UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
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¨ | Soliciting Material under § 240.14a-12 |
PURE Bioscience, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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PURE BIOSCIENCE, INC.
NOTICE OF 2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 15, 2015
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS:
Our 2015 annual meeting of stockholders of PURE Bioscience, Inc. will be held at our corporate offices at 1725 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, California 92020, on January 15, 2015 at 9:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
1. | To elect six directors to hold office until the next annual meeting and until their respective successors are elected and qualified; |
2. | To ratify the appointment of Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2015; |
3. | To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014; and |
4. | To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
Our Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each of the director nominees, FOR the ratification of the appointment of Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. and FOR the approval of the compensation of our named executive officers. Stockholders of record at the close of business on December 5, 2014 are entitled to notice of, and to vote on, all matters at the meeting and any reconvened meeting following any adjournments or postponements thereof. For ten days prior to the meeting, a complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting will be available for examination by any stockholder, for any purpose relating to the meeting, during ordinary business hours at our principal offices located at 1725 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, California 92020.
Whether or not you expect to be present, please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed pre-addressed envelope as soon as possible. No postage is required if the enclosed envelope is used and mailed in the United States.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING: Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Notice and Proxy Statement are available electronically at www.proxyvote.com.
By Order of the Board of Directors
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/s/ Peter C. Wulff |
Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary |
December 5, 2014
PLEASE FILL IN, DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. IF YOU LATER DESIRE TO REVOKE YOUR PROXY FOR ANY REASON, YOU MAY DO SO IN THE MANNER DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED PROXY STATEMENT.
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PURE BIOSCIENCE, INC.
1725 Gillespie Way
El Cajon, California 92020
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JANUARY 15, 2015
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of PURE Bioscience, Inc. (the Board or Board of Directors) to be voted at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Meeting or Annual Meeting) to be held on January 15, 2015 at our corporate offices at 1725 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, California 92020 at 9:00 a.m., local time, and any adjournments or postponements thereof. This proxy statement and the accompanying proxy are being sent to stockholders on or about December 5, 2014. References in this proxy statement to the Company, we, our, and us are to PURE Bioscience, Inc.
Record Date
Holders of record of our shares of Common Stock, our only class of issued and outstanding voting securities (the Common Stock), at the close of business on December 5, 2014 (the Record Date) are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. On December 5, 2014, 39,788,465 shares of our Common Stock were issued and outstanding.
Quorum
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Votes for and against, abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum.
The Annual Meeting may be adjourned from time to time and at any reconvened meeting, action with respect to the matters specified in this notice may be taken without further notice to stockholders except as required by applicable law and our charter documents.
Stockholders of Record
You are a stockholder of record if your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, ComputerShare. As a stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to PURE Bioscience or to vote in person at the Annual Meeting. We have enclosed or made available a proxy card for you to use. You may also vote by Internet or telephone, as described below.
Shares Held in Street Name
If your shares are held by a broker, bank, trustee or other stockholder of record, in nominee name or otherwise, exercising fiduciary powers (typically referred to as being held in street name), you will receive a separate voting instruction form with this Proxy Statement. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank, trustee, or nominee how to vote your shares, and you are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. If you hold your shares in street name and do not provide voting instructions to your broker, bank , trustee or nominee, your shares will not be voted on any proposals on which such party does not have discretionary authority to vote (a broker non-vote), as further described below under the heading Broker Non-Votes.
Please note that if your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or nominee and you wish to vote at the meeting, you will not be permitted to vote in person unless you first obtain a proxy issued in your name from the record holder.
Broker Non-Votes
Broker non-votes are shares held in street name by brokers or nominees who are present in person or represented by proxy, but which are not voted on a particular matter because the brokers or nominees do not have discretionary authority with respect to that proposal and they have not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner. Under the rules that govern brokers, brokers have the discretion to vote on routine matters, but not on non-routine matters. Routine matters include the ratification of the appointment of the Companys independent registered public accountants. The remaining proposals to be considered at the Annual Meeting are considered to be non-routine matters, including the election of directors and the non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers. As a result, if you do not provide your broker or nominee with voting instructions on these non-routine matters your shares will not be voted on these proposals.
Voting Matters
Stockholders are entitled to cast one vote per share of Common Stock on each matter presented for consideration by the stockholders. A list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available for examination by any stockholder for a proper purpose during normal business hours at the executive offices of the Company for a period of at least 10 days preceding the day of the Annual Meeting.
There are three proposals scheduled to be voted on at the Annual Meeting:
1. | To elect six directors to hold office until the next annual meeting and until their respective successors are elected and qualified; |
2. | To ratify the appointment of Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2015; and |
3. | To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014. |
Our Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each of the director nominees, FOR the ratification of the appointment of Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. and FOR the approval of the compensation of our named executive officers.
We are currently unaware of any matters to be raised at the Annual Meeting other than those referred to in this Proxy Statement. If other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting for consideration and you are a stockholder of record and have submitted your proxy, the persons named in your proxy will have the discretion to vote on those matters for you.
Required Vote
Assuming a quorum is present, either in person or by proxy, the following vote is required for the proposals scheduled to be voted on at the Annual Meeting:
1. | Election of Directors: Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes, which means the six nominees who receive the greatest number of FOR votes will be elected. If you hold your shares through a broker and you do not instruct the broker on how to vote on this proposal, your broker will not have authority to vote your shares. Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but will not have any effect on the outcome of the proposal. |
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2. | Ratification of Auditors: The ratification of the appointment of Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2015 requires that a majority of the votes cast, whether in person or represented by proxy, are voted FOR this proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but will have no effect on the outcome of the vote. |
3. | Executive Compensation: The approval, on a non-binding advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers requires that a majority of the votes cast, whether in person or represented by proxy, are voted FOR this proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but will have no effect on the outcome of the vote. |
Voting Instructions
If you are a stockholder of record, you can vote in the following ways:
| By Internet: by following the Internet voting instructions included in the Notice or by following the instructions on the proxy card at any time up until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on January 14, 2015. |
| By Telephone: by following the telephone voting instructions included in the proxy card at any time up until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on January 14, 2015. |
| By Mail: you may vote by mail by marking, dating and signing your proxy card in accordance with the instructions on it and returning it by mail in the pre-addressed reply envelope provided with the proxy materials. The proxy card must be received prior to the Annual Meeting. |
If your shares are held in street name, please follow the separate voting instructions you receive from your broker, bank, trustee or other nominee.
Proxies
All shares represented by a proxy will be voted, and where a stockholder specifies a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, the shares will be voted in accordance with the specification so made. If a stockholder does not indicate a choice on the proxy card, the shares will be voted in favor of the election of each of the nominees for director contained in this Proxy Statement and in favor of each of the other proposals considered at the Annual Meeting.
Multiple Proxies
If you receive more than one set of proxy materials it generally means you hold shares registered in multiple accounts. To ensure that all your shares are voted, please submit proxies or voting instructions for all of your shares.
Proxy Revocation Procedure
A proxy may be revoked at any time before it has been exercised with regard to any matter (i) by written notice of revocation mailed to and received by the Secretary of the Company prior to the date of the Annual Meeting (ii) by executing and delivering to the Secretary a proxy dated as of a later date than a previously
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executed and delivered proxy (provided, however, that such action must be taken prior to 5:00 p.m., local time, on January 15, 2015), or (iii) by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not in and of itself revoke a proxy.
Solicitation Costs
The Company will bear the expenses of calling and holding the Annual Meeting and the soliciting of proxies therefor. This proxy statement and the accompanying materials, in addition to being mailed directly to stockholders, will be distributed through brokers, custodians, nominees and other like parties to beneficial owners of shares of Common Stock. The Company will pay reasonable expenses incurred in forwarding the proxy materials to the beneficial owners of shares and in obtaining the written instructions of such beneficial owners. The Company may consider the engagement of a proxy solicitation firm. Our directors, officers and employees may also solicit proxies by mail, telephone and personal contact, but they will not receive any additional compensation for these activities.
Voting Results
We will announce preliminary voting results at the annual meeting. We will report final results in a Form 8-K report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
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Overview
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of business conduct and corporate governance, which we believe are fundamental to the overall success of our business, serving our stockholders well and maintaining our integrity in the marketplace. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, together with our Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and the charters of our Board Committees, form the basis for our corporate governance framework. As discussed below, our Board of Directors has established two standing committees to assist it in fulfilling its responsibilities to the Company and its stockholders: the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. The Board of Directors performs the functions typically assigned to a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Recent Corporate Developments
New Board of Directors and Management Team
On August 13, 2013, the following managerial and corporate governance changes occurred to create a new Board of Directors, or Board, and management team:
| Michael L. Krall, Donna Singer, and Dennis Brovarone resigned as members of the Board; |
| Michael L. Krall, Donna Singer, and Dennis Atchley resigned all positions respectively held by them as officers of the Company; |
| Dave J. Pfanzelter was appointed by the Board to be the Chairman of the Board; |
| Dave J. Pfanzelter was appointed by the Board to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer; |
| Gary D. Cohee was appointed by the Board to serve as a member of the Board; and |
| Peter C. Wulff was appointed by the Board to serve as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Corporate Secretary. |
On July 22, 2013, Jon Carbone and Paul Maier resigned as directors of the Company and as members of the Audit and Compensation Committees.
On September 10, 2013, the Board appointed Henry R. Lambert to serve as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board. In connection with the hiring of Henry R. Lambert to serve as our Chief Executive Officer, Dave J. Pfanzelter resigned his position as our Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Pfanzelter continues to render significant services to us and continues to serve as our Chairman of the Board.
In October 2013, we appointed three additional members to the Board; Dr. David Theno, Jr., Craig Culver and William Otis. On April 9, 2014, Craig Culver resigned from the Board. On October 24, 2014 we appointed Tom Y. Lee, CPA, to the Board. The Board now consists of six members who provide professional experience in business and finance; food science and food safety; foodservice and food manufacturing; and distribution. We believe our new Board will be able to contribute incremental insight and guidance on business strategy from their collective experience in business and finance; food science and food safety; and foodservice and food manufacturing.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines are designed to ensure effective corporate governance of our Company. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines cover topics including, but not limited to, director qualification criteria, director responsibilities, director compensation, director orientation and continuing education, communications from stockholders to the Board, succession planning and the annual evaluations of the Board
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and its Committees. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines are reviewed regularly by the Board and revised when appropriate. The full text of our Corporate Governance Guidelines can be found in the Corporate Governance section of our website accessible at www.purebio.com. A printed copy may also be obtained by any stockholder upon request to our Corporate Secretary.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors. This Code constitutes a code of ethics as defined by the rules of the SEC. This Code also contains whistle blower procedures adopted by our Audit Committee regarding the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints related to accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and procedures for confidential anonymous employee complaints related to questionable accounting or auditing matters. Copies of the code may be obtained free of charge from our website, www.purebio.com. Any amendments to, or waivers from, a provision of our code of ethics that applies to any of our executive officers will be posted on our website in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Other than as specifically referenced herein, the information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of this proxy statement.
Director Independence
We are not currently listed on any national securities exchange or in an inter-dealer quotation system that has established a standard for independence. However, in evaluating the independence of our members and the composition of the committees of our Board of Directors, our Board utilizes the definition of independence as that term is defined by applicable listing standards of the NYSE MKT. As of the date hereof, our Board consists of six members, three of whom are considered independent as that term is defined by applicable listing standards of the NYSE MKT. Our independent directors include: Messrs. Otis and Lee and Dr. Theno.
