UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant|X|
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant|_|
Check the appropriate box:
|X| Preliminary Proxy Statement
|_| Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as
permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
|_| Definitive Proxy Statement
|_| Definitive Additional Materials
|_| Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or
Rule 14a-12
NEPHROS, INC.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
|X| No fee required.
|_| Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1)
and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|_| Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|_| Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by
Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which
the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous
filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule
and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRAPHIC OMITTED
NEPHROS
-------------
Dear Stockholder:
We invite you to attend our annual meeting of stockholders at 9:00 a.m. on
June 23, 2005 at the offices of the American Stock Exchange located at 86
Trinity Place in New York, New York. At the meeting, you will hear a report on
our operations and have a chance to meet certain of our directors and executive
officers.
This booklet includes the formal notice of the meeting and the proxy
statement. The proxy statement tells you more about the agenda and procedures
for the meeting. It also describes how the Board operates and gives personal
information about our directors and executive officers.
Even if you only own a few shares, we want your shares to be represented
at the meeting. I urge you to complete, sign, date, and return your proxy card
promptly in the enclosed envelope.
We look forward to seeing you on the 23rd of June.
Sincerely yours,
Norman J. Barta
Chief Executive Officer &
President
May 11, 2005
NEPHROS, INC.
3960 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10032
___________________
NOTICE OF
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
June 23, 2005
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Nephros,
Inc. will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2005, at the American Stock
Exchange located at 86 Trinity Place in New York, New York, New York, for the
following purposes:
1. To elect three directors for a term of three years;
2. To approve a Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
that decreases the number of authorized shares of common stock from
49,000,000 to 25,000,000, and decreases the number of authorized
shares of preferred stock from 31,000,000 to 5,000,000;
3. To approve an amendment to the Nephros, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan
that increases the total number of shares of common stock that may be
granted pursuant to awards under the Plan from 486,237 to 800,000;
4. To ratify the appointment by the Audit Committee of Deloitte & Touche
LLP as the company's independent registered public accounting firm for
our fiscal year ending December 31, 2005; and
5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting and any adjournments thereof. We are currently unaware of any
additional business to be presented at the meeting.
You must own shares at the close of business on April 25, 2005 to vote at
the meeting.
In order that your shares may be represented at the meeting in case you
are not personally present, please complete, sign and date the enclosed
proxy/voting card and return it as soon as possible in the enclosed addressed
envelope. If you attend the meeting, you may vote your shares in person, even if
you have signed and returned the proxy card.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sincerely,
--------------------------------
Norman Barta
President
Chief Executive Officer,
Corporate Secretary
May 11, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
GENERAL INFORMATION 6
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS 8
DIRECTORS, DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 8
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY 11
PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF REDUCTION IN AUTHORIZED COMMON AND PREFERRED
SHARES 15
PROPOSAL 3: APPROVAL OF INCREASE IN SHARES THAT MAY BE GRANTED UNDER
THE NEPHROS, INC. 2004 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN 17
PROPOSAL 4: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 21
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT 22
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT 23
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 24
Summary Compensation Table 24
STOCK OPTIONS 25
Options Granted in the Last Fiscal Year 25
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End
Option Values 25
Equity Compensation Plan Information 26
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance 26
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND SHAREHOLDINGS OF MANAGEMENT 27
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS 28
Employment Agreement 28
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS 30
OTHER MATTERS 33
GENERAL INFORMATION
Stockholders entitled to vote
Stockholders of Nephros, Inc. ("Nephros" or the "Company"), as recorded on
our stock register as of the close of business on April 25, 2005, may vote at
the meeting. As of April 25, 2005, we had 12,304,498 shares of common stock
outstanding. Each share of common stock outstanding on the record date is
entitled to one vote on each matter of business considered at the meeting.
Mailing of proxy statement and form of proxy
This proxy statement and the accompanying form of proxy are being mailed
on or around May 11, 2005, in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the
Board of Directors for use at the annual meeting. This proxy statement contains
important information for you to consider when deciding how to vote on matters
brought before the meeting. Please read it carefully. Our annual report for
fiscal 2004 and our annual report on Form 10-KSB for fiscal 2004 are being
mailed to stockholders together with this proxy statement.
How proxies work
Our Board of Directors is asking for your proxy. Giving us your proxy
means you authorize us to vote your shares at the meeting in the manner you
direct.
You may vote for or against each of our director candidates. The election
of each nominee for director requires a plurality of votes cast. Accordingly,
abstentions and broker "non-votes" (that is, proxies from brokers or nominees
indicating that such persons have not received instructions from the beneficial
owner or other persons entitled to vote shares on a particular matter with
respect to which brokers or nominees do not have discretionary power) will not
affect the outcome of the election. You may vote for, vote against or abstain
from voting for the Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock will be required to approve the Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as
votes against the Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
You may vote for, vote against or abstain from voting for each of the
amendment to the Nephros, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, and the proposal to
ratify the appointment by the Audit Committee of our Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of
Common Stock represented and voted at the Annual Meeting is required for
approval of these matters. On these matters, abstentions will have the same
effect as a negative vote. However, because broker non-votes will not be treated
as shares that are present and entitled to vote with respect to a specific
proposal, broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this matter.
If you sign and return the enclosed proxy card but do not specify how to
vote, we will vote your shares IN FAVOR of our director candidates, IN FAVOR of
the Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, IN FAVOR of the
amendment to the Nephros, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan and IN FAVOR of the
ratification of the appointment by the Audit Committee of our Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm and in our proxies' discretion on such other
matters as may properly be raised at the meeting.
You may receive more than one proxy or voting card depending on how you
hold your shares. Shares registered in your name are covered by one card. If you
hold shares through someone else, such as a stockbroker, you may get material
from them asking how you want to vote those shares.
Revoking a proxy
You may revoke your proxy by sending in a new proxy card with a later date
or by sending written notice of revocation to our corporate secretary at our
principal executive offices. If you attend the meeting, you may revoke in
writing previously submitted proxies and vote in person.
Quorum
A majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares entitled to vote
at the meeting shall constitute a quorum, whether present in person or by proxy.
If you want to vote in person at the annual meeting, and you hold your Nephros
stock through a securities broker (that is, in street name), you must obtain a
proxy from your broker and bring that proxy to the meeting. Abstentions and
broker non-votes count for quorum purposes but not for voting purposes. Broker
non-votes occur when a broker returns a proxy but does not have the authority to
vote on a particular proposal.
Attending in person
Only stockholders, their proxy holders and our guests may attend the meeting.
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the meeting, three directors will each be elected to serve a three-year
term that will expire at the close of our annual meeting to be held during 2008.
The shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted to elect as directors
the nominees named below, unless a vote is withheld for an individual nominee.
If a nominee cannot or will not serve as a director (which events are not
anticipated), the shares represented by the enclosed proxy may be voted for
another person as determined by the holder of the proxies.
Board Structure
Our Board of Directors currently has eight members. The directors are
divided into three classes. Directors in each class serve a term of three years.
At each annual meeting, the term of one class expires. Our Class I Directors,
whose terms expire at the conclusion of this annual meeting, are Howard Davis,
W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr. and Bernard Salick, M.D.
Board Nominees
The Board of Directors has nominated Howard Davis, Bernard Salick, M.D.
and W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr. for re-election as directors. Each director nominee
would serve a three-year term expiring at the close of our annual meeting to be
held during 2008. Biographical information on each of the nominees is furnished
below under "Directors, Director Nominees and Executive Officers."
Vote Required
The three nominees receiving the highest number of votes cast for them at
the meeting will be elected to serve for a term of three years, or until their
successors are duly elected and qualified. Abstentions and broker non-votes will
not affect the outcome of the election.
Board Recommendation
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE ELECTION (ITEM 1 OF THE
ENCLOSED PROXY CARD) OF MR. DAVIS, DR. SALICK AND MR. ZIEBOLD AS DIRECTORS.
DIRECTORS, DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following information is furnished with regard to the directors, the
director nominees and the executive officers as of April 29, 2005.
Director Term
Name Age Position Since Expires
---- --- -------- ----- -------
Eric A. Rose, M.D. 54 Chairman of the Board and Class III Director 1997 2007
Norman J. Barta 48 President, Chief Executive Officer and 2002 2007
Class III Director
Lawrence J. Centella(1)(2)(3) 64 Class III Director 2001 2007
Howard Davis 49 Class I Director 2004 2005
Donald G. Drapkin 57 Class II Director 1997 2006
William J. Fox(1)(3) 48 Class II Director 2004 2006
Bernard Salick, M.D. 65 Class I Director 2005 2005
W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.(2)(3) 43 Class I Director 1999 2005
Marc L. Panoff 34 Chief Financial Officer N/A N/A
(1 Member of the Audit Committee of the Board
(2 Member of the Compensation Committee of the Board
(3 Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board
Eric A. Rose, M.D. has served as chairman of our Board of Directors and a
director since our inception in 1997. Dr. Rose served as our president and chief
executive officer from May 1999 until July 2002. Since 1994, Dr. Rose has been
the Morris and Rose Millstein/Johnson & Johnson Professor and Chairman of the
Department of Surgery at the Columbia University College of Physicians and
Surgeons, and Surgeon in Chief at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr.
Rose is a director of SIGA Technologies, Inc., a publicly-traded biotechnology
company focused on the design and development of novel products for the
prevention and treatment of serious infectious diseases. Dr. Rose received a
B.A., summa cum laude, in Psychology from Columbia University and an M.D. from
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Norman J. Barta has served as our president and chief executive officer
and as a director since July 2002, and served as our chief financial officer
from October 1998 until July 2004. Mr. Barta has served as our treasurer and
secretary since May 1999. Mr. Barta served as our chief operating officer from
October 1999 to July 2002. From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Barta provided financial
planning and management for the research and development division of National
Medical Care (currently a division of the Fresenius Medical Care AG), which
prior to its acquisition by Fresenius, was one of the largest dialysis providers
in the world. Prior to that, Mr. Barta was a consultant for Corestates Bank,
where he restructured and optimized cash management and treasury areas for the
bank's corporate and public-sector clients. Mr. Barta received a B.S. in
Mathematics and Economics from Carnegie-Mellon University and an M.B.A. from the
University of Chicago.
