Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section
14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Under Rule
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BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its
Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy
Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
PAYMENT OF FILING FEE (CHECK THE APPROPRIATE
BOX): |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules
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filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
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Check box if any part of the fee is
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Table of Contents
Proxy Statement
Annual Meeting:
May 25, 2021 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time
Table of Contents
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF STOCKHOLDERS
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Date:
May 25, 2021 |
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Time:
9:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) |
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Location:
Live audio webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BMRN2021 |
Dear Stockholder of BioMarin:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders (the Annual Meeting) of BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., a Delaware corporation (we, us, BioMarin or the Company). The
Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. (Pacific Time), via a live audio webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BMRN2021
for the following purposes:
ITEMS OF BUSINESS
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To elect the 11 nominees for director named in the proxy statement accompanying this Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Proxy Statement) to serve until the next Annual Meeting and until their successors are duly elected and qualified; |
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To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for BioMarin for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021; |
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To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers as disclosed in the Proxy Statement; |
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To approve an amendment to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended; and |
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To conduct any other business properly brought before the Annual Meeting. |
These items of business are more fully described in the Proxy
Statement. Instructions on how to demonstrate proof of stock ownership and participate in the Annual Meeting will be posted at
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BMRN2021 two weeks prior to the date of the Annual Meeting. The webcast of the Annual Meeting
will be archived for one year after the date of the Annual Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BMRN2021.
Record Date: Monday,
March 29, 2021
VOTING
Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, please
vote in advance of the meeting using one of the following methods.
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Telephone:
Call toll-free 1-866-690-6903. |
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Internet:
Vote online at www.proxyvote.com. |
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Mail:
Follow the instructions in your proxy materials. |
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials
for the Annual Meeting to be held on May 25, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. via a live audio webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BMRN2021.
The Proxy Statement, annual report and letter to stockholders
are available at: www.proxyvote.com.
If you have any questions or need assistance in voting your
shares, please call the following firm, which is assisting the Company in the solicitation of proxies:
Innisfree M&A Incorporated
501 Madison Avenue, 20th floor
New York, New York 10022
Stockholders may call toll free: (888) 750-5834
Banks and Brokers may call collect: (212) 750-5833
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on the
Record Date may vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. A complete list of such stockholders will be available for
examination by any stockholder for any purpose germane to the Annual Meeting at https://investors. biomarin.com for a period of
10 days before the Annual Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors
G. Eric Davis
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
San Rafael, California
April 13, 2021
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
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PROXY OVERVIEW |
This overview highlights certain information contained elsewhere
in this Proxy Statement and does not contain all of the information that you should consider. You should read the entire Proxy
Statement carefully before voting. For more complete information regarding our business and 2020 performance, please review our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC)
on February 26, 2021.
MEETING AND VOTING INFORMATION
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Date:
May 25, 2021 |
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Time:
9:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) |
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Location:
Live audio webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BMRN2021 |
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You
are cordially invited to attend the meeting virtually via the internet. Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, please
vote as soon as possible. Please see “Questions and Answers about These Proxy Materials and Voting—How Do I
Vote?” beginning on page 93 below. |
We intend to mail a Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy
Materials on or about April 13, 2021 to all stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. We expect that this
Proxy Statement and the other proxy materials will be available to stockholders on or about April 13, 2021.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
BioMarin is a global biotechnology company that develops and
commercializes innovative therapies for people with serious and life-threatening rare diseases and medical conditions. We select
product candidates for diseases and conditions that represent a significant unmet medical need, have well-understood biology and
provide an opportunity to be first-to-market or offer a significant benefit over existing products. Our therapy portfolio consists
of several commercial products and multiple clinical and pre-clinical product candidates. Our commercial products are:
Table of Contents
Proxy Overview
We continue to invest in our clinical and pre-clinical product
pipeline by committing significant resources to research and development programs and business development opportunities within
our areas of scientific, manufacturing and technical expertise. We are conducting clinical trials on several product candidates
for the treatment of various diseases.
Our product candidates in development include:
Valoctocogene
roxaparvovec:
a factor VIII gene therapy product candidate, for the treatment of severe hemophilia A |
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Vosoritide:
a peptide therapeutic product candidate for the treatment of achondroplasia, the leading cause
of dwarfism |
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BMN
307:
a gene therapy product candidate, for the treatment of PKU |
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BMN
331:
a gene therapy product candidate, for the treatment of hereditary angioedema |
We are conducting or planning to conduct preclinical development
of several other product candidates for genetic and other metabolic diseases.
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
The following table provides summary information about each
nominee for director as of March 5, 2021, each of whom is a continuing director. See pages 18 to 23 for more information.
Name |
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Age |
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Director Since |
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Occupation |
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Independent |
Elizabeth McKee Anderson |
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63 |
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July 2019 |
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Director, Bavarian Nordic
A/S; Director, Insmed, Inc.; Director, Revolution Medicines, Inc. |
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Yes |
Jean-Jacques
Bienaimé
Chair of the Board |
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67 |
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May
2005 |
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Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. |
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No |
Willard Dere, M.D. |
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67 |
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July 2016 |
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Professor of Internal Medicine,
B. Lue and Hope S. Bettilyon Presidential Endowed Chair in Internal Medicine for Diabetes Research, Executive Director of
Personalized Health, and Co-Principal Investigator of the Center for Clinical & Translational Science at the University
of Utah Health Sciences Center |
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Yes |
Michael Grey |
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68 |
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December 2005 |
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Chairman, Mirum Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.; Lead Director, Horizon Therapeutics plc; Executive Chairman, Spruce Biosciences, Inc.; Director, Mirati Therapeutics
Inc. |
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Yes |
Elaine J. Heron, Ph.D. |
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73 |
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July 2002 |
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Director, Amplyx Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.; Director, Palvella Therapeutics; Director, Dropworks, Inc. |
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Yes |
Maykin Ho, Ph.D. |
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68 |
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February 2021 |
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Director, Agios Pharmaceuticals;
Director, FibroGen, Inc.; Director, Grail Inc.; Director, Parexel; Director, the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center and Institute
for Protein Innovation |
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Yes |
Robert J. Hombach |
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54 |
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September 2017 |
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Former Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operations Officer, Baxalta Inc.; Director, CarMax, Inc.; Director, Aptinyx Inc. |
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Yes |
V. Bryan Lawlis, Ph.D. |
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69 |
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June 2007 |
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Director, Aeglea BioTherapeutics,
Inc.; Director, Coherus Biosciences, Inc.; Director, Geron Corporation |
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Yes |
Richard
A. Meier
Lead Independent Director |
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61 |
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December
2006 |
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Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Intersect ENT, Inc.; Partner, AtlasRock&Co |
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Yes |
David E.I. Pyott, M.D.
(Hon.) |
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67 |
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January 2016 |
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Director, Alynlam Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.; Pliant Therapeutics, Inc.; Supervisory Board Member, Royal Philips in the Netherlands |
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Yes |
Dennis J. Slamon,
M.D., Ph.D. |
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72 |
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March 2014 |
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Professor of Medicine, UCLA Department
of Medicine; Director, Clinical/Translational Research at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center; Director, Revlon/
UCLA Women’s Cancer Research Program |
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Yes |
6 |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Proxy Overview
Director Nominee Dashboard
We examine the experience and expertise of our Board as a
whole to ensure alignment between the abilities and expertise of our Board and our strategic priorities and long-range plan, emphasizing,
among other things, skills and experience in leadership of large, complex organizations, particularly in related industries; sales
and marketing of biotechnology and pharmaceutical products; manufacturing of biotechnology and small molecule drug products; research
and development of drug products, including managing and conducting clinical trials and the drug regulatory approval processes;
medicine; finance; accounting; capital markets; business development; intellectual property; and information technology. All of
our director nominees exhibit high integrity, sound business judgment, innovative thinking, collegiality and a knowledge of corporate
governance requirements and practices, and our director nominees as a whole bring a balance of relevant skills and experience to
our boardroom, including those listed below:
Director Nominee Skills and Experience
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Directors |
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Research &
Development |
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Management
of
Biotechnology and
Pharmaceutical
Organizations |
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Clinical
Trial
Research
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U.S. &
International
Drug Regulatory
Processes |
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Compensation
/ Corporate
Governance
Matters |
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Finance
/
Accounting
/ Capital
Markets |
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Manufacturing
of
Biotechnology &
Small Molecule
Drug Products |
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Business
Development
/ Sales &
Marketing |
Anderson |
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Bienaimé |
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Dere |
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Grey |
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Heron |
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Ho |
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Hombach |
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Lawlis |
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Meier |
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Pyott |
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Slamon |
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5 of
11
Have Research &
Development Expertise |
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10
of 11
Have Industry
Management Experience |
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6 of
11
Have Finance /
Accounting /
Capital Markets Expertise |
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8 of
11
Have Business
Development / Sales &
Marketing Experience |
Table of Contents
Proxy Overview
Board Diversity
We are committed to diversity across all aspects of our organization,
including with respect to identifying, evaluating and nominating directors. In September 2018, the Board formalized its long-standing
practice of considering women and minority candidates for open director positions by amending the Corporate Governance Principles
to require that:
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the Board consider the diversity of specific skills
and characteristics (including, without limitation, areas of expertise, race, ethnicity and gender) necessary for the optimal
functioning of the Board over both the short and long term; and |
• |
the Corporate Governance and Nominating (CGN)
Committee, and any search firm that it engages, include women and minority candidates in the pool from which the Board selects
candidates for director. |
We remain committed to diversity throughout our process for
identifying and evaluating director candidates, and we are proud that the gender and ethnic diversity of our director nominees
has increased significantly in recent years, as shown below:
Below we highlight the diversity of our director nominees
as of March 5, 2021:
(1) |
Meets one or more of the
gender, ethnic and birthplace diversity categories. |
Board Composition
Our Board is substantially independent and has a mix of relatively
new and longer-tenured directors. The charts below show the makeup of director nominees by various characteristics as of March
5, 2021:
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Proxy Overview
STOCKHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
We regularly engage with our stockholders through open dialogue
and direct individual communication on topics related to our business, strategic vision, financial performance, executive compensation
and environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) matters. Stockholder feedback is important, and the information we glean
from these engagements is highly valued. In particular, our stockholders’ views and opinions on our executive compensation
practices are extremely important to us. As stewards of good corporate governance, our Compensation Committee evaluates the design
of our executive compensation program based on market conditions, stockholder views and other governance considerations.
In 2020, we continued our active engagement efforts to ensure
stockholder interests were incorporated into our planning process for ESG practices and the 2021 executive compensation program.
Our outreach in 2020 included all of our 10 top stockholders in addition to other investors, and we requested calls or meetings
with all of the stockholders we contacted. We then held calls or meetings with all the stockholders that responded, during which
we discussed various topics, including diversity of our workforce, executives and Board, environmental and sustainability initiatives
and executive compensation philosophy and design. Our Lead Independent Director, Richard A. Meier, participated in the calls with
our stockholders, and feedback from these discussions was relayed to the CGN and Compensation Committees and the full Board.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OVERVIEW
We are committed to exercising good corporate governance and
frequently review our practices. We believe that good governance promotes the long-term interests of our stockholders and strengthens
Board and management accountability. Highlights of our corporate governance practices include the following:
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Stockholder Rights and Accountability |
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Proxy access bylaw (3% holder for three years) |
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Plurality voting in the election of directors
in uncontested elections with director resignation policy |
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Board Independence |
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All of our current directors and nominees for
director are independent, other than our Chairman and CEO, Mr. Bienaimé |
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Regular executive sessions of the Independent
Directors |
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100% independent committee members |
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Lead Independent Director with clearly delineated
duties and robust authority |
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Board and committees may engage outside advisors
independently of management |
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Stock Ownership by Directors and Executives |
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Stock ownership guidelines for directors and executive
officers help to align their interests with stockholder interests |
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Prohibit short sales, transactions in put or call
options, hedging transactions, or other inherently speculative transactions in our stock or engaging in margin activities
(see the section of this Proxy Statement titled, “Stock Ownership Information – Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging
Policy” for details) |
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Robust Compensation-Setting Process |
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Independent compensation consultant reporting
directly to the Compensation Committee |
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Policy for Recoupment of Incentive Compensation
(Clawback Policy) |
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Annual advisory approval of executive compensation |
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Board Practices |
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Commitment to diversity in terms of specific skills
and characteristics (including expertise, race, ethnicity, and gender), including adoption of a formal policy to consider
women and minority candidates for all open Board positions |
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Annual Board and committee self-evaluations |
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Risk oversight by the full Board and committees |
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Corporate Governance Principles and robust Global
Code of Conduct and Business Ethics |
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Financial Authority Policy, under which the Board
must approve spend over a specified dollar threshold |
Table of Contents
Proxy Overview
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
In addition to our commitment to good corporate governance
described above, our Board and executive leadership team are also committed to constructive environmental and social practices.
Our executives sponsor and oversee a cross-functional Corporate Responsibility Committee that spearheads many of BioMarin’s
efforts to protect the environment and provide a safe and healthful workplace for our employees and the communities in which we
operate. At the direction of the senior leadership team, our human resources department has successfully implemented policies and
programs to foster diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at all levels of the Company. Members of the Board and the CGN and Compensation
Committees regularly hear reports on BioMarin’s environmental and social activities and offer valuable insights and recommendations
in addition to providing appropriate oversight. Select highlights of our environmental and social initiatives are described below.
Additional information regarding BioMarin’s environmental and social practices is included in the “Corporate Social
Responsibility” subsection of the “Our Company” section of our website. Information on our website is NOT incorporated
by reference in this Proxy Statement.
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ENVIRONMENTAL |
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SOCIAL |
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We strive to reduce water consumption
and increase efficiency of water utilities by utilizing computerized sensors to monitor the flow of water and automatic isolation
valves. |
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Racial and ethnic minorities represented
46% of our employees in the U.S.; globally, 50% of our workforce were women and 46% of our positions at director-level and
above were held by women (as of December 31, 2020). |
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In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
we launched an energy reduction project at our Shanbally, Ireland facility that exceeded its target reduction goal by five
times; achieved ISO 50001 certification for our Shanbally, Ireland energy management system; installed over 430 solar panels
at our facilities; purchase 100% of our electricity in Northern California from Marin Clean Energy, 60% of which is generated
from renewable sources like wind and solar; and offer employees free use of more than 165 electric vehicle charging stations. |
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We formed a DEI Employee Advisory Committee to
help define a DEI roadmap and incorporate perspectives from employees of different age, gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation,
level and location. |
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As part of our commitment to reduce waste, we
use reusable containers with several vendors for bioprocessing materials, such as filter assemblies and bioprocessing bags. |
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We continue to support and increase the number
of our employee resource groups that build community for employees from underrepresented groups. |
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We actively design and renovate new facilities
and office suites to be energy efficient and embrace the highest of standards used by green building rating systems. All new
building construction and renovation projects meet either LEED Gold certification requirements from the U.S. Green Building
Council or the more stringent CALGreen building code requirements from the State of California in place at the time of project
execution. |
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In the broader community, we actively engage with
underrepresented populations through a variety of outreach and partnering with non-profit organizations, such as Biotech Partners
and Health Career Connection. In addition, through our Rare Scholars program, we award annual scholarships to students living
with rare disease. |
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In January 2021, we were recognized as a Best Place to Work for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Equality by the Human Rights Campaign, scoring 100% on their Corporate Equality Index, one of the foremost benchmarking surveys and reports in the U.S. measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. |
10 |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Proxy Overview
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION HIGHLIGHTS
We designed our executive compensation program
to attract, motivate and retain the executive talent necessary to advance our business of developing and commercializing innovative
therapies for people with serious and life-threatening rare diseases and medical conditions and to increase stockholder value.
Our compensation program is aligned with our business strategy and priorities, encourages executive officers to work for meaningful
stockholder returns and reflects a pay-for-performance philosophy. It does not encourage our executive officers to assume excessive
risks or result in excessive pay levels. We achieve our pay objectives by providing short-term cash bonuses tied to our annual
financial and development goals and by granting long-term equity awards, including three types of performance-based restricted
stock units (RSUs) tied to (1) relative stock performance, (2) non-GAAP Income and (3) achievement of strategic corporate goals,
all measured over a three-year performance period.
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FULL TRANSITION TO THREE-YEAR PERFORMANCE PERIOD
As discussed above, beginning with the equity
grants made in March 2020, 100% of performance-based RSUs will be earned based on the Company’s performance over a three-year
period.
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SALARY FREEZE AND REDUCTION TO EQUITY COMPENSATION
FOR 2021
In 2021, the Compensation Committee froze salaries
and reduced the values of equity grants for our Named Executive Officers (NEOs) in recognition of the recent experience of our
stockholders and the Company’s focus on controlling expenses while continuing to face headwinds from the COVID-19 pandemic,
loss of U.S. market exclusivity for Kuvan and a delay in the potential regulatory approval of valoctocogene roxaparvovec for severe
hemophilia A. As compared to 2020, the 2021 equity grant value for our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Bienaimé, was
reduced by over 15%, or by $2.5 million, and the 2021 equity grant value for our President of Worldwide Research &
Development, Dr. Fuchs, was reduced by over 20%, or by $1.5 million.
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2021 Equity Grant Reductions
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CEO Grant
Decreased by over 15%, or by $2.5 million
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President of R&D Grant
Decreased by over 20%, or by $1.5 million
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Our Executive Compensation Practices
Our executive compensation policies and practices
reinforce our pay-for-performance philosophy and align with sound governance principles.
WHAT WE DO
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Design executive compensation to align pay with performance |
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Balance short- and long-term incentive compensation to incentivize achievement of short- and long-term business goals |
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Reward performance by making a majority of executive compensation “at-risk” |
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Retain independent compensation consultant reporting directly to the Compensation Committee |
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Require executive officers and directors to meet stock ownership guidelines |
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Provide stockholders an annual say-on-pay vote and solicit feedback on our compensation programs from stockholders |
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Prohibit short sales, transactions in put or call options, hedging transactions or other inherently speculative transactions in our stock or engaging in margin activities (see the section of this Proxy Statement titled, “Stock Ownership Information – Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy” for details) |
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Maintain a Clawback Policy |
WHAT WE DON’T DO
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No repricing of underwater stock options without prior stockholder approval |
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No excessive perquisites |
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No guaranteed bonuses or base salary increases |
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No tax gross-ups on severance or change in control benefits |
Table of Contents
Proxy Overview
Recent Evolution of our Executive Compensation
Program
We work with our compensation consultant throughout
each year to stay at the forefront of pay and governance trends and best practices. Since 2014, we have greatly enhanced the link
between pay and performance by increasing the proportion of performance-based RSUs as compared to service-based RSUs. As shown
in the graph below, performance-based RSUs increased from 0% of all RSUs awarded to each NEO as part of the 2014 annual equity
grant to 67% of all RSUs awarded to each NEO as part of the 2019 and 2020 annual equity grants.
2014 to 2020: Increasing NEO Performance-Based
RSU Awards
We also take a fresh look at our non-equity annual
cash incentive program each year. To incentivize progress toward profitability, one of the two financial metrics under the annual
cash incentive program was changed for 2020 to a non-GAAP income(1) goal instead of the research and development (R&D)
and selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense goal used in prior years.
During our stockholder outreach efforts in 2020
and in years prior, we sought feedback on our executive compensation program, among other topics. We believe that the compensation
changes we made in recent years addressed many of the concerns raised by stockholders. We were pleased that our 2020 say-on-pay
proposal received support from 96% of the votes cast. In 2020, we continued to make changes to our executive compensation program
to further align pay and performance and address feedback from stockholders. Recent changes we made to our executive compensation
practices in direct response to what we heard from our stockholders are described below:
Change: We rapidly increased the proportion of
performance-based RSUs as a percentage of total long-term equity compensation, from 30% in 2018 to 50% in 2019 and 2020.
• |
Effective date: March 2019 |
• |
The allocation of equity awards changed between 2018 and 2019 & 2020 as follows: |
Feedback Addressed: More
of long-term compensation should be performance-based, rather than time-based.
Purpose of Change:
Further tie compensation to performance of the Company.
(1) |
We define non-GAAP Income as reported GAAP Net Income (Loss), excluding net interest expense, provision for (benefit from) income taxes, depreciation expense, amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense, contingent consideration expense and in certain periods, certain other specified items. |
12 |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Proxy Overview
Change: 100% of performance-based RSUs will be
earned based on metrics other than revenue.
• |
Effective Date: March 2020 |
• |
Instead of performance-based RSUs being earned based on revenue achievement (which was the case for 100% of grants in 2018 and 50% in 2019), the 2020 awards will be earned based on other metrics, as shown below: |
Feedback Addressed:
• |
Realized compensation has not always closely correlated to stockholder experience. |
• |
Revenue determines a large proportion of short-term performance-based compensation (30% weight in 2019 annual cash incentive program), so revenue should not also determine long-term performance-based compensation. |
Purpose of Change:
• |
More closely align realized compensation with stockholder return. |
• |
Further focus management on goals in addition to revenue growth that also drive stockholder value. |
Change: The metrics underlying 100% of performance-based
RSUs will be measured using a three-year period.
• |
Effective Date: March 2020 |
• |
Instead of a gradual phase-in, the transition from using one-year performance periods over which performance-based RSUs are earned to three-year performance periods was accelerated and completed in only two years, as shown below: |
Feedback Addressed: More
of the performance-based compensation should be earned over a longer period.
Purpose of Change: Further
incentivize long-term performance and tie compensation to achievement of long-term goals; encourage retention of key employees.
Change: We included more information in our proxy
statements regarding the annual cash incentive program.
• |
Effective Date: April 2019 |
• |
We provided significantly more details regarding the development goals for each clinical and pre-clinical program underlying the annual cash incentive program than in proxy statements filed before 2019. |
Feedback Addressed: More
details should be provided regarding the development goals underlying the annual cash incentive program.
Purpose of Change: Increase
transparency in determining amounts earned under the annual cash incentive program and explain the philosophy behind the program’s
design.
Table of Contents
Proxy Overview
OUR NEO FISCAL YEAR 2020 PAY
NEOs’ Total Compensation Mix
The following charts show the breakdown of reported
fiscal 2020 total compensation for our CEO, Mr. Bienaimé, and other NEOs as a group (excluding our former Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Spiegelman). These charts illustrate the predominance of performance-based components
in our executive compensation program (55% for our CEO and 41% for the other NEOs). We believe these components provide a compensation
package that helps to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve as executive officers and also links individual compensation
to Company performance. This target pay mix focuses the efforts of our NEOs and other executive officers on the achievement of
both our short- and long-term objectives and aligns the interests of our executive officers with those of our stockholders.
CEO Total Compensation Mix in 2020(1)
Other NEOs’ Total Compensation Mix in 2020(1)(2)(3)
(1) |
Each percentage is
calculated as a percentage of total compensation set forth in the “Summary Compensation Table” in this Proxy Statement
and is based on the amounts in such table, including the “Target Payout” amounts in footnote (2) to such table.
The “Other” percentage for all other NEOs includes the one-time sign-on bonus of $250,000 paid to Dr. Guyer, which
is described in footnote (7) to the “Summary Compensation Table” in this Proxy Statement. Certain percentages
are rounded up or down by less than 1% so that totals equal 100%. |
(2) |
Percentages calculated based on sum of
all other NEOs’ compensation. The percentages for all other NEOs excludes amounts for Mr. Spiegelman who stepped down
as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 29, 2020. He remained with BioMarin as an employee
and senior advisor until September 1, 2020. |
(3) |
The percentage of Performance-Based RSUs
(34%) and Performance-Based compensation (41%) for all other NEOs would be higher if we excluded the new hire equity grant
for Dr. Guyer, which consisted of all service-based awards. |
14 |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Proxy Overview
SUMMARY OF STOCKHOLDER VOTING MATTERS AND BOARD
RECOMMENDATIONS
For the reasons set forth below and in the rest
of this Proxy Statement, our Board of Directors recommends that you vote your shares “FOR” each of the nominees named
below for director to hold office until the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and “FOR” each of the other proposals.
Election of Directors
The Board of Directors recommends
a vote “FOR” each of the nominees.
Vote required to elect each nominee:
The 11 nominees who receive the most “FOR”
votes cast by the holders of shares either present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote will be elected to our
Board.
For more information, see Proposal No.
One starting on page 17.
|
|
We are asking our stockholders to vote “FOR”
each of the 11 nominees for director to serve until the next Annual Meeting and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
Detailed information about each nominee’s background and experience can be found beginning on page 19.
Each of the nominees for director was nominated
for election by the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of CGN Committee. Our Board of Directors believes that each nominee
has the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
We have a policy that provides that any director
nominee who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” for his or her election than votes “for” his
or her election should promptly tender his or her resignation. For more information on this policy, see page 17.
|
Ratification of the Selection of KPMG LLP as
the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for BioMarin for the Year Ending December 31, 2021
The Board of Directors recommends
a vote “FOR” this proposal.
Vote required for approval: Affirmative
vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal.
For more information, see
Proposal No. Two starting on page 36.
|
|
The Board and the Audit Committee believe that
the continued retention of KPMG LLP (KPMG) to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2021 is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders. As a matter of good corporate governance, we are
asking our stockholders to ratify the Audit Committee’s selection of the independent registered public accounting firm.
|
Table of Contents
Proxy Overview
Non-Binding Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
The Board of Directors recommends
a vote “FOR” this proposal.
Vote required for approval: Affirmative
vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal.
For more information, see Proposal No.
Three starting on page 41.
|
|
We are asking our stockholders for advisory approval of the compensation of our NEOs as disclosed in this Proxy Statement. Our executive compensation program is aligned with our business strategy and priorities and encourages executive officers to work for meaningful stockholder returns consistent with our pay-for-performance philosophy. We align our executive officers’ interests with our stockholders’ interests by rewarding our executive officers for both current performance and longer-term performance, with performance measured by both financial performance and milestones for the advancement of our long-term development programs and strategic initiatives. |
Approval of an Amendment to the 2017 Equity Incentive
Plan, As Amended
The Board of Directors recommends
a vote “FOR” this proposal.
Vote required for approval: Affirmative
vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal.
For more information, see Proposal No.
Four starting on page 80.
|
|
We are asking our stockholders to approve an amendment
(the 2017 Plan Amendment) to the BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the 2017 Plan). The 2017
Plan Amendment increases the shares reserved for issuance under the 2017 Plan by 10,500,000, so that the total number of shares
available for future awards under the 2017 Plan would be approximately 14,500,000 and the total number of shares reserved for issuance
under the 2017 Plan would be 42,380,015. The 2017 Plan Amendment makes no other changes to the 2017 Plan. The 2017 Plan contains
a number of features representing good corporate governance practices, including:
• annual
limit on non-employee director compensation;
• no
repricing without stockholder approval;
• no
discounted options;
• restrictions
on payment of dividends and dividend equivalents;
• awards
subject to our Clawback Policy;
• no
“liberal” change in control definition or “liberal” share recycling provision;
• no
requirement for single-trigger vesting of awards on a change in control;
• administration
by an independent committee; and
• material
amendments require stockholder approval.
|
16 |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
|
PROPOSAL
1 |
Election
of Directors |
Each of the 11 nominees for director listed below
is currently a director of the Company and, except for Dr. Ho, who was appointed to the Board after the 2020 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, was previously elected by the stockholders. Regarding Dr. Ho’s appointment, in 2020, a third-party search
firm provided the CGN Committee with a slate of potential candidates for consideration, which included Dr. Ho. After reviewing
the potential candidates, the CGN Committee selected Dr. Ho from the list provided by the third-party search firm, performed further
evaluation of her particular experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, and then recommended her appointment to the Board.
All of the current directors have been recommended by the CGN Committee to the Board for re-election as our directors at the Annual
Meeting, and the Board has approved such recommendations. Each director nominee to be elected and qualified will hold office until
the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or, if sooner, until the
director’s death, resignation or removal.
VOTE REQUIRED
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes
of the holders of shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the election of directors. The 11 nominees
receiving the highest number of affirmative votes will be elected.
DIRECTOR RESIGNATION POLICY
Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Principles
(which are available in the Corporate Governance section of the Investors section of our website at www.bmrn.com), any director
nominee who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from his or her election than votes “for” his
or her election in an uncontested election at a stockholders’ meeting should promptly tender his or her resignation to the
Chair of the Board following certification of the stockholder vote. The CGN Committee will then make a recommendation to the Board
regarding the appropriate response to such an offer of resignation and the Board will then deliberate and vote on such recommendation.
Information on our website is NOT incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement.
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR
The names and ages of the 11 nominees for director,
their occupation(s), length of service with the Company and Board committee memberships are set forth in the table below. A brief
biography of each nominee is also set forth below, which includes information, as of March 5, 2021, regarding specific and particular
experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of each nominee that led the CGN Committee and the Board to believe that the
nominee should continue to serve on the Board.
|
|
|
|
Committee Memberships |
Name |
Age |
Director Since |
Occupation |
AC |
CC |
CGN |
S&T |
Elizabeth
McKee Anderson |
63 |
July
2019 |
Director,
Bavarian Nordic A/S; Director, Insmed, Inc.;
Director, Revolution Medicines, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
Jean-Jacques
Bienaimé
Chair of the Board |
67 |
May
2005 |
Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer,
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. |
|
|
|
|
Willard
Dere, M.D. |
67 |
July
2016 |
Professor
of Internal Medicine, B. Lue and Hope S. Bettilyon Presidential Endowed Chair in Internal
Medicine for Diabetes Research, Executive Director of Personalized Health,
and Co-Principal Investigator of the Center for Clinical & Translational Science at
the University of Utah Health Sciences Center |
|
|
|
|
Michael
Grey |
68 |
December
2005 |
Chairman,
Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Lead Director, Horizon Therapeutics plc; Executive Chairman,
Spruce Biosciences, Inc.; Director, Mirati Therapeutics Inc. |
|
|
|
|
Elaine
J. Heron, Ph.D. |
73 |
July
2002 |
Director,
Amplyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Director, Palvella Therapeutics; Director Dropworks, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
Maykin
Ho, Ph.D. |
68 |
February
2021 |
Director,
Agios Pharmaceuticals; Director, FibroGen, Inc.; Director, Grail Inc.; Director, Parexel;
Director, the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center and Institute for Protein Innovation |
|
|
|
|
Robert J. Hombach |
54 |
September
2017 |
Former
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operations Officer, Baxalta
Inc.; Director, CarMax, Inc.; Director, Aptinyx Inc. |
|
|
|
|
V. Bryan
Lawlis, Ph.D. |
69 |
June
2007 |
Director,
Aeglea BioTherapeutics, Inc.; Director, Coherus Biosciences, Inc.; Director, Geron Corporation |
|
|
|
|
Richard
A. Meier
Lead Independent Director |
61 |
December
2006 |
Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Intersect ENT, Inc.; Partner, AtlasRock&Co. |
|
|
|
|
David
E.I. Pyott, M.D. (Hon.) |
67 |
January
2016 |
Director,
Alynlam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Director, Pliant Therapeutics, Inc.; Supervisory Board
Member, Royal Philips in the Netherlands |
|
|
|
|
Dennis
J. Slamon, M.D., Ph.D. |
72 |
March
2014 |
Professor
of Medicine, UCLA Department of Medicine; Director, Clinical/Translational Research at
UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center; Director, Revlon/UCLA Women’s
Cancer Research Program |
|
|
|
|
AC |
Audit Committee |
CGN |
Corporate Governance & Nominating
Committee |
|
Member |
|
Financial Expert |
CC |
Compensation Committee |
S&T |
Science & Technology Committee |
|
Committee Chair |
|
Independent |
18 |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Age 67
Director Since May
2005
Chairman & Chief
Executive Officer, BioMarin
Pharmaceutical Inc.
|
JEAN-JACQUES BIENAIMÉ
The Board has nominated Mr. Bienaimé
for his intimate knowledge of our business and extensive experience in the management of biotechnology organizations,
business development, and sales and marketing of both biotechnology and pharmaceutical products.
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé joined our
Board in May 2005, at the same time that he became our Chief Executive Officer, and was named Chair of the Board in June
2015. From November 2002 to April 2005, Mr. Bienaimé served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President
of Genencor, a biotechnology company focused on industrial bioproducts and targeted cancer biotherapeutics. From 1998
to late 2002, Mr. Bienaimé served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Sangstat Medical Corporation,
an immunology-focused biotechnology company, becoming President in 1998 and Chief Executive Officer in 1999. From 1992
to 1998, Mr. Bienaimé held several senior management positions at Rhône-Poulenc Rorer Pharmaceuticals (now
Sanofi-Aventis), culminating in the position of Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Business Development.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Bienaimé worked at Genentech, Inc. where he was involved in the launch of tissue plasminogen
activator (t-PA) for the treatment of heart attacks. Mr. Bienaimé currently serves on the board of Incyte Corporation,
a public biotechnology company, and he is a member of the boards of Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and Pharmaceutical
Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), both industry trade associations. From 2013 to 2018, Mr. Bienaimé
served on the board of Vital Therapies, Inc., a public biopharmaceutical company until it was merged into Immunic, Inc.
in April 2019. Mr. Bienaimé received an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a
degree in economics from the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Age 63
Director Since July
2019
Former Worldwide Vice
President, Infectious Diseases
and Vaccines, Janssen
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Director,
Bavarian
Nordic A/S; Director,
Insmed, Inc.; Director, Revolution
Medicines, Inc.
|
ELIZABETH McKEE ANDERSON
The Board has nominated Ms. Anderson
for her extensive experience in managing large biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations, compensation and corporate
governance matters, finance and accounting, and sales and marketing of both biotechnology and pharmaceutical products.
Elizabeth McKee Anderson joined our Board
in July 2019. Ms. Anderson held various senior leadership positions at Johnson & Johnson between 2003 and her retirement
in 2014. She most recently served as Worldwide Vice President, Infectious Disease and Vaccines for Janssen Pharmaceuticals,
a Johnson & Johnson company, where she directed the commercial development of an extensive portfolio of antivirals
and vaccines with responsibility for global strategic marketing, market access, and global analytics for that division.
Prior to Johnson & Johnson, Ms. Anderson served as the Vice President and General Manager of Wyeth Lederle Vaccines
from 1997 to 2002. She also previously worked at Rhone Poulenc Rorer and the American Red Cross. Ms. Anderson currently
serves on the boards of Bavarian Nordic A/S, Insmed, Inc. and Revolution Medicines, Inc., public biopharmaceutical companies,
and she formerly served on the board of Huntsworth PLC, a public healthcare and communications company, through December
31, 2019. She also serves on the board of Aro Biotherapeutics Company, a private biopharmaceutical company, is a member
of the Board of Trustees of the Wistar Institute, a non-profit biomedical research organization, and is the Principal
of PureSight Advisory, LLC. She holds a B.S. in Engineering from Rutgers University and an M.B.A. from Loyola University
Maryland.
|
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Age 67
Director Since July
2016
Professor of Internal Medicine,
B. Lue and Hope S. Bettilyon
Presidential Endowed Chair in
Internal Medicine for
Diabetes
Research, Executive Director
of Personalized Health, and
Co-Principal Investigator
of the Center for Clinical
&
Translational Science at the
University of Utah Health
Sciences Center
|
WILLARD DERE, M.D.
The Board has nominated Dr. Dere for
his extensive experience in managing biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations, clinical trial research as well as
research and development in translating basic science discoveries into new clinical therapies and novel drug strategies.
Willard Dere, M.D., joined our Board
in July 2016. Since November 2014, he has served as the Professor of Internal Medicine, B. Lue and Hope S. Bettilyon Presidential
Endowed Chair in Internal Medicine for Diabetes Research, Executive Director of Personalized Health, and Co-Principal
Investigator of the Center for Clinical & Translational Science at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center.
He also serves as the Associate Vice President for Research of Health Sciences at the University of Utah Health Sciences
Center. Prior to re-joining academia in November 2014, Dr. Dere was in the biopharmaceutical industry for 25 years. From
2003 until his retirement in 2014, Dr. Dere held multiple roles at Amgen, Inc., a biotechnology company, including serving
as head of global development and either the international or corporate chief medical officer from December 2004 to October
2014. He began his career at Eli Lilly in 1989, and held a number of different global roles in clinical pharmacology,
regulatory affairs, and both early-stage translational, and late-stage clinical research. He currently serves on the boards
of three public biopharmaceutical companies: Mersana Therapeutics, Inc., Radius Health, Inc., and Seres Therapeutics,
Inc., and in December 2017 he concluded his board service at Ocera Therapeutics, Inc., a public biopharmaceutical company,
before its acquisition by Mallinckrodt PLC. Since 2014, he has served on the scientific advisory board of the California
Institute of Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Dere received a B.A. and an M.D. from the University of California, Davis. He
trained in internal medicine at the University of Utah and in endocrinology/metabolism at the University of California
at San Francisco.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Age 68
Director Since December
2005
Executive Chairman, Amplyx
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;
Executive Chairman, Reneo
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Chairman,
Mirum
Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.; Lead Director, Horizon
Therapeutics plc; Executive
Chairman, Spruce Biosciences,
Inc.; Director,
Mirati
Therapeutics Inc.; Chairman,
Plexium Inc.
|
MICHAEL GREY
The Board has nominated Mr. Grey for
his extensive experience in managing biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations, business development, compensation
matters and finance and accounting.
Michael Grey joined our Board in December
2005 and serves as the Chair of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Grey currently serves as Executive Chairman of Amplyx
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a private biopharmaceutical company, a position he has held since December 2016, and previously
served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Amplyx from October 2015 to December 2016. Mr. Grey also currently
serves as Executive Chairman of Reneo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a private biopharmaceutical company, a position he has held
since January 2018, and previously served as Chief Executive Officer from October 2014 to December 2017. He previously
served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lumena Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a private biotechnology company, from
February 2011 until it was acquired by Shire plc in May 2014. He has also served as a Venture Partner with Pappas Ventures,
a life sciences venture capital firm, since January 2010. Between January and September 2009, he served as President and
Chief Executive Officer of Auspex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a private biotechnology company. From January 2005 until its
acquisition in August 2008, Mr. Grey was President and Chief Executive Officer of SGX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a public
biotechnology company, where he previously served as President from June 2003 to January 2005 and as Chief Business Officer
from April 2001 until June 2003. Prior to joining SGX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Mr. Grey acted as President, Chief Executive
Officer and board member of Trega Biosciences, Inc., a biotechnology company. From November 1994 to August 1998, Mr. Grey
was the President of BioChem Therapeutic, Inc., the pharmaceutical operating division of BioChem Pharma, Inc. During 1994,
Mr. Grey served as President and Chief Operating Officer for Ansan, Inc., a pharmaceutical company. From 1974 to 1993,
he served in various roles with Glaxo, Inc. and Glaxo Holdings, plc, culminating in the position of Vice President, Corporate
Development. Mr. Grey is currently Chairman of the Board at Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a public biopharmaceutical company
he founded in 2018. Mr. Grey is also currently Lead Director at Horizon Therapeutics plc, Executive Chairman of Spruce
Biosciences, Inc., and a member of the board of Mirati Therapeutics Inc., all public companies, and Chairman of the Board
at Plexium Inc., a private biopharmaceutical company. He received a B.Sc. in chemistry from the University of Nottingham,
United Kingdom.
|
20 |
|
2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Age 73
Director Since July
2002
Director, Amplyx
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Director,
Palvella Therapeutics, Inc.;
Director, Dropworks, Inc.
|
ELAINE J. HERON, PH.D.
The Board has nominated Dr. Heron for
her extensive experience in life science sales and marketing, finance and accounting, corporate governance matters and
research and development.
Elaine J. Heron, Ph.D., joined our Board
in July 2002 and serves as the Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Dr. Heron served as Chair and
Chief Executive Officer of Amplyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a private drug development company, from February 2009 until
October 2015, and she continues to serve as a member of that company’s board. She is also a director of Dropworks,
Inc., a private biotechnology tools company, Palvella Therapeutics, Inc., a private clinical-stage therapeutics company,
and Visgenx, Inc., a private early stage therapeutics company. From July 2001 to October 2008, Dr. Heron was Chair and
Chief Executive Officer of Labcyte Inc., a private biotechnology company. Before joining Labcyte Inc., she spent six years
in positions of increasing responsibility at the Applied Biosystems Group of Applera Corporation, a biotechnology company,
including the position of General Manager and Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Dr. Heron earned a B.S. in chemistry
with highest distinction and a Ph.D. in analytical biochemistry from Purdue University and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Age 68
Director Since February
2021
Director, Agios Pharmaceuticals;
Director, FibroGen, Inc., Director,
Grail Inc.; Director, Parexel;
Director, the
Aaron Diamond
AIDS Research Center and
Institute for Protein Innovation
|
MAYKIN HO, PH.D.
The Board has nominated Dr. Ho for her
extensive experience in healthcare investment research and banking, finance, and analysis of science and biotechnology.
Dr. Maykin Ho, Ph.D. has more than 30
years of experience in the healthcare and finance industries. She serves on the boards of directors for Agios Pharmaceuticals,
FibroGen, Inc., Grail Inc., Parexel, the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, and the Institute for Protein Innovation.
Dr. Ho is also a venture partner of Qiming Venture Partners and a member of the Biotech Advisory Panel of the Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong. She is a retired partner of the Goldman Sachs Group where she served as senior biotechnology analyst, co-head
of global healthcare investment research, and advisory director for healthcare investment banking. Prior to Goldman Sachs,
Dr. Ho held various managerial positions in licensing, strategic planning, marketing and research at DuPont-Merck Pharmaceuticals
and DuPont de Nemours & Company. She was a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School and a graduate of the Advanced
Management Program at The Fuqua School of Business, Duke University. Dr. Ho received a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology
and a B.S. from the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Age 54
Director Since September
2017
Former Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer & Chief
Operations Officer, Baxalta Inc.;
Director,
CarMax, Inc.; Director,
Aptinyx Inc.
|
ROBERT J. HOMBACH
The Board has nominated Mr. Hombach for
his extensive experience in finance and accounting, capital markets and managing large biotechnology and pharmaceutical
organizations.
Robert J. Hombach joined our Board in
September 2017 and currently serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee. He served as Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer of Baxalta Inc., a public biopharmaceutical company spun out in June 2015
from Baxter International Inc., a public pharmaceutical company, until it was acquired by Shire PLC in June 2016. He served
as Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Baxter from July 2010 until the spin-off in June 2015. From
2007 to 2011, he also served as Treasurer of Baxter and from 2004 to 2007, he was Vice President of Finance, Europe, Middle
East and Africa. Prior to that, he served in a number of finance positions of increasing responsibility in the corporate
planning, manufacturing, operations and treasury areas at Baxter. Mr. Hombach currently serves on the boards of Aptinyx
Inc., a public biopharmaceutical company, and CarMax, Inc., a public company. Previously, he served on the board of Naurex,
Inc., a private pharmaceutical company acquired by Allergan in 2015. Mr. Hombach earned an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s
J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, and a B.S. in Finance cum laude from the University of Colorado.
|
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Age 69
Director Since June
2007
Director, Aeglea
BioTherapeutics, Inc.; Director,
Coherus Biosciences, Inc.;
Director, Geron Corporation
|
V. BRYAN LAWLIS, PH.D.
The Board has nominated Dr. Lawlis for
his extensive experience in manufacturing biotechnology and other pharmaceutical products, research and development of
drug products and managing and conducting clinical trials and drug regulatory processes.
Bryan Lawlis, Ph.D., joined our Board
in June 2007. From August 2011 to September 2017 he served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Itero Biopharmaceuticals,
LLC, a private holding company that held the assets of Itero Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., a private biotechnology company.
Dr. Lawlis co-founded and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Itero Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. from 2006
until it discontinued operations in August 2011. Dr. Lawlis served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Aradigm
Corporation, a pharmaceutical company, from August 2004 to August 2006, and served on its board from February 2005 to
August 2006, continuing in both capacities until August 2006. Dr. Lawlis previously served as Aradigm’s President
and Chief Operating Officer from June 2003 to August 2004 and its Chief Operating Officer from November 2001 to June 2003.
Prior to his time at Aradigm, Dr. Lawlis co-founded Covance Biotechnology Services, a contract biopharmaceutical manufacturing
operation, and served as its President and Chief Executive Officer from 1996 to 1999, and as its Chairman from 1999 to
2001, when it was sold to Diosynth RTP, Inc., a division of Akzo Nobel, NV. From 1981 to 1996, Dr. Lawlis was employed
at Genencor, Inc., a biotechnology company, and Genentech, Inc. His last position at Genentech, Inc. was Vice President
of Process Sciences. Dr. Lawlis serves on the boards of three public biopharmaceutical companies: Aeglea BioTherapeutics,
Inc., Coherus Biosciences, Inc. and Geron Corporation. He previously served on the board of Sutro Biopharma, Inc., a public
biopharmaceutical company, from January 2004 until June 2019. Dr. Lawlis holds board positions at two private companies,
AbSci, LLC and Reform Biologics LLC, and he serves as an advisor to Phoenix Venture Partners, a venture capital firm focusing
on manufacturing technologies and material sciences technologies. He also serves on the Manufacturing Advisory Board of
Allakos, Inc. and he advises W.L. Gore and Associates. Dr. Lawlis holds a B.A. in microbiology from the University of
Texas at Austin, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Washington State University.
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Age 61
Director Since December
2006
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer,
Intersect ENT, Inc.; Partner,
AtlasRock&Co.
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RICHARD A. MEIER
The Board has nominated Mr. Meier for
his extensive experience in finance and accounting, capital markets, managing large organizations in the healthcare field
and information technology.
Richard A. Meier joined our Board in
December 2006 and has served as our Lead Independent Director since June 2015. Since November 2019, Mr. Meier has served
as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Intersect ENT, Inc., a public medical technology company. Mr.
Meier served as President-International and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Owens & Minor,
Inc., a global healthcare services company, from July 2015 to July 2018, and was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of Owens & Minor, Inc. from March 2013 to July 2015. Prior to joining Owens & Minor, Mr. Meier was an
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at TeleFlex, Incorporated, a global medical device company from January
2010 through March 2012. Mr. Meier served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Advanced Medical Optics, a global
ophthalmic medical device company that was acquired by Abbott in February 2009, from November 2007 to May 2009. Beginning
in April 2002 through November 2007, Mr. Meier served continuously as Advanced Medical Optics’ Chief Financial Officer,
while serving in a variety of additional senior operating roles including Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Advanced
Medical Optics, Mr. Meier was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bausch Health Companies, Inc.
(BHC) (formerly Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), from October 1999 to April 2002, and Senior
Vice President & Treasurer from May 1998 to October 1999. Before joining BHC, Mr. Meier was an executive with the
investment banking firm of Schroder & Co. Inc. in New York, from 1996. Prior to Mr. Meier’s experience at Schroder
& Co., he held various financial and banking positions at Salomon Smith Barney, Manufacturers Hanover Corporation,
Australian Capital Equity, and Greyhound Lines, Inc. Mr. Meier is a member of the Supervisory Board of Syntellix AG, a
private medical technology company, and he was a Director of Staar Surgical Inc., an ophthalmic medical device company,
from 2009 through June 2016, where he also served on the Governance, Compensation and Audit Committees. Mr. Meier holds
a B.A. in economics from Princeton University.