In addition to Messrs. Pfanzelter Otis and Dr. Theno, the following individuals served as directors during our fiscal year ended July 31, 2014; Gary D. Cohee, Henry R. Lambert, Michael L. Krall, Donna Singer, Dennis Brovarone and Craig Culver. Mr. Culver qualified as an independent director during his respective service on the Board as that term is defined by the applicable listing standards of the NYSE MKT. The other directors were not independent based on their services as executive officers or service providers to the Company.
Board and Committee Attendance
During the year ended July 31, 2014, the Board of Directors met 12 times and it took action by unanimous written consent 4 times. During the last fiscal year, we believe based on available records that each of our directors attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board and all Board Committees on which such director served during that period.
Director Attendance at Annual Meeting
We believe the Annual Meeting of stockholders provides a good opportunity for our directors to hear any feedback the stockholders may share with the Company at the Annual Meeting. As a result, we encourage our directors to attend our Annual Meeting. We reimburse our directors for the reasonable expenses incurred by them in attending the Annual Meeting.
Executive Sessions
Executive sessions of our independent directors are held at each regularly scheduled meeting of our Board and at other times as necessary and are chaired by the Chairman of the Board. The Boards policy is to hold executive sessions without the presence of management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer, who is the only non-independent director on the Board. Our Board Committees also generally meet in executive session at the end of each committee meeting.
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Board Committees
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors currently consists of Dr. Theno (Chair). The functions of the Compensation Committee include the approval of the compensation offered to our executive officers and recommending to the full Board of Directors the compensation to be offered to our directors, including our Chairman. The Board has determined that Dr. Theno is an independent director under the listing standards of the NYSE MKT. In addition, the members of the Compensation Committee qualify as non-employee directors for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and as outside directors for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Compensation Committee is governed by a written charter approved by the Board of Directors, a copy of which is available on our website at www.purebio.com.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, currently consists of Messrs. Cohee (Chair), Lee and Otis. The functions of the Audit Committee include the retention of our independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing and approving the planned scope, proposed fee arrangements and results of the Companys annual audit, reviewing the adequacy of the Companys accounting and financial controls and reviewing the independence of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. The Board has determined that each of Messrs. Otis and Lee is an independent director under the listing standards of the NYSE MKT. Mr. Cohee is not independent because the Company has retained Mr. Cohee to provide financial advisory services to the Company. See Certain Relationships and Related Transactions for additional information regarding the Companys retention of Mr. Cohee. The Board determined that it was in the Companys and its stockholders best interests for Mr. Cohee to continue to serve on the audit committee, based on his accounting and financial expertise, until the Board adds additional independent directors. The Board of Directors has also determined that Messrs. Cohee, Lee and Otis are each an audit committee financial expert within the applicable definition of the SEC. The Audit Committee is governed by a written charter approved by the Board of Directors, a copy of which is available on our website at www.purebio.com.
Nominating Committee. The Board has not established a Nominating Committee, and as a result performs the functions typically assigned to a Nominating Committee, including the identification, recruitment and nomination of candidates for the Board and its committees, determining the structure, composition and functioning of the Board and its committees including the reporting channels through which the Board receives information and the quality and timeliness of the information, developing and recommending to the Board corporate governance guidelines applicable to the Company and annually reviewing and recommending changes, as necessary or appropriate, overseeing the annual evaluation of the Boards effectiveness and performance.
Board and Committee Effectiveness
The Board and each of its Committees performs an annual self-assessment to evaluate their effectiveness in fulfilling their obligations. The Board and Committee evaluations cover a wide range of topics, including, among others, the fulfillment of the Board and Committee responsibilities identified in the Corporate Governance Guidelines and charters for each Committee.
Board Leadership Structure
Our Bylaws provide our Board with flexibility to combine or separate the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in accordance with its determination that utilizing one or the other structure would be in the best interests of our company. At the current time, Mr. Pfanzelter serves as our Chairman of the Board, and Mr. Lambert serves as our Chief Executive Officer. Our Board believes our leadership structure enhances the accountability of our Chief Executive Officer to the Board and encourages balanced decision making. In addition, the Board believes that this structure provides an environment in which its independent directors are fully informed, have significant input into the content of Board meetings and are able to provide objective and thoughtful oversight of management. Our Board also separated the roles in recognition of the
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differences in responsibilities. While our Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the Company and its business operations, the Chairman of the Board provides guidance to the Board, sets the agenda for Board meetings and presides over the meetings of the full Board and the meetings of the Boards non-management directors. The Board Chairman also provides performance feedback on behalf of the Board to our Chief Executive Officer. The Board intends to carefully evaluate from time to time whether our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman positions should remain separate based on what the Board believes is best for the Company and its stockholders.
Board Oversight of Risk
The Board is actively involved in the oversight of risks that could affect the Company. The Board as a whole has responsibility for risk oversight of the Companys risk management policies and procedures, with reviews of certain areas being conducted by the relevant Board committee. The Board satisfies this responsibility through reports by each Committee Chair regarding the Committees considerations and actions, as well as through regular reports directly from management responsible for oversight of particular risks within the Company. Specifically, the Board committees address the following risk areas:
| The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks related to the Companys executive compensation plans and arrangements. |
| The Audit Committee discusses with management the Companys major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. |
The Board as a whole considers risks related to regulatory and compliance matters as well as risks related to the Companys sales and marketing and research and development initiatives.
The Board encourages management to promote a corporate culture that incorporates risk management into the Companys day-to-day business operations.
Stockholder Recommendations for Director Nominees
In nominating candidates for election as a director, the Board will consider a reasonable number of candidates recommended by a single stockholder who has held over 20% of PURE Bioscience Common Stock for over one year and who satisfies the notice, information and consent provisions set forth in our Bylaws and Corporate Governance Guidelines. Stockholders who wish to recommend a candidate may do so by writing to the Board of Directors in care of the Corporate Secretary, PURE Bioscience, Inc., 1725 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, California 92020. The Board of Directors will use the same evaluation process for director nominees recommended by stockholders as it uses for other director nominees. A printed copy of our Bylaws may be obtained by any stockholder upon request to our Corporate Secretary.
Identification and Evaluation of Director Nominees
In evaluating nominees for membership on our Board, our Board applies the Board membership criteria set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. Under these criteria, the Board takes into account many factors, including an individuals business experience and skills (including skills in core areas such as operations, management, technology, accounting and finance, strategic planning and international markets), as well as independence, judgment, knowledge of our business and industry, professional reputation, leadership, integrity and ability to represent the best interests of the Companys stockholders. In addition, the Board also considers the ability to commit sufficient time and attention to the activities of the Board, as well as the absence of any potential conflicts with the Companys interests. The Board does not assign specific weights to particular criteria and no particular criterion is necessarily applicable to all prospective nominees. The Board does not have a formal policy with respect to diversity of nominees. Rather, our Board considers Board membership criteria as a whole and seeks to achieve diversity of occupational and personal backgrounds on the Board.
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Our Board regularly assesses the appropriate size of our Board, and whether any vacancies on our Board are expected due to retirement or otherwise. In the event that vacancies are anticipated, or otherwise arise, the Board will consider various potential candidates who may come to the attention of the Board through current Board members, professional search firms, stockholders or other persons. Each candidate brought to the attention of the Board, regardless of who recommended such candidate, is considered on the basis of the criteria set forth in our corporate governance guidelines. As stated above, our Board will consider candidates proposed for nomination by our significant stockholders. Stockholders may propose candidates by submitting the names and supporting information to: Corporate Secretary, PURE Bioscience, Inc., 1725 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, California 92020. Supporting information should include (a) the name and address of the candidate and the proposing stockholder, (b) a comprehensive biography of the candidate and an explanation of why the candidate is qualified to serve as a director taking into account the criteria identified in our corporate governance guidelines, (c) proof of ownership, the class and number of shares, and the length of time that the shares of our voting securities have been beneficially owned by each of the candidate and the proposing stockholder, and (d) a letter signed by the candidate stating his or her willingness to serve, if elected.
Communications with the Board of Directors
The Board desires that the views of stockholders will be heard by the Board, its Committees or individual directors, as applicable, and that appropriate responses will be provided to stockholders on a timely basis. Stockholders wishing to formally communicate with the Board, any Board Committee, the independent directors as a group or any individual director may send communications directly to the Company at PURE Bioscience, Inc., 1725 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, California 92020, Attention: Corporate Secretary. All clearly marked written communications, other than unsolicited advertising or promotional materials, are logged and copied, and forwarded to the director(s) to whom the communication was addressed. Please note that the foregoing communication procedure does not apply to (i) stockholder proposals pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 14a-8 and communications made in connection with such proposals or (ii) service of process or any other notice in a legal proceeding.
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominees for Director
Our business is managed under the direction of our Board of Directors. Our Board has nominated each of our six (6) existing directors for re-election at the Annual Meeting, including:
Name |
Age | Director Since | Position(s) Held | |||
Dave J. Pfanzelter |
61 | 2013 | Chairman | |||
Henry R. Lambert |
63 | 2013 | Director, Chief Executive Officer | |||
Gary D. Cohee |
68 | 2013 | Director | |||
David Theno, Jr., PhD |
64 | 2013 | Director | |||
William Otis |
58 | 2013 | Director | |||
Tom Y. Lee, CPA |
65 | 2014 | Director |
In addition to the information regarding our directors and skills that led our Board to conclude that the individual should serve as a director, we also believe that all of our directors have a reputation for integrity, honesty and adherence to high ethical standards. We believe they each have demonstrated business acumen and an ability to exercise sound judgment, as well as a commitment of service to our company and our Board.
The Board also believes that re-electing our incumbent directors helps to promote stability and continuity. The Board expects that each director will continue to make substantial contributions to the Company by virtue of their familiarity with, and insight into, the Companys business and the Companys business strategy.
All of the nominees have indicated a willingness to continue serving as directors, and the Company has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unavailable or unable to serve. If any of them should decline or be unable to act as a director, the proxy holders will vote for the election of any other person or persons the Board may nominate.
The following sets forth information regarding the business experience of our directors as of December 20, 2013:
Dave J. Pfanzelter was appointed as our Chairman on August 13, 2013. He previously served as a director of the Company from February 2013 to July 2013. Mr. Pfanzelter served as senior vice president of Kellogg Company, president of Kelloggs Specialty Channels and president of Kellogg Canada from May 2004 to May 2010, while also serving as part of the Kellogg Executive Committee and Global Leadership Team. Mr. Pfanzelter began his career in the food service industry in 1975 with Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation, serving in several key sales and marketing positions, including director of marketing and national sales manager. In 1995 he was appointed vice president of sales of Kraft Foodservice, representing the combined manufactured brands of Oscar Mayer, General Foods, and Kraft Foods. In 1998 Mr. Pfanzelter joined Keebler, serving as vice president and general manager of the food service division prior to Keeblers acquisition by Kellogg in 2001. Since 1998 Mr. Pfanzelter has been on the board of directors of Doctors Associates, the parent company of Subway Restaurants, the nations largest restaurant chain. In February 2012, Mr. Pfanzelter joined the Advisory Board of Wrigley Foods. He also served on the Board of the International Food Service Manufacturers Association as chairman and member of its executive committee.
Mr. Pfanzelters qualifications to serve as a director on our Board include his executive leadership experience with leading companies in the food service industry and his prior and current service on the boards of other companies in the food service industry.
