Equity Compensation Plan Information
In December 2005, our Board of Directors approved the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, which was approved by stockholders on December 29, 2005. In September 2007, our stockholders approved an amendment to the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the maximum number of shares of our Common Stock available for issuance under the plan by 1,000,000 shares, bringing the total shares reserved for issuance under the plan to 2,000,000 shares. In September 2010, our stockholders approved a second amendment to the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the maximum number of shares of our Common Stock available for issuance under the plan by 750,000 shares, bringing the total shares reserved for issuance under the plan to 1,750,000 shares. The following table provides information, as of December 31, 2012 with respect to options outstanding under our 1995 Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan and our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan.
Plan Category
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Number of Securities
to be Issued upon Exercise
of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
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Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights
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Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
(excluding securities reflected in the first column)
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Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)
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1,457,724
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|
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$
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3.19
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|
|
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129,711
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Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
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|
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-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total
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|
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1,457,724
|
|
|
$
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3.19
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|
|
|
129,711
|
|
(1)
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Includes our 1995 Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan and our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan. Our 1995 Plan expired in 2005 and thus no securities remain available for future issuance under that plan.
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PROPOSAL 2
AMENDMENT TO 2005 PLAN
General
In 2005, the Board of Directors and stockholders adopted the 2005 Plan. The 2005 Plan constitutes a key element of our total compensation program. This plan is designed to advance our interests by providing for the grant of stock-based and other incentive awards to our key employees and key non-employees.
Purpose
As a result of prior grants of stock options under the 2005 Plan, 101,211 shares of Common Stock remained available for grant under the 2005 Plan as of July 29, 2013. The Board has unanimously adopted resolutions setting forth the proposed amendment to the 2005 Plan, declaring its advisability and directing that the proposed amendment be submitted to stockholders for their approval. If adopted by the stockholders, the amendment will become immediately effective, which we currently expect will occur on or about September 25, 2013. If approved, the total number of shares available for the grant under the 2005 Plan will be increased by 1,250,000 shares, and the aggregate number of shares will increase from 1,750,000 to 3,000,000.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the approval of the proposed amendment to the 2005 Plan.
Summary of the 2005 Plan
The following summary of the material features of the 2005 Plan is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2005 Plan that appears as Annex B to this proxy statement. All references to the “Code” are to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor thereto. This summary includes the proposed increase in the number of shares of Common Stock available for the grant under the 2005 Plan.
The 2005 Plan became effective on December 29, 2005 and will terminate on the date of the annual meeting of the Board of Directors immediately following the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Board of Director’s adoption of the plan. The 2005 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
The 2005 Plan provides for the grant of stock options (both non-statutory options or “NSOs” and, in the case of employees, incentive stock options or “ISOs”), restricted stock, deferred stock and unrestricted stock. Unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, awards may not be transferred except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
Number of Shares.
A maximum of 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be delivered in satisfaction of awards made under the 2005 Plan, assuming the proposed increase in the number of shares of Common Stock available for the grant under the 2005 Plan is approved. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock for which stock options may be granted to any person in any calendar year will be 200,000. The maximum benefit that will be paid to any person under other awards in any calendar year will be 100,000 shares. In the event of a stock dividend, stock split or other change in our capital structure, or a distribution to stockholders other than normal cash dividends, the Compensation Committee will make appropriate adjustments to the limits described above and will also make appropriate adjustments to the number and kind of shares of stock or securities subject to and available for awards, any exercise prices relating to awards and any other provisions of awards affected by the change. The Compensation Committee may also make similar adjustments in response to any other event, as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, to avoid distortion in the operation of the 2005 Plan. Any such adjustment shall, to the extent applicable, comply with Section 409A of the Code.
The share limitations described above are in addition to the limitation on the number of shares available for awards under the 2005 Plan. The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the proposed amendment to the 2005 Plan represents approximately 6% of the total number of currently authorized shares of Common Stock.
Administration of 2005 Plan.
