ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC.
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
o
Check the appropriate box:
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o Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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o Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
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x Definitive
Proxy Statement
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o Definitive
Additional Materials
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o Soliciting
Material under Rule 14a-12
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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC.
(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):
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No fee required.
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act
Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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(1) |
Title of each class of securities to which
transaction applies:
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(2) |
Aggregate number of securities to which
transaction applies:
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(3) |
Per unit price or other underlying value of
transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11
(set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and
state how it was determined):
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(4) |
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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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.
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Amount Previously Paid:
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC.
160 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 200
Decatur, Georgia 30030
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
May 24, 2005
To the Shareholders of Allied Holdings, Inc.:
The annual meeting of shareholders of Allied Holdings, Inc. (the
Company) will be held at the corporate offices of
the Company, 160 Clairemont Avenue, 3rd Floor
Conference Room, Decatur, Georgia 30030 on May 24, 2005 at
10:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
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1. To elect three directors for terms ending in
2008; and |
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2. To take action on whatever other business may properly
come before the meeting. |
Only holders of record of common stock at the close of business
on March 31, 2005 will be entitled to vote at the meeting.
The stock transfer books will not be closed.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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Thomas M. Duffy |
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Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel |
Decatur, Georgia
April 26, 2005
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING,
PLEASE VOTE BY PROXY PROMPTLY. IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU
MAY WITHDRAW YOUR PROXY AND VOTE IN PERSON.
ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC.
160 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 200
Decatur, Georgia 30030
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
May 24, 2005
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished to shareholders of Allied
Holdings, Inc. (the Company) in connection with the
solicitation by the Board of Directors of proxies to be used at
the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held on
May 24, 2005 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the
corporate offices of the Company, 160 Clairemont Avenue,
3rd Floor Conference Room, Decatur, Georgia 30030, and
any adjournments thereof.
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. In
addition to solicitation of shareholders of record by mail,
telephone, or personal contact, arrangements will be made with
brokerage houses to furnish proxy materials to their principals,
and the Company will reimburse them for their mailing expenses.
Custodians and fiduciaries will be supplied with proxy materials
to forward to beneficial owners of the Common Stock of the
Company. No remuneration will be paid directly or indirectly for
the solicitation of proxies.
An annual report to the shareholders, including financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2004, is
enclosed with this Proxy Statement. This Proxy Statement and the
accompanying materials are first being mailed to shareholders on
or about April 26, 2005.
VOTING AND OUTSTANDING STOCK
At the close of business on the record date, March 31,
2005, the Company had outstanding and entitled to vote at the
annual meeting 8,940,167 shares of Common Stock. Each share
of Common Stock is entitled to one vote. For each proposal to be
considered at the annual meeting, the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote on such matter
at the meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute
a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be treated as
present for purposes of determining a quorum. Broker
non-votes are votes that brokers holding shares of record
for their customers (i.e., in street name) are not
permitted to cast under applicable stock exchange regulations
because the brokers have not received instructions (or have
received incomplete instructions) from their customers as to
certain proposals and as to which the brokers have advised the
Company that they lack voting authority. Under current American
Stock Exchange rules, brokers would have discretionary voting
power for the election of directors (Proposal 1).
With regard to the election of directors, votes may be cast for
the nominees or may be withheld. The election of directors
requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast
by shares entitled to vote at the annual meeting. Votes that are
withheld and broker non-votes are not considered votes
cast and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of
the election of directors.
With regard to any proposals to be considered at the annual
meeting other than for the election of directors, none of which
are presently anticipated, votes may be cast for or against each
of the proposals, or shareholders may abstain from voting on
each of the proposals. The approval of any such proposal
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at
the meeting in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on such
proposals. As such, abstentions and broker non-votes will have
no effect on the outcome of such matters, if any.
You may vote in person at the annual meeting or by proxy.
Whether or not you expect to be present at the annual meeting,
please vote by proxy promptly. To vote by proxy, you may select
one of the following options:
Vote by Telephone. You can vote your shares by telephone
by calling the toll-free telephone number (at no cost to you)
shown on your proxy card. Telephone voting is available
24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Easy-to-follow voice
prompts allow you to vote your shares and confirm that your
instructions have been properly recorded. Our telephone voting
procedures are designed to authenticate the shareholder by using
individual control numbers. Proxies granted by telephone using
these procedures are valid under Georgia law. You can also
consent to view future proxy statements and annual reports on
the Internet instead of receiving them in the mail. If you vote
by telephone, you do NOT need to return your proxy card.
Vote by Internet. You can also choose to vote on the
Internet. The web site for Internet voting is shown on your
proxy card. Internet voting is available 24 hours-a-day,
seven days-a-week. You will be given the opportunity to confirm
that your instructions have been properly recorded. Proxies
granted over the Internet using these procedures are valid under
Georgia law. If you vote on the Internet, you do NOT need to
return your proxy card.
Vote by Mail. If you choose to vote by mail, simply mark
your proxy card, date and sign it, and return it in the
postage-paid envelope provided. Please do so as soon as possible
so that your shares may be represented at the annual meeting. If
you wish to view future proxy statements and annual reports on
the Internet, check the box provided on the card.
Revocation of Proxy. If you vote by proxy, you may revoke
that proxy at any time before it is voted at the annual meeting.
You may do this by: (i) voting again by telephone or on the
Internet prior to the meeting; (ii) signing another proxy
card with a later date and returning it to us at the attention
of the Corporate Secretary prior to the meeting; or
(iii) attending the meeting in person and casting a ballot.
If you sign the proxy card or submit your vote by Internet or
by telephone but do not specify how you want your shares to be
voted, your shares will be voted FOR each nominee
listed in Proposal 1. The persons named in the enclosed
proxy card and acting thereunder will have discretion to vote on
any other matter that may properly come before the annual
meeting in accordance with their best judgment.
PROPOSAL 1.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND INFORMATION REGARDING DIRECTORS
The Bylaws of the Company provide for the division of the Board
into three classes, each class serving for a period of three
years. Members of the three classes currently are as follows:
(i) Guy W. Rutland, III, Robert R. Woodson and
J. Leland Strange; (ii) Guy W. Rutland, IV,
Berner F. Wilson, Jr. and Thomas E. Boland; and
(iii) David G. Bannister, Robert J. Rutland, William P.
Benton and Hugh E. Sawyer. Pursuant to the Bylaws, the Board of
Directors set the number of directors serving on the Board at
ten in February 2005. The Board has determined that the
following directors, which constitute a majority of the Board
(six), are independent in accordance with the American Stock
Exchange rules governing director independence:
Messrs. Bannister, Benton, Boland, Strange, Wilson and
Woodson.
The directors whose terms will expire at the 2005 annual meeting
of shareholders are Guy W. Rutland, III, Robert R. Woodson
and J. Leland Strange. Messrs. Rutland, Woodson and
Strange each has been nominated to stand for reelection as
director to hold office until the 2008 annual meeting of
shareholders or until his successor is elected and qualified. If
any nominee is unable to stand for reelection, the Board of
Directors may, by resolution, provide for a lesser number of
directors, or designate a substitute nominee, in which event the
persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote proxies that would
otherwise be voted for all named nominees for the election of
such substitute nominee. The Board of Directors of the
Company
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recommends that the shareholders vote FOR
approval of the proposal to elect the three nominees for
directors listed below.
Nominees for Election to Terms Expiring 2008 Annual
Meeting
GUY W. RUTLAND, III
Director Since 1964
Age 68
Mr. Rutland was elected Chairman Emeritus in December 1995
and served as Chairman of the Board of the Company from 1986 to
December 1995. Prior to October 1993, Mr. Rutland was
Chairman or Vice Chairman of each of the Companys
subsidiaries.
J. LELAND STRANGE
Director Since 2002
Age 63
Mr. Strange is Chairman of the board of directors, Chief
Executive Officer and President of Intelligent Systems
Corporation and has been with that company since its merger with
Quadram Corporation in 1982. Mr. Strange is Chairman of the
Georgia Tech Research Corp. He serves on the advisory board of
the Georgia Institute of Technologys College of Management.
