SCHEDULE 14A
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. 1)
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant toss.240.14a-11(c) orss.240.14a-12
CEL-SCI CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
William T. Hart - Attorney for Registrant
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[ ] $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(3)
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
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CEL-SCI CORPORATION
8229 Boone Blvd.
Suite 802
Vienna, Virginia 22l82
(703) 506-9460
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 6, 2004
To the Shareholders:
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the shareholders of
CEL-SCI Corporation (the "Company") will be held at 4820-C Seton Drive,
Baltimore, Maryland 21215 on May 6, 2004, at 11:00 A.M., for the following
purposes:
(1) to elect the directors who shall constitute the Company's Board of
Directors for the ensuing year;
(2) to approve the adoption of the Company's 2004 Incentive Stock Option
Plan which provides that up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock may be issued
upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the Incentive Stock Option
Plan;
(3) to approve the adoption of the Company's 2004 Non-Qualified Stock Option
Plan which provides that up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock may be issued
upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the Non-Qualified Stock Option
Plan;
(4) to approve the adoption of the Company's 2004 Stock Bonus Plan which
provides that up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock may be issued to persons
granted stock bonuses pursuant to the Stock Bonus Plan;
(5) to approve the Company's Stock Compensation Plan which provides for the
issuance of up to 1,000,000 restricted shares of common stock to the Company's
directors, officers, employees and consultants for services provided to the
Company;
(6) to amend the Company's Articles of Incorporation such that the Company
would be authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock;
(7) to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's
independent accountants for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004;
to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
March 29, 2004 is the record date for the determination of shareholders
entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting. Shareholders are entitled to
one vote for each share held. As of March 29, 2004, there were 65,516,738 issued
and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock.
CEL-SCI CORPORATION
April 8, 2004 By:/s/ Geert R. Kersten
----------------------------------
Geert R. Kersten
Chief Executive Officer
_______________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE INDICATE YOUR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD,
AND SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD.
TO SAVE THE COST OF FURTHER SOLICITATION,
PLEASE MAIL YOUR PROXY CARD PROMPTLY
CEL-SCI CORPORATION
8229 Boone Blvd.
Suite 802
Vienna, Virginia 22l82
(703) 506-9460
______________________
PROXY STATEMENT
______________________
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Company's directors for voting at
the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 6, 2004, and at any and all
adjournments of such meeting. If the proxy is executed and returned, it will be
voted at the meeting in accordance with any instructions, and if no
specification is made, the proxy will be voted for the proposals set forth in
the accompanying notice of the annual meeting of shareholders. Shareholders who
execute proxies may revoke them at any time before they are voted, either by
writing to the Company at the address set forth above or in person at the time
of the meeting. Additionally, any later dated proxy will revoke a previous proxy
from the same shareholder. This proxy statement was mailed to shareholders of
record on or about April 8, 2004.
There is one class of capital stock outstanding. Provided a quorum
consisting of one-third of the shares entitled to vote is present at the
meeting, the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock voting
in person or represented by proxy is required to elect directors. Cumulative
voting in the election of directors is not permitted. The affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company's common
stock is required to approve the proposal to increase the Company's authorized
capitalization. The adoption of any other proposals to come before the meeting
will require the approval of a majority of votes cast at the meeting.
Shares of the Company's common stock represented by properly executed
proxies that reflect abstentions or "broker non-votes" will be counted as
present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum at the annual
meeting. "Broker non-votes" represent shares held by brokerage firms in
"street-name" with respect to which the broker has not received instructions
from the customer or otherwise does not have discretionary voting authority.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as having voted against the
proposals to be considered at the meeting.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth, as of March 29, 2004, information with
respect to the shareholdings of (i) each person owning beneficially 5% or more
of the Company's common stock (ii) each officer who received compensation in
excess of $100,000 during the Company's most recent fiscal year and (iii) all
officers and directors as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, each owner has
sole voting and investment powers over his shares of common stock.
Number of Percent of
Name and Address Shares (1) Class (3)
---------------- ---------- ----------
Maximilian de Clara 2,261,711 3.4%
Bergstrasse 79
6078 Lungern,
Obwalden, Switzerland
Geert R. Kersten 4,881,112 7.2%
8229 Boone Blvd., Suite 802
Vienna, VA 22182
Patricia B. Prichep 1,231,323 1.9%
8229 Boone Blvd., Suite 802
Vienna, VA 22182
Number of Percent of
Name and Address Shares (1) Class (3)
---------------- ---------- ----------
Eyal Talor, Ph.D. 866,132 1.3%
8229 Boone Blvd., Suite 802
Vienna, VA 22182
Daniel H. Zimmerman, Ph.D. 907,161 1.4%
8229 Boone Blvd., Suite 802
Vienna, VA 22182
Alexander G. Esterhazy 163,334 0.2%
20 Chemin du Pre-Poiset
CH- 1253 Vandoeuvres
Geneve, Switzerland
C. Richard Kinsolving , Ph.D. 232,424 0.4%
P.O. Box 20193
Bradenton, FL 34204-0193
Peter R. Young , Ph.D. 120,852 0.2%
8229 Boone Blvd., Suite 802
Vienna, VA 22182
All Officers and Directors 10,664,049 15.1%
as a Group (8 persons)
* Less than 1%
(1) Includes shares issuable prior to May 31, 2004 upon the exercise of options
or warrants granted to the following persons:
Options or Warrants Exercisable
Name Prior to May 31, 2004
----------------- --------------------------------
Maximilian de Clara 741,666
Geert R. Kersten 2,485,000
Patricia B. Prichep 743,168
Eyal Talor, Ph.D. 470,556
Daniel H. Zimmerman, Ph.D. 492,335
Alexander G. Esterhazy 163,334
C. Richard Kinsolving, Ph.D. 163,334
Peter R. Young, Ph.D. 80,001
(2) Amount includes shares held in trust for the benefit of Mr. Kersten's minor
children. Geert R. Kersten is the stepson of Maximilian de Clara.
(3) Amount includes shares referred to in (1) above but excludes shares which
may be issued upon the exercise or conversion of other options, warrants
and other convertible securities previously issued by the Company.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Unless the proxy contains contrary instructions, it is intended that the
proxies will be voted for the election of the current directors listed below to
serve as members of the board of directors until the next annual meeting of
shareholders and until their successors shall be elected and shall qualify.
All current directors have consented to stand for re-election. In case any
nominee shall be unable or shall fail to act as a director by virtue of an
unexpected occurrence, the proxies may be voted for such other person or persons
as shall be determined by the persons acting under the proxies in their
discretion.
