<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
</TABLE>
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE> 2
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
[ARKANSAS BEST LOGO]
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD APRIL 19, 2000
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
Arkansas Best Corporation on Wednesday, April 19, 2000 at 9:00 a.m. at 3801
Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903. In addition to this notice,
enclosed are a proxy card/ballot and a proxy statement containing
information about the following matters to be acted upon at the meeting.
I. To elect two Class II directors for terms to expire at the 2003 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders;
II. Approval of the Material Terms of the Executive Officer Annual
Incentive Compensation Plan;
III. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors
for fiscal year 2000;
IV. To act upon such other matters as may properly be brought before the
meeting affecting the business and affairs of the Company.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on February 18, 2000 will
be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
It is important that your shares be represented at the meeting. We look forward
to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and hope you will attend the meeting or be
represented by proxy.
WE URGE YOU TO SIGN AND DATE YOUR ENCLOSED PROXY CARD/BALLOT AND PROMPTLY RETURN
IT IN THE ENCLOSED PRE-ADDRESSED, POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE EVEN IF YOU ARE PLANNING
TO ATTEND THE MEETING.
By Order of the Board of Directors, March 17, 2000.
/S/ WILLIAM A. MARQUARD /S/ ROBERT A. YOUNG III
- ------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------
William A. Marquard Robert A. Young III
Chairman of the Board President-Chief Executive Officer
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION, POST OFFICE BOX 10048
FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS 72917-0048
<PAGE> 3
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished to the stockholders of Arkansas Best
Corporation ("ABC" or the "Company"), in connection with the solicitation of
proxies on behalf of the ABC Board of Directors (the "Board") to be voted at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders on April 19, 2000 ("2000 Annual Meeting") for the
purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Meeting. This Proxy Statement
and Notice of Meeting, the related proxy card/ballot and the 1999 Annual Report
to Stockholders are being mailed to stockholders beginning on or about March 17,
2000. ABC's principal place of business is 3801 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith,
Arkansas 72903, and its telephone number is 501/785-6000.
RECORD DATE
The Board has fixed the close of business on February 18, 2000 as the record
date for the 2000 Annual Meeting. Only stockholders of record on that date will
be entitled to vote at the meeting in person or by proxy.
PROXIES
The proxy named on the enclosed proxy card/ballot was appointed by the Board to
vote the shares represented by the proxy card/ballot. Upon receipt by the
Company of a properly signed and dated proxy card/ballot, the shares represented
thereby will be voted in accordance with the instructions on the proxy
card/ballot. If a stockholder does not return a signed proxy card/ballot, his or
her shares cannot be voted by proxy. Stockholders are urged to mark the ovals on
the proxy card/ballot to show how their shares are to be voted. If a stockholder
returns a signed proxy card/ballot without marking the ovals, the shares
represented by the proxy card/ballot will be voted as recommended by the Board
herein and in the proxy card/ballot. The proxy card/ballot also confers
discretionary authority to the proxy to vote on any other matter not presently
known to management that may properly come before the meeting. Any proxy
delivered pursuant to this solicitation is revocable at the option of the
person(s) executing the same (i) upon receipt by the Company before the proxy is
voted of a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, (ii) by written notice of
revocation to the Secretary of the Company received before the proxy is voted or
(iii) by such person(s) voting in person at the 2000 Annual Meeting.
VOTING SHARES
On the record date, there were 19,762,133 shares of common stock outstanding and
entitled to vote ("Common Stock"). Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one
vote. The holders in person or by proxy of a majority of the total number of the
shares of Common Stock shall constitute a quorum for purposes of the 2000 Annual
Meeting.
<PAGE> 4
PROPOSAL I. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL I.
The Board is divided into three classes of directorships, with directors in each
class serving staggered three-year terms. At each annual meeting of
stockholders, the terms of directors in one of the three classes expire. At that
annual meeting of stockholders, directors are elected in a class to succeed the
directors whose terms expire, the terms of the directors so elected to expire at
the third annual meeting of stockholders thereafter. Pursuant to the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation, the Board has fixed the number of directorships at
six: two in the class to be elected at the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
whose members' terms will expire at the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, two
in the class whose members' terms will expire at the 2001 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, and two in the class whose members' terms will expire at the 2002
Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
It is intended that the shares represented by the accompanying proxy will be
voted at the 2000 Annual Meeting for the election of nominees Arthur J. Fritz,
Jr. and John H. Morris as the two directors in the class of directorships whose
members' terms will expire in 2003, unless the proxy specifies otherwise. Each
nominee has indicated his willingness to serve as a member of the Board, if
elected.
If, for any reason not presently known, either Messrs. Fritz or Morris will not
be available for election at the time of the 2000 Annual Meeting, the shares
represented by the accompanying proxy may be voted for the election in his/their
stead of substitute nominee(s) designated by the Board or a committee thereof,
unless the proxy withholds authority to vote for all nominees.
Assuming the presence of a quorum, to be elected a nominee must receive the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Common Stock present, in
person or by proxy, at the 2000 Annual Meeting.
DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
The following information relates to the nominees named above and to the other
persons whose terms as directors will continue after the 2000 Annual Meeting.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME DATE OF BIRTH BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS II -- TERM EXPIRES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING 2000
<S> <C> <C>
Arthur J. Fritz, Jr. ............ 08/13/40 Mr. Fritz has been a Director of the Company since April 1989. From 1971
to 1986, Mr. Fritz was President of Fritz Companies, Inc. and its
Chairman from 1986 to 1988. Mr. Fritz has served as Chairman of JABAR
Enterprises since October 1988 and is a Director of Intercargo
Corporation. Mr. Fritz is former President and Chairman of the National
Association of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders of America.
John H. Morris .................. 01/25/44 Mr. Morris has been a Director of the Company since July 1988 and a
Director of Treadco, Inc. since June 1991. Mr. Morris currently serves
as Cochairman of Stonecreek Capital. Mr. Morris is a Director of
Outsourcing Services Group and a Director of Steelhorse Holdings, Inc.
Mr. Morris served as a Managing Director of Kelso & Company, Inc. from
March 1989 to March 1992, was a General Partner from 1987 to March 1989,
and prior to 1987 was a Vice President. Prior to 1985, Mr. Morris was
President of LBO Capital Corp. In February 1997, Merchant's
Transportation & Logistics Company, and its subsidiaries, filed
petitions under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws. Mr. Morris
served as a Director of such entities through January 1997 and briefly
served as the President of such entities for about a two-week period in
November 1995 before these entities became operating companies.
</TABLE>
(2)
<PAGE> 5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME DATE OF BIRTH BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS III -- TERM EXPIRES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING 2001
<S> <C> <C>
Frank Edelstein ................. 12/18/25 Mr. Edelstein has been a Director of the Company since November 1988.
Mr. Edelstein currently provides consulting services to Stonecreek
Capital and Kelso & Company, Inc. Mr. Edelstein served as a Vice
President of Kelso & Company, Inc. from 1986 to March 1992. Prior to
1986, he served as Chairman and President of International Central Bank
& Trust Company and CPI Pension Services, Inc., as well as Senior Vice
President, Financial Services Group, at Continental Insurance
Corporation. He also has held positions as Corporate Vice President,
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and Executive Vice President of Olivetti
Corporation of America. Mr. Edelstein also is a Director of Ceradyne,
Inc., and IHOP Corp.
Robert A. Young III ............. 09/23/40 Mr. Young has been a Director of the Company since 1970 and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company since August 1988, President since 1973
and was Chief Operating Officer from 1973 to 1988. Mr. Young also is a
Director of Mosler, Inc.
CLASS I -- TERM EXPIRES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING 2002
William A. Marquard ............. 03/06/20 Mr. Marquard has been Chairman of the Board and a Director of the
Company since November 1988. In April 1992, Mr. Marquard was elected as
a Director of the Board of Kelso & Company, Inc. From 1971 to 1983, Mr.
Marquard was President and Chief Executive Officer of American Standard
Inc. and from 1979 to 1985, he was Chairman of the Board of American
Standard Inc. Mr. Marquard resumed his position as Chairman of the Board
of American Standard Inc. in February 1989 until March 31, 1992 when he
was named Chairman Emeritus. Mr. Marquard also became Chairman of the
Board of ASI Holding Corporation in February 1989 until March 31, 1992,
when he was named Chairman Emeritus. Mr. Marquard is Chairman of the
Board of Mosler, Inc., and a Director of Earle M. Jorgensen Co., and
EarthShell Container Corporation.
Alan J. Zakon, Ph.D.............. 12/26/35 Dr. Zakon has been a Director of the Company since February 1993. Dr.
Zakon was a Managing Director of Bankers Trust Company through March
1995, for which he previously served as Chairman, Strategic Policy
Committee from 1989 to 1990. From 1980 to 1986, Dr. Zakon was President
of Boston Consulting Group before being named its Chairman in 1986,
having previously served as Consultant from 1967 to 1969 and Vice
President from 1969 to 1980. Dr. Zakon is currently serving as a member
of the Board of Directors of several companies, including
Micro-Financial, and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of
Autotote Corporation, and is a former member of the Advisory Committee
to the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
</TABLE>
(3)
<PAGE> 6
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
The business of the Company is managed under the direction of the Board of
Directors. The Board meets on a regularly scheduled basis five times a year to
review significant developments affecting the Company and to act on matters
requiring Board approval. It also holds special meetings when an important
matter requires Board action between scheduled meetings. The Board met five
times during 1999. During 1999, each member of the Board participated in at
least 75% of all Board and applicable committee meetings held during the period
for which he was a Director.
