SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant toss.240.14a-11(c) orss.240.14a-12
Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No filing fee.
[ ] $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1) or 14a-6(i)(2).
[ ] $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:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined.):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting
fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
NEUROCRINE BIOSCIENCES, INC.
-------------------
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To Be Held on May 24, 2001
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), will be
held on May 24, 2001, at 8:30 a.m. local time, at the Company's corporate
headquarters, located at 10555 Science Center Drive, San Diego, California,
92121 for the following purposes as more fully described in the Proxy Statement
accompanying this Notice:
1. To elect two Class II Directors to the Board of Directors to serve for a
term of three years;
2. To amend the Company's 1992 Incentive Stock Plan to increase the number of
shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance from 6,050,000 to 6,800,000
shares;
3. To amend the Company's 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan to increase the
number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance from 425,000 to
525,000 shares;
4. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent
public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2001; and
5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or
any adjournment thereof.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on April 2, 2001 are
entitled to receive notice and to vote at the meeting.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person.
However, to assure your representation at the meeting, you are urged to mark,
sign, date and return the enclosed Proxy card as promptly as possible in the
prepaid-postage envelope enclosed for that purpose. Stockholders attending the
meeting may vote in person even if they have returned a Proxy.
By Order of the
Board of Directors,
/S/ Margaret Valeur-Jensen
Margaret Valeur-Jensen
Secretary
San Diego, California
April 12, 2001
NEUROCRINE BIOSCIENCES, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING
General
The enclosed Proxy is solicited on behalf of Neurocrine Biosciences,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), for use at its 2001 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders to be held on May 24, 2001, at 8:30 a.m., local time, or at any
adjournments or postponements thereof, for the purposes set forth in this Proxy
Statement and in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The
Annual Meeting will be held at the Company's corporate headquarters, located at
10555 Science Center Drive, San Diego, California 92121. The Company's telephone
number is (858) 658-7600.
These proxy solicitation materials were mailed on or about April 19,
2001 to all stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting.
Record Date; Outstanding Shares
Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 2, 2001 (the
"Record Date") are entitled to receive notice of and vote at the meeting. On the
record date, 25,440,683 shares of the Company's Common Stock, $0.001 par value
per share, were issued and outstanding. As of the record date, the Company had
approximately 134 stockholders of record. For information regarding holders of
more than five percent of the outstanding Common Stock, see "Stock Ownership of
Principal Stockholders and Management" below.
Revocability of Proxies
Proxies given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked at any time
before they have been used. Revocation will occur by delivering a written notice
of revocation to the Company or by duly executing a proxy bearing a later date.
Revocation will also occur if the person attends the meeting and votes in
person. Attendance at the meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy.
Voting and Solicitation
Every stockholder of record on the Record Date is entitled, for each
share held, to one vote on each proposal or item that comes before the meeting.
In the election of directors, each stockholder will be entitled to vote for two
nominees and the two nominees with the greatest number of votes will be elected.
The cost of this solicitation will be borne by the Company. The Company
may reimburse expenses incurred by brokerage firms and other persons
representing beneficial owners of shares in forwarding solicitation material to
beneficial owners. Proxies may be solicited by certain of the Company's
directors, officers and regular employees, without additional compensation,
personally, by telephone or by telegram.
Quorum; Abstentions; Broker Non-Votes
Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting will be
tabulated by the Inspector of Elections (the "Inspector") with the assistance of
an investor relations services firm. The Inspector will also determine whether
or not a quorum is present. Except in certain specific circumstances, the
affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by
proxy at a duly held meeting at which a quorum is present is required under
Delaware law for approval of proposals presented to stockholders. In general,
Delaware law also provides that a quorum consists of a majority of shares
entitled to vote and present or represented by proxy at the meeting. The Company
has retained Innisfree, a professional proxy solicitation firm, to assist in the
solicitation of proxies at a cost of $6,500, plus certain out-of-pocket
expenses.
The Inspector will treat shares that are voted "WITHHELD" or "ABSTAIN"
as being present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence
of a quorum but will not be treated as votes in favor of approving any matter
submitted to the stockholders for a vote. Any proxy which is returned using the
form of proxy enclosed and which is not marked as to a particular item will be
voted for the election of the directors named in the proxy, for the approval of
the amendment of the 1992 Incentive Stock Plan, for the approval of the
amendment of the 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, for the ratification of the
appointment of the designated independent auditors and, as the proxy holders
deem advisable, on other matters that may come before the meeting, as the case
may be with respect to the items not marked.
If a broker indicates on the enclosed proxy or its substitute that it
does not have discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on a
particular matter ("Broker Non-Votes"), those shares will be counted towards a
quorum but will not be counted for any purpose in determining whether a matter
has been approved. The Company believes that the tabulation procedures to be
followed by the Inspector are consistent with the general statutory requirements
in Delaware concerning voting of shares and determination of a quorum.
Stockholder Proposals
Under the Company's Bylaws, proposals that stockholders wish to present
at the annual stockholders meeting to be held following fiscal 2001 (whether
such stockholders wish to have the proposals included in the related proxy
statement or not) must be received by the Company at its principal executive
office before December 14, 2001 and must satisfy the conditions for such
proposals set forth in the Company's Bylaws.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), requires the Company's officers and directors, and persons who
own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company's equity
securities, to file reports of ownership on Form 3 and changes in ownership on
Form 4 or Form 5 with the SEC. Such officers, directors and 10% stockholders are
also required by SEC rules to furnish the Company with copies of all Section
16(a) forms they file. Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms
received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the
Company believes that, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, its
officers, directors and 10% stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing
requirements applicable to them.
Stock Ownership of Principal Stockholders and Management
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of the
Company's Common Stock as of April 2, 2001 by (i) each of the executive officers
named in the table under "Compensation of Executive Officers -- Summary
Compensation Table," (ii) each director, (iii) all directors and executive
officers as a group and (iv) all persons known to the Company to be the
beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock. A total of
25,440,683 shares of the Company's Common Stock were issued and outstanding as
of April 2, 2001.
Beneficially Percent
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) Owned (2) Ownership
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
T. Rowe Price Associates ....................... 2,116,200 8.3%
100 E. Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
BB Biotech AG .................................. 1,343,500 5.3%
Vodergasse 3, CH-8300
Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Delaware Management Holdings ................... 1,369,323 5.4%
2005 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
D. Bruce Campbell (3) .......................... 142,557 *
Paul W. Hawran (4) ............................. 394,450 1.6%
Gary A. Lyons (5) .............................. 990,812 3.9%
Margaret E. Valeur-Jensen (6) .................. 92,970 *
Joseph A. Mollica (7) .......................... 49,997 *
Richard F. Pops (8) ............................ 20,665 *
Stephen A. Sherwin (9) ......................... 18,443 *
Lawrence J. Steinman (10) ...................... 150,999 *
Wylie W. Vale (11) ............................. 447,668 1.8%
All executive officers and directors
as a group (9 persons) (12) .................. 2,308,561 9.1%
----------------
* Represents beneficial ownership of less than one percent (1%) of the
25,440,683 outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock as of the
Record Date.
(1) The address of each individual named is c/o Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.,
10555 Science Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, unless otherwise
indicated.
(2) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or
investment power with respect to securities. Shares of Common Stock subject
to stock options and warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within
60 days of the Record Date are deemed to be outstanding for computing the
percentage ownership of the person holding such options and the percentage
ownership of any group of which the holder is a member, but are not deemed
outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. Except as
indicated by footnote, and subject to community property laws where
applicable, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment
power with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown beneficially owned
by them.
(3) Includes 141,563 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
days of the Record Date.
(4) Includes 277,652 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
days of the Record Date.
(5) Includes 565,956 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
days of the Record Date.
(6) Includes 83,652 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
days of the Record Date.
(7) Includes 49,997 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
days of the Record Date.
(8) Includes 20,665 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
days of the Record Date.
(9) Includes 18,443 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
days of the Record Date.
(10) Includes 150,999 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
days of the Record Date.
(11) Includes 138,538 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60
days of the Record Date.
(12) Includes an aggregate of 1,447,465 shares issuable pursuant to options
exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
PROPOSAL ONE:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
General
The Company's Bylaws provide that the Board of Directors is composed of
seven directors. The Company's Certificate of Incorporation provides that the
Board of Directors is divided into three classes. As of December 31, 2000, there
were two directors in Class I (Wylie W. Vale and Joseph A. Mollica), two
directors in Class II (Stephen A. Sherwin and Richard F. Pops), and one director
in Class III (Gary A. Lyons). On January 10, 2001, Lawrence J. Steinman, M.D.
was appointed to the Board of Directors as a Class III Director.
The directors in Class I hold office until the 2003 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, the directors in Class II hold office until the 2001 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and the directors in Class III hold office until the
2002 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (or, in each case, until their earlier
resignation, removal from office or death). After each such election, the
directors in each such case will then serve in succeeding terms of three years
and until a successor is duly elected and qualified. Officers of the Company
serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. There are no family
relationships among the Company's directors and executive officers.
The term of office of directors Stephen A. Sherwin and Richard F. Pops
expire at the 2001 Annual Meeting. At the 2001 Annual Meeting, the stockholders
will elect two Class II Directors for a term of three years.
Vote Required
The two nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes of
the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and
entitled to vote on the election of directors shall be elected to the Board of
Directors.
Votes withheld from any director are counted for purposes of
determining the presence or absence of a quorum, but have no legal effect under
Delaware law. While there is no definitive statutory or case law authority in
Delaware as to the proper treatment of abstentions and broker non-votes in the
election of directors, the Company believes that both abstentions and broker
non-votes should be counted for purposes of whether a quorum is present at the
Annual Meeting. In the absence of precedent to the contrary, the Company intends
to treat abstentions and broker non-votes with respect to the election of
directors in this manner.
Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies
received by them for the Company's two nominees named below. If any nominee of
the Company is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the
Annual Meeting, the proxies will be voted for any nominee who is designated by
the present Board of Directors to fill the vacancy. It is not expected that any
nominee will be unable or will decline to serve as a director. The Board of
Directors recommends that stockholders vote "FOR" the nominees listed below.
Nominees for Election at the Annual Meeting
Both of the nominees (Stephen A. Sherwin and Richard F. Pops) are
presently Class II Directors of the Company. Certain information about the
nominees is set forth below:
Director
Name Age Position in the Company Since
- ---- --- ----------------------- -------
Richard F. Pops (1) ........... 39 Director 1998
Stephen A. Sherwin (1) (2)..... 52 Director 1999
- ----------------
(1) Member of the Audit Committee.
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee.
Richard F. Pops became a director of the Company in April 1998. Since
1991, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Alkermes, Inc., a publicly
traded company involved in the development of advanced drug delivery systems.
Mr. Pops currently serves on the board of directors of Alkermes, the
Biotechnology Industry Organization, The Brain Tumor Society, the Massachusetts
Biotechnology Council and Genomics Collaborative, Inc. He is Chairman of the
Advisory Board of the Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular
Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School. He received a B.A. degree in economics
from Stanford University in 1983.
Stephen A. Sherwin, M.D., was elected to the Board of Directors on
April 22, 1999 as a Class II director. Since March 1990, Dr. Sherwin has served
as Chief Executive Officer and director of Cell Genesys, Inc. In March 1994, he
was elected as Chairman of the Board of Cell Genesys. From 1983 to 1990, Dr.
Sherwin held various positions at Genentech, Inc., a biotechnology company, most
recently as Vice President of Clinical Research. Prior to 1983, Dr. Sherwin held
various positions on the staff of the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Sherwin
also serves as a director of Abgenix, Inc., Calyx Therapeutic, Inc. and Rigel
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Sherwin holds a B.A. from Yale and an M.D. from
Harvard Medical School.
Incumbent Directors with Terms Continuing after the Annual Meeting
The Class I and III Directors will remain in office after the 2001
Annual Meeting. The Class I Directors are Joseph A. Mollica and Wylie W. Vale.
The Class III Directors are Gary A. Lyons and Lawrence J. Steinman. The names
and certain other current information about the directors whose terms of office
continue after the Annual Meeting are set forth below:
Director
Name of Director Age Position/Principal Occupation Since
- ---------------- --- ----------------------------- -----
Joseph A. Mollica (1) (2) .. 60 Chairman of the Board 1997
Wylie W. Vale .............. 59 Chief Scientific Advisor, 1992
Neuroendocrinology and Director
Gary A. Lyons .............. 50 President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director 1992
Lawrence J. Steinman ....... 53 Chief Scientific Advisor,
Neuroimmunology and Director 2001
- ----------------------------
(1) Member of the Audit Committee.
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee.
Joseph A. Mollica, Ph.D., has served as a director of the Company since
June 1997 and became Chairman of the Board in April 1998. Since February 1994,
Dr. Mollica has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Pharmacopeia, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company
focusing on combinatorial chemistry, high through-put discovery, molecular
modeling and bioinformatics. From 1987 to December 1993, Dr. Mollica served as
Vice President, Medical Products of DuPont Company and then as President and CEO
of DuPont Merck Pharmaceutical Company from 1991 to 1993. At Ciba-Geigy, where
he was employed from 1966 to 1986, he served in a variety of positions of
increasing responsibility, rising to Senior Vice President of Ciba-Geigy's
Pharmaceutical Division. He is currently on the Boards of Ancile
Pharmaceuticals, Impath, Inc., Nexell Therapeutics, Inc and Genencor
International, Inc. He received his B.S. from the University of Rhode Island and
his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin.
Wylie W. Vale, Ph.D., is a Founder and Chairman of the Company's Board
of Scientific and Medical Advisors. Dr. Vale was elected a director of the
Company in September 1992. He is a Professor and former Chairman of the Faculty
at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies and is the Senior Investigator and
Head of The Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology at The Salk
Institute, where he has been employed for 29 years. He is also an Adjunct
Professor of Medicine at the University of California at San Diego and was
recently elected to the Institute of Medicine. Dr. Vale is recognized for his
work on the molecular, pharmacological and biomedical characterization of
neuroendocrine factors including somatostatin, growth hormone releasing factor,
gonadotropin releasing hormone activin and the activin receptor (the first
receptor serine kinase), corticotropin releasing factor, CRF-binding protein,
the CRF1 receptor and urocortin, the native ligand for the CRF2 receptor. In
recognition of his discoveries, he has received numerous awards and is a member
of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of
Sciences. He is a past President of the American Endocrine Society and is the
current President of the International Society of Endocrinology. Dr. Vale
received a B.A. in biology from Rice University, and a Ph.D. in physiology and
biochemistry from the Baylor College of Medicine.
Gary A. Lyons has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a
director of the Company since joining the Company in February 1993. Prior to
joining the Company, Mr. Lyons held a number of senior management positions at
Genentech including Vice President of Business Development and Vice President of
Sales. As Vice President of Business Development, he was responsible for
international licensing, acquisitions and partnering. He was also responsible
for Genentech's Corporate Venture Program, which participated in early financing
and/or formation of a number of biotechnology companies. In addition, Mr. Lyons
had operating responsibility for Genentech's two subsidiaries, Genentech Canada,
Inc. and Genentech Limited (Japan). As Vice President of Sales, he was
responsible for building the marketing and sales organization for the commercial
introduction of Genentech's first two pharmaceutical products, Protropin (human
growth hormone) and Activase (TPA). Mr. Lyons currently serves on the Board of
Directors for Intrabiotics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Vical, Inc. Mr. Lyons holds
a B.S. in marine biology from the University of New Hampshire and an M.B.A. from
Northwestern University's J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Larry J. Steinman, M.D. was one of Neurocrine's academic co-founders.
He received his M.D. from Harvard University in 1973 and has served more than 20
years at Stanford University School of Medicine as a Professor of Neurology and
Pediatrics, as well as serving as Professor of Immunology at the Weizmann
Institute. Dr. Steinman became Chief Scientist, Neuroimmunology and a member of
Neurocrine's Founding Board of Scientific and Medical Advisors and its Executive
Committee in September 1992. He has been honored with the Weir Mitchell Award of
the American Academy of Neurology and the Senator Jacob Javits Neuroscience
Investigators Award from the United States Congress as well as The Dr. Friedrich
Sasse Award for Outstanding Contributions in Immunology from the Free University
of Berlin. He is Board Certified with the American Board of Psychiatry and
Neurology and holds seven different patents in the United States, Europe and
Australia.
Board Meetings and Committees
The Board of Directors of the Company held a total of three meetings
and took action by written consent on four occasions during 2000. During 2000,
the Board of Directors had an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee. No
director attended fewer than 80% of the aggregate of the total number of
meetings of the Board of Directors and the total number of meetings held by all
committees of the Board of Directors on which he served.
The Compensation Committee in 2000 consisted of directors Joseph A.
Mollica and Stephen A. Sherwin. This committee met one time and took no actions
by written consent during 2000. The Compensation Committee reviewed and
recommended to the Board the compensation of executive officers and other
employees of the Company.
The Company has an Audit Committee composed of independent directors.
Information regarding the functions performed by the Committee, its membership,
and the number of meetings held during the fiscal year, is set forth in the
"Report of the Audit Committee," included in this annual proxy statement. A
written charter approved by the Board of Directors governs the Audit Committee.
A copy of the charter is included in Appendix A.
Board Compensation
Non-employee directors are reimbursed for expenses incurred in
connection with performing their respective duties as directors of the Company.
The Company did not pay cash compensation to any director prior to February
1997. Directors who are not employees or consultants of the Company receive a
$10,000 annual retainer, $1,000 for each regular meeting of the Board of
Directors and $750 for each special meeting, committee meeting and telephone
meeting lasting more than one hour, that such directors attend. In addition to
the cash compensation set forth above, the Company has agreed to provide Dr.
Mollica, as Chairman of the Board, an additional annual retainer of $5,000.
Each non-employee director participates in the 1996 Director Stock
Option Plan (the "Director Plan"). Option grants under the Director Plan are
automatic and non-discretionary and have a term of ten years. The Director Plan
provides for the grant of nonstatutory options to purchase 12,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock to each non-employee director (Dr. Mollica, as Chairman
of the Board, will receive 15,000 options) at each annual meeting of the
stockholders commencing in 1997, provided that such non-employee director has
been a non-employee director of the Company for at least six months prior to the
date of such annual meeting of the stockholders. Each new non-employee director
is automatically granted nonstatutory stock options to purchase 15,000 shares of
the Company's Common Stock upon the date such person joins the Board of
Directors.
All options granted to non-employee directors vest over the three-year
period following the date of grant and have exercise prices equal to the fair
market value of the Company's Common Stock on the date of the grant.