Certain information concerning the Company's officers and directors follows:
Name Age Position
----------------- ---- -----------------
Maximilian de Clara 75 Director and President
Geert R. Kersten, Esq. 45 Director, Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer
Patricia B. Prichep 52 Senior Vice President of Operations and Secretary
Dr. Eyal Talor 47 Senior Vice President of Research and
Manufacturing
Dr. Daniel H. Zimmerman 62 Senior Vice President of Research, Cellular
Immunology
Alexander G. Esterhazy 59 Director
Dr. C. Richard Kinsolving 68 Director
Dr. Peter R. Young 59 Director
Mr. Maximilian de Clara, by virtue of his position as an officer and
director of the Company, may be deemed to be the "parent" and "founder" of the
Company as those terms are defined under applicable rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
The principal occupations of the Company's officers and directors, during
the past several years, are as follows:
Maximilian de Clara. Mr. de Clara has been a Director of the Company since
its inception in March l983, and has been President of the Company since July
l983. Prior to his affiliation with the Company, and since at least l978, Mr. de
Clara was involved in the management of his personal investments and personally
funding research in the fields of biotechnology and biomedicine. Mr. de Clara
attended the medical school of the University of Munich from l949 to l955, but
left before he received a medical degree. During the summers of l954 and l955,
he worked as a research assistant at the University of Istanbul in the field of
cancer research. For his efforts and dedication to research and development in
the fight against cancer and AIDS, Mr. de Clara was awarded the "Pour le Merit"
honorary medal of the Austrian Military Order "Merito Navale" as well as the
honor cross of the Austrian Albert Schweitzer Society.
Geert R. Kersten, Esq. Mr. Kersten was Director of Corporate and Investment
Relations for the Company between February 1987 and October 1987. In October of
1987, he was appointed Vice President of Operations. In December 1988, Mr.
Kersten was appointed Director of the Company. Mr. Kersten also became the
Company's Treasurer in 1989. In May 1992, Mr. Kersten was appointed Chief
Operating Officer and in February 1995, Mr. Kersten became the Company's Chief
Executive Officer. In previous years, Mr. Kersten worked as a financial analyst
with Source Capital, Ltd., an investment advising firm in McLean, Virginia. Mr.
Kersten is a stepson of Maximilian de Clara, who is the President and a Director
of the Company. Mr. Kersten attended George Washington University in Washington,
D.C. where he earned a B.A. in Accounting and an M.B.A. with emphasis on
International Finance. He also attended law school at American University in
Washington, D.C. where he received a Juris Doctor degree.
Patricia B. Prichep has been the Company's Senior Vice President of
Operations since March 1994. Between December 1992 and March 1994, Ms. Prichep
was the Company's Director of Operations. Ms. Prichep became the Company's
Secretary in May 2000. From June 1990 to December 1992, Ms. Prichep was the
Manager of Quality and Productivity for the NASD's Management, Systems and
Support Department. Between 1982 and 1990, Ms. Prichep was Vice President and
Operations Manager for Source Capital, Ltd.
Eyal Talor, Ph.D. has been the Company's Senior Vice President of Research
and Manufacturing since March 1994. From October 1993 until March 1994, Dr.
Talor was Director of Research, Manufacturing and Quality Control, as well as
the Director of the Clinical Laboratory, for Chesapeake Biological Laboratories,
Inc. From 1991 to 1993, Dr. Talor was a scientist with SRA Technologies, Inc.,
as well as the director of SRA's Flow Cytometry Laboratory (1991-1993) and
Clinical Laboratory (1992-1993). During 1992 and 1993, Dr. Talor was also the
Regulatory Affairs and Safety Officer For SRA. Since 1987, Dr. Talor has held
various positions with the John Hopkins University, including course coordinator
for the School of Continuing Studies (1989-Present), research associate and
lecturer in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases (1987-1991),
and associate professor (1991-Present).
Daniel H. Zimmerman, Ph.D. has been the Company's Senior Vice President of
Cellular Immunology since January 1996. Dr. Zimmerman founded CELL-MED, Inc. and
was its president from 1987-1995. From 1973 to 1987 Dr. Zimmerman served in
various positions at Electronucleonics, Inc. including Scientist, Senior
Scientist, Technical Director and Program Manager. From 1969-1973 Dr. Zimmerman
was a Senior Staff Fellow at NIH.
Alexander G. Esterhazy has been an independent financial advisor since
November 1997. Between July 1991 and October 1997 Mr. Esterhazy was a senior
partner of Corpofina S.A. Geneva, a firm engaged in mergers, acquisitions and
portfolio management. Between January 1988 and July 1991 Mr. Esterhazy was a
managing director of DG Bank in Switzerland. During this period Mr. Esterhazy
was in charge of the Geneva, Switzerland branch of the DG Bank, founded and
served as vice president of DG Finance (Paris) and was the President and Chief
Executive officer of DG-Bourse, a securities brokerage firm.
C. Richard Kinsolving, Ph.D. has been a Director of the Company since
April 2001. Since February 1999 Dr. Kinsolving has been the Chief Executive
Officer of BioPharmacon, a pharmaceutical development company. Between December
1992 and February 1999 Dr. Kinsolving was the President of Immuno-Rx, Inc., a
company engaged in immuno-pharmaceutical development. Between December 1991 and
September 1995 Dr. Kinsolving was President of Bestechnology, Inc. a nonmedical
research and development company producing bacterial preparations for industrial
use. Dr. Kinsolving received his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Emory University
(1970), his Masters degree in Physiology/Chemistry from Vanderbilt University
(1962), and his Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Tennessee Tech. University
(1957).
Peter R. Young, Ph.D. has been a Director of CEL-SCI since August 2002.
Dr. Young has been a senior executive within the pharmaceutical industry in the
United States and Canada for most of his career. Over the last 20 years he has
primarily held positions of Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer
and has extensive experience with acquisitions and equity financings. Since
November 2001 Dr. Young has been the President of Agnus Dei, LLC, which acts as
a partner in an organization managing immune system clinics which treat patients
with diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and hepatitis. Since January
2003 Dr. Young has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of SRL
Technology, Inc., a company involved in the development of pharmaceutical (drug)
delivery systems. Between 1998 and 2001 Dr. Young was the Chief Financial
Officer of Adams Laboratories. Dr. Young received his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry
from the University of Bristol, England (1969), and his Bachelor's degree in
Honors Chemistry, Mathematics and Economics also from the University of Bristol,
England (1966).
The Company's Board of Directors met six times during the year ending
September 30, 2003. All of the Directors attended each of these meetings either
in person or by telephone conference call.
All of the Company's officers devote substantially all of their time to
the Company's business.
The Company has an audit committee and a compensation committee. The
members of the audit committee are Alexander G. Esterhazy, C. Richard Kinsolving
and Peter Young. Dr. Peter Young serves as the audit committee's financial
expert. In this capacity, Dr. Young is independent, as that term is defined in
the listing standards of the American Stock exchange. The Company's Audit
Committee Charter was filed as an exhibit to the proxy statement pertaining to
the Company's 2003 Annual Shareholders' Meeting. The members of the compensation
committee are Maximilian de Clara, Alexander Esterhazy and C. Richard
Kinsolving.
