def14a
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and
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April 26, 2011
Dear Stockholder:
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I cordially invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of OPKO Health, Inc. to be held at its headquarters at 4400 Biscayne Blvd., Miami,
Florida 33137, on Thursday, June 9, 2011, beginning at 10:00 a.m. local time.
The attached Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement describe the matters expected to be
acted upon at the Annual Meeting. At the Annual Meeting, you will have an opportunity to meet
management and ask questions.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, it is important that you vote your
shares. Regardless of the number of shares you own, please promptly vote your shares via the
internet or by marking, signing, dating, and returning the enclosed proxy card to us in the
enclosed postage paid envelope. If you sign and return your proxy card without specifying your
choices, your shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors
contained in the Proxy Statement.
We look forward to seeing you on June 9, 2011 and urge you to return your proxy card as soon
as possible.
Sincerely,
Phillip Frost
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
OPKO HEALTH, INC.
4400 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33137
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JUNE 9, 2011
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Annual Meeting) of OPKO
Health, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), will be held at the Companys headquarters at
4400 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida, 33137, on Thursday, June 9, 2011, beginning at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect as directors the ten nominees named in the attached proxy statement for a term of
office expiring at the 2012 annual meeting of stockholders and until their respective successors
are duly elected and qualified;
2. To take a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation paid to the Companys named
executive officers (Say on Pay);
3. To take a non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on Say on Pay in
future years (Say on Frequency); and
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any
adjournments thereof.
Holders of record of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, our Series A Preferred
Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and our 8% Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par
value $.01 per share, at the close of business on April 12, 2011, will be entitled to notice of and
to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
Please sign, date, and return the enclosed proxy in the postage paid, self-addressed envelope
provided, or vote by Internet (instructions are on your proxy card). Management asks that you do
this whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. Should you attend, you may, if you
wish, withdraw your proxy and vote your shares in person.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to Be Held on
June 9, 2011
The Proxy Statement and 2010 Annual Report are available at www.opko.com.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Kate Inman
Secretary
Miami, Florida
April 26, 2011
OPKO HEALTH, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE 2011 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2011
This proxy statement is furnished by the Board of Directors (Board) of OPKO Health, Inc.
(the Company or we, us or our) in connection with the solicitation of proxies to be voted
at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company that will be held at the Companys
headquarters at 4400 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida 33137, on Thursday, June 9, 2011, beginning at
10:00 a.m., local time, and all adjournments thereof (the Annual Meeting), for the purposes set
forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting.
Our Board has fixed the close of business on April 12, 2011, as the record date for the
determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any
adjournments thereof. As of that date, there were issued and outstanding 284,769,747 shares of our
common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 722,700 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock, par value
$0.01 per share, and 1,209,677 shares of our 8% Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock,
par value $.01 per share (Series D Preferred Stock). The holders of our common stock and Series
A Preferred Stock are each entitled to one vote for each outstanding share on all matters submitted
to our stockholders and holders of our Series D Preferred Stock vote on an as-converted to common
stock basis. As of April 12, 2011, each share of Series D Preferred Stock was convertible into
approximately eleven shares of common stock.
A nominee for director will be elected to the Board, if the votes cast in favor of a nominee
by the holders of shares of our common stock, Series A Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred
Stock present or represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is
present and voting together as a single class, exceed the votes cast against a nominee. In
addition, each of the Say on Pay proposal and the Say on Frequency proposal will be approved if the
votes cast in favor of each of the proposals by the holders of shares of our common stock, Series A
Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock present or represented and entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present and voting together as a single class, exceed the votes
cast against each of the proposals. Because your vote on the Say on Pay proposal is advisory, it
will not be binding on the Board of Directors or the Company. However, the Compensation Committee
will take into account the outcome of the Say on Pay vote when considering future executive
compensation arrangements. Additionally, the Say on Frequency vote is not binding on the Board of
Directors or the Compensation Committee, and the Company may determine to hold an advisory vote on
executive compensation more or less frequently than may be indicated by this advisory vote of our
stockholders. Any other matter that may be submitted to a vote of our stockholders at the Annual
Meeting will be approved if the number of shares of common stock, Series A Preferred Stock, and
Series D Preferred Stock voted for the proposal exceed the votes cast against the proposal, unless
such matter is one for which a greater vote is required by law or our Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation or our Amended and Restated Bylaws.
The presence, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of our outstanding common and
preferred stock constitutes a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Shares of our stock represented by
proxies that reflect abstentions will be counted for the purpose of determining the existence of a
quorum at the Annual Meeting but will have no effect on the election of directors, the Say on Pay
proposal, or the Say on Frequency proposal. Shares of stock represented by proxies that reflect
broker non-votes (i.e., stock represented at the Annual Meeting by proxies held by brokers or
nominees as to which (i) the brokers or nominees have not received instructions from the beneficial
owners or persons entitled to vote and (ii) the broker or nominee does not have the discretionary
voting power on a particular matter) will not be counted for the purpose of determining the
existence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting and will have no effect on matters for which brokers or
banks do not have discretionary authority. A broker does not have the discretion to vote on the
election of directors, the non-binding advisory vote on the Say on Pay proposal, or the non-binding
advisory vote on the Say on Frequency proposal. Thus, a broker non-vote will have no effect on the
election of directors, the non-binding advisory vote on the Say on Pay proposal, and the
non-binding advisory vote on the Say on Frequency proposal.
Any stockholder giving a proxy will have the right to revoke it at any time prior to the time
it is voted. A proxy may be revoked by: (i) written notice to us at or prior to the Annual
Meeting, attention: Secretary; (ii) execution of a subsequent proxy; (iii) attendance and voting in
person at the Annual Meeting; or (iv) re-voting by Internet (only your latest internet vote will be
counted). Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not automatically revoke the
proxy. All shares of our stock represented by effective proxies will be voted at the Annual
Meeting or at any adjournment thereof. Unless otherwise specified in the proxy, shares of our
stock represented by proxies will be voted: (i) FOR the election of the Boards nominees for
directors; (ii) FOR the approval of the Say on Pay proposal; (iii) for the selection of three
years as the frequency with which stockholders are provided an advisory vote on Say on Pay; and
(iv) in the discretion of the proxy holders with respect to such other matters as may properly come
before the Annual Meeting.
1
Our executive offices are located at 4400 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida 33137. Mailing to
stockholders of record on April 12, 2011 of the Notice of Annual Meeting, this proxy statement, the
accompanying form of proxy and our Annual Report to Stockholders for our fiscal year ended December
31, 2010 (fiscal 2010) will commence on or around April 26, 2011.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table contains information regarding the beneficial ownership of our voting
stock as of April 12, 2011, held by (i) each stockholder known by us to beneficially own more than
5% of the outstanding shares of any class of voting stock; (ii) our directors and nominees; (iii)
our Named Executive Officers in 2010 as defined in the paragraph preceding the Summary Compensation
Table and our current executive officers; and (iv) all current directors and executive officers as
a group. Except where noted, all holders listed below have sole voting power and investment power
over the shares beneficially owned by them. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person
listed below is c/o OPKO Health, Inc., 4400 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33137.
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Amount and Nature |
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Name and Address of |
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Beneficial |
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Percentage of |
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Beneficial Owner |
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Class of Security |
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Ownership |
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Class** |
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Frost Gamma Investments Trust |
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Common Stock |
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138,007,510 |
(1) |
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45.51 |
% |
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Series D Preferred |
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252,019 |
(2) |
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20.83 |
% |
The Frost Group, LLC |
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Common Stock |
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20,286,704 |
(3) |
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7.01 |
% |
Phillip Frost, M.D. |
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Common Stock |
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139,520,010 |
(4) |
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45.78 |
% |
CEO & Chairman of the Board |
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Series D Preferred |
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252,019 |
(2) |
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20.83 |
% |
Jane H. Hsiao, Ph.D., MBA |
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Common Stock |
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26,919,448 |
(5) |
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9.29 |
% |
Vice Chairman of the Board & Chief |
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Series D Preferred |
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80,645 |
(6) |
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6.67 |
% |
Technical Officer |
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Steven D. Rubin |
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Common Stock |
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6,066,858 |
(7) |
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2.12 |
% |
Executive Vice President
Administration and Director |
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Rao Uppaluri, Ph.D. |
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Common Stock |
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5,636,439 |
(8) |
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1.97 |
% |
Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer |
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Robert Baron, Director |
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Common Stock |
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413,000 |
(9) |
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* |
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John A. Paganelli, Director |
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Common Stock |
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370,000 |
(10) |
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* |
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Richard A. Lerner, M.D., Director |
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Common Stock |
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130,000 |
(11) |
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* |
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Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., Director |
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Common Stock |
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100,000 |
(12) |
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* |
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Richard C. Pfenniger, Jr., Director |
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Common Stock |
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150,000 |
(13) |
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* |
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Thomas E. Beier, Director |
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Common Stock |
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200,000 |
(14) |
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* |
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Alice Lin-Tsing Yu, M.D., Ph.D., Director |
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Common Stock |
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60,000 |
(15) |
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* |
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ASTRAEA Holdings Limited |
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Series D Preferred |
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80,645 |
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6.67 |
% |
Brilliant Champion Resources Limited |
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Series D Preferred |
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80,645 |
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6.67 |
% |
Grandtime Associates Limited |
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Series D Preferred |
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120,970 |
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10.00 |
% |
Kwang Shun Company Limited |
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Series D Preferred |
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403,225 |
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33.33 |
% |
Oracle Partners, L.P. |
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Series D Preferred |
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80,645 |
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6.67 |
% |
Michael C. Bates |
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Series A Preferred |
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53,067 |
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7.34 |
% |
Edward A. Burkhardt |
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Series A Preferred |
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132,111 |
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18.28 |
% |
Forsyth Investments, Ltd. |
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Series A Preferred |
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79,262 |
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10.97 |
% |
Denis J. Nayden |
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Series A Preferred |
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73,331 |
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10.15 |
% |
Gary J. Strauss |
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Series A Preferred |
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53,067 |
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7.34 |
% |
Thames Investment Services Inc. |
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Series A Preferred |
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52,994 |
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7.33 |
% |
All Executive Officers and Directors as |
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Common Stock |
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179,565,755 |
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57.15 |
% |
a group (11 persons) |
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Series D Preferred |
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332,664 |
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27.50 |
% |
2
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* |
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Less than 1% |
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** |
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Percentages of common stock based upon 284,769,747 shares of our common stock issued and
outstanding at April 12, 2011; percentages for Series A Preferred Stock based upon 722,700
shares of our Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at April 12, 2011; percentages
for our Series D Preferred Stock based upon 1,209,677 shares of our Series D Preferred Stock
issued and outstanding at April 12, 2011. |
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(1) |
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Includes warrants to purchase 10,831,141 shares of common stock and 2,822,613 shares
of common stock issuable as of April 12, 2011 upon conversion of 252,019 shares of Series D
Preferred Stock. Also includes 15,490,546 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase
4,796,158 shares of common stock held by The Frost Group, LLC, of which Frost Gamma
Investments Trust is a principal member. Frost Gamma Investments Trust disclaims beneficial
ownership of the common stock and warrants held by The Frost Group, LLC, except to the extent
of its pecuniary interest therein. |
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(2) |
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Includes 252,019 shares of Series D Preferred Stock held by Frost Gamma Investments
Trust. Dr. Frost is the trustee and Frost Gamma, Limited Partnership is the sole and
exclusive beneficiary of Frost Gamma Investments Trust. Dr. Frost is one of two limited
partners of Frost Gamma, Limited Partnership. The general partner of Frost Gamma, Limited
Partnership is Frost Gamma Inc. and the sole stockholder of Frost Gamma, Inc. is Frost-Nevada
Corporation. Dr. Frost is also the sole stockholder of Frost-Nevada Corporation. |
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(3) |
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Includes warrants to purchase 4,796,158 shares of common stock. |
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(4) |
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Includes 104,067,052 shares of common stock, warrants to purchase 10,831,141 shares
of common stock, and 2,822,613 shares of common stock issuable as of April 12, 2011 upon
conversion of 252,019 shares of Series D Preferred Stock held by Frost Gamma Investments
Trust. It also includes options to purchase 1,512,500 shares of common stock held by Dr.
