UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
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Celadon Group, Inc
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
N/A
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Celadon Group, Inc.
9503 East 33rd Street
One Celadon Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46235
NOTICE AND PROXY STATEMENT FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 19, 2004
To Our Stockholders:
The 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") of Celadon
Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), will be held at the
Company, 9503 East 33rd Street, One Celadon Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235
at 9:00 a.m. (local time), on Friday, November 19, 2004, for the following
purposes:
1. To consider and act upon a proposal to elect five directors of the
Company;
2. To consider and act upon such other matters as may properly come
before the meeting and any adjournment thereof.
The foregoing matters are more fully described in the accompanying Proxy
Statement.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on October 1, 2004,
as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive
notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Shares
of Common Stock may be voted at the Annual Meeting only if the holder is present
at the Annual Meeting in person or by valid proxy. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. TO
ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO PROMPTLY
DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. Returning
your proxy now will not interfere with your right to attend the Annual Meeting
or to vote your shares personally at the Annual Meeting, if you wish to do so.
The prompt return of your proxy may save the Company additional expenses of
solicitation.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting.
By order of the Board of Directors
/s/Kenneth Core
---------------
Kenneth Core
Secretary
October 15, 2004
CELADON GROUP, INC.
9503 East 33rd Street
One Celadon Drive
Indianapolis, Indiana 46235
PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 19, 2004
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of Celadon Group, Inc. (the "Company") to be
voted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the "Annual
Meeting"), which will be held on Friday, November 19, 2004, beginning at 9:00
a.m. (local time) at our corporate headquarters and principal executive offices
located at 9503 East 33rd Street, One Celadon Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana
46235, and any adjournment thereof. THE ENCLOSED PROXY IS SOLICITED BY OUR BOARD
OF DIRECTORS. Where specific choices are not indicated, all proxies received
pursuant to this solicitation will be voted (i) FOR the election of the director
nominees named below and (ii) with respect to any other matters properly brought
before the Annual Meeting, in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holders.
We have not received notice of other matters that may properly be presented for
voting at the Annual Meeting.
The approximate date on which this Proxy Statement, the enclosed form of
proxy and the accompanying Annual Report are first being mailed to stockholders
is October 15, 2004.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms "Company," "we," "us,"
and "our" refer to Celadon Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Voting Rights
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on October 1, 2004
("Stockholders"), are entitled to vote, either in person or by valid proxy, at
the Annual Meeting. On October 1, 2004, there were issued and outstanding
9,710,750 shares of Common Stock, par value $.033. The number of issued and
outstanding shares excludes approximately 851,819 shares of Common Stock
reserved for issuance under our incentive stock plans, restricted stock grants
and other arrangements. We have no other class of stock outstanding.
Stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held of
record. Holders of unexercised options or other rights to acquire Common Stock
are not entitled to vote the underlying shares at the Annual Meeting.
Stockholders are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of directors.
Quorum Requirement
In order to transact business at the Annual Meeting, a quorum must be
present. A quorum is present if a majority of the issued and outstanding shares
of Common Stock as of the record date are represented at the Annual Meeting in
person or by proxy. Shares that are entitled to vote but that are not voted at
the direction of the holder (called "abstentions") and shares that are not voted
by a broker or other record holder due to the absence of instructions from the
beneficial owner (called "broker non-votes") will be counted for the purpose of
determining whether a quorum is present.
Required Vote
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast, which means that
the director nominees receiving the highest number of votes for their election
will be elected as directors. Approval of any other matter that may be properly
submitted to Stockholders for action at the Annual Meeting will require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented in
person or by proxy, unless a different vote is required by law or our
certificate of incorporation or bylaws. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be
disregarded in determining whether a particular matter has been approved.
Right to Attend the Meeting; Revocation of Proxy
Returning a proxy now will not interfere with a Stockholder's right to
attend the Annual Meeting or vote his or her shares personally at the Annual
Meeting, if he or she desires to do so. Stockholders who execute and return
proxies may revoke them at any time prior to their use at the Annual Meeting by
delivering a written notice of revocation to our Secretary at the address of our
principal executive offices, by executing a subsequent proxy and delivering it
our Secretary at such address or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in
person.
Costs of Solicitation
We will bear all costs of solicitation, which we expect to include
reimbursements for the charges and expenses of brokerage firms and others for
forwarding solicitation materials to beneficial owners of our Common Stock.
Proxies will be solicited by mail, and may be solicited personally by directors,
officers or other employees, who will not receive any additional compensation
for such services.
Electronic Access to Proxy Statement and Annual Report
This Proxy Statement and our 2004 annual report on Form 10-K may be viewed
online at www.celadontrucking.com. If you are a Stockholder, you can elect to
receive future annual reports and proxy statements electronically by marking the
appropriate box on your proxy form. If you choose this option, you will receive
a proxy form in October 2005 listing the website locations and your choice will
remain in effect until you notify us by mail that you wish to resume mail
delivery of these documents. If you hold out stock through a bank, broker or
another holder of record, refer to the information provided by that entity for
instructions on how to elect this option. Opting for this option will save us
the time and expense of printing and mailing these materials to you.
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PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the Annual Meeting, the Stockholders will elect five directors to serve
as the Board of Directors until our 2005 Annual Meeting of the Stockholders or
until their successors are elected and qualified. Our Board of Directors has
nominated Stephen Russell, Paul A. Biddelman, Anthony Heyworth, John Kines and
Michael Miller for election as directors. Each of the nominees is presently
serving as a director. In the absence of contrary instructions, each proxy will
be voted for the election of all of the proposed directors.
We have no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable or
unwilling for good cause to serve if elected. However, if any nominee should
become unable for any reason or unwilling for good cause to serve, proxies may
be voted for another person nominated as a substitute by the Board of Directors,
or the Board of Directors may reduce the number of directors.
Information Concerning Directors and Executive Officers
Information concerning the names, ages, positions with us, tenure as a
director and business experience of our current directors and other executive
officers is set forth below. All references to experience with us include
positions with our operating subsidiary, Celadon Trucking Services, Inc., a New
Jersey corporation. All executive officers are elected annually by the Board of
Directors.