Lawrence J. Centella has served as a director of our company since January
2001. Mr. Centella serves as president of Renal Patient Services, LLC, a company
that owns and operates dialysis centers, and has served in such capacity since
June 1998. From 1997 to 1998, Mr. Centella served as executive vice president
and chief operating officer of Gambro Healthcare, Inc., an integrated dialysis
company that manufactures dialysis equipment, supplies dialysis equipment and
operates dialysis clinics. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Centella served as president
and chief executive officer of Gambro Healthcare Patient Services, Inc.
(formerly REN Corporation). Prior to that, Mr. Centella served as president of
COBE Renal Care, Inc., Gambro Hospal, Inc., LADA International, Inc. and Gambro,
Inc. Mr. Centella is also the founder of LADA International, Inc. Mr. Centella
received a B.S. from DePaul University.
Howard Davis has served as a director of our company since September,
2004. Mr. Davis serves as Senior Vice President - Capital Markets with The
Shemano Group, which served as lead underwriter in our initial public offering.
From 1997 to 2003, Mr. Davis served as the executive vice president of GunnAllen
Financial Inc., where he was the executive responsible for the investment
banking and finance division. From 1990 to 1997, Mr. Davis served as the
president and chief executive officer of Kensington Securities, Inc., a National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. broker dealer. Prior to joining
Kensington Securities, Inc. in 1990, Mr. Davis had served as the president, and,
prior to that, as chief financial officer, of Numero Uno Franchise Corporation,
a Los Angeles based franchisor of pizzeria and Italian restaurants. Mr. Davis is
also a former instructor in franchising at California State University. Mr.
Davis was a former member of the board of directors and the audit and
compensation committees of Intelli-Check, Inc., a corporation which files
reports pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"). Mr. Davis attended the University of Southern California;
California State University, Northridge; and Kent State University, where he
majored in Finance and Accounting.
Donald G. Drapkin has served as a director of our company since our
inception in 1997. Mr. Drapkin served as our interim president, chief executive
officer and treasurer from 1997 until May 1999. Mr. Drapkin has been a Director
and Vice Chairman of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc. and various of its
affiliates since 1987. Prior to joining MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc., Mr.
Drapkin was a partner in the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
LLP for more than five years. Mr. Drapkin is also a director (or member of the
Board of Managers, as applicable) of the following companies which are required
to file reports pursuant to the Exchange Act: Allied Security Holdings LLC,
Anthracite Capital, Inc., Playboy Enterprises, Inc., Revlon, Inc., Revlon
Consumer Products Corporation and SIGA Technologies, Inc.
William J. Fox has served as a director of our company since September
2004. Mr. Fox currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer and a
director of LQ Corporation, Inc. (since October 2004) and as President and Chief
Executive Officer and a director of Dynabazaar Inc. (since December 2004). Mr.
Fox is also Vice Chairman of Barington Capital Group and its affiliates. From
February 1999 until October 2004, Mr. Fox served as chairman, president, chief
executive officer and a director of AKI, Inc. and president, chief executive
officer and a director of AKI Holdings, Inc., a marketing and interactive
advertising company. Prior to that, Mr. Fox served as president of Strategic and
Corporate Development for Revlon Worldwide and chief executive officer of Revlon
Technologies. From 1994 to April 1999, Mr. Fox served as a director, and from
1997 to 1999, Mr. Fox served as senior executive vice president, of both Revlon
Inc. and Revlon Consumer Products Corporation. For the five years ending 1999,
Mr. Fox was also senior vice president of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings, Inc. Mr.
Fox served as non-executive co-chairman of the board and a director of
Loehmann's Holding Inc. from October 2000 through October 2004 and has served as
a vice-chairman of the board and a director of Hain Food Group, Inc.
W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr. has served as a director of our company since
1999. Since 2000, Mr. Ziebold has been president of Wasserstein Levered Venture
Partners II, LLC, the venture capital affiliate of Wasserstein & Co., L.P.,
where Mr. Ziebold has led several of Wasserstein & Co., L.P.'s investments. Mr.
Ziebold is a former director and non-executive chairman of Imax Corporation, and
is a former director of Collins & Aikman Corporation and Maybelline, Inc. Mr.
Ziebold received a B.A. in Economics from Trinity College and an M.B.A. from the
Stanford School of Business.
Bernard Salick, M.D., has served as a director of our company since 2005.
Since 1997, Dr. Salick has been the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Bentley Health Care, Inc., a company focused on the development and operation of
out-patient cancer centers. Over the last five years Dr. Salick has served as
the CEO of the following companies: (i) Salick Cardiovascular Centers, LLC, a
company formed to build, own and operate out-patient cardiovascular centers;
(ii) Salick Group Holdings Ltd., LLC a company that conducts investment
activities; (iii) Sandstone Horse Sales, LLC, a horse sales, breeding and
training company; and (iv) Brighton Dialysis Associates Medical Group, who
provides medical services to dialysis patients. Dr. Salick received a B.S. from
Queens College and an M.D. from the University of Southern California.
Marc L. Panoff began serving as our chief financial officer in July 2004.
From August 2001 until July 2004, Mr. Panoff served as the vice president of
finance of Walker Digital Management, LLC, a privately held research and
development laboratory that invents, patents and develops business solutions.
Companies created by Walker Digital intellectual property include Priceline.com
and Synapse Group, Inc. From 1994 to 2001, Mr. Panoff served as the corporate
controller of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation, a publicly-traded specialty
pharmaceutical concern specializing in treating dermatological conditions. From
1992 to 1994 Mr. Panoff served as a staff auditor for KPMG in New York. Mr.
Panoff received a B.S. in Business Administration from Washington University in
St. Louis and an M.B.A. from Arizona State University. Mr. Panoff is a Certified
Public Accountant in the state of New York.
There are no family relationships between any of our directors and
executive officers.
Key Employees
Gregory Collins, Ph.D. has served as our senior scientist since 1998. From
1993 to 1997, Dr. Collins was a research and development program manager at
National Medical Care, where he was responsible for research and development
projects relating to dialyzer cartridges and bloodlines. From 1990 to 1993, Dr.
Collins served as a senior level research and development engineer at National
Medical Care, where he applied basic scientific theory to practical device
development using his training in solute transport, and gained technical
expertise in the spinning of hollow fiber semi-permeable membranes, dialyzer
cartridge design and assembly techniques, and novel test method development. Dr.
Collins received a B.S., summa
cum laude, in Chemical Engineering from Arizona State University and a Ph.D.,
magna cum laude, in Bioengineering from U.C. San Diego. Dr. Collins is 43 years
old.
Jan Rehnberg has served as our Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales
since January 2004. From 1998 to 2003, Mr. Rehnberg served as Managing Director
of Gambro Healthcare Europe, where he developed their European market by
establishing or acquiring 110 clinics serving 8,000 patients. From 1990 to 1998,
Mr. Rehnberg was the President Director General (Managing Director) of Gambro SA
France, where he reorganized and expanded the market for Gambro Renal Products.
From 1985 to 1990, Mr. Rehnberg was the Managing Director Gambro SA Spain, where
he served a similar function. From 1982 to 1984, Mr. Rehnberg was the Area
Manager Middle East for Gambro, with responsibility for 14 Arab countries in
which he developed product line sales, and established distributorships & agency
agreements. Mr. Rehnberg received his Bachelor of International Business
Administration from Lund University, Sweden. Mr. Rehnberg is 52 years old.
Nicholas Staub, B.A. has served as our Director of Sales since November
2003. From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Staub served as the Vice President of Development
for Renal Ventures Management, where he was responsible for development of new
dialysis clinics and co-venture relationships with Nephrologists and Hospitals.
From 1986 to 1999, Mr. Staub was the Territory Manager for Cobe
Laboratories/Gambro, where he marketed dialysis equipment and supplies to
clinics in the Eastern United States. Mr. Staub received his B.A. in Business
Administration from Menlo College of Business. Mr. Staub is 47 years old.
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
Code of Ethics
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, we adopted a Code of
Ethics and Business Conduct ("Code of Ethics") for our employees, officers and
directors that complies with Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")
regulations and American Stock Exchange listing standards. The Code of Ethics is
available free of charge on our website at www.nephros.com, by clicking on the
Investor Relations link, then the Corporate Governance link. We intend to timely
disclose any amendments to, or waivers from, our code of ethics and business
conduct that are required to be publicly disclosed pursuant to rules of the SEC
and the American Stock Exchange by filing such amendment or waiver with the SEC.
Committees and Meetings
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee
and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Audit Committee,
Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are
each governed by a specific charter, each of which is available on our website
at www.nephros.com, and all members of these committees are independent
directors. We comply with the rules promulgated by the American Stock Exchange
("AMEX") for determining the independence of directors, as well as the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requirements for independence of directors on the
Audit Committee. Compliance with these requirements is reviewed annually by the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
The Board has at least one regularly scheduled meeting per year. In
addition, the Board holds special meetings whenever requested by either the
Chairman of the Board, the President, the Secretary or by two or more directors.
The Audit Committee has no less than one meeting per quarter. The Compensation
Committee meets at least twice a year and the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee meets at least once a year. In addition, special meetings
of the Board or any Committee may be called from time to time as determined by
the needs of the business.
The Board of Directors held two meetings since the closing of our initial
public offering on September 24, 2004 and prior to the end of fiscal 2004.
During 2004, all directors attended at least 75% of the combined total of (i)
all Board meetings and (ii) all meetings of committees of the Board of which the
director was a member. The Board of Directors allocates time at each Board
meeting to meet without management present.