The 2005 Plan is administered by a committee of the Board of Directors, currently the Compensation Committee. Members of the Compensation Committee are required to satisfy applicable requirements for independence. The Compensation Committee will have full authority to determine who will receive awards and to determine the types of awards to be granted as well as the amounts, terms, and conditions of any awards. The Compensation Committee will determine any questions that may arise regarding the interpretation and application of the provisions of the 2005 Plan and to make, administer and interpret such rules and regulations as it deems necessary or advisable. The Compensation Committee’s determinations are conclusive and bind all parties.
Eligibility.
Participation in the 2005 Plan is limited to our key employees and to key non-employees (other persons or entities including consultants and non-Employee directors who, in the opinion of the Compensation Committee, are in a position to make a significant contribution to our success).
Stock Options.
Each stock option awarded under the 2005 Plan will be a NSO unless expressly designated as an ISO at the time of the grant. The exercise price of stock options granted under the 2005 Plan will be determined by the Compensation Committee, but may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock subject to the option, determined at the time the option is granted unless otherwise required by the Code with respect to an ISO. The term of any option granted under the 2005 Plan may not exceed ten years. Options will be exercisable at such time or times and on such conditions as the Compensation Committee specifies. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any NSO is granted at an exercise price less than 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock subject to the option, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code shall be satisfied as set forth in more particularity in the individual stock option agreement.
Restricted Stock Awards; Unrestricted Stock; Deferred Stock.
The 2005 Plan provides for awards of nontransferable shares of Common Stock which may be subject to repurchase or forfeiture as set forth in more particularity in the individual restricted stock agreement. The Compensation Committee may, at the time any other award is granted, provide that any or all the Common Stock delivered pursuant to an award will be restricted Common Stock. The 2005 Plan also provides for awards of unrestricted stock, but no more than 75,000 shares of unrestricted stock in the aggregate may be granted at less than fair market value or not in lieu of cash compensation equal to fair market value. The 2005 Plan provides for deferred grants entitling the recipient to receive Common Stock upon the satisfaction of conditions determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion. To the extent required, all such awards shall comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.
Performance Awards.
Any award under the 2005 Plan may be made subject to the satisfaction of performance criteria specified by the Compensation Committee. In the case of performance awards intended to qualify for exemption under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Compensation Committee will use objectively determinable measures of performance in accordance with Section 162(m) that are based on any or any combination of the following (measured either absolutely or by reference to an index or indices and determined either on a consolidated basis or, as the context permits, on a divisional, subsidiary, line of business, project or geographical basis or in combinations thereof): sales; revenues; assets; expenses; earnings before or after deduction for all or any portion of interest, taxes, depreciation, or amortization, whether or not on a continuing operations or an aggregate or per share basis; return on equity, investment, capital or assets; one or more operating ratios; borrowing levels, leverage ratios or credit rating; market share; capital expenditures; cash flow; stock price; stockholder return; sales of particular products or services; customer acquisition or retention; acquisitions and divestitures (in whole or in part); joint ventures and strategic alliances; spin-offs, split-ups and the like; reorganizations; or recapitalizations, restructurings, financings (issuance of debt or equity) or refinancings. Any performance criterion based on performance over time will be determined by reference to a period of at least one year. The Compensation Committee will determine whether the performance criteria that have been chosen for a particular performance award have been met. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any award under the 2005 Plan may be subject to Section 409A of the Code and subject to the satisfaction of performance criteria specified by the Compensation Committee, such performance parameters shall specifically comply with Section 409A of the Code in addition to such criteria necessary to qualify for exemption under Section 162(m) of the Code.
Termination of Affiliation with Company: Effect on Stock Options.