Name Age Position Director Since
---- --- -------- --------------
Stephen Russell 64 Chairman of the Board, President and 1986
Chief Executive Officer
Thomas Glaser 54 Executive Vice President and N/A
Chief Operating Officer
Paul A. Will 38 Executive Vice President, Chief N/A
Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
David Shatto 46 Executive Vice President - Corporate Development N/A
Sergio Hernandez 46 Vice President - Mexico N/A
Paul A. Biddelman(1)(3) 58 Director of the Company 1992
Michael Miller(2) 59 Director of the Company 1992
Anthony Heyworth(2) 60 Director of the Company 1999
John Kines(2)(3) 62 Director of the Company 2000
(1) Lead Outside Director
(2) Members of the Audit Committee
(3) Members of the Compensation Committee
3
Stephen Russell has been our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer since our inception in July 1986, and has served as our President since
September 2000. He is also a director of the Truckload Carriers Association and
the Executive Committee of the American Trucking Associations. Mr. Russell is a
director of Star Gas Corporation, the General Partner of Star Gas L.P. Mr.
Russell has been a member of the Board of Advisors of the Cornell University
Johnson Graduate School of Management since 1983 and is a member of the Board of
the Indiana Heart Association and the Eiteljorg Museum.
Thomas Glaser has been our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer since November 2003. He served as Executive Vice President - Truckload
Operations/Sales from April 2003 to November 2003, Executive Vice President -
Operations from September 2001 to April 2003, and Vice President -
Transportation Services from May 2001 to September 2001. He served in various
management capacities at Contract Freighters, Inc. for over 13 years, most
recently as Vice President - Operations, prior to joining us.
Paul A. Will has been our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Assistant Secretary and Treasurer since April 2004. He was Executive
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer from February
2004 to April 2004; Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary
and Assistant Treasurer from May 2002 to January 2004; Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer from
September 2001 to May 2002; Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Assistant
Secretary and Assistant Treasurer from December 2000 to September 2001; Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary from December 1998 to December
2000; Vice President, Secretary and Controller from September 1996 to December
1998; Vice President and Controller for Celadon Trucking Services, Inc. from
January 1996 to September 1996; and Controller from September 1993 to January
1996. Mr. Will is a certified public accountant.
David Shatto has been our Executive Vice President - Corporate Development
since April 2003. He was Executive Vice President - Sales and Marketing from
September 2001 to April 2003, Executive Vice President - Operations from
December 2000 to September 2001, and Executive Vice President - Operations of
Celadon Trucking Services, Inc. from February 1999 to December 2000. He served
in various management capacities in the truckload market segment for over 19
years, most recently as Vice President and General Manager of Shaffer Trucking,
Inc., before joining us.
Sergio Hernandez has been our Vice President - Mexico since December 2001.
He was Director of Mexico Sales from October 1996 to December 2001. He has over
20 years of responsibilities in marketing and transportation throughout Mexico.
Paul A. Biddelman has been one of our directors since October 1992. Mr.
Biddelman has been President of Hanseatic Corporation, a private investment
company, since 1997. He is also a director of Insituform Technologies, Inc., Six
Flags, Inc., SystemOne Technologies, Inc. and Star Gas Corporation, the General
Partner of Star Gas L.P.
Michael Miller has been one of our directors since February 1992. Mr.
Miller has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Aarnel
Funding Corporation, a venture capital/real estate company since 1974, a partner
of Independence Realty, an owner and manager of real estate properties, since
1989, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Miller Investment Company,
Inc., a private investment company, since 1990.
Anthony Heyworth has been one of our directors since 1999. He retired from
KeyCorp in February 2001 as Vice Chairman, commercial banking, KeyBank N.A.
after a 36-year career with this $85 billion financial services company. He
continues as Chairman of KeyBank Central Indiana, having served as President and
Chief Executive since 1991. He joined the former Central National Bank in 1965
4
and was Executive Vice President when the bank emerged with Society National
Bank of Cleveland in 1986 and KeyBank in 1994.
John Kines has been one of our directors since June 2000. He retired from
Associates First Capital Corp. in May 2000 as President of the Diversified
Service Group after a 22-year career.
Pursuant to Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our
certificate of incorporation provides that we shall, to the full extent
permitted by law, indemnify all of our directors, officers, incorporators,
employees and agents against liability for certain of their acts. Our
certificate of incorporation also provides that, with a number of exceptions,
none of our directors shall be liable to us for damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Board of Directors
Meetings and Compensation. Our Board of Directors held five meetings during
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004. No director attended less than 75% of the
meetings of the Board of Directors or any committee on which he served. In
addition, we encourage our directors to attend our Annual Meeting of
Stockholders. All five of our directors attended the 2003 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders.
In October of 2003, our Board of Directors approved an increase in the
annual retainer provided to directors who are not our employees to $27,500. In
addition, non-employee directors receive an annual retainer of $2,500 for each
Board committee on which they serve, and our Lead Director and Audit Committee
Chairman receive additional annual retainers of $5,000 and $2,500, respectively.
Our non-employee directors also are reimbursed for their expenses incurred in
attending Board and committee meetings. There are no fees based upon number of
meetings attended. In April 2004, the Board of Directors made a discretionary
grant to each non-employee director of an option to purchase 4,000 shares of our
Common Stock, at $15.93 per share, the fair market value on the date of the
grant. The options vest in six months and must be exercised within 10 years of
the date of the grant.
Director Independence. Our Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq National
Market, and therefore it is subject to the listing standards, including
standards relating to corporate governance, embodied in applicable rules
promulgated by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the
"NASD"). Pursuant to NASD Rule 4350(c)(1), the Board of Directors has determined
that the following directors and nominees are "independent" under NASD Rule
4200(a)(15): Paul A. Biddelman, Anthony Heyworth, Michael Miller and John Kines.
In accordance with NASD Rule 4350(c)(2), in fiscal 2004, our independent
directors held two regularly scheduled meetings, referred to as "executive
sessions," at which only the independent directors were present. Our independent
directors will continue to meet in executive session at least twice per year.