Audit Committee
The purpose of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is to
represent and assist the Board in monitoring (i) accounting, auditing, and
financial reporting processes; (ii) the integrity of our financial statements;
(iii) our internal controls and procedures designed to promote compliance with
accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations; and (iv) the
appointment of and evaluating the qualifications and independence of our
independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee's specific
responsibilities are set forth in its charter, a copy of which is attached as
Exhibit A to this proxy statement. The Audit Committee currently consists of Mr.
Fox (Chairman) and Mr. Centella both of whom have been determined by the Board
of Directors to be independent under the AMEX listing standards. The Audit
Committee was formed upon the closing of our initial public offering on
September 24, 2004. From September 24, 2004 through April 29, 2005, the Audit
Committee consisted of Mr. Fox (Chairman), Mr. Centella and Mr. Ziebold. The
Audit Committee met once, and acted by unanimous written consent once, in fiscal
2004.
The Board of Directors has determined that all Audit Committee members are
financially literate under the current listing standards of the AMEX. The Board
also determined that Mr. Fox qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert"
as defined by the SEC rules adopted pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
The Audit Committee also serves as our Qualified Legal Compliance Committee
("QLCC"). The QLCC is responsible for investigating reports, made by attorneys
appearing and practicing before the SEC in the representation of us, of
perceived material violations of law, breaches of fiduciary duty or similar
violations by us or any of our agents.
Compensation Committee
The purpose of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is to
(i) assist the Board in discharging its responsibilities with respect to
compensation of our executive officers and directors, (ii) evaluate the
performance of our executive officers, (iii) assist the Board in developing
succession plans for executive officers and (iv) administer our stock and
incentive compensation plans and recommend changes in such plans to the Board as
needed. The Compensation Committee establishes the compensation of senior
executives on an annual basis. The Compensation Committee currently consists of
Mr. Ziebold, Jr. (Chairman) and Mr. Centella, both of whom have been determined
by the Board of Directors to be independent under the AMEX listing standards.
The Compensation Committee was formed upon the closing of our initial public
offering on September 24, 2004 and met once in fiscal 2004. Immediately
following the annual meeting, Dr. Salick will join the Compensation Committee
provided that he is re-elected to the Board. Dr. Salick has been determined by
the Board to be independent under the AMEX listing standards.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The purpose of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the
Board of Directors is to assist the Board in identifying qualified individuals
to become Board members, in determining the composition of the Board and its
committees, in monitoring a process to assess Board effectiveness and in
developing and implementing corporate procedures and policies. The Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee currently consists of Mr. Centella
(Chairman), Mr. Fox and Mr. Ziebold, all of whom have been determined by the
Board of Directors to be independent under the AMEX listing standards. The
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee was formed upon the closing of our
initial public offering on September 24, 2004 and did not meet, but acted by
unanimous written consent once, in fiscal 2004.
The entire Board is responsible for nominating members for election to the
Board and for filling vacancies on the Board that may occur between annual
meetings of the stockholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
is responsible for identifying, screening, and recommending candidates to the
entire Board for prospective Board membership. When formulating its Board
membership recommendations, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
also considers any qualified candidate for an open board position timely
submitted by our stockholders in accordance with our established procedures.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider
stockholder recommendations of candidates when the recommendations are properly
submitted. Stockholder recommendations should be submitted to us under the
procedures discussed in "Procedures For Security Holder Submission of Nominating
Recommendations" which is available on our website at www.nephros.com, by
clicking on the Investor Relations link, then the Corporate Governance link.
Written notice of any nomination must be timely delivered to Nephros, Inc., 3960
Broadway, New York, New York 10032, Attention: Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee, c/o Chief Financial Officer.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will evaluate and
recommend candidates for membership on the Board of Directors consistent with
criteria established by the Committee. When considering a potential
non-incumbent candidate, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will
factor into its determination the following qualities of a candidate:
professional experience, including whether the person is a current or former
Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of a public company,
integrity, professional reputation, independence and ability to represent the
best interests of our stockholders.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee uses a variety of
methods for identifying and evaluating non-incumbent candidates for director.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee regularly assesses the
appropriate size and composition of the Board, the needs of the Board and the
respective committees of the Board and the qualifications of candidates in light
of these needs. The Committee will solicit recommendations for nominees from
persons that the Committee believes are likely to be familiar with qualified
candidates, including members of the Board, our management or a professional
search firm. The evaluation of these candidates may be based solely upon
information provided to the committee or may also include discussions with
persons familiar with the candidate, an interview of the candidate or other
actions the committee deems appropriate, including the use of third parties to
review candidates.
Stockholder Communication with the Board
Stockholders may communicate with the Board of Directors, members of
particular committees or to individual directors, by sending a letter to such
persons in care of our Chief Financial Officer at our principal executive
offices. The Chief Financial Officer has the authority to disregard any
inappropriate communications or to take other appropriate actions with respect
to any inappropriate communications. If deemed an appropriate communication, the
Chief Financial Officer will submit the correspondence to the Chairman of the
Board or to any committee or specific director to whom the correspondence is
directed. Procedures for sending communications to the Board of Directors can be
found on our website at www.nephros.com, by clicking on the Investor Relations
link, then the Corporate Governance link. Please note that all such
communications must be accompanied by a statement of the type and amount of our
securities that the person holds; any special interest, meaning an interest that
is not derived from the proponent's capacity as a shareholder, of the person in
the subject matter of the communication; and the address, telephone number and
e-mail address, if any, of the person submitting the communication.
Director Compensation
We pay our directors $500 per meeting for Board meetings attended in
person and $100 per meeting for Board meetings attended telephonically and will
reimburse our directors for expenses incurred by them in
connection with serving on our Board of Directors. We pay the chairman of the
Audit Committee $500 per meeting for meetings of the Audit Committee.
We will grant each non-employee director who first joins our Board options
to purchase 15,000 shares of our common stock in respect of such first year of
service at an exercise price per share equal to the fair market value price per
share of our common stock on the date of grant. We will also grant each
non-employee director options to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock at
an exercise price per share equal to the fair market value price per share of
our common stock on the grant date for each year of service as a member of our
Board after the first year of such service. Our executive officers shall not
receive additional compensation for their service as directors.
Director Independence
The Board of Directors complies with the AMEX listing standards and
reviews all commercial and other relationships of each director in making its
determination as to the independence of its directors. After such review, the
Board has determined that each of Mr. Centella, Mr. Davis, Mr. Drapkin, Mr. Fox,
Dr. Salick and Mr. Ziebold qualifies as independent under the requirements of
the AMEX listing standards.
Director Attendance at Annual Meetings
Each of our directors is expected to be present at annual meetings of our
stockholders absent exigent circumstances that prevent their attendance. Where a
director is unable to attend an annual meeting in person but is able to do so by
electronic conferencing, we will arrange for the director's participation by
means where the director can hear, and be heard by, those present at the
meeting. Our first annual stockholders meeting since our initial public offering
will be held on June 23, 2005.
PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
Our Board of Directors has approved and adopted, subject to stockholder
approval, the Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, and has
directed that it be considered by our stockholders at this annual meeting. The
Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation decreases the number of
authorized shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share, from 49,000,000 to
25,000,000, and decreases the number of authorized shares of preferred stock,
par value $.001 per share, from 31,000,000 to 5,000,000. The Fourth Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation also restates our certificate of
incorporation to reflect the retirement of our series A, series B, series C and
series D convertible preferred stocks that was already accomplished and for
which no stockholder approval was required.
Upon the consummation of our initial public offering, all of the then
outstanding shares of our series A, series B, series C and series D convertible
preferred stocks were automatically converted into shares of our common stock.
On April 19, 2005, by resolution of our Board of Directors, we retired the
shares of our series A, series B, series C and series D convertible preferred
stocks that were issued but are not outstanding. Our Third Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation prohibited the reissuance of such retired shares as
a part of those series, and such retired shares constituted all of the
authorized shares of each such series. Accordingly, pursuant to Section 243 of
the Delaware General Corporation Law, we filed a Certificate of Retirement with
the Secretary of State of Delaware, the effect of which was that our Third
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was amended so as to eliminate
all reference to our series A, series B, series C and series D convertible
preferred stocks.
The Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as it is
proposed to be adopted, is attached to this proxy statement as Exhibit B. Other
than the reduction in authorized capital discussed above, the Fourth Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation does not differ in any material respect
from our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended to
date.
On the record date, there were issued and outstanding 12,304,498 shares of
common stock and no shares of preferred stock. On such date, we had reserved an
additional 376,009 shares of common stock for issuance upon the exercise of
currently outstanding options and warrants and 1,852,540 shares of common stock
for issuance pursuant to awards under our stock option plans.
The Board believes that, by reducing the authorized number of shares of
our common and preferred stock, we will reduce the financial and tax burdens
resulting from such authorized shares while keeping a reasonable number of
shares available for future financing transactions, stock issuances pursuant to
employee benefit plans and other appropriate corporate opportunities and
purposes. Other than ordinary course issuances of stock options under our stock
option plans, no such transactions or issuances are presently planned. The Board
would still establish the terms on which the authorized shares could be issued.
For the reasons stated above, the Board believes it is in our best
interests and in the best interests of our stockholders to approve the Fourth
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
Vote Required
The proposal to approve the Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding
shares of common stock. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same
effect as votes against Proposal Two.
Board Recommendation
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" THE APPROVAL (ITEM 2 OF
THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD) OF THE FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION.
PROPOSAL 3: AMENDMENT TO THE NEPHROS, INC. 2004 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
In June 2004, our Board of Directors retired our Amended and Restated
Nephros 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2000 Plan"). In July, 2004, our Board
of Directors adopted and our stockholders approved the Nephros, Inc. 2004 Stock
Incentive Plan (the "2004 Plan" and together with the 2000 Plan, the "Stock
Option Plans"), pursuant to which awards are made to certain of our officers,
other employees, consultants and directors or our subsidiary from time to time.
The maximum number of shares of common stock reserved for the grant of awards
under the 2004 Plan is 486,237. As of December 31, 2004, there were 257,471
shares of common stock available for future grants under the 2004 Plan.
The Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee,
has approved and has determined to ask the stockholders to approve the amendment
to the 2004 Plan that would increase the total number of shares of common stock
reserved for issuance under the 2004 Plan from 486,237 shares to 800,000 shares.
Our business depends upon recruiting and retaining employees that can
perform at the highest levels. It is critical that we continue to motivate our
key employees by providing them with compensation that gives them a stake in our
future growth. The Board of Directors believes that providing directors,
officers and employees with equity incentives such as stock options will
contribute substantially to our future success by further aligning the interests
of such key employees with those of our stockholders. Additionally, our overall
compensation philosophy places significant emphasis on equity compensation to
reward, incentivize and retain management and key employees while conserving
cash.
For the reasons stated above, the Board believes it is in our best
interests to approve the amendment to the 2004 Plan.
A description of the 2004 Plan is set forth below. This description is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2004 Plan. Any
stockholder who wishes to obtain a copy of the 2004 Plan can call us to receive
a copy free of charge.
Administration and Duration
The 2004 Plan is administered by our Compensation Committee. Each member
of the Compensation Committee must be a "non-employee Director" within the
meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, and an "outside director" within
the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"). The Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs. Ziebold,
Jr. (Chairman) and Centella, both of whom have been determined by the Board of
Directors to be independent under the AMEX listing standards. Nevertheless, if
the Compensation Committee is not so composed it will not invalidate any award.
The Board of Directors also may act in place of the Compensation Committee. The
Compensation Committee has the authority to interpret the 2004 Plan, to
establish and revise rules and regulations relating to the 2004 Plan, and to
make any other determinations that it believes necessary or advisable for the
administration of the 2004 Plan.
Limit On Awards Under the 2004 Plan
Awards may be granted under the 2004 Plan with respect to a maximum of
486,237 shares of our common stock. No individual may be granted awards with
respect to more than 485,000 shares in any calendar year. The shares to be
delivered under the 2004 Plan will be made available from authorized but
unissued shares, from treasury shares, or from shares purchased in the open
market or otherwise. Shares that are subject to awards under the 2004 Plan but
are not actually issued (for example because the award lapsed or was cancelled),
shares acquired on option exercise that are returned to us as payment of the
exercise price of an option and shares of unvested restricted stock that are
forfeited, will be available for further awards and options.
Eligibility for Awards
Any employees of, and consultant to, us and any of our non-employee
directors that are designated by the Compensation Committee as a "key person"
will be eligible to participate in the 2004 Plan. Designation as a key person
reflects a determination that the individual can contribute to our growth and
profitability or otherwise is entitled to an award in connection with the
individual's extraordinary performance, promotion, retention, or recruitment.
From time to time, the Compensation Committee will determine who will be granted
awards and the number of shares subject to such awards. The Compensation
Committee may delegate to one or more officers the authority to designate the
employees eligible to receive awards (other than the key officers) and the size
of each such award. An individual who receives an award under the 2004 Plan is
referred to as a "Participant."
Change in Control
The 2004 Plan provides that if there is a change in control, unless the
agreement granting an award provides otherwise, all awards under the 2004 Plan
will become vested and exercisable as of the effective date of the change in
control. As defined in the 2004 Plan, a change in control means the occurrence
of any of the following events: (i) any "person," including a "group," as such
terms are defined in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules
promulgated thereunder, becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly,
whether by purchase or acquisition or agreement to act in concert or otherwise,
of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of our common stock; (ii) our
complete liquidation; (iii) the sale of all or substantially all of our assets;
or (iv) a majority of the members of our Board of Directors are elected to the
Board without having previously been nominated and approved by a majority of the
members of the Board incumbent on the day immediately preceding such election.
Stock Options
Options granted under the 2004 Plan may be either non-qualified stock
options or incentive stock options qualifying under Section 422 of the Code. The
exercise price of an incentive stock option may not be less than the fair market
value of the stock on the date the option is granted. The option price is
payable in cash or, with the consent of the Compensation Committee, in shares of
our common stock or by means of a brokered cashless exercise.
The Compensation Committee determines the terms of each stock option grant
at the time of grant. Unless the option agreement granting an option specifies
otherwise, options to employees will be exercisable as to one-quarter of the
shares on each of the first four anniversaries of the option grant and will
remain exercisable until the tenth anniversary of the date of the grant. In no
event can an incentive stock option be exercised after the tenth anniversary of
the date of grant.
Stock Appreciation Rights
A stock appreciation right ("SAR") entitles the Participant to receive -
in cash or shares of stock, at the Compensation Committee's discretion - the
excess of the fair market value of a share of stock on the date of exercise over
the fair market value on the date of grant. A SAR may, but need not, relate to
an option. The Compensation Committee determines the terms of each SAR at the
time of the grant.
Restricted Stock
The Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may grant awards of
restricted stock. A share of restricted stock is a share of our common stock
that may not be transferred before it is vested and may be subject to such other
conditions as the Compensation Committee sets forth in the agreement evidencing
the award. In addition, if the Participant terminates employment, he or she will
forfeit any unvested shares. The grant or vesting of a restricted stock award
may be made contingent on achievement of performance goals established by the
Compensation Committee.
Amendment or Termination
The Board of Directors may amend, alter or terminate the 2004 Plan without
stockholder approval, except that stockholder approval is required for
amendments to the 2004 Plan to the extent necessary under applicable stock
exchange rules, or to ensure that options can continue to qualify as incentive
stock options or that awards will be exempt from the Code section 162(m)
deduction limitation. Consequently, the Board
of Directors may not, without stockholder approval, increase the total number of
shares reserved for issuance under the 2004 Plan or make any other material
changes to the 2004 Plan. In addition, no amendment, alteration or termination
by the Board of Directors may adversely affect the rights of a holder of a stock
incentive award without the holder's consent. Unless terminated earlier, no new
awards may be granted under the 2004 Plan after the tenth anniversary of the
date it was adopted by the Board. However, outstanding awards made before the
tenth anniversary will continue in accordance with their terms.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion outlines generally the current federal income tax
consequences of the 2004 Plan. Applicable tax laws and their interpretations are
subject to change at any time and application of such laws may vary in
individual circumstances.
Incentive Stock Options
A Participant who is granted an incentive stock option does not recognize
taxable income upon the grant or exercise of the option. However, the difference
between the fair market value of our common stock on the date of exercise and
the option exercise price is a tax preference item that may subject the
Participant to alternative minimum tax. A Participant generally will receive
long-term capital gain or loss treatment on the disposition of shares acquired
upon exercise of the option, provided that the disposition occurs more than two
years from the date the option is granted, and the Participant holds the stock
acquired for more than one year. A Participant who disposes of shares acquired
by exercise prior to the expiration of the forgoing holding periods realizes
ordinary income upon the disposition equal to the difference between the option
price and the lesser of the fair market value of the shares on the date of
exercise and the disposition price. Any appreciation between the fair market
value of the shares on the date of exercise and the disposition price is taxed
to the Participant as long or short-term capital gain, depending on the length
of the holding period. To the extent the Participant recognizes ordinary income,
we receive a corresponding tax compensation deduction.
Nonqualified Stock Options
A Participant will not recognize income upon the grant of a nonqualified
option. Upon exercise, the Participant will recognize ordinary income equal to
the excess of the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise over
the price paid for the stock. We are entitled to a tax compensation deduction
equal to the ordinary income recognized by the Participant. Any taxable income
recognized by a Participant in connection with an option exercise is subject to
income and employment tax withholding. When the Participant disposes of shares
acquired by the exercise of a nonqualified option, any amount received in excess
of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise will be treated
as capital gain. Dispositions made after one year from the exercise date will be
treated as long-term capital gain. Dispositions made less than one year from the
exercise date will be treated as short-term capital gain.
Stock Appreciation Rights
A Participant will not recognize income upon the grant of a SAR. Upon
exercise, the Participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the cash or
fair market value of the shares of common stock received from the exercise,
which will be subject to income and employment tax withholding. We will receive
a tax compensation deduction equal to the ordinary income recognized by the
Participant.
Restricted Stock
Generally, a Participant will not recognize income upon the grant of
restricted stock. When the shares of restricted stock vest, the Participant will
recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the stock and also
will be subject to income and employment tax withholding. We will receive a tax
compensation deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the
Participant. A Participant who receives a restricted stock award may elect to
accelerate his or her tax obligation by submitting a Code Section 83(b) election
within 30 days after the grant date, pursuant to which the Participant will be
taxed on the fair market value of the restricted stock as of the grant date, and
we will receive a tax compensation deduction as of the grant date equal to the
ordinary income recognized by the
Participant. Any gain or loss upon a subsequent disposition of the shares will
be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for more than one year
and otherwise will be short-term capital gain or loss. If, after making the
Section 83(b) election, the shares are forfeited, the Participant will not be
entitled to a loss deduction.
Code Section 162(m)
Code Section 162(m) denies a federal income tax deduction for certain
compensation in excess of $1 million per year paid to the chief executive
officer and the four other most highly paid executive officers of a publicly
traded corporation. Under a special transition rule, awards made within the
first three years after our initial public offering will not be subject to the
Section 162(m) limitation. In addition, to the extent that payment or exercise
of an award would not be deductible to us as a result of Section 162(m), the
2004 Plan permits the Compensation Committee to defer that payment or exercise
until the Participant no longer is subject to Section 162(m).
Vote Required
The proposal to approve the adoption of the amendment to the 2004 Plan
requires an affirmative vote of a majority of the common stock present at the
meeting in person or represented by proxy. Abstentions will have the same effect
as votes against Proposal Three. However, because broker non-votes will not be
treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote with respect to a
specific proposal, broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this
matter.
Board Recommendation
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL (ITEM 3 OF THE
ENCLOSED PROXY CARD) OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE 2004 PLAN.
