def14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12 |
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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ThermoGenesis Corp.
2711 Citrus Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Telephone (916) 858-5100
To the Stockholders of ThermoGenesis Corp.:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of ThermoGenesis Corp.
(the Company) to be held at 9:00 a.m. (PST), on December 14, 2007, at Sacramento Marriott, Rancho
Cordova, located at 11211 Point East Dr., Rancho Cordova, Ca. 95742.
At the meeting, you will be asked (i) to elect five (5) directors of the Company, (ii) to
ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm for the 2008 fiscal year, (iii) to vote on a stockholder proposal for an amendment
to the Bylaws relating to election of Directors, and (iv) to consider any other matters that
properly come before the meeting. These matters are disclosed in detail in the attached proxy
statement.
The accompanying Notice of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement contain
information about the matters to be considered and acted upon, and you should read the material
carefully.
We hope you will be able to attend the meeting. However, whether or not you plan to attend the
meeting in person, to help assure us of a quorum, please complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy
card and mail it in the postage-paid envelope provided as promptly as possible. Your proxy may be
revoked at any time prior to the time it is voted.
/s/ Hubert Huckel
Dr. Hubert Huckel
Chairman
of the Board
October 16, 2007
Rancho Cordova, California
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ThermoGenesis Corp.
2711 Citrus Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Telephone (916) 858-5100
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD DECEMBER 14, 2007
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of ThermoGenesis Corp. (the
Company), a Delaware corporation, will be held at the Sacramento Marriott, Rancho Cordova,
located at 11211 Point East Dr., Rancho Cordova, Ca. 95742, on Friday, December 14, 2007, at 9:00
a.m. (PST) for the following purposes:
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To elect five (5) directors to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of
Stockholders or until their successors are elected and qualified; |
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To consider and act upon a proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young
LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the 2008 fiscal
year; |
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To vote on a stockholder proposal for an amendment to the Bylaws relating
to election of Directors; and |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. |
The Board of Directors of the Company has fixed the close of business on November 1, 2007, as
the record date for determining those stockholders who will be entitled to vote at the meeting or
any postponement or adjournment thereof. Stockholders are invited to attend the meeting in person.
Please sign and date the accompanying proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope whether or not you plan to attend the meeting in person. If you attend the
meeting, you may vote in person if you wish, even if you previously have returned your proxy card.
The proxy may be revoked at any time prior to the time it is voted.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ David C. Adams
David C. Adams
Corporate Secretary
October 16, 2007
Rancho Cordova, California
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
YOU ARE URGED TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY RETURN YOUR PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES BE REPRESENTED
REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER YOU OWN. ANY PROXY GIVEN BY YOU MAY BE REVOKED BY WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO
THE COMPANYS CORPORATE SECRETARY, BY FILING A DULY EXECUTED PROXY BEARING A LATER DATE, OR BY
ATTENDING THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON AND VOTING BY BALLOT.
ThermoGenesis Corp.
2711 Citrus Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Telephone (916) 858-5100
PROXY STATEMENT
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SOLICITATION
We are furnishing this proxy statement to you in connection with the fiscal year 2007 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders of ThermoGenesis Corp. (the Company) to be held on Friday, December 14,
2007, at 9:00 a.m. (PST) at the Sacramento Marriott, Rancho Cordova, located at 11211 Point East
Dr., Rancho Cordova, CA 95742, and at any postponement or adjournment thereof (the Meeting).
Only stockholders of record on November 1, 2007, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Meeting. As used in this Proxy Statement, the terms we, us and our also refer to the Company.
The proxy solicited hereby, if properly signed and returned to us and not revoked prior to its
use, will be voted at the Meeting in accordance with the instructions contained therein. If no
contrary instructions are given, each proxy received will be voted FOR the nominees for the Board
of Directors, FOR ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public
accounting firm for fiscal year 2008, AGAINST an amendment of the Bylaws for election of
Directors, and at the proxy holders discretion, on such other matters, if any, which may properly
come before the Meeting (including any proposal to adjourn the Meeting). Any stockholder giving a
proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it is exercised by: (i) filing with the Company
written notice of its revocation addressed to: Corporate Secretary, ThermoGenesis Corp., 2711
Citrus Road, Rancho Cordova, California 95742, (ii) submitting a duly executed proxy bearing a
later date, or (iii) appearing at the Meeting and giving the Corporate Secretary notice of his or
her intention to vote in person.
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company will
bear the entire cost of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing proxy materials furnished by
the Board of Directors to stockholders. Copies of proxy materials will be furnished to brokerage
houses, fiduciaries and custodians to be forwarded to beneficial owners of the Companys stock
entitled to vote. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by use of the mail, some of our
officers, directors and employees may, without additional compensation, solicit proxies by
telephone or personal interview.
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, including financial
statements, is included in this mailing. Such report and financial statements are not a part of
this proxy statement except as specifically incorporated herein.
This Proxy Statement and form of proxy were first mailed on November 16, 2007 to stockholders
of record as of November 1, 2007.
Help Us Reduce Costs of Our Annual Meeting
To help the Company reduce costs related to our annual meeting, we ask all stockholders who
vote through the Internet to consent to electronic delivery of mailings related to future
stockholder meetings. Companies may make their proxy statements and annual reports available online
and eliminate mailing hard copies of these documents to those stockholders who consent in advance
to electronic distribution. If you hold shares in your own name and you are voting via the
Internet, you can consent online when you vote. If you hold shares through an intermediary, such as
a broker or bank, please refer to the information provided by your bank or broker for instructions
on how to consent to electronic distribution.
1
RECORD DATE AND VOTING RIGHTS
The Company is currently authorized to issue up to 80,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $0.001
par value and 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value. As of October 25, 2007,
55,701,175 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding and no shares of Preferred Stock were
outstanding. Each share of Common Stock shall be entitled to one (1) vote on all matters submitted
for stockholder approval. The record date for determination of stockholders entitled to notice of
and to vote at the Meeting is November 1, 2007.
A majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, entitled to vote must be
represented in person or by proxy at the Meeting to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business.
Under Delaware law, abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present for determining
quorum. For the election of directors, the nominees for director who receive the most votes will
become our directors. There are no cumulative voting rights. A majority of quorum is required to
approve all other proposals. Abstentions are treated as a vote against the proposal and broker
non-votes will not be counted either for or against any proposal to determine if a proposal is
approved.
PROPOSAL 1ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
General Information
Our bylaws presently provide that the authorized number of directors may be fixed by
resolution of the Board from time to time, with a minimum of not less than three (3) directors and
a maximum of seven (7) directors. The Board currently has fixed the authorized number of directors
at five (5) and is actively seeking possible additional candidates for the Board whose experience
and relationships will materially add to those attributes possessed by the five members currently
proposed for the Board.
At the Meeting, stockholders will be asked to elect the nominees for director listed below,
each of whom is a current member of the Companys Board of Directors.
Nominees for Director
The nominees for director have consented to being named as nominees in this Proxy Statement
and have agreed to serve as directors, if elected. Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders
will vote the proxies received by them for the five (5) nominees named below. If any nominee of the
Company is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the Meeting, the proxies will
be voted for any nominee designated by the present Board of Directors to fill the vacancy. The
Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unavailable for
election. The Directors who are elected shall hold office until the next Annual Meeting of
Stockholders or until their earlier death, resignation or removal, or until their successors are
elected and qualified.
The following sets forth the persons nominated by the Board of Directors for election and
certain information with respect to those individuals:
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Nominee |
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Philip H. Coelho |
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63 |
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Hubert E. Huckel, M.D. |
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76 |
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Patrick McEnany |
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60 |
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Woodrow A. Myers Jr, M.D. |
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53 |
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William R. Osgood, Ph.D. |
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62 |
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Biographies
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Philip H. Coelho
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Director since 1986 |
Effective July 30, 2007, Mr. Coelho transitioned into the role of Chief Technology Architect
of the Company. Prior to that time, he served as the Companys Chief Executive Officer since 1989.
Mr. Coelho is a member of the Board of Directors and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors
from 1986 to September 2007. Mr. Coelho was President of Castleton, Inc. from October 1983 until
October 1986. Castleton developed and previously licensed the Insta Cool technology to the Company.
Mr. Coelho serves on the Board of Directors of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and previously served
on the Board of Directors of Kourion Therapeutics, GMBH and Mediware Information Systems Inc. Mr.
Coelho has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of
California, Davis and is the inventor or co-inventor on the majority of the Companys patents.
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Hubert E. Huckel, M.D., Chairman
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Director since 1997 |
Dr. Huckel joined the Board of Directors in 1997. He has served as Chairman of the Board of
Directors since September 2007. He is a co-founder of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and is a
member of the board of directors. In addition, he is on the Board of Directors of Titan
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. He spent 29 years with the Hoechst Group (Hoechst now Sanofi-Aventis),
and was at the time of his retirement, Executive Chairman of the Board of Hoechst-Roussel
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Huckel received his M.D. degree from the University of Vienna, Austria,
and is a member of the Rockefeller University Council.
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Patrick McEnany
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Director rejoined in 1997 |
Mr. McEnany is co-founder, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalyst
Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc., a drug development company. Mr. McEnany has served as Catalysts CEO and a
director since its formation in January 2002. From 1991 to April of 1997, Mr. McEnany was Chairman
and President of Royce Laboratories, Inc., a Miami, Florida based manufacturer of generic
prescription drugs. From 1997 to 1998, after the merger of Royce Laboratories, Inc., into Watson
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Mr. McEnany served as President of the wholly-owned Royce Laboratories
subsidiary and Vice President of Corporate Development for Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. From 1993
through 1997, he also served as Vice Chairman and director of the National Association of
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Renal CarePartners,
Inc., an operator of kidney dialysis centers, and Jackson Memorial
Hospital Foundation.