ROBERT R. WOODSON
Director Since 1993
Age 73
Mr. Woodson retired as a member of the board of directors
of John H. Harland Company in April 1999 and served as its
Chairman from October 1995 to April 1997. Mr. Woodson was
also the President and Chief Executive Officer of John H.
Harland Company prior to October 1995. Mr. Woodson also
served as a director of Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.
through May 2002.
Incumbent Directors Terms Expiring 2007 Annual
Meeting
THOMAS E. BOLAND
Director Since 2001
Age 70
Mr. Boland retired as Chairman of the Board of Wachovia
Corporation of Georgia and Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., in
April, 1994. Mr. Boland joined Wachovia (formerly The First
National Bank of Atlanta) in 1954 and was a senior executive in
various capacities until his retirement. Mr. Boland has
been Special Counsel to the President of Mercer University of
Macon and Atlanta since October 1995. Mr. Boland currently
serves on the boards of directors of Citizens Bancshares, Inc.
and its subsidiary Citizens Trust Bank in Atlanta and
Neighbors Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiary Neighbors Bank,
Alpharetta, Georgia. Mr. Boland is past chairman of the
board of directors of Minbanc Capital Corporation of
Washington, D.C. and formerly served on the boards of
directors of InfiCorp Holdings, Inc., of Atlanta, and VISA
International and VISA U.S.A. of San Mateo, California.
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GUY W. RUTLAND, IV
Director Since 1993
Age 41
Mr. Rutland has been Senior Vice President of Performance
Management and Chaplaincy of the Company since July 2001, and
was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of
Allied Automotive Group, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, from
February 2001 to July 2001. Mr. Rutland was Senior Vice
President Operations of Allied Automotive Group,
Inc. from November 1997 to February 2001. Mr. Rutland was
Vice President Reengineering Core Team of Allied
Automotive Group, Inc., from November 1996 to November 1997.
From January 1996 to November 1996, Mr. Rutland was
Assistant Vice President of the Central and Southeast Region of
Operations for Allied Systems, Ltd., a subsidiary of the
Company. From March 1995 to January 1996, Mr. Rutland was
Assistant Vice President of the Central Division of Operations
for Allied Systems, Ltd. From June 1994 to March 1995,
Mr. Rutland was Assistant Vice President of the Eastern
Division of Operations for Allied Systems, Ltd. From 1993 to
June 1994, Mr. Rutland was assigned to special projects
with an assignment in Industrial Relations/ Labor Department and
from 1988 to 1993, Mr. Rutland was Director of Performance
Management for Allied Systems, Ltd.
BERNER F. WILSON, JR.
Director Since 1993
Age 66
Mr. Wilson retired as Vice President and Vice-Chairman of
the Company in June 1999. Mr. Wilson was Secretary of the
Company from December 1995 to June 1998. Prior to October 1993,
Mr. Wilson was an officer or Vice Chairman of several of
the Companys subsidiaries. Mr. Wilson joined the
Company in 1974 and held various finance, administration, and
operations positions prior to his retirement in 1999.
Mr. Wilson currently serves on the board of directors of
Mountain Heritage Bank in Clayton, Georgia.
Incumbent Directors Terms Expiring 2006 Annual
Meeting
DAVID G. BANNISTER
Director Since 1993
Age 49
Mr. Bannister is a private investor. Mr. Bannister was
a Managing Director of Grotech Capital Group, a private equity
group, from June 1998 to December 2003. Mr. Bannister was a
Managing Director in the Transportation Group of BT Alex Brown
Incorporated and was employed by that firm in various capacities
from 1983 to June 1998. Mr. Bannister is also a director of
Landstar System, Inc.
WILLIAM P. BENTON
Director Since 1998
Age 81
Mr. Benton became a director of the Company in February
1998. Mr. Benton retired from Ford Motor Company as its
Vice President of Marketing worldwide after a 37-year career
with that company. During this time Mr. Benton held the
following major positions: VP/General Manager of Lincoln/
Mercury Division; VP/ General Manager Ford Division;
4 years in Europe as Group VP Ford of Europe; and a member
of the companys Product Planning Committee, responsible
for all products of the company worldwide. Most recently
Mr. Benton was vice chairman of Wells Rich Greene, an
advertising agency in New York, from September 1986 to January
1997, and Executive Director of Ogilvy & Mather
Worldwide, an advertising agency in New York from January 1997
to January 2002. Mr. Benton has been a director of Speedway
Motor Sports, Inc. since February 1995, and a director of Sonic
Automotive, Inc. since December 1997.
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ROBERT J. RUTLAND
Director Since 1965
Age 63
Mr. Rutland has been Chairman of the Company since 1995,
and served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company from February 2001 to June 2001 and from December 1995
to December 1999. Mr. Rutland was the President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company from 1986 to December 1995.
Prior to October 1993, Mr. Rutland was Chief Executive
Officer of each of the Companys subsidiaries.
Mr. Rutland is a member of the board of directors of
Fidelity National Bank, a national banking association.
HUGH E. SAWYER
Director Since 2001
Age 50
Mr. Sawyer has been President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company since June 2001. Mr. Sawyer served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Aegis Communications
Group, Inc. from April 2000 to June 2001. Mr. Sawyer served
as President of Allied Automotive Group, Inc., a subsidiary of
the Company, from January 2000 to April 2000. Mr. Sawyer
was President and Chief Executive Officer of National Linen
Service, a subsidiary of National Service Industries, Inc., from
1996 to 2000, and President of Wells Fargo Armored Service
Corp., a subsidiary of Borg-Warner Corp., from 1988 to 1995.
Mr. Sawyer is a member of the board of directors of
Spiegel, Inc.
Other Information About the Board and Its Committees
All directors have served continuously since their first
election or appointment. Robert J. Rutland and Guy W.
Rutland, III are brothers. Guy W. Rutland, IV is
the son of Guy W. Rutland, III. The Board of Directors
held 12 meetings during 2004. Each director attended at least
75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and the meetings
of committees of which he was a member. The Board of Directors
has two standing committees, the Audit Committee and the
Compensation and Nominating Committee. In accordance with
applicable American Stock Exchange and Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) requirements, the Board of
Directors has determined that each director serving on the Audit
Committee and Compensation and Nominating Committee is an
independent director.
The Company encourages shareholder communication with the Board
of Directors. Any shareholder who wishes to communicate with the
Board of Directors or with any particular director, including
any independent director, may send such correspondence to
Thomas M. Duffy, Secretary, Allied Holdings, Inc.,
160 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, Georgia 30030. Such
correspondence should indicate that you are a shareholder of the
Company and clearly specify that it is intended to be forwarded
to the entire Board of Directors or to one or more particular
directors. Mr. Duffy will forward all correspondence
satisfying such criteria.
The Board of Directors has adopted a policy that all directors
on the Board of Directors are expected to attend annual meetings
of the Companys shareholders and be available for
questions from shareholders, except in the case of unavoidable
conflicts. All of the directors on the Board of Directors
attended the Companys previous annual meeting of
shareholders held in May 2004.
Certain information regarding the function of the Boards
committees, their present membership, and the number of meetings
held by each committee during 2004 is presented below.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling
its oversight responsibilities with respect to the
Companys financial matters. The Board of Directors of the
Company has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee,
which was included as Appendix A to the Companys
Proxy Statement for the 2004 annual meeting of shareholders as
filed with the SEC on April 16, 2004. Under the charter,
the Audit
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Committees principal responsibilities include hiring the
Companys independent auditors; reviewing the plans and
results of the audit engagement with the independent auditors;
inquiring as to the adequacy of the Companys internal
accounting controls; monitoring the compliance with material
policies and laws, including the Companys Code of Conduct;
and reviewing the Companys financial statements, reports
and releases.
