate liaison board of the American Chemical Society. He
is on the advisory Boards of Teijin Limited and Bechtel Corporation. He is a
trustee of the Hagley Museum and the U.S. Council for International Business.
He is also president of GEM: The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for
Minorities in Engineering and Science, Inc.
[PHOTO OF DAVID W. RAISBECK APPEARS HERE]
DAVID W. RAISBECK
Vice Chairman, Cargill, Incorporated
Member -- Audit Committee and Finance Committee
Director since 1997 Age 50
Mr. Raisbeck is a graduate of Iowa State University and the executive MBA
program at the University of Southern California. He joined Cargill,
Incorporated (agricultural trading and processing businesses) in 1971 and has
held a variety of merchandising and management positions focused primarily in
the commodity and the financial trading
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businesses. Mr. Raisbeck was elected President of Cargill's Trading Sector in
June 1993, a director of Cargill's Board in August 1994, Executive Vice
President in August 1995 and Vice Chairman in November 1999. He is a member of
the Executive Committee and the ESOP Committee of the Cargill Board. Mr.
Raisbeck is a member of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Minneapolis Grain
Exchange. He is a governor of the Iowa State University Foundation and a member
of the Dean's Advisory Council for the College of Business at Iowa State
University. He serves on the board of the Greater Minneapolis YMCA.
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERM EXPIRES IN 2001
[PHOTO OF JUDITH R. HABERKORN APPEARS HERE]
JUDITH R. HABERKORN
President - Consumer Sales and Service, Bell Atlantic
Member -- Board Affairs and Governance Committee and Management Development and
Compensation Committee
Director since July 1998 Age 53
Ms. Haberkorn is a graduate of Briarcliff (N.Y.) College and completed the
Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. In 1998, she became
President - Consumer Sales & Service for Bell Atlantic (telecommunications).
She previously served as President - Public & Operator Services (1997-1998),
also at Bell Atlantic, and Vice President - Material Management (1990-1997) for
NYNEX Telesector Resources Group (telecommunications). Ms. Haberkorn is a
director of Enesco Corporation and serves on the advisory board of Norfolk
Southern. She is chair of the Committee of 200, The International Women's Forum
and The Harvard Business School Network of Women Alumnae. She is a Vice
President Emerita of the Harvard Business School Alumni Advisory Board, a
director of the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations and a member of
the advisory board of The Enterprise Foundation.
[PHOTO OF DAVID M. LEVAN APPEARS HERE]
DAVID M. LEVAN
Former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Conrail, Inc.
Member -- Board Affairs and Governance Committee and Management Development and
Compensation Committee
Director since February 1998 Age 54
Mr. LeVan is a graduate of Gettysburg College and the Harvard University
Advanced Management Program. From May 1996 until his retirement in August 1998,
he served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Conrail (rail
freight transportation), which he joined in 1978, and where he also served as
Chief Operating Officer (1994-1996), Executive Vice President (1993-1994), and
in various Senior Vice President positions (1990-1993). Mr. LeVan is a member
of the Board of Trustees of Gettysburg College. He is also a member of the
Board of the Philadelphia Fire Department Historical Corporation.
[PHOTO OF JAMES E. MARLEY APPEARS HERE]
JAMES E. MARLEY
Former Chairman of the Board, AMP Incorporated
Member -- Audit Committee (Chairman) and Finance Committee
Director since 1988 Age 64
9
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Mr. Marley is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and earned a master's
degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University. From 1993 until his
retirement (August 1998), he served as Chairman of the Board of AMP Incorporated
(electrical/electronic connection devices), which he joined in 1963 and where he
served as President and Chief Operating Officer (1990-1992) and President (1986-
1990). He also serves on the Board of Meritor Automotive, Inc.
[PHOTO OF JERRE L. STEAD APPEARS HERE]
JERRE L. STEAD
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ingram Micro, Inc.
Member -- Board Affairs and Governance Committee and Management Development and
Compensation Committee (Chairman)
Director since 1992 Age 57
Mr. Stead is a graduate of the University of Iowa and was a participant in the
Advanced Management Program, Harvard Business School. On September 1, 1996, he
became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ingram Micro, Inc. (technology
products and services). During 1995, he served as Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Legent Corporation (integrated product and service software
solutions) until its sale late in 1995. He was Executive Vice President,
American Telephone and Telegraph Company (telecommunications) and Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of AT&T Global Information Solutions (computers and
communicating), formerly NCR Corp. (1993-1994). He was President of AT&T Global
Business Communications Systems (communications) (1991-1993) and Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer (1989-1991) and President (1987-1989) of
Square D Company (industrial control and electrical distribution products). In
addition, he held numerous positions during a 21-year career at Honeywell. He
is a Director of Thomas & Betts and Conexant Systems, Inc.
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERM EXPIRES IN 2002
[PHOTO OF H. JESSE ARNELLE APPEARS HERE]
H. JESSE ARNELLE
Of Counsel
Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice
Member -- Audit Committee and Finance Committee
Director since 1995 Age 66
Mr. Arnelle is Of Counsel with the law firm of Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice
since October 1997 and former senior partner and co-founder of Arnelle, Hastie,
McGee, Willis & Greene, a San Francisco-based corporate law firm from which he
retired in 1996. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and the
Dickinson School of Law. Armstrong has retained Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and
Rice for many years, including 1999. Mr. Arnelle served as Vice Chairman (1992-
1995) and Chairman (1996-1998) of the Board of Trustees of the Pennsylvania
State University. He serves on the Boards of Waste Management, Inc., FPL Group,
Inc., Eastman Chemical Company, Textron, Inc., Union Pacific Resources and
Gannett Corporation.
[PHOTO OF DONALD C. CLARK APPEARS HERE]
DONALD C. CLARK
Former Chairman of the Board, Household International, Inc.
Member -- Board Affairs and Governance Committee (Chairman) and Management
Development and Compensation Committee
10
<PAGE>
Director since 1996 Age 68
Mr. Clark is a graduate of Clarkson University and Northwestern University where
he earned his MBA degree. He joined Household International, Inc. (consumer
financial services) in 1955 and, after holding a number of managerial and
executive positions, was elected Chief Executive Officer in 1982 and Chairman of
the Board in 1984. In 1994, he relinquished the title of Chief Executive
Officer and retired as a Director and Chairman of the Board in May 1996, as a
result of reaching Household's mandatory retirement age for employee directors.
Mr. Clark is a life trustee of Northwestern University and Chairman of the Board
of Trustees of Clarkson University. He is also a Director of Warner-Lambert
Company, PMI Group, Inc. and a life director of Evanston Northwestern
Healthcare.
[PHOTO OF GEORGE A. LORCH APPEARS HERE]
GEORGE A. LORCH
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Armstrong
Director since 1988 Age 58
Mr. Lorch is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He began his
Armstrong association in 1963. He has served as the Company's Chairman of the
Board since April 1994. Prior to his election as President and Chief Executive
Officer in September 1993, he served as Executive Vice President from 1988.
After various assignments in marketing with Armstrong and an Armstrong
subsidiary (1963-1983), he served as Group Vice President for Carpet Operations
(1983 to 1988). Mr. Lorch is also a Director of Household International, Inc.,
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company and Warner-Lambert Company. He is a member of The
Business Roundtable. He is also a member of the Conference Board and The
Pennsylvania Business Roundtable, serving on the policy committee.
The Board of Directors of Armstrong recommends that shareholders vote FOR the
election of each of the Board's nominees.
DIRECTOR ATTENDANCE AT BOARD MEETINGS
During 1999, the Board of Directors held eight meetings. The Audit, Board
Affairs and Governance, Management and Development and Compensation, and Finance
Committees held a total of thirteen meetings. Each director attended at least
75% of the meetings of the Board and Board Committees of which they were a
member.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Nonemployee Directors
Armstrong pays directors who are not employees a retainer of $20,000 per year.
In addition, nonemployee directors receive $1,000 for each Board and Committee
(other than Executive Committee) meeting attended. Nonemployee members of the
Executive Committee receive an annual fee of $3,000. Armstrong also pays $1,000
per day plus reasonable expenses to directors for special assignments in
connection with Board activity. Additionally, Armstrong pays an annual fee of
$3,000 to each Committee chairman.
Armstrong does not separately compensate directors who are officers or employees
of Armstrong for services rendered as a director.
Discontinuation of Director's Retirement Benefits
In 1995, the Board discontinued the Directors Retirement Income Plan for
directors who joined the Board after January 1, 1996. The four current directors
who were then eligible for participation in the plan subsequently elected to opt
out of participation. Consequently, no current director is eligible to
participate in this plan. Under the plan, if a director attained six years of
Board service, the director qualified for retirement benefits after leaving the
Board. The annual retirement benefit equals the Board retainer in effect on the
date of termination. The benefit is payable
11
<PAGE>
for a period equal to the length of the director's Board service, but ceases
upon a director's death. Messrs. Arnelle, Campbell, Marley and Stead elected to
discontinue plan participation and waive their right to accrued benefits. As a
result, they became eligible to receive phantom shares of Armstrong common
stock. They each received an annual award of 200 phantom shares on January 1,
1996, and continue to receive 200 phantom shares every January 1 until attaining
12 years of Board service. In addition, they each received a phantom share award
to replace the value of the accrued benefit the director elected to forfeit.
This award was the greater of (1) 200 shares times the number of full years of
Board service as of January 1, 1996, or (2) the number of shares whose fair
market value as of January 1, 1996, equaled the present value of benefits
accrued under the Directors' Retirement Income Plan.
Directors joining the Board after January 1, 1996, are eligible to receive an
annual award of 200 phantom shares until the director attains 12 years of Board
service.
Restricted Stock Plan for Nonemployee Directors
All nonemployee directors participate in the Restricted Stock Plan for Non-
Employee Directors. Under this plan, each nonemployee director receives an
annual award of 200 shares of restricted common stock upon becoming a director.
Thereafter, the director receives annual awards of 400 shares of restricted
common stock on July 1, 1999 and 2000; and 500 shares on July 1, 2001, and
thereafter. Armstrong's shareholders have approved this award schedule.
The plan restricts the transferability of the shares and imposes a forfeiture of
the shares under certain conditions, including if the director is not nominated
for reelection to the Board. Subject to these forfeiture provisions, each
nonemployee director has the right to receive dividends on, and has voting power
with respect to, the shares.
Nonstatutory Stock Option Alternatives
Beginning in 1998, each director could elect to receive nonstatutory stock
options instead of receiving other forms of compensation. Each year, a director
may separately elect to receive stock options in lieu of each of the following
year's: (1) scheduled cash payments; (2) phantom share award; and (3) award of
common stock under the Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors. This
election must be made not later than December 1 in the year preceding the
payment year.
The resulting stock options: (1) are granted at fair market value; (2) have a
ten-year option term; (3) are immediately exercisable; and (4) are transferable
for the benefit of an immediate family member.
For 1999, the following directors elected to receive the following stock options
in lieu of other compensation: Mr. Campbell----1,910; Mr. Clark----3,780; Ms.
Haberkorn----1,720; Mr. Krol----1,720; Mr. LeVan----3,620; and Mr. Stead----
1,870.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
The Board has adopted stock ownership guidelines for nonemployee directors.
These guidelines require a nonemployee director to acquire Armstrong shares
(including phantom shares and deferred stock units) equal to five times the
annual Board retainer (currently $20,000), or $100,000 worth of common stock.
Directors must meet this guideline within five years of notification. As of
February 15, 2000, six of the nine nonemployee directors met this stock
ownership guideline.
BOARD COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors has several committees, including an Audit Committee, a
Management Development and Compensation Committee and a Board Affairs and
Governance Committee. The functions of these committees are described in the
following paragraphs. The Board also has an Executive Committee, a Finance
Committee and a special committee charged with oversight of matters involving
Armstrong's asbestos tort and related insurance recovery litigation. Each of
these committees met several times in 1999. All committees receive their
authority and assignments from the Board and report directly to the Board.
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<PAGE>
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee oversees the accounting and internal financial control
matters of Armstrong. The committee recommends the employment of independent
public accountants to audit Armstrong's financial statements. The committee
also reviews: (1) the scope and results of the independent auditors' activities
and the fees proposed and charged by the independent auditors; (2) the scope and
results of Armstrong's internal audit activities; (3) the travel and
entertainment expenses of Armstrong's officers; and (4) the financial
activities, financial position and related financial reports of Armstrong.
AUDIT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: James E. Marley (Chairman); H. Jesse Arnelle; Van C.
Campbell and David W. Raisbeck.
MEETINGS HELD LAST YEAR: Five.
Management Development and Compensation Committee
The Management Development and Compensation Committee reviews the annual
compensation of all directors who are officers of Armstrong. The committee also
(1) oversees the compensation plans of Armstrong's senior officers; (2)
periodically reviews the management development plans, the salary and incentive
compensation plans and the administration of those plans covering Armstrong's
salaried employees; (3) reviews senior management succession plans; and (4)
administers Armstrong's various incentive plans, including the Long-Term
Incentive Plan.
MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Jerre L. Stead
(Chairman); Donald C. Clark; Judith R. Haberkorn; John A. Krol and David M.
LeVan
MEETINGS HELD LAST YEAR: Three.
Board Affairs and Governance Committee
The Board Affairs and Governance Committee oversees the development, performance
and effective functioning of the Board. Specifically, the committee reviews and
recommends new director candidates for consideration by the entire Board. The
committee also recommends director nominees for election at the annual
shareholders' meeting and considers candidates recommended by the shareholders.
To recommend a candidate, a shareholder should send the candidate's name to
Deborah K. Owen, Secretary of Armstrong, at the address shown on the first page
of this proxy statement. The committee supports the Board in conducting its
annual assessment of Board effectiveness and periodic evaluations of individual
directors. Additionally, the committee reviews matters concerning nonemployee
director's compensation and administers the Restricted Stock Plan for Non-
Employee Directors. The committee also oversees Armstrong's policies on
environmental, health, safety, equal employment opportunity and general
diversity issues.
BOARD AFFAIRS AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Donald C. Clark (Chairman);
Judith R. Haberkorn; John A. Krol; David M. LeVan and Jerre L. Stead.
MEETINGS HELD LAST YEAR: Three.
DIRECTORS' AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS' STOCK OWNERSHIP
The following table shows the amount of Armstrong stock that each director (and
nominee), each individual named in the Summary Compensation Table and all
directors and executive officers owned as a group. The ownership rights in
these shares consist of sole voting and investment power, except where otherwise
indicated. This information is as of February 15, 2000.
13
<PAGE>
COMMON STOCK AND STOCK-BASED HOLDINGS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Stock Options
Exercisable Total Beneficial Deferred
Name Stock/1/ Within 60 Days Ownership Stock Units/2/
- ---- -------- -------------- --------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
H. Jesse Arnelle 1,817 0 1,817 1,384
Van C. Campbell 1,800 3,320 5,120 3,883
Donald C. Clark 3,970 6,520 10,490 1,560
Judith R. Haberkorn 719 1,720 2,439 916
John A. Krol 2,415 2,990 5,405 408
David M. LeVan 5,213 6,240 11,453 93
George A. Lorch 67,481 426,879 494,360 14,761
James E. Marley 2,604 1,410 4,014 5,326
Marc R. Olivie 5,473 57,866 63,339 6,263
David W. Raisbeck 2,443 0 2,443 2,425
Frank A. Riddick III 25,543 134,518 160,061 1,553
Floyd F. Sherman 5000 28,999 33,999 0
Jerre L. Stead 4,219 3,260 7,479 1,744
Robert J. Shannon Jr. 12,943 88,065 101,808 3,795
Directors, nominees and executive 197,970 900,199 1,097,929 48,996
officers as a group (21 persons)
</TABLE>
/1/ Includes the following shares held by each nonemployee director under
Armstrong's Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors: H. Jesse Arnelle--
1,400; Van C. Campbell -- 1,600; Donald C. Clark -- 700; Judith R. Haberkorn--
600; John A. Krol -- 900; David M. LeVan -- 200; James E. Marley -- 2,100; David
W. Raisbeck -- 900; and Jerre L. Stead -- 1,900. Each director holds voting but
not investment power in these shares. The directors may also forfeit their
rights to these shares in certain events.
Includes the following shares which may be deemed to be owned by the employee
through the employee stock ownership accounts of Armstrong's Retirement Savings
and Stock Ownership Plan ("RSSOP"): George A. Lorch -- 2,320; Frank A. Riddick
III -- 809; Robert J. Shannon Jr. -- 1,339; Marc R. Olivie -- 778 ; and
executive officers as a group -- 9,764. Each of the above individuals and each
member of the group holds shared voting power with Armstrong and no investment
power with respect to these shares.
Includes the following shares indirectly owned and held in the savings accounts
of the RSSOP accounts of the following individuals: George A. Lorch -- 783;
Frank A. Riddick III -- 1,094; Robert J. Shannon Jr. -- 212; and Marc R.