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Woodrow Myers, M.D.
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Director since 2006 |
Dr. Myers joined the Board of Directors in June 2006. Dr. Myers founded Myers Ventures LLC to
facilitate his interests in international health, where he currently provides healthcare consulting
and investments. From 2000 to 2005, Dr. Myers served as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical
Officer of WellPoint Health Networks, managing WellPoints Healthcare Quality Assurance Division,
which had responsibility for medical policy, clinical affairs and member advocacy. From 1996 to
2000, Dr. Myers served as Director of Health Care Management at Ford Motor Company. Currently Dr.
Myers serves on the board of directors of Genomic Health
[GHDX], Express Scripts [ESRX] and Stanford University Hospital,
he is a Visiting Professor of Medicine at UCLA School of Medicine, a member of the Institute of
Medicine and the National Academy of Science and a Master of the American College of Physicians.
Dr. Myers received a Doctor of Medicine degree from Harvard medical School, a MBA and BS from
Stanford University and is a former Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar.
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William R. Osgood, Ph.D.
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Director since 2007 |
Effective July 30, 2007, Dr. Osgood was appointed Chief Executive Officer and to the Board of
Directors. Dr. Osgood joined the Company in January 2007, serving as General Manager of Operations
until April 26, 2007, when he was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining
the Company Dr. Osgood worked for or was responsible to The Sorin Group, which holds a
conglomerate of companies dedicated to medical technology and product development for treatment of
cardiovascular and renal disease. Of such companies held by Sorin Group, from June 2001 to March
2006, Dr. Osgood was the Vice President/General Manager of COBE Cardiovascular, Inc. In March 2006
Dr. Osgood was promoted to Senior Vice President, Cardiopulmonary Business Line. Dr. Osgood holds
the following degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles: BS in Engineering, MS in
Control Theory, MBA and Ph.D. in Systems Engineering.
3
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE.
PROPOSAL 2 RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed Ernst & Young LLP (E&Y) as the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending June 30, 2008.
E&Y also served as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for our 2007 fiscal
year. The Board of Directors concurs with the appointment and is submitting the appointment of E&Y
as our independent registered public accounting firm for stockholder ratification at the annual
meeting.
A representative of E&Y is expected to be present at the annual meeting. The E&Y
representative will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she wishes to do so and will
be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.
Our Bylaws do not require that the stockholders ratify the appointment of E&Y as our
independent registered public accounting firm. We are seeking ratification because we believe it is
a good corporate governance practice. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment, the Audit
Committee will reconsider whether to retain E&Y, but may retain E&Y in any event. Even if the
appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may change the appointment at any
time during the year if it determines that a change would be in the best interests of the Company
and its stockholders.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE COMPANYS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR
THE CURRENT YEAR.
PROPOSAL 3 STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL REGARDING THE MANNER IN WHICH DIRECTORS ARE ELECTED
Walter Purnell has submitted the following proposal. The address and the number of voting
securities held by Mr. Purnell shall be provided to the stockholders upon receiving oral or written
request.
PROPOSAL
Resolved that the stockholders of ThermoGenesis Corp amend the by-laws of the company and/or
certificate of incorporation and other legal documents of the company to provide for the following:
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That Directors in an uncontested election shall be elected by a majority of the
shares present in person or represented by proxy, provided a quorum is present at the
meeting; |
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That Directors in contested elections shall be elected by a plurality; |
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That in the instance on an uncontested election, a director who is recommended
by the Board of Directors for reelection will execute a conditional resignation,
effective only if the votes against his or her election exceed the votes in favor of
his or her election; |
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That in the case of the conditional resignation becoming effective, the Board
member will leave the board on the earlier of the selection of a new Director, or, 90
days after the vote is determined; and |
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That a Director who resigns per (4) shall not be re-nominated by the Board of
Directors for a subsequent term. |
The following statement has been submitted in support of the resolution.
Across the US corporate landscape a wave of change is occurring in matters of corporate
governance. Over the last several years steps to improve disclosure, accountability and
responsiveness have been put in place both by corporations and by the governing bodies. One of the
most important and frequently adopted changes has been implementing majority voting for directors
in place of the outmoded current system. General Electric, Pfizer, Intel, Nisource and dozens of
other companies have implemented one of the various forms of this change over the last few years
and dozens more are being proposed for this proxy season.
As majority voting proposals have been enacted some concerns appeared and the later proposals
have attempted to tighten the rules. The proposal submitted here has been structured to take
advantage of the lessons learned in earlier proposals by providing alternate rules for contested
elections (where there are more candidates for Director than there are openings) and providing
definitive rules for dealing with a failed election.
Recently several governing bodies have enacted legislation to support and encourage majority
voting proposals. For example, Delaware recently passed an amendment to the Delaware General
Corporate Law (DGCL) providing that a corporation can make a resignation effective upon the
occurrence of a future event (i.e., a corporation is permitted to enforce a directors resignation
conditioned upon the failure of the director to achieve a specified vote for reelection).
California enacted Senate Bill 1207 (effective January 1, 2007) describing how a timetable may be
set for removal from the board of a Director who fails to get the required number of votes. I have
used that language in this proposal.
ThermoGenesis is a company in a critical field that is moving toward becoming a world class
provider of state of the art medical equipment. It should also have state of the art governance. I
strongly recommend that shareholders approve this proposal.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESPONSE
The Board believes that adherence to sound corporate governance policies and practices is
important in ensuring that ThermoGenesis is governed and managed with the highest standards of
responsibility, ethics and integrity and in the best interests of its stockholders. It is equally
important to ensure that the mechanisms through which stockholders participate are those that best
serve the interests of the company and its stockholders. Delaware law provides that directors
shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by
proxy at the annual meeting and entitled to be voted in a director election, so long as a quorum is
present at the meeting. This proposal would alter this longstanding and widespread election voting
procedure. For the following reasons, at this time, the Board of Directors believes it would not
be in the best interests of ThermoGenesis stockholders to change the method by which directors are
elected.
5
First, given ThermoGenesis record of strong corporate practices, we believe that this
proposal is unnecessary. In fact, in our view, it is that strong record that accounts for the
extremely high level of support our director candidates have received over the years.
ThermoGenesis directors have historically received votes in excess of 65 % of the outstanding
shares and in excess of 80% of the shares voted in the election of directors.
Second, the Board of Directors already considers stockholder interests and desires in making
its director nominations. The Governance & Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors,
comprised entirely of independent directors, considers a set of criteria in selecting candidates
for election to the board and considers candidates recommended by stockholders in the same manner
as other candidates. Consequently, adoption of this proposal is not necessary in order to compel or
encourage the board to consider stockholder interests and desires.
Third, we believe this proposal has the potential for unintended negative consequences. For
example, a majority voting standard will take away from the stockholders a very important and
effective means of expressing to the board their concerns about certain matters. So-called Just
Vote No Campaigns have been effective in changing policies at numerous corporations. If a majority
vote standard is adopted, stockholders will be reluctant to use their withhold vote to express
concern since it could result in the removal of a director which may not be the stockholders
intent. In addition, adoption of the proposal could force the company to deal with the consequences
of a failed election, or one in which one or more directors are not seated on the Board. Among
other negative consequences, such a circumstance could affect the companys compliance with listing
standards or other requirements for maintaining independent directors or directors who are
financial experts.
The practical difficulties and issues surrounding the implementation of a majority voting
standard are currently being discussed and evaluated by governmental authorities, scholars,
corporations and investors. As a result, various alternatives to a majority voting standard are
being considered and implemented. The Board of Directors will follow this evolving area and
believes that, given the current uncertainties as to the legal and practical implications of a
majority vote standard, such as the possibility of a failed election as mentioned above, making
amendments to the Companys Bylaws is not a productive way to address the proponents concerns at
this time. The Board of Directors is committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate
governance, and in the event a workable consensus as to best practices emerges, will carefully
consider whether such a change is in the best interests of ThermoGenesis stockholders.
Until that time, the Board of Directors strongly urges stockholders to vote against the
proposal to require majority voting for the election of directors.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD
FOR THE FOREGOING REASONS, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE
AGAINST THE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The Company has only one class of stock outstanding, its common stock. The following table
sets forth certain information as of September 30, 2007, with respect to the beneficial ownership
of our common stock for (i) each director, (ii) each Named Executive Officer, (iii) all of our
directors and officers as a group, and (iii) each person known to us to own beneficially five
percent (5%) or more of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock. As of September 30, 2007, there
were 55,701,175 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
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Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each listed stockholder is: ThermoGenesis Corp.,
2711 Citrus Road, Rancho Cordova, California 95742. To our knowledge, except as indicated in the
footnotes to this table or pursuant to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the
table have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock indicated.