The Audit Committee oversees the Companys Code of Conduct,
which applies to all of the Companys directors, executive
officers and non-bargaining unit employees. The Code of Conduct
was included as an exhibit to the Companys 2003 annual
report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 13,
2004.
The members of our Audit Committee are David G. Bannister,
William P. Benton, Robert R. Woodson and Thomas E. Boland, with
Mr. Bannister serving as the Chairman. The Board has
determined that Messrs. Bannister, Boland and Woodson each
qualifies as an audit committee financial expert as
that term is defined by the SEC rules adopted pursuant to the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. During 2004, the Audit Committee
held 17 meetings.
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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
April 15, 2005
To the Board of Directors of Allied Holdings, Inc.:
The undersigned members of the Audit Committee of the Board of
Directors of Allied Holdings, Inc. have prepared this report for
inclusion in the Companys Proxy Statement for the 2005
annual meeting of shareholders. Each member of our committee
satisfies the independence requirements for audit committee
members prescribed by the applicable rules of the SEC and The
American Stock Exchange.
We carry out our responsibilities pursuant to our written
charter. We oversee the Companys financial reporting
process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the
primary responsibility for the financial statements and the
reporting process. The independent auditors are responsible for
performing an independent audit of the Companys
consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards and issuing a report thereon. Our
responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes and to
report our findings to the Board of Directors. The members of
our committee are not professional accountants or auditors, and
their functions are not intended to duplicate or to certify the
activities of management and the independent auditors.
In this context, we met and held discussions with management and
KPMG LLP, our independent auditors, including discussions with
KPMG LLP at the conclusion of the audit to discuss the results
of their examination, their evaluation of the Companys
internal accounting controls, and the overall quality of the
Companys financial reporting. Management represented to us
that the Companys financial statements were prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and we
have reviewed and discussed with management the Companys
audited financial statements as of and for the year ended
December 31, 2004.
We also reviewed with KPMG LLP its opinion on the conformity of
those audited financial statements with generally accepted
accounting principles and such other matters as required to be
discussed with audit committees by Statement on Auditing
Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit
Committees, as amended, by the Auditing Standards Board of
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
We have received and reviewed the written disclosures and the
letter from KPMG LLP required by Independence Standard
No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit
Committees, as amended, by the Independence Standards Board,
and have discussed with KPMG LLP the accountants
independence.
Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, we
recommended to the Board of Directors that the financial
statements referred to above be included in the Companys
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2004 for filing with the SEC.
We have also appointed KPMG LLP to act as the Companys
independent auditors for fiscal 2005.
The foregoing report has been furnished by the Audit Committee
of Allied Holdings Board of Directors.
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David G. Bannister, Chairman |
William P. Benton |
Robert R. Woodson |
Thomas E. Boland |
The foregoing report of the Audit Committee shall not be deemed
to be soliciting material or to be filed
with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by
reference in any previous or future documents filed by the
Company with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933 or the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the
Company specifically incorporates the Report by reference in any
such document.
Compensation and Nominating Committee
The Compensation and Nominating Committee periodically reviews
the compensation and other benefits provided to officers of the
Company. The Board of Directors of the Company has adopted a
written charter for the Compensation and Nominating Committee,
which was included as Appendix B to the Companys Proxy
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Statement for the 2004 annual meeting of shareholders as filed
with the SEC on April 16, 2004. Under the charter, the
Compensation and Nominating Committee may establish compensation
for the officers of the Company and approve employment
agreements with the officers of the Company. The Compensation
and Nominating Committee may also recommend to the Board of
Directors changes to the Companys total compensation
philosophy. In addition, the Compensation and Nominating
Committee identifies qualified director candidates, reviews the
qualifications of all persons recommended to serve on the Board
of Directors and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors
regarding such persons.
With respect to the Compensation and Nominating Committees
evaluation of director nominee candidates, the committee has no
formal requirements or minimum standards for the individuals
that it nominates. Rather, the Compensation and Nominating
Committee considers each candidate on his or her own merits.
However, in evaluating candidates, there are a number of factors
that the committee generally views as relevant and is likely to
consider, including the candidates professional
experience, his or her understanding of the business issues
affecting the Company, his or her experience in serving on other
boards of directors or in the senior management of companies
that have faced issues generally of the level of sophistication
that the Company faces, and his or her integrity and reputation.
In searching for potential Board nominees, the committee seeks
directors who are able to devote significant time and effort to
Board and Board committee responsibilities and are able to work
collegially with others. The committee also must consider
whether a nominee is independent based on SEC rules
and the listing standards of The American Stock Exchange.
The Compensation and Nominating Committee does not assign a
particular weight to the individual factors. Similarly, the
committee does not expect to see all (or even more than a few)
of these factors in any individual candidate. Rather, the
Compensation and Nominating Committee looks for a mix of factors
that, when considered along with the experience and credentials
of the other candidates and existing Board members, will provide
shareholders with a diverse and experienced board of directors.
With respect to the identification of nominee candidates, the
Compensation and Nominating Committee has not developed a
formalized process. Instead, its members and the Companys
senior management have recommended candidates whom they are
aware of personally or by reputation. The Company historically
has not utilized a recruiting firm to assist in the process but
could do so in the future.
The Compensation and Nominating Committee welcomes
recommendations from shareholders and evaluates shareholder
nominees in the same manner that it evaluates a candidate
recommended by other means. In order to make a recommendation,
the Compensation and Nominating Committee asks that a
shareholder send the committee:
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a resume for the candidate detailing the candidates work
experience and academic credentials; |
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written confirmation from the candidate that he or she
(1) would like to be considered as a candidate and would
serve if nominated and elected, (2) consents to the
disclosure of his or her name, (3) has read the
Companys Code of Conduct and that during the prior three
years has not engaged in any conduct that, had he or she been a
director, would have violated the Code or required a waiver,
(4) is, or is not, independent as that term is
defined in the American Stock Exchange Corporate Governance
rules, and (5) has no plans to change or influence the
control of the Company; |
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the name of the recommending shareholder as it appears in the
Companys books, the number of shares of Common Stock that
are owned by the shareholder and written confirmation that the
shareholder consents to the disclosure of his or her name. (If
the recommending person is not a shareholder of record, he or
she should provide proof of share ownership); |
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personal and professional references, including contact
information; and |
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any other information relating to the candidate required to be
disclosed in a proxy statement for election of directors under
Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
The foregoing information should be sent to the Compensation and
Nominating Committee, c/o Thomas M. Duffy, who will forward
it to the chairperson of the committee. The committee does not
necessarily respond directly to a submitting shareholder
regarding recommendations. Also, the Companys Bylaws
provide
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that shareholders may directly nominate directors for
consideration at any annual meeting of shareholders. To nominate
a candidate for election, a shareholder must follow the
procedures set forth in the Companys Bylaws. These
procedures are summarized under the heading Shareholder
Proposals at the Companys Next Annual Meeting of
Shareholders in this Proxy Statement.
On October 24, 2004, the Compensation and Nominating
Committee received a recommendation from Alan W. Weber, a
shareholder who beneficially owned more than 5% of the
Companys Common Stock for more than one year from the date
Mr. Webers recommendation was made to the committee,
that he be nominated to serve on the Companys Board of
Directors. After consideration and discussion of
Mr. Webers recommendation, the Compensation and
Nominating Committee did not choose to recommend to the Board
that Mr. Weber be nominated for a position on the Board of
Directors at this time.
The members of the Compensation and Nominating Committee are
David G. Bannister, Robert R. Woodson, William P. Benton and
J. Leland Strange, with Mr. Benton serving as the
Chairman. During 2004, the Compensation and Nominating Committee
held four meetings.
Compensation of Directors
For the year ended December 31, 2004, each director of the
Company who was not also an employee received an annual fee of
$25,000 and a fee of $1,500 for each meeting of the Board or any
of its committees attended, plus reimbursement of expenses for
attending meetings. An additional fee of $5,000 was paid to the
chairman of each committee of the Board. Directors are also
eligible to participate in the Companys Amended and
Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (the LTI Plan). No
awards were made to directors under the LTI Plan in 2004.
