pre14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
þ Preliminary Proxy Statement
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
o Definitive Proxy Statement
o Definitive Additional Materials
o Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
Novavax, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than 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:
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:
o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
o 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 WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2009
To the Stockholders of Novavax, Inc.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Meeting) of
Novavax, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at
10:00 a.m., local time, at the Companys headquarters at 9920 Belward Campus Drive, Rockville,
Maryland 20850 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 2012 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders; |
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To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered
accounting firm, as the independent auditor of the Company for the year ending
December 31, 2009; |
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To approve an amendment to the Companys Amended and Restated Certificate
of Incorporation, as amended, to increase the number of authorized shares of
Common Stock of the Company by 100,000,000 shares from 100,000,000 shares to
200,000,000 shares; and |
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To transact such other business which may properly come before the Meeting
or any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
The Board of Directors has no knowledge of any other business to be transacted at the Meeting.
The Board of Directors of the Company has fixed the close of business on April 13, 2009 as the
record date for determining stockholders of the Company entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
A copy of the Companys Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2008, which contains financial statements and other information of interest to stockholders,
accompanies this Notice and the attached Proxy Statement.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Jennifer Miller
Corporate Secretary
Rockville, Maryland
April 16, 2009
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE PROMPTLY VOTE OVER THE INTERNET OR BY
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.
IMPORTANT
NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
SHAREHOLDERS MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 13, 2009.
The Companys Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the Companys
Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 are available at
www.novavax.com/proxy2009.
NOVAVAX, INC.
9920 Belward Campus Drive
Rockville, Maryland 20850
PROXY STATEMENT
For the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To Be Held Wednesday, May 13, 2009
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE MEETING
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to stockholders in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors (the Board) of Novavax, Inc. (Novavax or the Company) for
use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. local
time at the Companys headquarters at 9920 Belward Campus Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850 and at
any adjournments or postponements 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, 2008 are being mailed to stockholders on or about April 16, 2009.
What is the purpose of the meeting?
At the Meeting, stockholders will act upon the following matters:
To elect three directors as Class II directors to serve on the Board of Directors
for a three-year term expiring at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders;
To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered
accounting firm, as the independent auditor of the Company for the year ending
December 31, 2009;
To approve an amendment to the Companys Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended (the Certificate), to increase the number of authorized
shares of Common Stock of the Company by 100,000,000 shares from 100,000,000 shares
to 200,000,000 shares; and
To transact such other business which may properly come before the Meeting or any
adjournment or postponement thereof.
In addition, management will report on the Companys performance during fiscal year 2008 and
respond to questions from stockholders.
Who is entitled to vote?
The Board of Directors has fixed Monday, April 13, 2009, as the record date for determining
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 [] 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.
How do I vote?
A stockholder may vote by mail, Internet or telephone as directed by the enclosed proxy.
What constitutes a quorum?
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, 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, has not received voting instructions with respect to a particular item and
does not have discretionary authority to vote such shares.
How does discretionary voting authority apply?
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 FOR the
nominees named in Proposal I, FOR the ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the
Companys independent auditor for the year ending December 31, 2009, and FOR the approval of the
amendment to the Certificate. The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be presented for
consideration at the Meeting.
What are the Boards recommendations?
Unless you give other instructions on your proxy card, Rahul Singhvi or Raymond J. Hage will
vote in accordance with the recommendation of the Board. The Board recommends a vote:
FOR the election of Gary Evans, John Marsh, Jr. and James Tananbaum, M.D. to serve
on the Board of Directors for a three year term expiring at the 2012 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders;
FOR the ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the independent
auditor of the Company for the year ending December 31, 2009; and
FOR the approval of the amendment to the Certificate to increase the number of
authorized shares of Common Stock of the Company by 100,000,000 shares from
100,000,000 shares to 200,000,000 shares.
With respect to any other matter that properly comes before the Meeting, the proxy holders
will vote as recommended by the Board or, if no recommendation is given, in their own discretion.
What vote is required to approve each item?
Election of Directors. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes. The three
nominees for director receiving the highest number of votes cast by stockholders entitled to vote
for directors will be
elected to serve on the Board. Only the number of votes FOR a nominee affect the outcome.
Accordingly, votes withheld and abstentions will have no effect on the result of the vote on this
matter.
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Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The ratification of
Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys independent registered accounting firm for the fiscal year 2009
requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes present in person or
represented by proxy and entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting. A properly executed proxy
marked ABSTAIN with respect to such ratification will have the effect of a negative vote on this
matter. Broker non-votes are not considered as votes entitled to be cast on the matter, and thus
will have no effect on the result of the vote on this matter.
Approval of the Amendment to Certificate. The proposal to amend the Certificate to
increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock of the Company by 100,000,000 shares
requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the
proposal.
Can I change my vote after I return my proxy card?
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.
Who bears the cost of solicitation of proxies?
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 has
engaged the services of a proxy solicitation firm in conjunction with the Meeting. 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 of approximately $6,500 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.
Will every stockholder receive a Proxy Statement?
Certain stockholders who share the same address may receive only one copy of this Proxy
Statement and the 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders in accordance with a notice delivered from
such stockholders bank, broker or other holder of record, unless the applicable bank, broker or
other holder of record received contrary instructions. This practice, known as householding, is
designed to reduce printing and postage costs. If you own your shares through a bank, broker or
other holder of record and wish to either stop or begin householding, you may do so, or you may
request a separate copy of the Proxy Statement or the Annual Report, either by contacting your
bank, broker or other holder of record at the telephone number or address provided in the above
referenced notice, or contacting Novavax by telephone at (240) 268-2000 or in writing to Novavax,
Inc., 9920 Belward Campus Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, Attention: Secretary. If you request to
begin or stop householding, you should provide your name, the name of your broker, bank or other
record holder, and your account information.
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When are stockholder proposals due for the 2010 Meeting?
Proposals of stockholders for inclusion in the Proxy Statement and form of proxy for the 2010
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 March 13, 2010.
Stockholder proposals for consideration at the meeting but not included 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:
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a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the
reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; |
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the name and address, as they appear on the Companys books, of the stockholder
proposing such business; |
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the number of shares of the Company which are beneficially owned by the stockholder;
and |
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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.
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PROPOSAL I ELECTION OF CLASS II DIRECTORS
Pursuant to the Companys Certificate, 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
eight members, currently consisting of: Gary C. Evans, John Lambert, John O. Marsh, Jr., Michael A.
McManus, Jr., Rajiv I. Modi, Ph.D., Thomas P. Monath, M.D., Rahul Singhvi, Ph.D. and James B.
Tananbaum, M.D.
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 I and Class III directors will expire
at the 2011 and 2010 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, after
recommendation by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has designated Mr. Evans, Mr.
Marsh and Dr. Tananbaum as nominees for reelection as Class II directors of the Company at the
Meeting. Pursuant to a rule previously adopted by the Board, directors may not stand for election
or re-election after serving ten years on the Board or after the age of 75, unless the Board makes
an affirmative determination that, because of the importance and value of the continued service of
a director, the rule should be waived. Prior to designating the nominees for reelection as Class
II directors at the Meeting and upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee, the Board made such a determination with respect to Mr. Evans and Mr. Marsh.
If elected, such nominees will serve until the expiration of their terms at the 2012 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 named herein will be unable or unwilling to serve if
elected. If any nominee becomes unavailable to serve as a director, the persons named in the proxy
will vote the proxy for a substitute nominee or nominees as they, in their discretion, shall
determine.
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.
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The principal occupations and qualifications of each nominee for director are as follows:
Nominees for Election as Class II Directors
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Director |
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Principal Occupation, Other Business |
Name |
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Age |
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Since |
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Experience and Other Directorships |
Gary C. Evans
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51 |
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1998 |
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Lead Independent Director of
Novavax since March 2007. Chairman
of the Board of Directors of
Novavax from April 2005 to March
2007. Chief Executive Officer of
GreenHunter Energy, Inc. and Orion
Ethanol, Inc., two publicly traded
alternative energy companies.
Chairman of Global Hunter Holdings,
LP, since June 2005. Chairman,
President and Chief Executive
Officer of Magnum Hunter Resources,
Inc., an oil and gas exploration
and production company, from 1995
to 2005. Chairman of the Board of
Directors 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. |
John O. Marsh, Jr.
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82 |
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1991 |
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Co-Chair of Independent Review
Group for Walter Reed Hospital and
Bethesda Navy Medical Center since
2007. 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. |
James B. Tananbaum, M.D.
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46 |
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2006 |
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Managing Director of Prospect
Venture Partners III, L.P., a
dedicated life science venture fund
group which he co-founded in 2000.
Chief Executive Officer of
Theravance, Inc., a
biopharmaceutical company, from
1997 to 2000. Partner, Sierra
Ventures, a venture capital firm,
from 1993 to 1997. Senior Product
Manager of Merck & Co., Inc. from
1991 to 1993. Currently a director
of various private
biopharmaceutical companies and the
following publicly traded
biopharmaceutical companies: Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and
Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
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The principal occupations and qualifications of each of the continuing directors are as follows:
Directors Continuing as Class I Directors
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Director |
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Principal Occupation, Other Business |
Name |
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Since |
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Experience and Other Directorships |
John Lambert
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56 |
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2007 |
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Executive Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Novavax since March
2007. Independent consultant with
JG Solutions Limited from 2005 to
2007. President, Chiron Vaccines,
a biopharmaceutical company, from
2001 to 2005. Currently the
Chairman of the Conseil
dAdministration of Farmaprojects
S.A. (Spain), Non-Executive
Chairman of Cambridge Biostability
Ltd. (U.K) and a non-executive
board member of Acambis plc. |
Rahul Singhvi
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44 |
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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., Inc., culminating as
Director with the Merck
Manufacturing Division from 1999 to
2004. |
Rajiv I. Modi, Ph.D.
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49 |
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2009 |
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Managing Director of Cadila
Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., a company
organized in India, since 1995.
Director of other Cadila Group
Companies. |
Directors Continuing as Class III Directors
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Director |
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Principal Occupation, Other Business |
Name |
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Age |
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Since |
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Experience and Other Directorships |
Michael A. McManus, Jr.
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66 |
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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 American Home Mortgage Holdings,
Inc. and A. Schutman Inc. |
Thomas P. Monath, M.D.
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68 |
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2006 |
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Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield &
Byers. Chief Scientific Officer
and Executive Director, Acambis
Inc., 2003 to 2006. Vice
President, Research & Medical
Affairs, Acambis Inc. 1992 to 2003.
Director, Sanaria Inc. 2005 to
2006. Medical Advisory Board,
Symphogen A/S 2005 to 2006.
Scientific Advisory Board,
Transform Pharmaceuticals, 2005 to
present, IAVI 2007 to present.
Consultant to Acambis Inc.,
specifically for smallpox vaccine
2006 to 2007. Currently a director
and Acting Chief Medical Officer of
Juvaris BioTherapeuties and a
director of Xcellerex, Inc. two
private life science companies. |
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS
VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Effective April 1, 2009, the Board elected Rajiv I. Modi Ph.D., managing director of Cadila
Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (Cadila), as a Class I director. Dr. Modi was elected to the board
pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 31, 2009 between Novavax and Satellite
Overseas (Holdings) Limited (SOHL), a subsidiary of Cadila, which requires that, for so long as
SOHL owns 5% of the Companys Common Stock, SOHL may designate one member of the Board.
On March 31, 2009, Novavax entered into several material agreements with Cadila, SOHL and CPL
Biologicals Limited, the joint venture formed by the Company and Cadila, 80% of which will be owned
by Cadila (the JV). Cadila has committed to fund approximately $8 million of working capital to
the JV over three years. Dr. Modi serves as managing director of Cadila and his family has a
substantial ownership interest in Cadila and therefore he has an indirect material interest in
these material agreements further described below. Due to Dr. Modis interest in Cadila and the
JV, he is not independent as that term is defined in the NASDAQ listing standards.