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22 |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Age 67
Director Since January
2016
Director, Alynlam
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Director,
Pliant Therapeutics, Inc.;
Supervisory Board Member,
Royal Philips
in the Netherlands
|
DAVID E.I. PYOTT, M.D. (HON.)
The Board has nominated Dr. Pyott for
his extensive experience in managing global multi-specialty healthcare companies and marketing, research and development,
international regulatory requirements and business development in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
David E.I. Pyott, M.D. (Hon.), joined
our Board in January 2016. From 1998 to March 2015, Dr. Pyott served as Chief Executive Officer of Allergan, Inc., a global
pharmaceutical company. Prior to Allergan, Dr. Pyott served as the Head of the Novartis Nutrition Division and as a member
of the Executive Committee of Switzerland-based Novartis AG. Dr. Pyott serves on the boards of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., a public biotechnology company and Pliant Therapeutics, Inc., a public biopharmaceutical company, and he is a member
of the Supervisory Board of Royal Philips in the Netherlands, a public diversified health and technology company. Dr.
Pyott serves as Chairman of Bioniz Therapeutics, Inc., a private biotechnology company. He is Deputy Chairman of the Governing
Board of the London Business School, is a member of the Board of Trustees of the California Institute of Technology and
President of the Ophthalmology Foundation. Dr. Pyott formerly served as Lead Director at Avery Dennison Corporation, a
public global labeling and packaging materials company, through April 23, 2020. Dr. Pyott holds a Diploma in International
and European Law from the Europa Institute at the University of Amsterdam, an Honorary Degree in Medicine and a Master
of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the London Business
School.
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Age 72
Director Since March
2014
Professor of Medicine, UCLA
Department of Medicine;
Director, Clinical/Translational
Research at UCLA’s Jonsson
Comprehensive Cancer Center;
Director, Revlon/UCLA Women’s
Cancer Research Program
|
DENNIS J. SLAMON, M.D., PH.D.
The Board has nominated Dr. Slamon for
his extensive experience in clinical trial research, personalized medicine, hematology and oncology studies as well as
research and development in translating basic science discoveries into new clinical therapies and novel drug strategies.
Dennis J. Slamon, M.D., Ph.D., joined
our Board in March 2014. Dr. Slamon has served as director of Clinical/ Translational Research at UCLA’s Jonsson
Comprehensive Cancer Center since June 1995 and has served as leader of the Revlon/UCLA Women’s Cancer Research
Program at UCLA since its establishment in 1991. Since May 1996, Dr. Slamon has been a professor of medicine and Chief
of the Division of Hematology/Oncology in the UCLA Department of Medicine and executive vice chair for research for UCLA’s
Department of Medicine. He also serves as director of the medical advisory board for the National Colorectal Cancer Research
Alliance, a research and fund-raising organization that promotes advances in the treatment of colorectal cancer, and he
is member of the board of Translational Research in Oncology, a global, non-profit, academic clinical research organization.
Dr. Slamon was awarded the 2019 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for the development of a breast cancer
drug. A 1970 B.A. honors graduate in biology from Washington & Jefferson College and a 1975 graduate of the University
of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Dr. Slamon earned his Ph.D. in cell biology that same year. He completed his internship
and residency at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics, becoming chief resident in 1978. One year later, he
became a fellow in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at UCLA where he currently serves on the faculty of medicine.
|
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The Board has affirmatively determined that,
except for Mr. Bienaimé, all of our current directors are independent within the meaning of the applicable listing standards
of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (Nasdaq) and relevant securities and other laws, rules and regulations regarding the definition
of “independent” (the Independent Directors). There are no family relationships between any of our directors and any
of our executive officers.
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THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE IN FAVOR OF EACH NOMINEE NAMED IN PROPOSAL 1. |
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Proposal 1: Election of Directors
IDENTIFYING AND EVALUATING CANDIDATES FOR DIRECTOR
The CGN Committee uses a variety of methods for
identifying and evaluating nominees for director. The CGN Committee, in consultation with the Chair and Lead Independent Director,
regularly assesses the composition of the Board and each committee of the Board to evaluate its effectiveness and whether or not
changes should be considered to either the Board or any of the committees. The full Board annually determines the diversity of
specific skills and characteristics that could improve the overall quality and ability of the Board to carry out its oversight
of the Company and other functions.
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In
September 2018, the Board formalized its long-standing practice of considering women and minority candidates for open director
positions by amending the Corporate Governance Principles to require that: |
|
|
• |
the Board consider the diversity
of specific skills and characteristics (including, without limitation, areas of expertise, race, ethnicity and gender) necessary
for the optimal functioning of the Board over both the short and long term; and |
• |
the
CGN Committee, and any search firm that it engages, include women and minority candidates in the pool from which the Board
selects candidates for director. |
The Board has determined that the Board as a
whole must have the right diversity, mix of characteristics and skills for the optimal functioning of the Board in its oversight
of our Company. The Board believes that it should be composed of persons with skills and experience in areas such as:
• biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations
(management, business development, sales & marketing);
• clinical trial research;
• finance and accounting;
|
• manufacturing biotechnology and other pharmaceutical
products;
• U.S. and international drug regulatory processes;
• intellectual property matters;
|
• compensation and corporate governance matters;
and
• research and development.
|
Once the CGN Committee and the Board determine
that it is appropriate to nominate a new director, the CGN Committee uses a flexible set of procedures for selecting individual
director candidates. The CGN Committee utilizes general guidelines that allow it to adjust the process to best satisfy the objectives
it is attempting to accomplish in any director search. The first step in the general process is to identify the type of candidate
the CGN Committee may desire for a particular opening, including establishing the specific target skill areas, experiences and
backgrounds that are to be the focus of the director search. Once the target characteristics are identified, the CGN Committee
determines the best method for finding a candidate who satisfies the specified criteria. The CGN Committee may consider candidates
recommended by management, by the members of the CGN Committee, the Board, and stockholders, or the CGN Committee may engage a
third party to conduct a search for possible candidates. In considering candidates submitted by stockholders, the CGN Committee
will take into consideration the needs of the Board and the qualifications of the candidate. Any stockholder recommendations submitted
for consideration by the CGN Committee should include verification of the stockholder status of the person submitting the recommendation
and the recommended candidate’s name and qualifications for Board membership and be addressed to the Board, at 105 Digital
Drive, Novato, CA 94949, c/o G. Eric Davis, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.
Once candidates are identified, the CGN Committee
conducts an evaluation of qualified candidates. The evaluation generally includes interviews as well as background and reference
checks. There is no difference in the evaluation process for a candidate recommended by a stockholder as compared to the evaluation
process for a candidate identified by any of the other means described above. While the CGN Committee has not established specific
minimum criteria for a candidate, it has established important factors to consider in evaluating a candidate. These factors include:
independence, lack of potential conflicts of interest, strength of character, mature judgment, business understanding, experience
with the pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology industries, career specialization, relevant technical skills, diversity, availability
and level of interest, capacity to devote time to Board activities and the extent to which the candidate would fill a present need
on the Board.
If the CGN Committee determines that a candidate
should be nominated as a candidate for election to the Board, the candidate’s nomination is then recommended to the full
Board, and the directors may in turn conduct their own review to the extent they deem appropriate. When the Board has agreed upon
a candidate, such candidate is recommended to the stockholders for election at an Annual Meeting of Stockholders or appointed as
a director by a vote of the Board as appropriate.
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
STOCKHOLDER NOMINATIONS
In addition, our Amended and Restated Bylaws
(Bylaws), permit stockholders to nominate directors (i) for inclusion in our proxy materials and consideration at an Annual Meeting
of Stockholders pursuant to our proxy access bylaw and (ii) for consideration at an Annual Meeting of Stockholders without being
included in our proxy materials. For a description of the process for nominating directors in accordance with our Bylaws, see the
section of this Proxy Statement titled, “Additional Information–Questions and Answers about these Proxy Materials
and Voting,” including the information under the headings, “How can I recommend a director nominee for consideration
by the CGN Committee?” and “When are other proposals and director nominations for next year’s Annual Meeting
due?”
THE BOARD’S ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This section describes key corporate governance
guidelines and practices that we have adopted. Complete copies of our Corporate Governance Principles, the charters of the committees
of the Board and our Global Code of Conduct and Business Ethics described below may be found in the Corporate Governance section
of the Investors section of our website at www.bmrn.com. Alternatively, you can request a copy of any of these documents
free of charge by writing to: G. Eric Davis, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, c/o BioMarin Pharmaceutical
Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949. Information on our website is NOT incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement.
Board Leadership Structure
The Board believes that it is important to retain
the flexibility to allocate the responsibilities of the offices of Chair of the Board (Chair) and Chief Executive Officer in any
manner that it determines to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. Accordingly, our Corporate Governance
Principles specifically reserve for the Board the right to vest the responsibilities of Chair and Chief Executive Officer in the
same individual. The Board reviews its leadership structure periodically as part of its annual self-assessment process. In addition,
the Board continues to monitor developments in corporate governance as well as the approaches of our peers.
The Board periodically reviews its leadership
structure in light of the composition of the Board, the Company’s size, the nature of the Company’s business, the regulatory
framework under which the Company operates, and other relevant factors, and to better align the operational leadership of the Company.
Based on such review, the Board believes that combining the Chair and Chief Executive Officer positions under the leadership of
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. This determination is based on the Board’s
strong belief that, as the individual with primary responsibility for managing the Company’s day-to-day operations and with
extensive knowledge and understanding of the Company, combining the roles of Chair and Chief Executive Officer in Mr. Bienaimé
creates a clear line of authority that promotes decisive and effective leadership, both within and outside the Company. In making
this judgment, the Board took into account its evaluation of Mr. Bienaimé’s performance as Chief Executive Officer
and as a current member of the Board, his positive relationship with the other directors, his vast expertise in the biopharmaceutical
industry and proven track record of successful leadership, and the strategic perspective he would bring to the role of Chair. Mr.
Bienaimé has served as Chair since the 2015 Annual Meeting.
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The
Chair is
responsible for: |
• |
calling
meetings of the Board; |
• |
presiding at meetings of the
Board; |
• |
approving Board meeting schedules
and meeting agendas, in consultation with the Lead Independent Director; |
• |
approving Board meeting materials,
in consultation with the Lead Independent Director; and |
• |
being
available for consultation with major stockholders. |
The Board recognizes the importance of having
a Board structure that will continue to promote the appropriate exercise of independent judgment by the Board. Due to the combined
roles of Chair and Chief Executive Officer under Mr. Bienaimé, the Board also appoints a Lead Independent Director to serve
as a liaison between the Chief Executive Officer and the Independent Directors, and to facilitate discussions and deliberation
among the Independent Directors in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities for the Company.
The Lead Independent Director coordinates the
activities of the other Independent Directors and performs such other duties and responsibilities as the Board may determine. The
Lead Independent Director Charter can be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Investors section of our website at www.bmrn.com.
Information on our website is NOT incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement.
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
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As
outlined in the Lead Independent Director Charter, the Lead Independent Director is responsible for: |
• |
presiding at all meetings
of the Board at which the Chair is not present, including executive sessions of the Independent Directors; |
• |
serving as the principal liaison
between the Chair and the Independent Directors; |
• |
approving meeting agendas
for the Board, in consultation with the Chair; |
• |
approving the frequency of
Board meetings and meeting schedules in consultation with the Chair, assuring there is sufficient time for discussion of all
agenda items; |
• |
working in collaboration with
the CGN Committee and the Chair to recommend selection for the membership and chair position for each Board committee; |
• |
interviewing, along with the
chair of the CGN Committee, all director candidates and making recommendations to the CGN Committee; |
• |
being available, when appropriate,
for consultation and direct communication with stockholders; and |
• |
on an annual basis, in consultation
with the Independent Directors, reviewing the Lead Independent Director Charter and recommending to the Board for approval
any modifications or changes. |
The
Lead Independent Director Charter also grants the Lead Independent Director the authority to: |
• |
call meetings of the Independent
Directors or meetings of the Board; |
• |
retain outside advisors and
consultants who report directly to the Board on Board-wide issues; and |
• |
select,
retain and consult with outside counsel and other advisors as the Lead Independent Director deems appropriate, at the Company’s
sole expense. |
The Lead Independent Director is elected annually
by a majority vote of the Independent Directors if the offices of Chair and Chief Executive Officer are held by the same person.
In 2020, the Independent Directors determined that Richard A. Meier will continue to serve as the Lead Independent Director.
The Board, including each of its committees,
also has complete and open access to any member of the Company’s management and the authority to retain independent advisors
as the Board or such committee deems appropriate. Moreover, the Board holds regular executive sessions of the Independent Directors.
In addition, all members of the Audit Committee, the CGN Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Science and Technology Committee
are Independent Directors, and the committee chairs have authority to hold executive sessions without management and non-Independent
Directors present.
Role of the Board in Risk Oversight
The Board is actively involved in the oversight
of risks that could affect us. This oversight is conducted primarily through committees of the Board, but the full Board has retained
responsibility for general oversight of risks. The Audit Committee meets periodically with management to review our major financial
risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures and is responsible for reviewing legal
proceedings, litigation contingencies and other risks and exposures and compliance that could materially affect our financial statements.
The CGN Committee oversees and evaluates compliance by the Board and management with our Corporate Governance Principles, Global
Code of Conduct and Business Ethics and Corporate Compliance and Ethics Program and reviews the Company’s risk management
procedures for those areas deemed appropriate by the CGN Committee. The Compensation Committee reviews our incentive compensation
arrangements to determine whether they encourage excessive risk taking, reviews and discusses at least annually the relationship
between our risk management policies and practices and compensation, evaluates compensation policies and practices that could mitigate
any such risk. The Board satisfies this responsibility through full reports by each committee chair regarding such committee’s
considerations and actions, as well as through regular reports directly from officers responsible for oversight of particular risks.
Talent Management Succession Planning
Our Board regularly reviews short- and long-term
succession plans for the Chief Executive Officer and for other senior management positions. Our executive leadership conducts annual
performance assessments that include succession plans for each of our senior management positions. These succession plans are reviewed
and approved by our Chief Executive Officer and the details of these succession plans, including potential successors of our executive
officers are presented to the full Board.
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Stockholder Communications with the Board of
Directors
Our relationship with our stockholders is an
important part of our corporate governance program. Engaging with our stockholders helps us to understand how they view us, to
set goals and expectations for our performance, and to identify emerging issues that may affect our strategies, corporate governance,
compensation practices or other aspects of our operations. Our stockholder and investor outreach includes investor road shows,
analyst meetings, and investor conferences and meetings, which have generally been held via a virtual format during the COVID-19
pandemic. Stockholders are generally able to listen to investor conferences via our website. We also communicate with stockholders
and other stakeholders through various media, including our annual report and SEC filings, proxy statement, news releases, and
our website. Our conference calls for quarterly earnings releases are open to all. These calls are available in real time and as
archived webcasts on our website for a period of time. We also seek stockholder views on governance and other matters throughout
the year, concentrating our efforts on our largest stockholders.
We continue to engage constructively with stockholders,
and in recent years management has reached out to a large number of our top non-affiliated stockholders annually. For details regarding
our stockholder outreach efforts specific to 2020, please see the “Proxy Overview—Stockholder Engagement”
and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Recent Say-on-Pay Vote and Stockholder Feedback” sections
of this Proxy Statement.
The Board has adopted a process for stockholders
and others to send communications to the Board or any director. All such communications should be sent by mail addressed to the
Board or any particular director at 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, c/o G. Eric Davis, Executive Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary. All communications received by Mr. Davis will be sent directly to the Board or any particular director to whom such
communication was addressed.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board has a number of committees that perform
certain functions for the Board. The standing committees of the Board that meet regularly are the Audit Committee, the Compensation
Committee, the CGN Committee and the Science and Technology Committee. Below is a description of each standing committee of the
Board. Each of the committees has authority to engage legal counsel or other experts or consultants, as it deems appropriate to
carry out its responsibilities. The Board has determined that each member of each committee meets the applicable Nasdaq listing
standards and relevant securities and other laws, rules and regulations regarding “independence” and that each member
is free of any relationship that would impair his or her individual exercise of independent judgment with regard to our Company.
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AUDIT
COMMITTEE
Chair:
Robert
J. Hombach
Members:
Elaine
J. Heron, Ph.D., Maykin Ho, Ph.D., V. Bryan Lawlis, Ph.D.
Meetings
Held in 2020: 8 |
The Board has a separately designated standing
Audit Committee established in accordance with the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing
our accounting and financial reporting processes, internal control and financial risk management systems, internal and external
audit functions and the audit of our financial statements, including reviewing:
• |
financial information; |
• |
our systems
of internal accounting and financial controls; |
• |
the annual
independent audit of our financial statements; and |
• |
the qualifications,
independence and performance of our independent outside auditors for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or
performing other audit, review and attest services. |
Among other duties and responsibilities, the
Audit Committee:
• |
reviews and discusses with
management and the independent auditors our annual and quarterly financial statements, and as appropriate, our disclosures
contained under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”
in our periodic reports to be filed with the SEC, earnings press releases and the substance of the financial information and
earnings guidance provided to analysts and ratings agencies; |
• |
determines
whether to recommend to the Board inclusion of the audited financial statements in our Form 10-K filing; |
• |
at the
completion of the annual audit, reviews with management and the independent auditors the independent auditors’ audit
and its report on the financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, comments and recommendations of
the independent auditors, any significant changes in the auditors’ initial audit plan, and other matters related to
the audit; |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
• |
reviews legal proceedings,
litigation contingencies and other risks and exposures that could materially affect the financial statements and meets periodically
with management to review our major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such
exposures; |
• |
reviews
the independence of our auditors and appoints and, where appropriate, replaces our independent auditors; |
• |
approves
all arrangements and fees for work, including all audit, review and attest services and non-audit services, to be performed
by the independent auditors’ firm prior to the commencement of the engagement; |
• |
reviews
with the independent auditors and, if appropriate, management, any management or internal control letter issued or proposed
to be issued by the independent auditors and management’s response to such letter; |
• |
reviews
with management and any registered public accounting firm engaged to perform review or attest services, any material conflicts
or disagreements between management and such accounting firm regarding financial reporting, accounting practices or policies
or other matters; |
• |
reviews
with the independent auditors that firm’s assessment of our financial staff (including internal audit) and the adequacy
and effectiveness of the our financial and accounting internal controls; and |
• |
establishes
and oversees procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints we receive regarding accounting, internal accounting
controls, or auditing matters and the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable
accounting or auditing matters. |
The Audit Committee
is currently composed of four directors: Mr. Hombach (Chair), Dr. Heron, Dr. Ho and Dr. Lawlis. The Board annually reviews the
Nasdaq listing standards’ definition of independence for Audit Committee members and has determined that all members of
our Audit Committee are independent (as independence is currently defined in Nasdaq Listing Rules 5605(c)(2)(A)(i) and (ii)).
The Board has determined that Mr. Hombach qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in applicable
SEC rules. The Board made a qualitative assessment of Mr. Hombach’s level of knowledge and experience based on a number
of factors, including his prior experience as the Chief Financial Officer of public companies and his experience and education
in finance. In making this determination with respect to Mr. Hombach, the Board relied on his past business experience. Please
see the description of the business experience for Mr. Hombach under the heading “Nominees for Director.”
The Audit Committee
is governed by a written charter adopted by the Board. The Audit Committee charter can be found in the Corporate Governance section
of the Investors section of our website at www.bmrn.com. Information on our website is NOT incorporated by reference in this Proxy
Statement. The charter of the Audit Committee grants the Audit Committee full access to all of our books, records, facilities
and personnel, as well as authority to obtain, at our expense, advice and assistance from internal and external legal, accounting
or other advisors and consultants and other external resources that the Audit Committee considers necessary or appropriate in
the performance of its duties.
As required by its
charter, the Audit Committee conducts a self-evaluation at least annually. The Audit Committee also periodically reviews and assesses
the adequacy of its charter, including the Audit Committee’s role and responsibilities, and recommends any proposed changes
to the Board for its consideration.
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COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE
Chair:
Michael Grey
Members:
Elizabeth McKee Anderson, Robert J. Hombach,
David E.I. Pyott, M.D. (Hon.)
Meetings
Held in 2020: 8 |
The Compensation
Committee is responsible for:
• |
reviewing and recommending
to the Board changes to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and approving the compensation for executives who
report directly to the Chief Executive Officer; |
• |
assisting
the Board in its oversight of the development, implementation and effectiveness of our policies and strategies relating to
our human resources function; |
• |
overseeing
our incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans; and |
• |
preparing
any report on executive compensation required by applicable rules and regulations. |
Among other duties
and responsibilities, the Compensation Committee:
• |
makes recommendations to the
Board as to our general compensation philosophy and oversees the development and implementation of compensation programs (including
salary, long-term incentives, bonuses, perquisites, equity incentives, severance arrangements, change of control related arrangements
and other related benefits and benefit plans); |
• |
makes recommendations
to the Board regarding corporate performance goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer
and sets performance goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of executives who report directly to the Chief Executive
Officer and other senior management, and the type and amount of compensation (including any new compensation programs); |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
• |
evaluates, at least annually,
the performance of the Chief Executive Officer relative to Board-approved goals and objectives, and recommends to the Board
the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation and other terms of his or her employment based on this evaluation, and approves
the compensation of executives who report directly to the Chief Executive Officer; |
• |
considers
the results of the most recent say-on-pay vote in reviewing and making recommendations to the Board with respect to our incentive
compensation plans and equity-based plans; |
• |
reviews
material compensation programs applicable to our employees generally; |
• |
reviews
and makes recommendations to the Board regarding compensation for non-employee members of the Board; |
• |
oversees
all incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans and discharges any responsibilities imposed on the Committee by these
plans; |
• |
discusses
with management periodically, as it deems appropriate, reports from management regarding the development, implementation and
effectiveness of our policies and strategies relating to its human resources function and our regulatory compliance with respect
to compensation matters; |
• |
reviews
and periodically approves the benefits and perquisites provided to the Chief Executive Officer and other senior management,
as well as the employment, severance and change in control agreements relating to the Chief Executive Officer and other senior
management; |
• |
reviews
our incentive compensation arrangements to determine whether they encourage excessive risk-taking, and reviews and discusses
at least annually the relationship between our risk management policies and practices and compensation; |
• |
reviews
and recommends to the Board for approval the frequency with which we will conduct say-on-pay votes; and |
• |
produces
and provides to the Board an annual report of the Committee on executive compensation for inclusion in our annual proxy statement
in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. |
The Compensation
Committee is currently composed of four directors: Mr. Grey (Chair), Ms. Anderson, Mr. Hombach and Dr. Pyott. The Board has determined
that all members of our Compensation Committee are independent (as independence is currently defined in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(a)(2)).
The Compensation
Committee is governed by a written charter adopted by the Board. The Compensation Committee charter can be found in the Corporate
Governance section of the Investors section of our website at www.bmrn.com. Information on our website is NOT incorporated by
reference in this Proxy Statement. The charter of the Compensation Committee grants the Compensation Committee full access to
all of our books, records, facilities and personnel, as well as authority to obtain, at our expense, advice and assistance from
internal and external legal, accounting or other advisors and consultants and other external resources that the Compensation Committee
considers necessary or appropriate in the performance of its duties. In particular, the Compensation Committee has the sole authority
to retain compensation consultants to assist in its evaluation of executive and director compensation, including the authority
to approve the consultant’s reasonable fees and other retention terms. Information regarding consultants engaged by the
Compensation Committee is provided in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement.
Under the Compensation
Committee charter, the Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, delegate its duties to a subcommittee or to the Chair of
the Compensation Committee.
As required by its
charter, the Compensation Committee conducts a self-evaluation at least annually. The Compensation Committee also periodically
reviews and assesses the adequacy of its charter, including the Compensation Committee’s role and responsibilities, and
recommends any proposed changes to the Board for its consideration.
The performance
and compensation process and specific determinations of the Compensation Committee with respect to executive compensation for
2020 and certain elements of compensation for 2020 are described in greater detail in the “Compensation Discussion and
Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation
During 2020, the Compensation Committee was composed
of Mr. Grey (Chair), Mr. Hombach, and Dr. Pyott. Dr. Alan Lewis, a former director who was not nominated for re-election at the
2020 Annual Meeting, also served on the Compensation Committee until his Board service ended. No member of our Compensation Committee
has ever been an executive officer or employee of us or any of our subsidiaries. None of our executive officers currently serves,
or has served during the last completed fiscal year, on the compensation committee or board of directors of any other entity that
has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our Board or Compensation Committee. During 2020, no members of our Compensation
Committee had any relationships requiring disclosure by us under the SEC’s rules requiring disclosure of certain relationships
and related party transactions.
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
|
CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Chair:
Elaine J. Heron, Ph.D.
Members:
Elizabeth McKee Anderson, Willard Dere, M.D.,
David E.I. Pyott, M.D. (Hon.)
Meetings
Held in 2020: 4 |
The CGN Committee
is responsible for:
• |
overseeing the composition of the Board to ensure
that qualified individuals meeting the criteria of applicable rules and regulations serve as members of the Board and its
committees; |
• |
overseeing the development
and implementation of corporate governance principles, policies, codes of conduct and codes of ethics relating to the operation
of the Board and its committees; |
• |
making recommendations to
the Board regarding such corporate governance issues; and |
• |
keeping informed on issues
related to corporate responsibility. |
Among other
duties and responsibilities, the CGN Committee:
• |
identifies, reviews and evaluates individuals qualified
to serve on the Board consistent with criteria approved by the Board as vacancies arise and seeks out nominees to enhance
the diversity, expertise and independence of the Board; |
• |
considers and assesses the
independence of directors, including whether a majority of the Board continue to be independent from management in both fact
and appearance, as well as within the meaning prescribed by the listing standards of Nasdaq; |
• |
recommends potential director
nominees for selection by the Board; |
• |
considers recommendations
for Board nominees and proposals appropriately submitted by our stockholders; |
• |
develops and recommends
to the full Board corporate governance policies, requirements, criteria and procedures, including policies and procedures
to facilitate stockholder communications with the Board; |
• |
reviews and oversees related
party transactions involving directors and executives for potential conflicts of interest, as required by our Corporate Governance
Principles, and recommends courses of action as necessary; |
• |
performs an annual evaluation
of the Board and each committee of the Board; |
• |
makes recommendations to
the full Board concerning the appropriate size and needs of the Board, including regarding committees of the Board to be maintained
or created and chairmanship and membership of the Board committees; |
• |
at least annually, reviews
and assesses our Corporate Governance Principles applicable to the Board and the Company and recommends to the Board from
time to time any amendments to such principles; |
• |
reviews and assesses our
Global Code of Conduct and Business Ethics and Corporate Compliance and Ethics Program and recommends to the Board from time
to time any amendments to such code and program; |
• |
oversees and evaluates compliance
by the Board and our management with our Corporate Governance Principles, Global Code of Conduct and Business Ethics and Corporate
Compliance and Ethics Program |
• |
reviews and approves all
board memberships for a for-profit company, other commercial entity, or advisory board, for our Chief Executive Officer and
other executive officers and directors, to assess whether such proposed membership creates or has the potential to create
either a conflict of interest or an appearance of one |
• |
implements, in conjunction
with the Audit Committee, the internal audit function; |
• |
establishes a toll-free
telephone number for employees to anonymously report complaints relating to financial fraud, environmental hazards, illegal
or unfair employment practices, and unethical behavior; |
• |
reviews our non-financial
risk management procedures for those areas deemed appropriate by the Committee; and |
• |
recommends guidelines to
the Board for corporate succession planning as it relates to our Chief Executive Officer, if appropriate. |
A detailed discussion
of the CGN Committee’s procedures for recommending candidates for election as a director appears above under the caption
“Identifying and Evaluating Candidates for Director.”
The CGN Committee
is currently composed of four directors, each of whom is “independent” under the listing standards of Nasdaq. The
members of the CGN Committee are Dr. Heron (Chair), Ms. Anderson, Dr. Dere and Dr. Pyott.
The CGN Committee
is governed by a written charter adopted by the Board. The CGN Committee Charter and our Corporate Governance Principles can be
found in the Corporate Governance section of the Investors section of our website at www.bmrn.com. Information on our website
is NOT incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement. The CGN Committee charter complies with the guidelines established by
Nasdaq. The charter of
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
the CGN Committee
grants the CGN Committee full access to all of our books, records, facilities and personnel, as well as authority to obtain, at
our expense, advice and assistance from internal and external legal, accounting or other advisors and consultants and other external
resources that the CGN Committee considers necessary or appropriate in the performance of its duties.
As required by its
charter, the CGN Committee conducts a self-evaluation at least annually. The CGN Committee also periodically reviews and assesses
the adequacy of its charter, including the CGN Committee’s role and responsibilities, and recommends any proposed changes
to the Board for its consideration.
|
SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Chair:
Willard Dere, M.D.
Members:
Michael Grey, Elaine J. Heron, Ph.D., Maykin Ho, Ph.D., V. Bryan Lawlis,
Ph.D.,, Dennis J. Slamon, M.D., Ph.D.
Meetings
Held in 2020: 3 |
The Science
and Technology Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in overseeing our operations. Among other duties and responsibilities,
the Science and Technology Committee:
• |
reviews matters relating to scientific capabilities
and programs and reports to the Board regarding such review in order to help facilitate the Board’s oversight of our
scientific technology, intellectual property portfolio and strategy and help promote our effective decision-making on science; |
• |
reviews and considers management’s
decisions regarding the allocation, deployment, utilization of, and investment in our scientific assets; and |
• |
reviews and considers management’s
decisions regarding acquiring or divesting scientific technology or otherwise investing in research or development programs. |
The Science and
Technology Committee is currently composed of six directors: Dr. Dere (Chair), Mr. Grey, Dr. Heron, Dr. Ho, Dr. Lawlis and Dr.
Slamon.
The Science and
Technology Committee is governed by a written charter, which was adopted by the Board in December 2012. The Science and Technology
Committee charter can be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Investors section of our website at www.bmrn.com. Information
on our website is NOT incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement. The charter of the Science and Technology Committee grants
it the resources and authority to select, retain, terminate, and approve the fees and other retention terms of special counsel
or other experts or consultants, as it deems appropriate in the performance of its duties and responsibilities.
As required by
its charter, the Science and Technology Committee conducts a self-evaluation at least annually. The Science and Technology Committee
also periodically reviews and assesses the adequacy of its charter, including the Science and Technology Committee’s role
and responsibilities, and recommends any proposed changes to the Board for its consideration.
BOARD PROCESSES
Meetings of the Board of Directors
The Board oversees
our business. It establishes overall policies and standards and reviews the performance of management. During the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2020, the Board held seven meetings. Each Board member attended 75% or more of the aggregate meetings of the
Board and of the committees on which he or she served, held during the period for which he or she was a director or committee
member, respectively.
Executive Sessions
Applicable Nasdaq
listing standards require that the Independent Directors meet from time to time in executive session. In fiscal year 2020, our
Independent Directors met in regularly scheduled executive sessions at which only Independent Directors were present.
Attendance at Annual Meeting
It is our policy
to request that all Board members attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. However, we also recognize that attendance by all
directors is not always possible. All 10 of the 10 director nominees for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders attended such
meeting.
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
OTHER BOARD GOVERNANCE INFORMATION
Global Code of Conduct and Business Ethics
The CGN Committee regularly reviews our Global
Code of Conduct and Business Ethics, which is applicable to all employees and directors, including our Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Financial Officer, other executive officers and senior financial personnel. A copy of our Global Code of Conduct and Business
Ethics is available in the Corporate Governance section of the Investors section of our website at www.bmrn.com. Information on
our website is NOT incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement. If we make any substantive amendments to our Global Code
of Conduct and Business Ethics or grant any waiver from a provision of our Global Code of Conduct and Business Ethics to any executive
officer or director, we will promptly disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on our website in accordance with the requirements
of Item 5.05 of Form 8-K.
Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters
and Certain Control Persons
Since January 1, 2020, there has not been nor
is there currently proposed any transaction or series of similar transactions to which we or one or more of our subsidiaries were
or are to be a party in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and in which any director, executive officer, holder of more
than 5% of our common stock, or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons, had or will have a direct or
indirect material interest other than compensation agreements and other arrangements, which are described elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement.
Review, Approval, and Ratification of Transactions
with Related Parties
Our CGN Committee has primary responsibility for
reviewing and approving in advance or ratifying all related party transactions. Additionally, on at least an annual basis, the
Audit Committee also reviews all identified related party transactions. In conformance with SEC regulations, we define related
persons to include our executive officers, our directors and nominees to become a director of our Company, any person who is known
to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, any immediate family member of any of the
foregoing persons, and any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed, is a general partner
or in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest.
We have several processes that we use to ensure
that we identify and review all related party transactions. First, each executive officer is required to notify either our General
Counsel or Chief Financial Officer of any potential transaction that could create a conflict of interest, and the General Counsel
or Chief Financial Officer is required to notify the CGN Committee of the potential conflict. The directors, Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel are required to notify the CGN Committee of any potential transaction that could create
a conflict of interest. Second, each year, we require our directors and executive officers to complete director and officer questionnaires
identifying any transactions with us in which the executive officer or director or their family members have an interest.
The CGN Committee reviews related party transactions
due to the potential for such transactions to create a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s
private interest interferes, or appears to interfere, with our interests. Our Board or its committees only approve a related party
transaction if it is determined that a transaction is in the best interest of the stockholders or is at least not inconsistent
with those interests. This includes situations where the Company may obtain products or services of a nature, quantity or quality,
or on other terms, that are not readily available from alternative sources or when the transaction is on terms comparable to those
that could be obtained in arm’s length dealings with an unrelated third party.
These policies and procedures are included in
our Corporate Governance Principles, which are available in the Corporate Governance section of the Investors section of our website
at www.bmrn.com. Information on our website is NOT incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement.
Indebtedness of Directors and Executive Officers
We have a policy not to lend money to our directors
or executive officers or associates of any director or executive officer. None of our directors or executive officers or associates
of any director or executive officer is or at any time since January 1, 2020 has been indebted to us.
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Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
SUMMARY OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Our directors play a critical role in guiding
our strategic direction and overseeing the management of BioMarin. The many responsibilities and risks and the substantial time
commitment of being a director require that we provide adequate compensation commensurate with our directors’ workload and
opportunity costs. Independent Directors receive a combination of annual cash retainers and RSU grants in amounts that correlate
to their responsibilities and levels of Board participation, including service on Board committees. The Board reviews our Independent
Director compensation levels and program design biennially for competitiveness against the confirmed executive compensation peer
group (for 2020, the “2020 Peer Group” as set forth in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Compensation
Adjustments and Peer Group Process” below).
To assist with the Board’s review, Mercer
LLC, an independent compensation consultant (the Compensation Consultant), prepares a comprehensive annual assessment of our Independent
Director compensation program. The assessment includes benchmarking director compensation against the same peer group used for
executive compensation purposes, an update in recent trends in director compensation and a review of related corporate governance
best practices. Specifically, in 2020, the Compensation Consultant assessed the competitiveness of our director pay program relative
to the 2020 Peer Group using a “typical director” profile approach. For this, the Compensation Consultant assumed a
“typical director” profile as a director who is a non-chair member of the Audit Committee and the Chair of the Compensation
Committee. The Compensation Consultant reviewed our Board and Committee governance structure as well as the total compensation
for our non-employee directors relative to members of the 2020 Peer Group. The Compensation Consultant noted that the total compensation
for our “typical director” was positioned at approximately the 2020 Peer Group’s median. After reviewing and
discussing the Compensation Consultant’s report, the Board determined to maintain the existing director pay structure and
levels.
Highlights
• |
To align our directors’ interests with those of our stockholders,
the annual equity award granted to non-employee directors, which vests in full on the date immediately prior to the date of
the Company’s next regular annual meeting of stockholders (approximately on the one-year anniversary of the grant date),
makes up the vast majority of total director compensation. |
• |
To discourage short-term risk taking, the annual equity award granted to non-employee directors
is made in RSUs only and no longer includes stock options. |
• |
To align director compensation with the duration of Board service, new directors do not receive
an initial equity award and instead receive an RSU grant on the same terms as the annual award made on the date of our Annual
Meeting of Stockholders, pro-rated to the nearest quarter for the time the new director is expected to serve prior to our
next Annual Meeting of Stockholders. |
• |
The annual cash compensation that the Company pays to its non-employee directors is based
on their positions on the Board or the committees of the Board, and the Company does not compensate Board members on a per
meeting basis. |
• |
To align our directors’ interests with those of our stockholders, the Board approved
stock ownership guidelines for our directors. In October 2020, the Compensation Committee increased the ownership guideline
threshold for our directors to a value of stock equal to or greater than four times their cash retainers, up from three times
used previously. See the “Director and Officer Stock Ownership Guidelines” section of this Proxy Statement
for a more detailed discussion of our stock ownership guidelines. |
• |
The compensation levels for our directors (annual equity award and cash compensation) remain
unchanged from the amounts reported in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting. |
• |
We provide an annual limit on non-employee director compensation under the terms of the 2017
Plan. |
• |
Our only employee director, Mr. Bienaimé, receives no separate compensation for his
service as a director or Chair. |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Cash Compensation
The following table is a summary of the annual
cash compensation payable to the Independent Directors in 2020. Each applicable line item is an additional element of compensation.
Director Position |
|
Annual Cash
Compensation(1) |
All Independent Directors |
|
$65,000 |
Independent Chair of the Board (if applicable)(2)
(premium in addition to Independent Director membership retainer) |
|
$65,000 |
Lead Independent Director
(premium in addition to Independent Director membership retainer) |
|
$65,000 |
Audit Committee Member |
|
$13,500 |
Audit Committee Chair
(premium in addition to committee membership retainer) |
|
$13,000 |
Compensation Committee Member |
|
$10,000 |
Compensation Committee Chair
(premium in addition to committee membership retainer) |
|
$10,000 |
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Member |
|
$8,750 |
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Chair
(premium in addition to committee membership retainer) |
|
$10,000 |
Science and Technology Committee Member |
|
$10,000 |
Science and Technology Committee Chair
(premium in addition to committee membership retainer) |
|
$10,000 |
(1) |
The annual cash compensation that the Company pays to its Board members, other than
Mr. Bienaimé, is based on their positions on the Board or the committees of the Board, and the Company does not compensate
the Board members on a per meeting basis. The amounts reflected in the table above are unchanged from the amounts reported
in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting. |
(2) |
The Independent Chair of the Board line item was not applicable in 2020 because
the roles of the Chair and Chief Executive Officer were combined under Mr. Bienaimé. |
Equity Compensation
The Board uses a “fixed value” equity
grant approach rather than a “fixed share” equity grant approach to better manage the board’s equity competitiveness.
Consistent with the equity awards granted in 2020, on the date of our Annual Meeting of Stockholders, each re-elected director
is granted RSUs valued at $400,000, which is converted to a number of shares using a 30-day trailing average closing price of our
common stock. For RSUs granted before the date of the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the shares of common stock subject to
the RSUs vested in full on the one-year anniversary of the grant date, and for RSUs granted on or after the date of the 2020 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders, the shares of common stock subject to the RSUs vest in full on the date immediately prior to the date
of the Company’s next regular annual meeting of stockholders (approximately on the one-year anniversary of the grant date),
in both cases, subject to each respective director providing services to the Company through the vesting date. The annual equity
award for a director who has served for less than a year is prorated to the nearest quarter. The RSUs continue to vest only while
the director provides services to the Company.
In fiscal year 2020, 38,700 RSUs were awarded
to the Independent Directors under our 2017 Plan in connection with annual awards to our directors. Our Board members are eligible
to enroll in our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan under which participants may elect to defer all or a portion of their
fees and RSU awards otherwise payable to them, and thereby defer taxation of these deferred amounts until actual payment of the
deferral amounts in future years. The table below lists actual compensation paid to each of the directors during 2020, other than
Mr. Bienaimé, who is also an NEO. Mr. Bienaimé’s compensation is described under the “Executive Compensation”
section of this Proxy Statement. Mr. Bienaimé received no additional compensation for serving on our Board in 2020.
New directors do not receive an initial equity
award and instead receive an RSU grant on the same terms as the annual award made on the date of our Annual Meeting of Stockholders,
pro-rated to the nearest quarter for the time the new director is expected to serve prior to our next Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
2020 INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Name | |
Fees Earned ($)(1) | |
Stock Awards ($)(2) | |
Option Awards ($)(3) | |
Total ($) |
Elizabeth McKee Anderson | |
87,250 | |
458,810 | |
— | |
546,060 |
Willard Dere, M.D. | |
93,750 | |
458,810 | |
— | |
552,560 |
Michael Grey | |
95,000 | |
458,810(4) | |
— | |
553,810 |
Elaine J. Heron, Ph.D. | |
107,250 | |
458,810 | |
— | |
566,060 |
Robert J. Hombach | |
101,500 | |
458,810 | |
— | |
560,310 |
V. Bryan Lawlis, Ph.D. | |
88,500 | |
458,810 | |
— | |
547,310 |
Alan J. Lewis, Ph.D.(5) | |
42,500 | |
— | |
— | |
42,500 |
Richard A. Meier | |
130,000 | |
458,810 | |
— | |
588,810 |
David E.I. Pyott, M.D. (Hon.) | |
83,750 | |
458,810 | |
— | |
542,560 |
Dennis J. Slamon, M.D., Ph.D. | |
77,188 | |
458,810 | |
— | |
535,998 |
(1) |
Director fees are generally paid quarterly in arrears within
four weeks after the close of a quarter. Accordingly, director fees earned in the fourth quarter of 2020 were paid in early
2021. |
(2) |
The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value computed
in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (FASB ASC) Topic 718.
The grant date fair value of the annual RSU grants made on May 27, 2020 to all directors was $106.70 per share. The aggregate
number of shares subject to RSU awards held by the Independent Directors listed in the table above as of December 31, 2020
was as follows: |
Name | |
RSU Awards |
Elizabeth McKee Anderson | |
4,300 |
Willard Dere, M.D. | |
4,300 |
Michael Grey | |
4,300 |
Elaine J. Heron, Ph.D. | |
4,300 |
Robert J. Hombach | |
4,300 |
V. Bryan Lawlis, Ph.D. | |
4,300 |
Alan J. Lewis, Ph.D.(5) | |
— |
Richard A. Meier | |
4,300 |
David E.I. Pyott, M.D. (Hon.) | |
4,300 |
Dennis J. Slamon, M.D., Ph.D. | |
4,300 |
(3) |
In September 2017, the Board modified the annual equity grant to be awarded in RSUs only, eliminating the stock option component. Accordingly, no stock options were granted to directors during 2020. The aggregate number of shares subject to stock option awards (from stock option grants made prior to September 2017) held by the Independent Directors listed in the table above as of December 31, 2020 was as follows: |
Name | |
Stock Option Awards |
Elizabeth McKee Anderson | |
— |
(6) |
Willard Dere, M.D. | |
14,790 |
|
Michael Grey | |
41,250 |
|
Elaine J. Heron, Ph.D. | |
34,697 |
|
Robert J. Hombach | |
— |
(6) |
V. Bryan Lawlis, Ph.D. | |
51,250 |
|
Alan J. Lewis, Ph.D.(5) | |
36,250 |
|
Richard A. Meier | |
51,250 |
|
David E.I. Pyott, M.D. (Hon.) | |
13,230 |
|
Dennis J. Slamon, M.D., Ph.D. | |
24,300 |
|
(4) |
A portion of this amount or award, as applicable, was deferred
pursuant to our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. A more detailed discussion of our nonqualified deferred compensation
arrangements is provided under the heading “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan” in this Proxy Statement. |
(5) |
Dr. Lewis’s Board service ended on May 27, 2020, the date of the 2020 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders. |
(6) |
Ms. Anderson and Mr. Hombach joined the Board after the September 2017 Board action
described above, so all of their equity awards have been made in RSUs and they have not been granted any stock options. |
Table of Contents
|
|
PROPOSAL 2 |
|
Ratification of the Selection of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
for BioMarin |
The Audit Committee has selected KPMG as the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 and has further directed that management
submit the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting.
KPMG has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since June 11, 2002. Representatives of KPMG plan to attend
the Annual Meeting and will be available to answer appropriate questions from stockholders and, although they do not expect to
do so, they will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire.
Neither the Company’s Bylaws nor other governing
documents or law require stockholder ratification of the selection of KPMG as the Company’s independent registered public
accounting firm. However, the Board is submitting the selection of KPMG to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good
corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain
KPMG. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent
registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in
the best interest of the Company and its stockholders.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The following is a summary of the fees and services
provided by KPMG to the Company for fiscal years 2020 and 2019.
Description of Services Provided by KPMG LLP | |
Year Ended December 31, 2020 | |
Year Ended December 31, 2019 |
Audit Fees: | |
$ | 2,911,674 | (1) | |
$ | 1,931,887 | (1) |
Audit Related Fees: These services
relate to assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements
not included in Audit Fees above. | |
$ | 8,799 | (2) | |
$ | 8,388 | (2) |
Tax Fees: These services relate
to the preparation of federal, state and foreign tax returns and other filings, as well as to the area of tax strategy and
minimizing Federal, state, local and foreign taxes. | |
$ | 18,715 | (3) | |
$ | 241,753 | (3) |
All Other Fees: | |
$ | 5,887 | (4) | |
$ | 37,806 | (4) |
Total Fees: | |
$ | 2,945,075 | | |
$ | 2,219,834 | |
(1) |
Includes fees for non-routine transactions and comfort letters. |
(2) |
Reflects fees for assurance services related to a subsidiary pension plan. |
(3) |
Reflects fees for tax consulting. |
(4) |
Reflects fees for assurance services not reasonably related to the performance of
the audit or review the Company’s financial statements. For fiscal year 2019, this amount also reflects fees for non-audit
services provided in relation to the Company’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy Program. |
The Audit Committee has the sole authority to
approve the scope of the audit and any audit related services as well as all audit fees and terms. The Audit Committee must pre-approve
any audit and non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee will not approve
the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm to perform any services that the independent registered public
accounting firm would be prohibited from providing under applicable securities laws, Nasdaq requirements or Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (PCAOB) rules. In assessing whether to approve the use of our independent registered public accounting firm to
provide permitted non-audit services, the Audit Committee strives to minimize relationships that could appear to impair the objectivity
of our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee will approve permitted non-audit services by our independent
registered public accounting firm only when it will be more effective or economical to have such services provided by our independent
registered public accounting firm than by another firm.
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Table of Contents
Proposal 2: Ratification
of the Selection of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for BioMarin
The Audit Committee annually reviews and pre-approves
the statutory audit fees that can be provided to the independent registered public accounting firm. Any proposed services exceeding
pre-set levels or amounts requires separate pre-approval by the Audit Committee, although our Chief Financial Officer and Chief
Accounting Officer can approve up to an additional $100,000 in the aggregate for global statutory audits. In addition, any pre-approved
services for which no pre-approved cost level has been set or which would exceed the pre-approved cost by an amount that would
cause the aggregate $100,000 amount to be exceeded must be separately pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval
authority to the Chair of the Audit Committee within the guidelines discussed above. The Chair of the Audit Committee is required
to inform the Audit Committee of each pre-approval decision at the next regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting.