Except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee or as stipulated by an employment contract, if a participant in the 2005 Plan dies, any ISO or NSO granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of the underlying shares owned by the participant will, to the extent exercisable on the date of death, remain exercisable for a one-year period, provided that no such option will be exercisable beyond the end of its original term. In addition, and except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee or as stipulated by an employment contract, if a participant’s affiliation with us ends because of the participant’s total and permanent disability, then any ISOs and NSOs granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of the underlying shares held by the participant that were exercisable at the time of disability may be exercised by the participant at any time in accordance with the original terms of the options. Finally, and except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, if a participant’s employment (or other applicable affiliation with us) terminates for any reason other than death or disability, ISOs and NSOs granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of the underlying shares that were exercisable at the time the participant ceased to be affiliated with us will remain exercisable for three months, provided that (i) under no circumstances will any option be extended beyond its original term; and (ii) in the case of termination of the participant for cause, the Compensation Committee may elect to terminate any options immediately. In all cases, ISOs and NSOs granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of the underlying shares that are not exercisable on the date of termination will terminate on that date. With respect to any NSO granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of the underlying shares, the treatment of the option upon a termination of affiliation with us shall be set forth in the individual stock option agreement as determined by the Compensation Committee.
Termination of Affiliation with the Company: Effect on Restricted and Deferred Stock.
Upon a termination of affiliation with us, as set forth in more particularity in the individual restricted and/or deferred stock award agreement and as determined by the Compensation Committee, any share of Common Stock subject to a continuing restriction may be repurchased by us. Common Stock awards, whether restricted or deferred, to which the participant did not become irrevocably entitled prior to the termination of the participant’s affiliation with us will be forfeited upon termination of affiliation.
Effect of Certain Mergers, Consolidations, Etc.
In the case of certain mergers, consolidations or similar transactions in which a majority of our stock or all or substantially all of its assets are acquired, or in the case of a dissolution or liquidation, the Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, make options immediately exercisable, remove restrictions on shares of restricted Common Stock, waive conditions on any deferred awards of Common Stock and remove any performance or other conditions on any award. In addition, the Compensation Committee may, under such circumstances, provide for replacement awards for certain participants. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent applicable, any such modification and/or replacement award shall comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code as set forth in more particularity in the individual option or stock award agreement.
Amendment of 2005 Plan.
The Compensation Committee may amend the 2005 Plan or any outstanding award for any purpose that may at the time be permitted by law, and may at any time terminate the 2005 Plan as to any future grants of awards. The Compensation Committee may not, without the approval of our stockholders, effectuate a change to the 2005 Plan (i) for which stockholder approval is required in order for the 2005 Plan to continue to qualify for the award of ISOs under Section 422 of the Code or for the award of performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code; or (ii) if the change would increase the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered under the 2005 Plan, or change the class of persons or entities that qualify as participants under the 2005 Plan. Specifically, and in addition to the foregoing, the 2005 Plan may be amended, to the extent necessary, to comply with regulatory and legislative requirements, including but not limited to Section 409A of the Code.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion summarizes certain of the material federal income tax consequences under the Code of the issuance and receipt of options under the 2005 Plan.
Incentive Stock Options.
In general, an optionee realizes no taxable income upon the grant or exercise of an ISO, although the exercise of an ISO may result in an alternative minimum tax liability. With certain exceptions, a disposition of shares purchased under an ISO within two years from the date of grant or within one year after exercise produces ordinary income to the optionee (with a corresponding deduction available to us) generally equal to the value of the shares at the time of exercise less the exercise price. Any additional gain recognized in the disposition is generally treated as a capital gain for which we are not entitled to a deduction. If the optionee does not dispose of the shares until after the expiration of these one-and two-year holding periods, any gain or loss recognized upon a subsequent disposition is generally treated as a long-term capital gain or loss for which we are not entitled to a deduction.
In general, an ISO that is exercised more than three months after termination of employment (other than termination by reason of death) is treated as a NSO. ISOs are also treated as non-statutory options to the extent they first become exercisable by an individual in any calendar year for shares having a fair market value (determined as of the date of grant) in excess of $100,000.
Non-statutory Options.
In general, in the case of a NSO granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of the underlying shares, the optionee has no taxable income at the time of grant but realizes ordinary income in connection with exercise of the option in an amount equal to the excess (at time of exercise) of the fair market value of the shares acquired upon exercise over the exercise price. A corresponding deduction is available to us equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionee. Upon a subsequent disposition of the shares, any recognized gain or loss after the date of exercise is treated as capital gain or loss for which we are not entitled to a deduction. The ordinary income recognized on exercise shall be subject to applicable withholding and employment taxes.