Henry R. Lambert joined our Board and was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer on September 10, 2013. Mr. Lambert is an accomplished food industry and consumer products executive with broad management skills, including strategic planning and business development, go-to-market execution, business integration and
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food safety. He has over 35 years of food industry experience, having worked at such notable companies as Heublein Inc.; RJ Reynolds; Nabisco, Inc.; and, Pinnacle Foods. He has held various business unit leadership positions servicing the foodservice and leading consumer food brands markets. Mr. Lambert has also served on boards and as a member of various food industry associations, including the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA), Institute of Food Technologists and Safe Supply of Affordable Food Everywhere (SSAFE). From 2010 through June 2013, Mr. Lambert served as general manager of the global food and water business of Underwriter Laboratories, where he was responsible for the start-up of the companys food safety services business. From 2007 to 2010, Mr. Lambert served as Senior Vice President of Business Development, and then President, of Arrowstream Transportation, Inc., a provider of innovative supply chain management solutions to the foodservice industry whose key customers included Wendys, Applebees, Arbys, TGIF, Sysco, and DMA. Prior to 2007, Mr. Lambert held executive positions with a number of high profile companies in the foodservice industry. Mr. Lambert earned his MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, and his BA in Economics (with Honors) from Union College, Schenectady, N.Y.
Mr. Lamberts qualifications to serve as a director on our Board include his service as the Companys Chief Executive Officer, his 35 years of experience in the food industry, his executive leadership experience and his service on the boards of a number of food industry associations.
Gary D. Cohee was appointed to our Board on August 13, 2013. He has over 40 years of experience as an investment banker, having started his career in 1973 with Blyth, Eastman Dillon. Since 2004 Mr. Cohee has served as President and CEO of PMB Securities Corp. From 2011 until 2012 Mr. Cohee served on the Advisory Board of Force Fuels, Inc. During his career in the investment banking business Mr. Cohee worked for a number of prestigious firms, including Bateman Eichler and Paulson Investment Company. Mr. Cohee graduated from California State University-Long Beach in 1968 with a BS degree in Business Administration. He is Past President of Long Beach Bond Club; Southern California Options Society; and Long Beach Century Club.
Mr. Cohees qualifications to serve as a director on our Board include his 40 years of experience as an investment banker and providing financial advisory services and fundraising advise to public and private companies.
David Theno, Jr., PhD joined our Board on October 1, 2013. Dr. Theno is a widely respected food safety expert, previously served on the Companys Advisory Panel. Dr. Theno is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Gray Dog Partners, Inc., a technical consulting firm specializing in food safety and manufacturing, restaurant operations, supply chain management, strategic planning and facility design, where he served since October 2008. Gray Dog Partners has also provided consultation to federal, state and local regulatory bodies. From 1993 to 2008, Dr. Theno was employed by Jack in the Box, Inc. where he last served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Food Safety Officer and previously served as Corporate Vice President Technical Services. Dr. Theno has two Doctorate Degrees in Food Science and Animal Science and also Masters Degrees in Animal Science and Veterinary Pharmacology from the University of Illinois.
Dr. Thenos qualifications to serve as a director on our Board include his executive leadership and consulting experience in the food safety industry, as well as his educational background in the food science and animal science industries.
William Otis was appointed to our Board on October 8, 2013. Mr. Otis is currently the President and Chief Operating Officer of Patrick Cudahy, LLC and Saratoga Food Specialties. Both companies are food manufacturing companies of John Morrell Food Group and Smithfield Foods. Mr. Otis began his career in 1980 with Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation serving in several operations, finance and marketing positions. In 1995, Mr. Otis joined Patrick Cudahy, serving as Vice President of Sales and Marketing and in 2004 was promoted to President and COO. Mr. Otis also took over the President and COO role at Saratoga Food Specialties in 2012. Mr. Otis earned his Masters Degree in Business Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Mr. Otis qualifications to serve as a director on our Board include his executive leadership experience at leading food manufacturing companies and his knowledge of food safety issues.
Tom Y. Lee, CPA was appointed to our Board on October 24, 2014. Mr. Lee is currently the Chairman and CEO of Swabplus, Inc., a contract manufacturer of single-dose applicator and formulation OEM products, and has served as Chairman and CEO since 2008. Mr. Lee has experience in manufacturing and selling applicator and formulation OEM products, manufacturing and distributing products in Asia and is experienced in accounting matters. Mr. Lee was formerly audit committee chairman at First Continental Bank (which merged with United Commercial Bank in 2003). Mr. Lee has been an active CPA since 1983 and earned his Master of Science in accounting from California State University Long Beach and his Bachelors in Business Administration from TamKang University in Taipei, Taiwan.
Mr. Lees qualifications to serve as a director on our Board include his experience in manufacturing and selling applicator and formulation OEM products, his experience with manufacturing and distributing products in Asia and his accounting background and expertise as a CPA. The Board also considered Mr. Lees commitment to the Company and its technology platform based his investments in the Companys stock.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between any of our officers and directors.
Vote Required and Board Recommendation
If a quorum is present, either in person or by proxy, directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes, which means the six nominees who receive the greatest number of FOR votes will be elected. If you hold your shares through a broker and you do not instruct the broker on how to vote on this proposal, your broker will not have authority to vote your shares. Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but will not have any effect on the outcome of the proposal.
The shares represented by the accompanying proxy will be voted FOR election, as directors, of the above-mentioned six nominees, unless a stockholder requests that voting of the proxy be withheld for any one or more of the nominees for directors by so directing on the proxy card. If any nominee becomes unavailable for any reason (which event is not anticipated) to serve as a director at the time of the meeting, then the shares represented by such proxy may be voted for such other person as may be determined by the proxy holders.
Directors are to be elected to hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified, or their earlier death, resignation or removal.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR AND SOLICITS PROXIES IN FAVOR OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE (ITEM 1 ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD).
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RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF MAYER HOFFMAN MCCANN P.C. AS THE
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE COMPANY
Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. has served as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm since September 2007. Our Audit Committee is responsible for approving the engagement of Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending July 31, 2015. Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. leases substantially all its personnel, who work under the control of Mayer Hoffman shareholders, from wholly-owned subsidiaries of CBIZ, Inc., in an alternative practice structure.
The Audit Committee will meet with Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. in 2015 on a quarterly or more frequent basis. At such times, the Audit Committee will review the services performed by Mayer Hoffman, as well as the fees charged for such services.
A representative of Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires. The representative is also expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.
Fees Billed to the Company by its independent auditors during Fiscal Years 2014 and 2013.
The following table provides information regarding the fees billed to us by Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. in the years ended July 31, 2014 and 2013. All fees described below were approved by the Board or the Audit Committee:
For the years ended July 31 | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Audit Fees(1) |
$ | 124,000 | $ | 152,500 | ||||
Audit Related Fees |
| | ||||||
Tax Fees(2) |
$ | 9,300 | $ | 9,000 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Fees |
$ | 133,300 | $ | 161,500 | ||||
|
|
|
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(1) | Audit Fees include fees for services rendered for the audit and quarterly reviews of our financial statements, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our periodic reports, and fees incurred related to the filings of registration statements. |
(2) | Tax Fees consist of amounts billed by an affiliate of our independent auditors for services in connection with the preparation of our federal and state tax returns. |
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Our Audit Committees policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent auditors. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services. The independent auditor and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent auditor in accordance with this pre-approval. Any proposed services not included within the list of pre-approved services or any proposed services that will cause the Company to exceed the pre-approved aggregate amount requires specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. All audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees, and other fees listed in the table above were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to its pre-approval policies and procedures.
Interest of Certain Persons in Matters to be Acted Upon
There are no persons who have a direct or indirect substantial interest in the matter described under Proposal 2 above.
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Vote Required and Board Recommendation
The ratification of the appointment of Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2015 requires a majority of the votes cast, whether in person or represented by proxy, to vote FOR this proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
Submission of the appointment to stockholder approval is not required. However, if our stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. as our independent auditor or whether to consider the selection of a different firm. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent auditor at any time during the fiscal year ending July 31, 2015.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF MAYER HOFFMAN MCCANN P.C. AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JULY 31, 2015 (ITEM 2 ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD).
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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The following is the report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of PURE Bioscience, Inc. with respect to PURE Biosciences audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on October 28, 2014. The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or to be filed with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference in such filing.
The Audit Committee oversees our financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including internal control systems. Our independent registered public accounting firm, Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C., is responsible for expressing an opinion as to the conformity of our audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles.
Review with Management
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management of the Company.
Review and Discussions with Independent Accountants
The Audit Committee met with Mayer Hoffman to review the financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014. The Audit Committee discussed with a representative of Mayer Hoffman the matters required to be discussed by AU Section 380, Communication with Audit Committees. In addition, the Audit Committee met with Mayer Hoffman, with and without management present, to discuss the overall scope of Mayer Hoffmans audit, the results of its examinations and the overall quality of the Companys financial reporting. The Audit Committee received the written disclosures and the letter from Mayer Hoffman required by Rule 3526 of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, Communication with Audit Committee Concerning Independence, and has discussed with Mayer Hoffman its independence, and satisfied itself as to the independence of Mayer Hoffman .
Conclusion
Based on the above review, discussions, and representations received, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014 be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014 for filing with the SEC.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors:
Gary D. Cohee, Chair
William Otis
Tom Y. Lee
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ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Background
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which is comprised solely of independent directors, has the responsibility for evaluating and authorizing the compensation payable to our executive officers. The goal of our executive compensation program is to attract, motivate and retain executives of outstanding ability, performance and potential. To achieve this goal, the Compensation Committee has designed a package that combines competitive base pay, with incentive compensation conditioned on the achievement of predetermined annual performance goals and long-term equity awards. The Compensation Committee believes this package encourages employee retention and the creation of stockholder value. Our compensation program also seeks to be internally consistent with differentials commensurate with the scope of a named executive officers responsibilities.
New Board of Directors and Management Team
On August 13, 2013, the following managerial and corporate governance changes occurred to create a new Board of Directors, or Board, and management team:
| Michael L. Krall, Donna Singer, and Dennis Brovarone resigned as members of the Board; |
| Michael L. Krall, Donna Singer, and Dennis Atchley resigned all positions respectively held by them as officers of the Company; |
| Dave J. Pfanzelter was appointed by the Board to be the Chairman of the Board; |
| Dave J. Pfanzelter was appointed by the Board to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer; |
| Gary D. Cohee was appointed by the Board to serve as a member of the Board; and |
| Peter C. Wulff was appointed by the Board to serve as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Corporate Secretary. |
On July 22, 2013, Jon Carbone and Paul Maier resigned as directors of the Company and as members of the Audit and Compensation Committees.
On September 10, 2013, the Board appointed Henry R. Lambert to serve as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board. In connection with the hiring of Henry R. Lambert to serve as our Chief Executive Officer, Dave J. Pfanzelter resigned his position as our Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Pfanzelter continues to render significant services to us and continues to serve as our Chairman of the Board.
In October 2013, we appointed three additional members to the Board; Dr. David Theno, Jr., Craig Culver and William Otis. On April 9, 2014, Craig Culver resigned from the Board. On October 24, 2014 we appointed Tom Y. Lee, CPA, to the Board. The Board now consists of six members who provide professional experience in business and finance; food science and food safety; foodservice and food manufacturing; and distribution. We believe our new Board will be able to contribute incremental insight and guidance on business strategy from their collective experience in business and finance; food science and food safety; and foodservice and food manufacturing.