The Board has established Audit, Executive Compensation and Development, and
Stock Option committees to devote attention to specific subjects and to assist
it in the discharge of its responsibilities. The functions of those committees,
their current members and the number of meetings held during 1999 are described
below. The Board does not have a committee for nomination of directors. The
Board nominates candidates for director.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee recommends to the Board the appointment of
the firm selected to be independent public accountants for the Company and
monitors the performance of such firm; reviews and approves the scope of the
annual audit and quarterly reviews and evaluates with the independent public
accountants the Company's annual audit and annual consolidated financial
statements; reviews with management the status of internal accounting controls;
and evaluates problem areas having a potential financial impact on the Company
which may be brought to its attention by management, the independent public
accountants or the Board. Messrs. Edelstein, Fritz, Morris, and Zakon currently
are members of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met twice during 1999.
Executive Compensation and Development Committee. The Executive Compensation and
Development Committee is responsible for reviewing executive management's
performance and for determining appropriate compensation. Messrs. Marquard,
Morris and Zakon currently are members of the Executive Compensation and
Development Committee. The Executive Compensation and Development Committee met
twice during 1999.
Stock Option Committee. The Stock Option Committee administers the Company's
1992 Stock Option Plan. The Stock Option Committee has the power to determine
from time to time the individuals to whom options shall be granted, the number
of shares to be covered by each option, and the time or times at which options
shall be granted. Messrs. Fritz, Edelstein, and Zakon currently are members of
the Stock Option Committee. The Stock Option Committee met twice during 1999.
Director Compensation. Mr. Young, as an officer of the Company, receives no
compensation for services as a director. Mr. Marquard, as Chairman, receives a
$75,000 annual retainer and other non-employee directors receive a $35,000
annual retainer. Each non-employee director receives $1,000 for each Board
meeting attended and for each meeting of a committee of the Board attended, if
the committee meeting is held other than in conjunction with a Board meeting.
Directors of ABC are entitled to reimbursement of their reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses in connection with their travel to and attendance at meetings of the
Board or its committees.
Messrs. Edelstein, Fritz and Zakon, as members of the Stock Option Committee,
each received automatic stock option grants under the Company's 1992 Stock
Option Plan on January 27, 1999, for 7,500 shares of the Company's Common Stock
at a fair market value exercise price of $7.625 per share. Messrs. Marquard and
Morris, non-employee Directors, each received stock options under the Company's
1992 Stock Option Plan on January 27, 1999 for 7,500 shares of the Company's
Common Stock at a fair market value of $7.625 per share. On each anniversary
date of the grant, 20% of the options vest and thereafter can be exercised
through the tenth year after the grant date.
(4)
<PAGE> 7
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth certain information concerning beneficial
ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of February 18, 2000, by (i) each
person who is known by the Company to own beneficially more than five percent
(5%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii) each director and named
executive officer of the Company and (iii) all directors and executive officers
as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES PERCENTAGE
BENEFICIALLY OF SHARES
OWNED OUTSTANDING (8)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
(I) NAME / ADDRESS
State of Wisconsin Investment Board (1)................................ 1,159,000 5.86%
P. O. Box 7842
Madison, WI 53707
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. (2).................................... 1,231,800 6.23%
1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. (3)..................................... 1,129,913 5.72%
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
(II) NAME POSITION
Robert A. Young III (4).................. Director, President - CEO 2,161,901 10.94%
William A. Marquard (4).................. Director 198,548 *
John H. Morris (4)(5).................... Director 146,515 *
Arthur J. Fritz, Jr. (4)(6).............. Director 100,471 *
Frank Edelstein (4)(7)................... Director 42,500 *
Alan J. Zakon (4)........................ Director 42,500 *
Lary R. Scott (4)........................ Executive Vice President 42,700 *
David E. Stubblefield (4)................ President-CEO, ABF 126,969 *
David Loeffler (4) ...................... Vice President-CFO 78,600 *
Jerry A. Yarbrough (4) .................. Senior Vice President 150,652 *
(III) All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (13 total).......... 3,194,735 16.17%
</TABLE>
*Less than 1%
(1) According to the most recent Schedule 13G it has provided to the
Company, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board beneficially owns
1,159,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock and has the following
voting and investment powers with respect to such shares: (a) sole
voting power, 1,159,000; (b) shared voting power, not applicable; (c)
sole investment power; 1,159,000; (d) shared investment power, not
applicable.
(2) According to the most recent Schedule 13G it has provided to the
Company, Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. ("Dimensional"), a registered
investment advisor, is deemed to have beneficial ownership of
1,231,800 shares of the Company's Common Stock as of December 31,
1999, all of which shares are held in portfolios of DFA Investment
Dimensions Group Inc., a registered open-end investment company, or in
series of the DFA Investment Trust Company, a Delaware business trust,
or the DFA Group Trust and DFA Participation Group Trust, investment
vehicles for qualified employee benefit plans, all of which
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. serves as investment manager.
Dimensional disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares.
(5)
<PAGE> 8
(3) According to the most recent Schedule 13G it has provided to the
Company, Loomis, Sayles & Company has the right to convert the 444,900
shares of the Company's $2.875 Series A Cumulative Convertible
Exchangeable Preferred Stock $0.01 par ("ABFSP") that it is the
beneficial owner of into the 1,129,913 shares of common stock over
which it has the following voting and investment powers: (a) sole
voting power, 939,435; (b) shared voting power, 93,968; (c) sole
dispositive power, 0; (d) shared dispositive power, 1,129,913.
(4) Includes stock option shares of Common Stock which are vested and will
vest within 60 days of the record date as follows: each of Messrs.
Marquard, Morris, Edelstein, Fritz and Zakon have a total of 37,500 -
all vested; Young has a total of 105,320 - 101,320 vested and 4,000
that will vest within 60 days; Scott has a total of 32,700 -- 30,200
vested and 2,500 that will vest within 60 days; Stubblefield has a
total of 57,500 -- 53,900 vested and 3,600 that will vest within 60
days; Loeffler has a total of 23,100 - 20,600 vested and 2,500 that
will vest within 60 days; and Yarbrough has a total of 44,700 - 42,200
vested and 2,500 that will vest within 60 days.
(5) Mr. Morris indirectly owns 109,015 shares as co-trustee of the John H.
Morris and Sharon L. Morris Family Trust.
(6) Includes 11,993 shares held by Trayjen, L.P., which are indirectly
owned by Mr. Fritz by virtue of his status as general partner.
(7) Mr. Edelstein indirectly owns 4,823 shares as joint trustee of the
Edelstein Living Trust.
(8) The denominator for all percentages includes the number of
beneficially owned stock options of the Director and Executive Officer
Group.
(6)
<PAGE> 9
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The following table sets forth the name, date of birth, principal occupation and
business experience during the last five years of each of the current executive
officers of the Company and its largest subsidiary. The executive officers serve
at the pleasure of the Board. For information regarding ownership of the Common
Stock by the executive officers of the Company, see "PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND
MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP." There are no family relationships among directors and
executive officers of the Company or its subsidiaries.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME DATE OF BIRTH BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Robert A. Young III.............. 09/23/40 See previous description.
President-Chief
Executive Officer
Lary R. Scott.................... 04/05/36 Mr. Scott was appointed ABC's Executive Vice President in
Executive Vice President December 1995. Prior to its June 1997 merger into ABC, he was
Chairman of the Board of WorldWay Corporation commencing in May 1994 and
Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WorldWay commencing in
1993. WorldWay became a wholly owned subsidiary of ABC in August 1995;
prior to that, it was a publicly traded company. For approximately two
years prior to joining WorldWay, Mr. Scott served as a transportation
consultant. Prior to that time, he was President and Chief Executive
Officer of Consolidated Freightways, Inc. Mr. Scott serves on the board
of directors of The Clorox Company.
David E. Stubblefield............ 05/26/37 Mr. Stubblefield has been President and Chief Executive Officer of ABF
ABF President- Freight System, Inc. ("ABF"), ABC's largest subsidiary, since January 1,
Chief Executive Officer 1995, and a Director of ABF since 1985. From 1979 through 1994, Mr.
Stubblefield was Senior Vice President-Marketing of ABF.
Jerry A. Yarbrough .............. 10/05/38 Mr. Yarbrough has been ABC's Senior Vice President - Corporate
Senior Vice President- Development since April 1998. From January 1995 through March 1998, Mr.
Corporate Development Yarbrough was Chairman of Integrated Distribution, Inc. and Best
Logistics, Inc. From 1979 through 1994, Mr. Yarbrough was ABF's Senior
Vice President - Operations and President of Data-Tronics Corp., an ABC
subsidiary.
David E. Loeffler................ 08/25/46 Mr. Loeffler was appointed ABC's Vice President-Chief Financial Officer
Vice President- and Treasurer in April 1997. From December 1995 to April 1997, he was
Chief Financial Officer ABC's Vice President-Treasurer. From 1992 to 1995, Mr. Loeffler was a
and Treasurer private investor and in investment management. From 1983 to 1992, he was
Senior Vice President - Finance and Administration and Chief Financial
Officer for Yellow Freight System, Inc.