With respect to NSOs granted with an exercise price at less than the fair market value of the underlying shares, it is intended that, the individual stock option agreement will contain such terms and conditions as are required under Section 409A of Code including without limitation provisions applicable to the vesting and exercise of such NSOs such that taxation will not occur until exercise of these options under the general rules for NSOs granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of the underlying shares.
The foregoing summary assumes that stock options are exercised for substantially vested stock. Where a stock option is exercised for restricted stock, as is permitted by the 2005 Plan, the tax treatment will differ from the treatment summarized above. In general, a participant who exercises a NSO for restricted stock will have income taxable at ordinary income rates only when the stock vests, in an amount equal to the fair market value of the stock at time of vesting less the exercise price. However, the participant may make a special election under Section 83(b) of the Code to have the income measured and taken into account, instead, at time of exercise. Such election must be made within 30 days of exercise. In either case, a corresponding deduction will be available to us. In the case of a participant who exercises an ISO for restricted stock, the determination of “alternative minimum taxable income” (relevant in determining whether an alternative minimum tax must be paid) will follow rules similar to the rules for determining ordinary income in the case of the exercise of a NSO. For federal income tax purposes, the exercise of an ISO for restricted stock will be treated the same as the exercise of an ISO for substantially vested stock, provided that the shares are held for the requisite one-year and two-year holding periods described above, but further provided that an election under Section 83(b) of the Code may not be available with respect to the early recognition of ordinary income upon exercise if the one-year and two-year holding periods described above are not met.
Specific provisions regarding the impact of a change in control of the Company on any award granted under the 2005 Plan will, to the extent necessary, comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and as set forth in more particularity in the individual option and/or stock award agreement.
The Code also limits to $1 million the deduction we may claim for compensation paid annually to any of the Chief Executive Officer or the three most highly paid executive officers other than the Chief Financial Officer (each a “Covered Person”), subject to a number of exceptions. The deduction limitation rules provide an exemption for compensation attributable to the exercise of non-discounted stock options that satisfy certain requirements. Stock options awarded under the 2005 Plan are intended to qualify for this exemption.
Stock Awards.
Persons receiving Common Stock pursuant to an award generally will recognize compensation income equal to the fair market value of the shares received, reduced by any purchase price paid. Such compensation income will be taxed at ordinary income rates and subject to applicable withholdings and employment taxes. We generally should be entitled to a corresponding deduction for federal income tax purposes when such person recognizes compensation income. When such Common Stock is sold, the seller generally will recognized capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the sale and the seller’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Stock (generally, the amount that the seller paid for such stock plus the amount taxed to the seller as compensation income). Special rules apply if the Common Stock acquired pursuant to an award is subject to vesting, or is subject to restrictions on resale under federal securities laws applicable to directors, officers or 10% shareholders. Deferred stock issued pursuant to an award may also be subject to special rules. In addition, any award issued pursuant to the 2005 Plan, except ISOs and NSOs granted at fair market value, may be subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and accordingly, subject to special rules.
Compliance with Section 409A of the Code.
To the extent applicable, it is intended that the 2005 Plan and any grants made thereunder comply with or are otherwise exempt from the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, so that the income inclusion provisions of Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code do not apply to the participants. The 2005 Plan and any grants made under the 2005 Plan will be administered in a manner consistent with this intent. Any reference in the 2005 Plan to Section 409A of the Code will also include any regulations or any other formal guidance promulgated with respect to such Section by the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service.
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PROPOSAL 3
Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) requires companies that are subject to the SEC’s proxy rules and regulations to hold a stockholder vote to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation of their named executive officers as disclosed in their proxy statements in accordance with the SEC’s rules.
As described under the heading “Executive Compensation,” our executive compensation programs are designed to attract, motivate, and retain our Named Executive Officers, who are critical to our success. Under these programs, our Named Executive Officers are rewarded for the achievement of annual, long-term and strategic goals, and corporate goals. Please read the “Executive Compensation” section beginning on pages 10 for additional details about our executive compensation programs, including information about the fiscal year 2012 compensation of our Named Executive Officers.