Frost. Dr. Frost is the trustee and Frost Gamma, Limited Partnership is the sole and
exclusive beneficiary of Frost Gamma Investments Trust. Dr. Frost is one of two limited
partners of Frost Gamma, Limited Partnership. The general partner of Frost Gamma, Limited
Partnership is Frost Gamma Inc. and the sole stockholder of Frost Gamma, Inc. is Frost-Nevada
Corporation. Dr. Frost is also the sole stockholder of Frost-Nevada Corporation. The number
of shares included above also includes 15,490,546 shares of common stock and warrants to
purchase 4,796,158 shares of common stock owned directly by The Frost Group, LLC. Frost Gamma
Investments Trust is a principal member of The Frost Group, LLC. Dr. Frost and the Frost
Gamma Investments Trust disclaim beneficial ownership of these shares of common stock and
warrants to purchase common stock, except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. |
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(5) |
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Includes warrants to purchase 2,936,580 shares of common stock and options to
purchase 1,100,000 shares of common stock. Also includes 1,000,000 shares of common stock
held by each of The Chiin Hsiung Hsiao Family Trust A and The Chiin Hsiung Hsiao Family Trust
B, for which Dr. Hsiao serves as the sole trustee of both, warrants to purchase 201,613 shares
of common stock, 3,097,800 shares of common stock and 903,224 shares of common stock issuable
as of April 12, 2011 upon conversion of 80,645 shares of Series D Preferred Stock held by Hsu
Gamma Investment, L.P, for which Dr. Hsiao serves as General Partner. Dr. Hsiao is a member
of the Frost Group, LLC, which holds 15,490,546 shares of common stock and warrants to
purchase 4,796,158 shares of common stock. Dr. Hsiao disclaims beneficial ownership of the
shares of common stock and warrants held by The Frost Group, LLC, except to the extent of any
pecuniary interest therein. |
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(6) |
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Includes 80,645 shares of Series D Preferred Stock held by Hsu Gamma Investment,
L.P., for which Dr. Hsiao serves as general partner. |
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(7) |
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Includes warrants to purchase 1,036,440 shares of common stock and options to
purchase 841,250 shares of common stock. Mr. Rubin is a member of the Frost Group, LLC, which
holds 15,490,546 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 4,796,158 shares of common
stock. Mr. Rubin disclaims beneficial ownership
of the shares of common stock and warrants held by The Frost Group, LLC, except to the extent of
any pecuniary interest therein. |
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(8) |
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Includes warrants to purchase 950,070 shares of common stock and options to purchase
702,500 shares of common stock. It also includes 161,000 shares held directly by Dr.
Uppaluris wife. Dr. Uppaluri is a member of the Frost Group, LLC, which holds 15,490,546
shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 4,796,158 shares of common stock. Dr.
Uppaluri disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock and warrants held by The
Frost Group, LLC, except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. Dr. Uppaluri also
disclaims ownership of 161,000 shares held by his wife. |
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(9) |
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Includes options to acquire 155,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 12, 2011. |
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(10) |
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Includes options to acquire 155,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 12, 2011. |
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(11) |
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Includes options to acquire 100,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 12, 2011. |
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(12) |
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Includes options to acquire 100,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 12, 2011. |
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(13) |
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Includes options to acquire 100,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 12, 2011. |
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(14) |
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Includes options to acquire 100,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 12, 2011. |
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(15) |
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Includes options to acquire 60,000 shares of common stock exercisable within 60 days of April 12, 2011. |
3
PROPOSAL ONE:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominees for Election of Directors
Pursuant to the authority granted to our Board of Directors under Article III of our Amended
and Restated Bylaws, the Board has fixed the number of directors constituting the entire Board at
ten. All ten directors are to be elected at the Annual Meeting, each to hold office until the 2012
annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is duly elected and qualified. Each
stockholder of record on April 12, 2011 is entitled to cast one vote for each share of our common
stock and Series A Preferred Stock, and each stockholder of record on April 12, 2011 of our Series
D Preferred Stock is entitled to vote on an as converted to common stock basis, either in favor of
or against the election of each nominee, or to abstain from voting on any or all nominees. As of
April 12, 2011, each share of our Series D Preferred Stock is convertible into eleven shares of
common stock. All shares of our common stock, Series A Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred
Stock vote together as a single class. Although management does not anticipate that any nominee
will be unable or unwilling to serve as director, in the event of such an occurrence, proxies may
be voted in the discretion of the persons named in the proxy for a substitute designated by the
Board, unless the Board decides to reduce the number of directors constituting the Board. Each
nominee shall be elected if the votes cast in favor of a nominee by the holders of shares of our
common stock, Series A Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock present or represented and
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present, exceed the votes cast against
a nominee.
The following sets forth information provided by the nominees as of April 12, 2011, all of
whom are currently serving as directors of the Company and all of whom have consented to serve if
reelected by our stockholders.
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Year First |
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Elected/ |
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Nominated |
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Name of Nominee |
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Age |
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Director |
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Positions and Offices with the Company |
Phillip Frost, M.D.
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74 |
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2007 |
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Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
Jane H. Hsiao, Ph.D.
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63 |
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2007 |
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Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Technical Officer |
Steven D. Rubin
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50 |
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2007 |
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Director and Executive Vice President-Administration |
Robert A. Baron
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71 |
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2003 |
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Director |
Thomas E. Beier
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65 |
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2008 |
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Director |
Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D.
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57 |
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2007 |
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Director |
Richard A. Lerner, M.D.
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72 |
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2007 |
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Director |
John A. Paganelli
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76 |
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2003 |
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Director |
Richard C. Pfenniger, Jr.
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55 |
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2008 |
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Director |
Alice Lin-Tsing Yu, M.D., Ph.D.
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67 |
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2009 |
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Director |
Phillip Frost, M.D. Dr. Frost became the CEO and Chairman of OPKO Health, Inc. upon the
consummation of the merger of Acuity Pharmaceuticals Inc., Froptix Corporation and eXegenics, Inc.
on March 27, 2007. Dr. Frost was named the Chairman of the Board of Teva Pharmaceutical
Industries, Limited, or Teva, (NasdaqGS:TEVA) in March 2010 and had previously been Vice Chairman
since January 2006 when Teva acquired IVAX Corporation, or IVAX. Dr. Frost had served as Chairman
of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of IVAX Corporation since 1987. He was
Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center of Greater Miami, Miami
Beach, Florida from 1972 to 1986. Dr. Frost was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Key
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from 1972 until the acquisition of Key Pharmaceuticals by Schering Plough
Corporation in 1986. Dr. Frost was named Chairman of the Board of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial
Services Inc. (NYSE Amex:LTS), an investment banking, asset management, and securities brokerage
firm providing services through its principal operating subsidiary, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc.,
in July 2006 and has been a director of Ladenburg Thalmann from 2001 until 2002 and again since
2004. Dr. Frost also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of PROLOR Biotech, Inc. (NYSE
Amex: PBTH), a development stage biopharmaceutical company. He serves as a member of the Board of
Trustees of the University of Miami and as a Trustee of each of the Scripps Research Institute, the
Miami Jewish Home for the Aged, and the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Frost is also a director
of Castle Brands (NYSE Amex:ROX), a developer and marketer of premium brand spirits, and
Continucare Corporation (NYSE Amex:CNU), a provider of outpatient healthcare services. Dr. Frost
previously served as a director for Northrop Grumman Corp., Ideation Acquisition Corp., Protalix
Bio Therapeutics, Inc., and SafeStitch Medical Inc., and as Governor and Co-Vice-Chairman of the
American Stock Exchange (now NYSE Amex).
4
Dr. Frost has successfully founded several pharmaceutical companies and overseen the
development and commercialization of a multitude of pharmaceutical products. This combined with
his experience as a physician and chairman and/or chief executive officer of large pharmaceutical
companies has given him insight into virtually every facet of the pharmaceutical business and drug
development and commercialization process. He is a demonstrated leader with keen business
understanding and is uniquely positioned to help guide our company through its transition from a
development stage company into a successful, multinational biopharmaceutical and diagnostics
company.
Jane H. Hsiao, Ph.D., MBA. Dr. Hsiao has served as Vice-Chairman and Chief Technical Officer
of the Company since May 2007. Dr. Hsiao served as the Vice Chairman-Technical Affairs of IVAX
from 1995 to January 2006. Dr. Hsiao served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of
IVAX Animal Health, IVAXs veterinary products subsidiary, from 1998 to 2006. Dr. Hsiao has served
as Chairman of the Board of each of Safestitch Medical, Inc. (OTCQB:SFES) and Non-Invasive
Monitoring Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:NIMU), both medical device companies, since September 2007 and
October 2008, respectively. Dr. Hsiao is also a director of PROLOR Biotech, Inc. (NYSE Amex:
PBTH), a development stage biopharmaceutical company, Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCBB:SRNE), a
development stage biopharmaceutical company, and Neovasc, Inc. (TSXV:NVC), a company developing and
marketing medical specialty vascular devices. Dr. Hsiao previously served as a director for IVAX
Diagnostics, Inc. and Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc.
Dr. Hsiaos background in pharmaceutical chemistry and strong technical expertise, as well as
her senior management experience, allow her to play an integral role in overseeing our product
development and regulatory affairs and in navigating the regulatory pathways for our products and
product candidates. In addition, as a result of her role as director and/or chairman of other
companies in the biotechnology and life sciences space, she also has a keen understanding and
appreciation of the many regulatory and development issues confronting pharmaceutical and
biotechnology companies.
Steven D. Rubin. Mr. Rubin has served as Executive Vice President Administration since May
2007 and as a director of the Company since February 2007. Mr. Rubin served as the Senior Vice
President, General Counsel and Secretary of IVAX from August 2001 until September 2006. Mr. Rubin
currently serves on the board of directors of Dreams, Inc. (NYSE Amex:DRJ), a vertically integrated
sports licensing and products company, Safestitch Medical, Inc. (OTCQB:SFES), a medical device
company, Searchmedia Holdings, Ltd, (NYSEAmex:IDI), a leading nationwide multi-platform media
company and one of the largest operators of integrated outdoor billboard and in-elevator
advertising networks in China, PROLOR Biotech, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PBTH), a development stage
biopharmaceutical company, Kidville, Inc. (OTCBB:KVIL), which operates large, upscale facilities,
catering to newborns through five-year-old children and their families and offers a wide range of
developmental classes for newborns to 5 year olds, Non-Invasive Monitoring Systems, Inc.
(OTCBB:NIMU), a medical device company, Cardo Medical, Inc. (OTCBB:CDOM), an early-stage orthopedic
medical device company specializing in designing, developing and marketing reconstructive joint
devices and spinal surgical devices, Castle Brands, Inc. (NYSE Amex:ROX), a developer and marketer
of premium brand spirits, and Neovasc, Inc. (TSXV:NVC), a company developing and marketing medical
specialty vascular devices. Mr. Rubin previously served as a director for Ideation Acquisition
Corp.
Mr. Rubin brings extensive leadership, business, and legal experience, as well as tremendous
knowledge of our business and the pharmaceutical industry generally, to the Board. He has advised
pharmaceutical companies in several aspects of business, regulatory, transactional, and legal
affairs for more than 23 years. His experience as a practicing lawyer, general counsel, and board
member to multiple public companies, including several pharmaceutical and life sciences companies,
has given him broad understanding and expertise, particularly relating to strategic planning and
acquisitions.