All the services provided by KPMG during 2020
were pre-approved in accordance with this policy.
|
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE IN FAVOR
OF PROPOSAL 2. |
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS(1)
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed
the audited financial statements of the Company with management of the Company. In addition, the Audit Committee has discussed
with KPMG the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees, as adopted
by the PCAOB. The Audit Committee has received from KPMG the written disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements
of the PCAOB regarding KPMG’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed with KPMG
the independence of KPMG from the Company and its management. Based on the foregoing, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board
that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
Respectfully submitted on March 2, 2021 by the
members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors:
Robert J. Hombach,
Chair
Elizabeth McKee Anderson(2)
Elaine J. Heron, Ph.D.
V. Bryan Lawlis, Ph.D.
(1) |
The material in this report is not deemed “soliciting material,”
is not deemed “filed” with the SEC, is not subject to Regulation 14A or 14C or to the liabilities of Section 18
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and is not to be incorporated by reference into any
filing of BioMarin under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), or the Exchange Act, whether made before
or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing. |
(2) |
Ms. Anderson was a member of the Audit Committee when the Audit Committee submitted
this report. Subsequently, Ms. Anderson joined the Compensation Committee and was replaced on the Audit Committee by Dr. Ho. |
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth certain information
concerning our executive officers as of March 5, 2021.
Name |
Age |
Position with BioMarin |
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé |
67 |
Chief Executive Officer |
Andrea Acosta |
42 |
Group Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer |
Jeff Ajer |
58 |
Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer |
G. Eric Davis |
50 |
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
Henry J. Fuchs, M.D. |
63 |
President of Worldwide Research & Development |
C. Greg Guyer, Ph.D. |
59 |
Chief Technical Officer and Executive Vice President
of Global Manufacturing and Technical Operations |
Brian R. Mueller |
47 |
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer |
There are no family relationships between any
of our directors and any of our executive officers. The biographical information for Mr. Bienaimé is set forth above under
“Proposal No. One: Election of Directors – Nominees for Director.”
Joined BioMarin in July
2017
Group Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer |
|
ANDREA ACOSTA
Ms. Acosta joined BioMarin in July 2017 and currently
serves as our Group Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. From February 2020 to July 2020 she served as our Group Vice President,
Global Controller, and from July 2017 to January 2020 she served as our Vice President, Corporate Controller. Prior to BioMarin,
Ms. Acosta worked at Levi Strauss & Co. from August 2007 to June 2017, where she had various roles of increasing responsibility
in finance management during her tenure, most recently as Vice President, Global Controller and Principal Accounting Officer. Previously,
she worked at KPMG LLP as a manager in the firm’s audit practice. She earned a B.S. in Accounting at San Francisco State
University and is a Certified Public Accountant. |
|
|
|
Joined BioMarin in August
2005
Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer |
|
JEFF AJER
Jeff Ajer joined BioMarin in August 2005 and currently
serves as our Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. From October 2012 to January 2014, Mr. Ajer served as our
Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. From April 2009 to October 2012, Mr. Ajer served as our Vice President, Commercial
Operations, The Americas, where he had responsibility for commercial operations throughout the Americas and led product marketing,
reimbursement, and sales operations for BioMarin. Prior to joining BioMarin, Mr. Ajer served in various roles at Genzyme Corporation
(Genzyme) beginning in November 2003 and lastly as Vice President, Global Transplant Operations from December 2004 to August 2005.
Mr. Ajer’s experience prior to Genzyme includes roles in sales, marketing and operations at SangStat Medical Corporation
and ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr. Ajer received both a B.S. in chemistry and an M.B.A. from the University of California, Irvine.
Mr. Ajer is currently a director of Nektar Therapeutics, a public biopharmaceutical company. |
|
|
|
38 |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Executive Officers
Joined BioMarin in March
2004
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
|
G. ERIC DAVIS
G. Eric Davis joined BioMarin in March 2004 and
currently serves as our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. From December 2005 to March 2016, Mr. Davis served
as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary and from 2004 to December 2005, Mr. Davis served as our Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary. From 2000 to 2004, Mr. Davis worked in the San Francisco office of Paul Hastings LLP (formerly Paul,
Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP), where he served on the firm’s national securities practice committee. Mr. Davis
has represented public and private companies and venture capital and investment banking firms in a wide range of corporate and
securities matters, mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliance matters, and intellectual property-related business transactions.
His experience involves a variety of industries, including biotechnology and life sciences. Mr. Davis received a B.A. in political
economy from the University of California, Berkeley, and a J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law. |
|
|
|
Joined BioMarin in March
2009
President of Worldwide Research & Development |
|
HENRY J. FUCHS, M.D.
Henry J. Fuchs, M.D., joined BioMarin in March
2009 and currently serves as our President of Worldwide Research & Development. From December 2009 to October 2016, Dr.
Fuchs served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. From March 2009 to December 2009, Dr. Fuchs served as our
Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. From September 2005 until December 2008, Dr. Fuchs served as Executive Vice President
and Chief Medical Officer for Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biopharmaceutical company. Dr. Fuchs served as Chief Executive Officer
of Ardea Biosciences, Inc. from January 2003 until June 2005. Dr. Fuchs first joined Ardea Biosciences, Inc. as Vice President,
Clinical Affairs in October 1996 and was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in November 2001. From 1987 to 1996, Dr.
Fuchs held various positions at Genentech, Inc. where, among other responsibilities, he led the clinical program that resulted
in the approval of Pulmozyme, a therapeutic for cystic fibrosis. Dr. Fuchs was also responsible for the Phase III development program
that led to the approval of Herceptin to treat metastatic breast cancer. Dr. Fuchs received an M.D. from George Washington University
and a B.A. in biochemical sciences from Harvard University. Dr. Fuchs is currently a director of Mirati Therapeutics, Inc., a public
biopharmaceutical company, and was formerly on the board of Genomic Health, Inc., a public molecular diagnostics company, until
its acquisition by Exact Sciences in November 2019. |
|
|
|
Joined BioMarin in May
2021
Chief Technical Officer and Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Technical Operations |
|
C. GREG GUYER, PH.D.
C. Greg Guyer, Ph.D, joined BioMarin in May 2020
and currently serves as our Chief Technical Officer and Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Technical Operations,
responsible for overseeing our manufacturing, process development, quality, supply chain, engineering and analytical chemistry
departments. From 2015 to 2019, Dr. Guyer served in a number of positions of increasing responsibility at Bristol Myers Squibb
(BMS), primarily leading all of operations and biologic development. Prior to BMS, Dr. Guyer worked for Merck & Co., Inc.,
from 1994 to 2015, leading various global organizations in biologic and pharmaceutical operations, quality, regulatory, emerging
markets strategy and enterprise systems. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the University of Georgia Research Foundation.
Dr. Guyer earned his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from American University, Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University
of Georgia and Master of Business Administration degree from Lehigh University. |
|
|
|
Table of Contents
Executive Officers
Joined BioMarin in December
2002
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
|
BRIAN R. MUELLER
Brian R. Mueller joined BioMarin in December 2002
and currently serves as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. From March 2011 to June 2020 he served as our
Chief Accounting Officer. From August 2016 to January 2020, Mr. Mueller served as our Senior Vice President, Finance and from March
2014 to August 2016, Mr. Mueller served as our Group Vice President, Corporate Controller and from March 2009 to March 2014, Mr.
Mueller served as our Vice President, Corporate Controller. Mr. Mueller was a member of the board of directors of Anthera Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., a previously public biopharmaceutical company where he also served as Chairman of the Audit Committee. Prior to joining BioMarin
in 2002, Mr. Mueller worked for KPMG as a senior manager in the firm’s audit practice. Mr. Mueller joined KPMG after Arthur
Andersen LLP ceased operations in June 2002, prior to which he spent seven years with Arthur Andersen LLP in the firm’s audit
and business advisory services practice. Mr. Mueller received a B.S. in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb,
Illinois, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. |
|
|
|
40 |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
| PROPOSAL
3
Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation |
The Company’s stockholders are entitled to vote to
approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s NEOs as disclosed in this Proxy Statement in
accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act), Section 14A of the Exchange Act,
and SEC rules (commonly known as the “say-on-pay” vote). This vote is not intended to address any specific item of
compensation, but rather the overall compensation of the Company’s NEOs and the philosophy, policies and practices described
in this Proxy Statement. At the 2017 Annual Meeting, consistent with the Company’s recommendation, stockholders holding
a majority of our shares voted to recommend that the Company hold an annual advisory vote on the compensation of the NEOs. The
Company has acted in accordance with the 2017 vote by including this proposal and intends to continue to hold an annual advisory
vote on NEO compensation.
The compensation of the Company’s NEOs subject to
the vote is disclosed in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” compensation tables, and related narrative
disclosure contained in this Proxy Statement. The Company’s compensation philosophy is to provide competitive overall compensation
that attracts and retains top performers and aligns their interests with those of our stockholders. To achieve these goals, our
compensation program is structured to:
• |
provide total compensation and compensation
elements that are competitive with companies with which we compete for talent; |
• |
provide a mix of compensation that offers (i)
a market competitive base salary, (ii) annual incentive compensation based on achieving defined corporate goals within 12
months, and (iii) the opportunity to share in the long-term growth of our Company through equity compensation; and |
• |
reward exceptional performance by individuals. |
Accordingly, the Board is asking the stockholders to indicate
their support for the compensation of the Company’s NEOs as described in this Proxy Statement by casting a non-binding advisory
vote “FOR” the following resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the Company’s stockholders hereby
approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement
pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation
tables and narrative discussion and any related material.”
The “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”
section of this Proxy Statement contains more details on the Company’s executive compensation; we urge you to read it carefully
before casting your vote on this proposal. Because the vote is advisory, it is not binding on the Company, the Board or the Compensation
Committee of the Board. Nevertheless, the views expressed by our stockholders, whether through this vote or otherwise, are important
to our management, the Board and the Compensation Committee. Our management, the Board and Compensation Committee intend to consider
the results of this vote in making decisions about executive compensation arrangements and the Company’s executive compensation
principles, policies and procedures.
Advisory approval of this proposal requires support of a
majority of votes cast by the holders of shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
|
THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL 3. |
Table of Contents
LETTER FROM OUR COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
DEAR BIOMARIN PHARMACEUTICAL INC. STOCKHOLDERS:
As members of the Compensation Committee, we believe that
one of our most important responsibilities is to ensure BioMarin’s compensation practices closely align the interests of
our executives with those of our stockholders. We are focused on developing an executive compensation program that attracts and
retains leaders critical to the success of BioMarin and incentivizes them to execute our corporate strategy and create long-term
value. We take our responsibilities very seriously in representing stockholders like you.
Evolution of Compensation Design
Over the last several years, we have evolved our compensation
programs for our NEOs to reward performance, increase the focus on long-term results and align realized pay with the experience
of our stockholders. The 2020 compensation for our NEOs reflects these important changes, which are summarized below. More complete
descriptions of the changes are included in the section of this Proxy Statement titled “Proxy Overview—Stockholder
Engagement,” and in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section that follows this letter.
• |
Increased performance-based
pay: We rapidly shifted the proportion of equity grants that are performance based.
Performance-based RSUs now account for 50% of total long-term equity compensation, up from 30% in 2018. |
• |
Enhanced alignment
of pay and stockholder experience: Of the performance-based RSUs, 50% are earned based
on relative total stockholder return (compared to the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index), 25% are earned based on profitability (non-GAAP
Income) and 25% are earned based on achievement of strategic corporate goals (product regulatory filings and approvals), all
over a three-year performance period. |
• |
Incentivized long-term stockholder value:
Beginning with the March 2020 grant, 100% of performance-based RSUs are earned based
on the Company’s performance over a three-year period. |
2020 Performance Reflected in Compensation Decisions Made
in First Quarter 2021
We make almost all compensation decisions in
the first three months of a calendar year. Those decisions consider data from the prior year, including the Company’s share
price performance. In a pay-for-performance context, this creates a lag between performance and the compensation associated with
that performance. Various elements of our compensation program, such as RSUs linked to relative total stockholder return, inherently
adjust realized pay to stockholder performance. However, other elements, like the development goals in our annual cash incentive
program, are tied to achieving specific goals within the Company’s control, which may not be reflected in our share price
for many years. In early 2021, we funded the annual cash incentive pool at 110% of target based
on predetermined goals. Our achievements in 2020 were in the face of significant challenges due to COVID-19 and included meaningful
advancement of our product candidates.
The Committee believes that our NEO compensation
should reward successes, but must also acknowledge when the Company experiences setbacks. In 2020, the Company experienced several
setbacks. For instance, while we hope for the ultimate regulatory approval of valoctocogene roxaparvovec for severe hemophilia
A in both the U.S. and EU, the delay in the potential approval had a negative impact on our share price. Based on these events
and this philosophy, we made significant changes to our NEO compensation as part of our 2021 compensation decisions. As discussed
in this Proxy Statement, we implemented salary freezes for all of our NEOs. Additionally, we reduced NEO annual equity
awards compared to the 2020 grant. For Mr. Bienaimé, we reduced his award value by more than 15%, or $2.5 million,
and we reduced the award for Dr. Fuchs, our President of Worldwide Research & Development, by more than 20%, or $1.5 million.
We believe these actions appropriately align our NEO compensation with stockholder experience.
While we were pleased that our last say-on-pay proposal
received support from 96% of the votes cast, we do not take past stockholder support for granted and each year we take a critical
view of our executive compensation program. In 2020, we continued our active stockholder engagement efforts to ensure stockholder
interests were incorporated into our planning process for 2021, and we look forward to continuing this dialogue.
|
|
|
|
Michael Grey (Chair) |
Elizabeth McKee Anderson |
Robert J. Hombach |
David E.I. Pyott, M.D. (Hon.) |
42 |
|
2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The following Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides
information about our 2020 compensation program for our NEOs: the individuals who served as our principal executive officer and
principal financial officer at any point during fiscal year 2020, the three other most highly-compensated executive officers as
of December 31, 2020 and an individual who would have been one of the three most highly-compensated executive officers but for
the fact that he was no longer serving as an executive officer as of December 31, 2020. Each NEO’s compensation is set forth
in the “Summary Compensation Table” and other compensation tables included in this Proxy Statement. Our NEOs
for fiscal year 2020 are:
• |
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé,
Chief Executive Officer; |
• |
Brian R. Mueller,
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; |
• |
Daniel Spiegelman,
Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;(1) |
• |
Jeff Ajer,
Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer; |
• |
Robert A. Baffi, Ph.D.,
Former President of Global Manufacturing and Technical Operations;(2) |
• |
Henry Fuchs, M.D.,
President of Worldwide Research & Development; and |
• |
C. Greg Guyer, Ph.D.,
Chief Technical Officer and Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Technical
Operations. |
(1) |
Mr. Spiegelman stepped down as
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 29, 2020, and he remained with BioMarin as a full-time
employee and senior advisor until September 1, 2020. |
(2) |
Dr. Baffi stepped down as President of Global
Manufacturing and Technical Operations, effective May 4, 2020, and he remained with BioMarin as a full-time employee and senior
advisor until December 31, 2020. Effective January 1, 2021, Dr. Baffi remains with BioMarin as a part-time employee and senior
advisor. |
The Compensation Committee believes that our executive compensation
program is designed to achieve our primary goal of providing appropriate incentives to attract and retain the executive talent
necessary to advance our business of developing and commercializing innovative therapies for people with serious and life-threatening
rare diseases and medical conditions and to increase stockholder value. The Compensation Committee also believes that our executive
compensation program is appropriate in that it both encourages executive officers to work for meaningful stockholder return and
reflects our pay-for-performance philosophy, without encouraging our executive officers to assume excessive risks.
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
In 2020, we achieved nearly $1.9 billion in total revenues,
while we concurrently made important advancements in our late-stage clinical programs and earlier product development pipeline.
Our key accomplishments in 2020 included:
TOTAL REVENUES
|
Despite the impacts
from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges to our business in 2020, we achieved over 9% growth in total BioMarin revenues,
increasing from $1.70 billion in 2019 to $1.86 billion in 2020. |
PALYNZIQ AND BRINEURA SALES
|
Our two newest products, Palyzniq
for PKU and Brineura for late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2, achieved 2020 revenue growth of 97% and 53%,
respectively, as compared to 2019. |
LATE-STAGE CLINICAL PROGRAMS
|
We announced successful results from
our Phase 3 clinical trials of valoctocogene roxaparvovec for the treatment of severe hemophilia A and vosoritide for the
treatment of achondroplasia, and we made important advancements for both programs in 2020. |
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE
|
We advanced our earlier-stage product development
pipeline, which includes two new gene therapies, BMN 307 for PKU and BMN 331 for hereditary angioedema, among other potential
therapies.
|
Recent Say-on-Pay Vote and Stockholder Feedback
Our stockholders’ views and opinions on our executive
compensation practices are extremely important to us. As a steward of good corporate governance, our Compensation Committee evaluates
the design of our executive compensation program based on market conditions, stockholder views, and other governance considerations.
We regularly engage with our stockholders through open dialogue and direct individual communication on topics related to the business,
financial performance, corporate governance, and compensation of the Company. For details regarding our stockholder outreach efforts
specific to 2020, please see the “Proxy Overview—Stockholder Engagement” section of this Proxy Statement.
Stockholder feedback is important, and the information we glean from these engagements is highly valued. In recent years, the
Compensation Committee considered this feedback in increasing the performance-based RSU component in the annual equity grants
from 0% in 2014 to 50% of the total equity grant value in 2019 and 2020 (up from 20%, 25%, 30% and 30% in 2015 through 2018, respectively).
We were pleased that our last say-on-pay proposal received support from 96% of the votes cast; however, we do not take stockholder
support for granted and each year the Compensation Committee takes a critical view of our executive compensation program.
44 |
|
2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
In recent years, we have made significant changes to our
executive compensation program in order to more directly tie pay to performance and address stockholder feedback, as discussed
elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. The 2020 compensation for our NEOs reflects these meaningful changes to the design of our executive
compensation program, which are summarized below:
Change: We rapidly increased the proportion of performance-based
RSUs as a percentage of total long-term equity compensation, from 30% in 2018 to 50% in 2019 and 2020.
• |
Effective date: March 2019 |
• |
The allocation of equity awards changed between
2018 and 2019 & 2020 as follows |
Feedback Addressed: More
of long-term compensation should be performance-based, rather than time-based.
Purpose of Change: Further
tie compensation to performance of the Company.
Change: 100% of performance-based RSUs will be earned based
on metrics other than revenue.
• |
Effective Date: March 2020 |
• |
Instead of performance-based RSUs being earned
based on revenue achievement (which was the case for 100% of grants in 2018 and 50% in 2019), the 2020 awards will be earned
based on other metrics, as shown below: |
Feedback Addressed:
• |
Realized compensation has not always
closely correlated to stockholder experience. |
• |
Revenue determines a large proportion of short-term
performance-based compensation (30% weight in 2019 annual cash incentive program), so revenue should not also determine long-term
performance-based compensation. |
Purpose of Change:
• |
More closely align realized compensation
with stockholder return. |
• |
Further focus management on goals in addition
to revenue growth that also drive stockholder value. |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
Change: The metrics underlying 100% of performance-based
RSUs will be measured using a three-year period.
• |
Effective Date: March 2020 |
• |
Instead of a gradual phase-in, the transition
from using one-year performance periods over which performance-based RSUs are earned to three-year performance periods was
accelerated and completed in only two years, as shown below: |
Feedback Addressed: More
of the performance-based compensation should be earned over a longer period.
Purpose of Change: Further
incentivize long-term performance and tie compensation to achievement of long-term goals; encourage retention of key employees.
Change: We included more information in our proxy statements
regarding the annual cash incentive program.
• |
Effective Date: April 2019 |
• |
We provided significantly more details regarding
the development goals for each clinical and pre-clinical program underlying the annual cash incentive program than in proxy
statements filed before 2019. |
Feedback Addressed: More
details should be provided regarding the development goals underlying the annual cash incentive program.
Purpose of Change: Increase
transparency in determining amounts earned under the annual cash incentive program and explain the philosophy behind the program’s
design.
46 |
|
2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
Highlights of Compensation Policies and Practices
Our Compensation Committee and Board have implemented compensation
policies and practices designed to enhance governance of our executive compensation program and further our compensation objectives.
These policies and practices include:
|
Annual Advisory Say-on-Pay
Vote |
|
Our Board elected
to hold an annual advisory say-on-pay vote, consistent with the preference of our stockholders
as expressed in response to our “say on frequency” proposal at our 2017 Annual Meeting. The Compensation
Committee considers the outcome of the advisory vote in making compensation decisions. |
Compensation Committee
Oversight; Executive Sessions |
|
The Compensation Committee regularly
meets in executive sessions without management present. |
Equity Incentive Plan Features |
|
Our 2017 Plan, which the stockholders
approved at our 2017 Annual Meeting, contains a number of features that represent good
corporate governance, including a limit on non-employee director compensation and restrictions
on payment of dividends, among other stockholder-favorable features. |
Independent Compensation
Committee |
|
The Compensation Committee is
composed solely of Independent Directors. |
Independent Compensation
Consultant |
|
The Compensation Committee has
engaged an independent compensation consultant for advice on topics related to
the Board and NEO compensation. The independent compensation consultant reports directly to the
Compensation Committee, which has sole authority to direct the consultant’s work. |
Policy Against Tax Gross-Ups |
|
In March 2015, the Compensation
Committee formally adopted a policy against granting tax gross-ups to executives going
forward. In December 2016, our CEO voluntarily forfeited his right to income tax gross-up payments
in connection with a change in control as provided in his then-current employment agreement. |
Clawback Policy |
|
Our Policy for Recoupment of
Incentive Compensation, also referred to as the Clawback Policy, provides for the recoupment
by us of certain incentive compensation paid to current or former executive officers in
the event we are required to prepare an accounting restatement of our financial statements due to our material
noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws. The Clawback Policy
can be found in the Corporate Governance section of the Investors section of our website at www.bmrn.com.
Information on our website is NOT incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement. |
Prohibition Against Hedging and
Pledging of Securities |
|
Our trading policy prohibits
directors and employees from engaging in short sales, transactions in put or call options,
hedging transactions or other speculative transactions in our stock or engaging in margin activities
(see the section of this Proxy Statement titled, “Stock Ownership Information – Anti-Hedging and
Anti-Pledging Policy” for details). |
Prohibition on Stock Option
Repricing |
|
Our equity incentive plans prohibit
stock option repricing without stockholder approval. |
Risk Management |
|
Our executive compensation policies
are structured to discourage inappropriate risk-taking by our executives. The “Compensation
Risk Assessment” section below describes the Compensation Committee’s assessment that
the risks arising from our Company-wide compensation programs are reasonable and not likely to have a material
adverse effect on BioMarin and that the programs are in the best interests of stockholders. |
Securities Trading Policy |
|
We maintain a comprehensive securities
trading policy which provides, among other things, that our employees who possess material
non-public information may not disclose, or trade while in possession of, such information
or buy or sell our securities during any designated blackout period. Individuals classified as
“Designated Insiders” (which include our NEOs) may not buy or sell our securities at any time without prior
approval, except for sales under approved Rule 10b5-1 trading plans. |
Stock Ownership Guidelines |
|
We have established stock ownership
guidelines for our executives to increase the link between the interests of executives
and those of stockholders. |
Transparent Equity Granting
Process and Practices |
|
The Compensation Committee grants
equity awards annually to eligible employees according to a regular, pre-set schedule. |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
Compensation Risk Assessment
We believe that risks arising from our compensation policies
and practices for our employees are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition, the Compensation
Committee believes that the mix and design of the elements of executive compensation do not encourage management to assume excessive
risks.
The Compensation Committee, with the assistance of the Compensation
Consultant, extensively reviewed the elements of executive compensation to determine whether any portion of executive compensation
encouraged excessive risk taking and concluded:
• |
significant weighting toward long-term
incentive compensation discourages short-term risk taking; |
• |
for most employees, base salary makes up a significant
portion of compensation; |
• |
the mix of short- and long-term compensation (base
salary, annual cash incentive, equity grants) is consistent with industry norms; |
• |
goals are appropriately set to avoid targets that,
if not achieved, result in a large percentage loss of compensation; |
• |
the prohibition on hedging or pledging of our
stock and the Clawback Policy discourage short-term and excessive risk taking; and |
• |
stock ownership guidelines discourage excessive
risk taking. |
Furthermore, as described later in this “Compensation
Discussion and Analysis” section, compensation decisions include subjective considerations to moderate the effects that
formulae or objective factors might have on excessive risk taking.
Compensation Objectives and Philosophy
We believe that the leadership of our executive team has
been instrumental to our success in 2020 and prior years, and that an executive compensation program that attracts, motivates
and retains key executives is critical to the success of our business and to creating long-term stockholder value. Our compensation
program is structured to achieve the following main objectives:
48 |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
To realize these objectives, we use a balance of compensation
elements and benefits, which are summarized in the table below. The focus of our compensation program is on total direct compensation
opportunity (base salary, annual incentive compensation and long-term incentive compensation), with an explicit role for each
element.
|
Purpose |
|
|
Balance |
|
|
|
Market |
Short- and |
|
|
|
Competitiveness |
Long-Term |
Pay for |
Stockholder |
Compensation
Element |
and
Retention |
Perspectives |
Performance |
Alignment |
Base Salary |
|
|
|
|
Annual
Cash Incentive |
|
|
|
|
Equity
Grants |
|
|
|
|
Limited
Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits |
|
|
|
|
Potential
Severance Benefits |
|
|
|
|
The Compensation Committee considered each of our compensation
objectives in determining the 2020 compensation of our NEOs, as discussed in greater detail below. We provide our NEOs with competitive
annual cash compensation in the form of salary and annual incentives but believe that a majority of our NEO compensation should
be earned through long-term, equity-based incentives. Our focus on long-term, equity-based incentives is appropriate because of
the lengthy time period required to develop pharmaceutical products, as well as the time required for pharmaceutical products
to obtain regulatory approval on a worldwide basis and to reach peak sales.
The Compensation Committee focuses on providing NEOs and
other executive officers with competitive compensation based on a variety of factors, including the experience of the NEO, competitive
market data and individual and corporate performance. Executive pay is not targeted to a specific market percentile. The Compensation
Committee and the Board believe that this approach can efficiently set NEO compensation to appropriately compensate each individual
based on his or her skill and performance and/or expected future contribution to the Company’s business, and the performance
of the Company as a whole.
In 2020, the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer,
Mr. Bienaimé, and the other NEOs (excluding our former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Spiegelman)
consisted primarily of performance-based cash compensation and long-term incentives. As shown below, for 2020, at risk compensation
(annual cash incentive and equity awards, measured at target achievement) accounted for 92% of the total direct compensation of
our Chief Executive Officer and 88% of the average total direct compensation of our other NEOs. In addition, during 2020, 83%
of the total direct compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and 81% of the average total direct compensation of our other
NEOs was delivered through long-term incentives (stock option awards and RSUs).
CEO Total Compensation Mix in 2020(1)
Other NEOs’ Total Compensation Mix in 2020(1)(2)(3)
(1) |
Each percentage is calculated as
a percentage of total compensation set forth in the “Summary Compensation Table” in this Proxy Statement and is
based on the amounts in such table, including the “Target Payout” amounts in footnote (2) to such table. The “Other”
percentage for all other NEOs includes the one-time sign-on bonus of $250,000 paid to Dr. Guyer, which is described in footnote
(7) to the “Summary Compensation Table” in this Proxy Statement. Certain percentages are rounded up or down by
less than 1% so that totals equal 100%. |
(2) |
Percentages calculated based on sum of all
other NEOs’ compensation. The percentages for all other NEOs excludes amounts for Mr. Spiegelman who stepped down as
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 29, 2020. He remained with BioMarin as an employee
and senior advisor until September 1, 2020. |
(3) |
The percentage of Performance-Based RSUs (34%)
and Performance-Based compensation (41%) for all other NEOs would be higher if we excluded the new hire equity grant for Dr.
Guyer, which consisted of all service-based awards. |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
Compensation Adjustments
Each year, the Compensation Committee conducts a comprehensive
analysis of the compensation program to ensure it provides competitive compensation necessary to attract and retain qualified
executives, while focusing on the qualification and performance of individual executives and the performance of the Company as
a whole. We generally review our compensation practices annually at several meetings of the Compensation Committee and the Board.
To ensure independence and candid communication, the Compensation Committee regularly meets with the Compensation Consultant in
executive sessions without management present.
Peer Group Process
The Compensation Committee, with the support of the Compensation
Consultant and management, reviews trends in biotechnology compensation practices and reviews and approves the list of peer companies
used in the later stages of the process. The Compensation Committee seeks input from management and the Compensation Consultant
to ensure the peer group is consistent with our current business model. The Compensation Committee evaluates the criteria used
in establishing the peer group to ensure that it appropriately represents the companies competing with us to attract and retain
the best employees, which are necessary to drive long-term stockholder value.
The list of peer group companies is based on various factors
including size, market capitalization, development stage, product revenue and product focus. The peer group used to set executive
compensation for 2020 (the 2020 Peer Group) included commercial biotechnology and specialty pharmaceutical companies with the
following features:
business
models with a therapeutic focus and development stage product candidates |
revenue generally between $1.0 billion
and $5.0 billion |
located predominantly in major biotechnology
centers |
The Compensation Committee sets the ranges for the criteria
to ensure that it will capture a broad set of companies. The Compensation Committee believes that this provides the best long-term
trend data and minimizes year-to-year changes caused by excessive numbers of companies being added or removed due to acquisitions
or product successes or failures or other major corporate events. The following table presents the companies that make up the
2020 Peer Group, which has remained generally consistent since 2016, other than the replacement of companies that have since been
acquired.
|
Alexion
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
Incyte Corporation |
Regeneron
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
Alkermes
plc |
Ionis Pharmaceuticals |
Seagen Inc. |
Alnylam
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc |
United Therapeutics Corporation |
Endo International
plc. |
Horizon Therapeutics plc |
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated |
The Compensation Committee deliberately did not include
in the 2020 Peer Group any companies outside the biotechnology and specialty pharmaceutical industries, such as contract research
organizations and scientific instrument and materials manufacturing and testing companies. Those companies were excluded for the
following reasons:
their business models are very
different from biotechnology companies like BioMarin |
they lack the growth and risk
profiles of companies in the biotechnology and specialty pharmaceutical
industries |
they do not share common financial
and operational characteristics of biopharmaceutical companies
(for example, high gross margins and significant R&D expenses) |
As shown below, when comparing BioMarin against the companies
making up its 2020 Peer Group (using data as of December 31, 2020), our number of employees falls between the median and the 75th
percentile, our revenue and one-year revenue growth both fall between the 25th percentile and median, our net income falls above
the 75th percentile, our market capitalization is approximately at the median, and our total shareholder return (TSR)
over the most recent one, three and five years is between the 25th percentile and the median.
|
Employees |
Revenue
(in millions) |
1-Year
Revenue
Growth |
Net Income
(in millions) |
Market
Capitalization
(in millions) |
1-Year TSR |
3-Year TSR
(annualized) |
5-Year TSR
(annualized) |
75th Percentile |
3,399 |
$5,278 |
64% |
$606 |
$33,550 |
53% |
15% |
12% |
50th Percentile (Median) |
2,016 |
$2,282 |
23% |
$314 |
$15,622 |
21% |
5% |
-1% |
25th Percentile |
1,410 |
$1,150 |
0% |
-$157 |
$7,036 |
2% |
-2% |
-4% |
BioMarin |
3,059 |
$1,860 |
9% |
$859 |
$15,918 |
4% |
-1% |
-3% |
BioMarin
Percentile Rank |
67% |
35% |
38% |
83% |
52% |
27% |
28% |
33% |
50 |
|
2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee also reviews the compensation
levels and disclosed program design for executives of Amgen, Inc., Biogen Inc., Celgene Corporation, and Gilead Sciences, Inc.,
as we regularly compete with these companies for employees, particularly for senior positions. However, we generally do not use
compensation data from these companies in making pay decisions that directly impact the Chief Executive Officer or other NEO positions
because these companies’ revenues and market capitalizations are significantly higher than BioMarin’s.
After the list of peer companies is approved, management
presents recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding proposed adjustments to compensation elements and a variety of
supporting data, including compensation information from the peer group and the Radford Global Life Sciences Compensation survey
and additional survey sources from the Compensation Consultant. This is presented individually for each executive officer, including
the NEOs, and based on classes of positions for all other employees. Management and the Compensation Consultant each include significant
supporting data with the presentation. These recommendations are discussed with and without management present and are discussed
with the Compensation Consultant. The Compensation Committee then determines what, if any, adjustments to the compensation elements
are appropriate for employees other than the Chief Executive Officer.
The Compensation Committee also reviews market information
provided by the Compensation Consultant, considers the Chief Executive Officer’s performance and experience and makes recommendations
for adjustments to the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation. These discussions are conducted in executive sessions without
involvement by management. The Compensation Committee then presents the recommendations for the Chief Executive Officer to the
Board for consideration and approval. The Board must approve each of the Chief Executive Officer’s individual compensation
elements.
Elements of 2020 Compensation
Our executive compensation program consists of the following
three principal components:
The Compensation Committee establishes a mix of current,
short-term and long-term incentive compensation, and cash and non-cash compensation, that it believes is appropriate to achieve
the goals of our executive compensation program and our corporate objectives, as described above. Generally, the percentage of
compensation at risk, either in the form of annual cash incentive or equity compensation, is higher for more senior employees
than for those with more limited responsibility, with our executive officers having the highest percentage of their total compensation
at risk and allocated to equity compensation. We believe this is appropriate as the more senior employees have more influence
over whether we achieve our strategic imperatives and long-term goals.
Base Salary
General Principles
We provide base salaries to our NEOs to compensate them
with a fair and competitive base level of compensation for services during the year. Base salaries for our NEOs are intended to
be competitive with those of other individuals in similar positions at the companies with which we compete for talent, taking
into consideration that certain of our executive officers have differing scopes of responsibilities than the market data positions.
Base salaries are initially based on the job profile, individual experience, skills and expected contributions, the Compensation
Committee’s understanding of what executives in similar positions at other peer companies are paid and negotiations with
certain executives during the hiring process.
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
The base salary of each NEO is reviewed annually and may
be adjusted to reflect market conditions, the NEO’s performance during the prior year, the financial position of the Company
and any change in scope of an NEO’s responsibilities. We believe that a competitive base salary is a necessary element of
any compensation program that is designed to attract and retain talented and experienced executives. We also believe that attractive
base salaries can motivate and reward executives for their overall performance.
Merit-based increases in base salary for all of our executive
officers, other than our Chief Executive Officer, are approved by the Compensation Committee based on an assessment of their performance
and recommendation by the Chief Executive Officer. Any merit-based increase in base salary for our Chief Executive Officer is
approved by the Board and based on an assessment of his performance and recommendation by the Compensation Committee and a review
by the Compensation Committee of the base salaries of chief executive officers in our peer group.
2020 and 2021 Salaries
In reviewing our 2019 performance and its impact on salary
increases in 2020, the Compensation Committee considered the following: the Company’s strong 2019 financial performance,
including achieving over $1.7 billion in total revenues, increasing non-GAAP income(1) and narrowing GAAP loss, gaining
regulatory approval of Palynziq in the EU, and achieving product development milestones for our valoctocogene roxaparvovec and
vosoritide programs, among other factors. The Compensation Committee also considered budget constraints as we continue to aggressively
invest our cash flow from operations into our development programs, and the competitive market for recruiting and retaining top
talent in our industry. Each NEO is also individually evaluated based on tenure, performance and other factors specific to the
NEO. Based on the Company’s 2019 performance, in February 2020, the Board and Compensation Committee approved the 2020 salary
adjustments for our NEOs as shown below.
The Compensation Committee credits the executive team for
successfully leading the Company in its many financial and development achievements during 2020, which are outlined in “2020
Business Highlights” above; however, the Compensation Committee determined that a salary freeze for 2021 was appropriate.
The 2021 salary freeze was made in recognition of the recent experience of our stockholders and the Company’s focus on controlling
expenses while continuing to face headwinds from the COVID-19 pandemic, loss of U.S. market exclusivity for Kuvan and a delay
in the potential regulatory approval of valoctocogene roxaparvovec for severe hemophilia A.
| |
2021 Salary Adjustments Effective February 2021 |
| |
2020 Salary Adjustments Effective February 2020 |
| |
| | |
Increase |
| |
2020 | |
Increase |
Name | |
2021 Salary($) | |
from 2020 |
| |
Salary($) | |
from 2019 |
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Chief Executive Officer | |
| 1,260,000 | | |
| 0% | |
| |
| 1,260,000 | | |
| 4.1% | |
Brian R. Mueller | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |
| 600,000 | | |
| 0% | |
| |
| 600,000 | (2) | |
| | (2) |
Daniel Spiegelman | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |
| N/A | (3) | |
| N/A | (3) |
| |
| 625,000 | | |
| N/A | (3) |
Jeff Ajer | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer | |
| 610,000 | | |
| 0% | |
| |
| 610,000 | | |
| 4.3% | |
Robert A. Baffi, Ph.D. | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Former President of Global Manufacturing and Technical Operations | |
| N/A | (4) | |
| N/A | (4) |
| |
| 620,000 | | |
| 6.0% | |
Henry J. Fuchs, M.D. | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
President of Worldwide Research & Development | |
| 750,000 | | |
| 0% | |
| |
| 750,000 | | |
| 7.1% | |
C. Greg Guyer, Ph.D. | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Chief Technical Officer and Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Technical Operations | |
| 600,000 | | |
| 0% | |
| |
| 600,000 | | |
| N/A | (5) |
(1) |
We define non-GAAP Income as reported
GAAP Net Income (Loss), excluding net interest expense, provision for (benefit from) income taxes, depreciation expense, amortization
expense, stock-based compensation expense, contingent consideration expense and in certain periods, certain other specified
items. |
(2) |
Mr. Mueller received two salary adjustments
in 2020. Mr. Mueller’s first salary adjustment in 2020 was an increase of 11.9%, effective February 2020, which was
made as part of the regular annual compensation cycle for all employees, including the NEOs. In addition to recognizing Mr.
Mueller for his performance in 2019 as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, the first salary adjustment was
also made in recognition of Mr. Mueller assuming the additional role of Acting Chief Financial Officer on January 29, 2020
concurrent with Mr. Spiegelman stepping down from his position as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr.
Mueller’s second salary adjustment in 2020 was an increase of 27.7%, effective retroactively to January 29, 2020, the
date he assumed the role of Acting Chief Financial Officer, which was made in connection with Mr. Mueller’s promotion
to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on June 29, 2020. |
(3) |
Mr. Spiegelman stepped down as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 29, 2020, and he remained with BioMarin as an employee and senior
advisor until September 1, 2020. Mr. Spiegelman received no salary adjustments in 2020. |
(4) |
Dr. Baffi stepped down as President of Global
Manufacturing and Technical Operations, effective May 4, 2020. We entered into a part-time employment agreement with Dr. Baffi,
effective January 1, 2021, setting forth the terms under which Dr. Baffi will continue to serve as a senior advisor to us
on a part-time basis through December 31, 2021 (the Part-Time Agreement). The Part-Time Agreement terminates Dr. Baffi’s
full-time employment agreement with us and entitles Dr. Baffi to an annual salary of $200,000 and continuation of insurance
benefit plans and programs for him and his spouse during the term of the Part-Time Agreement. The Part-Time Agreement was
filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021 as Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
(5) |
Dr. Guyer joined BioMarin on May 4, 2020, and
received no salary adjustments in 2020. |
52 |
|
2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
Annual Cash Incentive
General Principles and the 2020 Program
We maintain a Company-wide annual cash incentive program
under which awards are generally based on corporate and individual performance. Our program has one annual cash incentive pool,
which is not separated into corporate and individual performance pools. We believe this allows for more managerial discretion
Company-wide in determining individual annual cash incentives based on performance and encourages employees at all levels to focus
on achieving corporate goals. The Compensation Committee’s assessment of achievement of the corporate goals determines the
funding of the cash incentive pool. The annual cash incentive is paid in the first quarter of each year, based on the Company’s
and each employee’s performance in the prior year.
The annual cash incentive program, including corporate goals
and target payouts by level, is generally reviewed and approved by the full Board in December at the time the Board considers
the budget for the following year. The goals are prepared in an interactive process in which the Compensation Committee works
with the Chief Executive Officer and other members of management to develop corporate performance goals that are set at levels
that the Compensation Committee believes management can reasonably achieve if we, as a whole, execute on our business plan. The
corporate goals are designed to reward specific activities that the Board and Compensation Committee believe will enhance long-term
stockholder value by providing a foundation that will enable us to realize our long-term strategic plan. In setting these goals,
the Compensation Committee seeks to provide appropriate annual incentives to achieve operational goals that directly support our
longer-term goals of commercialization of new products and our long-term profitability. We feel that this type of structure motivates
executives to challenge their teams to not only meet but exceed goals that ultimately create value for our stockholders. However,
because many of the goals, particularly the development goals, are tied to activities intended to enhance long-term stockholder
value, the achievement of any particular goal may not have a meaningful impact on our valuation during the cash incentive year.
As in previous years, the cash incentive
pool was determined by two main categories of corporate performance, achievement of financial goals and achievement of goals
for our development programs during the measurement year. Each year, we determine the allocation of the target annual cash
incentive between financial goals and development goals while recognizing that current and future stockholder value is
dependent on the success of each element of our business, but that over the one-year performance period of the annual cash
incentive program, one aspect may be more important than the other. In recognition of the importance of our clinical
programs, we allocated the annual cash incentive 40% to financial goals and 60% to development goals, which is the same
allocation used in 2019. We continued to include the opportunity for an extra 0-20% of weighting for goal achievement for
value-creating activities, such as strategic acquisitions and divestitures, which would be awardable only if at least 80% of
the financial and development goals were achieved. Accordingly, the total possible weighting of performance goals for the
2020 cash incentive equaled 120%, the same as in 2019.
FINANCIAL GOALS
With respect to the financial goals, the revenue goal payout
for the annual cash incentive program was based on an accelerated scale, as in 2018 and 2019, to emphasize the importance of revenue
growth to the Company, to recognize the difficulty in exceeding the sales revenue goal and to be consistent with many of our peers.
To incentivize progress toward profitability, the other financial metric under the annual cash incentive program was changed for
2020 to a non-GAAP income goal instead of a research and development (R&D) and selling, general and administrative (SG&A)
expense goal used in prior years. Like the revenue goal payout, the non-GAAP income payout is also determined on an accelerated
scale instead of the traditional sliding scale used for the annual cash incentive program prior to 2017. The threshold achievement
level for each financial goal was 75% of target, such that achievement below that minimum would result in no funding. The threshold
funding level remained at 50% for the revenue goal and the threshold funding level for the new non-GAAP income goal was set at
80%. For both financial goals, the maximum funding level remained at 200% in 2020, which is competitive with peer company practices
and serve as a valuable incentive for employees and a tool for recruitment and retention. See the table below for details on the
payout scales for the financial goals.
Financial Goal |
Threshold
Achievement Level |
Threshold
Funding % |
Target
Achievement Level |
Target
Funding % |
Maximum
Achievement Level |
Maximum
Funding % |
Managed Sales Revenue(1)
of $1,755 million |
75% of Target |
50% |
Revenue 100%
of
Target |
100% |
Revenue of
125%
of Target |
200% |
Non-GAAP Income(2) of
$355 million |
75% of Target |
80% |
Non-GAAP Income
of 100% of Target |
100% |
Non-GAAP Income
of 125% of Target |
200% |
(1) |
2020 Managed Sales Revenue is based
on total net product revenue calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, except that it excludes net product revenue attributable
to Aldurazyme. (Revenue attributable to Aldurazyme is excluded because the product is commercialized by Sanofi Genzyme (Genzyme)
under a collaboration agreement with the Company. For further discussion regarding our collaboration with Genzyme, see “Major
Commercial Products—Aldurazyme” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021.) The calculation of the actual result for the financial goals
used the same foreign currency exchange rates used for developing such goals. |
(2) |
We define non-GAAP Income as reported GAAP
Net Income (Loss), excluding net interest expense, provision for (benefit from) income taxes, depreciation expense, amortization
expense, stock-based compensation expense, contingent consideration expense and in certain periods, certain other specified
items. The calculation of the actual result for the financial goals used the same foreign currency exchange rates used for
developing such goals. |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
DEVELOPMENT GOALS
With respect to development goals (e.g., goals related
to clinical and preclinical programs), the Board determines broad program expectations for our primary programs in the first quarter
of the year and annual cash incentive weighting for each program. The broad goals may include, for example, timing of initiation
or completion of clinical trials, achieving specific enrollment goals, completing filings or other milestones with the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA) or similar regulatory agencies, achieving manufacturing targets,
completing research programs, and similar events. We have not disclosed the specific program expectations as they are based on
various strategic elements, each of which is confidential. The Compensation Committee has determined that disclosure of the goals
could result in competitive harm to us. At the time the development goals are set, the Compensation Committee establishes the
target levels for each of the goals to be reasonable “stretch” goals, with a maximum payout only in the event of superior
performance.
In January, the Compensation Committee reviews the prior
year development programs and determines an annual cash incentive payout attributable to that aspect of our business. In making
the determination, the Compensation Committee assesses each program individually and its total impact on the Company. The factors
the Compensation Committee considers in evaluating the achievement of each development goal include:
• |
our effectiveness in advancing the
development of a program and our portfolio as a whole; |
• |
our effectiveness in adapting to new data generated
or other changes to the assumptions implementing the original development plan; and |
• |
the overall value created by the development efforts. |
Based on this assessment, the Compensation Committee determines
a percentage payout attributable to our development efforts. Similar to the financial goals, the performance rating can be up
to 200% of target. However, if the Compensation Committee determines that the development performance does not meet a minimum
achievement level, no annual cash incentive associated with the development programs will be paid. Notwithstanding the calculated
annual cash incentive amount, the Compensation Committee has discretion to modify payouts for any particular goal or annual cash
incentive pool in total as it deems appropriate based on factors such as the actual impact of development efforts in enhancing
long-term stockholder value.
We believe this process provides the greatest incentive
to management and all employees to maximize the value of our development efforts and adapt to changing circumstances dictated
by data generated, corporate development activities or other events. In the past, we have used firm goals established at the beginning
of a year, but the Compensation Committee believes that firm goals may not appropriately recognize the fluid nature of drug development
and could lead to unintended consequences. For example, if scientific findings suggest that it would be in the best interest of
the Company to terminate a program, the goal related to that program may be removed and other program goals may be substituted.
The table below describes our financial, development and
value-creating activities goals for the cash incentive for 2020 and our actual performance against those goals. During our stockholder
outreach in recent years, some investors requested we provide greater detail regarding the development goals for each clinical
and pre-clinical program underlying the annual cash incentive program. As a result of such feedback, below we have provided significantly
more detail regarding the development goals than we have historically provided.