Richard F. Cooper................ 12/28/51 Mr. Cooper has been ABC's Vice President-Administration since 1995,
Vice President-Administration ABC's Vice President-Risk Management from April 1991 to 1995 and Vice
General Counsel and President-General Counsel since 1986. Mr. Cooper has been Secretary
Secretary since 1987.
J. Lavon Morton ................. 09/25/50 Mr. Morton was appointed ABC's Vice President-Chief Internal Auditor in
Vice President- January 2000. From May 1997 to December 1999, Mr. Morton was Vice
Chief Internal Auditor President-Financial Reporting. Mr. Morton joined ABC as Assistant
Treasurer in December 1996. From October 1984 until November 1996, Mr.
Morton was a Partner in Ernst & Young LLP. From 1972 until 1984, Mr.
Morton was employed by Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Morton is a Certified
Public Accountant.
</TABLE>
(7)
<PAGE> 10
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME DATE OF BIRTH BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Judy R. McReynolds .............. 05/24/62 Ms. McReynolds was appointed Vice President-Controller of ABC in January
Vice President-Controller 2000. She previously served as the Controller of the Company from July
1998 until December 1999. Ms. McReynolds joined the Company as Director
of Corporate Accounting in June 1997. During the period of June 1995
through May 1997, Ms. McReynolds was employed as Director of Financial
Reporting and Taxation with P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. From
December 1990 until June 1995, Ms. McReynolds was a senior manager
employed with Ernst & Young LLP. Ms. McReynolds is a Certified Public
Accountant.
</TABLE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation paid during
each of the Company's last three fiscal years to the Company's Chief Executive
Officer and each of the Company's four other most highly compensated executive
officers, based on salary and bonus earned during 1999.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
------------------------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS PAYOUTS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME OTHER RESTRICTED
AND ANNUAL STOCK OPTIONS/ LTIP ALL OTHER
PRINCIPAL SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION AWARD(S) SARS PAYOUTS COMPENSATION
POSITION YEAR ($) ($)(1) ($) ($) (#)(2) ($) ($)(3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert A. Young III...... 1999 $ 503,600 $ 844,235 - - 12,000 - $ 626,499
President-CEO 1998 375,000 240,750 - - - - 127,272
1997 375,000 540,765 - - 20,000 - 59,370
David E. Stubblefield.... 1999 303,600 793,914 - - 9,000 - 493,082
ABF President-CEO 1998 275,000 335,912 - - - - 64,145
1997 262,500 357,019 - - 18,000 - 25,705
Lary R. Scott............ 1999 253,600 354,279 - - 6,000 - 136,618
Executive Vice President 1998 250,000 133,750 - - - - 1,600
1997 250,000 330,467 - - 12,500 - 1,600
Jerry A. Yarbrough (4)... 1999 243,600 340,309 - - 6,000 - 246,029
Senior Vice President- 1998 226,412 121,130 - - - - 50,938
Corporate Development 1997 226,412 - - - 12,500 - 27,705
David E. Loeffler ....... 1999 196,100 273,952 - - 6,000 - 51,221
Vice President-CFO 1998 174,996 93,623 - - - - 4,861
1997 166,664 189,268 - - 12,500 - 12,075
</TABLE>
(1) Reflects bonus earned during the fiscal year. Bonuses are normally paid
during the next fiscal year.
(2) Options granted to acquire shares of Common Stock.
(3) "All Other Compensation" for 1999 includes the following for Messrs. Young,
Scott, Stubblefield, Yarbrough and Loeffler: (i) Company matching
contributions to the Company's 401(k) Savings Plan of $3,200; $3,200;
$3,200; $3,200 and $3,200 for each named executive, respectively; (ii)
Amounts expensed under the Company's Supplemental Benefit Plan were
$546,192; $396,743; $133,418; $183,304 and $40,574 for each named
executive, respectively. The amount of expense charged under the
Supplemental Benefit Plan was determined by consulting actuaries based on
the terms of the plan. (iii) Amounts expensed under Deferred Salary
Agreements were $62,107; $78,139; $0; $44,525; and $7,447 for each named
executive, respectively. The Deferred Salary Agreements are not
performance-based incentive plans. (iv) Company matching contributions for
the Voluntary Savings Plan of $15,000 for Young; $15,000 for Stubblefield;
and $15,000 for Yarbrough.
(8)
<PAGE> 11
(4) For Mr. Yarbrough, during the period of 1996 through April 1, 1998, his
salary was paid by Company's wholly owned subsidiaries, Integrated
Distribution, Inc. and Best Logistics, Inc.
AGGREGATED OPTIONS/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTIONS/SAR VALUES
The following table provides information related to options exercised by the
named executive officers during the 1999 fiscal year and the number and value of
options held at fiscal year end. The Company does not have any outstanding stock
appreciation rights.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
SHARES UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED OPTIONS/ IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS/SARS
ACQUIRED VALUE SARS AT FISCAL YEAR-END (#) AT FISCAL YEAR-END ($)(1)
--------------------------------------------------------------
NAME ON EXERCISE(#) REALIZED($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert A. Young III - - 89,840 42,160 269,650 237,150
David E. Stubblefield - - 46,500 29,000 133,313 154,125
Lary R. Scott - - 23,000 25,500 135,625 145,313
Jerry A. Yarbrough - - 37,500 19,000 91,188 100,313
David E. Loeffler - - 15,800 20,700 95,125 118,313
</TABLE>
(1) The closing price for the Company's Common Stock as reported by the NASDAQ
Stock Market on December 31, 1999 was $12.00. Value is calculated on the
basis of the difference between the option exercise price and $12.00
multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the option.
(9)
<PAGE> 12
OPTIONS/SAR GRANTS TABLE
The following table provides information related to options granted to the named
executive officers during 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
VALUE AT ASSUMED
ANNUAL RATE OF STOCK
PRICE APPRECIATION
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS FOR OPTION TERM (1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(A) (B ) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G)
PERCENT OF TOTAL
OPTIONS/SARS EXERCISE
OPTIONS/SARS GRANTED TO OR BASE
GRANTED EMPLOYEES IN PRICE EXPIRATION
NAME (#)(2)(3)(4) FISCAL YEAR ($/SH)(5) DATE 5%($) 10%($)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Robert A. Young III 12,000 2.8% $7.625 01/26/09 $57,516 $145,860
President/CEO
David E. Stubblefield 9,000 2.1% $7.625 01/26/09 43,137 109,395
ABF President/CEO
Lary R. Scott 6,000 1.4% $7.625 01/26/09 28,758 72,930
Executive Vice President
Jerry A. Yarbrough 6,000 1.4% $7.625 01/26/09 28,758 72,930
Senior Vice President
Corporate Development
David E. Loeffler 6,000 1.4% $7.625 01/26/09 28,758 72,930
Vice President/CFO
</TABLE>
(1) The potential realizable value portion of the foregoing table illustrates
value that might be realized upon exercise of the options immediately prior
to the expiration of their term, assuming the specified compounded rates of
appreciation on the Company's Common Stock over the term of the options.
These numbers do not take into account provisions of certain options
providing for termination of the options following termination of
employment, nontransferability or vesting over periods of up to five years.
(2) Options granted in 1999 are exercisable starting 12 months after the grant
date, with 20% of the shares covered thereby becoming exercisable at that
time and with an additional 20% of the option shares becoming exercisable
on each successive anniversary date, with full vesting occurring on the
fifth anniversary date.
(3) The options were granted for a term of 10 years, subject to earlier
termination in certain events related to termination of employment.
(4) In the event of a change in control, the options will vest immediately and
the Stock Option Committee may allow an employee to "put" the excess of the
fair market value over the exercise price of the options to the Company.
(5) The Option Plan permits the exercise of options by delivery of shares of
Common Stock owned by the optionee in lieu of or in addition to cash or by
financing made available by the Company.
(10)
<PAGE> 13
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION BY THE EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE
The Company is engaged in the highly competitive and evolving freight
transportation industry. To be able to continue its growth and succeed in the
future, the Company believes it must be able to retain its executive management
team and to attract additional qualified executives when needed.
The Board's philosophy, that compensation of the executive management team
should be materially linked to both operating and stock price performance with
the goal of enhancing the value of the Company, is administered by its Executive
Compensation and Development Committee ("Compensation Committee") and its Stock
Option Committee.
The Compensation Committee is comprised of Messrs. Marquard, Zakon and Morris
and the Stock Option Committee is comprised of Messrs. Edelstein, Fritz, and
Zakon. All Committee Members are non-employee directors. The Compensation
Committee, at its discretion, reviews and grants all forms of executive
compensation except stock options and performance award units. The Stock Option
Committee, at its discretion, grants stock options and performance award units
to the executive group pursuant to the Company's stock option plan and
performance award program, respectively. Both the stock option and performance
award plans have been previously approved by the Company's Board of Directors
and stockholders.