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Amount and |
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Beneficial Owner |
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Ownership(1) |
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Percent of Class |
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John Chapman, Ph.D. |
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24,000 |
(2) |
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% |
Philip H. Coelho |
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1,217,503 |
(3) |
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2.1 |
% |
Hubert E. Huckel, M.D. |
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124,000 |
(4) |
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* |
% |
Dennis Marr, Ph.D. |
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24,000 |
(2) |
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% |
Patrick McEnany |
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118,158 |
(5) |
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* |
% |
Woodrow A. Myers, M.D. |
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162,642 |
(6) |
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* |
% |
William R. Osgood, Ph.D. |
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50,000 |
(2) |
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* |
% |
Matthew T. Plavan |
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41,000 |
(7) |
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* |
% |
Kevin Simpson |
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% |
Officers & Directors as a Group |
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1,761,303 |
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3.1 |
% |
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Less than 1%. |
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(1) |
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Beneficial Ownership is defined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, and generally
means any person who directly or indirectly has or shares voting or investment power with
respect to a security. A person shall be deemed to be the beneficial owner of a security if
that person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of the security within 60 days,
including, but not limited to, any right to acquire the security through the exercise of any
option or warrant or through the conversion of a security. Any securities not outstanding that
are subject to options or warrants shall be deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of
computing the percentage of outstanding securities of the class owned by that person, but
shall not be deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the class
owned by any other person. |
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(2) |
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Includes shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2007. |
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(3) |
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Includes 217,503 shares, of which 6,000 shares are held in an IRA, and 1,000,000 shares
issuable upon the exercise of options. |
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(4) |
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Includes 14,000 shares and 60,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options. Also includes
50,000 shares owned by HEH Investment Partners, LP. Dr. Huckel is the general partner of HEH
Investment Partners, LP. |
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(5) |
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Includes 57,329 shares and 60,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options. Also includes
829 shares owned by McEnany Holding, Inc. Mr. McEnany is the sole shareholder of McEnany
Holding, Inc. |
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(6) |
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Includes 122,642 shares and 40,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options. |
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(7) |
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Includes 5,000 shares and 36,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options. |
7
Executive Officers of the Company
Set forth below is information about the executive officers of the Company:
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Name |
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Position |
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Age |
Philip H. Coelho
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Chief Executive Officer until July 30,
2007 then Chief Technology Architect
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63 |
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William R. Osgood, Ph.D.
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President & Chief Operating Officer
until July 30, 2007 then Chief Executive
Officer
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62 |
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Matthew T. Plavan
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Chief Financial Officer
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43 |
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John Chapman, Ph.D.
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V.P. of Scientific Affairs until August
2007 then V.P of Research & Development
and Scientific Affairs
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53 |
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Dennis F. Marr, Ph.D.
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V.P. Research & Development until August
2007
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43 |
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Kevin Simpson
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Former, President and Chief Operating
Officer until September 2006 then
President and General Manager of
Surgical Wound Care until April 30,
2007.
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49 |
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The Board of Directors appoints the executive officers. Executive officers serve at the
pleasure of the Board. There are no family relationships between any of the directors, executive
officers or key employees.
Biographies
The biographies of Mr. Coelho and Dr. Osgood can be found under Proposal 1 Election of
Directors.
Matthew T. Plavan joined ThermoGenesis in May of 2005 as Chief Financial Officer. Before
joining the Company, Mr. Plavan served from 2002 to 2005 as Chief Financial Officer of StrionAir,
Inc., an air purification product development and marketing company. Prior to that, Mr. Plavan was
the Chief Financial Officer for a wireless device management Company, Reason Inc., from 2000 to
2002. During the preceding seven years, 1993 through 2000, Mr. Plavan served in a number of key
financial and operating leadership roles within McKesson and McKesson-acquired companies, including
most recently, Vice President of Finance for a $300 million ehealth division. Prior to that, Mr.
Plavan was an audit manager in the Audit and Risk Advisory Services group of Ernst & Young LLP. Mr.
Plavan became a Certified Public Accountant in 1992. Mr. Plavan earned his bachelors degree in
business economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
8
Dr. John Chapman, Ph.D. joined the Company in June 2005 as the Executive Director of
Scientific Affairs, was promoted to Vice President of Scientific Affairs in March 2006 and was
appointed
Vice President of Research & Development and Scientific Affairs in August 2007. Prior to
joining the Company, Dr. Chapman was Sr. Vice President of Research and Development at V.I.
Technologies (Vitex). Prior to joining Vitex, he had 16 years of experience working for Baxter
Healthcare in the divisions of Applied Sciences and Transfusion Therapies. Dr. Chapman earned his
Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from West Texas State University and his Doctor of
Philosophy Degree in Interdisciplinary Toxicology from the University of Arkansas for Medical
Sciences.
Dr. Dennis F. Marr, Ph.D., PMP was Vice President of Research and Development from August 2004
until leaving in August 2007. Prior to joining the Company, Dr. Marr was employed by Baxter
Healthcare Corporation. During his employment he served as Director, Device Development &
Engineering from September 2001 to August 2004, Manager, Programs R&D from January 2000 to
September 2001 and Senior Engineering Specialist from January 1998 to December of 1999. Dr. Marr
earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois
Champaign-Urbana, his Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of
Wisconsin-Madison, and he is a certified Project Management Professional with the Project
Management Institute.
Mr. Kevin Simpson was President, General Manager of Surgical Wound Care until leaving in April
2007. From January 2003 to September 2006 Mr. Simpson was the Companys President and Chief
Operating Officer. In 2001 and 2002, Mr. Simpson was General Manager of the Pathogen Reduction
Technology Business Unit at Gambro Healthcare, Inc. Prior to that, he was a Managing Consultant in
the Strategy Group of Breakaway Solutions Inc., a provider of hosted business to business
e-commerce applications and packaged applications from 2000 2001 Prior to that, Mr. Simpson spent
eight years at Haemonetics Corporation, most recently as Vice President of the Commercial Plasma
Business Unit and Vice President, Sales and Sales Operations for plasma sales. Mr. Simpson holds a
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and a Masters of Business
Administration from Harvard Business School.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This compensation discussion and analysis describes the material elements of the Companys
compensation programs as they relate to our executive officers who are listed in the compensation
tables appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement. This compensation discussion and analysis
focuses on the information contained in the following tables and related footnotes, but also
describes other arrangements and actions taken since the end of fiscal 2007 to the extent such
discussion enhances the understanding of our executive compensation for fiscal 2007. Throughout
this proxy statement, the individuals who served as the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer during fiscal 2007, as well as the other individuals included in the Summary
Compensation Table, are referred to as the named executive officers.
Overview of Compensation Committee Role and Responsibilities
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors oversees our compensation plans and
policies, reviews and approves all decisions concerning named executive officers compensation,
which may further be approved by the Board, and administers our stock option and equity plans,
including reviewing and approving stock option grants and equity awards under the plans. The
Compensation Committees membership is determined by the Board and is composed entirely of
independent directors.
9
Management plays a role in the compensation-setting process. The most significant aspects of
managements role are to evaluate employee performance and recommend salary levels and equity
compensation awards. Our Chief Executive Officer often makes recommendations to the Compensation
Committee and the Board concerning compensation for other executive officers. Our Chief Executive
Officer is a member of the Board but does not participate in Board decisions regarding any aspect
of his own compensation. The Compensation Committee can retain independent advisors or consultants
and has done so in the past.
Compensation Committee Process
The Compensation Committee reviews executive compensation upon the signing of an employment
agreement, an increase in responsibilities or other factors. With respect to equity compensation
awarded to other employees, the Compensation Committee or the Board grants stock options, often
after receiving a recommendation from our CEO.
Compensation Philosophy
The Compensation Committee emphasizes the important link between the Companys performance,
which ultimately increases stockholder value, and the compensation of its executives. Therefore,
the primary goal of the Companys executive compensation policy is to try to align the interests of
the executive officers with the interests of the stockholders. In order to achieve this goal, the
Company attempts to (i) offer compensation opportunities that attract and retain executives whose
abilities and skills are critical to the long-term success of the Company and reward them for their
efforts in ensuring the success of the Company, (ii) align the Companys compensation programs with
the Companys long-term business strategies and objectives, and (iii) provide variable compensation
opportunities that are directly linked to the Companys performance and stockholder value,
including an equity stake in the Company. Our named executive officers compensation utilizes two
primary components base salary and long-term equity compensation to achieve these goals.
Additionally, the Compensation Committee may award discretionary bonuses to certain executives
based on the individuals contribution to the achievement of the Companys strategic objectives.
Setting Executive Compensation
We fix executive base compensation at a level we believe enables us to hire and retain
individuals in a competitive environment and to reward satisfactory individual performance and a
satisfactory level of contribution to our overall business goals. We also take into account the
compensation that is paid by companies that we believe to be our competitors and by other companies
with which we believe we generally compete for executives. In 2004 the Compensation Committee
retained Pearl Meyer & Partners (PM&P) to assess the Companys compensation programs for executive
officers, the executive pay strategy and to identify possible revisions to our executive
compensation programs. As part of its analysis, PM&P developed a peer group of 19 companies for the
purposes of comparing the peer group executive compensation programs to that of the Companys. The
members of the peer group were reviewed by management and approved by the Compensation Committee.