Olivie -- 120.
Includes the following shares indirectly owned and held in the Bonus Replacement
Retirement Plan accounts: Marc R. Olivie -- 418.
Mr. Lorch also owns 68 shares with his wife. He holds shared voting and
investment power in these shares. Included also are 100 shares Jerre L. Stead
owns jointly with his wife and 1,500 shares David W. Raisbeck owns jointly with
his wife.
With respect to executive officers other than the named individuals, the group
amount includes 917 shares owned indirectly through the savings accounts of the
RSSOP.
/2/ Includes phantom shares held in a stock subaccount under the Armstrong
Deferred Compensation Plan. The participants have no voting or investment
power.
For each director, except Mr. Lorch, the shares listed under the "Total
Beneficial Ownership" column represent less than 1.0% ownership of the
outstanding shares on February 15, 2000. For Mr. Lorch, the shares listed
represent 1.23% ownership of the outstanding shares on February 15, 2000. All
current directors and executive officers as a group beneficially own 2.73% of
the outstanding shares on February 15, 2000.
14
<PAGE>
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") regulations require Armstrong's
directors and executive officers, and any persons beneficially owning more than
ten percent of Armstrong's common stock to report to the SEC their ownership of
their securities and any changes in that ownership. SEC regulations also
require these persons to furnish Armstrong with copies of these reports. The
proxy rules require Armstrong to report any failure to timely file those reports
in the previous fiscal year.
Based solely upon review of copies of reports furnished to Armstrong and written
representations from Armstrong's directors and executive officers that no other
reports were required, Armstrong believes that all of these filing requirements
were satisfied by Armstrong's directors and executive officers during 1999.
MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT & COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Overview
The Management Development and Compensation Committee establishes Armstrong's
overall philosophy and policies governing the compensation programs for
management. Armstrong regularly reviews the competitiveness of its executive
compensation program. The major elements of the program are:
. base salary;
. annual incentive;
. long-term incentives;
. employee benefits; and
. perquisites.
Armstrong assesses the competitiveness of its program by comparing the total
value of the program elements to the compensation programs of a selected group
of 20 other leading manufacturing companies with comparable sales revenue.
Executive Compensation Principles and Philosophy
The design of Armstrong's executive compensation program is based on the
following principles:
. The level and mixture of compensation opportunity must attract, retain and
motivate the caliber of executive talent vital to Armstrong's continued
success.
. The total compensation opportunity will include at-risk incentive
compensation that is conditioned on the attainment of performance goals
directly related to increasing the long-term value of Armstrong and
achieving superior levels of total shareholder return.
. Armstrong executives are required to own specified amounts of Armstrong
common stock. This requirement aligns the interests of the persons most
directly responsible for Armstrong's performance with the interests of the
shareholders.
Annual Compensation
Armstrong administers base salaries on a "pay for performance" philosophy. Each
year, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) prepares a salary
recommendation for each of Armstrong's senior officers. The recommendation
takes into account the officers' performance and contributions to Armstrong.
The committee reviews the recommendations and, subject to agreed-upon
modifications, approves the base salary levels for the
15
<PAGE>
senior officers of Armstrong. The committee recommends to the Board of Directors
for approval the annual base salary of all officers who are directors of
Armstrong.
Armstrong's primary annual incentive plan is the Management Achievement Plan.
Under that plan, a participant can earn cash awards in relation to the
attainment of corporate and business unit goals. A specific weighting is
assigned to each of the applicable achievement segments. Each participant has a
targeted annual incentive award which is expressed as a percentage of base
salary earnings. The annual incentive opportunity varies with each
participant's level of responsibility.
Over the past five years, Economic Value Added (EVA(R)) has served as
Armstrong's principal financial measure and was the basis for determining awards
under the Management Achievement Plan for 1999. EVA(R) is the dollar amount
equal to net operating profit after taxes minus the cost of the capital needed
to generate that profit. For the corporate and business unit achievement
segments, there are threshold levels of EVA(R) performance below which no
incentive awards are paid. EVA(R) calculations exclude financial activity
related to the asbestos liability claims, while reorganization charges are
treated as investments upon which a return must be earned. A plan participant
earns incremental awards for higher levels of EVA(R) achievement. For 1999, the
incentive awards for the Chairman and CEO and the Senior Vice President, Finance
and Chief Financial Officer were based entirely on corporate EVA(R) achievement.
The incentive awards for all other executive officers were based solely on
corporate and business unit EVA(R) goal achievement.
EVA(R) has been instrumental in changing employee behavior to focus efforts on
generating returns in excess of the company's EVA(R) cost of capital. The use
of EVA(R) as a financial measure has provided a consistent framework for
decisions concerning acquisitions, divestitures, capital investments, cost
efficiency and operations and asset management, which have contributed to cash
flow. Beginning in 2000, the committee has decided to supplement EVA(R) with
other performance measures that are also directly aligned with investor
evaluations of the company's financial performance. These additional
performance measures will include earnings and income.
Payments under the Management Achievement Plan are based on performance. When
Armstrong and the participant achieve high levels of corporate, business unit
and individual performance, a participant's cash compensation (base salary plus
annual bonus) should exceed the median level of cash compensation for the
selected group of comparison companies. Conversely, when performance falls
short of established targets, a participant's cash compensation will fall below
the median level of cash compensation of the selected group.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
Armstrong's Long-Term Incentive Plan provides for the grant of stock options,
performance restricted shares, restricted stock awards, stock awards and cash
awards. Each year, the committee reviews and, if appropriate, authorizes long-
term incentive grants under the plan. In 1999, the committee granted stock
options at the fair market value of Armstrong's common stock on the date of the
grant. In determining the number of stock options granted to management, the
committee reviewed a number of factors. These factors included: position
levels; the targeted amounts of the long-term incentive award for selected
participants; individual performance; employment retention; and the number of
shares available for issuance under the plan. If the stock price increases
significantly, participants stand to realize commensurate rewards and the
opportunity to increase their stock ownership positions by exercising their
options.
None of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table received
performance restricted share grants in 1999. Armstrong grants restricted stock
awards to key employees for purposes of special recognition and employment
retention.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
In 1995, Armstrong adopted stock ownership guidelines which now apply to
approximately 90 senior executives. These guidelines establish expected levels
of Armstrong stock ownership (including deferred stock units) for executives.
Armstrong expects executives to meet the required ownership level within five
years of notification. This means that executives who were notified of the
guidelines at their inception in 1995 (including three of the
16
<PAGE>
officers named in the Summary Compensation Table) have until this year to
achieve their minimum levels of stock ownership. As of February 15, 2000, none
of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table met their
respective minimum levels of stock ownership due to the decline in the price of
Armstrong stock. When their ownership is valued at the average year-end stock
price over the past three years, Messrs. Lorch and Riddick would meet the
minimum stock ownership requirements. The ownership levels range from a value
equal to one times base salary for lower level executives to four times base
salary for the CEO. These ownership guidelines are intended to ensure that
senior executives will have a significant ownership stake in Armstrong. The
ownership stake provides an added incentive for the executives to focus on the
creation of long-term shareholder value.
Federal Tax Deductibility
The committee intends that all performance-based compensation be deductible for
federal income tax purposes. Armstrong believes that annual incentive payments
under the Management Achievement Plan and all outstanding stock option grants
will qualify as deductible compensation under the Internal Revenue Code.
CEO Compensation
Under Mr. Lorch's leadership, the Armstrong organization achieved the following
during 1999:
. Posted record sales and earnings from operations;
. Earned in excess of Armstrong's EVA(R) cost of capital for the sixth
straight year, an outstanding achievement by a manufacturing company. The
company's EVA(R) results, excluding the impact of the Triangle Pacific and
DLW acquisitions, increased by 80% from 1998 to 1999;
. Reduced Armstrong's outstanding debt by $249 million;
. Made substantial progress toward the successful integration of Triangle
Pacific Corporation and DLW. Sales for wood flooring grew at double digit
rates;
. Launched ToughGuard(TM), a new generation of vinyl flooring which provides
superior performance in resisting damage from ripping, gouging, tearing and
denting;
. Divested Armstrong's interests in a number of noncore businesses including
gaskets (sold 65% of Armstrong's ownership), textile products, office
furniture and sports flooring;
. Continued initiatives to attract and develop a high caliber management
team; and
. Initiated actions to build a sustainable "e-business" platform to optimize
Armstrong's market penetration and relationships with customers and
stakeholders, and drive sales growth.
Based on these business and financial achievements, and other relevant factors,
the committee approved Mr. Lorch's 1999 compensation as set forth in the Summary
Compensation Table on this page.
At target performance levels, less than 30% of the Chairman and CEO's total
direct compensation opportunity is fixed and represented by base salary. The
remainder is performance-based. The performance-based portion is comprised of
an annual cash incentive opportunity under the Management Achievement Plan and a
stock-based long-term incentive opportunity under the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Management Development and Compensation Committee
Jerre L. Stead, Chairman
Donald C. Clark
Judith R. Haberkorn
17
<PAGE>
John A. Krol
David M. LeVan
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS' COMPENSATION
The following table shows the compensation received by Armstrong's Chief
Executive Officer and the four other highest paid individuals who served as
executive officers during 1999. The data reflects compensation for services
rendered to Armstrong and its subsidiaries in each of the last three fiscal
years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE 1: SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
Other Securities LTIP
Annual Restricted Underlying Payouts All Other
Compensation Stock Options/ Payouts Compensa
Name and Principal Position Year Salary ($) Bonus ($) ($)/2/ Awards ($)/3/ SARs (#) ($)/4/ tion ($)/5/
- --------------------------- ---- ---------- --------- ------ ------------- -------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
G. A. Lorch 1999 792,500 $ 1,831,780 -- -- 115,000 -- 86,588
Chairman and 1998 752,500 1,007,339 -- -- 93,000 -- 64,247
Chief Executive Officer 1997 682,500 1,161,956 -- -- 18,000 183,437 66,892
F. F. Sherman 1999 518,750 $ 638,685 60,892 -- 37,000 -- 27,346
President, Wood Products 1998 360,772/1/ 310,660/1/ -- -- 50,000 -- 29,074
Operations
F. A. Riddick III 1999 390,000 $ 665,680 -- 254,688 40,000 -- 21,596
Senior Vice President, Finance 1998 354,000 364,448 -- -- 75,600 -- 11,249
and Chief Financial Officer 1997 330,000 449,460 -- -- 6,000 49,634 14,613
R. J. Shannon Jr. 1999 375,000 $ 481,050 -- -- 30,000 -- 39,353
President, Worldwide Floor 1998 354,000 92,784 -- -- 74,200 -- 19,439
Products Operations 1997 312,000 311,758 -- -- 11,000 -- 23,492
M.R. Olivie 1999 343,125 $ 362,147 -- -- 25,000 -- 33,708
President, Worldwide 1998 327,750 237,236 -- -- 20,300 -- 15,433
Building Products Operations 1997 309,000 406,011 70,411 -- 6,000 -- 17,490
</TABLE>
/1/ Mr. Sherman's employment with the company commenced July 24, 1998.
/2/ Except for income related to Messrs. Sherman and Olivie, the aggregate
value of personal benefits does not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of
combined salary and bonus. Mr. Sherman received a car allowance of $56,736. Mr.
Olivie received relocation income of $62,500 for 1997. In addition, Mr. Olivie
received a $400,000 interest-free bridge loan from Armstrong pursuant to
Armstrong's household relocation policy. The loan remained outstanding for a
six-month period during 1997 and has been repaid.
/3/ The restricted stock held by these executive officers includes performance
restricted shares earned under the 1993 and 1995 grants. The number and value of
shares of restricted stock held by each as of February 15, 2000, is as follows:
George A. Lorch -- 21,401 ($461,459); Frank A. Riddick III-- 15,633 ($337,087);
and Robert J. Shannon Jr. -- 7,120 ($153,525). All restrictions lapse upon a
change in control of Armstrong. In 1999, Mr. Riddick received a restricted stock
award of 5,000 shares ($254,688) in recognition of his contributions and to
serve to retain his employment. These shares vest and become free of
restrictions four years from the grant date.
<PAGE>
/4/ Performance restricted shares earned pursuant to the 1995 grant. The shares
are restricted for three years. George A. Lorch earned 2,454 shares and Frank A.
Riddick III earned 664 shares.
/5/ The amounts include the following above-market interest credited to each
individual's Armstrong Deferred Compensation Plan account: George A. Lorch --
$34,669; Floyd F. Sherman -- $122; Frank A. Riddick III -- $1,265; and Robert J.
Shannon Jr. -- $5,573.
Includes the following vested amounts in the Retirement Savings and Stock
Ownership Plan for members' Equity and Match Accounts: George A. Lorch --
$5,881; Frank A. Riddick III -- $4,695; Robert J. Shannon Jr. -- $4,545; and
Marc R. Olivie -- $5,353.
Includes the following amount of non-elective contribution by Armstrong to each
individual's Bonus Replacement Retirement Plan account: George A. Lorch --
$20,000; Frank A. Riddick III -- $11,500; Robert J. Shannon Jr. -- $20,000; and
Marc R. Olivie -- $20,000. This contribution results in a corresponding
reduction in the amount of the executive's Management Achievement Plan payment.
Includes the following present value costs of Armstrong's portion of 1999
premiums for split-dollar life insurance: George A. Lorch -- $26,038; Frank A.
Riddick III -- $4,136; Robert J. Shannon Jr. -- $9,235; and Marc R. Olivie --
$8,355. The executives waived future participation in the Armstrong-paid group
term life insurance program as a condition to participate in the split-dollar
life insurance program.
Mr. Sherman had taxable income of $27,224 related to life insurance benefits
provided by Triangle Pacific Corp.
Change in Control Agreements
Armstrong has entered into change in control agreements with a group of senior
executives, including the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation
Table. These agreements provide severance benefits in the event of a change in
control of Armstrong. The severance benefits are payable if the executive is
involuntarily terminated or terminates employment for good reason within three
years following a change in control. Involuntary termination does not include
termination for cause, death or disability. Good reason to terminate employment
exists if there are significant changes in the nature of employment following
the change in control. For example, a reduction in compensation, a change in
responsibility or a relocation of the place of employment would constitute
significant changes. For the most senior officers, the agreement includes a
provision where the executive can choose to terminate employment for any reason
during the thirty-day period beginning twelve months following a qualifying
change in control and receive the severance benefits. The qualifying change in
control must meet the change in control definitions in (2) and (3) shown below.
The purpose of the agreements is to foster the continued employment of key
executives in the face of a possible change in control of Armstrong. The
agreement has an automatic renewal feature, meaning that the agreements will
continue in effect unless either Armstrong or the executive elects not to extend
the agreement.
For purposes of these agreements, change in control includes the following: (1)
acquisition by a person (excluding certain qualified owners) of beneficial
ownership of 20% or more of Armstrong's common stock; (2) change in the
composition of the Board, so that existing Board members and their approved
successors do not constitute a majority of the Board; (3) consummation of a
merger or consolidation of Armstrong, unless shareholders of voting securities
immediately prior to the merger or consolidation continue to hold 66-2/3% or
more of the voting securities of the resulting entity; and (4) shareholder
approval of a liquidation or dissolution of Armstrong or sale of all or
substantially all of Armstrong's assets.
Severance benefits under the agreements depend on the position the executive
holds, but generally include: (1) a lump sum severance payment equal to two or
three times the sum of (a) the officer's annual base salary, and (b) the
officer's highest annual bonus earned in the three years prior to termination or
prior to a change in control; (2) continuation of life, disability, accident and
health insurance benefits for three years following termination; (3) payment of
remaining premium payments for split-dollar life insurance policies; (4)
enhanced retirement benefits payable as a lump sum; (5) full reimbursement for
the payment of excise taxes; and (6) payment of legal fees in connection with a
good faith dispute involving the agreement.
19
<PAGE>
Employment Agreement
Armstrong entered into a five-year employment agreement with George A. Lorch,
effective as of December 13, 1999, in which Mr. Lorch agreed to serve as
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Armstrong at an
initial base salary of not less than $800,000 per year. The employment
agreement is automatically renewed for an additional one-year term on the second
anniversary of the date of the agreement and each successive anniversary, unless
notice not to extend the period is provided at least 180 days prior to the
anniversary date. If Armstrong terminates Mr. Lorch's employment without
"cause" or if Mr. Lorch terminates his employment for "good reason," Mr. Lorch
is entitled to receive a lump-sum cash payment equal to three times his salary
(including bonus) and continuation of certain benefits. If Mr. Lorch receives
benefits under his change in control agreement, he is not entitled to severance
benefits under the employment agreement. Mr. Lorch's employment agreement also
contains a noncompetition provision which bars him from competing with Armstrong
for a period of two years following his termination. The Agreement also
provides Mr. Lorch with the opportunity to participate in all short-term and
long-term incentive plans offered by Armstrong, including providing Mr. Lorch
with an annual bonus based on performance.