PROPOSAL 4: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF
THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ("RPAF")
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected and appointed
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, to audit
the accounts of us and our subsidiary for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2005. A representative of Deloitte & Touche LLP is expected to be present at the
annual meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement should he or she
desire to do so, and is expected to be available to respond to appropriate
questions.
Vote Required
The proposal to ratify the appointment by the Audit Committee of Deloitte
& Touche LLP as our independent RPAF requires an affirmative vote of a majority
of the voting power of the common stock present at the meeting in person or
represented by proxy. Abstentions will have the same effect as votes against
Proposal Four. However, because broker non-votes will not be treated as shares
that are present and entitled to vote with respect to a specific proposal,
broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this matter.
Notwithstanding ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our
independent RPAF for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005, the Audit
Committee may select another independent RPAF for such year without any vote of
the stockholders. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment, the matter
of the appointment of independent RPAF will be considered by the Audit
Committee.
Board Recommendation
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" RATIFICATION (ITEM 4 OF THE
ENCLOSED PROXY CARD) OF THE APPOINTMENT BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM.
Auditor Fees and Services
Audit Fees
Fees billed for audit services by Deloitte & Touche totaled approximately
$70,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. Such fees include fees
associated with the annual audit.
Fees billed for audit services by Grant Thornton LLP ("Grant Thornton")
totaled approximately $17,500 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 and
such fees included fees associated with the reviews of our quarterly reports on
Form 10-QSB.
Audit-Related Fees
There were no audit-related services performed by Deloitte & Touche for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
Fees for audit-related services provided by Grant Thornton totaled
approximately $290,740 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
Audit-related services generally include fees for review of SEC registration
statements, audit transition services, business development opportunities and
accounting consultations.
Tax Fees
There were no tax services provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
Fees for tax services provided by a firm other than our RPAF totaled
approximately $15,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. Tax services
generally include fees for tax preparation and tax consultations.
All Other Fees
We did not engage Deloitte & Touche LLP to provide any information
technology services or any other services during the fiscal year ended December
31, 2004.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
In accordance with its charter, the Audit Committee approves in advance
all audit and non-audit services to be provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP. During
fiscal year 2004, all services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee in
accordance with this policy.
Change in Accountant
On December 21, 2004, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
dismissed Grant Thornton as our registered independent public accounting firm
and approved the engagement of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent RPAF to
audit our financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 and through December
21, 2004, we had no disagreement with Grant Thornton on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or
procedure, which disagreement, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Grant
Thornton, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter thereof
in connection with its reports. During the years ended December 31, 2003 and
2002 and through December 21, 2004, there have been no events reportable
pursuant to Item 304(a)(1)(iv)(B) of Regulation S-B.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee is responsible for the oversight of the Company's
financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors and such other
matters as specified in the Committee's charter or as directed by the Board. The
Committee also has the sole authority and responsibility to select, evaluate
and, where appropriate, replace the independent registered public accounting
firm (or to nominate the independent registered public accounting firm for
stockholder approval) and to pre-approve all auditing services and any permitted
non-audit services performed by the Company's independent registered public
accounting firm, including fees and other terms. The Committee engaged Deloitte
& Touche LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm in
December 2004.
Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and
the reporting process including maintaining the system of internal controls, and
for the preparation of the Company's financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principals, as well as the objectivity and
integrity of such statements. The Company's independent registered public
accounting firm is responsible for expressing an opinion based on its audit of
those financial statements as to the statements' conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles, its judgments as to the quality, not just the
acceptability, of the Company's accounting principles and such other matters as
are required to be discussed with the Committee under generally accepted
auditing standards. The Committee actively monitors and reviews these processes
and financial statements. In carrying out its duties, the Committee relies in
part on the information provided to it, and on the representations made to it,
by management and the independent registered public accounting firm.
In this context, the Committee met with the independent registered public
accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of
its examinations, its evaluations of the Company's internal controls, and the
overall quality of the Company's financial reporting. The Committee reviewed
with the independent registered public accounting firm its judgments as to the
quality, not just the
acceptability, of the Company's accounting principles and such other matters as
are required to be discussed with the Committee under generally accepted
auditing standards. In addition, the Committee has discussed with the
independent registered public accounting firm the firm's independence from
management and the Company, including the matters in the written disclosures and
the letter required by the Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, as
amended (Independence Discussions with Audit Committee), and considered the
compatibility of non-audit services with the independent registered public
accounting firm's independence. The Committee discussed with the independent
registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for its audits,
including the matters required to be discussed with audit committees under
Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (Communication with Audit
Committees).
The Committee reviewed the audited financial statements for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2004 with management, including a discussion of the
quality and acceptability of the financial reporting, the reasonableness of
significant accounting judgments and estimates, and the clarity of disclosures
in the financial statements.
In reliance on the reviews, discussions and assurances referred to above,
and subject to the limitations on the Committee's role and responsibilities
referred to above and in the Committee's charter, the Committee recommended to
the Board of Directors (and the Board has approved) that the Company's audited
financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the
year ended December 31, 2004 for filing with the SEC.
March 25, 2005 Audit Committee
William J. Fox, Chairman
W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
Lawrence J. Centella
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee is responsible for the oversight of the
compensation of the executive officers and directors and administration of the
Company's stock and incentive compensation plans. Executive officer compensation
is composed of salary, stock options and performance-based bonuses. Norman
Barta, the Company's president and chief executive officer, recommends to the
Committee for approval the annual salary and any performance-based bonus (or any
increase thereof) for each executive officer other than himself. The Committee
applies the largely subjective and non-quantitative criteria discussed below in
evaluating compensation and has not assigned any particular numerical weight to
these factors. The salary of an executive officer is determined by the
significance of the position to the Company, individual experience, talents and
expertise, tenure with the Company, cumulative contribution to the Company's
success, individual performance as it relates to effort and achievement of
progress toward particular objectives for the executive officer and to Nephros'
immediate and long-term goals, and information gathered as to comparable
companies in the same industry as Nephros.
Due to Nephros' phase of growth and development, in addition to its goal
of increasing profitability, other elements of performance that are used in
structuring executive compensation levels are increases in revenues, new product
introductions, progress in research and development, raising new capital if
necessary, strategic alliances, customer service values, cost-effective
operation and the personal commitment to Nephros' ideals and mission. The
Committee believes the compensation of executive officers, including long-term
incentives, is appropriate when compared to data of comparable companies.
However, this belief should be considered in light of the fact that the elements
of compensation of such comparable companies are not necessarily directly
comparable to those of Nephros.
Although we do not have a formal bonus plan for executive officers, from
time to time we award cash bonuses to certain executive officers. The amount
awarded to a particular executive officer is based upon
Nephros' overall performance as discussed above, individual performance, the
particular executive officer's base salary level, and overall equity and
fairness. Pursuant to an employment agreement, the Company has agreed to pay Mr.
Barta a bonus equal to 10% of his salary at the time each of six milestones is
achieved. These milestones are one-time in nature, and three of these milestones
have been achieved to date. Each year, the Committee will set additional
milestones, with the total potential payment for these additional milestones, if
achieved, each year equaling at least 20% of Mr. Barta's annual base salary as
of the date the milestones are set. The Company has also agreed to pay Mr.
Barta, subject to certain dollar amount limitations, a bonus of one percent of
the license fee or technology access fee not tied directly to sales or expressed
as a percentage of receipts or by reference to units produced which is paid to
the Company with respect to any consummated licensing agreement of the End Stage
Renal Disease therapy machines or dialyzer technology devices.
We grant stock options to executive officers to link the interests and
risks of the executive officers with those of the Company's stockholders. The
options granted to executive officers are designed to increase in value as the
price of our stock increases, as the options are typically priced at the market
price of Nephros' Common Stock on the date of grant. We base our decisions on
Nephros' performance and the individual's performance as discussed above, base
salary and bonus levels, the amount of prior option grants and length of
service.
For fiscal 2004, Mr. Barta, president and chief executive officer,
received salary of $250,000, was not paid a bonus, and was granted options to
purchase 40,000 shares of common stock (at an exercise price of $4.80 per share,
which was the fair market value of Nephros shares on the date the options were
granted). We made these decisions based upon a subjective analysis of his
contributions to Nephros' improved performance in the most recent fiscal year,
and the above noted criteria. The Committee did not assign any particular
numerical weight to any of these matters.
March 25, 2005 Compensation Committee
W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr., Chairman
Lawrence J. Centella
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the annual compensation and long-term
compensation awards for each of the three most recent fiscal years our chief
executive officer and our other executive officers whose salary and bonus
exceeded $100,000 during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
Summary Compensation Table
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long Term Compensation
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Compensation Awards Payouts
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securit-ies
Under-lying
Options
Salary Other Annual / SARs All Other Compensation
Name and Principal Position Year ($) Bonus ($) Compensation ($) (#) ($)
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------------- ---------- -------------------------
Norman J. Barta, 2004 259,754 -- 12,334 40,000 645
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------------- ---------- -------------------------
President & Chief 2003 201,635 61,350 2,851 327,567 648
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------------- ---------- -------------------------
Executive Officer (1) 2002 139,331 -- 3,075 -- 648
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------------- ---------- -------------------------
Marc L. Panoff, 2004 67,308 -- 3,569 76,820 101
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------------- ---------- -------------------------
Chief Financial 2003 -- -- -- -- --
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------------- ---------- -------------------------
Officer(2) 2002 -- -- -- -- --
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------------- ---------- -------------------------
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------------- ---------- -------------------------
(1) Mr. Barta became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
during July 2002. Mr. Barta served as our chief operating officer from
October 1999 until July 2002 and our chief financial officer from October
1998 until July 2004. The amount shown for Mr. Barta under Other Annual
Compensation for 2004 includes income arising out of (i) matching
contributions made under the Company's 401(k) plan of $9,507 and (ii)
reimbursements for transportation expenses in the amount of $2,827. The
amounts shown for Mr. Barta under Other Annual Compensation for 2003 and
2002 reflect income arising out of reimbursements for transportation
expenses.