COMMON STOCK OWNERSHIP BY MANAGEMENT AND
CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table sets forth certain information about
beneficial ownership of the Common Stock as of March 31,
2004 by (i) each director of the Company and each named
executive officer of the Company named herein, and (ii) all
directors and executive officers of the Company as a group.
Unless otherwise indicated, the beneficial owners of the Common
Stock listed below have sole voting and investment power with
respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them.
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Beneficially Owned(1) | |
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Outstanding(2) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Robert J. Rutland(3)
|
|
|
1,123,894 |
|
|
|
12.6 |
|
Guy W. Rutland, III(4)
|
|
|
850,718 |
|
|
|
9.5 |
|
Guy W. Rutland, IV(5)
|
|
|
651,936 |
|
|
|
7.3 |
|
Hugh E. Sawyer(6)
|
|
|
620,000 |
|
|
|
6.9 |
|
Berner F. Wilson, Jr.(7)
|
|
|
107,076 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
Thomas M. Duffy(8)
|
|
|
99,863 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
David A. Rawden(9)
|
|
|
86,600 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
David G. Bannister(10)
|
|
|
36,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Robert R. Woodson(10)
|
|
|
36,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
William P. Benton(10)
|
|
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Thomas E. Boland(10)
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
J. Leland Strange(10)
|
|
|
32,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Robert C. Chambers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
All executive officers and directors as a group (11)
(11 persons)
|
|
|
3,713,087 |
|
|
|
41.5 |
|
9
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Under the rules of the SEC, a person is deemed to be a
beneficial owner of any securities that such person has the
right to acquire beneficial ownership of within 60 days as
well as any securities owned by such persons spouse,
children or relatives living in the same household. |
|
|
(2) |
Based on 8,940,167 shares outstanding as of March 31,
2005. Shares underlying outstanding stock options or warrants
held by the person indicated and exercisable within 60 days
of such date are deemed to be outstanding for purposes of
calculating the percentage owned by such holder. |
|
|
(3) |
Includes 18,099 shares owned by his wife as to which he
disclaims beneficial ownership. |
|
|
(4) |
Includes 18,099 shares owned by his wife and
67,800 shares owned by a private foundation as to which he
disclaims beneficial ownership. |
|
|
(5) |
Includes 647,211 shares held in a limited partnership of
which he is the direct beneficiary. |
|
|
(6) |
Includes options to acquire 600,000 shares. |
|
|
(7) |
Includes options to acquire 6,667 shares. |
|
|
(8) |
Includes 5,245 shares owned by his wife as to which he
disclaims beneficial ownership, and options to acquire
88,333 shares. |
|
|
(9) |
Includes options to acquire 70,000 shares. |
|
|
(10) |
Includes options to acquire 30,000 shares for each
individual. |
|
(11) |
Includes options to acquire 915,001 shares. |
The following table sets forth certain information about
beneficial ownership of each person known to the Company to own
more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock as of
March 31, 2005, other than directors of the Company:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares | |
|
Percentage of | |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
|
Beneficially Owned | |
|
Shares Outstanding | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Beck, Mack and Oliver LLC(1)
|
|
|
1,018,050 |
|
|
|
11.4 |
|
360 Madison Avenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, New York 10017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alan W. Weber(2)
|
|
|
1,069,900 |
|
|
|
12.0 |
|
5 Evan Place
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Armonk, New York 10504
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. B. Capital Partners, L.P.(2)
|
|
|
1,020,800 |
|
|
|
11.4 |
|
5 Evan Place
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Armonk, New York 10504
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc.(3)
|
|
|
466,635 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
|
1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Santa Monica, CA 90401
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert E. Robotti, Robotti & Company, LLC,
|
|
|
732,597 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
|
Robotti & Company Advisors, LLC and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Ravenswood Management Company, LLC and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
the Ravenswood Investment Company, L.P.(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52 Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 503
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, New York 10017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
According to a Schedule 13G filed on January 26, 2005
on behalf of Beck, Mack and Oliver LLC (BMO), BMO
possesses shared investment power over 1,018,050 shares and
sole voting power as to 989,750 shares. |
|
(2) |
According to a Schedule 13D filed on October 19, 2004
on behalf of J. B. Capital Partners, L.P. (J.B.
Capital) and Alan W. Weber, J.B. Capital possesses shared
voting and investment power as to |
10
|
|
|
1,020,800 shares, and Mr. Weber possesses sole voting
and investment power as to 49,100 shares and shared voting
and investment power as to 1,020,800 shares. |
|
(3) |
According to a Schedule 13G filed on February 9, 2005
on behalf of Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc.
(Dimensional), in its role as investment advisor or
manager to certain investment companies, trust and accounts,
Dimensional possesses voting and/or investment power over the
466,635 shares owned by such investment companies, trust
and accounts. Dimensional disclaims beneficial ownership of such
shares. |
|
(4) |
According to a Schedule 13G filed on February 14, 2005
on behalf of Robert E. Robotti, Robotti & Company, LLC
and Robotti & Company Advisors LLC, in its role as a
broker dealer and an investment advisor, and The Ravenswood
Management Company, LLC and the Ravenswood Investment Company,
L.P., of which Mr. Robotti serves as Managing Member of the
General Partner of such limited partnership. Mr. Robotti
possesses shared voting and investment power as to the
securities but does not have sole voting or investment power as
to the securities. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation and Nominating Committee Report on Executive
Compensation
The Compensation and Nominating Committee of the Board reviews,
establishes, administers and regularly reviews the
Companys executive compensation plans, policies and
programs as one of its principal functions. The following is the
Compensation and Nominating Committees report to the
Companys shareholders with respect to the compensation of
our executive officers.
|
|
|
Executive Compensation Components |
The executive compensation philosophy of the Company is to link
compensation with enhancement of shareholder value and retain
executive talent the Company considers important for its
long-term success. The Companys executive compensation is
based on the following three principal components, each of which
is intended to support the overall compensation philosophy:
Base Salary. The Compensation and Nominating Committee
considers several factors in determining the annual salary of
each of the executive officers. Factors considered by the
committee include its evaluation of each executive
officers performance, its assessment of the executive
officers value to the organization and any planned change
in functional responsibilities of the executive officer. Base
salary amounts for each of the named executive officers are
specified in their employment agreements. The Committee believes
these base salary amounts are appropriate given the need of the
Company to attract and retain qualified executives and are
competitive with those paid to executives of other leading
companies engaged in the transportation, logistics and trucking
industries, and turnaround management.
Incentive Compensation. The Compensation and Nominating
Committee considers several factors in determining whether to
award incentive compensation to its executive officers,
including criteria related to the implementation and achievement
of the Companys turnaround plan and executive
officers individual performance in connection with the
revitalization initiatives adopted by the Company. For 2004, the
Compensation and Nominating Committee did not award any
incentive compensation for the named executive officers.
Stock Compensation. The Compensation and Nominating
Committee believes that stock options assist the Company in the
long-term retention of its executives and serve to align the
interests of the executives with the shareholders by increasing
their ownership stake in the Company. Executive officers are
eligible to receive annual grants of incentive stock options,
non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights,
restricted stock, performance units and performance shares under
the LTI Plan. During 2004, the Compensation and Nominating
Committee awarded incentive stock options and non-qualified
stock options to various executive officers, including certain
of the named executive officers, pursuant to the LTI Plan. The
Company did not award any shares of restricted stock to its
executive officers in 2004.
11
The Compensation and Nominating Committee believes that
Hugh E. Sawyers compensation as Chief Executive
Officer for the year ended December 31, 2004 was
appropriately related to the short and long-term performance of
the Company. Mr. Sawyers base salary in 2004 was
$700,000 as provided by his employment agreement and was reduced
by $26,923 due to the effect of two weeks of unpaid furlough
taken in 2004 pursuant to a Company initiative. Mr. Sawyer
was not paid a bonus for the year ended December 31, 2004.