2020 Program Goals and Results
Goal |
Weight (% of Target Incentive) |
Actual Result |
Pool Contribution(1) (%) |
Financial
Goals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Managed Sales Revenue of $1,755
million(2) |
25% |
|
$1,664
million |
|
22.5% |
|
Non-GAAP Income of $355 million(3) |
15% |
|
$333
million |
|
13.1% |
|
Sub-Total (Financial Goals) |
40% |
|
|
|
35.6% |
|
Development
Goals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Near-Term Value Drivers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valoctocogene roxaparvovec: acceptance
and review of product approval regulatory filing |
20% |
|
Minimum
Threshold |
|
— |
|
Vosoritide: acceptance of product
approval regulatory filing |
20% |
|
Exceeded
Target |
|
— |
|
Mid-Term Value Drivers: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
BMN 307: achieve patient dosing
milestones |
10% |
|
Minimum
Threshold |
|
— |
|
BMN 331: complete preclinical
studies enabling clinical regulatory filing |
10% |
|
Exceeded
Target |
|
— |
|
Other: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value-Creating Activities(4) |
20% |
|
Included |
(5) |
— |
|
Sub-Total (Development Goals) |
80% |
|
|
|
74.4% |
(6) |
Total
(Financial and Development Goals) |
120% |
(1) |
|
|
110.0% |
|
(1) |
Based on actual results. |
54 |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
(2) |
2020 Managed Sales Revenue is based
on total net product revenue calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, except that it excludes net product revenue attributable
to Aldurazyme. (Revenue attributable to Aldurazyme is excluded because the product is commercialized by Genzyme under a collaboration
agreement with the Company. For further discussion regarding our collaboration with Genzyme, see “Major Commercial Products—Aldurazyme”
included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on
February 26, 2021.) The calculation of the actual result for the financial goals used the same foreign currency exchange rates
used for developing such goals. |
(3) |
We define non-GAAP Income as reported GAAP
Net Income (Loss), excluding net interest expense, provision for (benefit from) income taxes, depreciation expense, amortization
expense, stock-based compensation expense, contingent consideration expense and in certain periods, certain other specified
items. The calculation of the actual result for the financial goals used the same foreign currency exchange rates used for
developing such goals. |
(4) |
We continued to include the opportunity for
an extra 0-20% of weighting for goal achievement for value-creating activities, such as strategic acquisitions and divestitures,
which would be awardable only if at least 80% of the financial and development goals were achieved. Accordingly, the total
possible weighting of target goals for the 2020 annual cash incentive program equaled 120%, the same as in 2019. |
(5) |
The Compensation Committee included a pool
contribution to recognize the extraordinary efforts behind value-creating activities during 2020, including, among other items,
FDA approval of our supplemental BLA for Palynziq to increase the maximum allowable dose, publication of results from our
Phase 3 study of vosoritide by the Lancet, filing of our Investigation New Drug application for BMN 255 and multiple strategic
business development transactions. |
(6) |
The Compensation Committee set the pool contribution
for all development goals, including value-creating activities, at 74.4%, which was within the calculated range of 65.5% to
104%. Recognizing that within the calculated range, the success of the development programs as a whole is based on both the
actions of the Company and external factors outside of the Company’s control, the Compensation Committee determined
that setting a total pool contribution amount, rather than setting contribution amounts for each goal, was appropriate. |
Based on the results described above, the Compensation Committee
determined to fund the annual cash incentive pool at 110% of target.
The 2020 cash incentive targets for each NEO expressed as
a percentage of base salary is determined by the employee’s position and set forth in the table below. The 2020 target percentage
for each NEO was unchanged from our disclosure in the Company’s previous proxy statement. The target amounts for the NEOs
for 2020 cash incentives (which were paid in March 2021) are set forth in the table below. The Compensation Committee allocated
the standard annual cash incentive pool performance funding level of 110% to all the NEOs. The Compensation Committee believed
that matching the corporate funding level was appropriate as these more senior employees had direct influence over whether we
achieved Company-wide strategic imperatives and long-term goals tied to the annual cash incentive program. The specific cash incentive
amount paid to each NEO for 2020 is set forth below and in the “Summary Compensation Table” in this Proxy Statement.
Name and Principal
Position |
2020
Cash
Incentive Target
(% of base salary) |
2020
Individual
Performance
Funding Level |
2020
Cash
Incentive
Amount ($) |
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé |
120% |
110% |
1,663,200 |
Chief
Executive Officer |
|
|
|
Brian R. Mueller |
55% |
110% |
363,000 |
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
Daniel Spiegelman |
— |
— |
— |
Former Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
Jeff Ajer |
60% |
110% |
402,600 |
Executive Vice President, Chief
Commercial Officer |
|
|
|
Robert A. Baffi, Ph.D. |
65% |
110% |
443,300 |
Former President of Global Manufacturing
and Technical Operations |
|
|
|
Henry J. Fuchs, M.D. |
65% |
110% |
536,250 |
President, Worldwide Research
& Development |
|
|
|
C. Greg Guyer, Ph.D. |
60% |
110% |
262,500 |
Chief Technical Officer and Executive
Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Technical Operations |
|
|
|
2021 Program
In February 2021, the Compensation Committee evaluated the
annual cash incentive targets for the cash incentive opportunity for our NEOs for 2021, which is payable in early 2022. Based
on the review, the Compensation Committee determined to maintain the current annual cash incentive target percentages for all
NEOs. The Compensation Committee believes that the annual cash incentive opportunities for each of the NEOs continue to be appropriate
based on a combination of the relative experience and tenure of each NEO, as well as each NEO’s position within the Company
and compensation practices within our industry.
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Executive Compensation
Equity Compensation
The determination as to whether an employee receives an
equity award as part of the Company-wide annual employee equity grant, and the amount of any such award, depends on the employee’s
performance and level. Also, to be eligible for an annual equity award, an employee must have been employed by the first Monday
in October of the previous year. We grant equity awards to virtually all newly hired employees, mainly in the form of RSUs below
the vice president level and a mix of RSUs and options for vice presidents and above. Grants for new hires, with the exception
of grants for executive officers reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, are approved by the Chief Executive Officer,
subject to guidelines approved by the Compensation Committee. The guidelines are based primarily on competitive equity grant practices
in our industry and market data. All other grants are approved by the Compensation Committee or the full Board.
2020 Annual Grant
The annual grant in 2020 was made in March 2020 to coincide
with employees’ year-end performance reviews and other compensation changes (base salary adjustment and annual cash incentive).
As shown below, the mix of equity vehicles for the March 2020 NEO annual grant was 50% performance-based RSUs, 25% service-based
RSUs and 25% stock options. Descriptions of each type of equity award are below. Details regarding equity awards granted to the
NEOs in March 2020 are set forth in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table in this Proxy Statement.
Performance-Based RSUs
RAPID INCREASE IN PROPORTION OF PERFORMANCE-BASED RSUs
To better align the interests of our executive officers
with those of our stockholders, since 2014 we have greatly enhanced the link between pay and performance by increasing the proportion
of performance-based RSUs as compared to service-based RSUs. As shown in the graph below, performance-based RSUs increased from
0% of all RSUs awarded to each NEO as part of the 2014 annual equity grant to 67% of all RSUs awarded to each NEO as part of the
2019 and 2020 annual equity grants.
2014 to 2020: Increasing NEO Performance-Based RSU Awards
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PERFORMANCE PERIOD
Beginning with the equity grants made in March 2020, 100%
of the performance-based RSUs granted to our NEOs will be earned based on the Company’s performance over a three-year period.
MIX OF PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS
Like in 2019, 50% of the total performance-based RSUs granted
in March 2020 continued to be based on total shareholder return over a three-year performance period. Starting with the March
2020 equity grant, we completely phased out the use of performance-based RSUs earned based on one-year revenue achievement (which
made up 50% of the total performance-based RSUs granted in March 2019) and replaced such awards with performance-based RSUs that
will be earned based on other metrics intended to increase stockholder value over the long term: profitability as measured by
non-GAAP Income(1) (making up 25% of the total performance-based RSUs granted in March 2020) and strategic corporate
goals as measured by the number of product regulatory filings and approvals (making up the remaining 25% of the total performance-based
RSUs granted in March 2020). The breakout of performance-based RSUs granted in March 2020 by type is shown below:
(1) | We define non-GAAP Income as reported GAAP Net Income
(Loss), excluding net interest expense, provision for (benefit from) income taxes, depreciation expense, amortization expense,
stock-based compensation expense, contingent consideration expense and in certain periods, certain other specified items. The
calculation of the actual result for the financial goals used the same foreign currency exchange rates used for developing such
goals. |
TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN AWARDS
To further align executive compensation with stockholder
experience, we introduced total shareholder return performance-based RSUs for the March 2019 equity grant, which we also included
in the March 2020 equity grant. As with the 2019 awards, the 2020 awards are earned based on total shareholder return over a three-year
period compared to the performance of companies that make up the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index.
The multiplier for the total shareholder return performance-based
RSUs granted in March 2020 will be determined based on the Company’s performance during 2020 through 2022, measured as a
percentile compared to the aggregate performance of companies over the same period that made up the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index
as of January 1, 2020 (with no changes to the comparator group during the performance period other than removing and not replacing
any delisted or suspended companies). The multiplier used to determine the number of earned RSUs could be between 50% and 200%,
with a threshold achievement level at the 25th percentile required for earning any RSUs and a ceiling achievement level at the
75th percentile. If BioMarin’s performance is above the 50th percentile but the Company’s total shareholder return
is negative on an absolute basis over the three-year performance period, then the multiplier is capped at 100%. The earned total
shareholder return performance-based RSUs, if any, vest in full on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to the recipient’s
continued service.
NON-GAAP INCOME AWARDS
To further incentivize executives to focus on profitability
over the long term, we introduced non-GAAP income performance-based RSUs for the March 2020 equity grant. The 2020 awards are
earned based on the level of non-GAAP income over three, one-year periods spanning 2020 through 2022. The multiplier for each
year during the three-year performance period is determined based on the Company’s performance during 2020, 2021 and 2022,
respectively. The multipliers for each year will be averaged at the end of the three-year performance period to calculate the
final multiplier used to calculate the number of earned RSUs, if any. The average multiplier used to determine the number of earned
RSUs could be between 50% and 200%, with a threshold achievement level required for earning any RSUs in each year tranche. The
Compensation Committee based the non-GAAP income targets used for the awards on the Company’s budget and long-range plan,
and payouts above target are dependent on achievement of reasonable “stretch” goals representing superior performance.
We have not disclosed the specific non-GAAP income targets as they are confidential and disclosure could lead to competitive harm.
GAAP income must be greater than zero in any year to earn a multiplier great than 150% for such year. The earned non-GAAP income
performance-based RSUs, if any, vest in full on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to the recipient’s continued
service.
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Executive Compensation
STRATEGIC GOALS AWARDS
To further incentivize executives to focus on execution
of corporate strategy over the long term, we introduced strategic goals performance-based RSUs for the March 2020 equity grant.
The 2020 awards are earned based on the number and nature of product development regulatory activities over the three-year performance
period of 2020 through 2022. The multiplier used to determine the number of earned RSUs could be between 50% and 200%, with a
threshold achievement level required for earning any RSUs. The Compensation Committee based the strategic goal targets used for
the awards on the Company’s long-term plan, and payouts above target are dependent on achievement of reasonable “stretch”
goals representing superior performance. We have not disclosed the specific strategic goal targets as they are confidential and
disclosure could lead to competitive harm. The earned strategic goals performance-based RSUs, if any, vest in full on the third
anniversary of the grant date, subject to the recipient’s continued service.
Service-Based RSUs
The service-based RSUs awarded in March 2020 are subject
to a four-year service period, which is the same vesting schedule for service-based RSUs awarded as part of annual equity grants
in recent years.
Stock Options
Stock options granted to the NEOs in 2020 vest 12/48ths
on the 12-month anniversary of the date of grant, and 1/48th per month thereafter for the next three years, which is the same
vesting schedule for stock options awarded as part of the Company-wide annual equity grants in recent years. Stock options have
an exercise price equal to 100% of the fair value of our common stock (the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global
Select Market) on the date of grant. They have value only to the extent that the market price of our common stock increases after
the grant date. Stock options remain exercisable until expiration of the stock option (10 years after the date of grant).
We believe stock options further emphasize the pay-for-performance
link and that the four-year vesting schedule provides our NEOs an incentive to add value to the Company over the long term.
Promotion Equity Grant for Mr. Mueller
In June 2020, the Company awarded Mr. Mueller a supplemental
equity grant in connection with his promotion to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on June 29, 2020. The supplemental
equity grant was allocated among the same types of awards and subject to the same terms and conditions as the March 2020 NEO grant
described above. Details regarding the supplemental equity grant awarded to Mr. Mueller in June 2020 are set forth in the “Grants
of Plan-Based Awards” table in this Proxy Statement.
Compensation Committee Considerations
The equity compensation granted to the NEOs in March 2020
was determined based on a number of factors. The Compensation Committee gave particular consideration to our performance, and
also considered equity grants of the 2020 Peer Group based on a Black-Scholes valuation and data from the Radford Life Sciences
survey and the Compensation Consultant. For a discussion of the methodology and assumptions used in determining the valuation
of our equity awards, see Notes 3 and 16, respectively, to our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020,
included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February
26, 2021.
In determining the allocation of stock options and RSUs
(service-based and performance-based), the Compensation Committee considered a variety of factors, including the effect on the
total number of shares to be issued under our equity plan, peer group practices and the comparative value of stock options and
RSUs. Overall, the Compensation Committee sought to set equity compensation to be competitive in the market to retain the talent
that the Company needs. The considerations in differentiating grants among the NEOs were principally level of responsibility and
experience. The Committee also considered historic grants, retention value, level of responsibility, experience of individual,
individual contribution and expected future contribution.
We have reviewed our historical stock option grant practices
to consider if the stock options were properly dated. Based on such review, we believe that all stock options were issued on the
date approved by the Board or a properly authorized committee and that the exercise price for each stock option issued since the
date of our initial public offering was the closing price of our common stock on the date of issuance, unless the stock option
grant specifically approved a different price in accordance with the terms of the applicable stock option plan pursuant to which
such stock option was granted.
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Executive Compensation
2021 Annual Grant
As discussed elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, the Compensation
Committee reduced the values of 2021 equity grants for our NEOs in recognition of the recent experience of our stockholders and
the Company’s focus on controlling expenses while continuing to face headwinds from the COVID-19 pandemic, loss of U.S.
market exclusivity for Kuvan and a delay in the potential regulatory approval of valoctocogene roxaparvovec for severe hemophilia
A.
2021 Equity Grant Reductions
Other Benefits and Perquisites
We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including health
insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, a 401(k) matching program, and an employee stock purchase plan,
which is intended to meet the requirements of Section 423 of the Code. These benefits are generally available to all employees,
including our NEOs. The 401(k) matching program matches 100% of an employee’s contribution up to the lesser of 6% of his
or her annual salary or the IRS compensation limit, with immediate vesting of all 401(k) matches.
We provide our NEOs, along with other officers, a limited
number of perquisites. The specific perquisite amounts for each NEO for 2018, 2019 and 2020 are set forth under “All
Other Compensation” in the “Summary Compensation Table” in this Proxy Statement.
An item is not a perquisite if it is integrally and directly
related to the performance of the executive’s duties. An item is a perquisite if it confers a direct or indirect benefit
that has a personal aspect, without regard to whether it may be provided for some business reason or for the convenience of the
Company, unless it is generally available on a non-discriminatory basis to all employees.
We provide perquisites, including the following, to our
NEOs:
• |
Sporting and Event Tickets. We
purchase season and other tickets to sporting, cultural and other events. When these tickets are provided to executives (including
our NEOs) for personal use, the value of the tickets is included in their compensation. These tickets are not used for the
entertainment of healthcare professionals. |
• |
Reimbursement for Financial and Tax Planning
and Preparation Services. We reimburse our executive officers, including our NEOs,
for personal financial planning and tax preparation. The benefit is limited to $5,000 annually for our Chief Executive Officer,
$3,500 annually for Senior Vice Presidents and Executive Vice Presidents and $2,500 annually for all other Vice Presidents
and is taxable to the executive. The perquisite is intended to encourage and assist our executives to engage knowledgeable
experts to assist with financial and tax planning. |
• |
Life Insurance. In
accordance with the terms of our employment agreement with Mr. Bienaimé, as amended and restated on December 13, 2017,
we provide Mr. Bienaimé with a fully paid, whole life insurance policy with a stated death benefit of $500,000. This
benefit is taxable to Mr. Bienaimé. In addition, we provide Mr. Bienaimé with term life insurance coverage generally
provided to all employees with a death benefit up to two times an employee’s salary. (Mr. Bienaimé’s death
benefit is subject to a $1,000,000 cap; all other employees are subject to a $600,000 cap.) |
• |
Health Assessments. We
offer our executive officers, including our NEOs, annual comprehensive health assessments at a local medical facility. The
non-taxable perquisite is intended to encourage our executives to engage knowledgeable experts to assist with their health
and well-being. |
• |
Financial Guidance. We
offer our executive officers, including our NEOs, integrated financial counseling with a financial advisor. The taxable perquisite
is intended to encourage our executives to engage knowledgeable experts to assist with their personal financial planning. |
Additionally, in 2020, a personal guest of Mr. Bienaimé
accompanied him on a business trip on a jet in which the Company has a fractional interest, and he also used the same jet for
two personal domestic trips.
We also offer our executive officers severance benefits.
See the “Post-Employment Obligations” section below.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Our NEOs, other members of management, and other highly-compensated
employees are eligible to enroll in our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan under which they may elect to defer up to 100%
of RSU awards and up to 50% of salary and annual cash incentive awards, in each case subject to limitations to allow us to make
necessary withholding payments, and thereby defer taxation of these deferred amounts until actual payment of the deferral amounts
in future years. See the table within the “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan” section of this Proxy Statement
for detailed information regarding the account balances for each NEO.
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Executive Compensation
Post-Employment Obligations
We have employment agreements with all of our executive
officers (including all of our NEOs) that provide severance benefits if an executive terminates employment with us for a good
reason specified in the employment agreement (e.g., a change in work location of more than a specified distance from the previous
location) or if the executive is terminated without cause or in connection with a corporate transaction or change in control.
See the “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” section of this Proxy Statement for a more
detailed discussion of the terms of these arrangements and the amounts payable to our NEOs under them.
We believe that these arrangements enhance retention in
the face of the disruptive impact of a highly competitive industry and any possible change in control of the Company. In addition,
the program is intended to align executive and stockholder interests by enabling executives to consider corporate transactions
that are in the best interests of our stockholders and other constituents without undue concern over whether the transactions
may jeopardize the executives’ own employment.
No post-employment benefits are payable to our NEOs under
their employment agreements if their termination is for cause, for a voluntary resignation (other than as set forth above), retirement
or due to death (except for Company-provided life insurance policies described under the “Compensation Discussion and
Analysis—Other Benefits and Perquisites” section of this Proxy Statement and the acceleration of vesting upon
death described below).
To remain competitive with peer company practices and serve
as a valuable benefit for employee recruitment and retention, in June 2015 the Board adopted a policy for the acceleration of
equity awards upon the death of an employee (including our NEOs). Upon the death of an employee, all the employee’s unvested
equity awards with time-based vesting vest in full and all unvested equity awards with performance-based vesting vest in full
as if the target values had been achieved, and such awards remain exercisable for one year after death. As of December 31, 2020,
each of our NEOs was eligible for this benefit.
To reward long-standing service to the Company, in December
2016, we clarified the scope of the Retirement Benefit for Directors and Senior Officers by amending it so that directors and
officers with a title of “Vice President” or above who have a combined age and total term of employment (or service
as director) of at least 65 years at the time of terminating service to the Company for any reason other than cause are permitted
to exercise all their stock options that were both vested and outstanding as of the date of termination of service through the
term of their stock options, as if their service were continuing. As of December 31, 2020, all of the NEOs other than Dr. Guyer
were eligible for this benefit.
In December 2016, the Compensation Committee approved a
retirement benefit applicable to certain of the Company’s senior executives, including the NEOs, but excluding the Chief
Executive Officer. The retirement benefit provides that, upon a senior executive’s attainment of age 64 and completion of
at least five years of service with the Company, (i) the executive’s then-unvested RSUs and (ii) RSU grants and non-qualified
stock option award grants made after adoption of the retirement benefit (except award grants made pursuant to award agreements
that specifically exclude the retirement benefit), whether time-based or performance-based, will continue to vest according to
their terms, whether or not the executive’s service is continuing; provided, however, that the executive’s service
is not terminated for cause. As of December 31, 2020, Dr. Baffi was the only NEO eligible for this benefit.
Furthermore, in May 2020, the Compensation approved a retirement
benefit applicable to the Chief Executive Officer to encourage his retention and provide parity with the Company’s other
senior executives. The retirement benefit provides that, if the Chief Executive Officer remains in his position through December
31, 2024, then any RSU grants and non-qualified stock option award grants made after adoption of the retirement benefit (except
award grants made pursuant to award agreements that specifically exclude the retirement benefit), whether time-based or performance-based,
will continue to vest according to their terms, whether or not the Chief Executive Officer service is continuing; provided, however,
that his service is not terminated for cause.
Our Decision-Making Process
The Compensation Committee supervises the implementation
of our compensation program to ensure it is consistent with our compensation philosophy. The Compensation Committee charter requires
that the Compensation Committee meet when deemed necessary or desirable by the Compensation Committee or its Chair, generally
at least four times per year. The agenda for each meeting is usually developed by the Chair of the Compensation Committee, in
consultation with our Chief Executive Officer, head of Human Resources, General Counsel and the Compensation Consultant. The Compensation
Committee meets regularly in executive session. However, Mr. Bienaimé, our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Davis, our Executive
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, and Ms. Amy Wireman, our Senior Vice President, Human Resources, in addition to
the Compensation Consultant, regularly attend portions of the Compensation Committee meetings to provide analysis and information
to assist the Compensation Committee with its recommendations on various human resources and compensation matters. The members
of management generally do not participate in the executive sessions of the Compensation Committee unless invited by the Compensation
Committee to provide specific information during closed session. No individual member of management is present for votes related
to such individual’s compensation.
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Executive Compensation
Compensation Committee
The duties and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee
are set forth above in the “Information Regarding Committees of the Board of Directors” section of this Proxy
Statement and detailed in the charter of the Compensation Committee. The full text of the Compensation Committee Charter can be
found in the Corporate Governance section of the Investors section of our website at www.bmrn.com. Information on our website
is NOT incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement. The composition of the Compensation Committee is determined by our Board,
after a recommendation by the CGN Committee.
Compensation Consultant
The Compensation Committee is authorized to select and retain
independent advisors and counsel to assist in carrying out its duties and responsibilities. The Company provides appropriate funding
to the Compensation Committee to do so. The Compensation Consultant reports directly to the Compensation Committee, which retains
sole authority to direct the work and employ the Compensation Consultant. The Compensation Committee regularly reviews the services
provided by the Compensation Consultant and believes that the engagement was consistent with Nasdaq listing standards and does
not raise any conflicts of interest. The Compensation Committee continues to monitor the independence of its Compensation Consultant
on a periodic basis.
Since August 2016, Mercer LLC has served as the Compensation
Consultant to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Consultant conducts analyses and provides advice on, among other things,
the appropriate peer group, executive compensation for our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, equity compensation,
and compensation trends in the biotechnology industry. As part of its analysis, the Compensation Consultant collects and analyzes
compensation information from a comparative group of biotechnology companies or “peer group” approved by the Compensation
Committee. The Compensation Committee evaluates the criteria used in establishing the peer group at least annually, to ensure
that it appropriately represents the companies competing with us to attract and retain talent and represents a sufficiently broad
group to provide meaningful data trends across multiple years. The Compensation Committee seeks input from management in addition
to the Compensation Consultant to ensure the peer group is consistent with our current business model. The peer group used for
2020 is discussed above.
In March 2021, the Compensation Consultant affirmed to the
Compensation Committee that the total fees paid to it by BioMarin do not represent a significant concentration of its revenue
for its most recent fiscal year, that it had policies in place to mitigate conflicts of interest, that it was not aware of any
business or personal relationships between the members of its consulting team serving BioMarin and any member of the Compensation
Committee, that it was not aware of any member of its consulting team serving BioMarin owning any stock of BioMarin, and that
it is not aware of any business or personal relationships between the Compensation Consultant or the Company’s executive
officers. The total dollar amount of services that the Compensation Consultant provided to BioMarin in 2020 was $880,020, of which
approximately $200,869 was paid in connection with executive and director remuneration services and approximately $679,151 was
paid in connection with health and benefit consulting services. In addition, for this same period, fees paid to the Compensation
Consultant’s sister company Marsh approximated $352,408, which was paid in connection with insurance brokerage services.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed the level of services provided to BioMarin by the Compensation Consultant and does not
believe the services give rise to a conflict of interest or compromise the Compensation Consultant’s independence in advising
the Compensation Committee.
Accounting and Tax Considerations
Nonqualified Deferred
Compensation — Internal Revenue Code Section 409A regulates nonqualified
deferred compensation arrangements, including the time and form of payment. A more detailed discussion of our nonqualified
deferred compensation arrangements is provided below under the “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan” section
of this Proxy Statement.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
— Stock-based compensation is accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718,
Compensation –Stock Compensation, which requires us to estimate and record an expense for each equity award over the
vesting period of the award. For valuation methodology and assumptions used in determining these values, see Notes 3 and 16, respectively,
to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021. Generally, the Compensation Committee does not make compensation decisions
based on the tax or accounting treatment of any particular form of compensation; however, it has considered and approved and may
in the future consider the grant of alternative equity incentives to our NEOs in lieu of stock option grants in light of the accounting
impact of FASB ASC Topic 718 with respect to stock option grants and other considerations.
Section 162(m) — Section
162(m) of the Code (Section 162(m)) generally provides that publicly held companies may not deduct compensation paid to certain
of their top executive officers to the extent that such compensation exceeds $1 million per officer in any year. In connection
with 2017 tax reform legislation, the exemption from the deduction limit under Section 162(m) for “performance-based compensation”
was repealed, such that compensation paid to our “covered employees” in excess of $1 million will not be deductible
unless it qualifies for transition relief applicable to
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Executive Compensation
certain “grandfathered” arrangements in place
as of and not modified after November 2, 2017. While the Compensation Committee considers the deductibility of awards as one factor
in determining executive compensation, the Compensation Committee also looks at other factors in making its decisions and retains
the flexibility to award compensation that it determines to be consistent with the goals of our executive compensation program
even if the compensation is not deductible by us for tax purposes.
Executive Officer Stock Ownership Guidelines
To preserve the link between the interests of executives
and those of stockholders, the Compensation Committee and the Board established stock ownership guidelines for our executives.
See the “Director and Officer Stock Ownership Guidelines” section of this Proxy Statement for a more detailed
discussion of our stock ownership guidelines.
Compensation Committee Report(1)
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained herein with management, and based on such review and discussions, the Compensation
Committee has recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated
into BioMarin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Respectfully submitted on April 5, 2021 by the members of
the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors:
Michael Grey, Chair
Elizabeth McKee Anderson
Robert J. Hombach
David E.I. Pyott, M.D. (Hon.)
(1) |
The material in this report is
not deemed “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC, is not subject to Regulation
14A or 14C or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing
of BioMarin under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of
any general incorporation language in any such filing. |
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Executive Compensation
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES
Summary Compensation Table
The following table discloses compensation awarded
to, earned by or paid to the following persons during 2020, 2019 and 2018: (i) Jean-Jacques Bienaimé, our Chief Executive
Officer; (ii) Brian R. Mueller, our Chief Financial Officer, (iii) Daniel Spiegelman, our former Chief Financial Officer; (iii)
Jeff Ajer, C. Greg Guyer, Ph.D. and Henry J. Fuchs, M.D., the three most highly-compensated executive officers other than the Chief
Executive Officer and former Chief Financial Officer who were serving as executive officers at the end of fiscal year 2020 and
whose salary and bonus exceeded $100,000; and (iv) Robert A. Baffi, Ph.D., a strategic advisor and former executive officer for
whom disclosure would have been provided as one of the three most highly-compensated executive officers but for the fact that he
was not serving as an executive officer at the end of fiscal year 2020. These individuals are referred to throughout this Proxy
Statement as the “Named Executive Officers” or NEOs.
Name and Principal Position | |
Year | | |
Salary(1) | | |
Bonus | |
Stock Awards(2) | | |
Option Awards(3) | | |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation(4) | | |
All Other Compensation(5) | |
Total |
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé Chief Executive Officer | |
| 2020 | | |
$ | 1,298,846 | | |
| — | | |
$ | 11,650,975 | | |
$ | 3,410,347 | | |
$ | 1,663,200 | | |
$ | 95,765 | | |
$ | 18,119,133 |
|
| 2019 | | |
| 1,200,385 | | |
| — | | |
| 11,581,044 | | |
| 3,220,218 | | |
| 2,323,200 | | |
| 81,009 | | |
| 18,405,856 |
|
| 2018 | | |
| 1,149,423 | | |
| — | | |
| 7,745,268 | | |
| 4,958,437 | | |
| 1,709,840 | | |
| 64,925 | | |
| 15,627,893 |
Brian R. Mueller Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer | |
| 2020 | | |
| 600,923 | | |
| — | | |
| 4,009,685 | | |
| 845,333 | | |
| 363,000 | | |
| 21,590 | | |
| 5,840,531 |
|
| 2019 | | |
| 417,235 | | |
| — | | |
| 546,383 | | |
| 356,857 | | |
| 336,000 | | |
| 20,061 | | |
| 1,676,536 |
|
| 2018 | | |
| 402,712 | | |
| — | | |
| 477,185 | | |
| 305,155 | | |
| 320,000 | | |
| 19,633 | | |
| 1,524,685 |
Daniel
Spiegelman Former Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer(6) | |
| 2020 | | |
| 449,519 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 1,860,457 | (6) | |
| 2,309,976 |
|
| 2019 | | |
| 620,192 | | |
| — | | |
| 3,120,022 | | |
| 867,181 | | |
| 600,000 | | |
| 32,507 | | |
| 5,239,902 |
|
| 2018 | | |
| 593,269 | | |
| — | | |
| 2,085,908 | | |
| 1,335,054 | | |
| 482,400 | | |
| 25,072 | | |
| 4,521,703 |
Jeff Ajer Executive Vice President,
Chief Commercial Officer | |
| 2020 | | |
| 628,654 | | |
| — | | |
| 2,696,310 | | |
| 788,869 | | |
| 402,600 | | |
| 20,003 | | |
| 4,536,436 |
|
| 2019 | | |
| 580,192 | | |
| — | | |
| 4,303,656 | | |
| 867,181 | | |
| 561,600 | | |
| 31,693 | | |
| 6,344,322 |
|
| 2018 | | |
| 554,232 | | |
| — | | |
| 2,146,078 | | |
| 1,373,198 | | |
| 450,240 | | |
| 21,635 | | |
| 4,545,383 |
Robert A. Baffi, Ph.D. Former President of Global
Manufacturing and Technical Operations | |
| 2020 | | |
| 637,115 | | |
| — | | |
| 2,769,042 | | |
| 810,197 | | |
| 443,300 | | |
| 29,047 | | |
| 4,688,701 |
|
| 2019 | | |
| 580,192 | | |
| — | | |
| 4,390,232 | | |
| 891,958 | | |
| 608,400 | | |
| 32,721 | | |
| 6,503,503 |
|
| 2018 | | |
| 553,270 | | |
| — | | |
| 2,025,736 | | |
| 1,296,910 | | |
| 525,240 | | |
| 26,762 | | |
| 4,427,918 |
Henry J. Fuchs, M.D. President, Worldwide R&D | |
| 2020 | | |
| 769,231 | | |
| — | | |
| 4,732,826 | | |
| 1,385,520 | | |
| 536,250 | | |
| 32,748 | | |
| 7,456,575 |
|
| 2019 | | |
| 695,192 | | |
| — | | |
| 4,275,463 | | |
| 1,189,277 | | |
| 828,000 | | |
| 29,567 | | |
| 7,017,499 |
| |
2018 | | |
| 668,269 | | |
| — | | |
| 2,680,926 | | |
| 1,716,498 | | |
| 687,925 | | |
| 24,111 | | |
| 5,777,729 |
C. Greg Guyer, Ph.D. Chief Technical Officer and Executive
Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Technical Operations | |
| 2020 | | |
| 392,308 | | |
| 250,000 | (7) | |
| 3,166,214 | | |
| 2,109,894 | | |
| 262,500 | | |
| 162,583 | | |
| 6,343,499 |
|
| 2019 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — |
|
| 2018 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — |
(1) |
See the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Base
Salary” section of this Proxy Statement for further information regarding amounts in this column. |
(2) |
The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date
fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 of service-based RSUs and performance-based RSUs granted in 2020.
For the service-based RSUs and non-GAAP income and strategic goals performance-based RSUs awarded in 2020, the grant date
fair value was computed using the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. For the total shareholder return
performance-based RSUs awarded in 2020, the Company utilized a Monte Carlo simulation model to determine a weighted-average
grant date fair value of $115.85 per RSU. For valuation methodology and assumptions used in determining these values, see
Notes 3 and 16, respectively, to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021. See the “Compensation Discussion
and Analysis—Equity Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement for further information regarding amounts in
this column. The table below shows the target and maximum payouts that were possible for the performance-based RSUs awarded
in 2020 based on the value at the date of grant and the payout ranges. |
NEO | |
Target Payout | | |
Maximum Payout | |
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé | |
$ | 8,340,148 | | |
$ | 16,680,296 | |
Brian R. Mueller | |
| 1,891,788 | | |
| 3,783,576 | |
Daniel Spiegelman | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Jeff Ajer | |
| 1,930,058 | | |
| 3,860,116 | |
Robert A. Baffi, Ph.D. | |
| 1,982,121 | | |
| 3,964,242 | |
Henry J. Fuchs, M.D. | |
| 3,387,826 | | |
| 6,775,652 | |
C. Greg Guyer, Ph.D. | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
|
The performance-based RSUs awarded in 2020 will be
earned based on the Company’s performance under three metrics: (1) relative total shareholder return, (2) non-GAAP income
and (3) strategic goals, with the Company’s performance for all awards measured over the three-year period of 2020 through
2022. The numbers of performance-based RSUs that will be earned based on the Company’s performance over the three-year
period of 2020 through 2022 will not be determined until after the performance period ends on December 31, 2022. See the “Compensation
Discussion and Analysis—Equity Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement for further information regarding
amounts in this column. |
(3) |
The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair
values computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For valuation methodology and assumptions used in determining these
values, see Notes 3 and 16, respectively, to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021. See the “Compensation
Discussion and Analysis—Equity Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement for further information regarding
amounts in this column. |
(4) |
Amounts noted for 2020 represent amounts earned by the NEOs during
2020, but paid in 2021. Amounts noted for 2019 represent amounts earned by the NEOs during 2019, but paid in 2020. Amounts
noted for 2018 represent amounts earned by the NEOs during 2018, but paid in 2019. See the “Compensation Discussion
and Analysis—Annual Cash Incentive” section of this Proxy Statement for further information regarding amounts
in this column. |
(5) |
These amounts represent the amounts paid for tickets to sporting,
cultural and other events, reimbursements for personal financial and tax planning and preparation, imputed income associated
with life insurance premium payments, health assessments and vested 401(k) matching for each NEO. For Mr. Bienaimé,
the amount also includes (a) the incremental cost to us of a personal guest of Mr. Bienaimé accompanying him on a business
trip on a jet in which the Company has a fractional interest and (b) $33,876 representing the incremental cost to us of two
personal domestic trips on the same jet. See the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Other Benefits and Perquisites”
section of this Proxy Statement for further information regarding amounts in this column. |
(6) |
Mr. Spiegelman stepped down as Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer, effective January 29, 2020, and he remained with BioMarin as a full-time employee and senior advisor until
September 1, 2020. For Mr. Spiegelman, the amount in the “All Other Compensation” column includes $1,751,025 representing
a lump-sum severance payment made in connection with his transition and pursuant to his amended and restated employment agreement
and as disclosed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 3, 2020. |
(7) |
In connection with Dr. Guyer’s appointment to Chief Technical
Officer and Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing and Technical Operations, effective May 4, 2020, he received
a one-time sign-on bonus of $250,000. |
2020 CEO Pay Ratio
As required by the Dodd-Frank Act and SEC Regulation
S-K of the Exchange Act, we are providing the following information about our 2020 CEO pay ratio, the relationship of the annual
total compensation of our CEO to the annual total compensation of our median-paid employee for 2020. Our CEO pay ratio is a reasonable
good faith estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K.
Our CEO pay ratio for 2020, calculated as described
below, was 100 to 1. This ratio was based on the following:
• |
the annual total compensation of our CEO, determined as
described below, was $18,119,133; and |
• |
the median of the annual total compensation of all employees (other
than our CEO), determined in accordance with SEC rules and as described below, was $181,141. |
METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING OUR MEDIAN EMPLOYEE
The SEC CEO pay ratio rules allow a registrant
to use the same median employee for up to three years, as long as there were no significant changes to the median employee’s
status, aggregate employee population or compensation programs. For this year’s proxy, a new employee has been identified
given the three-year limitation. The methodology and the material assumptions and estimates we used in 2020 to determine the median
employee were as follows:
EMPLOYEE POPULATION
• |
Total Global Population. We
determined that, as of October 1, 2020, the date we selected to identify the median employee, our employee population consisted
of approximately 3,017 individuals working for BioMarin and our consolidated subsidiaries, with approximately 73% of these
individuals located in the U.S. and approximately 27% located outside the U.S. |
• |
De Minimis Exemption. As
permitted by SEC rules, we have chosen to exclude employees who are employed in certain jurisdictions from the determination
of our median employee, given the relatively small number of employees in those jurisdictions and the estimated additional
time, effort and expense that would be required to obtain and analyze their compensation information. In total, we excluded
less than 5% of our non-U.S. workforce (100 individuals) for purposes of identifying the median employee, as shown in the
table below. |
64 |
|
2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
As noted above, the total number of our U.S. and
non-U.S. employees irrespective of this de minimis exemption as of October 1, 2020 was approximately 3,017, and the total was approximately
2,917 after excluding the 100 employees noted below.
De Minimis Exemption Jurisdictions |
|
Number of
Employees |
Argentina |
|
16 |
Chile |
|
3 |
China |
|
6 |
Colombia |
|
24 |
Croatia |
|
1 |
Denmark |
|
1 |
Hungary |
|
1 |
Malaysia |
|
1 |
Mexico |
|
9 |
Netherlands |
|
4 |
Russia |
|
11 |
Slovakia |
|
1 |
Taiwan |
|
3 |
Turkey |
|
19 |
Total Number of Employees Excluded Pursuant to the
De Minimis Exemption |
|
100 |
COMPENSATION MEASURE USED TO IDENTIFY THE MEDIAN
EMPLOYEE
Given the geographical distribution of our employee
population, we use a variety of pay elements to structure the compensation arrangements of our employees. Consequently, for purposes
of measuring the compensation of our employees to identify the median employee, rather than using annual total compensation, we
selected annualized base salary plus actual paid annual cash incentive compensation and allowances paid through October 1, 2020
as the compensation measure.
• |
We annualized the compensation of employees to cover the
full calendar year, and also annualized any new hires in 2020 as if they were hired at the beginning of the fiscal year, as
permitted by SEC rules, in identifying the median employee. |
• |
We did not make any cost-of-living adjustments in identifying the
median employee. |
• |
Using this methodology, we determined the median-paid employee for
the year ended December 31, 2020. |
ANNUAL TOTAL COMPENSATION OF MEDIAN EMPLOYEE
To determine the annual total compensation of
the median employee to calculate the ratio, we identified and calculated the elements of that employee’s compensation for
the full year in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K.
ANNUAL TOTAL COMPENSATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
With respect to the annual total compensation
of our CEO, in accordance with SEC rules, we included the amount reported for Mr. Bienaimé in the “Total” column
in the “Summary Compensation Table” included in this Proxy Statement.
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table sets forth certain information
for each plan-based award during fiscal year 2020 to each of the NEOs.
| |
| | Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) | |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards | |
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of | | |
All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities | | |
Exercise or Base Price of Option | | |
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option | |
Name | |
Grant Date | | |
Threshold ($) | | |
Target ($) | | |
Maximum ($) | |
Threshold (#) | | |
Target (#) | | |
Maximum (#) | |
Stock or Units(#)(2) | | |
Underlying Options(#)(3) | | |
Awards ($/Share)(4) | | |
Awards ($)(5) | |
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé | |
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 127,920 | | |
| 73.82 | | |
| 3,410,347 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 44,850 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 3,310,827 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 11,215 | | |
| 22,430 | | |
| 44,860 | (7) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 1,655,783 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 11,215 | | |
| 22,430 | | |
| 44,860 | (8) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 1,655,783 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 22,425 | | |
| 44,850 | | |
| 89,700 | (9) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 5,028,582 | |
|
| n/a | | |
| | (6) | |
| 1,512,000 | | |
| 3,024,000 | (10) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Brian R. Mueller | |
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| | | |
| 9,600 | | |
| 73.82 | | |
| 255,936 | |
|
| 6/29/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| | | |
| 13,230 | | |
| 122.18 | | |
| 589,397 | |
|
| 2/3/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 5,800 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 487,258 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 6,730 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 496,809 | |
|
| 6/29/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 4,640 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 566,915 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 425 | | |
| 850 | | |
| 1,700 | (7) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 62,747 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 425 | | |
| 850 | | |
| 1,700 | (8) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 62,747 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 845 | | |
| 1,690 | | |
| 3,380 | (9) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 189,483 | |
|
| 6/29/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 2,320 | | |
| 4,640 | | |
| 9,280 | (8) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 566,915 | |
|
| 6/29/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 2,320 | | |
| 4,640 | | |
| 9,280 | (9) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 1,009,896 | |
|
| n/a | | |
| | (6) | |
| 330,000 | | |
| 660,000 | (10) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Daniel Spiegelman | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Jeff Ajer | |
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 29,590 | | |
| 73.82 | | |
| 788,869 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 10,380 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 766,252 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 2,595 | | |
| 5,190 | | |
| 10,380 | (7) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 383,126 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 2,595 | | |
| 5,190 | | |
| 10,380 | (8) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 383,126 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 5,190 | | |
| 10,380 | | |
| 20,760 | (9) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 1,163,806 | |
|
| n/a | | |
| | (6) | |
| 366,000 | | |
| 732,000 | (10) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Robert A. Baffi, Ph.D. | |
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 30,390 | | |
| 73.82 | | |
| 810,197 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 10,660 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 786,921 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 2,665 | | |
| 5,330 | | |
| 10,660 | (7) | |
| | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 393,461 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 2,665 | | |
| 5,330 | | |
| 10,660 | (8) | |
| | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 393,461 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 5,330 | | |
| 10,660 | | |
| 21,320 | (9) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 1,195,199 | |
|
| n/a | | |
| | (6) | |
| 403,000 | | |
| 806,000 | (10) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Henry J. Fuchs, M.D. | |
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 51,970 | | |
| 73.82 | | |
| 1,385,520 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 18,220 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 1,345,000 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 4,555 | | |
| 9,110 | | |
| 18,220 | (7) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 672,500 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 4,555 | | |
| 9,110 | | |
| 18,220 | (8) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 672,500 | |
|
| 3/16/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 9,110 | | |
| 18,220 | | |
| 36,440 | (9) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 2,042,826 | |
|
| n/a | | |
| | (6) | |
| 487,500 | | |
| 975,000 | (10) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
C. Greg Guyer, Ph.D. | |
| 5/4/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 64,150 | | |
| 90.36 | | |
| 2,109,894 | |
|
| 5/4/2020 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 35,040 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 3,166,214 | |
|
| n/a | | |
| | (6) | |
| 238,680 | | |
| 477,360 | (10) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
(1) |
Annual Cash Incentive: Amounts represent potential
payments under our 2020 cash incentive program, which were paid in 2021. For further discussion of our annual cash incentive
program, see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Annual Cash Incentive” section of this Proxy Statement
and see the “Summary Compensation Table” above for amounts actually paid under the 2020 cash incentive program. |
66 |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
(2) |
Service-Based RSUs: The service-based RSUs granted
in March 2020 (and in June 2020 for Mr. Mueller) vest over a four-year period, vesting at the rate of one fourth on the anniversary
of the grant date and one fourth each anniversary of the grant date thereafter subject to the recipient’s continued
service. The service-based RSUs granted to Mr. Mueller in February 2020 vest 1/2 on the first anniversary of the grant date
and 1/2 on the second anniversary of the grant date, subject to his continued service. The retirement benefit applicable to
certain of the Company’s senior executives, including the NEOs, but specifically excluding the Chief Executive Officer,
providing for continued vesting after certain criteria are met as described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment
Obligations” section of this Proxy Statement does not apply to Mr. Mueller’s June 2020 grant. For a description
of acceleration and extended vesting terms applicable to certain of the awards, please see the “Compensation Discussion
and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations” and “Executive Compensation Tables—Potential Payments upon
Termination or Change in Control” sections of this Proxy Statement. |
(3) |
Stock Options: Stock options vest 12/48ths on the 12-month
anniversary of the date of grant, and 1/48th per month thereafter for the next three years and remain exercisable until expiration
of the stock option (10 years after the date of grant). For a description of acceleration and extended vesting terms applicable
to certain of the awards, please see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations”
and “Executive Compensation Tables—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” sections of
this Proxy Statement. |
(4) |
Stock options were granted at an exercise price equal to
the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date of the grant. |
(5) |
The amounts presented above represent the aggregate grant
date fair value of the stock option grant, service-based RSU awards or performance-based RSU awards computed in accordance
with FASB ASC Topic 718. The grant date fair value for stock option awards granted in March, May, and June 2020 were $26.66,
$32.89 and $44.55 per share, respectively, and the grant date fair value of the service-based RSU awards and performance-based
RSUs was computed using the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. For the total shareholder return performance-based
RSUs, the Company utilized a Monte Carlo simulation model to determine a weighted-average grant date fair value of $115.85
per RSU. For valuation methodology and assumptions used in determining these values, see Notes 3 and 16, respectively, to
the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021. |
(6) |
The potential payouts under our 2020 cash incentive program
are performance-driven and completely at risk; therefore, the minimum possible payout is zero. |
(7) |
Non-GAAP Income Performance-Based RSUs: Amounts represent
the potential numbers of performance-based RSUs that may be earned based on the level of non-GAAP income over three, one-year
periods spanning 2020 through 2022. The number of performance-based RSUs that will be earned will not be determined until
after the performance period ends on December 31, 2022. The earned performance-based RSUs, if any, vest in full on the third
anniversary of the grant date subject to the recipient’s continued service. For further discussion of the performance-based
RSU awards granted in 2020, see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Equity Compensation” section of
this Proxy Statement. For a description of acceleration and extended vesting terms applicable to certain of the awards, please
see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations” and “Executive Compensation
Tables—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” sections of this Proxy Statement. |
(8) |
Strategic Goals Performance-Based RSUs: Amounts represent
the potential numbers of performance-based RSUs that may be earned based on the number and nature of product development regulatory
activities over the three-year performance period of 2020 through 2022. The number of performance-based RSUs that will be
earned will not be determined until after the performance period ends on December 31, 2022. The earned performance-based RSUs,
if any, vest in full on the third anniversary of the grant date subject to the recipient’s continued service. For further
discussion of the performance-based RSU awards granted in 2020, see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Equity
Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement. For a description of acceleration and extended vesting terms applicable
to certain of the awards, please see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations”
and “Executive Compensation Tables—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” sections of
this Proxy Statement. |
(9) |
Total Shareholder Return Performance-Based RSUs: Amounts
represent the potential numbers of performance-based RSUs that may be earned based on total shareholder return compared to
the performance of companies that make up the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index over the three-year performance period of 2020 through
2022. The number of performance-based RSUs that will be earned will not be determined until after the performance period ends
on December 31, 2022. The earned performance-based RSUs, if any, vest in full on the third anniversary of the grant date subject
to the recipient’s continued service. For further discussion of the performance-based RSU awards granted in 2020, see
the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Equity Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement. For a description
of acceleration and extended vesting terms applicable to certain of the awards, please see the “Compensation Discussion
and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations” and “Executive Compensation Tables—Potential Payments upon
Termination or Change in Control” sections of this Proxy Statement. |
(10) |
The maximum achievement for corporate goals under the 2020
cash incentive program is 200%. For further discussion of our annual cash incentive program, see the “Annual Cash Incentive”
section of this Proxy Statement and see the “Summary Compensation Table” in this Proxy Statement for amounts actually
paid under the 2020 cash incentive program. |
The number of stock options and RSUs granted to
the Chief Executive Officer is determined based on recommendations by the Compensation Committee and is approved by the Board and
the number of stock options and RSUs granted to the other NEOs is determined based on a recommendation from the Chief Executive
Officer and is approved by the Compensation Committee. See the “Equity Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement
for additional information regarding grant practices.