(2) Mr. Panoff became Chief Financial Officer of the Company on July 12, 2004
at an annual base salary of $140,000. The amount shown for Mr. Panoff under
Other Annual Compensation for 2004 includes income arising out of (i)
matching contributions made under the Company's 401(k) plan of $1,938 and
(ii) reimbursements for transportation expenses in the amount of $1,631.
(3) The amounts shown under All Other Compensation represent life insurance
premiums paid by the Company.
STOCK OPTIONS
The following table sets forth certain information for our last fiscal
year with respect to options to purchase shares of common stock granted to our
chief executive officer and our other named executive officers pursuant to our
Stock Option Plans.
Option Grants in the Last Fiscal Year
Percent of
Number of Total
Securities Options Exercise
Underlying Granted to or Base
Options Employees in Price Expiration
Name Granted (#)(1) Fiscal Year ($/sh) Date
--------------- -------------- ------------ --------- ----------
Norman Barta 40,000 9.8% $ 4.80 12/14/14
Marc L. Panoff 56,820 14.0% $ 2.39 11/10/14
Marc L. Panoff 20,000 4.9% $ 4.80 12/14/14
(1 The options in this table have a maximum term of ten years measured from
the grant date, subject to earlier termination in the event of the
optionee's cessation of service with us. The options vest with respect to
25% on the grant date and the remainder of the options vest in three equal
annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date,
except that 15,000 of Mr. Panoff's options that expire on November 10, 2014
shall vest with respect to 5,000, 5,000 and 5,000 shares upon our
achievement of certain milestones, which have not yet been achieved.
OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS
The following table shows all stock options exercised by the named
executives during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, and the number and
value of options they held at fiscal year end.
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year
and Fiscal Year-End Option Values
Value of Unexercised
Number Number of Unexercised In-the-Money Options
of Shares Options at Fiscal Year End at Fiscal Year End(1)
Acquired on Value ---------------------------------------------------------------
Name Exercise Realized Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
--------------- ----------- -------- ------------ ------------- ----------- -------------
Norman J. Barta -- $ -- 315,351 194,267 $ 1,049,712 $ 389,474
Marc L. Panoff -- -- 15,455 61,365 24,569 108,958
(1) Value of unexercised in-the-money options is calculated based on the market
value of the underlying shares, minus the exercise price, and assumes the
sale of all the underlying shares on December 31, 2004, at a price of
$4.74, which was the closing price of the common stock on the AMEX on that
date.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2004 about
compensation plans under which shares of our common stock may be issued to
employees, consultants or members of our Board of Directors upon exercise of
options, warrants or rights under all of our existing equity compensation plans.
Our existing equity compensation plans consist of our Stock Option Plans, in
which all of our employees and directors are eligible to participate.
(b) (c)
(a) Weighted-Average Number of Securities Remaining
Number of Securities to be Exercise Price of Available for Future Issuance
Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Under Equity Compensation Plans
Outstanding Options, Options, Warrants (Excluding Securities Reflected in
Plan Category Warrants and Rights and Rights Column (a))
------------- ------------------- ----------------- ---------------------------------
Equity compensation plans
approved by stockholders(1) 1,852,540 $ 1.85 257,471
Equity compensation plans
not approved by stockholders -- $ -- --
--------- -------- -------
All plans 1,852,540 $ 1.85 257,471
========= ======== =======
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive
officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our
securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of
changes in ownership of our common stock and our other equity securities. A copy
of each report is furnished to us.
SEC rules require us to identify anyone who failed to file a required
report, or filed a required report late, during the most recent fiscal year.
Based solely on a review of reports furnished to us and written representations
that no other reports were required, we believe that during the year ended
December 31, 2004, all Section 16(a) filing requirements were complied with on a
timely basis, except that the Forms 3 for each of our directors, officers and
beneficial owners of 10% or more of our stock at the time the registration
statement for our initial public offering became effective were filed between
three and six business days thereafter.
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND SHAREHOLDINGS OF MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common
stock as of April 29, 2005, by (i) each person known to us to own beneficially
more than five percent (5%) of our common stock; (ii) each director, director
nominee and executive officer; and (iii) all directors, director nominees and
executive officers as a group:
Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial Percentage
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Ownership of class
------------------------------------ --------- --------
Ronald O. Perelman (1) 3,540,438 28.8%
Wasserstein entities (2) 1,928,564 15.7%
Wasserstein SBIC Ventures II, L.P. (3) 829,104 6.7%
WPPN, LP (4) 918,801 7.5%
Norman J. Barta (5) 343,760 2.7%
Eric A. Rose, M.D. (6) 854,965 6.9%
Lawrence J. Centella (7) 34,243 *
Howard Davis (8) 37,175 *
Donald G. Drapkin (9) 612,633 4.9%
William J. Fox (10) 74,338 *
Marc L. Panoff (11) 15,455 *
Bernard Salick, M.D. (12) 5,000 *
W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr. (13) 839,198 6.8%
All executive officers and directors as a group 2,816,767 21.8%
--------------------
* Represents less than 1% of the outstanding shares of our common stock.
(1) Based on information provided in Schedule 13G filed on January 31, 2005.
Mr. Perelman's address is 35 East 62nd Street, New York, New York 10021.
Mr. Perelman is the sole stockholder of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc.
(formerly known as Mafco Holdings Inc.), a holding company of which
MacAndrews & Forbes Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary.
(2) Based on information provided in Schedule 13G filed on February 11, 2005.
The Wasserstein entities include WPPN, LP, Wasserstein SBIC Ventures II,
L.P., WV II Employee Partners, LLC, and BW Employee Holdings, LLC. The
address of the Wasserstein entities is 1301 Avenue of the Americas, 44th
Floor, New York, New York 10019. Bruce Wasserstein may be deemed to have
beneficial ownership of the shares owned by the Wasserstein entities.
However, Mr. Wasserstein disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares
except for his pecuniary interest in 29,446 shares. The Wasserstein
entities' ownership is as follows: (i) 918,801 shares of our common stock
which are owned by WPPN, LP, the general partner of which is Cypress
Management Partners, LLC, the sole member of which is Cypress Capital
Assets, LP, the general partner of which is Cypress Capital Advisors, LLC,
an entity that may be deemed controlled by Bruce Wasserstein; (ii) 829,104
shares of our common stock which are owned by Wasserstein SBIC Ventures II,
L.P., the general partner of which is Wasserstein Levered Venture Partners
II, LLC, the sole member of which is Wasserstein Investments LLC, the sole
member of which is Wasserstein Holdings, LLC, an entity that may be deemed
controlled by Mr. Wasserstein; (iii) 5,388 shares of our common stock which
are owned by WV II Employee Partners, LLC, the managing member of which is
Wasserstein & Co., L.P., an entity controlled by Wasserstein Investments,
LLC, the sole member of which is Wasserstein Holdings, LLC, an entity that
may be deemed controlled by Mr. Wasserstein; and (iv) 175,271 shares of our
common stock which are owned by BW Employee Holdings, LLC, an entity that
may be deemed controlled by Mr. Wasserstein.
(3) The same shares listed as beneficially owned by Wasserstein SBIC Ventures
II, L.P. are also included in the shares listed as beneficially owned by
the Wasserstein entities (See Note 2 above).
(4) The same shares listed as beneficially owned by WPPN, LP are also included
in the shares listed as beneficially owned by the Wasserstein entities (See
Note 2 above).
(5) Mr. Barta's address is c/o Nephros, Inc., 3960 Broadway New York, New York
10032. The shares identified as being beneficially owned by Mr. Barta
include 315,350 shares issuable upon exercise
of options granted under the 2000 and 2004 Plans. Does not include 193,867
shares issuable upon the exercise of options which have been granted under
our Stock Option Plans but have not yet vested.
(6) Dr. Rose's address is c/o Nephros, Inc., 3960 Broadway New York, New York
10032. The shares identified as being beneficially owned by Dr. Rose
include 109,814 shares issuable upon exercise of options granted under the
2000 and 2004 Plans. Does not include 80,021 shares issuable upon the
exercise of options which have been granted under our Stock Option Plans
but have not yet vested.
(7) Mr. Centella's address is 3331 N. Ridge Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.
The shares identified as being beneficially owned by Mr. Centella include
5,833 shares issuable upon exercise of options granted under the 2004 Plan.
Does not include 9,167 shares issuable upon the exercise of options which
have been granted under our Stock Option Plans but have not yet vested.
(8) Mr. Davis' address is 5850 Canoga Ave, #315, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. The
shares identified as being beneficially owned by Mr. Davis include (i)
35,508 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants originally issued to The
Shemano Group, Inc. in connection with our initial public offering and
transferred to Mr. Davis; and (ii) 1,667 shares issuable upon exercise of
options granted under the 2004 Plan. Does not include 13,333 shares
issuable upon the exercise of options which have been granted under our
Stock Option Plans but have not yet vested.
(9) Mr. Drapkin's address is 35 East 62nd Street, New York, New York 10021. The
shares identified as being beneficially owned by Mr. Drapkin include
102,711 shares issuable upon exercise of options granted under the 2000 and
2004 Plans. Does not include 72,919 shares issuable upon the exercise of
options which have been granted under our Stock Option Plans but have not
yet vested.
(10) Mr. Fox's address is c/o Barington Capital Group, L.P., 888 Seventh Ave.,
New York, New York 10019. The shares identified as being beneficially owned
by Mr. Fox include 5,167 shares issuable upon exercise of options granted
under the 2004 Plan. Does not include 16,833 shares issuable upon the
exercise of options which have been granted under our Stock Option Plans
but have not yet vested.
(11) Mr. Panoff's address is c/o Nephros, Inc., 3960 Broadway New York, New York
10032. The shares identified as being beneficially owned by Mr. Panoff
include 15,455 shares issuable upon exercise of options granted under the
2004 Plan. Does not include 61,365 shares issuable upon the exercise of
options which have been granted under our Stock Option Plans but have not
yet vested.
