GEOVAX LABS, INC.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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GEOVAX LABS, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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GEOVAX LABS, INC.
1256 Briarcliff Road
Emtech Bio Suite 500
Atlanta, Georgia 30306
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
AND
PROXY STATEMENT
To Our
Stockholders:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of GeoVax Labs, Inc. will be held on Wednesday, June 13,
2007, at 10:00 A.M. (Eastern Time), at the J. Fonda Conference Center, 1256 Briarcliff Road,
Atlanta, Georgia for the following purposes:
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To elect five directors to serve until the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; and |
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To approve an amendment to the GeoVax Labs, Inc. 2006 Stock Option Plan (the Plan) in
order to increase in the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to
the Plan. |
Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 15, 2007 will be entitled to notice
of the Annual Meeting and at any continuation or adjournment thereof.
Please
return the enclosed proxy as promptly as possible, whether or not you
plan to attend the Annual Meeting. Your promptness in
returning the proxy will assist us in ensuring that a quorum is present or represented. Even
though you return your proxy, you may nevertheless attend the Annual Meeting and vote your shares
in person if you wish. If you want to revoke your proxy at a later time for any reason, you may do
so in the manner described in the attached Proxy Statement. This Proxy Statement is being sent to
you on or about May 10, 2007.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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/s/ Mark W. Reynolds |
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Mark W. Reynolds |
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Corporate Secretary |
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May 10, 2007 |
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Atlanta, Georgia |
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GEOVAX LABS, INC.
1256 Briarcliff Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30306
PROXY STATEMENT
For The
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held June 13, 2007
ABOUT THE PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of your proxy by the
Board of Directors of GeoVax Labs, Inc., an Illinois corporation for use at our Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held at the J. Fonda Conference Center, 1256 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, Georgia
on Wednesday, June 13, 2007, at 10:00 A.M. local time and at any meeting following adjournment
thereof. The Notice of Annual Meeting, this Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card are
being sent to you on or about May 10, 2007.
Revocability of Proxy and Voting of Shares
If you give us a proxy you will have the power to revoke it at any time before it is
exercised. The proxy may be revoked before it is exercised by sending a written revocation or a
duly executed proxy bearing a later date to us at our principal executive offices located at 1256
Briarcliff Road, Emtech Bio, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30306. The proxy may also be revoked by
attending the meeting and voting in person.
When the proxy is properly executed, dated and returned, the shares it represents will be
voted in accordance with any directions noted on it. If no instructions are indicated, the proxy
will be voted FOR the approval of the proposals. We currently know of no other matters to be
considered at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. If, however, any other matters come before the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or any adjournment or adjournments thereof, the persons named in
the proxy will vote the proxy in accordance with their best judgment on any such matter.
Record Date, Voting Rights and Outstanding Shares
The Board of Directors has fixed April 15, 2007 as the record date (the Record Date) for
determining holders of our common stock, $0.001 par value per share, who are entitled to vote at
the meeting. As of the Record Date, we had 712,834,703 shares of common stock outstanding and
entitled to vote. Each share of common stock entitles the record holder to one vote on each matter
to be voted upon at the meeting. A majority of the shares of common stock issued and outstanding
and entitled to vote at the meeting will constitute a quorum at the meeting. If a quorum exists,
action on a matter (including the election of directors) is approved if a majority of the votes in
attendance at the meeting are cast in favor of the action. Cumulative voting is not permitted.
Unless otherwise marked or indicated on the proxy, your shares will be voted FOR the election of
the five director-nominees named on the proxy and FOR approval of the amendment to the GeoVax
Labs, Inc. 2006 Stock Option Plan. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than
the number of director-nominees named.
Solicitation
We
will pay all costs associated with the distribution
of this Proxy Statement, including the costs of printing and mailing.
We will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending this
Proxy Statement to the beneficial owners of our common
stock.
Approval of proposals
As noted above, each share of common stock is entitled to one vote. Each of the proposals
must receive the vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock in order
to pass. On the Record Date, we had a
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total of 712,834,703 shares issued and outstanding. Therefore, in order to pass, each proposal
must receive no less than 356,417,352 votes.
PROPOSAL I
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to our Bylaws, the Board of Directors has set the number of directors at five. Our
Bylaws provide that the members of the Board of Directors are to be elected at each annual meeting
of stockholders and are to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their
successors are duly elected and qualified.
Director Nominees
The Board of Directors has nominated Messrs. Donald Hildebrand, Andrew Kandalepas, Dean
Kollintzas, Robert McNally and John Spencer for reelection as directors of GeoVax to serve until
the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, until each of their successors are elected and qualified,
or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. Information concerning the nominees is set
forth below under Directors and Executive Officers.
We believe that the nominees will be available and able to serve as directors. In the
event that any nominee is unable to serve (which is not anticipated), the holder of your proxy will cast votes for such other persons as they may select.
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our directors and executive
officers as of April 15, 2007.
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Name |
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Age |
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Position |
Donald G. Hildebrand
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66 |
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Chairman of the Board
President and Chief Executive Officer |
Andrew J. Kandalepas
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55 |
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Senior Vice President
Director |
Dean G. Kollintzas
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34 |
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Director |
Robert T. McNally
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59 |
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Director |
Mark W. Reynolds
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46 |
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Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary |
John N. Spencer, Jr.
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66 |
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Director |
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Donald G. Hildebrand. Mr. Hildebrand joined the Board of Directors as Chairman upon
consummation of the merger with GeoVax, Inc. in September 2006. Mr. Hildebrand is a founder of
GeoVax, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, and has served as a member of its Board of Directors
since June 2001. Prior to founding GeoVax, Mr. Hildebrand was employed as North American President
and Chief Executive Officer of Rhone Merieux, Inc., a subsidiary of Rhone Merieux, S.A., a world
leader in the biopharmaceutical and animal health industries. Under Mr. Hildebrands leadership,
which began in 1984 and ended in 1997, Rhone Merieux, Inc. had grown its annual sales from $0 to
over $200 million per year. In 1997, Mr. Hildebrand became Global Vice President of Merial
Limited, a position that he held until 2000. Merial Limited, a joint venture formed by Rhone
Merieux, S.A. and Merck AgVet, is the largest animal health company in the world, with annual sales
exceeding $1.8 billion. Prior to joining Rhone Merieux, Inc., Mr. Hildebrand founded Biocraft
Ltd., which he sold to Solvay & Cie of Brussels, Belgium in 1981. Subsequent to that transaction,
Mr. Hildebrand was appointed Director of Global Biological Operations/Research/Development and
Manufacturing for Salsbury/Solvay. Mr. Hildebrand received his BS in microbiology from the
University of Wisconsin.
Andrew J. Kandalepas. Mr. Kandalepas was Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Dauphin Technology from 1995 until the merger with GeoVax, Inc. in September 2006, at
which time he assumed the position of Senior Vice President and remained a director of the Company.
Under his leadership, beginning in 1995, Dauphin Technology developed and marketed several high
tech products including miniature hand held computers and Set Top Boxes. Additionally, during his
11 year tenure at Dauphin, Mr. Kandalepas was successful in raising in excess of $60 million in
private and public capital as well as expanding Dauphins shareholder base from 400 shareholders in
1995 to approximately 11,000 immediately prior to the merger with GeoVax. Mr. Kandalepas has a
varied 30-plus year career as an entrepreneur and executive manager. After 12 successful years with
GTE and Motorola, he founded Cadserv Corporation, a privately owned Engineering and Circuit Board
Solutions boutique service provider to major electronic OEMs. Mr. Kandalepas is an active
participant in the local Greek community and founder of the St. Athanasios, Greek Orthodox Seminary
in Woodstock, Illinois. He earned his Electronics Engineering Degree in 1974, from DeVry Institute
of Technology.
Dean G. Kollintzas. Mr. Kollintzas joined the Board of Directors upon consummation of the
merger with GeoVax, Inc. in September 2006. Since 2001 Mr. Kollintzas has been an Intellectual
Property Attorney specializing in biotechnology and pharmaceutical licensing, FDA regulation, and
corporate/international transactions. He has worked in Israel as a U.S. consultant to the firm of
Baratz, Gilat, Bar-Natan with biotechnology companies such a Clal Biotechnology Industries Limited
and D-Pharm. As an associate with the firm LaFollette, Godfrey & Kahn in Madison, Wisconsin, Mr.