Stockholder Communications. Our Board of Directors provides a process for
stockholders to send written communications to the entire Board or individual
directors. If you wish to send a communication to the entire Board of Directors,
your communication should be addressed as follows: The Board of Directors,
Celadon Group, Inc., c/o Paul A. Will - Executive Vice President, 9503 East 33rd
Street, One Celadon Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235. Written communications
addressed in this manner will be copied and distributed to each director at or
prior to the next Board meeting. If you wish to communicate with an individual
director, your communication should be addressed as follows: Name - Director,
Celadon Group, Inc., c/o Paul A. Will - Executive Vice President, 9503 East 33rd
Street, One Celadon Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235. Written communications
received in this manner will not be opened, but rather delivered unopened to the
director to whom they are addressed at or prior to the next Board meeting,
following clearance through normal security procedures.
5
Committees of the Board and Director Nominations
Our Board of Directors has standing Compensation and Audit Committees. Our
Board does not have a standing nominating committee or committee performing
similar functions. The responsibility for selecting director nominees is vested
in the independent members of our Board of Directors, and our Board has adopted
resolutions addressing our director nomination process and related matters. Our
Board of Directors does not believe that a standing nominating committee is
necessary given that the Board consists of only five members, all but one of
whom is independent. Given its size and composition, our Board does not believe
that the establishment of a nominating committee would generate the same
corporate governance benefits that it would at other companies with larger or
less independent boards of directors. As a result, our Board has concluded that
the additional procedural formalities and implementation costs associated with
establishing a formal nominating committee would not be justified by any
meaningful corresponding benefits. A description of our committees and director
nomination process is set forth below.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors met three times during 2004. This committee reviews all aspects of
compensation of our executive officers and makes recommendations on such matters
to the full Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee Report on Executive
Compensation for 2004 is set forth below. See "Compensation Committee Report on
Executive Compensation."
Audit Committee and Audit Committee Report. The Audit Committee met six
times during 2004. Messrs. Heyworth, Miller and Kines served as the Audit
Committee. The responsibilities of the Audit committee are set forth in the
Audit Committee Report, which appears below. Each member of the Audit Committee
satisfies the independence and audit committee membership criteria set forth in
NASD Rule 4350(d)(2). Specifically, each member of the Audit Committee:
o is independent under NASD Rule 4200(a)(15);
o meets the criteria for independence set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(1)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act");
o has not participated in the preparation of our financial statements or
any current subsidiary at any time during the past three years; and
o is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements,
including our balance sheet, statement of operations and statement of
cash flows.
The Board of Directors has determined that at least one "audit committee
financial expert," as defined under Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K, currently
serves on the Audit Committee. The Board of Directors has identified Mr.
Heyworth as an audit committee financial expert. Mr. Heyworth is independent, as
independence for audit committee members is defined under applicable NASD rules.
The Audit Committee has operated pursuant to a written charter detailing
its duties since June 12, 2000. In 2003, the Audit Committee amended and
restated its charter to comply with certain requirements of the NASD rules
relating to qualitative listing requirements for Nasdaq National Market issuers.
A copy of the current Audit Committee Charter was attached as Appendix A to our
definitive proxy statement relating to the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on October 10,
2003.
6
In performing its duties, the Audit Committee, as required by applicable
SEC rules, issues a report recommending to the Board of Directors that our
audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and
relating to certain other matters, including the independence of our outside
public accountants.
The 2004 Report of the Audit Committee is set forth below. The Audit
Committee Report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any
filing made by us under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act,
notwithstanding any general statement contained in any such filings
incorporating this Proxy Statement by reference, except to the extent we
incorporate such report by specific reference.
Audit Committee Report for 2004
The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of
Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to the quality
and integrity of our financial reports and financial reporting processes and
systems of internal controls. Our management has primary responsibility for our
financial statements and the overall reporting process, including maintenance of
our system of internal controls. We retain an independent registered public
accounting firm that is responsible for conducting an independent audit of our
financial statements, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and issuing a report thereon. In performing its duties, the Audit
Committee has discussed our financial statements with management and our
independent registered public accounting firm and, in issuing this report, has
relied upon the responses and information provided to the Audit Committee by
management and the independent registered public accounting firm. For the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2004, the Audit Committee (1) reviewed and discussed the
audited financial statements with management and Ernst & Young LLP, our
independent registered public accounting firm for such fiscal year; (2)
discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters
required to be disclosed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61; (3) received
and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the written
disclosures and the letter from such firm required by Independence Standards
Board Statement No. 1; and (4) discussed with independent registered public
accounting firm its independence. The Audit Committee met with representatives
of Ernst & Young LLP without management or other persons present on two
occasions during fiscal 2004. Based on the foregoing reviews and meetings, the
Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial
statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June
30, 2004, for filing with the SEC.
Audit Committee
---------------
Anthony Heyworth (Chairman)
John Kines
Michael Miller
Director Nomination Process. Director nominees are selected by the
independent members of our Board of Directors. Our Board has adopted a policy of
re-nominating incumbent directors who continue to satisfy the criteria for Board
membership and whom the independent directors believe continue to make important
contributions to the Board and who consent to continue to serve on the Board.
In filling vacancies on the Board, the independent directors will solicit
recommendations for nominees from persons that the independent directors believe
are likely to be familiar with (i) our needs and (ii) qualified candidates.
These persons may include members of the Board and management, advisors to us or
professional search firms.
7
Our independent directors also will consider proposed director nominees
recommended by stockholders, provided that the following procedural requirements
are satisfied. Director nominee recommendations should be mailed via certified
mail, return receipt requested, and addressed to Director Nomination, Celadon
Group, Inc., c/o Paul A. Will - Executive Vice President, 9503 East 33rd Street,
One Celadon Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235. In order to be considered, a
stockholder recommendation must: (i) be received at least 120 days prior to the
first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the prior year's annual
meeting (by June 17, 2005 for director candidates to be considered for
nomination for election at the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders); (ii)
contain sufficient background information, such as a resume and references, to
enable our independent directors to make a proper judgment regarding the
proposed nominee's qualifications; (iii) be accompanied by a signed consent of
the proposed nominee to serve as a director, if elected, and a representation
that such proposed nominee qualifies as independent under NASD Rule 4200(a)(15)
or, if the proposed nominee does not qualify, a description of the reasons he or
she is not independent; (iv) state the name and address of the stockholder
submitting the recommendation and the number of shares of our Common Stock owned
of record or beneficially by such stockholder; and (v) if submitted by a
beneficial stockholder, be accompanied by evidence (such as a recent brokerage
statement) that the person making the recommendation beneficially owns shares of
our Common Stock.