(12) Dr. Salick's address is 8900 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90211.
The shares identified as being beneficially owned by Dr. Salick include
5,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options granted under the 2004
Plan. Does not include 10,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options
which have been granted under our Stock Option Plans but have not yet
vested.
(13) Mr. Ziebold's address is 1301 Avenue of the Americas, 44th Floor, New York,
New York 10019. The shares identified as being beneficially owned by Mr.
Ziebold include (i) 829,104 shares that Mr. Ziebold, as president of
Wasserstein Levered Venture Partners II, LLC, the general partner of
Wasserstein SBIC Ventures II, L.P., may be deemed to beneficially own and
as to which Mr. Ziebold disclaims beneficial ownership; and (ii) 10,094
shares issuable upon exercise of options granted under the 2000 and 2004
Plans. The shares identified as being beneficially owned by Mr. Ziebold do
not include 5,388 shares owned by WV II Employee Partners, LLC, an employee
investment vehicle in which Mr. Ziebold is a participant and as to which
Mr. Ziebold disclaims beneficial ownership. Does not include 10,588 shares
issuable upon the exercise of options which have been granted under our
Stock Option Plans but have not yet vested.
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 and starting on September
24, 2004, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors consisted of W.
Townsend Ziebold, Jr. (Chairman) and Lawrence J. Centella, both of whom are
non-employee directors. No member of the Compensation Committee has a
relationship that would constitute an interlocking relationship with executive
officers or directors of another entity. Prior to September 24, 2004, we did not
have a separate compensation committee and compensation
matters were decided by our entire Board. Mr. Barta, who has held several
executive offices during the last completed fiscal year, as well as Mr. Drapkin
and Dr. Rose, each of whom is a former executive officer, have participated in
deliberations, during the last completed fiscal year, of our Board concerning
executive officer compensation.
Employment Agreements
Agreement with Mr. Norman J. Barta
Norman J. Barta is serving as our president and chief executive officer
under a written employment agreement with us. This agreement, as amended to
date, has a term that expires on June 30, 2007. This agreement provides Mr.
Barta with an annual base salary as of July 31, 2004 of $285,000. During each
year that Mr. Barta is employed with us, our compensation committee will review
Mr. Barta's performance and determine, in its sole discretion, whether to
further increase Mr. Barta's annual base salary.
We have agreed to pay Mr. Barta a bonus equal to 10% of his salary at the
time each of the following six milestones is achieved: (1) the OLpur MD190
hemodiafiltration device or a related device is deemed ready to enter a clinical
trial by the FDA or an analogous body outside of the United States in a region
where there exists significant market opportunity for the sale of the device;
(2) the completion of a clinical trial of the device in such a region; (3) the
first regulatory approval of the device in such a region; (4) a second
hemodiafiltration device is deemed ready to enter a clinical trial by the FDA or
an analogous body outside of the United States in a region where there exists
significant market opportunity for the sale of such device; (5) the completion
of the clinical trial of the second device in such a region; and (6) the first
regulatory approval of the second device in such region. To date, milestones (1)
through (3) have been achieved. The agreement provides that after July 2004,
additional realistic milestones will be set for each year, with the total
potential payment for these additional milestones, if achieved, each year
equaling at least 20% of Mr. Barta's annual base salary as of the date the
milestones are set. Pursuant to such agreement, our Compensation Committee has
established the following two additional milestones the achievement of each of
which will trigger a bonus equal to 10% of Mr. Barta's current base salary: (a)
achieving certain levels of Net Revenues for the six months ending June 30,
2005; and (b) maintaining a certain level of contribution margins over the same
time period. We have also agreed to pay to Mr. Barta a bonus of one percent of
the license fee or technology access fee not tied directly to sales or expressed
as a percentage of receipts or by reference to units produced which is paid to
us with respect to any consummated licensing agreement of the ESRD therapy
machines or dialyzer technology devices, subject to a maximum bonus of $500,000
per license agreement (including renewals and amendments) and to an aggregate
maximum of $2,000,000.
Mr. Barta's employment agreement provides that upon termination by us for
cause, as defined in the agreement, death or disability, we will pay to him only
the base salary and any milestone bonuses due and payable under the terms of the
agreement through the date of termination and those that become due and payable
within 90 days of that date. If we terminate Mr. Barta for any other reason, Mr.
Barta will be entitled to (1) any accrued but unpaid base salary for services
rendered through the date of termination; (2) any unpaid milestone bonuses due
and payable on or prior to the date of termination or within 90 days thereafter;
(3) any unpaid licensing bonuses due and payable on or prior to the date of
termination or in respect of licenses consummated during the 90 days following
the date of termination; and (4) the continued payment of the base salary (in
the amount as of the date of termination) for the remainder of the term (to be
paid at the times such base salary would have been paid had his employment not
been terminated).
Agreement with Mr. Marc L. Panoff
Mr. Panoff began serving as our chief financial officer on July 12, 2004,
pursuant to a letter agreement dated as of June 16, 2004. Such agreement has a
term that will expire on July 31, 2006, unless terminated earlier. Mr. Panoff's
initial annual base salary was $140,000, and he received a merit increase to
$160,000 as of January 1, 2005 in connection with his year-end performance
review. In addition,
Mr. Panoff may be awarded a bonus based on performance. Mr. Panoff's agreement
provides that upon termination by us for cause (as defined in the agreement),
death or disability or by his voluntary resignation or retirement, we shall pay
him only his accrued but unpaid base salary for services rendered through the
date of termination. If we terminate Mr. Panoff's employment for any other
reason, then he shall be entitled to: (1) any accrued but unpaid base salary for
services rendered through the date of termination; (2) any unpaid bonuses due or
payable on or prior to the date of termination; and (3) the continued payment of
his base salary for the remainder of the term and, if we terminate his
employment during the six month period immediately prior to the scheduled date
of expiration of the term, then up to six months after such termination.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Convertible Promissory Notes
In April 2002, we sold eight convertible notes in the aggregate principal
amount of $250,000, pursuant to which we agreed to pay, in August 2002, to the
holders the principal amount due under each holder's convertible note, together
with interest on the unpaid principal amount at the rate of 6% per annum,
compounded semi-annually, from the date of the convertible note. In connection
with such transaction, we granted the purchasers of such convertible notes
warrant rights to purchase an aggregate of 125,000 shares of our series A
convertible preferred stock at a price of $1.00 per share, to be exercisable
through April 2004.
As of April 28, 2004, we and the holders of these notes agreed to convert
the entire principal amount of such notes (except for $50 of Mr. Drapkin's note,
which we repaid) into an aggregate of 249,950 shares of our series C convertible
preferred stock and that we would pay accrued interest on such convertible notes
amounting to $5,000 in the aggregate. The holders of these convertible notes
accepted the right to receive the foregoing shares, accrued interest and warrant
rights in full satisfaction of our obligation to repay the notes. In connection
with the warrant rights related to these convertible notes, in April 2004, we
sold an aggregate of 87,500 shares of our series A convertible preferred stock
to the holders of such notes at a price of $1.00 per share. Each of our series A
convertible preferred stock and series C convertible preferred stock was
converted into shares of our common stock at a conversion price (after adjusting
for the reverse stock split effected on September 10, 2004) of approximately
$4.40 per share and $3.52 per share, respectively. Accordingly, upon the
consummation of our initial public offering, the 87,500 shares of our series A
convertible preferred stock converted into an aggregate of 24,859 shares of our
common stock and the 249,950 shares of our series C convertible preferred stock,
together with dividends accrued thereon through May 31, 2004, converted into an
aggregate of 71,011shares of our common stock.
Each of Eric A. Rose, M.D., a director and beneficial owner of more than
5% of our common stock, Donald G. Drapkin, a director and beneficial owner of
more than 5% of our common stock at such time, and Ronald O. Perelman, a
beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock, among others, purchased
the respective securities set forth in the table below in this transaction.
Principal Number of Shares of Number of Shares of
Amount of Series C Convertible Series A Convertible
Convertible Preferred Stock Issued Preferred Stock Issued
Note Upon Conversion of Upon Exercise of
Name Stock Issued Convertible Note Warrant Rights
---- ------------ ---------------- --------------
Eric A. Rose, M.D. $ 75,000 75,000 0
Donald G. Drapkin $ 25,000 24,950 12,500
Ronald O. Perelman $ 25,000 25,000 12,500
Bridge Financing
In May 2003, we entered into a Commitment Agreement with Ronald O.
Perelman pursuant to which we agreed to sell convertible bridge notes in the
aggregate principal amount of $1,000,000 at face value. The outstanding
principal amount of such convertible bridge notes, together with interest at the
rate of 6%
per annum, would become due and payable on January 26, 2004. Pursuant to the
Commitment Agreement, we offered the holders of our then outstanding capital
stock and convertible notes the opportunity to invest in a portion of the bridge
notes pro rata, in accordance with the number of shares issuable upon conversion
of the capital stock and convertible notes then held by them. Under the
Commitment Agreement, Mr. Perelman had agreed to purchase additional bridge
notes, if and to the extent that the other securityholders elected not to
purchase their respective pro rata shares of the bridge notes, thus ensuring
that we would sell exactly $1,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of bridge
notes. In June 2003, we sold the convertible bridge notes to twenty-three of our
security holders. Pursuant to the Commitment Agreement, Mr. Perelman had the
right to elect whether he and the other holders would have the option to convert
the bridge notes and purchase additional shares of series D convertible
preferred stock at any time prior to the earlier of (i) 10 days after we
notified Mr. Perelman that we obtained a CE mark on our initial product and (ii)
January 15, 2004. We received such CE mark on July 31, 2003 and promptly
notified Mr. Perelman thereof. On August 1, 2003, Mr. Perelman elected to
proceed with the conversion and purchase. As of September 11, 2003, each of the
holders converted its bridge note into shares of our series D convertible
preferred stock at a conversion price equal to the liquidation preference of the
series D convertible preferred stock, in accordance with the terms thereof.