Severance Pay Plan for Salaried Employees
Armstrong adopted the Severance Pay Plan for Salaried Employees in 1990. This
plan is designed to cushion the effects of unemployment for certain salaried
employees. The benefits are payable if a covered employee is terminated by
Armstrong under certain circumstances. All salaried employees of Armstrong,
including the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, except
for Mr. Sherman, are eligible to participate in the plan. A participant will be
entitled to severance pay if Armstrong terminates that person and an exclusion
does not apply. The employee is not entitled to severance pay if the reason for
the termination is the following: (1) voluntary separation; (2) the employee
accepts employment with the successor organization in connection with the sale
of a plant, unit, division or subsidiary; or (3) the employee rejects the offer
of a similar position with comparable compensation in the same geographic area,
made by Armstrong or its successor organization.
Under the plan, the amount of the payment is based on the employee's length of
service, reason for termination and cash compensation level. The amount of the
payment ranges from a minimum of two weeks' pay to a maximum of 52 weeks' pay.
Subject to certain limitations, benefits may be paid by salary continuation or
lump-sum payments. A participant may also choose a combination of periodic and
lump-sum payments. The Severance Pay Committee retains the right to depart from
the severance pay schedule where factors justify an upward or downward
adjustment in the level of benefits. In no event may the severance benefit
exceed 104 weeks' pay.
TABLE 2: OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth information regarding the grant of stock options
during 1999 under Armstrong's Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan to each of the
named executives:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Individual Grants
Percent of Total
Securities Options/SARs
Underlying Granted To Exercise Or Grant Date
Options/SARs Employees In Base Price Present
Name Granted/1/ (#) Fiscal Year ($/share) Expiration Date Value/2/($)
- ---- -------------- ----------- --------- --------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
G. A. Lorch 115,000 14.1% 50.9375 2/22/09 1,106,300
F. F. Sherman 37,000 4.5% 50.9375 2/22/09 355,940
F. A. Riddick III 40,000 4.9% 50.9375 2/22/09 384,800
R. J. Shannon Jr. 30,000 3.7% 50.9375 2/22/09 288,600
M. R. Olivie 25,000 3.0% 50.9375 2/22/09 240,500
</TABLE>
20
<PAGE>
/1/ These options become exercisable in equal installments at one, two and
three years from the date of grant. The exceptions are in the case of death or
disability and a defined change in control event. All stock options become
exercisable immediately upon a change in control of Armstrong.
/2/ In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission rules, the numbers in
the column titled "Grant Date Present Value" were determined using the Black-
Scholes model. These are not Armstrong's predictions. However, the following
material assumptions and adjustments were necessary: (1) an option term of five
years; (2) a volatility of 28%; (3) a dividend yield of 3.77%; (4) a risk-free
interest rate of 5.32%; and (5) a reduction of 17% to reflect the possibility
that the above stock options will be forfeited prior to the expiration date.
The ultimate value of the options will depend on the future market price of
Armstrong's stock. Armstrong cannot forecast this value with any reasonable
certainty.
TABLE 3: AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
The following table sets forth information regarding the exercise of stock
options during 1999 and the unexercised options held as of the end of 1999 by
each of the named executives:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Value Securities
Realized Underlying Unexercised Value of Unexercised,
(market price Options/SARs In-The-Money Options/
Shares at exercise At Fiscal Year-End SARs At Fiscal Year-End
Acquired On less exercise (#) ($)
Exercise price) ---------------------------------------------------------
Name (#) ($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ---- --- --- ------------- ------------- ----------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
G. A. Lorch 5,700 78,375 351,546 266,334 74,575 0
F. F. Sherman 0 0 16,666 70,334 0 0
F. A. Riddick III 0 0 93,985 125,735 0 0
R. J. Shannon Jr. 1,020 17,468 57,998 99,802 20,563 0
M. R. Olivie 0 0 40,766 60,534 0 0
</TABLE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return/1/
Among Armstrong Common Stock, the S&P 500 Index and a Peer Group Index
The following graph compares the cumulative total return, including reinvestment
of dividends, among Armstrong's common stock, a broad equity market index and a
peer group index:
21
<PAGE>
[GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Armstrong World Industries Peer Group Index/2/ S&P 500
- --- -------------------------- ------------------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1994 $100 $100 $100
1995 $166 $128 $138
1996 $190 $146 $169
1997 $210 $175 $225
1998 $174 $189 $290
1999 $100 $175 $351
</TABLE>
/1/ Assumes a $100 investment on December 31, 1994, a reinvestment of dividends
and a fiscal year ending on December 31.
/2/ Composed of the following companies which as a group reflect Armstrong's
mix of residential, nonresidential and international end-use markets: American
Standard Cos., Inc.; Black & Decker Corp.; Masco Corp.; Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.;
Owens Corning; PPG Industries, Inc.; Shaw Industries, Inc.; Sherwin-Williams
Co.; Stanley Works; USG Corp. and Whirlpool Corp.
22
<PAGE>
RETIREMENT INCOME PLAN BENEFITS
The following table shows the estimated pension benefits payable to a
participant at normal retirement age under Armstrong's Retirement Income Plan
and Armstrong's Retirement Benefit Equity Plan. The Retirement Income Plan is a
qualified defined benefit pension plan. The Retirement Benefit Equity Plan is a
partially funded, nonqualified supplemental pension plan. It provides
participants with benefits that would otherwise be denied by reason of certain
Internal Revenue Code limitations on qualified plan benefits. The amounts shown
in Table 4 are based on compensation that is covered under the plans and years
of service with Armstrong and its subsidiaries. Mr. Sherman does not participate
in the Retirement Income Plan. Mr. Sherman participates in the Triangle Pacific
Corp. Salaried Employees Profit Sharing Plan and the Triangle Pacific Corp.
Supplemental Profit Sharing and Deferred Compensation Plan.
TABLE 4: ANNUAL RETIREMENT BENEFIT BASED ON SERVICE/1/
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Final
Compensation/2/ 15 Years 20 Years 25 Years 30 Years 35 Years 40 Years
- --------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 400,000 $ 91,000 $121,000 $151,000 $ 181,000 $ 211,000 $ 235,000
600,000 137,000 183,000 228,000 274,000 319,000 355,000
800,000 184,000 245,000 306,000 367,000 428,000 476,000
1,000,000 230,000 307,000 383,000 460,000 536,000 596,000
1,200,000 277,000 369,000 461,000 553,000 645,000 717,000
1,400,000 323,000 431,000 538,000 646,000 753,000 837,000
1,600,000 370,000 493,000 616,000 739,000 862,000 958,000
1,800,000 416,000 555,000 693,000 832,000 970,000 1,078,000
2,000,000 463,000 617,000 771,000 925,000 1,079,000 1,199,000
2,200,000 509,000 679,000 848,000 1,018,000 1,187,000 1,319,000
</TABLE>
/1/ Benefits shown assume retirement in 1999. The benefits are computed as
a straight life annuity beginning at age 65 and are not subject to deduction for
Social Security or other offsets.
/2/ Calculated as the average annual compensation in the three best-paid
years during the 10 years prior to retirement. Annual compensation equals the
total of the amounts reported under the columns captioned "Salary" and "Bonus"
in the Summary Compensation Table as well as Armstrong contributions under the
Bonus Replacement Retirement Plan.
The 1999 annual compensation and estimated years of service for plan purposes
for each of the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table were as
follows: George A. Lorch -- $1,819,839 (36.5 years); Frank A. Riddick III --
$765,948 (19.8 years); Robert J. Shannon Jr. -- $487,784 (29.5 years) and Marc
R. Olivie -- $600,361 (23.2 years). Messrs. Riddick's and Olivie's estimated
years of service include 15 and 20 years, respectively, of credit for prior
service awarded to them upon their employment with Armstrong. The Armstrong
retirement benefit will be reduced by the value of any defined benefit pension
payable by previous employers for the respective period of the prior service
credit.
Special provisions apply if the Retirement Income Plan is terminated within five
years following a change in control of Armstrong. In that event, plan
liabilities will first be satisfied; then, remaining plan assets will be applied
to increase retirement income to employees. The amount of the increase is based
on the assumption that the employee would have continued employment with
Armstrong until retirement. The executives named in the Summary Compensation
Table, except for Mr. Sherman, would be entitled to this benefit.
Special provisions also apply in the event that a salaried member is terminated
other than for cause or resigns for good reason, as those terms are defined in
the plan, within two years following a change in control of Armstrong. If those
members have at least 10 years of service and are at least 50 years in age, they
would be eligible for early retirement without certain normal reductions
applying. Those members would also receive some Social Security
23
<PAGE>
replacement benefits. Members with 15 or more years of service would also
receive credit under the plan for an additional five years of service.
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table sets forth each person or entity that may be deemed to have
beneficial ownership of more than 5% of the outstanding common stock of
Armstrong. This table shows ownership as of December 31, 1999, and is based upon
information furnished to Armstrong.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount and Nature
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner of Beneficial Ownership Percent of Class Outstanding/1/
- ------------------------------------------ ----------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Mellon Financial Corporation/2/
One Mellon Center 2,837,155 7.05%
Pittsburgh, PA 15258
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. 2,542,155 6.3%
100 E. Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co./3/ 2,812,952 7.02%
1585 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated/4/ 2,427,000 6.05%
100 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
</TABLE>
/1/ In accordance with applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, this percentage is based upon the total 40,250,205 shares of
Armstrong common stock that were outstanding on December 31, 1999.
/2/ Mellon Bank, N.A., a subsidiary of Mellon Financial Corporation, serves as
the trustee of the employee stock ownership portion of Armstrong's Retirement
Savings and Stock Ownership Plan (the "RSSOP"). In that capacity, Mellon Bank,
N.A., may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 2,467,759 shares, or 6.13% of
Armstrong's outstanding shares. Mellon Bank, N.A. holds shared voting power and
no investment power with respect to these shares. Mellon Bank, N.A. votes shares
which are allocated to participant's accounts under the RSSOP in accordance with
the participant's direction. Shares which are unallocated under the RSSOP and
allocated shares for which the trustee does not receive directions are voted by
the trustee in the same proportion as the directed shares are voted. In the
event of a tender offer for the stock in the RSSOP, the trustee is required to
tender unallocated shares in the same proportion that allocated shares are
tendered. Mellon Bank, N.A. disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares that
have been allocated to the individual accounts of employee participants in the
RSSOP for which directions are received.
Mellon Financial Corporation and its affiliates, Boston Safe Deposit and Trust
Company, Mellon Bank (Delaware) National Association, Mellon Bank, N.A., Mellon
Capital Management Corporation, Mellon Equity Associates, The Dreyfus
Corporation, Boston Group Holdings, Inc., The Boston Company, Inc., and MBC
Investment Corporation, may be deemed to beneficially own an additional 369,396
shares, or .92% of Armstrong's outstanding common stock. These shares are held
in various fiduciary capacities. With respect to these shares, Mellon Financial
Corporation and its affiliates exercise sole voting power with respect to
250,552 shares and shared voting power with respect to 45,444 shares. Mellon
Financial Corporation and its affiliates exercise sole investment power with
respect to 256,372 shares and shared investment power with respect to 51,494
shares.
/3/ Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Advisors, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., owns shared voting power over 2,707,558 shares
and shared investment power over 2,717,008 shares of the 2,812,952 shares owned
by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
24
<PAGE>
/4/ Mr. William C. Morris owns a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated. As a majority owner, he may be deemed to
beneficially own the 2,427,000 owned by J. & W. Seligman & Co.
TRANSACTIONS WITH ORGANIZATIONS AFFILIATED WITH DIRECTORS
During 1999, Armstrong had various business arrangements with organizations with
which certain directors are affiliated. However, none of those arrangements
were material to either Armstrong or any of those organizations. Moreover,
those transactions were pursuant to arm's length negotiations in the ordinary
course of business and on terms we believe to be fair.
PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF THREE TERMS OF THE MANAGEMENT ACHIEVEMENT PLAN
Introduction
Armstrong has for many years had an annual incentive plan known as the
Management Achievement Plan. The Achievement Plan is designed to promote the
financial success of Armstrong by providing key employees with an opportunity to
earn financial rewards based upon the attainment of corporate, business unit and
individual goals. For several years, the Management Development and Compensation
Committee has used Economic Value Added (EVA(R)) as the primary basis for
determining awards under the Achievement Plan. EVA(R) has been instrumental in
changing employee behavior to focus efforts on generating returns in excess of
Armstrong's EVA(R) cost of capital. EVA(R) calculations exclude financial
activity related to the asbestos liability claims, while reorganization charges
are treated as investments upon which a return must be earned. The use of EVA(R)
as a financial measure has provided a consistent framework for decisions
concerning acquisitions, divestitures, capital investments, cost efficiency, and
operations and asset management, which have contributed to Armstrong's cash
flow. Effective for 2000, the Compensation Committee believes that it is
appropriate to supplement EVA(R) with other performance criteria that are also
directly aligned with investor evaluations of Armstrong's financial performance.
For 2000 and future years, these performance criteria include the following:
. EVA(R);
. cash flow;
. earnings;
. operating income;
. return on shareholders' equity; and
. sales.
For the reasons discussed below, shareholders are being asked to approve these
performance criteria, as well as eligibility to receive awards under the Plan
and the award maximum under the Plan.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code disallows federal income tax
deductions for certain executive compensation in excess of $1 million per year.
Under that law, compensation that qualifies as "performance-based compensation"
is not subject to the $1 million limit. One of the conditions to qualify cash
bonuses as "performance-based compensation" is periodic shareholder approval of
the performance criteria on which the bonuses are based, the employee
eligibility standard and the maximum award size.
Under applicable Pennsylvania law, the payment of cash compensation to officers
and employees is a matter within the authority of the Board of Directors, or a
committee of the Board, and does not require the approval of shareholders.
However, approval by Armstrong shareholders of the Achievement Plan performance
criteria is intended to permit Armstrong to grant annual incentive awards that
qualify as "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m). It should be
noted that awards that do not qualify as "performance-based compensation,"
25
<PAGE>
and which therefore may not be deductible compensation expense for Armstrong,
may also be granted under the Achievement Plan. We believe this flexibility is
an important element of Armstrong's executive compensation program.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ACHIEVEMENT PLAN
The principal features of the Achievement Plan and the administrative guidelines
which the Management Development and Compensation Committee has adopted to
administer the Achievement Plan are described below.
Generally
The Achievement Plan is designed to promote the financial success of Armstrong
by recognizing the significant contributions individual employees can make to
the achievement of Armstrong's goals. Its objectives are to motivate key company
and subsidiary employees to produce outstanding results by providing the
opportunity to earn financial rewards in relation to the attainment of
corporate, business unit and individual goals. The Achievement Plan is based on
the concept that Armstrong establishes for each participant at the beginning of
the year a target incentive award based on the achievement of specific corporate
and business unit goals. When the year is over, the results actually achieved
are evaluated against these goals to determine the amount, if any, of additional
compensation earned by individuals participating in the Achievement Plan.
Administration
The Achievement Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee with the
advice and counsel of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. However, the
Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, establishes corporate and
business unit performance goals and specific targets within those goals.
Eligibility to Receive Awards
Only key employees whose duties and responsibilities give them the opportunity
to make a continuing material and substantial impact on the achievement of
Company goals are eligible to participate in the Achievement Plan. The Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer annually selects the nonofficer participants and
makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding officer
participants. Because the number of participants may change over time and
because the selection of participants is discretionary, it is impossible to
determine the number of persons who will be eligible for awards under the
Achievement Plan during its term. However, it is anticipated that approximately
375 individuals, including Armstrong's Chief Executive Officer, will receive
awards next year under the Achievement Plan.
Annual Incentive Awards
Under the Achievement Plan, an executive can earn cash awards in relation to the
attainment of corporate, business unit and individual goals. A specific
weighting is assigned to each of these three achievement segments where those
segments are applicable. Each participant has a targeted annual incentive award
which is expressed as a percentage of base salary earnings and varies with the
participant's level of responsibility. Incentive amounts earned under the
corporate and business unit segments of the Achievement Plan are based on
financial performance against predetermined financial goals. The amount of an
annual incentive award paid to participants under the Achievement Plan in
relation to the attainment of corporate or business unit goals will be based
upon one or more of the performance criteria listed above. Where applied, the
amount of an annual incentive amount earned under the individual segment will be
based upon the participant's achievements against predetermined goals which vary
by individual. The individual goals, when used, are specific to the
participant's position and can be either qualitative or quantitative. These
goals are, to the extent possible, specific, measurable and related to actions
that affect one or more of the performance criteria listed above or strategic
Company objectives. The Committee reviews and approves the individual goals for
the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer when goals are used. For all other
participants, individual goals, when used, are established for each year by each
participant in consultation with his or her supervisor.