The Compensation and Nominating Committee believes that the base
salary and benefits provided by Mr. Sawyers
employment agreement provide for appropriate compensation to
Mr. Sawyer in light of the Companys goal of
attracting and retaining a qualified chief executive, and
considers the compensation received by Mr. Sawyer for 2004
to have been comparable to chief executive officers of other
leading companies engaged in the transportation, logistics and
trucking industries or companies engaged in revitalization
efforts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William P. Benton,
Chairman
|
|
David G. Bannister |
|
Robert R. Woodson |
|
J. Leland Strange |
The foregoing report of the Compensation and Nominating
Committee shall not be deemed to be soliciting
material or to be filed with the SEC, nor
shall such information be incorporated by reference in any
previous or future documents filed by the Company with the SEC
under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically
incorporates the Report by reference in any such document.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLE
Remuneration paid for 2004, 2003 and 2002 to the following named
executive officers and the principal positions of such
individuals at December 31, 2004 is set forth in the
following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Compensation | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Annual Compensation | |
|
Securities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Underlying | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Annual | |
|
Options | |
|
All Other | |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year | |
|
Salary(1) | |
|
Bonus | |
|
Compensation | |
|
Awards(2) | |
|
Compensation(3) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Hugh E. Sawyer
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
673,007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President and Chief
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
496,937 |
|
|
$ |
275,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,619 |
|
|
Executive Officer
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
539,388 |
|
|
|
825,000 |
(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
6,717 |
|
|
Robert J. Rutland
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
394,423 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,928 |
|
|
Chairman
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
385,966 |
|
|
|
123,060 |
|
|
$ |
37,606 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,185 |
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
402,650 |
|
|
|
307,650 |
|
|
|
29,870 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
152,164 |
|
|
Thomas M. Duffy
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
303,974 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Vice President,
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
235,471 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
678 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General Counsel,
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
245,157 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
542 |
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Secretary(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guy W. Rutland IV
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
177,885 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,584 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
748 |
|
|
Senior Vice-President
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
175,933 |
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
1,440 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
764 |
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
183,113 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
1,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
761 |
|
|
David A. Rawden
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
317,308 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Vice
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
310,855 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President and Chief
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
267,323 |
(4) |
|
|
239,340 |
(6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
56,982 |
|
|
Financial Officer(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert C. Chambers
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
287,740 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President of Axis
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
287,740 |
|
|
|
102,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Group, Inc.(9)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Each individual other than Mr. Chambers was required to
take two one-week unpaid furloughs in 2004. Mr. Sawyer was
required to take five one-week non-paid furloughs in 2003, and
each remaining |
12
|
|
|
individual other than Mr. Chambers was required to take
three one-week unpaid furloughs in 2003. Each individual other
than Mr. Chambers was required to take one one-week unpaid
furlough in 2002. |
|
(2) |
For Mr. Sawyer, represents 100,000 shares subject to
options granted in 2002. For Mr. Rawden, represents
50,000 shares subject to options granted in 2002. For
Mr. Duffy, represents 20,000 shares subject to options
granted in 2004 and 10,000 shares subject to options
granted in 2002. For Mr. Chambers, represents
67,500 shares subject to options granted in 2003. |
|
(3) |
Amounts in this column for Bob Rutland and Guy Rutland in 2004
and 2003 include the taxable compensation recognized by them in
regard to premiums paid from the cash surrender value under
split dollar insurance agreements and in 2002
includes the imputed cost to the Company of the premiums paid
under split dollar insurance agreements with them
based on an interest-free loan basis. Under certain
circumstances, the Company will receive back the aggregate of
the premiums paid by it less certain adjustments. The amounts
reported are required by the SECs rules; however, the
amounts exceed the taxable compensation recognized by the named
executive officers in regard to the split dollar payments in
2002. As a result of changes in the law, including the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Company discontinued paying the
premiums on these policies as of July 30, 2002. See
Agreements with Executive Officers and Directors.
For Mr. Sawyer, amounts include premiums paid by the
Company on a term life insurance policy on his life for the
benefit of his family. For Mr. Rawden, includes $32,810 to
reimburse him for certain expenses incurred in relocating to
Atlanta, GA and $24,172 to reimburse him for income tax
liabilities incurred due to such payments. |
|
(4) |
Represents salary paid by the Company commencing on
March 4, 2002. |
|
(5) |
$275,000 of Mr. Sawyers bonus was paid upon the
successful refinancing of the Companys primary lending
facilities in February 2002. |
|
(6) |
Mr. Rawdens bonus includes $75,000, which was paid in
March 2002 upon commencement of his employment as required by
his employment agreement. |
|
(7) |
Became Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
in February 2004. |
|
(8) |
Employment was terminated and was removed as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer in January 2005. |
|
(9) |
Employment was terminated and was removed as President of Axis
Group, Inc. in October 2004. |
The following table sets forth information regarding the grant
of stock options to each of the named executive officers during
2004 and the value of such options held by each such person as
of December 31, 2004:
Option Grants for Last Fiscal Year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potential Realizable | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value at | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumed Annual Rates of | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Price Appreciation | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for | |
|
|
Individual Grants | |
|
|
|
|
|
Option Term (10 Years)* | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5% | |
|
10% | |
|
|
|
|
% of Total | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Number of | |
|
Options | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities | |
|
Granted to | |
|
Exercise | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying | |
|
Employees in | |
|
Price | |
|
Expiration | |
|
Aggregate | |
|
Aggregate | |
Name |
|
Options(1) | |
|
Fiscal Year | |
|
($/Share)(1) | |
|
Date | |
|
Value | |
|
Value | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Thomas M. Duffy
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
12.2 |
|
|
$ |
6.65 |
|
|
|
2/11/14 |
|
|
$ |
83,643 |
|
|
$ |
211,968 |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
The dollar gains under these columns result from calculations
assuming 5% and 10% growth rates from the closing price of the
Companys Common Stock on the date of grant, as prescribed
by the SEC, and are not intended to forecast future price
appreciation of the Common Stock. |
|
|
(1) |
Represents 20,000 shares subject to options granted in
2004. Mr. Duffys options vest over three years at a
rate of 33% per year. |
13
The following table sets forth as to each of the named executive
officers (i) the number of shares of Common Stock acquired
pursuant to options exercised and the number of shares
underlying stock appreciation rights exercised during 2004,
(ii) the aggregate dollar value realized upon the exercise
of such options and stock appreciation rights, (iii) the
total number of shares underlying exercisable and
non-exercisable stock options and stock appreciation rights held
on December 31, 2004 and (iv) the aggregate dollar
value of in-the-money unexercised options and stock appreciation
rights on December 31, 2004:
Aggregated Option Exercises During Last Fiscal Year And
Fiscal Year-End Option Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares | |
|
Value of Unexercised | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Unexercised | |
|
In-the-Money | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options at | |
|
Options at | |
|
|
Number of Shares | |
|
Value | |
|
Fiscal Year End | |
|
Fiscal Year End(1) | |
|
|
Acquired Upon | |
|
Realized Upon | |
|
| |
|
| |
Name |
|
Exercise of Option | |
|
Exercise | |
|
Exercisable | |
|
Unexercisable | |
|
Exercisable | |
|
Unexercisable | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Robert J. Rutland
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hugh E. Sawyer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
85,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas M. Duffy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
81,667 |
|
|
|
23,333 |
|
|
$ |
5,667 |
|
|
$ |
833 |
|
Robert C. Chambers(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David A. Rawden(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,333 |
|
|
|
36,667 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
In accordance with the SECs rules, values are calculated
by subtracting the exercise price from the fair market value of
the underlying Common Stock. For purposes of this table, fair
market value is deemed to be $2.85, the closing price of the
Common Stock reported on the American Stock Exchange on
November 24, 2004, the last day the Common Stock was traded
on the American Stock Exchange in 2004. On March 31, 2005,
the closing price of the Common Stock reported on The American
Stock Exchange was $2.35. No value is assigned to options or
stock appreciation rights where the exercise price for the
options and stock appreciation rights was in excess of the fair
market value of the underlying Common Stock on November 24 2004,
the last day the Common Stock was traded on the American Stock
Exchange in 2004. |
|
(2) |
Employment was terminated and was removed as President of Axis
Group, Inc. in October 2004. |
|
(3) |
Employment was terminated and was removed as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer in January 2005. |
Agreements with Named Executive Officers and Directors
|
|
|
Employment and Severance Agreements |
Robert Rutland has entered into an employment agreement with the
Company which has been renewed for a two-year term ending in
February 2007, and is automatically renewed for an additional
two-year period at the end of each term. Mr. Rutlands
employment agreement was amended in January 2005 in order to
provide that calculations of bonus amounts are made pursuant to
the bonus plans utilized by the Company from time to time.