As stated above, on March 31, 2009, Novavax entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the
SPA) with SOHL, pursuant to which SOHL agreed to purchase 12.5 million shares of Company Common
Stock at $0.88 per share, which closed on April 1, 2009. The Company raised gross proceeds of $11
million in the offering. The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Common Stock, after
deducting estimated offering expenses payable by the Company, is approximately $10.65 million. The
SPA provides that, as long as SOHL owns more than 5% of the Companys then-outstanding Common
Stock, SOHL may purchase a pro-rata portion of most Company Common Stock sales or issuances.
Finally, on March 31, 2009, Novavax and Cadila entered into a Master Services Agreement (the
Master Services Agreement) pursuant to which Novavax may request services from Cadila in the
areas of biologics research, preclinical development, clinical development, process development,
manufacturing scale up, and general manufacturing related services in India. If, at the third
anniversary of the Master Services Agreement, the amount of services provided by Cadila is less
than $7.5 million, Novavax will pay Cadila a portion of the shortfall. Novavax will have to pay
Cadila the portion of the shortfall amount that is equal to $2.0 million and 50% of the portion of
the shortfall amount that exceeds $2.0 million. When calculating the shortfall, the amount of
services provided by Cadila includes amounts that have been paid under all project plans, the
amounts that will be paid under ongoing executed project plans and amounts for services that had
been offered to Cadila, that Cadila was capable of performing, but exercised its right not to
accept such project.
The aggregate dollar value of the these agreements above is approximately $11 million for the
Stock Purchase Agreement, $7.5 million for the Master Services Agreement, and $8 million for the
Joint Venture Agreement.
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On July 31, 2008, the Company completed a registered direct offering of 6,686,650 units, with
each unit consisting of one share of Common Stock and a warrant to purchase 0.5 shares of Common
Stock at a price of $2.68 per unit (or $2.8425 per unit for units sold to affiliates of the
Company). The net proceeds from the offering were approximately $17.4 million. Several affiliates
of the Company participated in the registered direct offering. Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Beyers,
a shareholder then holding more than 5% of the outstanding common stock of the Company, purchased
351,803 units for $1,000,000 and Gary Evans, the Companys lead director, purchased 67,756 units
for $192,596. Thomas Monath, a director of the Company, is also a partner of Kleiner Perkins
Caufield & Beyers.
The other affiliates that participated included Messrs. McManus and Lambert and Dr. Monath,
directors of the Company, Dr. Singhvi, director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Len
Stigliano, former Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Penny Heaton, Chief
Medical Officer, James Robinson, Vice President of Technical and Quality Operations, Thomas
Johnston, Vice President of Strategy and Prospect Venture Partners III, L.P., a shareholder then
holding more than 5% of the outstanding common stock of the Company. Mr. Tananbaum, a director of
the Company, is also a managing director of Prospect Venture Partners III, L.P. These affiliates
purchased an aggregate of 115,974 units for $329,656.
Prior to his election to the Board of Directors, Mr. Lambert was engaged by the Company as a
consultant to assist with specific projects, including business development efforts to evaluate the
commercialization of the Companys influenza vaccines. At the time of his election, Mr. Lambert
had been paid an aggregate of approximately $34,000 in consulting fees for such services rendered
through the date on which he was elected to the Board of Directors. On April 27, 2007, effective
as of March 7, 2007, Mr. Lambert entered into a consulting agreement with Novavax pursuant to which
he receives $220,000 annually in consulting fees for advice and input into material agreements to
be entered into or amended by the Company and on significant matters related to clinical
development of the Companys product portfolio, including manufacturing issues and U.S. Food and
Drug Administration approval and commercialization strategies. This consulting agreement has an
initial term of three years.
The Company has agreed with two institutional investors, KPCB Holdings, Inc. and Prospect
Venture Partners III, L.P., to nominate an individual recommended by each investor to the Board.
Dr. Monath was recommended by KPCB Holdings, Inc. and Dr. Tananbaum was recommended by Prospect
Venture Partners, L.P.
In March 2002, pursuant to the 1995 Stock Option Plan, the Company approved the payment of the
exercise price of options by two individuals who then served as directors, Dr. Denis ODonnell and
Mr. Mitchell Kelly, through the delivery of full recourse, interest-bearing promissory notes in the
amount of $1,031,668 and $447,600, respectively. The borrowings accrued interest at 5.07% per
annum and were secured by 166,667 and 95,000 shares of Company Common Stock, respectively, owned by
the two directors. These shares of Company Common Stock are referred to herein as pledged
shares. The notes were originally payable upon the earlier to occur of the following: (a) the
date on which the director ceases for any reason to be a director of the Company; (b) 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) in full on March 21, 2007.
Following Mr. Kellys resignation as a director on May 22, 2006, the Company approved an
extension of his note. The note continued to accrue interest at 5.07% per annum, remained secured
by 95,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock and was payable on December 31, 2007, or earlier to
the
extent of the net proceeds from any sale of the pledged shares. On May 7, 2008, the Company
and Mr. Kelly amended the note by restating the entire amount outstanding as of December 31, 2007,
including accrued interest, or $578,848, as the new outstanding principal amount. The amendment
also extends the maturity date of the note to June 30, 2009, permits the Company to sell the
pledged shares if the market price of the Companys Common Stock exceeds certain targets, increases
the interest rate to 8.0% and stipulates quarterly payments beginning on June 30, 2008. The
Company received the first payment of $50,000 in July 2008 and a second payment of $5,000 in
October 2008. In January 2009, the Company received an additional payment of $10,000.
10
Following Dr. ODonnells resignation as a director on March 20, 2007, the Company approved an
extension of his $1,031,668 note. The note continues to accrue interest at 5.07% per annum and is
secured by shares of Common Stock owned by the former director and is payable on June 30, 2009, or
earlier to the extent of the net proceeds from any sale of the pledged shares. In addition, the
Company has the option to sell the pledged shares on behalf of the former director at any time that
the market price of the Companys Common Stock, as reported on NASDAQ Global Market, exceeds $7.00
per share.
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 Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics provides that the Audit Committee is
responsible for approving all transactions or business relationships involving Novavax and any
director or executive officer, including any indebtedness of such individuals to the Company and
transactions between Novavax and either the director or officer personally, members of their
immediate families, or entities in which they have an interest.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (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 (the SEC) and the NASDAQ Global
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 2008 or written
representations that no reports were required, the Company believes that during 2008 its executive
officers, directors and holders of more than 10% of the Companys Common Stock complied with all
Section 16(a) filing requirements.
Information Regarding the Board of Directors and Certain Committees
On March 5, 2009, the Board of Directors determined, upon a recommendation by the Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee, that, with the exception of Dr. Singhvi and Mr. Lambert, each
of whom is currently, or was within the last three fiscal years, an employee, a consultant or
executive officer of the Company, all of the members of the Board are independent directors, as
that term is defined in the NASDAQ listing standards. Dr. Modi, who was elected to the Board of
Directors effective April 1, 2009, is not an independent director due to his interest in Cadila
and the JV, as described in the section titled Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
The Board of Directors met 13 times during 2008 and acted by written consent in lieu of a
meeting 2 times. In addition, the non-employee directors met 4 times 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.
11
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. John Lambert,
Rahul Singhvi and John Marsh attended the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
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 of the Board of Directors consists of three directors Mr. Marsh
(Chairman), Dr. Monath and Dr. Tananbaum. Each is a non-employee director, as defined by Rule
16b-3 of the Exchange Act, outside director, as defined in Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) and an independent director, as defined by the listing
standards of NASDAQ.
The Compensation Committee reviews and recommends salaries and other compensatory benefits for
the employees, officers and directors of Novavax. The Compensation Committee also recommends
actions to administer the equity incentive plans of the Company and recommends stock option grants
and other awards for executive officers, key employees and directors of Novavax. The Compensation
Committee acts pursuant to a written charter, a copy of which is posted on the Companys website at
www.novavax.com. The Compensation Committee reviews and evaluates the charter annually to
ensure its adequacy and accuracy. In 2008, the Compensation Committee did not approve any
revisions to its charter. The Committee is tasked with meeting at least four times during the
year, and more frequently, if necessary. During 2008, the Compensation Committee met 5 times and
took no action by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
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 recommending to the Board 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 executive officers and
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. |
12
The Compensation Committee has the authority to engage independent compensation consultants or
advisors, as it may deem appropriate in its sole discretion, and to approve related fees and
retention terms of such consultants or advisors. As further described in the Compensation
Discussion & Analysis, in January 2008, the Compensation Committee engaged Radford Surveys and
Consulting, a unit of Aon Consulting, an independent executive compensation firm, to provide advice
and assistance to the Compensation Committee and management in the area of executive compensation.
The Compensation Committee routinely holds meetings, some with management and participates in
executive sessions without management, where compensation is discussed. The Chairman of the
Compensation Committee is responsible for leadership of the Committee and sets meeting agendas.
The Committee 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 is supported in its efforts by the Companys human resources team, to
which the Committee delegates authority for certain administrative functions. The Chief Executive
Officer gives performance assessments and compensation recommendations for each executive officer
of the Company (other than himself). The Executive Chairman gives performance assessments and
compensation recommendations for each executive officer of the Company including the Chief
Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee considers the Chief Executive Officers and the
Executive Chairmans recommendations and the information provided by the human resources team in
its deliberations regarding executive compensation and sets the compensation of the executive
officers based on such deliberations and recommends that the Board of Directors ratify such
compensation. The Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, while he was an officer of the
Company, and the Executive Director of Human Resources and Administration generally attend
Compensation Committee meetings but none are present for executive sessions or any discussion of
their own compensation.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Throughout 2008, Mr. Marsh, Dr. Monath, and Dr. Tananbaum served on the Compensation
Committee. None of the members of the Compensation Committee was at any time during 2008 an
officer or employee of Novavax. Mr. Marsh served as interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company
from July 1996 to March 1997.
No executive officer of the Company currently serves, or during 2008 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.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee currently consists of Messrs. McManus (Chairman), Evans and Marsh, each of
whom is a non-employee director and each of whom is an independent director as defined by the
Exchange Act and the listing standards of NASDAQ. The Audit Committee met 10 times during the 2008
fiscal year and took no action by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
The Board has determined that each of Mr. McManus and Mr. Evans qualifies as an audit
committee financial expert as that term is defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC, and is
financially sophisticated as required by the listing standards for NASDAQ.
13
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 any independent registered public accounting firm engaged for the purpose
of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attestation services
for the Company. 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. The Audit
Committee regularly meets with the Companys independent auditor without management present, with
management without the independent auditor present and in executive session without management or
the independent auditor present.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the Governance Committee) consists of
Messrs. Evans (Chairman), Marsh and McManus, and Drs. Monath and Tananbaum, each of whom is an
independent director as defined by the Exchange Act and the listing standards of NASDAQ. The
Governance Committee met 2 times during 2008 and took no action by written consent in lieu of a
meeting.
The Governance Committee acts pursuant to a written charter, a copy of which is available on
the Companys website at www.novavax.com. The Governance Committee reviews and evaluates
the charter annually to ensure its adequacy and accuracy. In 2008, the Governance Committee
approved certain revisions to its charter.
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.
14
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.
Nominations 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. |
15
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 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 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 of
nominees is selected, the Governance Committee presents it to the full Board.
Government Relations Committee
The Government Relations Committee consists of Messrs. Marsh (Chairman) and McManus and Dr.
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 did not meet during 2008.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Novavaxs Board of Directors adopted a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics in March
2004, which applies to each of Novavaxs officers, directors and employees, including, but not
limited to, the Companys Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer while he was an officer
of the Company, and the Director of Finance and Interim Principal Accounting Officer. Each of
Novavaxs officers, directors and employees are required to adhere to this code in addressing the
legal and ethical issues encountered in conducting their work. The code requires that employees
avoid conflicts of interest,
comply with all laws and other legal requirements, conduct business in an honest and ethical
manner, and otherwise act with integrity and in the Companys best interest. Employees are
required to report any conduct that they believe in good faith to be an actual or apparent
violation of the code. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires companies to have procedures to
receive, retain and treat complaints received regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or
auditing matters and to allow for the confidential and anonymous submission by employees of
concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. The Company currently has such
procedures in place. The Code of Business Conduct is reviewed at least annually by the Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on
Novavaxs website at www.novavax.com.