26
<PAGE>
New Plan Benefits
The following sets forth the estimated amounts that will be received by the
persons or groups listed below if target performance goals are reached in
2000.
Name and Position Dollar Value ($)
G. A. Lorch $ 640,000
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
F. F. Sherman $ 315,000
President, Wood Products
Operations
F. A. Riddick III $ 240,000
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
R. J. Shannon Jr. $ 228,000
President, Worldwide Floor
Products Operations
M. R. Olivie $ 207,000
President, Worldwide
Building Products Operations
All executive officers as a group $ 2,578,700
All other eligible employees as a group $10,064,000
(excluding executive officers)
Final Award Determinations
At the end of each award period, the final award amounts are computed based upon
the attainment of the applicable performance measures and certified by the
Compensation Committee.
Award Maximum
To permit flexibility in unanticipated circumstances over the next five years,
the Compensation Committee has established $3 million as the maximum amount that
may be paid to any participant under the Achievement Plan in any one year. It
is not anticipated that awards under the Achievement Plan will reach this level
in the near future.
Termination of Employment
Achievement Plan participants who terminate employment prior to payment of the
award for a prior plan year for reasons other than retirement, disability, death
or involuntary termination not for cause are not eligible to receive awards
under the Achievement Plan unless otherwise approved by the Compensation
Committee. Achievement Plan participants who retire, become disabled, die or
are involuntarily terminated for reasons other than cause on or after the last
workday of March may be eligible for awards on a prorated basis.
Amendment and Termination
The Board may amend or terminate the Achievement Plan so long as the action does
not adversely affect any rights or obligations with respect to awards already
outstanding under the Achievement Plan.
27
<PAGE>
Federal Tax Consequences
Any cash received under an incentive award will be included in the participant's
income at the time of receipt and will be subject to tax at ordinary income
rates. Any incentive awards that are properly deferred under any Armstrong
deferred compensation plan will be taxable when actually or constructively
distributed under the plan.
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL
Armstrong is asking shareholders to approve: (1) the performance criteria for
the Achievement Plan, consisting of EVA(R), cash flow, earnings, operating
income, return on shareholders' equity, and sales; (2) eligibility standards for
employees who may receive awards; and (3) the award maximum under the Plan.
Approval of these terms requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of
the votes present either in person or by proxy at the meeting.
If the shareholders do not approve these terms of the plan, annual incentive
awards based upon the criteria listed above paid to any officer who is subject
to the limitations of Section 162(m) will not be deductible.
The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote FOR this proposal.
Proxies solicited by the Board of Directors will be so voted unless shareholders
specify to the contrary in their proxies.
PROPOSAL 3: ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOLDING COMPANY
We propose to establish a holding company (referred to here as "Holdings") to
become the publicly traded parent company of Armstrong. This change will be
accomplished by means of a plan of exchange. A copy of this plan is attached as
Exhibit A. See "Summary--Proposal 3: Establishment of a Holding Company" on
page 5 for some questions and answers on this proposal that may help explain
it.
Immediately after the exchange Armstrong's current operating businesses will
operate through the current company, Armstrong World Industries, Inc., or its
subsidiaries. The overall structure of Armstrong before and after the
transaction is as follows:
PRESENT STRUCTURE:
-----------------------------
Shareholders
-----------------------------
------------------------------------------
Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
------------------------------------------
-----------------------------
Operating Subsidiaries
-----------------------------
28
<PAGE>
PROPOSED HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE:
-----------------------------
Shareholders
-----------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Armstrong Holdings, Inc.
-------------------------------------------
----------------------------- -----------------------------
Armstrong World Industries, Future Subsidiaries
Inc.
----------------------------- -----------------------------
------------------------
Operating Subsidiaries
------------------------
Armstrong's Board of Directors has approved the holding company structure and
the plan of exchange. If Armstrong shareholders approve it, and other
conditions described below under "Conditions to Establishing a Holding Company"
are satisfied, the share exchange will become effective upon the filing of
articles of exchange with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
After the exchange, Armstrong shareholders will be shareholders of Holdings. As
shareholders of Holdings, you will have the right to vote on future corporate
actions of Holdings in accordance with the Pennsylvania Business Corporation
Law, and the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Holdings. The Holdings
Articles and Bylaws are substantially the same as Armstrong's Articles and
Bylaws. The Articles and Bylaws of Holdings are Attachments 1 and 2 to the plan
of exchange.
Armstrong shareholder approval of this proposal constitutes approval of the plan
of exchange, including the Articles and Bylaws of Holdings, as well as approval
of amendments to Armstrong's common stock plans to substitute Holdings common
stock for Armstrong common stock under those plans.
CONSIDERATIONS
APPLICABLE TO THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOLDING COMPANY
As described more fully below, Armstrong is establishing a holding company in
order to create a more appropriate corporate structure for Armstrong's current
businesses, within the context of today's business climate.
The Board of Directors believes that establishing a holding company structure is
in the best interests of Armstrong and its shareholders. However, the future
----------
performance of Holdings common stock, like the future performance of any common
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
stock, cannot be guaranteed. The proposed holding company will not change the
- ---------------------------
nature or extent of the businesses that Armstrong and its subsidiaries currently
conduct. Accordingly, the considerations relevant to an investment in Armstrong
common stock will not change as a result of the completion of the proposed plan
of exchange. Specifically in regard to the establishment of a holding company,
Armstrong shareholders should consider the following:
29
<PAGE>
THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT RESTRUCTURING WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO HOLDERS OF
ARMSTRONG COMMON STOCK. There can be no guarantee that the holding company
structure will result in benefits to Armstrong. For example, we expect that the
holding company structure will provide additional flexibility and benefits in
acquiring and selling businesses. However, Holdings may not be able to take
advantage of acquisition or sale opportunities, or if Holdings does take
advantage of those opportunities, there is no guarantee that they will turn out
to be beneficial to the holders of Holdings common stock.
DIVIDENDS ON HOLDINGS COMMON SHARES WILL BE DEPENDENT ON CASH FLOW FROM
ARMSTRONG. After the exchange, Holdings will be a separate legal entity from
Armstrong. Unless and until Holdings can establish some other subsidiaries or
investments, the funds required by Holdings to enable it to pay dividends on
Holdings common stock will be derived exclusively from cash flow, such as
dividends, paid by Armstrong to Holdings. Accordingly, the ability of Holdings
to pay dividends, as a practical matter, will be governed by Armstrong's cash
flow. The Board of Directors of Holdings, however, has no current intention to
change the existing dividend policy.
REASONS FOR ESTABLISHING A HOLDING COMPANY
We want to establish a holding company because we believe it is more appropriate
for our current business environment.
Armstrong is currently organized partly as a holding company and partly as an
operating company. This means some business operations are conducted through
subsidiaries, but others are conducted by the parent company itself. This
current structure evolved over Armstrong's hundred-plus years of operations. It
was not planned as part of an overall strategic vision.
We now operate in competitive global markets in a consolidating industry where
the ability to easily and efficiently buy and sell business units can provide a
competitive advantage. We routinely consider the acquisition of other
businesses. We also periodically evaluate the performance and ongoing strategic
fit of our current business units. This strategic vision is important for
success in today's marketplace.
Presently, when we plan to buy or sell a business operation, our current
structure can cause the transaction to take more time and require more
complicated negotiations than it would if we were organized as a holding
company. We believe a holding company structure will make acquisitions of new
businesses easier from an administrative point of view. In addition, any
businesses that are determined in the future to lack further strategic fit
generally can be sold more quickly when they are operated as stand-alone
entities that can be sold simply by transferring their stock.
A holding company structure may also allow us to:
. operate, evaluate and potentially finance some business units on a stand-
alone basis and, if equity market conditions permit, possibly support
separate capitalization and price/earnings ratios;
. provide increased organizational, managerial and financial flexibility for
our business units, and facilitate compensation of business unit managers
based on the equity of their particular business unit; and
. dispose of businesses that are not performing in accordance with our
requirements or which no longer have a strategic fit.
The new structure may also permit the use of financing techniques that are
better suited to the particular requirements, characteristics and risks of
particular operations without affecting the capital structure or
creditworthiness of Armstrong as a whole.
The holding company structure is a well-established form of organization,
especially for companies like Armstrong that operate multiple lines of business.
Of our peer group companies, American Standard Companies Inc. and USG Corp. are
currently organized as holding companies. Other companies in the building
materials and construction
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industries, for example, Building Materials Holding Corp., Zaring National
Corporation and Eagle Supply Group Inc., are also organized as holding
companies, as are many other companies in other industries.
In the past year, companies like Mitsubishi and Toyota of Japan have publicly
announced they are considering moving to a holding company structure, which is
now allowed in Japan. Examples of U.S. companies moving to a holding company
structure in recent years include PP&L Resources, Bank One Corporation,
Northwest Airlines Corp., FDX Corp., IPC Information Systems Inc., American
Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and Payless Shoesource, Inc.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders approve the
formation of a holding company and related matters by voting FOR Proposal 3. In
making this recommendation, the Board of Directors considered a number of
factors, including those discussed above.
The Board of Directors considered the financial cost to Armstrong of
establishing a holding company, including the expenses associated with obtaining
required approvals, the increased costs of this proxy solicitation and other
expenses incurred in connection with registering the Holdings common stock with
the SEC. In addition, after the exchange is complete, both Holdings and
Armstrong will be required to provide reports to public investors and file
periodic reports and make other filings with the Commission, thereby increasing
some expenses. In the Board's view, these expenses are acceptable in light of
the anticipated benefits of the holding company structure.
PLAN OF EXCHANGE
The plan of exchange provides that:
. Each share of Armstrong common stock outstanding will, by virtue of
the share exchange and without any action by you, be converted into
one share of issued and outstanding Holdings common stock.
. Each share of Holdings common stock previously outstanding prior to
the exchange will be canceled.
Once the exchange is accomplished, Holdings will own all of the outstanding
shares of Armstrong common stock, and you and the other Armstrong shareholders
will hold all of the issued and outstanding shares of Holdings common stock.
Holdings will have exactly the same number of shares outstanding as Armstrong
did prior to the exchange.
TERMINATION OR AMENDMENT OF PLAN OF EXCHANGE
Regardless of whether or not the shareholders approve the plan of exchange, it
may be terminated at any time prior to the effective time either by Holdings or
Armstrong. If the plan of exchange is terminated, the share exchange and the
other transactions in connection with the establishment of a holding company
will be abandoned.
By mutual consent of their respective boards of directors, Armstrong and
Holdings may amend the plan of exchange at any time prior to the share exchange.
However, following adoption of the plan of exchange by the shareholders, no
amendments may be made which either change the amount or kind of shares to be
received pursuant to the share exchange or adversely affect the rights of the
shareholders of Armstrong.
CONDITIONS TO ESTABLISHING A HOLDING COMPANY
The exchange is subject to the following conditions:
. all necessary orders, authorizations, consents, approvals or waivers
from the SEC and any other third parties are received, remain in full
force and effect, and, in the judgment of the Armstrong Board of
Directors, do not contain unacceptable conditions;
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. the approval of the plan of exchange by a majority of Armstrong's
shareholders; and
. all conditions to the listing of Holdings common shares on the New
York Stock Exchange have been satisfied.
Following the satisfaction of these conditions, the exchange will become
effective, but Armstrong cannot predict when or if these conditions will be
satisfied.
RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS
Under Pennsylvania law, you will not have "dissenters appraisal rights" in
connection with the creation of the holding company. Pursuant to Section 1571
of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law, the owners of Armstrong common
stock will not have appraisal rights because, among other reasons, Armstrong's
shares are listed on a national securities exchange.
NO EXCHANGE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES
If the plan of exchange is approved and the share exchange is carried out, it
will not be necessary for holders of Armstrong common stock to surrender their
existing stock certificates for stock certificates of Holdings. The holders of
Armstrong common stock will automatically become holders of Holdings common
stock, and the present stock certificates representing Armstrong common stock
will automatically represent Holdings common stock on a share-for-share basis.
Thereafter, when presently outstanding certificates of Armstrong common stock,
which will then represent Holdings common stock are presented for transfer, new
certificates bearing the name of Holdings will be issued.
COMMON STOCK PLANS
From and after the share exchange, Holdings common stock will be issued in lieu
of Armstrong common stock whenever stock is required in connection with the 1999
Long Term Incentive Plan, Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, 1993
Long Term Incentive Plan, Long Term Stock Option Plan for Key Employees and all
other short-term and long-term incentive plans. Amendments to provide for
Holdings common stock to be issued will take effect when the share exchange is
complete. Shareholder approval of this proposal will also constitute approval
of the amendments to the stock plans allowing Holdings common stock to be issued
instead of Armstrong common stock.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
After the share exchange, the transfer agent and registrar for Holdings common
stock will be American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, the same transfer
agent currently used by Armstrong.
MARKET VALUE OF ARMSTRONG COMMON SHARES
Armstrong common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Pacific
Exchange and Philadelphia Stock Exchange under the symbol ACK. The closing
price of Armstrong common stock on March 8, 2000 was $16.4375.
DIVIDEND POLICY
The share exchange, in and of itself, will have no effect on Armstrong's
dividend policy. Nonetheless, there can be no guarantee of the amount of future
dividends because the rate and timing of dividends of Holdings will depend upon
the future earnings, financial condition and capital requirements of Holdings
and its subsidiaries and investments, which at the outset will be Armstrong
alone. Other factors may also affect Armstrong's dividend
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policy which are not presently determinable. In the future, it is possible that
dividends from subsidiaries and investments other than Armstrong may also be a
source of funds for dividend payments by Holdings.
Funds provided by Armstrong will also be used to pay the operating expenses of
Holdings and for other corporate purposes as the Board of Directors of Holdings
may determine. Armstrong's ability to pay cash dividends to Holdings will be
subject to the availability of cash and the needs of its business.
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Following the share exchange, the Board of Directors of Holdings will consist of
the current directors of Armstrong. Their respective classifications and terms
of office will be the same. In addition, the officers of Holdings are initially
expected to include, among others, the following persons, each of whom is
currently a corporate officer of Armstrong:
Name Office
---- ------
George A. Lorch Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Douglas L. Boles Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Frank A. Riddick III Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
Deborah K. Owen Senior Vice President, Secretary and General
Counsel
E. Follin Smith Vice President and Treasurer
William C. Rodruan Vice President and Controller
After the share exchange, it is contemplated that Holdings and Armstrong each
may have directors or executive officers who are not directors or executive
officers of the other.
For information with respect to the directors and executive officers of
Armstrong, executive compensation and certain relationships and related
transactions, see "Proposal 1: Election of Directors" on page ___in this proxy
statement and "Executive Officers" in part 5 of Armstrong's annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, which is incorporated by
reference.
DESCRIPTION OF HOLDINGS CAPITAL STOCK
In the share exchange, the holders of Armstrong common stock will become holders
of Holdings common stock. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Holdings,
which govern the rights of Holdings shareholders, are substantially the same as
Armstrong's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Therefore, the rights of
holders of Holdings common stock will be virtually identical to the rights of
holders of Armstrong common stock.
The following description of the capital stock of Holdings is a summary of the
material terms of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Holdings, which
are attached as Attachments 1 and 2 to the plan of exchange which, in turn, is
Exhibit A to this proxy statement. As a summary, the following description does
not purport to be complete. Armstrong shareholder approval of this proposal will
also constitute approval of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of
Holdings.
General
The authorized capital stock of Holdings consists of 200,000,000 shares of
common stock, par value $1.00 per share, and 20,000,000 shares of Class A
preferred stock, without par value. This is identical to the capitalization of
Armstrong.
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Common Stock
Dividends. Subject to the rights and preferences that may be applicable to any
future outstanding shares of Class A preferred stock, the holders of common
stock are entitled to receive dividends, when, if and as declared by the Board
of Directors of Holdings.
Voting Rights. Just as with Armstrong common stock, the holders of Holdings
common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon
by shareholders, except that shareholders are entitled to cumulate their votes
in the election of directors. The Bylaws require shareholders desiring to
nominate persons for election as a director to give advance notice of
nominations to Holdings. The Bylaws also require shareholders to give advance
notice of other business they intend to bring before a shareholders meeting.
Other than in the election of directors, whenever any corporate action is to be
taken by vote of the shareholders of Holdings, or by a class of shareholders,
generally it will be authorized upon receiving the affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares present at the meeting at which the vote is taken. The
Articles and Bylaws require, however, the approval by the holders of at least
80% of the votes which all shareholders of Holdings would be entitled to cast at
an annual election of directors, voting together as a single class, for any
change to any provision of the Articles or Bylaws providing for (1) the number
of directors, (2) the classification of directors or (3) the filling of
vacancies on the Board of Directors. This 80% vote requirement does not apply
if the change is unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of Holdings. In
addition, the Bylaws of Holdings may be amended only by a vote of two-thirds of
the Board of Directors then in office, subject to the power of the shareholders
to change the action.