In furtherance of the Company's philosophy, the executive management team's
compensation is primarily composed of the following blend of short-term and
long-term items, all designed to motivate daily, annual and multi-year executive
performance that results in increased value of the Company for its stockholders:
(i) Base Salary. The Compensation Committee reviews and sets the base
salaries of the Company's executive officers, normally on an annual
basis. In setting salary levels, the Compensation Committee considers
a variety of subjective and objective criteria such as: variety of
experience and years of service with the Company; special expertise
and talents of the individual; recent and historical operating results
of the Company; industry and general economic conditions which may
affect the Company's performance; and the Compensation Committee
members' knowledge and experience and from time-to-time independent
consultants' analysis in determining appropriate salary levels and
total compensation programs for executives.
(ii) Annual Incentive Plan. The Company's Annual Incentive Plan is based on
Return on Capital Employed ("ROCE"), which is defined as the total of:
(i) current and long-term external debt, (ii) intercompany receivables
and payables, (iii) long term operating leases, and (iv) equity. Net
Income for the ROCE calculation is net income before extraordinary
items and incentive compensation and after adding back the after tax
effect of interest expense. The incentive compensation for each
participant is determined by a matrix relating to a Percent of Target
to ROCE achieved. The resulting percent is multiplied by the Target
Incentive Salary Percent for the participant. The resulting percent is
multiplied by the participant's annual salary.
(iii) Stock Option Plan. The Stock Option Committee is responsible for the
granting of stock options to the executive group under the Company's
1992 Stock Option Plan ("1992 Plan"). Under current stock option
agreements with the named executives, the option's exercise price is
equal to the closing public trading price of the Company's Common
Stock on the date of the grant. The optionee vests in 20% of the total
shares granted on each of the five subsequent anniversary dates of the
grant, and has up to 10 years from the date of the grant to exercise
part or all of his grant. The Company believes that this combination
of 20% annual vesting with a 10-year exercise period blends its desire
to tie the optionee's motivation under the stock option grant to both
short-term and long-term performance of the Company's stock.
Under the 1992 Plan, the Stock Option Committee generally has
discretion regarding size, recipients and other non-exercise-price
terms and conditions of grants. Such discretion allows, but does not
require, the Stock Option Committee to consider prior stock option
grants to executives when considering new grants.
(11)
<PAGE> 14
Stock option grants made to the executive group have been based on the
judgement of the Stock Option Committee members and on advice from
time-to-time from independent consultants.
(iv) Deferred Salary Agreements. The Company has Deferred Salary Agreements
with certain Company and subsidiaries' executives. The Company
believes these Deferred Salary Agreements have aided it in retaining
these individuals who average over 25 years of employment with it or
its subsidiaries or in the transportation industry and have acquired
experience, knowledge and contacts of considerable value to it. See
"EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE IN
CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS" section for additional information.
The Board believes that the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") is the leader of the
executive management team, and therefore the Compensation Committee and Stock
Option Committee apply the same philosophy as discussed above to the CEO's
compensation package.
The Board believes its philosophy has built an experienced, motivated executive
management team whose compensation package and stock ownership, both personal
and through stock option grants, are closely linked to the interest of the
Company's stockholders. The Board's policy is to take reasonable steps to avoid
having any compensation not be deductible to the Company under Section 162(m) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. In furtherance of this policy,
the Board is submitting Proposal II "Approval of the Material Terms of the
Executive Officer Annual Incentive Compensation Plan" for stockholder approval
at the 2000 Annual Meeting.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE
<S> <C>
William A. Marquard Arthur J. Fritz, Jr.
John H. Morris Frank Edelstein
Alan J. Zakon Alan J. Zakon
</TABLE>
This Report will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing by
the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this
Report by reference.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Pursuant to the terms of a Stockholders' Agreement, the Company has agreed that
it will offer Mr. Young the right to include shares of the Company's Common
Stock he owns in certain registration statements filed by the Company (the
"Piggy-back Rights"). The Company will indemnify Mr. Young for securities law
liabilities in connection with any such offering, other than liabilities
resulting from information furnished in writing by Mr. Young. The Company is
obligated to pay all expenses incurred in connection with the registration of
shares of Company Common Stock in connection with the Piggy-back Rights,
excluding underwriters' discounts and commissions.
(12)
<PAGE> 15
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph shows a comparison of 5-year cumulative total return for the
Company, the Nasdaq Market Index, and an index of peer companies selected by the
Company.
[GRAPH]
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN OF ONE OR MORE
COMPANIES, PEER GROUPS, INDUSTRY INDEXES AND/OR BROAD MARKETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDING
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANY/INDEX/MARKET 12/30/1994 12/29/1995 12/31/1996 12/31/1997 12/31/1998 12/31/1999
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Arkansas Best Cp 100.00 65.19 36.28 80.85 48.46 99.51
Customer Selected Stock List 100.00 53.08 61.66 90.65 73.52 68.39
NASDAQ Market Index 100.00 129.71 161.18 197.16 278.08 490.46
</TABLE>
The above comparisons assume $100 was invested on January 1, 1995, in the
Company's Common Stock and each of the foregoing indices and assumes
reinvestment of dividends. All calculations have been prepared by Media General
Financial Services. The stockholder return shown on the graph above is not
necessarily indicative of future performance.
The Company considers itself a diversified transportation holding company with
an emphasis on long-haul less-than-truckload ("LTL") motor carrier of general
commodities. Accordingly, the Company believes it is important that its
performance be compared to that of other transportation companies with similar
operations. Therefore, companies in the peer group are as follows: Roadway
Express, Inc., Consolidated Freightways, Inc., and Yellow Corp. of Delaware.
(13)
<PAGE> 16
RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PLANS
Non-union employees of the Company who fulfill a minimum age and service
requirement are eligible to participate in the Company's Retirement Plan which
generally provides fixed benefits payable in a lump-sum form upon retirement at
age 65. Benefits also may be paid in the form of an annuity at the participant's
election. Credited years of service for each of the individuals named in the
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION - SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE ("Executive Compensation
Table") are: Robert A. Young III, 35 years; Lary R. Scott, 4 years; David E.
Stubblefield, 40 years; Jerry A. Yarbrough 32 years; and David E. Loeffler, 4
years. Benefits are based upon a participant's years of service with the Company
and average total monthly earnings (exclusive of extraordinary remuneration and
expense allowances and subject to the annual Code limitation after 1988 of
$150,000 as adjusted to reflect cost of living increases) during any sixty (60)
consecutive calendar months during the participant's employment with the Company
since 1980 which will give the participant the highest average monthly earnings.
Benefits also are subject to certain other limitations in the Code.
The following table illustrates the total estimated annual benefits payable from
the Retirement Plan and, if applicable, the Company's Supplemental Benefit Plan
(see below) upon retirement at age 65, in the form of a single life annuity, to
persons in the specified compensation and years-of-service classifications.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGHEST
FIVE YEARS
AVERAGE YEARS OF SERVICE
COMPENSATION 15 20 25 30 35
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 125,000 .......................... $ 45,315 $ 60,940 $ 61,300 $ 73,560 $ 85,820
150,000 .......................... 54,690 73,440 73,800 88,560 103,320
175,000 .......................... 64,065 85,940 86,300 103,560 120,820
200,000 .......................... 73,440 98,440 98,800 118,560 138,320
225,000 .......................... 82,815 110,940 111,300 133,560 155,820
250,000 .......................... 92,190 123,440 123,800 148,560 173,320
300,000 .......................... 110,940 148,440 148,800 178,560 208,320
400,000 .......................... 148,440 198,440 198,800 238,560 278,320
450,000 .......................... 167,190 223,440 223,800 268,560 313,320
500,000 .......................... 185,940 248,440 248,800 298,560 348,320
550,000 .......................... 204,690 273,440 273,800 328,560 383,320
600,000 .......................... 223,440 298,440 298,800 358,560 418,320
650,000 .......................... 242,190 323,440 323,800 388,560 453,320
700,000 .......................... 260,940 348,440 348,800 418,560 488,320
750,000 .......................... 279,690 373,440 373,800 448,560 523,320
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
In December 1987, the Company also established the Arkansas Best Corporation
Supplemental Benefit Plan for the purpose of supplementing benefits under the
Company's Retirement Plan. The Code places limits on the amount of income
participants may receive under the Company's Retirement Plan. In order to
compensate for those limitations and for reductions in the rate of benefit
accruals from the 1985 formula under the Company's Retirement Plan, the
Supplemental Benefit Plan will pay sums in addition to amounts payable under the
Retirement Plan to eligible participants. Participation in the Supplemental
Benefit Plan is limited to employees of the Company who are participants in the
Company's Retirement Plan and who are also either officers at or above the rank
of vice president of the Company and are designated as participants in the
Supplemental Benefit Plan by the Company's Board. The amount due to each
participant in the Supplemental Benefit Plan is the actuarial equivalent of the
excess of (1) the payment due under the Company's Retirement Plan as in effect
on January 1, 1985, as amended, but without regard to any amendments that
decrease the rate of benefit accruals and without regard to any Code
limitations, or the current Retirement Plan without regard to any Code
limitations if more; over (2) the actual benefit received from the Retirement
Plan. This payment will be made in a single cash sum within 30 days following
the participant's termination of employment. Amounts attributable to the
Supplemental Benefit Plan are included in the pension table set forth above.
