def14a
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. )
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Filed by the
Registrantþ
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Filed by a Party other than the
Registranto
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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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þ Definitive
Proxy Statement
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o Definitive
Additional Materials
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o Soliciting
Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Novavax, Inc.
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the
Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ No fee required.
o Fee computed on table
below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction
applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction
applies:
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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): |
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
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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. |
(1) Amount previously paid:
(2) Form, schedule or registration statement no.:
(3) Filing party:
(4) Date filed:
NOVAVAX, INC.
NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD APRIL 26, 2006
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Novavax, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the Company), will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. local
time at The Army and Navy Club, 901 17th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 (the
Meeting) for the purpose of considering and voting upon the following matters:
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To elect three directors as Class II directors to serve on the Board of
Directors for a three-year term expiring at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders;
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any
adjournment thereof. |
The Board of Directors has no knowledge of any other business to be transacted at the Meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on Friday, March 10, 2006 as the record
date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting and any
adjournments thereof.
A copy of the Companys Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2005, which contains financial statements and other information of interest to stockholders,
accompanies this Notice and the attached Proxy Statement.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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David A. White, Secretary |
March 23, 2006
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE PROMPTLY VOTE VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE
AS PER THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY OR COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE
ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE. NO POSTAGE NEED BE AFFIXED IF THE PROXY IS MAILED IN
THE UNITED STATES.
NOVAVAX, INC.
508 Lapp Road
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355
PROXY STATEMENT
For the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To Be Held April 26, 2006
This Proxy Statement is being furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the
Board of Directors of Novavax, Inc. (Novavax or the Company) for use at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. local time at The Army and Navy
Club, 901 17th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 and at any adjournments thereof (the
Meeting). The Notice of Meeting, this Proxy Statement, the enclosed proxy and the Companys
Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 are being mailed to
stockholders on or about March 23, 2006.
VOTING PROCEDURE AND QUORUM
The Board of Directors has fixed March 10, 2006 as the record date to determine the
stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Meeting (the Record Date). The
only class of stock of the Company entitled to vote at the Meeting is its common stock, $.01 par
value (the Common Stock). Only the record holders of shares of Common Stock at the close of
business on the Record Date may vote at the Meeting. On the Record Date, there were 53,010,209
shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to be voted. Each share entitles the holder to one
vote on each of the matters to be voted upon at the Meeting. A stockholder may vote by mail,
Internet or telephone as directed by the enclosed proxy.
All properly executed proxies will be voted in accordance with the instructions of the
stockholder. If no contrary instructions have been indicated, the proxies will be voted in
favor of the nominees named in Proposal I below. The Board of Directors knows of no other
matters to be presented for consideration at the Meeting.
Stockholders may revoke proxies at any time before they are exercised at the Meeting by (a)
signing and submitting a later-dated proxy to the Secretary of the Company, (b) delivering written
notice of revocation to the Secretary of the Company, or (c) voting in person at the Meeting.
Attendance at the Meeting will not itself be deemed to revoke a proxy unless the stockholder gives
affirmative notice at the Meeting that the stockholder intends to revoke the stockholders proxy
and vote in person.
The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock
issued and outstanding on the Record Date and entitled to vote is required to constitute a quorum
at the Meeting. If a quorum is not present, the stockholders entitled to vote who are present in
person or represented by proxy at the Meeting have the power to adjourn the Meeting until a quorum
is present, without notice other than an announcement at the Meeting and so long as such
adjournment is less than 30 days and a new record date is not fixed. At any adjourned meeting at
which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the
Meeting as originally scheduled. Abstentions and broker non-votes will count in determining
whether a quorum is present at the Meeting. A broker non-vote occurs when a broker or other
nominee holds shares represented by a proxy and has not received voting instructions with respect
to a particular item and does not have discretionary authority to vote such shares.
PROPOSAL I ELECTION OF CLASS II DIRECTORS
Pursuant to the Companys Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Companys
Board of Directors may consist of no fewer than three directors, with the specific number to be
authorized by the Board of Directors from time to time at its discretion. The Board of Directors
is presently authorized to consist of seven members. Dr. Lazarus will be retiring from the Board
effective as of the Meeting. Dr. James B. Tananbaum has been nominated by the Board for election
as a Class II director to replace Dr. Lazarus.
The members of the Companys Board of Directors are divided into three classes, designated
Class I, Class II and Class III, each serving staggered three-year terms. The terms of the Class
II directors expire at the Meeting. The terms of the Class III and Class I directors will expire
at the 2007 and 2008 Annual Meetings of Stockholders, respectively. A director of any class who is
elected by the Board of Directors to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of
directors holds office for the remaining term of the class to which he or she is elected. A
director who is elected by the Board to fill a vacancy arising in any other manner holds office for
the remaining term of his or her predecessor. Directors elected by the stockholders at an annual
meeting to succeed those whose terms expire at such meeting are of the same class as the directors
they succeed and are elected for a term to expire at the third annual meeting of stockholders after
their election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
In the event of any increase or decrease in the authorized number of directors, the newly
created or eliminated directorships must be apportioned by the Board among the three classes so as
to ensure that no one class has more than one director more than any other class. However, no
existing director may be reclassified from one class to another and, therefore, the number of
directors in each class may become temporarily imbalanced.
Three directors are to be elected at the Meeting. The Board of Directors, by all of its
independent directors, has designated Mr. Evans and Mr. Marsh as nominees for reelection as Class
II directors of the Company at the Meeting and has designated Dr. Tananbaum as a nominee for
election as a Class II director of the Company at the Meeting. The remaining current Class II
director, Dr. Lazarus, is retiring from the Board, as noted above, in accordance with the Companys
policy not to re-nominate a director for re-election if such director has served ten years as a
director. Mr. Marsh was also scheduled to retire as of the Meeting since he has served ten years
as a director of the Company and is over 75 years of age. At the request of the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee and the independent directors of the Board of Directors, Mr. Marsh
has agreed to stand for reelection. The Company is required by Nasdaq rules to have a majority of
independent directors on its Board and three current directors are not considered independent by
such rules. Therefore, if Mr. Marsh were to retire at the Meeting, the Company would not be in
compliance with such rules.
If elected, such nominees will serve until the expiration of their terms at the 2009 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. The nominees have
consented to being named in this Proxy Statement and to serve if elected. The Board of Directors
has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve if elected. If any nominee
becomes unavailable to serve as a director, the persons named as proxies in the accompanying proxy
may vote the proxy for a substitute nominee.
The election of directors requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast by
stockholders entitled to vote at the Meeting. Accordingly, abstentions, broker non-votes and votes
withheld for a nominee will not have any effect on the election of a director.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE
FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES.
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Members of the Board of Directors
The following table provides certain information with respect to the directors of the Company.
Comparable information regarding the executive officers of the Company is provided in the Companys
Annual Report on Form 10K.
Nominees for Class II Director
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Director |
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Principal Occupation, Other Business |
Name |
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Experience and Other Directorships |
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Gary C. Evans
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48 |
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1998 |
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Chairman of the Board of Directors of Novavax since April 2005. Chairman of
Global Hunter Energy, LLC, and Wind Hunter, LLC, a wind turbine electric
generating company, since 2005. President and Chief Executive Officer of
Magnum Hunter Resources, Inc., an oil and gas exploration and production
company, from 1995 to 2004, Chairman of the Board of Directors until October
2004, and Chief Executive Officer of its predecessor, Hunter Resources, Inc.,
from 1985 to 1995. Currently a trustee of TEL Offshore Trust, a publicly
traded oil and gas trust. |
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John O. Marsh, Jr.
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79 |
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1991 |
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Visiting Professor, George Mason University, since 2001. Visiting Professor,
Virginia Military Institute, 1998. Interim Chief Executive Officer of Novavax
from July 1996 to March 1997 and Chairman of the Board of Directors from July
1996 to February 1997. Secretary of the Army from 1981 to 1989. Counselor
with Cabinet rank to the President of the United States from 1974 to 1977.
Assistant for National Security Affairs to Vice President of the United States,
1974. Assistant Secretary of Defense from 1973 to 1974. U.S. Representative
in Congress from 1963 to 1971. |
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James B. Tananbaum, M.D.
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42 |
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N/A |
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Managing Director of Prospect Venture Partners, a venture capital firm, since
2000. Chief Executive Officer of Theravance, Inc., a biopharmaceutical
company, from 1997 to 2000. Managing Director of Sierra Ventures, a venture
capital firm, from 1993 to 1997. Senior Product Manager of Merck & Company,
Inc. from 1991 to 1993. Currently a director of Critical Therapeutics, Inc. |
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Directors Continuing as Class III Directors
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Director |
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Principal Occupation, Other Business |
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Since |
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Experience and Other Directorships |
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Mitchell J. Kelly
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46 |
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1997 |
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Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Member of Anaconda
Capital Management, L.L.C., an investment management firm, since 1995, and in
various capacities with affiliates of Anaconda Capital since 1993. President and
Chief Executive Officer of Novavax from September 2002 to August 2003 and from
September 1998 to May 1999. |
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Michael A. McManus, Jr.
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63 |
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1998 |
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President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Misonix, Inc., a medical,
scientific and industrial provider of ultrasonic and air pollution systems,
since 1998. President and Chief Executive Officer of N.Y. Bancorp from 1990 to
1998. Assistant to the President of the United States from 1982 to 1985.
Currently a director of L Q Corporation, Inc., NWH, Inc. and American Home
Mortgage Holdings, Inc. |
Directors Continuing as Class I Directors
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Director |
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Principal Occupation, Other Business |
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Experience and Other Directorships |
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Denis M. ODonnell, M.D.
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52 |
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1998 |
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Managing Director of Seaside Capital, Inc. since August 2005. Chairman of the |
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Board of Directors of Novavax from May 2000 to April 2005. Chief Executive
Officer and President of Molecular Diagnostics, Inc. from February 2004 to
August 2005. General Partner at Seaside Partners, L.P., a private equity firm,
from 1997 to 2003. Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Novavax from
1999 to 2000. Senior Advisor to Novavax from 1997 to 1998. President of
Novavax from 1995 to 1997. Vice President, Business Development of Novavax
from 1992 to 1995. Currently a director of Columbia Laboratories, Inc. and
ELXSI Corporation. |
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Rahul Singhvi
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41 |
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2005 |
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President, Chief Executive Officer and director of Novavax since August 2005.