Kollintzas worked with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation on various FDA and intellectual
property engagements. Mr. Kollintzas received a Microbiology degree from the University of Illinois
and a J.D. from Franklin Pierce Law Center. He is a member of the Wisconsin and American Bar
Associations.
Robert T. McNally, Ph.D. Dr. McNally joined the Board of Directors in December 2006. Dr.
McNally graduated with a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and
has over 28 years of experience in academic and corporate clinical investigations, management,
research, business, quality and regulatory affairs. Since 2000, Dr. McNally has served as CEO of
Cell Dynamics LLC, a company which he co-founded. He also is currently serving as Cell Dynamics
VP of Quality Assurance. Cell Dynamics is a cGMP laboratory which contracts with organ and tissue
procurement organizations for the recovery of human tissue and processes these tissues into
cellular components necessary for research and development, pharmaceuticals and cell therapy. In
1984, Dr. McNally was co-founder of CryoLife, Inc., a company specializing in the cryopreservation
of human tissue for transplant. During his 14 year association with CryoLife, it grew to $50MM in
revenue, became a public company the stock of which is traded on the NYSE and is recognized the
world over as a leader in transplant technology. Dr. McNally is a Fellow of the American Institute
of Medical and Biological Engineers, serves on the board of the Petit Institute for Tissue
Engineering at Georgia Tech and is Past Chairman of the Georgia Biomedical Partnership and
recipient of its 2004 Biomedical Industry Growth Award.
John N. (Jack) Spencer, Jr., CPA. Mr. Spencer joined the Board of Directors upon consummation
of the merger with GeoVax, Inc. in September 2006. Mr. Spencer is a certified public accountant
and was a partner of Ernst & Young where he spent more than 38 years until he retired in 2000.
During his career with Ernst & Young, he coordinated that firms services to both public and
private companies primarily in the manufacturing, distribution and medical and information
technology industries. Mr. Spencer has been active in Georgias technology community, where
he served as president and a director of the Business & Technology Alliance and was co-founder and
is the treasurer of the Atlanta Venture Forum. In 2002, Mr. Spencer was awarded the Georgia
Biomedical Partnerships first annual award
3
for being a principal architect of the biomedical community in Georgia. He also served as president
of the Georgia Biomedical Partnership in 2003 and 2004. Mr. Spencer serves as a director of a
number of companies, including Firstwave Technologies, Inc., a public company, where he is also
chair of the audit committee. Mr. Spencer received a BS degree from Syracuse University, and he
earned an MBA degree from Babson College. He also attended the Harvard Business School Advance
Management Program.
Mark W. Reynolds, CPA. Mr. Reynolds joined the Company in October 2006 as Chief Financial
Officer and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Reynolds is a seasoned financial executive with over 20 years
of experience with both private and publicly-held companies. From 2002 to the present, Mr. Reynolds
has been a financial consultant to companies in the biotechnology and consumer healthcare fields,
serving as a part-time Chief Financial Officer or Controller. From 2003 to the present, before
being named Chief Financial Officer of Geovax Labs, Inc., Mr. Reynolds provided financial and
accounting services to Geovax, Inc. as an independent contractor. From 2004 to the present, Mr.
Reynolds has served as Chief Financial Officer for HealthWatchSystems, Inc. a privately-held
company in the consumer healthcare industry, a position which he continues to hold. From 2004 to
2006 he served as Chief Financial Officer for Duska Therapeutics, Inc., a publicly-held
biotechnology company. From 1988 to 2002 Mr. Reynolds was first Controller and later Chief
Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary for CytRx Corporation, a publicly-held biopharmaceutical
company. Mr. Reynolds began his career as an auditor with Arthur Andersen & Co. from 1985 to 1988.
He is a licensed CPA and member of the American Society of CPAs, the Georgia Society of CPAs and
the Georgia Biomedical Partnership.
Scientific Advisory Board
Harriet Latham Robinson, Ph.D. Dr. Robinson is a co-founder of GeoVax, Inc. and has served as
Chief of its Scientific Advisory Board since formation of the company in 2001. Dr Robinson is
recognized as one of the leading AIDS vaccine researchers where she has devoted over 15 years
toward developing effective and safe AIDS vaccines designed to prevent clinical AIDS. Over the past
several years Dr. Robinson has received over $23 million in Federal grants directly and indirectly
supporting our AIDS vaccine development program. Dr. Robinson has been the Asa Griggs Candler
Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia since 1999 and has
been Chief, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Center and Professor
at the Emory University School of Medicine from 1998 to the present. She was Professor, Dept of
Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center from 1988 to 1997 and
Staff, then Senior, then Principal Scientist at the University of Massachusetts Worcester
Foundation for Experimental Biology from 1977 to 1987. She was also a National Science Foundation
Postdoctoral Fellow at the Stanford School of Medicine in Berkeley, California from 1965 to 1967.
Over the past several years she has received numerous honors and awards as guest lecturer and/or
member of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, World Health Organization [WHO],
American Academy of Science, National Institutes of Health [NIH], Rockefeller Foundation, Gates
Foundation, American Society for Microbiology and several others. She additionally has over 200
scientific publications. Dr Robinson has a B.A degree from Swarthmore College and M.S. and Ph.D.
degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
There have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments
or injunctions material to the evaluation of the ability and integrity of any director or executive
officer during the past five years.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among any of the directors or executive officers of the
Company.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Director Nomination Process
Our Board of Directors does not have a standing nominating committee or a charter governing
the manner in which individuals are nominated to the Board. We do not have specific minimum
qualifications that a person must
meet in order to serve on our Board of Directors, nor do we have a policy about the consideration
of any director candidates recommended by stockholders. In forming our Board of Directors, we have
sought out, and in the future will
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seek out, individuals who would be able to guide our operations based on their education, business
experience or other qualifications that we deem valuable. Although we may form a nominating
committee in the future, we believe that one is not currently necessary, as all of our directors
will participate in the consideration of new director nominees. To date, we have not paid any
third parties to assist us in finding suitable candidates to serve as directors. All of our
nominees are directors standing for re-election.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which stockholders may recommend
nominees to our Board of Directors.
Director Independence
With the exception of Donald Hildebrand, our current President and Chief Executive Officer,
and Andrew Kandalepas, our current Senior Vice President and former Chief Executive Officer, all of
the members of our Board of Directors are independent, as that term is defined by The NASDAQ
Stock Market.
Board Meetings and Committees
Board of Directors. The Board of Directors held two meetings during 2006 and took action by
unanimous written consent on three occasions. Each director attended at least 75% of the total
meetings of the Board and the committees on which they served during 2006. We strongly encourage,
but we do not require, our directors to attend our Annual Stockholders Meeting. We did not hold
an Annual Stockholders Meeting during 2006.
Our Board of Directors has a standing Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is currently comprised of Mr. Spencer (Chairman) and Dr.
McNally. The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight
responsibilities relating to the quality and integrity of our financial reports; the independent
public accountants qualifications and independence; and the performance of the independent public
accountants. The Audit Committee reviews our financial structure, policies and procedures,
appoints the independent public accountants, reviews their audit plans and results of the audit
engagement with them, approves permitted non-audit services provided by them, reviews their
independence, and reviews the adequacy our internal accounting controls. Our Board of Directors
has determined that each member of the committee is independent in accordance with applicable rules
of The NASDAQ Stock Market, and that Mr. Spencer qualifies as an audit committee financial expert
as defined by the SECs rules. The Audit Committee has adopted a charter, a copy of which is
available on our website at www.geovax.com. During most of 2006, we did not have a standing Audit
Committee, which was formed on December 7, 2006. Although the Audit Committee held no meetings
during 2006, the Audit Committee Chairman, Mr. Spencer, provided oversight to the engagement of our
independent public accountants for the 2006 audit.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee is currently comprised of Dr. McNally
(Chairman), Mr. Kollintzas, and Mr. Spencer. The Compensation Committee has responsibility over
matters related to the fair and competitive compensation of our executives, employees and non-employee
directors, as well as matters relating to all other benefit plans. The committee
reviews annually the goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our
executive officers, and reviews managements recommendations for compensation of our
non-executive employees. The Committee is also authorized to interpret the GeoVax Labs, Inc. 2006
Stock Option Plan (the Plan), to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to
the Plan, to determine the term and provisions of the respective option agreements, and to make all
other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The
Compensation Committee has adopted a charter, a copy of which is available on our website at
www.geovax.com. During most of 2006, we did not have a standing Compensation Committee,
which was formed on December 7, 2006. The Compensation Committee held one meeting during 2006.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. There are no interlocks, as
defined by the SEC, with respect to any member of the Compensation Committee.
