Garrison’s Opinion

Among company executives and investors, the recent performance of J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.’s stock is good news. But, for the company’s chairman of the board, Wayne Garrison, the news is even better.

Garrison is the beneficiary of a nonqualified stock option plan designed to reward him for the company’s performance. That plan entitles Garrison to buy up to 2.5 million shares of the company’s stock for $17.63 per share. Based on the stock’s closing price of $32 per share late last week, Garrison could make almost $36 million on the stock option.

However, he will have to wait a couple of years to take advantage of the plan. The stock option becomes effective in 2000 and Garrison must make the purchase within a year of the time he qualifies or lose the opportunity.

Based on Garrison’s record as a businessman and company leader, it seems unlikely he will let such an opportunity escape.