In evaluating potential nominees, including potential nominees properly
submitted by stockholders, our independent directors will review the person's
judgment, integrity, independence, experience and knowledge of the industry in
which we operate or related industries, as well as such other factors the
independent directors determine are relevant in light of our needs and the needs
of our Board. With regard to specific qualities and skills, our Board of
Directors believes it necessary that: (i) at least a majority of the members of
the Board qualify as independent under NASD Rule 4200(a)(15); (ii) at least
three members of the Board of Directors satisfy the audit committee membership
criteria specified in NASD Rule 4350(d)(2); and (iii) at least one member of the
Board of Directors eligible to serve on the Audit Committee have sufficient
knowledge, experience and training concerning accounting and financial matters
so as to qualify as an "audit committee financial expert" within the meaning of
Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K.
Code of Conduct and Ethics
Our Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
that applies to all our directors, officers and employees. The Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics includes provisions applicable to our principal executive
officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or
controller, or persons performing similar functions, that constitute a "code of
ethics" within the meaning of Item 406 (b) of Regulation S-K. A copy of the Code
of Business Conduct and Ethics was filed as Exhibit 14 to our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2003, filed with the SEC on September 19,
2003.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Under the securities laws of the United States, our directors and executive
officers and any persons owning more than 10 percent of the Common Stock are
required to report their ownership of Common Stock and any changes in that
ownership, on a timely basis, to the SEC. To our knowledge, based solely on a
review of materials provided to us, all such required reports were filed on a
timely basis in fiscal 2004, except that each of Paul A. Biddelman, Anthony
Heyworth, Michael Miller and John Kines did not timely report grants of
non-employee director stock options in April 2004. All such transactions were
reported in subsequent filings.
8
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid or accrued
by us for services rendered during fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002 to our Chief
Executive Officer, and each of our four next most highly compensated executive
officers (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers") during fiscal 2004.
Summary Compensation Table
Long Term Compensation
----------------------
Awards
------
Annual Compensation
------------------- Securities
Restricted Underlying All Other
Name and Principal Position Year Salary Bonus Stock Awards(1) Options / SARs Compensation
--------------------------- ---- ------ ----- --------------- -------------- ------------
Stephen Russell 2004 $568,264 $270,000 $305,000 --- $ 39,012(2)
Chairman, President and 2003 556,172 75,000 --- --- 106,749(2)
Chief Executive Officer 2002 554,781 --- --- 70,000 96,413(2)
Thomas Glaser 2004 $185,000 $97,500 $217,160 --- $12,322(3)
Executive Vice President 2003 175,844 50,000 --- --- 20,911(3)
and Chief Operating Officer 2002 160,307 --- --- 47,200 48,363(3)
Paul A. Will 2004 $185,000 $97,500 $183,000 --- $19,684(4)
Executive Vice President 2003 176,923 50,000 --- --- 24,787(4)
Chief Financial Officer, 2002 173,364 --- --- 31,250 13,284(4)
Assistant Secretary and
Treasurer
David Shatto 2004 $185,000 $60,000 $122,000 --- $22,139(5)
Executive Vice President - 2003 185,000 50,000 --- --- 25,033(5)
Corporate Development 2002 187,829 --- --- 32,500 16,462(5)
Sergio Hernandez 2004 $132,300 $23,446 --- --- $2,549(6)
Vice President - Mexico 2003 125,536 7,471 --- --- 2,126(6)
2002 120,886 25,924 --- 10,500 1,841(6)
(1) On October 30, 2003, the Board of Directors approved and issued Restricted Stock Grants ("RSGs") to the following Named
Executive Officers in the following amounts: Stephen Russell - 25,000 shares; Thomas Glaser - 17,800 shares; Paul A. Will -
15,000 shares; and David Shatto - 10,000 shares. The RSGs vest over four years, 25% per year, and are contingent upon our
meeting certain financial targets annually. The dollar values of the RSGs set forth in the table above are calculated based
upon the last sale price of $12.20 reported on the Nasdaq National Market on October 30, 2003. The RSGs reflected in the table
above represent the only restricted stock holdings of our Named Executive Officers. At June 30, 2004, the dollar values of the
RSGs held by our Named Executive Officers, based upon the last sale price of $17.60 on the Nasdaq National Market on that date,
were as follows: Mr. Russell - $440,000; Mr. Glaser - $313,280; Mr. Will - $264,000; and David Shatto - $176,000.
(2) Includes the premiums paid by us for term insurance and split-dollar insurance for which we had an assignment against the cash
value for premiums paid, as follows: $19,420 in fiscal 2004, $89,145 in fiscal 2003 and $89,145 in fiscal 2002. In response to
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the split-dollar policy was turned over to Mr. Russell as a personal policy in fiscal 2004. We paid no
premiums on these policies in fiscal 2004. We are obligated to Mr. Russell for future premium payments not covered by the asset
value of said policies. In fiscal 2004, we continued to provide a term life insurance policy at a premium of $19,420. Also
includes: (i) our contributions under our 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan of $1,462 in fiscal 2004, $1,109 in fiscal 2003 and $1,117
in fiscal 2002; (ii) our contributions under our Excess Benefit Plan of $1,500 in fiscal 2004, $1,500 in fiscal 2003 and $773
in fiscal 2002; (iii) premiums and reimbursements under an executive health and disability benefit program (including split
dollar life insurance premiums) of $1,590 in fiscal 2004, $1,870 in fiscal 2003 and $250 in fiscal 2002; and (iv) a company car
allowance of $15,040 in fiscal 2004, $13,125 in fiscal 2003 and $5,128 in fiscal 2002.
(3) Includes: (i) our contributions under our 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan of $926 in fiscal 2004, $1,097 in fiscal 2003 and $401 in
fiscal 2002; (ii) our contributions under our Excess Benefit Plan of $1,389 in fiscal 2004, $1,587 in fiscal 2003 and $602 in
fiscal 2002; (iii) premiums and reimbursements under an executive health and disability benefit program (including split dollar
9
life insurance premiums) of $2,157 in fiscal 2004 and $1,432 in fiscal 2003; (iv) a company car allowance $7,850 in fiscal
2004, $16,875 in fiscal 2003 and $6,949 in fiscal 2002; and (v) reimbursements for relocation of $40,411 in fiscal 2002.