16
Stockholder Communications with the Board of Directors
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., 9920 Belward Campus Drive,
Rockville, Maryland 20850, 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.
Compensation of Directors
Compensation for non-employee directors is comprised of two components cash compensation and
equity awards. Dr. Singhvi does not receive additional compensation for his service on the Board.
For information concerning the compensation of Dr. Singhvi, the only director who is also an
officer of the Company, see Executive Compensation below.
Cash Compensation
Mr. Lambert receives an annual retainer of $30,000 as compensation for his services as a
director and as Executive Chairman of the Board and does not receive additional compensation for
attending board and committee meetings. Mr. Lambert also receives consulting fees from the
Company, which are described in the section titled Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions. Each director, other than Dr. Singhvi and Mr. Lambert, not employed by Novavax and
not serving on a committee receives an annual retainer of $10,000; non-employee directors serving
on one or more committees receive an annual retainer of $12,000, and the chairs of the Audit,
Compensation, Nominating & Corporate Governance and Government Relations Committees receive
additional annual retainers of $20,000, $15,000, $15,000 and $5,000, respectively.
Each director, other than Dr. Singhvi and Mr. Lambert, also receives $1,500 for each meeting
of the Board of Directors he attends in person and $750 for each meeting attended telephonically.
In addition, each such director who is a committee member also 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 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 2008.
17
Equity Awards
At its meeting on March 6, 2008, the Board granted options to purchase Company Common Stock to
each of its non-employee directors. The Board granted an option to purchase 15,000 shares of
Company Common Stock to each of Mr. Evans, Mr. Marsh, Mr. McManus, Dr. Monath and Dr. Tananbaum and
an option to purchase 25,000 shares of Company Common Stock to Mr. Lambert. All of the options
have an exercise price of $2.61 per share and vested in full six months after the date of the
grant.
At its meeting on March 5, 2009, the Board granted options to purchase Company Common Stock to
each of its non-employee directors. The Board granted an option to purchase 15,000 shares of
Company Common Stock to each of Mr. Evans, Mr. Marsh, Mr. McManus, Dr. Monath and Dr. Tananbaum and
an option to purchase 25,000 shares of Company Common Stock to Mr. Lambert. All of the options
have an exercise price of $0.56 per share and will vest in full six months after the date of grant.
Summary Director Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation paid by the Company to
each individual who served as a non-employee director at any time during fiscal 2008:
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Fees Earned |
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or Paid in |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
All Other |
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Name |
|
Cash(2) |
|
Awards(3) |
|
Awards(4) |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
Gary C. Evans |
|
$ |
26,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
45,382 |
|
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|
|
|
|
$ |
71,882 |
|
John Lambert(l) |
|
$ |
30,000 |
|
|
$ |
92,333 |
|
|
$ |
212,305 |
|
|
$ |
220,000 |
|
|
$ |
554,638 |
|
John O. Marsh, Jr. |
|
$ |
34,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
29,577 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
63,577 |
|
Michael A. McManus, Jr. |
|
$ |
34,750 |
|
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|
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|
$ |
29,577 |
|
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|
|
|
|
$ |
64,327 |
|
Thomas Monath, M.D. |
|
$ |
25,250 |
|
|
|
|
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|
$ |
29,577 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
54,827 |
|
James B. Tananbaum |
|
$ |
20,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
29,577 |
|
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|
|
|
|
$ |
50,077 |
|
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|
(1) |
|
See Certain Relationships and Related Transactions on page 10 for information regarding the
consulting agreement between the Company and Mr. Lambert. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents fees earned in 2008. |
|
(3) |
|
Reflects the dollar amount calculated for financial reporting purposes in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) Share Based Payment (SFAS
No. 123R) and thus may include amounts from stock awards granted in and prior to the
respective year. |
|
(4) |
|
Because options awarded to directors in 2008 vested in full during 2008, this column reflects
the grant date fair value and the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting
purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 in accordance with SFAS No. 123R for all
stock and stock option awards outstanding for any portion of the current year. Assumptions
used in the calculation of this amount for years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are
included in Note 8 to the Companys audited financial statements for the year ended December
31, 2008, included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 31, 2009. |
18
PROPOSAL II RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF THE
COMPANYS INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
The Audit Committee has appointed Grant Thornton LLP as the independent registered public
accounting firm to serve as the independent auditor for Novavax in respect of the year ending
December 31, 2009. The Audit Committee recommends that the stockholders of Novavax ratify this
appointment. Although ratification is not required by the Companys By-laws or otherwise, the
Board is submitting the selection of Grant Thornton LLP to the stockholders for ratification as a
matter of good corporate practice.
The affirmative vote of the majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy
at the Meeting and voting on the proposal shall constitute ratification of the selection of Grant
Thornton LLP. If the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys independent auditor is
ratified, the Audit Committee may, in its discretion, change the appointment at any time during the
year should it determine such a change would be in the best interest of the Company and the
stockholders. If the stockholders, however, do not ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee
will reconsider whether to retain Grant Thornton LLP but may proceed with the retention of Grant
Thornton LLP if it deems it to be in the best interest of the Company and the stockholders.
Representatives of Grant Thornton LLP are expected to be present at the meeting and will have
an opportunity to address the meeting and respond to appropriate questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR
THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF GRANT THORNTON LLP AS THE
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2009.
19
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following is a summary of the fees billed by Grant Thornton LLP for professional services
rendered as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm during the 2008 and 2007
fiscal years.
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Grant Thornton LLP |
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Fiscal |
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Fiscal |
Fee Category |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
417,793 |
|
|
$ |
482,781 |
|
Audit Related Fees |
|
$ |
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|
|
$ |
|
|
Tax Fees |
|
$ |
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|
|
$ |
|
|
All Other Fees |
|
$ |
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|
|
$ |
|
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Total Fees |
|
$ |
417,793 |
|
|
$ |
482,781 |
|
Audit Fees. Consists of fees for professional services rendered in connection with the audit
of the Companys annual consolidated financial statements for 2008 and 2007 and the reviews of the
consolidated financial statements included in the Companys quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q. These
amounts included fees billed for annual financial statement and internal control audits, quarterly
reviews, and registration statement filings and consents.
Audit-Related Fees. Consists of fees 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.
Tax Fees. Consists of fees for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice
and tax planning for the Company. These amounts represent those billed for tax return preparation
for the Company and its subsidiaries.
All Other Fees. Consists of fees for products and services provided other than those
otherwise described above.
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.
20
Under the policy, unless a type of service to be provided by the independent registered public
accounting firm has received general pre-approval, 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 2008.
21
PROPOSAL III APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANYS
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO INCREASE THE AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
On March 30, 2009, the Board of Directors unanimously adopted, subject to stockholder approval
at the Meeting, an amendment to the Companys Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as
amended (the Certificate), to increase the Companys authorized Common Stock from 100,000,000
shares to 200,000,000 shares. The Board has directed that the proposal to increase the number of
shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the Certificate be submitted to the Companys
stockholders for their approval at the Meeting. The full text of the proposed amendment to the
Certificate is set forth in Appendix A to this Proxy Statement.
Under the Companys existing Certificate, the Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000
shares of Common Stock. As of April 1, 2009, 81,355,091 shares of Common Stock were issued and
outstanding. Additionally, 8,763,976 shares of Common Stock are reserved for issuance pursuant to
issued and outstanding options under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, 1995 Stock Option Plan and 1995
Director Stock Option Plan, 3,343,325 shares are reserved for issuance pursuant to issued and
outstanding warrants and 5,500,000 shares are reserved for issuance upon conversion of the
convertible debt. Therefore, only 1,037,608 shares remain available for issuance.
The Board believes that the increase in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock is
advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders for several reasons. The
increase in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock would permit the Board to issue stock
without further stockholder approval and, thereby, provide the Company with maximum flexibility in
structuring acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, capital-raising transactions and for
other corporate purposes. Approval of the proposal would enable the Company to respond promptly to
and take advantage of market conditions and other favorable opportunities without incurring the
delay and expense associated with calling a special shareholders meeting to approve a contemplated
stock issuance. Although there is no specific transaction presently contemplated by the Company,
the Company will have to raise additional capital in the near term which is likely to involve the
issuance of common stock. Therefore, the Companys management and Board of Directors believes it
is in the best interests of the Company and the stockholders to be prepared to issue Common Stock
without the necessity of another stockholders meeting should additional common stock be a
component of any future raising of capital.
The approval of an amendment authorizing additional shares of Common Stock will not cause any
change or dilution to the rights of existing holders of Common Stock of the Company, unless and
until such time as any shares of Common Stock are actually issued by the Company.
If approved, the proposal will become effective upon the filing of a Certificate of Amendment
to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the Companys Common Stock entitled
to vote is required for approval of this proposal.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU
VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDED AND
RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF THE COMPANY TO INCREASE
THE AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK.
22
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information as of April 1, 2009 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 |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
|
Beneficially Owned (1) |
|
Outstanding |
Satellite Overseas (Holdings) Limited
|
|
|
12,500,000 |
(2) |
|
|
15.36 |
% |
c/o Barleigh Wells Limited
7 Hill Street,
Douglas, Isle of Man
United Kingdom IM1 1EF |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wellington Management Company, LLP
|
|
|
6,972,281 |
(3) |
|
|
8.57 |
% |
75 State Street
Boston, MA 02109 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oppenheimer Funds, Inc.
|
|
|
6,739,721 |
(4) |
|
|
8.28 |
% |
Two World Financial Center
225 Liberty Street, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10281-1008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hartford Series Fund, Inc. on behalf of: Hartford
Capital
Appreciation HLS Fund
|
|
|
4,943,490 |
(5) |
|
|
6.076 |
% |
500 Bielenberg Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125-1400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary C. Evans |
|
|
1,420,134 |
(6) |
|
|
1.43 |
% |
Raymond J. Hage |
|
|
459,201 |
(7) |
|
|
* |
|
Penny Heaton |
|
|
145,316 |
(8) |
|
|
* |
|
Evdoxia E. Kopsidas |
|
|
20,900 |
(9) |
|
|
* |
|
John Lambert |
|
|
197,119 |
(10) |
|
|
* |
|
John O. Marsh, Jr. |
|
|
168,500 |
(11) |
|
|
* |
|
Michael A. McManus, Jr. |
|
|
248,885 |
(12) |
|
|
* |
|
Rajiv I. Modi, Ph.D. |
|
|
12,500,000 |
(13) |
|
|
15.36 |
% |
Thomas P. Monath, M.D. |
|
|
3,441,768 |
(14) |
|
|
3.47 |
% |
James Robinson |
|
|
206,632 |
(15) |
|
|
* |
|
Rahul Singhvi |
|
|
1,061,715 |
(16) |
|
|
1.06 |
% |
Len Stigliano |
|
|
111,665 |
(17) |
|
|
* |
|
James B. Tananbaum |
|
|
3,199,409 |
(18) |
|
|
3.23 |
% |
All current
directors and executive officers as a group (14 persons) |
|
|
23,247,078 |
(19) |
|
|
27.63 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
percentage is less than 1% of the total number or outstanding shares or the Companys Common
Stock. |
23
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Unless otherwise indicated, each party named in the table has sole voting and investment
power over the shares beneficially owned. 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 April 1, 2009 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., 9920 Belward Campus Drive, Rockville,
Maryland 20850. |
|
(2) |
|
As reported by the Company in its Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 2, 2009. Satellite
Overseas (Holdings) Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., of
which Dr. Modi is a managing director. |
|
(3) |
|
As reported by Wellington Management Company, LLP (Wellington) on Schedule 13G as filed on
February 17, 2009. Wellington serves as investment advisor to its clients who are the owners
of record of such shares. Wellingtons clients have the right to receive, or the power to
direct the receipt of, dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, such securities.
