BNSF CEO pay? $12 million last year!
Matthew K. Rose, the chairman, president and chief executive of railroad operator Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp., received a compensation package valued at $12.2 million in 2006, according to a proxy statement filed Wednesday as reported by the Associated Press.

Rose received a base salary of $1.1 million and non-equity incentive plan compensation of $2.2 million, according to a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

He also was awarded other compensation totaling $192,356 for perks and other benefits such as physical exams, financial counseling and the use of the company's aircraft for personal travel, including for family members flying with him.

He also received stock options and awards valued at about $8.72 million on the days they were awarded.

The Associated Press calculations of total pay include executives' salary, bonus, incentives, perks, above-market returns on deferred compensation and the estimated value of stock options and awards granted during the year. The calculations do not include changes in the present value of pension benefits.

In January, Burlington Northern posted a 21 percent jump in fourth-quarter profit, thanks to strong demand for shipments of coal and agricultural and consumer products.

Shares of the Fort Worth, Texas-based company rose 16 cents to close at $78.07 on the New York Stock Exchange.

(This item was distributed March 15, 2007, by the Associated Press.)