Robert A. Baron. Mr. Baron has served as a director of the Company since 2003. Mr. Baron is
currently Chairman of the Board of Hemobiotech, Inc. (OTCBB:HMBT), a development stage
biopharmaceutical company, and Andover Medical, Inc. (Pink Sheets:ADOV.PK), a durable medical
equipment distributor. Prior to that he was president of Cash City, Inc., a payday advance and
check cashing business, from 1999 to 2003. From 1997 to 1999, Mr. Baron was the president of East
coast operations for CSS/TSC, Inc., a distributor of blank t-shirts, fleece and accessories and a
subsidiary of Tultex, Inc. Mr. Baron previously served as a director of Nanosensors, Inc.
Mr. Barons history as an operating executive in a variety of industries combined with his
experience as a director in other public companies, including other pharmaceutical and medical
equipment manufacturers, allows
him to bring strategic insight to the Board with respect to our business as well as emerging
technologies and business models. Through these experiences, Mr. Baron has also developed an
appreciation for audit and corporate governance related issues and, he uses these skills as a
member of the Audit Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of our Board of
Directors.
5
Thomas E. Beier. Mr. Beier has served as a director of the Company since January 2008.
Previously, he was Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of IVAX from
October 1997 until August 2007, and from December 1996 until October 1997, he served as Vice
President-Finance for IVAX. Before joining IVAX, Mr. Beier served as Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of Intercontinental Bank. Mr. Beier previously served as a director of
Ideation Acquisition Corp.
As a result of Mr. Beiers long tenure as a chief financial officer, he brings with him a
strong financial and operational background and provides valuable business leadership and
management experience and insights into many aspects of our business. Mr. Beier also brings
financial expertise to the Board, including through his service on our Audit Committee.
Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D. Dr. Goldschmidt has served as a director of the Company since
September 2007. Since April 2006, Dr. Goldschmidt has served as Senior Vice President for Medical
Affairs and Dean of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. He is also Chief
Executive Officer of Miami Health System. Previously Dr. Goldschmidt was a faculty member with the
Department of Medicine at Duke University Medical Center, where he served as Chairman from 2003 to
2006 and as Chief of the Division of Cardiology from 2000 to 2003. Dr. Goldschmidt is a member of
the Board of Directors of MEDNAX, Inc. (NYSE:MD), a national medical group that comprises the
nations leading provider of neonatal, maternal-fetal and pediatric physician subspecialty
services.
Dr. Goldschmidts experience and training as a practicing physician enables him to bring
valuable insights to the Board, including through his understanding of the scientific nature of our
business and the ability to assist us in analyzing and prioritizing opportunities for drug
development. Through his work as the Dean of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of
Medicine and his previous experience as Chairman and Chief of the Division of Cardiology at the
Duke University Medical Center, Dr. Goldschmidt also brings leadership, oversight, and finance
experience to the Board.
Richard A. Lerner, M.D. Dr. Lerner has served as a director of the Company since March 2007.
Dr. Lerner has been President of The Scripps Research Institute, a private, non-profit biomedical
research organization, since 1986. Dr. Lerner is a member of numerous scientific associations,
including the National Academy of Science and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Dr. Lerner
serves as director of Kraft Foods, Inc. (NYSE:KFT) and Sequenom, Inc. (Nasdaq:SQNM), a life
sciences company. He is also on the Board of Directors for Intra-Cellular Therapies, a privately
held biotechnology company. He previously served as a director of Xencor, a privately held
biotechnology company, and on the Siemens Advisory Board for Molecular Medicine of Siemens AG.
As a result of Dr. Lerners long tenure as president of a major biomedical research
organization, he provides valuable business, scientific, leadership, and management expertise that
helps drive strategic direction and expansion at OPKO. His experience and training as a physician
and a scientist enables him to bring valuable advice to the Board, including a critical perspective
on drug discovery and development and providing a fundamental understanding of the potential
pathways contributing to disease.
John A. Paganelli. Mr. Paganelli has served as a Director of the Company since December 2003.
Mr. Paganelli served as the Companys Interim Chief Executive Officer and secretary from June 29,
2005 through March 27, 2007, and Chairman of our Board of Directors from December 2003 through
March 27, 2007. Mr. Paganelli served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Transamerica Life
Insurance Company of New York from 1992 to 1997. Since 1987, Mr. Paganelli has been a partner in
RFG Associates, a financial planning organization. Mr. Paganelli is also the Managing Partner of
Pharos Systems Partners, LLC, an investment company, and he is Chairman of the Board of Pharos
Systems International, a software company. He was Vice President and Executive Vice President of
PEG Capital Management, an investment advisory organization, from 1987 until 2000. From 1980 to
January 2003, Mr. Paganelli was an officer and director-stockholder of Mike Barnard Chevrolet,
Inc., an automobile dealership. Mr. Paganelli also serves as a director of Western New York
Energy, LLC and was on the Board of Managers of Bridge Financial Services, LLC.
6
With his significant experience in investment management and operations, Mr. Paganelli is able
to add valuable expertise and insight to our board on a wide range of operational and financial
issues. As one of the longest tenured members of our board, he also has substantial knowledge and
familiarity regarding our historical operations.
Richard C. Pfenniger, Jr. Mr. Pfenniger has served as a director of the Company since January
2008. Mr. Pfenniger has served as Chief Executive Officer and President for Continucare
Corporation (NYSE Amex:CNU), a provider of primary care physician and practice management services,
since October 2003, and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Continucare since September 2002.
Previously, Mr. Pfenniger served as the Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of Whitman
Education Group, Inc. from 1997 through June 2003. Prior to joining Whitman, he served as the
Chief Operating Officer of IVAX from 1994 to 1997, and, from 1989 to 1994, he served as the Senior
Vice President-Legal Affairs and General Counsel of IVAX Corporation. Mr. Pfenniger currently
serves as a director of GP Strategies Corporation (NYSE:GPX), a corporate education and training
company, and SafeStitch Medical, Inc. (OTCQB:SFES), a medical device company.
As a result of Mr. Pfennigers multi-faceted experience as chief executive officer, chief
operating officer and general counsel, he is able to provide valuable business, leadership, and
management advice to the Board in many critical areas. In addition, Mr. Pfenningers knowledge of
the pharmaceutical and healthcare business has given him insights on many aspects of our business
and the markets in which we operate. Mr. Pfenniger also brings financial expertise to the Board,
including through his service as Chairman of our Audit Committee.
Alice Lin-Tsing Yu, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Yu was appointed to the Companys board of directors in
April 2009. Since 2003, Dr. Yu has served as Distinguished Research Fellow and Associate Director
at the Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, in Taiwan. She has also served as a Professor of
Pediatrics for both the National Taiwan University and University of California in San Diego, since
2004 and 1994, respectively. Previously, she was the Chief of Pediatric Hematology Oncology at the
University of California in San Diego. Dr. Yu has also served in several government-appointed
positions and is a member of numerous scientific committees and associations.
Dr. Yu is an accomplished physician, professor, and researcher who brings a unique perspective
to our Board on a variety of healthcare related issues. We expect the insight and experience
gained from her distinguished record of achievement at several highly respected academic medical
institutions, as well as her experience as a practicing physician, will be valuable to our efforts
to develop and commercialize our pipeline of diagnostic and therapeutic products.
OUR BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF ALL NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE.
Identification of Executive Officers
Set forth below is the name and age as of April 12, 2011 of each of our current executive
officers, together with certain biographical information for each of them (other than Phillip
Frost, Jane H. Hsiao, and Steven Rubin, for whom biographical information is included above under
Nominees for Election of Directors):
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Executive Officer |
|
Age |
|
Position and Offices with the Company |
Rao Uppaluri, Ph.D. |
|
61 |
|
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Rao Uppaluri, Ph.D. Dr. Uppaluri has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer since May 2007. Dr. Uppaluri served as the Vice President, Strategic Planning and
Treasurer of IVAX from 1997 until December 2006. Before joining IVAX, from 1987 to August 1996,
Dr. Uppaluri was Senior Vice President, Senior Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer with
Intercontinental Bank, a publicly traded commercial bank in Florida. In addition, he served in
various positions, including Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Controller, at
Peninsula Federal Savings & Loan Association, a publicly traded Florida S&L, from October 1983 to
1987. His prior employment, during 1974 to 1983, included engineering, marketing and research
positions with multinational companies and research institutes in India and the United States. Dr.
Uppaluri currently serves on the board of directors of Kidville, Inc (OTCBB:KVIL), which operates
large, upscale facilities, catering to newborns through five-year-old children and their families
and offers a wide range of developmental classes for newborns to 5 year olds, Cardo Medical, Inc.
(OTCBB:CDOM), an early-stage orthopedic medical device company specializing in designing,
developing and marketing reconstructive joint devices and spinal surgical devices, and Non-Invasive
Monitoring Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:NIMU), a medical devices company. Dr. Uppaluri previously
served on the board of directors of our company, Ideation Acquisition Corp., and Winston
Pharmaceuticals Inc.
7
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Our common stock is listed on the NYSE Amex. Pursuant to the Companys Amended and Restated
Bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law, our business and affairs are managed under the
direction of our Board of Directors. Directors are kept informed of the Companys business through
discussions with management, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and
other senior officers, by reviewing materials provided to them and by participating in meetings of
the Board of Directors and its committees. The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics that applies to all employees, officers, and directors of the Company. The Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics is available on our website: www.opko.com under Investor Relations. If the
Company makes any substantive amendments to, or grants a waiver (including an implicit waiver)
from, a provision of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our principal
executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and
that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of
Regulation S-K, promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange
Act), we will disclose such amendment or waiver on our website.
Director Independence
In evaluating the independence of each of our directors, the Board of Directors considers
transactions and relationships between each director or any member of his or her immediate family
and the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates. The Board of Directors also examined
transactions and relationships between directors or their known affiliates and members of the
Companys senior management and their known affiliates. The purpose of this review is to determine
whether any such relationships or transactions are inconsistent with a determination that the
director is independent under applicable laws and regulations and NYSE Amex listing standards. The
Board of Directors affirmatively determined that a majority of our directors, including Messrs.
Robert A. Baron, John A. Paganelli, Richard C. Pfenniger, Jr., and Drs. Pascal J. Goldschmidt,
Richard A. Lerner and Alice Lin-Tsing Yu, are independent directors within the meaning of the
listing standards of NYSE Amex and applicable law. In making the independence determinations, the
Board considered a number of factors and relationships, including without limitation (i) Dr.
Frosts service as a member of the Board of Trustees for the University of Miami and its Service
Committee, a 501(c)(3) entity for which Dr. Goldschmidt serves as an executive officer; (ii) Dr.
Frosts service on the board of directors for Continucare Corporation, an entity for which Mr.
Pfenniger serves as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President; (iii) Dr. Frosts membership
on the Board of Trustees for the Scripps Research Institute, a 501(c)(3) entity for which Dr.
Lerner serves as President; (iv) Dr. Lerners restricted stock grant for exceptional Board service
on September 8, 2009 valued at $76,500; (v) Dr. Lerners service as a consultant and scientific
advisor to Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. at the time of the OPKO transaction with Sorrento; (vi) Mr.
Paganellis service as the Companys Interim Chief Executive Officer and Secretary from June 29,
2005 through March 27, 2007; and (vii) Dr. Yus service as a Distinguished Research Fellow and
Associate Director at the Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, a Taiwanese entity from which
the Company licenses technology. Dr. Frost abstains from participating in any Service Committee or
Board of Trustee decisions which may implicate Dr. Goldschmidts compensation. As required by the
NYSE Amex, the Companys independent directors meet at least annually in executive session without
the presence of its non-independent directors or management.