Mr. Sawyer entered into an employment agreement with the
Company for a five-year term ending in June 2006, which is
automatically renewed for an additional two-year period at the
end of each term. Mr. Duffy entered into an employment
agreement with the Company for a one-year term ending in
December 2005, which automatically renews for an additional
one-year period at the end of each term. Mr. Duffys
employment agreement was amended in January 2005 in order to
provide that calculations of bonus amounts are made pursuant to
the bonus plans utilized by the Company from time to time and to
provide for the payment of the following bonuses to
Mr. Duffy in the event that he remains employed by the
Company as of the various events triggering the bonus payment:
$86,625 upon the filing of the Companys annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004;
$24,750 upon the filing of the Companys quarterly report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, and
$136,125 upon the filing of the Companys annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. The
Company has entered into an employment agreement with Guy W.
Rutland, IV for a one-year term ending in August 2005, which
automatically renews
14
for an additional one-year period at the end of each term. These
agreements provide for compensation to the officers in the form
of annual base salaries, plus percentage annual increases in
subsequent years based upon either the Consumer Price Index for
certain executive officers, or such amount established by the
Compensation and Nominating Committee, and participation in
Company bonus plans.
Each of the employment agreements of Messrs. Bob Rutland,
Sawyer and Duffy also provides that the officers will receive
severance benefits if: (i) the officers employment is
terminated due to death or disability; (ii) the Company
terminates the officers employment other than for cause or
elects not to extend the officers employment beyond any
initial or renewal term of the agreement, (iii) the officer
terminates his employment with the Company as a result of
(A) a material change in the duties or responsibilities of
the officer or a failure to be elected or appointed to the
position held by him, (B) the Company relocating the
officer or requiring such officer to perform substantially all
of his duties outside the metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia area,
(C) the Company committing any material breach of the
agreement that remains uncured for thirty days following written
notice thereof from the officer, (D) a liquidation,
dissolution, consolidation or merger of the Company (other than
with an affiliated entity) occurs, or (E) a petition in
bankruptcy being filed by or against the Company or the Company
making an assignment for the benefit of creditors or seeking
appointment of a receiver or custodian for the Company; or
(iv) within two years following a change of
control with respect to the Company, the officers
employment agreement is terminated by the Company or the officer
or not extended for any renewal term.
The employment agreement of Guy Rutland provides that he will
receive severance benefits if his employment is terminated by
the Company other than for cause, or because the Company elects
not to extend the officers employment beyond the initial
or any renewal term of the agreement.
In addition, Mr. Sawyers employment agreement
provides for severance benefits if there is any material
reduction by the Company to Mr. Sawyers compensation
other than as contemplated by the agreement, the Company fails
to comply with its obligations in respect of payment of salary
and bonus to Mr. Sawyer or Mr. Sawyer terminates his
employment as a result of the failure of the Board of Directors
to re-nominate Mr. Sawyer as a candidate for director or to
appoint, elect or re-elect Mr. Sawyer as Chairman of the
Board after Bob Rutland ceases holding such office.
The severance benefits payable to Mr. Duffy pursuant to a
termination of employment following a change of control include
a cash payment equal to three times each of (i) his annual
base salary for the year such termination occurs, plus
(ii) his bonus. The severance benefits payable
to Mr. Duffy pursuant to any other manner of termination
that triggers severance benefits shall include a cash payment
equal to two times each of (i) his annual base salary for
the year such termination occurs, plus (ii) his
bonus. The severance benefits payable to each of
Messrs. Bob Rutland and Sawyer include a cash payment equal
to three times each of (i) his annual base salary for the
year such termination occurs, plus (ii) his
bonus. The severance benefits payable to Guy Rutland
include one years base salary paid in accordance with
customary payroll practices.
For purposes of the severance benefits set forth above, the term
bonus includes, with respect to Messrs. Bob
Rutland and Duffy, an amount equal to (A) the greatest of
(1) the average of each of the previous two years
bonus payments under the incentive plan in effect, (2) the
average of each of the previous two years target
bonus amounts under the incentive plan in effect or
(3) the amount of the target bonus for
Messrs. Rutland and Duffy under the incentive plan in
effect for the year in which their respective employment with
the Company is terminated, plus (B) an amount equal to the
dollar value of the restricted stock target or other form of
equity award for each of them with respect to the most recent
annual award of restricted stock or other equity award made
under the LTI Plan. For Mr. Sawyer, the term
bonus includes an amount equal to (A) the
greatest of (1) the annual bonus actually paid to
Mr. Sawyer in the preceding year, (2) the average of
each of the previous two years annual bonus payments to
Mr. Sawyer, or (3) if the termination follows a
change of control, the target amount of his annual
bonus for the year in which such termination occurs, plus
(B) an amount equal to the dollar value of the restricted
stock target for him with respect to the most recent annual
award of restricted stock made under the LTI Plan.
A change of control under the employment agreements
of Messrs. Bob Rutland, Sawyer, and Duffy occurs
(i) in the event of a merger, consolidation or
reorganization of the Company following which the
15
shareholders of the Company immediately prior to such
reorganization, merger or consolidation own in the aggregate
less than seventy percent (70%) of the outstanding shares of
common stock of the surviving corporation, (ii) upon the
sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all
of the assets or more than thirty percent (30%) of the then
outstanding shares of common stock of the Company, other than as
a result of a merger or other combination of the Company and an
affiliate of the Company, (iii) upon the acquisition by any
person of beneficial ownership (as defined in the Exchange Act)
of twenty percent (20%) or more of the combined voting power of
the Companys then outstanding voting securities or
(iv) if the members of the Board of Directors who served as
such on the date of the applicable employment agreement (or any
successors approved by two-thirds (2/3) of such Board members)
cease to constitute at least two-thirds (2/3) of the membership
of the Board.
The maximum severance benefits that would have been due upon
termination meeting the criteria for severance compensation
under the employment agreements as of December 31, 2004 are
approximately: $2,128,000 to Bob Rutland, $4,246,800 to
Mr. Sawyer, $1,761,300 to Mr. Duffy and $176,384 for
Guy Rutland. The Company is also required to provide to
Messrs. Bob Rutland, Sawyer, Duffy and Guy Rutland medical
and hospitalization benefits and other benefits for defined
periods following termination triggering severance benefits.
In January 2005, the employment agreement between the Company
and David Rawden was terminated. The Company has agreed to pay,
in accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices,
Mr. Rawdens current base salary of $330,000 for a
period of one year following the date of his termination as
severance benefits. In addition, the Company has agreed to
continue to provide Mr. Rawden with a monthly automobile
allowance and to pay for his current medical benefits in each
case for a period of one year following the date of his
termination.
The employment agreement between the Company and Robert Chambers
was terminated in October 2004. No severance benefits were paid
by the Company to Mr. Chambers in connection with the
termination of this employment agreement.
|
|
|
Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreements |
The Company is a party to split dollar insurance
agreements with respect to certain of its executive officers and
directors. Each of these agreements was entered into while such
persons were employed as executive officers with the Company.