Fiscal Year 2014
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013, our named executive officers were (i) Michael L. Krall, who served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Interim Financial Officer and as noted above, resigned effective August 13, 2013, (ii) Dave J. Pfanzelter, who served as Interim Chief Executive Officer and serves as Chairman, (iii) Henry Lambert, who serves as Chief Executive Officer and (iv) Peter Wulff, who serves as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
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Elements of Compensation
Consistent with the size and nature of our Company, our executive compensation program is simple, consisting of a base salary, an annual performance-based cash bonus, long-term equity awards in the form of restricted stock units (RSUs), and eligibility to participate in employee benefit plans available to all full-time employees, including group health plan, group term life insurance, and short- and long-term disability benefits.
Taken as a whole, the elements of our compensation package are comparable to those offered by other similarly sized companies in our industry. This allows us to compete in acquiring talent and retaining key executives. Our annual cash bonuses link executive performance to the measurable success of our Company and the individual achievements and performance of the executives. Likewise, equity awards align the interests of our named executive officers with those of our stockholders, thereby creating an incentive to build stockholder value and acting as a retention tool.
The Compensation Committee did not retain a compensation consultant during fiscal year 2014 given the Companys cash constraints.
Base Salary
Base salaries of our named executive officers depend on their job responsibilities, the market rate of compensation paid by companies in our industry for similar positions, our financial position, and external factors like inflation and the projected strength of the economy. The Compensation Committee reviews the base salaries of our named executive officers at least annually. In completing this review, the Compensation Committee considered available market data, including compensation reports prepared by Radford.
The annual base salaries of our named executive officers are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table.
Annual Performance-Based Bonus
The annual performance-based cash bonus paid to our named executive officers is determined by the Compensation Committee based on the achievement of our corporate goals, weighted by importance, as well as individual goals applicable to the named executive officers position. Our corporate goals consist of progress on sales goals as well as on individual goals. The individual goals of our named executive officers are based on the executives job title and responsibilities. In addition, the Compensation Committee retains discretion to adjust the actual amount of the annual bonus based on our stock performance, our accomplishments determined on a qualitative basis, and the strength of our financial and market position at the end of the fiscal year.
Following the end of each fiscal year, the Compensation Committee is responsible for determining the bonus amount payable to the executive officer based on the Companys and the executive officers performance against the performance metrics established by the Compensation Committee for the recently completed fiscal year.
During fiscal year 2014, bonuses were awarded to Messrs. Lambert and Wulff which amounted to 60% of their targeted bonus potential, as reflected in the Summary Compensation Table.
Long-Term Incentive Awards
We grant long-term equity incentives in the form of time-based and performance-based restricted stock units (RSUs). The Compensation Committee has elected to issue RSUs for the following reasons:
| RSUs are more favorably viewed by employees because they always have value (as opposed to options that may go underwater); |
| RSUs have less complex accounting than stock options; |
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| RSUs (because they always have a value) are less dilutive to stockholders; and |
| RSUs are better vehicles for performance-based vesting conditions. |
The Compensation Committee general grants time-based RSUs that vest over a three year period. The performance based RSUs generally vest upon achievement of specified sales milestones. The long-term nature of RSUs provides a meaningful retention incentive, while the issuance of shares upon vesting encourages our executives to build stockholder value, thereby aligning the interests of our named executive officers with those of our stockholders. The Compensation Committee determines the size of the incentive award based on company performance and the named executive officers past and expected future performance.
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized the issuance of 5,100,000 RSUs to our directors and officers. Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of common stock, issuable at the time the RSU vests, as set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. The breakdown is as follows:
| Chairman RSU Award: We granted Mr. Pfanzelter an award consisting of two million eight hundred thousand (2,800,000) RSUs. The RSUs vest 25% on February 15, 2014, 25% on February 15, 2015 and 50% on February 15, 2016. |
| Henry R. Lambert RSU Award: We granted Mr. Lambert an award consisting of five hundred thousand (500,000) RSUs. The RSUs vest 60% on September 10, 2014 and the vesting of the remaining 40% depends on the achievement of certain quarterly sales goals over a two year period. If the sales goals are not achieved, 40% of the award will be forfeited. |
| Peter C. Wulff RSU Award: We granted Mr. Wulff an award consisting of one million (1,000,000) RSUs. The RSUs vest 25% on March 15, 2014, 25% on March 15, 2015 and 50% on March 15, 2016. |
| Director RSU Awards: We granted Messrs. Cohee, Culver, Otis and Dr. Theno, awards consisting of two hundred thousand (200,000) RSUs, respectively. The RSUs vest (i) 50% on the earlier of the date of the annual meeting in 2015 or January 15, 2015 and (ii) 50% on the earlier of the date of the annual meeting in 2016 or January 15, 2016. |
None of the RSUs granted to our directors and officers were granted pursuant to any compensatory, bonus, or similar plan maintained or otherwise sponsored by the Company.
On April 9, 2014, Mr. Culver resigned from our board of directors. As a result, Mr. Culvers 200,000 RSU award was forfeited.
Miscellaneous
Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in employee benefit plans available to all full-time employees, including group health plan, group term life insurance, and short- and long-term disability benefits. We do not sponsor any defined benefit pension plan, nonqualified defined contribution plan, or deferred compensation plan; nor do we provide post-retirement health coverage for our named executive officers.
Vote Required
We are asking you to vote on the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the stockholders of PURE Bioscience, Inc. hereby approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Companys named executive officers, as disclosed in this proxy statement, under the section entitled Executive Compensation.
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The approval, on a non-binding advisory basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers requires that a majority of the votes cast, whether in person or represented by proxy, are voted FOR this proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
The approval of this proposal is not a condition to the approval of any other proposals submitted to the stockholders.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (ITEM 3 ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD).
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Information Regarding Our Executive Officers
Information with respect to our current named executive officers is shown below. Since Henry R. Lambert also serve as a member of the Board, his executive officers biography is set forth under Nominees for Directors above.
Name |
Age | Position(s) Held | Position(s) Held Since | |||
Henry R. Lambert |
63 | Chief Executive Officer | 2013 | |||
Peter C. Wulff |
55 | Chief Financial Officer / Chief Operating Officer | 2012 |
Peter C. Wulff was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer on August 13, 2013. He previously served as our Chief Financial Officer from November 2012 until May 2013. Mr. Wulff served as the principal of Wulff Services Inc. from May 2011 until October 2012 and from May 2013 to August 2013, a consulting services firm focusing on development stage companies in the medical technology industry. From June 2008 until April 2011 Mr. Wulff provided services for Alphatec Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATEC) and Alphatec Spine, a developer and manufacturer of spinal implant products, serving as its Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Treasurer from June 2008 until October 2010, and its Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, from October 2010 until April 2011. He also served as a Partner and Managing Director for two of Alphatec Spines subsidiaries, respectively. From January 2005 until May 2008 he served as the Chief Financial Officer, and from February 2007 until May 2008 he also served as the Executive Vice President, of Artes Medical, Inc., a formerly publicly traded medical device company. Artes Medical is no longer publicly traded and filed for bankruptcy protection within two years after the departure of Mr. Wulff. From June 2004 until December 2004, Mr. Wulff was a managing partner of Acumen Biomedical, a consulting services firm that specialized in providing services to medical technology companies. From May 2001 to May 2004, Mr. Wulff served as Vice President Finance, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of CryoCor, Inc., a medical device company. From November 1999 to May 2001, Mr. Wulff served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Natural Alternatives International, Inc., a publicly traded and international nutritional supplement manufacturer. Mr. Wulff earned an M.B.A. in Finance and a bachelors degree in Economics and Germanic Languages, each from Indiana University.
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Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth a summary of cash and non-cash compensation awarded, earned or paid for services rendered to us during the years ended July 31, 2014 and July 31, 2013 by our named executive officers, consisting of (i) each individual serving as principal executive officer during the year ended July 31, 2014, and (ii) our Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer, our other executive officer.
Name and Principal Position |
Fiscal Year |
Salary ($)(1) |
Bonus(2) | Option Awards(3) |
Stock Awards ($)(4) |
All Other Compensation ($)(5)(6) |
Total Compensation ($) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Henry R. Lambert |
2014 | $ | 301,539 | $ | 105,000 | | $ | 700,000 | | $ | 1,106,539 | |||||||||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer |
2013 | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Peter C. Wulff(7) |
2014 | $ | 300,000 | $ | 97,500 | $ | 1,400,000 | $ | 13,655 | $ | 1,811,155 | |||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer |
2013 | $ | 143,845 | | | $ | 37,815 | $ | 12,195 | (8) | $ | 193,855 | ||||||||||||||||
Chief Operating Officer |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dave J. Pfanzelter(9) |
2014 | $ | 92,885 | | | $ | 3,920,000 | $ | 24,750 | $ | 4,037,635 | |||||||||||||||||
Interim Chief Executive |
2013 | $ | 7,500 | | $ | 24,500 | | | $ | 32,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Officer and Chairman |
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Michael L. Krall(10) |
2014 | $ | 331,280 | | | $ | 595,000 | $ | 13,467 | $ | 939,747 | |||||||||||||||||
Former President, Chief |
2013 | $ | 317,361 | | $ | 28,644 | $ | 10,183 | $ | 356,188 | ||||||||||||||||||
Executive Officer |
| |
(1) | Amounts reflect salary and severance actually paid during the respective fiscal years. During the year ended July 31, 2013, Mr. Krall deferred a portion of his salary totaling $37,639. |
(2) | Annual bonuses for the year ended July 31, 2014, were awarded by the Compensation Committee after the completion of the fiscal year taking into account the Companys performance against corporate goals. The bonuses awarded to Mr. Lambert and Mr. Wulff were based on the terms of their respective employment agreements, whereas they may receive up to 50% of their base salary. During the year ended July 31, 2014, the Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Lambert and Mr. Wulff bonuses based 60% of their targeted bonus potential. |
(3) | Amounts for the year ended July 31, 2014 and July 31, 2013 reflect the grant date fair value for financial statement reporting purposes with respect stock options granted during the respective fiscal years, calculated in accordance with authoritative guidance. |
(4) | Amounts for the year ended July 31, 2014 and July 31, 2013 reflect the grant date fair value for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to stock awards granted during the respective fiscal years, calculated in accordance with authoritative guidance. |
(5) | Amount includes the cost of benefits paid by the Company on behalf of each named executive officer for health, dental, vision and life insurance. |
(6) | Amount includes a tax liability incurred by the Company and payable to Mr. Wulff and Mr. Pfanzelter for RSUs that vested during the year ended July 31, 2014. Per the terms of their restricted stock unit agreements, Mr. Wulff and Mr. Pfanzelter are entitled to $7,817 and $24,750, respectively. |
(7) | Mr. Wulff was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer effective as of November 5, 2012. Mr. Wulff separated from the Company on May 13, 2013. Mr. Wulff was reappointed as our Chief Financial Officer on August 13, 2013. |
(8) | Amount includes $9,918 representing accrued vacation paid to Mr. Wulff upon his separation in May 2013. |
(9) | On August 13, 2013, Mr. Pfanzelter, our Chairman and a member of the Board, was appointed by the Board to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer. On September 10, 2013, in connection with the hiring of Mr. Lambert to serve as our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pfanzelter resigned his position as our Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Pfanzelter continues to serve as the Chairman of the Board and his total compensation he received was received in connection with serving as Chairman of the Board and is set forth |
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above. The Company considers Mr. Pfanzelter an executive officer due to his service as Chairman. During the year ended July 31, 2013, Mr. Pfanzelter earned $7,500 as a member of our Board. |
(10) | Effective August 13, 2014, we entered into a Purchase, Severance, and Release Agreement, with our former Chief Executive Officer, Michael L. Krall (the Krall Release Agreement). During the year ended July 31, 2014, per the terms of the Krall Release Agreement, Mr. Krall received $330,000 in severance, a onetime payment of $150,000, $12,755 for continued benefit coverage, and received 850,000 shares of common stock valued at $595,000. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Year-End
The following table provides a summary of equity awards outstanding at July 31, 2014, for each of our named executive officers.