The peer group was selected based on industry, organization size, geographical location of
corporate office and financial performance. The peer group included: Aastrom Biosciences Inc.,
Closure Medical Corp., CryoLife Inc., StemCells Inc., Abaxis Inc., Abiomed Inc., Cardima Inc.,
Cardiotech International Inc., Cepheid Inc., Cerus Corp., Diomed Holdings Inc., Endocare Inc.,
Illumina Inc., Immunomedics Inc., Large Scale Biology Corp., Lifecell Corp., North American
Scientific Inc., Rita Medial Systems Inc. and Vision-Sciences Inc. The assessment provided the
Compensation Committee with a comprehensive comparison of the compensation paid to the Companys
executive officers with that paid to similarly situated executives in the peer group. The
Compensation Committee adjusted salaries as of the beginning of fiscal 2005, July 1, 2004, based on
the report and recommendations prepared by PM&P. In adjusting salaries, the Compensation Committee
set base salary at the midpoint range or below the midpoint range based on the executives
experience and level of responsibility. The Compensation Committee has not adopted any
10
formal or
informal policies or guidelines for allocating compensation between the components of base salary,
long term equity compensation or discretionary bonuses. Also, there are no formal or informal
policies regarding allocation between long-term and currently paid out compensation or between cash
and non-cash compensation. This is due to the need to tailor each executive officers compensation to
attract and retain that executive officer. Further, the Compensation Committee periodically
reviews peer group compensation.
Base Salary
The Company provides executive officers and other employees with base salary to compensate
them for services rendered during the fiscal year. The base salary component of total compensation
is intended to compensate executives competitively within the industry and the marketplace. Subject
to the provisions contained in employment agreements with executive officers concerning base salary
amounts, base salaries of the executive officers are established by the Compensation Committee
based upon compensation data of comparable companies in our market, the executives job
responsibilities, level of experience, individual performance and contribution to the business. We
believe it is important for the Company to provide adequate fixed compensation to highly qualified
executives in our competitive industry. In making base salary decisions, the Compensation Committee
uses its discretion and judgment based upon personal knowledge of industry practice but does not
apply any specific formula to determine the base salaries for the named executive officers.
Chief Executive Officer. In April 2007, the Company and Mr. Philip H. Coelho, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, entered into a new three year employment agreement to
further the Companys strategic goal for succession planning. Under the agreement, (i) Mr. Coelho
agreed to remain as Chief Executive Officer of the Company until his replacement is identified and
retained, at which time he will serve as the Chief Technology Architect of the Company; and (ii) he
will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board, at the Boards discretion, for a period of three
years. The agreement provided for an annual base salary of $360,000, which was his base salary
level for fiscal 2006 and which the Company believes is competitive with other similar companies.
The Compensation Committee retained Frederic W. Cook & Company to evaluate and opine on the
proposal and terms. Effective July 30, 2007, Dr. William R. Osgood was appointed CEO and Mr. Coelho
resigned as CEO. Based on his new title and responsibilities, the Board of Directors increased Dr.
Osgoods annual base salary to $345,000.
In fiscal 2006, to review the Chief Executive Officers salary, the Compensation Committee
requested the Chief Financial Officer to prepare an update to the compensation analysis performed
by PM&P in 2004, with primarily the same peer group. In reviewing Mr. Coelhos base salary, the
Compensation Committee did not target the higher end of competitive salaries, given the current
stage of the Companys development. Based on a review of Mr. Coelhos performance during the
previous year, including restructuring in operations, advancement of key strategic alliances and
closing the largest financing in company history, the Compensation Committee increased Mr. Coelhos
base salary to $360,000 effective April 1, 2006. The Compensation Committee did not adjust Mr.
Coelhos base salary through fiscal 2007.
President and Chief Operating Officer. In January 2003, the Company and Mr. Kevin Simpson
entered into an employment agreement whereby Mr. Simpson agreed to serve as President and Chief
Operating Officer of the Company. The agreement provided for a base salary rate of at least
$217,200 per year, subject to annual increases as may be determined. As a result of the
compensation analysis during fiscal 2004 described above, the Compensation Committee increased Mr.
Simpsons base salary rate for fiscal 2005 to $230,000. The Compensation Committee did not adjust
Mr. Simpsons base salary through fiscal 2007. Effective April 30, 2007 Mr. Simpson resigned his
position and received severance pay equal to six months of his annual salary or $115,000.
11
Effective April 26, 2007, the Company appointed Dr. William R. Osgood as President and Chief
Operating Officer. Since January 1, 2007, Dr. Osgood served as the Companys General Manager of
Operations pursuant to an employment agreement entered into in December 2006. Based on his new
title and responsibilities, the Board of Directors increased Dr. Osgoods annual base salary to
$290,000. As discussed above, Dr. Osgood was appointed CEO on July 30, 2007.
Chief Financial Officer. In May 2005, the Company entered into an employment agreement with
Mr. Matthew Plavan whereby Mr. Plavan agreed to serve as Chief Financial Officer. The agreement
provided for a base salary rate of at least $175,000 per year, subject to annual increases as may
be determined. Effective March 16, 2006, the Compensation Committee increased Mr. Plavans base
salary to $195,000 based on his instrumental role in the fiscal 2006 financing and the
restructuring strategy.
Effective April 26, 2007, the Company and Mr. Plavan agreed to increase and consolidate
additional duties as part of his responsibilities. In addition to his current duties, Mr. Plavan
assumed the duties of managing investor relations for the Company. The Board of Directors approved
an increase in his annual base salary to $230,000, based on his new duties, level and performance.
Vice President, Research and Development. In August 2004, the Company entered into an
employment agreement with Dr. Dennis Marr whereby Dr. Marr agreed to serve as Vice President of
Research and Development. The agreement provided for a base salary rate of at least $175,000 per
year, subject to annual increases as may be determined. The Compensation Committee did not adjust
Dr. Marrs base salary through fiscal 2007. Dr. Marrs employment agreement ended on August 22,
2007 and was not renewed. Dr. Marr received severance pay equal to three months of his salary or
$43,750.
Vice President, Scientific Affairs. In March 2006, the Company entered into an employment
agreement with Dr. John Chapman whereby Dr. Chapman agreed to serve as Vice President, Scientific
Affairs. The agreement provided for a base salary rate of at least $175,000 per year, subject to
annual increases as may be determined. The Compensation Committee did not adjust Dr. Chapmans base
salary through fiscal 2007. On August 22, 2007, Dr. Chapman was appointed Vice President, Research
and Development and Scientific Affairs and his annual base salary was increased to $215,000.
Long-term Equity Compensation
The Compensation Committee provides the Companys executive officers with long-term equity
compensation in the form of stock option grants or restricted stock grants under the Companys
Amended 1998 Equity Incentive Plan or the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the Equity Plans). The
ability to provide equity incentives, through the granting of stock options and other equity-based
compensation, gives the Compensation Committee the ability to create a combination of cash and
stock-based incentive compensation programs to promote high performance and achievement of
corporate goals by executives and employees. The Compensation Committee believes that stock based
compensation provides the Companys executive officers with the opportunity to maintain an equity
interest in the Company and to share in the appreciation of the value of the Companys common
stock, thereby motivating the executive to maximize long-term stockholder value. It is the
Companys practice to grant options or restricted stock from time to time to executive officers at
the fair market value of the Companys common stock on the date of grant. The option grants also
place what can be a significant element of compensation at risk, because stock options have value
for the executive only if the market price of the Companys stock increases above the fair market
value on the grant date and the executive remains in the Companys employ for the period required
for the shares to vest. The Compensation Committee considers each grant subjectively, considering
factors such as the individual performance of the executive officer, the anticipated contribution
of the executive officer to the attainment of the Companys long-term strategic performance goals
and the need to retain key employees. The number of stock options or restricted stock shares
granted to other executives in prior years and the total number of shares available for issuance
under the Equity Plans are also taken into consideration.
12
Stock options typically have been granted to executive officers when the executive first joins
the Company, in connection with a significant change in responsibilities, in response to changes in
industry practices and, occasionally, to achieve equity within a peer group. The Compensation
Committee may, however, grant additional stock options to executives and employees for other
reasons. Awards of equity-based compensation are not routinely made but may occur throughout the
year. Stock options granted to the named executive officers have vesting schedules ranging from
nine months to five years. Generally, we do not time the granting of our options or awards with any
favorable or unfavorable news released by the Company, except that on occasion, the Compensation
Committee times the grant to occur after information concerning the Company is publicly released.
We do not have any program, plan or practice that requires us to grant equity-based awards on
specified dates, other than for outside directors under the provisions of our Independent Directors
Equity Incentive Plan, as described elsewhere under the heading Director Compensation. Although
the Company has historically only issued stock options and restricted shares, it may in the future
grant stock appreciation rights, or other equity-based compensation as permitted in the Equity
Plans and as determined appropriate by the Compensation Committee.
As described in the proxy statement of the Company in connection with last years annual
meeting of stockholders, as part of the adoption of the Companys 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, and
in connection with transition planning for the Company, the Nominating Committee, in conjunction
with the Compensation Committee, proposed, upon stockholder approval of the plan, to grant 500,000
shares of restricted common stock to Philip H. Coelho, our Chief Executive Officer. Following
stockholder approval of the plan, on April 26, 2007, the Company awarded the 500,000 shares of
restricted stock to Mr. Coelho in connection with entering into his new employment agreement. Under
the terms of the award, one-third of the shares vest on April 26, 2008, the first anniversary of
the grant date, and the balance vest ratably monthly over a two-year period thereafter. The award
provides for acceleration of vesting upon fulfillment of certain objectives established by the
Board Committees: (1) Companys engagement of a new Chief Executive Officer and confirmation by the
Board of Directors, (2) development and Board approval of a transition plan for a new Chief
Executive Officer and transition of Mr. Coelho to the position of Chief Technology Architect and
(3) entry into the Employment Agreement for a term of three years. In no event however, can vesting
of the shares based on achievement of these performance goals be accelerated to a date before the
first anniversary of the award date. The Compensation Committee believed that the extensive
industry knowledge, experience and relationships gained through years of unique contributions to
the technology, science and clinical research by Mr. Coelho was important to retain in connection
with the strategic goal of successful transition planning. The award was intended to provide
appropriate incentive for Mr. Coelho to continue to perform in his existing position while focusing
on the timely search and hiring of key executives and the development and execution of effective
transition plans, including a succession plan for the Chief Executive Officer, that will allow the
new executives to direct the Company on its desired path towards performance growth and
profitability. The Compensation Committee retained Frederic W. Cook & Company to review the terms
of the award to Mr. Coelho.