Board of Directors Voting
We currently have ten directors comprising the entirety of our Board. The Frost Group, LLC
(the Frost Group), an entity controlled by our Chairman and CEO and several of our members of
senior management, previously agreed to vote for two of the directors, Messrs. Paganelli and Baron,
under the Board of Director composition provisions of a voting agreement between the Frost Group
and the Company. The terms of the voting agreement expired on February 9, 2010. In addition,
three of our current directors, Drs. Frost and Hsiao and Mr. Rubin, were elected to the Board in
2007 and 2008 pursuant to the merger agreement entered into in connection with the three-way merger
with Acuity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Froptix Corporation.
Board Leadership Structure
The Company is led by Dr. Frost, who has served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Board of Directors since March 2007. Six of our directors satisfy NYSE Amex independence
requirements. Our Board of Directors also includes two other management directors and a former
member of management. The Company does not have a member of our Board who is formally identified
as the lead independent director. However, independent directors head each of our Boards three
standing committees the Audit Committee, the Compensation
Committee, and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and each of the committees
is comprised solely of independent directors.
8
Although, the Board does not have a formal policy on whether the roles of Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman of the Board should be separated, we believe that our current Board leadership
structure is suitable for us. The Chief Executive Officer is the individual selected by the Board
of Directors to manage our Company on a day to day basis, and his direct involvement in our
business operations makes him best positioned to lead productive Board strategic planning sessions
and determine the time allocated to each agenda item in discussions of our Companys short- and
long-term objectives.
Board Role in Risk Oversight
The Boards role in the risk oversight process includes receiving regular reports from members
of senior management on areas of material risk to the Company, including operational, financial,
legal and regulatory, and strategic and reputational risks. In connection with its reviews of the
operations of the Companys business units and corporate functions, the Board considers and
addresses the primary risks associated with those units and functions. Our full Board regularly
engages in discussions of the most significant risks that the Company is facing and how these risks
are being managed.
In addition, each of the Boards Committees, and particularly the Audit Committee, plays a
role in overseeing risk management issues that fall within each Committees areas of responsibility
as described below under the heading Standing Committees of the Board of Directors. Senior
management reports on at least a quarterly basis to the Audit Committee on the most significant
risks facing the Company from a financial reporting perspective and highlights any new risks that
may have arisen since the Audit Committee last met. The Audit Committee also meets regularly in
executive sessions with the Companys independent registered public accounting firm and reports any
findings or issues to the full Board. In performing its functions, the Audit Committee and each
standing committee of the Board has full access to management, as well as the ability to engage
advisors. The Board receives reports from each of its standing committees regarding each
committees particularized areas of focus.
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
Our Board met three times during fiscal 2010 and took action by written consent on one
occasion. We intend for the independent directors of the Board to meet separately from Board
meetings from time to time at their discretion. In fiscal 2010, all incumbent directors attended
75% or more of the Board meetings and meetings of the committees on which they served with the
exception of Drs. Goldschmidt and Yu.
Although we encourage each member of our Board of Directors to attend our annual meetings of
stockholders, we do not have a formal policy requiring the members of our Board of Directors to
attend. Nine members of our Board of Directors attended the annual meeting of stockholders during
fiscal 2010.
Standing Committees of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors maintains several standing committees, including a Compensation
Committee, a Nominating and Governance Committee, and a separately designated standing Audit
Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act, and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder. These committees and their functions are described below. Our
Board of Directors may also establish various other committees to assist it in its
responsibilities. Our Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for each of its standing
committees. The full text of each charter is available on our website at http://www.opko.com.
9
The following table shows the current members (indicated by an X or Chair) of each of our
standing Board committees:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Governance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
and |
|
|
Audit |
|
Compensation |
|
Nominating |
Phillip Frost, M.D. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jane H. Hsiao, Ph.D., MBA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert A. Baron |
|
X |
|
|
|
Chair |
Thomas E. Beier |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D. |
|
|
|
X |
|
X |
Richard A. Lerner, M.D. |
|
|
|
Chair |
|
X |
John A. Paganelli |
|
X |
|
X |
|
|
Richard C. Pfenniger, Jr. |
|
Chair |
|
|
|
|
Steven D. Rubin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alice Lin-Tsing Yu, M.D., Ph.D. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Committee
Our Audit Committee oversees our corporate accounting and financial reporting process. Our
Audit Committee met nine times during fiscal 2010. The responsibilities of our Audit Committee are
set forth in a written charter adopted by our Board of Directors and reviewed and reassessed
annually by the Audit Committee. Our Audit Committee:
|
|
|
evaluates the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent
registered public accounting firm; |
|
|
|
|
determines the engagement of our independent registered public accounting firm; |
|
|
|
|
approves the retention of our independent registered public accounting firm to
perform any proposed permissible non-audit services; |
|
|
|
|
reviews our systems of internal controls established for finance, accounting,
legal compliance, and ethics; |
|
|
|
|
reviews our accounting and financial reporting processes; |
|
|
|
|
provides for effective communication between our Board of Directors, our senior
and financial management, and our independent auditors; |
|
|
|
|
discusses with management and our independent auditors the results of our annual
audit and the review of our quarterly financial statements; |
|
|
|
|
reviews the audits of our financial statements; |
|
|
|
|
implements a pre-approval policy for certain audit and non-audit services
performed by our registered independent public accounting firm; and |
|
|
|
|
reviews and approves any related party transactions that we are involved in. |
Our Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Pfenniger, Baron, and Paganelli. Our Board of
Directors has determined that Mr. Pfenniger, who is independent (as independence for audit
committee members is defined in NYSE Amex listing standards and applicable SEC rules), is an audit
committee financial expert as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K.
10
Compensation Committee
Our Compensation Committee reviews and either approves, on behalf of the Board of Directors,
or recommends to the Board of Directors for approval, (i) annual salaries, bonuses, and other
compensation for our executive officers, and (ii) individual equity awards for our employees and
executive officers. Our Compensation Committee also oversees our compensation policies and
practices. Our Compensation Committee met five times during fiscal 2010. Our Compensation
Committee may from time to time establish a subcommittee to perform any action
required to be performed by a committee of non-employee directors pursuant to Rule 16b-3
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and outside directors pursuant to Rule 162(m) under the
Internal Revenue Code.
Our Compensation Committee also performs the following functions related to executive
compensation:
|
|
|
reviews and approves the annual salary, bonus, stock options, and other benefits,
direct and indirect, of our executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer; |
|
|
|
|
reviews and recommends new executive compensation programs; reviews the operation
and efficacy of our executive compensation programs; |
|
|
|
|
establishes and periodically reviews policies in the area of senior management
perquisites; |
|
|
|
|
reviews and approves material changes in our employee benefit plans; and |
|
|
|
|
administers our equity compensation and employee stock purchase plans. |
The Compensation Committee relies heavily on the recommendations of our Chief Executive
Officer concerning compensation actions for our other executive officers and may engage
compensation consultants if the committee deems it appropriate. In deciding upon the appropriate
level of compensation for our executive officers, the Compensation Committee also reviews our
compensation programs relative to our strategic objectives and market practice and other changing
business and market conditions. To date, neither the Compensation Committee nor management has
engaged a compensation consultant in determining or recommending the amount or form of director or
officer compensation.
Our Compensation Committee is composed of Dr. Lerner (Chairman), Dr. Goldschmidt, and Mr.
Paganelli. We believe that the composition and functioning of our Compensation Committee complies
with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the NYSE Amex, and the SECs
rules and regulations, including those regarding the independence of our Compensation Committee
members.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The current members of our Compensation Committee are Dr. Lerner, Mr. Paganelli, and Dr.
Goldschmidt. Mr. Beier served on the Compensation Committee until May 5, 2010 and Mr. Paganelli
was appointed to the Compensation Committee on May 6, 2010. None of these individuals was at any
time during fiscal 2010 an officer or employee of ours. Mr. Paganelli served as the Companys
Interim Chief Executive Officer and Secretary from June 29, 2005 through March 27, 2007, and as
Chairman of the Board of Directors from December 2003 through March 27, 2007.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
Our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees responsibilities include the selection of
potential candidates for our Board of Directors, making recommendations to our Board of Directors
concerning the structure and membership of the other Board committees, and considering director
candidates recommended by others, including our Chief Executive Officer, other Board members, third
parties, and stockholders. Our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is composed of Mr.
Baron (Chairman), Dr. Goldschmidt, and Dr. Lerner. Our Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee met one time during fiscal 2010. We believe that the composition of our Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee complies with applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, the NYSE Amex, and SECs rules and regulations, including those regarding the independence
of our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee members.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee identifies director nominees through a
combination of referrals, including by existing members of the Board of Directors, management,
third parties, stockholders, and direct solicitations, where warranted. Once a candidate has been
identified, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews the individuals experience
and background, and may discuss the proposed nominee with the source of the recommendation. The
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee usually believes it to be appropriate for committee
members to interview the proposed nominee before making a final determination whether to recommend
the individual as a nominee to the entire Board of Directors to stand for election to the Board
of Directors. The Committee does not plan to evaluate candidates identified by the Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee differently from those recommended by a stockholder or
otherwise.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has recommended to the Board that it
nominate each of the incumbent directors for election at the 2011 Annual Meeting.
11
Director Selection Criteria
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the
Board of Directors regarding the appropriate qualifications, skills, and experience expected of
individual members and of the Board of Directors as a whole with the objective of having a Board of
Directors with sound judgment and diverse backgrounds and experience to represent stockholder
interests.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee believes that nominees for election to the
Board of Directors should possess sufficient business or financial experience and a willingness to
devote the time and effort necessary to discharge the responsibilities of a director. This
experience can include, but is not limited to, service on other boards of directors or active
involvement with other boards of directors, experience in the industries in which the Company
conducts its business, audit and financial expertise, clinical experience, operational experience,
or a scientific or medical background. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee does not
believe that nominees for election to the Board of Directors should be selected through mechanical
application of specified criteria. Rather, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
believes that the qualifications and strengths of individuals should be considered in their
totality with a view to nominating persons for election to the Board of Directors whose
backgrounds, integrity, and personal characteristics indicate that they will make a positive
contribution to the Board of Directors.
While we do not have a formal diversity policy with respect to Board composition, the Board
believes it is important for the Board to have diversity of knowledge base, professional experience
and skills, and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee takes these qualities into
account when considering director nominees for recommendation to the Board.
Stockholder Nominations
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee does not have a written policy with regard
to consideration of director candidates recommended by stockholders. Nevertheless, it is the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees policy to consider director candidates recommended
by stockholders. Stockholders who wish to recommend candidates for election to the Board of
Directors must do so in writing. The recommendation should be sent to the Secretary of the
Company, OPKO Health, Inc., 4400 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33137, who will forward the
recommendation to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The recommendation must set
forth (i) the name and address as they appear on the Companys books of the stockholder making the
recommendation and the class and number of shares of capital stock of the Company beneficially
owned by such stockholder and (ii) the name of the candidate and all information relating to the
candidate that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors
under the SECs proxy rules. The recommendation must be accompanied by the candidates written
consent to being named in the Companys proxy statement as a nominee for election to the Board of
Directors and to serving as a director, if elected. Stockholders must also comply with all
requirements of the Companys Amended and Restated Bylaws with respect to nomination of persons for
election to the Board of Directors.
Stockholder Communications with the Board
Stockholders may initiate in writing any communication with our Board of Directors or any
individual director by sending the correspondence to OPKO Health, Inc., 4400 Biscayne Blvd., Miami,
Florida 33137, Attention: Secretary. This centralized process assists our Board of Directors in
reviewing and responding to stockholder communications in an appropriate manner. If a stockholder
would like the letter to be forwarded directly to one of the Chairmen of the three standing
committees of the Board, he or she should so indicate. If no specific direction is indicated, the
Secretarys office will review the letter and forward it to the appropriate Board member(s).