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Novavax from April 2005 to
August 2005 and Vice President Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing
Operations from April 2004 to April 2005. For ten years prior to joining the
Company, served in several positions with Merck & Co., culminating as Director
with the Merck Manufacturing Division from 1999 to 2004. |
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Retiring Director
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J. Michael Lazarus, M.D.
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68 |
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1995 |
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Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Fresenius
Medical Care North America since 1996. Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical
School since 1979. |
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There are no family relationships among any of the directors or executive officers (or any
nominee therefor) of Novavax. No director, executive officer, nominee or any associate of any of
the foregoing has any interest, direct or indirect, in any proposal to be considered and acted upon
at the Meeting (other than the election of directors).
The Company has agreed with two institutional investors, KPCB Holdings, Inc. and Prospect
Venture Partners III, L.P., that each such investor shall have the right to recommend one nominee
to the Board of Directors. Dr. Tananbaum has been recommended by Prospect Venture Partners and
approved by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the independent directors of the
Board of Directors. The Company expects that KPCB Holdings will recommend a nominee shortly who
will then be considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the independent
directors of the Board of Directors.
Board of Directors and Committee Information
The Board of Directors has determined that, with the exception of Drs. Singhvi and ODonnell
and Mr. Kelly, each of whom is currently or was within the last three fiscal years an employee or
executive officer of the Company, all of the members of the Board are independent directors, as
that term is defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the listing standards of the National Association of
Securities Dealers (the NASD).
The Board of Directors met 24 times during 2005 and acted by written consent in lieu of a
meeting once; in addition, the non-employee directors met once in executive session during the same
period. Each of the directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of
meetings of the Board of Directors they were eligible to attend and the total number of meetings
held by all committees on which they served, except for Susan Bayh, a former director who resigned
in July 2005.
The Board of Directors of Novavax currently has four standing committees: a Compensation
Committee, an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a Government
Relations Committee. In addition to the descriptions below, please refer to the Report of the
Compensation Committee and Report of the Audit Committee included in this Proxy Statement.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee, whose current members are Dr. Lazarus (Chairman), Dr. ODonnell
and Mr. Marsh, reviews and recommends salaries and other compensatory benefits for the employees,
officers and directors of Novavax. The Compensation Committee also administers the equity
incentive plans of the Company, pursuant to which the committee recommends stock option grants and
other awards for executive officers, key employees and directors of Novavax and its subsidiaries.
During 2005, the Compensation Committee met 12 times. During 2005, Mr. Walker also served on the
committee until his retirement from the Board of Directors in May 2005, Ms. Bayh served on the
committee until her resignation from the Board of Directors in July 2005, and Mr. Kelly served on
the committee from May 2005 until his reassignment to the Audit Committee in August 2005. Dr.
ODonnell and Mr. Marsh began serving on the committee in May 2005 and August 2005, respectively.
The Compensation Committee acts pursuant to a written charter, a copy of which is posted on
the Companys website at www.novavax.com.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee currently consists of Messrs. McManus (Chairman), Evans and Kelly, each of
whom is a non-employee director and each of whom qualifies as independent under NASD rules and
regulations and Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act),
except for Mr. Kelly who, by
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virtue of his employment as President and Chief Executive Officer of Novavax from September 2002
through August 2003 and the payment of compensation by the Company in August 2004 for certain
services performed by Mr. Kelly in connection with a financing, does not satisfy NASD independence
rules. However, the Board has determined that Mr. Kellys service on the Audit Committee is
required by the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and, therefore, Mr. Kelly will
serve on such committee for two years (or until his earlier removal or resignation) as permitted by
NASD Rule 4350(d)(2). During 2005, Mr. Marsh also served on the Audit Committee until his
reassignment to the Companys Compensation Committee in August 2005; Mr. Kelly began serving on the
Audit Committee at the time of Mr. Marshs reassignment. The Audit Committee met six times during
the 2005 fiscal year.
The Board has determined that Mr. McManus qualifies as the committees audit committee
financial expert as that term is defined by the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and is financially sophisticated as required by the listing standards for The
Nasdaq Stock Market.
The Audit Committee acts pursuant to the Audit Committee Charter as adopted by the Board. A
copy of the charter is available on the Companys website at www.novavax.com. The Audit Committee
reviews and evaluates the charter annually to ensure its adequacy and accuracy, and is charged with
performing an annual self-evaluation with the goal of continuing improvement.
The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and
oversight of the work of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. To this end,
the committee meets with the Companys independent registered public accounting firm to discuss the
scope and results of its examination and reviews the financial statements and reports contained in
the Companys periodic and other filings. The Audit Committee also reviews the adequacy and
efficacy of the Companys accounting, auditing and financial control systems, as well as the
Companys disclosure controls and procedures; monitors the adequacy of the Companys accounting and
financial reporting processes and practices; and considers any issues raised by its members, the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm, and the Companys employees. To assist in
carrying out its duties, the Audit Committee is authorized to investigate any matter brought to its
attention, retain the services of independent advisors (including legal counsel, auditors and other
experts), and receive and respond to concerns and complaints relating to accounting, internal
accounting controls and auditing matters.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the Governance Committee) consists of
Messrs. Evans (Chairman), Marsh and McManus and Dr. Lazarus, each of whom qualifies as independent
under NASD rules and regulations. The Governance Committee met five times during 2005. Former
members of the committee who served during 2005 include Mr. Walker and Ms. Bayh, both of whom no
longer serve on the Board.
The Governance Committee acts pursuant to a written charter, a copy of which is available on
the Companys website at www.novavax.com. As provided in the charter, the primary function of the
Governance Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities by: reviewing and
making recommendations to the Board regarding the Boards size, structure and composition;
establishing criteria for Board membership; identifying and evaluating candidates qualified to
become members of the Board, including candidates proposed by stockholders; selecting, or
recommending for selection, director nominees to be presented for approval at the annual meeting of
stockholders and to fill vacancies on the Board; evaluating Company policies relating to the
recruitment of Board members; developing and recommending to the Board corporate governance
policies and practices applicable to the Company; monitoring compliance with the Companys Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics; and handling such other matters as the Board or committee deems
appropriate. The Governance Committees goal is to contribute to the effective representation of
the Companys stockholders and to play a leadership role in shaping the Companys corporate
governance.
As noted above, it is the Governance Committees responsibility to review and evaluate
director candidates, including candidates submitted by stockholders. In performing its evaluation
and review, the Governance Committee does not differentiate between candidates based on the
proposing constituency, but rather applies the same criteria to each candidate.
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Nomination Procedures
Stockholders who wish to nominate qualified candidates to serve as directors of the Company
may do so in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Companys Amended and Restated By-laws
(the By-laws), which procedures did not change during the last fiscal year. As set forth in the
By-laws, a stockholder must notify the Company in writing, by notice delivered to the attention of
the Secretary of the Company at the address of the Companys principal executive offices, of a
proposed nominee. In order to ensure meaningful consideration of such candidates, notice must be
received not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting. However, if the Company
does not give notice or make public disclosure of the date of the meeting at least 70 days prior
to the meeting date, notice will be considered timely if it is received no later than the close of
business on the 10th day following the date on which such notice was given or public
disclosure was made (whichever occurred first).
The notice must set forth as to each proposed nominee:
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name, age, business address and, if known, residence address, |
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his or her principal occupation or employment, |
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the number of shares of stock of the Company, if any, which are beneficially owned by
such nominee, and |
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any other information concerning the nominee that must be disclosed as to nominees in
proxy solicitations pursuant to applicable law. |
The notice must also set forth with respect to the stockholder giving the notice:
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the name and address, as they appear on the Companys books, of such stockholder, and |
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the number of shares of the Company that are owned by such stockholder. |
The Company may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may
reasonably be required to determine the eligibility of the nominee to serve as a director.
Submissions received through this process will be forwarded to the Governance Committee for review.
When considering candidates, the Governance Committee strives to achieve a balance of
knowledge, experience and achievement such that the Companys Board reflects a broad range of
talent, age, skill and expertise. While there are no set minimum requirements, a candidate should:
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be intelligent, thoughtful and analytical, |
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possess superior business-related knowledge, skills and experience, |
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reflect the highest integrity, ethics and character, |
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have excelled in both academic and professional settings, |
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demonstrate achievement in his or her chosen field, |
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be free of actual or potential conflicts of interest, |
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have the ability to devote sufficient time to the business and affairs of the Company, and |
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demonstrate the capacity and desire to represent the best interests of the Companys
stockholders as a whole. |
In addition to the above criteria (which may be modified from time to time), the Governance
Committee may consider such other factors as it deems in the best interests of the Company and its
stockholders and that may enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of the Board and its
committees. Finally, the Governance Committee must consider a candidates independence to make
certain that the Board includes at least a majority of independent directors so as to satisfy all
applicable independence requirements, as well as a candidates financial sophistication and special
competencies.
The Governance Committee identifies potential candidates through referrals and
recommendations, including by incumbent directors, management and stockholders, as well as through
business and other organizational networks. To date, the Governance Committee has not retained or
paid any third party to identify or evaluate, or
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assist in identifying or evaluating, potential director nominees, although it reserves the right to
engage executive search firms and other third parties to assist in finding suitable candidates.
Current members of the Board with the requisite skills and experience are considered for
re-nomination, balancing the value of the members continuity of service with that of obtaining a
new perspective, and considering each individuals contributions, performance and level of
participation, the current composition of the Board, and the Companys needs. The Governance
Committee also must consider the age and length of service of incumbent directors: in March 2005
the committee recommended to the Board, and the Board adopted, a rule not to re-nominate a director
for re-election if such director has served ten years as a director or has reached 75 years of age.
If any existing members do not wish to continue in service or if it is decided not to re-nominate
a director, new candidates are identified in accordance with those skills, experience and
characteristics deemed necessary for new nominees, and are evaluated based on the qualifications
set forth above. In every case, the Governance Committee meets (in person or telephonically) to
discuss each candidate, and may require personal interviews before final approval. Once a slate is
selected, the Governance Committee presents it to the full Board.
Government Relations Committee
The Government Relations Committee was established and approved by the Board of Directors in
November 2005. Its members are Messrs. Marsh (Chairman) and McManus and Drs. ODonnell and
Singhvi. The purpose of the Government Relations Committee is to assist management of the Company
with respect to government funding of its vaccine projects and to assist management with the
education of state and federal executive and legislative branches of government regarding the
Companys programs. The Government Relations Committee met once in 2005.