In connection with his appointment in December 2006 as General Manager of Operations, on
January 3, 2007, the Company granted a stock option to Dr. William Osgood to purchase up to 150,000
shares. The option vests in three equal annual installments on October 3, 2007, 2008 and 2009. In
determining the amount of the grant, the Compensation Committee took into account Dr. Osgoods
experience, position and the number of options granted to other officers. In connection with his
appointment to CEO, on August 1, 2007, the Compensation Committee granted a stock option to Dr.
Osgood to purchase up to 320,000 shares. The option vests over three years, 1/3 each year, based on
meeting annual performance objectives as approved by the Compensation Committee.
13
In connection with the increase in his job responsibilities, on April 26, 2007, the
Compensation Committee approved an award of 10,000 shares of restricted common stock to Matthew
Plavan, our Chief
Financial Officer, one-half vesting immediately and the remainder on the first anniversary of the
grant date. On August 10, 2007, the Compensation Committee granted a stock option to Mr. Plavan to
purchase up to 175,000 shares. The option vests in three equal annual installments on August 10,
2008, 2009 and 2010. In determining the amount of the grant, the Compensation Committee took into
account Mr. Plavans performance over the prior year, his level of responsibilities and the number
of options granted to other officers.
On August 10, 2007, the Compensation Committee granted a stock option to Dr. John Chapman to
purchase up to 80,000 shares. The option vests in three equal annual installments on August 10,
2008, 2009 and 2010. In determining the amount of the grant, the Compensation Committee took into
account Dr. Chapmans performance over the prior year, his promotion to vice president and the
number of options granted to other officers.
Bonuses
The bonus component of executive compensation is designed to reflect the Compensation
Committees belief that a portion of the compensation of each executive officer should be
contingent upon the performance of the Company, as well as the individual contribution of each
executive officer. The bonus is intended to motivate and reward executive officers by allowing the
executive officers to directly benefit from the success of the Company. We have not historically
paid any automatic or guaranteed bonuses to our executive officers. However, we have from time to
time paid signing, retention or other bonuses to particular executive officers. All executive
employment contracts provide generally for a discretionary bonus of up to 35% of the executives
base salary, which is to be determined by the Compensation Committee based on individual
performance criteria and Company achievement of profitability during the year.
The Compensation Committee did not establish any specific bonus plans or objectives for the
named executive officers with respect to the fiscal 2007 year, and did not pay any bonuses to any
named executive officers with respect to the fiscal 2007 year in light of the Companys performance
and lack of profitability during 2007.
401(k) Plan
The Company maintains a retirement savings plan, or 401(k) Plan, for the benefit of our
executives and employees. Our 401(k) Plan is intended to qualify as a defined contribution
arrangement under the Internal Revenue Code (Code). Participants may elect to defer a percentage of
their eligible pretax earnings each year or contribute a fixed amount per pay period up to the
maximum contribution permitted by the Code. All participants plan accounts are 100% vested at all
times. All assets of our 401(k) plan are currently invested, subject to participant-directed
elections, in a variety of mutual funds chosen from time to time by the Plan Administrator.
Distribution of a participants vested interest generally occurs upon termination of employment,
including by reason of retirement, death or disability. Historically, we have not made matching or
other contributions to the 401(k) Plan.
14
Severance and Change in Control Agreements
The Company has entered into employment agreements with each of its named executive officers.
These agreements include provisions for severance payments in certain circumstances. The
Compensation Committee considers these agreements to provide the named executive officers with the
ability to make appropriate, informed decisions on strategy and direction of the Company that may
adversely impact their particular positions, but nevertheless are appropriate for the Company and
its shareholders. Our Compensation Committee believes that companies should provide reasonable
severance benefits to employees, recognizing that it may be difficult for them to find comparable
employment within a short period of time and that severance arrangements may be necessary to
attract highly qualified officers in a competitive hiring environment. Additional information
concerning the terms of the Companys employment, severance and change in control agreements and
arrangements appears elsewhere in this proxy statement under the headings, Employment Agreements
and Potential Payments Upon a Change in Control.
Under the employment agreements, in general, in the event the executive is terminated without
cause the executive is entitled to six months of base salary. In the case of Mr. Coelhos
agreement, if Mr. Coelho is terminated without cause he is entitled to the greater of twelve months
of base salary or the remaining term of the agreement. In the case of Dr. Osgoods agreement, if
Dr. Osgood is terminated within the first 30 months of the agreement, he is entitled to twelve
months of base salary and if the termination occurs during the last six months of the agreement, he
is entitled to six months of base salary.
Under the employment agreements, in the event the executive is terminated as a result of a
change in control, the executive is entitled to a lump-sum payment equal to three years of base
salary. In the case of Mr. Coelhos agreement, if the executive is terminated as a result of a
change in control, he is entitled to two years of base salary, provided, that he agrees to remain
for a transition period not to exceed six months if requested.
Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits
The Companys executive officers participate in the Companys other benefit plans on the same
terms as other employees. These plans include medical, dental, life and disability insurance.
Relocation benefits also are reimbursed and are individually negotiated when they occur. The
Company reimburses each executive officer for all reasonable business and other expenses incurred
by them in connection with the performance of their duties and obligations under their employment
agreements. The Company does not provide named executive officers with any significant perquisites
or other personal benefits.
Accounting and Tax Considerations
Effective July 1, 2005, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No.
123R, Share-Based Payment, or SFAS No. 123R. Under SFAS No. 123R, we are required to estimate and
record an expense for each award of equity compensation over the vesting period of the award.
Compensation expense and tax considerations relating to the expense of stock options under FAS 123R
are one of the many factors considered in the determination of stock option awards. With respect to
equity compensation awards, any gain recognized by employees from the exercise of nonqualified
options with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant
should be deductible. In addition, if we grant restricted stock that is not subject to performance
vesting, they may not be fully deductible by us at the time the award is otherwise taxable to
employees.
15
Section 162(m) of the Code limits the Company to a deduction for federal income tax purposes of up
to $1 million of compensation paid to certain named executive officers in a taxable year.
Compensation above $1 million may be deducted if it is performance-based compensation. To
maintain flexibility in compensating executive officers in a manner designed to promote varying
corporate goals and due to the Companys substantial net operating loss carry forwards, the
Compensation Committee has not adopted a policy requiring all compensation to be deductible. The
Compensation Committee intends to continue to evaluate the effects of the compensation limits of
Section 162(m) and to grant compensation awards in the future in a manner consistent with the best
interests of the Company and its shareholders.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis
section with management and recommends that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section be
included in this proxy statement and included or incorporated by reference in the Companys Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
Respectfully Submitted,
THERMOGENESIS CORP.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Hubert Huckel, M.D., Chairman
Patrick McEnany
Woodrow Myers, M.D.
Independent Directors of the Company
16
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth all of the compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to
ThermoGenesis Corps principal executive officer, principal financial officer and the four other
highest paid executive officers for the year ended June 30, 2007. The officers listed in the table
below are referred to in this proxy statement as the named executive officers.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
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Name and |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
All Other |
|
|
Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
Position |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($)(1) |
|
($)(1) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Philip H. Coelho,
Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
360,000 |
|
|
|
283,000 |
|
|
|
305,004 |
|
|
16,756(2)
|
|
|
964,760 |
|
Matthew T. Plavan,
Chief Financial
Officer
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
199,981 |
|
|
|
19,833 |
|
|
|
56,602 |
|
|
4,219(3)
|
|
|
280,635 |
|
William Osgood,
President and Chief
Operating Officer
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
136,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
43,515 |
|
|
19,225(4)
|
|
|
198,740 |
|
John Chapman,
V.P. of Scientific
Affairs
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
175,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
40,463 |
|
|
5,553(3)
|
|
|
221,016 |
|
Dennis Marr,
V.P. Research and
Development
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
175,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
37,749 |
|
|
4,038(3)
|
|
|
216,787 |
|
Kevin Simpson,
Former President
and GM, Surgical
Wound Care
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
194,615 |
|
|
|
|
|
38,899 |
|
|
52,706(5)
|
|
|
286,220 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amounts reported in the Stock Awards and Option Awards columns reflect the dollar amounts
recognized as stock-based compensation expense in fiscal 2007 for financial accounting
purposes (excluding the effect of any estimate of future forfeitures, and reflecting the
effect of any actual forfeitures) determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards
Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment
(FAS 123R). See Note 1 of Notes to Financial Statements set forth in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for fiscal 2007 for the assumptions used in determining such amounts. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents payment of $13,846 in accrued vacation and $2,910 for a term life insurance policy
for the benefit of Mrs. Coelho. |
|
(3) |
|
Represents accrued vacation pay. |
|
(4) |
|
Represents payment for reimbursable expenses related to relocation activities per Dr.