Effective March 1, 2000, each non-employee director is eligible to
participate in the Company's Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation
Plan"). In addition to non-employee directors of the Company, the Company's Vice
Presidents are eligible to participate in the Compensation Plan. Under the terms
of the Compensation Plan, each eligible participant may elect to defer all or a
portion of cash compensation received for services to the Company. Elections
must be made by January 1 of each year and are irrevocable once made. Upon
receipt of an eligible participant's deferral election, the Company maintains a
deferred compensation investment account on behalf of such participant. Funds so
invested are paid to participants upon death or 15 days following the end of the
month in which the participant's services to the Company are terminated. Funds
may also be withdrawn for hardship under some circumstances. For the year 2001,
Dr. Mollica has elected to defer 100% of his cash compensation from the Company
pursuant to the Compensation Plan.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee is comprised of directors Richard F. Pops, Joseph
A. Mollica and Stephen A. Sherwin. All committee members satisfy the definition
of independent director as established in the Nasdaq Stock Market qualification
requirements. The Committee met one time during the year ended December 31,
2000. During the meeting, the Committee adopted a new Audit Committee Charter,
which was ratified by the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee Charter is
attached hereto as Appendix A.
The Committee oversees the Company's financial reporting process on
behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility for
the financial statement and the reporting process including the systems of
internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Committee
reviewed the audited financial statements in the Annual Report with management
including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the
accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the
clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.
The Committee reviewed with the independent auditors, who are
responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited
financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles, their
judgments as the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Company's
accounting principles and such other matters are required to be discussed with
the Committee under the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended,
"Communications with Audit Committees." In addition, the Committee has discussed
with independent auditors, the auditors' independence from management and the
Company, including the matters in the written disclosures required by the
Independence Standards Board No. 1, "Independence Discussions with Audit
Committees," and considered the compatibility of nonaudit services with the
auditors' independence.
The Committee discussed with the Company's internal and independent
auditors the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Committee
meets with the independent auditors, with and without management present, to
discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company's
internal controls, and the overall quality of the Company's financial reporting.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above the
Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial
statements be included in the Annual Report on From 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2000 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
Committee and the Board have also recommended, subject to stockholder approval,
the selection of the Company's independent auditors.
This report of the Audit Committee shall not be deemed incorporated by
reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy
Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the
Company specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not
otherwise be deemed filed under such acts.
Fees Paid to Principal Accounting Firm
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees for the year ended
December 31, 2000, billed and unbilled, from our principal accounting firm,
Ernst & Young, LLP.
Audit .................................... $ 72,250
Audit related ............................ 130,080
All other ................................ 45,569
----------
Total .................................... $ 247,899
==========
Audit related services include fees for accounting consultations and
SEC registration statements. There were no fees for information technology
consulting services.
Respectfully submitted by:
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Richard F. Pops
Joseph A. Mollica
Stephen A. Sherwin
PROPOSAL TWO:
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT OF THE 1992 INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN
Increase of 750,000 Shares
The Company's 1992 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended (the "Plan") was
approved by the Board of Directors and the stockholders of the Company in 1992.
Currently there are a total of 6,050,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for
issuance under the Plan. In February 2001, the Board of Directors approved a
further increase of 750,000 shares issuable under the Plan, which, if approved
by the stockholders, would increase the total shares reserved for issuance under
the Plan from 6,050,000 to 6,800,000.
The Board believes the proposed increase in the number of shares
reserved for issuance under the Plan is in the best interests of the Company. In
particular, the Board has determined that the proposed increase will provide an
additional reserve of shares for issuance under the Plan and thus enable the
Company to attract and retain valuable employees.
As of April 2, 2001, there were options outstanding to purchase
3,689,963 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the 1992 Stock Plan; 70,226 shares
remained available for future option grants; and 2,289,811 options were
exercised and are now outstanding shares of Common Stock. Under this Plan,
options and stock purchase rights may be granted to employees and consultants of
the Company. As of the record date, there were 189 employees and approximately
20 consultants who are eligible to receive grants under the Plan
Summary of the Plan
The essential features of the Plan, as amended and restated, are
summarized below. This summary does not purport to be complete and is subject
to, and qualified by, reference to all provisions of the Plan, as amended and
restated.
General. The purpose of the Plan is to attract and retain the best
available personnel, to provide additional incentive to the employees and
consultants of the Company and to promote the success of the Company's business.
Options and stock purchase rights may be granted under the Plan. Options granted
under the Plan may be either "incentive stock options," as defined in Section
422 of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), or nonstatutory stock options.
Administration. The Plan may generally be administered by the Board of
Directors or a Committee appointed by the Board. The Administrator may make any
determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the Plan.
Eligibility. Nonstatutory stock options and stock purchase rights may
be granted under the Plan to employees and consultants (including directors) of
the Company and any parent or subsidiary of the Company. Incentive stock options
may be granted only to employees. The Administrator, in its discretion, selects
the employees and consultants to whom options and stock purchase rights may be
granted, the time or times at which such options and stock purchase rights shall
be granted, and the number of shares subject to each such grant.
Limitations. Section 162(m) of the Code places limits on the
deductibility for federal income tax purposes of compensation paid to certain
executive officers of the Company. In order to preserve the Company's ability to
deduct the compensation income associated with options and stock purchase rights
granted to such persons, the Plan provides that no employee may be granted, in
any fiscal year of the Company, options and stock purchase rights to purchase
more than 250,000 shares of Common Stock. Notwithstanding this limit, however,
in connection with an employee's initial employment, he or she may be granted
options or stock purchase rights to purchase up to an additional 250,000 shares
of Common Stock.
Terms and Conditions of Options. Each option is evidenced by a stock
option agreement between the Company and the optionee, and is subject to the
following additional terms and conditions:
Exercise Price. The Administrator determines the exercise price of
options at the time the options are granted. The exercise price of an incentive
stock option may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the date such option is granted; provided, however, the exercise price
of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% stockholder may not be less than
110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date such option is
granted. The exercise price of a nonstatutory stock option may not be less than
85% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date such option is
granted; provided, however, in the case of a nonstatutory stock option intended
to qualify as "performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section
162(m) of the Code, the exercise price will not be less than 100% of the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date such option is granted. The fair
market value of the Common Stock is generally determined with reference to the
closing sale price for the Common Stock (or the closing bid if no sales were
reported) on the last market trading day prior to the date the option is
granted.
Exercise of Option; Form of Consideration. The Administrator determines
when options become exercisable and may, in its discretion, accelerate the
vesting of any outstanding option. The means of payment for shares issued upon
exercise of an option is specified in each option agreement. The Plan permits
payment to be made by cash, check, promissory note, other shares of Common Stock
of the Company (with some restrictions), cashless exercise, any other form of
consideration permitted by applicable law, or any combination thereof.
Term of Option. The term of options may be no more than 10 years from
the date of grant; provided that in the case of an incentive stock option
granted to a 10% shareholder, the term of the option may be no more than five
years from the date of grant. No option may be exercised after the expiration of
its term.
Termination of Employment. If an optionee's employment or consulting
relationship terminates for any reason (other than death or disability), then
all options held by the optionee under the Plan expire on the earlier of (i) the
date set forth in his or her notice of grant (which date is typically 90 days
after the date of such termination), or (ii) the expiration date of such option.
To the extent the option is exercisable at the time of the optionee's
termination, the optionee may exercise all or part of his or her option at any
time before it terminates.
Disability. If an optionee's employment or consulting relationship
terminates as a result of disability, then all options held by such optionee
under the Plan expire on the earlier of (i) 6 months from the date of such
termination (or such longer period of time not exceeding 12 months as determined
by the Administrator) or (ii) the expiration date of such option. The optionee
(or the optionee's estate or a person who has acquired the right to exercise the
option by bequest or inheritance) may exercise all or part of the option at any
time before such expiration to the extent that the option was exercisable at the
time of such termination.
Death. In the event of an optionee's death: (i) during the optionee's
employment or consulting relationship with the Company, the option may be
exercised, at any time within six months of the date of death (but no later than
the expiration date of such option) by the optionee's estate or a person who has
acquired the right to exercise the option by bequest or inheritance, but only to
the extent that the optionee's right to exercise the option would have accrued
if he or she had remained an employee or consultant of the Company six months
after the date of death; or (ii) within 30 days (or such other period of time
not exceeding three months as determined by the Administrator) after the
optionee's employment or consulting relationship with the Company terminates,
the option may be exercised at anytime within six months (or such other period
of time as determined by the Administrator) following the date of death (but in
no event later than the expiration date of the option) by the optionee's estate
or a person who has acquired the right to exercise the option by bequest or
inheritance, but only to the extent of the optionee's right to exercise the
option at the date of termination.
Nontransferability of Options. Unless otherwise determined by the
Administrator, options granted under the Plan are not transferable other than by
will or the laws of descent and distribution, and may be exercisable during the
optionee's lifetime only by the optionee.
Other Provisions. The stock option agreement may contain other terms,
provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be determined by
the Administrator.
The Plan has been amended to provide that upon the retirement of any
Company employee at age 55 or greater following five or more years of service to
the Company, all stock options held by such employee will vest and be
exercisable for a term of three years from the date of retirement.
Stock Purchase Rights. A stock purchase right gives the purchaser a
period of no longer than six months from the date of grant to purchase Common
Stock. The purchase price of Common Stock purchased pursuant to a stock purchase
right is determined in the same manner as for nonstatutory stock options. A
stock purchase right is accepted by the execution of a restricted stock purchase
agreement between the Company and the purchaser, accompanied by the payment of
the purchase price for the shares. Unless the Administrator determines
otherwise, the restricted stock purchase agreement shall give the Company a
repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of
the purchaser's employment or consulting relationship with the Company for any
reason (including death and disability). The purchase price for any shares
repurchased by the Company shall be the original price paid by the purchaser.
The repurchase option lapses at a rate determined by the Administrator. A stock
purchase right is nontransferable other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, and may be exercisable during the optionee's lifetime only by the
optionee.
Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization. In the event that the stock
of the Company changes by reason of any stock split, reverse stock split, stock
dividend, combination, reclassification or other similar change in the capital
structure of the Company effected without the receipt of consideration,
appropriate adjustments shall be made in the number and class of shares of stock
subject to the Plan, the number and class of shares of stock subject to any
option or stock purchase right outstanding under the Plan, and the exercise
price of any such outstanding option or stock purchase right.