(14)
<PAGE> 17
The Company has agreed to provide reimbursement for otherwise unreimbursed
medical expenses to certain employees of the Company and its subsidiaries,
including the individuals named in the Executive Compensation Table. These
benefits are presently covered by an insurance program and commence at
retirement and continue for the life of the employee (and spouse or other
eligible dependents).
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND
CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
The Company does not have any Employment Contracts with the Chief Executive
Officer or any of the named executive officers.
The Company's Stock Option Agreements provide that in the event of a change in
control of the Company, as defined in the Agreement, all non-vested options
immediately vest. See "REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION BY THE EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE" section for
additional general information about the Stock Option Plan
The Company's Supplemental Benefit Plan provides that in the event of a Change
in Control of the Company, as defined in the Plan, accrued benefits will be
distributed and paid in the form of a lump sum as soon as administratively
feasible. See "RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PLANS" section for additional general
information about the Supplemental Benefit Plan.
The Company has a Voluntary Savings Plan ("VSP") with certain management
employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, including the named executives.
The VSP is a nonqualified plan created to offset the IRS Code limitations on
their contributions as highly compensated employees to the Company's 401(k)
Savings Plan. The VSP allows eligible executives to annually defer 1% to 75% of
each of their base salary and incentive compensation. The Company will match 15%
of the employees VSP contributions, up to an annual maximum of $15,000. The VSP
provides that in the event of a Change in Control of the Company, as defined in
the VSP, that all contributions, Company match and earnings on each, will be
distributed as a lump sum as soon as administratively possible.
The Company has Deferred Salary Agreements with certain management employees of
the Company and its subsidiaries, including the named executives, due to their
tenure, experience, knowledge and contacts which are of considerable value to
the Company. The amount of the deferred salary is equal to 35% of the
individual's final monthly base salary times 120 monthly payments commencing at
age 65 retirement, death or disability, provided this amount is subject to
reduction based on the age and other circumstances resulting in the individual's
termination of employment. The Deferred Salary Agreement provides that in the
event of a change in control of the Company, as defined in the Agreement, all
benefits immediately vest, and if the individual's employment terminates within
three years after the change in control event occurs, then the individual may
elect to receive his benefit in a lump sum payable within thirty days. The
amounts payable under the Deferred Salary Agreements are subject to forfeiture
under certain circumstances. The Executive Compensation Table includes the
amount accrued annually for each named executive under these Agreements.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
STOCKHOLDERS' AGREEMENT. Pursuant to the terms of a Stockholders' Agreement, the
Company has agreed that it will offer Robert A. Young III the right to include
shares of the Company's Common Stock he owns in certain registration statements
filed by the Company (the "Piggy-back Rights").
The Company will indemnify Mr. Young for securities law liabilities in
connection with any such offering, other than liabilities resulting from
information furnished in writing by Mr. Young. The Company is obligated to pay
all expenses incurred in connection with the registration of shares of Company
Common Stock in connection with the Piggy-back Rights, excluding underwriters'
discounts and commissions.
(15)
<PAGE> 18
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
The Company's executive officers, directors, and persons who own more than 10%
of a registered class of the Company's equity securities are required to file,
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, reports of ownership and changes of
ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Based solely on information provided to the Company, the Company believes that
during the preceding year its executive officers, directors, and 10%
stockholders have complied with all applicable filing requirements.
PROPOSAL II. APPROVAL OF THE MATERIAL TERMS OF THE EXECUTIVE
OFFICER ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL II.
The Board of Directors has approved, and recommends that the stockholders
approve, the Executive Officer Annual Incentive Compensation Plan. The Executive
Officer Annual Incentive Compensation Plan ("Plan") is intended to enhance the
link between pay and performance by providing eligible employees with the
opportunity to receive an annual cash award based on the achievement of
pre-established performance goals. The material terms of the Plan are being
submitted to stockholders for their approval so payments to executive officers
under the Plan may qualify as "performance based compensation" under Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 162(m)"). Section 162(m) generally
limits to $1 million the annual corporate federal income tax deduction for
"non-performance based" compensation paid to the chief executive officer or any
of the four other highest paid officers of a publicly-held corporation. Assuming
the presence of a quorum, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares
present, in person or by proxy, to vote at the 2000 Annual Meeting is necessary
for approval of the Annual Incentive Compensation Plan.
A. Summary of the Plan
The following summary description of the material terms of the Plan is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Plan attached to
this proxy statement as Appendix A.
Purposes. The purposes of the Plan are to: (1) retain and attract qualified
individuals by rewarding those practices which enhance the financial
performance of the Company and are considered key to the Company's success; (2)
encourage teamwork among participants in various segments of the Company; (3)
reward performance with pay that varies in relation to the extent to which the
pre-established goals are achieved; and (4) ensure that the compensation paid
under this Plan qualifies for the "performance based compensation" exemption of
Section 162(m).
Administration. The Plan will be administered by a committee ("Committee") of
two or more directors appointed by the Board of Directors to administer the
Plan. All members of the Committee must be "outside directors" under Section
162(m). Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee has authority to select
employees to participate in the Plan; to determine the size, terms and
conditions of awards under the Plan; to construe and interpret the Plan; and to
make all other determinations which may be necessary or advisable for Plan
administration. The Plan is currently being administered by the Executive
Compensation & Development Committee of the Board of Directors.
Eligibility. Each employee of the Company and its subsidiaries who, as of the
last day of the applicable Plan Year, is covered by the compensation
limitations of Section 162(m) or the regulations issued thereunder ("Executive
Officer").
Awards Under the Plan. Not later than 90 days after the beginning of each
fiscal year, the Committee will adopt one or more performance measures,
establish written performance goals with respect to each selected performance
measure and determine the individual award opportunities for that fiscal year.
The performance measures may be based on any combination of corporate,
divisional and/or individual goals. For each performance measure, the Committee
will adopt performance goals which will, in turn, be used to determine each
Executive Officer's individual award opportunities. For example, for a
particular fiscal year, the Committee may select the Company's return on
capital employed as a performance measure, establish various levels of Company
return on capital
(16)
<PAGE> 19
employed as performance goals and link each such performance goal to an
individual award opportunity. The performance measures, performance goals and
individual award opportunities may vary among Executive Officers and from year
to year. Following completion of each fiscal year, if the performance goals
were met, the Committee will so certify in writing prior to payment of final
awards. As soon as practicable after the end of the fiscal year, final awards
will be computed for each Executive Officer. The Plan provides that the maximum
award payable to any participant in connection with any one fiscal year is
$2,000,000.
Plan Only Applicable to Executive Officers. The Plan is applicable only to the
employees of each Company who are determined to be Executive Officers. As
defined in the Plan, an "Executive Officer" is an employee, who, as of the last
day of the applicable fiscal year, is an individual subject to the tax
deductible limitations of Section 162(m). The Plan provides that the
performance measures which may serve as determinants of an Executive Officer's
individual award opportunities are limited to the Company's pre-tax income; net
income; earnings per share; revenues; expenses; return on assets; return on
equity; return on investment; net profit margin; operating profit margin;
operating cash flow; total shareholder return; capitalization; liquidity;
results of customer satisfaction surveys; and other measures of quality,
safety, productivity or process improvement. Such performance goals may be
determined solely by reference to the performance of the Company, its
subsidiaries, or a division or unit of the Company or its subsidiaries, or
based upon comparisons of any of the performance measures relative to other
companies. In establishing a performance goal with respect to any of these
performance measures, the Committee may exclude the impact of certain events or
occurrences which should appropriately be excluded such as, for example, a
restructuring or other non-recurring charge, an event either not directly
related to the operations of the Company or not within the reasonable control
of the Company's management, or a change in accounting standards required by
the Financial Accounting Standards Board. For 2000, an Executive Officer's
individual award opportunities will be established as a function of his base
salary rate. "Base Salary" means, as to any specific fiscal year, the Executive
Officer's annualized base salary rate as of the day the Committee establishes
in writing the various Final Award levels for each Executive Officer. The Base
Salary is not reduced by any voluntary salary reductions or any salary
reduction contributions made to any salary reduction plan, defined contribution
plan or other deferred compensation plans of the Company, but does not include
any payments under the Plan, any stock option plan, or any other bonuses,
incentive pay or special awards. The Committee may not exercise discretion to
increase the Final Award otherwise payable to an Executive Officer, except to
the extent that counsel advises the Committee that Section 162(m) will not
adversely affect the deductibility for federal income tax purposes of any
amount paid under the Plan by permitting greater discretion or flexibility with
respect to award opportunities for Executive Officers, then the Committee may,
in its sole discretion, apply such greater discretion or flexibility.
Payment of Final Awards. Final Awards under the Plan are payable as soon as
their calculation is completed. Subject to the terms of the Company's Voluntary
Savings Plan, a participant may defer the receipt of some or all of his award.
If all or a portion of a participant's award is not deductible by the Company
under Section 162(m), the Committee may, in its discretion, require that
payment of the nondeductible portion of such award will be deferred until it
may be deducted by the Company.
Change in Control. In the event of a change in control of the Company, each
participant, including the Company's executive officers, will receive a pro
rata payment of the greater of his target incentive award or final award for
the fiscal year during which the change in control occurs. In these
circumstances, the Committee will determine (1) the final award based on
performance during the fiscal year until the date of the change in control; and
(2) the participant's base salary as of a date on or before the change in
control. Such amount would be paid to the participant as soon as calculated but
in any event within 45 days after the effective date of the change in control.