The Bylaws provide for the Board of Directors to be divided into three classes
of directors, each class as nearly equal in number as possible. One class is
elected each year for a three-year term. While cumulative voting enables
minority shareholders to gain representation on the Board, the existence of a
classified Board increases the number of shares required to elect at least one
director.
Other Information. Just as with Armstrong common stock, Holdings common stock:
. does not carry preemptive rights;
. is not redeemable;
. does not have any conversion rights;
. is not subject to further calls; and
. is not subject to any sinking fund provisions.
In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Holdings, the
holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining
after the payment of the liabilities and the liquidation preference of any
outstanding preferred stock. The shares of common stock to be issued in the
share exchange will be freely alienable, fully paid and nonassessable.
Indemnification and Limitation of Director Liability. Holdings' Bylaws, like
Armstrong's, provide that Holdings must indemnify to the fullest extent not
prohibited by law any person who was or is made a party to, or threatened to be
made a party to, or is involved in, any action, suit, or proceeding (including
actions by or in the right of Holdings) by reason of the fact that he or she is
or was a director or officer of Holdings. This indemnification covers all
expenses and liabilities the director or officer actually incurs, including
judgments and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement of or in actions brought
by or in the right of Holdings. The Bylaws also provide that directors and
officers are entitled to payment in advance of expenses incurred in defending
any action, suit, or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking to repay all
amounts advanced if it is ultimately determined that they are not entitled to be
indemnified or, in the case of criminal action, a majority of the Board of
Directors so determines. In addition, Holdings has entered into indemnification
agreements with each of the persons who will become its directors after
completion of the share exchange. These agreements entitle the director to
indemnification for liabilities and expenses to the fullest extent not
prohibited by law.
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In accordance with Pennsylvania law, the Bylaws of Holdings also provide that a
director will not be personally liable for monetary damages for any action
taken, or any failure to take any action, unless: (1) the director has breached
or failed to perform the duties of his or her office under the provision of the
Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law relating to standard of conduct and
justifiable reliance; and (2) the breach or failure to perform constitutes self-
dealing, willful misconduct or recklessness. This limitation on the personal
liability of directors of Armstrong does not apply to: (1) the responsibility
or liability of a director under any criminal statute; or (2) the liability of a
director for the payment of taxes under local, state or federal law.
Class A Preferred Stock
As is currently the case for Armstrong Class A preferred stock, Holdings Class A
preferred stock may be issued at any time by resolution of the Board of
Directors of Holdings. The Board can issue the Class A preferred stock in one
or more series and with rights, designations, preferences, privileges and
restrictions, including the dividend rate, voting rights, liquidation
preference, any conversion, exchange, redemption or sinking fund provisions, any
special or relative rights and any other terms, as are established by the Board
at the time of issuance. The Class A preferred stock is available for possible
future financing and acquisition transactions, to pay stock dividends or make
distributions, to fund employee benefit plans and for other general corporate
purposes.
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights and Series One Preferred Stock. Holdings' Board
of Directors has adopted a shareholder rights plan that is substantially
identical to the current shareholder rights plan of Armstrong. The Armstrong
rights plan was first adopted in 1986 and then was renewed in 1996. Under the
rights plan, each share of Holdings common stock issued in the share exchange
and each share issued in the future will have a right attached to it, the terms
of which are defined by the shareholder rights plan. Operation of the rights
plan is described in the notes to Armstrong's financial statements contained in
the accompanying annual report. The Holdings Series One preferred stock is a
series of Class A preferred stock. It is issuable upon the exercise of rights
to purchase Series One preferred stock. The Series One preferred stock is
designed to be a common stock equivalent, except that the Series One preferred
stock does not have any voting rights.
Provisions Affecting Control of Holdings
As is currently the case for Armstrong, several provisions of Holdings'
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as well as the Pennsylvania Business
Corporation Law, operate only with respect to extraordinary corporate
transactions like mergers, reorganizations, tender offers, sales or transfers of
substantially all of Holdings' assets or the liquidation of Holdings. Those
provisions could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control
of Holdings.
Provisions of the Articles. Holdings' Articles provide that business
combinations with a shareholder who beneficially owns ten percent or more of the
company's shares, or a so-called interested shareholder, require the affirmative
vote of shareholders entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes which all
shareholders, other than the interested shareholder, would be entitled to cast,
unless the transaction is approved by a majority of the directors not affiliated
with the interested shareholder or the transaction meets specified fair price
and procedural requirements. This provision was previously approved by the
shareholders of Armstrong.
Provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law. Holdings is governed
by several "anti-takeover" provisions in the Pennsylvania Business Corporation
Law. These provisions are the same provisions by which Armstrong is currently
governed.
COMPARISON OF ARMSTRONG COMMON STOCK AND HOLDINGS COMMON STOCK
Holders of Holdings common stock will have virtually identical rights to those
of holders of Armstrong common stock. There will be no difference in the
respective rights of holders after the formation of the holding company.
As Pennsylvania corporations, both Armstrong and Holdings are governed by the
Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law. As a result of the exchange, owners of
Armstrong common stock, whose rights as shareholders are currently also governed
by the Armstrong Articles and the Armstrong Bylaws, will become owners of
Holdings
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common stock. As Holdings shareholders, their rights will be governed by the
Holdings Articles and the Holdings Bylaws. Apart from the different names of the
two corporations, there is only one difference between their Articles. Holdings'
Articles eliminate an obsolete series of preferred stock called "Series A ESOP"
preferred stock that is no longer used by Armstrong.
TREATMENT OF ARMSTRONG INDEBTEDNESS AND LIABILITIES
All of Armstrong's indebtedness and liabilities outstanding immediately prior to
the share exchange will continue to be outstanding after the exchange. The
indebtedness and liabilities will be neither assumed nor guaranteed by Holdings
in connection with the exchange. Armstrong's indebtedness is expected to
consist of indentures, commercial paper, note purchase agreements and revenue
bonds.
INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
General
The following discusses all material federal income tax consequences relating to
the creation of the holding company. It does not discuss all aspects of income
taxation that may be relevant to you in light of your personal tax
circumstances.
Statements of legal conclusion regarding federal and Pennsylvania tax
consequences reflect the opinion of Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation,
counsel for Armstrong. No rulings have been requested from the Internal Revenue
Service or the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Accordingly, you should
consult with your own tax advisor as to the specific tax consequences to you,
including the application and effect of state or local income and other tax
laws.
The following discussion is based on existing statutory provisions, existing and
proposed regulations and existing administrative interpretations and court
decisions. Future legislation, regulations, administrative interpretations, or
court decisions could change these authorities either prospectively or
retroactively.
The share exchange will be treated as a transfer of all of the outstanding
Armstrong common shares by the Armstrong shareholders to Holdings solely in
exchange for all of the outstanding Holdings common shares. This share exchange
qualifies for nonrecognition under Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, and under Section 303(a)(3) of the Pennsylvania Tax Reform
Code of 1971, as amended.
Tax Implications to Shareholders
For federal and Pennsylvania income tax purposes, you will not recognize any
gain or loss from the share exchange. Your tax basis in the Holdings common
stock you will receive in the share exchange will be the same as your basis in
your Armstrong common stock. In order to calculate any long-term capital gains
for federal income tax purposes, the holding period for your Holdings common
stock will include the period during which you held the Armstrong common stock,
provided that you held your Armstrong common stock as a capital asset on the
date of the share exchange.
Tax Implications to the New Holding Company
Holdings will not recognize any gain or loss for federal or Pennsylvania income
tax purposes upon receipt of the Armstrong common stock. For federal income tax
purposes, the basis of the Armstrong common stock received by Holdings will be
the same as Armstrong's net asset basis immediately after the share exchange,
subject to certain adjustments under Treasury Regulations relating to
consolidated groups. Holdings' holding period in the Armstrong common stock
received in the share exchange will include the period during which the stock
was held by the shareholders. For Pennsylvania income tax purposes, the basis
of the Armstrong common stock received by Holdings will be the same as the
shareholders' basis for their Armstrong common shares immediately prior to the
share exchange.
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OTHER TAX ASPECTS
Apart from federal and Pennsylvania income tax consequences discussed above, no
attempt has been made to determine any tax that may be imposed on you by the
country, state or jurisdiction in which you reside or are a citizen. You may be
subject to other taxes, such as state or local income taxes that may be imposed
by various jurisdictions. You may also be subject to intangible property,
estate and inheritance taxes in your state of domicile. You should consult your
own tax advisors with regard to state and local income, inheritance and estate
taxes.
The federal and Pennsylvania income tax discussion above is intended to provide
only a general summary, and does not address tax consequences which may vary
with, or are dependent on, individual circumstances. Moreover, this discussion
does not address any foreign, federal, state or local tax consequences of the
disposition of stock in Armstrong either before or after the share exchange.
Accordingly, each shareholder is urged to consult with his or her tax advisor to
determine the particular tax consequences to the shareholder of the share
exchange.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The validity of the Holdings common stock will be passed upon for Armstrong by
Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Armstrong World
Industries, Inc., and subsidiaries, as of December 31, 1999, and 1998, and for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1999, have been
incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance
upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent certified public accountants,
incorporated by reference herein, and upon authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
Statements made under the heading "Income Tax Consequences" regarding the
federal income tax effect of the exchange have been reviewed by Buchanan
Ingersoll Professional Corporation, special federal tax counsel for Armstrong,
and have been made in reliance upon counsel as an expert. Statements made under
the heading "Income Tax Consequences" regarding the Pennsylvania income tax
effect of the exchange have been reviewed by Buchanan Ingersoll Professional
Corporation, special Pennsylvania tax counsel for Armstrong, and have been made
in reliance upon counsel. All other statements made and in the documents
incorporated by reference in this proxy statement as to matters of law and legal
conclusions have been reviewed by Buchanan Ingersoll Professional Corporation.
CONFIDENTIAL VOTING POLICY
Under Armstrong's confidential voting policy, all proxies, ballots and voting
tabulations that identify how shareholders voted will be kept confidential. To
implement this policy, Armstrong will engage independent vote tabulators and
independent judges of election. Employees of Armstrong will not serve as vote
tabulators or judges. This policy does not apply: (1) when disclosure is
required by law; (2) when disclosure is necessary in connection with a claim
involving Armstrong; (3) when a shareholder expressly requests or permits
disclosure; or (4) during the course of a contested proxy solicitation.
Shareholders' comments on proxy cards and ballots will be conveyed to Armstrong
in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the voter.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee,
appointed KPMG LLP as auditors of Armstrong's financial statements for 1999.
KPMG LLP is a firm of independent certified public accountants. The Board, at
its February 28, 2000, meeting, selected KPMG LLP as auditors for 2000.
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A representative of KPMG LLP will be present at the 2000 annual meeting to
respond to appropriate questions and to make a statement if that representative
so desires.
PROPOSALS FOR 2001 ANNUAL MEETING
The deadline for shareholder proposals to be included in Armstrong's proxy
statement for the 2001 annual meeting is November 23, 2000. All proposals must
be received at Armstrong's Principal Executive Offices, as shown on the first
page of this proxy statement. Please address any proposals to the attention of
Deborah K. Owen, Secretary. Any proposal must comply with Rule 14a-8 of
Regulation 14A of the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Under Armstrong's Bylaws, under normal circumstances, shareholder nomination of
directors and other matters shareholders wish to submit for consideration at the
2001 annual meeting must be submitted to Armstrong's Secretary by January 31,
2001. That notice must also contain information specified in the Bylaws
regarding a proposed nominee and the shareholders submitting the nomination or
matter to be considered. Any shareholder may obtain a copy of the applicable
Bylaw from Armstrong's Secretary upon written request.
ANNUAL REPORT
A copy of Armstrong's annual report for 1999, including financial statements, is
being mailed to each Armstrong shareholder with this proxy statement.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Board of Directors is not aware of any other matters to be presented for
action at the meeting. If any other matter requiring a vote of the shareholders
should arise, it is intended that the persons named in the enclosed proxy (or
their substitutes) will vote in accordance with their best judgment.
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EXHIBIT A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF EXCHANGE
BETWEEN
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
AND
ARMSTRONG HOLDINGS, INC.
RECITALS
A. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (the "Exchanging Corporation") is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which is authorized to issue 200,000,000
shares of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share ("AWI Common Stock"), of which
40,217,225 shares were issued and outstanding as of February 18, 2000, and
20,000,000 shares of Class A Preferred Stock, without par value ("AWI Preferred
Stock"), none of which are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof.
B. Armstrong Holdings, Inc. (the "Acquiring Corporation") is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which is authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Holdings Common Stock"), of which 100
shares are issued and outstanding as of the date hereof and 20,000,000 shares of
Class A Preferred Stock, without par value ("Holdings Preferred Stock").
C. The Exchanging Corporation and the Acquiring Corporation desire to effect
the exchange of shares immediately contemplated hereby (the "Exchange") so that
after the Exchange, the shareholders of the Exchanging Corporation hold all of
the issued and outstanding shares of the Acquiring Corporation and the
Exchanging Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Acquiring
Corporation.
D. The Board of Directors of the Exchanging Corporation and the Acquiring
Corporation have each adopted resolutions approving this Agreement and Plan of
Exchange (the "Agreement") in accordance with the Pennsylvania Business
Corporation Law of 1988 (the "BCL") and each directing that it be submitted to
the shareholders of the Exchanging Corporation and the Acquiring Corporation,
respectively, for adoption.
ARTICLE I
General
1.01. Parties to Exchange. The Exchanging Corporation and the Acquiring
-------------------
Corporation shall effect the Exchange in accordance with and subject to the
terms of this Agreement.
1.02. Effectiveness. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the parties
-------------
hereto shall file Articles of Exchange, and such other documents and instruments
as are required by, and complying in all respects with, the BCL with appropriate
state officials after the adoption of the Agreement by the shareholders of the
Exchanging Corporation, at such time as the Exchanging Corporation and the
Acquiring Corporation shall mutually agree. The Exchange shall become effective
upon the filing of the Articles of Exchange in the Department of State of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in accordance with the terms of the Articles of
Exchange (the "Effective Time").
1.03. Termination. Notwithstanding shareholder approval of this Agreement,
-----------
this Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time by
either the Acquiring Corporation by written notice to the Exchanging Corporation
prior to the Effective Time or by the Exchanging Corporation at any time prior
to the Effective Time by
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resolution approved by its Board of Directors.
1.04. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the Board of Directors of
---------
both the Exchanging Corporation and the Acquiring Corporation at any time prior
to submission of the Agreement to the shareholders of the Exchanging Corporation
for approval and, to the extent permitted by law, at any time thereafter prior
to the Effective Time.
ARTICLE II
Capital Stock
2.01. Exchange. At the Effective Time each share of AWI Common Stock and AWI
--------
Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall, by virtue of the Exchange and without any action on the part of the
holders thereof, be converted into and exchanged for one share of Holdings
Common Stock and one share of Holdings Preferred Stock, respectively. The
Acquiring Corporation shall thereupon have acquired and be the holder of each
share of AWI Common Stock and AWI Preferred Stock converted and exchanged in the
Exchange. No shares of AWI Common Stock or AWI Preferred Stock shall cease to
exist by reason of such conversion and exchange.
2.02. Stock Certificates. Following the Effective Time, each holder of an
------------------
outstanding certificate or certificates theretofore representing shares of AWI
Common Stock or AWI Preferred Stock may, but shall not be required to, surrender
the same to the Acquiring Corporation for new certificates representing shares
of Holdings Common Stock or Holdings Preferred Stock, as the case may be, and
each such holder or transferee will be entitled to receive a certificate or
certificates representing the same number of shares of the Acquiring
Corporation. Without any further action on the part of the Exchanging
Corporation or the Acquiring Corporation, each outstanding certificate which,
immediately prior to the Effective Time, represented AWI Common Stock or AWI
Preferred Stock, shall from and after the Effective Time be deemed and treated
for all corporate purposes to represent the ownership of the same number of
shares of Holdings Common Stock or Holdings Preferred Stock, as the case may be,
as though a surrender or transfer and exchange had taken place.
2.03. Cancellation of Holdings Common and Holdings Preferred Stock.
------------------------------------------------------------
Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each share of Holdings Common and
Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately before the Effective Time
shall be cancelled and thereupon shall constitute an authorized but unissued
share, and all rights in respect thereof shall cease.