5
Stockholder Communications with the Board of Directors
Any stockholder who wishes to communicate directly with our Board of Directors should do so in
writing, addressed to GeoVax Labs, Inc., c/o Audit Committee Chair, 1256 Briarcliff Road, Suite
500, Atlanta, Georgia 30306. If marked confidential, these communications will not be screened
by management prior to receipt by the Audit Committee Chair.
Code of Ethics
Our Board of Directors has adopted a written code of ethics, a copy of which is available on
our website at www.geovax.com. We require all officers, directors and employees to adhere to this
code in addressing the legal and ethical issues encountered in conducting their work. The code
requires that employees avoid conflicts of interest, comply with all laws and other legal
requirements, conduct business in an honest and ethical manner, and otherwise act with integrity
and in our best interest. Employees are required to report any conduct that they believe in good
faith to be an actual or apparent violation of the code. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires
companies to have procedures to receive, retain and treat complaints received regarding accounting,
internal accounting controls or auditing matters and to allow for the confidential and anonymous
submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. We
currently have such procedures in place.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended, requires our executive officers and directors
and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, as well as
certain affiliates of those persons, to file with the SEC initial statements of beneficial
ownership, reports of changes in ownership and annual reports concerning their ownership, of common
stock and other of our equity securities on Forms 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Executive officers,
directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with
copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. Based solely on its review of the copies of such
reports received by it and written representations that no other reports were required for those
persons, we believe that, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, all filing requirements
applicable to our executive officers, directors and owners of more than 10% of our common stock
were met, except the following:
Form 3 reports were filed for Mr. Spencer, Mr. Hildebrand, Ms. Edith Murphree (a
former director), Dr. Robinson and Emory University on October 10, 2006 rather than
on October 9, 2006, a Form 3 was filed for Mr. Gary Teal (a former director) on
October 11, 2006 rather than on October 9, 2006 and a Form 3 was filed for Mr.
Kollintzas on October 16, 2006 rather than on October 9, 2006.
Mr. Kandalepas was late filing two Form 4 reports to report (a) 20,000,000 shares of
our common stock that was issued to him on September 28, 2006 for services rendered
in connection with the merger with GeoVax, Inc., and (b) three additional non-market
transactions made during September and October 2006. Mr. Kandalepas reported these
transactions on a Form 5 report filed on March 16, 2007.
6
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS, DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Based solely upon information made available to us, the following table sets forth information
with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 15, 2007 by (1) each
person who is known by us to beneficially own more than five percent of the common stock; (2) each
director and nominee for director; (3) each of the named executive officers listed in the Summary
Compensation Table below under the caption Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers; and
(4) all executive officers and directors as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, the holders
listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock
beneficially owned by them.
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Number of Shares |
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Beneficially |
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) |
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Owned |
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Percentage |
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Directors and Named Executive Officers: |
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Donald G. Hildebrand (3) |
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76,972,107 |
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10.5 |
% |
Andrew J. Kandalepas |
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21,290,065 |
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3.0 |
% |
Robert T. McNally |
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617,742 |
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* |
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Dean G. Kollintzas |
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Mark W. Reynolds |
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Jack N. Spencer |
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All executive officers and directors as a group (6 persons) |
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98,879,914 |
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13.5 |
% |
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5% Stockholders: |
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Emory University |
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233,905,253 |
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32.8 |
% |
Administration Building 101 |
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201 Dowman Drive |
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Atlanta, Georgia 30322 |
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Harriet L. Robinson (4) |
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69,321,865 |
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9.6 |
% |
c/o GeoVax Labs, Inc. |
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1256 Briarcliff Road, Suite 500 |
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Atlanta, Georgia 30306 |
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* |
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Less than 1% |
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(1) |
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Except as otherwise indicated, the business address of each director and executive officer
listed is c/o GeoVax Labs, Inc., 1256 Briarcliff Road, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30306. |
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(2) |
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This table is based upon information supplied by officers and directors, and with respect to
principal shareholders, Schedules 13D and 13G filed with the SEC. Beneficial ownership is
determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Applicable
percentage ownership is based on 712,834,703 shares of common stock outstanding as of April
15, 2007. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage
ownership of that person, shares of common stock subject to options currently exercisable, or
exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2007, are deemed outstanding. |
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(3) |
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Includes 59,180,847 shares of common stock and options to purchase 17,791,260 shares of
common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2007. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 60,426,235 shares of common stock and options to purchase 8,895,630 shares of common
stock exercisable within 60 days of April 15, 2007. The stock options held by Dr. Robinson
are pursuant to her service as Chairman of our Scientific Advisory Board. |
7
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
In the paragraphs that follow, we will give an overview and analysis of our compensation
program and policies, the material compensation decisions we have made under those programs and
policies with respect to our top executive officers, and the material factors that we considered in
making those decisions. The tables that follow this Compensation Discussion and Analysis contain
specific data about the compensation earned or paid in 2006 to the following individuals, whom we
refer to as our named executive officers:
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Our President and Chief Executive Officer, Donald Hildebrand |
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Our Senior Vice-President, Andrew Kandalepas. Mr. Kandalepas also served as President
and Chief Executive Officer until our merger with GeoVax, Inc. in September 2006 |
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Our Chief Financial Officer, Mark Reynolds |
The discussion below is intended to help you understand the detailed information provided in
those tables and put that information into context within our overall compensation program.
Objectives of Our Compensation Program
In general, we operate in a marketplace where competition for talented executives is
significant. The biopharmaceutical industry is highly competitive and includes companies with far
greater resources than ours. We are engaged in the long-term development of drug candidates,
without the benefit of significant current revenues, and therefore our operations involve a high
degree of risk and uncertainty. Continuity of personnel across multi-disciplinary functions is a
critical success factor to our business.
The objectives of our compensation program for our executive officers and other employees is
to provide competitive cash compensation, health, and retirement benefits as well as long-term
equity incentives that offer significant reward potential for the risks assumed and for each
individuals contribution to our long-term performance. Individual performance is measured against
overall corporate goals, scientific innovation, regulatory compliance, new business development,
employee development, and other values designed to build a culture of high performance. These
policies and practices are based on the principle that total compensation should serve to attract
and retain those executives and employees critical to our overall success and are designed to
reward executives for their contributions toward business performance that enhances stockholder
value.
Role of the Compensation Committee
Our Compensation Committee assists our Board in discharging its responsibilities relating to
compensation of our executive officers. As such, the Compensation Committee has responsibility
over matters relating to the fair and competitive compensation of our executives, employees and
non-employee directors, as well as matters relating to all other benefit plans.
Each of the three members of our Compensation Committee is independent as that term is defined in
the listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market. We believe that their independence from
management allows the Compensation Committee members to provide unbiased consideration of various
elements that could be included in an executive compensation program and apply independent judgment
about which elements and designs best achieve our compensation objectives. With regard to
executive compensation, the Compensation Committee is charged specifically with annually reviewing
and determining the compensation for our Chief Executive Officer. With regard to our other
executive officers, the Compensation Committee reviews recommendations from our Chief Executive
Officer and provides input on his recommendations as appropriate. The Compensation Committee also
approves a pool of stock options to be granted as recommended by the Chief Executive Officer to our
employees (including other executive officers) and the Board of Directors approves the grant of
such options.
Our Compensation Committee was formed on December 7, 2006. Prior to that date, all of the
duties and responsibilities described above were performed by the Board of Directors.
Elements of Compensation
8
To achieve the objectives described above, the three primary compensation elements used for
executive officers are base salary, cash bonus, and stock option awards. We believe that these
three elements are the most effective combination in motivating and retaining the executive
officers at this stage in our development.