A "change in control" means the earliest date on which any of the following
events occur: (a) consummation of any consolidation or merger in which ABC is
not the surviving entity or pursuant to which ABC's common stock would be
converted to cash, securities or property, or any lease or other transfer of
all or substantially all of ABC's assets unless after any such events the
holders of ABC's common stock immediately prior to such event own at least
fifty-one (51%) percent of the surviving entity after any such event, (b) at
any time the ABC shareholders approve any plan or proposal for the liquidation
or dissolution of ABC, (c) when any person (excluding the Company, its
subsidiaries, any employee benefit plan of the Company or its subsidiaries, or
any person appointed or established by the Company or its subsidiaries for or
pursuant to any such employee benefit plan) has acquired, either directly or
indirectly, beneficial ownership of securities representing 35% or more of the
total votes that could be cast by the holders of all of the Company's
securities entitled to vote in elections of directors; (d) when the members of
the Company's Board of Directors as of April 19, 2000 (or their successors
nominated by a Board on which such individuals or such successors constituted a
majority) cease to constitute a majority of the Board.
(17)
<PAGE> 20
Amendments. The Board of Directors or the Committee may modify, amend, suspend
or terminate the Plan at any time. No such modification, amendment, suspension
or termination may, without a participant's consent, reduce the participant's
right to a payment or distribution under the Plan to which he is entitled.
B. 2000 Plan Performance Measure
The Committee has adopted return on capital employed ("ROCE") as the Plan's 2000
performance measure. In future years, the Committee may adopt other performance
measures. ROCE is calculated for each company as the following ratio:
Net Income + After-tax Effect of Actual and Imputed Interest Expense
+ After-tax Effect of Incentive Compensation
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Equity + Average Debt + Average Imputed Debt
"Net Income" for the ROCE calculation is net income determined in accordance
with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles before extraordinary items.
For ABC, "Net Income" for the ROCE calculation will be determined as described
above, except incentive compensation for each of the operating subsidiaries will
be deducted in arriving at Net Income.
"Imputed Interest Expense" consists of the interest attributable to average
imputed debt assuming an interest rate of 7.5%.
"Average Debt" includes current and long-term debt.
"Average Imputed Debt" consists of the average of the beginning of year and end
of year present value of all payments determined using an interest rate of 7.5%
on operating leases of revenue equipment with an initial term of more than two
years.
C. Other Matters
As discussed above, awards which may be paid under the Plan for fiscal 2000 and
future years are dependent on the attainment of performance goals established
annually by the Committee. Accordingly, the amounts, if any, which may be paid
under the Plan in the future cannot presently be determined and cannot exceed $2
million per Executive Officer per fiscal year. If the material terms of the Plan
are not approved by the stockholders, no future payments will be made under the
Plan to Executive Officers. In that event, the Committee intends to review and
reconsider the Company's executive compensation program in light of such vote
and the principles described in its Report on Executive Compensation. In 1999
the companies utilized the same Annual Incentive Award Plan, including the same
ROCE performance measures as the Committee has adopted for the Plan's use in
2000. The following table reflects what each of the listed individuals and
groups received as incentive compensation in 1999.
2000 ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN BENEFITS (1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND POSITION 1999 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Robert A. Young III, Director and President - CEO $ 844,235
David E. Stubblefield, ABF President - CEO 793,914
Lary R. Scott, Executive Vice President 354,279
Jerry A. Yarbrough, Senior Vice President 340,309
David E. Loeffler, Vice President - CFO 273,951
Executive Group (5 Participants) (3) 2,606,688
Non-Executive Director Group 0
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group 0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) All information in the above table is actual 1999. 2000 incentive
payments, if any, will be based on 2000 performance.
(2) 1999 Incentive payments were computed on the following ROCE: ABC -
16.98%, and ABF - 25.10%.
(3) The five participants in the Executive Group are Messrs. Young,
Stubblefield, Scott, Yarbrough and Loeffler.
(18)
<PAGE> 21
Appendix A
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
As Established Effective January 1, 2000
SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE
1.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PLAN
Arkansas Best Corporation, a Delaware corporation, hereby establishes an annual
incentive compensation plan to be known as the "Executive Officer Annual
Incentive Compensation Plan" (the "Plan"), as set forth in this document. The
Plan permits annual cash awards to Executive Officers of the Company and
Subsidiaries, based on the achievement of pre-established performance goals. The
Plan shall become effective as of January 1, 2000 (the "Effective Date") and
shall remain in effect until terminated as provided in Section 11 herein.
1.2 PURPOSE
The purposes of the Plan are to: (a) retain and attract qualified individuals by
rewarding those practices which enhance the financial performance of the
Company; (b) encourage teamwork among Executive Officers in various segments of
the Company; (c) reward performance with pay that varies in relation to the
extent to which the pre-established goals are achieved; and (d) ensure that the
compensation paid under this Plan qualifies for the "performance based
compensation" exemption under Code Section 162(m).
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS
The following terms shall have the meanings set forth below whenever used in
this document and, when the defined meaning is intended, the term is
capitalized:
2.1 "ABC" means Arkansas Best Corporation.
2.2 "BASE SALARY" means, as to any specific Plan Year, an Executive Officer's
annualized base salary rate as of the date the Committee establishes in writing
the various Final Award levels for each Executive Officer. Base salary shall not
be reduced by any voluntary salary reductions or any salary reduction
contributions made to any salary reduction plan, defined contribution plan or
other deferred compensation plans of the Company.
2.3 "BOARD" OR "BOARD OF DIRECTORS" means the ABC Board of Directors.
2.4 "CHANGE IN CONTROL" means each date on which any of the following events
occur:
(a) there shall be consummated any consolidation or merger of ABC in
which ABC is not the continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to
which ABC's common stock would be converted into cash, securities, or
other property, or any lease, exchange or other transfer (excluding
transfer by way of pledge or hypothecation), in one transaction or a
series of related transactions, of all, or substantially all, of the
assets of ABC other than any such consolidation, merger, lease,
exchange or transfer in which ABC, or any of its affiliates, or the
holders of ABC's common stock immediately prior to any such actions
have at least a fifty-one percent (51%) ownership of the surviving
corporation after the consolidation or merger or the entity to which
such assets are transferred, leased, exchanged or otherwise
transferred;
(b) the shareholders of ABC approve any plan or proposal for the
liquidation or dissolution of ABC;
(c) any "person" (as such is defined in Section 3(a)(9) or Section
13(d)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act")) or
any "group" (as such term is used in Rule 13d-5 promulgated under the
1934 Act) other than ABC or any successor of ABC or any subsidiary of
ABC or any employee benefit plan of ABC or any Subsidiary (including
such plan's trustee), becomes a beneficial owner for purposes of Rule
(19)
<PAGE> 22
Appendix A
13d-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act, directly or indirectly, of
securities of ABC representing thirty-five percent (35%) or more of
ABC's then outstanding securities having the right to vote in the
election of members to the Board;
(d) if at any time, the Continuing Directors then serving on the Board
cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof.
"Continuing Director" shall mean a Board member who either (A) is a
member of the Board on the date hereof, or (B) whose initial election
or initial nomination for election by ABC's shareholders was approved
by a majority of the Continuing Directors (including any successors
elected pursuant to this subpart (d)) then on the ABC Board of
Directors.
2.5 "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
2.6 "COMMITTEE" means a committee of two (2) or more individuals, all of whom
shall be "outside directors" within the meaning of the regulations under Code
Section 162(m), appointed by the Board to administer the Plan, pursuant to
Section 3 herein.
2.7 "COMPANY" means Arkansas Best Corporation, a Delaware corporation,
(including, as appropriate, any and all Subsidiaries) and any successor thereto.
2.8 "DISABILITY" means a physical or mental condition resulting from bodily
injury, disease or mental disorder, which constitutes a disability under the
terms of the Company's Short Term Disability Policy.
2.9 "EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date the Plan becomes effective, as set forth in
Section 1.1 herein.
2.10 "EMPLOYEE" means a full-time, salaried employee of the Company or a
Subsidiary.
2.11 "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from
time to time, or any successor act thereto.
2.12 "EXECUTIVE OFFICER" means an Employee who, as of the last day of the
applicable Plan Year, is covered by the compensation limitations of Code Section
162(m) or the regulations issued thereunder.
2.13 "FINAL AWARD" means the actual award earned during a Plan Year by an
Executive Officer.
2.14 "INDIVIDUAL AWARD OPPORTUNITY" means the various levels of incentive award
compensation which an Executive Officer may earn under the Plan including Target
Incentive Awards, as established by the Committee pursuant to Section 5.
2.15 "PLAN YEAR" means the Company's fiscal year.
2.16 "RETIREMENT" shall have the meanings ascribed to Early, Normal or Deferred
Retirement in the Company's defined benefit tax-qualified pension plan
applicable to the Executive Officer.
2.17 "SUBSIDIARY" means any corporation in which ABC, or a Subsidiary of ABC,
owns fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all
classes of stock.
2.18 "TARGET INCENTIVE AWARD" means the award that may be paid to an Executive
Officer when "targeted" performance results, as established by the Committee,
are attained.