ARTICLE III
3.01 Articles of Incorporation of the Exchanging Corporation. The Articles of
-------------------------------------------------------
Incorporation of the Acquiring Corporation in effect prior to the Effective Time
and attached hereto as Attachment 1 shall continue to be the Articles of
Incorporation of the Acquiring Corporation after the Effective Time, unaffected
by the Exchange until amended, modified or repealed.
3.02 Bylaws. The Bylaws of the Acquiring Corporation in effect prior to the
-------
Effective Time and attached hereto as Attachment 2 shall continue to be the
Bylaws of the Acquiring Corporation after the Effective Time, unaffected by the
Exchange, until amended, modified or repealed.
3.03 Directors. The directors of the Exchanging Corporation immediately prior
----------
to the Effective Time shall be the directors of the Acquiring Corporation from
and after the Effective Time until their successors are duly elected and
qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal.
3.04 Stock Plans. The Acquiring Corporation shall assume the obligations of the
------------
Exchanging Corporation pursuant to the existing stock plans of the Exchanging
Corporation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement and Plan of
Exchange as of March ___, 2000.
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ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:_________________________________________
Name: George A. Lorch
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
ARMSTRONG HOLDINGS, INC.
By: ________________________________________
Name: George A. Lorch
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
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ATTACHMENT 1
ARMSTRONG HOLDINGS, INC.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
1ST. The name of the Corporation is Armstrong Holdings, Inc.
2ND. The location and post office address of its registered office in this
Commonwealth is 2500 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
17603.
3RD. The purpose or purposes for which the Corporation is incorporated under
the Business Corporation Law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are to engage
in, and do any lawful act concerning, any or all lawful business for which
corporations may be incorporated under the Business Corporation Law, including,
but not limited to, manufacturing, purchasing and selling a variety of interior
furnishings, interior finish materials and related services for residential,
commercial and institutional interiors, including resilient floors and
carpeting, ceiling materials and ceiling systems, furniture and related
accessory items; as well as insulation materials and industrial specialties;
engaging in research and development; furnishing services; and acquiring,
owning, using, and disposing of real property of any nature whatsoever.
4TH. The term of its existence is perpetual.
5TH. The authorized capital stock of the Corporation shall be 20,000,000 shares
of Class A Preferred Stock (without par value) and 200,000,000 shares of Common
Stock of the par value of $1.00 per share. A description of each class of
shares and a statement of the preferences, voting powers, qualifications,
limitations, restrictions and the special or relative rights granted to or
imposed upon the shares of each class and of the authority vested in the Board
of Directors of the Corporation to establish series of Class A Preferred Stock
and to fix and determine the variations in the relative rights and preferences
as between the series of each class are as follows:
(i) The holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive
dividends, when and as declared by the Board of Directors, out of
surplus legally available therefor.
(ii) The holders of Common Stock shall have one vote per share.
(iii) The Corporation may issue shares of stock, option rights or
securities having conversion or option rights, without first
offering them to the holders of Class A Preferred Stock or Common
Stock.
(iv) The Board of Directors may in its discretion, at any time or from
time to time, issue or cause to be issued all or any part of the
authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock for consideration
of such character and value as the Board shall from time to time
fix or determine.
(v) The Board of Directors is hereby expressly authorized, at any
time or from time to time, to divide any or all of the shares of
Class A Preferred Stock into one or more series, and in the
resolution or resolutions establishing a particular series,
before issuance of any of the shares thereof, to fix and
determine the number of shares and the designation of such
series, so as to distinguish it from the shares of all other
series and classes, and to fix and determine the preferences,
voting rights, qualifications, privileges, limitations, options,
conversion rights, restrictions and other special or relative
rights of the Class A Preferred Stock or of such series, to the
fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including, but not limited to, the
variations between different series in the following respects:
(a) the distinctive designation of such series and the
number of shares which shall constitute such
series, which number may be increased or decreased
(but not below the number of shares thereof then
outstanding) from time to time by the Board of
Directors;
(b) the annual dividend rate for such series, and the
date or dates from which dividends shall commence
to accrue;
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(c) the price or prices at which, and the terms and
conditions on which, the shares of such series may
be made redeemable;
(d) the purchase or sinking fund provisions, if any, for
the purchase or redemption of shares of such
series;
(e) the preferential amount or amounts payable upon shares
of such series in the event of liquidation,
dissolution, or winding up of the Corporation;
(f) the voting rights, if any, of shares of such series;
(g) the terms and conditions, if any, upon which shares of
such series may be converted and the class or
classes or series of shares of the corporation or
other securities into which such shares may be
converted;
(h) the relative seniority, priority or junior rank of such
series as to dividends or assets with respect to
any other classes or series of stock then or
thereafter to be issued; and
(i) such other terms, qualifications, privileges,
limitations, options, restrictions, and special or
relative rights and preferences, if any, of shares
of such series as the Board of Directors may, at
the time of such resolution or resolutions,
lawfully fix or determine under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Unless otherwise provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation,
the Bylaws of the Corporation or in a resolution or resolutions
establishing any particular series of Class A Preferred Stock,
the aggregate number of authorized shares of Class A Preferred
Stock may be increased by an amendment of the Articles of
Incorporation approved solely by a majority vote of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock.
All shares within each series of Class A Preferred Stock shall be
alike in every particular, except with respect to the dates from
which dividends shall commence to accrue.
The Board of Directors may in its discretion, at any time or from
time to time, issue or cause to be issued all or any part of the
authorized and unissued shares of Class A Preferred Stock for
consideration of such character and value as the Board of
Directors shall from time to time fix or determine.
(vi) Series One Preferred Stock (A Series Of Class A Preferred Stock).
There is established a series of the Class A Preferred Stock of
the Corporation to consist initially of 500,000 shares with the
designation and relative rights and preferences thereof to be as
follows:
Section 1. Designation. The shares of such series shall be
designated as "Series One Preferred Stock." Shares of this
series shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of rights to
purchase Series One Preferred Stock distributed to the
holders of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the
Corporation (the "Common Stock").
Section 2. Dividends and Distributions. Subject to the
rights and preferences of the holders of any shares of any
series of Class A Preferred Stock ranking senior as to
dividends to this Series One Preferred Stock, the holders of
shares of Series One Preferred Stock, in preference to the
holders of Common Stock and shares of stock ranking junior
as to dividends to the Series One Preferred Stock, shall be
entitled to receive, when and if declared by the Board of
Directors out of funds legally available for the purpose,
quarterly dividends payable in cash on the 15th day of
March, June, September and December in each year (each such
date being referred to herein as a "Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date"), commencing on the first Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date after the first issuance of a share or fraction
of a share of Series One Preferred Stock, in an amount per
share (rounded to the nearest cent) equal to the greater of
(a) $36.00 or (b) subject to the provision for adjustment
hereinafter set forth, 100 times the aggregate per share
amount of all cash dividends plus 100 times the aggregate
per share amount (payable in kind) of all noncash
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dividends or other distributions, other than a dividend
payable in shares of Common Stock, or a subdivision of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or
otherwise), paid on the Common Stock at any time during the
quarter year immediately preceding the quarter year ending
on the day immediately preceding such Quarterly Dividend
Payment Date. In the event the Corporation shall at any time
after [the closing date of the share exchange] (the "Rights
Distribution Date") during any quarter year immediately
preceding the quarter year ending on the day immediately
preceding a Quarterly Dividend Payment Date (i) declare any
dividend on Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock,
or (ii) subdivide the outstanding Common Stock or combine
the outstanding Common Stock into a greater or lesser number
of shares of Common Stock, then in each such case the
amounts to which holders of shares of Series One Preferred
Stock were entitled immediately prior to such event under
clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall be adjusted by
multiplying each such amount by a fraction, the numerator of
which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately after such event and the denominator of which is
the number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding
immediately prior to such event.
Dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative on
outstanding shares of Series One Preferred Stock from the
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date next preceding the date of
issue of such shares of Series One Preferred Stock, unless
the date of issue is a Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or is
a date after the record date for the determination of
holders of shares of Series One Preferred Stock entitled to
receive a quarterly dividend and before such Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date, in either of which events such
dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative from such
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date. Accrued but unpaid
dividends shall not bear interest. Dividends paid on the
shares of Series One Preferred Stock in an amount less than
the total amount of such dividends at the time accrued and
payable on such shares shall be allocated pro rata on a
share-by-share basis among all such shares at the time
outstanding. The Board of Directors may fix a record date
for the determination of holders of shares of Series One
Preferred Stock entitled to receive payment of a dividend or
distribution declared thereon, which record date shall be no
more than 30 days prior to the date fixed for the payment
thereof.
Section 3. Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided by
law, holders of shares of Series One Preferred Stock shall
have no voting rights.
Section 4. Certain Restrictions.
1. Whenever quarterly dividends or other
dividends or distributions payable on the Series One
Preferred Stock as provided in Section 2 are in arrears,
thereafter and until all accrued and unpaid dividends and
distributions, whether or not declared, on shares of Series
One Preferred Stock outstanding shall have been paid in
full, the Corporation shall not:
(A) declare or pay dividends on, make any
distributions on, or redeem or purchase or
otherwise acquire for consideration any
shares of stock ranking junior (either as to
dividends or as to assets) to the Series One
Preferred Stock;
(B) declare or pay dividends on or make any other
distributions on any shares of stock ranking
on a parity (either as to dividends or as to
assets) with the Series One Preferred Stock,
except dividends paid ratably on the Series
One Preferred Stock and all such parity stock
on which dividends are payable or in arrears
in proportion to the total amounts to which
the holders of all such shares are then
entitled;
(C) redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration shares of any stock ranking
junior (either as to dividends or as to
assets) to the Series One Preferred Stock,
provided that the Corporation may at any time
redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire shares
of any such junior stock in exchange for
shares of any
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stock of the Corporation ranking junior
(either as to dividends or as to assets) to
the Series One Preferred Stock; or
(D) purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration any shares of Series One
Preferred Stock, or any shares of stock
ranking on a parity (either as to dividends
or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up) with the Series One Preferred Stock,
except in accordance with a purchase offer
made in writing or by publication (as
determined by the Board of Directors) to all
holders of such shares upon such terms as the
Board of Directors, after consideration of
the respective annual dividend rates and
other relative rights and preferences of the
respective series and classes, shall
determine in good faith will result in fair
and equitable treatment among the respective
series of classes.
2. The Corporation shall not permit any
subsidiary of the Corporation to purchase or otherwise acquire
for consideration any shares of stock of the Corporation unless
the Corporation could, under Paragraph (A) of this Section 4,
purchase or otherwise acquire such shares at such time and in
such manner.
Section 5. Reacquired Shares. Any shares of Series One
Preferred Stock purchased or otherwise acquired by the
Corporation in any manner whatsoever shall be retired and
cancelled promptly after the acquisition thereof. All such shares
shall upon their cancellation become authorized but unissued
shares of Class A Preferred Stock and may be reissued as part of
a new series of Class A Preferred Stock to be created by
resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors, subject to
the conditions and restrictions on issuance set forth herein.
Section 6. Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up. Subject to
the rights and preferences of the holders of any shares of any
series of Class A Preferred Stock ranking senior as to assets to
this Series One Preferred Stock:
1. Upon any involuntary or voluntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, no distribution
shall be made to the holders of shares of stock ranking junior
(either as to dividends or as to assets) to the Series One
Preferred Stock unless, prior thereto, the holders of shares of
Series One Preferred Stock shall have received an amount per
share equal to the Per Share Series One Liquidation Preference.
The Per Share Series One Liquidation Preference shall be equal to
the sum of (x) $100.00 plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid
dividends and distributions thereon, whether or not declared, to
the date of such payment, plus (y) the Participation Preference.
The "Participation Preference" is an amount per each share of
Series One Preferred Stock outstanding, equal to the product of
(A) the Excess Distribution Amount, as hereinafter defined, times
(B) a fraction whose numerator is 100 and whose denominator is
the sum of (i) the product of 100 times the number of outstanding
shares of Series One Preferred Stock, plus (ii) the product of
100 times a fraction whose numerator is the number of outstanding
shares of Common Stock and whose denominator is the Adjustment
Number; provided, however, if the foregoing computation results
in a negative number, then the Participation Preference shall be
0. Following the payment of the full amount of the Series One
Liquidation Preference, holders of shares of Common Stock shall
receive the remaining assets to be distributed.
The "Excess Distribution Amount" is an amount equal to
the amount available for distribution to shareholders of the
Corporation after payment of all debts and liabilities less the
sum of (i) the liquidation preferences in respect of all shares
of preferred stock of the Corporation other than the Series One
Preferred Stock, (ii) the product of 100 times the number of
outstanding shares of Series One Preferred Stock, and (iii) the
product of the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock times
a fraction whose numerator is 100 and whose denominator is the
Adjustment Number.
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2. The Adjustment Number shall initially be 100 and shall be
subject to adjustment as provided in this subsection (B). In the event
the Corporation shall at any time after the Rights Declaration Date
(i) declare any dividend on Common Stock payable in shares of Common
Stock, (ii) subdivide the outstanding Common Stock, or (iii) combine
the outstanding Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, then in
each such case the Adjustment Number in effect immediately prior to
such event shall be adjusted by multiplying such Adjustment Number by
a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common
Stock outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of
which is the number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding
immediately prior to such event.
Section 7. Consolidation, Merger, etc. In case the Corporation shall
enter into any consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction
in which the shares of Common Stock are exchanged for or changed into
other stock or securities, cash and/or any other property, then in any
such case the shares of Series One Preferred Stock shall at the same
time be similarly exchanged or changed in an amount per share (subject
to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth) equal to 100
times the aggregate amount of stock, securities, cash and/or any other
property (payable in kind), as the case may be, into which or for
which each share of Common Stock is changed or exchanged. In the
event the Corporation shall at any time (i) declare any dividend on
Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, or (ii) subdivide the
outstanding Common Stock or combine the outstanding Common Stock into
a greater or lesser number of shares of Common Stock, then in each
such case the amount set forth in the preceding sentence with respect
to the exchange or change of shares of Series One Preferred Stock
shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction the
numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the
number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately
prior to such event.
Section 8. Redemption. The outstanding shares of Series One
Preferred Stock may be redeemed at the option of the Board of
Directors as a whole, but not in part, at any time, or from time to
time, at a cash price per share equal to (i) the product of the
Adjustment Number times the Average Market Value, as such term is
hereinafter defined, of the Common Stock, plus (ii) all dividends
which on the redemption date have accrued on the shares to be redeemed
and have not been paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the
payment thereof set apart, without interest; provided, however, that
if and whenever any quarter-yearly dividend shall have accrued on the
Series One Preferred Stock which has not been paid or declared and a
sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart, the Corporation may
not purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of Series One Preferred
Stock unless all shares of such stock at the time outstanding are so
purchased or otherwise acquired. The "Average Market Value" is the
average of the closing sale prices of the Common Stock during the 30-
day period immediately preceding the date before the redemption date
on the Composite Tape for New York Stock Exchange-Listed Stocks, or,
if such stock is not quoted on the Composite Tape, on the New York
Stock Exchange, or, if such stock is not listed on such Exchange, on
the principal United States securities exchange registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, on which such stock is
listed, or, if such stock is not listed on any such exchange, the
average of the closing bid quotations with respect to a share of
Common Stock during such 30-day period on the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotations System or any system
then in use, or if no such quotations are available, the fair market
value of the Common Stock as determined by the Board of Directors in
good faith.
Section 9. Fractional Shares. Series One Preferred Stock may be
issued in fractions of a share which shall entitle the holder, in
proportion to such holder's fractional shares, to exercise voting
rights, if applicable, receive dividends, participate in distributions
and to have the benefit of all other rights of holders of Series One
Preferred Stock.
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6TH. A. In addition to the right of the Board of Directors under law to remove
a director for cause, and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of
preferred stock then outstanding, any director, any class of directors, or the
entire Board of Directors may be removed from office by a vote of the
shareholders at any time, with or without assigning any cause, but only if
shareholders entitled to cast at least eighty percent (80%) of the votes which
all shareholders would be entitled to cast at an annual election of directors or
of such class shall vote in favor of such removal; provided, however, that no
individual director shall be removed (unless the entire Board of Directors or
any class of directors shall be removed) if the votes cast against such removal
would be sufficient, if voted cumulatively for such director, to elect him or
her to the class of directors of which he or she is a member.
B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Articles of Incorporation or
the Bylaws of the Corporation, the affirmative vote of shareholders entitled to
cast at least eighty percent (80%) of the votes which all shareholders would be
entitled to cast at an annual election of directors, voting together as a single
class, shall be required to amend, alter, or repeal, or to adopt any provision
inconsistent with, this Article 6th or any provision of the Bylaws of the
Corporation relating to the number of directors, the classification of
directors, and/or the filling of vacancies on the Board of Directors; provided,
however, that this Paragraph B shall not apply to, and such eighty percent (80%)
vote shall not be required for, any such amendment, repeal, or adoption
unanimously approved by all of the Directors of the Corporation.