In the event of a liquidation or dissolution, any unexercised options
or stock purchase rights will terminate. The Administrator shall notify the
optionee 15 days prior to the consummation of the liquidation or dissolution.
In connection with any merger, consolidation, acquisition of assets or
like occurrence involving the Company, each outstanding option or stock purchase
right may be assumed or an equivalent option or right may be substituted by the
successor corporation. The vesting of each outstanding option or stock purchase
right shall accelerate (i.e. become exercisable immediately in full) in any of
the following events: (1) if the successor corporation refuses to assume the
option or stock purchase rights, or to substitute substantially equivalent
options or rights, (2) if the employment of the optionee is involuntarily
terminated without cause within one year following the date of closing of the
merger or acquisition, or (3) if the merger or acquisition is not approved by
the members of the board of directors in office prior to the commencement of
such merger or acquisition.
Amendment and Termination of the Plan. The Board may amend, alter,
suspend or terminate the Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any
reason. However, the Plan requires stockholder approval for any amendment to the
Plan to the extent necessary to comply with applicable laws, rules and
regulations. No action by the Board or stockholders may alter or impair any
option or stock purchase right previously granted under the Plan without the
consent of the optionee. Unless terminated earlier, the Plan shall terminate ten
years from the date of its approval by the stockholders or the Board of the
Company, whichever is earlier.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
Incentive Stock Options. An optionee who is granted an incentive stock
option does not recognize taxable income at the time the option is granted or
upon its exercise, although the exercise is an adjustment item for alternative
minimum tax purposes and may subject the optionee to the alternative minimum
tax. Upon a disposition of the shares more than two years after grant of the
option and one year after exercise of the option, any gain or loss is treated as
long-term capital gain or loss. Net capital gains on shares held one year or
less may be taxed at a maximum federal rate of 28%, while net capital gains on
shares held for more than one year may be taxed at a maximum federal rate of
20%. Capital losses are allowed in full against capital gains and up to $3,000
against other income. If these holding periods are not satisfied, the optionee
recognizes ordinary income at the time of disposition equal to the difference
between the exercise price and the lower of (i) the fair market value of the
shares at the date of the option exercise or (ii) the sale price of the shares.
Any gain or loss recognized on such a premature disposition of the shares in
excess of the amount treated as ordinary income is treated as long-term or
short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the holding period. A different
rule for measuring ordinary income upon such a premature disposition may apply
if the optionee is also an officer, director or 10% shareholder of the Company.
Unless limited by Section 162(m) of the Code, the Company is entitled to a
deduction in the same amount as the ordinary income recognized by the optionee.
Nonstatutory Stock Options. An optionee does not recognize any taxable
income at the time he or she is granted a nonstatutory stock option. Upon
exercise, the optionee recognizes taxable income generally measured by the
excess of the then fair market value of the shares over the exercise price. Any
taxable income recognized in connection with an option exercise by an employee
of the Company is subject to tax withholding by the Company. Unless limited by
Section 162(m) of the Code, the Company is entitled to a deduction in the same
amount as the ordinary income recognized by the optionee. Upon a disposition of
such shares by the optionee, any difference between the sale price and the
optionee's exercise price, to the extent not recognized as taxable income as
provided above, is treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss,
depending on the holding period. Net capital gains on shares held one year or
less may be taxed at a maximum federal rate of 28%, while net capital gains on
shares held for more than one year may be taxed at the capital gains rate.
Stock Purchase Rights. Stock purchase rights will generally be taxed in
the same manner as nonstatutory stock options. However, restricted stock is
generally purchased upon the exercise of a stock purchase right. At the time of
purchase, restricted stock is subject to a "substantial risk of forfeiture"
within the meaning of Section 83 of the Code, because the Company may repurchase
the stock when the purchaser ceases to provide services to the Company. As a
result of this substantial risk of forfeiture, the purchaser will not recognize
ordinary income at the time of purchase. Instead, the purchaser will recognize
ordinary income on the dates when the stock is no longer subject to a
substantial risk of forfeiture (i.e., when the Company's right of repurchase
lapses). The purchaser's ordinary income is measured as the difference between
the purchase price and the fair market value of the stock on the date the stock
is no longer subject to right of repurchase.
The purchaser may accelerate to the date of purchase his or her
recognition of ordinary income, if any, and begin his or her capital gains
holding period by timely filing (i.e., within 30 days of the purchase) an
election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code. In such event, the ordinary
income recognized, if any, is measured as the difference between the purchase
price and the fair market value of the stock on the date of purchase, and the
capital gain holding period commences on such date. The ordinary income
recognized by a purchaser who is an employee would be subject to tax withholding
by the Company. Different rules may apply if the purchaser is also an officer,
director or 10% shareholder of the Company.
The foregoing is only a summary of the effect of federal income
taxation upon optionees, holders of stock purchase rights, and the Company with
respect to the grant and exercise of options and stock purchase rights under the
Plan. It does not purport to be complete, and does not discuss the tax
consequences of the employee's or consultant's death or the provisions of the
income tax laws of any municipality, state or foreign country in which the
employee or consultant may reside.
Vote Required
At the Annual Meeting, the stockholder are being asked to approve the
amendment of the 1992 Incentive Stock Plan to increase the number of shares
reserved for issuance thereunder. The affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the shares casting their votes at the Annual Meeting will be
required to approve the amendment of the 1992 Incentive Plan. The Board of
Directors recommends voting "FOR" the amendment of the 1992 Incentive Stock
Plan.
PROPOSAL THREE:
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT OF THE 1996 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Increase of 100,000 Shares
The Company's 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the
"ESPP") was approved by the Board of Directors and the stockholders of the
Company in 1996. Currently there are a total of 425,000 shares of Common Stock
reserved for issuance under the ESPP. As of the record date, there were 157,784
shares available for future issuance. Any employee employed by the Company on a
given enrollment date is eligible to participate in the ESPP. Eligibility may be
disqualified for a given period pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code. As of
the record date, there were 156 employees eligible to participate in the ESPP,
107 of which are participating in the current purchase period.
The Board believes the proposed increase in the number of shares
reserved for issuance under the ESPP is in the best interests of the Company. In
particular, the Board has determined that the proposed increase will provide an
additional reserve of shares for issuance under the ESPP and thus enable the
Company to attract and retain valuable employees.
Summary of ESPP
The essential features of the ESPP are summarized below. This summary
does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified by, reference
to all provisions of the ESPP.
General. The purpose of the ESPP is to provide employees of the Company
and its designated subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase Common Stock of
the Company through accumulated payroll deductions. It is the intention of the
Company to have the ESPP qualify as an "Employee Stock Purchase Plan" under
Section 423 of the Code. The provisions of the ESPP, accordingly, will be
construed so as to extend and limit participation in a manner consistent with
the requirements of that section of the Code.
Administration. The Board, or a committee of members of the Board,
appointed by the Board, will administer the ESPP. The Board or its committee
will have full and exclusive discretionary authority to construe, interpret and
apply the terms of the ESPP to determine eligibility and to adjudicate all
disputed claims filed under the ESPP. Every finding, decision and determination
made by the Board or its committee shall, to the full extent permitted by law,
be final and binding upon all parties.
Eligibility. Any employee, as defined in the ESPP document, employed by
the Company on a given enrollment date (January 1 or July 1) is eligible to
participate in the ESPP. Any provisions of the ESPP to the contrary
notwithstanding, no employee will be granted an option under the ESPP (i) if
immediately after the grant, such employee (or any other person whose stock
would be attributed to such employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code)
would own capital stock of the Company and/or hold outstanding options to
purchase such stock possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or
value of all classes of the capital stock of the Company or of any subsidiary,
or (ii) if such option permits his or her rights to purchase stock under all
employee stock purchase plans of the Company and its subsidiaries to accrue at a
rate which exceeds $25,000 worth of stock (determined at the fair market value
of the shares at the time such option is granted) for each calendar year in
which such option is outstanding at any time.
Offering Periods. The ESPP is implemented by consecutive, overlapping
Offering Periods (each 24 months in length) with a new Offering Period beginning
on the first trading day on or after July 1 and January 1 each year, or on such
other date as the Board shall determine, and continuing thereafter until
terminated in accordance with the ESPP. The Board has the power to change the
duration of Offering Periods (including the commencement dates thereof) with
respect to future offerings without stockholder approval if such change is
announced at least five days prior to the scheduled beginning of the first
Offering Period to be affected.
Purchase Periods. Each Offering Period is comprised of four purchase
periods, each six months in length. Each purchase period shall begin one day
after the last exercise date and end with the next exercise date. Exercise dates
shall occur on or about June 30 and December 31 of each year.
Payroll Deductions. At the time a participant elects to participate in
the ESPP, he or she is required to designate the amount of payroll deductions to
be made on each pay day during the Offering Period in an amount not to exceed
15% of the compensation which he or she receives on each pay day during the
Offering Period, and the aggregate of such payroll deductions during the
Offering Period shall not exceed 15% of the participant's compensation during
the Offering Period.
All payroll deductions made for a participant will be credited to his
or her account under the ESPP and will be withheld in whole percentages only. A
participant may not make any additional payments into such account. A
participant may decrease the percentage of payroll deduction once during each
purchase period and may discontinue participation at any time. Upon termination
of employment, any cash balances in the participants account will be refunded in
full. No interest will accrue on payroll deductions of a participant.