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth the outstanding
unexercised stock options granted pursuant to equity awards as of the end of fiscal year 2020 for each of the NEOs.
Name | |
Grant Date | |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
Exercisable(1) (#) | |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
Unexercisable(1) (#) | |
Option Exercise Price ($)(2) | |
Option Expiration Date | |
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) | |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(4) |
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé | |
5/12/2011 | |
139,513 | |
— | |
26.49 | |
5/11/2021 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
5/8/2012 | |
140,000 | |
— | |
37.46 | |
5/7/2022 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
5/15/2013 | |
220,500 | |
— | |
67.81 | |
5/14/2023 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
6/4/2014 | |
191,000 | |
— | |
63.10 | |
6/3/2024 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/3/2015 | |
90,500 | |
— | |
108.36 | |
3/2/2025 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/15/2016 | |
136,050 | |
— | |
83.43 | |
3/14/2026 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/22/2017 | |
135,046 | |
9,004 | |
87.42 | |
3/21/2027 | |
| 11,130 | (3) | |
975,990 |
| |
3/15/2018 | |
101,880 | |
46,310 | |
83.57 | |
3/14/2028 | |
| 23,170 | (3) | |
2,031,777 |
| |
3/15/2018 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 15,107 | (5) | |
1,324,733 |
| |
3/15/2019 | |
38,097 | |
48,983 | |
94.53 | |
3/14/2029 | |
| 26,085 | (3) | |
2,287,394 |
| |
3/15/2019 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 23,720 | (5) | |
2,080,007 |
| |
3/15/2019 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 34,780 | (6) | |
3,049,858 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
127,920 | |
73.82 | |
3/15/2030 | |
| 44,850 | (3) | |
3,932,897 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 44,850 | (6) | |
3,932,897 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 22,430 | (7) | |
1,966,887 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 22,430 | (8) | |
1,966,887 |
Brian R. Mueller | |
5/31/2011 | |
6,709 | |
— | |
28.23 | |
5/30/2021 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
5/8/2012 | |
11,800 | |
— | |
37.46 | |
5/7/2022 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
5/15/2013 | |
12,900 | |
— | |
67.81 | |
5/14/2023 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
6/4/2014 | |
10,000 | |
— | |
63.10 | |
6/3/2024 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/16/2015 | |
9,000 | |
— | |
124.37 | |
3/15/2025 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/15/2016 | |
7,000 | |
— | |
83.43 | |
3/14/2026 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/22/2017 | |
7,256 | |
484 | |
87.42 | |
3/21/2027 | |
| 1,198 | (3) | |
105,053 |
| |
3/15/2018 | |
6,270 | |
2,850 | |
83.57 | |
3/14/2028 | |
| 2,855 | (3) | |
250,355 |
| |
3/15/2019 | |
4,221 | |
5,429 | |
94.53 | |
3/14/2029 | |
| 4,335 | (3) | |
380,136 |
| |
2/3/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 5,800 | (9) | |
508,602 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
9,600 | |
73.82 | |
3/15/2030 | |
| 6,730 | (3) | |
590,154 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 1,690 | (6) | |
148,196 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 850 | (7) | |
74,537 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 850 | (8) | |
74,537 |
| |
6/29/2020 | |
— | |
13,230 | |
122.18 | |
6/28/2030 | |
| 4,640 | (3) | |
406,882 |
| |
6/29/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 4,640 | (6) | |
406,882 |
| |
6/29/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 4,640 | (8) | |
406,882 |
Daniel Spiegelman | |
5/15/2013 | |
7,370 | |
— | |
67.81 | |
5/14/2023 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
6/4/2014 | |
21,700 | |
— | |
63.10 | |
6/3/2024 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/3/2015 | |
23,900 | |
— | |
108.36 | |
3/2/2025 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/15/2016 | |
37,290 | |
— | |
83.43 | |
3/14/2026 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/22/2017 | |
39,480 | |
— | |
87.42 | |
3/21/2027 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/15/2018 | |
34,081 | |
— | |
83.57 | |
3/14/2028 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/15/2019 | |
14,167 | |
— | |
94.53 | |
3/14/2029 | |
| — | | |
— |
68 |
|
2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
Name | |
Grant Date | |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
Exercisable(1) (#) | |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
Unexercisable(1) (#) | |
Option Exercise Price ($)(2) | |
Option Expiration Date | |
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) | |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(4) |
Jeff Ajer | |
5/15/2013 | |
49,000 | |
— | |
67.81 | |
5/14/2023 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
6/4/2014 | |
15,700 | |
— | |
63.10 | |
6/3/2024 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/3/2015 | |
23,900 | |
— | |
108.36 | |
3/2/2025 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/15/2016 | |
36,280 | |
— | |
83.43 | |
3/14/2026 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/22/2017 | |
37,012 | |
2,468 | |
87.42 | |
3/21/2027 | |
| 3,050 | (3) | |
267,455 |
| |
3/15/2018 | |
28,215 | |
12,825 | |
83.57 | |
3/14/2028 | |
| 6,420 | (3) | |
562,970 |
| |
3/15/2018 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 4,187 | (5) | |
367,158 |
| |
3/15/2019 | |
10,258 | |
13,192 | |
94.53 | |
3/14/2029 | |
| 7,028 | (3) | |
616,285 |
| |
3/15/2019 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 6,391 | (5) | |
560,427 |
| |
3/15/2019 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 9,370 | (6) | |
821,655 |
| |
6/5/2019 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 14,160 | (10) | |
1,241,690 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
29,590 | |
73.82 | |
3/15/2030 | |
| 10,380 | (3) | |
910,222 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 10,380 | (6) | |
910,222 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 5,190 | (7) | |
455,111 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 5,190 | (8) | |
455,111 |
Robert A. Baffi, Ph.D. | |
5/12/2011 | |
80,000 | |
— | |
26.49 | |
5/11/2021 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
5/8/2012 | |
40,000 | |
— | |
37.46 | |
5/7/2022 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
5/15/2013 | |
70,000 | |
— | |
67.81 | |
5/14/2023 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
6/4/2014 | |
47,200 | |
— | |
63.10 | |
6/3/2024 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/3/2015 | |
23,900 | |
— | |
108.36 | |
3/2/2025 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/15/2016 | |
36,280 | |
— | |
83.43 | |
3/14/2026 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/22/2017 | |
36,018 | |
2,402 | |
87.42 | |
3/21/2027 | |
| 2,968 | (3) | |
260,264 |
| |
3/15/2018 | |
26,647 | |
12,113 | |
83.57 | |
3/14/2028 | |
| 6,060 | (3) | |
531,401 |
| |
3/15/2018 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 3,951 | (5) | |
346,463 |
| |
3/15/2019 | |
10,552 | |
13,568 | |
94.53 | |
3/14/2029 | |
| 7,223 | (3) | |
633,385 |
| |
3/15/2019 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 6,568 | (5) | |
575,948 |
| |
3/15/2019 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 9,630 | (6) | |
844,455 |
| |
6/5/2019 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 14,160 | (9) | |
1,241,690 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
30,390 | |
73.82 | |
3/15/2030 | |
| 10,660 | (3) | |
934,775 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 10,660 | (6) | |
934,775 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 5,330 | (7) | |
467,388 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 5,330 | (8) | |
467,388 |
Henry J. Fuchs, M.D. | |
3/3/2015 | |
30,500 | |
— | |
108.36 | |
3/2/2025 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/15/2016 | |
44,340 | |
— | |
83.43 | |
3/14/2026 | |
| — | | |
— |
| |
3/22/2017 | |
60,027 | |
4,003 | |
87.42 | |
3/21/2027 | |
| 4,948 | (3) | |
433,890 |
| |
3/15/2018 | |
35,268 | |
16,032 | |
83.57 | |
3/14/2028 | |
| 8,020 | (3) | |
703,274 |
| |
3/15/2018 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 5,230 | (5) | |
458,619 |
| |
3/15/2019 | |
14,070 | |
18,090 | |
94.53 | |
3/14/2029 | |
| 9,630 | (3) | |
844,455 |
| |
3/15/2019 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 8,757 | (5) | |
767,901 |
| |
3/15/2019 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 12,840 | (6) | |
1,125,940 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
51,970 | |
73.82 | |
3/15/2030 | |
| 18,220 | (7) | |
1,597,712 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 18,220 | (8) | |
1,597,712 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 9,110 | (7) | |
798,856 |
| |
3/16/2020 | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
— | |
| 9,110 | (8) | |
798,856 |
C. Greg Guyer, Ph.D. | |
5/4/2020 | |
— | |
64,150 | |
90.36 | |
5/3/2030 | |
| 35,040 | (3) | |
3,072,658 |
(1) |
All stock options vest over a four-year period.
Stock options granted before June 15, 2015 vest at the rate of 6/48ths on the sixth-month anniversary of the grant date and
1/48th each month during the optionee’s employment. Stock options granted on or after June 15, 2015 vest at the rate
of 12/48ths on the 12-month anniversary of the grant date and 1/48th each month thereafter during the optionee’s employment.
Subject to certain exceptions, the maximum term of stock options granted under the Amended and Restated 2006 Share Incentive
Plan (2006 Plan) and the 2017 Plan is 10 years. For a description of acceleration and extended vesting terms applicable to
certain of the awards, please see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations”
and “Executive Compensation Tables—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” sections of
this Proxy Statement. |
(2) |
Represents the closing market price of our common stock as
reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the grant date. |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
(3) |
Represents service-based RSUs. Except as otherwise
noted, all service-based RSUs vest over a four-year period, vesting at the rate of one fourth on the anniversary of the grant
date and one fourth each anniversary of the grant date thereafter during the recipient’s continued service. For a description
of acceleration and extended vesting terms applicable to certain of the awards, please see the “Compensation Discussion
and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations” and “Executive Compensation Tables—Potential Payments upon
Termination or Change in Control” sections of this Proxy Statement. |
(4) |
The value of RSUs shown in the table that have not yet vested
was calculated using $87.69, the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020. |
(5) |
Represents earned revenue performance-based RSUs. The numbers
of performance-based RSUs reflected in this table are the actual numbers of RSUs earned by the NEOs based on achievement of
performance criteria as of the respective measurement dates for each performance award. In early 2019 and 2020, based on the
Company’s actual performance against the revenue target as of the measurement date (December 31st of the prior year,
which is also the year of grant), the Company applied a multiplier of 98% and 102%, respectively, to the target number of
performance-based RSUs granted in 2018 and 2019, respectively, to determine the number of performance-based RSUs actually
earned. The performance-based RSUs vest over a three-year period, vesting at the rate of one third on the anniversary of the
grant date and one third each anniversary of the grant date thereafter during the recipient’s continued service with
the Company. For a description of acceleration and extended vesting terms applicable to certain of the awards, please see
the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations” and “Executive Compensation
Tables—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” sections of this Proxy Statement. |
(6) |
Represents unearned total shareholder return performance-based
RSUs. The numbers of performance-based RSUs reflected in this table are the target numbers of RSUs granted to the NEOs. Under
the terms of these awards, the number of performance-based RSUs that will be earned, if any, are calculated by multiplying
the target number of performance-based RSUs by a multiplier. The multiplier will be determined based on the Company’s
performance as compared to the total shareholder return performance of companies that made up the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index
over a three-year performance period commencing on the first day of the year of grant through the last day of the third year
following the year of grant. The earned performance-based RSUs, if any, vest in full on the third anniversary of the grant
date subject to the recipient’s continued service. For further discussion of the performance-based RSU awards granted
in 2020, see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Equity Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement.
For a description of acceleration and extended vesting terms applicable to certain of the awards, please see the “Compensation
Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations” and “Executive Compensation Tables—Potential
Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” sections of this Proxy Statement. |
(7) |
Represents unearned non-GAAP income performance-based RSUs.
The numbers of performance-based RSUs reflected in this table are the target numbers of RSUs granted to the NEOs. Under the
terms of these awards, the number of performance-based RSUs that will be earned, if any, are calculated by multiplying the
target number of performance-based RSUs by a multiplier. The multiplier will be determined based on the level of non-GAAP
income over three, one-year periods spanning 2020 through 2022. The earned performance-based RSUs, if any, vest in full on
the third anniversary of the grant date subject to the recipient’s continued service. For further discussion of the
performance-based RSU awards granted in 2020, see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Equity Compensation”
section of this Proxy Statement. For a description of acceleration and extended vesting terms applicable to certain of the
awards, please see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations” and “Executive
Compensation Tables—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” sections of this Proxy Statement. |
(8) |
Represents unearned strategic goals performance-based RSUs.
The numbers of performance-based RSUs reflected in this table are the target numbers of RSUs granted to the NEOs. Under the
terms of these awards, the number of performance-based RSUs that will be earned, if any, are calculated by multiplying the
target number of performance-based RSUs by a multiplier. The multiplier will be determined based on the number and nature
of product development regulatory activities over the three-year performance period of 2020 through 2022. The earned performance-based
RSUs, if any, vest in full on the third anniversary of the grant date subject to the recipient’s continued service.
For further discussion of the performance-based RSU awards granted in 2020, see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Equity
Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement. For a description of acceleration and extended vesting terms applicable
to certain of the awards, please see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations”
and “Executive Compensation Tables—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” sections of
this Proxy Statement. |
(9) |
Represents service-based RSUs. This grant of service-based
RSUs vests 1/2 on the first anniversary of the grant date and 1/2 on the second anniversary of the grant date, subject to
the recipient’s continued service. The retirement benefit applicable to certain of the Company’s senior executives,
including the NEOs, but specifically excluding the Chief Executive Officer, providing for continued vesting after certain
criteria are met as described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations”
section of this Proxy Statement does not apply to this grant. For a description of acceleration and extended vesting terms
applicable to certain of the awards, please see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations”
and “Executive Compensation Tables—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” sections of
this Proxy Statement. |
(10) |
Represents service-based RSUs. This grant of service-based
RSUs vest in full on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to the recipient’s continued service. The retirement
benefit applicable to certain of the Company’s senior executives, including the NEOs, but specifically excluding the
Chief Executive Officer, providing for continued vesting after certain criteria are met as described in the “Compensation
Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations” section of this Proxy Statement does not apply to this grant.
For a description of acceleration and extended vesting terms applicable to certain of the awards, please see the “Compensation
Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations” and “Executive Compensation Tables—Potential
Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” sections of this Proxy Statement. |
70 |
|
2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
Options Exercised and Stock Vested
The following table sets forth the number and value
of stock options exercised and share awards that vested in fiscal year 2020 for each of the NEOs.
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
Name |
Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise(#) |
Value Realized
on Exercise
($)(1) |
|
Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Vesting(#) |
Value
Realized
on Vesting
($)(2) |
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé |
116,000 |
8,020,470 |
|
88,900 |
7,208,900 |
Brian R. Mueller |
— |
— |
|
4,963 |
405,668 |
Daniel Spiegelman |
38,156 |
1,563,999 |
|
39,917 |
3,155,798 |
Jeff Ajer |
15,000 |
913,500 |
|
24,236 |
1,964,849 |
Robert A. Baffi, Ph.D. |
40,000 |
2,840,759 |
|
23,778 |
1,928,415 |
Henry J. Fuchs, M.D. |
149,400 |
9,566,314 |
|
33,545 |
2,699,786 |
C. Greg Guyer, Ph.D. |
— |
— |
|
— |
— |
(1) |
The value realized upon exercise of stock options reflects the
price at which shares acquired upon exercise of the stock options were sold or valued for income tax purposes, net of the
exercise price for acquiring the shares. |
(2) |
The value realized on vesting of RSUs was calculated as of the product of the closing
price of a share of our common stock on the vesting date, multiplied by the number of shares vested. |
Pension Benefits
There is no retirement pension plan provided for the
NEOs.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan
Our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan allows
members of management, other highly-compensated employees and members of the Board to make voluntary irrevocable deferrals of the
compensation that would otherwise be paid by us to specified future dates, employment termination, hardship events, disability,
retirement or death. Directors may elect to defer all or a portion of their fees and RSU awards otherwise payable to them. Non-Director
participants are permitted to defer up to 100% of RSU awards and up to 50% of salary and annual cash incentive awards, in each
case subject to limitations to allow us to make necessary withholding payments. Plan participants’ deferred compensation
is 100% vested under the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. We may make additional direct contributions to the Nonqualified
Deferred Compensation Plan for the benefit of the participants, but any such contributions must be approved by the Board. Our contributions,
if any, will become 100% vested after three years of service with us (or such other time as we designate at the time of the contribution),
or upon a change in control of the Company, or the individual’s death or disability. Participants have an unsecured contractual
commitment by us to pay the amounts that become due under the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan. Deferred compensation may
be held in trust and is deemed invested based on participant direction as allowed by the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan.
Participants’ accounts are credited or debited with the increase or decrease in the realizable net asset value of the designated
deemed investments in accordance with the ratio the portion of the account of each participant that is deemed to be invested within
that investment option bears to the aggregate of all amounts deemed to be invested within that investment option. Any funds held
in a trust will be our sole property, subject to any claims of general creditors in the event of bankruptcy, and plan participants
will have no vested interest with respect to such trust fund.
The following table shows for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2020, certain information regarding nonqualified deferred compensation benefits for the NEOs who participate in the
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan.
Name |
Executive
Contributions
in 2020
($) |
Aggregate
Earnings
(Loss) in 2020
($) |
Aggregate
Withdrawals and
Distributions
($) |
Aggregate
Balance at
December 31,
2020
($)(1) |
Daniel Spiegelman |
31,647(2) |
62,408 |
— |
670,703 |
Robert A. Baffi, Ph.D. |
6,101(2) |
14,293 |
(219,684)(3) |
— |
(1) |
To the extent amounts reflect contributions of salary, bonus,
equity awards, or other remuneration, the amounts are reported as compensation for the NEO in the “Summary Compensation
Table” in this Proxy Statement and/or were previously reported as compensation for the NEO in the Company’s Summary
Compensation Tables for previous years. |
(2) |
Amount includes recontributed dividend and interest earned during 2020. |
(3) |
Reflects the value of various investment fund withdrawals during 2020 at various
prices. |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in
Control
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Bienaimé
at the time of his hire and with each of our other executive officers, including the NEOs, in April 2007 or upon their respective
date of hire. In January 2009, to comply with the changes to Section 409A, we amended and restated the employment agreements with
each of our executive officers, including Mr. Bienaimé. We further amended the employment agreements in December 2012 to
ensure that the timing of severance payments thereunder comply with Section 409A. In June 2015, we made certain changes to severance
benefit provisions in the employment agreements for our NEOs (other than the Chief Executive Officer) to meet current market and
peer company practices as well as to clarify certain terms. In December 2016, we amended and restated the employment agreement
for our Chief Executive Officer primarily to adjust his benefits in connection with a change in control, including eliminating
income tax “gross-up” payments in connection with a change in control as provided for in his prior agreement and make
his agreement generally more consistent with the employment agreements for the Company’s other executives. The following
discussion is based on the employment and equity award agreements with our NEOs. The amount and type of compensation payable to
each NEO upon termination of employment under various circumstances and upon a change in control are described below.
Payments on Termination
The amount and type of compensation payable to each
NEO upon termination of employment under various circumstances are described below. There are three general categories of terminations,
which are:
• |
voluntary termination of employment by the NEO for reasons not constituting
constructive termination, which we refer to as voluntary termination; retirement of the NEO; and termination of the NEO’s
employment by us for cause (as such term is defined in the employment agreements and in our stock plans), which we refer to
as termination for cause; |
• |
termination of the NEO’s employment by us for reasons not constituting cause, such
as due to a Company-wide or departmental reorganization, or resignation by the NEO for a good reason specified in the NEO’s
employment agreement (e.g., a change in work location of more than a specified distance from the previous location)
constituting constructive termination, which we refer to as involuntary termination without cause; and |
• |
termination of the NEO’s employment or resignation by the NEO for a good reason in
connection with a change in control that occurs within 12 months of such change in control, which we refer to as termination
in connection with a change in control. |
Compensation upon Voluntary Termination, Retirement
or Termination for Cause
Except as described above under the “Compensation
Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations” section of this Proxy Statement, awards held by our NEOs will
not be subject to accelerated vesting or otherwise enhanced in the event of voluntary termination, retirement, or termination for
cause. A termination of employment due to voluntary termination, retirement, or termination for cause does not entitle the NEOs
to any payments or benefits other than the accrued salary and vacation pay and benefits described above. Other than the retirement
benefits described above, such compensation and benefits are available to salaried employees generally, except that any amounts
payable to the NEOs upon termination under our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan would not be applicable to certain employees
as only employees with the title of chief executive officer, vice president, and executive director are entitled to participate
in our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan.
Compensation upon Involuntary Termination without
Cause
Each of the NEOs’ employment agreements includes
specific benefits upon an involuntary termination without cause. For each of the NEOs, other than Mr. Bienaimé, these benefits
consist of:
• |
150% of the NEO’s current annual base salary and target annual cash
incentive for the year of termination; |
• |
the NEO’s target annual cash incentive for the year of termination, pro-rated for the
year in which termination occurs; |
• |
an additional 12 months of vesting of the NEO’s unvested time-based vesting equity
awards and target amounts of performance-based equity awards that have not vested; |
• |
paid premiums under COBRA for 18 months; and |
• |
outplacement services and legal advice consistent with the NEO’s position. |
72 |
|
2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
Mr. Bienaimé’s benefits upon an involuntary
termination without cause consist of:
• |
200% of his current annual base salary and target annual cash incentive for the year of termination; |
• |
his target annual cash incentive for the year of termination, pro-rated for the year in which
termination occurs; |
• |
100% vesting of all his unvested stock options; |
• |
paid premiums under COBRA for 18 months; and |
• |
reimbursement of outplacement services and legal advice consistent with his position that
he actually incurs and in an amount not to exceed $18,000. |
Each NEO is eligible to receive the respective termination
benefits described above within 45 days of his termination date, provided that he executes a standard form severance and release
agreement and allows such release to become fully effective. The cash portions of the termination benefits are payable to the NEO
in one lump sum on the 60th day after termination. In addition, if an NEO becomes disabled while employed by us, and if (a) the
NEO is eligible to receive benefits under our Long-Term Disability Plan, then we will pay the NEO additional compensation so that
the total received by the NEO (after taking into consideration the amounts payable to the NEO under the Long-Term Disability Plan)
equals the cash portions of the termination benefits as described above; or (b) the NEO is not eligible to receive benefits under
our Long-Term Disability Plan, then the NEO will be entitled to the full termination benefits described above.
Compensation upon Termination of Employment in Connection
with Change in Control
Each of the NEOs who is involuntarily terminated in
connection with a change in control is entitled to certain benefits. For each of the NEOs other than Mr. Bienaimé, these
benefits consist of:
• |
200% of the NEO’s current annual base salary and target annual cash incentive for the
year of termination; |
• |
the NEO’s target annual cash incentive for the year of termination, pro-rated for the
year in which termination occurs; |
• |
100% vesting of all the NEO’s unvested time-based vesting equity awards and target
amounts of performance-based equity awards that have not vested; |
• |
paid premiums under COBRA for 24 months; and |
• |
outplacement services and legal advice consistent with the NEO’s position. |
Mr. Bienaimé’s benefits for termination
in connection with a change in control consist of:
• |
300% of his current annual base salary and target annual cash incentive
for the year of termination; |
• |
his target annual cash incentive for the year of termination, pro-rated for the year in which
termination occurs; |
• |
100% vesting of all his unvested time-based vesting equity awards and target amounts of performance-based
equity awards that have not vested; |
• |
paid premiums under COBRA for 36 months; and |
• |
reimbursement of outplacement services and legal advice consistent with his position that
he actually incurs and in an amount not to exceed $18,000. |
The payment terms, requirement to execute a release,
and provision of termination benefits in the event an NEO becomes disabled as described above under “Compensation upon
Involuntary Termination without Cause” apply equally to termination benefits for NEOs in connection with a change in
control. If termination compensation payable to an NEO as the result of a change in control as described above would result in
a parachute payment under Section 280G of the Code, which would be subject to an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code, or
interest or penalties are incurred with respect to such excise tax, we will determine, before any such termination compensation
is paid to the NEO, which of the following two alternative forms of payment would result in his receipt, on an after-tax basis,
of the greater amount of the termination compensation notwithstanding that all or some portion of the termination compensation
may be subject to the excise tax: (i) payment in full of the entire amount of the termination compensation, or (ii) payment of
only a part of the termination compensation so that the NEO receives the largest payment possible without the imposition of the
excise tax.
Change in Control - Continued Employment
Upon a change in control without termination of employment,
each of the NEOs is entitled to 100% vesting of all the NEO’s unvested time-based vesting equity awards and target amounts
of performance-based equity awards that have not vested.
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
Estimated Potential Payments on Termination or Change
in Control
The table below sets forth the estimated current value
of payments and benefits to each of the NEOs upon an involuntary termination or a change in control of the Company as described
above. The amounts shown assume that the triggering events occurred on December 31, 2020 and do not include (i) benefits earned
during the term of the NEOs employment that are available to all salaried employees, such as accrued vacation; (ii) benefits paid
by insurance providers under life and disability policies; (iii) benefits previously accrued under the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Plan; and (iv) benefits described above under the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations”
section of this Proxy Statement. The actual amounts of payments and benefits that would be provided can only be determined
at the time of the NEO’s separation from the Company. Per SEC rules, the value of accelerated stock options shown in the
table below is the aggregate spread between $87.69, the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020, and the exercise
prices of the accelerated stock options, if less than $87.69. For performance-based RSU grants for which the numbers of RSUs actually
earned had been determined by December 31, 2020 (the measurement date for the table below), the numbers of RSUs actually earned
by each NEO are used in the calculation of market values of stock awards in the table below. For performance-based RSU grants for
which the numbers of RSUs actually earned had not been determined by December 31, 2020 (e.g., performance-based RSUs granted
on March 16, 2020 with a three-year performance period ending December 31, 2022), the target numbers of RSUs granted to each NEO
are used in the calculation of market values of stock awards in the table below (because the numbers of RSUs that will be actually
earned were not determined as of December 31, 2020, the measurement date for the table below).
Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control | |
Involuntary Termination Without Cause | |
Change in Control- Continued Employment | |
Change in Control- Terminated |
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé(1): | |
| |
| |
|
Cash Severance | |
$ | 5,544,000 | | |
$ | — | | |
$ | 8,316,000 | |
Cash Incentive | |
| 1,512,000 | | |
| — | | |
| 1,512,000 | |
Stock award vesting acceleration | |
| 1,967,479 | (2) | |
| 25,516,804 | (3) | |
| 25,516,804 | (3) |
Benefits and Perquisites: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
COBRA Premiums | |
| 28,829 | | |
| — | | |
| 57,657 | |
Outplacement Services | |
| 18,000 | (4) | |
| — | | |
| 18,000 | (4) |
Total | |
| 9,070,308 | | |
| 25,516,804 | | |
| 35,420,461 | |
Brian R. Mueller: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Cash Severance | |
$ | 1,395,000 | | |
| — | | |
$ | 1,860,000 | |
Cash Incentive | |
| 330,000 | | |
| — | | |
| 330,000 | |
Stock award vesting acceleration | |
| 928,193 | (5) | |
| 3,497,238 | (6) | |
| 3,497,238 | (6) |
Benefits and Perquisites: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
COBRA Premiums | |
| 61,401 | | |
| — | | |
| 122,803 | |
Outplacement Services | |
| 50,000 | (10) | |
| — | | |
| 50,000 | (10) |
Total | |
$ | 2,764,594 | | |
$ | 3,497,238 | | |
$ | 5,860,041 | |
Daniel
Spiegelman(7): | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Jeff Ajer: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Cash Severance | |
$ | 1,464,000 | | |
| — | | |
$ | 1,952,000 | |
Cash Incentive | |
| 366,000 | | |
| — | | |
| 366,000 | |
Stock award vesting acceleration | |
| 1,851,677 | (8) | |
| 7,632,225 | (9) | |
| 7,632,225 | (9) |
Benefits and Perquisites: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
COBRA Premiums | |
| 43,176 | | |
| — | | |
| 86,352 | |
Outplacement Services | |
| 50,000 | (10) | |
| — | | |
| 50,000 | (10) |
Total | |
$ | 3,774,853 | | |
$ | 7,632,225 | | |
$ | 10,086,577 | |
74 |
|
2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Executive Compensation
Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control | |
Involuntary Termination Without Cause | |
Change in Control- Continued Employment | |
Change in Control- Terminated |
Robert A. Baffi, Ph.D.(11): | |
|
— |
| |
|
— |
| |
|
— |
|
Henry J. Fuchs, M.D.: | |
| |
| |
|
Cash Severance | |
$ | 1,856,250 | | |
| — | | |
$ | 2,475,000 | |
Cash Incentive | |
| 487,500 | | |
| — | | |
| 487,500 | |
Stock award vesting acceleration | |
| 2,678,234 | (12) | |
| 9,915,170 | (13) | |
| 9,915,170 | (13) |
Benefits and Perquisites: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
COBRA Premiums | |
| 19,975 | | |
| — | | |
| 39,950 | |
Outplacement Services | |
| 50,000 | (10) | |
| — | | |
| 50,000 | (10) |
Total | |
$ | 5,091,959 | | |
$ | 9,915,170 | | |
$ | 12,967,620 | |
C. Greg Guyer, Ph.D.: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Cash Severance | |
$ | 1,440,000 | | |
| — | | |
$ | 1,920,000 | |
Cash Incentive | |
| 360,000 | | |
| — | | |
| 360,000 | |
Stock award vesting acceleration | |
| 768,164 | (14) | |
| 3,072,658 | (15) | |
| 3,072,658 | (15) |
Benefits and Perquisites: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
COBRA Premiums | |
| 46,807 | | |
| — | | |
| 93,614 | |
Outplacement Services | |
| 50,000 | (10) | |
| — | | |
| 50,000 | (10) |
Total | |
$ | 2,664,971 | | |
$ | 3,072,658 | | |
$ | 5,496,272 | |
(1) |
No incremental benefits are due should the death of Mr. Bienaimé
occur, except for amounts due for services previously rendered and those due under the life insurance policies, as discussed
above. Additionally, as is the case for all our employees as described above under the “Compensation Discussion and
Analysis—Post-Employment Obligations” section of this Proxy Statement, if Mr. Bienaimé dies while employed
by us, all his unvested equity awards with time-based vesting will vest in full and all his unvested equity awards with performance-based
vesting will vest in full as if the target values had been achieved, and such awards will remain exercisable for one year
after death. |
(2) |
Based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020, $87.69. Relates
to 183,234 stock options that would vest upon termination. Excludes 48,983 stock options with exercise prices greater than
$87.69. |
(3) |
Based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020, $87.69. Relates
to 183,234 stock options, 105,235 service-based RSUs and 163,317 performance-based RSUs that would vest upon termination.
Excludes 48,983 stock options with exercise prices greater than $87.69. |
(4) |
Pursuant to Mr. Bienaimé’s employment agreement, the Company will reimburse
Mr. Bienaimé for outplacement services and legal advice consistent with his position that he actually incurs and in
an amount not to exceed $18,000 in the event of his involuntary termination without cause or in connection with a change in
control. |
(5) |
Based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020, $87.69. Relates
to 6,964 stock options and 9,812 service-based RSUs that would vest upon termination. Excludes 7,372 stock options with exercise
prices greater than $87.69. |
(6) |
Based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020, $87.69. Relates
to 12,934 stock options, 25,558 service-based RSUs and 12,670 performance-based RSUs that would vest upon termination. Excludes
18,659 stock options with exercise prices greater than $87.69. |
(7) |
Mr. Spiegelman stepped down as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
effective January 29, 2020, and he remained with BioMarin as a full-time employee and senior advisor until September 1, 2020.
In connection with his transition and pursuant to his amended and restated employment agreement, Mr. Spiegelman was entitled
to the following severance amounts and benefits: (a) the target amount of his 2019 annual cash incentive award of $600,000;
(b) a lump-sum severance payment of $1,751,025; (c) the Company’s continued payment of his COBRA premiums for up to
18 months following September 1, 2020; (d) one year of vesting acceleration of his equity awards on September 1, 2020 (i.e.,
vesting as if the separation date were September 1, 2021); and (e) outplacement services with a value not to exceed $50,000. |
(8) |
Based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020, $87.69. Relates
to 25,673 stock options, 11,198 service-based RSUs and 7,381 performance-based RSUs that would vest upon termination. Excludes
5,863 stock options with exercise prices greater than $87.69. |
(9) |
Based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020, $87.69. Relates
to 44,883 stock options, 41,038 service-based RSUs and 40,708 performance-based RSUs that would vest upon termination. Excludes
13,192 stock options with exercise prices greater than $87.69 |
(10) |
Pursuant to the NEO’s employment agreement, the Company will provide outplacement
services and legal advice consistent with the NEO’s position in the event of his involuntary termination without cause
or in connection with a change in control. The NEO will be provided with a separate notice describing available outplacement
services and legal advice at the time of his termination. The amount included in the table above represents an estimate of
the Company’s cost for such services as of December 31, 2020. |
(11) |
Dr. Baffi stepped down as President of Global Manufacturing and Technical Operations,
effective May 4, 2020. We entered into a part-time employment agreement with Dr. Baffi, effective January 1, 2021, setting
forth the terms under which Dr. Baffi will continue to serve as a senior advisor to us on a part-time basis through December
31, 2021 (the Part-Time Agreement). The Part-Time Agreement terminates Dr. Baffi’s full-time employment agreement with
us and entitles Dr. Baffi to an annual salary of $200,000 and continuation of insurance benefit plans and programs for him
and his spouse during the term of the Part-Time Agreement. The Part-Time Agreement was filed with the SEC on February 26,
2021 as Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
(12) |
Based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020, $87.69. Relates
to 39,564 stock options, 16,723 service-based RSUs and 9,608 performance-based RSUs that would vest upon termination. Excludes
8,040 stock options with exercise prices greater than $87.69. |
(13) |
Based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020, $87.69. Relates
to 72,005 stock options, 40,818 service-based RSUs and 63,267 performance-based RSUs that would vest upon termination. Excludes
18,090 stock options with exercise prices greater than $87.69. |
(14) |
Based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020, $87.69. Relates
8,760 service-based RSUs that would vest upon termination. Excludes 25,392 stock options with exercise prices greater than
$87.69. |
(15) |
Based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020, $87.69. Relates
to 35,040 service-based RSUs that would vest upon termination. Excludes 64,150 stock options with exercise prices greater
than $87.69. |
Table of Contents
STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
The table below sets forth certain information regarding
the ownership of shares of our common stock as of March 5, 2021 (except as otherwise noted) by: (i) each current director and each
nominee for director; (ii) each of the NEOs; (iii) all of our executive officers and directors as a group; and (iv) all those known
by us to be beneficial owners of more than five percent of our common stock. Except as otherwise noted, the entities and individuals
in this table have sole dispositive and voting power with respect to all the shares of our common stock beneficially owned by them,
subject to community property laws, where applicable. The information with respect to each entity and individual specified was
supplied or confirmed by such entity or individual or based upon statements filed with the SEC. Except as otherwise indicated,
the mailing address for each stockholder in the table below is c/o BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA
94949.
Name of Beneficial Owner |
Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned(1)
|
Number of
Shares Subject
to Options
and Restricted
Stock Units(2) |
Total Number
of Shares
Beneficially
Owned(3) |
Percentage of
Total Shares
Outstanding(4) |
Capital Research Global Investors(5) |
22,193,527 |
|
— |
22,193,527 |
12.20% |
PRIMECAP Management Company(6) |
18,205,334 |
|
— |
18,205,334 |
10.01% |
The Vanguard Group(7) |
16,369,689 |
|
— |
16,369,689 |
9.00% |
BlackRock, Inc.(8) |
14,766,892 |
|
— |
14,766,892 |
8.12% |
Dodge & Cox(9) |
9,796,924 |
|
— |
9,796,924 |
5.39% |
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé |
399,122 |
(10) |
1,264,429 |
1,663,551 |
* |
Brian R. Mueller |
6,032 |
|
85,556 |
91,588 |
* |
Daniel Spiegelman(11) |
8,442 |
|
177,988 |
186,430 |
* |
Jeff Ajer |
9,664 |
|
234,800 |
244,464 |
* |
Robert A. Baffi, Ph.D.(12) |
137,768 |
(13) |
374,774 |
512,542 |
* |
Henry J. Fuchs, M.D. |
48,189 |
|
235,568 |
283,757 |
* |
C. Greg Guyer, Ph.D. |
— |
|
24,797 |
24,797 |
* |
Elizabeth McKee Anderson |
4,490 |
|
— |
4,490 |
* |
Willard Dere, M.D. |
8,990 |
|
14,790 |
23,780 |
* |
Michael Grey |
38,540 |
|
36,250 |
74,790 |
* |
Elaine J. Heron, Ph.D. |
62,668 |
|
34,697 |
97,365 |
* |
Maykin Ho, Ph.D. |
— |
|
— |
— |
* |
Robert J. Hombach |
11,910 |
|
— |
11,910 |
* |
V. Bryan Lawlis, Ph.D. |
14,550 |
|
43,750 |
58,300 |
* |
Richard A. Meier |
80,040 |
|
51,250 |
131,290 |
* |
David E.I. Pyott, M.D. (Hon.) |
26,440 |
|
13,230 |
39,670 |
* |
Dennis J. Slamon, M.D., Ph.D. |
18,615 |
|
24,300 |
42,915 |
* |
All current executive officers
and directors as a group (17 persons) |
760,879 |
|
2,352,597 |
3,113,476 |
1.69% |
* |
Represents less than 1% of our common stock outstanding on March
5, 2021. |
(1) |
Represents the number of shares of our common stock owned directly or indirectly
by each entity and person, and excludes shares underlying options and RSUs held by our directors and officers, which are reported
in the column titled “Number of Shares Subject to Options and Restricted Stock Units.” |
(2) |
Represents shares of our common stock subject to stock options that are or will
become exercisable and RSUs that will vest within 60 days of March 5, 2021. |
(3) |
Equals the sum of the number of shares under the table columns titled “Number
of Shares Beneficially Owned” and “Number of Shares Subject to Options and Restricted Stock Units.” |
(4) |
The calculation of percentages is based upon 181,873,761 shares of our common stock
outstanding on March 5, 2021, plus for each of the individuals listed above, the number of shares subject to stock options
and RSUs reflected in the column under the heading “Number of Shares Subject to Options and Restricted Stock Units.” |
(5) |
This information is as of December 31, 2020 and is based solely on information contained
in the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 16, 2021 by Capital Research Global Investors (CRGI), a division of Capital
Research and Management Company (“CRMC”), as well as its investment management subsidiaries and affiliates Capital
Bank and Trust Company, Capital International, Inc., Capital International Limited, Capital International Sarl and Capital
International K.K. (together with CRMC, the “investment management entities”). CRGI’s divisions of each
of the investment management entities collectively provide investment management services under the name “Capital Research
Global Investors”. CRGI, as a registered |
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Table of Contents
Stock Ownership Information
|
investment adviser under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act
of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80b-3) or under the laws of any state, may be deemed to beneficially own the indicated shares and has sole
dispositive power over 22,193,527 shares and sole voting power over 22,180,749 shares. CRGI holds more than five percent of
the outstanding Common Stock of the Company as of December 31, 2020 on behalf of its client AMCAP Fund. The address for CRGI
is 333 South Hope Street, 55th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071. |
(6) |
This information is as of February 28, 2021 and is based solely on information contained
in the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on March 8, 2021 by PRIMECAP Management Company (PRIMECAP). PRIMECAP, as a registered
investment adviser under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80b-3) or under the laws of any state,
may be deemed to beneficially own the indicated shares and has sole dispositive power over 18,205,334 shares and sole voting
power over 17,285,353 shares. The address for PRIMECAP is 177 E. Colorado Blvd., 11th Floor, Pasadena, CA 91105. |
(7) |
This information is as of December 31, 2020 and is based solely on information contained
in the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 10, 2021 by The Vanguard Group (Vanguard). Vanguard, as a registered
investment adviser under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80b-3) or under the laws of any state,
may be deemed to beneficially own the indicated shares and has sole dispositive power over 15,924,256 shares, shared dispositive
power over 445,433 shares and shared voting power over 199,971 shares. Vanguard reported its beneficial ownership on behalf
of itself and the following: Vanguard Asset Management, Limited, Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company, Vanguard Global Advisors,
LLC, Vanguard Group (Ireland) Limited, Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd, Vanguard Investments Canada Inc., Vanguard Investments
Hong Kong Limited and Vanguard Investments UK, Limited. The address for Vanguard is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355. |
(8) |
This information is as of December 31, 2020 and is based solely on information contained
in the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 5, 2021 by BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock). BlackRock, as a parent holding
company or control person, may be deemed to beneficially own the indicated shares and has sole dispositive power over 14,766,892
shares and sole voting power over 12,916,198 shares. BlackRock reported its beneficial ownership on behalf of itself and the
following: BlackRock Life Limited, BlackRock International Limited, BlackRock Advisors, LLC, BlackRock (Netherlands) B.V.,
BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, National Association, BlackRock Asset Management Ireland Limited, BlackRock Financial
Management, Inc., BlackRock Japan Co., Ltd., BlackRock Asset Management Schweiz AG, BlackRock Investment Management, LLC,
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited, BlackRock (Luxembourg) S.A., BlackRock
Investment Management (Australia) Limited, BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited, BlackRock Fund Advisors, BlackRock Asset Management
North Asia Limited, BlackRock (Singapore) Limited and BlackRock Fund Managers Ltd. The address for BlackRock is 55 East 52nd
Street, New York, NY 10055. |
(9) |
This information is as of December 31, 2020 and is based solely on information contained
in the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 11, 2021 by Dodge & Cox. Dodge & Cox, as a registered
investment adviser under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80b-3) or under the laws of any state,
may be deemed to beneficially own the indicated shares and has sole dispositive power over 9,796,924 shares and sole voting
power over 9,356,255 shares. The address for Dodge & Cox is 555 California Street, 40th Floor, San Francisco, CA
94104. |
(10) |
Includes 247,533 shares held in a trust of which Mr. Bienaimé is a trustee. |
(11) |
Mr. Spiegelman stepped down as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective
January 29, 2020, and he remained with BioMarin as a full-time employee and senior advisor until September 1, 2020. |
(12) |
Dr. Baffi stepped down as President of Global Manufacturing and Technical Operations,
effective May 4, 2020, and he remained with BioMarin as a full-time employee and senior advisor until December 31, 2020. Effective
January 1, 2021, Dr. Baffi remains with BioMarin as a part-time employee and senior advisor. |
(13) |
Includes 71,882 shares held in a trust of which Dr. Baffi is a trustee. |
DIRECTOR AND OFFICER STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
The Board approved stock ownership guidelines for
our directors, Chief Executive Officer and employees at the Senior Vice President level or higher. Under these guidelines, directors
and executives are expected to use the shares of common stock obtained on the exercise of stock options or vesting of RSUs received
to establish significant level of direct ownership in BioMarin. In October 2020, the Compensation Committee increased the ownership
guideline threshold for our directors to four times the cash retainer amount, up from three times used previously. Newly appointed
or elected directors and newly appointed or hired officers have three years to comply with their specific stock ownership guidelines.
The following table summarizes the guidelines for
our directors and NEOs as of December 31, 2020:
Name |
Stock Ownership Guidelines |
Independent Directors |
Lesser
of 10,000 shares and unvested RSUs or value of shares and unvested RSUs equal to 4 times cash retainer amount (“4x”) |
Chief Executive Officer |
Value of shares and unvested RSUs equal to 3 times base salary (“3x”) |
NEOs (all are at the Executive Vice President level or higher) |
Value of shares and unvested RSUs equal to 2 times base salary (“2x”) |
Table of Contents
Stock Ownership Information
The charts below summarize our directors’ and
NEOs’ compliance with the guidelines as of December 31, 2020.
Independent Directors(1)
Named Executive Officers(2)
(1) |
Dr. Ho joined the Board in February 2021. Accordingly, she is
not included in the chart regarding compliance with director stock ownership guidelines. |
(2) |
The NEO chart excludes Mr. Spiegelman and Dr. Baffi because they were not employees
at the Senior Vice President level or higher as of December 31, 2020 and therefore not subject to the stock ownership guidelines
as of December 31, 2020. |
Compliance with our stock ownership guidelines is
based on shares (including shares held in trusts for which the individual is the trustee and in a deferral account and issuable
to such individual under our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan) and the unvested service-based RSUs and performance-based
RSUs for which performance criteria has been met held by a director or officer as of December 31, 2020, but it does not include
performance-based RSUs for which performance criteria has not been met or vested or unvested stock options. The value of stock
owned is calculated using the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020, which was $87.69. All of our directors and
NEOs were in compliance with our stock ownership guidelines as of December 31, 2020.
The Compensation Committee believes these stock ownership
guidelines are an important tool in aligning the interests of our executives with the long-term interests of our stockholders.
Although the guidelines are not mandatory, the Compensation Committee will consider compliance with the guidelines in setting an
officer’s compensation and the CGN Committee will consider compliance with the guidelines when making decisions on nominating
directors for re-election. See the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement for
more information regarding these guidelines.