None of Wellingtons clients are known to have such right or power with respect to more than
five percent of such shares except Hartford Capital Appreciation HLS Fund. |
|
(4) |
|
As reported by OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (Oppenheimer) on Schedule 13G as filed on January 27,
2009. Oppenheimer disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares pursuant to Rule 13d-4 of the
Exchange Act. Oppenheimer owns 6,558,112 shares jointly with Oppenheimer Global Opportunities
Fund (the Fund). The address of the Fund is 6803 S. Tuscon Way, Centennial, Colorado 80112. |
|
(5) |
|
As reported by Hartford Series Fund, Inc. on Schedule 13G as filed on February 10, 2009. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes 467,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options and warrants to
purchase 33,878 shares of Common Stock. Also includes 4,000 shares owned of record by Gary
Evans Custodian for Dustin Evans UTMA/TX and 4,000 shares owned by record by Gary Evans
Custodian for Casey Evans UTMA/TX. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 385,667 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes 8,333 shares of restricted stock that are not yet vested, 115,667 shares of Common
Stock issuable upon the exercise of options and warrants to purchase 880 shares of Common
Stock. |
|
(9) |
|
Consists of 20,900 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options. |
|
(10) |
|
Includes 80,000 shares of restricted stock that are not yet vested, 75,000 shares of Common
Stock issuable upon the exercise of options and warrants to purchase 7,373 shares of Common
Stock. |
|
(11) |
|
Includes 132,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options. |
|
(12) |
|
Includes 162,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options and warrants to
purchase 8,795 shares of Common Stock. |
|
(13) |
|
Consists of 12,500,000 shares owned by Satellite Overseas (Holdings) Limited, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Dr. Modi is a managing director of Cadila
Pharmaceuticals Ltd. |
|
(14) |
|
Includes 3,225,366 shares and warrants to purchase 175,902 shares of Common Stock owned by
the Pandemic and BioDefense Fund, a fund of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. Dr. Monath is a
partner of Pandemic and BioDefense Fund. Dr. Monath disclaims beneficial ownership of these
shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. Also includes (a) 7,000 shares
and 3,500 warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock held by a trust of Dr. Monaths, and (b)
30,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options. |
24
|
|
|
(15) |
|
Includes 11,666 shares of restricted stock that are not yet vested, 119,167 shares of Common
Stock issuable upon the exercise of options and warrants to purchase 8,795 shares of Common
Stock. Also includes (a) 930 shares of Common Stock which he holds as custodian for his
daughter and (b) 150 shares of Common Stock which he holds as custodian for his grandson. Mr.
Robinson disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares he holds as custodian. |
|
(16) |
|
Includes 835,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options and warrants to
purchase 5,277 shares of Common Stock. |
|
(17) |
|
Includes 85,834 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options and warrants to
purchase 5,277 shares of Common Stock. |
|
(18) |
|
Includes 3,151,818 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 17,591 shares of Common
Stock owned by Prospect Venture Partners III, L.P., of which Mr. Tananbaum is a managing
member of its general partner, Prospect Management Co. III, LLC. Dr. Tananbaum disclaims
beneficial ownership of these shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
Also includes 30,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options. |
|
(19) |
|
Includes an additional 17,667 shares of Common Stock, 8,333 shares of restricted stock that
are not yet vested, 39,334 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options and
warrants to purchase 500 shares of Common Stock owned by Thomas S. Johnston, an executive
officer of the Company. |
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table provides the Companys equity compensation plan information as of December
31, 2008. Under these plans, the Companys Common Stock may be issued upon the exercise of
options. See also the information regarding stock options in Note 8 to the Companys consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008, included in the Companys Annual Report
on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining Available |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for Future Issuance |
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
Under Equity |
|
|
to be Issued |
|
Weighted-Average |
|
Compensation Plans |
|
|
Upon Exercise of |
|
Exercise Price of |
|
(Excluding Securities |
|
|
Outstanding Options, |
|
Outstanding Options, |
|
Reflected in Column |
|
|
Warrants and Rights |
|
Warrants and Rights |
|
(a)) |
Plan Category |
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders(
1) |
|
|
6,078,478 |
|
|
$ |
3.18 |
|
|
|
3,185,928 |
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes the Companys 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, 1995 Stock Option Plan and 1995 Director
Stock Option Plan. |
25
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Overview
The Compensation Discussion and Analysis (the CD&A) discusses the compensation of Novavaxs named
executive officers for 2008. The named executive officers are Dr. Rahul Singhvi, President and
Chief Executive Officer (the CEO), Len Stigliano, Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer (the CFO), Raymond J. Hage, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Dr. Penny
Heaton, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, and James Robinson, Vice President of Technical
and Quality Control Operations (collectively, the Named Executive Officers). Mr. Stigliano
resigned from his position effective January 28, 2009 and now provides consulting services to the
Company on an as-needed basis. Mr. Stigliano did not receive any severance payments in connection
with his resignation.
The CD&A considers the Companys executive compensation philosophy, the objectives and operation of
the compensation program, how compensation was set for 2008 and the various elements of
compensation paid to the Named Executive Officers during 2008.
Executive Compensation Philosophy
Novavaxs compensation program is designed to attract, retain and reward a performing workforce in
a highly competitive recruitment and retention market to achieve the Companys mission, vision and
goals. This philosophy is reflected in the components of the Companys compensation program, and
includes:
|
|
|
providing a competitive salary upon hire; |
|
|
|
|
a performance management process that defines objectives, tracks employee
performance and ties into the reward process through merit pay and incentive bonuses; |
|
|
|
|
an annual merit increase plan that rewards the individual employees contribution
for the fiscal year; |
|
|
|
|
individual promotions that reward strong performance; |
|
|
|
|
an annual incentive bonus that rewards individual and Company performance; |
|
|
|
|
a stock option plan that provides initial stock option grants upon hire and
additional grants for promotions, strong performance, and retention of high potential
personnel; and |
|
|
|
|
a market competitive benefits plan. |
The Compensation Committee believes that these components provide many tools for retaining and
rewarding high performing employees and covers the wide spectrum of employment needs.
26
Objectives of the Compensation Program
Attract and retain highly qualified executives.
The Compensation Committee believes that the compensation program for Novavaxs Named Executive
Officers should be designed to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified executive officers
responsible for the success of Novavax and should be determined within a framework that rewards
performance and aligns the interests of the Named Executive Officers with the interests of the
Companys stockholders. Within this overall philosophy, the Compensation Committees objectives
are to:
|
|
|
offer a total compensation program that enables Novavax to attract, motivate,
recruit and retain, from a limited pool of resources, individuals who are highly
experienced and successful, and to provide total compensation that is competitive with
the Companys peer companies within the biotech and pharmaceutical industry; |
|
|
|
|
achieve an equitable balance in the compensation offered to each member of the
executive team; |
|
|
|
|
provide annual variable cash incentive awards that take into account the
satisfaction of designated individual performance criteria based on the Companys
performance goals; and |
|
|
|
|
make a significant portion of Named Executive Officers compensation dependent on
Novavaxs long-term performance and on enhancing stockholder value by providing
appropriate long-term, equity-based incentives and encouraging stock ownership. |
Reflect performance and reward high performance.
The Compensation Committee believes that a significant portion of a Named Executive Officers total
compensation should reflect performance in the areas of overall Company performance and individual
performance. Incentives are based on meeting criteria in each of these categories and reflect the
Named Executive Officers overall contribution to the Company.
Reward Named Executive Officers for meeting Novavaxs strategic goals and objectives.
The compensation program rewards the Companys Named Executive Officers for achieving specified
performance goals, building stockholder value, and maintaining long term careers with Novavax. The
compensation program is designed to reward these three aspects because the Compensation Committee
believes it will motivate the executive team to make balanced annual and long-term decisions
resulting in financial performance, scientific and product development innovations, and the
achievement of the strategic business objectives.
Align Named Executive Officers goals with Novavaxs stockholders goals.
The Committee believes that Novavaxs long-term success depends upon aligning executives and
stockholders interest. To support this objective, Novavax provides the Named Executive Officers
with equity accumulation opportunities, by awarding stock options and restricted stock. Generally,
restricted stock and stock option grants vest over three years. This vesting period supports
long-term retention of Named Executive Officers and reinforce long-term consideration because Named
Executive Officers cannot exercise the options or sell shares of restricted stock until they have
vested. At times, the Company also awards stock options or restricted stock that vest as the
executive achieves certain
milestones in order to incent the Named Executive Officer to achieve strategic Company goals within
such Named Executive Officers area of responsibility.
27
Oversight and Operation of the Executive Compensation Program
The Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors to assist the Board with its
responsibilities related to the compensation of the Companys officers, directors and employees and
the development and administration of the Companys compensation plans. For details on the
Compensation Committees oversight of the executive compensation program, see the section titled
Information Regarding the Board of Directors and Certain Committees Compensation Committee on
page 12 of this Proxy Statement.
The Chief Executive Officer (the CEO) evaluates and provides performance assessments and
compensation recommendations for each Named Executive Officer other than himself to the
Compensation Committee. John Lambert, the Executive Chairman of the Companys Board of Directors,
evaluates the CEOs performance and makes compensation recommendations for the CEO to the
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee considers the CEOs and the Executive
Chairmans recommendations and information provided by the human resources team (described below)
in its deliberations regarding executive compensation and sets the compensation of the Named
Executive Officers based on such deliberations. The Board of Directors determines the compensation
based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee. The CEO, CFO and the Executive Director
of Human Resources and Administration generally attend Compensation Committee meetings but none are
present for executive session or any discussion of their own compensation.
Setting Executive Compensation
Compensation packages for each Named Executive Officer are analyzed and discussed separately at the
first Compensation Committee meeting each year. Prior to that meeting, the Companys human
resources team performs an analysis, considering the goals of market competitiveness, the
executives performance and contribution to the Company, and internal equity. The human resources
team then benchmarks each Named Executive Officers current compensation against the 50th
percentile of Survey Data, which is described in further detail below. The Compensation Committee
believes this is a common benchmark among biotech companies similar in size to Novavax and
therefore the Company remains competitive by targeting the 50th percentile of the Survey Data. At
any time, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors may request additional information
from the human resources team.
Salary Survey Data
When setting the compensation for the Named Executive Officers for 2008, the human resources team
and the Compensation Committee reviewed wage surveys that were specific to the life sciences
industry. These surveys include the Radford Global Life Sciences Survey and the Culpepper Life
Sciences Wage Survey (collectively, the Survey Data). The Radford Global Life Sciences Survey
provides total compensation and practices data for multinational life sciences companies for 575+
companies and more than 200,000 individuals. Reliable global market data is available for 25
countries and positions at the executive, management, professional, sales and support levels, as
well as overall compensation practices. Target industries include biotechnology, pharmaceutical,
medical device, diagnostic and clinical research organizations (CROs). The Radford Global Life
Sciences Survey is the primary source of benchmark data used. The Culpepper Life Sciences Wage
Survey is used as a secondary source for positions not accurately matched to the Radford survey
data.
The Survey Data is used to determine whether or not a Named Executive Officers salary and bonus
opportunity are competitive within the industry. The salary and bonus are compared to the 50th
percentile, which Novavax considers to be within a competitive range of the market for a company of
its size and stage of clinical development.
28
Internal Equity
The Compensation Committee considers internal equity when determining compensation to ensure that
the Company is fair in its compensation practices across all levels and to ensure that there is no
discrimination in compensation practices among the protected classes. The Committee provided
certain adjustments in 2008 to provide for internal equity and market competitiveness.