Stockholder Communications
The Board welcomes communications from stockholders and has adopted a procedure for receiving
and addressing such communications. Stockholders may send written communications to the entire
Board or individual directors, addressing them to Novavax, Inc., 508 Lapp Road, Malvern,
Pennsylvania 19355, Attention: Secretary. Communications by e-mail should be addressed to
ir@novavax.com and marked Attention: Secretary in the Subject field. All such communications
will be forwarded to the full Board of Directors or to any individual director or directors to whom
the communication is directed unless the communication is clearly of a marketing nature or is
unduly hostile, threatening, illegal, or similarly inappropriate, in which case the Company has the
authority to discard the communication or take appropriate legal action.
Recognizing that director attendance at the Companys annual meetings of stockholders can
provide stockholders with an opportunity to communicate with members of the Board, Novavax strongly
encourages (but does not require) members of the Board to attend such meetings. All of the
directors then in office attended the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, except for Susan Bayh, a
former director.
Director Compensation
Cash Compensation
Each director not employed by Novavax and not serving on a committee receives an annual
retainer of $10,000; the chairs of the Audit, Compensation, Governance and Government Relations
Committees receive annual retainers of $20,000, $15,000, $15,000 and $20,000, respectively; and
non-employee directors serving on one or more committees receive an annual retainer of $12,000.
Annual retainers are paid quarterly.
Each non-employee director also receives $1,500 for each meeting of the Board of Directors he
or she attends in person and $750 for each meeting attended telephonically. In addition, each
committee member not employed by Novavax receives $500 per committee meeting attended in person and
$250 for each meeting attended telephonically, except that the chair of each committee receives
$1,000 per committee meeting attended in person and $500 for each meeting attended telephonically.
In all cases, no fees are paid for telephonic meetings of the
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Board or any committee thereof lasting less than 30 minutes. Directors are also reimbursed by the
Company for reasonable costs and expenses incurred for attending Board and committee meetings.
No other cash compensation was paid to the directors for their services to the Company as
directors during 2005. For information relating to shares of the Company owned by each of the
directors and options and stock awards granted to such directors, see Beneficial Ownership of
Common Stock below. For information concerning the compensation of directors who are also
officers of the Company, see Executive Compensation below.
Stock Incentive Plans
In May 2005, stockholders approved the adoption of the Novavax, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan
(the 2005 Plan) in response to the pending expiration of the Companys 1995 Stock Option Plan
(the 1995 Plan) and to better address the Companys changing business needs. The 2005 Plan is
administered by the Compensation Committee under delegation by the Board of Directors and provides
for the grant to employees, officers and directors of, as well as consultants and advisors to, the
Company, its parents and subsidiaries of stock options (non-statutory and incentive), restricted
stock awards, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units.
In May 2005, the Board of Directors adopted the recommendation of the Compensation Committee
and approved the grant to each director not employed by the Company of a non-statutory option under
the 2005 Plan, effective May 4, 2005, to purchase 15,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock at an
exercise price of $1.48, the closing price of the Common Stock on the effective date. Such grants
fully vested and were exercisable in full on November 4, 2005, six months from the date of grant.
In addition to the option grants noted above made to all non-employee directors, in July 2005
Mr. Evans was granted certain options and awarded certain restricted stock as compensation for his
service as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Specifically, Mr. Evans was (i) awarded 50,000
shares of restricted Common Stock under the 2005 Plan that became fully vested and subject to no
further restrictions as of October 1, 2005, and (ii) granted non-statutory options under the 2005
Plan to purchase an aggregate 310,000 shares of Common Stock. Such 310,000 options vest (a) as to
35,000 shares, on the six month anniversary of the date of grant, (b) as to an aggregate 150,000
shares, when the market capitalization of the Company reaches each of $150 million, $250 million
and $350 million (50,000 shares to vest when each such milestone is reached), (c) as to 50,000
shares, when $35 million of convertible notes made by the Company in favor of certain institutional
investors have been fully repaid or redeemed, and (d) as to 75,000 shares, when a change in control
of the Company has occurred.
In February 2006, the Board of Directors adopted the recommendation of the Compensation
Committee and approved the grant to each director not employed by the Company of a non-statutory
option under the 2005 Plan, effective February 17, 2006, to purchase 15,000 shares of the Companys
Common Stock in the case of all directors other than the Chairman of the Board, and 50,000 shares
of the Companys Common Stock in the case of Mr. Evans, in each case at an exercise price of $4.60,
the closing price of the Common Stock on the effective date. Such grants will vest and be
exercisable in full on August 17, 2006, six months from the date of grant.
For information on a grant of 50,000 shares of restricted Common Stock to Dr. ODonnell,
please see Certain Relationships and Related Transactions below. For information on the grant of
250,000 shares of restricted Common Stock to Nelson Sims, former President, Chief Executive Officer
and director of the Company, see the Report of the Compensation Committee and the Employment
Contracts and Change of Control Provisions below.
Directors also were eligible to receive option grants under the 1995 Plan and the Novavax,
Inc. 1995 Director Stock Option Plan, which plan provided for the grant to directors of options to
purchase an aggregate 500,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock, all of which options have been
granted.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Dr. Lazarus has served on the Compensation Committee since March 2004; Mr. Walker served until
his retirement from the Board in May 2005; Ms. Bayh began serving in October 2004 and served until
her resignation from the Board in July 2005; Dr. ODonnell began serving in May 2005; Mr. Kelly
began serving in May 2005 until
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his reassignment to the Audit Committee in August 2005; and Mr. Marsh began serving in August 2005
upon Mr. Kellys reassignment. None of the members of the Compensation Committee was at any time
during 2005 an officer or employee of Novavax or any subsidiary, except for Dr. ODonnell, who
served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company until April 2005. For information on
shares awarded to Dr. ODonnell by Novavax in 2005, see Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions below. Prior to 2005, Mr. Marsh served as interim Chief Executive Officer of the
Company from July 1996 to March 1997 and Mr. Kelly served as President and Chief Executive Officer
from September 2002 to August 2003 and from September 1998 to May 1999.
No executive officer of the Company currently serves, or during 2005 served, as a member of
the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive
officers serving as a member of the Companys Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Companys directors, executive officers and
holders of more than 10% of the Companys Common Stock to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the Nasdaq National Market initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in
ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company. Based solely on a review of
the copies of such reports (and any amendments thereto) furnished to the Company during or with
respect to 2005 or written representations that no reports were required, the Company believes that
during 2005 its executive officers, directors and holders of more than 10% of the Companys Common
Stock complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements, except that (i) each of Mr. Sims, former
President of the Company, and Mr. Genge, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, filed a Form 4
relating to the grant of options to them by the Company three days late, (ii) Mr. Evans, Chairman
of the Board of Directors, filed a Form 4 relating to two open market purchases of common stock of
the Company one day late, (iii) Mr. Hage, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company, filed the Form 3 to report his initial ownership late; and (iv) Dr. Lazarus, a director of
the Company, filed a Form 4 late relating to a year-end exercise of options.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
In March 2002, pursuant to the 1995 Plan, the Company approved the payment of the exercise
price of options by two directors, Dr. ODonnell and Mr. Kelly, through the delivery of full
recourse, interest-bearing promissory notes in the amounts of $1,031,668 and $447,600,
respectively, or an aggregate of $1,479,268. The borrowings accrue interest at 5.07% per annum and
are secured by 166,667 and 95,000 shares of common stock, respectively, or an aggregate of 261,667
shares of Common Stock owned by the directors. The notes are payable upon the earlier to occur of
the following: (a) payable in full upon the date on which the director ceases for any reason to be
a director of the Company, (b) payable in part to the extent of net proceeds, upon the date on
which the director sells all or any portion of the pledged shares, or (c) payable in full on March
21, 2007. In addition, during 2002, the Company executed a conditional guaranty of a brokerage
margin account for Dr. ODonnell in the amount of $500,000. Such margin debt has been repaid in
full by Dr. ODonnell and the Companys guaranty has been cancelled and is no longer outstanding.
In August 2005, the Company granted Dr. ODonnell an award of 50,000 shares of Common Stock in
connection with his separation from the Company as an employee.
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REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee (the Committee) is appointed by the Board of Directors of the
Company to assist the Board with its responsibilities relating to the compensation of the Companys
employees, officers and directors and the development and administration of the Companys
compensation plans. The goal of the Committee is to support the development of compensation
programs that achieve the strategic goals and objectives of the Company, attract, motivate and
retain key executives critical to the success of the Company and align executive officers
interests with the success of the Company.
As set forth in its charter, the Committees authority and responsibilities include but are
not limited to:
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providing advice and guidance with respect to the Companys compensation strategy and
philosophy; |
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evaluating and providing recommendations regarding executive compensation programs tied
to the strategic and financial objectives of the Company and which will motivate and
incentivize executives by tying their compensation to the Companys performance and
stockholder returns; |
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reviewing and providing input on the goals and objectives relevant to the compensation
of the Companys Chief Executive Officer, annually evaluating the Chief Executive Officers
performance, and recommending to the independent members of the Board the Chief Executive
Officers total compensation package; |
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annually reviewing and making recommendations regarding senior management compensation;
and |
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evaluating and making recommendations annually regarding the appropriate level and form
of compensation for members of the Board and its committees. |
The Committee must consist of at least two members of the Board of Directors, each of whom
shall be a non-employee director as defined by Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and an outside director as defined in Section 162(m) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). The Board appoints members to the
Committee upon the recommendation of the Companys Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
A Committee member serves until the earlier of his or her resignation or removal or the election
and qualification of such members successor.
The Committee is tasked with meeting at least four times a year, and more frequently if
necessary. It may request that any officer or employee of the Company, outside counsel or
consultant attend Committee meetings or confer with any members of, or consultants to, the
Committee. The Committee has sole authority for and may retain compensation consultants, as it
deems appropriate, to assist the Committee with the performance of its duties and responsibilities,
including sole authority to approve the fees and other retention terms for such consultants. The
Committee is supported in its efforts by the Companys human resources team, to which the Committee
delegates authority for certain administrative functions.
Novavax Compensation Philosophy
The philosophy underlying the Companys compensation program is to be both market competitive
and internally equitable, such that individuals are compensated at a level commensurate with their
industry colleagues outside the Company in comparable positions and fairly when compared to their
colleagues within the Company.