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Name |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
Number of shares or Units of stock that have not vested (#) |
Market Value of shares or Units of stock that have not vested ($)(1) |
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Henry R. Lambert |
| | | | 500,000 | $ | 500,000 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||
Peter C. Wulff |
| | | | 750,000 | $ | 750,000 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||
Dave J. Pfanzelter |
| | | | 2,100,000 | $ | 2,100,000 | (4) | ||||||||||||||||
Michael L. Krall |
| | | | 850,000 | $ | 850,000 | (5) |
(1) | The market value of RSUs and stock awards is determined by multiplying the number of shares underlying the units by the closing price for our common stock of $1.00 on July 31, 2014. |
(2) | The RSUs vest 60% on September 10, 2014 and the vesting of the remaining 40% depends on the achievement of certain quarterly sales goals over a two year period. |
(3) | 25% of Mr. Wulffs RSUs vested on March 15, 2014, 25% will vest on March 15, 2015 and 50% will vest on March 15, 2016. |
(4) | 25% of Mr. Pfanzelters RSUs vested on February 15, 2014, 25% will vest on February 15, 2015, and 50% will vest on February 15, 2016. |
(5) | During the year ended July 31, 2014, per the terms of the Krall Release Agreement discussed above, Mr. Krall received 850,000 shares of common stock. |
During the year ended July 31, 2014, 250,000 of Mr. Wulffs restricted stock units vested. The value realized on vesting was $325,000. In addition, during the year ended July 31, 2014, 700,000 of Mr. Pfanzelters restricted stock units vested. The value realized on vesting was $1,029,000. No other option or stock awards vested for our named executive officers.
Employment Agreements; Potential Payments Upon Termination or a Change in Control for Current Executive Officers
Agreements with our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
On (i) August 13, 2013, we appointed Peter C. Wulff as our Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Corporate Secretary and (ii) September 10, 2013, we appointed Henry R. Lambert to serve as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board. The following describes each of Messrs. Lamberts and Wulffs respective employment agreements.
The terms of each employment agreement with Messrs. Lambert and Wulff provides that such agreement continues until termination by either the Company or the applicable executive officer. During the term of each employment agreement, the executive officers are entitled to an annual base salary, which may be increased, but not decreased, by the Board or the Compensation Committee in their discretion. The annual base salaries of Mr. Lambert is $350,000 and of Mr. Wulff is $325,000.
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Each agreement provides that, during the term of such agreement, the applicable executive officer is eligible for equity compensation grants to be awarded at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and also provided for annual bonus targets equal to, as applicable, 50% of the executives then current annual base salary, in each case to be awarded at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee and the Board. Additionally, pursuant to the terms of Mr. Lamberts employment agreement, we granted Mr. Lambert a restricted stock unit for 500,000 shares of our common stock and pursuant to Mr. Wulffs employment agreement we granted Mr. Wulff a restricted stock unit for 1,000,000 shares of our common stock.
In each case, the employment agreements with Messrs. Lambert and Wulff provides for certain compensation to be paid such executive officer if his employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or terminated by the executive for Good Reason. In summary, Cause is the commission by the executive of an act of fraud or another felony, or gross misconduct resulting in a material adverse effect on the Company; refusal by the executive to perform his or her duties under the agreement or to otherwise breach the agreement, or a violation of confidentiality, non-competition and/or non-solicitation provisions to which the Company is bound. Good Reason is a material reduction of the executives base salary or target bonus percentage; a material reduction by the Company of the executives authority, duties or responsibilities; a relocation of the Companys offices that requires an increase in the executives one-way driving distance of more than fifty miles; or a material breach of the agreement by the Company.
Upon such event, the executive, upon signing a release in favor of the Company, would be entitled to severance pay in the form of continued payments. In the case of Mr. Lambert, he would be entitled to receive his base salary then in effect and group health and dental benefits in accordance with COBRA for a period of 6 months from the date of his termination and in the case of Mr. Wulff, he would be entitled to receive his base salary then in effect and group health and dental benefits in accordance with COBRA for a period of 12 months from the date of his termination. Additionally, each agreement provides that all outstanding vested stock options held by the applicable executive at the date of such termination would continue to be exercisable for a period of up to 90 days following such termination, but in no event beyond the maximum permitted expiration date.
The employment agreements with each of Messrs. Lambert and Wulff also provides for compensation if the executives employment is terminated by the Company without Cause within twelve months following a Change in Control, or the executive resigns for Good Reason within such period. A Change in Control is the closing of the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Companys assets or the exclusive license of substantially all of the intellectual property of the Company; the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity; any person (subject to certain exemptions) becomes the beneficial owner of securities of the Company representing 35% or more of the total combined voting power of the Company; or if individuals who, as of 60 days after the effective date of the agreement are members of the Board, or are nominees of such Board members, cease to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board.
Upon such event, the executive would be entitled to additional severance pay in excess of the amounts described above, in each case in an amount equal to a single lump sum payment equal to 100% of the applicable executives then current annual base salary for Mr. Lambert and 200% of the applicable executives then current annual base salary for Mr. Wulff. In addition, in such event, the vesting of all outstanding equity based awards then held by the applicable executive would automatically accelerate and all equity based awards would continue to be exercisable for 12 months, but in no event beyond the maximum permitted expiration date.
The employment agreements with each of Messrs. Lambert and Wulff also provides that the Company could, in certain circumstances and in order to avoid incurring fines or penalties under applicable law (including recently enacted federal healthcare legislation), elect to pay cash payments equivalent to value of the monthly premiums the Company would otherwise pay to provide for the continuation of health and dental insurance for such executives and their eligible dependents following each such executives termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason.
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Henry Lambert RSU Awards: On October 23, 2013, we granted Mr. Lambert an award consisting of five hundred thousand (500,000) RSUs. The award was not granted pursuant to any compensatory, bonus, or similar plan maintained or otherwise sponsored by the Company. Sixty percent (60%) of the RSUs vested on September 10, 2014 and the vesting of the remaining forty percent (40%) depend on the achievement of certain quarterly sales goals over a two year period. The shares of our common stock will be settled and delivered to Mr. Lambert six months after the vesting date of September 10, 2014 and immediately after the vesting upon achievement of certain quarterly sales goals, referenced above. Additionally, 100% of the restricted stock units subject to the time-based vesting would vest upon a termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason, upon a Change in Control, or upon grantees death or complete disability. 100% of the restricted stock units subject to the vesting based on achievement of certain sales goals would vest upon a termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason, upon a Change in Control, or upon grantees death or complete disability, so long as such condition occurred prior to October 31, 2015. At vesting, if grantee is an employee, the Company is obligated to withhold FICA amount due with respect to the vested units and the Company is also obligated to pay grantee an amount equal to the FICA amount withheld plus a tax gross-up payment for taxes payable by the grantee with respect to the FICA amount. At settlement, the Company shall allow grantee to satisfy all or any portion of the Companys tax withholding obligations by having the Company deduct from the shares of stock otherwise deliverable to the grantee in settlement of the restricted stock units a number of whole shares having a fair market value not in excess of the amount of such tax withholding obligations determined by the applicable minimum statutory withholding rates.
Peter Wulff RSU Awards: On October 23, 2013, we granted Mr. Wulff an award consisting of one million (1,000,000) RSUs. The award was not granted pursuant to any compensatory, bonus, or similar plan maintained or otherwise sponsored by the Company. Twenty five percent (25%) of the RSUs vested on March 15, 2014, twenty five percent (25%) of the RSUs vest on March 15, 2015 and fifty percent (50%) of the RSUs vest on March 15, 2016. The shares of our common stock will be settled and delivered to Mr. Wulff six months after each applicable vesting date referenced above. Additionally, 100% of the restricted stock units would vest upon a termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason, upon a Change in Control, or upon grantees death or complete disability. At vesting, if grantee is an employee, the Company is obligated to withhold FICA amount due with respect to the vested units and the Company is also obligated to pay grantee an amount equal to the FICA amount withheld plus a tax gross-up payment for taxes payable by the grantee with respect to the FICA amount. At settlement, the Company shall allow grantee to satisfy all or any portion of the Companys tax withholding obligations by having the Company deduct from the shares of stock otherwise deliverable to the grantee in settlement of the restricted stock units a number of whole shares having a fair market value not in excess of the amount of such tax withholding obligations determined by the applicable minimum statutory withholding rates.
The foregoing descriptions of the employment agreements and RSUs do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by the terms and conditions of such employment agreements and RSUs filed as Exhibits 10.33, 10.33, 10.37 and 10.38 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on October 24, 2013.
Chairman Agreements
On August 13, 2013, we appointed Dave J. Pfanzelter to serve as Chairman of the Board. On October 23, 2013, we entered into a Chairman Agreement with Mr. Pfanzelter (the Chairman Agreement). The Chairman Agreement provides that Mr. Pfanzelter is to serve as Chairman of the Board, effective as of August 13, 2013, until his earlier resignation or removal. The Chairman Agreement provides that for the period beginning on August 13, 2013 and ending November 13, 2013, we were to pay Mr. Pfanzelter an amount of approximately $41,700 per month for his services as Chairman of the Board, and thereafter we are to pay Mr. Pfanzelter the amount of $12,500 per month for his services as Chairman of the Board, payable on a quarterly basis (collectively Chairman Compensation). Mr. Pfanzelter is also eligible to receive annual and periodic bonuses in the discretion of the Board. Additionally, pursuant to the terms of the Chairman Agreement, we granted Mr. Pfanzelter a restricted stock unit for 2,800,000 shares of our common stock. We consider Mr. Pfanzelter an executive officer.
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The Chairman Agreement provides for certain compensation to be paid to Mr. Pfanzelter if he is removed by the Board without Cause or Mr. Pfanzelter resigns for Good Reason. In summary, Cause is the commission by Mr. Pfanzelter of an act of fraud or another felony, or gross misconduct resulting in a material adverse effect on the Company; refusal by Mr. Pfanzelter to perform his or her duties under the Chairman Agreement or to otherwise breach the Chairman Agreement, or a material breach by Mr. Pfanzelter of Company policy or the Chairman Agreement or other agreements between the Company and Mr. Pfanzelter. Good Reason is a material reduction of Mr. Pfanzelters compensation; a material reduction by the Board of Mr. Pfanzelters authority, duties or responsibilities; or a material breach of the Chairman Agreement by the Company.
Upon such event, Mr. Pfanzelter, upon signing a release in favor of the Company, would be entitled to severance pay in the form of continued payments. Mr. Pfanzelter would be entitled to receive his Chairman Compensation then in effect for a period of 12 months following such date of removal or resignation. The Chairman Agreement additionally provides that all outstanding vested stock options held by Mr. Pfanzelter at the date of such termination would continue to be exercisable for a period of up to 90 days following such termination, but in no event beyond the maximum permitted expiration date. Additionally, 100% of Mr. Pfanzelters restricted stock units described below would vest.