7TH. A. In addition to any affirmative vote required by law, the Articles of
Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, Business Combinations with an
Interested Shareholder shall require the affirmative vote of the shareholders
entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes which all shareholders other
than the Interested Shareholder would be entitled to cast in an annual election
of directors, without counting the vote of the Interested Shareholder, voting
together as a single class; provided, however, that such affirmative vote shall
not be required and such Business Combination shall require only the affirmative
vote required by law, the Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the
Corporation if:
(1) The Business Combination shall have been approved by a majority of
Disinterested Directors; or
(2) All of the following six conditions shall have been met:
(a) The transaction constituting the Business Combination shall provide for a
consideration to be received by holders of Common Stock in exchange for
their stock, and the aggregate amount of the cash consideration and the
Fair Market Value as of the date of the consummation of the Business
Combination of consideration other than cash to be received per share by
holders of Common Stock in such Business Combination shall be at least
equal to the highest of the following:
(1) (if applicable) the highest per share price (including any
brokerage commissions, transfer taxes, and soliciting
dealers' fees) paid by the Interested Shareholder in order
to acquire any shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by
the Interested Shareholder which were acquired (I) within
the two-year period immediately prior to the first public
announcement of the proposed Business Combination (the
"Announcement Date") or (II) in the transaction in which the
Interested Shareholder became an Interested Shareholder,
whichever is higher;
(ii) the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the
Announcement Date or on the date on which the Interested
Shareholder became an Interested Shareholder (the
"Determination Date"), whichever is higher;
(iii) the highest Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock for
the two years immediately preceding the Announcement Date,
where the closing sale price is determined for each trading
day without reference to the 30-day period; and
(iv) (if applicable) the price per share equal to the Fair Market
Value per share of Common Stock determined pursuant to
clause (ii) preceding, multiplied by the ratio of (I) the
highest per share price (including any brokerage
commissions, transfer taxes, and soliciting dealers' fees)
paid in order to acquire any shares of Common Stock
beneficially owned by the Interested Shareholder which were
acquired within the two-year period immediately prior to the
Announcement
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Date to (II) the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock
on the first day in such two-year period on which the
Interested Shareholder beneficially owned any shares of
Common Stock.
All per share prices shall be adjusted to reflect any intervening
stock splits, stock dividends, and reverse stock splits.
(b) If the transaction constituting the Business Combination shall provide for
a consideration to be received by holders of any class of outstanding
Voting Stock other than Common Stock, the aggregate amount of the cash and
the Fair Market Value as of the date of the consummation of the Business
Combination of consideration other than cash to be received per share by
holders of shares of such Voting Stock shall be at least equal to the
highest of the following (it being intended that the requirements of this
clause (2)(b) shall be required to be met with respect to every such class
of outstanding Voting Stock whether or not the Interested Shareholder
beneficially owns any shares of a particular class of such Voting Stock):
(i) (if applicable) the highest per share price (including any
brokerage commissions, transfer taxes, and soliciting dealers'
fees) paid by the Interested Shareholder in order to acquire any
shares of such class of Voting Stock beneficially owned by the
Interested Shareholder which were acquired (I) within the two-
year period immediately prior to the Announcement Date or (II) in
the transaction in which the Interested Shareholder became an
Interested Shareholder, whichever is higher;
(ii) (if applicable) the highest preferential amount per share to
which the holders of shares of such class of Voting Stock are
entitled in the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or winding
up of the Corporation;
(iii) the highest Fair Market Value per share of such class of Voting
Stock for the two years immediately preceding the Announcement
Date, where the closing sale price is determined for each trading
day without reference to the 30-day period;
(iv) the Fair Market Value per share of such class of Voting Stock on
the Announcement Date or on the Determination Date, whichever is
higher; and
(v) (if applicable) the price per share equal to the Fair Market
Value per share of such class of Voting Stock determined pursuant
to clause (iv) immediately preceding, multiplied by the ratio of
(I) the highest per share price (including any brokerage
commissions, transfer taxes, and soliciting dealers' fees) paid
in order to acquire any shares of such class of Voting Stock
beneficially owned by the Interested Shareholder which were
acquired within the two-year period immediately prior to the
Announcement Date to (II) the Fair Market Value per share of such
class of Voting Stock on the first day in such two-year period on
which the Interested Shareholder beneficially owned any share of
such class of Voting Stock.
All per share prices shall be adjusted to reflect any intervening stock splits,
stock dividends, and reverse stock splits.
(c) The consideration to be received by holders of a particular class of
outstanding Voting Stock (including Common Stock) shall be in cash or in
the same form as was previously paid in order to acquire shares of such
class of Voting Stock which are beneficially owned by the Interested
Shareholder. If the Interested Shareholder beneficially owns shares of any
class of Voting Stock which were acquired with varying forms of
consideration, the form of consideration to be received by holders of such
class of Voting Stock shall be either cash or the form used to acquire the
largest number of shares of such class of Voting Stock beneficially owned
by the Interested Shareholder.
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(d) After such Interested Shareholder has become an Interested Shareholder and
prior to the consummation of such Business Combination:
(i) except as approved by a majority of Disinterested Directors,
there shall have been no failure to declare and pay at the
regular date therefor any full quarterly dividends (whether or
not cumulative) on any outstanding preferred stock;
(ii) there shall have been (I) no reduction in the annual rate of
dividends paid on the Common Stock (except as necessary to
reflect any subdivision of the Common Stock), except as approved
by a majority of the Disinterested Directors, and (II) an
increase in such annual rate of dividends (as necessary to
prevent any such reduction) in the event of any reclassification
(including any reverse stock split), recapitalization,
reorganization, or any similar transaction which has the effect
of reducing the number of outstanding shares of the Common Stock,
unless the failure so to increase such annual rate is approved by
a majority of the Disinterested Directors; and
(iii) such Interested Shareholder shall not have become the beneficial
owner of any additional shares of Voting Stock except as part of
the transaction in which such Interested Shareholder became an
Interested Shareholder.
(e) After such Interested Shareholder has become an Interested Shareholder,
such Interested Shareholder shall not have received the benefit, directly
or indirectly (except proportionately as a shareholder), of any loans,
advances, guarantees, pledges, or other financial assistance or any tax
credits or other tax advantages provided by the Corporation, whether in
anticipation of or in connection with a Business Combination or otherwise.
(f) A proxy or information statement describing the proposed Business
Combination and complying with the requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (or any
subsequent provisions replacing such Act, rules, or regulations) shall be
mailed to public shareholders of the Corporation at least 30 days prior to
the consummation of such Business Combination (whether or not such proxy or
information statement is required to be mailed pursuant to such Act or
subsequent provisions).
B. For the purposes of this Article 7th:
(1) The term "Business Combination" shall mean:
(a) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any
Subsidiary with (i) any Interested Shareholder or with
(ii) any other corporation (whether or not itself an
Interested Shareholder) which is, or after such merger
or consolidation would be, an Affiliate or Associate of
an Interested Shareholder;
(b) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer,
or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of
transactions) to or with any Interested Shareholder
and/or any Affiliate or Associate of any Interested
Shareholder of all or a Substantial Part of the assets
of the corporation or any Subsidiary thereof;
(c) the issuance, exchange, sale, or transfer by the
Corporation or any Subsidiary (in one transaction or a
series of transactions) of any securities of the
Corporation or any Subsidiary to any Interested
Shareholder and/or any Affiliate or Associate of any
Interested Shareholder in exchange for cash,
securities, or other consideration (or a combination
thereof) having an aggregate Fair Market Value of,
equal to or in excess of a Substantial Part of the
assets of the Corporation;
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(d) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the
liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation proposed
by or on behalf of any Interested Shareholder or any
Affiliate or Associate of any Interested Shareholder;
or
(e) any reclassification of securities (including any
reverse stock split), or recapitalization of the
Corporation, or any merger or consolidation of the
Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any other
transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise
involving an Interested Shareholder) which has the
effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the
proportionate share of the outstanding shares of any
class of equity securities or securities convertible
into equity securities of the Corporation or any
Subsidiary which is directly or indirectly owned by an
Interested Shareholder or any Affiliate or Associate of
any Interested Shareholder.
(2) The term "person" shall mean any individual, firm, corporation,
or other entity and shall include any group comprised of any
person and any other person with whom such person or any
Affiliate or Associate of such person has any agreement,
arrangement, or understanding, directly or indirectly, for the
purpose of acquiring, holding, voting, or disposing of Voting
Stock of the Corporation.
(3) The term "Interested Shareholder" at any particular time shall
mean any person (other than the Corporation or any Subsidiary and
other than any profit sharing, employee stock ownership, or other
employee benefit plan of the Corporation or any Subsidiary or any
trustee of or fiduciary with respect to any such plan when acting
in such capacity) who or which:
(a) is at such time the beneficial owner, directly or
indirectly, of more than ten percent (10%) of the
voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock;
(b) was at any time within the two-year period immediately
prior to such time the beneficial owner, directly or
indirectly, of more than ten percent (10%) of the
voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock; or
(c) is at such time an assignee of or has otherwise
succeeded to the beneficial ownership of any shares of
Voting Stock which were at any time within the two-year
period immediately prior to such time beneficially
owned by any Interested Shareholder, if such assignment
or succession shall have occurred in the course of a
transaction or series of transactions not involving a
public offering within the meaning of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended.
(4) A person shall be a "beneficial owner" of any shares of Voting
Stock:
(a) which such person or any of its Affiliates or
Associates beneficially owns, directly or indirectly;
(b) which such person or any of its Affiliates or
Associates has (i) the right to acquire (whether or not
such right is exercisable immediately) pursuant to any
agreement, arrangement, or understanding or upon the
exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights,
warrants or options, or otherwise, or (ii) the right to
vote pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, or
understanding; or
(c) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly,
by any other person with which such person or any of
its Affiliates or Associates has any agreement,
arrangement, or understanding for the purpose of
acquiring, holding, voting, or disposing of any shares
of Voting Stock.
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(5) For the purposes of determining whether a person is an Interested
Shareholder pursuant to Section (B)(3) of this Article 7th, the
number of shares of Voting Stock deemed to be outstanding shall
include shares deemed owned by an Interested Shareholder through
application of Section (B)(4) immediately preceding but shall not
include any other shares of Voting Stock which may be issuable
pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, or understanding, or upon
the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or
options, or otherwise.
(6) "Affiliate" or "Associate" shall have the respective meanings
ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and
Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, as in effect on January 1, 1985 (the term "registrant"
in said Rule 12b-2 meaning in this case the Corporation).
(7) "Subsidiary" means any corporation of which a majority of any
class of equity security is owned, directly or indirectly, by the
Corporation; provided, however, that for the purposes of the
definition of Interested Shareholder set forth in Section (B)(3)
of this Article 7th, the term "Subsidiary" shall mean only a
corporation of which a majority of each class of equity security
is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.
(8) "Disinterested Director" means any member of the Board of
Directors of the Corporation who is unaffiliated with, and not a
representative of, an Interested Shareholder and who was a member
of the Board of Directors prior to the time that the Interested
Shareholder became an Interested Shareholder or became a member
subsequently to fill a vacancy created by an increase in the size
of the Board of Directors and did receive the favorable vote of a
majority of the Disinterested Directors in connection with being
nominated for election by the shareholders to fill such vacancy
or in being elected by the Board of Directors to fill such
vacancy, and any successor of a Disinterested Director who is
unaffiliated with, and not a representative of, the Interested
Shareholder and is recommended or elected to succeed a
Disinterested Director by a majority of the Disinterested
Directors then on the Board of Directors.
(9) "Fair Market Value" means: (1) in the case of stock, the highest
closing sale price during the 30-day period immediately preceding
the date in question of a share of such stock on the Composite
Tape for New York Stock Exchange-Listed Stocks, or, if such stock
is not quoted on the Composite Tape, on the New York Stock
Exchange, or, if such stock is not listed on such exchange, on
the principal United States securities exchange registered under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, on which such
stock is listed, or, if such stock is not listed on any such
exchange, the highest closing bid quotation with respect to a
share of such stock during the 30-day period preceding the date
in question on the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., Automated Quotations System or any system then in use, or
if no such quotations are available, the fair market value on the
date in question of a share of such stock as determined by the
Board of Directors in good faith with the approval of at least a
majority of the Disinterested Directors in the determination
made; and (2) in the case of property other than cash or stock,
the fair market value of such property on the date in question as
determined by the Board of Directors in good faith with the
approval of at least a majority of the Disinterested Directors in
the determination made.
(10) In the event of any Business Combination in which the Corporation
survives, the phrase "consideration other than cash to be
received" as used in Section (A)(2) of this Article 7th shall
include the shares of Common Stock and/or the shares of any class
of outstanding Voting Stock retained by the holders of such
shares.
(11) "Substantial Part" of the Corporation shall mean more than ten
percent (10%) of the fair market value of the total assets of the
Corporation as of the end of its most recent fiscal quarter
ending prior to the time the determination is made.
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(12) The term "Voting Stock" shall mean all outstanding shares of
capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in an annual
election of directors.
(13) The term "Beneficial Owner" shall have the meaning ascribed to
such term in Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as in
effect on January 1, 1985.
C. A majority of the Disinterested Directors shall have the power and
duty to determine for the purposes of this Article 7th, on the basis of
information known to them after reasonable inquiry, all facts necessary to
determine compliance with this Article 7th, including without limitation (1)
whether a person is an Interested Shareholder, (2) the number of shares of
Voting Stock beneficially owned by any person, (3) whether a person is an
Affiliate or Associate of another, (4) whether the applicable conditions set
forth in Section (A)(2) of this Article 7th have been met with respect to any
Business Combination, and (5) whether the assets which are the subject of any
Business Combination equal or exceed, or whether the consideration to be
received from the issuance or transfer of securities by the Corporation or any
Subsidiary in any Business Combination equals or exceeds, a Substantial Part of
the assets of the Corporation. Any such determination made in good faith shall
be binding and conclusive on all parties.
D. Nothing contained in this Article 7th shall be construed to relieve
any Interested Shareholder from any fiduciary obligation imposed by law.
E. Unless otherwise clear from the context, all terms used in this
Article 7th shall have the meanings given to them in this Article 7th. The
masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders, and vice versa;
and the singular shall include the plural, and vice versa.
F. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the Articles of
Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, and notwithstanding the fact
that a lesser percentage may be specified by law, the affirmative vote of
shareholders entitled to cast at least eighty percent (80%) of the votes which
all shareholders would be entitled to cast at an annual election of directors,
voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend, alter, or repeal,
or to adopt any provision inconsistent with, this Article 7th.
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ATTACHMENT 2
Bylaws
ARMSTRONG HOLDINGS, INC.
LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA
ARTICLE I
Office
The principal office of the Company shall be in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
All meetings of directors and stockholders shall be held at the principal office
of the Company unless the Board of Directors shall decide otherwise, in which
case such meetings may be held within or without the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania as the Board may from time to time direct.
ARTICLE II
Stockholders' Meetings
An annual meeting of stockholders shall be held in each calendar year on such
date and at such time as may be fixed by the Board of Directors for the purpose
of electing directors and the transaction of such other business as may properly
come before the meeting.
Special meetings of the stockholders may be called at any time by the President
or the Board of Directors. At any time, upon written request of any person or
persons who have duly called a special meeting, it shall be the duty of the
Secretary to fix the date of the meeting, to be held not more than sixty days
after the receipt of the request, and to give due notice thereof. If the
Secretary shall neglect or refuse to fix the date of the meeting and give notice
thereof, the person or persons calling the meeting may do so.
Special meetings of the holders of No Par Preferred Stock for the purpose of
electing directors may be called as provided in the Articles of Incorporation,
as amended.
Written notice of the place, day, and hour of all meetings of stockholders and,
in the case of a special meeting, of the general nature of the business to be
transacted, shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the
particular meeting either personally or by sending a copy of the notice through
the mail, or by telegram, charges prepaid, to the address of the stockholder
appearing on the books of the Company or supplied by him to the Company for the
purpose of notice. Except as otherwise provided by these Bylaws or by law, such
notice shall be given at least five days before the date of the meeting by the
President, Vice President, or Secretary. A waiver in writing of any written
notice required to be given, signed by the person entitled to such notice,
whether before or after the time stated, shall be deemed equivalent to the
giving of such notice. Attendance of a person, either in person or by proxy, at
any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where a
person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction
of any business because the meeting was not lawfully called or convened.