For purposes of electing directors at its annual meeting the Company does
not have a nominating committee or a committee performing similar functions. The
Company's board of directors does not believe a nominating committee is
necessary since the Company's board of directors is small and the board of
directors as a whole performs this function. The current nominees to the Board
of Directors were selected by a majority vote of the Company's independent
directors.
The Company does not have any policy regarding the consideration of
director candidates recommended by shareholders since a shareholder has never
recommended a nominee to the board of directors. However, the Company's board of
directors will consider candidates recommended by shareholders. To submit a
candidate for the board of directors the shareholder should send the name,
address and telephone number of the candidate, together with any relevant
background or biographical information, to the Company's Chief Executive
Officer, at the address shown on the cover page of this proxy statement. The
board has not established any specific qualifications or skills a nominee must
meet to serve as a director. Although the board does not have any process for
identifying and evaluating director nominees, the board does not believe there
would be any differences in the manner in which the board evaluates nominees
submitted by shareholders as opposed to nominees submitted by any other person.
The Company does not have a policy with regard to board member's
attendance at annual meetings. All board members attended the last annual
shareholder's meeting held on March 31, 2003.
Holders of the Company's common stock can send written communications to
the Company's entire board of directors, or to one or more board members, by
addressing the communication to "the Board of Directors" or to one or more
directors, specifying the director or directors by name, and sending the
communication to the Company's offices in Vienna, Virginia. Communications
addressed to the Board of Directors as whole will be delivered to each board
member. Communications addressed to a specific director (or directors) will be
delivered to the director (or directors) specified.
Security holder communications not sent to the board of directors as a
whole or to specified board members are not relayed to board members.
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics which is applicable to the
Company's principal executive, financial, and accounting officers and persons
performing similar functions. The Code of Ethics is available on the Company's
website located at www.cel-sci.com.
Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth in summary form the compensation received
by (i) the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and (ii) by each other
executive officer of the Company who received in excess of $100,000 during the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2003.
All
Other Other
Annual Restric- Com-
Compen- ted Stock Options pensa-
Name and Princi- Fiscal Salary Bonus sation Awards Granted tion
pal Position Year (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
---------------- ----- ------ ------ ------- -------- -------- -------
Maximilian de Clara, 2003 $363,000 -- $65,121 -- 574,999 $72,600
President 2002 $363,000 -- $46,079 $ 89,334 75,000 --
2001 $357,167 -- $52,186 $262,000 95,000 $ 64
Geert R. Kersten, 2003 $354,087 -- $12,558 $ 9,244 1,890,000 $71,068
Chief Executive 2002 $346,324 -- $15,044 $ 10,929 105,000 --
Officer and 2001 $265,175 -- $10,462 $ 8,313 655,000 $ 4,114
Treasurer
Patricia B. Prichep 2003 $147,904 -- $ 3,000 $ 4,902 580,000 --
Senior Vice President 2002 $140,464 -- $ 3,000 $ 5,597 90,500 --
of Operations and 2001 $104,505 -- $ 3,000 $ 6,270 260,000 $ 63
Secretary
Eyal Talor, Ph.D. 2003 $191,574 -- $ 3,000 $ 4,950 374,166 --
Senior Vice President 2002 $187,075 -- $ 3,000 $ 5,702 85,000 --
of Research and 2001 157,420 -- $ 3,000 $ 9,269 200,000 $ 63
Manufacturing
Daniel Zimmerman,
Ph.D, 2003 $147,000 -- $ 3,000 $ 5,005 392,000 --
Senior Vice President 2002 $143,583 -- $ 3,000 $ 5,763 91,000 --
of Cellular Immunology 2001 $117,145 -- $ 3,000 $ 6,962 175,000 $ 64
(1) The dollar value of base salary (cash and non-cash) received. During the
year ended September 30, 2003, $701,397 of the total salaries paid to the
persons shown in the table were paid in restricted shares of CEL-SCI's
common stock.
Information concerning the issuance of these restricted shares is shown in
the following table:
Date Shares Number of Price
Were Issued Shares Issued Per Share
------------- ------------- ---------
November 8, 2002 660,636 $0.20
March 27, 2003 690,636 $0.20
April 30, 2003 299,139 $0.21
April 30, 2003 2,394,462 $0.15
July 21, 2003 95,578 $0.65
On each date the amount of compensation satisfied through the issuance of
shares was determined by multiplying the number of shares issued by the Price
Per Share. With the exception of the 2,394,462 shares issued on April 30, 2003
the price per share was equal to the closing price of the Company's common stock
on the date prior to the date the shares were issued. The closing price of the
Company's common stock on April 29, 2003, the date prior to the issuance of the
2,394,462 shares, was $0.21.
The 2,394,462 shares were issued to Mr. de Clara and Mr. Kersten in
payment of their respective salaries for the six month period ended September
30, 2003. Since the shares were issued at a discount of $0.06 per share to the
market price of the Company's common stock, the additional compensation received
by Mr. de Clara and Mr. Kersten from the receipt of these shares is shown in the
"All Other Compensation Column".
(2) The dollar value of bonus (cash and non-cash) received.
(3) Any other annual compensation not properly categorized as salary or bonus,
including perquisites and other personal benefits, securities or property.
Amounts in the table represent automobile, parking and other transportation
expenses, plus, in the case of Maximilian de Clara and Geert Kersten,
director's fees of $8,000. During the year ended September 30, 2003,
$25,000 of the total Other Annual compensation paid to the persons shown in
the table were paid in restricted shares of the Company's common stock.
(4) During the periods covered by the table, the value of the shares of
restricted stock issued as compensation for services to the persons listed
in the table. In the case of Mr. de Clara the shares were issued in
consideration for past services to the Company. In the case of all other
persons listed in the table, the shares were issued as the Company's
contribution on behalf of the named officer to the Company's 401(k)
retirement plan.
As of September 30, 2003, the number of shares of the Company's common
stock, owned by the officers included in the table above, and the value of such
shares at such date, based upon the market price of the Company's common stock
were:
Name Shares Value
Maximilian de Clara 1,782,295 $1,657,534
Geert R. Kersten 2,345,993 $2,181,773
Patricia B. Prichep 471,479 $ 438,475
Eyal Talor, Ph.D. 474,615 $ 441,392
Daniel Zimmerman, Ph.D. 438,776 $ 408,062
Dividends may be paid on shares of restricted stock owned by the Company's
officers and directors, although the Company has no plans to pay dividends.
(5)The shares of common stock to be received upon the exercise of all stock
options granted during the periods covered by the table. Includes certain
options issued in connection with the Company's Salary Reduction Plans as
well as certain options purchased from the Company. See "Options Granted
During Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2003" below.