With this philosophy and the objectives of the Companys compensation programs in mind, the
Company conducted an internal benchmark study to analyze the Companys compensation programs and
practices. This study involved an evaluation by the human resources team and functional Vice
Presidents of each position at Novavax and a determination of each positions category, based on an
analysis of job description, according to a nationally recognized compensation survey. An analysis
was then performed of the surveys compensation data and Novavaxs compensation levels. The
Committee decided to benchmark compensation for all Company positions to the 50th
percentile of similarly size companies in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry as reported in
a nationally recognized compensation database.
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Compensation Components
Traditionally and for 2005, the components of employee compensation at Novavax included (i)
base salary, (ii) annual discretionary bonuses, and (iii) stock option or similar equity
compensation grants (both for new hires and annual discretionary grants based upon Company and
individual performance). Every employee at every level within the Company is eligible to receive
bonuses and equity compensation awards.
Base Salary
In 2005, the Committee decided that base salaries should fall between the 25th and
75th percentile of the previously described national database for all employees. Base
salary levels for the Companys employees, therefore, are based on a review of compensation for
competitive positions in the market; individual salaries within the permitted range reflect the
employees job skills and experience, as well as judgments as to past and future contributions to
the Companys success. The companies whose compensation practices are used for benchmarking are
not limited to the peer group listed in the stock performance chart, but include the full range of
companies with which the Company believes it competes for executive talent. In light of the
Companys performance in 2004, the Board did not approve any salary increases for any officers at
the level of Vice President and above in 2005, other than for officers who received promotions
later in the year. Increases for all other employees, approved in February 2005, ranged from zero
to 7% of current salaries. In February, 2006, the Board approved salary increases for officers at
the level of Vice President and above that ranged from zero to 17% of current salaries. Increases
for all other employees, also approved in February 2006, ranged from zero to 6% of current
salaries.
Bonuses
Annual bonuses are tiered based upon the individuals level in the Company, e.g. manager or
individual contributor. In addition, for officers at the level of Vice President and above, there
are additional bonus levels to reflect the relative importance of such positions and to reward
individual performance at those levels.
The Company determines annual bonuses for each employee based on a performance factor that
takes into account each individuals overall performance rating from his or her annual performance
appraisal. Only employees whose overall performance rating was at or above a meets expectations
rating were eligible for a bonus. Bonuses are prorated for employees who have been with the
Company less than a full year. In light of the Companys performance in 2004, no bonuses were
awarded to officers at the level of Vice President and above in 2005 for performance in 2004. The
range of bonuses awarded to employees at the director level and below in 2005 for performance in
2004 was zero to 15%. In February 2006, the Company awarded bonuses to officers at the level of
Vice President and above for performance in 2005 in the range of zero to 60% of salary. The range
of bonuses awarded to employees at the director level and below in 2006 for performance in 2005 was
zero to 18%.
Bonuses are designed to tie annual awards to Company and individual performance and motivate
and reward employees for their contributions to Company performance. The Committee considers a
number of factors in determining whether annual incentive awards should be paid, most importantly
the achievement by the Company of specified strategic objectives and the achievement by employees
of their individual objectives.
For 2005, the strategic priorities for the Company against which performance was measured
included but were not limited to:
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Implementation of changes in Company direction to focus more on vaccines, especially
seasonal and avian flu vaccines, including the hiring of key personnel, expansion of
facility and focusing on government funding and support; |
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Restructuring the strategic direction of the Company by elimination of sales force and
marketing operations and the related sale or licensing of the Companys products; |
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Expansion of manufacturing operations to permit contract manufacturing; |
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Raising equity capital to support the Companys initiatives; |
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Reducing of operating expenses; |
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Expansion of research and development product pipeline; and |
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Ensuring continued compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
Equity Compensation
The granting of stock options has been analyzed and benchmarked to the 50th
percentile of grants at comparable surveyed companies. Similarly, to base salary and bonus
determinations, the Committee evaluates equity compensation awards at comparable companies both
generally and for individual job categories. Based on this data, it develops target awards for
each position within the Company for both initial and annual discretionary equity compensation
grants. Deviations from the range may occur based on performance, and no individual is eligible to
receive an award unless he or she receives at least a meets expectations performance rating in
his or her annual performance appraisal.
The primary goal of the equity compensation component is to align management and stockholder
interests for the long-term enhancement of stockholder value. Each employee is consequently
motivated to improve his or her performance in support of improved Company performance.
As noted above, in selecting employees eligible to receive equity compensation grants and
determining the size of such grants, the Committee reviews a variety of factors, including:
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the job level of the employee, |
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grants awarded by competitors to employees at comparable job levels, and |
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past, current and prospective services rendered, or to be rendered, to the Company by the employee. |
The Company administers three plans under which stock options are or have been granted to
eligible participants. The Novavax, Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan provided for the grant of stock
options both incentive and non-statutory to officers, employees, consultants and directors of
the Company and any present or future subsidiaries to purchase a maximum of 9,000,000 shares of
Common Stock. No new awards were made under the 1995 Stock Option Plan after approval of the 2005
Stock Incentive Plan, discussed below. The Company also administers the Novavax, Inc. 1995 Director
Stock Option Plan, which provided for the issuance of up to 500,000 shares of Common Stock to
directors of the Company, all of which options have been granted. Finally, the Company
administers the Novavax, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, which authorized an additional 2,000,000
shares of Common Stock for awards, and which was adopted in response to the expiration of the 1995
Stock Option Plan and to better address the Companys changing business needs. The 2005 Stock
Incentive Plan provides for the grant to employees, officers and directors of, as well as
consultants and advisors to, the Company, its parents and subsidiaries of stock options (incentive
and non-statutory), restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units.
The exercise price for the options granted to employees to date has been equal to at least
100% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant, and the Committee intends to continue
to fix the exercise price of option grants at no less than 100% of the fair market value per share
on the date of grant. During 2005, the Committee awarded options for a total of 2,679,000 shares
to all employees, including options to purchase 1,252,000 shares awarded to all individuals who
served as executive officers of the Company during the year, and restricted stock awards in the
amount of 301,352 shares in the aggregate.
Procedure
The process of determining annual compensation packages begins in advance of the Committees
first meeting in each new year. Prior to that meeting, the Companys human resources team performs
an analysis, considering the goals of market competitiveness and internal equity and for each
position within the Company benchmarking current compensation against the 50th
percentile of salary survey data, both for the industry and geographically. Once a budget is
determined for the year, the Company determines which individuals are being paid outside the
permissible range of the Companys salary administration guidelines and evaluates individual
performance against achievement of the Companys and the individuals strategic priorities. No
adjustment is made if the individual did not receive the minimum required performance rating in his
or her annual performance appraisal.
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Compensation packages for Vice Presidents and above are analyzed and discussed individually at
the Committees first meeting. At this and subsequent meetings, the Committee may request
additional information from the human resources team. Once the Committee has obtained all of the
information it deems necessary, it forms recommendations for the full Board of Directors. These
recommendations are then presented to the Board of Directors, and decisions regarding Chief
Executive Officer and executive officer compensation are made by the independent members of the
Board.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
Rahul Singhvi
Dr. Singhvi became President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company effective
August 8, 2005. The criteria used to establish Dr. Singhvis initial compensation included, among
other things, the compensation packages of executive officers of comparable companies of similar
size in the specialty pharmaceutical industry and the factors described above for all employees.
According to the employment agreement entered into with Dr. Singhvi in November 2005, Dr.
Singhvis initial annual salary was $300,000. The Company agreed to annually review his and the
Companys performance and consider increases in his base compensation. In February 2006, Dr.
Singhvis annual salary was increased to $350,000. In addition, the Company agreed to pay Dr.
Singhvi a performance and incentive bonus in respect of his employment with the Company each year,
payable the following year when bonuses are generally paid to executives, in an amount determined
by the Board of Directors (or any committee of the Board of Directors authorized to make such
determination) to be appropriate based upon his and the Companys achievement of certain specified
goals, with a maximum bonus of 60% of Dr. Singhvis base salary during 2005 and 100% of salary
during 2006. The bonus is to be paid partly in cash and partly in shares of restricted stock, in
the discretion of the Board of Directors. Dr. Singhvi was paid a bonus in February 2006 with
respect to his 2005 performance in the amount of $180,000. He is also eligible for additional
stock awards based upon performance and subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, and to
participate in the Companys Change of Control Severance Benefit Plan adopted August 10, 2005.
The Company granted Dr. Singhvi (i) in February 2005, becoming effective in May 2005, in his
capacity as Vice President Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing Operations, a restricted
stock award in the amount of 33,784 shares, and in February 2005 and March 2005, respectively,
options to purchase 45,000 shares and 50,000 shares at exercise prices of $2.21 and $1.41,
respectively, such options to vest one-third on each anniversary of the dates of grant, (ii) in May
2005 upon his promotion to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, options to purchase
30,000 shares at an exercise price of $1.48, such options to vest one-third on each anniversary of
the date of grant, and (iii) in August 2005 upon his promotion to President, Chief Executive
Officer and director, a restricted stock award in the amount of 125,000 shares, options to purchase
150,000 shares at an exercise price of $0.74, such options to vest one-third on each anniversary of
the date of grant, and options to purchase 500,000 shares at an exercise price of $1.34, such
options to vest as the Company meets certain market capitalization and other milestones.
In February 2006, the Company granted Dr. Singhvi a restricted stock award in the amount of
50,000 shares that will vest as to one-third of such shares on each of the first three
anniversaries of the date of grant, and options to purchase 100,000 shares at an exercise price of
$4.60, such options to vest as the Company meets certain market capitalization and other
milestones.
Nelson M. Sims
Nelson M. Sims was elected President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective
August 2003 and resigned as President, Chief Executive Officer and director of the Company in
August 2005. The criteria used to establish Mr. Sims initial compensation included,
among other things, the compensation packages of executive officers of comparable companies of
similar size in the specialty pharmaceutical industry and the factors described above for all
employees. Pursuant to Mr. Sims employment agreement with the Company, he was entitled to receive
an initial base salary of $400,000, subject to merit-based increases commencing January 1, 2005.
In
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addition, he was entitled to receive performance and incentive bonuses, in respect of his
employment with the Company from his date of hire through December 31, 2004, payable on or before
March 31, 2005, in an amount to be determined by the Board or any committee thereof authorized to
make such determination. Mr. Sims employment agreement specified that such bonus would be based
on his achievement of certain specified goals, and be at least $139,000 and not greater than
$347,000. Upon hire, Mr. Sims was granted stock options to purchase 900,000 shares of the Common
Stock of the Company at $5.63 per share, which price was the fair market value on the date of grant
and which options vested in three equal increments on the first three anniversaries of the date of
the grant. Mr. Sims was also eligible to receive additional stock options annually, based on job
performance, to purchase that number of shares of Common Stock equal to not less than three percent
of the total number of shares of Common Stock issued by the Company during the most recent fiscal
year in private or public offerings or pursuant to conversions of convertible securities issued
after commencement of his employment with the Company.