Grant of Option. On the enrollment date of each Offering Period, each
eligible participant in the Offering Period will receive an option to purchase
shares of Common Stock on each exercise date during the Offering Period at the
applicable purchase price. The number of shares of the Company's Common Stock to
be issued is determined by dividing the participant's payroll deductions
accumulated prior to such exercise date and retained in the participant's
account as of the exercise date by the applicable purchase price. The number of
shares eligible for options are subject to limitations defined in the ESPP's
document.
Purchase Price. The purchase price will equal 85% of the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the enrollment date or the exercise date, whichever
is lower.
Exercise of Option. Unless a participant withdraws from the ESPP, his
or her option for the purchase of shares will be exercised automatically on the
exercise date. Upon exercise, the maximum number of full shares subject to the
option will be sold to such participant at the applicable purchase price with
the accumulated payroll deductions in his or her account. No fractional shares
will be sold, and any payroll deductions accumulated in a participant's account
which are not sufficient to purchase a full share will be retained in the
participant's account for the subsequent purchase period or offering period,
subject to earlier withdrawal by the participant. Any other monies left over in
a participant's account after the exercise date will be returned to the
participant. During a participant's lifetime, a participant's option to purchase
shares under the ESPP is exercisable only by him or her.
Designation of Beneficiary. A participant may file a written
designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any shares and cash, if any, from
the participant's account under the ESPP in the event of such participant's
death subsequent to an exercise date on which the option is exercised but prior
to delivery to such participant of such shares and cash. In addition, a
participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive
any cash from the participant's account under the ESPP in the event of such
participant's death prior to exercise of the option. If a participant is married
and the designated beneficiary is not the spouse, spousal consent shall be
required for such designation to be effective.
Transferability. Neither payroll deductions credited to a participant's
account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or to receive
shares under the ESPP may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise
disposed of in any way (other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution) by the participant.
Use of Funds. All payroll deductions received or held by the Company
under the ESPP may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the
Company is not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions.
Adjustments upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Liquidation,
Merger or Asset Sale. Changes in Capitalization. Shares reserved for issuance
under the ESPP as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each
option under the ESPP that has not yet been exercised will be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common
Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend,
combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or
decrease in the number of shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of
consideration by the Company.
Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or
liquidation of the Company, the Offering Periods will terminate immediately
prior to the consummation of such proposed action, unless otherwise provided by
the Board.
Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a proposed sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the merger of the Company
with or into another corporation, the Plan requires that each option under the
ESPP be assumed or an equivalent option be substituted by such successor
corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such successor corporation, unless the
Board determines, in the exercise of its sole discretion and in lieu of such
assumption or substitution, to shorten the Offering Periods then in progress by
setting a new exercise date.
Amendment or Termination. The Board of Directors of the Company may at
any time and for any reason terminate or amend the ESPP. Except as provided in
the ESPP, no such termination can affect options previously granted, provided
that an Offering Period may be terminated by the Board of Directors on any
exercise date if the Board determines that the termination of the ESPP is in the
best interests of the Company and its stockholders. Except as provided in the
ESPP, no amendment may make any change in any outstanding option which adversely
affects the rights of any participant.
Term of Plan. The ESPP became effective upon its adoption by the Board
of Directors. It will continue in effect for a term of 10 years unless sooner
terminated.
Vote Required
At the Annual Meeting, the stockholders are being asked to approve the
amendment of the 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan to increase the number of
shares reserved for issuance thereunder. The affirmative vote of the holders of
a majority of the shares casting their votes at the Annual Meeting will be
required to approve the amendment of the 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The
Board of Directors recommends voting "FOR" the amendment of the 1996 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan.
PROPOSAL FOUR:
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors has selected Ernst & Young LLP ("Ernst & Young")
to audit the financial statements of the Company for the current fiscal year
ending December 31, 2001. Ernst & Young has audited the Company's financial
statements since 1992. Representatives of Ernst & Young are expected to be
present at the meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so
desire, and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares
represented and voting at the meeting will be required to approve and ratify the
Board's selection of Ernst & Young. The Board of Directors recommends voting
"FOR" approval and ratification of such selection. In the event of a negative
vote on such ratification, the Board of Directors will reconsider its selection.
OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE COMPANY
Performance Graph
The following is a line graph comparing the cumulative total return to
stockholders of the Company's Common Stock from May 23, 1996 (the date of the
Company's initial public offering) through December 31, 2000 to the cumulative
total return over such period of (i) The Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S. Companies)
Index and (ii) the Nasdaq Biotech Index. The performance shown is not
necessarily indicative of future price performance. The information contained in
the Performance Graph shall not be deemed to be "soliciting material" or to be
"filed" with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference
into any future filing under the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act, except to
the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into any
such filing.
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT
NASDAQ NASDAQ
Measurement Period Neurocrine Stock Market Biotechnology
(Fiscal Year Covered) Biosciences,Inc. (U.S.) Index
- --------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
05/23/96 100 100 100
12/31/96 80 103 91
12/31/97 63 126 91
12/31/98 55 176 131
12/31/99 198 326 265
12/31/00 265 198 326
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
As of the record date, the executive officers of the Company were as
follows:
Name Age Position
- ---- --- --------
Gary A. Lyons.......................... 50 President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director
Paul W. Hawran......................... 49 Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
D. Bruce Campbell, Ph.D................ 56 Senior Vice President, Development
Margaret E. Valeur-Jensen, J.D., Ph.D.. 44 Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Corporate Secretary
See Proposal One above for biographical information concerning Gary A.
Lyons.
Paul W. Hawran became Executive Vice President of the Company in
January 2001 after having served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company since February 1996 and Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer from 1993 to 1996. In this capacity, Mr. Hawran directs
strategic planning, finance, investor relations, human resources, information
technologies and operations. Mr. Hawran was employed by SmithKline Beecham
Corporation from July 1984 to May 1993, most recently as Vice President and
Treasurer. Prior to joining SmithKline in 1984, Mr. Hawran held various
financial positions at Warner Communications (now Time Warner) where he was
involved in corporate finance, financial planning and domestic and international
budgeting and forecasting. Mr. Hawran received a B.S. in finance from St. John's
University and an M.S. in taxation from Seton Hall University. He is a Certified
Public Accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants, California and Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and the Financial Executives Institute.
D. Bruce Campbell, Ph.D., became Senior Vice President, Development of
the Company in January 2001 after having joined the Company as Vice President,
Development in February 1998. In his capacity, he is responsible for directing
Neurocrine's selection and advancement of drug candidates from research into
clinical development. He joined Neurocrine after 27 years at Servier United
Kingdom (U.K.), a subsidiary of an international pharmaceutical company based in
France, where he served as Research and Development Director from 1972 to 1991
and Director of International Scientific Affairs since 1991 and was involved in
the development and registration of a wide range of drugs and vaccines. Dr.
Campbell is a past Chairman and Board Member of the Drug Information Association
(DIA) in Europe and member of the ICH/EFPIA Safety Working Party and is a
visiting Professor in Pharmacology at Guys and Kings College London. He is
recognized as one of the experts on the regulatory aspects of kinetics and
toxicology in new drug development and has written standard texts on the
subject. Dr. Campbell is also in the editorial board of international journals
and a member of many scientific societies and has published over 100 papers. He
is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and received his Ph.D. in
biochemistry from Guys Hospital Medical School, London University.
Margaret Valeur-Jensen, J.D., Ph.D., became Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Company in January 2000 after
having joined the Company as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in
October 1998. Dr. Valeur-Jensen has recognized experience in legal transactions
for licensing, corporate partnerships, and product commercialization as well as
in building intellectual property portfolios. She is responsible for all
corporate and patent law practices at Neurocrine, serves as Corporate Secretary
and is a member of the senior management committee. From 1995 to 1998, Dr.
Valeur-Jensen served as Associate General Counsel, Licensing and Business Law of
Amgen. From 1991 to 1995, she served first as Corporate Counsel and later as
Senior Counsel, Licensing for Amgen. Prior to joining Amgen, Dr. Valeur-Jensen
practiced law at Davis, Polk & Wardell, a leading corporate law firm. She earned
a J.D. degree with honors from Stanford University, a Ph.D. in biochemistry and
molecular biology from Syracuse University, and was Post-Doctoral Fellow at
Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Additional Information
Officers of the Company serve at the discretion of the Board of
Directors. There are no family relationships among any of the Directors,
executive officers or key employees. No executive officer, key employee,
promoter, or control person of the Company has, in the last five years, been
subject to bankruptcy proceedings, criminal proceedings, or legal proceedings
related to the violation of state or federal commodities or securities laws.
Compensation of Executive Officers
Summary Compensation Table. The following table sets forth the
compensation paid by the Company for each of the three fiscal years in the
period ended December 31, 2000 to the Chief Executive Officer and each of the
other executive officers of the Company as of December 31, 2000 (the "Named
Executive Officers"):
Long-term
Annual Compensation Compensation Awards
--------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Other Restricted Securities All
Annual Stock Underlying Other
Salary Bonus Compensation Awards Options Compensation
Name and Principal Position Year ($) (1) ($) (1) ($) ($) (#) ($)
- ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Gary A. Lyons 2000 385,000 (2) 115,000 - - 90,000 50,694 (3)
President and 1999 365,000 (2) 100,000 - - 50,000 39,191 (3)
Chief Executive Officer 1998 349,369 (2) 50,000 - - 40,000 44,652 (3)
Paul W. Hawran 2000 260,000 (4) 55,000 - - 200,000 67,548 (5)
Executive Vice President and 1999 235,200 (4) 60,000 - - 25,000 50,930 (5)
Chief Financial Officer 1998 224,667 (4) 35,000 - - 25,000 59,716 (5)
D. Bruce Campbell 2000 240,000 (6) 80,000 - - 40,000 2,472 (9)
Senior Vice President, 1999 216,667 (6) 60,000 - - 25,000 -
Development 1998 178,846 (6) 46,500 - - 135,000(7) 40,000 (8)
Margaret E. Valeur-Jensen 2000 235,000 (10) 48,000 - - 40,000 19,997 (11)
Senior Vice President and 1999 212,000 (10) 60,000 - - - 123,469 (11)
General Counsel 1998 5,000 (10) - - - 115,000 -
- --------------------------
(1) Salary and bonus figures are amounts earned during each respective
fiscal year, regardless of whether part or all of such amounts were
paid in subsequent fiscal year(s).