Employee Communications with the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee has established procedures for the receipt, retention, and treatment of
complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the
confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting and
auditing matters. These procedures are described in our OPKO Health, Inc. Policy for Reporting
Questionable Accounting and Auditing Practices and Policy Prohibiting Retaliation Against Reporting
Employees.
12
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
Frost Gamma Investments Trust (the Gamma Trust), a trust controlled by Dr. Phillip Frost,
our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Jane H. Hsiao, our Vice Chairman and Chief
Technical Officer, Steven D. Rubin, our Executive Vice President Administration and a member of
our Board of Directors, and Rao Uppaluri, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
are each members of The Frost Group, LLC (the Frost Group), an entity which beneficially owns
approximately 7% of our common stock as of April 12, 2011. Furthermore, the Gamma Trust
beneficially owns approximately 45.5% of our common stock as of April 12, 2011.
We have an unutilized $12.0 million line of credit with the Frost Group. On June 2, 2010 we
repaid all amounts outstanding on the line of credit including $12 million in principal and $4.1
million in interest. The line of credit, which previously expired on January 11, 2011, was renewed
on February 22, 2011 until March 31, 2012 on substantially the same terms as in effect at the time
of expiration. We have no outstanding borrowings under the line of credit and we have the ability
to draw funds under the line until its expiration in March 2012. We are obligated to pay interest
upon maturity, capitalized quarterly, on outstanding borrowings under the line of credit at an 11%
annual rate. The line of credit is collateralized by all of our U.S. personal property except our
intellectual property. The largest aggregate amount of principal outstanding under the line of
credit at any time during the year ended December 31, 2010 was $12 million.
In November 2007, we entered into an office lease with Frost Real Estate
Holdings, LLC, an entity affiliated with Dr. Frost. The lease is for approximately 8,300 square
feet of space in an office building in Miami, Florida, where the Companys principal executive
offices are located. We had previously been leasing this space from Frost Real Estate Holdings on
a month-to-month basis while the parties were negotiating the lease. The lease provides for
payments of approximately $18 thousand per month in the first year increasing annually to $24
thousand per month in the fifth year, plus applicable sales tax. The rent is inclusive of
operating expenses, property taxes and parking. The rent for the first year was reduced to reflect
a $30 thousand credit for the costs of tenant improvements.
We reimburse Dr. Frost for Company-related use by Dr. Frost and our other executives of an
airplane owned by a company that is beneficially owned by Dr. Frost. We reimburse Dr. Frost in an
amount equal to the cost of a first class airline ticket between the travel cities for each
executive, including Dr. Frost, traveling on the airplane for Company-related business. We do not
reimburse Dr. Frost for personal use of the airplane by Dr. Frost or any other executive; nor do we
pay for any other fixed or variable operating costs of the airplane. For the fiscal years ending
December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, we reimbursed Dr. Frost approximately $46 thousand, $92
thousand, and $108 thousand, respectively, for Company-related travel by Dr. Frost and other OPKO
executives.
On June 16, 2009, we entered into an agreement to lease approximately 10,000 square feet of
space in Hialeah, Florida to house manufacturing and service operations for our ophthalmic
instrumentation business (the Hialeah Facility) from an entity controlled by Dr. Frost and Dr.
Jane Hsiao. Pursuant to the terms of a lease agreement, which is effective as of February 1, 2009,
gross rent is $0.1 million per year.
On July 20, 2009, the Company entered into a worldwide exclusive license agreement with
Academia Sinica in Taipei, Taiwan, for a new technology to develop protein vaccines against
influenza and other viral infections. Dr. Alice Yu, a member of our board of directors, is a
Distinguished Research Fellow and Associate Director at the Genomics Research Center, Academia
Sinica. In connection with the license, the Company paid to Academia Sinica an upfront licensing
fee and agreed to pay royalties and other payments on the occurrence of certain development
milestones.
Effective March 5, 2010, the Frost Group assigned two license agreements with Academia Sinica
to the Company. The license agreements pertained to alpha-galactosyl ceramide analogs and their
use as immunotherapies and peptide ligands in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In connection
with the assignment of the licenses, the Company agreed to reimburse the Frost Group for the
licensing fees previously paid by the Frost Group to
Academia Sinica in the amounts of $50,000 and $75,000, respectively, as well as reimbursement
of certain expenses.
13
On September 19, 2007, we entered into an exclusive technology license agreement with Winston
Laboratories, Inc. (Winston). On February 23, 2010, we provided Winston notice of termination of
the license agreement, and the agreement terminated on May 24, 2010. Previously, members of the
Frost Group beneficially owned approximately 30% of Winston Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Dr.
Uppaluri, our Chief Financial Officer, served as a member of Winstons board. Effective May 19,
2010, the members of the Frost Group sold 100% of Winstons capital stock beneficially owned by
them (consisting of an aggregate of 18,399,271 outstanding shares of common stock and warrants to
purchase an aggregate of 8,958,975 shares of common stock) to an entity whose members include Dr.
Joel E. Bernstein, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Winston. As consideration for the
sale, the Frost Group members received an aggregate of $789,500 in cash and non-recourse promissory
notes in the aggregate principal amount of $10,263,500 (the Promissory Notes). Dr. Uppaluri
resigned from the Winston board effective May 19, 2010.
On June 1, 2010, the Company entered into a cooperative research and development agreement
with Academia Sinica in Taipei, Taiwan, for pre-clinical work for a compound against various forms
of cancer. Dr. Alice Yu, a member of our board of directors, is a Distinguished Research Fellow
and Associate Director at the Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica. In connection with the
agreement, we are required to pay Academia Sinica approximately $0.2 million over the term of the
agreement.
On July 20, 2010, we entered into a use agreement with TSRI for approximately 1,100 square
feet of space in Jupiter, Florida to house our molecular diagnostics operations. Dr. Frost is a
member of the Board of Trustees of TSRI and Dr. Richard Lerner, a member of our Board of Directors,
is also the President of TSRI. Pursuant to the terms of the use agreement, which is effective as
of November 1, 2009, gross rent is approximately $40 thousand per year for a two-year term which
may be extended, upon mutual agreement, for one additional year.
In November 2010, we made an investment in Fabrus, LLC, a privately held early stage
biotechnology company with next generation therapeutic antibody drug discovery and development
capabilities. In exchange for the investment, we acquired approximately 13% of Fabrus outstanding
membership interests on a fully diluted basis. Our investment was part of a $2.1 million financing
for Fabrus. Other investors participating in the financing include the Gamma Trust and Hsu Gamma
Investment, L.P., of which Jane Hsiao, the Companys Vice Chairman and Chief Technical Officer,
serves as the general partner (Hsu Gamma). In connection with the financing, Drs. Frost and
Hsiao joined the Fabrus Board of Managers. Dr. Richard Lerner, a director of the Company, owns
approximately 5% of Fabrus. Vaughn Smider, Founder and CEO of Fabrus, is an Assistant Professor at
The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI). Dr. Frost serves as a Trustee for TSRI, and Richard
Lerner serves as its President.
On January 28, 2011, we entered into a definitive agreement with CURNA, Inc., (CURNA) and
each of CURNAs stockholders and optionholders, pursuant to which we agreed to acquire all of the
outstanding stock of CURNA in exchange for $10 million in cash. Closing of the transaction
occurred on January 31, 2011. At the time of the transaction, TSRI owned approximately 5% of
CURNA. Dr. Frost serves as Trustee for TSRI and Richard Lerner is its President.
On March 14, 2011, we issued 27,000,000 shares of our common stock in a public offering at a
price of $3.75 per share. The net proceeds received were approximately $96.4 million after
deducting the underwriters discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses. On
March 15, 2011, representatives for the underwriters provided us notice that the underwriters
exercised a portion of their 4,050,000 share over-allotment option for 2,397,029 additional shares
of our common stock. The net proceeds received were approximately $8.5 million after deducting the
underwriters discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses. As part of the
offering, the Gamma Trust and Hsu Gamma purchased an aggregate of 3,733,000 shares of our common
stock at the public offering price. Gamma Trust purchased an aggregate of 3,200,000 shares for
approximately $12 million. Hsu Gamma purchased an aggregate of 533,000 shares for approximately
$1.9 million. Jefferies & Company, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as joint book-running
managers for the offering. UBS Investment Bank and Lazard Capital Markets LLC acted as co-lead
managers for the offering and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., a subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann
Financial Services Inc., acted as co-manager for the offering. Dr. Frost is the Chairman of the
Board of Directors and principal stockholder of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.
14
Our Policies Regarding Related Party Transactions
In April 2007, we adopted a written statement of policy with respect to related party
transactions, which is administered by our Audit Committee. Under our related party transaction
policy, a Related Party Transaction is any transaction, arrangement, or relationship (or any
series of similar transactions, arrangements, or relationships) in which the Company or any of our
subsidiaries was, is or will be a participant and the amount exceeds $60,000 and in which any
Related Person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. A Related Person is
any of our executive officers, directors or director nominees, any stockholder beneficially owning
in excess of 5% of our stock or securities exchangeable for our stock, 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 partner or principal or in a similar position, or in which such
person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest in such entity.
It is the Companys policy to enter into or ratify Related Party Transactions only when the
Audit Committee determines that the Related Party Transaction in question is in, or is not
inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company. In making this determination, the Audit
Committee may take into account, among other factors it deems appropriate, whether the Related
Party Transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally unavailable to an unaffiliated
third party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the Related Persons interest
in the transaction. Pursuant to the Companys policy, the Audit Committee has granted standing
pre-approval to certain types of Related Party Transactions that are considered to be in, or
consistent with, the best interests of the Company.
Pursuant to our related party transaction policy, a Related Party Transaction may only be
consummated if:
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our Audit Committee approves or ratifies such transaction in accordance with the
terms of the Companys policy; |
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such transaction falls within the category of transactions that have previously
been granted standing pre-approval; or |
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the chair of our Audit Committee pre-approves or ratifies such transaction and
the amount involved in the transaction is less than $100,000, provided that for the
Related Party Transaction to continue it must be approved by our Audit Committee at its
next regularly scheduled meeting. |
If advance approval of a Related Party Transaction is not feasible, then that Related Party
Transaction will be considered and, if our Audit Committee determines it to be appropriate,
ratified, at its next regularly scheduled meeting. If we decide to proceed with a Related Party
Transaction without advance approval, then the terms of such Related Party Transaction must permit
termination by us without further material obligation in the event our Audit Committee ratification
is not forthcoming at our Audit Committees next regularly scheduled meeting.
Transactions with Related Persons, though not classified as Related Party Transactions by our
related party transaction policy and thus not subject to its review and approval requirements, may
still need to be disclosed if required by the applicable securities laws, rules, and regulations.
All transactions listed above were approved in accordance with the Companys related party
transaction policy.
15
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Each non-employee director is entitled to receive an annual retainer of $10,000, payable in
quarterly installments, an option to acquire 40,000 shares of the Companys common stock upon
initial appointment to the Board and an option to acquire 20,000 shares each year thereafter on the
date of the Companys annual meeting of stockholders. The chairman of each committee of the Board
will also receive an additional annual retainer of $5,000, payable in quarterly installments.
The following table sets forth information with respect to compensation of non-employee
directors of the Company during fiscal year 2010.