The agreements are between the Company and certain trusts
established for the benefit of the executive officers and
directors. The Company paid the premiums on the split dollar
insurance agreements for Messrs. Berner F. Wilson,
Guy W. Rutland III, Guy W. Rutland, IV and
Robert J. Rutland until the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 on June 30, 2002, at which time such Company
payments were discontinued. A portion of the premiums paid by
the Company is taxable compensation recognized by the director
or executive officer.
Under certain circumstances, the Company will receive back the
lesser of (i) the aggregate of the premiums paid by it less
certain adjustments or (ii) the cash surrender value of the
policies. However, pursuant to the terms of the split dollar
insurance agreements, the trustees representing the trusts for
the benefit of the executive officers and directors have been
utilizing loans against the available cash surrender value to
pay the annual premiums due under the insurance policy and
interest on previous loans made against the policies, which may
result in a reduction of the amount of potential recovery from
the Companys interest in the policy. The Company receives
its interest in cash upon the earlier of the death of the
insured or the termination of the contractual arrangement.
16
The following table sets forth the annual amount of premiums
payable on these policies for each of these agreements as of
December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Insured |
|
Annual Premiums | |
|
|
| |
Berner F. Wilson, Jr.
|
|
$ |
96,275 |
|
Guy W. Rutland III
|
|
|
324,638 |
|
Guy W. Rutland IV
|
|
|
13,098 |
|
Robert J. Rutland
|
|
|
257,441 |
|
Long-Term Incentive Plan
The Companys LTI Plan allows for the issuance of an
aggregate of 2,150,000 shares of Common Stock. The LTI Plan
authorizes the Company to grant incentive stock options,
non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights,
restricted stock, and performance awards to eligible employees
and directors, including each of the executive officers named
herein, as determined under the LTI Plan. The LTI Plan was
adopted and approved by the Board of Directors and shareholders
in July 1993, amended in 2000, amended and restated in 2001,
amended in 2002 and amended and restated in 2004.
The Compensation and Nominating Committee selects those
employees to whom awards are granted under the LTI Plan and
determines the number of stock options, performance units,
performance shares, shares of restricted stock, and stock
appreciation rights and the amount of cash awards granted
pursuant to each award and prescribes the terms and conditions
of each such award.
|
|
|
Nonqualified Stock Options |
The Board of Directors may grant non-qualified stock options
under the LTI Plan. The Company granted no non-qualified stock
options during 2004. Non-qualified options to acquire
713,874 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the LTI Plan
were exercisable at December 31, 2004.
Effective December 19, 1996, the Board of Directors of the
Company adopted the Allied Holdings, Inc. Restricted Stock Plan
(Restricted Stock Plan) pursuant to authority
granted by the LTI Plan. The awards granted prior to 2003 under
the Restricted Stock Plan vest over five years, 20% per
year commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
The Company issued 250 shares of restricted stock in 2003
to each full time non-bargaining employee in the United States
other than those at the level of Senior Vice President or above.
Such shares of restricted stock vested after one year. The
Company did not issue restricted stock to any of its executive
officers or any other employees in 2004.
During 2004, the Company granted incentive stock options to
purchase 163,500 shares. These options become
exercisable after one year in 33% increments per year, and
expire 10 years from the date of grant. Options which are
granted pursuant to the incentive stock option provisions of the
LTI Plan are intended to qualify as incentive stock options
within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the Code). Incentive stock options to
acquire 874,793 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the LTI
Plan were exercisable at December 31, 2004.
|
|
|
Stock Appreciation Rights |
The Board of Directors of the Company adopted the Stock
Appreciation Rights Plan (SAR Plan) pursuant to the
terms of the LTI Plan effective January 1, 1997. The
purpose of the SAR Plan is to provide incentive compensation to
certain management employees of the Company. Such incentive
compensation shall be based upon the award of stock appreciation
rights units, the value of which are related to the appreciation
in fair market value of the Common Stock. All payments under the
SAR Plan are made in cash.
17
The Compensation and Nominating Committee determines the
applicable terms for each award under the SAR Plan. The SAR
awards vest over 3 years and may be exercised only during
the fourth year. The exercise price increases 6% per year.
The Company has not granted SARs during the past three
years.
Retirement Plans
The Company maintains a tax qualified defined benefit pension
plan (the Retirement Plan). The table set forth
below illustrates the total combined estimated annual benefits
payable under the Retirement Plan to eligible salaried employees
for years of service assuming normal retirement at age 65.
|
|
|
Allied Defined Benefit Pension Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years of Service | |
|
|
| |
Remuneration |
|
10 | |
|
15 | |
|
20 | |
|
25 | |
|
30 | |
|
35 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
100,000
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
125,000
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
37,500 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
62,500 |
|
|
|
62,500 |
|
|
|
62,500 |
|
150,000
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
175,000
|
|
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
51,000 |
|
|
|
68,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
200,000
|
|
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
51,000 |
|
|
|
68,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
225,000
|
|
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
51,000 |
|
|
|
68,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
250,000
|
|
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
51,000 |
|
|
|
68,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
275,000
|
|
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
51,000 |
|
|
|
68,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
300,000
|
|
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
51,000 |
|
|
|
68,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
The Retirement Plan uses average compensation, as defined by the
Retirement Plan, paid to an employee by the plan sponsor during
a plan year for computing benefits. Compensation includes
bonuses and any amount contributed by a plan sponsor on behalf
of an employee pursuant to a salary reduction agreement which is
not includable in the gross income of the employee under Code
Sections 125, 402(a)(8), or 402(h). However, compensation
in excess of Code Section 401(a)(17) limit shall not be
included. The limit under the Retirement Plan for 2004 is
$170,000.
The Company amended the Retirement Plan effective April 30,
2002 in order to freeze the Retirement Plan. As a result of this
amendment to the Retirement Plan, commencing April 30,
2002, participants do not accrue credit towards years of
service, participants do not accrue credit for pay increases
received, and new employees may not become participants in the
Retirement Plan. However, vesting does continue to accrue after
April 30, 2002. The compensation covered by the Retirement
Plan for each of Messrs. Bob Rutland, Sawyer, Duffy and Guy
Rutland is $170,000.
The estimated years of credited service for each of the named
executive officers as of December 31, 2004 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years of Credited Service | |
Name |
|
as of December 31, 2004 | |
|
|
| |
Robert J. Rutland
|
|
|
37.7 |
|
Hugh E. Sawyer
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
Thomas M. Duffy
|
|
|
3.6 |
|
Guy W. Rutland, IV
|
|
|
17.5 |
|
David A. Rawden
|
|
|
0.0 |
|
Robert C. Chambers
|
|
|
0.0 |
|
The benefits shown in the Pension Plan Table are payable in the
form of a straight line annuity commencing at age 65. There
is no reduction for social security benefits or other offset
amounts.
18
|
|
|
Compensation and Nominating Committee Interlocks and
Insider Participation in Compensation Decisions |
David G. Bannister, William P. Benton, Robert R.
Woodson and J. Leland Strange served as members of the
Compensation and Nominating Committee during the year ended
December 31, 2004. None of the members of the Compensation
and Nominating Committee has served as an officer of the
Company, and none of the executive officers of the Company has
served on the board of directors or the compensation committee
of any entity that had officers who served on the Companys
Board of Directors.
19
Performance Graph
The following graph shall not be deemed to be soliciting
material or to be filed with the SEC, nor
shall such information be incorporated by reference in any
previous or future documents filed by the Company with the SEC
under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically
incorporates the Report by reference in any such document.
The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder
return (stock price appreciation plus dividend) on the
Companys Common Stock with the cumulative total return of
The Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S. Companies) and of the Nasdaq
Trucking and Transportation Companies for the period beginning
December 31, 1999 through and including November 24,
2004, the last day the Common Stock was traded on The American
Stock Exchange in 2004. While the Company was initially traded
on the NASDAQ stock market, it began trading on the New York
Stock Exchange in March 1998 and now trades on the American
Stock Exchange. The Company believes that the NASDAQ Stock
Market (U.S.) Index and the NASDAQ Trucking &
Transportation Index are the appropriate indices for purposes of
its Performance Graph.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG ALLIED HOLDINGS, INC., THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S.)