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Table of Contents
Stock Ownership Information
ANTI-HEDGING AND ANTI-PLEDGING POLICY
The Board has approved an anti-hedging and anti-pledging
policy for our directors and employees. Under this policy, all of our directors and employees are prohibited from engaging in short-sales,
transactions in put or call options, hedging transactions or other inherently speculative transactions in BioMarin stock or engaging
in margin and other pledging activities. Under the policy, a contribution of the Company’s securities to an exchange fund
not designed to hedge any decrease in the market value of BioMarin’s equity securities is not considered a form of hedging;
however, such contribution by an employee designated as an insider remains subject to the other provisions of the Company’s
Insider Trading Policy, including provisions regarding quarterly trading blackout periods and pre-clearance requirements.
DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors
and executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports
of ownership and reports of changes in the ownership with the SEC. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders
are required by the SEC to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) filings they make.
To the best of our knowledge and based solely on a
review of the copies of such reports furnished to us or written representation that no other reports were required, during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and greater than
ten percent beneficial owners were met.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table provides certain information with
respect to all of BioMarin’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2020.
Plan Category |
Number of securities
to be issued
upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants
and rights (a) |
Weighted average
exercise price
of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights(1) ($)(b) |
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))(c) |
Equity
compensation plans approved by stockholders |
11,444,624 |
(2) |
73.44 |
8,915,545 |
(4) |
Equity compensation
plans not approved by stockholders |
98,943 |
(3) |
56.23 |
— |
|
Total |
11,543,567 |
|
73.19 |
8,915,545 |
|
(1) |
The weighted average exercise price excludes RSU awards, which
have no exercise price. |
(2) |
Amount includes stock options to purchase shares, service-based RSUs and performance-based
RSUs issued under the 2017 Plan and the 2006 Plan, outstanding as of December 31, 2020. Amount does not include any shares
of common stock issuable under our 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the ESPP). For descriptions of the 2017 Plan, the 2006
Plan, and the ESPP, see Note 16 to our financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021. |
(3) |
Amount includes stock options to purchase shares, service-based RSUs and performance-based
RSUs issued under the BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. 2012 Inducement Plan (the 2012 Inducement Plan) and the BioMarin Pharmaceutical
Inc. 2014 Inducement Plan (the 2014 Inducement Plan), which were not approved by the Company’s stockholders in reliance
on Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(c)(4), outstanding as of December 31, 2020. The 2012 Inducement Plan expired on May 31, 2013
and the 2014 Inducement Plan expired on June 9, 2015. For descriptions of the 2012 Inducement Plan and the 2014 Inducement
Plan, see Note 16 to our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, included in the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC on February 29, 2016. |
(4) |
Amount reflects reduction of securities available for issuance pursuant to the 2017
Plan and the 2006 Plan, such that each service-based RSU and performance- and market-based RSU granted on or after May 12,
2010 but prior to May 15, 2013 reduces the shares available for issuance under the 2017 Plan and the 2006 Plan by 1.62 shares,
and each service-based RSU and performance- and market-based RSU granted on or after May 15, 2013 reduces the shares available
for issuance under the 2017 Plan and the 2006 Plan by 1.92 shares. Furthermore, amount excludes 3,353,041 shares available
for future issuance under the ESPP, of which an estimated 151,399 shares will be subject to purchase during the current ESPP
offering period that commenced November 1, 2020 and ends April 30, 2021. The Company issues shares under the ESPP once every
six months based on employee elections in the preceding six months. Pursuant to the terms of the ESPP, the number of shares
to be issued and the price per share is not determined until immediately before the date of issuance. |
Table of Contents
|
PROPOSAL 4
Approval of an Amendment to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan |
PURPOSE OF PROPOSAL
Our Board is requesting stockholder approval of an
amendment to the BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the 2017 Plan and, as amended if this proposal
is approved, the Amended 2017 Plan).
The only difference between the terms of the 2017
Plan and the Amended 2017 Plan being presented for approval pursuant to this Proposal No. Four is to increase the aggregate number
of shares of common stock authorized for issuance by 10,500,000, so that the total number of shares available for future awards
under the 2017 Plan would increase from approximately 4,000,000 to 14,500,000, and the total number of shares reserved for issuance
under the 2017 Plan would increase from 31,880,015 to 42,380,015.
WHY THE BOARD BELIEVES YOU SHOULD VOTE FOR PROPOSAL
NO. FOUR
• |
Attracting and retaining talent. |
|
• |
A talented, motivated and effective management
team and workforce are essential to the Company’s continued progress. Equity compensation has been an important component
of total compensation at the Company for many years because it is effective at getting employees to think and act like owners. |
|
|
• |
Our equity grant practices are broad-based so that employees at all levels of the organization
are personally invested in the Company’s future. |
|
|
• |
Virtually all employees receive equity grants as part of their new hire compensation packages. |
|
|
• |
71% of employees received equity grants as part of our most recent annual Company-wide equity
grant in March 2021. |
|
|
• |
83% of the shares underlying our most recent annual Company-wide equity grant in March 2021
were allocated to employees other than our NEOs. |
|
• |
Between June 2017 (when the 2017 Plan was originally adopted) and March 2021, our employee
headcount increased by approximately 27%. We anticipate the need to continue to hire new employees and we will need to incentivize
both new and existing employees to continue advancing the Company’s goals that create long-term stockholder value. As
our employee headcount and competition for top talent increases, so too will the demands on our equity compensation program. |
• |
Demonstrating commitment to sound equity compensation practices. |
|
• |
We recognize that equity compensation awards dilute stockholder equity and must be used judiciously.
Our equity compensation practices are designed to be in line with industry norms, and we believe our historical share usage
has been responsible and mindful of stockholder interests. |
|
|
• |
Our average burn rate (total shares used for equity compensation awards each year divided
by weighted average outstanding shares for the year) for the last three years (fiscal years 2018-2020) was only 1.6%. The
following data, as disclosed in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for fiscal years 2018-2020, was used for the burn rate calculation
for the last three years: |
Fiscal Year |
|
Options
Granted |
|
Time-Based
Full-Value Shares
Granted |
|
Performance-
Based
Full-Value Shares
Earned |
|
Weighted-Average
Number of Common Shares
Outstanding, Basic |
2020 |
|
891,610 |
|
2,190,380 |
|
315,810 |
|
180,804,000 |
2019 |
|
610,250 |
|
1,937,858 |
|
242,280 |
|
179,039,000 |
2018 |
|
782,240 |
|
1,681,120 |
|
129,680 |
|
177,061,000 |
• |
For the most recent three-year period in which peer company data is available (fiscal years
2017-2019), our average burn rate was only 1.4%, which is significantly lower than the median of our 2019 peer group and is
most closely aligned with the 25th percentile of our 2019 peer group. |
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Table of Contents
Proposal 4: Approval of an Amendment
to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan
• |
Limited shares remain available under the existing 2017 Plan and all our
other equity compensation plans. |
|
• |
On March 16, 2020, we made our annual company-wide equity grant, in which
we granted awards covering 2,696,360 shares, including 765,000 options and 1,931,360 performance- and time-based RSUs (equivalent
to a reduction in the 2017 Plan’s reserve of 4,473,211 shares because each share of common stock subject to an RSU award
counts as 1.92 shares against the reserve). |
|
• |
As of March 31, 2021, a total of 182,670,614 shares of our common stock were outstanding.
As shown in the graphic below, as of March 31, the remaining pool of shares available for grant under all our equity-based
plans was only 3,955,699. As of March 31, 2021, the number of shares to be issued upon vesting, exercise, or settlement of
outstanding awards under all of our equity-based plans was as follows: |
|
|
• |
7,226,513 shares subject to outstanding options with a weighted average
exercise price and term of $74.78 and 5.15 years, respectively; and |
|
|
• |
5,797,601 subject to outstanding and unvested performance- and time-based RSUs. |
|
• |
Failure to approve the Amended 2017 Plan would likely create a barrier to hiring the best talent as our offers would not be as competitive without equity grants. If we were unable to grant equity awards, it would be necessary to replace components of compensation previously awarded in equity with cash, or with other instruments that may not necessarily align employee interests with those of stockholders as well as equity awards do. Additionally, replacing equity with cash will increase cash compensation expense and be a drain on cash flow that would be better utilized if reinvested in our core business. If the Amended 2017 Plan is approved, our ability to offer competitive compensation packages to attract new talent and retain our best performers will continue. |
• |
Providing regular opportunity for stockholders to review our equity grant practices. |
|
• |
The last time we requested stockholders authorize additional shares for an equity incentive plan was two years ago. |
|
• |
We estimate that by adopting the Amended 2017 Plan, we will have a sufficient number of shares of common stock to cover awards granted under the Amended 2017 Plan for approximately two to three years, depending primarily on our growth and share price. At that time, we would ask that stockholders review our equity grant practices once more, and if they consider it appropriate, authorize additional shares for future equity grants. |
KEY PLAN FEATURES REPRESENTING CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
BEST PRACTICES
The Amended 2017 Plan, like the existing 2017 Plan,
includes provisions that are designed to protect our stockholders’ interests and to reflect corporate governance best practices
including:
• |
Repricing is not allowed. The Amended 2017 Plan prohibits the repricing of outstanding
stock options and stock appreciation rights and the cancellation of any outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights
that have an exercise or strike price greater than the then-current fair market value of our common stock in exchange for
cash or other stock awards under the Amended 2017 Plan without prior stockholder approval. |
• |
Restrictions on payment of dividends and dividend equivalents. The Amended 2017 Plan
provides that dividends and dividend equivalents shall not be paid in respect of shares of common stock covered by a stock
award until such shares of common stock vest. |
• |
No liberal share recycling. The Amended 2017 Plan does not provide for “liberal”
share recycling. For example, shares withheld on net exercises of options, shares withheld to meet tax obligations and shares
repurchased by the Company using stock option proceeds do not return to the plan to be granted pursuant to future awards. |
• |
Awards subject to forfeiture/clawback. Awards granted under the Amended 2017 Plan
will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that we are required to adopt pursuant to the listing
standards of any national securities exchange or association on which our securities are listed or as is otherwise required
by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other applicable law. In addition, we may impose other
clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions in an award agreement, including a reacquisition right in respect of previously
acquired shares or other cash or property upon the occurrence of cause. As noted under the “Compensation Discussion
and Analysis—Highlights of Compensation Policies and Practices” section of this Proxy Statement, we maintain
a Clawback Policy. |
Table of Contents
Proposal 4: Approval of an Amendment to the 2017
Equity Incentive Plan
• |
No liberal change in control definition. The change in control
definition in the Amended 2017 Plan is not a “liberal” definition (for example, it does not provide for a change
in control upon merely the signing of a definitive change in control agreement). A change in control transaction must actually
occur in order for the change in control provisions in the Amended 2017 Plan to be triggered. |
• |
No discounted stock options or stock appreciation rights. All stock options and stock
appreciation rights granted under the Amended 2017 Plan must have an exercise or strike price equal to or greater than the
fair market value of our common stock on the date the stock option or stock appreciation right is granted. |
• |
Administration by independent committee. The Amended 2017 Plan will be administered
by the members of our Compensation Committee, all of whom are “non-employee Directors” within the meaning of Rule
16b-3 under the Exchange Act and “independent” within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing standards. |
• |
Material amendments require stockholder approval. Consistent with Nasdaq rules, the
Amended 2017 Plan requires stockholder approval of any material revisions to the Amended 2017 Plan. In addition, certain other
amendments to the Amended 2017 Plan require stockholder approval. |
• |
Limit on non-employee Director aggregate compensation. The maximum aggregate value
of all compensation granted or paid, as applicable, to any of our non-employee Directors for service on the Board with respect
to any one calendar year (beginning with the 2018 calendar year) may not exceed $1,000,000 in total value (calculating the
value of any stock awards based on the grant date fair value of such stock awards for financial reporting purposes), or, with
respect to the calendar year in which a non-employee Director is first appointed or elected to the Board, $1,500,000. |
PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS AND SECTION 162(M)
One of the reasons that approval of the existing
2017 Equity Incentive Plan by our stockholders was originally required was so that certain awards granted thereunder could qualify
as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m). Section 162(m) disallows a deduction to any
publicly held corporation and its affiliates for certain compensation paid to “covered employees” in a taxable year
to the extent that compensation to a covered employee exceeds $1,000,000. However, some kinds of compensation, including qualified
“performance-based compensation,” were previously not subject to this deduction limitation. Prior to the enactment
of tax reform legislation, for compensation awarded under a plan to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under
Section 162(m), among other things, the following terms were required to be disclosed to and approved by the stockholders before
the compensation was paid: (i) a description of the employees eligible to receive such awards; (ii) a per-person limit on the number
of shares subject to stock options, stock appreciation rights and performance-based stock awards, and the amount of cash subject
to performance-based cash awards, that may be granted to any employee under the plan in any year; and (iii) a description of the
business criteria upon which the performance goals for performance-based awards may be granted (or become vested or exercisable).
In connection with the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
enacted in December 2017, the exemption from the deduction limit under Section 162(m) for “performance-based compensation”
has been repealed, such that compensation paid to our covered employees in excess of $1,000,000 will not be deductible unless it
qualifies for transition relief applicable to certain arrangements in place as of November 2, 2017. We are continuing to monitor
guidance from the Internal Revenue Service, and for the moment are not changing any of the provisions of the original 2017 Plan
relating to Section 162(m). Any description of provisions in the Amended 2017 Plan relating to Section 162(m) below is a factual
description of plan provisions only, and should not be taken to imply that the “performance-based compensation” exception
remains available for future grants, as it is indeed unavailable.
BOARD AND STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL
Pursuant to authority delegated to it by the Board,
on April 10, 2017, the Compensation Committee adopted the original 2017 Plan. It was approved by our stockholders on June 6, 2017.
On April 12, 2019, the Compensation Committee adopted an amendment to the 2017 Plan to increase the aggregate number of shares
of common stock authorized for issuance by 11,000,000, and the amendment was approved by our stockholders on June 4, 2019. Pursuant
to authority delegated to it by the Board, on April 5, 2021, the Compensation Committee adopted the Amended Plan.
If this Proposal No. Four is approved by our stockholders,
the Amended 2017 Plan will become effective as of the date of the Annual Meeting, May 25, 2021 (the Effective Date). In the event
that our stockholders do not approve this Proposal No. Four, the Amended 2017 Plan will not become effective and the 2017 Plan
will continue to be effective in accordance with its terms.
STOCK PRICE
As of March 31, 2021, the closing price of our common
stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market was $75.51 per share, and a total of 182,670,614 shares of our common stock
were outstanding.
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Proposal 4: Approval of an Amendment
to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan
DESCRIPTION OF THE AMENDED 2017 PLAN
The material features of the Amended 2017 Plan are
described below. The following description of the Amended 2017 Plan is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the complete text of the Amended 2017 Plan. Stockholders are urged to read the actual text of the Amended 2017 Plan in its entirety,
which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.
Purpose
The Amended 2017 Plan is designed to secure and retain
the services of our employees, Directors and consultants, provide incentives for our employees, Directors and consultants to exert
maximum efforts for the success of our Company and our affiliates, and provide a means by which our employees, Directors and consultants
may be given an opportunity to benefit from increases in the value of our common stock.
Types of Awards
The terms of the Amended 2017 Plan provide for the
grant of incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, RSU awards, other
stock awards, and performance awards that may be settled in cash, stock, or other property.
Shares Available for Awards
Subject to adjustment for certain changes in our
capitalization, the total number of shares that maybe issued under the Amended 2017 Plan will not exceed 42,380,015 shares, which
is the sum of (i) 10,500,000 new shares, plus (ii) the 11,000,000 shares added to the reserve in 2019, plus (iii)
the 5,250,000 shares originally reserved as new shares under the original 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, plus (iv) 5,517,942
shares, which is the estimate of the number of shares subject to the available reserve of the 2006 Plan as of the effective date
of the original 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, plus (iv) 10,112,073 shares, which is the estimated maximum number of
shares that were subject to outstanding stock awards granted under the 2006 Plan as of the effective date of the original 2017
Equity Incentive Plan that subsequently (A) expire or terminate for any reason prior to exercise or settlement, or (B) are forfeited
because of the failure to meet a contingency or condition required to vest such shares (Returning Shares). The number of Returning
Shares included in the calculation of the Share Reserve above is the estimated maximum number, determined as if every outstanding
stock award under the 2006 Plan as of the Effective Date subsequently expired, terminated or was forfeited. Such Returning Shares
would previously have returned to the 2006 Plan, and will instead return to the Amended 2017 Plan, if approved. For every one share
of common stock that is subject to a stock award other than an option or stock appreciation right, the shares available for issuance
under the Amended 2017 Plan will be reduced by 1.92 shares. For every one share of common stock that is subject to an option or
stock appreciation right, the shares available for issuance under the Amended 2017 Plan will be reduced by one share.
The following shares of our common stock will become
available again for issuance under the Amended 2017 Plan: (A) any shares subject to a stock award that are not issued because the
stock award or any portion thereof expires or otherwise terminates without all of the shares covered by such stock award having
been issued; (B) any shares issued pursuant to a stock award that are forfeited back to or repurchased by the Company because of
the failure to meet a contingency or condition required for the vesting of such shares. Any shares that again become available
for issuance will be added back as (a) one (1) share for every one (1) share that is subject to an award granted under the 2006
Plan prior to May 12, 2010; (b) one (1) share for every one (1) share that is subject to an option granted under the 2006 Plan
on or after May 12, 2010; (c) 1.62 shares for every one (1) share that is subject to any award granted under the 2006 Plan on or
after May 12, 2010 and prior to May 15, 2013 other than an option; (d) 1.92 shares for every one (1) share that is subject to any
award granted under the 2006 Plan on or after May 15, 2013 other than an option; (e) one (1) share for every one (1) share that
is subject to an Option or SAR granted under the Amended 2017 Plan; and (f) 1.92 shares for every one (1) share that is subject
to an award granted under the Amended 2017 Plan other than an option or stock appreciation right.
The following shares of our common stock will not
become available again for issuance under the Amended 2017 Plan: (A) any shares that are reacquired or withheld (or not issued)
by the Company to satisfy the exercise, strike or purchase price of a stock award granted under the Amended 2017 Plan or a stock
award granted under the Prior Plans (including any shares subject to such award that are not delivered because such award is exercised
through a reduction of shares subject to such award (i.e., “net exercised”); (B) any shares that are reacquired or
withheld (or not issued) by the Company to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in connection with a Stock Award granted under
the Plan or a stock award granted under the Prior Plans; (C) any shares repurchased by the Company on the open market with the
proceeds of the exercise, strike or purchase price of a stock award granted under the Plan or a stock award granted under the Prior
Plans; and (D) in the event that a stock appreciation right granted under the Plan or a stock appreciation right granted under
the Prior Plans is settled in shares of common stock, the gross number of shares of common stock subject to such award.
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Proposal 4: Approval of an Amendment to the 2017
Equity Incentive Plan
Eligibility
All of our (including our affiliates’) approximately
3,050 employees and 10 non-employee Directors as of March 31, 2021 are eligible to participate in the Amended 2017 Plan and may
receive all types of awards other than incentive stock options. Incentive stock options may be granted under the Amended 2017 Plan
only to our employees (including officers) and employees of our affiliates.
Section 162(m) Limits
Under the Amended 2017 Plan, subject to adjustment
for certain changes in our capitalization, no participant will be eligible to be granted performance-based compensation during
any calendar year more than: (i) a maximum of 1,000,000 shares of our common stock subject to stock options and stock appreciation
rights whose value is determined by reference to an increase over an exercise or strike price of at least 100% of the fair market
value of our common stock on the date of grant; (ii) a maximum of 1,000,000 shares of our common stock subject to performance stock
awards; and (iii) a maximum of $10,000,000 subject to performance cash awards. Please see the section above in this proposal entitled
“Performance-Based Awards and Section 162(m)” for more information about the inapplicability of certain previously
available exemptions from the deduction limits of Section 162(m).
Non-Employee Director Compensation Limit
Under the Amended 2017 Plan, the maximum aggregate
value of all compensation granted or paid, as applicable, to any of our non-employee Directors for service on the Board with respect
to any one calendar year (beginning with the 2018 calendar year) may not exceed $1,000,000 in total value (calculating the value
of any stock awards based on the grant date fair value of such stock awards for financial reporting purposes), or, with respect
to the calendar year in which a non-employee Director is first appointed or elected to the Board, $1,500,000.
Administration
The Amended 2017 Plan will be administered by our
Board, which may in turn delegate authority to administer the Amended 2017 Plan to a committee. The Board and the Compensation
Committee are each considered to be a Plan Administrator for purposes of this Proposal No. Four. Subject to the terms of the Amended
2017 Plan, the Plan Administrator may determine the recipients, the types of awards to be granted, the number of shares of our
common stock subject to or the cash value of awards, and the terms and conditions of awards granted under the Amended 2017 Plan,
including the period of their exercisability and vesting. The Plan Administrator also has the authority to provide for accelerated
exercisability and vesting of awards. Subject to the limitations set forth below, the Plan Administrator also determines the fair
market value applicable to a stock award and the exercise or strike price of stock options and stock appreciation rights granted
under the Amended 2017 Plan.
The Plan Administrator may also delegate to one or
more officers the authority to designate employees who are not officers to be recipients of certain stock awards and the number
of shares of our common stock subject to such stock awards. Under any such delegation, the Plan Administrator will specify the
total number of shares of our common stock that may be subject to the stock awards granted by such officer. The officer may not
grant a stock award to himself or herself.
Repricing; Cancellation and Re-Grant of Stock Awards
Under the Amended 2017 Plan, the Plan Administrator
does not have the authority to reprice any outstanding stock option or stock appreciation right by reducing the exercise or strike
price of the stock option or stock appreciation right or to cancel any outstanding stock option or stock appreciation right that
has an exercise or strike price greater than the then-current fair market value of our common stock in exchange for cash or other
stock awards without obtaining the approval of our stockholders. Such approval must be obtained within 12 months prior to such
an event.
Stock Options
Stock options may be granted under the Amended 2017
Plan pursuant to stock option agreements. The Amended 2017 Plan permits the grant of stock options that are intended to qualify
as incentive stock options (ISOs) and nonstatutory stock options (NSOs).
The exercise price of a stock option granted under
the Amended 2017 Plan may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock subject to the stock option on the
date of grant and, in some cases (see “Limitations on Incentive Stock Options” below), may not be less than
110% of such fair market value.
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The term of stock options granted under the Amended
2017 Plan may not exceed 10 years and, in some cases (see “Limitations on Incentive Stock Options” below), may
not exceed five years. Except as otherwise provided in a participant’s stock option agreement or other written agreement
with us or one of our affiliates, if a participant’s service relationship with us or any of our affiliates (referred to in
this Proposal No. Four as “continuous service”) terminates (other than for cause and other than upon the participant’s
death or disability), the participant may exercise any vested stock options for up to three months following the participant’s
termination of continuous service. Except as otherwise provided in a participant’s stock option agreement or other written
agreement with us or one of our affiliates, if a participant’s continuous service terminates due to the participant’s
disability or death (or the participant dies within a specified period, if any, following termination of continuous service), the
participant, or his or her beneficiary, as applicable, may exercise any vested stock options for up to 12 months following the
participant’s termination due to the participant’s disability or for up to 12 months following the participant’s
death. Except as explicitly provided otherwise in a participant’s stock option agreement or other written agreement with
us or one of our affiliates, if a participant’s continuous service is terminated for cause (as defined in the Amended 2017
Plan), all stock options held by the participant will terminate upon the participant’s termination of continuous service
and the participant will be prohibited from exercising any stock option from and after such termination date. Except as otherwise
provided in a participant’s stock option agreement or other written agreement with us or one of our affiliates, the term
of a stock option may be extended if the exercise of the stock option following the participant’s termination of continuous
service (other than for cause and other than upon the participant’s death or disability) would be prohibited by applicable
securities laws or if the sale of any common stock received upon exercise of the stock option following the participant’s
termination of continuous service (other than for cause) would violate our insider trading policy. In no event, however, may a
stock option be exercised after its original expiration date.
Acceptable forms of consideration for the purchase
of our common stock pursuant to the exercise of a stock option under the Amended 2017 Plan will be determined by the Plan Administrator
and may include payment: (i) by cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to us; (ii) pursuant to a program developed under
Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board; (iii) by delivery to us of shares of our common stock (either by actual
delivery or attestation); (iv) by a net exercise arrangement (for NSOs only); or (v) in other legal consideration approved by the
Plan Administrator.
Stock options granted under the Amended 2017 Plan
may become exercisable in cumulative increments, or “vest,” as determined by the Plan Administrator at the rate specified
in the stock option agreement. Shares covered by different stock options granted under the Amended 2017 Plan may be subject to
different vesting schedules as the Plan Administrator may determine.
The Plan Administrator may impose limitations on
the transferability of stock options granted under the Amended 2017 Plan in its discretion. Generally, a participant may not transfer
a stock option granted under the Amended 2017 Plan other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution or, subject to approval
by the Plan Administrator, pursuant to a domestic relations order or an official marital settlement agreement. However, the Plan
Administrator may permit transfer of a stock option in a manner that is not prohibited by applicable tax and securities laws. In
addition, subject to approval by the Plan Administrator, a participant may designate a beneficiary who may exercise the stock option
following the participant’s death.
Limitations on Incentive Stock Options
The aggregate fair market value, determined at the
time of grant, of shares of our common stock with respect to ISOs that are exercisable for the first time by a participant during
any calendar year under all of our stock plans may not exceed $100,000.
The stock options or portions of stock options that
exceed this limit or otherwise fail to qualify as ISOs are treated as NSOs. No ISO may be granted to any person who, at the time
of grant, owns or is deemed to own stock possessing more than 10% of our total combined voting power or that of any affiliate unless
the following conditions are satisfied:
• |
the exercise price of the ISO must be at least 110% of the fair market
value of the common stock subject to the ISO on the date of grant; and |
• |
the term of the ISO must not exceed five years from the date of grant. |
Subject to adjustment for certain changes in our
capitalization, the aggregate maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs
under the Amended 2017 Plan is 41,760,030 shares.
Stock Appreciation Rights
Stock appreciation rights may be granted under the
Amended 2017 Plan pursuant to stock appreciation right agreements. Each stock appreciation right is denominated in common stock
share equivalents. The strike price of each stock appreciation right will be determined by the Plan Administrator, but will in
no event be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock subject to the stock appreciation right on the date of
grant. The Plan Administrator may also impose restrictions or conditions upon the vesting of stock appreciation rights that it
deems appropriate. The appreciation distribution payable upon exercise of a stock appreciation right may be paid in shares of our
common stock, in cash, in
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Proposal 4: Approval of an Amendment to the 2017
Equity Incentive Plan
a combination of cash and stock, or in any other
form of consideration determined by the Plan Administrator and set forth in the stock appreciation right agreement. Stock appreciation
rights will be subject to the same conditions upon termination of continuous service and restrictions on transfer as stock options
under the Amended 2017 Plan.
Restricted Stock Awards
Restricted stock awards may be granted under the
Amended 2017 Plan pursuant to restricted stock award agreements. A restricted stock award may be granted in consideration for cash,
check, bank draft or money order payable to us, the participant’s services performed for us or any of our affiliates, or
any other form of legal consideration acceptable to the Plan Administrator. Shares of our common stock acquired under a restricted
stock award may be subject to forfeiture to or repurchase by us in accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the Plan
Administrator. Rights to acquire shares of our common stock under a restricted stock award may be transferred only upon such terms
and conditions as are set forth in the restricted stock award agreement. A restricted stock award agreement may provide that any
dividends paid on restricted stock will be subject to the same vesting conditions as apply to the shares subject to the restricted
stock award. Upon a participant’s termination of continuous service for any reason, any shares subject to restricted stock
awards held by the participant that have not vested as of such termination date may be forfeited to or repurchased by us.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards
RSU awards may be granted under the Amended 2017
Plan pursuant to RSU award agreements. Payment of any purchase price may be made in any form of legal consideration acceptable
to the Plan Administrator. A RSU award may be settled by the delivery of shares of our common stock, in cash, in a combination
of cash and stock, or in any other form of consideration determined by the Plan Administrator and set forth in the RSU award agreement.
RSU awards may be subject to vesting in accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the Plan Administrator.
Dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of
shares of our common stock covered by a RSU award, provided that any additional shares credited by reason of such dividend equivalents
will be subject to all of the same terms and conditions of the underlying RSU award. Except as otherwise provided in a participant’s
RSU award agreement or other written agreement with us or one of our affiliates, RSUs that have not vested will be forfeited upon
the participant’s termination of continuous service for any reason.
Performance Awards
The Amended 2017 Plan allows us to grant performance
stock and cash awards, including, prior to the enactment of tax reform legislation (under the terms of the original 2017 Plan),
such awards that may qualify as performance-based compensation that is not subject to the $1,000,000 limitation on the income tax
deductibility of compensation paid per covered employee imposed by Section 162(m). Please see the section above entitled “Performance-Based
Awards and 162(m)” for further details on the elimination of the performance-based exemption. The provisions described
below remain in the Amended 2017 Plan but will not be applicable to awards that are not considered to be “grandfathered”
for purposes of relevant tax reform legislation, as described in more detail above.
A performance stock award is a stock award that is
payable (including that may be granted, may vest, or may be exercised) contingent upon the attainment of pre-determined performance
goals during a performance period. A performance stock award may require the completion of a specified period of continuous service.
The length of any performance period, the performance goals to be achieved during the performance period, and the measure of whether
and to what degree such performance goals have been attained will be determined by our Compensation Committee, except that the
Plan Administrator also may make any such determinations to the extent that the award is not intended to qualify as performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m). In addition, to the extent permitted by applicable law and the performance stock award agreement,
the Plan Administrator may determine that cash may be used in payment of performance stock awards.
A performance cash award is a cash award that is
payable contingent upon the attainment of pre-determined performance goals during a performance period. A performance cash award
may require the completion of a specified period of continuous service. The length of any performance period, the performance goals
to be achieved during the performance period, and the measure of whether and to what degree such performance goals have been attained
will be determined by our Compensation Committee, except that the Plan Administrator also may make any such determinations to the
extent that the award is not intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m). The Plan Administrator
may specify the form of payment of performance cash awards, which may be cash or other property, or may provide for a participant
to have the option for his or her performance cash award to be paid in cash or other property.
In granting a performance stock or cash award intended
to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m), our Compensation Committee will set a period of
time, or a performance period, over which the attainment of one or more goals, or performance goals, will be measured. Within the
time period prescribed by Section 162(m) (no later than the earlier of the 90th day of a performance period and the date on
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which 25% of the performance period has elapsed,
and in any event at a time when the achievement of the performance goals remains substantially uncertain), our Compensation Committee
will establish the performance goals, based upon one or more criteria, or performance criteria, enumerated in the Amended 2017
Plan and described below. As soon as administratively practicable following the end of the performance period, our Compensation
Committee will certify in writing whether the performance goals have been satisfied.
Performance goals under the Amended 2017 Plan will
be based on any one or more of the following performance criteria: (i) earnings (including earnings per share and net earnings);
(ii) earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation; (iii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; (iv)
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and legal settlements; (v) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation,
amortization, legal settlements and other income (expense); (vi) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, legal
settlements, other income (expense) and stock-based compensation; (vii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization,
legal settlements, other income (expense), stock-based compensation and changes in deferred revenue; (viii) earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation, amortization, legal settlements, other income (expense), stock-based compensation, other non-cash expenses
and changes in deferred revenue; (ix) total shareholder return; (x) return on equity or average shareholder’s equity; (xi)
return on assets, investment, or capital employed; (xii) stock price; (xiii) margin (including gross margin); (xiv) income (before
or after taxes); (xv) operating income; (xvi) operating income after taxes; (xvii) pre-tax profit; (xviii) operating cash flow;
(xix) sales or revenue targets; (xx) increases in revenue or product revenue; (xxi) expenses and cost reduction goals; (xxii) improvement
in or attainment of working capital levels; (xxiii) economic value added (or an equivalent metric); (xxiv) market share; (xxv)
cash flow; (xxvi) cash flow per share; (xxvii) cash balance; (xxviii) cash burn; (xxix) cash collections; (xxx) share price performance;
(xxxi) debt reduction; (xxxii) implementation or completion of projects or processes (including, without limitation, clinical trial
initiation, clinical trial enrollment and dates, clinical trial results, regulatory filing submissions, regulatory filing acceptances,
regulatory or advisory committee interactions, regulatory approvals, and product supply); (xxxiii) shareholders’ equity;
(xxxiv) capital expenditures; (xxxv) debt levels; (xxxvi) operating profit or net operating profit; (xxxvii) workforce diversity;
(xxxviii) growth of net income or operating income; (xxxix) billings; (xl) bookings; (xli) employee retention; (xlii) initiation
of studies by specific dates; (xliii) budget management; (xliv) submission to, or approval by, a regulatory body (including, but
not limited to the FDA of an applicable filing or a product; (xlv) regulatory milestones; (xlvi) progress of internal research
or development programs; (xlvii) acquisition of new customers; (xlviii) customer retention and/or repeat order rate; (xlix) improvements
in sample and test processing times; (l) progress of partnered programs; (li) partner satisfaction; (lii) timely completion of
clinical trials; (liii) submission of 510(k)s or pre-market approvals and other regulatory achievements; (liv) milestones related
to research development (including, but not limited to, preclinical and clinical studies), product development and manufacturing;
(lv) expansion of sales in additional geographies or markets; (lvi) research progress, including the development of programs; (lvii)
strategic partnerships or transactions (including in-licensing and out-licensing of intellectual property; and (lviii) and to the
extent that an award is not intended to comply with Section 162(m), other measures of performance selected by the Board or the
Compensation Committee.
Performance goals may be based on a Company-wide
basis, with respect to one or more business units, divisions, affiliates or business segments, and in either absolute terms or
relative to the performance of one or more comparable companies or the performance of one or more relevant indices. Our Compensation
Committee (or, to the extent that an award is not intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section
162(m) of the Code, the Plan Administrator) is authorized to make appropriate adjustments in the method of calculating the attainment
of performance goals for a performance period as follows; provided, however, that to the extent that an award is intended
to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m), any such adjustment may be made only if such adjustment
is objectively determinable and specified in the award agreement at the time the award is granted or in such other document setting
forth the performance goals for the award at the time the performance goals are established: (1) to exclude restructuring and/or
other nonrecurring charges; (2) to exclude exchange rate effects; (3) to exclude the effects of changes to generally accepted accounting
principles; (4) to exclude the effects of any statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates; (5) to exclude the effects of any items
that are “unusual” in nature or occur “infrequently” as determined under generally accepted accounting
principles; (6) to exclude the dilutive effects of acquisitions or joint ventures; (7) to assume that any business divested by
the Company achieved performance objectives at targeted levels during the balance of a Performance Period following such divestiture;
(8) to exclude the effect of any change in the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company by reason of any stock dividend
or split, stock repurchase, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares
or other similar corporate change, or any distributions to common shareholders other than regular cash dividends; (9) to exclude
the effects of stock based compensation and the award of bonuses under the Company’s bonus plans; (10) to exclude costs incurred
in connection with potential acquisitions or divestitures that are required to be expensed under generally accepted accounting
principles; (11) to exclude the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges that are required to be recorded under generally
accepted accounting principles; (12) to exclude the effects of the timing of acceptance for review and/or approval of submissions
to the FDA or any other regulatory body; and (13) to the extent that an Award is not intended to qualify as “performance-based
compensation” under Section 162(m), to make other appropriate adjustments selected by the Board or the Committee.
In addition, our Compensation Committee (or, to the
extent that an award is not intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m), the Plan
Administrator) retains the discretion to reduce or eliminate the compensation or economic benefit due upon the attainment of any
performance goals and to define the manner of calculating the performance criteria it selects to use for a performance period.
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Proposal 4: Approval of an Amendment to the 2017
Equity Incentive Plan
Other Stock Awards
Other forms of stock awards valued in whole or in
part by reference to, or otherwise based on, our common stock may be granted either alone or in addition to other stock awards
under the Amended 2017 Plan. The Plan Administrator will have sole and complete authority to determine the persons to whom and
the time or times at which such other stock awards will be granted, the number of shares of our common stock to be granted and
all other terms and conditions of such other stock awards.
Clawback Policy
Awards granted under the Amended 2017 Plan will be
subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that we are required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of
any national securities exchange or association on which our securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other applicable law. In addition, the Plan Administrator may impose other clawback,
recovery or recoupment provisions in an award agreement as the Plan Administrator determines necessary or appropriate, including
a reacquisition right in respect of previously acquired shares of our common stock or other cash or property upon the occurrence
of cause. As noted under the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Highlights of Compensation Policies and Practices”
section of this Proxy Statement, we maintain a Clawback Policy.
Changes to Capital Structure
In the event of certain capitalization adjustments,
the Plan Administrator will appropriately adjust: (i) the class(es) and maximum number of securities subject to the Amended 2017
Plan; (ii) the class(es) and maximum number of securities that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs; (iii) the class(es)
and maximum number of securities that may be awarded to any participant pursuant to award limits in the Amended 2017 Plan; and
(iv) the class(es) and number of securities and price per share of stock subject to outstanding stock awards.
Corporate Transaction
In the event of a transaction (as defined in the
Amended 2017 Plan and described below), the Plan Administrator may take one or more of the following actions with respect to stock
awards, contingent upon the closing or consummation of the corporate transaction, unless otherwise provided in the instrument evidencing
the stock award, in any other written agreement between us or one of our affiliates and the participant or in our Director compensation
policy, or unless otherwise provided by the Plan Administrator at the time of grant of the stock award:
• |
arrange for the surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) to assume or continue
the stock award or to substitute a similar stock award for the stock award (including an award to acquire the same consideration
paid to our stockholders pursuant to the corporate transaction); |
• |
arrange for the assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us in respect
of our common stock issued pursuant to the stock award to the surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company);
|
• |
accelerate the vesting (and, if applicable, the exercisability), in whole or in part, of
the stock award to a date prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction as determined by the Plan Administrator
(or, if the Plan Administrator does not determine such a date, to the date that is five days prior to the effective date of
the corporate transaction), with the stock award terminating if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective
time of the corporate transaction; |
• |
arrange for the lapse of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to
the stock award; |
• |
cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the stock award, to the extent not vested or not
exercised prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction, and pay such cash consideration, if any, as the Plan Administrator
may consider appropriate; and |
• |
make a payment, in such form as may be determined by the Board, equal to the excess, if any,
of (A) the per share amount payable to holders of common stock in connection with the transaction, over (B) any per share
exercise price under the applicable award. For clarity, this payment may be zero ($0) if the value of the property is equal
to or less than the exercise price. In addition, any escrow, holdback, earnout or similar provisions in the definitive agreement
for the corporate transaction may apply to such payment to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions apply
to the holders of common stock. |
The Plan Administrator is not required to take the
same action with respect to all stock awards or portions of stock awards or with respect to all participants. The Plan Administrator
may take different actions with respect to the vested and unvested portions of a stock award.
For purposes of the Amended 2017 Plan, a transaction
generally will be deemed to occur in the event of the consummation of a change in control (as described below) or a corporate transaction,
which is defined as: (i) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our consolidated assets; (ii) a sale or other
disposition of more than 50% of our outstanding securities; (iii) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which
we are not the surviving corporation; or (iv) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which we are the surviving
corporation but the shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to the transaction are converted or exchanged into
other property by virtue of the transaction.
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Change in Control
Under the Amended 2017 Plan, a stock award may be
subject to additional acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon or after a change in control (as defined in the Amended 2017
Plan and described below) as may be provided in the participant’s stock award agreement, in any other written agreement with
us or one of our affiliates or in our Director compensation policy, but in the absence of such provision, no such acceleration
will occur.
For purposes of the Amended 2017 Plan, a change in
control generally will be deemed to occur in the event: (i) a person, entity or group acquires, directly or indirectly, our securities
representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of our then outstanding securities, other than by virtue of a merger, consolidation,
or similar transaction; (ii) there is consummated a merger, consolidation, or similar transaction and, immediately after the consummation
of such transaction, our stockholders immediately prior thereto do not own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined
outstanding voting power of the surviving entity or the parent of the surviving entity in substantially the same proportions as
their ownership of our outstanding voting securities immediately prior to such transaction; (iii) there is consummated a sale or
other disposition of all or substantially all of our consolidated assets, other than a sale or other disposition to an entity in
which more than 50% of the entity’s combined voting power is owned by our stockholders in substantially the same proportions
as their ownership of our outstanding voting securities immediately prior to such sale or other disposition; (iv) we experience
a complete liquidation or dissolution; or (v) a majority of our Board becomes comprised of individuals whose nomination, appointment,
or election was not approved by a majority of the Board members or their approved successors.
Plan Amendments and Termination
The Plan Administrator will have the authority to
amend or terminate the Amended 2017 Plan at any time. However, except as otherwise provided in the Amended 2017 Plan or an award
agreement, no amendment or termination of the Amended 2017 Plan may materially impair a participant’s rights under his or
her outstanding awards without the participant’s consent.
We will obtain stockholder approval of any amendment
to the Amended 2017 Plan as required by applicable law and listing requirements. No ISOs may be granted under the Amended 2017
Plan after the tenth anniversary of the date the Amended 2017 Plan was adopted by our Board.
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following is a summary of the principal U.S.
federal income tax consequences to participants and us with respect to participation in the Amended 2017 Plan. This summary is
not intended to be exhaustive and does not discuss the income tax laws of any local, state or foreign jurisdiction in which a participant
may reside. The information is based upon current federal income tax rules and therefore is subject to change when those rules
change. Because the tax consequences to any participant may depend on his or her particular situation, each participant should
consult the participant’s tax adviser regarding the federal, state, local and other tax consequences of the grant or exercise
of an award or the disposition of stock acquired the Amended 2017 Plan. The Amended 2017 Plan is not qualified under the provisions
of Section 401(a) of the Code and is not subject to any of the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Our ability to realize the benefit of any tax deductions described below depends on our generation of taxable income as well as
the requirement of reasonableness, the provisions of the Code and the satisfaction of our tax reporting obligations.
Nonstatutory Stock Options
Generally, there is no taxation upon the grant of
an NSO if the stock option is granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant
date. Upon exercise, a participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the
underlying stock on the date of exercise of the stock option over the exercise price. If the participant is employed by us or one
of our affiliates, that income will be subject to withholding taxes. The participant’s tax basis in those shares will be
equal to their fair market value on the date of exercise of the stock option, and the participant’s capital gain holding
period for those shares will begin on that date.
Subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the
provisions of the Code and the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation, we will generally be entitled to a tax deduction equal
to the taxable ordinary income realized by the participant.
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Proposal 4: Approval of an Amendment to the 2017
Equity Incentive Plan
Incentive Stock Options
We have not granted incentive stock options since
the second quarter of 2014, and we do not have any current intention to do so in the near future.
The Amended 2017 Plan provides for the grant of stock
options that are intended to qualify as “incentive stock options,” as defined in Section 422 of the Code. Under the
Code, a participant generally is not subject to ordinary income tax upon the grant or exercise of an ISO. If the participant holds
a share received upon exercise of an ISO for more than two years from the date the stock option was granted and more than one year
from the date the stock option was exercised, which is referred to as the required holding period, the difference, if any, between
the amount realized on a sale or other taxable disposition of that share and the participant’s tax basis in that share will
be long-term capital gain or loss.
If, however, a participant disposes of a share acquired
upon exercise of an ISO before the end of the required holding period, which is referred to as a disqualifying disposition, the
participant generally will recognize ordinary income in the year of the disqualifying disposition equal to the excess, if any,
of the fair market value of the share on the date of exercise of the stock option over the exercise price. However, if the sales
proceeds are less than the fair market value of the share on the date of exercise of the stock option, the amount of ordinary income
recognized by the participant will not exceed the gain, if any, realized on the sale. If the amount realized on a disqualifying
disposition exceeds the fair market value of the share on the date of exercise of the stock option, that excess will be short-term
or long-term capital gain, depending on whether the holding period for the share exceeds one year. For purposes of the alternative
minimum tax, the amount by which the fair market value of a share of stock acquired upon exercise of an ISO exceeds the exercise
price of the stock option generally will be an adjustment included in the participant’s alternative minimum taxable income
for the year in which the stock option is exercised. If, however, there is a disqualifying disposition of the share in the year
in which the stock option is exercised, there will be no adjustment for alternative minimum tax purposes with respect to that share.
In computing alternative minimum taxable income, the tax basis of a share acquired upon exercise of an ISO is increased by the
amount of the adjustment taken into account with respect to that share for alternative minimum tax purposes in the year the stock
option is exercised.
We are not allowed a tax deduction with respect to
the grant or exercise of an ISO or the disposition of a share acquired upon exercise of an ISO after the required holding period.
If there is a disqualifying disposition of a share, however, we will generally be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the taxable
ordinary income realized by the participant, subject to the requirement of reasonableness and the provisions of the Code, and provided
that either the employee includes that amount in income or we timely satisfy our reporting requirements with respect to that amount.
Restricted Stock Awards
Generally, the recipient of a restricted stock award
will recognize ordinary income at the time the stock is received equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock
received over any amount paid by the recipient in exchange for the stock. If, however, the stock is not vested when it is received
(for example, if the employee is required to work for a period of time in order to have the right to sell the stock), the recipient
generally will not recognize income until the stock becomes vested, at which time the recipient will recognize ordinary income
equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock on the date it becomes vested over any amount paid by the recipient
in exchange for the stock. A recipient may, however, file an election with the Internal Revenue Service, within 30 days following
his or her receipt of the stock award, to recognize ordinary income, as of the date the recipient receives the award, equal to
the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock on the date the award is granted over any amount paid by the recipient
for the stock.
The recipient’s basis for the determination
of gain or loss upon the subsequent disposition of shares acquired from a restricted stock award will be the amount paid for such
shares plus any ordinary income recognized either when the stock is received or when the stock becomes vested.
Subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the
provisions of the Code and the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation, we will generally be entitled to a tax deduction equal
to the taxable ordinary income realized by the recipient of the restricted stock award.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards
Generally, the recipient of an RSU award structured
to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or an exception to Section 409A of the Code will recognize ordinary
income at the time the stock is delivered equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock received over any
amount paid by the recipient in exchange for the stock. To comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, the stock
subject to an RSU award may generally only be delivered upon one of the following events: a fixed calendar date (or dates), separation
from service, death, disability or a change in control. If delivery occurs on another date, unless the RSU award otherwise complies
with or qualifies for an exception to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code (including delivery upon achievement of a performance
goal), in addition to the tax treatment described above, the recipient will owe an additional 20% federal tax and interest on any
taxes owed.
The recipient’s basis for the determination
of gain or loss upon the subsequent disposition of shares acquired from an RSU award will be the amount paid for such shares plus
any ordinary income recognized when the stock is delivered.
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Proposal 4: Approval of an Amendment
to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan
Subject to the requirement of reasonableness, the
provisions of the Code and the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation, we will generally be entitled to a tax deduction equal
to the taxable ordinary income realized by the recipient of the RSU award.