Osgoods employment agreement. |
|
(5) |
|
Represents $5,916 in accrued vacation pay and $46,789 in severance pay. |
17
Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2007
The following table provides information relating to stock and options awarded during the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Stock |
|
Option Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
Number of |
|
Exercise or |
|
Grant Date Fair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Securities |
|
Base Price of |
|
Value of Stock |
|
|
Grant |
|
|
|
|
|
Shares of Stock |
|
Underlying |
|
Option Awards |
|
and Option |
Name |
|
Date |
|
Date of Meeting |
|
or Units (#) |
|
Options (#) |
|
($/SH)(1) |
|
Awards |
Philip Coelho |
|
|
4/26/2007 |
(2) |
|
|
4/23/07 |
(5) |
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,700,000 |
|
|
Matthew Plavan |
|
|
4/26/2007 |
(3) |
|
|
4/23/07 |
(5) |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
34,000 |
|
|
William Osgood |
|
|
1/3/2007 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.29 |
|
|
$ |
245,445 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The exercise price of the options is equal to the closing market price of the common stock on
the grant date. |
|
(2) |
|
The restricted stock award shown vests over a period of three years with 33 1/3% of the
shares vesting one year from the grant date and the remaining shares vesting in equal monthly
installments thereafter. The vesting of the shares may accelerate upon certain conditions: (1)
entry into an employment agreement for a term of three years, (2) Companys engagement of a
new Chief Executive Officer and (3) development and Board approval of a transition plan for
the new CEO and transition of the incumbent CEO to the position of Chief Technology Architect.
However, in accordance with the 2006 Plan, the vesting cannot accelerate sooner than one year
from the grant date. |
|
(3) |
|
The stock award shown vested 50% immediately and 50% one year from the grant date. |
|
(4) |
|
The option award shown vests one-third October 3, 2007, one-third October 3, 2008 and
one-third October 3, 2009. |
|
(5) |
|
At the April 23, 2007 joint meeting of the Compensation Committee and Governance & Nominating
Committee, the grant date of the stock awards was set as the day following public announcement
of Mr. Coelhos employment contract and other related personnel changes. |
18
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides information about outstanding option and stock awards held by the
named executive officers as of June 30, 2007. The awards granted in fiscal 2007 are also disclosed
in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table and the related compensation cost is disclosed in the
Summary Compensation Table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Value of |
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares or |
|
Shares or |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units of |
|
Units of |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
Stock That |
|
Stock That |
|
|
Options (#) |
|
Options (#) |
|
Exercise |
|
Expiration |
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Price ($) |
|
Date |
|
Vested (#) |
|
Vested ($) |
Philip Coelho |
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.125 |
|
|
|
7/29/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.12 |
|
|
|
6/28/09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
(1) |
|
|
1,380,000 |
|
Matthew Plavan |
|
|
36,000 |
|
|
|
54,000 |
(2) |
|
$ |
4.01 |
|
|
|
5/31/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
(3) |
|
|
13,800 |
|
William Osgood |
|
|
|
|
|
|
150,000 |
(4) |
|
$ |
4.29 |
|
|
|
1/2/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Chapman |
|
|
24,000 |
|
|
|
36,000 |
(5) |
|
$ |
4.30 |
|
|
|
6/13/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dennis Marr |
|
|
24,000 |
|
|
|
36,000 |
(6) |
|
$ |
3.98 |
|
|
|
8/25/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin Simpson |
|
|
55,651 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.60 |
|
|
|
7/29/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
151,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3.58 |
|
|
|
7/29/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3.75 |
|
|
|
7/29/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The restricted stock award shown vests over a period of three years with 33 1/3% of the
shares vesting one year from the grant date and the remaining shares vesting in equal monthly
installments thereafter. The vesting of the shares may accelerate upon certain conditions: (1)
entry into an employment agreement for a term of three years, (2) Companys engagement of a
new Chief Executive Officer and (3) development and Board approval of a transition plan for
the new CEO and transition of the incumbent CEO to the position of Chief Technology Architect.
However, in accordance with the 2006 Plan, the vesting cannot accelerate sooner than one year
from the grant date. |
|
(2) |
|
18,000 options to vest on each of May 31, 2008, May 31, 2009 and May 31, 2010. |
|
(3) |
|
Stock award vests on April 24, 2008. |
|
(4) |
|
50,000 options to vest on each of October 3, 2007, October 3, 2008 and October 3, 2009. |
|
(5) |
|
12,000 options to vest on each of June 13, 2008, June 13, 2009 and June 13, 2010. |
|
(6) |
|
12,000 options to vest on each of August 25, 2007, August 25, 2008 and August 25, 2009. |
19
Option Exercises and Stock Vested for 2007
The following table provides information about stock options exercises by the named executive
officers during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
Value |
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Value Realized on |
|
Acquired on |
|
Realized on |
Name |
|
Exercise (#) |
|
Exercise ($)(1) |
|
Vesting (#) |
|
Vesting ($)(2) |
Matthew T. Plavan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
17,000 |
|
Kevin Simpson |
|
|
194,349 |
|
|
|
181,436 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amount shown in the Value Realized on Exercise column represents the difference between
the stock option exercise price and the fair market value of our common stock at the time of
exercise. |
|
(2) |
|
The amount shown in the Value Realized on Vesting column represents the fair market value of
our common stock on the date of vesting. |
Potential Payments upon Termination and Change in Control
The following table describes the potential payments upon a hypothetical termination or a
change of control of the Company on June 30, 2007. The actual amounts that may be paid upon an
executives termination of employment can only be determined at the actual time of such
termination.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Following a |
|
|
Termination |
|
Change of |
|
|
Without Cause |
|
Control(1) |
|
|
($) |
|
($) |
Employment Agreement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Philip Coelho |
|
|
1,020,000 |
(2) |
|
|
720,000 |
|
Matt Plavan |
|
|
115,000 |
(3) |
|
|
690,000 |
|
William Osgood |
|
|
290,000 |
(4) |
|
|
870,000 |
|
John Chapman |
|
|
87,500 |
(3) |
|
|
525,000 |
|
Restricted Stock Agreement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Philip Coelho(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Options(6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Payable in a lump-sum payment. |
|
(2) |
|
Payable in installments at least twice monthly through April 2010 or a lump-sum payment at
the time of termination, at Companys election. |
|
(3) |
|
Payable in installments at least twice monthly for six months or a lump-sum payment at the
time of termination, at Companys election. |
|
(4) |
|
Payable in installments at least twice monthly for one year or a lump-sum payment at the time
of termination, at Companys election. |
|
(5) |
|
In the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, a merger, consolidation,
combination or reorganization in which the Company is not the surviving corporation, or a sale
of substantially all of the assets of the Company, the administrator will make a determination
as to whether the unvested portions of this award will accelerate, be substituted or lapse. |
|
(6) |
|
This table does not include an estimate for the acceleration of vesting of stock options upon
a change of control as this benefit is available to all employees with outstanding stock
options as provided in the Equity Plans. |
20
Under the employment agreements of Mr. Coelho and Dr. Osgood cause is defined as:
i) |
|
fraud, deliberate injury or intentional material misrepresentation by Executive; |
|
ii) |
|
embezzlement, theft or conversion; |
|
iii) |
|
unauthorized disclosure or other use of the Companys trade secrets,
customer lists or confidential information; |
|
iv) |
|
habitual misuse of alcohol or any non-prescribed drug or intoxicant; |
|
v) |
|
willful misconduct that causes material harm to the Company; |
|
vi) |
|
intentional violation of any other standards of
conduct as set forth in the Companys employee manual
and policies; |
|
vii) |
|
conviction of or plea of guilty to nolo contendere to
a felony or to a misdemeanor involving moral
turpitude;
|
|
viii) |
|
continuing failure to communicate and fully disclose material information
to the Board of Directors; or |
|
ix) |
|
debarment by an federal agency that would limit or
prohibit the Executive from serving in his capacity
under the agreement. |
Dr. Osgoods employment agreement also includes the following as definitions of cause:
x) |
|
willful failure by the executive to follow directions communicated by the CEO or |
|
xi) |
|
habitual breach of executives duties. |
Under the employment agreements of Mr. Plavan and Dr. Chapman cause is defined as:
i) |
|
willful or habitual breach of employees duties; |
|
ii) |
|
fraud or intentional material misrepresentation by employee; |
|
iii) |
|
theft or conversion |
|
iv) |
|
unauthorized disclosure or other use of the Companys trade secrets,
customer lists or confidential information; |
|
v) |
|
habitual misuse of alcohol or any non-prescribed drug or intoxicant; |
|
vi) |
|
debarment by any federal agency that would limit or prohibit the executive from serving in
his capacity under the agreement; |
|
vii) |
|
willful violation of any other standards of conduct as set forth n the Companys employee
manual and policies. |
Under each employment agreement, change of control means an event involving one transaction or a
related series of transaction in which one of the following occurs:
i) |
|
the Company issues securities equal to 33% or more of the Companys issued and outstanding
voting securities, determined as a single class; |
|
ii) |
|
the Company issues securities equal to 33% or more of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company in connection
with a merger, consolidation or other business combination; |
|
iii) |
|
the Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction in which the Company is not the surviving
company; or |
|
iv) |
|
all or substantially all of the Companys assets are sold or transferred. |
Mr. Coelhos employment agreement also includes the following as a change of control event:
v) |
|
there is a change in the members constituting a majority of the Board in any given year. |
Each executives employment agreement also includes a one year non-competition provision and a one
year non-solicitation provision.