Base Salary. Our philosophy is to maintain executive base salary at a competitive level
sufficient to recruit and retain individuals possessing the skills and capabilities necessary to
achieve our goals over the long term. Each individuals base salary is determined after considering
a variety of factors that include market value and prospective value to us, including the
knowledge, experience, and accomplishments of the individual, the individuals level of
responsibility, and the typical compensation levels for individuals with similar credentials.
Cash Bonus. The purpose of the cash bonus program for executive officers is to motivate and
reward the achievement of corporate goals, along with the achievement of individual performance
goals.
Stock Option Awards. Stock option awards are a fundamental element in our executive
compensation program because they emphasize our long-term performance, as measured by creation of
stockholder value, and align the interests of our stockholders and our company leaders. In
addition, they are crucial to a competitive compensation program for executive officers, and they
act as a powerful retention tool. In our current pre-commercial state, we view the Company as still
facing a significant level of risk, but with the potential for a high upside, and therefore we
believe that stock incentive awards are appropriate for executive officers. These awards are
provided through initial grants at or near the date of hire and through subsequent periodic grants.
The initial grant is designed for the level of the job that the executive holds and is designed to
motivate the officer to make the kind of decisions and implement strategies and programs that will
contribute to an increase in our stock price over time. Periodic additional stock option
awards may be granted to reflect the executives ongoing contributions to the Company, to create an
incentive to remain at the Company and to provide a long-term incentive to achieve or exceed our financial goals.
Timing of Annual Awards
In order to assess the performance of a full calendar year, annual awards are generally
determined in December of the each year. We do not currently have any program, plan or practice in
place to time stock option grants to our executives or other employees in coordination with the
release of material non-public information.
Tax Considerations
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, limits tax deductions of
public companies on compensation paid to certain executive officers in excess of $1 million. The
Compensation Committee considers the impact of Section 162(m) on its compensation decisions, but
has no formal policy to structure executive compensation so that it complies with the requirements
of Section 162(m). In general, stock options granted under the Companys 2006 Stock Option Plan
are intended to qualify under and comply with the performance based compensation exemption
provided under Section 162(m) thus excluding from the Section 162(m) compensation limitation any
income recognized by executives at the time of exercise of such stock options.
Setting Executive Compensation
Historically, we have not used a quantitative method or mathematical formulas exclusively in
setting any element of executive compensation. We use discretion, guided in large part by the
concept of pay for performance, and we consider all elements of an executives compensation package
when setting each portion of compensation. There is no pre-established policy or target for the
allocation between cash and equity incentive compensation.
When determining compensation for a new executive officer, factors taken into consideration
are the individuals skills, background and experience, the individuals potential impact on our
short-and long-term success, and competitive information from peer companies, industry-specific
sources, and possibly from other prospective candidates interviewed during the recruitment process.
We will generally make a grant of stock options when an executive officer joins us. Options are
granted at no less than 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant. In
determining the size of a stock option grant to an executive officer, we consider company
performance, competitive data, and the individuals scope of responsibility and continuing
performance. Most importantly, since the stock option
9
grant is meant to be a retention tool, we consider the importance to stockholders of that persons
continued service. Stock option grants to executives will generally vest over a period of three to
four years.
The Compensation Committee will annually review and determine the compensation for our Chief
Executive Officer. Each year recommendations for the compensation for other executive officers
(other than himself) are prepared by the Chief Executive Officer and are reviewed with the
Committee and modified where appropriate.
Donald Hildebrand. Mr. Hildebrand became our President and Chief Executive Officer
immediately upon the consummation of our merger with GeoVax, Inc. on September 28, 2006. Effective
on that date, we assumed responsibility for Mr. Hildebrands prior employment agreement with
GeoVax, Inc., dated December 20, 2002. Mr. Hildebrand is a founder of GeoVax, Inc. Mr.
Hildebrands base salary for 2006 was $230,000 annually (carried forward from GeoVax, Inc.). At the
first meeting held by the Compensation Committee subsequent to its formation in December 2006, the
Committee reviewed Mr. Hildebrands compensation and considered a variety of factors, including Mr.
Hildebrands performance and his level of responsibility within our company. The Committee also
determined that, since a significant corporate objective for the Company in 2007 is the successful
completion of additional capital raising activities, a portion of Mr. Hildebrands compensation for
2007 should be based on achievement of this objective. Based upon this review, the Committee
awarded Mr. Hildebrand a salary increase, effective January 1, 2007, to $250,000 annually, with an
additional $10,000 in annual salary (retroactive to January 1, 2007) contingent upon our
receipt of a minimum of $6 million of equity capital during 2007. The Committee also awarded Mr.
Hildebrand a cash bonus of $50,000 for 2006, which was paid in January 2007. No additional stock
option awards were granted to Mr. Hildebrand for 2006.
Andrew Kandalepas. Mr. Kandalepas served as our President and Chief Executive Officer during
2006 until our merger with GeoVax, Inc., at which time he assumed the role of Senior Vice
President. Prior to the merger, Mr. Kandalepas did not have a formal employment contract, and his
compensation was determined by the then Board of Directors, none of whom remained on the Board
subsequent to the merger, with the exception of Mr. Kandalepas. Mr. Kandalepas annual salary prior
to the merger was $195,000, which amount was unchanged from the prior year. Mr. Kandalepas
received no cash bonus during 2006 (prior to the merger), but the then Board of Directors approved
the issuance of 20 million restricted shares of our Common Stock to Mr. Kandalepas immediately
prior to the merger, for services rendered in connection with the merger and with the settlement of
litigation with certain holders of our preferred stock. Effective with the merger with
GeoVax, Inc., all prior compensation arrangements with Mr. Kandalepas were terminated and he
received no pay for the period from September 30, 2006 to December 31, 2006, although he continued
to provide services to us as our Senior Vice President. In February 2007, the
Compensation Committee reviewed, and provided input on, a recommendation from Mr. Hildebrand for a
compensation arrangement with Mr. Kandalepas. We executed an employment agreement with
Mr. Kandalepas effective February 1, 2007 pursuant to which Mr. Kandalepas receives an annual
salary of $210,000. Mr. Kandalepas was also awarded retroactive pay of $40,000 for the fourth
quarter of 2006 and $17,500 for the month of January 2007. Additionally, at its meeting on March
14, 2007, upon recommendation from the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors awarded Mr.
Kandalepas a stock option contract for 1,800,000 shares at an exercise price of $0.355 per share.
Mark Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds was engaged as our Chief Financial Officer effective October 1,
2006, under an arrangement whereby he provides services to the Company on a part-time basis and is
paid based on a monthly retainer of $750 plus a fee of $135 per hour, which was increased to $145
per hour effective January 1, 2007. Additionally, at its meeting on March 14, 2007, upon
recommendation from the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors awarded Mr. Reynolds a stock
option contract for 1,800,000 shares at an exercise price of $0.355 per share.