The Compensation Committee continually reviews the compensation programs for our Named Executive Officers to ensure they achieve the desired goals of aligning our executive compensation structure with our stockholders’ interests and current market practices. The Compensation Committee believes the Company’s executive compensation programs have been effective at incentivizing the achievement of financial performance and returns to stockholders.
We are asking our stockholders to indicate their support for our Named Executive Officers’ compensation as described in this Proxy Statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on our Named Executive Officers’ compensation. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our Named Executive Officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this Proxy Statement. Accordingly, we will ask our stockholders to vote “FOR” the following resolution at the 2013 Annual Meeting:
“RESOLVED, that the Company’s stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Named Executive Officers, as disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.”
The say-on-pay vote is advisory, and therefore not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee or our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors and our Compensation Committee value the opinions of our stockholders and to the extent there is any significant vote against the Named Executive Officers’ compensation as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, we will consider our stockholders’ concerns and the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns.
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PROPOSAL 4
Advisory Vote on Frequency of the Vote on Executive Compensation
The Dodd-Frank Act also requires companies that are subject to the SEC’s proxy rules and regulations to hold a stockholder vote, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, to indicate how frequently they should seek an advisory vote on the compensation of their named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the SEC’s compensation disclosure rules. By voting on this Proposal 4, stockholders may indicate whether they would prefer an advisory vote on Named Executive Officers’ compensation once every three years, two years, or one year.
After careful consideration of this Proposal, our Board of Directors has determined that an advisory vote on executive compensation that occurs every three years is the most appropriate alternative for the Company, and therefore our Board of Directors recommends that you vote for a three-year interval for the advisory vote on executive compensation. The Company believes a triennial vote would align more closely with the multi-year employment agreements and the multi-year performance measurement cycle the Company uses to reward long-term performance. Our executive compensation programs are based on our long-term business strategy, which is more appropriately reflected with a three-year timeframe. Setting a three-year period for holding this stockholder vote will strike a balance between the desire to enhance stockholder communication by providing a clear, simple means for the Company to obtain information on investor sentiment about our executive compensation philosophy and the need to provide the Company with sufficient time to engage with stockholders to understand and respond to the vote results. We understand that our stockholders may have different views as to what is the best approach for the Company, and we look forward to hearing from our stockholders on this Proposal.
Stockholders may cast their vote on the preferred voting frequency by choosing the option of three years, two years, one year or abstain from voting when voting in response to the resolution set forth below.
“RESOLVED, that the option of once every three years, two years, or one year that receives the highest number of votes cast for this resolution will be determined to be the preferred frequency with which the Company is to hold a stockholder vote to approve the compensation of the Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s compensation disclosure rules.”
The option of three years, two years or one year that receives the highest number of votes cast by stockholders will be the frequency for the advisory vote on executive compensation that has been selected by stockholders. However, because this vote is advisory and not binding on the Board of Directors or the Company in any way, the Board of Directors may decide that it is in the best interests of our stockholders and the Company to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation more or less frequently than the option approved by our stockholders.
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PROPOSAL 5
RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors appointed EisnerAmper LLP, independent registered public accountants, as auditors of our financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2013, subject to the ratification of such appointment by stockholders at the Annual Meeting.
A representative of EisnerAmper LLP is expected to be available at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” ratification of EisnerAmper LLP as our independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2013.
The following table highlights the aggregate fees billed during each of the two years ended December 31, 2012 by EisnerAmper LLP.
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2012
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2011
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Audit fees
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$
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117,100
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$
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105,347
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Audit related fees
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19,290
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32,500
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Tax fees
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8,400
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8,524
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Total
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$
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144,790
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$
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146,371
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Other Fees
Our principal accountants did not bill us for any services or products other than as reported above during each of the two years ended December 31, 2012.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee has adopted a policy that requires advance approval of all audit services and permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditor as required by the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee must approve the permitted service before the independent auditor is engaged to perform it. The Audit Committee approved all of the services described above in accordance with its pre-approval policies and procedures.