(6) All other compensation received that the Company could not properly report
in any other column of the table including annual Company contributions or
other allocations to vested and unvested defined contribution plans, and
the dollar value of any insurance premiums paid by, or on behalf of, the
Company with respect to term life insurance for the benefit of the named
executive officer, and the full dollar value of the remainder of the
premiums paid by, or on behalf of, the Company. Amounts in the table for
fiscal 2001 represent life insurance premiums. Amounts in the table for
fiscal 2003 represent the value of the Company's common stock issued at
below market prices and discussed in (1) above.
Long Term Incentive Plans - Awards in Last Fiscal Year
None.
Employee Pension, Profit Sharing or Other Retirement Plans
During 1993 the Company implemented a defined contribution retirement plan,
qualifying under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code and covering
substantially all the Company's employees. Prior to January 1, 1998 the
Company's contribution was equal to the lesser of 3% of each employee's salary,
or 50% of the employee's contribution. Effective January 1, 1998 the plan was
amended such that the Company's contribution is now made in shares of the
Company's common stock as opposed to cash. Each participant's contribution is
matched by the Company with shares of common stock which have a value equal to
100% of the participant's contribution, not to exceed the lesser of $1,000 or 6%
of the participant's total compensation. The Company's contribution of common
stock is valued each quarter based upon the closing price of the Company's
common stock. The fiscal 2003 expenses for this plan were $48,437. Other than
the 401(k) Plan, the Company does not have a defined benefit, pension plan,
profit sharing or other retirement plan.
Compensation of Directors
Standard Arrangements. The Company currently pays its directors $2,000 per
quarter, plus expenses. The Company has no standard arrangement pursuant to
which directors of the Company are compensated for any services provided as a
director or for committee participation or special assignments.
Other Arrangements. The Company has from time to time granted options to
its outside directors. See Stock Options below for additional information
concerning options granted to the Company's directors.
Employment Contracts. In March 2002 the Company entered into a three-year
employment agreement with Mr. de Clara which expires March 31, 2005. The
employment agreement provides that the Company will pay Mr. de Clara an annual
salary of $363,000 during the term of the agreement. In the event that there is
a material reduction in Mr. de Clara's authority, duties or activities, or in
the event there is a change in the control of the Company, then the agreement
allows Mr. de Clara to resign from his position at the Company and receive a
lump-sum payment from the Company equal to 18 months salary. For purposes of the
employment agreement, a change in the control of the Company means the sale of
more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock, or a
change in a majority of the Company's directors.
The Employment Agreement will also terminate upon the death of Mr. de
Clara, Mr. de Clara's physical or mental disability, the conviction by Mr. de
Clara of any crime involving fraud, moral turpitude, or the Company's property,
or a breach of the Employment Agreement by Mr. de Clara. If the Employment
Agreement is terminated for any of these reasons Mr. de Clara, or his legal
representatives, as the case may be, will be paid the salary provided by the
Employment Agreement through the date of termination.
Effective September 1, 2003, the Company entered into a three-year
employment agreement with Mr. Kersten. The employment agreement provides that
during the term of the employment agreement the Company will pay Mr. Kersten an
annual salary of $370,585. In the event there is a change in the control of the
Company, the agreement allows Mr. Kersten to resign from his position at the
Company and receive a lump-sum payment from the Company equal to 24 months
salary. For purposes of the employment agreement a change in the control of the
Company means: (1) the merger of the Company with another entity if after such
merger the shareholders of the Company do not own at least 50% of voting capital
stock of the surviving corporation; (2) the sale of substantially all of the
assets of the Company; (3) the acquisition by any person of more than 50% of the
Company's common stock; or (4) a change in a majority of the Company's directors
which has not been approved by the incumbent directors.
The Employment Agreement will also terminate upon the death of Mr.
Kersten, Mr. Kersten's physical or mental disability, willful misconduct, an act
of fraud against the Company, or a breach of the Employment Agreement by Mr.
Kersten. If the Employment Agreement is terminated for any of these reasons Mr.
Kersten, or his legal representatives, as the case may be, will be paid the
salary provided by the Employment Agreement through the date of termination.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Company has a compensation committee comprised of all of the Company's
directors, with the exception of Mr. Kersten and Peter Young. During the year
ended September 30, 2003, Mr. de Clara was the only officer participating in
deliberations of the Company's compensation committee concerning executive
officer compensation. Mr. de Clara participated in deliberations concerning his
compensation.
During the year ended September 30, 2003, no director of the Company was
also an executive officer of another entity, which had an executive officer of
the Company serving as a director of such entity or as a member of the
compensation committee of such entity.
Stock Options
The following tables set forth information concerning the options granted
during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003, to the persons named below, and
the fiscal year-end value of all unexercised options (regardless of when
granted) held by these persons.
Options Granted During Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2003
Potential Realizable
% of Total Value at Assumed
Options Annual Rates of Stock
Granted to Exercise Price Appreciation
Options Employees in Price Per Expiration for Option Term (1)
Name Granted (#) Fiscal Year Share Date 5% 10%
------ ----------- ----------- --------- ---------- ---- -----
Maximilian de Clara 574,999 11.20% 0.22 4/1/13 $ 63,302 $126,604
Geert R. Kersten 1,890,000 36.83% 0.22 4/1/13 $208,071 $416,142
Patricia B. Prichep 580,000 11.30% 0.22 4/1/13 $ 63,852 $127,705
Eyal Talor, Ph.D. 374,166 7.33% 0.22 4/1/13 $ 41,412 $82,825
Daniel Zimmerman, Ph.D. 392,000 7.64% 0.22 4/1/13 $ 43,155 $86,311
(1) The potential realizable value of the options shown in the table assuming
the market price of the Company's Common Stock appreciates in value from
the date of the grant to the end of the option term at 5% or 10%.
Option Exercises and Year-End Option Values
Value (in $) of
Unexercised
Number of In-the-Money
Unexercised Options at Fiscal
Options (3) Year-End (4)
Shares ------------ ----------------
Acquired On Value Exercisable/ Exercisable/
Name Exercise (1) Realized (2) Unexercisable Unexercisable
---- ----------- ------------ ------------- ----------------
Maximilian de Clara -- -- 504,999/644,999 $ 9,750/$427,749
Geert R. Kersten -- -- 1,800,000/1,980,000 $13,650/$1,369,200
Patricia Prichep -- -- 511,334/648,666 $11,365/$434,530
Eyal Talor 309,167/439,165 $10,000/$285,658
Daniel Zimmerman -- -- 324,668/459,332 $15,330/$308,980
(1) The number of shares received upon exercise of options during the fiscal
year ended September 30, 2003.
(2) With respect to options exercised during the Company's fiscal year ended
September 30, 2003, the dollar value of the difference between the option
exercise price and the market value of the option shares purchased on the
date of the exercise of the options.
(3) The total number of unexercised options held as of September 30, 2003,
separated between those options that were exercisable and those options
that were not exercisable.
(4) For all unexercised options held as of September 30, 2003, the market value
of the stock underlying those options as of September 30, 2003.