Fiscal 2010 Director Compensation
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Change in |
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Fees |
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Nonqualified |
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Earned |
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Non-Equity |
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Deferred |
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or Paid |
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Stock |
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Option |
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Incentive Plan |
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Compensation |
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All Other |
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in Cash |
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Award |
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Awards |
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Compensation |
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Earnings |
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Compensation |
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Total |
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Name |
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($) |
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($) |
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($)(1) |
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($) |
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($) |
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($) |
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($) |
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Robert A. Baron |
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15,000 |
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22,986 |
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37,986 |
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Thomas E. Beier |
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10,000 |
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22,986 |
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32,986 |
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Richard A. Lerner, M.D. |
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15,000 |
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22,986 |
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37,986 |
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Richard C. Pfenniger, Jr. |
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15,000 |
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22,986 |
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37,986 |
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Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D. |
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10,000 |
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22,986 |
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32,986 |
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John A. Paganelli |
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10,000 |
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22,986 |
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32,986 |
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Alice Lin-Tsing Yu, M.D., Ph.D. |
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10,000 |
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22,986 |
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32,986 |
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(1) |
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Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC
Topic 718. Assumptions made in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 8 to the
Companys audited financial statements, included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K
filed with the SEC on March 16, 2011. The table below sets forth the aggregate number of
stock options of each non-employee director outstanding as of December 31, 2010: |
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Name |
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Stock Options |
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Robert A. Baron |
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155,000 |
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Thomas E. Beier |
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100,000 |
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Richard A. Lerner, M.D. |
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100,000 |
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Richard C. Pfenniger, Jr. |
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100,000 |
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Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D. |
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100,000 |
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John A. Paganelli |
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155,000 |
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Alice Lin-Tsing Yu, M.D., Ph.D. |
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60,000 |
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Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and holders of
ten percent (10%) or more of our common stock (collectively, Reporting Persons) to file with the
SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock and any
other equity securities. Based on a review of the copies of the reports furnished to us, the
Reporting Persons complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements.
16
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Our compensation philosophy is to attract and retain talented and dedicated executives who
will work to achieve our desired business direction, strategy, and performance. The primary goals
of our compensation program for our Named Executive Officers are (i) to attract, motivate, and
retain talented executives with the skill sets and expertise we need to meet our scientific and
business objectives; (ii) to be competitive in the marketplace; (iii) to tie annual and long-term
cash and equity incentives to the achievement of specified performance objectives that will result
in increased stockholder value; and (iv) to be cost-effective. To achieve these goals, we have
formed a compensation committee that reviews and approves the executive compensation packages for
our executive officers, including the Named Executive Officers. These packages are generally based
on a mix of salary, discretionary bonus, and equity awards. Although we have not adopted any
formal guidelines for allocating total compensation between equity compensation and cash
compensation, we maintain compensation plans that tie a substantial portion of our executives
overall compensation to the achievement of corporate goals and success of the Company.
Benchmarking of Cash and Equity Compensation
Our Compensation Committee reviews executive compensation levels on an annual basis to ensure
they remain competitive in our industry. Data for this review is prepared and provided to the
Compensation Committee by our management and human resources department, with input from our Chief
Executive Officer, as well as other members of senior management. This data details relevant
market rates for executive base salaries, annual cash incentive, long-term incentive, and total
compensation for companies of similar size in our industry. The sources for this data for fiscal
year 2010 included the Executive Compensation Survey, a survey of 113 biotech companies ranging in
size from less than $20 million in revenues with less than 10 employees to over $500 million in
revenue with over 1,000 employees. The data we used for our analysis focused on 45 companies with
less than $25 million in revenues and less than 150 employees. We believe that criteria used by
the Executive Compensation Survey were effective in yielding a comprehensive survey group of
companies, or peer groups, comparable to the Company for 2010. Utilizing the compiled information,
the Compensation Committee in 2010 reviewed the various components of executive compensation to
determine the base salary, annual cash incentive, long term incentive, and equity compensation.
We may retain the services of third-party executive compensation specialists from time to time
in connection with the establishment of cash and equity compensation and related policies, although
we have not previously done so.
Elements of Compensation
We evaluate individual executive performance with a goal of setting compensation at levels the
Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee believe are comparable with executives in other
companies of similar size and stage of development. At the same time, our Board of Directors and
Compensation Committee takes into account our relative performance and our own strategic goals.
The primary elements of our compensation plans are base salary, equity compensation, and
discretionary annual bonus, each of which is described in greater detail below.
Base Salary. We try to establish and maintain competitive annual base salaries for our Named
Executive Officers by utilizing available resources, which include surveys as discussed above.
While base salaries are not primarily performance-based, we believe it is important to provide
adequate, fixed compensation to executives working in a highly volatile and competitive industry
such as ours. We provide fixed salary compensation to our Named Executive Officers based on their
responsibilities and individual experience, taking into account competitive market compensation
paid by other companies for similar positions within the pharmaceutical industry. In general, we
have targeted Named Executive Officer compensation and base salary to fall within the median range
for equivalent or similar positions of executives at peer group companies after adjusting for size.
As a result of the Companys growth and expansion into various medical markets in 2009 and early
2010, and taking into consideration the peer group surveys noted above, as well as the fact that no
salary increases had been given to the Named Executive Officers since the Companys inception, the
Compensation Committee approved increases in April 2010 for the base salaries for the Companys
Named Executive Officers. The new base salaries for each of the Named Executive Officers, with the
exception of one, were positioned at approximately the competitive median of the Companys peer
groups.
17
Discretionary Annual Bonus. In addition to base salaries, our Compensation Committee has the
authority to award discretionary annual bonuses to our Named Executive Officers based on corporate
and individual performance. Incentives, as a percent of salary, increase with executive rank so
that, as rank increases, a greater portion of total annual cash compensation is based on annual
corporate and individual performance. Furthermore, as an executives rank increases, a greater
percentage of that executives cash bonus is based on corporate performance, rather than individual
performance. Because we have generated little revenue, the Compensation Committee has not awarded
any cash incentive bonuses to date, and has instead chosen to focus on other forms of compensation,
such as stock options.
Equity Compensation. We believe that equity compensation should be a primary component of our
executive compensation program because they align the interests of our executive officers with the
long term performance of the Company. Stock options are a critical element of our long-term
incentive strategy. The primary purpose of stock options is to provide Named Executive Officers
and other employees with a personal and financial interest in our success through stock ownership,
thereby aligning the interests of such persons with those of our stockholders. This broad-based
program is a vital element of our goal to empower and motivate outstanding long-term contributions
by our Named Executive Officers and other employees. The Compensation Committee believes that the
value of stock options will reflect our performance over the long-term. Under our employee stock
option program, options are granted at fair market value at the date of grant, and options granted
under the program become exercisable only after a vesting period, which is subject to continued
employment. Consequently, employees benefit from stock options only if the market value of our
common stock increases over time. With respect to these stock options, we recognize compensation
expense based on FASB ASC Topic 718.
The Compensation Committee typically grants stock options to our Named Executive Officers
under our 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. As with base salaries, there is no set formula or
performance criteria which determines the amount of the equity award for our Named Executive
Officers or our other employees. Nor does the Compensation Committee assign any relative weight to
any specific factors or criteria it considers when granting stock options. Rather the Committee
exercises its judgment and discretion by considering all factors it deems relevant at the time of
such grants, including the peer group survey. For the Named Executive Officers, other than the
Chief Executive Officer, the decisions by the Compensation Committee regarding grants of stock
options are made based almost entirely upon the recommendation of the Companys Chief Executive
Officer, and includes his subjective determination based on his assessment of the executive
officers current position with the Company, the executive officers past and expected future
performance and the other factors discussed in the determination of base salaries.
In determining grants of stock options made in April 2010, the Compensation Committee relied
primarily on the recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer for the Named Executive Officers
other than the Chief Executive Officer. In making his recommendations to the Compensation Committee
regarding the other executive officers, the Chief Executive Officers general intent was to
position the value of the stock option grants around the competitive median of the peer groups.
Nevertheless, in recommending stock option grants to one executive officer which exceeded the
competitive median, the Chief Executive Officer considered such individuals substantial experience
in the pharmaceutical industry, her role in co-founding the Company, her relationships with
strategic investors and important scientific institutions, including the Academia Sinica in Taiwan,
and certain other contributions during the 2009 fiscal year. In determining the stock option award
for the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee relied heavily on the competitive
median established by the peer group. As discussed above, we have targeted Named Executive Officer
compensation to fall within the median range for equivalent positions at peer group companies after
adjusting for company size. The actual positioning of target compensation for individual
executives may range above or below the median based on job content, experience and
responsibilities of the roles compared to similar positions in the market.
We have not granted to any employee any restricted stock or restricted stock awards pursuant
to our equity benefit plans. However, our Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may in the
future elect to make such grants to our Named Executive Officers if it deems it advisable.
Employment Agreements. We have not entered into an employment agreement with any of our
current executive officers.
18
Severance and Change-in-Control Benefits. None of our current executive officers are entitled
to severance or change of control benefits; provided however, that the OPKO Health, Inc. 2007
Equity Incentive Plan provides for certain accelerated vesting upon change in control events.
401(k) Profit Sharing Plan. We have adopted a tax-qualified 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the
401(k) Plan) covering all qualified employees. The effective date of the 401(k) Plan is January
2008. Participants may elect a salary reduction of at least 1% as a contribution to the 401(k)
Plan, up to the statutorily prescribed annual limit for tax-deferred contributions ($16,500 for
employees under age 50 and an additional $5,000 for employees 50 and above in 2009). In 2008, the
Company adopted the Roth contribution for employee elections. The 401(k) Plan permits employer
matching of up to 4% of a participants salary up to the statutory limits. In 2010, we elected a
safe harbor contribution at 4% of annual compensation. All of our safe harbor contributions are
immediately vested.
Other Compensation. All of our Named Executive Officers have standard benefits that are
offered to all full-time, exempt employees. These standard benefits include health, dental and
life insurance, and short and long term disability. We intend to continue to maintain the current
benefits and perquisites for our Named Executive Officers; however, our Compensation Committee, in
its discretion, may in the future revise, amend, or add to the benefits and perquisites of any
Named Executive Officer if it deems it advisable.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally does not allow a deduction for annual
compensation in excess of $1,000,000 paid to our executive officers. This limitation on
deductibility does not apply to certain compensation, including performance based compensation
under a plan approved by our stockholders. It is expected that equity grants under our 2007 Equity
Incentive Plan will qualify for the performance-based exceptions from the Section 162(m)
limitations. Our policy is generally to preserve the federal income tax deductibility of
compensation and to qualify eligible compensation for the performance-based exception in order for
compensation not to be subject to the limitation on deductibility imposed by Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code. We may, however, approve compensation that may not be deductible if we
determine that the compensation is in our best interests as well as the best interests of our
stockholders.
19
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee of our Board has submitted the following report for inclusion in
this proxy statement.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis
contained in this proxy statement with management. Based on its review and discussions with
management with respect to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Compensation Committee
recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy
statement on Schedule 14A for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Compensation Committee
Richard A. Lerner, M.D., Chairman
John A. Paganelli
Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D.
The Compensation Committee report above shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or to be
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by
reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into
such filing.