As noted above, Mr. Sims annual base salary for each of 2003 and 2004 was $400,000. His
annual base salary was not increased for 2005 due to the financial condition and performance of the
Company during 2004. Similarly, the Board did not grant Mr. Sims or any other officer of the
Company a discretionary bonus for 2004 performance, although Mr. Sims severance payment (discussed
below) was made in settlement of all obligations of the Company to Mr. Sims, including his minimum
bonus discussed above.
In March 2004, Mr. Sims was awarded options to purchase 135,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $5.95, the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant. In February
2005, Mr. Sims was awarded options to purchase 142,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price
of $2.21 per share, the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. At that time,
Mr. Sims had options to purchase an aggregate 1,177,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company.
Mr. Sims resigned as President, Chief Executive Officer and director of the Company in August
2005. In accordance with his separation agreement with the Company, Mr. Sims agreed to the
cancellation of all then-outstanding options and other rights to purchase shares of the Company.
In exchange, the Company paid him a lump-sum cash payment of $175,000, issued him 250,000 shares of
restricted Common Stock of the Company, and reimbursed him for the purchase of a $2,500 laptop
computer and the payment of legal expenses of $3,000.
Tax Considerations
Section 162(m) of the Code generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for
compensation over $1,000,000 paid to certain employees, generally the Chief Executive Officer and
the four other most highly compensated executive officers. Qualifying performance-based
compensation will not be subject to the deduction limit if certain requirements are met. In 2005,
no compensation paid by the Company was nondeductible as a result of the $1,000,000 limitation.
Furthermore, the Committee believes that, given the general range of salaries and bonuses for
executive officers of the Company, the $1,000,000 threshold of Section 162(m) will not be reached
by any executive officer of the Company in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Committee has
not formulated a policy to address non-qualifying compensation.
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Compensation Committee |
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J. Michael Lazarus, M.D., Chairman |
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John O. Marsh, Jr. |
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Denis M. ODonnell, M.D. |
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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of three members, each of whom is a
non-employee director and satisfies all applicable independence requirements, except for Mr. Kelly,
who does not satisfy the definition of independent director under the rules and regulations of the
National Association of Securities Dealers but is currently serving on the Audit Committee pursuant
to the Boards determination this such service is in the best interests of the Company and its
stockholders. The responsibilities and duties of the Audit Committee, summarized below, are more
fully set forth in the committees charter, a copy of which is available on the Companys website
at www.novavax.com.
The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to represent and assist the Board of Directors
in fulfilling its responsibilities for oversight of: the Companys accounting and financial
reporting processes; the preparation, presentation and integrity of the financial reports and other
financial information provided by the Company to any governmental or regulatory body, the public or
other users thereof; the adequacy and efficacy of the Companys systems of internal accounting,
auditing and financial controls; the Companys compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
the conduct, independence and qualifications of the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm; and the performance of the annual independent audit of the Companys financial
statements. In 2005, the Audit Committee also actively participated in the evaluation of the
Companys internal control over financial accounting and the implementation of the components of
the Companys internal control system. The Audit Committee also played an active role in
monitoring, and supporting management in its assessment of the effectiveness of, such system and
its components.
In discharging its oversight role, the Audit Committee is empowered to investigate any matter
brought to its attention with full access to all books, records, facilities and personnel of the
Company, and to retain outside counsel, auditors and other experts for this purpose. The Board and
the Audit Committee are in place to represent the Companys stockholders. Accordingly, the
independent registered public accounting firm is ultimately accountable to the Audit Committee and
the Board.
In keeping with its responsibilities, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the
Companys audited financial statements with management. The Audit Committee has discussed with
Ernst & Young LLP, the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, the matters
required to be discussed by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit
Committees (as currently in effect), which includes, among other items, matters related to the
conduct of the audit of the Companys financial statements. The Audit Committee meets with the
independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the
results of its examinations, its evaluations of the Companys internal controls, and the overall
quality of the Companys financial reporting. The Audit Committee has also received the written
disclosures and the letter from Ernst & Young LLP required by Independence Standards Board Standard
No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees (as currently in effect) relating to the
firms independence from the Company and its related entities, discussed with Ernst & Young LLP its
independence from the Company, and considered the compatibility of the firms provision of
non-audit services with maintaining its independence.
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the
Companys Board of Directors that the Companys audited financial statements be included in the
Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. The Audit
Committee has not yet selected an independent registered public accounting firm for the current
fiscal year ending December 31, 2006 pending final review and assessment of the costs of
engagement.
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The Audit Committee pre-approved all audit and permissible non-audit services provided to the
Company by the independent registered public accounting firm during 2005. It is the Audit
Committees policy to pre-approve the audit and permissible non-audit services (both the type and
amount) performed by the Companys independent registered public accounting firm in order to ensure
that the provision of such services does not impair such firms independence, in appearance or
fact.
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Audit Committee |
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Michael A. McManus, Jr., Chairman |
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Gary C. Evans |
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Mitchell J. Kelly |
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
A representative of Ernst & Young is expected to be present at the Meeting to respond to
appropriate questions and to make a statement if he or she so desires.
Fees
Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP for each of fiscal years 2005 and
2004 for professional services rendered for the audit of the Companys annual financial statements
and the reviews of the financial statements included in the Companys Forms 10-Q were approximately
$379,000 and $340,000, respectively. These amounts included fees billed for annual financial
statement and internal control audits, quarterly reviews, and registration statement filings and
consents.
Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP in each of fiscal years
2005 and 2004 for assurance and related services that were reasonably related to the performance of
the independent registered public accounting firms audit or review of the Companys financial
statements were approximately $118,000 and $47,000, respectively. The fees incurred during 2005
related to consulting services in connection with financing and strategic transactions and
assistance with the Companys response to the SEC review of the Companys Form 10-K; the fees
incurred during 2004 related to the provision of internal control consulting services and
consulting services related to certain transactions with King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that were
consummated in July 2004.
Tax Fees. The aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP in each of fiscal years 2005 and
2004 for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning for the
Company were approximately $0 and $54,000, respectively. These amounts represent those billed
for tax return preparation for the Company and its subsidiaries.
All Other Fees. The aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP in each of fiscal years 2005
and 2004 for products and services provided other than those otherwise described above were
approximately $1,500 and $0, respectively.
Pre-Approval Policies
As contemplated by applicable law and as provided by the Audit Committees charter, the Audit
Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of
the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. In connection with such
responsibilities, the Audit Committee is required, and it is the Audit Committees policy, to
pre-approve the audit and permissible non-audit services (both the type and amount) performed by
the Companys independent registered public accounting firm in order to ensure that the provision
of such services does not impair the firms independence, in appearance or fact.
- 17 -
Under the policy, unless a type of service to be provided by the independent registered public
accounting firm has received general pre-approval (which services are detailed in an appendix to
the policy and periodically reassessed), it will require separate pre-approval by the Audit
Committee. If fees for a proposed service of a type that has been pre-approved approach or exceed
pre-determined fee triggers, the Audit Committee and the independent registered public accounting
firm must confer and the Audit Committee must grant its approval before further work may be
performed.
For audit services (including the annual financial statement audit, required quarterly
statement reviews, subsidiary audits, and other procedures required to be performed by the
independent registered public accounting firm to be able to form an opinion on the Companys
consolidated financial statements), the independent registered public accounting firm must provide
to the Audit Committee in advance an engagement letter, outlining the scope of audit services
proposed to be performed with respect to the audit for that fiscal year and associated fees. If
agreed to by the Audit Committee, the engagement letter is formally accepted by the committee at
its next regularly scheduled meeting.
All permissible non-audit services not specifically approved in advance must be separately
pre-approved by the Audit Committee, as noted above. Requests or applications to provide services
must be in writing and include a description of the proposed services, the anticipated costs and
fees, and the business reasons for engaging the independent registered public accounting firm to
perform the services. The request must also include a statement as to whether the request or
application is consistent with the SECs rules on registered public accounting firm independence.
To ensure prompt handling of unexpected matters, the Audit Committee has delegated authority
to pre-approve audit and permissible non-audit services between regularly scheduled meetings of the
committee to its Chairman, who is responsible for reporting any pre-approval decisions to the Audit
Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee has not and will not delegate to
management of the Company the Audit Committees responsibilities to pre-approve services performed
by the independent registered public accounting firm.
The Audit Committee pre-approved all audit and permissible non-audit services provided to the
Company by the independent registered public accounting firm during 2005.
- 18 -
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth information as of March 10, 2006 with respect to the beneficial
ownership of shares of Common Stock by (i) each person (including any group) known to the Company
to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii) the directors of
the Company and nominees, (iii) the Named Executive Officers of the Company as identified in the
Summary Compensation Table below, and (iv) all current directors and executive officers of the
Company as a group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares of |
|
Percent |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
of Class |
Beneficial Owner |
|
Beneficially Owned (1) |
|
Outstanding |
|
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. |
|
|
6,028,203 |
(2) |
|
|
11.4 |
% |
Two World Financial Center |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
225 Liberty Street, 11th Floor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, NY 10281-1008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary C. Evans |
|
|
990,800 |
(3) |
|
|
1.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mitchell J. Kelly |
|
|
380,500 |
(4) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Michael Lazarus, M.D. |
|
|
124,427 |
(5) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John O. Marsh, Jr. |
|
|
243,500 |
(6) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael A. McManus, Jr. |
|
|
177,500 |
(7) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denis M. ODonnell, M.D. |
|
|
575,964 |
(8) |
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rahul Singhvi |
|
|
533,118 |
(9) |
|
|
1.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James B. Tananbaum, M.D. |
|
|
3,116,637 |
(10) |
|
|
5.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nelson M. Sims |
|
|
275,000 |
(11) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raymond J. Hage, Jr. |
|
|
223,369 |
(12) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dennis W. Genge |
|
|
318,519 |
(13) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All current directors and executive officers as a group (9 persons) |
|
|
3,567,697 |
(14)(15) |
|
|
6.5 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1% of the Common Stock outstanding. |
|
(1) |
|
Unless otherwise indicated, each of the persons named in the table has sole voting and
investment power with respect to the shares set forth opposite such persons name. With
respect to each person or group, percentages are calculated based on the number of shares
beneficially owned, including shares that may be acquired by such person or group within 60
days of March 10, 2006 upon the exercise of stock options, warrants or other purchase rights,
but not the exercise of options, warrants or other purchase rights held by any other person.