(2) Represents amounts actually paid to Mr. Lyons for the corresponding
fiscal years. Starting on January 1, 2001, Mr. Lyons' annualized salary
became $405,000.
(3) The totals for 2000, 1999 and 1998 represents forgiveness of one-third
of the loan made by the Company to Mr. Lyons pursuant to his employment
agreement dated March 1, 1997.
(4) Represents amounts actually paid to Mr. Hawran for the corresponding
fiscal years. Starting on January 1, 2001, Mr. Hawran's annualized
salary became $273,000.
(5) The totals for 2000, 1999 and 1998 represents forgiveness of one-third
of the loan made by the Company to Mr. Hawran of Mr. Hawran's loan
pursuant to his employment agreement dated March 1, 1997.
(6) Represents amounts actually paid to Dr. Campbell for the corresponding
fiscal years. Starting on January 1, 2001, Dr. Campbell's annualized
salary became $265,000.
(7) Represents options granted to Dr. Campbell pursuant to his consulting
agreement dated September 1997 but contingent upon full-time employment
in 1998 (125,000) and additional options granted during 1998 (10,000).
(8) Represents a sign-on bonus ($20,000) and reimbursement of moving
expenses ($20,000) paid to Dr. Campbell in connection with his
relocation to San Diego, California.
(9) Represents personal travel expenses paid on behalf of Dr. Campbell.
(10) Represents amounts actually paid to Dr. Valeur-Jensen for the
corresponding fiscal years. Starting on January 1, 2001, Dr.
Valeur-Jensen's annualized salary was increased to $247,000.
(11) Represents payments by the Company in 1999 for moving, housing and
other expenses and selling costs incurred by Dr. Valeur-Jensen in
connection with selling her prior residence and relocating to San
Diego, California ($87,497) and reimbursement for taxes associated with
relocation reimbursements ($35,972) in 1999 and ($19,997) in 2000.
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year. The following table sets forth
certain information concerning grants of options made during the year ended
December 31, 2000 by the Company to each of the Named Executive Officers:
Potential Realizable
Value at Assumed Annual
Number of Rate of Stock
Shares % of Total Appreciation for Option
Underlying Options Granted Exercise Term (2)
Options Granted to Employees in Price per Expiration -------------------------
Name # (1) Fiscal Year Share Date 5% 10%
- -------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------ --------------- ------------ ------------
Gary A. Lyons ............ 90,000 8.5% $34.50 02/22/10 1,952,718 4,948,570
Paul W. Hawran ........... 40,000 3.8% $34.50 02/22/10 867,875 2,199,365
Paul W. Hawran ........... 160,000 15.0% $23.375 05/24/10 2,352,066 5,960,597
D. Bruce Campbell ........ 40,000 3.8% $34.50 02/22/10 867,875 2,199,365
Margaret E. Valeur-Jensen 40,000 3.8% $34.50 02/22/10 867,875 2,199,365
- ------------------
(1) With the exception of 160,000 options granted to Paul W. Hawran, the
options granted in 2000 to the officers listed above become exercisable
as to 1/48th of the option shares each month following the vesting
start date, with full vesting occurring on the fourth anniversary of
the vesting start date. The grant of 160,000 options issued to Paul W.
Hawran will vest at 20% on 03/30/02, 30% on 03/30/03 and 50% on
03/30/04. All options listed above were granted at an exercise price
equal to the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock as
determined by the Board of Directors on the date of grant. The exercise
price may be paid in cash, promissory note, by delivery of already
owned shares subject to certain conditions, or pursuant to a cashless
exercise procedure under which the optionee provides irrevocable
instructions to a brokerage firm to sell the purchased shares and remit
to the Company, out of sale proceeds, an amount equal to the exercise
price plus all applicable withholding taxes.
(2) Potential realizable value is based on the assumption that the Common
Stock of the Company appreciates at the annual rate shown (compounded
annually) from the date of the grant until the expiration of the
ten-year option term. These numbers are calculated based on the
requirements promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and
do not reflect the Company's estimate of future stock price growth.
Aggregate Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End
Values. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the stock
options held at December 31, 2000 by each of the Named Executive Officers.
During 2000, no such stock options were exercised by any of the Named Executive
Officers. The Company has not granted any stock appreciation rights.
Number of Shares Underlying Value of Unexercised
Unexercised Options In-the-Money Options
at Fiscal Year-End at Fiscal Year-End ($) (1)
-------------------------- --------------------------
Name Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ------------------------- ------------ ------------- ----------- --------------
Gary A. Lyons 565,956 88,544 $14,995,653 $826,285
Paul W. Hawran 277,652 202,648 7,138,151 2,013,537
D. Bruce Campbell 141,563 58,437 3,363,402 873,473
Margaret E. Valeur-Jensen 83,652 71,348 1,949,951 1,277,237
- -------------
(1) "In-the-money" options are those for which the fair market value of the
underlying securities exceeds the exercise or base price of the option.
These columns are based upon the closing price of $33.125 per share on
December 31, 2000, minus the per share exercise price, multiplied by
the number of shares underlying the option.
Employment Agreements
Gary A. Lyons has an employment contract that provides that: (i) Mr.
Lyons serves as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer for a term
of three years commencing on May 24, 2000 at an initial annual salary of
$385,000, subject to annual adjustment by the Board of Directors (Mr. Lyons'
base salary for 2001 was set at $405,000); (ii) the agreement will automatically
renew for three-year periods thereafter unless the Company or Mr. Lyons gives 90
days notice of termination; (iii) Mr. Lyons is eligible for a discretionary
annual bonus as determined by the Board of Directors, based upon achieving
certain performance criteria; (iv) each year starting in 2000 and continuing for
the term of the agreement, Mr. Lyons will be eligible to receive an incentive
stock option award under the 1992 Incentive Stock Plan with the number of shares
and exercise price as shall be determined by the Board of Directors; and (v) Mr.
Lyons is entitled to continue to receive his salary, health, welfare and
retirement benefits for twelve months as well as a lump sum payment in an amount
equal to a pro rata share of his annual bonus based on the number of completed
months of employment in the fiscal year plus an additional twelve months and
twelve months of continued vesting of outstanding stock options in the event
that the Company terminates his employment without cause, or materially reduces
the power and duties of his employment without cause, which will be deemed to be
a termination. In the event of a change in control of the Company, Mr. Lyons
would receive the same benefits package as a termination without cause, with the
exception that the vesting for all outstanding options would be accelerated and
immediately exercisable in full.
Paul W. Hawran has an employment contract that provides that: (i) Mr.
Hawran serves as the Company's Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
for a term of three years commencing on May 24, 2000 at an initial annual salary
of $260,000, subject to annual adjustment by the Board of Directors (Mr.
Hawran's base salary for 2001 was set at $273,000), (ii) the agreement will
automatically renew for three-year periods thereafter unless the Company or Mr.
Hawran gives 90 days notice of termination, (iii) Mr. Hawran is eligible for a
discretionary annual bonus as determined by the Board of Directors based upon
achieving certain performance criteria, and (iv) Mr. Hawran is entitled to
continue to receive his salary, health, welfare and retirement benefits for
twelve months, a lump sum payment in an amount equal to a pro rata share of his
annual bonus based on the number of completed months of employment in the fiscal
year plus an additional twelve months and twelve months of continued vesting of
outstanding stock options in the event that the Company terminates his
employment without cause, or materially reduces the power and duties of his
employment without cause, which will be deemed to be a termination. In the event
of a change in control of the Company, Mr. Hawran would receive the same
benefits package as a termination without cause, with the exception that the
vesting for all outstanding options would be accelerated and immediately
exercisable in full.
D. Bruce Campbell, Ph.D., has an employment contract that provides
that: (i) Dr. Campbell serves as the Company's Vice President, Development for a
term of three years commencing on May 24, 2000 at an initial annual salary of
$240,000, subject to annual adjustment by the Board of Directors (Dr. Campbell's
base salary for 2001 was set at $265,000); (ii) the agreement will automatically
renew for three-year periods thereafter unless the Company or Dr. Campbell gives
90 days notice of termination; (iii) Dr. Campbell is eligible for a
discretionary annual bonus as determined by the Board of Directors, based upon
achieving certain performance criteria; (iv) in connection with the purchase of
a home in the San Diego area, the Company extended a loan of $75,000 bearing
annual interest of 1%, which loan may be eligible for forgiveness upon
completion of four full years of continuous employment with the Company; (v)
under certain conditions, upon termination, Dr. Campbell may be eligible to
receive reimbursement costs associated with relocation back to the United
Kingdom including selling costs of up to 6% of his San Diego home and up to
$10,000 in moving expenses, and (vi) Dr. Campbell is entitled to continue to
receive his salary, health, welfare and retirement benefits for nine months, a
lump sum payment in an amount equal to a pro rata share of his annual bonus
based on the number of completed months of employment in the fiscal year plus an
additional nine months and nine months of continued vesting of outstanding stock
options in the event that the Company terminates his employment without cause,
or materially reduces the power and duties of his employment without cause,
which will be deemed to be a termination. In the event of a change in control of
the Company, Dr. Campbell would receive the same benefits package as a
termination without cause, with the exception that the vesting for all
outstanding options would be accelerated and immediately exercisable in full.