Stock Option and Bonus Plans
The Company has Incentive Stock Option Plans, Non-Qualified Stock Option
Plans and Stock Bonus Plans. All Stock Option and Bonus Plans have been approved
by the stockholders. A summary description of these Plans follows. In some cases
these Plans are collectively referred to as the "Plans".
Incentive Stock Option Plan. The Incentive Stock Option Plans collectively
authorize the issuance of shares of the Company's Common Stock to persons who
exercise options granted pursuant to the Plan. Only Company employees may be
granted options pursuant to the Incentive Stock Option Plan.
To be classified as incentive stock options under the Internal Revenue
Code, options granted pursuant to the Plans must be exercised prior to the
following dates:
(a) The expiration of three months after the date on which an option holder's
employment by the Company is terminated (except if such termination is due to
death or permanent and total disability);
(b) The expiration of 12 months after the date on which an option holder's
employment by the Company is terminated, if such termination is due to the
Employee's permanent and total disability;
(c) In the event of an option holder's death while in the employ of the Company,
his executors or administrators may exercise, within three months following the
date of his death, the option as to any of the shares not previously exercised;
The total fair market value of the shares of Common Stock (determined at
the time of the grant of the option) for which any employee may be granted
options which are first exercisable in any calendar year may not exceed
$100,000.
Options may not be exercised until one year following the date of grant.
Options granted to an employee then owning more than 10% of the common stock of
the Company may not be exercisable by its terms after five years from the date
of grant. Any other option granted pursuant to the Plan may not be exercisable
by its terms after ten years from the date of grant.
The purchase price per share of common stock purchasable under an option
is determined by the Committee but cannot be less than the fair market value of
the common stock on the date of the grant of the option (or 110% of the fair
market value in the case of a person owning more than 10% of the Company's
outstanding shares).
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plans. The Non-Qualified Stock Option Plans
collectively authorize the issuance of shares of the Company's common stock to
persons that exercise options granted pursuant to the Plans. The Company's
employees, directors, officers, consultants and advisors are eligible to be
granted options pursuant to the Plans, provided however that bona fide services
must be rendered by such consultants or advisors and such services must not be
in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising
transaction. The option exercise price is determined by the Committee but cannot
be less than the market price of the Company's common stock on the date the
option is granted.
Stock Bonus Plan. Shares of common stock may be granted under the Stock
Bonus Plan to the Company's employees, directors, officers, consultants and
advisors, provided however that bona fide services must be rendered by
consultants or advisors and such services may not be in connection with a
capital-raising transaction or promoting the Company's stock.
Other Information Regarding the Plans. The Plans are administered by the
Company's Compensation Committee ("the Committee"), each member of which is a
director of the Company. The members of the Committee were selected by the
Company's Board of Directors and serve for a one-year tenure and until their
successors are elected. A member of the Committee may be removed at any time by
action of the Board of Directors. Any vacancies which may occur on the Committee
will be filled by the Board of Directors. The Committee is vested with the
authority to interpret the provisions of the Plans and supervise the
administration of the Plans. In addition, the Committee is empowered to select
those persons to whom shares or options are to be granted, to determine the
number of shares subject to each grant of a stock bonus or an option and to
determine when, and upon what conditions, shares or options granted under the
Plans will vest or otherwise be subject to forfeiture and cancellation.
In the discretion of the Committee, any option granted pursuant to the
Plans may include installment exercise terms such that the option becomes fully
exercisable in a series of cumulating portions. The Committee may also
accelerate the date upon which any option (or any part of any options) is first
exercisable. Any shares issued pursuant to the Stock Bonus Plan and any options
granted pursuant to the Incentive Stock Option Plan or the Non-Qualified Stock
Option Plan will be forfeited if the "vesting" schedule established by the
Committee administering the Plan at the time of the grant is not met. For this
purpose, vesting means the period during which the employee must remain an
employee of the Company or the period of time a non-employee must provide
services to the Company. At the time an employee ceases working for the Company
(or at the time a non-employee ceases to perform services for the Company), any
shares or options not fully vested will be forfeited and cancelled. At the
discretion of the Committee payment for the shares of common stock underlying
options may be paid through the delivery of shares of the Company's common stock
having an aggregate fair market value equal to the option price, provided such
shares have been owned by the option holder for at least one year prior to such
exercise. A combination of cash and shares of common stock may also be permitted
at the discretion of the Committee.
Options are generally non-transferable except upon death of the option
holder. Shares issued pursuant to the Stock Bonus Plan will generally not be
transferable until the person receiving the shares satisfies the vesting
requirements imposed by the Committee when the shares were issued.
The Board of Directors of the Company may at any time, and from time to
time, amend, terminate, or suspend one or more of the Plans in any manner they
deem appropriate, provided that such amendment, termination or suspension will
not adversely affect rights or obligations with respect to shares or options
previously granted. The Board of Directors may not, without shareholder
approval: make any amendment which would materially modify the eligibility
requirements for the Plans; increase or decrease the total number of shares of
common stock which may be issued pursuant to the Plans except in the case of a
reclassification of the Company's capital stock or a consolidation or merger of
the Company; reduce the minimum option price per share; extend the period for
granting options; or materially increase in any other way the benefits accruing
to employees who are eligible to participate in the Plans.
Summary. The following sets forth certain information, as of March 29,
2004 concerning the stock options and stock bonuses granted by the Company. Each
option represents the right to purchase one share of the Company's common stock.
The total shares reserved under each Plan does not include the shares authorized
by the 2004 Plans which are being submitted to the Company's shareholders for
their approval at the 2004 Annual Shareholders' meeting.
Total Shares
Shares Reserved for Shares Remaining
Reserved Outstanding Issued as Options/Shares
Name of Plan Under Plans Options Stock Bonus Under Plans
------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Incentive Stock Option
Plans 4,100,000 3,886,100 N/A 112,315
Non-Qualified Stock
Option Plans 7,760,000 6,383,639 N/A 151,899
Stock Bonus Plans 1,940,000 N/A 1,229,974 710,026
Of the shares issued pursuant to the Company's Stock Bonus Plans 492,858
shares were issued as part of the Company's contribution to its 401(k) plan.
The following table shows the weighted average exercise price of the
outstanding options granted pursuant to the Company's Incentive and
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plans as of September 30, 2003. The Incentive and
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plans in effect on September 30, 2003 were approved
by the Company's shareholders.
Number of Securities
Remaining Available
Number For Future Issuance
of Securities Under Equity
to be Issued Weighted-Average Compensation Plans
Upon Exercise Exercise Price of (Excluding Securities
of Outstanding of Outstanding Reflected in
Plan category Options [a] Options Column (a))
--------------- ------------ ------------- ------------------
Incentive Stock 3,801,100 $0.68 212,315
Option Plans
Non-Qualified Stock
Option Plans 6,453,973 $0.74 151,899
---------- ------ ---------
10,255,073 $0.72 364,214
=========== ======= =========
Compensation Committee
During the year ending September 30, 2003 the Company had a Compensation
Committee which, was comprised of Maximilian de Clara, Alexander Esterhazy and
C. Richard Kinsolving. During the year ended September 30, 2003 the Compensation
Committee did not formerly meet as a separate committee, but rather held its
meetings in conjunction with the Company's Board of Director's meetings.