21
Actual Payments upon Termination
The following table describes the actual payments upon termination of the employment of Kevin
Simpson and Dennis Marr. Mr. Simpsons employment terminated effective April 30, 2007 and Dr.
Marrs employment terminated effective August 22, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Medical and Health |
|
|
Base Salary |
|
Benefits |
Dennis Marr |
|
$ |
43,750 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
Kevin Simpson |
|
$ |
115,000 |
(2) |
|
$ |
1,500 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Payable in bi-weekly installments for three months. Payments cease if Dr. Marr gains full
employment. |
|
(2) |
|
Payable in bi-weekly installments for six months. However, in July 2007, the Company made a
final lump-sum payment. |
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
All of our non-employee directors earned director compensation in 2007 in the form of
retainers and meeting fees as set forth in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
Quarterly retainer |
|
$ |
4,500 |
|
Annual retainer for Chairman of a Committee |
|
$ |
5,000 |
|
Fee for each Board meeting attended |
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
Fee for each Committee meeting attended when scheduled with a Board
meeting |
|
$ |
500 |
|
Fee for each Committee meeting attended not scheduled with a Board
meeting |
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
In addition, we reimburse our directors for their reasonable expenses incurred in attending
meetings of the Board and its committees.
On the first business day of the fiscal year, each of our non-employee directors who have
served for one full year automatically receives a nonqualified stock option grant of 15,000 shares
under our Independent Directors Stock Option Plan. Upon the initial election of any new
non-employee director, the director receives a nonqualified stock option grant of 25,000 shares
under our Independent Directors Stock Option Plan. In both instances, the exercise price is equal
to the closing price of the common stock on the date of grant and the options are fully vested upon
issuance.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, the compensation committee retained a third party
consultant to evaluate current board compensation levels in furtherance of the Boards attempt to
attract and retain additional independent directors. The board of directors adjusted director
compensation effective January 1, 2008, except for the non-executive chairman which is effective as
of September 13, 2007, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Quarterly retainer |
|
$ |
6,000 |
|
Annual retainer for Chairman of a Committee |
|
$ |
5,000 |
|
Fee for each Board meeting attended |
|
$ |
1,500 |
|
Fee for each Committee meeting attended |
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
Non-executive Chairman of the Board |
|
$ |
25,000 |
|
22
Director Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the compensation received by each of the Companys non-employee
Directors. Each non-employee director is considered independent under NASD listing standards.
Philip Coelho, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company is the Chairman of the Board of directors
and receives no additional compensation for serving on the Board. His compensation is described in
the Summary Compensation Table above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned or |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
Paid in Cash |
|
Awards(1)(2) |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
George Barry |
|
|
32,500 |
|
|
|
43,761 |
|
|
|
76,261 |
|
Dr. Hubert Huckel |
|
|
39,500 |
|
|
|
43,761 |
|
|
|
83,261 |
|
Patrick McEnany |
|
|
39,500 |
|
|
|
43,761 |
|
|
|
83,261 |
|
Dr. Woodrow Myers |
|
|
33,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,500 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amounts reported in the Option Awards column reflect the dollar amounts recognized as
stock-based compensation expense in fiscal 2007 for financial accounting purposes (excluding
the effect of any estimate of future forfeitures, and reflecting the effect of any actual
forfeitures) determined in accordance with FAS 123R. See Note 1 of Notes to Financial
Statements set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2007 for the assumptions
used in determining such amounts. The grant date fair value of the options granted to each
director named in the Director Compensation Table, determined in accordance with FAS 123R, was
$43,761. |
|
(2) |
|
The following table sets forth the aggregate number of option awards held by each
non-employee director as of June 30, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Number of |
Name |
|
Option Awards |
George Barry |
|
|
41,000 |
|
Dr. Hubert Huckel |
|
|
45,000 |
|
Patrick McEnany |
|
|
45,000 |
|
Dr. Woodrow Myers |
|
|
25,000 |
|
Committees of the Board of Directors
Governance and Nominating Committee
The Governance and Nominating Committee formed during fiscal 2007 to address general
governance and policy oversight; succession planning; to identify qualified individuals to become
prospective Board Members and make recommendations regarding nominations for the Board of
Directors; to advise the Board with respect to appropriate composition of Board committees; to
advise the Board about and develop and recommend to the Board appropriate corporate governance
documents and assist the Board in implementing guidelines; to oversee the annual evaluation of the
Board and the Companys Chief Executive Officer, and to perform such other functions as the Board
may assign to the committee from time to time. The Governance and Nominating Committee is currently
interviewing potential candidates to add up to two new independent directors who may be appointed
to the board at any time upon their consent to serve. The Governance and Nominating Committee has
a Charter which is available on the Companys website at www.thermogenesis.com. The Governance and
Nominating Committee consists of three independent directors: Mr. McEnany (Chairman), Dr. Huckel
and Dr. Myers.
23
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors makes recommendations regarding the retention of
the independent registered public accounting firm, reviews the scope of the annual audit undertaken
by our independent registered public accounting firm and the progress and results of their work,
reviews our financial statements, and oversees the internal controls over financial reporting and
corporate programs to ensure compliance with applicable laws. The Audit Committee reviews the
services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm and determines whether they
are compatible with maintaining the registered public accounting firms independence. The Audit
Committee has a Charter, which is reviewed annually and as may be required due to changes in
industry accounting practices or the promulgation of new rules or guidance documents. The Audit
Committee Charter was filed as Exhibit B to the fiscal 2005 proxy statement. The Audit Committee
consists of three independent directors as determined by NASD listing standards: Mr. McEnany (Audit
Committee Chairman), Dr. Huckel and Dr. Myers. Mr. McEnany is qualified as an Audit Committee
Financial Expert.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors reviews and approves executive
compensation policies and practices, reviews salaries and bonuses for our officers, administers the
Companys stock option plans and other benefit plans, and considers other matters as may, from time
to time, be referred to them by the Board of Directors. The members of the Compensation Committee
are Dr. Huckel (Compensation Committee Chairman), Mr. McEnany and Dr. Myers. The Compensation
Committee does not have a Charter.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of our Compensation Committee were at any time an officer or employee of
ours. In addition, none of our executive officers serves as a member of the compensation committee
of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our Compensation
Committee, except that Mr. Coelho serves on the compensation committee of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., the Chief Executive Officer of which is Mr. McEnany. In October 2006, Mr. Coelho resigned
from the Compensation Committee of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Nominations to the Board of Directors
Our directors take a critical role in guiding our strategic direction and oversee the
management of the Company. Board candidates are considered based upon various criteria, such as
their broad-based business and professional skills and experiences, a global business and social
perspective, concern for the long-term interests of the stockholders and personal integrity and
judgment. In addition, directors must have time available to devote to Board activities and to
enhance their knowledge of the medical device industry. Accordingly, we seek to attract and retain
highly qualified directors who have sufficient time to attend to their substantial duties and
responsibilities to the Company.
The Board of Directors has a nominating committee. The Board believes given the diverse skills
and experience required to grow the Company that the input of all members is important for
considering the qualifications of individuals to serve as directors. The Nominating Committee
recommends a slate of directors for election at the annual meeting. In accordance with Nasdaq
rules, the slate of nominees is approved by a majority of the independent directors. Dr. Huckel,
Mr. McEnany and Dr. Myers, each members of the Nominating Committee, are independent as defined in
the NASD listing standards.
In carrying out its responsibilities, the Board will consider candidates suggested by
stockholders. If a stockholder wishes to formally place a candidates name in nomination, however,
he or she must do so in accordance with the provisions of the Companys Bylaws. Suggestions for
candidates to be evaluated by the Nominating Committee must be sent to Assistant Corporate
Secretary, 2711 Citrus Road, Rancho Cordova, California 95742.
24
In fiscal 2007, the Board of Directors met six (6) times, the Audit Committee met five (5)
times, the Compensation Committee met two (2) times and the Governance and Nominating Committee met
three (3) times. Each director attended all of the meetings of the Board of Directors. Each
director attended all of the meetings of the committees upon which he served, except for Mr.
McEnany, who missed one governance and nominating committee meeting; and Dr. Myers, who missed one
audit committee meeting and did not attend a compensation committee meeting. All Directors attended
the 2006 annual meeting of stockholders. The Board requires all Directors to attend the annual
stockholder meeting unless there is an emergency.
Stockholders may send communications to the Board by mail to the Chairman of the Board,
ThermoGenesis Corp., 2711 Citrus Road, Rancho Cordova, California 95742.
Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee oversees the financial reporting process for the Company on behalf of the
Board of Directors. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee (i) reviews
the financial statements, (ii) reviews managements and the independent auditors results of
testing of the internal controls over the financial reporting process, (iii) reviews and concurs
with managements appointment, termination or replacement of the Chief Financial Officer, (iv)
consults with and reviews the services provided by the Companys independent auditors and makes
recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the selection of the independent auditors, and
(v) reviews reports received from regulators and other legal and regulatory matters that may have a
material effect on the financial statements or related company compliance policies. The Companys
management has primary responsibility for preparing the financial statements and establishing the
Companys financial reporting process and internal control over financial reporting. Company
management is also responsible for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting. The Companys independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, are responsible for
expressing an opinion on the conformity of the Companys audited financial statements with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principals. The independent auditors are also responsible for issuing
a report on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. The Audit
Committees responsibilities include oversight of these processes.