Benefits Provided to Executive Officers
We provide our executive officers with certain benefits that the Compensation Committee
believes are reasonable and consistent with our overall compensation program. The Compensation
Committee will periodically review the levels of benefits provided to our executive officers. In
2006, Mr. Hildebrand received reimbursement of periodic commuting expenses and temporary living
expenses for travel between our offices in Atlanta, Georgia and Mr. Hildebrands home in
Athens, Georgia. Mr. Hildebrand is reimbursed for medical and dental insurance costs per his
contractual agreement and is eligible for standard GeoVax 401k benefits. Mr. Kandalepas is
eligible for health insurance and 401k benefits at the same level as provided to all other
employees. The amounts shown in the Summary Compensation Table under the heading Other
Compensation represent the value of
10
Companys matching contributions to the executive officers 401(k) accounts. Executive officers
did not receive any other perquisites or other personal benefits or property from the Company or
any other source.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation earned during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 by our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and
our Senior Vice President (collectively, our Named Executive Officers):
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Stock |
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Option |
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All Other |
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Salary |
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Bonus |
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Awards |
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Awards |
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Compen- |
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Name and Principal Position |
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Year |
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($) |
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($) |
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($) |
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($) |
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sation ($) |
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Total ($) |
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Donald G. Hildebrand (1) |
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2006 |
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57,500 |
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50,000 |
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574 |
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108,074 |
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President & Chief Executive Officer |
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Andrew J. Kandalepas (2) |
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2006 |
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173,467 |
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2,400,000 |
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2,573,467 |
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Senior Vice President |
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Former President & Chief Executive
Officer |
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Mark W. Reynolds (3) |
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2006 |
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13,192 |
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2,000 |
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15,192 |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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(1) |
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Mr. Hildebrand became our President and Chief Executive Officer effective September 28,
2006. All compensation amounts above reflect amounts paid to, or earned by, Mr. Hildebrand
from that date through December 31, 2006. |
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(2) |
|
The amount shown in the Stock Awards column for Mr. Kandalepas reflects the value assigned
by the Company to 20 million restricted shares issued to Mr. Kandalepas for services rendered
prior to the consummation of our merger with GeoVax, Inc. Due to the accounting treatment
accorded to the merger, our historical financials have been substituted by those of GeoVax,
Inc. prior to the merger date; accordingly, this amount is not reflected in our financial
statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. |
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(3) |
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Mr. Reynolds became our Chief Financial Officer effective October 1, 2006. All compensation
amounts above reflect amounts paid to, or earned by, Mr. Reynolds from that date through
December 31, 2006. |
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
There were no option awards or other plan-based awards granted during 2006 to any of our Named
Executive Officers.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the value of all
unexercised options previously awarded to our named executive officers as of December 31, 2006
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Option Awards |
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Number of |
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Number of |
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Securities |
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Securities |
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Underlying |
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Underlying |
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Unexercised |
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Unexercised |
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Option |
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Options (#) |
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Options (#) |
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Option Exercise |
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Expiration |
Name |
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Exercisable |
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Unexercisable |
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Price ($) |
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Date |
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Donald G. Hildebrand |
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8,895,630 |
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0.0445 |
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12/20/07 |
Donald G. Hildebrand |
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8,895,630 |
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0.0445 |
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2/5/09 |
11
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE OF CONTROL
Pursuant to Mr. Hildebrands employment agreement, if we terminate Mr. Hildebrands employment
without cause, we are required to provide Mr. Hildebrand thirty days notice of such termination and
Mr. Hildebrand will be entitled to continue to receive his base salary for a period of nine months
from the effective date of termination.
Pursuant to Mr. Kandalepas employment agreement, if we terminate Mr. Kandalepas employment
without cause, we are required to provide Mr. Kandalepas thirty days notice of such termination and
Mr. Kandalepas will be entitled to continue to receive his base salary for a period of one week for
each year of service. Mr. Reynolds employment agreement contains the same provisions as Mr.
Kandalepas with regard to salary continuance upon employment termination without cause.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation earned during the last
fiscal year by each individual who served as a director at any time during the fiscal year.
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Fees Earned or |
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Name |
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Paid in Cash ($) |
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Option Awards ($) |
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Total ($) |
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Current Directors (1): |
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Donald Hildebrand
(2) |
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Andrew Kandalepas
(2) |
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Dean Kollintzas (2) |
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2,004 |
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2,004 |
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Robert McNally (2) |
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2,917 |
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2,917 |
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John Spencer (2) |
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2,754 |
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2,754 |
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Former Directors: |
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Edith Murphree |
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Gary Teal |
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Daniel Kiddy |
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Gary Soiney |
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(1) |
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Does not include Mr. Hildebrand and Mr. Kandalepas, who are employees of the Company and
receive no compensation for the service as directors. |
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(2) |
|
The Director Compensation Plan (discussed below) was approved by the Board of Directors on
March 14, 2007 and applied retroactively to September 28, 2006. The cash fees earned by the
independent directors for services during that period were paid retroactively and are
reflected in the Director Compensation table above. The stock option grants to Messrs.
Kollintzas, McNally and Spencer, due to each of them upon their respective appointments to the
Board of Directors in 2006, were issued and priced as of March 14, 2007 and are not reflected
in the Director Compensation table above. |
Director Compensation Plan
In March 2007, the Board of Directors approved a recommendation from the Compensation
Committee for director compensation (the Director Compensation Plan). The Director Compensation
Plan applies only to non-employee directors. Directors who are employees of the Company receive no
compensation for their service as directors or as members of committees. Non-employee directors
receive an annual retainer of $2,000 (paid quarterly) for service as a member of the Audit
Committee and $1,250 for service as a member of the Compensation Committee. The Chairman of the
Audit Committee receives an annual retainer of $9,000, and the Chairman of the Compensation
Committee receives an annual retainer of $6,000 (also paid quarterly). Non-employee directors also
receive fees for each Board or Committee meeting attended as follows: $1,500 per Board meeting,
$1,000 per Committee meeting chaired, and $500 per Committee meeting attended as a non-Chair
member. Meetings attended telephonically are paid at lower rates ($750, $750 and $400,
respectively). Non-employee directors receive an automatic grant of options to purchase 1,320,000
shares of Common Stock on the date that such non-employee director is first elected or appointed.
The Director Compensation Plan currently does not provide for an annual stock option grant upon a
directors re-election to the Board, or otherwise, but the compensation plan may be modified in the
future. All directors are
12
reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings of the Board of Directors.
Prior to March 2007, the Company had no formal plan for compensation of its directors.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis
with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended
to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy
statement.
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Respectfully Submitted, |
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE: |
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Robert T. McNally., Chairman |
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Dean G. Kollintzas |
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John N. Spencer, Jr. |
PROPOSAL II
AMENDMENT OF THE GEOVAX LABS, INC. 2006 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Background
In connection with our merger with GeoVax, Inc. on September 30, 2006, our stockholders
approved the GeoVax Labs, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan). The Plan, in the form as
approved at that time, included a provision that the maximum number of shares of our common stock
subject to the Plan would not be more than 36,000,000. Upon our merger with GeoVax, Inc., we
assumed a total of 34,431,032 options previously issued by GeoVax, Inc., that became options of
GeoVax Labs, Inc. and are now considered to be issued pursuant to the Plan; this reduced the number
of Plan shares available for our future use to 1,568,968. The Board determined this amount to be
insufficient to achieve the objectives of the Plan, including compensation for the new directors
and employees of the Company.
On December 7, 2006, our Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Plan to increase the
number of shares reserved under the Plan by 15,000,000, thereby raising the total number of shares
authorized from 36,000,000 to 51,000,000. Upon approving the amendment to the Plan, the Board also
directed that the amendment should be submitted for stockholder approval in order that any options
granted as an incentive stock option (ISO) may qualify as an ISO with the meaning of the
Internal Revenue Code. On April 15, 2007, the last sale price of our common stock was $0.31.
Purpose of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
The purpose of the Plan is to promote the long-term success of GeoVax and to increase
stockholder value by:
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attracting and retaining key employees and directors of outstanding ability; |
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encouraging key employees and directors to focus on long-range objectives; and |
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further aligning the interests of key employees and directors with the interests of the stockholders. |
A summary of the Plan is set forth below.
Maximum Aggregate Shares Issuable under the 2006 Plan
The total shares of our Common Stock subject to the Plan shall not exceed the sum of
51,000,000 shares. The numbers of shares reserved under the Plan are subject to adjustment in the
event of a change in our capitalization. To the extent that any shares covered by a prior stock
incentive award remain unissued after the award is canceled, exchanged, or expires unexercised,
then such shares of common stock may again be available for use under the Plan.
13
Term of the Plan
The Plan became effective on September 28, 2006. Unless the Plan is earlier terminated in
accordance with its provisions, no stock incentives will be granted under the Plan after the
earlier of ten years from the effective date, or the date on which all of the shares reserved for
the Plan have been issued or are no longer available for use under the Plan.
Administration of the Plan
The Plan is administered by a committee (the Committee) of two or more members of the Board
of Directors. The Committee will have full power to:
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select eligible participants to receive awards under the Plan; |
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determine the sizes and types of stock incentives to award under the Plan; |
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determine the terms and conditions of such awards; |
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interpret the Plan and any agreement or instrument entered into under the Plan; |
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establish, amend, or waive rules or regulations for the administration of the Plan; |
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amend the terms and conditions of any outstanding stock incentives as allowed under the Plan; and |
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make all other determinations, or take such other actions, as may be necessary or
advisable for the administration of the Plan. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, only a committee comprised solely of two or more directors,
each of whom must be both an outside director within the meaning of the Code already defined, and
a non-employee director as defined in Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, may grant stock incentives that will (1) meet the performance-based exception from the tax
deductibility limitations of Section 162(m) of the Code, or (2) be exempt from Section 16(b) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Types of Stock Incentives
The Board of Directors and the Committee may grant the following stock incentives under the
Plan (each individually, a Stock Incentive):
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stock options to purchase shares of common stock, including options intended to
qualify under Section 422 of the Code (incentive stock options) and options not
intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Code (non-qualified stock options); |
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restricted stock awards; and |
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restricted stock bonus. |
Each of the above Stock Incentives will be evidenced by a stock incentive agreement executed
by GeoVax and the eligible recipient, in such form and with such terms and conditions as the
Committee may, pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, determine in their discretion from time to
time.