SECTION 3. ADMINISTRATION
3.1 THE COMMITTEE. The Executive Compensation and Development Committee of the
Board shall initially administer the Plan. Subject to the terms of this Plan,
the Board may appoint a successor Committee to administer the Plan. The members
of the Committee shall be appointed by, serve at the discretion of, and must be
members of the Board.
(20)
<PAGE> 23
Appendix A
3.2 AUTHORITY OF THE COMMITTEE. Subject to the provisions herein, the Committee
shall have full power to certify after the end of each Plan Year the Employees
who qualify as Executive Officers; determine the size and types of performance
measurements and goals, Individual Award Opportunities and Target Incentive
Awards; determine the terms and conditions of Individual Award Opportunities in
a manner consistent with the Plan; construe and interpret the Plan and any
agreement or instrument entered into under the Plan; establish, amend, or waive
rules and regulations for the Plan's administration; and amend the terms and
conditions of any outstanding Individual Award Opportunities to the extent such
terms and conditions are within the sole discretion of the Committee as provided
in Section 11 herein. Further, the Committee shall make all other determinations
that may be necessary for the administration of the Plan. To the extent
permitted by Section 162(m) and its regulations, the Committee may, from
time-to-time, delegate some or all of its authority hereunder.
3.3 DECISIONS BINDING. All determinations and decisions of the Committee in the
administration of the Plan, including questions of construction and
interpretation, shall be final, binding, and conclusive upon all parties.
SECTION 4. ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
Each Employee who is an Executive Officer shall be eligible and shall
participate in the Plan for each Plan Year in which he is an Executive Officer.
No later than ninety (90) days after the end of each Plan Year the Committee
shall identify and certify each Employee who is an Executive Officer for the
Plan Year just ended.
SECTION 5. AWARD DETERMINATION
5.1 PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND PERFORMANCE GOALS. No later than ninety (90) days
after the beginning of each Plan Year, the Committee shall select performance
measures and shall establish in writing performance goals for that Plan Year.
Except as provided in Section 5.7 herein, performance measures which may serve
as determinants of Executive Officers' Individual Award Opportunities shall be
limited to the Company's Pretax Income, Net Income, Earnings Per Share,
Revenues, Expenses, Return on Assets, Return on Equity, Return on Capital
Employed, Return on Investment, Net Profit Margin, Operating Profit Margin,
Operating Cash Flow, Total Shareholder Return, Capitalization, Liquidity,
Results of Customer Satisfaction Surveys, and other measures of Quality, Safety,
Productivity or Process Improvement. Performance goals may be determined solely
by reference to the performance of ABC, a Subsidiary, or a division or unit of
either of the foregoing, or based upon comparisons of any of the performance
measures relative to other companies. For each Plan Year, the Committee may
establish ranges of attainment of the performance goals which will correspond to
various levels of Individual Award Opportunities. Each range may include levels
of performance above and below the one hundred percent (100%) performance level
at which a greater or lesser percent of the Target Incentive Award may be
earned.
In establishing a performance goal, the Committee may exclude the impact of any
of the following events or occurrences which the Committee determines should
appropriately be excluded: (a) any amounts accrued by the Company or its
Subsidiaries pursuant to management bonus plans or cash profit sharing plans and
related employer payroll taxes for the fiscal year; (b) any discretionary or
matching contributions made to the savings and deferred profit-sharing plan or
deferred compensation plan for the fiscal year; (c) all items of gain, loss or
expense for the fiscal year determined to be extraordinary or unusual in nature
or infrequent in occurrence or related to the disposal of a segment of a
business or related to a change in accounting principle, all as determined in
accordance with standards established by opinion No. 30 of the Accounting
Principles Board ("APB Opinion No. 30"); (d) all items of gain, loss or expense
for the fiscal year related to restructuring charges of subsidiaries whose
operations are not included in operating income for the fiscal year; (e) all
items of gain, loss or expense for the fiscal year related to discontinued
operations that do not qualify as a segment of a business as defined under APB
Opinion No. 30; and (f) any profit or loss attributable to the business
operations of any entity acquired by Company or Subsidiary during the fiscal
year.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, and only to the extent it
would not eliminate the ability of the Individual Award Opportunities held by
Executive Officers to qualify for the "performance based compensation" exception
under Code Section 162(m), in the event of any change in corporate
capitalization, such as a stock split, or a corporate transaction, such as any
merger, consolidation, separation, spin-off, or other distribution of stock or
(21)
<PAGE> 24
Appendix A
property of the Company, any reorganization (whether or not such reorganization
comes within the definition of such term in Code Section 368), or any partial or
complete liquidation of the Company, such adjustment may be made in the
Individual Award Opportunities and/or the performance measures or performance
goals related to then-current performance periods, as may be determined to be
appropriate and equitable by the Committee, in its sole discretion, to prevent
dilution or enlargement of rights.
5.2 INDIVIDUAL AWARD OPPORTUNITIES. No later than ninety (90) days after the
beginning of each Plan Year, the Committee shall establish, in writing,
Individual Award Opportunities which correspond to various levels of achievement
of the pre-established performance goals. The established Individual Award
Opportunities may vary in relation to the job classification of each Participant
or among Participants in the same job classification and be established as a
function of each Executive Officer's Base Salary or such other criteria as the
Committee may select. In the event an Executive Officer changes job levels
during a Plan Year, the Participant's Individual Award Opportunity may be
adjusted to reflect the amount of time at each job level during the Plan Year.
5.3 COMPUTATION OF FINAL AWARDS. Each Executive Officer's Final Award shall be
based on: (a) the Executive Officer's Target Incentive Award; (b) the potential
Final Awards corresponding to various levels of achievement of the
pre-established performance goals, as established by the Committee; and (c)
Company or Subsidiary performance in relation to the pre-established performance
goals.
5.4 FINAL AWARD LIMIT. The Committee may establish guidelines governing the
maximum Final Awards that may be earned by Executive Officers (either in the
aggregate, by Employee class, or among individual Executive Officers) in each
Plan Year. The guidelines may be expressed as a percentage of Company-wide goals
of financial measures, or such other measures as the Committee shall from time
to time determine; provided, however, that the maximum payout with respect to a
Final Award payable to any one Executive Officer in connection with performance
in any one Plan Year shall not exceed $2,000,000.
5.5 NO MID-YEAR CHANGE IN AWARD OPPORTUNITIES. Except as provided in Sections
5.1 and 5.7 herein, each Executive Officer's Final Award shall be based
exclusively on the Individual Award Opportunity levels established by the
Committee pursuant to Section 5.2 above.
5.6 NONADJUSTMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF PERFORMANCE GOALS. Except as provided in
Sections 5.1 and 5.7, performance goals shall not be changed following their
establishment, and Executive Officers shall not receive any payout under this
Plan when the minimum performance goals are not met or exceeded. Following the
completion of each Plan Year, if the performance goals were met, the Committee
shall certify in writing prior to payment of Final Awards that the corresponding
performance goals for such Plan Year were satisfied.
5.7 POSSIBLE MODIFICATIONS. If, on the advice of the Company's counsel, the
Committee determines that Code Section 162(m) and the regulations thereunder
will not adversely affect the deductibility for federal income tax purposes of
any amount paid under the Plan by permitting greater discretion and/or
flexibility with respect to performance measures, performance goals, or
Individual Award Opportunities granted to Executive Officers, then the Committee
may, in its sole discretion, apply such greater discretion and/or flexibility to
such performance measures, performance goals or Individual Award Opportunities
as is consistent with such advice and the terms of this Plan. In addition, in
the event that changes are made to Code Section 162(m) or the regulations
thereunder to permit greater flexibility with respect to any Individual Award
Opportunities under the Plan, the Committee may exercise such greater
flexibility consistent with the terms of the Plan and, to the extent of such
changes.
SECTION 6. PAYMENT OF FINAL AWARDS
6.1 FORM AND TIMING OF PAYMENT. Unless a deferral election is made by an
Executive Officer pursuant to Section 6.2 herein, or deferral of all or a
portion of an Executive Officer's Final Award is required by Section 6.3, each
Executive Officer's Final Award shall be earned and paid in cash, in one lump
sum, as soon as the Final Award's calculation is completed and the written
certification of the Committee in Section 5.6 hereof has been issued. Except as
provided in Section 7, an Executive Officer must be employed by the Company or a
Subsidiary on the date of payment to receive a Final Award.
(22)
<PAGE> 25
Appendix A
6.2 VOLUNTARY DEFERRAL OF FINAL AWARD PAYOUTS. An Executive Officer may defer
receipt of some or all payments otherwise due under the Plan pursuant to the
terms of the Company's Voluntary Savings Plan ("VSP").
6.3 DEFERRAL OF FINAL AWARD PAYOUTS. In the event that all or a portion of an
Executive Officer's Final Award is not deductible by the Company due to limits
contained in Code Section 162(m) or any successor Code Section, the Committee
may, in its discretion, require that payment of the nondeductible portion of
such Final Award shall be deferred until such time as it may be deducted by the
Company, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee determines to be
appropriate. The Committee, in a manner consistent with the requirements of Code
Section 162(m) and the regulations thereunder, shall determine rates of interest
on such deferred amounts.
6.4 UNSECURED INTEREST. No Executive Officer or any other party claiming an
interest in amounts earned under the Plan shall have any interest whatsoever in
any specific asset of the Company or any Subsidiary. To the extent that any
party acquires a right to receive payments under the Plan, such right shall be
equivalent to that of an unsecured general creditor of the Company.