INDEX
AND THE NASDAQ TRUCKING & TRANSPORTATION INDEX
|
|
* |
$100 invested on 12/31/99 in stock or index-including
reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending December 31. |
20
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Audit Committee has selected KPMG LLP, independent auditors,
to serve as the Companys principal accounting firm for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2005. Approval of the
Companys accounting firm is not a matter required to be
submitted to the shareholders. The Company, upon the
recommendation of the Audit Committee, first appointed KPMG LLP
on April 2, 2002 to serve as independent public accountants
of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2002. The Company has been advised by KPMG LLP that neither it
nor any member thereof has any financial interest, direct or
indirect, in the Company or any of its subsidiaries in any
capacity. KPMG LLP is considered by the Company to be well
qualified.
Representatives of KPMG LLP are expected to be present at the
annual meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if
they desire, and will be available to respond to questions.
Audit Fees
Fees for KPMG LLP audit services totaled approximately
$1,660,000 in 2004 and $640,000 in 2003, including fees for
professional services rendered for the audit of the
Companys annual financial statements and the review of the
Companys quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
Audit-Related Fees
The aggregate fees billed by KPMG LLP for professional services
rendered for the issuance of debt compliance letters for 2004
and the issuance of debt compliance letters and the audit of the
Companys defined benefit plan and 401(k) defined
contribution plan financial statements for 2003 were $15,000 and
$49,000, respectively.
Tax Fees
The aggregate fees billed by KPMG LLP for professional services
rendered for income tax consulting were $14,000 and $25,000 in
2004 and 2003, respectively.
All Other Fees
There were no fees billed by KPMG LLP for professional services
rendered other than as stated under the captions Audit
Fees, Audit-Related Fees, and Tax
Fees.
All of KPMGs fees for services, whether for audit or
non-audit services, are pre-approved by the Audit Committee,
which concluded that the provision of such services by KPMG was
compatible with the maintenance of that firms independence
in the conduct of its auditing functions.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
The 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is anticipated to be
held in May 2006. Under the Companys Bylaws, any
nominations for the Board of Directors and any proposal that a
shareholder intends to present at the 2006 Annual Meeting must
be received at 160 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 200, Decatur,
Georgia 30030 addressed to the attention of Hugh E. Sawyer,
President and Chief Executive Officer, not later than
60 days prior to the scheduled date of the 2006 Annual
Meeting; provided, that if notice or prior public disclosure of
the scheduled date of the 2006 Annual Meeting is given less than
60 days prior to the scheduled date, any nominations for
the Board of Directors must be received not later than the tenth
day after the date of the earlier of either notice of the
meeting date or prior public disclosure of the meeting date.
Nominations for the Board of Directors must also include
information regarding the nominee and the person nominating as
required by the Companys Bylaws.
Under SEC Rule 14a-8, in order for any shareholder proposal
to be considered for inclusion in the Companys Proxy
Statement and form of proxy for the 2006 Annual Meeting, it must
be received at the Companys principal executive offices on
or prior to December 25, 2005. However, if the 2006 Annual
21
Meeting is held on a date more than 30 days before or after
May 24, 2006, any shareholder who wishes to have a proposal
included in the Companys Proxy Statement for such meeting
must submit the proposal to the Company within a reasonable
period of time before the Company begins to print and mail its
proxy materials.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING
COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, requires the Companys officers and directors, and
persons who own more than 10% of the Common Stock, to file
reports of ownership and changes in ownership of the Common
Stock with the SEC and the American Stock Exchange. Officers,
directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners are required by
applicable regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely upon a review of the copies of the forms and
written representations furnished to the Company, the Company
believes that during the 2004 fiscal year its officers,
directors and 10% shareholders complied with all applicable
filing requirements, except for Robert Chambers, who failed to
timely file a Form 3.
OTHER MATTERS
Action will be taken on whatever other matters may properly come
before the meeting. Management of the Company is not aware of
any other business matters to be considered at the annual
meeting except the Report of Management and presentation of
financial statements. If any other matter properly comes before
the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the
enclosed Proxy to vote all proxies with respect to such matters
in accordance with the recommendations of management of the
Company.
No director has informed the Company that he intends to oppose
any recommended action as specified in this Proxy Statement.
With the exception of election to office, no director or officer
has a substantial interest in any matter to be acted upon.
Management of the Company urges you to promptly complete the
proxy whether or not you expect to be present at the meeting.
You may complete the proxy by (i) signing and returning the
enclosed proxy in the envelope provided, (ii) voting by
telephone using the telephone number on the proxy, or
(iii) voting by internet using the website on the proxy.
IF YOU DO ATTEND, YOU MAY THEN WITHDRAW YOUR PROXY.
UPON WRITTEN REQUEST BY ANY SHAREHOLDER TO THOMAS H.
KING, 160 CLAIREMONT AVENUE, SUITE 200, DECATUR,
GEORGIA 30030, A COPY OF THE COMPANYS 2004 ANNUAL REPORT
ON FORM 10-K (WITHOUT EXHIBITS), INCLUDING FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, WILL BE PROVIDED
FREE OF CHARGE. EXHIBITS TO FORM 10-K WILL BE PROVIDED UPON
REQUEST AND PAYMENT OF REASONABLE COST, IF ANY, OF REPRODUCTION
AND DELIVERY.
22
PROXY
ALLIED
HOLDINGS, INC.
THIS
PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The
undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the notice of the annual
meeting of the shareholders of Allied Holdings, Inc. (the
Company) to be held on May 24, 2005 at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, at the corporate offices of the Company, 160 Clairemont
Avenue, Third Floor Conference Room, Decatur, Georgia 30030
(Annual Meeting), and the Proxy Statement attached
thereto, and does hereby appoint Hugh E. Sawyer and Thomas M. Duffy,
and each or either of them (with full power to act alone), the true
and lawful attorney(s) of the undersigned with power of substitution,
for and in the name of the undersigned, to represent and vote, as
designated below, all of the shares of no par value common stock of
the Company which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting, or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
THIS
PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR EACH
NOMINEE LISTED IN PROPOSAL NUMBER 1 AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BEST
JUDGMENT OF THE PROXY HOLDER WITH RESPECT TO SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS
MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. THIS PROXY MAY BE REVOKED BY
ATTENDING THE MEETING AND VOTING IN PERSON, OR BY SUBMITTING A
SUBSEQUENT PROXY WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY PRIOR TO OR AT THE
TIME OF THE MEETING.
SEE REVERSE
SIDE
CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE
SEE REVERSE
SIDE
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Please mark votes as in this example. |
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1. |
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Election of Directors.
For Three-Year Terms Expiring Annual Meeting 2008: |
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In their discretion, the proxies are authorized
to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournments thereof. |
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NOMINEES: |
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(01) Guy W. Rutland, III,
(02) J. Leland Strange, (03) Robert R. Woodson |
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FOR ALL NOMINEES
except as indicated below |
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WITHHELD FROM
ALL NOMINEES |
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Instructions:
to withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s) write that
nominees name on the space provided above. |
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MARK HERE FOR
ADDRESS CHANGE AND NOTE AT LEFT |
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I hereby revoke all
proxies by me heretofore given for any meeting of the shareholders of
the Company. |
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PLEASE MARK, SIGN,
DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE PAID
ENVELOPE. |
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Please sign your proxy
exactly as your name appears at left. When signing as an attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian, give full title as
such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by
president or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign
in a partnership name by authorized person. WHEN SHARES ARE HELD
BY JOINT TENANTS, OR IN THE NAME OF TWO OR MORE PERSONS, ALL SHOULD
SIGN. |
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Signature: |
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Date: |
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Signature: |
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Date: |
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