The Chairman Agreement with Mr. Pfanzelter also provides for compensation if Mr. Pfanzelters position is terminated by the Company without Cause within twelve months following a Change in Control, or Mr. Pfanzelter resigns for Good Reason within such period. A Change in Control is the closing of the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Companys assets or the exclusive license of substantially all of the intellectual property of the Company; the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity; any person (subject to certain exemptions) becomes the beneficial owner of securities of the Company representing 35% or more of the total combined voting power of the Company; or if individuals who, as of 60 days after the effective date of the agreement are members of the Board, or are nominees of such Board members, cease to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board. Upon such event, Mr. Pfanzelter would be entitled to additional separation pay in excess of the amounts described above, in each case in an amount equal to a single lump sum payment equal to 200% of Mr. Pfanzelters then current Chairman Compensation. Additionally, 100% of Mr. Pfanzelters restricted stock units described above would vest.
Chairman RSU Award: On October 23, 2013, we granted Mr. Pfanzelter an award consisting of two million eight hundred thousand (2,800,000) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The award was not granted pursuant to any compensatory, bonus, or similar plan maintained or otherwise sponsored by the Company. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the RSUs vested on February 15, 2014, Twenty-five percent (25%) of the RSUs vest on February 15, 2015 and fifty percent (50%) of the RSUs vest on February 15, 2016. The shares of our common stock will be settled and delivered to Mr. Pfanzelter six months after each applicable vesting date referenced above. Additionally, 100% of the restricted stock units would vest upon a termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason, upon a Change in Control, or upon grantees death or complete disability. At vesting, if grantee is a director or consultant, the Company is obligated to pay grantee an amount equal to the sum of the taxes imposed on the vested units that are treated as self-employment income plus a tax gross-up payment for all federal, state and local taxes payable by grantee. At settlement, the Company shall allow grantee to satisfy all or any portion of the Companys tax withholding obligations by having the Company cancel the shares of stock otherwise deliverable to the grantee in settlement of the restricted stock units in an amount equal to a number of whole shares having a fair market value not in excess of the amount of such tax withholding obligations determined by the applicable minimum statutory withholding rates. Upon cancellation of the shares, the Company shall pay the fair market value of such cancelled shares to the grantee in cash so that the grantee can satisfy his tax obligations.
The foregoing descriptions of the Chairman Agreement and RSUs do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by the terms and conditions of such Chairman Agreement and RSUs filed as Exhibits 10.35 and 10.39 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on October 24, 2013.
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Separation Agreements with Former Executive Officers and Directors
On August 13, 2013 Michael L. Krall resigned all positions respectively held by them as officers of the Company by mutual agreement with the Company.
In connection with Mr. Kralls separation from the Company, the Company entered into a Purchase, Severance, and Release Agreement effective August 13, 2013 with Mr. Krall (the Krall Release Agreement). The Krall Release Agreement provides for a mutual release of all claims between Mr. Krall and the Company. Mr. Krall is also prohibited from engaging in certain competitive activities for the next four years. Pursuant to the Krall Release Agreement, Mr. Krall (i) was paid $25,000 on August 13, 2013; and, (ii) is entitled to receive $30,000 per month for 18-months following August 13, 2013, during which time enumerated intellectual property rights, the Company also (i) paid Mr. Krall the sum of $125,000 on August 13, 2013; and, (ii) issued to Mr. Krall 850,000 shares of common stock on August 21, 2013 (the Krall Shares). The Krall Shares are subject to certain registration rights intended to register the Krall Shares. The Krall Shares are also subject to a Voting Support Agreement and Irrevocable Proxy (the Krall Proxy). The Krall Proxy gives our CEO the right to vote the Krall Shares for so long as Mr. Krall owns the Krall Shares.
In connection with Ms. Singers separation from the Company, we entered into a Purchase, Severance and Release Agreement effective August 13, 2013 with Ms. Singer (the Singer Release Agreement). The Singer Release Agreement provides for a mutual release of all claims between Ms. Singer and the Company. Ms. Singer is also prohibited from engaging in certain competitive activities until August 2017. Pursuant to the Singer Release Agreement, Ms. Singer (i) was paid $45,000 on August 13, 2013; (ii) is due the amount of her continued health insurance coverage until August 2014; and, (iii) was entitled to $17,000 per month for 12-months following August 13, 2013, during which time Ms. Singer was to provide consulting services to the Company. In consideration of Ms. Singers transfer to the Company of certain enumerated intellectual property rights, the Company also issued to Ms. Singer 300,000 shares of common stock on August 21, 2013 (the Singer Shares). The Singer Shares are subject to certain registration rights intended to register the Singer Shares. The Singer Shares are also subject to a Voting Support Agreement and Irrevocable Proxy (the Singer Proxy). The Singer Proxy gives our CEO the right to vote the Singer Shares for so long as Ms. Singer owns the Singer Shares.
In connection with Mr. Brovarones separation from the Company, we entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement effective August 13, 2013 with Mr. Brovarone (the Brovarone Release Agreement). The Brovarone Release Agreement provides for a mutual release of all claims between Mr. Brovarone and the Company. Mr. Brovarone shall be paid $91,332.77 (the Brovarone Amount) as follows: (i) starting November 11, 2013 the Brovarone Amount shall be subject to 2% interest per annum; (ii) starting December 11, 2013 and continuing on the same day of each month for 60-months the Company shall pay $1,600.86; (iii) the Company shall have the right to prepay without penalty upon 30-days notice; and, (iv) Brovarone shall have the right to convert the then outstanding balance of the Brovarone Amount, at any time and with 10-days advance notice, into common stock at a conversion price equal to the average closing price for our common stock on the principal market on which our common stock is then listed or quoted for the ten trading days immediately preceding the date of the conversion notice.
Code Section 162(m) Provisions
Section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, or the Code, generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for compensation in excess of $1 million paid to the Chief Executive Officer or any of the four most highly compensated officers. Performance-based compensation arrangements may qualify for an exemption from the deduction limit if they satisfy various requirements under Section 162(m). Although we consider the impact of this rule when developing and implementing our executive compensation programs, we believe it is important to preserve flexibility in designing compensation programs. Accordingly, we have not adopted a policy that all compensation must qualify as deductible under Section 162(m) of the Code. While our stock options are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation (as defined by the Code), amounts paid under our other compensation programs may not qualify as such.
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Compensation of Directors
For non-employee directors appointed subsequent to July 31, 2013, each director of the Company will receive cash fees from the Company for their services as members of the Board and any committee of the Board as follows:
| Each non-employee director will receive an annual fee of $60,000 payable for such directors service on the Board and each member of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee will receive an additional annual fee of $4,000 and $2,500, respectively, payable for such directors service on the committee. |
| The Chair of the Audit Committee will receive an additional annual fee of $10,000 for such Chairs service and the Chair of the Compensation Committee will receive an additional annual fee of $5,000 for such Chairs service. |
Annual fees will be paid to each non-employee director in four equal installments on a quarterly basis. Any non-employee directors serving a portion of the year will be entitled to receive such fees on a pro rata basis based on their length of service during the year.
New non-employee directors will receive an initial grant of 200,000 restricted stock units. Currently, all non-employee director grants of restricted stock units vest fifty percent (50%) on the earlier of (i) the date of the annual meeting in 2015 or (ii) January 15, 2015 and fifty percent (50%) on the earlier of (i) the date of the annual meeting in 2016 or (ii) January 15, 2016.
The following table sets forth compensation earned in the year ended July 31, 2014 by each of our directors who are not named executive officers.
Name(1) |
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash($) |
Stock Awards ($)(2)(3) |
Option Awards ($)(4) |
All Other Compensation($) |
Total Compensation($) |
|||||||||||||||
Gary D. Cohee |
$ | 67,692 | $ | 280,000 | | $ | 536,000 | (5) | $ | 883,692 | ||||||||||
David Theno, Jr., PhD |
$ | 54,107 | $ | 280,000 | | | $ | 334,107 | ||||||||||||
William Otis |
$ | 52,044 | $ | 280,000 | | | $ | 332,044 | ||||||||||||
Craig C. Culver(6) |
$ | 33,750 | $ | 280,000 | | | $ | 313,750 | ||||||||||||
Dennis Brovarone(7) |
| | | $ | 13,944 | $ | 13,944 |
(1) | Director Henry R. Lambert, our Chief Executive Officer, is not included on this table as he received no compensation for his service as a director. The executive compensation received by Mr. Lambert is shown in the Summary Compensation table above. The compensation for Chairman Dave J. Pfanzelter is included in the Summary Compensation table above. |
(2) | Amounts for the year ended July 31, 2014 reflect the grant date fair value for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to restricted stock units granted during the fiscal year, calculated in accordance with authoritative guidance. |
(3) | During the year ended July 31, 2014, we granted Messrs. Cohee, Culver, Otis and Dr. Theno, awards consisting 200,000 RSUs, respectively. The RSUs vest (i) 50% on the earlier of the date of the annual meeting in 2015 or January 15, 2015 and (ii) 50% on the earlier of the date of the annual meeting in 2016 or January 15, 2016. On April 9, 2014, Mr. Culver resigned from our board of directors. As a result, Mr. Culvers 200,000 RSU award was forfeited. |
(4) | There were no option awards granted during the year ended July 31, 2014. |
(5) | During the year ended July 31, 2014, we paid approximately $160,000, and issued 415,643 shares of common stock, to Gary D. Cohee and/or his affiliates for investor relations and financial advisor services, valued at $376,000, pursuant to the terms of the director service agreement with Mr. Cohee. |
(6) | Craig Culver resigned from the Board on April 9, 2014. |
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(7) | The amounts reflected above relate to Mr. Brovarones release agreement which the Company entered into August 13, 2013 in connection with his resignation as director and separation from the Company. |
In the past, our Board has approved each year, generally in the second calendar quarter of the year, an annual option or stock grant for our non-employee directors. Any such grant is at the discretion of the Board, which considers the recommendation of our Compensation Committee. Upon the Boards approval of any such grant, each non-employee director generally may elect whether to receive the grant as an option or stock award.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table set forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of December 5, 2014 by (i) each person who, to our knowledge, owns more than 5% of our common stock; (ii) each of our directors and named executive officers; and (iii) all of our executive officers and directors as a group.
The table is based upon information supplied by our officers, directors and principal stockholders and a review of Schedules 13D and 13G, if any, filed with the SEC. All information in the following table regarding share amounts of our common stock has been adjusted to reflect the application of the one-for-eight reverse stock split of our common stock that we effected on August 14, 2012 on a retroactive basis. Unless otherwise indicated in the table or the footnotes to the following table, each person named in the table has sole voting and investment power and that persons address is c/o Pure Bioscience, Inc., 1725 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, CA 92020. Shares of Common Stock subject to options or warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of November 21, 2014 are deemed outstanding for computing the share ownership and percentage of the person holding such options and warrants, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. Applicable percentages are based on 39,788,465 shares of common stock outstanding as of December 5, 2014.