In accordance with Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 61 (codification of Statements
on Auditing Standards, AU§ 380), as amended by SAS 89 and SAS 90, and Rule 2-07, Communications
with Audit Committees, of Regulation S-X, the audit committee had discussions with management and
the independent auditors regarding the acceptability and the quality of the accounting principles
used in the reports. These discussions included the clarity of the disclosures made therein, the
underlying estimates and assumptions used in the financial reporting, and the reasonableness of the
significant judgments and management decisions made in developing the financial statements. In
addition, the Audit Committee has discussed with the independent auditors their independence from
the Company and its management and the independent auditors provided the written disclosures and
the letter required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 and considered the compatibility
of non-audit services with the auditors independence.
The Audit Committee has also met and discussed with the Companys management, and its
independent auditors, issues related to the overall scope and objectives of the audits conducted,
the internal controls used by the Company and the selection of the Companys independent auditors.
In addition, the Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors, with and without
management present, the specific results of audit investigations and examinations and the auditors
judgments regarding any and all of the above issues.
25
Pursuant to the reviews and discussions described above, the Audit Committee recommended to
the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, for filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Respectfully submitted,
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THERMOGENESIS CORP. AUDIT COMMITTEE
Patrick McEnany, Chairman
Dr. Hubert Huckel
Dr. Woodrow Myers
Directors of the Company
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Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information for all of the Companys equity compensation plans
and individual compensation arrangements in effect as of June 30, 2007.
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Number of |
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Weighted- |
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securities to be |
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average exercise |
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Number of securities |
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issued upon |
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price of |
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remaining available for |
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|
exercise of |
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outstanding |
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future issuance under |
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outstanding |
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options, |
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equity compensation plans |
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options, warrants |
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warrants and |
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(excluding securities |
Plan Category |
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and rights |
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rights |
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reflected in column (a)) |
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(a) |
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(b) |
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(c) |
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders |
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2,470,917 |
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$ |
2.89 |
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3,001,982 |
(1) |
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
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Total |
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2,470,917 |
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3,001,982 |
(2) |
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(1) |
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Additionally, the Companys equity compensation plans include awards for 505,000 shares of
restricted stock. See Note 7 of Notes to Financial Statements set forth in our Annual Report
on Form 10-K for fiscal 2007 for further discussion regarding the restricted stock awards. |
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(2) |
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Under the Companys 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, the number of shares of common stock equal to
six percent (6%) of the number of outstanding shares of the Company are authorized to be used
under the under the 2006 Plan. Under this provision, the number of shares available to grant
for awards will increase at the beginning of each fiscal year if additional shares of common
stock were issued in the preceding fiscal year. |
Compliance with Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Based solely upon a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 delivered to the Company as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, directors and officers of the Company and persons who own more
than 10% of the Companys common stock timely filed all required reports pursuant to Section 16(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
The Company had no related party transactions during fiscal 2007.
26
Legal Proceedings
The Company and its property are not a party to any pending legal proceedings. In the normal
course of operations, the Company may have disagreements or disputes with employees, vendors or
customers. These disputes are seen by the Companys management as a normal part of business, and
there are no pending actions currently or no threatened actions that management believes would have
a significant material impact on the Companys financial position, results of operations or cash
flows.
Relationship with Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Company retained the firm of Ernst & Young LLP as the Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm of the Company for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007. The Company expects a
representative of Ernst & Young LLP to be present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and the
representative will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so. Such
representative is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Audit Fees
Fees for audit services by Ernst and Young LLP totaled $489,000 and $730,000 for the fiscal
years ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, including fees associated with the annual audits
of the financial statements, audits of internal control over financial reporting under Section 404
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the reviews of the Companys quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, consents,
assistance with the review of documents filed with the SEC, and accounting consultations.
Audit-Related Fees
There were no fees for audit-related services by Ernst & Young LLP for the fiscal years ended
June 30, 2007 and 2006.
Tax Fees
Fees for tax preparation by Ernst and Young LLP totaled $14,000 and $12,000 for the fiscal
years ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
All Other Fees
Ernst & Young LLP did not bill us for other services for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2007
and 2006.
The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and non-audit services to be performed by the
independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with the Audit Committee Charter. The
percentage of hours expended on the principal accountants engagement to audit the Companys
financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by
persons other than the principal accountants full-time, permanent employees was 0%.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to all employees. A copy of our code of ethics
can be found on our website at www.thermogenesis.com. The Company will report any amendment or
wavier to the code of ethics on our website within five (5) days.
Stockholder Proposals
Proposals by stockholders intended to be presented at the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
must be received by us not later than July 12, 2008, for consideration for possible inclusion in
the proxy statement relating to that meeting. All proposals must meet the requirements of Rule
14a-8 of the Exchange Act.
27
For any proposal that is not submitted for inclusion in next years proxy statement (as
described in the preceding paragraph), but is instead intended to be presented directly at next
years annual meeting, SEC rules permit management to vote proxies in its discretion if the Company
(a) receives notice of the proposal before the close of business on September 21, 2008, and advises
stockholders in the next years proxy statement about the nature of the matter and how management
intends to vote on such matter, or (b) does not receive notice of the proposal prior to the close
of business on September 21, 2008
Notices of intention to present proposals at the 2008 Annual Meeting should be addressed to
the Assistant Corporate Secretary, ThermoGenesis Corp., 2711 Citrus Road, Rancho Cordova,
California 95742. The Company reserves the right to reject, rule out of order or take other
appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other
applicable requirements.
Additional Information
The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, including audited
financial statements, has been mailed to stockholders concurrently with this proxy statement, but
such report is not incorporated in this Proxy Statement and is not deemed to be a part of the proxy
solicitation material. The Company is required to file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other information with the SEC. The public
can obtain copies of these materials by visiting the SECs Public Reference 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330, or by accessing the SECs website at
www.sec.gov.
Additional copies of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, will be provided to stockholders without charge upon request.
Stockholders should direct any such requests to ThermoGenesis Corp., 2711 Citrus Road, Rancho
Cordova, California 95742, Attention: Matthew T. Plavan, Chief Financial Officer.
OTHER BUSINESS
We do not know of any business to be presented for action at the meeting other than those
items listed in the notice of the meeting and referred to herein. If any other matters properly
come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof, it is intended that the proxies will be voted
in respect thereof in accordance with their best judgment pursuant to discretionary authority
granted in the proxy.
ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO EXECUTE THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY AND TO RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE
ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE. STOCKHOLDERS MAY REVOKE ANY PROXY IF SO DESIRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS
VOTED.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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/s/ David C. Adams
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David C. Adams, |
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Corporate Secretary |
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October 16, 2007 |
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Rancho Cordova, California |
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28
PROXY PROXY ThermoGenesis Corp. 2711 Citrus Road Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 Telephone (916) 858-5100 THIS
PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The undersigned hereby appoints William R.
Osgood and Matthew Plavan as proxies, each with full power to appoint substitutes, and hereby
authorizes them or either of them to represent and to vote as designated below, all the shares of
common stock of ThermoGenesis Corp. held of record by the undersigned as of November 1, 2007, at
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova, located at
11211 Point East Dr., Rancho Cordova, Ca. 95742, at 9:00 a.m., (PST), on December 14, 2007, and any
adjournments or postponements thereof, and hereby ratifies all that said attorneys and proxies may
do by virtue hereof. PLEASE REFER TO THE REVERSE SIDE FOR INTERNET AND TELEPHONE VOTING
INSTRUCTIONS. THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 2 AND AGAINST PROPOSAL 3. PLEASE MARK
VOTE IN BRACKET IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY. [X] 1. Election of Directors to serve
until the Annual Meeting of Stockholders for the fiscal year 2008. Nominees Philip H. Coelho [ ]
FOR [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY Hubert E. Huckel, M.D. [ ] FOR [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY Patrick McEnany
[ ] FOR [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY Woodrow A. Myers, M.D. [ ] FOR [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
William R. Osgood, Ph.D. [ ] FOR [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY 2. To ratify appointment of Ernst &
Young LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2008.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN 3. To vote on a stockholder proposal for an
amendment to the Bylaws relating to election of Directors. [ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST
[ ] ABSTAIN 4. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the Meeting. |
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE
UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL PROPOSALS.
THIS PROXY ALSO DELEGATES DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY TO VOTE WITH RESPECT TO OTHER BUSINESS WHICH
PROPERLY MAY COME BEFORE THE MEETING, OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF. IN THEIR
DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE
THE MEETING. PLEASE READ, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT
FURNISHED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. Dated: ___, 200___
Signature ___Signature Common Stock Please sign exactly as name appears.
When shares are held by joint tenants or more than one person, all owners should sign. When
signing as attorney, as executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian, please give full title as
such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. |
Telephone and Internet Voting Instructions You can vote by telephone or internet! Available 24
hours a day 7 days a week! Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the two voting
methods outlined below to vote your proxy.
To vote using the Telephone (within U.S. and Canada) To vote using the internet
Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) in the United Go to the following web site:
States or Canada any time on a touch tone www.investorvote.com Enter
telephone. There is NO CHARGE to you for the call. the information requested on
Follow the simple instructions provided by the your computer screen and
recorded message. follow the simple
instructions.
If you vote by telephone or the internet, please DO NOT mail back this proxy card. Proxies
submitted by telephone or the internet must be received by 1:00a.m. Central Time, on December 14,
2007. THANK YOU FOR VOTING |