Eligible Recipient
Awards of Stock Incentives under the Plan may be made to employees of GeoVax and its
subsidiaries, non-employee directors, and consultants or advisors that provide services (other than
the offering, sale or marketing of our securities) to us or to our subsidiaries (collectively, the
Participants). Only employees are eligible to receive a grant of incentive stock options.
Provisions Applicable to Stock Options
Exercise Price. With respect to each grant of an incentive stock option to a Participant who
is not a stockholder holding more than 10% of our total voting stock (ten-percent stockholder),
the exercise price will not be less than the fair market value of the shares, which is equal to the
closing sale price of our Common Stock on the grant date (Fair Market Value). With respect to
each grant of an incentive stock option to a recipient who is a ten-percent stockholder, the
exercise price will not be less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of the shares.
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Option Term. Stock options may not be exercised after the tenth anniversary of the grant date,
except that any incentive stock option granted to a ten-percent stockholder may not be exercised
after the fifth anniversary of the grant date.
Transferability Restrictions. A stock option issued under the Plan may not be transferable or
assignable, except by the laws of descent and distribution, and may be exercisable only by the
Participant. However, a non-qualified stock option may be transferred by the Participant as a bona
fide gift to his or her spouse, lineal descendant or ascendant, siblings, and children by adoption.
Payment. Payment for shares purchased pursuant to exercise of a stock option may be made in
cash or by delivery to us of a number of shares that have been owned and completely paid for by the
Participant for at least six months prior to the date of exercise, or a combination thereof. In
addition, the stock option may be exercised through a brokerage transaction as permitted under the
provisions of Regulation T, applicable to cashless exercises promulgated by the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System, unless prohibited by Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, payment must be made at the time that the stock option,
or any part thereof, is exercised, and no shares shall be issued or delivered to the Participant
upon exercise of its option until full payment has been made by the Participant. Unless prohibited
by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in the sole discretion of the Committee, a stock option may be
exercised by delivery to us of a promissory note executed by the Participant, with such other terms
and conditions as the Committee may determine. Other methods of payment may also be used if
approved by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion and provided for under the related
stock incentive agreement.
Repricing of Stock Options. The Committee may approve the repricing of all or any portion of
outstanding stock options granted under the Plan without the additional approval of the
stockholders.
Provisions Applicable to Stock Bonus
A stock bonus is an award of shares under the Plan for extraordinary service to us or any
subsidiary of ours. The Committee will determine the number of shares to be awarded and any
conditions, criteria, or performance requirements applicable to the stock bonus.
Provisions Applicable to Stock Awards
A stock award is an offer by us to sell to an eligible person shares that may or may not be
subject to restrictions. The Committee may determine the terms, conditions, restrictions, and other
provisions of each stock award. Stock awards issued under the Plan may have restrictions that lapse
based upon the service of a Participant, or based upon the attainment of performance goals
established pursuant to the business criteria listed in the Plan, or based upon any other criteria
that the Committee may determine appropriate. The purchase price of shares sold pursuant to a stock
award will be determined by us on the date the stock award is granted but may not be less than the
fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant, provided however, in the case of a sale
to a holder of 10% or more of our Common Stock, the purchase price shall not be less than 110% of
the fair market value.
Repurchase Rights
The Committee may permit us or our assignee to repurchase all, or any portion of, a Stock
Award under the Plan.
Amendment and Termination
The Board of Directors or the Committee may suspend, terminate, or amend the Plan from time to
time except that certain amendments as specified in the Plan may not be made without the approval
of our stockholders. The Board of Directors or the Committee may also modify, amend or cancel any
Stock Incentive granted under the Plan, including the repricing of any outstanding Stock Options
granted under the Plan; provided, however, that without the consent of
the Participant affected, no such modification, amendment or cancellation may diminish the rights
of such Participant under the Stock Incentive previously granted under the Plan.
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Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a brief description of the material United States federal income tax
consequences associated with Stock Incentives under the Plan. It is based on existing United States
laws and regulations, and there can be no assurance that those laws and regulations will not change
in the future. The summary does not purport to be complete and does not discuss the tax
consequences upon a Participants death, or the provisions of the income tax laws of any
municipality, state or foreign country in which the Participant may reside, or all possible tax
consequences of the receipt or exercise of stock rights under the Plan, which consequences may vary
depending upon a participants individual tax and financial circumstances.
Incentive Stock Options. An option holder has no tax consequences upon issuance or, generally,
upon exercise of an incentive stock option (ISO). However, the excess of the fair market value of
the shares transferred upon the exercise of an ISO over the exercise price for such shares
generally will constitute an item of alternative minimum tax adjustment to the option holder for
the year in which the option is exercised, and thus it may increase the option holders federal
income tax liability as a result of the exercise of an ISO under the alternative minimum tax rules
of the Code. An option holder will recognize income when he sells or exchanges the shares acquired
upon exercise of an ISO. This income will be taxed at the applicable capital gains rate if the sale
or exchange occurs after the expiration of the requisite holding periods. Generally, the requisite
holding periods expire two years after the date of grant of the ISO and one year after the date of
acquisition of the common stock pursuant to the exercise of the ISO.
If an option holder disposes of the common stock acquired pursuant to exercise of an ISO
before the expiration of the requisite holding periods, the option holder will recognize ordinary
income in an amount equal to the difference between the option price and the lesser of (i) the fair
market value of the shares on the date of exercise, and (ii) the price at which the shares are
sold. However, if the option holder is subject to suit under Section 16(b) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the short swing profits rule), the option holder will recognize ordinary
income in an amount equal to the difference between the option price and the lesser of (i) the fair
market value of the shares as of a later date (such later date being the earlier of (1) the
expiration of six months from the date of exercise, or (2) the first day on which the disposition
of such property would not subject such option holder to suit under Section 16(b) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, unless the option holder makes a timely Code §83(b) election, in which event
the fair market value of the shares will be determined on the date of exercise), and (ii) the price
at which the shares are sold. This amount will be taxed at ordinary income rates. If the sale price
of the shares is greater than the fair market value on the date of exercise, the difference will be
recognized as gain by the option holder and taxed at the applicable capital gains rate. If the sale
price of the shares is less than the option price, the option holder will recognize a capital loss
equal to the excess of the option price over the sale price. Such capital gain or loss will be
treated as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss depending upon whether the holding period
applicable to the long-term capital assets has been satisfied.
For these purposes, the use of shares acquired upon exercise of an ISO to pay the option price
of another option (whether or not it is an ISO) will be considered a disposition of the shares. If
this disposition occurs before the expiration of the requisite holding periods, the option holder
will have the same tax consequences as are described above in the preceding paragraph. If the
option holder transfers any such shares after holding them for the requisite holding periods, or
transfers shares acquired pursuant to exercise of a nonqualified stock option (NQSO) or on the
open market, he generally will not recognize any income upon the exercise. Whether or not the
transferred shares were acquired pursuant to an ISO, and regardless of how long the option holder
has held such shares, the basis of the new shares received pursuant to the exercise will be
computed in two steps. In the first step, a number of new shares equal to the number of older
shares tendered (in payment of the options exercise) is considered exchanged under Code §1036 and
the rulings thereunder. Accordingly, these new shares receive the same holding period and the same
basis the option holder had in the old tendered shares, if any, plus the amount included in income
from the deemed sale of the old shares and the amount of cash or other nonstock consideration paid
for the new shares, if any. In the second step, the number of new shares received by the option
holder in excess of the old tendered shares receives a basis of zero, and the option holders
holding period with respect to such shares commences upon exercise.