(4) Includes: (i) our contributions under our 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan of $938 in fiscal 2004, $1,069 in fiscal 2003 and $487 in
fiscal 2002; (ii) our contributions under our Excess Benefit Plan of $1,407 in fiscal 2004, $1,595 in fiscal 2003 and $2,163 in
fiscal 2002; (iii) premiums and reimbursements under an executive health and disability benefit program (including split dollar
life insurance premiums) of $5,967 in fiscal 2004, $6,748 in fiscal 2003 and $2,083 in fiscal 2002; and (iv) a company car
allowance of $11,372 in fiscal 2004, $15,375 in fiscal 2003 and $8,551 in fiscal 2002.
(5) Includes: (i) our contributions under our 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan of $936 in fiscal 2004, $1,033 in fiscal 2003 and $564 in
fiscal 2002; (ii) our contributions under our Excess Benefit Plan of $1,371 in fiscal 2004, $1,460 in fiscal 2003 and $1,092 in
fiscal 2002; (iii) premiums and reimbursements under an executive health and disability benefit program (including split dollar
life insurance premiums) of $6,993 in fiscal 2004, $8,665 in fiscal 2003 and $6,602 in fiscal 2002; and (iv) a company car
allowance of $12,839 in fiscal 2004, $13,875 in fiscal 2003 and $8,204 in fiscal 2002.
(6) Includes our contributions under Mexico savings plan of $2,549 in fiscal 2004, $2,126 in fiscal 2003 and $1,841 in fiscal 2002.
Stock Options
There were no stock options granted to the Named Executive Officers in
fiscal 2004. No stock appreciation rights were granted in fiscal 2004.
Report on Option Exercises and Holdings
The following table sets forth information concerning the exercise of
options during the last fiscal year and unexercised options held at June 30,
2004 with respect to the Named Executive Officers. There were no option
exercises by Named Executive Officers during fiscal 2004.
Option Values at June 30, 2004
Number of Securities Value of Unexercised
Underlying Unexercised In-the-Money Options
Options at June 30, 2004 at June 30, 2004(1)
------------------------ -------------------
Name Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Stephen Russell 211,667 23,333 $3,725,333 $410,667
Thomas Glaser 41,467 15,733 729,813 276,907
Paul A. Will 115,833 10,417 2,038,667 183,333
David Shatto 71,667 10,833 1,261,333 190,667
Sergio Hernandez 14,333 2,167 252,261 38,139
-------------
(1) Fair market value of underlying securities was $17.60 per share based on
the closing price of our Common Stock on June 30, 2004.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Messrs. Biddelman and Kines served as the Compensation Committee. Neither
has been an officer or employee for us. There are no interlocking relationships
between our directors and executive officers and the executive officers and
directors of any other entity that might affect the compensation of our
executive officers. For a description of other transactions between us and other
directors and executive officers, see "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions" below.
10
Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation and the
Performance Graph that follow shall not be deemed to be incorporated by
reference into any filing made under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange
Act, notwithstanding any general statement contained in any such filings
incorporating this Proxy Statement by reference, except to the extent we
incorporate such report or graph by specific reference.
Role of the Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Compensation
Committee") was formed in September 1993 and is currently comprised of two
non-employee directors of the Company. The Compensation Committee is responsible
for determining the compensation program for our executive officers, including
the Named Executive Officers. The Compensation Committee administers our stock
option plan and, subject to the provisions of the plan, determines grants under
the plan for all employees, including the Named Executive Officers. The
Compensation Committee establishes and administers our bonus program, which is
re-evaluated each fiscal year, pursuant to which certain of our employees and
executive officers may be eligible to receive bonuses.
The Compensation Committee has furnished this report on our executive
compensation policies. This report describes the Compensation Committee's
compensation policies applicable to our executive officers and provides specific
information regarding the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer.
Principles of Executive Compensation and Program Components
Our executive compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain
outstanding executives and to foster employee commitment and align employee and
stockholder interests. To this end, we have sought to provide competitive levels
of compensation that integrate pay with our annual and long-term performance
goals and reward above-average corporate performance.
Salary Determinations. With the exception of our Chief Executive Officer,
whose salary is fixed under an employment agreement described below, the
Compensation Committee generally reviews and sets the base salary of each of our
executive officers on an annual basis. In reviewing and making decisions with
respect to the base salaries of executive officers (other than the Chief
Executive Officer) for fiscal 2004, the Compensation Committee reviewed and
considered: (i) compensation information disclosed by similarly-sized publicly
held truckload carriers; (ii) our financial and operating performance, as well
as the role of and contribution of the particular executive with respect to such
performance; and (iii) the particular executive's contributions to the Company
unrelated to our financial performance. The Compensation Committee believes that
the annual salaries of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers
are reasonable compared to similarly situated executives of other truckload
carriers.
Bonus Program. The Compensation Committee annually determines bonuses for
executive officers following the finalization of the financial statements for
the final fiscal year. The Compensation Committee considers Company and
individual performance components when making bonus determinations. For fiscal
2004, the Compensation Committee based bonus amounts on pre-established earnings
targets. In computing earnings for purposes of these targets, the Committee
excluded the impact of a $9.8 million pretax trailer impairment charge, as well
as the earnings impact of increases in compensation expense relating to our
outstanding stock appreciation rights and increases in the number of shares
underlying stock options included in our diluted share count, both of which
resulted from increases in our stock price.
Stock-Based Compensation. Our stock option plan and the director option
plan are intended to enhance our profitability and value for the benefit of our
stockholders by enabling us (i) to offer stock-
11
based incentives to employees, including executive officers, thereby creating a
means to raise the level of stock ownership by such individuals in order to
attract, retain and reward such individuals and strengthen the mutuality of
interests between such individuals and stockholders, and (ii) to grant
non-discretionary, non-qualified stock options to non-employee directors,
thereby creating a means to attract, retain and reward such non-employee
directors and strengthen the mutuality of interests between non-employee
directors and stockholders. The stock option plan and the director option plan
permit the grant of incentive stock options (in the case of employees) and
non-qualified stock options on a discretionary, case-by-case basis, after
consideration of an individual's position, contribution to our performance,
length of service with us, number of options held, if any, and other
compensation.