SECTION 7. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
7.1 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT DUE TO DEATH, DISABILITY OR RETIREMENT. In the
event an Executive Officer's employment is terminated by reason of death,
Disability, or Retirement, the Final Award shall be reduced to reflect
participation prior to termination only. The reduced award shall be determined
by multiplying said Final Award by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
number of days of employment in the Plan Year through the date of employment
termination, and the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365). In
the case of an Executive Officer's Disability, the employment termination shall
be deemed to have occurred on the date that the Committee determines the
definition of Disability to have been satisfied. The Final Award is to be paid
as soon as its calculation is completed and the written certification of the
Committee in Section 5.6 hereof has been issued following the end of the Plan
Year in which employment termination occurs.
7.2 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR OTHER REASONS. In the event an Executive
Officer's employment is terminated for any reason other than death, Disability,
or Retirement (of which the Committee shall be the sole judge), the Executive
Officer's opportunity to receive a Final Award shall be forfeited. The
Committee, in its sole discretion, may pay a prorated award for the portion of
the Plan Year that the Executive Officer was employed by the Company, computed
as determined by the Committee.
SECTION 8. RIGHTS OF PARTICIPANTS
8.1 EMPLOYMENT. Nothing in the Plan shall interfere with or limit in any way the
right of the Company to terminate any Executive Officer's or other Employee's
employment at any time, nor confer upon any Executive Officer or other Employee
any right to continue in the employ of the Company.
8.2 NONTRANSFERABILITY. No right or interest of any Executive Officer or other
Employee in the Plan shall be assignable or transferable, or subject to any
lien, directly, by operation of law or otherwise, including, but not limited to,
execution, levy, garnishment, attachment, pledge, and bankruptcy.
SECTION 9. BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
Each Executive Officer may, from time to time, name any beneficiary or
beneficiaries (who may be named contingently or successively) to whom any
benefit under the Plan is to be paid in case of his or her death before he or
she receives any or all of such benefit. Each designation will revoke all prior
designations by the same Executive Officer, shall be in a form prescribed by the
Committee, and will be effective only when filed by the Executive Officer in
writing with the Committee during his or her lifetime. Beneficiary designations
filed with respect to predecessor plans prior to the adoption of this Plan shall
be effective with respect to this Plan. In the absence of any such designation,
benefits remaining unpaid at the Executive Officer's death shall be paid to the
Executive Officer's estate.
(23)
<PAGE> 26
Appendix A
SECTION 10. CHANGE IN CONTROL
In the event of a Change in Control, each Executive Officer shall receive a pro
rata payment of the greater of his or her Target Incentive Award or Final Award
for the Plan Year during which such Change in Control occurs. In such
circumstances the Committee shall determine the Final Award based upon
performance during the Plan Year until the date of the Change in Control, and
shall determine the Executive Officer's base salary as of a date on or before
the Change in Control. Such proration shall be determined as a function of the
number of days within the Plan Year prior to the effective date of the Change in
Control, in relation to three hundred sixty-five (365). Such amount shall be
paid in cash to each Executive Officer as soon as the final calculation is
completed, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the effective date
of the Change in Control.
Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, if any of the
payments provided for in this Plan, together with any other payments which
Executive Officer has the right to receive from the Company, would constitute an
"excess parachute payment" (as defined in Code Section 280G(b)(3)), the payments
pursuant to this Plan and/or other plans or agreements shall be reduced to the
largest amount and/or paid at such time as will result in no portion of such
payments being subject to the excise tax imposed by Code Section 4999.
SECTION 11. AMENDMENTS
The Committee, or the Board, may at any time and without notice, modify or
amend, in whole or in part, any or all of the provisions of the Plan, or suspend
or terminate it entirely; provided, however, that no such modification,
amendment, suspension, or termination may, without the consent of an Executive
Officer (or his or her beneficiary in the case of the death of the Executive
Officer), reduce the right of an Executive Officer to a payment or distribution
hereunder to which he or she is entitled at the time such actions are taken.
Provided, further, that certain material amendments to the Plan shall be subject
to shareholder approval pursuant to Code Section 162(m).
SECTION 12. MISCELLANEOUS
12.1 GOVERNING LAW. The Plan, and all agreements hereunder, shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Arkansas, and shall be
construed in a manner consistent with Code Section 162(m) of the Code.
12.2 WITHHOLDING TAXES. The Company shall have the right to deduct from all
payments under the Plan any foreign, Federal, state, or local income or other
taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such payments. Before
payment of any Final Award may be deferred under Section 6, the Company may
require that the Executive Officer pay or agree to withholding for any foreign,
Federal, state or local income or other taxes which may be imposed on any amount
deferred.
12.3 SEVERABILITY. In the event any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal
or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the
remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if
the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.
12.4 SUCCESSORS. All obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of any successor to the Company, whether the
existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase,
merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business
and/or assets of the Company.
12.5 SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. No final Award shall be paid to any Executive Officer
unless and until the material terms of the Plan have been approved by the
shareholders of the Company in accordance with Code Section 162(m).
12.6 APPLICABILITY OF PLAN. The provisions of this Plan shall apply only to
Executive Officers. In the event of any inconsistencies between this Plan and
the provisions of any other bonus or incentive plan that might pertain to
Executive Officers, the provisions of this Plan shall control.
(24)
<PAGE> 27
PROPOSAL III. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL III.
The firm of Ernst & Young LLP served as independent auditors for the Company for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999. Pursuant to the recommendation of the
Audit Committee, the Board has appointed that firm to continue in that capacity
for the fiscal year 2000, and recommends that a resolution be presented to
stockholders at the 2000 Annual Meeting to ratify that appointment.
In the event the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young
LLP, the Board will appoint other independent public accountants as auditors.
Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP will attend the 2000 Annual Meeting. They
will have the opportunity to make a statement and respond to appropriate
questions from stockholders.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board does not know of any matters that will be presented for action at the
2000 Annual Meeting other than those described above and matters incident to the
conduct of the meeting. If, however, any other matters not presently known to
management should come before the 2000 Annual Meeting, it is intended that the
shares represented by the accompanying proxy will be voted on such matters in
accordance with the discretion of the holders of such proxy.
COST OF SOLICITATION
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. Proxies may be
solicited by directors, officers, or regular employees of the Company in person,
by telephone, telegram, or other means. The Company has retained Corporate
Investor Communications, Inc. to assist in the solicitation and sending of proxy
material. The Company will pay approximately $5,500 for these services.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2001 ANNUAL MEETING
Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, stockholder
proposals submitted for next year's proxy statement must be received by the
Company no later than the close of business on November 20, 2000 to be
considered. Proposals should be addressed to Richard F. Cooper, Secretary,
Arkansas Best Corporation, 3801 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, AR 72903. In
order to prevent controversy about the date of receipt of a proposal, the
Company strongly recommends that any stockholder wishing to present a proposal
submit the proposal by certified mail, return receipt requested.
GENERAL
Upon written request, the Company will provide stockholders with a copy of its
Annual Report on Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission (including
financial statements and schedules thereto) for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1999, without charge. Direct written requests to: David Humphrey, Director -
Investor Relations, Arkansas Best Corporation, 3801 Old Greenwood Road, Fort
Smith, AR 72903.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD/BALLOT PROMPTLY
/s/ RICHARD F. COOPER
Fort Smith, Arkansas RICHARD F. COOPER
Date: March 17, 2000 Secretary
(25)
<PAGE> 28
PROXY/BALLOT
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF
STOCKHOLDERS - APRIL 19, 2000
Richard F. Cooper, with the power of substitution and revocation, is hereby
authorized to represent the undersigned, with all powers which the undersigned
would possess if personally present, to vote all shares the undersigned is
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Arkansas Best
Corporation to be held at 3801 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903,
at 9:00 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, April 19, 2000, and at any postponements or
adjournments of that meeting, as set forth below, and in their discretion upon
any other business that may properly come before the meeting.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED OR, IF NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED, WILL BE
VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES NAMED AND FOR EACH OF THE OTHER
PROPOSALS SPECIFIED HEREIN.
-- CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE --
<PAGE> 29
ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
PLEASE MARK VOTE IN OVAL IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY [ ]
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
WITHHELD
I. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: FOR ALL FROM ALL FOR ALL NOMINEES EXCEPT VOTE WITHHELD FROM THE FOLLOWING NOMINEE(S)
NOMINEES NOMINEES
NOMINEES: [ ] [ ] [ ] ________________________________________
01 - Arthur J. Fritz Jr. and O2 - John H. Morris
II. Executive Officer Annual FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN III. To ratify the appointment of FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
Incentive Compensation Plan [ ] [ ] [ ] Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's [ ] [ ] [ ]
independent certified public accountants.
PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS NAME APPEARS
HEREON. JOINT OWNERS SHOULD EACH SIGN
WHERE APPLICABLE. INDICATE OFFICIAL POSITION
OR REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY
DATE
-----------------------------------------
SIGNATURE
------------------------------------
SIGNATURE
------------------------------------
</TABLE>
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE ABOVE PROPOSALS.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
o FOLD AND DETACH HERE o
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND MAIL THE ABOVE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY.
USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