Name |
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned |
Percent of Common Stock |
||||||
David J. Pfanzelter(1) |
796,000 | (2) | 2.00 | % | ||||
Henry R. Lambert(1) |
342,857 | (3) | * | |||||
Peter C. Wulff(1) |
500,000 | (4) | 1.26 | % | ||||
Gary D. Cohee(1) |
415,643 | (5) | 1.04 | % | ||||
David Theno, Jr., PhD(1) |
47,600 | (6) | * | |||||
William Otis(1) |
31,732 | (7) | * | |||||
Tom Y. Lee(1) |
3,333,813 | (8) | 8.25 | % | ||||
Michael L. Krall(1) |
850,000 | (9) | 2.14 | % | ||||
All of our named executive officers and directors as a group (8 persons) |
6,317,645 | (12) | 15.60 | % | ||||
Five Percent Stockholders |
||||||||
Dale Okuno |
2,232,380 | (10) | 5.58 | % | ||||
Franchise Brands, LLC |
7,466,666 | (11) | 17.81 | % |
* | Indicates less than one percent of the outstanding shares of the Companys common stock. |
(1) | Named executive officer and/or director |
(2) | Consists of (a) 40,000 shares of common stock subject to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the Evaluation Date, (b) 740,000 shares of common stock and (c) warrants to purchase 16,000 shares of common stock which are held directly by Mr. Pfanzelter. |
(3) | Consists of 342,857 shares of common stock held directly by Mr. Lambert. |
(4) | Consists of 250,000 shares of common stock held Wulff Services, Inc., of Mr. Wulff has sole voting and investment power and 250,000 shares of common stock underlying restricted stock units that are currently vested. |
(5) | Consists of 415,643 shares of common stock held directly by Mr. Cohee. |
(6) | Consists of 34,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 13,600 shares of common stock which is currently exercisable, held directly by Dr. Theno. |
(7) | Consists of 22,666 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 9,066 shares of common stock which are currently exercisable, held directly by Mr. Otis. |
(8) | Consists of 1,666,385 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 619,999 shares of common stock which are currently exercisable, held directly by Mr. Lee and 1,047,429 shares of common stock which are held by Mr. Lee and his spouse. On October 24, 2014 Tom Y. Lee was appointed to the Board. |
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(9) | Consists of 850,000 shares of common stock held directly by Mr. Krall, issued pursuant to the Krall Release Agreement discussed above. Mr. Krall resigned as a director and the Companys Chief Executive Officer on August 13, 2014. |
(10) | Consists of (a) 2,019,047 shares of common stock, and (b) warrants to purchase 213,000 shares of common stock which are currently exercisable, held by Mr. Okuno. |
(11) | Consists of (a) 5,333,333 shares of common stock, and (b) warrants to purchase 2,133,333 shares of common stock which are currently exercisable, held by Franchise Brands, LLC. |
(12) | Consists of (a) 40,000 shares of common stock subject to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the Evaluation Date, (b) warrants to purchase 658,665 shares of common stock which are currently exercisable and (c) 5,618,980 shares of common stock, held by all directors and executive officers as a group. |
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The 2007 PURE Bioscience Equity Incentive Plan, or the Plan, is our only active equity incentive plan pursuant to which options to acquire common stock or restricted stock awards have been granted and are currently outstanding. Approved by our stockholders in April 2007, the Plan has a share reserve of 625,000 shares of common stock. The Plan provides for the grant of incentive and non-qualified stock options, as well as stock appreciation rights, common stock awards, restricted stock units, performance units and shares, and other stock-based awards. Eligible participants include employees, directors, officers and advisors, although incentive stock options generally may be granted only to employees.
All of our equity incentive plans are administered by the Compensation Committee. The exercise price for stock options is always at or above the fair market value of our common stock on the date the award is granted. Fair market value is defined by the Plan and is based on prevailing market prices of our common stock as reported by the OTCQB. The term of stock options granted and their vesting schedules are determined by the Compensation Committee, subject to any limitations defined in the Plan. The Compensation Committee also determines the vesting of other, non-option, stock awards.
The following table sets forth, as of July 31, 2014, information with respect to our equity compensation plans, and with respect to certain other options and warrants.
Plan Category |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)(1) |
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) |
|||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders |
462,343 | $ | 3.95 | 108,471 | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders |
| | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total |
462,343 | $ | 3.95 | 108,471 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Includes options only. |
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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Act), requires our executive officers and directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our Common Stock to file initial reports of beneficial ownership and reports of changes in beneficial ownership with the SEC. Such persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms filed by such persons.
To the Companys knowledge, no person who, during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013, was a director or officer of the Company, or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of the Companys Common Stock (which is the only class of securities of the Company registered under Section 12 of the Act), failed to file on a timely basis reports required by Section 16 of the Act during such fiscal year. The foregoing is based solely upon a review by the Company of Forms 3 and 4 relating to the most recent fiscal year as furnished to the Company under Rule 16a-3(d) under the Act, and Forms 5 and amendments thereto furnished to the Company with respect to its most recent fiscal year, and any representation received by the Company from any reporting person that no Form 5 is required.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Board Composition
We are not currently listed on any national securities exchange or in an inter-dealer quotation system that has established a standard for independence. However, in evaluating the independence of our members and the composition of the committees of our Board of Directors, our Board utilizes the definition of independence as that term is defined by applicable listing standards of the NYSE MKT. As of the date of this proxy statement, our Board consists of six members, three of whom are considered independent as that term is defined by applicable listing standards of the NYSE MKT. Our independent directors include: Messrs. Otis, Lee and Dr. Theno.
Our directors are appointed annually, and hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation, disqualification, or removal.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Except as described below and other than Board or employment relationships and compensation resulting from those employment relationships, no director, executive officer, 5% stockholder or immediate family member of any of the foregoing, was a party to any transaction or series of transactions since August 1, 2013 (the beginning of the year ended July 31, 2014), or is to be a party to any currently proposed transaction or series of proposed transactions, in which (i) we were or are to be a participant, (ii) the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at fiscal year-end for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, which is $16,605 and (iii) any director, executive officer, or immediate family member of any of the foregoing had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
Transactions with Our Former Executive Officers
Our former Director of Manufacturing and Research and Development, Richard Gumienny, is the son-in-law of Michael L. Krall, our former President, Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, and Chairman of the Board. Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Gumiennys employment arrangement with us, which has been in effect during the period commencing at the beginning of our fiscal year ended July 31, 2011 and continuing through July 2014, Mr. Gumienny (1) received an annual salary of $101,100, (2) receives certain benefits that are also provided to our other similarly situated employees, which benefits have an approximate annual value of $5,397 for Mr. Gumienny, and (3) is eligible to receive cash bonuses and equity grants at the discretion of management. In accordance with that arrangement, during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, Mr. Gumienny was awarded a cash bonus of $20,000 and options to purchase up to 50,000 restricted stock units of in addition to his salary and benefits. Mr. Gumienny resigned from the Company in July 2014.
Our current Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Manager, Ashley Gumienny, is the daughter of Michael L. Krall, our former President, Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, and Chairman of the Board. Pursuant to the terms of Ms. Gumiennys employment arrangement with us, which has been in effect during the period commencing at the beginning of our fiscal year ended July 31, 2011 and continuing through the date of this proxy statement, Ms. Gumienny (1) receives an annual salary of $50,300, (2) receives certain benefits that are also provided to our other similarly situated employees, which benefits have an approximate annual value of $5,397 for Ms. Gumienny, and (3) is eligible to receive cash bonuses and equity grants at the discretion of management. Ms. Gumienny did not receive a cash bonus nor equity grants during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014.
Separation Arrangements with Our Former Executive Officers and Directors
On August 13, 2013, Michael L. Krall and Donna Singer resigned all positions respectively held by them as officers of the Company by mutual agreement with the Company. Additionally, Dennis Brovarone resigned as a director of the Company.
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Michael L. Krall: In connection with Mr. Kralls separation from the Company, the Company entered into a Purchase, Severance, and Release Agreement effective August 13, 2013 with Mr. Krall (the Krall Release Agreement). The Krall Release Agreement provides for a mutual release of all claims between Mr. Krall and the Company. Mr. Krall is also prohibited from engaging in certain competitive activities for the next four years. Pursuant to the Krall Release Agreement, Mr. Krall (i) was paid $25,000 on August 13, 2013; (ii) is entitled to receive $30,000 per month for 18-months following August 13, 2013, during which time Mr. Krall shall provide consulting services to the Company, and (iii) is due the amount of his continued health insurance coverage until 18-months following August 13, 2013. In consideration of Mr. Kralls transfer to the Company of certain enumerated intellectual property rights, the Company also (i) paid Mr. Krall the sum of $125,000 on August 13, 2013; and, (ii) issued to Mr. Krall 850,000 shares of common stock on August 21, 2013 (the Krall Shares). The Krall Shares are subject to certain registration rights intended to register the Krall Shares. The Krall Shares are also subject to a Voting Support Agreement and Irrevocable Proxy (the Krall Proxy). The Krall Proxy gives our CEO the right to vote the Krall Shares for so long as Mr. Krall owns the Krall Shares.
Donna Singer: In connection with Ms. Singers separation from the Company, we entered into a Purchase, Severance, and Release Agreement effective August 13, 2013 with Ms. Singer (the Singer Release Agreement). The Singer Release Agreement provides for a mutual release of all claims between Ms. Singer and the Company. Ms. Singer is also prohibited from engaging in certain competitive activities until August 2017. Pursuant to the Singer Release Agreement, Ms. Singer (i) was paid $45,000 on August 13, 2013; (ii) is due the amount of her continued health insurance coverage until August 2014; and, (iii) is entitled to $17,000 per month for 12-months following August 13, 2013, during which time Ms. Singer shall provide consulting services to the Company. In consideration of Ms. Singers transfer to the Company of certain enumerated intellectual property rights, the Company also issued to Ms. Singer 300,000 shares of common stock on August 21, 2013 (the Singer Shares). The Singer Shares are subject to certain registration rights intended to register the Singer Shares. The Singer Shares are also subject to a Voting Support Agreement and Irrevocable Proxy (the Singer Proxy). The Singer Proxy gives our CEO the right to vote the Singer Shares for so long as Ms. Singer owns the Singer Shares.
Dennis Brovarone: In connection with Mr. Brovarones separation from the Company, we entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement effective August 13, 2013 with Mr. Brovarone (the Brovarone Release Agreement). The Brovarone Release Agreement provides for a mutual release of all claims between Mr. Brovarone and the Company. Mr. Brovarone shall be paid $91,332.77 (the Brovarone Amount) as follows: (i) starting November 11, 2013 the Brovarone Amount shall be subject to 2% interest per annum; (ii) starting December 11, 2013 and continuing on the same day of each month for 60-months the Company shall pay $1,600.86; (iii) the Company shall have the right to prepay without penalty upon 30-days notice; and, (iv) Brovarone shall have the right to convert the then outstanding balance of the Brovarone Amount, at any time and with 10-days advance notice, into common stock at a conversion price equal to the average closing price for our common stock on the principal market on which our common stock is then listed or quoted for the ten trading days immediately preceding the date of the conversion notice.
For information with respect to the compensation paid to our executive officers and directors, see heading Executive Compensation of this proxy statement.