We historically have sought to align the long-term interests of executive
officers and stockholders through the use of stock-based compensation, including
stock options and stock appreciation rights. In 2004, for the first time, the
Compensation Committee awarded restricted stock grants covering an aggregate
67,800 shares of Common Stock to certain of our Named Executive Officers,
including the Chief Executive Officer. Our decision to award restricted stock,
rather than stock options, was in part based upon pending accounting guidance
that will require the expensing of stock options and in part upon our view that
restricted stock is in some ways more effective than stock options in creating
incentives for sustained, superior financial performance. The restricted stock
grants vest over four years, 25% per year, and such vesting is contingent upon
our meeting certain annual financial targets. In determining that these targets
were met for fiscal 2004, we excluded the impact of the pretax trailer
impairment charge, as well as the earnings impact of increases in compensation
expense relating to our outstanding stock appreciation rights and increases in
the number of shares underlying stock options included in our diluted share
count, both of which resulted from increases in our stock price.
Chief Executive Officer's Compensation
Mr. Russell is employed pursuant to an employment agreement dated January
21, 1994, as amended thereafter, providing for his continued employment until
January 21, 2006. The employment period is automatically renewed for successive
two-year terms unless we or Mr. Russell gives written notice to the other at
least 90 days prior to the expiration of the then current employment period of
their intention to terminate Mr. Russell's employment. The employment agreement
provides Mr. Russell with a base salary equal to $521,000 (as adjusted annually
for increases in the Consumer Price Index). In addition, Mr. Russell is eligible
to participate in an incentive bonus program designed for all members of senior
management pursuant to which he may receive a bonus in an amount equal to
between 0% and 105% of his base salary in the discretion of the Compensation
Committee. The Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Russell a bonus of $270,000
for fiscal 2004. As explained above, Mr. Russell's bonus was determined based on
earnings excluding the impact of the pretax trailer impairment charge, as well
as the earnings impact of increases in compensation expense relating to our
outstanding stock appreciation rights and increases in the number of shares
underlying stock options included in our diluted share count, both of which
resulted from increases in our stock price. The employment agreement also
provides that Mr. Russell is entitled to participate in all our employee benefit
plans and all other fringe benefit plans generally available to our employees.
In fiscal 2004, the Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Russell a restricted
stock grant covering 25,000 shares on the terms described above. No other
stock-based compensation was awarded to Mr. Russell in fiscal 2004.
The employment agreement for Mr. Russell also provides that in the event of
termination: (i) by us without cause (including the non-renewal of the
employment period by us) or by Mr. Russell for cause, Mr. Russell will be
entitled to receive his salary for the remainder of the then current employment
period or one year, whichever is greater; (ii) by reason of his disability, Mr.
Russell will be entitled to receive 50% of his salary during the two-year period
commencing on the date of his termination; and (iii) by reason of his death, Mr.
Russell's estate will be entitled to receive a pro-rata portion of the bonus for
the fiscal year in which his death occurs and to receive 50% of his salary until
the earlier of the end of the then current employment period or one year after
the date of death. The employment agreement includes a two-year non-compete
covenant commencing on termination of employment.
12
Upon the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the employment
agreement), the amended agreement provides that if (i) at any time within two
years of a change in control or within 180 days prior to a change in control,
Mr. Russell's employment is terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Russell for
cause or (ii) at any time during the 90-day period immediately following the
date which is six months after the change in control Mr. Russell terminates his
employment for any reason, Mr. Russell shall be entitled to receive (1) a lump
sum payment in an amount equal to three times his base salary and three times
the highest annual bonus paid to him within three years prior to the change in
control; (2) any accrued benefits; (3) a pro-rata portion of the bonus for the
fiscal year in which the change in control occurs; (4) continued medical and
dental benefits for Mr. Russell (and eligible dependents) for 36 months; (5)
outplacement services for one year; and (6) upon the occurrence of the change in
control, full and immediate vesting of all stock options and equity awards. The
agreement also provides that Mr. Russell is entitled to receive a gross-up
payment on any payments made to Mr. Russell that are subject to the excise tax
imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"); provided, however, that if the total payments made to Mr. Russell do
not exceed 110% of the greatest amount that could be paid to Mr. Russell such
that the receipt of payments would not give rise to any excise tax, then no
gross-up payment will be made and the payments made to Mr. Russell, in the
aggregate, will be reduced to an amount that would result in no excise tax being
triggered.
Separation Agreements
Mr. Will and Mr. Shatto are parties to separation agreements with us
whereby we have the right at any time with or without prior written notice to
terminate each of their employment or obtain each of their resignations. The
agreements provide that in the event of termination of employment, the employee
will be entitled to receive: (i) one year's salary less normal withholding; (ii)
a pro-rata bonus payment equal to the then current bonus formula for the time
employed in the then current fiscal year up to the date of termination in that
fiscal year less normal withholdings; (iii) a lump sum payment equal to twelve
months of COBRA premiums for the group medical and dental plans; and (iv) a lump
sum payment equal to twelve months car allowance. In addition, in such event,
the employee will be entitled to exercise any vested or unvested stock options
he then has in accordance with the terms of the Stock Option Plan for a period
of one year from the termination of his employment.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Paul A. Biddelman (Chairman)
John Kines
13
Stock Price Performance
The following graph compares the cumulative total return to our
stockholders to the cumulative total returns of the Nasdaq Stock Market - U.S.
and the Nasdaq Truck and Transportation Index for the period June 1999 through
June 2004. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on June 30, 1999.