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OTHER MATTERS
Deadline for Stockholder Proposals
Under SEC Rule 14a-8, stockholder proposals for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2014 will not be included in the proxy statement for that meeting unless the proposal is proper for inclusion in the proxy statement and for consideration at the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and is received by our Secretary at our executive offices, no later than May 28, 2014. Stockholders must also follow the other procedures prescribed in SEC Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, as well as our By-laws, which contain requirements that are separate and apart from the SEC requirements of Rule 14a-8. Our By-laws provide that stockholders desiring to bring business before the 2014 Annual Meeting, including nomination of a person for election to our Board of Directors, must provide written notice to our Secretary at our executive offices no earlier than 75 days, and no later than 45 days, before the one year anniversary of the mailing of this proxy statement. The written notice must include the information required by Section 2.4 of the By-laws: (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director, all information relating to such person as would be required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of such nominee as a director pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, and such person’s written consent to serve as a director if elected; (b) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of such business, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and (c) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on our books, and of such beneficial owner, (ii) the class and number of our shares that are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, and (iii) whether either such stockholder or such beneficial owner intends to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of, in the case of a proposal, at least the percentage of our voting shares required under applicable law to carry the proposal or, in the case of a nomination or nominations, a sufficient number of holders of our voting shares to elect such nominee or nominees.
Householding of Annual Meeting Materials
Some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of “householding” proxy statements and annual reports. This means that only one copy of our proxy statement or annual report may have been sent to multiple stockholders in your household. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of either document to you if you notify our Secretary at our executive offices. If you wish to receive separate copies of the annual report and proxy statement in the future, or if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy for your household, you should contact your bank, broker, or other nominee record holder, or you may contact us at our executive offices.
Financial Statements and Exhibits to Form 10-K
Our financial statements are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 that was filed with the SEC, a copy of which is made available with this proxy statement. Such report and the financial statements contained therein are not to be considered as a part of this soliciting material.
The Form 10-K made available with this proxy statement does not include copies of the exhibits to that filing. We will furnish any such exhibit upon payment of a reasonable fee by request sent to us, c/o Office of the Secretary, Soligenix, Inc., 29 Emmons Drive, Suite C-10, Princeton, New Jersey 08540.
Other Matters
Management knows of no matters that are to be presented for action at the meeting other than those set forth above. If any other matters properly come before the meeting, the persons named in the form of proxy will vote the shares represented by proxies in accordance with their judgment on such matters.
The cost of this proxy solicitation will be borne by us. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, our directors, officers and employees may also solicit proxies by telephone, facsimile, e-mail or other forms of communication, without special compensation for such activities. We may engage the services of a professional proxy solicitation firm to aid in the solicitation of proxies. We will also request banks, brokers, fiduciaries, custodians, nominees and certain other record holders to send proxies, proxy statements and other materials to their principals at our expense. We will reimburse such banks, brokers, fiduciaries, custodians, nominees and other record holders for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of solicitation.
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By order of the Board of Directors,
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/s/ Christopher J. Schaber
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Christopher J. Schaber, PhD
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
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ANNEX A
THIRD AMENDMENT
TO
2005 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. Amendment
1.1 This Third Amendment (this “Third Amendment”) to the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) of Soligenix, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), is intended to increase the maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), available for issuance under the Plan by 1,250,000 shares, bringing the total shares reserved for issuance under the Plan to 3,000,000 shares.
1.2 Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein will have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.
2. Shares Subject to the Plan
2.1 Section 2.1(a) of the Plan is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
“(a) The shares of stock subject to options, awards of restricted stock, performance awards, awards of deferred stock or unrestricted stock shall be the Company’s Common Stock, $.001 par value. The aggregate number of such shares that may be issued upon exercise of such options or rights or upon any such awards under the Plan shall not exceed 3,000,000, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 9.3. The shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such options or rights or upon any such awards may be either previously authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares.”
3. Except as amended by this Third Amendment, the Plan remains in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Third Amendment to the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan has been executed on behalf of the Company effective as of _____________.
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SOLIGENIX, INC.
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Christopher J. Schaber, Ph.D.
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Chief Executive Officer
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