Arrangements Related to Board and Management Changes
Pillar Marketing Group, Inc.: On August 13, 2013 we entered into a services agreement (the Pillar Services Agreement) with Pillar Marketing Group, Inc. (Pillar), as amended on October 2, 2014. The Pillar Services Agreement provides, among other things, that Pillar shall serve as our exclusive provider of general advisory services regarding corporate finance, capital raising activities, merger and acquisition transactions, and other related endeavors. Pillar is to be paid the sum of $25,000 per month plus, upon consummation of any transaction involving the acquisition, merger, or combination, or similar transaction of or with another company, we are to issue Pillar that number of our shares of our common stock which equals to three percent (3%) of our issued and outstanding shares determined on a fully diluted basis post-transaction. Additionally, pursuant to the Pillar
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Services Agreement and for corporate reorganization services previously provided by Pillar, we issued 550,000 shares of common stock, (300,000 shares for certain corporate reorganization services previously provided and 250,000 for general advisory services pursuant to the services agreement) with a value of $385,000, pursuant to an exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. We also paid Pillar the amount of $150,000 for corporate reorganization services previously provided. The reorganization services were for general corporate restructuring advice in connection with the corporate restructuring effected in August 2013. The Pillar Services Agreement provides for a term of 24 months, which renews automatically for additional 24 month terms unless either party provides prior written notice of termination. Immediately upon the renewal we are to issue to Pillar an additional two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) shares of our common stock.
Wulff Services, Inc.: On August 13, 2013 we issued 250,000 shares of common stock, pursuant to an exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, with a value of $175,000, for corporate finance and restructuring activities to Wulff Services Inc. (Wulff Services). Wulff Services is primarily owned by our current Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operation Officer, Peter C. Wulff.
Cohee Director Agreement: On August 13, 2013, we appointed Mr. Cohee to serve as a member of the Board and on September 17, 2013, we entered into a letter agreement with Mr. Cohee. Mr. Cohees letter agreement provides that his initial term will be for one year. In connection with his execution of the letter agreement, we are obligated to issue him 250,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to a restricted stock unit agreement in the form of a non-employee RSU award. Additionally, we will pay him an annual retainer fee of $60,000, payable quarterly. Additionally, he acknowledges and agrees that in order to satisfy certain rules for public companies he may be required to serve on one or more of the Boards Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and/or Nominating and Governance Committee, and that such committee assignments will be agreed between him and the Company, and that he will be compensated for such service. His letter agreement also provides that he will also be subject to certain confidentiality obligations. On April 24, 2014, the Company and Gary Cohee entered into an amendment to the Cohee Director Agreement to provide for a monthly consulting fee for certain investor relations activities.
Further, during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, we issued 415,643 shares of common stock, in exchange for previous services provided, valued at $376,000, pursuant to an exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and paid $160,000 to Mr. Cohee and/or his affiliates for financial advisor services. The shares were issued and payment made to Mr. Cohee and/or his affiliates for his services.
Transactions with our Director Tom Y. Lee
Mr. Lee will receive certain benefits in accordance with the Companys non-employee director compensation program. Additionally, since August 1, 2013, Mr. Lee and the Company have entered into the following equity investment transactions:
| On October 1, 2013, Mr. Lee and his spouse purchased an aggregate of 246,429 shares of Common Stock for $172,500. |
| On October 1, 2013, Mr. Lee exercised an outstanding warrant for 250,000 shares of Common Stock for an aggregate exercise price of $162,500. |
| On December 10, 2013, Mr. Lee and his spouse purchased an aggregate of 800,000 shares of Common Stock for $800,000. In connection with his participation in the August 2014 Financing (as defined below), Mr. Lee and his spouse received warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 266,666 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share related to the shares they acquired in the December 10, 2013 financing. The Company issued the warrant to lower the cost average price Mr. Lee and his spouse paid for their shares in the December 10, 2013 financing to $0.75 per share. |
| On March 3, 2014, Mr. Lee and his spouse purchased an aggregate of 100,000 shares of Common Stock for $100,000. In connection with his participation in the August 2014 Financing, Mr. Lee and his |
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spouse received warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 33,333 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The Company issued the warrants to lower the cost average price Mr. Lee and his spouse paid for their shares in the March 3, 2014 financing to $0.75 per share. |
| On August 23, 2014, the Company completed the first closing of a private placement in which it issued Units at a purchase price of $0.75 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase 0.4 of a share of common stock with an exercise price of $0.75 per share (the August 2014 Financing). On August 29, 2014, Mr. Lee and his spouse invested an aggregate of $600,000 in the second closing of the August 2014 Financing, acquiring an aggregate of 800,000 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase up to 320,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.75 per share. |
Compensation of Our Current Directors and Executive Officers
For information with respect to the compensation offered to our current directors and executive officers, please see the descriptions under the heading Executive Compensation of this proxy statement.
Related Party Transaction Policy and Procedures
Pursuant to our Related Party Transaction and Procedures, our executive officers, directors, and principal stockholders, including their immediate family members and affiliates, are prohibited from entering into a related party transaction with us without the prior consent of our Audit Committee or our independent directors. Any request for us to enter into a transaction with an executive officer, director, principal stockholder, or any of such persons immediate family members or affiliates, must first be presented to our Audit Committee for review, consideration and approval. In approving or rejecting the proposed agreement, our Audit Committee will consider the relevant facts and circumstances available and deemed relevant, including, but not limited, to the risks, costs and benefits to us, the terms of the transaction, the availability of other sources for comparable services or products, and, if applicable, the impact on a directors independence. Our Audit Committee shall approve only those agreements that, in light of known circumstances, are in, or are not inconsistent with, our best interests, as our Audit Committee determines in the good faith exercise of its discretion.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.
None of the members of our Compensation Committee are or have been an officer or employee of us. During fiscal 2014, no member of our Compensation Committee had any relationship with us requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K, except as set forth above, none of our executive officers served on the Compensation Committee (or its equivalent) or board of directors of another entity any of whose executive officers served on our Compensation Committee or board of directors.
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The management of the Company is not aware of any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting other than the matters described above. However, if any other matter properly comes before the Annual Meeting, the proxy holders will vote the proxies thereon in accordance with their best judgment on such matter.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2016 ANNUAL MEETING
Stockholders interested in submitting a proposal for consideration at our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must do so by sending such proposal to our Corporate Secretary at PURE Bioscience, Inc., 1725 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, California 92020, telephone (619) 596-8600. Under the SECs proxy rules (Rule 14a-8), the deadline for submission of proposals to be included in our proxy materials for the 2016 Annual Meeting is August 12, 2015. Accordingly, in order for a stockholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in our proxy materials for the 2016 Annual Meeting, any such stockholder proposal must be received by our Corporate Secretary on or before August 12, 2015, and comply with the procedures and requirements set forth in Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as the applicable requirements of our Bylaws. Any stockholder proposal received after August 12, 2015 will be considered untimely, and will not be included in our proxy materials. In addition, stockholders interested in submitting a proposal outside of Rule 14a-8 must properly submit such a proposal in accordance with our Bylaws.
Our Bylaws require advance notice of business to be brought before a stockholders meeting, including nominations of persons for election as directors. Pursuant to our Bylaws, the date after which notice to the Company of a stockholder proposal submitted outside the process of Rule 14a-8 is considered timely is as follows, provided that such notice meets the information and other requirements set forth in our Bylaws:
| A stockholder seeking to have a proposal included in the Companys proxy materials must deliver written notice to the Company of such proposal between June 13, 2015 and August 12, 2015, unless the date of the 2016 Annual Meeting is more than 30 days before or after the one-year anniversary of the Annual Meeting, in which case such notice must be delivered to the Company on the later of the 90th day before the date of the 2015 Annual Meeting or the 15th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the 2016 Annual Meeting is first made. |
| A stockholder not seeking inclusion of a proposal in the Companys proxy materials must deliver written notice to the Company not less than 90 days before the date of the 2016 Annual Meeting. |
If a stockholder that has notified the Company of its intention to present a proposal at the 2016 Annual Meeting does not appear or send a qualified representative to present his proposal at the 2016 Annual Meeting, the Company need not present the proposal for a vote at the 2016 Annual Meeting.
HOUSEHOLDING OF ANNUAL MEETING MATERIALS
We have adopted householding, a procedure approved by the SEC under which stockholders who share an address will receive a single copy of the Annual Report, Proxy Statement and Notice. This procedure reduces printing costs and mailing fees, while also reducing the environmental impact of the distribution of documents related to the Annual Meeting. If you reside at the same address as another PURE Bioscience stockholder and wish to receive a separate copy of the Annual Meeting materials, you may do so by making a written or oral request to: Attn: Corporate Secretary, PURE Bioscience, Inc., 1725 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, California 92020, telephone (619) 596-8600. Upon your request, we will promptly deliver a separate copy to you. The Proxy Statement and our Annual Report are also available at https://proxyvote.com.
Some brokers household proxy materials, delivering a single proxy statement or notice to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders.
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Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be householding materials to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement or notice, please notify your broker directly. You may also call (800) 542-1061 or write to: Householding Department, Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717, and include your name, the name of your broker or other nominee, and your account number(s). Any stockholders who share the same address and currently receive multiple copies of the Annual Report, Proxy Statement and Notice who wish to receive only one copy in the future may contact their bank, broker, or other holder of record, or PURE Bioscience at the contact information listed above, to request information about householding.
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Our Annual Report to Stockholders, which contains our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2014, accompanies this proxy statement. The Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2014 will also be made available (without exhibits), free of charge, to interested stockholders upon written request to PURE Bioscience, Inc., 1725 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, California 92020, Attention: Corporate Secretary.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS | ||
By Order of the Board of Directors | ||
December 5, 2014 | /s/ Peter C. Wulff | |
Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary |
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2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
PURE BIOSCIENCE, INC.
January 15, 2015
Please date, sign, and mail your proxy card
in the envelope provided as soon as possible.
Please detach and mail in the envelope provided.
PURE BIOSCIENCE, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Henry R. Lambert and Peter C. Wulff, or either of them, with full power of substitution, as proxies to vote at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of PURE Bioscience, Inc. (the Company) to be held at our corporate offices at 1725 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, California 92020 on January 15, 2015, at 9:00 a.m., local time, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof, hereby revoking any proxies heretofore given, all shares of common stock of the Company held or owned by the undersigned as directed on the reverse side, and, in their discretion, upon such other matters as may come before the meeting.
If any other business may properly come before the meeting, the proxies are authorized to vote in their discretion, provided that they will not vote in the election of directors for any nominee(s) for whom authority to vote has been withheld.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)
VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com
Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS
If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
PURE BIOSCIENCE, INC.
JANUARY 15, 2015
Please date, sign and mail your proxy card
in the envelope provided as soon as possible.
Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE ¨
1. Election of Directors | ||||||
NOMINEES: | ||||||
¨ |
FOR ALL NOMINEES |
¨ Dave Pfanzelter
¨ Henry R. Lambert
¨ Gary Cohee
¨ David Theno, Jr., PhD
¨ William Otis
¨ Tom Y. Lee | ||||
¨ | WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES |
|||||
¨ | FOR ALL EXCEPT | |||||
(See instructions below) |
INSTRUCTION 1: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT and fill in the box next to each nominee you wish to withhold your vote, as shown here: ¨
2. | Ratification of the appointment of Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2015. | FOR
¨ |
AGAINST
¨ |
ABSTAIN
¨ | ||||
3. | Approval of the non-binding advisory vote on compensation of our named executive officers for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014. | FOR
¨ |
AGAINST
¨ |
ABSTAIN
¨ | ||||
4. | To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
This proxy when properly executed will be voted as directed or, if no direction is given, will be voted as the Board recommends.
Signature of Stockholder: |
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Date: |
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Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder must sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.