Radford Report
In January 2008, the Compensation Committee retained Radford Surveys and Consulting, a unit of Aon
Consulting, an independent executive compensation consulting firm, to provide advice and assistance
to the Committee and management in the area of executive compensation. The consultant was
authorized by the Committee to work with certain executive officers of the Company as well as other
employees in the Companys human resources, legal, and finance departments in connection with the
consultants work for the Committee. The consultant conducted a review of the total compensation
of the Companys executive officers and prepared reports for review by management and subsequently
by the Compensation Committee that was used in determining appropriate levels of compensation for
each executive officer for 2008 (the Radford Report).
What the Compensation Program is Designed to Reward
Company Performance
The executive compensation program is designed to reward both individual performance as well as
corporate performance. A significant portion of a Named Executive Officers total compensation
package is based on the Companys performance and the achievement of certain corporate goals.
Because of the key role the Named Executive Officers play in the success of the Company, a
significant portion of the achievement of corporate goals is reflective of the Named Executive
Officers individual performance. In November 2007, the Board of Directors and the executive
committee jointly developed a set of objectives for 2008 which were based on the Companys
strategic plan (the 2008 Objectives). These objectives, which were approved by the Board of
Directors on December 5, 2007 include:
|
|
|
advancing the trivalent seasonal VLP vaccine in clinical development; |
|
|
|
|
partnering the seasonal influenza vaccine program; |
|
|
|
|
generating a specified amount of revenues; |
|
|
|
|
advancing H5N1 pandemic flu vaccine in clinical development; |
|
|
|
|
securing dilutive financing to fund operations through 2009 per Board approval; |
|
|
|
|
demonstrating increased yields of doses per strain of flu vaccine; and |
|
|
|
|
filing an IND for a new vaccine candidate. |
Individual Performance
Each year, the CEO reviews and evaluates the performance of the other Named Executive Officers and,
together, they set performance goals and objectives for the following year. This review is
typically conducted in the first quarter of the year. The Executive Chairman of the Board of
Directors reviews and evaluates the performance of the CEO and works with the CEO to set his
performance goals and objectives. These performance evaluations are used to determine merit salary
increases, promotions, bonuses and other rewards. Each of the Named Executive Officers is
evaluated on the competencies of teamwork, results orientation, business ethics, accountability,
business process improvement, leadership, people development, staff communication, and treatment of
employees.
29
In addition, each officer has additional individual goals to support the 2008 Objectives or to
further the Companys strategic plan. More specifically, Mr. Stigliano had individual goals for
activities needed to achieve the corporate 2008 Objectives, such as securing dilutive financing
(e.g., evaluate financing options, prepare analyses and seek to consummate a transaction). Mr.
Stigliano also had operational individual goals such as ensuring compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley
procedures, financial close procedures and information technology. Mr. Hage had individual goals
for activities needed to achieve the corporate 2008 Objectives of partnering the seasonal influenza
program (e.g., complete market assessments, evaluate potential corporate partners, complete
licensing and/or partnership transaction) and generating a specified
amount of revenues. Dr. Heaton had
individual goals for activities needed to achieve the corporate 2008 Objectives of advancing
vaccine candidates to clinical trials (e.g., complete protocol and study documents, finalize
contracts with vendors, submit investigational new drug application, review preclinical study
design and documentation). Mr. Robinson had individual goals for activities needed to achieve the
corporate 2008 Objectives of advancing vaccine candidate to clinical trials and advancing other
products in the pipeline (e.g., prepare, fill and release clinical batches, review investigational
new drug application, complete development and scale up of preclinical lots, consult on development
of new candidates) and increasing VLP yield production (e.g., map process for increased yields,
design and implement improvement plan).
Based on the performance evaluations, each Named Executive Officer is given a performance rating.
The performance rating determines the amount of any merit salary increase, adjustments to the
incentive cash bonus awards and equity awards. The performance ratings used by the Company
include: Outstanding, Exceeds Expectations, Meets Expectations, and Improvement Needed. Each of
the Named Executive Officers that received a rating in March 2009 for 2008 performance received a
rating of at least Meets Expectations.
Elements of Compensation
The Compensation Committee believes that the most effective compensation program is one that
provides a competitive base salary, rewards the achievement of established annual and long term
goals and objectives and provides an incentive for retention. For this reason, the compensation
program is comprised of three primary elements: base salary, a cash incentive bonus program and
equity awards. The Compensation Committee believes that these three elements are the most
effective combination to motivate and retain the Named Executive Officers.
The Compensation Committee has not adopted any formal guidelines for allocating total compensation
between equity compensation and cash compensation, but generally seeks to provide an overall
executive compensation package designed to attract, motivate, and retain highly qualified executive
officers, to reward them for performance over time, and to align the interests of the Named
Executive Officers with the interests of the stockholders. Although equity compensation is an
important component of the compensation program, particularly with respect to creating long-term
stockholder value, in 2008, the
Compensation Committee focused on ensuring that Named Executive Officer base salaries and bonus
opportunities were in line with the median average salaries and annual incentives for comparable
positions within the biotech industry.
30
Base Salary
The Compensation Committees philosophy is to maintain base salaries at a competitive level
sufficient to recruit and retain individuals possessing the skills and capabilities necessary to
achieve the Companys goals over the long term.
Novavax provides an annual salary to each Named Executive Officer as an economic consideration for
each persons level of responsibility, expertise, skills, knowledge, and experience, which the
Compensation Committee compares to other comparable companies within the biotech and pharmaceutical
industry and adjust as appropriate, to ensure that the Company will retain this expertise, skill,
and knowledge at Novavax.
Merit increases are awarded effective April 1st of each year, reflecting performance for the
previous year. In 2008, salary increases were awarded to each Named Executive Officer at the
meetings of the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors on March 6, 2008. The increases
were determined by an annual performance review in light of the individuals 2007 performance goals
and achievement of Company objectives as well as by reference to the Survey Data. Effective April
1, 2008, the base salaries for these Named Executive Officers were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
Executive |
|
Base Salary |
|
Increase |
Rahul Singhvi |
|
$ |
425,000 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Len Stigliano |
|
$ |
259,306 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jim Robinson |
|
$ |
236,127 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ray Hage |
|
$ |
250,312 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Penny Heaton |
|
$ |
292,905 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
The increases for Dr. Singhvi and Dr. Heaton were substantially higher than the other Named
Executive Officers because the survey data indicated that their base salaries trailed the 25th
percentile and were considerably below the 50th percentile target. These higher increases allowed
the Company to meet the overall compensation targets within the 50th percentile range and to retain
highly qualified and motivated executives. In connection with this salary increase, the
Compensation Committee and Board of Directors lowered Dr. Singhvis bonus target from 100% to 60%
of his base salary.
On March 5, 2009, the Compensation Committee determined, upon recommendation of management, not to
award merit increases at that time to any of the Named Executive Officers that remain officers with
the Company or any other employee in light of the Companys cash position.
Incentive Cash Bonus
The incentive cash bonus program is designed to motivate and reward the Named Executive Officers
for the achievement of specific corporate goals. The purpose of the incentive cash bonus program
is to align company, departmental and individual goals throughout the Company and to provide an
incentive that further ties individual contribution and teamwork to compensation.
31
At the time that the Board of Directors approved the 2008 Objectives, the Board also weighted each
Objective. The Board outlined specific metrics to determine whether the Company achieved 75%, 100%
or 125% of the Objectives. Bonuses are not awarded if 75% of the corporate objectives are not
achieved.
On March 5, 2009, the Compensation Committee reviewed the Companys cash position in conjunction
with the Companys performance related to the 2008 Objectives. After this discussion, the
Compensation Committee, upon recommendation of management, determined that no incentive bonuses
would be awarded for 2008 at that time because of the Companys cash position. The following table
summarizes conclusions regarding the 2008 Objectives:
|
|
|
|
|
Objective |
|
Achievement |
|
Explanation |
Advancing the trivalent VLP
vaccine in clinical development
|
|
Partially met objective
|
|
The Company filed
IND and completed
enrollment, dosing
and primary
immunogenicity
analysis of Phase
IIa trials. Phase
IIb did not begin
because the results
for IIa were not
yet available. |
|
|
|
|
|
Partnering seasonal influenza
vaccine program
|
|
Did not meet objective
|
|
The Company did not
meet this
objective. |
|
|
|
|
|
Generating a specified amount of
revenue
|
|
Did not meet objective
|
|
The Company did not
meet this
objective. |
|
|
|
|
|
Advancing H5N1 pandemic flu
vaccine in clinical development
|
|
Met objective
|
|
IIa trials of
pandemic flu
vaccine were
completed. |
|
|
|
|
|
Securing dilutive financing to
fund operations through 2009 per
Board approval
|
|
Partially met objective
|
|
Although the
Company did raise
$18 million in
financing, there
was downward
pressure on the
stock price. |
|
|
|
|
|
Demonstrating increased yields of
doses per strain of flu vaccine
|
|
Exceeded objective
|
|
Demonstrated
increased yields in
excess of amount
required by
Objective |
|
|
|
|
|
File IND for new vaccine candidate
|
|
Did not meet objective
|
|
The Company did not
meet this
objective. |
32
The target bonus is a percentage of the named executives base salary. The target bonus
percentages are determined based on market data. The 2008 bonus targets were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
of |
Executive |
|
Base Salary |
Rahul Singhvi |
|
|
60 |
|
Len Stigliano |
|
|
40 |
|
Raymond J. Hage |
|
|
40 |
|
Penny M. Heaton |
|
|
40 |
|
James Robinson |
|
|
40 |
|
In connection with Dr. Singhvis salary increase, the Compensation Committee lowered Dr. Singhvis
bonus target from 100% to 60% of his base salary. The changes made to Dr. Singhvis salary and
bonus target provide a more appropriate split between his fixed and variable income and more
accurately align his overall compensation levels with those recommended by the Radford Compensation
Report.
The CEOs bonus is based solely on the achievements of the 2008 Objectives. The Compensation
Committee believes the higher the individuals position within Novavax, the more closely his or her
bonus award should be tied to the Companys success. For all of the other Named Executive
Officers, the Compensation Committee considers both corporate achievements as well as individual
performance. To be eligible for a bonus, the Named Executive Officers, must achieve at least a
Meets Expectations on his or her annual performance review. For these Named Executive Officers
(other than the CEO), 80% of the bonus is based on corporate achievement and 20% of the bonus is
based on individual performance. The CEOs bonus is based 100% on the achievement of corporate
objectives. Because of the cash position of the Company, the Compensation Committee did not award
any bonuses for 2008 at its March 5, 2008 meeting.
Equity Awards
Equity incentive awards are a fundamental element in the executive compensation program because
they emphasize long term performance, as measured by creation of stockholder value, and foster a
commonality of interest between stockholders and key executives. In addition, they are crucial to
a competitive compensation program for Named Executive Officers because they act as a powerful
retention tool. The Compensation Committee views the Company as still facing significant risk, but
with a potential for a high upside. Equity incentive awards are designed to provide the most
meaningful component of executive compensation. The Named Executive Officers are motivated by the
potential appreciation in the stock price above the exercise price of the stock options. To
encourage continued employment, stock option grants to the Named Executive Officers typically
include options that require the executive to remain a Novavax employee for three years before the
options are fully vested. In addition, the Compensation Committee also awards options that vest as
the Named Executive Officer achieves certain milestones. The Compensation Committee believes it is
important to tie the long-term benefit potentially realizable by the executive to a long term
commitment with Novavax.
Equity incentive awards may include stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted or
unrestricted stock awards, stock equivalent units and any other stock based awards under Section
162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Traditionally, the Company grants stock options as the
primary form of equity compensation, but does, at times, grant restricted stock. Restricted stock
grants are used at times to attract and retain key executive officers. Restricted grants are
typically based on critical milestones to be achieved over a period of time or vest over three
years.
33
Annual stock option grants are awarded to the Named Executive Officers at the discretion of the
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee considered Company performance, competitive
data and the individuals scope of responsibility and continuing performance.