The address of each director, nominee and Named Executive Officer of the Company is c/o
Novavax, Inc., 508 Lapp Road, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355. |
|
(2) |
|
As reported by OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (Oppenheimer) on Schedule 13G as filed on January 9,
2006. Oppenheimer disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares pursuant to Rule 13d-4 of the
Exchange Act. |
- 19 -
|
|
|
|
|
6,009,083 shares owned jointly with Oppenheimer Global Opportunities Fund (the Fund). The
address of the Fund is 6803 S. Tucson Way, Centennial, CO 80112. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 252,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of options. Also includes 12,500 shares
owned of record by Mr. Evans as trustee of the Evans 1997 Trust. Mr. Evans disclaims control
or beneficial ownership of the shares held by the Evans 1997 Trust. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 285,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options. Also includes 500 shares
beneficially owned by Anaconda Opportunity Fund, L.P., of which Mr. Kelly is the general
partner of the general partner. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes 102,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of options. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes 207,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of options. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 117,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of options. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes 354,469 shares issuable upon the exercise of options and 2,000 shares owned of
record by Dr. ODonnell as custodian for the benefit of his minor children. |
|
(9) |
|
Includes 323,334 shares issuable upon the exercise of options and 208,784 shares of
restricted stock, of which only 11,262 shares are fully vested. |
|
(10) |
|
Consists of shares owned by Prospect Venture Partners III, L.P., of which Dr. Tananbaum is
Managing Member of the general partner. Dr. Tananbaum disclaims beneficial ownership of such
shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. |
|
(11) |
|
Mr. Sims resigned as Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of the Company in
August 2005. |
|
(12) |
|
Includes 109,335 shares issuable upon the exercise of options and 108,784 shares of
restricted stock, of which only 11,262 shares are fully vested. |
|
(13) |
|
Includes 253,335 shares issuable upon the exercise of options and 58,784 shares of restricted
stock, of which only 36,262 shares are fully vested. |
|
(14) |
|
Includes 2,005,473 shares issuable upon the exercise of options. |
|
(15) |
|
Includes 317,566 shares of unvested restricted stock. |
- 20 -
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary of Compensation
The following table sets forth the cash and non-cash compensation earned by or awarded or paid
to, during each of the last three fiscal years, (i) each of the individuals who served as the
Companys Chief Executive Officer during the last completed fiscal year, (ii) the two other most
highly compensated individuals who were serving as executive officers of the Company at the end of
the last completed fiscal year and who received compensation in excess of $100,000 during 2005 for
services provided to the Company, and (iii) one additional officer who was no longer serving as an
executive officer as of the end of 2005 (collectively, the Named Executive Officers).
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long Term Compensation |
|
|
Annual |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation |
|
Awards (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted Stock |
|
Underlying |
|
All Other |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary ($) |
|
Bonus($) |
|
Awards ($) |
|
Options (#) |
|
Compensation (2)($) |
|
Rahul Singhvi (3) |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
245,848 |
|
|
|
180,000 |
|
|
|
142,500 |
(4) |
|
|
775,000 |
|
|
|
25,984 |
|
President and Chief |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
147,830 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
1,727 |
|
Executive Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nelson M. Sims (5) |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
241,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
215,000 |
|
|
|
142,000 |
|
|
|
212,093 |
|
Former President and |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
400,004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
135,000 |
|
|
|
41,222 |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
157,692 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raymond J. Hage, Jr (6) |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
195,000 |
|
|
|
58,500 |
|
|
|
105,500 |
(7) |
|
|
260,000 |
|
|
|
2,715 |
|
Senior Vice President and |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
188,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
2,213 |
|
Chief Operating Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dennis W. Genge |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
181,043 |
|
|
|
47,000 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
(8) |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
5,276 |
|
Vice President, Treasurer |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
178,689 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
21,885 |
|
and Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
171,600 |
|
|
|
75,210 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
2,873 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denis M. ODonnell, M.D. (9) |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
63,462 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,000 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
166 |
|
Former Chairman of the |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
125,003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
741 |
|
Board of Directors |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
414 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Prior to 2005, Novavax did not have a long-term compensation program that included long-term
incentive payouts, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights or other forms of
long-term compensation. The numbers presented for fiscal years prior to 2005 represent the
number of shares that may be acquired pursuant to options granted in the particular year. For
more information on option grants, see Stock Options in the next section. |
|
(2) |
|
The amounts shown in this column include but are not limited to (a) reimbursed relocation
expenses, (b) Company contributions to its 401(k) plan, (c) premiums paid for long-term
disability insurance, (d) premiums paid for group term insurance, (e) premiums paid for
supplemental life insurance, (f) loan forgiveness amounts and (g) severance payments.
Specifically, the amount paid for relocation expenses in 2005 was $1,500 for Mr. Genge. The
Companys contributions to its 401(k) plan for 2005 were $3,026, $3,500, $2,138 and $2,716 for
Dr. Singhvi, Mr. Sims, Mr. Hage and Mr. Genge; the Company does not make contributions on
behalf of Dr. ODonnell. Premiums paid for disability insurance in 2005 were $199 for each of
Dr. Singhvi, Mr. Hage and Mr. Genge, $259 for Mr. Sims and $166 for Dr. ODonnell. Premiums
paid for general term life insurance for 2005 were $420, $378 and $861 for Dr. Singhvi, Mr.
Hage and Mr. Genge. Premiums paid for supplemental life insurance policies in 2005 were
$33,334 for Mr. Sims. Dr. Singhvis amount includes $22,338 for educational assistance loan
forgiveness. Mr. Sims amount includes a $175,000 severance payment. |
- 21 -
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Dr. Singhvi was elected President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2005. Dr. Singhvi
served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from April 2005 to
August 2005, and as Vice President Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing Operations
from April 2004 to April 2005. |
|
(4) |
|
This amount represents two awards of restricted stock: (i) an award under the 2005 Plan
valued at $50,000, which award was made through the grant of 33,784 shares on May 4, 2005 at
$1.48 per share, the closing price of the Companys Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market
on the date of grant, and (ii) an award under the 2005 Plan of 125,000 shares of restricted
stock on August 10, 2005, which award was valued at $92,500 on the date of grant based on the
closing price of the Companys Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market as of the date of
grant of $.74 per share. The year-end values of such awards were $130,068 and $481,250,
respectively (or $611,318 in the aggregate), based on the closing price of the Companys
Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market at the end of 2005 of $3.85 per share. Each award
vests as to one-third of the shares underlying such award on each of the first three
anniversaries of the date of grant. |
|
(5) |
|
Mr. Sims was elected President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2003 and resigned from
those positions and as a director of the Company in August 2005. In connection with his
resignation, all 1,177,000 options previously granted to Mr. Sims were cancelled, and Mr. Sims
was awarded 250,000 shares of restricted Common Stock and paid a lump-sum cash payment of
$175,000. Mr. Sims also received a $2,500 laptop allowance and $3,000 for legal expenses. |
|
(6) |
|
Mr. Hage was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in August 2005. Mr.
Hage served as Vice President Marketing and Corporate Development from January 2004 to
August 2005. |
|
(7) |
|
This amount represents two awards of restricted stock: (i) an award under the 2005 Plan
valued at $50,000, which award was made through the grant of 33,784 shares on May 4, 2005 at
$1.48 per share, the closing price of the Companys Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market
on the date of grant, and (ii) an award under the 2005 Plan of 75,000 shares of restricted
stock on August 10, 2005, which award was valued at $55,500 on the date of grant based on the
closing price of the Companys Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market as of the date of
grant of $.74 per share. The year-end values of such awards were $130,068 and $288,750,
respectively (or $418,818 in the aggregate), based on the closing price of the Companys
Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market at the end of 2005 of $3.85 per share. Each award
vests as to one-third of the shares underlying such award on each of the three anniversaries
of the date of grant. |
|
(8) |
|
This amount represents an award of restricted stock under the 2005 Plan valued at $50,000,
which award was made through the grant of 33,784 shares on May 4, 2005 at $1.48 per share, the
closing price of the Companys Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market on the date of
grant. The year-end value of such award was $130,068, based on the closing price of the
Companys Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market at the end of 2005 of $3.85 per share.