Pursuant to the terms of the bridge notes, in order to convert each
holder's bridge note, such holder was required to commit to purchase, for the
aggregate liquidation preference thereof, a number of additional shares of
series D convertible preferred stock having an aggregate liquidation preference
equal to any amount, at such holder's option, between 9 and 11 times the
principal amount of the bridge note being converted. The purchase of the
additional shares of series D convertible preferred stock occurred in three
installments, with 3,993,793 shares purchased at the time of conversion on
September 11, 2003, another 3,000,000 shares purchased as of December 1, 2003,
and the remaining 3,811,538 shares purchased as of March 3, 2004.
Upon completion of the private placement, we issued an aggregate of
11,817,988 shares of our series D convertible preferred stock (including
1,012,657 shares issued upon conversion of principal of, and accrued interest
on, the bridge notes). Among others, Donald G. Drapkin, a director and a
beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock at such time, Ronald O.
Perelman, a beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock, and BW
Employee Holdings LLC and WPPN, LP, entities controlled by Bruce Wasserstein,
where such entities in the aggregate beneficially own more than 5% of our common
stock, purchased such notes, as set forth below. The series D convertible
preferred stock was converted into shares of our common stock at a conversion
price (after adjusting for the reverse stock split effected on September 10,
2004) of approximately $2.32 per share. Accordingly, the 11,817,988 shares of
our series D convertible preferred stock, together with dividends accrued
thereon through May 31, 2004, converted into an aggregate of 5,249,647 shares of
our common stock upon consummation of our initial public offering.
Number of Shares of Number of Shares of
Series D Convertible Purchase Price of Addition Series D Convertible
Principal Preferred Stock Series D Convertible Preferred Stock
Amount of Issued Preferred Stock Purchased Issued
Convertible Upon Conversion of in Connection with Upon Additional
Name Bridge Notes Bridge Notes (1) Conversion Purchases
---- ------------ ---------------- -------------------------- ------------------
Donald G. Drapkin $ 72,188.56 (2) (2) (2)
Ronald O. Perelman $ 557,091.86 637,245(3) $ 6,712,084.62(4) 6,483,983(5)
BW Employee Holdings LLC $ 18,809.06 19,047 $ 175,000.00 175,000
WPPN, LP $ 171,583.73 173,756 (6) (6)
Wasserstein SBIC
Ventures II, L.P. (6) (6) $ 1,869,145.52(6) 1,869,145(6)
WV II Employee Partners, LLC (6) (6) $ 12,147.51(6) 12,148(6)
(1) Shares issued include amount for accrued interest on convertible note.
(2) Mr. Drapkin transferred his bridge note to Mr. Perelman prior to
conversion, as discussed below.
(3) Includes 73,102 shares issued upon conversion of the bridge note initially
issued to Mr. Drapkin.
(4) Includes $794,074.16 paid for the purchase of shares of series D
convertible preferred stock in connection with the conversion of the bridge
note initially issued to Mr. Drapkin, less the satisfaction of non-interest
bearing loans in the principal amount of $210,000 made to us by Dr. Rose
and Mr. Drapkin, which were assigned to Mr. Perelman and then applied
toward the purchase price, as discussed below.
(5) Includes 794,074 shares purchased in connection with the conversion of the
bridge note initially issued to Mr. Drapkin, less 160,000 shares, 203,102
shares and 75,000 shares which Mr. Perelman instructed us to issue to Dr.
Rose, Mr. Drapkin, and Mehmet Oz, M.D., respectively.
(6) WPPN, LP assigned its rights and obligations to purchase additional shares
of our series D convertible preferred stock to Wasserstein SBIC Ventures
II, L.P., which purchased 99.3543% of the additional shares and WV II
Employee Partners, LLC, which purchased 0.6457% of the additional shares.
During 2001, 2002 and 2003, Eric A. Rose, M.D. made non-interest bearing
demand loans to us in the aggregate principal amount of $160,000. On September
11, 2003, Dr. Rose assigned all of his right title and interest in the loans to
Ronald O. Perelman in exchange for 160,000 shares of our series D convertible
preferred stock due to Mr. Perelman at the first closing. Mr. Perelman
instructed us to issue the 160,000 shares directly to Dr. Rose and the $160,000
outstanding under the loans was applied to the purchase price of the series D
convertible preferred stock to be purchased by Mr. Perelman. The loans have been
repaid and satisfied in full.
During 2003, Donald G. Drapkin made non-interest bearing demand loans to
us in the aggregate principal amount of $50,000. On September 11, 2003, Mr.
Drapkin assigned all of his right, title and interest in (i) the loans, (ii) his
note, convertible into series D convertible preferred stock, in the principal
amount of $72,188.56 and (iii) $80,000, to Ronald O. Perelman in exchange for
203,102 shares of our series D convertible preferred stock due to Mr. Perelman
at the first closing. Mr. Perelman instructed us to issue the 203,102 shares
directly to Mr. Drapkin and the $50,000 outstanding under the loans was applied
to the purchase price of the series D convertible preferred stock to be
purchased by Mr. Perelman. The loans have been repaid and satisfied in full.
OTHER MATTERS
People with disabilities
We can provide reasonable assistance to help you participate in the
meeting if you tell us about your disability and your plan to attend the
meeting. Please call or write the Chief Financial Officer at least two weeks
before the meeting at our principal executive offices.
How we solicit proxies
In addition to mailing, our employees may solicit proxies personally,
electronically, or by telephone. We will pay the costs of soliciting this proxy.
Stockholder Proposals
The deadline for submitting stockholder proposals for inclusion in our
proxy statement and form of proxy for our next annual meeting is January 11,
2006. Such proposals must comply with our By-Laws and the requirements of
Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act. To be properly submitted, the proposal must
be received at our principal executive offices, 3960 Broadway, New York, New
York 10032, no later than the deadline. In order to avoid controversy,
stockholders should submit any proposals by means, including electronic means,
which permit them to prove the date of delivery.
In addition, Rule 14a-4 of the Exchange Act governs the use of our
discretionary proxy voting authority with respect to a stockholder proposal that
is not addressed in this proxy statement. With respect to our next annual
meeting of stockholders, if we are not provided notice of a stockholder proposal
prior to March 27, 2006, we will be allowed to use our discretionary voting
authority when the proposal is raised at the meeting, without any discussion of
the matter in the proxy statement.
If the Board changes the date of next year's annual meeting by more than
30 days, the Board will, in a timely manner, inform the stockholders of such a
change and the effect of such a change on the deadlines given above by including
a notice under Item 5 in our earliest possible quarterly report on Form 10-QSB,
or if that is impracticable, then by any means reasonably calculated to inform
the stockholders.
Other Matters
The Board of Directors does not know of any other matters that are to be
presented for action at the annual meeting. If any other matters come before the
meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will have the discretionary
authority to vote all proxies received with regard to those matters in
accordance with their best judgment.
Questions?
If you have questions or need more information about the annual meeting,
write to:
Investor Relations
Nephros, Inc.
3960 Broadway
New York, NY 10032
Attn: Chief Financial Officer
or call us at:
(212) 781-5113
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, THE BOARD URGES YOU
TO COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT IN
THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
NEPHROS
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR 2004 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 23, 2005
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Norman J. Barta and Marc
L. Panoff, and each of them, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, with full power to
each of substitution, on behalf and in the name of the undersigned, to represent
the undersigned at the 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of NEPHROS, INC.
("Nephros"), to be held on June 23, 2005, and at any adjournment or postponement
thereof. This proxy, when properly executed and returned in a timely manner,
will be voted at this annual meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof
in the manner described herein. If no contrary indication is made, the proxy
will be voted FOR Proposal 1, the election of the director nominees named
herein; and FOR Proposal 2, the approval of a Fourth Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation that decreases to 25,000,000 the number of
authorized shares of common stock, and that decreases to 5,000,000 the number of
authorized shares of preferred stock; and FOR Proposal 3, the approval of an
amendment to the Nephros, Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive Plan that increases the
total number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to awards
granted under such plan from 486,237 to 800,000; and FOR Proposal 4,
ratification of the appointment by the Audit Committee of Deloitte & Touche LLP
as Nephros' independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2005, and as to all other matters which may come before the
meeting in accordance with the judgment of the persons named as proxies herein.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND MAIL THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
(Continued, and to be signed and dated, on reverse side.)
The undersigned hereby directs this proxy to be voted as follows:
PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTES IN THE
FOLLOWING MANNER, USING DARK INK
ONLY: |X|
FOR ALL WITHHOLD
NOMINEES ALL
(except as
written to NOMINEES
the contrary
below)
Proposal 1: Election of Directors.
Nominees: Howard Davis |_| |_|
Bernard Salick, M.D.
W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
FOR, except vote withheld from the
following
nominee(s):
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
Proposal 2: to approve a |_| |_| |_|
Fourth Amended and Restated
Certificate of
Incorporation that
decreases to 25,000,000 the
number of authorized shares
of common stock, and that
decreases to 5,000,000 the
number of authorized shares
of preferred stock.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
Proposal 3: to approve an |_| |_| |_|
amendment to the Nephros,
Inc. 2004 Stock Incentive
Plan that increases the
total number of shares of
common stock that may be
issued pursuant to awards
granted under such plan
from 486,237 to 800,000
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
Proposal 4: to ratify the |_| |_| |_|
appointment by the Audit
Committee of Deloitte &
Touche LLP as independent
registered public
accounting firm.
At the proxies' discretion
on any other matters which
may properly come before
the meeting or any
adjournment or postponement
thereof.
I plan to attend the meeting |_|
I do not plan to attend the meeting |_|
Dated:_____________, 2005.
Signature(s): _______________________________
This proxy should be dated, signed by the stockholder(s) exactly as his or
her name appears herein, and returned promptly in the enclosed envelope. Persons
signing in a fiduciary capacity should so indicate; if shares are held by joint
tenants or as community property, both stockholders should sign. If a
corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.