To be eligible to receive an award of stock options, the Named Executive Officer must have an
overall performance rating of at least Meets Expectations. In 2008, the stock options awarded to
the Named Executive Officers were awarded in amounts recommended in the Radford Compensation
Survey.
Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits
The Company provides the Named Executive Officers with certain perquisites and other personal
benefits that the Compensation Committee believes are reasonable and consistent with the overall
compensation program and with competitive practice in the industry.
Novavax provides reimbursement for relocation and commuting expenses to certain Named Executive
Officers due to the limited pool of resources in the local area with the knowledge, skill and
expertise needed to fulfill the Companys complex requirements. These expenses are typically
grossed up to reimburse the Named Executive Officers for state and federal income taxes imposed
on the relocation and commuting and lodging expenses. The Compensation Committee believes this is
necessary so as to not provide a financial hardship on the executive during the transition process
to Novavax.
All of the Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate in the Companys employee benefit
plans, including health, dental and vision insurance, a prescription plan, flexible spending
accounts, short and long term disability, life insurance and a 401(k) plan. The Company matches
25% of up to 6% of the Named Executive Officers contributions to the 401(k) plan. These plans are
offered to all employees and do not discriminate in favor of Named Executive Officers.
Employment Agreements and Severance Benefits
The Company has entered into employment agreements with each of the Named Executive Officers. The
employment agreements provide for certain payments if the Named Executive Officer is terminated by
the Company without cause or leaves for good reason. The terms of these agreements are described
in greater detail in the section entitled Overview of Employment and Change of Control
Agreements. All of the Named Executive Officers are at will employees.
The Company has established a Change in Control Severance Benefit Plan, which provides for
severance payments to participating employees if the participants employment is terminated in
connection with a change in control. This plan is described in greater detail in the section
entitled Overview of Employment and Change of Control Agreements. The Compensation Committee
believes it is important to provide such employees with an incentive to remain with the Company and
consummate a strategic corporate sale or transaction that maximizes stockholder value. All of the
Named Executive Officers participate in the Change in Control Severance Benefit Plan.
34
Tax and Accounting Implications
As part of its role, the Compensation Committee considers the deductibility of executive
compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides that the Company may
not deduct non-performance based compensation of more than $1 million that is paid to certain
executives. The Compensation Committee has considered the $1 million limit for federal income tax
purposes on deductible executive compensation that is not performance based and believes that the
compensation paid is generally fully deductible for federal income tax purposes. However, in
certain situations, the
Compensation Committee may approve compensation that will not meet these requirements in order to
ensure competitive levels of total compensation for the Companys executive officers.
35
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation earned during the fiscal
years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 by the Companys Chief Executive Officer, the Chief
Financial Officer during 2008, and the three other most highly compensated individuals serving as
executive officers on December 31, 2008 (collectively, the Named Executive Officers).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
|
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
(2) |
|
(3) |
|
(5) |
|
(6) |
|
(7) |
|
(8) |
|
Total |
|
Rahul Singhvi, ScD., MBA |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
406,253 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
100,208 |
|
|
|
197,451 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,795 |
|
|
|
707,707 |
|
President & Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
350,038 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
124,166 |
|
|
|
156,001 |
|
|
|
332,500 |
|
|
|
66,282 |
|
|
|
1,028,987 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
337,510 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
117,778 |
|
|
|
331,283 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
117,409 |
|
|
|
1,003,980 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Len Stigliano(1) |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
256,979 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
195,116 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
36,967 |
|
|
|
489,062 |
|
VP, Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
182,015 |
|
|
|
7,200 |
(4) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
29,666 |
|
|
|
72,659 |
|
|
|
21,814 |
|
|
|
313,354 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raymond J. Hage |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
247,332 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
16,347 |
|
|
|
139,712 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
569 |
|
|
|
403,960 |
|
SVP of Commercial Operations |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
235,581 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
35,167 |
|
|
|
112,068 |
|
|
|
87,729 |
|
|
|
24,365 |
|
|
|
494,910 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
225,286 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
35,167 |
|
|
|
128,717 |
|
|
|
81,103 |
|
|
|
2,632 |
|
|
|
472,905 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Penny M. Heaton |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
285,405 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
34,333 |
|
|
|
211,362 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
18,281 |
|
|
|
549,381 |
|
VP & Chief Medical Officer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
261,704 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
34,333 |
|
|
|
167,610 |
|
|
|
99,087 |
|
|
|
44,115 |
|
|
|
606,849 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
58,711 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
8,583 |
|
|
|
25,150 |
|
|
|
19,022 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
111,466 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James Robinson |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
232,095 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
32,317 |
|
|
|
137,710 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,546 |
|
|
|
405,668 |
|
VP of Technical & Quality Control |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
176,730 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
29,931 |
|
|
|
71,554 |
|
|
|
67,864 |
|
|
|
2,640 |
|
|
|
348,719 |
|
Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Stigliano resigned as the Companys Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer effective January 28, 2009 and currently provides consulting services to the Company
on an as needed basis. No severance was paid to Mr. Stigliano in connection with his
resignation. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes amounts earned but deferred at the election of the Named Executive Officer, such as
salary deferrals under the Companys 401(k) plan established under Section 401(k) of the
Internal Revenue Code. |
|
(3) |
|
Performance-based bonuses are generally paid under the Companys incentive cash bonus program
and reported as Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation. Except as otherwise noted, amounts
reported as Bonus represent discretionary bonuses awarded by the Compensation Committee in
addition to any amount earned under the incentive cash bonus program. |
|
(4) |
|
Consists of a bonus paid to Mr. Stigliano for his performance while serving as Interim Chief
Financial Officer. |
|
(5) |
|
Reflects the dollar amount recognized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with FAS
123(R) and thus may include amounts from stock awards granted in and prior to the respective
year. Expense recognized for financial reporting purposes is recognized on a straight-line
basis over the vesting period based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant. The
fair value of the stock grants is based on the quoted market price for the Companys common
stock on the date of grant. Assumptions used in the calculation of this amount for years
ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are included in Note 8 to the Companys Annual Report
on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2009. |
|
(6) |
|
Reflects the dollar amount recognized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with
SFAS No. 123R and thus may include amounts from option awards granted in and prior to the
respective year. Expense recognized for financial reporting purposes equals the number of
shares attributable to the respective year
of service multiplied by the fair value per share of the stock award as of the date of
grant. Assumptions used in the calculation of this amount for years ended December 31 2006,
2007 and 2008 are included in Note 8 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2009. |
|
(7) |
|
Represents bonus amounts earned in 2008, 2007 and 2006 under the Companys incentive cash
bonus program. For a description of the incentive cash bonus program, see page 31 of the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis. |
|
(8) |
|
See the All Other Compensation table below for additional information. |
36
All Other Compensation
Novavax provides the Named Executive Officers with additional benefits, reflected in the All Other
Compensation table below for 2008, that the Company believes are reasonable, competitive and
consistent with the Companys overall executive compensation program. For more information
regarding the perquisites paid by Novavax, see page 34 of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance |
|
401(k) |
|
|
Commuting |
|
Tax |
|
|
|
|
Premiums |
|
Contributions |
|
|
Expenses |
|
Gross |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
(2) |
|
|
(3) |
|
Ups (4) |
|
Total |
|
Rahul Singhvi |
|
|
420 |
|
|
|
3,375 |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,795 |
|
Len Stigliano |
|
|
2,772 |
|
|
|
1,589 |
|
|
|
|
20,758 |
|
|
|
11,848 |
|
|
|
36,967 |
|
Raymond J. Hage |
|
|
420 |
|
|
|
149 |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
569 |
|
Penny M. Heaton |
|
|
420 |
|
|
|
3,375 |
|
|
|
|
10,039 |
|
|
|
4,447 |
|
|
|
18,281 |
|
James Robinson |
|
|
630 |
|
|
|
2,916 |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
3,546 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents the incremental cost to the Company of life insurance premiums to provide term
life insurance benefits to the Named Executive Officers in the amount of two times the
executives base salary, up to a maximum of $400,000. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents employer matching contributions to the Companys 401(k) plan. |
|
(3) |
|
Represents the reimbursement of commuting and lodging expenses |
|
(4) |
|
Includes amounts paid to reimburse the Named Executive Officers for state and federal income
taxes imposed on relocation, commuting and lodging expenses. |
37
GRANTS OF PLAN BASED AWARDS TABLE
The following table sets forth information with respect to option awards and other plan-based
awards granted during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 to the Companys Named Executive
Officers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
Grant Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Exercise or |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Base Price of |
|
of Stock |
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non- |
|
|
Grant |
|
Underlying |
|
Option |
|
and Option |
|
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) |
|
|
Date |
|
Options |
|
Awards (2) |
|
Awards (3) |
Name |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rahul Singhvi |
|
|
191,250 |
|
|
|
255,000 |
|
|
|
318,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/6/2008 |
|
|
|
175,000 |
|
|
$ |
2.61 |
|
|
|
262,832 |
|
Len Stigliano |
|
|
77,792 |
|
|
|
103,722 |
|
|
|
129,653 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/6/2008 |
|
|
|
32,500 |
|
|
$ |
2.61 |
|
|
|
48,812 |
|
Raymond J. Hage |
|
|
75,094 |
|
|
|
100,125 |
|
|
|
125,156 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/6/2008 |
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
$ |
2.61 |
|
|
|
90,114 |
|
Penny M. Heaton |
|
|
87,872 |
|
|
|
117,162 |
|
|
|
146,453 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/6/2008 |
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
$ |
2.61 |
|
|
|
112,643 |
|
James Robinson |
|
|
70,838 |
|
|
|
94,451 |
|
|
|
118,064 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/6/2008 |
|
|
|
37,500 |
|
|
$ |
2.61 |
|
|
|
56,321 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The threshold amounts reflect the minimum payment level under the cash bonus program which is
75% of the target amount. If 75% of the 2008 Objectives were not achieved, a cash bonus would
not have been paid. The maximum amount is 125% of the target amount. The target amount is
based on the individuals current salary and represents 60% of Dr. Singhvis base salary and
40% of the base salary of each of Mr. Stigliano, Mr. Hage, Dr. Heaton and Mr. Robinson. The
Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors reviewed the Companys performance in
relation to the 2008 Objectives, but due to the cash position of the Company, determined not
to award bonuses at the March 2009 meetings. |
|
(2) |
|
Options granted have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Companys Common
Stock on the date of grant which, under the Companys 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, is equal to
the closing price of the Companys Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market on the
date of grant. |
|
(3) |
|
Reflects the dollar amount the Company would expense in its financial statement over the
award vesting schedule recognized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with SFAS No.