Margaret E. Valeur-Jensen, J.D., Ph.D., has an employment contract that
provides that: (i) Dr. Valeur-Jensen serves as the Company's Senior Vice
President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for a term of three years
commencing on May 24, 2000 at an initial annual salary of $235,000, subject to
annual adjustment by the Board of Directors (Dr. Valeur-Jensen's base salary for
2001 was set at $247,000); (ii) the agreement will automatically renew for
three-year periods thereafter unless the Company or Dr. Valeur-Jensen gives 90
days notice of termination; (iii) Dr. Valeur-Jensen is eligible for a
discretionary annual bonus as determined by the Board of Directors, based upon
achieving certain performance criteria; (iv) the Company has agreed to provide
certain relocation costs and expenses associated with Dr. Valeur-Jensen's
relocation to San Diego, California; and (v) Dr. Valeur-Jensen is entitled to
continue to receive her salary, health, welfare and retirement benefits for nine
months, a lump sum payment in an amount equal to a pro rata share of her annual
bonus based on the number of completed months of employment in the fiscal year
plus an additional nine months and nine months of continued vesting of
outstanding stock options in the event that the Company terminates her
employment without cause, or materially reduces the power and duties of her
employment without cause, which will be deemed to be a termination. In the event
of a change in control of the Company, Dr. Valeur-Jensen would receive the same
benefits package as a termination without cause, with the exception that the
vesting for all outstanding options would be accelerated and immediately
exercisable in full.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The following is a report of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of the Company (the "Committee") describing the compensation policies
and rationale applicable to the Company's executive officers with respect to the
compensation paid to such executive officers for the year ended December 31,
2000. The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be
"soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the SEC nor shall such information
be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act or
the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically
incorporates it by reference into any such filing.
The Committee reviews and recommends to the Board of Directors for
approval the Company's executive compensation policies. The Committee is
responsible for reviewing the salary and benefits structure of the Company at
least annually to insure its competitiveness within the Company's industry. The
following is the report of the Committee describing the compensation policies
and rationales applicable to the Company's executive officers with respect to
the compensation paid to such executive officers for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2000. In 2000, the members of the Committee were Joseph A. Mollica
and Stephen A. Sherwin.
Compensation Philosophy
The Company's philosophy in establishing its compensation policy for
executive officers and other employees is to create a structure designed to
attract and retain highly skilled individuals by establishing salaries,
benefits, and incentive compensation which compare favorably with those for
similar positions in other biotechnology companies. Compensation for the
Company's executive officers consists of a base salary and potential incentive
cash bonuses, as well as potential incentive compensation through stock options
and stock ownership.
Base Salary
The base salary component of compensation is designed to compensate
executive officers competitively at levels necessary to attract and retain
qualified executives in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. The base
salaries have been targeted at or above the average rates paid by competitors to
enable the Company to attract, motivate, reward and retain highly skilled
executives. In order to evaluate the Company's competitive position in the
industry, the Committee reviewed and analyzed the compensation packages,
including base salary levels, offered by other biotechnology and pharmaceutical
companies. The Company retained the services of an independent consultant to
review and recommend improvements to the executive compensation policy. Some of
the competitive information was obtained from surveys prepared by consulting
companies or industry associations (e.g., the Radford Biotechnology Compensation
Survey). As a general matter, the base salary for each executive officer is
initially established through negotiation at the time the officer is hired
taking into account such officer's qualifications, experience, prior salary, and
competitive salary information. Year-to-year adjustments to each executive
officer's base salary are based upon personal performance for the year, changes
in the general level of base salaries of persons in comparable positions within
the industry, and the average merit salary increase for such year for all
employees of the Company established by the Compensation Committee, as well as
other factors the Compensation Committee judges to be pertinent during an
assessment period. In making base salary decisions, the Committee exercises its
judgment to determine the appropriate weight to be given to each of these
factors.
Annual Incentive Compensation
A portion of the cash compensation paid to the Company's executive
officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, is in the form of discretionary
bonus payments that are paid on an annual basis as part of the Company's
Incentive Compensation Plan. Bonus payments are linked to the attainment of
overall corporate goals established by the Board of Directors and individual
goals established for each executive officer. The Board of Directors establishes
the maximum potential amount of each officer's bonus payment annually, based
upon the recommendation of the Committee. The appropriate weight to be given to
each of the various goals used to calculate the amount of each officer's bonus
payment is determined by the Committee. The goal of the Company's Incentive
Compensation Plan is to support the achievement of Company goals and objectives
by basing compensation on a pay for performance basis.
Long-Term Incentives
The Committee provides the Company's executive officers with long-term
incentive compensation through grants of stock options under the Plan and the
opportunity to purchase stock under the ESPP. The Board believes that stock
options provide the Company's executive officers with the opportunity to
purchase and maintain an equity interest in the Company and to share in the
appreciation of the value of the Company's Common Stock. The Board believes that
stock options directly motivate an executive to maximize long-term shareholder
value. The options also utilize vesting periods (generally four years) that
encourage key executives to continue in the employ of the Company. The Board
considers the grant of each option subjectively, considering factors such as the
individual performance of the executive officer and the anticipated contribution
of the executive officer to the attainment of the Company's long-term strategic
performance goals. Long-term incentives granted in prior years are also taken
into consideration.
The Company established the ESPP both to encourage employees to
continue in the employ of the Company and to motivate employees through
ownership interest in the Company. Under the ESPP, employees, including
officers, may have up to 15% of their earnings withheld for purchases of Common
Stock on certain dates specified by the Board. The price of Common Stock
purchased will be equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the
Common Stock on the date of enrollment or exercise date, whichever is lower.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
The compensation of the Chief Executive Officer is reviewed annually on
the same basis as discussed above for all executive officers. Gary A. Lyons'
base salary for 1999 was set at $365,000, and was later increased to $385,000
for 2000 and $405,000 for 2001. Mr. Lyons joined the Company in February 1993.
His initial salary, potential bonus, and stock grants were determined on the
basis of negotiation between the Board of Directors and Mr. Lyons with due
regard for his qualifications, experience, prior salary, and competitive salary
information. Mr. Lyons' base salary for 2000 was established in part by
comparing the base salaries of chief executive officers at other biotechnology
and pharmaceutical companies of similar size. Mr. Lyons earned a $115,000 bonus
for 2000. As with other executive officers, Mr. Lyons' total compensation was
based on the Company's accomplishments and the Chief Executive Officer's
contribution thereto.
Section 162(m)
The Board has considered the potential future effects of Section 162(m)
of the Code on the compensation paid to the Company's executive officers.
Section 162(m) disallows a tax deduction for any publicly-held corporation for
individual compensation exceeding $1.0 million in any taxable year for any of
the executive officers named in the proxy statement, unless compensation is
performance-based. The Company has adopted a policy that, where reasonably
practicable, the Company will seek to qualify the variable compensation paid to
its executive officers for an exemption from the deductibility limitations of
Section 162(m).
In approving the amount and form of compensation for the Company's
executive officers, the Committee will continue to consider all elements of the
cost to the Company of providing such compensation, including the potential
impact of Section 162(m).
Respectfully submitted by:
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Joseph A. Mollica
Stephen A. Sherwin
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
As of December 31, 2000, the Compensation Committee consisted of Joseph
A. Mollica and Stephen A. Sherwin. No member of the Compensation Committee has a
relationship that would constitute an interlocking relationship with executive
officers or directors of another entity.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
In March 1993, the Company loaned to Gary A. Lyons, President, Chief
Executive Officer and Director of the Company, $85,500 for the purchase of stock
in the Company. Pursuant to Mr. Lyons' Employment Agreement dated May 24, 2000,
the loan bears interest at a rate of 4% per annum and is due and payable in full
upon receipt of proceeds from the sale of Neurocrine Common Stock or 90 days
after voluntary termination. As of the record date, $85,500 remained outstanding
on the loan. In December 1993, the Company loaned Mr. Lyons $135,000 in
connection with certain housing relocation expenses. One half of the loan had
been forgiven as of February 1997 pursuant to Mr. Lyons' Employment Agreement,
and the remaining half of the loan bore interest at a rate of 6% per annum and
was forgiven over a three-year period starting on March 1, 1997. As of the
record date, there was no remaining balance on the loan.
In March 1993, the Company loaned to Paul W. Hawran, Executive Vice
President of the Company, $15,000 for the purchase of stock in the Company.
Pursuant to Mr. Hawran's Employment Agreement dated March 1, 1997, the loan bore
interest at a rate of 4% per annum and was due and payable in full upon receipt
of proceeds from the sale of Neurocrine Common Stock or 90 days after voluntary
termination. As of the record date, there was no remaining balance outstanding
on the loan. In June 1994, the Company loaned Mr. Hawran $175,000 in connection
with certain housing and relocation expenses. One half of the loan had been
forgiven as of February 1997 pursuant to the Employment Agreement dated March 1,
1997, and the remaining half of the loan bore interest at a rate of 6% per annum
and was forgiven over a three-year period starting on March 1, 1997. As of the
record date, there was no remaining balance on the loan.
In February 1998, the Company loaned D. Bruce Campbell, Ph.D., Senior
Vice President, Development of the Company, $250,000 in connection with certain
housing and relocation expenses. The principal balance of the loan bears
interest at a rate of 1% per annum, and principal and interest will be payable
upon the first to occur of (i) at the time of relocation back to the United
Kingdom, Executive has accepted employment with another company or it is
Executive's intention to do so within a period of six (6) months, (ii) Executive
has not completed four (4) full years of employment at the Company, (iii)
termination of Executive's employment with the Company is for Cause , or (iv)
the exercise, pledge or sale of all or part of the stock options granted by
Company to Dr. Campbell. As of December 31, 2000, $75,000 remained outstanding
on the loan. The parties agree that the remaining balance will be forgiven under
certain circumstances.