Such award vests as to one-third of the shares underlying such award on each of the three
anniversaries of the date of grant. |
|
(9) |
|
Dr. ODonnell resigned as Chairman of the Board of Directors in April 2005. In August 2005,
the Company granted Dr. ODonnell an award of 50,000 shares of Common Stock in connection with
his separation from the Company as an employee. He agreed to pledge such shares to the broker
of his margin account to secure a debt guaranteed by the Company on his behalf. See Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions for more information. |
Stock Options
The following tables summarize option grants and exercises during 2005 to or by the Named
Executive Officers, and the value of the options held by such persons at the end of 2005. No stock
appreciation rights were granted or exercised during 2005. All options listed below were granted
at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
- 22 -
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Individual Grants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potential Realizable Value at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumed Annual Rates of |
|
|
Number of |
|
Percent of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Price Appreciation for |
|
|
Securities |
|
Total Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Term (7) |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Granted to |
|
Exercise or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options |
|
Employees in |
|
Base Price |
|
Expiration |
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Granted (#) |
|
2005 (1) |
|
($/Share) |
|
Date |
|
5% |
|
10% |
|
Rahul Singhvi |
|
|
45,000 |
(2) |
|
|
1.7 |
% |
|
$ |
2.21 |
|
|
|
2/24/15 |
|
|
$ |
62,544 |
|
|
$ |
158,498 |
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
(2) |
|
|
1.9 |
% |
|
$ |
1.41 |
|
|
|
3/31/15 |
|
|
$ |
44,337 |
|
|
$ |
112,359 |
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
(3) |
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
$ |
1.48 |
|
|
|
5/4/15 |
|
|
$ |
27,923 |
|
|
$ |
70,762 |
|
|
|
|
150,000 |
(3) |
|
|
5.6 |
% |
|
$ |
0.74 |
|
|
|
8/10/15 |
|
|
$ |
69,807 |
|
|
$ |
176,905 |
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
(4) |
|
|
18.7 |
% |
|
$ |
1.34 |
|
|
|
8/26/15 |
|
|
$ |
421,359 |
|
|
$ |
1,067,807 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nelson M. Sims |
|
|
142,000 |
(2)(5) |
|
|
5.3 |
% |
|
$ |
2.21 |
|
|
|
2/24/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raymond J. Hage, Jr. |
|
|
45,000 |
(2) |
|
|
1.7 |
% |
|
$ |
2.21 |
|
|
|
2/24/15 |
|
|
$ |
62,544 |
|
|
$ |
158,498 |
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
(3) |
|
|
0.9 |
% |
|
$ |
1.48 |
|
|
|
5/4/15 |
|
|
$ |
18,615 |
|
|
$ |
47,175 |
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
(3) |
|
|
3.7 |
% |
|
$ |
0.74 |
|
|
|
8/10/15 |
|
|
$ |
46,538 |
|
|
$ |
117,937 |
|
|
|
|
90,000 |
(4) |
|
|
3.4 |
% |
|
$ |
1.34 |
|
|
|
8/26/15 |
|
|
$ |
75,845 |
|
|
$ |
192,205 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dennis W. Genge |
|
|
25,000 |
(2) |
|
|
0.9 |
% |
|
$ |
2.21 |
|
|
|
2/24/15 |
|
|
$ |
34,746 |
|
|
$ |
88,054 |
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
(3) |
|
|
0.4 |
% |
|
$ |
2.09 |
|
|
|
3/14/15 |
|
|
$ |
13,144 |
|
|
$ |
33,309 |
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
(3) |
|
|
0.9 |
% |
|
$ |
1.48 |
|
|
|
5/4/15 |
|
|
$ |
23,269 |
|
|
$ |
58,968 |
|
|
Denis M. ODonnell, M.D. |
|
|
15,000 |
(6) |
|
|
0.6 |
% |
|
$ |
1.48 |
|
|
|
5/4/15 |
|
|
$ |
13,961 |
|
|
$ |
35,381 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
A total of 2,679,000 options were granted to all employees, including executive officers, in
2005. |
|
(2) |
|
These options were awarded under the 1995 Plan and vest in three equal increments on the
first three anniversaries of the date of the grant. |
|
(3) |
|
These options were awarded under the 2005 Plan and vest in three equal increments on the
first three anniversaries of the date of the grant. |
|
(4) |
|
These options were awarded under the 2005 Plan and vest (i) with respect to 1/5 of the
shares, when the market capitalization of the Company exceeds $150 million, (ii) with respect
to 1/5 of the shares, when the market capitalization of the Company exceeds $250 million,
(iii) with respect to 1/5 of the shares, when the market capitalization of the Company exceeds
$350 million, (iv) with respect to 1/5 of the shares, when the $35 million principal amount of
convertible notes made by the Company in favor of certain institutional investors are redeemed
or repaid in full, and (v) with respect to 1/5 of the shares, when a change of control occurs. |
|
(5) |
|
Mr. Sims resigned as President, Chief Executive Officer and as a director of the Company in
August 2005. In connection with his resignation, all options previously granted to Mr. Sims
were cancelled. |
|
(6) |
|
Options were granted to Dr. ODonnell in his capacity as a director of the Company. Such
options were granted under the 2005 Plan and fully vested on November 4, 2005, the six-month
anniversary of their date of grant. |
|
(7) |
|
Amounts represent hypothetical gains (net of exercise price) that could be achieved for the
respective options if exercised at the end of the option term. These gains are based on
assumed rates of stock price appreciation of 5% and 10% compounded annually from the date the
respective options were granted. |
- 23 -
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities Underlying |
|
Value of Unexercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unexercised Options at |
|
In-The-Money Options at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year-End (#)(1) |
|
Fiscal Year-End ($)(1) |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Exercise (#) |
|
Realized ($) |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
Rahul Singhvi |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
128,334 |
|
|
|
731,666 |
|
|
|
251,000 |
|
|
|
1,663,600 |
|
Nelson M. Sims |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Raymond J. Hage, Jr. |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
43,001 |
|
|
|
291,999 |
|
|
|
45,180 |
|
|
|
624,770 |
|
Dennis W. Genge |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
117,850 |
|
Denis M. ODonnell, M.D. |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
304,469 |
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
35,550 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Value based on the closing price of the Companys Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market
at the end of 2005 ($3.85 per share on December 30, 2005), minus the exercise price. |
Employment Contracts and Change of Control Provisions
Rahul Singhvi
The Company entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Singhvi in November 2005 pursuant to
which he receives an initial base salary of $300,000, commencing November 1, 2005, and subject to
annual performance reviews. In addition, he is entitled to receive a performance and incentive
bonus in respect of his employment with the Company each year, payable the following year, in an
amount to be determined by the Board, or any committee thereof authorized to make such
determination, to be appropriate based on Dr. Singhvis and the Companys achievement of certain
specified goals, with a maximum bonus of 60% of his salary during 2005 and 100% of salary during
2006. The bonus is to be paid partly in cash and partly in shares of restricted stock in the
discretion of the Board. Dr. Singhvi is also entitled to additional stock awards based upon
performance and subject to the Boards approval, reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by
him in connection with the performance of his duties, and to participate in the Companys Change of
Control Severance Benefit Plan (discussed below).
Dr. Singhvi has agreed to maintain the confidentiality of the Companys proprietary
information, and that all work product discovered or developed by him in the course of his
employment belongs to the Company. In addition, he has agreed not to compete with the Company,
directly or indirectly, within the United States or interfere with or solicit the Companys
contractual relationships, in each case during the term of his employment and for a period of one
year following the termination of his employment.
In the event of a termination without cause (as defined in the employment agreement) or Dr.
Singhvis termination of his employment for good reason (as defined in the employment agreement),
Dr. Singhvi is entitled to a lump-sum cash payment in an amount equal to 12 months of his
then-effective salary.
Nelson Sims
The Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Sims in August 2003 pursuant to
which he received an initial base salary of $400,000, subject to merit-based increases commencing
January 1, 2005. In addition, he was entitled to receive a performance and incentive bonus in
respect of his employment with the Company through December 31, 2004, payable on or before March
31, 2005, in an amount to be determined by the Board (or any committee thereof authorized to make
such determination). Such bonus was to be based on Mr. Sims achievement of certain specified
goals, in an amount at least $139,000 and not greater than $347,000. The companys obligation to
pay such bonus was satisfied by the $175,000 severance payment discussed below. Thereafter, he was
entitled to receive an annual performance bonus in such amount as was deemed appropriate, with an
annual target performance bonus of $250,000 beginning January 1, 2005. In addition to his cash
compensation, upon his hiring in August 2003 Mr. Sims received stock options, with a term of ten
years, to purchase 900,000 shares of the Common Stock of the Company at $5.63 per share, the
closing price on the date of grant. The options vested one-third on each of the first three
anniversaries of their date of grant. Mr. Sims was also eligible to receive additional stock
options annually, based on job performance, to purchase that number of shares of Common Stock
- 24 -
equal to not less than three percent of the total number of shares of Common Stock issued by the
Company during the most recent fiscal year in private or public offerings or pursuant to
conversions of convertible securities issued after commencement of his employment with the Company.
Mr. Sims was also entitled to reimbursement for certain expenses, including relocation expenses up
to $20,000, and benefits that were to include the purchase of a long-term disability insurance
policy and contributions of up to $33,334 per year for each of his first three years of employment
towards the purchase of a whole life insurance policy.
Mr. Sims agreed to maintain the confidentiality of the Companys proprietary information, and
all that work product discovered or developed by him in the course of his employment belongs to the
Company. In addition, he agreed not to compete with the Company, directly or indirectly, within
the United States or interfere with or solicit the Companys contractual relationships for a period
of one year following the termination of his employment. In the event of a termination without
cause or Mr. Sims termination of his employment for good reason, the employment agreement provided
that Mr. Sims would be entitled to a lump-sum cash payment in an amount equal to six months of his
then-effective salary plus the payment of an amount equal to his salary in effect at the time of
termination for a period of 12 months thereafter. In the event of a change of control, Mr. Sims
employment agreement provided that he would be entitled to a lump-sum cash payment in an amount
equal to 24 months of his then-effective salary plus two times the then-applicable target bonus,
which bonus was not to be less than $250,000.
Mr. Sims resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director of the Company in
August 2005. At that time, Mr. Sims and the Company entered into a separation agreement, pursuant
to which Mr. Sims agreed to the cancellation of his employment agreement (except as otherwise
provided) and all then-outstanding options and other rights to purchase shares of the Company. In
exchange, the Company paid him a lump-sum cash payment of $175,000, issued him 250,000 shares of
restricted Common Stock of the Company, and reimbursed him for the purchase of a $2,500 laptop
computer and the payment of legal expenses of $3,000. The separation agreement also specified that
all provisions of the original employment agreement relating to all business being the property of
the Company, assignment of intellectual property, confidentiality, non-solicitation and
non-competition would survive Mr. Sims resignation.
Raymond J. Hage, Jr.
The Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Hage in November 2005 pursuant to
which he receives an annual base salary of $220,000, subject to review by the Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and the Board when compensation is reviewed after the completion of the
audit with respect to 2005, and each year thereafter. In addition, he is entitled to receive a
performance and incentive bonus in respect of his employment with the Company each year, payable
the following year, in an amount to be determined by the President and Chief Executive Officer and
Board (or any committee thereof authorized to make such determination) to be appropriate based on
Mr. Hages and the Companys achievement of certain specified goals, with a maximum bonus of 40% of
his salary during the year to which the bonus relates. The bonus is to be paid partly in cash and
partly in shares of restricted Common Stock in the discretion of the Board. Mr. Hage is also
eligible to receive additional stock awards based upon performance and subject to approval of the
President and Chief Executive Officer and the Board and is entitled to reimbursement of reasonable
expenses incurred by him in connection with the performance of his duties, and to participate in
the Companys Change of Control Severance Benefit Plan.
Mr. Hage has agreed to maintain the confidentiality of the Companys proprietary information,
and that all work product discovered or developed by him in the course of his employment belongs to
the Company. In addition, he has agreed not to compete with the Company, directly or indirectly,
within the United States or interfere with or solicit the Companys contractual relationships, in
each case during the term of his employment and for a period of six months following the
termination of his employment.
In the event of a termination without cause (as defined in the employment agreement) or Mr.
Hages termination of his employment for good reason (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr.
Hage is entitled to a lump-sum cash payment in an amount equal to six months of his then-effective
salary.