20
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation earned in or with respect to
fiscal 2010, 2009, and 2008 by:
|
|
|
Our Chief Executive Officer during fiscal 2010; |
|
|
|
|
Our Principal Financial Officer during fiscal 2010; and |
|
|
|
|
Our only two executive officers (other than individuals serving as our Chief
Executive Officer or our Principal Financial Officer) who were serving as executive
officers at the end of the last completed fiscal year. |
We refer to these officers collectively as our Named Executive Officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option |
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Award(s) |
|
|
Award(s) |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
|
Salary ($) |
|
|
Bonus ($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($)(1) |
|
|
($)(2) |
|
|
Total ($) |
|
Phillip Frost, M.D. |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
439,230 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
642,510 |
|
|
|
9,800 |
|
|
|
1,091,540 |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
337,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
236,635 |
|
|
|
54,800 |
|
|
|
628,935 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
325,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
291,330 |
|
|
|
9,200 |
|
|
|
625,530 |
|
|
Jane H. Hsiao, Ph.D. |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
426,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
642,510 |
|
|
|
9,800 |
|
|
|
1,079,233 |
|
Chief Technical Officer |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
311,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
202,830 |
|
|
|
9,800 |
|
|
|
524,168 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
242,775 |
|
|
|
9,200 |
|
|
|
551,975 |
|
|
Steven D. Rubin |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
342,308 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
378,367 |
|
|
|
9,800 |
|
|
|
730,475 |
|
Executive Vice President- |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
311,539 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
169,025 |
|
|
|
9,800 |
|
|
|
490,364 |
|
Administration |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
194,220 |
|
|
|
9,200 |
|
|
|
503,420 |
|
|
Rao Uppaluri, Ph.D. |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
304,616 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
335,533 |
|
|
|
9,800 |
|
|
|
649,949 |
|
Senior Vice President and |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
285,581 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
152,123 |
|
|
|
9,800 |
|
|
|
447,504 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
275,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
169,943 |
|
|
|
9,200 |
|
|
|
454,143 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC
Topic 718. The assumptions used in calculating the amounts are discussed in Note 8 of the
Companys audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 included in the
Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2011. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes contributions made by the Company under its 401(k) Plan during fiscal 2010
in the amount of $9,800 for each of Drs. Frost, Hsiao, and Uppaluri and Mr. Rubin. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table presents information concerning grants of plan-based awards to each of the
Named Executive Officers and certain other persons during the year ended December 31, 2010. The
exercise price per share of each option granted to our Named Executive Officers during 2010 was
equal to the fair market value of our common stock, as determined by our Compensation Committee on
the date of the grant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Option Awards: |
|
|
Exercise or |
|
|
Grant Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
Base Price of |
|
|
Fair Value of |
|
Name |
|
Grant Date |
|
|
Underlying Options (#) |
|
|
Option Awards ($/Sh) |
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Phillip Frost, M.D. (1) |
|
|
4/14/10 |
|
|
|
450,000 |
|
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
642,510 |
|
Jane H. Hsiao, Ph.D. (1) |
|
|
4/14/10 |
|
|
|
450,000 |
|
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
642,510 |
|
Steven D Rubin (1) |
|
|
4/14/10 |
|
|
|
265,000 |
|
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
378,367 |
|
Rao Uppaluri, Ph.D. (1) |
|
|
4/14/10 |
|
|
|
235,000 |
|
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
335,533 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Options vest in four equal annual tranches beginning April 14, 2011 and will expire
on April 13, 2017. |
|
(2) |
|
Reflects the grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. |
21
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2010 with respect to equity
awards outstanding at December 31, 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Market Value |
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares or Unit |
|
|
of Shares or |
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Option |
|
|
of Stock That |
|
|
Units of Stock |
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Expiration |
|
|
Have Not |
|
|
That Have Not |
|
Name |
|
(#) Exercisable |
|
|
(#) Unexercisable |
|
|
Price ($) |
|
|
Date |
|
|
Vested (#) |
|
|
Vested ($) |
|
Phillip Frost, M.D. |
|
|
750,000 |
(1) |
|
|
250,000 |
(1) |
|
|
4.88 |
|
|
|
5/2/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
150,000 |
(2) |
|
|
150,000 |
(2) |
|
|
1.65 |
|
|
|
4/27/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
87,500 |
(3) |
|
|
262,500 |
(3) |
|
|
1.16 |
|
|
|
5/4/16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
450,000 |
(4) |
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
4/13/17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jane H. Hsiao, Ph.D. |
|
|
487,500 |
(1) |
|
|
162,500 |
(1) |
|
|
4.88 |
|
|
|
5/2/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,000 |
(2) |
|
|
125,000 |
(2) |
|
|
1.65 |
|
|
|
4/27/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
(3) |
|
|
225,000 |
(3) |
|
|
1.16 |
|
|
|
5/4/16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
450,000 |
(4) |
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
4/13/17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven D. Rubin |
|
|
375,000 |
(1) |
|
|
125,000 |
(1) |
|
|
4.88 |
|
|
|
5/2/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
(2) |
|
|
100,000 |
(2) |
|
|
1.65 |
|
|
|
4/27/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,500 |
(3) |
|
|
187,500 |
(3) |
|
|
1.16 |
|
|
|
5/4/16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
265,000 |
(4) |
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
4/13/17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rao Uppaluri, Ph.D. |
|
|
300,000 |
(1) |
|
|
100,000 |
(1) |
|
|
4.88 |
|
|
|
5/2/14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
87,500 |
(2) |
|
|
87,500 |
(2) |
|
|
1.65 |
|
|
|
4/27/15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,250 |
(3) |
|
|
168,750 |
(3) |
|
|
1.16 |
|
|
|
5/4/16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
235,000 |
(4) |
|
|
2.36 |
|
|
|
4/13/17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Options were issued on May 3, 2007 and vest in four equal annual tranches beginning
on May 3, 2008. |
|
(2) |
|
Options were issued on April 28, 2008 and vest in four equal annual tranches
beginning April 28, 2009. |
|
(3) |
|
Options were issued on May 5, 2009 and vest in four equal annual tranches beginning
on May 5, 2010. |
|
(4) |
|
Options were issued on April 14, 2010 and vest in four equal annual tranches
beginning on April 14, 2011. |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
None of our Named Executive Officers exercised stock options or held stock awards that vested
during fiscal 2010.
Pension Benefits
None of our Named Executive Officers is covered by a pension plan or other similar benefit
plan that provides for payments or other benefits at, following, or in connection with retirement.
Nonqualified Deferred Contribution and Other Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan
None of our Named Executive Officers is covered by a nonqualified deferred contribution or
other nonqualified deferred compensation plan.
22
Employment Agreements and Change in Control Arrangements
We have not entered into employment agreements with any of our executive officers, and none of
our Named Executive Officers are entitled to severance or change of control benefits; provided
however, that the OPKO Health, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan provides for accelerated vesting of
all awards under the plan upon a Change in Control. Pursuant to the plan, if there is a Change in
Control of the Company, the vesting date of each outstanding equity award under the plan shall be
accelerated so that each such award shall, immediately prior to the effective date of the Change in
Control, become fully vested with respect to the total number of shares of Common stock subject to
such award. Upon the consummation of any Change in Control, all outstanding awards under the Plan,
shall to the extent not previously exercised, either be assumed by any successor corporation or
parent thereof or be replaced with a comparable award with respect to shares of common stock of
such successor corporation or parent thereof. Under the plan, a Change in Control means the
occurrence of any of the following events:
(a) any Person (other than (i) the Company, (ii) any trustee or other fiduciary holding
securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, (iii) any subsidiaries of the Company,
(iv) any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially
the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company), or (v) the Frost Group or any of
its affiliates) becomes, either alone or together with such Persons affiliates and associates, the
beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of
the combined voting power of the Companys then-outstanding securities;
(b) during any period of twenty-four months, individuals who at the beginning of such period
constitute the Board, and any new directors whose election by the Board or nomination for election
by the Companys stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then
still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or
nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute at least a
majority thereof;
(c) the effective date or date of consummation of any transaction or series of transactions
(other than a transaction to which only the Company and one or more of its subsidiaries are
parties) under which the Company is merged or consolidated with any other company, other than a
merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding
immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being
converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) 50% or more of the combined voting power
of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such
merger or consolidation; or
(d) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or
an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the
Companys assets.
If we had experienced a Change of Control on December 31, 2010, the value of the acceleration
of stock options held by each of Dr. Frost, Dr. Hsiao, Dr. Uppaluri, and Mr. Rubin would be
approximately $1.9 million, $1.7 million, $1.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
23
Fiscal Year-End Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth aggregated information concerning our equity compensation plans
outstanding at December 31, 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining Available |
|
|
|
Securities to be |
|
|
|
|
|
|
for Future Issuance |
|
|
|
Issued upon |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under Equity |
|
|
|
Exercise of |
|
|
Weighted-Average |
|
|
Compensation Plans |
|
|
|
Outstanding |
|
|
Exercise Price of |
|
|
(excluding shares |
|
|
|
Options, Warrants |
|
|
Outstanding Options, |
|
|
reflected in |
|
Plan Category |
|
and Rights (#) |
|
|
Warrants and Rights |
|
|
the 1st column) |
|
Equity Compensation
Plans Approved by
Stockholders |
|
|
14,708,146 |
|
|
$ |
2.31 |
|
|
|
11,106,725 |
|
Equity Compensation
Plans Not Approved
by Stockholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
14,708,146 |
|
|
$ |
2.31 |
|
|
|
11,106,725 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation Policies and Practices as Related to Risk Management
The Compensation Committee and management do not believe that the Company maintains compensation
policies or practices that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Our employees base salaries are fixed in amount and thus we do not believe that they encourage
excessive risk-taking. A significant proportion of the compensation provided to our employees is
in the form of long-term equity-based incentives that we believe are important to help further
align our employees interests with those of our stockholders. We do not believe that these
equity-based incentives encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking because their ultimate value
is tied to our stock price.
24
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP (Ernst & Young) has served as the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm since 2007. The Audit Committee plans to engage Ernst & Young as the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements for fiscal 2011 and
to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2011. We expect that a representative of Ernst & Young will attend the Annual
Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so, and will be
available to respond to appropriate questions.
The following table presents fees for professional audit services provided by Ernst & Young
for the audit of our annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting for
fiscal 2010 and 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FY 2010 |
|
|
FY 2009 |
|
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
571,400 |
|
|
$ |
449,000 |
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
573,400 |
|
|
$ |
451,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Fees include fees for services rendered for the audit of our annual consolidated
financial statements, the audit of internal control over financial reporting, the review of
financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and consents and other
services normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for
those fiscal years. Audit fees for 2010 include approximately $83,000 in fees paid for services related to the public
offering of the Companys common stock in March 2011.
Audit-Related Fees would principally include fees incurred for due diligence in connection
with potential transactions and accounting consultations. There were no audit-related fees
incurred during 2010 and 2009.
Tax Fees would include fees for services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax
planning. There were no tax fees incurred with Ernst & Young in 2010 and 2009.
All Other Fees would include fees for all other services rendered to us that do not constitute
Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees, or Tax Fees. For 2010 and 2009, such fees related to a license
associated with an accounting research tool.
Audit Committee Policy for Pre-approval of Independent Auditor Services
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is required to pre-approve all audit and non-audit
services provided by the Companys independent registered public accounting firm in order to assure
that the provision of such services does not impair the auditors independence. The Audit
Committee has established a policy regarding pre-approval of permissible audit, audit-related, and
other services provided by the independent auditors, which services are periodically reviewed and
revised by the Audit Committee. Unless a type of service has received general pre-approval under
the policy, the service will require specific approval by the Audit Committee. The policy also
includes pre-approved fee levels for specified services and any proposed service exceeding the
established fee level must be specifically approved by the Audit Committee. All audit and
permitted non-audit services and all fees associated with such services performed by our
independent registered public accounting firm in fiscal 2010 and 2009 were approved by the Audit
Committee consistent with the policy described above.
25
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The following Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or to be
filed with the SEC or incorporated by reference in any other filing by us under the Securities
Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The members of the Audit Committee of the Board are Messrs. Pfenniger, Baron, and Paganelli.
The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in its general oversight of the
Companys accounting and financial reporting processes. The Audit Committees functions are more
fully described in its charter, which the Board has adopted. The Audit Committee reviews and
reassesses the adequacy of its charter on an annual basis. The Board annually reviews the NYSE
Amex listing standards definition of independence for Audit Committee members and has determined
that each member of the Audit Committee is independent under that standard.
Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation, and integrity of the Companys
financial statements, accounting and financial reporting principles, and internal controls and
procedures designed to ensure compliance with accounting standards, applicable laws, and
regulations.
The Companys independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, is responsible
for performing an independent annual audit of the Companys consolidated financial statements and
expressing an opinion on both the conformity of those financial statements with United States
generally accepted accounting principles and on the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting. The Audit Committees policy is that all services rendered by the Companys
independent auditor are either specifically approved or pre-approved and are monitored both as to
spending level and work content to maintain the appropriate objectivity and independence of the
independent auditor. The Audit Committees policy provides that the Audit Committee has the
ultimate authority to approve all audit engagement fees and terms and that the Audit Committee
shall review, evaluate, and approve the engagement proposal of the independent auditor.
In conjunction with its activities during fiscal 2010, the Audit Committee reviewed and
discussed our interim results, audited financial statements, and the annual integrated audit of our
financial statements and internal control over financial reporting with the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm with and without management present, and with management. The
members of the Audit Committee discussed the quarterly review procedures and annual audit
procedures performed by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with the
quarterly unaudited and annual audited financial statements and discussed and agreed upon
procedures related to the audit of internal control over financial reporting with management of the
Company and its independent registered public accounting firm. The members of the Audit Committee
also discussed with the Companys independent registered public accounting firm the matters
required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended. In addition,
the Audit Committee received from the Companys independent registered public accounting firm the
written disclosures and the letter required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
regarding the independent registered public accounting firms communications with the Audit
Committee concerning independence and has discussed with the independent registered public
accounting firm the independent registered public accounting firms independence. Based on the
foregoing reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the fiscal
2010 annual audited financial statements be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K
for fiscal 2010 for filing with the SEC.
Audit Committee
Richard C. Pfenniger, Jr., Chairman
Robert A. Baron
John A. Paganelli
26
PROPOSAL TWO:
NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF THE
COMPANYS NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (SAY ON PAY)
Background of the Proposal
The Dodd-Frank Act requires all public companies, beginning with their stockholder meetings on
or after January 21, 2011, to hold a separate non-binding advisory stockholder vote to approve the
compensation of executive officers as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the
executive compensation tables and any related information in each such companys proxy statement
(commonly known as a Say on Pay proposal). Pursuant to Section 14A of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, we are holding a separate non-binding advisory vote on Say on Pay at the
Annual Meeting.
Say on Pay Proposal
As discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement,
our executive compensation program is primarily structured to (i) attract, motivate, and retain
talented executives with the skill sets and expertise we need to meet our scientific and business
objectives; (ii) be competitive in the marketplace; (iii) tie annual and long-term cash and equity
incentives to the achievement of specified performance objectives that will result in increased
stockholder value; and (iv) be cost-effective. The three primary elements of compensation used to
support the above goals are base salary, discretionary annual bonus and equity awards. Although we
have not adopted any formal guidelines for allocating total compensation between equity
compensation and cash compensation, we maintain compensation plans that tie a substantial portion
of our executives overall compensation to the achievement of corporate goals and success of the
Company. The Board believes that our compensation program for our executive officers is
appropriately based upon our performance and the individual performance and level of responsibility
of the executive officers. We urge you to read the Executive Compensation section of this proxy
statement for details on the Companys executive compensation programs.
The Say on Pay proposal is set forth in the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to OPKO Health, Inc.s named executive
officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion
is hereby APPROVED.
Because your vote on this proposal is advisory, it will not be binding on the Board, the
Compensation Committee or the Company. However, the Compensation Committee will take into account
the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.
OUR BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE SAY ON PAY PROPOSAL.
27
PROPOSAL THREE:
NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF THE ADVISORY VOTE
ON SAY ON PAY IN FUTURE YEARS (SAY ON FREQUENCY)
Background of the Proposal
The Dodd-Frank Act also requires all public companies, beginning with their stockholder
meetings on or after January 21, 2011, to hold a separate non-binding advisory stockholder vote
with respect to the frequency of the vote on the Say on Pay proposal thereafter. Companies must
give stockholders the choice of whether to cast an advisory vote on the Say on Pay proposal every
year, every two years, or every three years (commonly known as Say on Frequency). Stockholders
may also abstain from making a choice. After such initial votes are held, the Dodd-Frank Act
requires all public companies to submit to their stockholders no less often than every six years
thereafter the Say on Frequency proposal. Pursuant to Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, we are holding a separate non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of Say on
Pay in future years at the Annual Meeting.
Say on Frequency Proposal
The Board believes that Say on Pay votes should be conducted every three years. As discussed
above, the Board believes that our executive compensation programs are designed to secure and
retain the services of high quality executives and to provide compensation to our executives that
are commensurate and aligned with our performance and advances both short and long-term interest of
ours and our stockholders. In addition, the Board believes a three year period will allow our
stockholders to better judge our executive compensation program in relation to long-term
performance. The Board believes that giving our stockholders the right to cast an advisory vote
every three years on their approval of the compensation arrangements of our named executive
officers provides the Board sufficient time to thoughtfully evaluate and respond to stockholder
input and effectively implement changes, as needed, to our executive compensation program.
Although the Board recommends that the Say on Pay proposal be voted on every three years, our
stockholders will be able to specify one of four choices for the frequency of the vote on the Say
on Pay proposal as follows: (i) one year, (ii) two years, (iii) three years, or (iv) abstain. This
is an advisory vote and will not be binding on the Board or the Company, and the Board may
determine that it is in the best interests of our stockholders and the Company to hold an advisory
vote on executive compensation more or less frequently than may be indicated by this advisory vote
of our stockholders. Nevertheless, the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome
this advisory vote when considering how frequently to seek an advisory vote on Say on Pay in future
years.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE SELECTION OF THREE YEARS AS THE FREQUENCY
WITH WHICH STOCKHOLDERS ARE PROVIDED AN ADVISORY VOTE ON SAY ON PAY.
28
OTHER INFORMATION
Deadlines for Stockholder Proposals and Nominations for the 2012 Annual Meeting
Pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, our stockholders may present proper proposals
for inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy and for consideration at the next annual
meeting by submitting their proposals to us in a timely manner. Any stockholder of the Company who
wishes to present a proposal for inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy for action at
the 2012 annual meeting of stockholders (the 2012 Annual Meeting) must comply with our Amended
and Restated Bylaws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, each as then in effect. Such
proposals must be mailed to us at our offices at 4400 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida 33137,
attention: Secretary. Under the rules of the SEC, any stockholder proposal intended to be
presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting must be received no later than December 27, 2011 in order to
be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy relating to such meeting.
Under our Amended and Restated Bylaws, a stockholder must follow certain procedures to nominate
persons for election as directors or to introduce an item of business at an annual meeting of
stockholders. In order to be timely, we must receive notice of your intention to introduce a
nomination or propose an item of business at our 2012 Annual Meeting between March 11, 2012 and
April 10, 2012.
If a stockholder notifies us of an intent to present a proposal at the 2012 Annual Meeting at
any time after March 12, 2012 (and for any reason the proposal is voted on at that meeting), it
will be considered untimely and our proxy holders will have the right to exercise discretionary
voting authority with respect to the proposal, if presented at the meeting, without including
information regarding the proposal in our proxy materials.
Expenses of Solicitation
We will bear the cost of this proxy solicitation. In addition to the use of the mails, some
of our regular employees, without additional remuneration, may solicit proxies personally or by
telephone or facsimile. We will reimburse brokers, dealers, banks, and other custodians, nominees,
and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation materials to beneficial
owners of our common stock.
Other Business
As of the date of this proxy statement, the Board knows of no business to be presented at the
Annual Meeting other than as set forth in this proxy statement. If other matters properly come
before the Annual Meeting, or any of its adjournments, the persons named as proxies will vote on
such matters in their discretion.
Householding
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy
the delivery requirements for proxy statements and annual reports with respect to two or more
stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to those
stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as householding, potentially means
extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.
This year, a number of brokers with account holders who are stockholders of our company will
be householding our proxy materials. A single proxy statement may be delivered to multiple
stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected
stockholders. Once a stockholder has received notice from its broker that it will be
householding communications to such stockholders address, householding will continue until
such stockholder is notified otherwise or until such stockholder notifies its broker or us that it
no longer wishes to participate in householding. If, at any time, a stockholder no longer wishes
to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate copy of the 2011 proxy
statement and 2010 annual report and/or wishes to receive separate copies of these documents in the
future such stockholder may (1) notify its broker or (2) direct its written or oral request to:
OPKO Health, Inc., Corporate Secretary, 4400 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida 33137, (305) 575-4100.
Upon written or oral request, we will deliver promptly a separate copy of the 2011 proxy statement
and 2010 annual report to any stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of any of
these documents was delivered.
29
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
OPKO HEALTH, INC.
June 9, 2011
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PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS |
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INTERNET
- Access
www.voteproxy.com and follow the on-screen
instructions. Have your proxy card available when you access the
web page.
Vote online until 11:59 PM EST the day before the meeting.
MAIL -
Sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelope
provided as soon as possible.
IN PERSON -
You may vote your shares in person by attending
the Annual Meeting.
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Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials
for the Annual Meeting to Be Held on June 9, 2011
The Proxy Statement and 2010 Annual Report
are available at www.opko.com
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Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided IF you are not voting via the Internet.
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS, FOR THE SAY ON PAY PROPOSAL,
AND FOR THE SELECTION OF 3 YEARS AS THE FREQUENCY WITH WHICH STOCKHOLDERS PROVIDE AN ADVISORY VOTE ON SAY ON PAY.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE
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Election of ten directors. |
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FOR ALL NOMINEES
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES
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Phillip Frost, M.D. Jane H. Hsiao, Ph.D., M.B.A.
Steven D. Rubin Robert A. Baron Thomas E. Beier Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D.
Richard A. Lerner, M.D.
John A. Paganelli
Richard C. Pfenniger, Jr.
Alice Lin-Tsing Yu, M.D., Ph.D. |
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In their discretion, the proxy holders are authorized to vote upon such other
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INSTRUCTIONS:
To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT
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THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE
MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED. IF NO DIRECTION IS
MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ELECTION OF EACH OF THE
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR, FOR THE SAY ON PAY PROPOSAL, AND FOR
THE SELECTION OF 3 YEARS AS THE FREQUENCY WITH WHICH
STOCKHOLDERS ARE PROVIDED AN ADVISORY VOTE ON SAY ON PAY.
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PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY
USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. |
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The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the accompanying Notice of
Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement for the June 9, 2011
meeting. |
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To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and
indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that
changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via
this method.
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Signature of
Stockholder |
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Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on
this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When
signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please
give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full
corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If
signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized
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PROXY
OPKO HEALTH, INC.
4400 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, Florida 33137
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - JUNE 9, 2011
The undersigned hereby appoints Rao Uppaluri, Ph.D. and Steven D. Rubin, and each of them
severally, as proxies of the undersigned, each with full power to appoint his substitute, to
represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of OPKO Health, Inc. (the
Company) to be held at the Companys headquarters at 4400 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida 33137,
on June 9, 2011, beginning at 10:00 a.m., local time, and at any adjournments thereof, and to vote
thereat all shares of common stock, Series A Preferred Stock, and 8% Series D Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company held of record by the undersigned at the close of
business on April 12, 2011, in accordance with the instructions set forth on this proxy card and,
in their discretion, to vote such shares on any other business as may properly come before the
meeting and on matters incident to the conduct of the meeting. Any proxy heretofore given by the
undersigned with respect to such stock is hereby revoked.
PLEASE MARK, DATE AND SIGN THIS PROXY ON THE REVERSE SIDE
AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to
Be Held on June 9, 2011
The Proxy Statement and 2010 Annual Report are available at www.opko.com.