During the year ended September 30, 2003, Mr. de Clara was the only officer
participating in deliberations of the Company's compensation committee
concerning executive officer compensation. During the year ended September 30,
2003, no director of the Company was also an executive officer of another
entity, which had an executive officer of the Company serving as a director of
such entity or as a member of the compensation committee of such entity.
The following is the report of the Compensation Committee:
The key components of the Company's executive compensation program include
annual base salaries and long-term incentive compensation consisting of stock
options. It is the Company's policy to target compensation (i.e., base salary,
stock option grants and other benefits) at approximately the median of
comparable companies in the biotechnology field. Accordingly, data on
compensation practices followed by other companies in the biotechnology industry
is considered.
The Company's long term incentive program consists exclusively of periodic
grants of stock options with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of
the Company's Common Stock on the date of grant. To encourage retention, the
ability to exercise options granted under the program is subject to vesting
restrictions. Decisions made regarding the timing and size of option grants take
into account Company and individual performance, "competitive market" practices,
and the size of the option grants made in prior years. The weighting of these
factors varies and is subjective. Current option holdings are not considered
when granting options.
In March 2002 the Company entered into a three-year employment agreement
with Maximilian de Clara, the Company's President. The March 2002 employment
agreement, which is essentially the same as Mr. de Clara's two prior employment
agreements, provides that during the employment term the Company will pay Mr. de
Clara a salary of $363,000. Since the terms of the employment contract
established the compensation paid to Mr. de Clara, there was no relationship
between the Company's performance and Mr. de Clara's compensation for the last
completed fiscal year.
Effective August 1, 2003, the Company entered into a three-year employment
agreement with Geert R. Kersten. The employment agreement, which is essentially
the same as Mr. Kersten's prior employment agreement, provides that during the
term of the agreement the Company will pay Mr. Kersten an annual salary of
$370,585, subject to the minimum annual increases of 5% per year. In renewing
Mr. Kersten's employment contract the Compensation Committee considered various
factors, including Mr. Kersten's performance in his area of responsibility, Mr.
Kersten's experience in his position, and Mr. Kersten's length of service with
the Company. During the fiscal year ending September 30, 2003 the compensation
paid to Mr. Kersten was based on his employment contract which became effective
on August 1, 2003 and Mr. Kersten's previous employment agreement.
As explained in Note (1) to the Executive Compensation table, during the
year ended September 30, 2003 Mr. de Clara and Mr. Kersten, agreed to accept
restricted shares of the Company's common stock for part of the compensation
payable pursuant to their employment contracts.
During the year ending September 30, 2003, the compensation paid to the
Company's other executive officers was based on a variety of factors, including
the performance in the executive's area of responsibility, the executive's
individual performance, the executive's experience in his or her role, the
executive's length of service with the Company, the achievement of specific
goals established for the Company and its business, and, in certain instances,
to the achievement of individual goals.
Financial or stockholder value performance comparisons were not used to
determine the compensation of the Company's other executive officers since the
Company's financial performance and stockholder value are influenced to a
substantial degree by external factors and as a result comparing the
compensation payable to the other executive officers to the Company's financial
or stock price performance can be misleading.
During the year ended September 30, 2003 the Company granted options for the
purchase of 3,811,165 shares of the Company's common stock to the Company's
executive officers. In granting the options to the Company's executive officers,
the Board of Directors considered the same factors which were used to determine
the cash compensation paid to such officers.
During the year ended September 30, 2003 the Company issued restricted
shares of its common stock to the following directors in lieu of director's
fees: Maximilian de Clara (32,601 shares), Geert R. Kersten (32,601 shares), C.
Richard Kinsolving (32,601 shares) and Peter Young (32,601 shares). Except as
otherwise disclosed in this proxy statement, during the year ended September 30,
2003 the Company did not issue any shares of its common stock to the Company's
officers or directors in return for services provided to the Company.
The foregoing report has been approved by the members of the Compensation
Committee:
Maximilian de Clara
Alexander Esterhazy
C. Richard Kinsolving
Stockholder Return Performance Graph
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in
the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company's common stock with the
cumulative total return of the Amex Market Value Index and a Biotechnology peer
group for the five fiscal years ending September 30, 2003.
Comparison of Five Year Cumulative Total Return Among
Cel-Sci Corporation, the Amex Market Value, and a Peer Group
The members of the Peer Group used for purposes of the following
comparison, and their respective trading symbols, are: Antex Biologics, Inc.
(ANX), Epimmune, Inc. (EPMN) and Neoprobe Corp. (NEOP).
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG CEL-SCI CORPORATION, THE AMEX MARKET VALUE (U.S. & FOREIGN) INDEX
AND A PEER GROUP
Cumulative Total Return
-----------------------------------------------------
9/98 9/99 9/00 9/01 9/02 9/03
----- ----- ----- ---- ----- ------
CEL-SCI CORPORATION 100.00 102.38 83.81 51.05 6.86 35.43
AMEX MARKET VALUE
(U.S. & FOREIGN) 100.00 128.65 157.48 118.02 106.51 137.99
PEER GROUP 100.00 80.85 93.23 39.23 19.02 34.78
* 100 invested on 9/30/98 in stock or index- including
reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending September 30.
Audit Committee
During the year ended September 30, 2003 the Company had an Audit Committee
comprised of Alexander Esterhazy, C. Richard Kinsolving and Peter Young. The
members of the Audit Committee are independent as independence is defined by
Section 121(A) of the American Stock Exchange's Listing Standards. The purpose
of the Audit Committee is to review and approve the selection of the Company's
auditors, review the Company's financial statements with the Company's
independent auditors, and review and discuss the independent auditors'
management letter relating to the Company's internal accounting controls. During
the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003, the Audit Committee met five times.
All members of the Audit Committee attended this meeting.
The following is the report of the Audit Committee.
(1) The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the Company's audited
financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2003 with the
Company's management.
(2) The Audit Committee discussed with the Company's independent auditors
the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Accounting
Standards (SAS) No. 61 "Communications with Audit Committee" as amended
by SASs 89 and 90.
(3) The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter
from the Company's independent accountants required by Independence
Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Standards Board Standard
No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), and had
discussed with the Company's independent accountants the independent
accountants independence; and
(4) Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit
Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited
financial statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended September 30, 2003 for filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
(5) During the year ended September 30, 2003 the Company paid Deloitte &
Touche LLP, the Company's independent auditors, other audit related
fees of $50,027 for reviewing various registration statements filed by
the Company during the year. The Audit Committee is of the opinion that
these fees are consistent with Deloitte & Touche LLP maintaining its
independence from the Company.