The Company has a consulting agreement with Dr. Vale, pursuant to which
Dr. Vale spends a significant amount of time performing services for the
Company, including attendance at meetings of the Company's Scientific Advisory
Board, and is prohibited from providing consulting services to or participating
in the formation of any company in Neurocrine's field of interest or that may be
competitive with Neurocrine. Dr. Vale's agreement is for a one-year term that
commenced in August 2000 and provides for an annual consulting fee of $100,000
in exchange for his consulting services to the Company. This agreement allows
annual renewals at the options of both parties.
In November 1999, the Company signed a 3-year consulting agreement with
Dr. Stephen A. Sherwin. Under the terms of the agreement, Dr. Sherwin is
consulting on the Company's regulatory strategy, planning and implementation. He
is also a member of the Company's Clinical Advisory Board and will advise on all
clinical and preclinical programs. In exchange for his services, Dr. Sherwin was
granted an option to purchase 15,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock. This
option will vest over a 3-year term based on continued services.
The Company has a consulting agreement with Dr. Steinman, pursuant to
which Dr. Steinman spends a significant amount of time performing services for
the Company, including attendance at meetings of the Company's Scientific
Advisory Board, and is prohibited from providing consulting services to or
participating in the formation of any company in Neurocrine's field of interest
or that may be competitive with Neurocrine. Dr. Steinman's agreement is for a
five-year term that commenced in February 1996 and will automatically renew for
successive two-year terms unless terminated by either party with 180-days
advance written notice. This agreement provides for an annual consulting fee of
$85,000 in exchange for his consulting services to the Company.
During fiscal 2000, there were no other transactions between the
Company and its directors, executive officers, or known holders of greater than
five percent of the Company's Common Stock in which the amount involved exceeded
$60,000 and in which any of the foregoing persons had or will have a material
interest.
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Company knows of no other
matters to be submitted to the meeting. If any other matters properly come
before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed
proxy card to vote the shares they represent as the Board of Directors may
recommend.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
San Diego, California
Dated: April 12, 2001
This Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors
NEUROCRINE BIOSCIENCES, INC.
2001 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD May 24, 2001
The undersigned stockholder of NEUROCRINE BIOSCIENCES, INC., a Delaware
corporation, hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and Proxy Statement, each dated April 12, 2001 and hereby appoints
Gary A. Lyons and Paul W. Hawran, and each of them, proxies and
attorneys-in-fact, with full power to each of substitution, on behalf and in the
name of the undersigned, to represent the undersigned at the 2001 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders of NEUROCRINE BIOSCIENCES, INC. to be held on May 24, 2001 at
8:30 a.m. local time, at the Company's corporate headquarters located at 10555
Science Center Drive, San Diego, California, 92121, and at any adjournment or
adjournments thereof, and to vote all shares of Common Stock which the
undersigned would be entitled to vote if then and there personally present, on
the matters set forth below:
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS:
For all nominees listed below Against all nominees listed below
(except as indicated)
If you wish to withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee,
strike a line through that nominee's name in the list below:
Stephen A. Sherwin and Richard F. Pops
2. PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK RESERVED FOR
ISSUANCE UNDER THE 1992 INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN FROM 6,050,000 SHARES TO
6,800,000 SHARES:
For Against Abstain
3. PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK RESERVED FOR
ISSUANCE UNDER THE 1996 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN FROM 425,000
SHARES TO 525,000 SHARES:
For Against Abstain
4. PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS OF THE COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL PERIOD ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 2001:
For Against Abstain
and, in their discretion, upon such other matter or matters which may properly
come before the meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO CONTRARY DIRECTION IS INDICATED,
WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE DIRECTORS NAMED ABOVE, FOR THE AMENDMENT
OF THE 1992 INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN, FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE 1996 EMPLOYEE STOCK
PURCHASE PLAN AND FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS AND AS SAID PROXIES DEEM ADVISABLE ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS
AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING.
Signature Date
Signature Date
(This Proxy should be marked, dated and signed by the stockholder(s)
exactly as his or her name appears hereon, and returned promptly in the enclosed
envelope. Persons signing in a fiduciary capacity should so indicate. If shares
are held by joint tenants or as community property, both should sign.)
APPENDIX A
Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.
Audit Committee Charter
Organization
The audit committee of the board of directors shall be comprised of directors
who are independent of management and the Company. Members of the audit
committee shall be considered independent if they have no relationship to the
Company that may interfere with the exercise of their independence from
management and the Company. All audit committee members will be financially
literate, and at least one member will have accounting or related financial
management expertise.
Statement of Policy
The audit committee shall provide assistance to the directors in fulfilling
their responsibility to the shareholders, potential shareholders, and investment
community relating to corporate accounting, reporting practices of the company,
and the quality and integrity of financial reports of the company. In so doing,
it is the responsibility of the audit committee to maintain free and open
communication between the directors, the independent auditors, and the financial
management of the company.
Responsibilities
In carrying out its responsibilities, the audit committee believes its policies
and procedures should remain flexible, in order to best react to changing
conditions and to ensure to the directors and shareholders that the corporate
accounting and reporting practices of the company are in accordance with all
requirements and are of the highest quality.
In carrying out these responsibilities, the audit committee will:
o Obtain the full board of directors' approval of this Charter and review and
reassess this Charter as conditions dictate (at least annually).
o Review and recommend to the directors the independent auditors to be
selected to audit the financial statements of the company.
o Have a clear understanding with the independent auditors that they are
ultimately accountable to the board of directors and the audit committee,
as the shareholders' representatives, who have the ultimate authority in
deciding to engage, evaluate, and if appropriate, terminate their services.
o Meet with the independent auditors and financial management of the Company
to review the scope of the proposed audit and timely quarterly reviews for
the current year and the procedures to be utilized, the adequacy of the
independent auditor's compensation, and at the conclusion thereof review
such audit or review, including any comments or recommendations of the
independent auditors.
o Review with the independent auditors and the company's accounting
personnel, the adequacy and effectiveness of the accounting and financial
controls of the company, and elicit any recommendations for the improvement
of such internal controls or particular areas where new or more detailed
controls or procedures are desirable. Particular emphasis should be given
to the adequacy of internal controls to expose any payments, transactions,
or procedures that might be deemed illegal or otherwise improper. Further,
the committee periodically should review company policy statements to
determine their adherence to the code of conduct.
o Review reports received from regulators and other legal and regulatory
matters that may have a material effect on the financial statements or
related company compliance policies.
o Inquire of management and the independent auditors about significant risks
or exposures and assess the steps management has taken to minimize such
risks to the Company.
o Review the quarterly financial statements with financial management and the
independent auditors prior to the filing of the Form 10-Q to determine that
the independent auditors do not take exception to the disclosure and
content of the financial statements, and discuss any other matters required
to be communicated to the committee by the auditors. The chair of the
committee may represent the entire committee for purposes of this review.
o Review the financial statements contained in the annual report to
shareholders with management and the independent auditors to determine that
the independent auditors are satisfied with the disclosure and content of
the financial statements to be presented to the shareholders. Review with
financial management and the independent auditors the results of their
timely analysis of significant financial reporting issues and practices,
including changes in, or adoptions of, accounting principles and disclosure
practices, and discuss any other matters required to be communicated to the
committee by the auditors. Also review with financial management and the
independent auditors their judgments about the quality, not just
acceptability, of accounting principles and the clarity of the financial
disclosure practices used or proposed to be used, and particularly, the
degree of aggressiveness or conservatism of the organization's accounting
principles and underlying estimates, and other significant decisions made
in preparing the financial statements.
o Provide sufficient opportunity for the independent auditors to meet with
the members of the audit committee without members of management present.
Among the items to be discussed in these meetings are the independent
auditors' evaluation of the company's financial, accounting, and auditing
personnel, and the cooperation that the independent auditors received
during the course of audit.
o Report the results of the annual audit to the board of directors. If
requested by the board, invite the independent auditors to attend the full
board of directors meeting to assist in reporting the results of the annual
audit or to answer other directors' questions (alternatively, the other
directors, particularly the other independent directors, may be invited to
attend the audit committee meeting during which the results of the annual
audit are reviewed).
o On an annual basis, obtain from the independent auditors a written
communication delineating all their relationships and professional services
as required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence
Discussions with Audit Committees. In addition, review with the independent
auditors the nature and scope of any disclosed relationships or
professional services and take, or recommend that the board of directors
take, appropriate action to ensure the continuing independence of the
auditors.
o Review the report of the audit committee in the annual report to
shareholders and the Annual Report on Form 10-K disclosing whether or not
the committee had reviewed and discussed with management and the
independent auditors, as well as discussed within the committee (without
management or the independent auditors present), the financial statements
and the quality of accounting principles and significant judgments
affecting the financial statements. In addition, disclose the committee's
conclusion on the fairness of presentation of the financial statements in
conformity with GAAP based on those discussions.
o Submit the minutes of all meetings of the audit committee to, or discuss
the matters discussed at each committee meeting with, the board of
directors.
o Investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its
duties, with the power to retain outside counsel for this purpose if, in
its judgment, that is appropriate.
o Review the Company's disclosure in the proxy statement for its annual
meeting of shareholders that describes that the Committee has satisfied its
responsibilities under this Charter for the prior year. In addition,
include a copy of this Charter in the annual report to shareholders or the
proxy statement at least triennially or the year after any significant
amendment to the Charter.