An option holder may have tax consequences upon exercise of an ISO if the aggregate fair
market value of shares of the common stock subject to ISOs that first become exercisable by an
option holder in any one calendar year exceeds $100,000. If this occurs, the excess shares will be
treated as though they are a NQSO instead of an ISO. Upon
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exercise of an option with respect to these shares, the option holder will have the tax
consequences described below with respect to the exercise of NQSOs.
Generally, there will be no tax consequences to GeoVax upon issuance or upon exercise of an
ISO. However, to the extent that an option holder recognizes ordinary income upon exercise, as
described above, GeoVax generally will have a deduction in the same amount, provided GeoVax
satisfies applicable federal income tax reporting requirements or the option holder actually
reports such income on his or her federal income tax return.
Non-Qualified Stock Option. Neither GeoVax nor the option holder has income tax consequences
from the issuance of NQSOs. Generally, in the tax year when an option holder exercises NQSOs, the
option holder recognizes ordinary income in the amount by which the fair market value of the shares
at the time of exercise exceeds the option price for such shares. However, if the option holder is
subject to suit under Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the short swing profits
rule), the option holder recognizes ordinary income in the amount by which the fair market value of
the shares determined as of a later date exceeds the option price for such shares, with such later
date being the earlier of (i) the expiration of six months from the date of exercise, or (ii) the
first day on which the disposition of such property would not subject such option holder to suit
under Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, unless the option holder makes a timely
Code §83(b) election, in which event the fair market value of the shares will be determined on the
date of exercise. GeoVax generally will be entitled to a deduction in the same amount as the
ordinary income recognized by the option holder in GeoVaxs tax year during which the option holder
recognizes ordinary income, provided GeoVax satisfies applicable federal income tax reporting
requirements or the option holder actually reports such income on his or her federal income tax
return.
If a NQSO issued under the Plan does not have an exercise price that is greater than or equal
to the fair market value of the stock subject to the NQSO as of the date of grant of the NQSO, then
such NQSO issued under the Plan generally would be considered a nonqualified deferred compensation
plan subject to taxation under Code §409A. Even if a NQSO issued under the Plan does have an
exercise price that is greater than or equal to the fair market value of the stock subject to the
NQSO as of the date of grant of the NQSO, if there is some additional deferral feature within the
NQSO, then such NQSO might be considered a nonqualified deferred compensation plan subject to
taxation under Code §409A. If this were to occur, the above-discussed tax consequences would be
dramatically changed. GeoVax does not intend to issue any NQSO that might be considered a
nonqualified deferred compensation plan subject to taxation under Code §409A.
Depending upon the time that a Participant holds its shares of common stock after exercise,
the sale or other taxable disposition of the shares acquired through the exercise of a NQSO
generally will result in a short-term or long-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference
between the amount realized on such disposition and the fair market value of such shares when the
NQSO was exercised (or if the option holder was subject to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and did not make a timely Code §83(b) election, the fair market value on the delayed
determination date, if applicable).
Special rules apply to an option holder who exercises a NQSO by paying the exercise price, in
whole or in part, by the transfer of shares of common stock to GeoVax. If an option holder
exercises a NQSO by paying the option price with previously acquired common stock, the option
holder will generally recognize income (relative to the new shares he is receiving) in two steps.
In the first step, a number of new shares equivalent to the number of older shares tendered (in
payment of the NQSO exercised) is considered to have been exchanged in accordance with Code §1036
and the rulings thereunder. Accordingly, no gain or loss is recognized upon the exchange, and the
new shares received in the exchange obtain the same holding period and the same basis the option
holder had in the old tendered shares. In the second step, with respect to the number of new shares
acquired in excess of the number of old shares tendered, the option holder will recognize income on
those new shares equal to their fair market value less any nonstock consideration tendered.
The excess new shares received will obtain a basis equal to the amount of income recognized by
the option holder through its exercise, and increased by any nonstock consideration tendered. The
holding period for the excess new shares commences upon the exercise of the option.
Stock Bonus. A recipient of a stock bonus will recognize income upon its receipt, but
generally only to the extent that it is not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. If the
stock bonus is subject to restrictions that lapse in
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increments over a period of time, so that the holder becomes vested in a portion of the shares as
the restrictions lapse, the holder will recognize income in any tax year only with respect to the
shares that become nonforfeitable during that year. If a holder of restricted stock cannot sell the
common stock without being subject to suit under Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (the short swing profits rule), the common stock will be treated as subject to a substantial
risk of forfeiture. The income recognized will be equal to the fair market value of those shares,
determined as of the time that the restrictions on those shares lapse. That income generally will
be taxable at ordinary income tax rates. GeoVax generally will be entitled to a deduction in an
amount equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the holder of the restricted stock,
provided GeoVax satisfies applicable federal income tax reporting requirements or the holder of the
restricted stock actually reports such income on his or her federal income tax return.
Alternatively, a holder of restricted stock may make a timely Code §83(b) election to
recognize ordinary income for the taxable year in which he receives an award of restricted stock in
an amount equal to the fair market value of all shares of restricted stock awarded to him (even if
the shares are subject to forfeiture). That income will be taxable at ordinary income tax rates. At
the time of disposition of the shares, a holder who has made such an election will recognize gain
in an amount equal to the difference between the sales price and the fair market value of the
shares at the time of the award. Such gain will be taxable at the applicable capital gains rate. A
timely Code §83(b) election must be made within 30 days after the transfer of the restricted stock
to the holder. GeoVax generally will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary
income recognized by the holder at the time of his election, provided GeoVax satisfies applicable
federal income tax reporting requirements or the employee actually reports such income on his or
her federal income tax return.
Limitation on Tax Deductions for GeoVax. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions, no federal
income tax deduction is allowed for compensation paid to a covered employee in any taxable year
of GeoVax to the extent that such compensation exceeds $1,000,000. The $1,000,000 limitation is
reduced (but not below zero) by the amount (if any) that would have been included in the
compensation of a covered employee for a taxable year but for being disallowed by reason of being a
golden parachute payment under Code §280G. (See Golden Parachute Payments below.) For this
purpose, covered employees are generally the chief executive officer of GeoVax and the four
highest compensated officers of GeoVax, and the term compensation generally includes amounts
includable in gross income as a result of the exercise of stock options or stock appreciation
rights, or the receipt of restricted stock. This deduction limitation does not apply to
compensation that is commission based compensation, performance based compensation, or compensation
that would not be includable in an employees gross income.
Regulations indicate that compensation attributable to a stock option, or a stock appreciation
right, generally will satisfy the limitation exception for performance based compensation if the
grant or award is made by a compensation committee composed of outside directors, the plan under
which the option or right is granted states the maximum number of shares with respect to which the
options or rights may be granted during a specified period to any employee, and, under the terms of
the option or right, the amount of compensation the employee could receive is based solely on an
increase in the value of the stock after the date of the grant or award. Stock options and stock
appreciation rights granted under the Plan may possibly satisfy these requirements, depending upon
the specific terms, provisions, restrictions, and limitations of such options or rights.
Awards under the Plan generally may satisfy the limitation exception for performance based
compensation if (1) compensation received under the award is paid solely on account of, and
contingent upon, the attainment of one or more pre-established, objective performance goals
established by a compensation committee, (2) the material terms of the performance goal under which
the compensation is to be paid must be disclosed to, and subsequently approved by, the stockholders
before the compensation is paid, and (3) the compensation committee must certify in writing prior
to payment of the compensation that the performance goals and other material terms have been
satisfied.
ERISA. The Plan is not, and is not intended to be, an employee benefit plan subject to the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), as it does not provide
either welfare benefits or a deferral of income for periods extending to the termination of
employment or retirement.
Golden Parachute Payments. Under Code §280G, no federal income tax deduction is allowed to a
corporation for excess parachute payments made to disqualified individuals, and receipt of such
payments subjects the recipient
to a 20% excise tax under Code §4999. For this purpose, disqualified individuals are generally
officers, stockholders, or highly compensated individuals performing services for a corporation,
and the term excess parachute payments
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generally includes payments in the nature of compensation that are contingent on a change in the
ownership or effective control of a corporation, to the extent that such payments (in present
value) exceed three times the payees average annual taxable compensation from the corporation for
the previous five years. Certain payments with respect to non-publicly traded corporations,
payments for reasonable compensation for services rendered after a change of control transaction,
and payments from qualified plans are generally not included in determining excess parachute
payments.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board has approved the selection of Porter
Keadle Moore, LLP (PKM) as our independent public accountants for its fiscal year ending December
31, 2007. The Board has determined to not submit the selection of the Companys independent public
accountants for approval or ratification by the Companys stockholders for the following reason.