[Graph Appears Here In Printed Proxy Statement]
Comparison of Cumulative Total Return Among
Celadon Group, Inc.,
the Nasdaq Index and the Nasdaq Trucking and Transportation Index
Company/Index/Peer Group 6/30/99 6/30/00 6/30/01 6/30/02 6/30/03 6/30/04
------------------------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Celadon $100.00 $132.35 $ 50.59 $150.12 $106.58 $207.06
Nasdaq Index $100.00 $192.65 $ 68.58 $ 58.24 $ 56.04 $ 76.42
Nasdaq Trucking and $100.00 $ 98.69 $116.39 $130.60 $138.22 $181.40
Transportation Index
14
Security Ownership of Principal Stockholders and Management
The following table sets forth as of October 1, 2004, certain information
furnished to us regarding the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock (i) by
each person known by us, based upon filings with the SEC, to beneficially own
more than five percent of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock, (ii) by
each of our directors, (iii) by each of the Named Executive Officers and (iv) by
all of our directors and executive officers as a group.
The beneficial ownership percentages are based upon 9,710,750 shares of
Common Stock outstanding at October 1, 2004. Beneficial ownership is calculated
in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. A person
is deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of any security that he or she has a
right to acquire within sixty (60) days after October 1, 2004. Shares that a
person has the right to acquire under stock options are deemed outstanding for
the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person and all
executive officers and directors as a group, but not for the percentage
ownership of any other person or entity. As a result, the denominator used in
calculating beneficial ownership percentages among our stockholders may differ.
Beneficial Ownership of Common
Stock as of October 1, 2004
---------------------------
Name of Beneficial Owner(1) Shares %
------------------------ ------ ---
Stephen Russell........................................... 656,989(2) 6.6%
Thomas Glaser............................................. 56,000(2) *
Paul A. Will.............................................. 131,508(2) 1.3%
David Shatto.............................................. 87,863(2) *
Sergio Hernandez.......................................... 15,000(2) *
Paul A. Biddelman......................................... 49,500(2) *
Michael Miller............................................ 49,500(2) *
Anthony Heyworth.......................................... 36,000(2) *
John Kines................................................ 31,000(2) *
FMR Corp.................................................. 637,421(3) 6.6%
Royce & Associates LLC.................................... 513,600(4) 5.3%
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc............................ 534,417(5) 5.5%
All executive officers and directors as a group
(nine persons)........................................ 1,113,360(6) 10.8%
-------------
*Represents beneficial ownership of not more than one percent of the outstanding Common Stock.
(1) The business address of Mr. Russell is 9503 East 33rd Street, One Celadon Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46235; the business address
of FMR Corp. is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA 02109; the business address of Royce & Associates is 1414 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, NY 10019; and the business address of Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. is 1299 Ocean Ave., 11th Floor, Santa
Monica, CA 90401.
(2) Includes shares of Common Stock which certain of our directors and executive officers had the right to acquire through the
exercise of options within 60 days of October 1, 2004, as follows: Stephen Russell - 211,667 shares; Thomas Glaser - 47,200
shares; Paul A. Will - 116,250 shares; David Shatto - 72,500 shares; Sergio Hernandez - 9,000 shares; Paul A. Biddelman -
49,500 shares; Michael Miller - 49,500 shares; Anthony Heyworth - 34,000 shares; and John Kines - 26,000 shares.
(3) As reported on Form 13G filed with the SEC on February 17, 2004.
(4) As reported on Form 13G filed with the SEC on January 29, 2004.
(5) As reported on Form 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 6, 2004.
15
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
On May 4, 2002, we loaned $150,000 for a term of four years to Sergio
Hernandez before Mr. Hernandez became an executive officer of ours. The loan
bore interest at a fixed annual rate of 6.5%. At July 1, 2003, the amount
outstanding on the loan was $90,395, and as of October 1, 2004, the loan had
been paid off in full. We will not in the future make any loans or extensions of
credit to any executive officer or director.
RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The independent registered public accounting firm utilized by us during
fiscal 2004 was Ernst & Young LLP ("E&Y"). E&Y was engaged in that capacity from
fiscal 1994 until its dismissal in September 2004. On September 24, 2004, our
Audit Committee engaged KPMG LLP ("KPMG") as our independent registered public
accounting firm for fiscal 2005. A representative of KPMG is expected to be
present at the Annual Meeting and to be available to respond to appropriate
questions, and such representative will have an opportunity to make a statement
at the Annual Meeting if he or she desires to do so. No representative of E&Y is
expected to be present at the Annual Meeting.
Change in Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
As previously reported in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC
on September 21, 2004, our Audit Committee dismissed E&Y as our independent
registered public accounting firm, effective September 15, 2004.
The report issued by E&Y in connection with our financial statements for
each of our two most recent fiscal years ended June 30, 2004, and June 30, 2003,
did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor was either
such report qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting
principles.
During our two most recent fiscal years ended June 30, 2004, and June 30,
2003, and the subsequent interim period preceding the dismissal of E&Y on
September 15, 2004, there were no disagreements with E&Y on any matter of
accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing
scope or procedure, which disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of
Regulation S-K), if not resolved to the satisfaction of E&Y, would have caused
E&Y to make a reference to the subject matter of such disagreement in connection
with its reports, and there occurred no "reportable events" within the meaning
of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.
We have provided E&Y with a copy of the foregoing statements. A copy of
E&Y's letter to the SEC, dated September 21, 2004, regarding its agreement with
the foregoing statements was filed as Exhibit 16.1 to our Current Report on Form
8-K filed with the SEC on September 21, 2004.
As previously reported in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC
on September 27, 2004, our Audit Committee engaged KPMG as our independent
registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2005 effective September 24, 2004.
Among other reasons, the Audit Committee selected KPMG because of their
expertise and knowledge serving public truckload companies. During our two most
recent fiscal years ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003, and the subsequent
interim period through the date of our engagement of KPMG on September 24, 2004,
neither we nor anyone on our behalf consulted with KPMG regarding any of the
matters or events set forth in Item 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii) of Regulation S-K.
16
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
E&Y billed us the following amounts for services provided in the following
categories during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:
Fiscal 2004 Fiscal 2003
Audit Fees(1) $303,940 $157,500
Audit-Related Fees $0 $0
Tax Fees(2) $97,923 $209,200
All Other Fees $0 $0
--------- ---------
Total $401,863 $366,700
1. Audit Fees represent fees billed for professional services rendered by E&Y
for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of financial
statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, or services that
are normally provided by E&Y in connection with statutory or regulatory
filings or engagements for those fiscal years. For fiscal 2004, Audit Fees
were comprised of $185,000 in fees for the audit of our annual financial
statements and review of financial statements included in our quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q, $92,740 in fees for Form S-3 regulatory filings,
$21,700 in fees for our Sarbanes-Oxley review and $4,500 in fees for
technical advice on FAS144. For fiscal 2003, Audit Fees were comprised of
$157,500 in fees for the audit of our annual financial statements and
review of financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form
10-Q.