123R. Assumptions used in the calculation of this amount are included in Note 8 to the
Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
March 31, 2009. |
38
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the value of all unexercised
options previously awarded to the Companys Named Executive Officers as of December 31,
2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Underlying |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
That |
|
|
|
|
Grant |
|
Options |
|
Options |
|
Exercise |
|
Expiration |
|
Have Not |
|
Market Value of Shares |
Name |
|
Date |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Price |
|
Date |
|
Vested |
|
that Have Not Vested (7) |
|
Rahul Singhvi, ScD.,MBA |
|
|
4/6/2004 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6.18 |
|
|
|
4/6/2014 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/24/2005 |
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.21 |
|
|
|
2/24/2015 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/31/2005 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.41 |
|
|
|
3/31/2015 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5/4/2005 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.48 |
|
|
|
5/4/2015 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8/10/2005 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.74 |
|
|
|
8/10/2015 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8/26/2005 |
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
$ |
1.34 |
|
|
|
8/26/2015 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/17/2006 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.60 |
|
|
|
2/17/2016 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,667 |
|
|
$ |
31,501 |
|
|
|
|
3/7/2007 |
|
|
|
33,334 |
|
|
|
66,666 |
|
|
$ |
2.77 |
|
|
|
3/17/2017 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/6/2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
175,000 |
|
|
$ |
2.61 |
|
|
|
3/6/2018 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Len Stigliano |
|
|
7/2/2007 |
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
$ |
2.98 |
|
|
|
7/2/2017 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/6/2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,500 |
|
|
$ |
2.61 |
|
|
|
3/6/2018 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raymond J. Hage |
|
|
1/5/2004 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6.00 |
|
|
|
1/5/2014 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/9/2004 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5.95 |
|
|
|
3/9/2014 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/24/2005 |
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.21 |
|
|
|
2/24/2015 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5/4/2005 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.48 |
|
|
|
5/4/2015 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8/10/2005 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.74 |
|
|
|
8/10/2015 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8/26/2005 |
|
|
|
54,000 |
|
|
|
36,000 |
|
|
$ |
1.34 |
|
|
|
8/26/2015 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2/17/2006 |
|
|
|
33,333 |
|
|
|
16,667 |
|
|
$ |
4.60 |
|
|
|
2/17/2016 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/7/2007 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
$ |
2.77 |
|
|
|
3/17/2017 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/6/2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
$ |
2.61 |
|
|
|
3/6/2018 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Penny M. Heaton |
|
|
10/9/2006 |
|
|
|
88,271 |
|
|
|
71,729 |
|
|
$ |
4.12 |
|
|
|
10/9/2016 |
(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,333 |
|
|
$ |
15,749 |
|
|
|
|
3/7/2006 |
|
|
|
13,333 |
|
|
|
26,667 |
|
|
$ |
2.77 |
|
|
|
3/7/2017 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3/6/2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
$ |
2.61 |
|
|
|
3/6/2018 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James Robinson |
|
|
3/7/2007 |
|
|
|
53,333 |
|
|
|
106,667 |
|
|
$ |
2.77 |
|
|
|
3/7/2017 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,333 |
|
|
$ |
44,099 |
|
|
|
|
3/6/2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,250 |
|
|
$ |
2.61 |
|
|
|
3/6/2018 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
(1) |
|
These options were awarded under the Companys 1995 Stock Incentive Plan and vest in
three equal increments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. |
|
(2) |
|
These options were awarded under the Companys 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and vest in three
equal increments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. |
|
(3) |
|
These options were awarded under the Companys 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and vest (i) with
respect to 20% of the shares, when the market capitalization of the Company exceeded $150
million; (ii) with respect to 20% of the shares, when the market capitalization of the Company
exceeded $250 million; (iii) with respect to 20% of the shares, when the market capitalization
of the Company exceeded $350 million; (iv) with respect to 20% of the shares, when $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 20% of the shares, when a
Change in Control occurs. |
|
(4) |
|
These options were awarded under the Companys 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and vest (i) with
respect to 25% of the shares, when the market capitalization of the Company exceeded $250
million; (ii) with respect to 25% of the shares, when the market capitalization of the Company
exceeded $350 million; (iii) with respect to 25% of the shares, when $35 million principal
amount of convertible notes made by the Company in favor of certain institutional investors
are redeemed or repaid in full; and (iv) with respect to 25% of the shares, when a Change in
Control occurs. |
|
(5) |
|
The options vest in five equal tranches upon the achievement of certain milestones related to
the Companys vaccine development efforts. |
|
(6) |
|
These restricted stock grants were awarded under the Companys 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and
vest in three equal increments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. |
|
(7) |
|
Based on the closing price of the Companys Common Stock of $1.89 as reported on the NASDAQ
Global Market System on December 31, 2008. |
OPTIONS EXERCISED AND STOCK VESTED TABLE
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the vesting of the Companys Common
Stock held by the Named Executive Officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Value |
|
|
Acquired On |
|
Realized On |
Name |
|
Vesting |
|
Vesting(1) |
|
|
|
Rahul Singhvi |
|
|
11,261 |
|
|
|
29,616 |
|
|
|
|
41,667 |
|
|
|
107,084 |
|
|
|
|
16,666 |
|
|
|
48,165 |
|
Len Stigliano |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raymond J. Hage |
|
|
11,261 |
|
|
|
29,616 |
|
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
64,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Penny M. Heaton |
|
|
8,333 |
|
|
|
11,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James Robinson |
|
|
11,667 |
|
|
|
30,800 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Based on the closing price of the Companys Common Stock, as reported on the NASDAQ Global
Market on the date on which the stock vested, or, if the stock vested on a weekend or holiday,
the closing price of the stock on the next day the Companys stock was traded. |
40
OVERVIEW OF EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS
Employment Agreements
All Named Executive Officers have entered employment agreements with the Company. The agreements
are for one year periods and provide for a base salary subject to review each year, an incentive
bonus, and equity awards. In 2008, the Compensation Committee decreased Dr. Singhvis target
incentive bonus amount to 60% of base salary in connection with the increase to Dr. Singhvis
salary. All other Named Executive Officers are eligible for a target incentive bonus of 40% of
base salary. The bonus may be paid partly in cash and partly in shares of restricted stock in the
discretion of the Board.
All Named Executive Officers will devote his or her full business time to the performance of
services to the Company.
All Named Executive Officers are also entitled to additional stock awards based upon performance
and subject to the Boards approval, reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by him or her in
connection with the performance of his or her duties, and to participate in the Companys Severance
Plan (discussed below).
All Named Executive Officers have agreed to maintain the confidentiality of the Companys
proprietary information, and that all work product discovered or developed by him or her in the
course of his or her employment belongs to the Company. In addition, he or she 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 or her
employment and for the duration of the severance period described for each Named Executive Officer
following the termination of his or her employment.
If Named Executive Officer is terminated without cause or leaves the Company for good reason
(as such terms are defined in each employment agreement), the Named Executive Officer may receive a
lump sum separation payment. The amount of this payment is twelve (12) months of then current
salary for Dr. Singhvi, Dr. Heaton, and Mr. Robinson and six (6) months of then current salary for
Mr. Stigliano and Mr. Hage. To be entitled to such a payment, the Named Executive Officer must
execute and deliver to the Company a separation and release agreement, releasing the Company from
any claims.
Additionally, on July 23, 2007, the Company agreed to reimburse Dr. Singhvi for the costs of
relocating from Pennsylvania to Maryland in connection with the move of the Companys headquarters
in an amount not to exceed $225,000, inclusive of any tax gross ups. The Company agreed to
reimburse Mr. Stigliano for travel and lodging expenses incurred in his commute from Pennsylvania,
in an amount not to exceed $25,000 per year. In addition, the Company agreed to reimburse
Mr. Stigliano for state and federal income taxes imposed on these reimbursable expenses.
On July 23, 2007, the Company agreed to reimburse Mr. Hage for the costs of relocating from
Pennsylvania to Maryland in connection with the move of the Companys headquarters in an amount not
to exceed $100,000, inclusive of any tax gross ups.
Dr. Heaton is also entitled to reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by her in connection
with the performance of her duties, including professional society fees and weekly literature
services.
Dr. Heaton is permitted to work from home at times, but has agreed to work from Novavaxs
headquarters at least three days a week. The Company also agreed to reimburse Dr. Heaton for
lodging
expenses when she joined Novavax. From March 2007 through March 2008, the Company paid $1,733 per
month for a lease of an apartment. In April 2008, the Company stopped paying this expense.
41
Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Benefit Plan
In August 2005, the Board of Directors adopted a Change of Control Severance Benefit Plan (the
Severance Plan). The Severance Plan was amended in July 2006 and December 2008, as described
below. The purpose of the Severance Plan is to provide severance pay and benefits to a select
group of employees whose employment with the Company may be terminated following a change in
control event, to provide such employees with an incentive to remain with the Company and help the
Company consummate a strategic corporate sale or transaction that maximizes stockholder value.
Participants in the Severance Plan are recommended by the CEO and approved by the Board of
Directors. Selected participants with existing severance agreements will be deemed to elect
coverage under the Severance Plan and are not eligible for any severance benefits under such other
agreements unless expressly provided otherwise by the Board. Each of the Named Executive Officers
that are currently officers of the Company participate in the Severance Plan.
The Severance Plan provides for the payment of benefits upon certain triggering events. A
triggering event occurs if a participants employment is terminated due to an Involuntary
Termination without Cause for a reason other than death or disability or as a result of a
Constructive Termination which occurs either (i) for a certain period (not to exceed 24 months)
after the effective date of a Change in Control or (ii) before the Change in Control but after
the first day on which the Board and/or senior management of the Company has entered into formal
negotiations with a potential acquirer that results in the consummation of the Change In Control.
The specific period of time following the effective date of a Change in Control during which
payment of benefits under the Severance Plan may be triggered is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance |
|
Executive |
|
Period |
|
Rahul Singhvi |
|
24 months |
Len Stigliano |
|
12 months |
Raymond J. Hage |
|
12 months |
Penny M. Heaton |
|
12 months |
James Robinson |
|
12 months |
If a triggering event occurs, the participant is entitled to a lump sum severance payment, a bonus
equal to 100% of the target annual performance bonus for the period in which the termination date
occurred, and continuation of medical, dental, vision and hospitalization benefits for the same
number of months as the severance period.
42
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuation of |
Executive |
|
Severance Payment |
|
Benefits Period |
Rahul Singhvi |
|
24 months salary |
|
24 months |
Len Stigliano |
|
12 months salary |
|
12 months |
Raymond J. Hage |
|
12 months salary |
|
12 months |
Penny M. Heaton |
|
12 months salary |
|
12 months |
James Robinson |
|
12 months salary |
|
12 months |
Initially, the Severance Plan provided that all outstanding equity awards held by participants
became vested and exercisable upon a change in control of the Company (a Single Trigger
Acceleration). In July 2006, the Board amended and restated the Severance Plan to provide that,
upon a termination of employment following a Change in Control, all awards granted thereafter and
held by participants shall become vested and exercisable in full (a Double Trigger Acceleration).
In April 2007, the Compensation Committee recommended, and the Board of Directors adopted, revised
stock option agreements, restricted stock agreements and restricted stock unit agreements for all
awards made in March 2007 and thereafter that provide for Double Trigger Acceleration to conform to
the amended Severance Plan. This action did not alter awards granted before March 2007. The
Severance Plan provides that all vested and exercisable options may be exercised within one year
from the participants termination date, provided however that no exercise may occur later than the
expiration date of the option as set forth in the applicable option agreement.
In December 2008, the board amended and restated the Severance Plan with the intention to comply
with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (Section 409A). Specifically, the Severance Plan was amended to clarify provisions
relating to the types of benefits available under the Severance Plan and the timing of the payments
of such benefits.
As used herein, the terms Involuntary Termination without Cause, Cause, Constructive
Termination and Change in Control shall have the following meanings:
Involuntary Termination without Cause means the termination of an eligible employees employment
which is initiated by the Company for a reason other than Cause.
Cause means (i) conviction of, a guilty plea with respect to, or a plea of nolo contendere to a
charge that the eligible employee has committed a felony under the laws of the United States or of
any state or a crime involving moral turpitude, including, but not limited to, fraud, theft,
embezzlement or any crime that results in or is intended to result in personal enrichment at the
expense of the Company; (ii) material breach of any agreement entered into between the eligible
employee and the Company that impairs the Companys interest therein; (iii) willful misconduct,
significant failure to perform the eligible employees duties, or gross neglect by the eligible
employee of the eligible employees duties; or (iv) engagement in any activity that constitutes a
material conflict of interest with the Company.