As discussed below, during the past year the Company and its subsidiary (GeoVax, Inc.) have
experienced two changes of auditors. The Board therefore believes that, especially for this year,
continuity in its independent public accountants is important, and based on the meetings and
discussions between the Audit Committee and PKM, the Board has determined that no change in the
Companys independent public accountants should be considered at the present time.
Tanner LC, who had been engaged by us as the independent public accountants to audit our
financial statements (for Dauphin Technology Inc.) through 2004, was dismissed effective May 5,
2006 and we engaged PKM as our new independent public accountants to audit our 2005 financial
statements (for Dauphin Technology, Inc.). Upon our merger with GeoVax, Inc. in September 2006,
Tripp, Chafin & Causey, LLC, who had been engaged as the independent public accountants to audit
the financial statements of GeoVax, Inc. through 2005, was dismissed and we engaged PKM as the
independent public accountants to audit the Companys 2006 financial statements. Due to the
accounting treatment accorded to our merger with GeoVax, Inc., our historical financials (for
Dauphin Technology, Inc.) have been replaced with those of GeoVax, Inc.; therefore the report of
Tanner LC no longer appears in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for any period previously audited
by them.
Representatives of PKM will be present at the annual meeting, will have the opportunity to
make a statement if they desire to do so, and are expected to be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees and expenses billed by PKM for professional services rendered for the audit
of the Companys annual consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31,
2006 and 2005 and the reviews of the consolidated financial statements included in the Companys
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for those years amounted to $43,922 and $67,169, respectively.
All Other Fees
The Company did not have any fees billed by PKM for products and services other than those
described above under Audit Fees for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures for pre-approving all audit and
non-audit services provided by our independent auditors (the Policy) prior to the
engagement of the independent auditors with respect to such services.
Under the Policy, proposed services may be pre-approved on a periodic basis or individual
engagements may be separately approved by the Audit Committee prior to the services being
performed. In each case, the Audit Committee considers whether the provision of such services would
impair the independent auditors independence. Prior to December 7, 2006, we did not have
a standing Audit Committee, therefore the fees incurred for audit services and audit-related
services prior to that date were not pre-approved by the Audit Committee. All audit services
and provided by PKM for 2006 (and occurring after the formation of the Audit Committee) were
pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is providing this report to enable stockholders
to understand how it monitors and oversees the Companys financial reporting process. The Audit
Committee consists of two directors, both of whom are independent within the meaning of The NASDAQ
Stock Market rules and operates pursuant to an Audit Committee Charter that is reviewed annually by
the Audit Committee and updated as appropriate.
This report confirms that the Audit Committee has: (i) reviewed and discussed the audited
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 with management and the Companys
independent public accountants; (ii) discussed with the Companys independent public accountants
the matters required to be reviewed pursuant to the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61
(Communications with Audit Committees); (iii) reviewed the written disclosures and letter from the
Companys independent public accountants as required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1
(Independence Discussions with Audit Committees); and (iv) discussed with the Companys independent
public accountants their independence from the Company.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has considered whether the provision of
non-audit professional services rendered by Porter Keadle Moore LLP, as discussed above and
disclosed elsewhere in this information statement, is compatible with maintaining their
independence.
Based upon the above review and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of
Directors that the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 be included in
the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Respectfully submitted,
AUDIT COMMITTEE
John N. Spencer, Jr., Chairman
Robert T. McNally
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Procedures for Approval of Related Person Transactions
It is the responsibility of our Audit Committee to review all transactions or arrangements
between our company and any of our directors, officers, principal shareholders or any of their
respective affiliates, associates or related parties.
Transactions with Emory University
In connection with our merger with GeoVax, Inc. in September 2006, Emory University became a
significant stockholder of the Company, and we assumed the rights to a license agreement with Emory
University (the Emory License), for certain of our technologies. The Emory License, among other
contractual obligations, requires payments based on milestone achievements, royalties on sales by
the Company or on payments to the Company by our sublicensees, and payment of maintenance fees in
the event certain milestones are not met within the time periods specified in the contract.
Additionally, prior patent costs are payable to Emory University, one half of which is due when
capital raised subsequent to the date of the Emory License is equal to $5 million and the remainder
is due when cumulative capital raised equals $12.5 million. GeoVax, Inc. reached the first
threshold of $5 million and fulfilled the first half of this payment obligation to Emory University
prior to our merger. We may terminate the Emory License on three months written notice.
In any event, the Emory License expires on the date of the latest expiration date of the underlying
patents.
We are obligated to reimburse Emory University for certain ongoing costs in connection with
the filing, prosecution and maintenance of patent applications subject to the Emory License. Such
reimbursements to Emory
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amounted to $98,842 for the year ended December 31, 2006, inclusive of amounts paid by GeoVax, Inc.
prior to our merger.
OTHER MATTERS
Shareholder Proposals
Any proposal which a stockholder intends to present in accordance with Rule 14a-8 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) at our next Annual Meeting of Stockholders to
be held in 2008 must be received by us on or before January 10, 2008. Notice of stockholder
proposals submitted outside of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act will be considered untimely if
received by us after January 10, 2008. Only proper proposals under Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act
which are timely received will be included in the proxy statement and proxy in 2008. We reserve
the right to vote against, reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect
to any proposal that does not comply with these requirements.
Notice of intention to present a proposal at the 2008 annual meeting should be addressed to
Corporate Secretary, GeoVax Labs, Inc., 1256 Briarcliff Road, Emtech Bio Suite 500, Atlanta,
Georgia 20206.
Availability of Annual Report
Accompanying this Proxy Statement is a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, except for the
exhibits thereto. Shareholders who would like additional copies of our Form 10-K should direct
their requests in writing to: GeoVax Labs, Inc., 1256 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30306,
Attention: Mark Reynolds.
Delivery of Documents to Stockholders Sharing an Address
We will only deliver one Proxy Statement to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless we
have received contrary instructions from one or more of the stockholders. We will promptly deliver
a separate copy of this Proxy Statement to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy
of the document was delivered upon oral or written request to:
GeoVax Labs, Inc.
Attn: Mark Reynolds
1256 Briarcliff Road
Emtech Bio Suite 500
Atlanta, Georgia 30306
Telephone No.: 404-727-0971
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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/s/ Mark W. Reynolds |
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Mark W. Reynolds |
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Corporate Secretary |
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PROXY
GEOVAX LABS, INC.
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors
for the Annual Meeting on June 13, 2007
This proxy will be voted as specified by the stockholder. If no specification is made, all
shares will be voted FOR the approval of the two proposals set forth in the proxy statement.
The stockholder represented herein appoints Donald G. Hildebrand and Andrew Kandalepas, and
each of them, proxies with the power of substitution to vote all shares of Common Stock entitled to
be voted by said stockholder at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of GeoVax Labs, Inc. to be held
at the J. Fonda Conference Center, located at 1256 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, Georgia, on June 13,
2007 at 10:00 A.M. (Eastern Time), and in any adjournment or postponement thereof as specified in
this proxy.
PROPOSAL #1-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
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Donald G. Hildebrand
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FOR o
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AGAINST o
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ABSTAIN o |
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Andrew J. Kandalepas
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FOR o
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AGAINST o
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ABSTAIN o |
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Dean G. Kollintzas
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FOR o
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AGAINST o
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ABSTAIN o |
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Robert T. McNally
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FOR o
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AGAINST o
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ABSTAIN o |
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John N. Spencer, Jr.
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FOR o
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AGAINST o
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ABSTAIN o |
PROPOSAL #2-AMENDMENT OF THE GEOVAX LABS, INC. 2006 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
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FOR o
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AGAINST o
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ABSTAIN o |
Please mark, date and sign your proxy card and mail it in the enclosed envelope as soon as possible.
In their discretion, proxies are entitled to vote upon such other matters as may properly come
before the meeting, or any adjournment thereof.
Note: Please mark, date and sign this proxy card and return it in the enclosed envelope.
Please sign with full corporate name by a duly authorized officer and affix corporate seal.