At any annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders, only such
business as is properly brought before the meeting in accordance with this
paragraph may be transacted. To be properly brought before any meeting, any
proposed business must be either (a) specified in the notice of the meeting (or
any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors,
(b) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the
Board of Directors, or (c) if brought before the meeting by a stockholder, then
(1) the stockholder must have been a stockholder of record on the record date
for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting, and (2)
written notification of such proposed business must have been received by the
Secretary of the Company not later than (i), with respect to business to be
proposed at an annual meeting of stockholders, ninety (90) days prior to the
anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting; provided, that if
the date of the
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annual meeting is more than thirty (30) days before or after the anniversary
date of the immediately preceding annual meeting, the notification must have
been received within fifteen (15) days after the public announcement by the
Company of the date of the annual meeting, and (ii), with respect to business to
be proposed at a special meeting of stockholders, the close of business on the
fifteenth (15th) day following the date on which notice of such meeting is
first given to stockholders or public disclosure of the meeting is made,
whichever is earlier. Such stockholder notification shall set forth the nature
of and reasons for the proposal in reasonable detail and, as to the stockholder
giving notification, (1) the name and address, as they appear on the Company's
books of such stockholder and (2) the class and total number of shares of the
Company that are beneficially owned by such stockholder. Within fifteen (15)
days following receipt by the Secretary of a stockholder notification of
proposed business pursuant hereto, the Company shall advise the stockholder of
any deficiencies in the notification. The notifying stockholder may cure such
deficiencies within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such advice, failing
which the stockholder's notification shall be deemed invalid.
Nominations of candidates for election to the Board of Directors may be made by
the Board of Directors or by any stockholder of the Company entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, any meeting called for the election of directors.
Nominations, other than those made by or on behalf of the Board of Directors of
the Company, shall be made in writing and shall be received by the Secretary of
the Company not later than (i), with respect to an election of directors to be
held at an annual meeting of stockholders, ninety (90) days prior to the
anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting provided that if
the date of the annual meeting is more than thirty (30) days before or after the
anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting, the stockholder
nomination shall be received within fifteen (15) days after the public
announcement by the Company of the date of the annual meeting, and (ii), with
respect to an election of directors to be held at a special meeting of
stockholders, the close of business on the fifteenth (15th) day following the
date on which notice of such meeting is first given to stockholders or public
disclosure of the meeting is made, whichever is earlier. Such nomination shall
contain the following information to the extent known to the notifying
stockholder: (a) the name, age, business address, and residence address of each
proposed nominee and of the notifying stockholder; (b) the principal occupation
of each proposed nominee; (c) a representation that the notifying stockholder
intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or
persons specified in the notice; (d) the class and total number of shares of the
Company that are beneficially owned by the notifying stockholder and, if known,
by the proposed nominee; (e) the total number of shares of the Company that will
be voted by the notifying stockholder for each proposed nominee; (f) a
description of all arrangements or understandings between the notifying
stockholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person
or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by
the notifying stockholder; (g) such other information regarding each nominee
proposed by such stockholder as would be required to be included in a proxy
statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule
14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, had the nominee
been nominated, or intended to be nominated, by the Board of Directors; and (h)
the consent of each nominee to serve as a director of the Company if so elected.
Nominees of the Board of Directors shall, to the extent appropriate, provide the
same information about themselves as in (a) through (h) above to the Secretary
of the Company. The Company may request any proposed nominee to furnish such
other information as may reasonably be required by the Company to determine the
qualifications of the proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Company.
Within fifteen (15) days following the receipt by the Secretary of a stockholder
notice of nomination pursuant hereto, the Board Affairs and Governance Committee
shall instruct the Secretary of the Company to advise the notifying stockholder
of any deficiencies in the notice as determined by the Committee. The notifying
stockholder shall cure such deficiencies within fifteen (15) days of receipt of
such notice. No persons shall be eligible for election as a director of the
Company unless nominated in accordance herewith. Nominations not made in
accordance herewith may, in the discretion of the presiding officer at the
meeting and with the advice of the Board Affairs and Governance Committee, be
disregarded by the presiding officer and, upon his or her instructions, all
votes cast for each such nominee may be disregarded. The determinations of the
presiding officer at the meeting shall be conclusive and binding upon all
stockholders of the Company for all purposes.
At any meeting of the stockholders, the presence, in person or by proxy, of
stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes which all
stockholders are entitled to cast upon any matter shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business upon such matter, and the stockholders present at a
duly organized meeting can continue to
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do business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough
stockholders to leave less than a quorum. If a meeting cannot be organized
because a quorum has not attended, those present may, except as otherwise
provided by law, adjourn the meeting to such time and place as they may
determine, but in the case of any meeting called for the election of directors,
those who attend the second of such adjourned meetings, although less than a
quorum, shall nevertheless constitute a quorum for the purpose of electing
directors.
Except as otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or by
law, every stockholder of record shall have the right, at every stockholders'
meeting, to one vote for every share standing in his name on the books of the
Company. In each election of directors, every stockholder entitled to vote
shall have the right to multiply the number of votes to which he may be entitled
by the total number of directors to be elected, and he may cast the whole number
of such votes for one candidate or he may distribute them among any two or more
candidates.
Every stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize
another person or persons to act for him by proxy. A proxy may be submitted to
the Secretary by a stockholder in writing, by telephone, electronically or any
other means permitted by law.
All questions shall be decided by the vote of the stockholders present, in
person or by proxy, entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes which all
stockholders present are entitled to cast, unless otherwise provided by the
Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or by law.
Elections for directors need not be by ballot except on demand made by a
stockholder at the election and before the voting begins. In advance of any
meeting of stockholders, the Board of Directors may appoint judges of election
who need not be stockholders to act at such meeting or any adjournment thereof,
and if such appointment is not made, the chairman of any such meeting may, and
on request of any stockholder or his proxy shall, make such appointment at the
meeting. The number of judges shall be one or three; and if appointed at a
meeting on request of one or more stockholders or proxies, the majority of the
shares present and entitled to vote shall determine whether one or three judges
are to be appointed. No person who is a candidate for office shall act as a
judge. In case any person appointed as judge fails to appear or fails or
refuses to act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the Board of
Directors in advance of the convening of the meeting or at the meeting by the
person or officer acting as chairman. On request of the chairman of the meeting
or of any stockholder or his proxy, the judges shall make a report in writing of
any challenge or question or matter determined by them and execute a certificate
of any fact found by them.
ARTICLE III
Directors
SECTION 1. The business and affairs of the Company shall be managed under the
direction of a Board of Directors. The directors need not be stockholders of the
Company. The Board shall consist of not less than eight (8) nor more than eleven
(11) directors, the exact number to be fixed from time to time by the Board of
Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority vote of the directors
then in office, such number being in addition to any directors that the holders
of any class of preferred stock, voting as a class, may be entitled to elect as
provided in the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or in a resolution of the
Board establishing any series of preferred stock.
The directors, other than the directors to be elected by the holders of No Par
Preferred Stock, voting as a class, shall be classified in respect to the time
for which they shall severally hold office by dividing them into three classes,
each consisting, as nearly as possible, of one-third of the whole number of such
directors. At each annual meeting, the successors to the class of directors
whose terms expire that year shall be elected to hold office for the term of
three years. Each such director shall hold office for the term for which he is
elected and until his successor shall have been elected and qualified. Any
vacancy in the office of any such director shall be filled by an election by the
Board for the unexpired term.
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Directors to be elected by the holders of No Par Preferred Stock, voting as a
class, shall be elected and hold office as provided in the Articles of
Incorporation, as amended.
SECTION 2. The Board of Directors shall hold an annual meeting, without notice,
immediately following the annual meeting of the stockholders and shall elect a
President, such number of Vice Presidents and Operation or Division Presidents
as the Board may deem advisable, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Controller, and
such Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers as the Board may deem
advisable. The Board may also at its discretion elect a Chairman of the Board.
Unless sooner removed by the Board, all officers shall hold office until the
next annual meeting of the Board and until their successors shall have been
elected. The Board shall also, from time to time, elect such other officers and
agents as it deems advisable.
The President and the Chairman of the Board, if elected, must be selected from
the members of the Board of Directors, but the other officers may but need not
be directors.
Any two or more offices may be held by the same person except the offices of
President and Secretary, but in no case shall the same person act in the same
matter in two such official capacities.
SECTION 3. All vacancies in office shall be filled by the Board of Directors,
and the Board shall have power to define the duties of all officers and agents
and fix their compensation and may remove at its discretion any officer or
agent.
SECTION 4. The Board of Directors shall hold meetings at such times and places
as it may determine. Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board or a
Committee thereof by conference telephone or similar communications equipment by
means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. No
notice of regular meetings of the Board need be given. Special meetings of the
Board may be called by the President or a Vice President or the Secretary or by
any two directors by giving written notice at least twenty-four hours in advance
of the place, day and hour of the meeting to each director, either personally or
by facsimile, telegram, or other means permitted by law.
Attendance at any meeting of the Board shall be a waiver of notice thereof. If
all the members of the Board are present at any meeting, no notice shall be
required. A majority of the whole number of the directors shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business, but if at any meeting a quorum shall not
be present, the meeting may adjourn from time to time until a quorum shall be
present.
SECTION 5. The Board of Directors shall cause to be sent to the stockholders,
within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, financial statements which
shall include a balance sheet as of the close of such year, together with
statements of income and surplus for such year, prepared so as to present fairly
its financial condition and results of its operations. Such financial
statements shall have been examined in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards by a firm of independent certified public accountants
selected by the Board and shall be accompanied by such firm's opinion as to the
fairness of the presentation thereof.
SECTION 6. The Board of Directors may, by resolution adopted by a majority of
the whole Board, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of
two or more of the directors of the Company. The Board may designate one or
more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent
or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. Any such committee to
the extent provided in such resolution shall have and exercise the authority of
the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Company.
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ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
President
SECTION 1. The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Company.
He shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and, in the absence of a
Chairman of the Board, at all meetings of the Board of Directors at which he is
present. He shall be ex-officio a member of all standing committees.
He shall have the custody of the corporate seal or may entrust the same to the
Secretary. He shall make reports of the Company's business to the Board at such
times as the Board shall require. He shall perform all the usual duties
incident to the office of President.
Vice Presidents and Operation or Division Presidents
SECTION 2. In the absence or disability of the President, his duties shall be
performed by one or more Vice Presidents or Operation or Division Presidents
designated by the Board of Directors. They shall perform such other duties as
may be assigned to them by the Board.
Chairman of the Board
SECTION 3. The Chairman of the Board, if elected, shall preside at all meetings
of the Board of Directors at which he is present. He shall perform such other
duties as may be assigned to him by the Board.
Secretary
SECTION 4. The Secretary shall attend the meetings of the stockholders and
Board of Directors and keep minutes thereof in suitable books. He shall send
out notices of all meetings as required by law or these Bylaws. He shall be ex-
officio an Assistant Treasurer. He shall perform all the usual duties incident
to the office of Secretary.
Assistant Secretaries
SECTION 5. In the absence or disability of the Secretary, his duties shall be
performed by the Assistant Secretaries. They shall perform such other duties as
may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors.
Treasurer
SECTION 6. The Treasurer shall have custody of funds of the Company and keep or
cause to be kept accurate accounts of all money received or payments made in
books kept for that purpose. He shall deposit all money received by him in the
name and to the credit of the Company in such bank or other place or places of
deposit as the Board of Directors shall designate. He shall be ex-officio an
Assistant Secretary. He shall perform all the usual duties incident to the
office of Treasurer.
Assistant Treasurers
SECTION 7. In the absence or disability of the Treasurer, his duties shall be
performed by the Assistant Treasurers. They shall perform such other duties as
may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors.
Controller
SECTION 8. The Controller shall have general charge of the accounting of the
Company and shall perform all the usual duties incident to the office of
Controller.
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Bonds
SECTION 9. Such officers and employees of the Company as the Board of Directors
shall determine shall give bond for the faithful discharge of their duties in
such form and for such amount and with such surety or sureties as the Board
shall require. The expense of procuring such bonds shall be borne by the
Company.
ARTICLE V
Seal
The Company shall have a seal which shall contain the words "Armstrong Holdings,
Inc."
ARTICLE VI
Stock Certificates and Transfers
Stock certificates shall be in such form as the Board of Directors may from time
to time determine and shall either be signed by the President or one of the Vice
Presidents or other officer designated by the Board, and countersigned by the
Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or other officer designated by the Board and
sealed with the seal of the Company, or, if not so signed and sealed, shall bear
the engraved or printed facsimile signatures of the officers authorized to sign
and the engraved or printed facsimile of the seal of the Company.
The Board of Directors may appoint for any class of stock one or more
incorporated banks or trust companies in the city of New York, New York, or
elsewhere, to act as Registrar or Registrars, and also one or more incorporated
banks or trust companies in the city of New York, New York, or elsewhere, to act
as Transfer Agent or Transfer Agents. No certificate of stock of any class for
which a Transfer Agent and Registrar have been appointed shall be valid or
binding unless countersigned by a Transfer Agent and registered by a Registrar
before issue.
The shares of the capital stock of the Company shall, upon the surrender and
cancellation of the certificate or certificates representing the same, be
transferred upon the books of the Company at the request of the holder thereof,
named in the surrendered certificate or certificates, in person or by his legal
representatives or by his attorney duly authorized by written power of attorney
filed with the Company's Transfer Agent. In case of loss or destruction of a
certificate of stock, another may be issued in lieu thereof in such manner and
upon such terms as the Board shall authorize.
The Board of Directors may fix a time, not more than ninety (90) days prior to
the date of any meeting of the stockholders, or the date fixed for the payment
of any dividend or distribution or the date for the allotment of rights, or the
date when any change or conversion or exchange of capital stock will be made or
go into effect, as a record date for the determination of the stockholders
entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any such meeting, or entitled to receive
payment of any such dividend or distribution, or to receive any such allotment
of rights, or to exercise the rights in respect to any such change, conversion,
or exchange of capital stock. In such case, only such stockholders as shall be
stockholders of record on the date so fixed shall be entitled to notice of, or
to vote at, such meeting, or to receive payment of such dividend or
distribution, or to receive such allotment of rights, or exercise such rights,
as the case may be, notwithstanding any transfer of stock on the books of the
Company after any record date fixed as aforesaid.
ARTICLE VII
Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Company shall end on the 31st day of December.
ARTICLE VIII
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Amendments
Unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, these
Bylaws may be amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board of
Directors at any regular or special meeting duly convened after notice of that
purpose, subject always to the power of stockholders under law and in accordance
with the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, to change such action.
ARTICLE IX
Limitation on Directors' Personal Liability;
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
SECTION 1. A director of the Company shall not be personally liable for
monetary damages for any action taken or failure to take any action unless the
director has breached or failed to perform the duties of his or her office under
Subchapter B of Chapter 17 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988
and such breach or failure to perform constitutes self-dealing, willful
misconduct or recklessness; provided, however, that the foregoing provision
shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any
responsibility or liability of such director pursuant to any criminal statute,
or (ii) for any liability of a director for the payment of taxes pursuant to
local, state or federal law.
SECTION 2. The Company shall indemnify to the full extent authorized or
permitted by law any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to or
otherwise involved in (as a witness or otherwise) an action, suit or proceeding
(whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, and whether by or in
the right of the Company or otherwise) by reason of the fact that the person is
or was a director or officer of the Company or while a director or officer of
the Company, either serves or served as a director, officer, trustee, employee
or agent of any other related enterprise or in connection with a related
employee benefit plan at the request of the Company or serves or served as a
director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of any other unrelated enterprise
at the specific written request of the Company against any expenses and
liability actually incurred including without limitation judgments and amounts
paid or to be paid in settlement of and in actions brought by or in the right of
the Company. Expenses incurred by such a person in defending a civil or criminal
action, suit or proceeding or in enforcing any right under this Article shall be
paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or
proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to
repay such amount to the extent it shall ultimately be determined that such
person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company or, in the case of a
criminal action, the majority of the Board of Directors so determines. The
right to indemnification and advancement of expenses conferred in this Section
shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which any person
indemnified may be entitled under any agreement, vote of stockholders or
directors or otherwise, the Company having the express authority to enter such
agreements as the Board of Directors deems appropriate for the indemnification
of and advancement of expenses, including the creation of a fund therefor or
equivalent guarantee, to present or future directors and officers of the Company
in connection with their service as director or officer of the Company or their
service as director, officer, trustee, employee or agent of any other enterprise
or in connection with an employee benefit plan at the request of the Company.
The right to indemnification and the advancement of expenses provided in this
Section shall be a contract right, shall continue as to a person who has ceased
to serve in the capacities described herein, and shall inure to the benefit of
the heirs, executors and administrators of such person.
SECTION 3. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Article IX, nor the
adoption of any provision inconsistent with this Article IX, shall adversely
affect any limitation on the personal liability of a director or officer, or the
rights of a director or officer to indemnification and advancement of expenses,
existing at the time of such amendment, modification or repeal, or the adoption
of such an inconsistent provision.
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