Constructive Termination means a termination initiated by an eligible employee because any of the
following events or conditions have occurred:
|
1. |
|
a change in the employees position or responsibilities (including reporting
responsibilities) which represents an adverse change from the employees position or
responsibilities as in effect immediately preceding the effective date of a Change in
Control or at any time thereafter; the assignment to the employee of any duties or
responsibilities which are inconsistent with the employees position or
responsibilities as in effect immediately preceding the effective date of a Change
in Control or at any time thereafter; except in connection with the termination of
the employees employment for Cause or the termination of an employees employment
because of an employees disability or death, or except as the result of a voluntary
termination by the employee other than as a result of a Constructive Termination; |
43
|
2. |
|
a reduction in the employees pay or any failure to pay the employee any
compensation or benefits to which the employee is entitled within five (5) days of the
date due; |
|
|
3. |
|
the Companys requiring the employee to relocate his principal worksite to any
place outside a fifty (50) mile radius of the employees current worksite, except for
reasonably required travel on the business of the Company or its affiliates which is
not materially greater than such travel requirements prior to the Change in Control; |
|
|
4. |
|
the failure by the Company to (A) continue in effect (without reduction in
benefit level and/or reward opportunities) any material compensation or employee
benefit plan in which the employee was participating immediately preceding the
effective date of a Change in Control or at any time thereafter, unless such plan is
replaced with a plan that provides substantially equivalent compensation or benefits to
the employee, or (B) provide the employee with compensation and benefits, in the
aggregate, at least equal (in terms of benefit levels and/or reward opportunities) to
those provided for under each other employee benefit plan, program and practice in
which the employee was participating immediately preceding the date of a Change in
Control or at any time thereafter; |
|
|
5. |
|
the insolvency or the filing (by any party, including the Company) of a
petition for bankruptcy of the Company, which petition is not dismissed within sixty
(60) days; |
|
|
6. |
|
any material breach by the Company of any provision of the Severance Plan; or |
|
|
7. |
|
the failure of the Company to obtain an agreement, satisfactory to the
employee, from any successors and assigns to assume and agree to perform the
obligations created under this Plan as a result of a Change in Control. |
Change in Control means (i) a sale, lease, license or other disposition of all or substantially all
of the assets of the Company; (ii) a consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other
corporation or other entity or person, or any other corporate reorganization, in which the
stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such consolidation, merger or reorganization, own
less that fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting power of the surviving entity and its
parent following the consolidation, merger or reorganization; (iii) any transaction or series of
related transactions involving a person or entity, or a group of affiliated persons or entities
(but excluding any employee benefit plan or related trust sponsored or maintained by the Company or
an affiliate) in which such persons or entities that were not stockholders of the Company
immediately prior to their acquisition of Company securities as part of such transaction become the
owners, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent
(50%) of the combined voting power of the Companys then outstanding securities other than by
virtue of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction and other than as part of a private
financing transaction by the Company; or (iv) a Change in the Incumbent Board (as defined below).
For purposes of the Severance Plan, a Change in the Incumbent Board shall occur if the existing
members of the Board on the date this Plan is initially adopted by the Board (the Incumbent
Board) cease to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board, provided, however,
that any new Board member shall be
considered a member of the Incumbent Board for this purpose if the appointment or election (or
nomination for such election) of the new Board member was approved or recommended by a majority
vote of the members of the Incumbent Board who are then still in office.
44
Regular Termination Benefits
In addition to the benefits described above, the Named Executive Officers are also entitled to
certain payments and benefits upon termination of employment that are provided on a
non-discriminatory basis to salaried employees generally upon termination of employment. These
include:
|
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Accrued salary and vacation pay; |
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Life insurance; and |
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|
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Distribution of plan balances under the Companys 401(k) plan. |
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION
Termination without Cause
Each of the Named Executive Officers have arrangements with Novavax that provide for a cash
severance payment if the executive is terminated without cause. All vested and exercisable stock
options must be exercised within three months following the termination date. If such termination
had occurred on December 31, 2008, the Company would have made the following payments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance |
Executive |
|
Payment |
Rahul Singhvi |
|
$ |
425,000 |
|
Len Stigliano |
|
$ |
129,653 |
|
Raymond Hage |
|
$ |
125,156 |
|
Penny Heaton |
|
$ |
292,905 |
|
James Robinson |
|
$ |
236,127 |
|
Cause is defined to mean (i) the executives willful failure or refusal to perform in all material
respects the services required by him; (ii) executives willful failure or refusal to carry out any
proper and material direction by the President and CEO or Board of Directors with respect to the
services to be rendered by him or the manner of rendering such services; (iii) executives willful
misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of his duties; (iv) executives commission of an
act of fraud, embezzlement or theft or felony involving moral turpitude; (v) executives use of
confidential information, other than for the benefit of the Company in the course of rendering
services to the Company; or (vi) a breach of executives non-competition obligations.
45
Termination for Good Reason
Each of the Named Executive Officers have employment agreements with Novavax that provide for a
lump sum cash severance payment if the executive terminates his employment for good reason. All
vested and exercisable stock options must be exercised within three months following the
termination date. If such termination had occurred on December 31, 2008, the Company would have
made the following payments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance |
Executive |
|
Payment |
Rahul Singhvi |
|
$ |
425,000 |
|
Len Stigliano |
|
$ |
129,653 |
|
Raymond Hage |
|
$ |
125,156 |
|
Penny Heaton |
|
$ |
292,905 |
|
James Robinson |
|
$ |
236,127 |
|
Good Reason is defined to mean the Companys material reduction or diminution of executives
responsibilities and authority, other than for cause, without his consent.
Termination for Cause
In the event a Named Executive Officer is terminated for cause, the Company has no further
obligation to the executive other than the obligation to pay any unpaid base salary accrued through
the termination date. All vested and exercisable stock options must be exercised within three
months following the termination date.
Termination as a Result of Death or Disability
In the event a Named Executive Officer is terminated for death or disability, the Company has no
further obligation to the executive other than the obligation to pay any unpaid base salary accrued
through the termination date. If the executive dies while in the employ of the Company (or within
three months after the date on which the executive ceases to be an employee) vested and exercisable
options may be exercised by the executives estate for one year following the executives death.
If the executive becomes disabled while in the employ of the Company, vested and exercisable
options may be exercised by the executive for a period of one year after the executive ceases to be
an employee due to a disability.
46
Termination in Connection with a Change in Control
Each of the Named Executive Officers participate in the Severance Plan. The following table sets
forth the payments the Company would have made had the Named Executive Officers been terminated in
connection with a Change in Control in accordance with the Severance Plan:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
|
Benefit |
|
Amount |
|
Rahul Singhvi |
|
Severance Payment |
|
$ |
850,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bonus(1) |
|
$ |
255,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Awards(2) |
|
$ |
141,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
Health Insurance Benefits(3) |
|
$ |
32,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,137,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Len Stigliano |
|
Severance Payment |
|
$ |
259,305 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bonus(1) |
|
$ |
103,722 |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Awards(2) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Health Insurance Benefits(3) |
|
$ |
15,994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
379,021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raymond Hage |
|
Severance Payment |
|
$ |
250,312 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bonus(1) |
|
$ |
100,125 |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Awards(2) |
|
$ |
19,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
Health Insurance Benefits(3) |
|
$ |
16,078 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
386,315 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Penny Heaton |
|
Severance Payment |
|
$ |
292,905 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bonus(1) |
|
$ |
117,162 |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Awards(2) |
|
$ |
15,749 |
|
|
|
|
|
Health Insurance Benefits(3) |
|
$ |
4,895 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
430,711 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James Robinson |
|
Severance Payment |
|
$ |
236,127 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bonus(1) |
|
$ |
94,451 |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Awards(2) |
|
$ |
44,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
Health Insurance Benefits(3) |
|
$ |
16,078 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
390,755 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Bonus equals 100% of the Named Executive Officers target annual bonus award. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents the value of all unvested equity awards at the closing price on December 31, 2008,
minus any applicable exercise price. As described above, depending on when the options were
granted, certain options are Single Trigger Options and others are Double Trigger Options.
For the purpose of this table, the Company has assumed that both the Change in Control and the
termination occurred on December 31, 2008. |
|
(3) |
|
Reflects the premiums for health, dental and vision coverage under the Companys group health
insurance program. Amounts are based on the premiums in effect at December 31, 2008. |
47
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee of the Company has reviewed and discussed the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on
such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that
the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
John O. Marsh, Chairman
Thomas P. Monath
James B. Tananbaum
This Compensation Committee Report shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any
general statement incorporating by reference this proxy statement into any filing under the
Securities Act of 1933 or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 except to the extent that
Novavax specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed
filed under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and shall not be
deemed soliciting material.
48
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the Companys audited financial statements with
management. The Audit Committee has discussed with Grant Thornton 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 Grant Thornton 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 Grant Thornton 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, 2008, for filing with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Michael A. McManus, Jr., Chairman
Gary C. Evans
John O. Marsh, Jr.
This Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general
statement incorporating by reference this proxy statement into any filing under the Securities Act
of 1933 or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 except to the extent that Novavax specifically
incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and shall not be deemed soliciting
material.
49
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Transaction of Other Business
The Board of Directors knows of no other business which will be presented for consideration at
the Meeting other than the Proposals 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.
* * *
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 OVER 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.
By the Order of the Board of Directors
Jennifer Miller
Corporate Secretary
April 16, 2009
50
Annex A
Certificate of Amendment to the
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Novavax, Inc.
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
OF THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
NOVAVAX, INC.
(Pursuant to Section 242 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware)
Novavax, Inc. (the Corporation), a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, hereby files this Certificate of Amendment to the
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation and hereby certifies as
follows:
A. At a meeting of the Board of Directors on March 30, 2009, the Board of Directors of the
Corporation, a resolution was duly adopted, pursuant to Sections 141(f) and 242 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law, setting forth an amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of the Corporation and declaring the amendment to be advisable.
B. Article FOURTH of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation is hereby amended
by striking the first sentence thereof and substituting the following sentence:
The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have authority
to issue is (i) two hundred million (200,000,000) shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share
(Common Stock), and (ii) two million (2,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per
share (Preferred Stock), which may be issued from time to time in one or more series as set forth
in Part B of this Article FOURTH.
C. The stockholders of the Corporation duly approved the proposed amendment at an annual
meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with the provisions of Section 242(b)
of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be duly
executed effective as of the ___day of , 2009.
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NOVAVAX, INC.
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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51
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Annual Meeting Proxy Card
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C0123456789 |
12345
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▼
IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE,
FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN
THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
▼
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A
Proposals The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR
the nominees listed and FOR Proposals 2, 3 and 4.
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1. |
Election of Class II Directors: |
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For |
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Withhold |
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For |
Withhold |
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For |
Withhold |
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+ |
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01
- Gary C. Evans* |
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02 - John O. Marsh, Jr.* |
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03 James B. Tananbaum, M.D* |
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* Each to serve on the Board of Directors for a
three year term expiring at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. |
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For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
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For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
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2. |
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To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP, an independent
registered accounting firm, as the independent auditor of the Company for the year ending December 31, 2009. |
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o |
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o |
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3. |
To approve an amendment to the Companys
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation,
as amended, to increase the number of authorized
shares of Common Stock of the Company by
100,000,000 shares from 100,000,000 shares to
200,000,000 shares. |
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Abstain |
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4. |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
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B Non-Voting
Items |
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Change of Address
Please print new address below. |
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Comments Please print your comments below. |
Meeting Attendance |
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Mark the box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.
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C |
Authorized
Signatures
This section must be completed for your vote to be counted.
Date and Sign Below |
Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title.
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Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Please print date below. |
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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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+
▼
IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE,
FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN
THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
▼
Annual
Meeting of Stockholders
May 13, 2009
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned stockholder of Novavax, Inc. hereby appoints Rahul
Singhvi and Raymond Hage
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 Companys headquarters located at 9920
Belward Campus Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850 on Wednesday, May 13,
2009 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, (2) THE RATIFICATION OF GRANT THORNTON
LLP, AN INDEPENDENT REGISTERED ACCOUNTING FIRM, AS THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR OF THE COMPANY FOR
THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2009, (3) THE APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT
TO THE COMPANYS AMENDED & RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED, TO INCREASE THE AUTHORIZED
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, AND (4) IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXYHOLDER AS TO ANY OTHER
MATTERS WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
If you vote by telephone or the Internet, please DO NOT mail back this proxy card.
Important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on May 13, 2009. The Company's Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2008 are available at www.novavax.com/proxy2009.