2. Tax Fees represent fees billed for professional services rendered by E&Y
for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. For fiscal 2004 and 2003
tax fees were comprised of preparation of tax returns, provisions,
quarterly estimates and other compliance services.
Our Audit Committee maintains a policy pursuant to which it pre-approves
all audit services and permitted non-audit services to be performed by our
independent registered public accounting firm in order to assure that the
provision of such services is compatible with maintaining the firm's
independence. Under this policy, the Audit Committee pre-approves, on an annual
basis, specific types of categories of engagements constituting audit,
audit-related, tax or other permissible non-audit services to be provided by the
independent registered public accounting firm. Pre-approval of an engagement for
a specific type or category of services generally is provided for up to one year
and typically is subject to a budget comprised of a range of anticipated fee
amounts for the engagement. Management and the independent registered public
accounting firm are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee
regarding the extent of services provided by the firm in accordance with the
annual pre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date. To the
extent that management believes that a new service or the expansion of a current
service provided by the independent registered public accounting firm is
necessary or desirable, such new or expanded services are presented to the Audit
Committee for its review and approval prior to the engagement of the independent
registered public accounting firm to render such services. No audit-related, tax
or other non-audit services were approved by our Audit Committee pursuant to the
de minimus exception to the pre-approval requirement under Rule 2-01, paragraph
(c)(7)(i)(C), of Regulation S-X.
17
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
To be eligible for inclusion in our proxy materials relating to the 2005
Annual Meeting of Stockholders, stockholder proposals intended to be presented
at that meeting must be received by us in writing on or before June 17, 2005.
The inclusion of any such stockholder proposals in such proxy materials will be
subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted under the Exchange Act,
including Rule 14a-8.
We must receive in writing any stockholder proposals to be considered at
our 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, but not included in our proxy materials
relating to that meeting, by August 31, 2005. Under Exchange Act Rule
14(a)-4(c)(1), the proxy holders designated by an executed proxy in the form
accompanying our 2005 proxy statement will have discretionary authority to vote
on any stockholder proposal that is not received on or prior to the deadline
described above.
Written copies of all stockholder proposals should be sent to our principal
executive offices at 9503 East 33rd Street, One Celadon Drive, Indianapolis, IN
46235 to the attention of Paul A. Will, our Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary.
For information regarding how stockholders can recommend candidates for
consideration as director nominees, see "Corporate Governance - Committees of
the Board and Director Nominations - Director Nomination Process."
Other Matters
The Board of Directors does not intend to present at the Annual Meeting any
matters other than those described herein and does not presently know of any
matters that will be presented by other parties. If any other matters are
properly brought before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof, the proxy
holders named in the accompanying form of proxy will have discretionary
authority to vote proxies on such matters in accordance with their judgment,
unless the person executing any such proxy indicates that such authority is
withheld.
Celadon Group, Inc.
/s/Kenneth Core
---------------
Secretary
October 15, 2004
18
PROXY
CELADON GROUP, INC.
9503 EAST 33RD STREET
ONE CELADON DRIVE
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46235-4207
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Stephen Russell, Paul A. Biddelman and Paul
A. Will and each of them with full power of substitution, proxies of the
undersigned, to vote all shares of Common Stock of Celadon Group, Inc. (the
"Company") that the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present
at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on Friday,
November 19, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. (local time) at the Company's corporate
headquarters located at One Celadon Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235, and at
any adjournment or postponement thereof. The undersigned hereby revokes any
proxy heretofore given with respect to such shares.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. THE PROXIES ARE FURTHER AUTHORIZED, IN
THEIR DISCRETION, TO VOTE (A) FOR THE ELECTION OF A PERSON TO THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS IF ANY NOMINEE NAMED HEREIN BECOMES UNABLE TO SERVE OR FOR GOOD CAUSE
WILL NOT SERVE AND (B) ON OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE
MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS THEREOF. IF MORE THAN ONE OF SAID PROXIES OR THEIR
SUBSTITUTES SHALL BE PRESENT AND VOTE AT SAID MEETING, OR ANY ADJOURNMENT OR
POSTPONEMENT THEREOF, A MAJORITY OF THEM SO PRESENT AND VOTING (OR IF ONLY ONE
TO BE PRESENT AND VOTE, THEN THAT ONE) WILL HAVE AND MAY EXERCISE ALL THE POWERS
HEREBY GRANTED.
Address Changes: _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
(If you noted any Address Changes above, please mark corresponding
box on the reverse side.)
------------- -------------
SEE REVERSE CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON RESERVE SIDE SEE REVERSE
SIDE SIDE
------------- -------------
CELADON GROUP, INC. VOTE BY MAIL
C/O AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the
59 MAIDEN LANE postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to
NEW YORK, NY 10038 Celadon Group, Inc., c/o ADP, 51 Mercedes Way,
Edgewood, NY 11717.
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: CELDG1 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CELADON GROUP, INC.
This Proxy, when properly executed and returned, will be
voted in the manner directed below. The proxies are
further authorized, in their discretion, to vote(a) for the
election of a person to the Board of Directors if any
nominee named herein becomes unable to serve or for
good cause will not serve and (b) on other matters that
may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournments thereof.
To withhold authority to vote, mark
"For All Except" and write the
For Withhold For All nominee's number on the line
All All Except below
1. Election of Directors [ ] [ ] [ ] ____________________________
Nominees: (01) Stephen Russell (04) Anthony Heyworth
(02) Paul A. Biddelman (05) John Kines
(03) Michael Miller
2. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon each other
matter that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments
thereof.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE IN THE USA.
Please sign below exactly as your name appears. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both shall sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, please 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 partnership name by authorized person.
For address changes, please check this box and
write them on the back where indicated. [ ]
Please indicate if you wish to view meeting materials
electronically via the Internet rather than receiving
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