Stock Appreciation Rights
Generally, if a stock appreciation right is granted
with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date, the recipient will recognize ordinary
income equal to the fair market value of the stock or cash received upon such exercise. Subject to the requirement of reasonableness,
the provisions of the Code, and the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation, we will generally be entitled to a tax deduction
equal to the taxable ordinary income realized by the recipient of the stock appreciation right.
NEW PLAN BENEFITS
All awards under the Amended 2017 Plan are made in
the discretion of the Plan Administrator, and no Awards have been granted under the Amended 2017 Plan subject to stockholder approval
of this Proposal No. Four. Therefore, the benefits and amounts that will be received or allocated under the Amended 2017 Plan are
not determinable at this time. Our past equity grants to our NEOs, and our current Director compensation policy, are discussed
above.
2017 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN BENEFITS
The following table shows, for each of the named
executive officers and the various groups indicated, the number of stock options underlying shares of common stock that have been
granted (even if not currently outstanding) under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan since its approval by the stockholders in June
2019 and through March 31, 2021.
2017 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Name and Position |
|
Number of shares
subject to grant (#) |
Jean-Jacques Bienaimé, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer |
|
229,740 |
Brian R. Mueller, Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer |
|
47,720 |
Daniel Spiegelman, Former Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer |
|
0 |
Jeff Ajer, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial
Officer |
|
55,990 |
Robert A. Baffi, Ph.D., Former President of Global
Manufacturing and Technical Operations |
|
30,390 |
Henry J. Fuchs, M.D., President of Worldwide Research
& Development |
|
89,680 |
C. Greg Guyer, Ph.D., Executive Vice President of
Global Manufacturing and Technical Operations and Chief Technical Officer |
|
89,800 |
Current Executive Officer Group (seven persons) |
|
580,970 |
Non-Executive Director Group (10 persons) |
|
0 |
Nominees for Director (11 persons, consisting of Jean-Jacques
Bienaimé and the Non-Executive Directors) |
|
229,740 |
Each Associate of any Director, Executive Officer
or Nominee |
|
— |
Each Other Current 5% Holder or Future 5% Recipient |
|
— |
|
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL 4. |
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THESE PROXY MATERIALS
AND VOTING
Why did I receive a one-page notice in the mail regarding
the Internet availability of proxy materials instead of a full set of proxy materials?
Pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC, we have elected
to provide access to our proxy materials over the Internet. Accordingly, we are sending an Important Notice Regarding the Availability
of Proxy Materials (the Proxy Availability Notice) to our stockholders of record. All stockholders will have the ability to access
the proxy materials on the website referred to in the Proxy Availability Notice free of charge or request to receive a printed
set of the proxy materials for the Annual Meeting. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request
a printed copy may be found in the Proxy Availability Notice.
We intend to mail the Proxy Availability Notice on
or about April 13, 2021 to all stockholders of record entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. We expect that this Proxy Statement
and the other proxy materials will be available to stockholders on or about April 13, 2021.
What does it mean if I receive more than one Proxy
Availability Notice?
If you receive more than one Proxy Availability Notice,
your shares may be registered in more than one name or in different accounts. Please follow the voting instructions on each Proxy
Availability Notice to ensure that all of your shares are voted.
How do I attend the Annual Meeting?
We will be hosting the Annual Meeting live via the
Internet. You will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person. Any stockholder can listen to and participate in the Annual
Meeting live via the Internet at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BMRN2021. Our Board annually considers the appropriate
format of our annual meeting and this year has decided to hold a virtual annual meeting due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. In
addition, we intend the virtual meeting format to provide stockholders a similar level of transparency to the traditional in-person
meeting format and we will take steps to ensure such an experience. Our stockholders will be afforded the same opportunities to
participate at the virtual Annual Meeting as they would at an in-person annual meeting of stockholders. Our virtual annual meeting
will allow stockholders to submit questions and comments during the meeting. After the meeting, we will spend up to 15 minutes
answering stockholder questions that comply with the meeting rules of conduct, which will be posted on the virtual meeting web
portal. To the extent time doesn’t allow us to answer all of the appropriately submitted questions, we will answer them in
writing on our investor relations website, at https://investors.biomarin.com, soon after the meeting. If we receive substantially
similar questions, we will group such questions together and provide a single response to avoid repetition.
If you attend the virtual meeting as described above,
you will be deemed to be attending in person, as provided by Delaware law.
The Annual Meeting webcast will begin promptly at
9:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) on May 25, 2021. We encourage you to access the Meeting webcast prior to the start time. Online check-in
will begin, and stockholders may begin submitting written questions, at 8:45 a.m. (Pacific Time), and you should allow ample time
for the check-in procedures.
You will need the 16-digit control number included
on your Notice of Internet Availability or your proxy card or voting instruction form (if you received a printed copy of the proxy
materials) or included in the email to you if you received the proxy materials by email in order to be able to vote your shares
or submit questions during the Annual Meeting. Instructions on how to connect to the Annual Meeting and participate via the Internet,
including how to demonstrate proof of stock ownership, will be posted at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BMRN2021 two
weeks prior to the date of the Annual Meeting. If you do not have your 16-digit control number, you will be able to access and
listen to the Annual Meeting as a guest, but you will not be able to vote your shares or submit questions during the Annual Meeting.
We will have technicians ready to assist you with
any technical difficulties you may have accessing the virtual meeting or submitting questions. If you encounter any difficulties
accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in or meeting time, please call the technical support number that will be posted
on the virtual meeting web portal.
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Additional Information
Who can vote at the Annual Meeting?
Only stockholders of record at the close of business
on the Record Date will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. On the Record Date, there were 182,660,481 shares of common
stock outstanding and entitled to vote.
Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your
Name
If on the Record Date your shares were registered
directly in your name with BioMarin’s transfer agent, Computershare Inc., then you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder
of record, you may vote at the Annual Meeting, which will be held virtually via the Internet, or vote by proxy. Whether or not
you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy over the telephone, or on the Internet as instructed below,
or complete, date, sign and return the proxy card mailed to you to ensure your vote is counted.
Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name
of a Broker, Bank or Other Nominee
If on the Record Date your shares were held not in
your name, but rather in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial
owner of shares held in “street name” and the Proxy Availability Notice is being forwarded to you by that organization.
The organization holding your account is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting.
As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other nominee regarding how to vote the shares in your
account. You are also invited to attend and vote at the Annual Meeting, which will be held virtually via the Internet. However,
since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not be able to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting unless you request and
obtain a valid proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee. Please contact your broker, bank or other nominee for information
about specific requirements if you would like to vote your shares during the Annual Meeting.
What am I voting on?
There are three matters scheduled for a vote:
1 |
To elect the 11 nominees for director to serve until the next Annual Meeting and until
their successors are duly elected and qualified; |
2 |
To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting
firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020; |
3 |
To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s NEOs as disclosed
in this Proxy Statement; and |
4 |
To approve an amendment to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended. |
What if another matter is properly brought before
the Annual Meeting?
The Board knows of no other matters that will be
presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, the persons
named in the accompanying proxy will vote on those matters in accordance with their best judgment.
What is the Board’s voting recommendation?
The Board recommends that you vote your shares:
• |
“FOR” the election of all 11 nominees for director; |
• |
“FOR” the ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP as our independent registered
public accounting firm for BioMarin for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2020; |
• |
“FOR” the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Company’s
NEOs as disclosed in this Proxy Statement; and |
• |
“FOR” the approval of an amendment to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended. |
How do I vote?
With regard to the election of directors, you may
vote “For” all the nominees to the Board or you may “Withhold” your vote for all the nominees or any individual
nominee you specify. With regard to each of the other matters to be voted on, you may vote “For” or “Against”
or abstain from voting.
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Additional Information
The procedures for voting depend on whether your
shares are registered in your name or are held by a bank, broker or other nominee:
Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your
Name
If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote
at the Annual Meeting, which will be held virtually via the Internet, vote by proxy over the telephone, vote by proxy through the
Internet, or vote by proxy using a proxy card that you may request or that we may elect to deliver at a later time. Whether or
not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure your vote is counted. You may still attend the
Annual Meeting and vote online even if you have already voted by proxy.
• |
To vote over the telephone, dial toll-free 1-866-690-6903
using a touch-tone phone and follow the recorded instructions. You will be asked to provide the company number and control
number from the Proxy Availability Notice. Your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time on May 24, 2021
to be counted. |
• |
To vote through the Internet, go to http://www.proxyvote.com
to complete an electronic proxy card. You will be asked to provide the company number and control number from the Proxy
Availability Notice. Your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on May 24, 2020 to be counted. |
• |
To vote using the proxy card, simply complete, sign
and date the proxy card that may be delivered to you and return it promptly in the envelope provided. If you return your signed
proxy card to us and we receive it before the Annual Meeting, we will vote your shares as you direct. |
• |
To vote during the Annual Meeting, attend the Annual
Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BMRN2021 and follow the instructions posted there. Please have
your 16-digit control number to join the Annual Meeting. |
Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name
of Broker, Bank or Other Nominee
If you are a beneficial owner of shares registered
in the name of your broker, bank, or other nominee, you should have received a Proxy Availability Notice containing voting instructions
from that organization rather than from BioMarin. Simply follow the voting instructions in the Proxy Availability Notice to ensure
that your vote is counted. To vote online at the Annual Meeting, which will be held virtually via the Internet, attend the Annual
Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BMRN2021 and follow the instructions posted there. Please have your
16-digit control number to join the Annual Meeting. Additionally, you may need to request and obtain a valid proxy from your broker,
bank or other nominee to vote your shares during the Annual Meeting. Please contact your broker, bank or other nominee for information
about specific requirements if you would like to vote your shares during the Annual Meeting.
Internet proxy voting may be provided to allow you
to vote your shares online, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions.
However, please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your Internet access, such as usage charges from Internet
access providers and telephone companies.
How many votes do I have?
On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote
for each share of common stock you own as of the Record Date.
What if I return a proxy card or otherwise vote but
do not make specific choices?
If you return a signed and dated proxy card or otherwise
vote without marking voting selections, your shares will be voted, as applicable, “FOR” the election of all 11 nominees
for director, “FOR” the ratification of KPMG as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm,
“FOR” the advisory approval of the compensation of the NEOs and “FOR” approval of an amendment to the 2017
Equity Incentive Plan, as amended. If any other matter is properly presented at the Annual Meeting, your proxy holder (one of the
individuals named on your proxy card) will vote your shares using his or her best judgment.
Will my vote be kept confidential?
Proxies, ballots and voting tabulations are handled
on a confidential basis to protect your voting privacy. This information will not be disclosed, except as required by law.
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Additional Information
Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?
The accompanying proxy is solicited on behalf of
the Board for use at the Annual Meeting. Accordingly, the Company will pay for the entire cost of soliciting proxies. In addition
to these proxy materials, our directors and employees and Innisfree M&A Incorporated may also solicit proxies in person, by
telephone, or by other means of communication. Directors and employees of the Company will not be paid any additional compensation
for soliciting proxies, but Innisfree M&A Incorporated will be paid its customary fee of approximately $20,000 plus out-of-pocket
expenses if it solicits proxies. We may also reimburse brokerage firms, banks and other nominees for the cost of forwarding proxy
materials to beneficial owners.
Can I change my vote after submitting my proxy?
Yes. You can revoke your proxy at any time before
the final vote at the Annual Meeting. If you are the record holder of your shares, you may revoke your proxy in any one of the
following ways:
• |
You may submit another properly completed proxy card with a later date. |
• |
You may grant a subsequent proxy by telephone or through the Internet. |
• |
You may send a timely written notice that you are revoking your proxy to the Company’s
Secretary at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Attention: G. Eric Davis, 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949. Such notice will
be considered timely if it is received at the indicated address by close of business on the business day immediately preceding
the date of the Annual Meeting. |
• |
You may attend the Annual Meeting, which will be held virtually via the Internet, and vote
online. Simply attending the Annual Meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy. |
Your most current proxy card or telephone or Internet
proxy is the one that is counted, so long as it is provided within the applicable deadline. If your shares are held by your broker,
banker or other nominee, you should follow the instructions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee.
When are stockholder proposals and director nominations
for inclusion in our proxy statement for next year’s Annual Meeting due?
Stockholders wishing to present proposals for inclusion
in our proxy statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act must submit their proposals so that
they are received by us at our principal executive offices no later than December 14, 2021. However, if our 2022 Annual Meeting
is not held between April 25, 2022 and June 24, 2022, then the deadline will be a reasonable time prior to the time that we begin
to print and mail our proxy materials.
Eligible stockholders wishing to nominate a candidate
for election to the Board at the 2022 Annual Meeting and to have such candidate included in the proxy materials for such meeting
pursuant to our proxy access bylaw must submit such nomination between November 14, 2021 and December 14, 2021 and must include
the information set forth in Article II, Section 2.15(c) of our Bylaws.
Proposals for inclusion in our proxy statement for
the 2022 Annual Meeting should be sent to the Company’s Secretary at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Attention: G. Eric Davis,
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949.
When are other proposals and director nominations
for next year’s Annual Meeting due?
With respect to proposals and nominations other than
those to be included in our proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act or our proxy access bylaw, our Bylaws provide
that stockholders who wish to nominate a director or propose other business to be brought before the stockholders at the Annual
Meeting must notify our Secretary by a written notice, which notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less
than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding year’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
For the 2022 Annual Meeting, stockholders wishing
to present nominations for director or proposals for consideration under these provisions of our Bylaws must submit their nominations
or proposals so that they are received at our principal executive offices not earlier than January 25, 2022 and not later than
February 24, 2022 in order to be considered. In the event that the 2022 Annual Meeting is to be held on a date that is not within
25 days before or 60 days after May 25, 2022, then a stockholder’s notice must be received by the Secretary no later than
the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which notice of the date of the 2022 Annual Meeting was mailed or the
day we make a public announcement of the date of the 2022 Annual Meeting, whichever first occurs.
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Additional Information
In addition, with respect to nominations for directors,
if the number of directors to be elected at the 2022 Annual Meeting is increased effective at the 2022 Annual Meeting and there
is no public announcement by us naming the nominees for the additional directorships at least 100 days prior to May 25, 2022, a
stockholder’s notice will also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for the additional directorships,
if it is delivered to our Secretary at our principal executive offices not later than the close of business on the 10th day following
the day on which such public announcement is first made by us.
Nominations or proposals should be sent in writing
to the Company’s Secretary at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Attention: G. Eric Davis, 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949.
A stockholder’s notice to nominate a director or bring any other business before 2020 Annual Meeting must set forth certain
information, which is specified in our Bylaws. A complete copy of our Bylaws may be found in the Corporate Governance section of
the Investors section of our website at www.bmrn.com. Information on our website is NOT incorporated by reference in this
Proxy Statement.
How can I recommend a director nominee for consideration
by the CGN Committee?
In order for a stockholder to have a candidate considered
by the CGN Committee, a stockholder should submit a written recommendation that includes: (i) the name and record address of the
stockholder (and beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made) and evidence of the stockholder’s and
beneficial owner’s ownership of our stock, including the number of shares owned and the length of time of ownership; (ii)
a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to the nomination between or among such stockholder and/or
such beneficial owner and affiliates or others acting together; (iii) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding
(including any derivative or short positions, profit interests, options, warrants, convertible securities, stock appreciation or
similar rights, hedging transactions, and borrowed or loaned shares) that has been entered into as of the date of the stockholder’s
notice by, or on behalf of, such stockholder and/or such beneficial owners; (iv) a representation that the stockholder and/or any
beneficial owner intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice; (v) whether
the stockholder or any beneficial owner intends or is part of a group that intends to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of
proxy to holders of at least the percentage of our outstanding capital stock required to elect the nominee and/or otherwise to
solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such nomination; and (vi) any other information relating to such stockholder that
would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitation of
proxies for election of directors pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act. With respect to each person whom the stockholder
proposes to nominate for election as a director, the stockholder must include (1) the name, age, business address and residence
address of the director candidate, (2) the candidate’s resume or a listing of his or her qualifications to be a director
(including principal occupation or employment), (3) the class or series and number of shares of stock which are owned beneficially
or of record by the candidate, and (4) any other information relating to the candidate that would be required to be disclosed in
a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitation of proxies for election of directors pursuant
to Section 14 of the Exchange Act. The notice must also be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to being named
as a nominee if selected by the CGN Committee and nominated by the Board. Stockholder recommendations should be addressed to the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee at 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949, c/o G. Eric Davis, Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary.
For stockholder nominations to be included in the
proxy materials for a future meeting pursuant to our proxy access bylaw or brought before the stockholders at a future meeting,
please see “When are stockholder proposals and director nominations for inclusion in our proxy statement for next year’s
Annual Meeting due?” and “When are other proposals and director nominations for next year’s Annual Meeting due?”
above.
How are votes counted?
Votes will be counted by the inspector of election
appointed for the Annual Meeting, who will separately count, “For,” “Withhold” and broker non-votes for
the proposal to elect directors, and with respect to other proposals, votes “For,” “Against,” “Abstain”
and broker non-votes, if applicable.
What are “broker non-votes”?
Broker non-votes occur when a beneficial owner of
shares held in “street name” does not give instructions to the broker, bank or other nominee holding the shares as
to how to vote. Generally, if shares are held in street name, the beneficial owner of the shares is entitled to give voting instructions
to the broker, bank or other nominee holding the shares. If the beneficial owner does not provide voting instructions, the broker,
bank or other nominee can still vote the shares with respect to matters that are considered to be “routine,” but cannot
vote the shares with respect to “non-routine” matters. Under the rules and interpretations of the New York Stock Exchange
(the NYSE), which generally apply to all brokers, bank or other nominees, on voting matters characterized by the NYSE as “routine,”
NYSE member firms have the discretionary authority to vote shares for which their customers do not provide voting instructions.
On non-routine proposals, such “uninstructed shares” may not be voted by member firms. Only Proposal No. Two—Ratification
of the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm is considered a “routine” matter for this purpose,
and brokers, banks or other nominees will generally have discretionary voting power with respect to such proposal.
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Additional Information
What is the effect of abstentions and broker non-votes?
Abstentions: Under Delaware law (under which
BioMarin is incorporated), abstentions are counted as shares present and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, and therefore
counted as present for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present, but they are not counted as shares cast. Our Bylaws
provide that a stockholder action (other than the election of directors and unless otherwise required by applicable laws, regulations
or stock exchange rules) shall be decided by the vote of the holders of a majority of the total number of votes of the Company’s
capital stock cast on the matter. Therefore, abstentions will have no effect on Proposal No. Two—Ratification of the selection
of KPMG as our independent registered public accounting firm and Proposal No. Three—Advisory vote on executive compensation.
Broker Non-Votes: The “non-routine”
matters on the agenda for the Annual Meeting for which brokers, banks and other nominees will not be able to vote uninstructed
shares include Proposal No. One—Election of directors, Proposal No. Three—Advisory vote on executive compensation and
Proposal No. Four—Approval of an amendment to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.
Broker non-votes will be counted as present at the
Annual Meeting for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. However, because broker non-votes
are not considered under Delaware law to be votes cast, they will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on: Proposal No. One—Election
of directors, Proposal No. Three—Advisory vote on executive compensation and Proposal No. Four—Approval of an amendment
to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended. As a result, if you hold your shares in street name and you do not instruct your
broker, bank or other nominee how to vote your shares on these proposals, no votes will be cast on your behalf on these proposals.
Therefore, it is critical that you indicate your vote on these proposals if you want your vote to be counted. Proposal No. Two—Ratification
of the selection of KPMG as our independent registered public accounting firm is considered a “routine” matter. Therefore,
your broker, bank or other nominee will be able to vote on that proposal even if it does not receive instructions from you, so
long as it holds your shares in its name.
How many votes are needed to approve each proposal?
Proposal |
|
Vote Required |
|
Broker Discretionary
Voting Allowed? |
No. One. Election of Directors |
|
Plurality |
|
No |
No. Two. Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
|
Majority Cast |
|
Yes |
No. Three. Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation |
|
Majority Cast |
|
No |
No. Four. Approval of an Amendment to the 2017 Equity
Incentive Plan, As Amended |
|
Majority Cast |
|
No |
A “Plurality,” with regard to the election
of directors, means that the 11 nominees who receive the most “For” votes cast by the holders of shares either present
in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote will be elected to our Board. A “Majority Cast,” with regard
to the ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm, the advisory vote on executive compensation and the approval
of an amendment to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended means that a majority of the votes cast on each proposal must be
voted “For” the respective proposal.
Accordingly:
• |
Proposal No. One: For the election of directors,
the 11 nominees receiving the most “For” votes cast by the holders of shares present in person or represented
by proxy and entitled to vote on Proposal No. One will be elected. Only votes “For” or “Withheld”
will affect the outcome. Broker non-votes will have no effect. Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Principles, any nominee
for director who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from his or her election than votes “for”
his or her election in an uncontested election at a stockholders’ meeting should promptly tender his or her resignation
to the Chair of the Board following certification of the stockholder vote. |
• |
Proposal No. Two: To be approved, a majority of the
total votes cast on Proposal No. Two must be voted “For” the ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP as our
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. Abstentions and broker non-votes
will not be considered votes cast on Proposal No. Two and will have no effect; however, the ratification of KPMG is a matter
on which a broker, bank or other nominee has discretionary voting authority, and thus, we do not expect any broker non-votes
with respect to Proposal No. Two. |
• |
Proposal No. Three: To be approved, a majority of
the total votes cast on Proposal No. Three must be voted “For” the advisory approval of the compensation of the
Company’s NEOs. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be considered votes cast on Proposal No. Three and will have
no effect. |
• |
Proposal No. Four: To be approved, a majority of
the total votes cast on Proposal No. Three must be voted “For” the approval of an amendment to the 2017 Equity
Incentive Plan, as amended. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be considered votes cast on Proposal No. Three and will
have no effect. |
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Additional Information
What is the quorum requirement?
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid
stockholder meeting. A quorum will be present if stockholders holding at least a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to
vote are present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting. On the Record Date, there were 182,660,481 shares outstanding
and entitled to vote. Thus, the holders of at least 91,330,241 shares must be present in person or represented by proxy at the
Annual Meeting to have a quorum. As described above, Stockholders attending the virtual meeting will be deemed to be attending
in person, as provided by Delaware law, and their shares will be counted towards the quorum requirement.
Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only
if you submit a valid proxy by mail, over the phone or through the Internet (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker,
bank or other nominee) or if you attend the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the quorum
requirement. If there is no quorum, then the holders entitled to vote thereat, present at the Annual Meeting in person or represented
by proxy, by a majority of the votes cast, may adjourn the meeting to another date. At any adjourned Annual Meeting at which a
quorum is present, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the Annual Meeting as originally notified.
If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, or if after that adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned Annual Meeting,
a notice of the adjourned Annual Meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the adjourned Annual
Meeting.
How can I find out the results of the voting at the
Annual Meeting?
Preliminary voting results will be announced at the
Annual Meeting. In addition, final voting results will be published in a current report on Form 8-K that we expect to file with
the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to file a Form
8-K with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting, we intend to file a Form 8-K to publish the preliminary results
within four business days after the Annual Meeting and file an amended Form 8-K to publish the final results within four business
days after the final results are known to us.
If you have any questions or need assistance in
voting your shares, please call the following firm, which is assisting the Company in the solicitation of proxies:
Innisfree M&A Incorporated
501 Madison Avenue, 20th floor
New York, New York 10022
Stockholders may call toll free: (888) 750-5834
Banks and Brokers may call collect: (212) 750-5833
HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and
intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for the Proxy Availability Notice or other Annual Meeting materials
with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single Proxy Availability Notice or other Annual
Meeting Materials addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as householding, potentially provides
extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies. Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to
be able to access and receive separate proxy cards.
A number of brokers with account holders who are
our stockholders will be “householding” our proxy materials. A Proxy Availability Notice or proxy materials will be
delivered in one single envelope to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from
one or more of the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be householding communications
to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time,
you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate Proxy Availability Notice or proxy materials,
please notify your broker or contact Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. in writing at: Attn: Householding Department, 51 Mercedes
Way, Edgewood, NY 11717; or by telephone: (866) 540-7095. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the Proxy Availability
Notice or proxy materials at their address and would like to request householding of their communications should contact their
broker. In addition, we will promptly deliver, upon written or oral request to the address or telephone number above, a separate
copy of the Proxy Availability Notice or proxy materials to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the documents
was delivered.
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Table of Contents
Additional Information
OTHER MATTERS
The Board knows of no other matters that will be
presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is the
intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Proxy Statement and other materials we are sending
you or that are available on our website in connection with the Annual Meeting (the Other Materials) contain “forward-looking
statements” as defined under federal securities laws. Many of these statements can be identified by the use of terminology
such as “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “may,”
“will,” “projects,” “continues,” “estimates,” “potential,” “opportunity”
or the negative versions of these terms and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may be found in the sections
of this Proxy Statement titled “Proxy Overview,” “Executive Compensation,” and other sections of this Proxy
Statement, as well as the Other Materials. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions,
and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results or experience and the timing of events to differ
significantly from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed
in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021
under “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”
and elsewhere in the Annual Report. You should carefully consider that information before voting.
You should not place undue reliance on these statements,
which speak only as of the date that they were made. These cautionary statements should be considered in connection with any written
or oral forward-looking statements that we may make in the future. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions
to these forward-looking statements to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
APPROVAL
The contents of this Proxy Statement and the sending
thereof to the stockholders have been authorized by the Board.
By Order of the Board of Directors
G. Eric Davis
Executive Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary
April 13, 2021
A copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the SEC on February 26, 2021, is available without charge upon written request to
Investor Relations, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 105 Digital Drive, Novato, CA 94949 or by accessing a copy on BioMarin’s
website at www.bmrn.com in the Investors section under “Financial Information—SEC Filings.” Information
on our website is NOT incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement.
Table of Contents
APPENDIX A
BIOMARIN PHARMACEUTICAL INC.
2017 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED
Adopted by the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors on April 10, 2017; Approved by the Stockholders on June 6, 2017
Amended by the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors on April 12, 2019; Amendment Approved by the Stockholders on June 4, 2019
Amended by the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors on April 5, 2021 Amendment Approved by the Stockholders on
| (a) | Successor
to and Continuation of Prior Plan. The Plan is intended
as the successor to and continuation of the Company’s 2006 Share Incentive Plan,
as amended and restated on April 16, 2015 (the “2006 Plan”).
From and after 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time on the Effective Date, no additional awards will
be granted under the 2006 Plan. All Awards granted on or after 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time
on the Effective Date will be granted under this Plan. All awards granted under the 2006
Plan or under the Company’s 1997 Stock Plan or the Company’s 1998 Director
Option Plan (collectively, with the 2006 Plan, the “Prior Plans”),
will remain subject to the terms of the Prior Plans. |
| (i) | Any
shares that would otherwise remain available for future grants under the 2006 Plan as
of 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time on the Effective Date (the “2006 Plan’s
Available Reserve”) will cease to be available under the 2006 Plan at such
time. Instead, that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the 2006 Plan’s Available
Reserve will be added to the Share Reserve (as further described in Section 3(a) below)
and will be immediately available for grants and issuance pursuant to Stock Awards hereunder,
up to the maximum number set forth in Section 3(a) below. |
| (ii) | In
addition, from and after 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time on the Effective Date, any shares subject,
at such time, to outstanding stock awards granted under the 2006 Plan that (i) expire
or terminate for any reason prior to exercise or settlement; or (ii) are forfeited because
of the failure to meet a contingency or condition required to vest such shares (such
shares the “Returning Shares”) will immediately be added to
the Share Reserve (as further described in Section 3(a) below) as and when such shares
become Returning Shares, up to the maximum number set forth in Section 3(a) below. |
| (b) | Eligible
Award Recipients. Employees, Directors and Consultants
are eligible to receive Awards. |
| (c) | Available
Awards. The Plan provides for the grant of the following
Awards: (i) Incentive Stock Options, (ii) Nonstatutory Stock Options, (iii) Stock Appreciation
Rights, (iv) Restricted Stock Awards, (v) Restricted Stock Unit Awards, (vi) Performance
Stock Awards, (vii) Performance Cash Awards, and (viii) Other Stock Awards. |
| (d) | Purpose.
The Plan, through the grant of Awards, is intended
to help the Company secure and retain the services of eligible award recipients, provide
incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of the Company and
any Affiliate, and provide a means by which the eligible recipients may benefit from
increases in value of the Common Stock. |
| (a) | Administration
by Board. The Board will administer the Plan. The
Board may delegate administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees, as provided
in Section 2(c). |
| (b) | Powers
of Board. The Board will have the power, subject
to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of the Plan: |
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Appendix A
| (i) | To determine: (A) who will be granted Awards; (B) when and how each Award will be granted; (C)
what type of Award will be granted; (D) the provisions of each Award (which need not be identical), including when a person will
be permitted to exercise or otherwise receive cash or Common Stock under the Award; (E) the number of shares of Common Stock subject
to, or the cash value of, an Award; and (F) the Fair Market Value applicable to a Stock Award. |
| (ii) | To construe and interpret the Plan and Awards granted under it, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for
administration of the Plan and Awards. The Board, in the exercise of these powers, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency
in the Plan or in any Award Agreement or in the written terms of a Performance Cash Award, in a manner and to the extent it will
deem necessary or expedient to make the Plan or Award fully effective. |
| (iii) | To settle all controversies regarding the Plan and Awards granted under it. |
| (iv) | To accelerate, in whole or in part, the time at which an Award may be exercised or vest (or the time at which cash or shares
of Common Stock may be issued in settlement thereof). |
| (v) | To suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or an Award Agreement, suspension or
termination of the Plan will not materially impair a Participant’s rights under the Participant’s then-outstanding
Award without the Participant’s written consent, except as provided in subsection (viii) below. |
| (vi) | To amend the Plan in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable, including, without limitation, by adopting amendments
relating to Incentive Stock Options and certain nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code and/or bringing
the Plan or Awards granted under the Plan into compliance with the requirements for Incentive Stock Options or ensuring that they
are exempt from, or compliant with, the requirements for nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, subject
to the limitations, if any, of applicable law. If required by applicable law or listing requirements, and except as provided in
Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the Company will seek shareholder approval of any amendment of the Plan that
(A) materially increases the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan, (B) materially expands the
class of individuals eligible to receive Awards under the Plan, (C) materially increases the benefits accruing to Participants
under the Plan, (D) materially reduces the price at which shares of Common Stock may be issued or purchased under the Plan, (E)
materially extends the term of the Plan, or (F) materially expands the types of Awards available for issuance under the Plan. Except
as otherwise provided in the Plan or an Award Agreement, no amendment of the Plan will materially impair a Participant’s
rights under an outstanding Award without the Participant’s written consent. |
| (vii) | To submit any amendment to the Plan for shareholder approval, including, but not limited to, amendments to the Plan intended
to satisfy the requirements of (A) Section 162(m) of the Code regarding the exclusion of performance-based compensation from the
limit on corporate deductibility of compensation paid to Covered Employees, (B) Section 422 of the Code regarding “incentive
stock options” or (C) Rule 16b-3. |
| (viii) | To approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan and to amend the terms of any one or more Awards, including, but
not limited to, amendments to provide terms more favorable to the Participant than previously provided in the Award Agreement,
subject to any specified limits in the Plan that are not subject to Board discretion (including, without limitation, the limits
set forth in Sections 8(c) and 8(m) below); provided, however, that a Participant’s rights under any Award will not be impaired
by any such amendment unless (A) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (B) such Participant consents
in writing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) a Participant’s rights will not be deemed to have been impaired by any such
amendment if the Board, in its sole discretion, determines that the amendment, taken as a whole, does not materially impair the
Participant’s rights, and (2) subject to the limitations of applicable law, if any, the Board may amend the terms of any
one or more Awards without the affected Participant’s consent (A) to maintain the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive
Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code; (B) to change the terms of an Incentive Stock Option, if such change results in impairment
of the Award solely because it impairs the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the
Code; (C) to clarify the manner of exemption from, or to bring the Award into compliance with, Section 409A of the Code; or (D)
to comply with other applicable laws or listing requirements. |
| (ix) | Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Board deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests
of the Company and that are not in conflict with the provisions of the Plan or Awards. |
| (x) | To adopt such procedures and sub-plans as are necessary or appropriate to permit participation in the Plan by Employees, Directors
or Consultants who are foreign nationals or employed outside the United States (provided that Board approval will not be necessary
for immaterial modifications to the Plan or any Award Agreement that are required for compliance with the laws of the relevant
foreign jurisdiction). |
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Appendix A
| (c) | Delegation to Committee. |
| (i) | General.
The Board may delegate some or all of the administration
of the Plan to a Committee or Committees. If administration of the Plan is delegated
to a Committee, the Committee will have, in connection with the administration of the
Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board that have been delegated to the Committee,
including the power to delegate to a subcommittee of the Committee any of the administrative
powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board
will thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee, as applicable). Any delegation of
administrative powers will be reflected in resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions
of the Plan, adopted from time to time by the Board or Committee (as applicable). The
Board may retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with the Committee
and may, at any time, revest in the Board some or all of the powers previously delegated. |
| (ii) | Section
162(m) and Rule 16b-3 Compliance. The Committee shall
consist solely of two or more directors that qualify as Outside Directors, in accordance
with Section 162(m) of the Code, and Non-Employee Directors, in accordance with Rule
16b-3. |
| (d) | Delegation
to an Officer. To
the extent permissible under applicable law, the Board may delegate to one (1) or more
Officers the authority to do one or both of the following (i) designate Employees who
are not Officers to be recipients of Options and SARs (and, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, other Stock Awards) and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the
terms of such Awards, and (ii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be subject
to such Stock Awards granted to such Employees; provided, however, that the Board
resolutions regarding such delegation will specify the total number of shares of Common
Stock that may be subject to the Stock Awards granted by such Officer and that such Officer
may not grant a Stock Award to himself or herself. Any such Stock Awards will be granted
on the form of Stock Award Agreement most recently approved for use by the Committee
or the Board, unless otherwise provided in the resolutions approving the delegation authority.
The Board may not delegate authority to an Officer who is acting solely in the capacity
of an Officer (and not also as a Director) to determine the Fair Market Value pursuant
to Section 13(y)(iii) below. |
| (e) | Effect
of Board’s Decision. All determinations, interpretations
and constructions made by the Board in good faith will not be subject to review by any
person and will be final, binding and conclusive on all persons. |
| (f) | No
Repricing of Awards. Neither the Board nor any Committee
will have the authority to (i) reduce the exercise or strike price of any outstanding
Option or SAR or (ii) cancel any outstanding Option or SAR that has an exercise or strike
price (per share) greater than the then-current Fair Market Value of the Common Stock
in exchange for cash or other Stock Awards under the Plan, unless the stockholders of
the Company have approved such an action within twelve (12) months prior to such an event. |
3. |
Shares
Subject to the Plan. |
| (a) | Share
Reserve. Subject to Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization
Adjustments, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant
to Stock Awards will not exceed 42,380,015 shares (the “Share Reserve”),
which number is the sum of (i) 10,500,000 new shares, plus (ii) 11,000,000 shares
approved by the stockholders on June 4, 2019, plus (iii) 5,250,000 shares approved
by the stockholders on June 6, 2017, plus (iv) the number of shares subject to
the 2006 Plan’s Available Reserve, plus (v) the number of shares that are
Returning Shares, as such shares become available from time to time (in the case of (iv)
and (v), up to an aggregate maximum of 15,630,015 shares). For every one share of Common
Stock that is subject to a Stock Award other than an Option or SAR, the shares available
for issuance under the Plan shall be reduced by 1.92 shares. For every one share of Common
Stock that is subject to an Option or SAR, the shares available for issuance under the
Plan shall be reduced by one share. The issuance of Substitute Awards will not reduce
the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan. |
| (b) | Reversion
of Shares to the Share Reserve. |
| (i) | Shares
Available for Subsequent Issuance. The following
shares of Common Stock will become available again for issuance under the Plan: (A) any
shares subject to a Stock Award that are not issued because such Stock Award or any portion
thereof expires or otherwise terminates without all of the shares covered by such Stock
Award having been issued; (B) any shares issued pursuant to a Stock Award that are forfeited
back to or repurchased by the Company because of the failure to meet a contingency or
condition required for the vesting of such shares. Any shares that again become available
for issuance pursuant to this paragraph shall be added back as (a) one (1) share for
every one (1) share that is subject to an Award granted under the 2006 Plan prior to
May 12, 2010; (b) one (1) share for every one (1) share that is subject to an Option
granted under the 2006 Plan on or after May 12, 2010; (c) 1.62 shares for every one (1)
share that is subject to any Award granted under the 2006 Plan on or after May 12, 2010
and prior to May 15, 2013 other than an Option; (d) 1.92 shares for every one (1) share
that is subject to any Award granted under the 2006 Plan on or after May 15, 2013 other
than an Option; (e) one (1) share for every one (1) share that is subject to an Option
or SAR granted under this Plan; and (f) 1.92 Shares for every one (1) share that is subject
to an Award granted under this Plan other than an Option or SAR. |
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Appendix A
| (ii) | Shares
Not Available for Subsequent Issuance. The following
shares of Common Stock will not become available again for issuance under the Plan: (A)
any shares that are reacquired or withheld (or not issued) by the Company to satisfy
the exercise, strike or purchase price of a Stock Award granted under the Plan or a stock
award granted under the Prior Plans (including any shares subject to such award that
are not delivered because such award is exercised through a reduction of shares subject
to such award (i.e., “net exercised”)); (B) any shares that are reacquired
or withheld (or not issued) by the Company to satisfy a tax withholding obligation in
connection with a Stock Award granted under the Plan or a stock award granted under the
Prior Plans; (C) any shares repurchased by the Company on the open market with the proceeds
of the exercise, strike or purchase price of a Stock Award granted under the Plan or
a stock award granted under the Prior Plans; and (D) in the event that a Stock Appreciation
Right granted under the Plan or a stock appreciation right granted under the Prior Plans
is settled in shares of Common Stock, the gross number of shares of Common Stock subject
to such award. |
| (c) | Incentive
Stock Option Limit. Subject to the provisions of
Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, the aggregate maximum number of
shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock
Options will be equal to 41,760,030. |
| (d) | Section
162(m) Limitations. Subject to the provisions of
Section 9(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, at such time as the Company may
be subject to the applicable provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code, the following
limitations shall apply. |
| (i) | A maximum of 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock subject to Options, SARs and Other Stock Awards
whose value is determined by reference to an increase over an exercise or strike price of at least 100% of the Fair Market Value
on the date the Stock Award is granted may be granted to any one Participant during any one calendar year. |
| (ii) | A maximum of 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock subject to Performance Stock Awards may be granted
to any one Participant during any one calendar year (whether the grant, vesting or exercise is contingent upon the attainment during
the Performance Period of the Performance Goals). |
| (iii) | A maximum of $10,000,000 may be granted as a Performance Cash Award to any one Participant during
any one calendar year. |
| (e) | Limitation
on Grants to Non-Employee Directors. The (i) maximum
number of shares of Common Stock subject to Stock Awards granted under the Plan or otherwise
during any one calendar year (beginning with the 2018 calendar year) to any Non-Employee
Director, taken together with the (ii) cash fees paid by the Company to such Non-Employee
Director during such calendar year, and in both cases for service on the Board, will
not exceed $1,000,000 in total value (calculating the value of any such Stock Awards
based on the grant date fair value of such Stock Awards for financial reporting purposes),
or, with respect to the calendar year in which a Non-Employee Director is first appointed
or elected to the Board, $1,500,000. |
| (f) | Source
of Shares. The stock issuable under the Plan will
be shares of authorized but unissued or reacquired Common Stock, including shares repurchased
by the Company on the open market or otherwise. |
| (a) | Eligibility
for Specific Stock Awards. Incentive Stock Options
may be granted only to employees of the Company or a “parent corporation”
or “subsidiary corporation” thereof (as such terms are defined in Sections
424(e) and 424(f) of the Code). Stock Awards other than Incentive Stock Options may be
granted to Employees, Directors and Consultants; provided, however, that Stock
Awards may not be granted to Employees, Directors and Consultants who are providing Continuous
Service only to any “parent” of the Company, as such term is defined in Rule
405 of the Securities Act, unless (i) the stock underlying such Stock Awards is treated
as “service recipient stock” under Section 409A of the Code (for example,
because the Stock Awards are granted pursuant to a corporate transaction such as a spin
off transaction), (ii) the Company, in consultation with its legal counsel, has determined
that such Stock Awards are otherwise exempt from Section 409A of the Code, or (iii) the
Company, in consultation with its legal counsel, has determined that such Stock Awards
comply with the distribution requirements of Section 409A of the Code. |
| (b) | Ten
Percent Shareholders. A Ten Percent Shareholder will
not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless the exercise price of such Option is
at least 110% of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant and the Option is not exercisable
after the expiration of five years from the date of grant. |
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5. |
Provisions
Relating to Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. |
Each Option or SAR will be in such form
and will contain such terms and conditions as the Board deems appropriate. All Options will be separately designated Incentive
Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options at the time of grant, and, if certificates are issued, a separate certificate or certificates
will be issued for shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of each type of Option. If an Option is not specifically designated
as an Incentive Stock Option, or if an Option is designated as an Incentive Stock Option but some portion or all of the Option
fails to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under the applicable rules, then the Option (or portion thereof) will be a Nonstatutory
Stock Option. The provisions of separate Options or SARs need not be identical; provided, however, that each Award Agreement
will conform to (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise) the substance
of each of the following provisions:
| (a) | Term.
Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b) regarding
Ten Percent Shareholders, no Option or SAR will be exercisable after the expiration of
ten years from the date of its grant or such shorter period specified in the Award Agreement. |
| (b) | Exercise
Price. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b)
regarding Ten Percent Shareholders and except in the case of Substitute Awards, the exercise
or strike price of each Option or SAR will be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value
of the Common Stock subject to the Option or SAR on the date the Award is granted. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, an Option or SAR may be granted with an exercise or strike price lower
than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Award if such Award
is granted pursuant to an assumption of or substitution for another option or stock appreciation
right pursuant to a Corporate Transaction and in a manner consistent with the provisions
of Section 409A of the Code and, if applicable, Section 424(a) of the Code. Each SAR
will be denominated in shares of Common Stock equivalents. |
| (c) | Purchase
Price for Options. The purchase price of Common Stock
acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option may be paid, to the extent permitted by
applicable law and as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, by any combination
of the methods of payment set forth below. The Board will have the authority to grant
Options that do not permit all of the following methods of payment (or otherwise restrict
the ability to use certain methods) and to grant Options that require the consent of
the Company to use a particular method of payment. The permitted methods of payment are
as follows: |
| (i) | by cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company; |
| (ii) | pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board
that, prior to the issuance of the stock subject to the Option, results in either the receipt of cash (or check) by the Company
or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the aggregate exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds; |
| (iii) | by delivery to the Company (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock; |
| (iv) | if an Option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option, by a “net exercise” arrangement pursuant
to which the Company will reduce the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise by the largest whole number of shares
with a Fair Market Value that does not exceed the aggregate exercise price; provided, however, that the Company will accept
a cash or other payment from the Participant to the extent of any remaining balance of the aggregate exercise price not satisfied
by such reduction in the number of whole shares to be issued. Shares of Common Stock will no longer be subject to an Option and
will not be exercisable thereafter to the extent that (A) shares issuable upon exercise are used to pay the exercise price pursuant
to the “net exercise,” (B) shares are delivered to the Participant as a result of such exercise, and (C) shares are
withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations; or |
| (v) | in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board and specified in
the applicable Award Agreement. |
| (d) | Exercise
and Payment of a SAR. To exercise any outstanding
SAR, the Participant must provide written notice of exercise to the Company in compliance
with the provisions of the Stock Appreciation Right Agreement evidencing such SAR. The
appreciation distribution payable on the exercise of a SAR will be not greater than an
amount equal to the excess of (A) the aggregate Fair Market Value (on the date of the
exercise of the SAR) of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Common
Stock equivalents in which the Participant is vested under such SAR, and with respect
to which the Participant is exercising the SAR on such date, over (B) the aggregate strike
price of the number of Common Stock equivalents with respect to which the Participant
is exercising the SAR on such date. The appreciation distribution may be paid in Common
Stock, in cash, in any combination of the two or in any other form of consideration,
as determined by the Board and contained in the Award Agreement evidencing such SAR. |
| (e) | Transferability
of Options and SARs. The Board may, in its sole discretion,
impose such limitations on the transferability of Options and SARs as the Board will
determine. In the absence of such a determination by the Board to the contrary, the following
restrictions on the transferability of Options and SARs will apply: |
| (i) | Restrictions
on Transfer. An Option or SAR will not be transferable
except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution (or pursuant to subsections
(ii) and (iii) below), and will be exercisable during the lifetime of the Participant
only by the Participant. The Board may permit transfer of the Option or SAR in a manner
that is not prohibited by applicable tax and securities laws. Except as explicitly provided
in the Plan, neither an Option nor a SAR may be transferred for consideration. |
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| (ii) | Domestic
Relations Orders. Subject to the approval of the
Board or a duly authorized Officer, an Option or SAR may be transferred pursuant to the
terms of a domestic relations order, official marital settlement agreement or other divorce
or separation instrument as permitted by Treasury Regulations Section 1.421-1(b)(2).
If an Option is an Incentive Stock Option, such Option may be deemed to be a Nonstatutory
Stock Option as a result of such transfer. |
| (iii) | Beneficiary
Designation. Subject to the approval of the Board
or a duly authorized Officer, a Participant may, by delivering written notice to the
Company, in a form approved by the Company (or the designated broker), designate a third
party who, on the death of the Participant, will thereafter be entitled to exercise the
Option or SAR and receive the Common Stock or other consideration resulting from such
exercise. In the absence of such a designation, upon the death of the Participant, the
executor or administrator of the Participant’s estate will be entitled to exercise
the Option or SAR and receive the Common Stock or other consideration resulting from
such exercise. However, the Company may prohibit designation of a beneficiary at any
time, including due to any conclusion by the Company that such designation would be inconsistent
with the provisions of applicable laws. |
| (f) | Vesting
Generally. The total number of shares of Common Stock
subject to an Option or SAR may vest and become exercisable in periodic installments
that may or may not be equal. The Option or SAR may be subject to such other terms and
conditions on the time or times when it may or may not be exercised (which may be based
on the satisfaction of Performance Goals or other criteria) as the Board may deem appropriate.