The foregoing report has been approved by the members of the Audit
Committee:
Alexander G. Esterhazy
C. Richard Kinsolving
Peter Young
The Company's Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the
Audit Committee, a copy of which was filed as an appendix to the proxy statement
relating to the Company's March 31, 2003 annual meeting of shareholders.
PROPOSAL TO ADOPT 2004 INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
Shareholders are being requested to vote on the adoption of the Company's
2004 Incentive Stock Option Plan. The purpose of the 2004 Incentive Stock Option
Plan is to furnish additional compensation and incentives to the Company's
officers and employees.
The 2004 Incentive Stock Option Plan, if adopted, will authorize the
issuance of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock to persons that
exercise options granted pursuant to the plan. As of the date of this Proxy
Statement the Company had not granted any options pursuant to this plan.
Any options under the 2004 Incentive Stock Option Plan must be granted
before January 20, 2014. If adopted, the 2004 Incentive Stock Option Plan will
function and be administered in the same manner as the Company's other Incentive
Stock Option Plans. The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders of
the Company approve the adoption of the 2004 Incentive Stock Option Plan.
Proposal to adopt 2004 non-qualified stock option plan
Shareholders are being requested to vote on the adoption of the Company's
2004 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan. The Company's employees, directors and
officers, and consultants or advisors to the company are eligible to be granted
options pursuant to the 2004 Non-Qualified Plan as may be determined by the
Company's Board of Directors, provided however that bona fide services must be
rendered by such consultants or advisors and such services must mot be in
connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising
transaction.
The 2004 Non-Qualified Plan, if adopted, will authorize the issuance of up
to 1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock to persons that exercise
options granted pursuant to the Plan. As of the date of this Proxy Statement the
Company had not granted any options under the 2004 Non-Qualified Plan.
The 2004 Non-Qualified Plan will function and be administered in the same
manner as the Company's other Non-Qualified Plans. The Board of Directors
recommends that the shareholders of the Company approve the adoption of the 2004
Non-Qualified Plan.
PROPOSAL TO ADOPT 2004 STOCK BONUS PLAN
Shareholders are being requested to vote on the adoption of the Company's
2004 Stock Bonus Plan. The purpose of the 2004 Stock Bonus Plan is to furnish
additional compensation and incentives to the Company's officers and employees
and to allow the Company to continue to make contributions to its 401(k) plan
with shares of its common stock instead of cash.
Since 1993 the Company has maintained a defined contribution retirement
plan (also known as a 401(k) Plan) covering substantially all the Company's
employees. Prior to January 1, 1998 the Company's contribution to the 401(k)
Plan was made in cash. Effective January 1, 1998 the Company's employees
approved a change in the plan such that the Company's contribution is now made
in shares of the Company's common stock as opposed to cash. The Company's
contribution of common stock is made quarterly and is valued based upon the
price of the Company's common stock on the American Stock Exchange. The Board of
Directors is of the opinion that contributions to the 401(k) plan with shares of
the Company's common stock serves to further align the shareholder's interest
with that of the Company's employees.
The 2004 Stock Bonus Plan, if adopted, will authorize the issuance of up
to 1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock to persons granted stock
bonuses pursuant to the plan. As of the date of this Proxy Statement the Company
had not granted any stock bonuses pursuant to the 2004 Stock Bonus Plan.
The 2004 Stock Bonus Plan will function and be administered in the same
manner as the Company's existing Stock Bonus Plans. The Board of Directors
recommends that the shareholders of the Company approve the adoption of the 2004
Stock Bonus Plans.
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK PURSUANT TO THE COMPANY'S STOCK
COMPENSATION PLAN
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2003 the Company issued
3,374,645 shares of its common stock to its officers, directors and employees in
payment of $830,086.62 salaries, fees and other compensation owed to these
persons. In order to conserve cash, the Company expects that it may continue to
offer its officers, directors and employees the opportunity to receive shares of
the Company's common stock in payment of amounts owed by the Company for
services rendered.
The Company's common stock trades on the American Stock Exchange. In 2003
the AMEX amended its rules so as to require AMEX listed corporations to obtain
shareholder approval for arrangements which permit officers, directors,
employees or consultants to receive a listed corporation's shares in payment of
compensation.
To comply with the AMEX requirements in this regard, the Company has
adopted, subject to shareholder approval, a Stock Compensation Plan, a copy of
which is attached to this proxy statement, which provides for the issuance of up
to 1,000,000 shares of common stock pursuant to plan. The Board of Directors
recommends that the shareholders of the Company approve the Company's Stock
Compensation Plan.
PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE COMPANY'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION SUCH THAT THE COMPANY
WOULD BE AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE 200,000,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock. As
of March 29, 2004, the Company had 65,516,738 outstanding shares of common
stock, plus outstanding options and warrants which would allow the holders of
these securities to purchase 15,078,761 additional shares of the Company's
common stock.
Due to the lack of any significant revenues, the Company has relied upon
proceeds from the private sales of its common stock, as well as securities
convertible into common stock, to meet its funding requirements.
The Company needs to increase its authorized shares of common stock to
accommodate the additional shares which may be issued if all outstanding
options, warrants and convertible securities were exercised or converted and to
allow the Company to raise additional capital through the sale of common stock
or securities convertible into common stock.
Although the Company will be required to fund its operations through the
sale of its securities until significant revenues are generated from the
commercial sale of its products, as of the date of this proxy statement the
Company did not have any definitive agreements or arrangements with any person
to sell any additional shares of its common stock, except for the agreement
pertaining to the Company's line of credit and the Company's obligation to issue
common stock upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants.
APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors has selected Deloitte & Touche LLP independent
certified public accountants, to audit the books and records of the Company for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004. Deloitte & Touche LLP served as the
Company's independent public accountants for the fiscal year ended September 30,
2003. A representative of Deloitte & Touche LLP is not expected to be present at
the shareholders' meeting.
Accounting Firm Fees
The fees billed to the Company by Deloitte & Touche LLP and its affiliates
were:
Total fees billed for professional services rendered
for the audit of the Company's financial statements
for the year ended September 30, 2003 and the reviews
of the financial statements included in the Company's
Forms 10-Q for the year ended September 30, 2003 $131,049
Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation
Fees for the year ended September 30, 2003 --
All other fees for the year ended September 30, 2003: *
Audit Related Fees $ 50,027
Other Non-Audit Related Fees --
* All other fees consist of audit related services for reviewing various
registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
by the Company during the year.
The Company's Board of Directors is of the opinion that the other fees
charged by Deloitte & Touche LLP during fiscal 2003 ($50,027) are consistent
with Deloitte & Touche LLP maintaining its independence from the Company.
AVAILABILITY OF ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ending September 30,
2003 will be sent to any shareholder of the Company upon request. Requests for a
copy of this report should be addressed to the Secretary of the Company at the
address provided on the first page of this proxy statement.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any shareholder proposal which may properly be included in the proxy
solicitation material for the annual meeting of shareholders following the
Company's year ending September 30, 2004 must be received by the Secretary of
the Company no later than December 31, 2004.
GENERAL
The cost of preparing, printing and mailing the enclosed proxy, accompanying
notice and proxy statement, and all other costs in connection with solicitation
of proxies will be paid by the Company including any additional solicitation
made by letter, telephone or telegraph. Failure of a quorum to be present at the
meeting will necessitate adjournment and will subject the Company to additional
expense. The Company's annual report, including financial statements for the
2003 fiscal year, is included in this mailing.
The Company's Board of Directors do not intend to present and does not have
reason to believe that others will present any other items of business at the
annual meeting. However, if other matters are properly presented to the meeting
for a vote, the proxies will be voted upon such matters in accordance with the
judgment of the persons acting under the proxies.
Please complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy promptly. No postage is
required if mailed in the United States.
STOCK COMPENSATION PLAN
CEL-SCI Corporation ("the Company") hereby adopts the Stock Compensation
Plan. All officers, directors and employees of the Company, as well as
consultants to the Company (collectively the "Participants"), will be eligible
to participate in the Plan. Pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, Participants
and directors may agree to receive shares of the Company's common stock in lieu
of all or part of the compensation owed to them by the Company.
1. Up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance pursuant
to this Plan. The shares of stock issuable pursuant to the Plan will be
restricted securities as that term is defined in Rule 144 of the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
2. The number of shares to be offered to each Participant will be equal to the
number determined by dividing the compensation to be satisfied through the
issuance of shares by the Price Per Share. The Price Per Share will be
equal to the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date prior
to the date the Acceptance Form is delivered to the Participant except that
a higher or a lower price may be set by the Company's Compensation
Committee. However in no case may the Price Per Share be less than 80% of
the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date prior to the
date the Acceptance Form is delivered to the Participant.
3. If the Company is willing to offer shares of its common stock to any
Participant in accordance with this Plan, the Company will provide the
Participant with the attached Acceptance Form. A Participant wanting to
accept the terms outlined in the Acceptance Form will be required to sign
the form and return it to the Company by the date indicated on the form.
4. The Company, in its sole discretion, may determine that any eligible
Participant will not, on any or on one or more occasions, be offered the
opportunity to receive shares of common stock pursuant to this Plan.
5. The agreement of any Participant to accept shares of common stock in lieu
of compensation is subject to approval by the Company's board of directors,
which approval may be refused for any reason.
6. At the time the shares are issued, the Participant will incur taxable
income equal to the market price of the Company's common stock on the date
the Company's board of directors approves the issuance of shares to the
Participant. If the Participant is employed by the Company on the date the
shares are issued, the Company may require the Participant to pay the
Company all applicable federal and state withholding taxes with respect to
such income or, may withhold such amounts from the Participant. If the
Participant is not employed by the Company on the date the shares are
issued, the delivery of the shares may be conditioned, at the Company's
option, upon the Participant tendering to the Company an amount equal to
all applicable federal and state withholding taxes. Federal withholding
taxes will be based upon the then current provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code for withholding taxes plus the Participant's share of Social
Security and Medicaid taxes.
7. The Company makes no representations to a Participant that the shares which
may be issued pursuant to this Plan will ultimately have any value
whatsoever.
8. This Plan will terminate on December 31, 2008, after which date the Company
may not issue any shares of common stock pursuant to this Plan.
STOCK COMPENSATION PLAN
ACCEPTANCE FORM
The undersigned Participants has read and understands the provisions of
the Stock Compensation Plan of CEL-SCI Corporation (the "Company") and hereby
agrees to accept _____ shares of the Company's common stock in full and complete
payment of $____ presently owed to the Participant for services provided to the
Company.
The Participant understands that:
o the shares of the Company's common stock to be issued in accordance
with this Acceptance Form are restricted securities as that term is
defined in Rule 144 of the Securities and Exchange Commission
o the shares cannot be sold in the public market for a period of one
year from the date this Acceptance Form has been approved by the
Company's directors and as a result the shares may ultimately have
little or no value;
o the agreement to accept shares of the Company's common stock in
payment for services cannot be construed as any guaranty of future
employment; and
o the agreement to accept shares of common stock in payment of
compensation may not be revoked by the Participant.
The Company's latest reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q are available upon
request.
This Form must be returned to the Company no later than _______.
AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED this ______ day of _________, 2004.
___________________________________
Participant
CEL-SCI Corporation
By ________________________________
Authorized Officer
PROXY
CEL-SCI CORPORATION
This Proxy is solicited by the Company's Board of Directors
The undersigned stockholder of the Company, acknowledges receipt of the Notice
of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held May 6, 2004, 11:00 A.M. local
time, at 4820-C Seton Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21215 and hereby appoints
Maximilian de Clara or Geert R. Kersten with the power of substitution, as
Attorneys and Proxies to vote all the shares of the undersigned at said annual
meeting of stockholders and at all adjournments thereof, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said Attorneys and Proxies may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof. The above named Attorneys and Proxies are instructed to vote all
of the undersigned's shares as follows:
(1) To elect the directors who shall constitute the Company's Board of
Directors for the ensuing year.
__
/_/ FOR all nominees listed below (except as marked to the contrary below)
__
/_/ WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below
(INSTRUCTION: TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, STRIKE A
LINE THROUGH THE NOMINEE'S NAME IN THE LIST BELOW)
Nominees: Maximilian de Clara Geert R. Kersten Alexander G. Esterhazy
C. Richard Kinsolving Peter R. Young
(2) To approve the adoption of the Company's 2004 Incentive Stock Option
Plan.
___ FOR ___ AGAINST ___ ABSTAIN
(3) To approve the adoption of the Company's 2004 Non-Qualified Stock
Option Plan.
___ FOR ___ AGAINST ___ ABSTAIN
(4) To approve the adoption of the Company's 2004 Stock Bonus Plan.
___ FOR ___ AGAINST ___ ABSTAIN
(5) To approve the Company's Stock Compensation Plan
___ FOR ___ AGAINST ___ ABSTAIN
(6) To amend the Company's Articles of Incorporation such that the Company
would be authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock.
___ FOR ___ AGAINST ___ ABSTAIN
(7) To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche, LLP as the Company's
independent accountants for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004.
___ FOR ___ AGAINST ___ ABSTAIN
To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE
UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DISCRETION IS INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED
IN FAVOR OF ITEMS 1 THROUGH 7.
Dated this day of _________, 2004
________________________________
(Signature)
________________________________
(Signature)
Please sign your name exactly as it appears on your stock certificate. If shares
are held jointly, each holder should sign. Executors, trustees, and other
fiduciaries should so indicate when signing.
Please Sign, Date and Return this Proxy so that your shares may be voted at the
meeting.