- 25 -
Dennis W. Genge
The Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Genge in 2001 pursuant to which he
originally received a base salary of $165,000 during the period of his employment with the Company,
subject to annual review by the Board. In addition, the agreement provided that Mr. Genge would be
entitled to participate in the Companys bonus program, if any. He agreed to maintain the
confidentiality of the Companys proprietary information, and that all work product discovered or
developed by him in the course of his employment belongs to the Company. In addition, Mr. Genge
agreed not to compete with the Company within the United States or interfere with or solicit the
Companys contractual relationships for a period of one year following the termination of his
employment.
In the event of a termination without cause or Mr. Genges termination of his employment for
good reason, the Company agreed, in addition to any unpaid bonus with respect to the prior year and
any accrued vacation pay, to pay Mr. Genge severance in an amount equal to one years salary, plus
a pro-rated performance bonus based upon the amount of Mr. Genges bonus in the previous year.
Change of Control Severance Benefit Plan
On August 10, 2005, the Board of Directors adopted a Change of Control Severance Benefit Plan
(the Severance Plan). The purpose of the Severance Plan is to provide severance pay and benefits
to a select group of employees who terminate their employment with the Company following a change
in control event, to provide such employees with an incentive to remain with the Company and
consummate a strategic corporate sale or transaction that maximizes shareholder value.
Severance pay and benefits are triggered under the Severance Plan upon the involuntary
termination of a participants employment for a reason other than cause or a participants
voluntary resignation as a result of a constructive termination, within 24 months (in the case of
the President and Chief Executive Officer) or 12 months (in the case of other participating
employees) of a change in control, as each such term is defined in the Severance Plan.
In the event that pay and benefits are triggered, the President and Chief Executive Officer is
entitled, among other things, to receive severance pay in an amount equal to 24 months base
salary, payable in a lump-sum cash payment; the payment of premiums for health, dental and vision
coverage under Company plans for a period of 24 months; a bonus of 100% of such executives target
annual bonus award; and the vesting of all unvested stock option grants, exercisable within one
year.
Participating employees other than the President and Chief Executive Officer are entitled,
among other things, to receive severance pay in an amount equal to 12 months base salary, payable
in a lump-sum cash payment; the payment of premiums for health, dental and vision coverage under
Company plans for a period of 12 months; a bonus of 100% of such executives target annual bonus
award; and the vesting of all unvested stock option grants, exercisable within one year.
Participants in the Severance Plan are recommended by the President and Chief Executive
Officer and approved by the Board of Directors. Selected participants with existing severance
agreements will be given the choice to elect coverage under the Severance Plan or under their
existing agreements, whichever is more favorable. Current participants in the Severance Plan
include Dr. Singhvi, Mr. Hage and Mr. Genge.
- 26 -
Comparative Stock Performance
The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on the Common Stock of
the Company for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total return on the NASDAQ Stock
Market (U.S. and Foreign) Index and the NASDAQ Pharmaceutical Index (which includes Novavax) over
the same period, assuming the investment of $100 in the Companys Common Stock, the NASDAQ Stock
Market (U.S. and Foreign) Index and the NASDAQ Pharmaceutical Index on December 31, 2000, and
reinvestment of all dividends.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12/31/00 |
|
12/31/01 |
|
12/31/02 |
|
12/31/03 |
|
12/31/04 |
|
12/31/05 |
Novavax, Inc. |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
165.88 |
|
|
$ |
30.59 |
|
|
$ |
70.59 |
|
|
$ |
38.35 |
|
|
$ |
45.29 |
|
NASDAQ Stock Market (U.S.
and Foreign) Index |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
83.93 |
|
|
$ |
63.03 |
|
|
$ |
84.88 |
|
|
$ |
87.28 |
|
|
$ |
104.53 |
|
NASDAQ Pharmaceutical Index |
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
85.35 |
|
|
$ |
53.53 |
|
|
$ |
77.72 |
|
|
$ |
84.27 |
|
|
$ |
92.80 |
|
This section is not soliciting material, is not deemed filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of the Company under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date
hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.
- 27 -
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Transaction of Other Business
The Board of Directors knows of no other business that will be presented for consideration at
the Meeting other than the Proposal described above. If any other business should come before the
Meeting, however, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote, or
otherwise act, in accordance with their best judgment on such matters.
Solicitations
The Company will bear the cost of soliciting proxies. In addition to solicitations by mail,
the Companys directors, officers and regular employees may, without additional remuneration,
solicit proxies by telephone, telegraph, facsimile and personal interviews. The Company may also
engage the services of a proxy solicitation firm in conjunction with the Meeting, in which event
such firm may solicit your proxy, in person or by telephone, mail, facsimile or other
communication, and will be paid by the Company a fee and reimbursed its reasonable expenses for
such services. The Company will also request brokerage houses, custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries to forward copies of the proxy materials to those persons for whom they hold shares and
request instructions for voting the proxies. The Company will reimburse such brokerage houses and
other persons for their reasonable expenses in connection with this distribution.
Stockholder Proposals for 2007 Annual Meeting
Proposals of stockholders for inclusion in the Proxy Statement and form of proxy for the 2007
Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be submitted to the Secretary of the Company in writing and be
received by the Company at its principal executive offices no later than November 23, 2006.
Stockholder proposals for consideration at the meeting but not inclusion in the Proxy Statement
will be considered untimely if the Company is not provided written notice in accordance with the
advance notice provisions set forth in the Companys By-laws. The By-laws state that in order to
be timely, a stockholders notice must be delivered or mailed by first class U.S. mail, postage
prepaid, and received at the Companys principal executive office no less than 60 days and no more
than 90 days prior to the date of the meeting. However, if less than 70 days prior notice or
prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, notice will be
considered timely if it is received no later than the close of business on the 10th day
following the date on which such notice was mailed or public disclosure was made of the meeting
date (whichever occurred first). In order to curtail controversy as to the date on which the
Company received a proposal, it is suggested that proponents submit their proposals by certified
mail, return receipt requested.
In addition to being timely, a stockholders notice to the Secretary must set forth as to each
matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting:
|
|
|
a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the
reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting, |
|
|
|
|
the name and address, as they appear on the Companys books, of the stockholder
proposing such business, |
|
|
|
|
the number of shares of the Company which are beneficially owned by the stockholder, and |
|
|
|
|
any material interest of the stockholder in such proposal. |
Please note, however, that if the stockholders business relates to the election of directors
of the Company, the procedures described under the caption Nomination Procedures herein relating
to director nominations must be followed instead.
Annual Report on Form 10-K
The Company will provide, upon written request and without charge to each stockholder entitled
to a vote at the Meeting, a copy of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. A request for
copies of such report should be addressed
- 28 -
to the Company at 508 Lapp Road, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355 or by requesting a copy on our
website at www.novavax.com.
*
* *
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HOPES THAT STOCKHOLDERS WILL ATTEND THE MEETING. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO
ATTEND, YOU ARE URGED TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ACCOMPANYING
ENVELOPE, OR VOTE VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE AS DESCRIBED THEREIN. YOUR PROMPT RESPONSE WILL
GREATLY FACILITATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MEETING AND YOUR COOPERATION IS APPRECIATED. STOCKHOLDERS
WHO ATTEND THE MEETING MAY VOTE THEIR STOCK PERSONALLY EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE SENT IN THEIR PROXIES.
|
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|
|
By Order of the Board of Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
David A. White, Secretary |
March 23, 2006
- 29 -
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MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6
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000000000.000 ext 000000000.000 ext 000000000.000 ext 000000000.000 ext 000000000.000 ext 000000000.000 ext 000000000.000 ext
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o |
Mark this box with an X if you have made
changes to your name or address details above. |
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Annual Meeting Proxy Card
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C0123456789
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12345 |
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A |
Election of
Director
|
|
PLEASE
REFER TO THE REVERSE SIDE FOR TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING INSTRUCTIONS. |
|
|
|
1.
|
|
To elect three directors as Class II Directors to serve on the Board of
Directors for a three year term expiring at the 2009 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders.
01 - Gary C. Evans, 02 - John O. Marsh,Jr., 03 - James B.
Tananbaum, M.D. |
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o
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To Vote FOR All Nominees
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o
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To WITHHOLD Vote From All Nominees
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o
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For All
Except -
|
To withhold a vote for a specific nominee, mark this box with an X
and the appropriately numbered box at the right.
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01 - o 02 - o 03 - o |
2. |
|
To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or
any adjournment thereof. |
|
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|
o
|
|
Mark this box with an X if you plan to attend the
Annual Meeting. |
|
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o
|
|
Mark this box with an X if you have made
comments below. |
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B |
Authorized Signatures - Sign Here - This section must be completed for your
instructions to be executed. |
Please date and sign this Proxy and return it promptly, whether or not you
expect to attend the meeting. You may nevertheless vote in person if you do
attend. If you plan to attend, please mark the box above. Please sign exactly as
your name is printed hereon. When signing as attorney-in-fact, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If stock is
held in joint names, all named stockholders should sign.
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Signature 1 - Please keep signature within the box
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Signature 2 - Please keep signature within the box
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Date (mm/dd/yyyy) |
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/ / |
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0 0 7 8 0 5 1
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1 U P X
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C O Y
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Annual Meeting of Stockholders
April 26, 2006
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned stockholder of Novavax, Inc. hereby appoints Rahul Singhvi,
Dennis W. Genge and David A. White and each of them, attorneys, agents and
proxies, with the power of substitution to each, to vote all shares of Common
Stock that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of Novavax, Inc., to be held at The Army and Navy Club,
901 17th
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 on Wednesday April 26, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, and at any adjournments thereof.
The shares represented by this proxy will be voted as directed by the
undersigned. IF NO CONTRARY INSTRUCTIONS ARE INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED
FOR (1) THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES NAMED IN THIS PROXY FOR CLASS II DIRECTORS,
AND (2) IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXYHOLDER AS TO ANY OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY
PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
Telephone and Internet Voting Instructions
You can vote by telephone OR Internet! Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week!
Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the two voting methods outlined below to vote your proxy.
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Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) in the United States or Canada any time on
a touch tone telephone. There is NO CHARGE to you for the call.
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Go to the following web site:
WWW.COMPUTERSHARE.COM/US/PROXY |
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Follow the simple instructions provided by the recorded message.
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Enter the information required on your computer screen and follow the
simple instructions. |
If you vote by telephone or the Internet, please DO NOT mail back this proxy card.
Proxies submitted by telephone or the Internet must be received by 1:00 a.m., Central Time, on April 26, 2006.
THANK
YOU FOR VOTING