The vesting provisions of individual Options or SARs may vary. The provisions of this
Section 5(f) are subject to any Option or SAR provisions governing the minimum number
of shares of Common Stock as to which an Option or SAR may be exercised. |
| (g) | Termination
of Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided
in the applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the
Company, if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates (other than for Cause
and other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability), the Participant may
exercise his or her Option or SAR (to the extent that the Participant was entitled to
exercise such Award as of the date of termination of Continuous Service) within the period
of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date three months following the termination
of the Participant’s Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified
in the applicable Award Agreement), and (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option
or SAR as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after termination of Continuous Service,
the Participant does not exercise his or her Option or SAR (as applicable) within the
applicable time frame, the Option or SAR will terminate. |
| (h) | Extension
of Termination Date. If the exercise of an Option
or SAR following the termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service (other
than for Cause and other than upon the Participant’s death or Disability) would
be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of shares of Common Stock would
violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option or SAR
will terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of a total period of time (that need
not be consecutive) equal to the applicable post termination exercise period after the
termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service during which the exercise of
the Option or SAR would not be in violation of such registration requirements, and (ii)
the expiration of the term of the Option or SAR as set forth in the applicable Award
Agreement. In addition, unless otherwise provided in a Participant’s Award Agreement,
if the sale of any Common Stock received on exercise of an Option or SAR following the
termination of the Participant’s Continuous Service (other than for Cause) would
violate the Company’s insider trading policy, then the Option or SAR will terminate
on the earlier of (i) the expiration of a period of months (that need not be consecutive)
equal to the applicable post-termination exercise period after the termination of the
Participant’s Continuous Service during which the sale of the Common Stock received
upon exercise of the Option or SAR would not be in violation of the Company’s insider
trading policy, or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option or SAR as set forth
in the applicable Award Agreement. |
| (i) | Disability
of Participant. Except as otherwise provided in the
applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company,
if a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Participant’s
Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option or SAR (to the extent that
the Participant was entitled to exercise such Option or SAR as of the date of termination
of Continuous Service), but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of
(i) the date 12 months following such termination of Continuous Service (or such longer
or shorter period specified in the Award Agreement), and (ii) the expiration of the term
of the Option or SAR as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after termination of Continuous
Service, the Participant does not exercise his or her Option or SAR within the applicable
time frame, the Option or SAR (as applicable) will terminate. |
| (j) | Death
of Participant. Except as otherwise provided in the
applicable Award Agreement or other agreement between the Participant and the Company,
if (i) a Participant’s Continuous Service terminates as a result of the Participant’s
death, or (ii) the Participant dies within the period (if any) specified in the Award
Agreement for exercisability after the termination of the Participant’s Continuous
Service for a reason other than death, then the Option or SAR may be exercised (to the
extent the Participant was entitled to exercise such Option or SAR as of the date of
death) by the Participant’s estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise
the Option or SAR by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated to exercise the
Option or SAR upon the Participant’s death, but only within the period ending on
the earlier of (i) the date 12 months following the date of death |
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| | (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Award Agreement), and (ii) the expiration of the term of such Option or
SAR as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after the Participant’s death, the Option or SAR is not exercised within the
applicable time frame, the Option or SAR (as applicable) will terminate. |
| (k) | Termination
for Cause. Except as explicitly provided otherwise
in a Participant’s Award Agreement or other individual written agreement between
the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant, if a Participant’s Continuous
Service is terminated for Cause, the Option or SAR will terminate immediately upon such
Participant’s termination of Continuous Service, and the Participant will be prohibited
from exercising his or her Option or SAR from and after the time of such termination
of Continuous Service. |
| (l) | Non-Exempt
Employees. If an Option or SAR is granted to an Employee
who is a non-exempt employee for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as
amended, the Option or SAR will not be first exercisable for any shares of Common Stock
until at least six months following the date of grant of the Option or SAR (although
the Award may vest prior to such date). Consistent with the provisions of the Worker
Economic Opportunity Act, (i) if such non-exempt Employee dies or suffers a Disability,
(ii) upon a Corporate Transaction in which such Option or SAR is not assumed, continued,
or substituted, (iii) upon a Change in Control, or (iv) upon the Participant’s
retirement (as such term may be defined in the Participant’s Award Agreement in
another agreement between the Participant and the Company, or, if no such definition,
in accordance with the Company’s then current employment policies and guidelines),
the vested portion of any Options and SARs may be exercised earlier than six months following
the date of grant. The foregoing provision is intended to operate so that any income
derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise or vesting of an Option
or SAR will be exempt from his or her regular rate of pay. To the extent permitted and/or
required for compliance with the Worker Economic Opportunity Act to ensure that any income
derived by a non-exempt employee in connection with the exercise, vesting or issuance
of any shares under any other Stock Award will be exempt from the employee’s regular
rate of pay, the provisions of this Section 5(l) will apply to all Stock Awards and are
hereby incorporated by reference into such Stock Award Agreements. |
6. |
Provisions
of Stock Awards other than Options and SARs. |
| (a) | Restricted
Stock Awards. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement
will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Board will deem
appropriate. To the extent consistent with the Company’s bylaws, at the Board’s
election, shares of Common Stock may be (x) held in book entry form subject to the Company’s
instructions until any restrictions relating to the Restricted Stock Award lapse; or
(y) evidenced by a certificate, which certificate will be held in such form and manner
as determined by the Board. The terms and conditions of Restricted Stock Award Agreements
may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock
Award Agreements need not be identical. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement will conform
to (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise)
the substance of each of the following provisions: |
| (i) | Consideration.
A Restricted Stock Award may be awarded in consideration
for (A) cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company, (B) past services
to the Company or an Affiliate, or (C) any other form of legal consideration that may
be acceptable to the Board, in its sole discretion, and permissible under applicable
law. |
| (ii) | Vesting.
Shares of Common Stock awarded under the Restricted
Stock Award Agreement may be subject to forfeiture to the Company in accordance with
a vesting schedule to be determined by the Board. |
| (iii) | Termination
of Participant’s Continuous Service. If a Participant’s
Continuous Service terminates, the Company may receive through a forfeiture condition
or a repurchase right any or all of the shares of Common Stock held by the Participant
that have not vested as of the date of termination of Continuous Service under the terms
of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement. |
| (iv) | Transferability.
Rights to acquire shares of Common Stock under the
Restricted Stock Award Agreement will be transferable by the Participant only upon such
terms and conditions as are set forth in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, as the
Board will determine in its sole discretion, so long as Common Stock awarded under the
Restricted Stock Award Agreement remains subject to the terms of the Restricted Stock
Award Agreement. |
| (b) | Restricted
Stock Unit Awards. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award
Agreement will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as the Board
will deem appropriate. The terms and conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements
may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock
Unit Award Agreements need not be identical. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
will conform to (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the Agreement
or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions: |
| (i) | Consideration.
At the time of grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award,
the Board will determine the consideration, if any, to be paid by the Participant upon
delivery of each share of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Unit Award. The
consideration to be paid (if any) by the Participant for each share of Common Stock subject
to a Restricted Stock Unit Award may be paid in any form of legal consideration that
may be acceptable to the Board, in its sole discretion, and permissible under applicable
law. |
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| (ii) | Vesting.
At the time of the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit
Award, the Board may impose such restrictions on or conditions to the vesting of the
Restricted Stock Unit Award as it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate. |
| (iii) | Payment.
A Restricted Stock Unit Award may be settled by the
delivery of shares of Common Stock, their cash equivalent, any combination thereof or
in any other form of consideration, as determined by the Board and contained in the Restricted
Stock Unit Award Agreement. |
| (iv) | Additional
Restrictions. At the time of the grant of a Restricted
Stock Unit Award, the Board, as it deems appropriate, may impose such restrictions or
conditions that delay the delivery of the shares of Common Stock (or their cash equivalent)
subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award to a time after the vesting of such Restricted
Stock Unit Award. |
| (v) | Termination
of Participant’s Continuous Service. Except
as otherwise provided in the applicable Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, such portion
of the Restricted Stock Unit Award that has not vested will be forfeited upon the Participant’s
termination of Continuous Service. |
| (i) | Performance
Stock Awards. A Performance Stock Award is a Stock
Award (covering a number of shares not in excess of that set forth in Section 3(d) above)
that is payable (including that may be granted, may vest or may be exercised) contingent
upon the attainment during a Performance Period of certain Performance Goals. A Performance
Stock Award may, but need not, require the Participant’s completion of a specified
period of Continuous Service. The length of any Performance Period, the Performance Goals
to be achieved during the Performance Period, and the measure of whether and to what
degree such Performance Goals have been attained will be conclusively determined by the
Committee (or, to the extent that an Award is not intended to qualify as “performance-based
compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Board or the Committee), in
its sole discretion. In addition, to the extent permitted by applicable law and the applicable
Award Agreement, the Board or the Committee may determine that cash may be used in payment
of Performance Stock Awards. |
| (ii) | Performance
Cash Awards. A Performance Cash Award is a cash award
(for a dollar value not in excess of that set forth in Section 3(d) above) that is payable
contingent upon the attainment during a Performance Period of certain Performance Goals.
A Performance Cash Award may also require the completion of a specified period of Continuous
Service. At the time of grant of a Performance Cash Award, the length of any Performance
Period, the Performance Goals to be achieved during the Performance Period, and the measure
of whether and to what degree such Performance Goals have been attained will be conclusively
determined by the Committee (or, to the extent that an Award is not intended to qualify
as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the
Board or the Committee), in its sole discretion. The Board or the Committee may specify
the form of payment of Performance Cash Awards, which may be cash or other property,
or may provide for a Participant to have the option for his or her Performance Cash Award,
or such portion thereof as the Board or the Committee may specify, to be paid in whole
or in part in cash or other property. |
| (iii) | Committee
and Board Discretion. With respect to any Performance
Stock Award or Performance Cash Award, the Committee (or, to the extent that an Award
is not intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section
162(m) of the Code, the Board or the Committee) retains the discretion to reduce or eliminate
the compensation or economic benefit due upon attainment of Performance Goals and to
define the manner of calculating the Performance Criteria it selects to use for a Performance
Period. Partial achievement of the specified criteria may result in the payment or vesting
corresponding to the degree of achievement as specified in the Stock Award Agreement
or the written terms of a Performance Cash Award. |
| (iv) | Section
162(m) Compliance. Unless otherwise permitted in
compliance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to an Award
intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” thereunder, the Committee
will establish the Performance Goals applicable to, and the formula for calculating the
amount payable under, the Award no later than the earlier of (a) the date 90 days after
the commencement of the applicable Performance Period, and (b) the date on which 25%
of the Performance Period has elapsed, and in any event at a time when the achievement
of the applicable Performance Goals remains substantially uncertain. Prior to the payment
of any compensation under an Award intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation”
under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee will certify the extent to which any
Performance Goals and any other material terms under such Award have been satisfied (other
than in cases where such Performance Goals relate solely to the increase in the value
of the Common Stock). Notwithstanding satisfaction of, or completion of any Performance
Goals, the number of shares of Common Stock, Options, cash or other benefits granted,
issued, retainable and/or vested under an Award on account of satisfaction of such Performance
Goals may be reduced by the Committee on the basis of such further considerations as
the Committee, in its sole discretion, will determine. |
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| (d) | Other
Stock Awards. Other forms of Stock Awards valued
in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, Common Stock, including the
appreciation in value thereof (e.g., options or stock rights with an exercise price or
strike price less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock at the time
of grant) may be granted either alone or in addition to Stock Awards provided for under
Section 5 and the preceding provisions of this Section 6. Subject to the provisions of
the Plan, the Board will have sole and complete authority to determine the persons to
whom and the time or times at which such Other Stock Awards will be granted, the number
of shares of Common Stock (or the cash equivalent thereof) to be granted pursuant to
such Other Stock Awards and all other terms and conditions of such Other Stock Awards. |
7. |
Covenants
of the Company. |
| (a) | Availability
of Shares. The Company will keep available at all
times the number of shares of Common Stock reasonably required to satisfy then-outstanding
Awards. |
| (b) | Securities
Law Compliance. The Company will seek to obtain from
each regulatory commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority
as may be required to grant Stock Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock
upon exercise of the Stock Awards; provided, however, that this undertaking will
not require the Company to register under the Securities Act the Plan, any Stock Award
or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any such Stock Award. If, after reasonable
efforts and at a reasonable cost, the Company is unable to obtain from any such regulatory
commission or agency the authority that counsel for the Company deems necessary for the
lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company will be relieved
from any liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Stock
Awards unless and until such authority is obtained. A Participant will not be eligible
for the grant of an Award or the subsequent issuance of cash or Common Stock pursuant
to the Award if such grant or issuance would be in violation of any applicable securities
law. |
| (c) | No
Obligation to Notify or Minimize Taxes. The Company
will have no duty or obligation to any Participant to advise such holder as to the time
or manner of exercising such Stock Award. Furthermore, the Company will have no duty
or obligation to warn or otherwise advise such holder of a pending termination or expiration
of an Award or a possible period in which the Award may not be exercised. The Company
has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences of an Award to the holder
of such Award. |
| (a) | Use
of Proceeds from Sales of Common Stock. Proceeds
from the sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to Awards will constitute general funds
of the Company. |
| (b) | Corporate
Action Constituting Grant of Awards. Corporate action
constituting a grant by the Company of an Award to any Participant will be deemed completed
as of the date of such corporate action, unless otherwise determined by the Board, regardless
of when the instrument, certificate, or letter evidencing the Award is communicated to,
or actually received or accepted by, the Participant. In the event that the corporate
records (e.g., Board consents, resolutions or minutes) documenting the corporate action
constituting the grant contain terms (e.g., exercise price, vesting schedule or number
of shares) that are inconsistent with those in the Award Agreement or related grant documents
as a result of a clerical error in the papering of the Award Agreement or related grant
documents, the corporate records will control and the Participant will have no legally
binding right to the incorrect term in the Award Agreement or related grant documents. |
| (c) | Shareholder
Rights. No Participant will be deemed to be the holder
of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares of Common Stock
subject to an Award unless and until (i) such Participant has satisfied all requirements
for exercise of, or the issuance of shares of Common Stock under, the Award pursuant
to its terms, and (ii) the issuance of the Common Stock subject to such Award has been
entered into the books and records of the Company. |
| (d) | No
Employment or Other Service Rights. Nothing in the
Plan, any Award Agreement or any other instrument executed thereunder or in connection
with any Award granted pursuant thereto will confer upon any Participant any right to
continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the
Award was granted or will affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate
(i) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without cause, (ii)
the service of a Consultant pursuant to the terms of such Consultant’s agreement
with the Company or an Affiliate, or (iii) the service of a Director pursuant to the
bylaws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate
law of the state in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may
be. |
| (e) | Change
in Time Commitment. In the event a Participant’s
regular level of time commitment in the performance of his or her services for the Company
and any Affiliates is reduced (for example, and without limitation, if the Participant
is an Employee of the Company and the Employee has a change in status from a full-time
Employee to a part-time Employee or takes an extended leave of absence) after the date
of grant of any Award to the Participant, the Board has the right in its sole discretion
to (x) make a corresponding reduction in the number of shares or cash amount subject
to any portion of such Award that is scheduled to vest or become payable after the date
of such change in time commitment, and (y) in lieu of or in combination with such a reduction,
extend the vesting or payment schedule applicable to such Award. In the event of any
such reduction, the Participant will have no right with respect to any portion of the
Award that is so reduced or extended. |
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| (f) | Incentive
Stock Option Limitations. To the extent that the
aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect
to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionholder
during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Affiliates) exceeds
$100,000 (or such other limit established in the Code) or otherwise does not comply with
the rules governing Incentive Stock Options, the Options or portions thereof that exceed
such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) or otherwise do not comply
with such rules will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options, notwithstanding any contrary
provision of the applicable Option Agreement(s). |
| (g) | Investment
Assurances. The Company may require a Participant,
as a condition of exercising or acquiring Common Stock under any Award, (i) to give written
assurances satisfactory to the Company as to the Participant’s knowledge and experience
in financial and business matters and/or to employ a purchaser representative reasonably
satisfactory to the Company who is knowledgeable and experienced in financial and business
matters and that such Participant is capable of evaluating, alone or together with the
purchaser representative, the merits and risks of exercising the Award; and (ii) to give
written assurances satisfactory to the Company stating that the Participant is acquiring
Common Stock subject to the Award for the Participant’s own account and not with
any present intention of selling or otherwise distributing the Common Stock. The foregoing
requirements, and any assurances given pursuant to such requirements, will be inoperative
if (A) the issuance of the shares upon the exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under
the Award has been registered under a then currently effective registration statement
under the Securities Act, or (B) as to any particular requirement, a determination is
made by counsel for the Company that such requirement need not be met in the circumstances
under the then applicable securities laws. The Company may, upon advice of counsel to
the Company, place legends on stock certificates issued under the Plan as such counsel
deems necessary or appropriate in order to comply with applicable securities laws, including,
but not limited to, legends restricting the transfer of the Common Stock. |
| (h) | Withholding
Obligations. Unless prohibited by the terms of an
Award Agreement, the Company may, in its sole discretion, satisfy any federal, state
or local tax withholding obligation relating to an Award by any of the following means
or by a combination of such means: (i) causing the Participant to tender a cash payment;
(ii) withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock issued or otherwise
issuable to the Participant in connection with the Award; provided, however, that
no shares of Common Stock are withheld with a value exceeding an amount of tax calculated
based on the maximum statutory tax rates in a Participant’s applicable tax jurisdiction
(or such other amount as may be necessary to avoid classification of the Stock Award
as a liability for financial accounting purposes); (iii) withholding cash from an Award
settled in cash; (iv) withholding payment from any amounts otherwise payable to the Participant;
or (v) by such other method as may be set forth in the Award Agreement. |
| (i) | Electronic
Delivery. Any reference herein to a “written”
agreement or document will include any agreement or document delivered electronically,
filed publicly at www.sec.gov (or any successor
website thereto) or posted on the Company’s intranet (or other shared electronic
medium controlled by the Company to which the Participant has access). |
| (j) | Deferrals.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board,
in its sole discretion, may determine that the delivery of Common Stock or the payment
of cash, upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of all or a portion of any Award may
be deferred and may establish programs and procedures for deferral elections to be made
by Participants. Deferrals by Participants will be made in accordance with Section 409A
of the Code. Consistent with Section 409A of the Code, the Board may provide for distributions
while a Participant is still an employee or otherwise providing services to the Company.
The Board is authorized to make deferrals of Awards and determine when, and in what annual
percentages, Participants may receive payments, including lump sum payments, following
the Participant’s termination of Continuous Service, and implement such other terms
and conditions consistent with the provisions of the Plan and in accordance with applicable
law. |
| (k) | Compliance
with Section 409A of the Code. Unless otherwise expressly
provided for in an Award Agreement, the Plan and Award Agreements will be interpreted
to the greatest extent possible in a manner that makes the Plan and the Awards granted
hereunder exempt from Section 409A of the Code, and, to the extent not so exempt, in
compliance with Section 409A of the Code. If the Board determines that any Award granted
hereunder is not exempt from and is therefore subject to Section 409A of the Code, the
Award Agreement evidencing such Award will incorporate the terms and conditions necessary
to avoid the consequences specified in Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code, and to the extent
an Award Agreement is silent on terms necessary for compliance, such terms are hereby
incorporated by reference into the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in this Plan (and unless the Award Agreement specifically provides otherwise), if the
shares of Common Stock are publicly traded, and if a Participant holding an Award that
constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code is a “specified
employee” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, no distribution or payment
of any amount that is due because of a “separation from service” (as defined
in Section 409A of the Code without regard to alternative definitions thereunder) will
be issued or paid before the date that is six months following the date of such Participant’s
“separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A of the Code without
regard to alternative definitions thereunder) or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s
death, unless such distribution or payment can be made in a manner that complies with
Section 409A of the Code, and any amounts so deferred will be paid in a lump sum on the
day after such six month period elapses, with the balance paid thereafter on the original
schedule. |
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| (l) | Clawback/Recovery.
All Awards granted under the Plan will be subject
to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Company is required to
adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association
on which the Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other applicable law. In
addition, the Board may impose such other clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions
in an Award Agreement as the Board determines necessary or appropriate, including but
not limited to a reacquisition right in respect of previously acquired shares of Common
Stock or other cash or property upon the occurrence of an event constituting Cause. No
recovery of compensation under such a clawback policy will be an event giving rise to
a right to resign for “good reason” or “constructive termination”
(or similar term) under any agreement with the Company. |
| (m) | Dividends
and Dividend Equivalents. Dividends and dividend
equivalents may be credited in respect of shares of Common Stock covered by a Stock Award
(other than Options and Stock Appreciation Rights), as determined by the Board and contained
in the applicable Award Agreement. At the sole discretion of the Board, such dividends
and dividend equivalents may be converted into additional shares of Common Stock covered
by the Stock Award in such manner as determined by the Board. |
| | Any additional shares or cash payments covered by the Stock Award credited by reason of such dividends or dividend equivalents
will be subject to all of the same terms and conditions of the underlying Award Agreement to which they relate. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Plan or any Award Agreement, dividends and dividend equivalents shall not be paid in respect of
shares of Common Stock covered by a Stock Award until such shares of Common Stock vest pursuant to the applicable Award Agreement. |
9. |
Adjustments
upon Changes in Common Stock; Other Corporate Events. |
| (a) | Capitalization
Adjustments. In the event of a Capitalization Adjustment,
the Board will appropriately and proportionately adjust: (i) the class(es) and maximum
number of securities subject to the Plan pursuant to Section 3(a), (ii) the class(es)
and maximum number of securities that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive
Stock Options pursuant to Section 3(c), (iii) the class(es) and maximum number of securities
that may be awarded to any person pursuant to Sections 3(d), and (iv) the class(es) and
number of securities and price per share of stock subject to outstanding Stock Awards.
The Board will make such adjustments, and its determination will be final, binding and
conclusive. |
| (b) | Dissolution.
Except as otherwise provided in the Stock Award Agreement,
in the event of a Dissolution of the Company, all outstanding Stock Awards (other than
Stock Awards consisting of vested and outstanding shares of Common Stock not subject
to a forfeiture condition or the Company’s right of repurchase) will terminate
immediately prior to the completion of such Dissolution, and the shares of Common Stock
subject to the Company’s repurchase rights or subject to a forfeiture condition
may be repurchased or reacquired by the Company notwithstanding the fact that the holder
of such Stock Award is providing Continuous Service; provided, however, that the
Board may, in its sole discretion, cause some or all Stock Awards to become fully vested,
exercisable and/or no longer subject to repurchase or forfeiture (to the extent such
Stock Awards have not previously expired or terminated) before the Dissolution is completed
but contingent on its completion. |
| (c) | Transactions.
The following provisions shall apply to Stock Awards
in the event of a Transaction unless otherwise provided in the instrument evidencing
the Stock Award or any other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and
the Participant or unless otherwise expressly provided by the Board at the time of grant
of a Stock Award. In the event of a Transaction, then, notwithstanding any other provision
of the Plan, the Board shall take one or more of the following actions with respect to
Stock Awards, contingent upon the closing or completion of the Transaction: |
| (i) | arrange for the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring
corporation’s parent company) to assume or continue the Stock Award or to substitute a similar stock award for the Stock
Award (including, but not limited to, an award to acquire the same consideration paid to the shareholders of the Company pursuant
to the Transaction); |
| (ii) | arrange for the assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company in respect
of Common Stock issued pursuant to the Stock Award to the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring
corporation’s parent company); |
| (iii) | accelerate the vesting, in whole or in part, of the Stock Award (and, if applicable, the time
at which the Stock Award may be exercised) to a date prior to the effective time of such Transaction as the Board shall determine
(or, if the Board shall not determine such a date, to the date that is five days prior to the effective date of the Transaction),
with such Stock Award terminating if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the Transaction; |
| (iv) | arrange for the lapse, in whole or in part, of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by
the Company with respect to the Stock Award; |
| (v) | cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the Stock Award, to the extent not vested or not exercised
prior to the effective time of the Transaction, in exchange for such cash consideration, if any, as the Board, in its sole discretion,
may consider appropriate; and |
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| (vi) | make a payment, in such form as may be determined by the Board equal to the excess, if any, of
(A) the value of the property the Participant would have received upon the exercise of the Stock Award immediately prior to the
effective time of the Transaction, over (B) any exercise price payable by such holder in connection with such exercise. For clarity,
this payment may be zero ($0) if the value of the property is equal to or less than the exercise price. Payments under this provision
may be delayed to the same extent that payment of consideration to the holders of Common Stock in connection with the Transaction
is delayed as a result of escrows, earn outs, holdbacks or other contingencies. |
| | The Board need not take the same action or actions with respect to all Stock Awards or portions thereof or with respect to
all Participants. The Board may take different actions with respect to the vested and unvested portions of a Stock Award. |
| (d) | Change
in Control. A Stock Award may be subject to additional
acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon or after a Change in Control as may be
provided in the Stock Award Agreement for such Stock Award or as may be provided in any
other written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and the Participant, but
in the absence of such provision, no such acceleration will occur. |
10. |
Plan
Term; Earlier Termination or Suspension of the Plan. |
| | The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No Incentive Stock Options may be granted after the tenth anniversary
of the earlier of (i) the date the Plan is adopted by the Board (the “Adoption Date”), or (ii) the date the
Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company. No Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after
it is terminated. Suspension or termination of the Plan will not impair rights and obligations under any Award granted while the
Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the affected Participant or as otherwise permitted in the Plan. |
11. |
Existence
of the Plan. |
| | The Plan will become effective on the Effective Date. |
| | The law of the State of Delaware will govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this
Plan, without regard to that state’s conflict of laws rules. |
13. |
Definitions.
As used in the Plan, the following definitions
will apply to the capitalized terms indicated below: |
| (a) | “Affiliate”
means, at the time of determination, any “parent” or “subsidiary”
of the Company as such terms are defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. The Board
will have the authority to determine the time or times at which “parent”
or “subsidiary” status is determined within the foregoing definition. |
| (b) | “Award”
means a Stock Award or a Performance Cash Award. |
| (c) | “Award
Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant
evidencing the terms and conditions of an Award. |
| (d) | “Board”
means the Board of Directors of the Company. |
| (e) | “Capital
Stock” means each and every class of common stock of the Company, regardless
of the number of votes per share. |
| (f) | “Capitalization
Adjustment” means any change that is made in, or other events that occur
with respect to, the Common Stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Stock Award after
the Adoption Date without the receipt of consideration by the Company through merger,
consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend
in property other than cash, large nonrecurring cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock
split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate
structure or any similar equity restructuring transaction, as that term is used in Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or
any successor thereto). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the conversion of any convertible
securities of the Company will not be treated as a Capitalization Adjustment. |
| (g) | “Cause”
shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in any written agreement between the
Participant and the Company defining such term and, in the absence of such agreement,
such term means, with respect to a Participant, the occurrence of any of the following
events: (i) such Participant’s commission of any felony or any crime involving
fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude under the laws of the United States or any state
thereof; (ii) such Participant’s attempted commission of, or participation in,
a fraud or act of dishonesty against the Company; (iii) such Participant’s intentional,
material violation of any contract or agreement between the Participant and the Company
or of any statutory duty owed to the Company; (iv) such Participant’s unauthorized
use or disclosure of the Company’s confidential information or trade secrets; or
(v) such Participant’s gross misconduct. The determination that a termination of
the Participant’s Continuous Service is either for Cause or without Cause shall
be made by the Company, in its sole discretion. Any determination by the Company that
the Continuous Service of a Participant was terminated with or without Cause for the
purposes of outstanding Awards held by such Participant shall have no effect upon any
determination of the rights or obligations of the Company or such Participant for any
other purpose. |
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| (h) | “Change
in Control” means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series
of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events: |
| (i) | any Exchange Act Person becomes the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company
representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities other than by virtue
of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control will not be deemed to occur
(A) on account of the acquisition of securities of the Company directly from the Company; (B) on account of the acquisition of
securities of the Company by an investor, any affiliate thereof or any other Exchange Act Person that acquires the Company’s
securities in a transaction or series of related transactions the primary purpose of which is to obtain financing for the Company
through the issuance of equity securities; or (C) solely because the level of Ownership held by any Exchange Act Person (the “Subject
Person”) exceeds the designated percentage threshold of the outstanding voting securities as a result of a repurchase
or other acquisition of voting securities by the Company reducing the number of shares outstanding, provided that if a Change in
Control would occur (but for the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of voting securities by the Company,
and after such share acquisition, the Subject Person becomes the Owner of any additional voting securities that, assuming the repurchase
or other acquisition had not occurred, increases the percentage of the then outstanding voting securities Owned by the Subject
Person over the designated percentage threshold, then a Change in Control will be deemed to occur; |
| (ii) | there is consummated a merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving (directly or indirectly)
the Company and, immediately after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or similar transaction, the shareholders of the
Company immediately prior thereto do not Own, directly or indirectly, either (A) outstanding voting securities representing more
than 50% of the combined outstanding voting power of the surviving Entity in such merger, consolidation or similar transaction
or (B) more than 50% of the combined outstanding voting power of the parent of the surviving Entity in such merger, consolidation
or similar transaction, in each case in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities
of the Company immediately prior to such transaction; |
| (iii) | there is consummated a sale, lease, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially
all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, other than a sale, lease, license or other disposition of all
or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries to an Entity, more than 50% of the combined
voting power of the voting securities of which are Owned by shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as
their Ownership of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such sale, lease, license or other disposition; |
| (iv) | the complete dissolution or liquidation of the Company, except for a liquidation into a parent
corporation; |
| (v) | individuals who, on the date the Plan is adopted by the Board, are members of the Board (the “Incumbent
Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board; provided, however,
that if the appointment or election (or nomination for election) of any new Board member was approved or recommended by a majority
vote of the members of the Incumbent Board then still in office, such new member will, for purposes of this Plan, be considered
as a member of the Incumbent Board. |
| | Notwithstanding the foregoing definition or any other provision of the Plan, the term Change in Control will not include a
sale of assets, merger or other transaction effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company and the
definition of Change in Control (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate
and the Participant will supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Awards subject to such agreement; provided, however,
that if no definition of Change in Control or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing
definition will apply. |
| | If required for compliance with Section 409A of the Code, in no event will an event be deemed a Change in Control if such event
is not also a “change in the ownership of” the Company, a “change in the effective control of” the Company
or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of” the Company, each as determined under Treasury
Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) (without regard to any alternative definition thereunder). |
| (i) | “Code”
means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including any applicable regulations
and guidance thereunder. |
| (j) | “Committee”
means a committee of one or more Directors to whom authority has been delegated by
the Board in accordance with Section 2(c). |
| (k) | “Common
Stock” means the common stock of the Company, having one vote per share. |
| (l) | “Company”
means BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. |
| (m) | “Consultant”
means any person, including an advisor, who is (i) engaged by the Company or an Affiliate
to render consulting or advisory services and is compensated for such services, or (ii)
serving as a member of the board of directors of an Affiliate and is compensated for
such services. However, service solely as a Director, or payment of a fee for such service,
will not cause a Director to be considered a “Consultant” for purposes of
the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a person is treated as a Consultant under this
Plan only if a Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act is available
to register either the offer or the sale of the Company’s securities to such person. |
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| (n) | “Continuous
Service” means that the Participant’s service with the Company or
an Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Director or Consultant, is not interrupted or terminated.
A change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an
Affiliate as an Employee, Consultant or Director or a change in the entity for which
the Participant renders such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination
of the Participant’s service with the Company or an Affiliate, will not terminate
a Participant’s Continuous Service; provided, however, that if the Entity
for which a Participant is rendering services ceases to qualify as an Affiliate, as determined
by the Board, in its sole discretion, such Participant’s Continuous Service will
be considered to have terminated on the date such Entity ceases to qualify as an Affiliate.
To the extent permitted by law, the Board or the chief executive officer of the Company,
in that party’s sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous Service will
be considered interrupted in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Board
or chief executive officer, including sick leave, military leave or any other personal
leave, or (ii) transfers between the Company, an Affiliate, or their successors. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, a leave of absence will be treated as Continuous Service for purposes
of vesting in an Award only to such extent as may be provided in the Company’s
leave of absence policy, in the written terms of any leave of absence agreement or policy
applicable to the Participant, or as otherwise required by law. |
| (o) | “Corporate
Transaction” means the consummation, in a single transaction or in a series
of related transactions, of any one or more of the following events: |
| (i) | a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all, as determined by the Board, in its sole
discretion, of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries; |
| (ii) | a sale or other disposition of more than 50% of the outstanding securities of the Company; |
| (iii) | a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is not the surviving
corporation; or |
| (iv) | a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is the surviving corporation
but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger, consolidation or similar transaction are converted
or exchanged by virtue of the merger, consolidation or similar transaction into other property, whether in the form of securities,
cash or otherwise. |
| | If required for compliance with Section 409A of the Code, in no event will an event be deemed a Corporate Transaction if such
event is not also a “change in the ownership of” the Company, a “change in the effective control of” the
Company or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of” the Company, each as determined under
Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) (without regard to any alternative definition thereunder). |
| (p) | “Covered
Employee” will have the meaning provided in Section 162(m)(3) of the Code. |
| (q) | “Director
” means a member of the Board. |
| (r) | “Disability”
means, with respect to a Participant, the inability of such Participant to engage
in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical
or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or that has lasted or can
be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, as provided in
Sections 22(e)(3) and 409A(a) (2)(c) (i) of the Code, and will be determined by the Board
on the basis of such medical evidence as the Board deems warranted under the circumstances. |
| (s) | “Dissolution”
means when the Company, after having executed a certificate of dissolution with the
State of Delaware (or other applicable state), has completely wound up its affairs. Conversion
of the Company into a Limited Liability Company (or any other pass-through entity) will
not be considered a “Dissolution” for purposes of the Plan. |
| (t) | “Effective
Date” means the date of the Company shareholders approve this Plan, which
is the date of the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company held on June 6, 2017,
provided this Plan is approved by the Company’s shareholders at such meeting. |
| (u) | “Employee”
means any person employed by the Company or an Affiliate. However, service solely
as a Director, or payment of a fee for such services, will not cause a Director to be
considered an “Employee” for purposes of the Plan. |
| (v) | “Entity”
means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity. |
| (w) | “Exchange
Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder. |
| (x) | “Exchange
Act Person” means any natural person, Entity or “group” (within
the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act), except that “Exchange
Act Person” will not include (i) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company,
(ii) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or any
trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company
or any Subsidiary of the Company, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities
pursuant to a registered public offering of such securities, (iv) an Entity Owned, directly
or indirectly, by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions
as their Ownership of stock of the Company; or (v) any natural person, Entity or “group”
(within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) that, as of the Effective
Date, is the Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing
more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities. |
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| (y) | “Fair
Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock determined
as follows: |
| (i) | If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or traded on any established market,
the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock will be, unless otherwise determined by the Board, the closing sales price for
such stock as quoted on such exchange or market (or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the Common Stock)
on the date of determination, as reported in a source the Board deems reliable. |
| (ii) | Unless otherwise provided by the Board, if there is no closing sales price for the Common Stock
on the date of determination, then the Fair Market Value will be the closing selling price on the last preceding date for which
such quotation exists. |
| (iii) | In the absence of such markets for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined
by the Board in good faith and in a manner that complies with Sections 409A and 422 of the Code. |
| (z) | “Incentive
Stock Option” means an option granted pursuant to Section 5 of the Plan
that is intended to be, and qualifies as, an “incentive stock option” within
the meaning of Section 422 of the Code. |
| (aa) | “Non-Employee
Director” means a Director who either (i) is not a current employee or
officer of the Company or an Affiliate, does not receive compensation, either directly
or indirectly, from the Company or an Affiliate for services rendered as a consultant
or in any capacity other than as a Director (except for an amount as to which disclosure
would not be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated pursuant to the
Securities Act (“Regulation S-K”)), does not possess an interest in
any other transaction for which disclosure would be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation
S-K, and is not engaged in a business relationship for which disclosure would be required
pursuant to Item 404(b) of Regulation S-K; or (ii) is otherwise considered a “non-employee
director” for purposes of Rule 16b-3. |
| (bb) | “Nonstatutory
Stock Option” means any Option granted pursuant to Section 5 of the Plan
that does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option. |
| (cc) | “Officer”
means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16
of the Exchange Act. |
| (dd) | “Option”
means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option to purchase shares
of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan. |
| (ee) | “Option
Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and an Optionholder
evidencing the terms and conditions of an Option grant. Each Option Agreement will be
subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan. |
| (ff) | “Optionholder”
means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable,
such other person who holds an outstanding Option. |
| (gg) | “Other
Stock Award” means an award based in whole or in part by reference to the
Common Stock which is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(d). |
| (hh) | “Other
Stock Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and
a holder of an Other Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an Other Stock
Award grant. Each Other Stock Award Agreement will be subject to the terms and conditions
of the Plan. |
| (ii) | “Outside
Director” means a Director who either (i) is not a current employee of
the Company or an “affiliated corporation” (within the meaning of Treasury
Regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Code), is not a former employee of
the Company or an “affiliated corporation” who receives compensation for
prior services (other than benefits under a tax-qualified retirement plan) during the
taxable year, has not been an officer of the Company or an “affiliated corporation,”
and does not receive remuneration from the Company or an “affiliated corporation,”
either directly or indirectly, in any capacity other than as a Director, or (ii) is otherwise
considered an “outside director” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. |
| (jj) | “Own,”
“Owned,” “Owner,” “Ownership”
means a person or Entity will be deemed to “Own,” to have “Owned,”
to be the “Owner” of, or to have acquired “Ownership” of securities
if such person or Entity, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement,
understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares voting power, which includes
the power to vote or to direct the voting, with respect to such securities. |
| (kk) | “Participant”
means a person to whom an Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable,
such other person who holds an outstanding Stock Award. |
| (ll) | “Performance
Cash Award” means an award of cash granted pursuant to the terms and conditions
of Section 6(c)(ii). |
| (mm) | “Performance
Criteria” means the one or more criteria that the Committee (or, to the
extent that an Award is not intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation”
under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Board or the Committee) will select for purposes
of establishing the Performance Goals for a Performance Period. The Performance Criteria
that will be used to establish such Performance Goals may be based on any one of, or
combination of, the following as determined by the Committee (or Board, if applicable):
(i) earnings (including earnings per share and net earnings); (ii) earnings |
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| | before interest, taxes and depreciation; (iii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; (iv) earnings
before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and legal settlements; (v) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization,
legal settlements and other income (expense); (vi) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, legal settlements,
other income (expense) and stock-based compensation; (vii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, legal settlements,
other income (expense), stock-based compensation and changes in deferred revenue; (viii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation,
amortization, legal settlements, other income (expense), stock-based compensation, other non-cash expenses and changes in deferred
revenue; (ix) total shareholder return; (x) return on equity or average shareholder’s equity; (xi) return on assets, investment,
or capital employed; (xii) stock price; (xiii) margin (including gross margin); (xiv) income (before or after taxes); (xv) operating
income; (xvi) operating income after taxes; (xvii) pre-tax profit; (xviii) operating cash flow; (xix) sales or revenue targets;
(xx) increases in revenue or product revenue; (xxi) expenses and cost reduction goals; (xxii) improvement in or attainment of working
capital levels; (xxiii) economic value added (or an equivalent metric); (xxiv) market share; (xxv) cash flow; (xxvi) cash flow
per share; (xxvii) cash balance; (xxviii) cash burn; (xxix) cash collections; (xxx) share price performance; (xxxi) debt reduction;
(xxxii) implementation or completion of projects or processes (including, without limitation, clinical trial initiation, clinical
trial enrollment and dates, clinical trial results, regulatory filing submissions, regulatory filing acceptances, regulatory or
advisory committee interactions, regulatory approvals, and product supply); (xxxiii) shareholders’ equity; (xxxiv) capital
expenditures; (xxxv) debt levels; (xxxvi) operating profit or net operating profit; (xxxvii) workforce diversity; (xxxviii) growth
of net income or operating income; (xxxix) billings; (xl) bookings; (xli) employee retention; (xlii) initiation of studies by specific
dates; (xliii) budget management; (xliv) submission to, or approval by, a regulatory body (including, but not limited to the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration) of an applicable filing or a product; (xlv) regulatory milestones; (xlvi) progress of internal research
or development programs; (xlvii) acquisition of new customers; (xlviii) customer retention and/or repeat order rate; (xlix) improvements
in sample and test processing times; (l) progress of partnered programs; (li) partner satisfaction; (lii) timely completion of
clinical trials; (liii) submission of 510(k)s or pre-market approvals and other regulatory achievements; (liv) milestones related
to research development (including, but not limited to, preclinical and clinical studies), product development and manufacturing;
(lv) expansion of sales in additional geographies or markets; (lvi) research progress, including the development of programs; (lvii)
strategic partnerships or transactions (including in-licensing and out-licensing of intellectual property; and (lviii) and to the
extent that an Award is not intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code, other measures of performance selected by the Board
or the Committee. |
| (nn) | “Performance
Goals” means, for a Performance Period, the one or more goals established
by the Committee (or, to the extent that an Award is not intended to qualify as “performance-based
compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Board or the Committee) for
the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria. Performance Goals may be
based on a Company-wide basis, with respect to one or more business units, divisions,
Affiliates, or business segments, and in either absolute terms or relative to the performance
of one or more comparable companies or the performance of one or more relevant indices.
The Committee (or, to the extent that an Award is not intended to qualify as “performance-based
compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Board or the Committee) is
authorized to make appropriate adjustments in the method of calculating the attainment
of Performance Goals for a Performance Period as follows; provided, however, that
to the extent that an Award is intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation”
under Section 162(m) of the Code, any such adjustment may be made only if such adjustment
is objectively determinable and specified in the Award Agreement at the time the Award
is granted or in such other document setting forth the Performance Goals for the Award
at the time the Performance Goals are established: (1) to exclude restructuring and/or
other nonrecurring charges; (2) to exclude exchange rate effects; (3) to exclude the
effects of changes to generally accepted accounting principles; (4) to exclude the effects
of any statutory adjustments to corporate tax rates; (5) to exclude the effects of any
items that are “unusual” in nature or occur “infrequently” as
determined under generally accepted accounting principles; (6) to exclude the dilutive
effects of acquisitions or joint ventures; (7) to assume that any business divested by
the Company achieved performance objectives at targeted levels during the balance of
a Performance Period following such divestiture; (8) to exclude the effect of any change
in the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company by reason of any stock dividend
or split, stock repurchase, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation,
spin-off, combination or exchange of shares or other similar corporate change, or any
distributions to common shareholders other than regular cash dividends; (9) to exclude
the effects of stock based compensation and the award of bonuses under the Company’s
bonus plans; (10) to exclude costs incurred in connection with potential acquisitions
or divestitures that are required to be expensed under generally accepted accounting
principles; (11) to exclude the goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges that
are required to be recorded under generally accepted accounting principles; (12) to exclude
the effects of the timing of acceptance for review and/or approval of submissions to
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory body; and (13) to the extent
that an Award is not intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation”
under Section 162(m) of the Code, to make other appropriate adjustments selected by the
Board or the Committee. |
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2021 Proxy Statement |
Table of Contents
Appendix A
| (oo) | “Performance
Period” means the period of time selected by the Committee (or, to the
extent that an Award is not intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation”
under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Board or the Committee) over which the attainment
of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant’s
right to and the payment of a Stock Award or a Performance Cash Award. Performance Periods
may be of varying and overlapping duration, at the sole discretion of the Committee (or
Board, if applicable). |
| (pp) | “Performance Stock Award”
means a Stock Award granted under the terms and conditions of Section 6(c)(i). |
| (qq) | “Plan”
means this BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. |
| (rr) | “Restricted
Stock Award” means an award of shares of Common Stock which is granted
pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(a). |
| (ss) | “Restricted
Stock Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and
a holder of a Restricted Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of a Restricted
Stock Award grant. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement will be subject to the terms
and conditions of the Plan. |
| (tt) | “Restricted
Stock Unit Award” means a right to receive shares of Common Stock which
is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 6(b). |
| (uu) | “Restricted
Stock Unit Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company
and a holder of a Restricted Stock Unit Award evidencing the terms and conditions of
a Restricted Stock Unit Award grant. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement will
be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan. |
| (vv) | “Rule
16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor
to Rule 16b-3, as in effect from time to time. |
| (ww) | “Securities
Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
| (xx) | “Stock
Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means a right to receive
the appreciation on Common Stock that is granted pursuant to the terms and conditions
of Section 5. |
| (yy) | “Stock
Appreciation Right Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company
and a holder of a Stock Appreciation Right evidencing the terms and conditions of a Stock
Appreciation Right grant. Each Stock Appreciation Right Agreement will be subject to
the terms and conditions of the Plan. |
| (zz) | “Stock
Award” means any right to receive Common Stock granted under the Plan,
including an Incentive Stock Option, a Nonstatutory Stock Option, a Restricted Stock
Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award, a Stock Appreciation Right, a Performance Stock
Award or any Other Stock Award. |
| (aaa) | “Stock
Award Agreement” means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant
evidencing the terms and conditions of a Stock Award grant. Each Stock Award Agreement
will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan. |
| (bbb) | “Subsidiary”
means, with respect to the Company, (i) any corporation of which more than 50% of
the outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the
board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, stock of
any other class or classes of such corporation will have or might have voting power by
reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, Owned
by the Company, and (ii) any partnership, limited liability company or other entity in
which the Company has a direct or indirect interest (whether in the form of voting or
participation in profits or capital contribution) of more than 50%. |
| (ccc) | “Substitute
Award” means an Award issued in connection with a merger or acquisition
in connection with the assumption of, or substitution for, an existing award. |
| (ddd) | “Ten
Percent Shareholder” means a person who Owns (or is deemed to Own pursuant
to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting
power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Affiliate. |
| (eee) | “Transaction”
means a Corporate Transaction or a Change in Control. |
Table of Contents
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
105 Digital Drive
Novato, CA 94949
Tel: 415-506-6700
Fax: 415-382-7889
Table of Contents
BIOMARIN PHARMACEUTICAL INC.
105 DIGITAL DRIVE
NOVATO, CA 94949
ATTN: G. ERIC DAVIS, EVP & GENERAL COUNSEL
VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com
Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS
If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: ☒ |
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KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS |
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THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. |
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Jean-Jacques Bienaimé |
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Elizabeth M. Anderson |
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Willard Dere |
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Michael Grey |
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Elaine J. Heron |
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Maykin Ho |
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Robert J. Hombach |
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V. Bryan Lawlis |
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Richard A. Meier |
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David E.I. Pyott |
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The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2, 3 and 4. |
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To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for BioMarin for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. |
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To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company's Named Executive Officers as disclosed in the Proxy Statement. |
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To approve an amendment to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended. |
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NOTE: Your proxy holder will also vote on any other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
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Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name, by authorized officer. |
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Table of Contents
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice & Proxy Statement, Form 10-K, and CEO Stockholder Letter are available at www.proxyvote.com |
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BIOMARIN PHARMACEUTICAL INC.
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
May 25, 2021 9:00 AM PT
This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby appoints Jean-Jacques Bienaime and G. Eric Davis, and each of them, with power to act without the other and with power of substitution, as proxies and attorneys-in-fact and hereby authorizes them to represent and vote, as provided on the other side, all the shares of BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. Common Stock, that the undersigned is entitled to vote, and in their discretion, to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the company to be held on May 25, 2021 via a live audio webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/BMRN2021 and any adjournment or postponement thereof, with all powers which the undersigned would possess if present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
When properly executed, this proxy will be voted in the manner directed herein, or if no such direction is made, it will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendations.
This proxy is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware.
(PLEASE DATE AND SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE)