UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
Schedule 14A Information
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant ☒ Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
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Preliminary Proxy Statement | |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) | |
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Definitive Proxy Statement | |
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Definitive Additional Materials | |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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☒ | No fee required. |
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To our stockholders:
We are pleased to invite you to attend the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders of Gilead Sciences, Inc., to be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. local time at the Westin San Francisco Airport, 1 Old Bayshore Highway, Millbrae, California.
Details regarding admission to the meeting and the business to be conducted are more fully described in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement.
Your vote is very important. Whether or not you attend the annual meeting, we hope you will vote as soon as possible. There are three ways that you can cast your ballot by telephone, by Internet or by mailing the proxy card (if you request one). Please review the instructions included in the Proxy Statement.
Thank you for your ongoing support and continued interest in Gilead Sciences, Inc. We look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting.
Sincerely,
John F. Milligan
President and Chief Executive Officer
March 27, 2017
GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.
333 Lakeside Drive
Foster City, California 94404
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 10, 2017
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders (the Annual Meeting) of Gilead Sciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Gilead), will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. local time at the Westin San Francisco Airport, 1 Old Bayshore Highway, Millbrae, California 94030 for the following purposes:
1. To elect nine directors to serve for the next year and until their successors are elected and qualified.
2. To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors as the independent registered public accounting firm of Gilead for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.
3. To approve a restatement of the Gilead Sciences, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan.
4. To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as presented in the Proxy Statement.
5. To vote, on an advisory basis, as to the frequency with which executive compensation will be subject to future advisory stockholder votes.
6. To vote on a stockholder proposal, if properly presented at the meeting, requesting that the Board take steps to permit stockholder action by written consent.
7. To vote on a stockholder proposal, if properly presented at the meeting, requesting that the Board adopt a policy that the Chairman of the Board of Directors be an independent director.
8. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 16, 2017 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
Brett A. Pletcher |
Corporate Secretary |
Foster City, California
March 27, 2017
Only holders of our common stock at the close of business on March 16, 2017 and holders of a valid legal proxy for the Annual Meeting are entitled to attend the Annual Meeting in person. Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, please grant a proxy to vote by telephone or Internet or complete, date, sign and return the proxy card mailed to you (if you request one) as promptly as possible in order to ensure your representation at the Annual Meeting. Even if you have given your proxy, you may still vote in person if you attend the Annual Meeting. To be admitted to the Annual Meeting, you must present valid government-issued photo identification. If you are not a stockholder of record but hold shares in the name of a broker, bank or other holder of record, you must provide proof of beneficial ownership as of March 16, 2017, such as a brokerage or bank account statement, a copy of the voting instruction form provided by your broker, bank, trustee or nominee, or other similar evidence of ownership.
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PROPOSAL 2 Ratification of the Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
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PROPOSAL 3 Restatement of the Gilead Sciences, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan |
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Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans |
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PROPOSAL 4 Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of our Named Executive Officers |
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Severance and Change in Control Arrangements with Named Executive Officers |
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APPENDIX A: GILEAD SCIENCES, INC. 2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN |
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The Annual Meeting and this Proxy Statement provide an important opportunity for us to communicate with you about the achievements of the past year and our stewardship of Gilead. Your vote is important to us. As you consider your vote, we ask that you carefully review the information in this Proxy Statement. We provide an overview of our business and summarize below key aspects of our performance, executive compensation and corporate governance to assist your review of the more detailed information herein.
2016 Performance Highlights
Company Overview
| Focused on Five Therapeutic Areas: We have 21 products and our primary areas of focus include HIV, liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hematology/oncology, cardiovascular and inflammation/respiratory diseases. |
| Delivering a Cure Created a New Revenue Dynamic: Our HCV products created a new revenue dynamic for us as they offer cure rates as high as 95-99 percent for all genotypes (1-6) of HCV infection in less time (as little as eight weeks) and with fewer side effects than prior treatments. These products are characterized by a rapid uptake after launch as a warehoused group of patients seek treatment followed by a deceleration of demand as that group of patients complete their treatment. This effect caused our HCV and total revenues to increase dramatically from 2013 to 2015 and then to decline in 2016. Our share price movement in recent years reflects the impact of delivering a cure to a life-threatening illness. |
| Focused on Investing for Long-Term Growth: While our HCV cures have created revenue volatility in the short-term, the significant revenue growth generated by these products provides us with the resources to invest in our internal pipeline and external opportunities in order to create long-term stockholder value. |
Financial Performance
| Outperforming Indices over the Last Five Years: Our total revenue grew 262% over the last five years and our stock price performance during the same period far exceeded the Nasdaq Biotech Index and S&P 500 Index. We achieved this growth while enhancing our operating margins and maintaining an operationally efficient organization. |
(1) | Stock performance reflects the cumulative return on investment assuming an investment of $100 in our common stock, the NBI Index and the S&P 500 Index on December 30, 2011, and that all dividends were reinvested. |
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Total Revenue Stock Price Performance(1)
* | Data per S&P Research Insight as of December 31, 2016. |
| Decline in Revenues in the Most Recent Year: In 2016, our revenues declined 7% compared to 2015. This was our first year of declining revenues since 2003 and was attributable to the dynamics of the HCV market following introduction of our HCV products as described above. |
| HIV and Other Antiviral Product Revenues Growth: Revenues for our HIV and other antiviral products were up 17% over 2015 and 24% over the past three years. Our HIV and other antiviral product revenues represented 43% of our total product sales, up from 34% in 2015. Sales in each of our other therapeutic areas also increased. |
Operational Performance
Our continued success will be driven by advancing our drug development pipeline and achieving other operational goals. Key achievements in 2016 included the following:
| Successful launch of four new products in 2016 (1) Odefsey® for the treatment of HIV, (2) Descovy® for the treatment of HIV, (3) Epclusa® for the treatment of HCV and (4) Vemlidy® for the treatment of HBV. |
| Significant pipeline progress across all therapeutic areas, including pending regulatory approval of the fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir/velpatisivir/voxilaprevir for the treatment of HCV. Highlights include: |
| Positive results from a Phase 2 trial evaluating selonsertib in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and moderate to severe liver fibrosis. Advanced selonsertib to Phase 3 clinical trials; |
| Advanced filgotinib, a JAK1 inhibitor, to Phase 3 trials for three inflammatory disease indications rheumatoid arthritis, Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis; |
| Positive data from a Phase 2 study demonstrating that bictegravir and emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide for the treatment of HIV demonstrated high virologic response rates; and |
| Positive data from Phase 3 studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of switching virologically suppressed HIV-1-infected patients from regimens containing Truvada® to regimens containing Descovy. |
By the end of 2016, we had treated approximately 1.3 million HCV-infected individuals around the world with our breakthrough HCV drugs in just three years while eliminating the debilitating side effects of earlier
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Total Shareholder Return
drugs. In addition, more than 10 million HIV patients in resource-limited countries are receiving a Gilead-based HIV regimen, representing two-thirds of the countries in the world and the regions hardest hit by HIV/AIDS.
2016 Executive Compensation Highlights
| Compensation Policies and Practices at a Glance. |
| Pay and performance alignment. Our executive compensation programs are designed to directly link pay with performance, creating appropriate incentives for our Named Executive Officers (NEOs) to take actions that ultimately increase the value of Gilead and stockholder returns. A substantial portion of compensation for each Named Executive Officer is tied directly to Gileads performance, with 90% of our Chief Executive Officers direct compensation and 83% of direct compensation for our other NEOs based on corporate performance and paid in the form of long-term equity awards and annual cash bonuses. Long-term equity incentive awards have historically been the largest component of our total direct compensation opportunities for our executive officers and comprise 73% of our Chief Executive Officers direct compensation and 64% of direct compensation of our other NEOs. We believe this mix is appropriate because the NEOs should focus their efforts on achieving short- and long-term corporate results, which will ultimately drive stockholder value. |
| Equity compensation is 100% performance-based. The equity award component of our executive officer compensation packages comprises both stock options and performance share awards. Both of these vehicles are performance-oriented, as our executive officers realize no pay delivery from their awards unless Gilead performs. Stock options are granted at the market price of our common stock on the date of grant and, therefore, require our common stock to appreciate in value before our executive officers realize any economic benefit from their awards. Performance share awards require not only stock price appreciation, as measured in terms of our total shareholder return (TSR) relative to an industry comparator group, but also revenue growth measured in absolute terms. By aligning the |
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Chief Executive Officer Other Named Executive Officers
majority of the NEOs compensation with our absolute and relative TSR performance, our NEOs only realize value from this pay component when our TSR performs well, which aligns with the interests of our stockholders. |
| 2016 realized pay reflects impact of declining revenues from our HCV products. Our performance-based approach to compensation is functioning as intended. Our fiscal 2016 financial and relative TSR performance resulted in performance-based equity pay that was significantly below the target amounts. Earnings under our 2014 performance share awards, for which the multi-year performance period was completed at the end of fiscal 2016, are based on our three-year TSR performance and the cumulative revenue performance over the past three years. Our NEOs did not earn any shares under the 2014 TSR performance share awards, and the 2016 sub-tranche of the Revenue performance share awards was achieved at 79% of target. The stock options granted in 2016 had no value as of December 31, 2016 since stock options only provide value if our stock price appreciates. Additionally, as of December 31, 2016, all stock options granted over the past three years had no value. |
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2016 bonus payout was 23% below 2015 bonus payout
2014 TSR PSUs were earned at 0%
2016 Revenue PSUs were earned at 79% of target(2)
2016 stock options currently have no value
| |
(1) | Target performance share value is based on the 2014 performance share grant, valued as of the award date. |
(2) | Actual performance share value is based on 0% payout for TSR tranche and 160% payout of the target shares for the absolute revenue tranche valued at $70.31 as of the release date of February 16, 2017. |
(3) | Target stock option value is based on the 2016 stock option grant, valued as of the actual grant date fair value; actual stock option value is based on the value of the 2016 stock option grant as of December 31, 2016. |
(4) | Target bonus value is based on target amount of 150% of base salary; actual annual bonus earned was at 116% of target. |
Responsiveness to Stockholders and Strong Support of Executive Compensation Programs by Stockholders.
We have a history of being responsive to stockholder feedback. For example, based on stockholder feedback in 2015, we adopted proxy access in that year. During 2016, we contacted a number of our stockholders and the two largest proxy advisors to gain valuable insights into the issues about which they care most. In addition to continuing the dialogue on key corporate governance topics such as board refreshment and environmental, social and governance reporting, we asked our stockholders whether they had any concerns about our executive compensation programs. The stockholders we contacted did not express concerns about our executive compensation programs.
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2016 bonus payout was 23% below 2015 bonus payout 2014 TSR PSUs were earned at 0% 2016 Revenue PSUs were earned at 79% of target(2) 2016 stock options currently have no value
At the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders, approximately 96% of the votes cast were in favor of our executive compensation program. Our Compensation Committee carefully reviews feedback from our engagement activities and the voting results when making decisions regarding our executive compensation program. The Compensation Committee did not change our executive compensation program based on the 2016 stockholder advisory vote.
Corporate Governance Highlights
| Corporate Governance at a Glance. |
| New leadership structure. Effective March 10, 2016, John C. Martin, Ph.D., formerly our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, assumed the role of Executive Chairman, and John F. Milligan, Ph.D., formerly our President and Chief Operating Officer, was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer. In connection with the promotion, Dr. Milligan was appointed to serve on Gileads Board of Directors. |
| Lead independent director. Our Board has chosen to separate the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Our Board Guidelines provide that the independent directors will designate a lead independent director when the Chairman is an employee of the company. The defined role of lead independent director at Gilead is closely aligned with the role of an independent Chairman, ensuring a strong, independent and active Board of Directors. As set forth in the Lead Independent Director Charter adopted by our Board, the lead independent director has clearly delineated and comprehensive duties. These duties include: |
| presiding at meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors; |
| serving as principal liaison between the independent directors and the Chairman and between the independent directors and senior management; |
| approving information sent to the Board and its committees; |
| approving agendas for the Board; |
| approving meeting schedules to ensure there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items; |
| calling meetings of the independent directors when necessary and appropriate; |
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| responding directly to stockholder and other stakeholder questions and comments that are directed to the lead independent director or to the independent directors as a group; |
| advising the Board and the Board committees on the retention of advisers and consultants to report directly to the Board; and |
| communicating to management, as appropriate, the results of private discussions among independent directors. |
Summary of Proposals for Vote
VOTING MATTER | BOARD VOTE RECOMMENDATION |
SEE PAGE # (for more |
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Proposal 1 Election of Directors |
FOR each nominee | 13 | ||||||||||||||||
Independent | Audit Committee |
Compensation Committee* |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
Scientific Committee |
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John F. Cogan, Ph.D. |
X | Member | Member | |||||||||||||||
Kelly A. Kramer |
X | Member | ||||||||||||||||
Kevin E. Lofton |
X | Member | Member | |||||||||||||||
John C. Martin, Ph.D. |
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John F. Milligan, Ph.D. |
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Nicholas G. Moore |
X | Chair | Member | |||||||||||||||
Richard J. Whitley, M.D. |
X | Member | Chair | |||||||||||||||
Gayle E. Wilson |
X | Chair | Member | |||||||||||||||
Per Wold-Olsen |
X | Member | Member | Member | ||||||||||||||
* The Compensation Committee Chair is John W. Madigan, who is retiring effective at the Annual Meeting. |
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Proposal 2 Ratification of the Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | FOR | 27 | ||||||||||||||||
Proposal 3 Restatement of the Gilead Sciences, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan | FOR | 30 | ||||||||||||||||
Proposal 4 Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of our Named Executive Officers | FOR | 45 | ||||||||||||||||
Proposal 5 Advisory Vote as to the Frequency of Future Advisory Shareholder Votes on Executive Compensation | 1 YEAR | 47 | ||||||||||||||||
Proposal 6 Stockholder Proposal Requesting that the Board Take Steps to Permit Stockholder Action by Written Consent | AGAINST | 48 | ||||||||||||||||
Proposal 7 Stockholder Proposal Requesting that the Board Adopt a Policy that the Chairman of the Board of Directors be an Independent Director | AGAINST | 51 |
Thank you for your ongoing support of Gilead Sciences, Inc. We appreciate your time and consideration and ask that with respect to your vote you support the Boards recommendations.
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GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.
333 Lakeside Drive
Foster City, California 94404
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 10, 2017
We are providing these proxy materials in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors (the Board) of Gilead Sciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Gilead, we, our or us), of proxies to be voted at our 2017 annual meeting of stockholders (the Annual Meeting) to be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. local time, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, for the purposes set forth herein and in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Annual Meeting will be held at the Westin San Francisco Airport, 1 Old Bayshore Highway, Millbrae, California 94030.
We first mailed or made available this Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card on or about March 27, 2017 to all stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
1. | Why did I receive a notice regarding the availability of proxy materials on the Internet? |
Pursuant to rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), we have elected to provide access to our proxy materials over the Internet. Accordingly, we are sending a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the Notice) to our stockholders of record. This approach conserves natural resources and reduces our costs of printing and distributing our proxy materials, while providing stockholders with a convenient way to access our proxy materials. All stockholders will have the ability to access the proxy materials on the website referred to in the Notice or to request a printed set of the proxy materials, including a proxy card. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request a printed copy may be found in the Notice.
2. | How may I obtain a copy of Gileads Annual Report on Form 10-K and other financial information? |
A copy of our 2016 Annual Report, which includes our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, is available at http://www.gilead.com/proxy or may be requested from our Investor Relations department as described elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. Our 2016 Annual Report is not incorporated into this Proxy Statement and should not be considered proxy solicitation material.
3. | Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting? |
Only holders of our common stock at the close of business on March 16, 2017 are entitled to receive the Notice of Annual Meeting and to vote their shares at the Annual Meeting. As of that date, there were 1,307,236,587 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.
4. | What do I need to do to attend the Annual Meeting? |
Only holders of our common stock at the close of business on March 16, 2017 and holders of a valid legal proxy for the Annual Meeting are entitled to attend the Annual Meeting. Each individual must present valid government-issued photo identification, such as a drivers license or passport, for admission. If you are not a stockholder of record but hold shares in the name of a broker, bank or other holder of record, you must provide proof of beneficial ownership as of March 16, 2017, such as a brokerage or bank account statement, a copy of the voting instruction form provided by your broker, bank, trustee or nominee, or other similar evidence of ownership.
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5. | What items of business will be voted on at the Annual Meeting? |
The items of business scheduled to be voted on at the Annual Meeting are:
| to elect nine directors to serve for the next year and until their successors are elected and qualified; |
| to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017; |
| to approve a restatement of the Gilead Sciences, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan; |
| to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as presented in this Proxy Statement; |
| to vote, on an advisory basis, as to the frequency with which executive compensation will be subject to future advisory stockholder votes; |
| to vote on a stockholder proposal, if properly presented at the meeting, requesting that the Board take steps to permit stockholder action by written consent; and |
| to vote on a stockholder proposal, if properly presented at the meeting, requesting that the Board adopt a policy that the Chairman of the Board of Directors be an independent director. |
We will also consider any other business that properly comes before the Annual Meeting. See question 11, Could other matters be decided at the Annual Meeting? below.
6. | How does the Board recommend that I vote? |
Our Board recommends that you vote your shares:
| FOR each of the named nominees to the Board; |
| FOR the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017; |
| FOR the approval of a restatement of the Gilead Sciences, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan; |
| FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as presented in this Proxy Statement; |
| For the choice of every 1 YEAR as the frequency with which executive compensation will be subject to future advisory stockholder votes; |
| AGAINST the stockholder proposal requesting that the Board take steps to permit stockholder action by written consent; and |
| AGAINST the stockholder proposal requesting that the Board adopt a policy that the Chairman of the Board of Directors be an independent director. |
7. | What are the voting requirements to elect the directors and to approve each of the proposals discussed in this Proxy Statement? |
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if a majority of the outstanding shares is represented by votes present at the meeting in person or by proxy. Shares represented by proxies marked abstain and broker non-votes are counted in determining whether a quorum is present. A broker non-vote is a proxy submitted by a broker that does not indicate a vote for some of the proposals because the broker does not have discretionary voting authority on certain types of proposals and has not received instructions from its client as to how to vote on a particular proposal.
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Proposal |
Vote Required | |
Proposal 1 Election of nine directors to serve for the next year and until their successors are elected and qualified. | Majority of votes cast (number of shares voted for a director must exceed the number of shares voted against that director) | |
Proposal 2 Ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. | Majority of the shares entitled to vote and present in person or represented by proxy | |
Proposal 3 Approval of a restatement of the Gilead Sciences, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. | Majority of the shares entitled to vote and present in person or represented by proxy | |
Proposal 4 Approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as presented in this Proxy Statement. | Majority of the shares entitled to vote and present in person or represented by proxy | |
Proposal 5 Approval, on an advisory basis, as to the frequency of future advisory shareholder votes on executive compensation. | The frequency that receives the most votes cast will be considered the recommendation of stockholders | |
Proposal 6 Vote on a stockholder proposal, if properly presented at the meeting, requesting that the Board take steps to permit stockholder action by written consent. | Majority of the shares entitled to vote and present in person or represented by proxy | |
Proposal 7 Vote on a stockholder proposal, if properly presented at the meeting, requesting that the Board adopt a policy that the Chairman of the Board of Directors be an independent director. | Majority of the shares entitled to vote and present in person or represented by proxy |
If your shares are held by a broker and you do not indicate how you wish to vote, your broker is permitted to exercise its discretion to vote your shares only on certain routine matters. Proposal 2 is a routine matter. As a result, your broker is permitted to exercise discretionary voting authority to vote your shares for this proposal. Your broker may not exercise discretionary voting authority and may not vote your shares with respect to the other proposals unless you provide your broker with voting instructions.
With respect to Proposal 1, abstentions will not have an effect on the outcome of the vote. With respect to Proposals 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, abstentions will have the same effect as an against vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect on Proposals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
8. | How do I vote? |
You may vote in person by attending the meeting or by completing and returning a proxy by mail, by telephone or electronically, using the Internet. If your shares are registered directly in your name with Gileads transfer agent, Computershare, you are considered a stockholder of record. If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name. Most beneficial owners whose stock is held in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee receive instructions for how to vote their shares from their banks, brokers or other nominees, rather than our proxy card. You can vote your shares held through a bank, broker or other nominee by following the voting instructions sent to you by that institution.
By mail
To vote your proxy by mail, be sure to complete, sign and date the proxy card (if you request one) or voting instruction card that may be delivered to you and return it in the envelope provided. We will vote your shares as directed. However, if you return your signed proxy card but do not indicate your voting preferences, the persons named on the proxy card will vote the shares represented by that proxy as recommended by our Board.
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By Internet or telephone
Stockholders may also vote their shares using the Internet or telephone. The law of the State of Delaware, under which we are incorporated, specifically permits electronically transmitted proxies so long as each such proxy contains or is submitted with information from which the inspector of election can determine that such proxy was authorized by the stockholder. The Internet and telephone voting procedures below are designed to authenticate stockholders identities, to allow stockholders to vote their shares and to confirm that stockholders instructions have been recorded properly. Stockholders voting shares via the Internet should understand that there may be costs associated with electronic access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies, which must be borne by the stockholder.
Stockholders of record may go to http://www.proxyvote.com to vote their shares. You will be required to provide the control number printed on your Notice. The votes represented by such proxy will be generated on the computer screen and the voter will be prompted to submit or revise them as desired. Stockholders of record using a touch-tone telephone may vote their shares by calling (800) 690-6903 and following the recorded instructions.
A number of brokers and banks are participating in a program that offers the ability to vote shares over the telephone and Internet. Street name holders may vote on the Internet by accessing http://www.proxyvote.com. You will be required to provide the control number printed on your Notice. Street name holders using a touch-tone telephone may vote their shares by calling (800) 454-8683 and following the recorded instructions.
Internet and telephone voting for stockholders of record and street name holders will be available 24 hours a day, and will close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time on May 9, 2017. Submitting your proxy via the Internet or by telephone will not affect your right to vote in person should you decide to attend the Annual Meeting.
In person at the Annual Meeting
Stockholders of record may vote in person at the Annual Meeting. Whether or not a stockholder plans to attend the meeting, the stockholder should vote by mail, Internet or telephone to ensure his or her vote is counted. A stockholder may still attend the meeting and vote in person if he or she has already voted by one of these methods. To vote in person, a stockholder may come to the Annual Meeting and we will provide the stockholder with a ballot when he or she arrives. The ballot submitted at the meeting would supersede any prior vote.
If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you must obtain a legal proxy from your bank, broker or other nominee and present it to the inspector of election with your ballot to be able to vote at the Annual Meeting.
Your vote is important. You can save us the expense of a second mailing of proxy materials by voting promptly.
9. | What can I do if I change my mind after I vote my shares? |
Any stockholder giving a proxy pursuant to this solicitation has the power to revoke it at any time before the shares are voted.
If you are a stockholder of record, you can revoke your proxy before it is exercised by:
| submitting a written notice to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices, 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, California 94404; |
| submitting a valid, later-dated proxy or a later-dated vote by telephone or on the Internet; or |
| voting by ballot at the Annual Meeting. |
If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you may revoke your proxy or submit new voting instructions by contacting your bank, broker or other holder of record.
You may also vote in person at the Annual Meeting as described in the answer to the preceding question. Attendance at the meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy. All shares for which proxies have been properly submitted and not revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting.
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10. | What is the deadline for voting my shares by proxy, via the Internet or by telephone? |
Votes by proxy must be received before the polls close at the Annual Meeting. Votes submitted via the Internet or by telephone must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time on May 9, 2017.
11. | Could other matters be decided at the Annual Meeting? |
On the date this Proxy Statement went to press, we did not know of any matters to be raised at the Annual Meeting other than those referred to in this Proxy Statement. If other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting for consideration and you execute and deliver a proxy, then John C. Martin and John F. Milligan, the persons named on your proxy card, will have the discretion to vote on those matters for you.
12. | Is my vote confidential? |
Yes. Proxy cards, ballots and voting tabulations that identify stockholders by name are kept confidential. There are exceptions for contested proxy solicitations or when necessary to meet legal requirements. Veaco Group, the independent proxy tabulator that we have engaged, will count the votes and act as the inspector of election for the meeting.
13. | Where can I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting? |
We will announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting and publish final results in a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days after the Annual Meeting.
14. | Who will pay for the cost of this proxy solicitation? |
We will pay the cost of soliciting proxies, including preparation, assembly, printing and mailing of the Notice and this Proxy Statement and any additional information furnished to stockholders. Copies of solicitation materials will be furnished to banks, brokerage houses, fiduciaries and custodians holding in their names shares of our common stock beneficially owned by others to forward to such beneficial owners. We may reimburse persons representing beneficial owners of common stock for their out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding solicitation materials to such beneficial owners. We have hired Innisfree M&A Incorporated to act as our proxy solicitor in conjunction with the Annual Meeting. We will pay Innisfree M&A Incorporated a fee of $15,000, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, for these services. Our solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by telephone, facsimile, electronic mail or personal solicitation by directors, officers or other of our employees. No additional compensation will be paid to directors, officers or other employees for such solicitation services performed by them.
15. | When are the stockholder proposals or nominations for Gileads 2018 annual meeting of stockholders due? |
You may submit proposals for consideration at future stockholder meetings. For a stockholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in our Proxy Statement for the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders pursuant to SEC Rule 14a-8, the Corporate Secretary must receive the written proposal at our principal executive offices no later than November 27, 2017. Such proposals also must comply with SEC regulations under Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), regarding the inclusion of stockholder proposals in company proxy materials. Proposals should be addressed to:
Corporate Secretary
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
333 Lakeside Drive
Foster City, California 94404
A stockholder (or a group of up to 20 stockholders) who has owned at least three percent of our shares continuously for at least three years and has complied with the other requirements in our bylaws may nominate and include in our proxy materials director nominees constituting up to 20% of our Board or two persons,
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whichever is greater. Written notice of a proxy access nomination for inclusion in our Proxy Statement for the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders must be received by the Corporate Secretary at the address above:
| not earlier than the open of business on October 28, 2017; and |
| not later than the close of business on November 27, 2017. |
Stockholders wishing to submit proposals that are not to be included in our Proxy Statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 or to nominate director candidates who are not included in our Proxy Statement pursuant to the proxy access provisions in our bylaws must give timely written notice of such proposals or nominations to the Corporate Secretary at the address above in accordance with our bylaws. To be timely within the meaning of Rule 14a-4(c) under the Exchange Act, written notice must be received by the Corporate Secretary:
| not earlier than the open of business on January 10, 2018; and |
| not later than the close of business on February 9, 2018. |
The chairperson of our annual meeting has the sole authority to determine whether any nomination or other business has been properly brought before the meeting in accordance with our bylaws and to declare that any such nomination or other business not properly brought before our annual meeting shall not be transacted, and we may exercise discretionary voting authority to vote any shares for which we receive proxies as we determine appropriate.
16. | Where can I get information related to future stockholder meetings of Gilead? |
To request a copy of the Proxy Statement, annual report and form of proxy related to all of our future stockholder meetings where you are a stockholder on the relevant record date, you may log on to http://www.proxyvote.com or contact Investor Relations at:
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Attention: Investor Relations
333 Lakeside Drive
Foster City, CA 94404
(800) 445-3235
Email: investor_relations@gilead.com
17. | I want to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person. From whom can I obtain directions to the Annual Meeting? |
You may contact Investor Relations at (800) 445-3235 or investor_relations@gilead.com to obtain directions to the Annual Meeting.
18. | If I have additional questions, whom can I contact? |
If you have any questions about the Annual Meeting or how to vote or revoke your proxy, you should contact our proxy solicitor:
Innisfree M&A Incorporated
501 Madison Avenue, 20th floor
New York, New York 10022
Stockholders may call toll free: (877) 750-9501
Banks and Brokers may call collect: (212) 750-5833
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
There are nine nominees for the Board positions presently authorized. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees standing for election. Directors are elected by a majority of the votes cast (number of shares voted for a director must exceed the number of shares voted against that director) with respect to the election of each director at the Annual Meeting. Each director who is elected will hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, or until such directors earlier death, resignation or removal. Each nominee listed below is currently a director of Gilead and, other than Kelly A. Kramer, was previously elected by the stockholders at the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders. Ms. Kramer was recommended for consideration by our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee by a third-party search firm. John W. Madigan is retiring effective at the Annual Meeting, and our Board size will be reduced from ten to nine positions effective at the Annual Meeting.
Shares represented by executed proxies will be voted for or against the election of the nine nominees named below. In the event that any nominee should be unavailable for election as a result of an unexpected occurrence, such shares will be voted for the election of such substitute nominee as our Board may propose. Each person nominated for election has agreed to serve if elected and our Board and management have no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve.
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommended each of the nominees listed below to our Board for nomination. Each member of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets the criteria of independent director as specified by applicable laws and regulations of the SEC, the listing rules of NASDAQ and our Board Guidelines, as determined affirmatively by our Board.
Majority Vote Standard for Election of Directors
Our bylaws require directors to be elected by the majority of the votes cast with respect to such director in uncontested elections (number of shares voted for a director must exceed the number of shares voted against that director). In a contested election (a situation in which the number of nominees for director exceeds the number of directors to be elected), the standard for election of directors will be a plurality of the shares voting in the election of directors at any such meeting at which a quorum is present. Under our Board Guidelines, any director who fails to receive at least a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election must tender his or her resignation to our Board. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee would then evaluate the tendered resignation and make a recommendation to our Board to accept or reject the resignation or to take other action. Our Board will act on our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees recommendation and publicly disclose its decision and the rationale for such decision within 90 days from the date the election results are certified. The director who tenders his or her resignation will not participate in our Boards decision. If a nominee who was not already serving as a director does not receive at least a majority of the votes cast for such director at the annual meeting, that nominee will not become a director.
Our Board has adopted certain corporate governance principles, which we refer to as our Board Guidelines, to promote the functioning of the Board and its committees and the interests of stockholders and to set forth a common set of expectations as to how the Board, its various committees and individual directors should perform their functions. Our Board Guidelines are available on our website at http://www.gilead.com in the Investors section under Corporate Governance.
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THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH NAMED NOMINEE.
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has evaluated and recommended, and the full Board has considered and nominated for election at the Annual Meeting, each of the nine directors described below. The names of the nominees in alphabetical order and certain information about them as of March 27, 2017, as well as the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of the director nominees that led our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to conclude that the nominee should serve as a director of Gilead, are set forth below:
Lead Independent |
John F. Cogan, Ph.D., age 69, joined our Board in 2005 and was appointed Lead Independent Director in May 2013. Dr. Cogan is currently the Leonard and Shirley Ely Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, where he has had a continuing appointment since 1980. Dr. Cogans current research is focused on U.S. budget and fiscal policy, healthcare and social security policy. Dr. Cogan has held a number of positions in the U.S. government, including Assistant Secretary for Policy in the U.S. Department of Labor and Associate Director and Deputy Director in the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Dr. Cogan is a trustee of the Charles Schwab Family of Funds and a former director of Venture Lending and Leasing Funds.
Relevant Experience, Qualifications and Skills: Significant experience in economic healthcare policy, including U.S. budget and fiscal policy, healthcare and social security policy. Significant policy-making and government experience. | |
Audit Committee |
Kelly A. Kramer, age 49, joined our Board in 2016. She is currently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Cisco, the worlds largest computer networking company. Prior to that, she was Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance at Cisco. She previously served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of GE Healthcare Systems and Chief Financial Officer of GE Healthcare Biosciences. Ms. Kramer has also worked in GEs Corporate Headquarters, Transportation Systems and Aerospace divisions. She is a member of the board of the Silicon Valley Chapter of City Year, a non-profit organization that provides educational support for at-risk students in poor communities.
Relevant Experience, Qualifications and Skills: Significant financial expertise. |
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Audit Committee
Compensation Committee |
Kevin E. Lofton, age 62, joined our Board in 2009. He is currently, and has been since 2003, the Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Health Initiatives. Headquartered in Denver, the healthcare system has revenues of over $16 billion and operates the full continuum of services from hospitals to home health agencies throughout the nation. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of two university hospitals, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital and Howard University Hospital. In 2007, Mr. Lofton served as Chairman of the Board of the American Hospital Association, the nations largest hospital trade association. In May 2016, he received an honorary Doctor of Humanities in Medicine degree from the Baylor College of Medicine. In June 2014, The Healthcare Financial Management Association awarded the Richard L. Clarke Board of Directors Award to Mr. Lofton in recognition of his extensive and far reaching work in the area of health care disparities and creating healthier communities. Mr. Lofton also serves on the Board of Directors of Rite Aid Corporation.
Relevant Experience, Qualifications and Skills: Significant leadership experience, including serving as a chief executive officer. Expertise and knowledge in hospital administration and patient care. Demonstrated commitment to ensuring that patients have access to medical services. | |
Executive Chairman |
John C. Martin, Ph.D., age 65, joined our Board in 1996 and was appointed Chairman of the Board in 2008. Dr. Martin has served as Gileads Executive Chairman since March 2016 and previously served as Chief Executive Officer since 1996. Prior to joining Gilead in 1990, Dr. Martin held several leadership positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Syntex Corporation. Dr. Martin previously served as President of the International Society for Antiviral Research and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the California Healthcare Institute (CHI). He served on the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases Council, the Board of Directors of the Biotechnology Industry Organization and the Board of Directors for CHI. Additionally, Dr. Martin served on the Centers for Disease Control/Health Resources and Services Administrations Advisory Committee on HIV and STD Prevention and Treatment and was a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Dr. Martin holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Chicago, an MBA from Golden Gate University and a bachelors of science degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University. He has received the Isbell Award from the American Chemical Society and the Gertrude B. Elion Award for Scientific Excellence from the International Society for Antiviral Research. In 2008, Dr. Martin was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering of the National Academies.
Relevant Experience, Qualifications and Skills: Significant leadership and business experience. Significant scientific experience, as he holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry and previously served as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS from 2006 to 2009. Breadth of knowledge about Gileads business as a result of employment at Gilead since 1990 in numerous leadership positions. |
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John F. Milligan, Ph.D., age 56, Dr. Milligan joined our Board in January 2016 and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in March 2016. He was appointed President in 2008, and served as our Chief Operating Officer from 2007 to 2016. He previously held multiple leadership roles within Gilead, including the position of Chief Financial Officer from 2002 to 2007. He is a member of the board of Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. He is also a Trustee of Ohio Wesleyan University. Dr. Milligan received his BA from Ohio Wesleyan University, his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Illinois and was an American Cancer Society postdoctoral fellow at the University of California at San Francisco.
Relevant Experience, Qualifications and Skills: Significant leadership and business experience. Significant scientific experience. Breadth of knowledge about Gileads business as a result of employment at Gilead since 1990 in numerous leadership positions. | ||
Audit Committee Chair
Compensation Committee |
Nicholas G. Moore, age 75, joined our Board in 2004. Mr. Moore is the retired global Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a professional services firm formed in July 1998 by the merger of Coopers & Lybrand and Price Waterhouse. Prior to the merger, Mr. Moore was elected Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Coopers & Lybrand (U.S.) in 1994 and Coopers & Lybrand International in 1997. Mr. Moore is a director of Bechtel Group, Inc. and previously served as lead independent director of NetApp and director and chairman of the audit committee at Wells Fargo. He has also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Marys College of California. Mr. Moore is an inactive member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the California Bar Association and the California and New York Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Relevant Experience, Qualifications and Skills: Significant leadership and business experience across a range of industries and public company boards of directors. Significant financial expertise. |
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Nominating
and
Scientific Committee |
Richard J. Whitley, M.D., age 71, joined our Board in 2008. He is a Distinguished Professor, Loeb Scholar Chair in Pediatrics, and Professor of Microbiology, Medicine and Neurosurgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is the Co-Director, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases; Vice-Chair, Department of Pediatrics; Senior Scientist, Department of Gene Therapy; Director for Drug Discovery and Development and Senior Leader, Comprehensive Cancer Center; Associate Director for Clinical Studies, Center for AIDS Research; and Co-Founder and Co-Director, Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance. Dr. Whitley is responsible for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Collaborative Antiviral Study Group, and directs a Center for drug discovery in the arena of emerging infections. He is a past President of the International Society of Antiviral Research and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and currently chairs both the NIAID Recombinant DNA Advisory Council and the NIAID HIV Vaccine Data Safety and Management Board. He is an elected member of the American Society of Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians.
Relevant Experience, Qualifications and Skills: Significant medical and health policy experience. Extensive experience in the field of antiviral medicine. Breadth of knowledge about Gileads business as a result of service on Gileads Scientific Advisory Board from 2003 to 2008. | |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair
Scientific Committee |
Gayle E. Wilson, age 74, joined our Board in 2001. Mrs. Wilson served as Californias First Lady from 1991 to 1999. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the board of directors of the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides grants for higher education, social impact, civic, cultural issues and health issues. She is also the Chair Emeritus of the Advisory Board of the California State Summer School for Math and Science, and a member of the board of trustees of the California Institute of Technology.
Relevant Experience, Qualifications and Skills: Significant experience in education, public policy and science and technology. Breadth of knowledge about Gileads business as a result of service on Gileads Board since 2001. | |
Compensation Committee Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee
Scientific Committee |
Per Wold-Olsen, age 69, joined our Board in 2010, after serving as the Chair of Gileads Health Policy Advisory Board since 2007. From 2005 to 2006, he served as President of the Human Health Intercontinental Division of Merck & Co., Inc., a global pharmaceutical company. From 1997 until 2005, he served as President of Human Health Europe, Middle East/Africa and Worldwide Human Health Marketing for Merck. Mr. Wold-Olsen is currently Chairman of the Board of GN Store Nord A/S. He also serves as a director of Novo A/S. Mr. Wold-Olsen is Chair of the Board of the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), a non-profit initiative dedicated to the discovery, development and delivery of new medicines for the treatment of malaria.
Relevant Experience, Qualifications and Skills: Significant leadership and international business experience. Breadth of knowledge about Gileads business as a result of service as Chair of Gileads Health Policy Advisory Board from 2007 to 2009. |
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Skills and Qualifications of our Director Nominees
The table below includes some of the skills, qualifications, backgrounds and experience of each director nominee that led our Board of Directors to conclude that he or she is qualified to serve on our Board. This high-level summary is not intended to be an exhaustive list of each director nominees skills or contributions to the Board.
Qualification and Skills |
Cogan | Kramer | Lofton | Martin | Milligan | Moore | Whitley | Wilson | Wold-Olsen | |||||||||
Active/ Retired CEO or COO |
X | X | X | X | ||||||||||||||
Financial Expertise/Financial Community Experience |
X | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||||||||
Government |
X | X | X | X | X | |||||||||||||
Medical Services |
X | X | ||||||||||||||||
Health Care Policy |
X | X | X | X | X | |||||||||||||
Ph.D. or M.D. |
X | X | X | X | ||||||||||||||
Education |
X | X | X |
Director Tenure of Nominees
In January 2006, our Board appointed Dr. George P. Shultz, one of our former directors, to serve as Director Emeritus. As an advisor to our Board, Dr. Shultz may attend Board meetings, including meetings of the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the committees on which he served prior to his retirement, in a non-voting capacity.
Board Composition, Leadership and Meetings
Independence of the Board of Directors
The NASDAQ listing rules require that a majority of the members of a listed companys board of directors qualify as independent as affirmatively determined by our Board. In addition, our Board Guidelines require that a substantial majority of our Board consist of independent directors as defined by the Board Guidelines. Our Board Guidelines are available on our website at http://www.gilead.com in the Investors section under Corporate Governance.
After review of all relevant transactions and relationships between each director, and his or her family members, and us, our senior management and independent registered public accounting firm, our Board has determined that seven of our nine nominees for director, as well as our retiring director, Mr. Madigan, are independent directors as specified by applicable laws and regulations of the SEC, the listing rules of NASDAQ and our Board Guidelines. Dr. Martin, our Executive Chairman, and Dr. Milligan, our President and Chief Executive Officer, are not independent directors.
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Board Leadership Structure
Our Board has chosen to separate the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Dr. Milligan is our President and Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Martin is our Chairman of the Board and Executive Chairman.
As President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Milligan is responsible for day-to-day management of the company and the overall execution of our strategy. As Executive Chairman, Dr. Martins primary responsibilities include coordinating the activities of our Board with our lead independent director and working with external stakeholders, including academic thought leaders and government agencies, and individuals across the organization on opportunities for continued innovation. The Board believes that, given the proven leadership capabilities, breadth of industry experience and business success of both Drs. Milligan and Martin, Gilead is best served by this leadership structure.
Dr. Martin has served as Chairman of the Board since May 2008. Our Board Guidelines provide that the independent directors will designate a lead independent director when the Chairman is an employee of the company. Dr. Cogan has served as the lead independent director since May 2013.
We believe our current Board leadership structure provides effective oversight of management and strong leadership of the independent directors. The defined role of lead independent director at Gilead is closely aligned with the role of an independent Chairman. As set forth in the Lead Independent Director Charter, the lead independent director has clearly delineated and comprehensive duties. These duties include:
| presiding at meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors; |
| serving as principal liaison between the independent directors and the Chairman and between the independent directors and senior management; |
| approving information sent to the Board and its committees; |
| approving agendas for the Board; |
| approving meeting schedules to ensure there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items; |
| calling meetings of the independent directors when necessary and appropriate; |
| responding directly to stockholder and other stakeholder questions and comments that are directed to the lead independent director or to the independent directors as a group; |
| advising the Board and the Board committees on the retention of advisers and consultants to report directly to the Board; and |
| communicating to management, as appropriate, the results of private discussions among independent directors. |
In addition, as required by our Board Guidelines, Gileads independent directors meet without executive management on a routine basis to review, among other things, Gileads strategy, performance, management effectiveness and succession planning. In addition to his role as lead independent director, Dr. Cogan is a member of the Audit Committee and the Scientific Committee and frequently attends meetings of other Board committees. In addition, Dr. Cogan conducts an annual assessment of the Board and committees of the Board to evaluate their effectiveness.
The Lead Independent Director Charter is available on our website at http://www.gilead.com in the Investors section under Corporate Governance.
Oversight of Risk
The Board has delegated oversight of certain risks to relevant committees:
| Our Audit Committee reviews risks associated with our financial and accounting systems, accounting policies and investment strategies, in addition to regulatory compliance and other matters that have |
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significant elements of risk associated with them, including Gileads information technology security programs. Our Audit Committee regularly meets in executive session and in private sessions with Gileads independent registered public accounting firm, our Vice President of Internal Audit and the Chief Financial Officer to discuss, among other things, risks to Gileads business. |
| Our Compensation Committee evaluates Gileads compensation policies and practices to help ensure that these policies and practices do not incentivize employees to take risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Gilead. |
| Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews our management of risks in areas such as regulatory, clinical trials, manufacturing, product promotion and human resources and meets periodically with senior employees of Gilead responsible for managing risk in these areas. |
Each of the committees periodically reports to the Board of Directors on its risk oversight activities. In addition to receiving reports from our Board committees, our Board of Directors periodically reviews Gileads management of specific material risks or legal developments. We believe our Boards leadership structure effectively supports the Boards independent evaluation and management of risk.
Executive Sessions
As required under applicable NASDAQ listing rules, our independent directors meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions at which only they are present. Dr. Cogan, our lead independent director, presides over these executive sessions. Additionally, executive sessions may be convened by the lead independent director at his discretion and will be convened if requested by any other independent director.
Meetings of our Board of Directors and Board Committees; Attendance at Annual Meetings
Our Board has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a Scientific Committee. All directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of all meetings of our Board and of the committees on which they served during the year ended December 31, 2016 (or the period for which they served). Current committee membership and the number of meetings of our full Board and committees held in 2016 are shown in the table below:
Board | Audit Committee |
Compensation Committee |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
Scientific Committee | ||||||
John F. Cogan |
Lead Independent Director | Member | Member | |||||||
Kelly A. Kramer |
Member | Member | ||||||||
Kevin E. Lofton |
Member | Member | Member | |||||||
John W. Madigan |
Member | Member | Chair | |||||||
John C. Martin |
Chair | |||||||||
Nicholas G. Moore |
Member | Chair | Member | |||||||
Richard J. Whitley |
Member | Member | Chair | |||||||
Gayle E. Wilson |
Member | Chair | Member | |||||||
Per Wold-Olsen |
Member | Member | Member | Member | ||||||
Number of 2016 Meetings |
8 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
Our Board expects our directors to attend our annual meetings of stockholders. Of all our then-serving Board members, nine attended our 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.
Committees of our Board of Directors
Audit Committee
Our Audit Committee is composed of five directors and operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. Our Board has determined that all members of our Audit Committee are independent
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directors under the criteria specified by applicable laws and regulations of the SEC, the listing rules of NASDAQ and our Board Guidelines, including the heightened independence standards under Exchange Act Rule 10A-3. Our Board has determined that Mr. Moore, Ms. Kramer and Mr. Madigan each qualify as an audit committee financial expert, as defined in applicable SEC rules.
Our Audit Committee oversees, on behalf of our Board, our corporate accounting, financial reporting process and systems of internal accounting and financial controls. Our Audit Committee:
| is directly responsible for the selection, appointment, retention, compensation, oversight and, where appropriate, the replacement of the independent registered public accounting firm (the auditors); |
| approves the engagement of proposed audit, review and attest services, as well as permissible non-attest services by our auditors; |
| evaluates the performance, independence and qualifications of the auditors; |
| reviews periodic reports prepared by the auditors regarding the auditors internal quality control procedures and any material issues raised by internal quality-control reviews or by inquiries or investigations by governmental or professional authorities; |
| monitors the rotation of audit partners on our engagement team and is involved in the selection of the lead audit partner; |
| meets with the auditors and our financial management to review the scope and cost of proposed audits and the audit procedures to be utilized, and, following the conclusion thereof, reviews the results of such audits, including any findings, comments or recommendations of the auditors; |
| discusses with the auditors and our financial and accounting management the scope, adequacy and effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, including the adequacy of the systems of reporting to our Audit Committee; |
| reviews the potential effect of regulatory and accounting developments on our consolidated financial statements; |
| reviews significant reporting issues or judgments made in connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements; |
| reviews and approves, in advance, or ratifies all related party transactions in accordance with applicable laws, SEC rules and NASDAQ requirements; |
| oversees the establishment and maintenance of disclosure controls and procedures; |
| reviews draft earnings releases and the financial statements to be included in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including the results of the annual audit and the results of the auditors review of our quarterly condensed consolidated financial statements; |
| meets with internal audit management to review and approve the annual internal audit plan and budget and to review the results of internal audit activities; and |
| oversees our management of risks associated with financial and accounting systems, accounting policies, public reporting, investment strategies and cybersecurity, including the periodic review with management of our efforts to identify and mitigate such risks. |
Our Audit Committee has established procedures for the confidential submission of employee concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters under the Complaint Procedure and Non-Retaliation Policy. Our Audit Committee receives quarterly reports from management on all complaints made under our Complaint Procedure and Non-Retaliation Policy.
Our Audit Committee also holds separate private sessions, during its regularly scheduled meetings, with each of Gileads Chief Financial Officer and representatives of Ernst & Young LLP, and from time to time,
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Gileads General Counsel, Corporate Controller and Vice President of Internal Audit, at which candid discussions regarding financial management, legal, accounting, auditing and internal control issues take place.
The Audit Committee Charter is available on our website at http://www.gilead.com in the Investors section under Corporate Governance.
Compensation Committee
Our Board has determined that all members of our Compensation Committee are independent directors under the criteria specified by applicable laws and regulations of the SEC, the listing rules of NASDAQ and our Board Guidelines. The members of our Compensation Committee are outside directors as determined under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and non-employee directors as determined under Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.
Our Compensation Committee has overall responsibility for approving and evaluating our executive officer compensation plans, policies and programs. These duties include:
| taking any and all actions which may be taken by the Board with respect to the compensation level of our executive officers, including but not limited to the development of compensation policies and the review of compensation arrangements; |
| overseeing the administration and review of our compensation plans, including our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, corporate bonus plan, deferred compensation program and our Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) Bonus Plan; |
| evaluating the performance of Dr. Milligan, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Martin, our Executive Chairman, and reviewing and approving their compensation, subject to ratification by the independent directors of the Board; |
| reviewing and approving the compensation arrangements for our other executive officers; |
| establishing the stock ownership guidelines applicable to executive officers and recommending stock ownership guidelines applicable to the non-employee Board members; |
| reviewing and discussing the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in our Proxy Statement for each annual meeting; |
| reviewing the results of the most recent stockholder advisory vote on executive compensation and overseeing our submissions to stockholders on executive compensation matters; and |
| appointing, determining the compensation of and overseeing the independent compensation advisers retained by the Compensation Committee. |
Our Compensation Committee operates pursuant to a charter that outlines its specific authority, duties and responsibilities. Our Compensation Committee Charter is available on our website at http://www.gilead.com in the Investors section under Corporate Governance.
Our Compensation Committee has the authority to engage the services of its own outside advisors to assist it in determining the compensation of our executive officers. Our Compensation Committee has retained Frederic W. Cook & Co. (FW Cook), a national compensation consulting firm, as its independent compensation consultant. FW Cook reports directly to our Compensation Committee and provides various executive compensation services to our Compensation Committee, including advising the Committee on the following matters:
| the principal aspects of our Chief Executive Officers compensation; |
| evolving industry practices; and |
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| providing market information and analyses regarding the competitiveness of our program design for both our executive officers and the non-employee Board members. |
FW Cook provides consulting services solely to our Compensation Committee and does not provide any other services to Gilead.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our Board has determined that all members of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are independent directors under the criteria specified by applicable laws and regulations of the SEC, the listing rules of NASDAQ and our Board Guidelines.
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee performs several functions. Among other things, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee:
| develops and periodically reviews the desired qualifications of members of the Board and its committees; |
| determines the need for new directors and, as appropriate, leads the search for new individuals qualified to become members of the Board; |
| recommends director nominees to the Board to be presented for stockholder approval at the annual meeting of stockholders; |
| reviews the Boards committee structure and recommends directors to serve as members and chairpersons of each committee for the Boards approval; |
| determines on an annual basis the members of the Board who meet the independence requirements and members of the Audit Committee who meet the financial expert requirements; |
| reviews our corporate governance policies and practices and recommends new policies and changes to existing policies for the Boards approval; |
| develops an annual self-evaluation process for the Board and its committees and, as appropriate, makes recommendations to the Board regarding its findings; |
| oversees our management of non-financial or non-compensation policies-related risks; and |
| reviews our political expenditure policies and expenditures, including payments to trade associations. |
In identifying potential director nominees, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers Board candidates recommended through a variety of methods and sources. These include suggestions from current Board members, senior management, stockholders, professional search firms and other sources. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews all candidates in the same manner regardless of the source of the recommendation.
In evaluating candidates for membership on the Board, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the candidates relevant experience, the number and nature of other board memberships held and possible conflicts of interest. In addition, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider whether the candidate assists in achieving a mix of members that represents a diversity of backgrounds and experience, including with respect to age, gender, international background, race and specialized experience. Each year, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews its Board membership criteria and assesses the composition of the Board against the criteria.
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also consider all factors it determines appropriate to meeting the needs of the Board at that particular time. According to the Board membership criteria
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established by our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, candidates nominated for election or reelection to the Board should possess the following qualifications:
| the highest standards of personal and professional integrity; |
| the ability and judgment to serve the long-term interest of our stockholders; |
| experience and expertise relevant to our business and which will contribute to the overall effectiveness and diversity of the Board; |
| broad business and social perspective; |
| the ability to communicate openly with other directors and to meaningfully and civilly participate in the Boards decision making process; |
| commitment to serve on the Board for an extended period of time to ensure continuity and to develop knowledge about our business and willingness to devote appropriate time and effort to fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a Board member; |
| independence from any particular constituency; and |
| the ability and willingness to objectively appraise the performance of management. |
It is the policy of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to consider properly submitted stockholder recommendations of new director candidates. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees evaluation process for director nominees does not vary based on whether a candidate is recommended by a stockholder or the Board. Any stockholder recommendation must include the candidates name and qualifications for Board membership, the candidates age, business address, residence address, principal occupation or employment, the number of shares beneficially owned by the candidate and all other information that would be required to solicit a proxy under federal securities law. In addition, the recommendation must include the stockholders name, address and the number of shares beneficially owned. The recommendation should be sent to the Corporate Secretary, Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, California 94404. The recommendation must be delivered to the Corporate Secretary prior to the same deadline for director nominations not for inclusion in the proxy materials, as described under question 15 in Questions and Answers above.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter is available on our website at http://www.gilead.com in the Investors section under Corporate Governance.
Scientific Committee
Our Scientific Committee advises our Board regarding our research strategies, including providing strategic advice on our current and planned research programs and emerging science and technology issues and trends. The charter of our Scientific Committee is available on our website at http://www.gilead.com in the Investors section under Corporate Governance.
Stockholder Communications with our Board of Directors
Stockholders may communicate with our Board by sending a letter to the Corporate Secretary, Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, California 94404. Our Corporate Secretary reviews all communications from stockholders, but may, in his sole discretion, disregard any communication that he believes is not:
| related to our business; |
| within the scope of our responsibility; |
| credible; or |
| material or potentially material. |
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If deemed an appropriate communication, the Corporate Secretary will submit the stockholder communication to the member of the Board addressed in the communication and to our lead independent director. We maintain a Stockholders Communications with the Board policy that outlines the applicable procedures and is available on our website at http://www.gilead.com in the Investors section under Corporate Governance.
Code of Ethics
Our written Code of Ethics applies to all of our directors and employees, including our executive officers. The Code of Ethics is available on our website at http://www.gilead.com in the Investors section under Corporate Governance. Changes to or waivers of the Code of Ethics will be disclosed on the same website. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding any amendment to, or waiver of, any provision of the Code of Ethics by disclosing such information on the same website.
The names of our executive officers who are not also directors of Gilead and certain information about each of them as of March 27, 2017 are set forth below.
See the biographies of Drs. Martin and Milligan above under Nominees on page 14.
Gregg H. Alton, age 51, is our Executive Vice President, Corporate and Medical Affairs. Mr. Alton joined us in 1999, and served as General Counsel from 2000 to 2009, when he was appointed to his current position. In his current role, Mr. Alton is responsible for legal affairs, government affairs, medical affairs, public affairs and emerging market activities. Prior to joining Gilead, Mr. Alton was an attorney at the law firm of Cooley Godward, LLP, where he specialized in mergers and acquisitions, corporate partnerships and corporate finance transactions for healthcare and information technology companies. Mr. Alton is a member of the boards of the AIDS Institute, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oakland and Celladon Corporation. He is also a member of the U.S. Governments Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Intellectual Property Rights, the advisory boards of UCSF Global Health Sciences, USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, Pharmozyme, Inc. and the Deans Advisory Council at Stanford Law School. In addition, he serves on Partners In Healths Board of Trustees. Mr. Alton received a bachelors degree in legal studies from the University of California at Berkeley, and holds a JD from Stanford University. | ||
|
Norbert W. Bischofberger, Ph.D., age 61, is our Executive Vice President, Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Bischofberger joined Gilead in 1990 and has served as Executive Vice President, Research and Development since 2000 and Chief Scientific Officer since 2007. Prior to joining Gilead, Dr. Bischofberger was a Senior Scientist in Genentech, Inc.s DNA Synthesis group from 1986 to 1990. He received his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule (ETH) in Zurich, Switzerland and performed postdoctoral research in steroid chemistry at Syntex. He also performed additional research in organic chemistry and applied enzymology in Professor George Whitesides lab at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. |
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|
James R. Meyers, age 52, joined Gilead in 1996 and was appointed to his current role of Executive Vice President, Worldwide Commercial Operations, in November 2016. In this role, he is responsible for commercial activities in North America, Europe, Middle East, Australia and Japan. Mr. Meyers began his career at Gilead as a regional sales director, and subsequently held leadership positions within the U.S. and North American Commercial Operations organization before being appointed Senior Vice President of North American Commercial Operations in 2007. Prior to Gilead, he held positions of increasing responsibility in sales, training, marketing and management with Zeneca Pharmaceuticals and Astra USA. Mr. Meyers is a member of the boards of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and the California Life Sciences Association. He received his Bachelors degree in economics from Boston College. | |
Robin L. Washington, age 54, is our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Washington joined us in 2008 and oversees our global finance and information technology organizations. Prior to joining Gilead, Ms. Washington was Chief Financial Officer at Hyperion Solutions, which was acquired by Oracle Corporation in 2007. She previously served in a number of executive positions with PeopleSoft, most recently in the role of Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller. Ms. Washington is a member of the Board of Directors of Honeywell International, the board of directors of Salesforce.com and the board of visitors, Graziadio School of Business and Management, Pepperdine University. She previously served on the board of directors of Tektronix, Inc. (acquired by Danaher) and the board of directors of MIPS Technologies Inc. (acquired by Imagination). She is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelors degree in business administration from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Pepperdine University. | ||
Kevin Young, age 59, joined Gilead Sciences in 2004 and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in May 2016. He served as Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations from 2004 through 2014, and from 2014 to 2016 served as senior advisor to the company. Prior to Gilead, Mr. Young spent more than 20 years in the biopharmaceutical industry, first with ICI Pharmaceuticals and subsequently with Amgen. During his 12 years at Amgen, he held a number of positions in Europe and the United States, including Head of the U.S. Inflammation Business Unit, leading the re-launch of Enbrel® following the acquisition of Immunex Corporation. Mr. Young has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Sports Science and Exercise from Liverpool and Nottingham, England. In 2011 he was appointed a Commander of The British Empire, one of Great Britains highest civilian honors, in recognition of his services to the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. |
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RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Our Audit Committee has selected Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 and has further directed that we submit the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting. Ernst & Young LLP has audited our financial statements since our inception in 1987.
Annual Evaluation and Selection of Independent Auditor
To help ensure continuing auditor independence, our Audit Committee annually reviews Ernst & Young LLPs independence and performance in connection with the Committees determination of whether to retain Ernst & Young LLP or engage another firm as our independent auditor. In the course of these reviews, our Audit Committee considers, among other things:
| Ernst & Young LLPs historical and recent performance on the Gilead audit |
| Ernst & Young LLPs institutional knowledge and expertise regarding Gileads global business, accounting policies and practices and internal control over financial reporting; |
| the professional qualifications of Ernst & Young LLP, the lead audit partner and other key engagement partners; |
| Ernst & Young LLPs disclosures related to audit quality and performance, including recent PCAOB inspections; the appropriateness of Ernst & Young LLPs audit fees, including the fees that Ernst & Young LLP receives for non-audit services; |
| the quality and candor of Ernst & Young LLPs communications with the Audit Committee and management; and |
| the potential impact of changing our independent registered public amounting firm. |
Based on this evaluation, our Audit Committee has determined that Ernst & Young LLP is independent and that it is in the best interest of Gilead and its stockholders to continue to retain Ernst & Young LLP to serve as our independent auditors for 2017.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Our Audit Committee is responsible for audit firm compensation. The aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 for the professional services described below are as follows:
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
Audit Fees(1) |
$ | 7,596,000 | $ | 7,438,000 | ||||
Audit-Related Fees(2) |
$ | 532,000 | $ | 300,000 | ||||
Tax Fees(3) |
$ | 2,427,000 | $ | 2,615,000 | ||||
All Other Fees(4) |
$ | 2,000 | $ | 2,000 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 10,557,000 | $ | 10,355,000 | ||||
|
|
|
|
(1) | Represents fees incurred for the integrated audit of our consolidated financial statements and of our internal control over financial reporting and review of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as fees incurred for audit services that are normally provided by Ernst & Young LLP in connection with other statutory or regulatory filings or engagements. |
(2) | Represents fees incurred for assurance and related services that are traditionally performed by Ernst & Young LLP, are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial |
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statements and are not reported under Audit Fees. These fees included accounting consultation services related to issuance of our senior unsecured notes, implementation of new accounting standards, and fees incurred in connection with specified procedures performed by Ernst & Young LLP in relation to user-defined reports. |
(3) | Represents fees primarily incurred in connection with domestic and international tax compliance and tax consultation services. |
(4) | Represents fees related to accessing Ernst & Young LLPs online research database in 2016 and 2015. |
All of the services described above were pre-approved by our Audit Committee. The Committee concluded that the provision of these services by Ernst & Young LLP would not affect their independence.
Rotation of Lead Audit Partner
The Audit Committee requires the lead audit partner to be rotated at least every five years. The process for selection of Gileads lead audit partner pursuant to this rotation involves a meeting between the Chair of our Audit Committee and the candidate for the role as well as discussion by the full Audit Committee and management.
Pre-Approval Policy and Procedures
To minimize relationships that could impair the objectivity of Ernst & Young LLP, our Audit Committee adopted policies and procedures for the pre-approval of audit and permissible non-audit services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP. Under this policy, our Audit Committee must pre-approve all services provided by Ernst & Young LLP, and the policy prohibits the engagement of Ernst & Young LLP for certain specified services. The policy permits the engagement of Ernst & Young LLP for services approved by our Audit Committee in defined categories such as audit services, audit-related services and tax services. The policy also permits engagement of Ernst & Young LLP for other services approved by our Audit Committee if there is a persuasive business reason for using Ernst & Young LLP over other providers. The policy provides that, as a general rule of thumb, the fees for these other services should be less than 25% of total audit fees. Pre-approval may be given as part of our Audit Committees approval of the scope of Ernst & Young LLPs engagement or on an explicit case-by-case basis before Ernst & Young LLP is engaged to provide each service. The pre-approval of services may be delegated by our Audit Committee to a member of the Audit Committee. Our Audit Committee receives quarterly reports on the scope of services provided to date and planned to be provided by Ernst & Young LLP in the future.
Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP will be present at our Annual Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.
Stockholder ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm is not required by our bylaws or otherwise. However, our Board is submitting the selection of Ernst & Young LLP to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, our Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain Ernst & Young LLP. Even if the selection is ratified, our Audit Committee may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of Gilead and our stockholders.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 2.
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In connection with the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the Audit Committee has:
(1) reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements with management;
(2) discussed with Ernst & Young LLP, Gileads independent registered public accounting firm (the Auditors), the matters required to be discussed with the Audit Committee by Auditing Standard No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees, issued by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the PCAOB); and
(3) received the written disclosures and the letter from the Auditors required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the Auditors communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the Auditors the Auditors independence.
Based upon these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to our Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in Gileads Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC. Our Board has approved this inclusion.
Audit Committee
|
Nicholas G. Moore, Chairman John F. Cogan Kelly A. Kramer Kevin E. Lofton John W. Madigan |
(1) | The material in this report is not soliciting material, is not deemed filed with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any of Gileads filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
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APPROVAL OF A RESTATEMENT OF THE GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.
2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
We are asking stockholders to approve an amendment and restatement (the 2017 Restatement) of our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2004 Plan). We believe that a comprehensive equity compensation program serves as a necessary and powerful tool to attract, retain and incentivize individuals essential to our financial success and accordingly benefits all of our stockholders by allowing us to retain individuals who are expected to make significant contributions to the creation of stockholder value.
In addition to a number of technical or clarifying changes, the 2017 Restatement revises the 2004 Plan as follows:
| Establishes an annual $750,000 limit on the amount of cash that can be paid and value of equity awards that can be granted (based on grant date fair value) as compensation to any non-employee director; |
| Increases the maximum number of shares of common stock (shares) that may be issued under the 2017 Restatement by 66,000,000 shares; |
| Eliminates the 2004 Plans cap on the number of shares that can be issued under awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, share-settled performance units and phantom shares (collectively referred to in this Proxy Statement as full value awards) and instead implements what is often referred to as a fungible share counting provision. Under the fungible share provision, any share issued pursuant to a full value award that is granted after February 28, 2017 will count against the plans aggregate share limit as 2.5 shares. Shares issued pursuant to options or stock appreciation rights (SARs) and shares issued pursuant to any awards granted on or before February 28, 2017 will continue to count against the plans aggregate share limit as 1 share for every 1 share issued; |
| Addresses how various awards are accounted for under the plans aggregate share limit by providing that shares withheld or tendered in satisfaction of any option exercise price or that are covered by but not issued upon exercise of an SAR, and shares withheld or tendered in satisfaction of any tax obligations on options or SARs, will nevertheless count against the aggregate plan limit. Shares that are withheld or tendered in satisfaction of tax obligations on full value awards do not count against the plans aggregate share limit; |
| Specifies that any dividends or dividend equivalent rights granted on awards that are subject to vesting requirements may not be paid or settled unless, until and only to the extent that the underlying award vests; |
| Clarifies that Gileads clawback policy applies to any awards under the 2017 Restatement; and |
| Extends the plans term through May 10, 2027. |
Approval of this proposal also is intended to serve as approval of the material terms of the performance goals under the 2017 Restatement, which will enable Gilead to continue to make awards that are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) (Section 162(m)) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), as addressed below.
The Share Reserve Under the 2017 Restatement
As noted above, the 2017 Restatement would increase the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2004 Plan by 66,000,000 shares, increasing the limit on the aggregate number of shares issuable over the life of the plan to 309,188,366 shares. As a result, if the 2017 Restatement is approved by stockholders, the maximum number of shares that could be issued under the 2004 Plan after February 28, 2017 (including to satisfy awards that were outstanding on that date) would be 118,749,786 shares. As a result of the fungible share provision and other share counting provisions addressed above, the actual number of shares issued under the plan could be lower.
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As part of our Compensation Committees recommendation to the Board of Directors to approve the 2017 Restatement, including the total number of shares available for issuance under the plan, the elimination of the full value award sublimit, and the shift to a fungible share reserve, the Compensation Committee solicited advice from its independent compensation consultant, Frederic W. Cook & Co., analyzed Gileads historical burn rate, anticipated future equity award needs, and the dilutive impact of the changes to the 2004 Plans share reserve. In particular, the Compensation Committee considered:
| Shares Remaining Available Under the 2004 Plan: As of February 28, 2017, a total of 36,527,957 shares were subject to outstanding awards under the 2004 Plan and a total of 52,749,786 shares remained available for issuance pursuant to awards that could be granted after that date. If our stockholders do not approve the 2017 Restatement, we anticipate that we could cease to have sufficient shares available for new full value awards within a year or two. |
| Historical Burn Rate: Our equity plan share usage over 2014, 2015, and 2016 represented a three-year average adjusted gross burn rate of 1.04%. This is below the median average burn rate of our peer group. |
| Dilution: Dilution is commonly measured by overhang, which generally refers to the amount of potential dilution to current stockholders that could result from the future issuance of the shares reserved under an equity compensation plan. Overhang is typically expressed as a percentage (equal to a fraction where the numerator is the sum of the number of shares reserved but not issued under equity compensation plans plus the number of shares subject to outstanding awards and the denominator is the sum of the numerator plus the total number of shares outstanding). If the 2017 Restatement is approved, our voting power dilution will be approximately 11.9% as of February 28, 2017. |
The table below summarizes, as of February 28, 2017, the remaining share reserve, the number of shares subject to outstanding awards, the weighted average exercise price of those awards and the weighted average remaining contractual term of outstanding awards, in each case under the 2004 Plan.
All share numbers that appear in this proposal, including in the below table, reflect the two-for-one stock split of the Gileads common stock that was completed on January 25, 2013.
Shares Available for Future Grant |
Shares Subject to Outstanding Awards | |||||||||||
Number of |
Number of Shares |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term |
|||||||||
52,749,786 |
36,527,957 | (1) | $ | 42.89 | (2) | 4.87 years | (3) |
(1) | Includes 12,501,899 shares of our common stock subject to performance share awards (assuming target performance) that will vest and become issuable upon the attainment of the designated performance objectives. As of February 28, 2017, a total of 11,580,064 restricted stock units, 921,835 performance share units and 24,026,058 stock options were outstanding. |
(2) | Represents the weighted average exercise price of the options outstanding on February 28, 2017 under the 2004 Plan. |
(3) | Represents the weighted average remaining contractual term of all options outstanding on February 28, 2017 under the 2004 Plan. |
Promotion of Good Governance Practices
We have incorporated a number of provisions in the 2017 Restatement to protect stockholders and reflect corporate governance best practices, including the following:
| The 2017 Restatement continues to prohibit the repricing of stock options and stock appreciation rights without stockholder approval and clarifies that in-the-money awards may not be cancelled or exchanged for any payment or other award, except in a change in control transaction. |
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| Awards under the 2017 Restatement continue to be subject to a maximum term of ten years and options and stock appreciation rights may not be granted at a discount to the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date. |
| The 2017 Restatement reduces the annual limit on compensation that may be provided to our non-employee directors from $1,000,000 to $750,000 and extends this limitation to all cash and equity awards provided to non-employee directors, whether granted under the 2017 Restatement or otherwise. |
| Except with respect to a maximum of 5% of the number of Shares authorized for issuance under the 2017 Restatement, no time-based awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units may provide for vesting at a rate more rapid than annual pro rata vesting over a three-year period, and any awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares or performance units which provide for vesting upon the attainment of performance goals may provide for a performance period of at least 12 months, subject to limited exceptions specified in the 2017 Restatement. |
| The 2017 Restatement provides that dividends and dividend equivalent rights may never be paid on any unvested award. |
| The 2017 Restatement incorporates Gileads clawback policy, under which our Board has the authority to recoup any bonus or other cash or equity compensation paid on the basis of financial results that are subsequently restated from any executive officer or other covered individual whose misconduct contributed to an obligation to file the financial restatement. |
| The 2017 Restatement prohibits liberal share recycling on option and SAR awards. |
The 2017 Restatement, if approved by our stockholders, will allow us to continue to structure future awards under the plan so that they qualify as performance-based compensation not subject to the $1,000,000 per-person limitation on the income tax deductibility of compensation paid to certain of our executive officers that would otherwise be imposed under Section 162(m).
In general, under Section 162(m), in order for our company to be able to deduct compensation in excess of $1,000,000 paid in any one year to the companys Chief Executive Officer or any of the companys three other most highly compensated executive officers (other than the companys Chief Financial Officer), such compensation must qualify as performance-based. One of the requirements of performance-based compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) is that the material terms of the performance goals under which compensation may be paid be disclosed to and approved by the companys stockholders. For purposes of Section 162(m), the material terms include (i) the employees eligible to receive compensation, (ii) a description of the business criteria on which the performance goal is based and (iii) the maximum amount of compensation that can be paid to an employee under the performance goal. With respect to the various types of awards under the 2017 Restatement, each of these aspects is discussed below, and stockholder approval of the 2017 Restatement will be deemed to constitute approval of each of these aspects of the 2017 Restatement for purposes of the approval requirements of Section 162(m). Although stockholder approval is one of the requirements for exemption under Section 162(m), even with stockholder approval there can be no guarantee that compensation will be treated as exempt performance-based compensation under Section 162(m). Furthermore, our Compensation Committee will continue to have the authority to provide compensation that is not exempt from the limits on deductibility under Section 162(m).
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The following is a summary of the key provisions of the 2017 Restatement, but such summary does not purport to be a complete description of all the provisions of the 2017 Restatement and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the 2017 Restatement, which is attached hereto as Appendix A. Stockholders are encouraged to read the 2017 Restatement in its entirety.
Plan Effective Date: |
The 2017 Restatement will become effective upon approval by our stockholders | |
Plan Termination Date: |
May 10, 2027 | |
Eligible Participants: |
Executive officers and other employees, non-employee Board members and consultants in our employ or service or the employ or service of our subsidiaries or other related entities | |
Aggregate Shares Authorized for Issuance under Plan: |
An additional 66,000,000 shares for an aggregate total of 309,188,366 shares | |
Shares Authorized as a Percent of Common Stock Outstanding on February 28, 2017(1): |
23.7% | |
Share Counting Provisions: |
Shares issued pursuant to full value awards granted after February 28, 2017 will count against the aggregate plan limit as 2.5 shares for every 1 share issued.
Shares issued pursuant to any awards granted on or before February 28, 2017 as well as awards of options or SARs granted after February 28, 2017 will count against the aggregate plan limit as 1 share for every 1 share issued. | |
Award Types |
Incentive stock options Non-statutory stock options Stock appreciation rights Restricted stock Restricted stock units Performance shares Performance units Phantom shares Dividend equivalent rights | |
Grant Limits Per Person Per Calendar Year: |
A maximum of 5,000,000 shares subject to stock options(2) A maximum of 2,000,000 shares subject to restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, phantom shares stock appreciation rights, or dividend equivalent rights(3) The maximum value of all awards denominated in dollars (as opposed to shares) is limited to $10,000,000 assuming the maximum level of performance is achieved for the award | |
Limits on Awards to Non-Employee Directors Per Calendar Year:
|
$750,000 annual limit on cash compensation earned by and equity awards granted (based on grant date fair value) to any non-employee director, whether provided under the 2017 Restatement or otherwise
|
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(1) | As of February 28, 2017, 1,307,202,152 shares of our common stock were outstanding. |
(2) | A participant may be granted options to purchase up to an additional 2,000,000 in the calendar year in which his or her hire or promotion date occurs. |
(3) | A participant may be granted restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, stock appreciation rights, phantom shares or dividend equivalent rights for up to an additional 400,000 shares in the calendar year in which his or her hire or promotion date occurs. |
Eligibility
Executive officers and other employees, non-employee members of our Board and consultants in our employ or service or in the employ or service of our parent or subsidiaries (whether now existing or subsequently established) or other related entities are eligible to receive awards under the 2017 Restatement. As of February 28, 2017, approximately 8,095 employees (including seven executive officers) and eight non-employee Board members were eligible to participate in the 2004 Plan.
Share Reserve
An aggregate maximum of 309,188,366 shares may be issued under the 2017 Restatement. As noted above, shares issued pursuant to full value awards granted after February 28, 2017 will count against the aggregate plan limit as 2.5 shares for every 1 share issued and shares issued pursuant to any awards granted on or before February 28, 2017 as well as awards of options or SARs granted after February 28, 2017 will count against the aggregate plan limit as 1 share for every 1 share issued.
The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued from the available share reserve pursuant to tax-favored incentive stock options that are granted under the 2017 Restatement after December 31, 2012 will be limited to 195,325,853 shares.
The shares of common stock issuable under the 2017 Restatement may be drawn from shares of our authorized or unissued shares or from shares reacquired by us, including shares repurchased on the open market. Shares subject to any outstanding options or other awards under the plan that are forfeited, canceled or expire are deemed not to have been issued for purposes of determining the maximum number of shares which may be issued in the aggregate under the 2017 Restatement. Unvested shares that are forfeited or repurchased by us at the lower of their original purchase price or their fair market value at the time of repurchase will become available for future grant.
In addition, should the exercise price of an option or SAR be paid with shares of common stock, the authorized reserve under the 2017 Restatement will be reduced by the gross number of shares for which that option or SAR is exercised, and not by the net number of shares issued under the exercised stock option or SAR. In addition, should shares otherwise issuable under the 2017 Restatement be withheld in satisfaction of the withholding taxes incurred in connection with the exercise or settlement of an option or SAR, then the number of shares available for issuance under the 2017 Restatement will be reduced by the gross number of shares issuable under such award, calculated prior to such share withholding. However, should shares otherwise issuable under the 2017 Restatement be withheld or tendered in satisfaction of withholding taxes incurred in connection with the grant, exercise, vesting or settlement of an award other than an option or SAR, then the number of shares available for issuance under the 2017 Restatement will not be reduced by the number of shares so withheld and such shares will be available for future issuance under the plan.
Individual Limitations
As indicated in the chart above, there are limitations on the maximum number of shares for which any one participant may be granted stock options or other stock awards under the plan per calendar year. No participant may receive stock options for more than 5,000,000 shares of common stock in any one calendar year (or for more
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than 7,000,000 shares in the calendar year of hire or promotion). No participant may be awarded restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units (to the extent settled in shares of common stock), stock appreciation rights or phantom shares covering more than 2,000,000 shares in the aggregate in any one calendar year (or for more than 2,400,000 shares in the calendar year of hire or promotion). In addition to the limitations on the maximum number of shares for which awards may be made to any participant under the plan per calendar year, there is also a limit on the maximum dollar value of cash-denominated awards that a participant may be granted under the plan per calendar year. No participant may be awarded cash-denominated awards of more than $10,000,000 U.S. dollars in the aggregate in any single calendar year. Our executive compensation program does not currently include the grant of cash-denominated awards.
The 2017 Restatement also includes an additional $750,000 limitation on the cash compensation that may be earned by and equity awards that may be granted (based on grant date fair value) to any non-employee director in any single calendar year. This limitation applies to both continuing non-employee Board members and newly-appointed or elected non-employee Board members. Cash compensation is counted toward this limit in the year earned (regardless of whether deferred) and any interest or other earnings on such compensation shall not count towards the limit.
Administration
Our Compensation Committee serves as the primary administrator of the 2017 Restatement and has the exclusive authority to administer the 2017 Restatement with respect to our executive officers and the non-employee members of our Board. However, our Board may administer the 2017 Restatement with respect to eligible individuals other than executive officers and non-employee Board members and may also authorize one or more Board committees or one or more of our officers to make awards under the 2017 Restatement to those eligible individuals. The term Plan Administrator, as used in this summary, means our Compensation Committee, our Board, any other committee of our Board and any officer or officers granted administrative authority under the 2017 Restatement, to the extent each such entity or person is acting within the scope of such persons or entitys administrative jurisdiction under the 2017 Restatement.
The Plan Administrator has the discretion to select the eligible individuals to whom awards are to be granted and the terms and conditions of each award, including the number of shares of common stock underlying the award or the dollar amount of any cash award made under the plan, the vesting schedule in effect for the award (including any applicable performance goals), the issuance schedule for the shares to be issued in settlement of the award, the maximum term of the award and the provisions for satisfying the applicable withholding taxes upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of the award.
Awards
The 2017 Restatement provides for the following types of awards: incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, performance shares, phantom shares and dividend equivalent rights. However, dividend equivalent rights may not be awarded with respect to shares of our common stock subject to outstanding stock options or stock appreciations rights. Awards under the 2017 Restatement may vest upon the completion of a designated service period and/or the attainment of pre-established performance goals.
The principal features of the various types of awards authorized under the 2017 Restatement may be summarized as follows:
| Stock Options. The exercise price of stock options may not be less than the fair market value of our common stock on the grant date, and no stock option may have a term in excess of ten years. The granted option will generally become exercisable in one or more installments over a specified period of service measured from the grant date. Payment of the exercise price may be made in cash or in shares of our common stock, including a net issuance using shares otherwise purchasable under the option to |
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pay the exercise price. The option may also be exercised through a broker-dealer sale and remittance procedure pursuant to which the optionee affects a same-day exercise of the option and sale of the purchased shares in order to cover the exercise price for the purchased shares and the applicable withholding taxes. |
| Stock Appreciation Rights. A stock appreciation right will allow the holder to exercise that right as to a specific number of shares of common stock and receive in exchange an appreciation distribution from us in an amount equal to the excess of (i) the fair market value of the shares of common stock as to which the stock appreciation right is exercised over (ii) the aggregate base price in effect for those shares. The base price per share may not be less than the fair market value per share of the common stock on the date the stock appreciation right is granted, and the right may not have a term in excess of ten years. The distribution may be made in cash or in shares of our common stock. |
| Restricted Stock. The Plan Administrator may make awards of unvested shares of our common stock. The Plan Administrator will determine the vesting schedule of those shares at the time of the award (including any performance-vesting requirements), the amount of consideration to be paid, if any, for the restricted stock and the form in which such consideration may be paid. |
| Restricted Stock Units. A restricted stock unit award will entitle the holder to receive one share of our common stock for each awarded unit upon the completion of a designated service period and/or the attainment of specified performance objectives as determined by the Plan Administrator. The shares of common stock underlying the restricted stock units may be issued immediately upon vesting or may be deferred to a later date, as described below. |
| Performance Shares. A performance share award will be denominated in shares of our common stock. At the time of the award, the Plan Administrator will determine the performance goal or goals to be attained in order for the underlying shares to vest, any additional period of service required of the grantee after the performance goals are attained, the amount of consideration to be paid, if any, for the performance shares and the form in which such consideration may be paid. The performance shares which vest under the terms of the award may be settled in shares of our common stock or in cash. Settlement may occur at the time of vesting or may be deferred to a later date, as described below. |
| Performance Units. A performance unit award will be denominated in terms of a fixed dollar amount. At the time of the award, the Plan Administrator will determine the performance goal or goals to be attained in order for the performance units to vest and any additional period of service required of the grantee after those performance goals are attained. The performance units which vest under the terms of the award will be paid in cash or, at the discretion of the Plan Administrator, may be settled in shares of our common stock with a fair market value equal to such cash amount. Settlement may occur at the time of vesting or may be deferred to a later date, as described below. |
| Phantom Shares. Phantom shares are denominated in terms of our common stock, but do not provide any actual stockholder rights to the individual. At the time of the award, the Plan Administrator will determine the performance criteria to be attained and/or the service period, if any, to be completed in order for the phantom shares to vest. Any phantom shares which vest under the terms of the award may be settled in shares of our common stock or in cash. Settlement may occur at the time of vesting or may be deferred to a later date, as described below. |
| Dividend Equivalent Rights. The Plan Administrator may provide that any awards other than options or SARs earn dividends or dividend equivalent rights. Such dividends or dividend equivalent rights will be credited to a participants account either at the time of dividend payment or at the time of settlement of the award, provided that as to any dividend equivalent rights granted in connection with an award that is subject to vesting requirements, no payment shall be made with respect to such dividend equivalent rights (or, in the case of a restricted stock or similar award where the dividend must be paid as a matter of law, the dividend payment shall be subject to forfeiture or repayment, as the case may be) unless and to the extent that the related vesting conditions of such award are satisfied. |
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Performance Criteria
To enable compensation attributable to one or more awards under the 2017 Restatement to qualify as performance-based compensation that is not intended to be subject to the $1,000,000 limitation imposed by Section 162(m) on the income tax deductibility of the compensation paid per covered executive officer, our Compensation Committee will have the discretionary authority to structure one or more awards so that the shares of common stock subject to those particular awards will not vest unless certain pre-established performance goals are achieved. Such goals may be based on one or more of the following criteria: (i) revenue target or revenue growth; (ii) achievement of specified milestones in the discovery, development or regulatory approval of one or more of our products; (iii) achievement of specified milestones in the commercialization of one or more of our products; (iv) achievement of specified milestones in the manufacturing of one or more of our products; (v) cost reduction or other expense control targets; (vi) personal management objectives; (vii) stock price (including, but not limited to, growth measures); (viii) total stockholder return; (ix) earnings per share; (x) operating efficiency; (xi) operating margin; (xii) gross margin; (xiii) return measures (including, but not limited to, return on assets, capital, equity, or sales); (xiv) net sales growth; (xv) productivity ratios; (xvi) operating income; (xvii) net operating profit; (xviii) net earnings or net income (before or after taxes); (xix) cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow, and cash flow return on capital); (xx) earnings or operating income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and/or stock-based compensation expense; (xxi) economic value added; (xxii) market share; (xxiii) customer satisfaction; (xxiv) working capital targets; (xxv) budget objectives; (xxvi) mergers, acquisitions or divestitures; and (xxvii) with respect to awards not intended to be performance-based compensation under Section 162(m), other measures of performance selected by the Plan Administrator.
Each performance objective may be based upon the attainment of specified levels of our performance measured under one or more of the criteria described above, either in absolute terms or in relation to the performance of other entities, and may also be based on the performance of any of our business units or divisions or any parent or subsidiary company. In addition, one or more of such performance criteria may be measured in terms of percentage achievement of the budgeted amounts established for those criteria. Each applicable performance objective may include a minimum threshold level of performance below which no award will be earned, levels of performance at which specified portions of the award will be earned and a maximum level of performance at which the award will be fully earned.
Each applicable performance criteria may be structured at the time of the award to provide for appropriate adjustment for one or more of the following items or any similar item or event: (i) asset impairments or write-downs; (ii) litigation and governmental investigation expenses and judgments, verdicts or claim settlements; (iii) the effect of changes in tax law, accounting principles or other laws, regulations or provisions affecting reported results; (iv) the effect of exchange rates for non-U.S. dollar denominated net sales or goals based on operating profit, earnings or income; (v) accruals for reorganization and restructuring programs; (vi) any unusual in nature or infrequently occurring items, as determined under generally accepted accounting principles or as described in managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations appearing in our annual report to stockholders for the applicable year; (vii) costs and expenses incurred in connection with mergers and acquisitions; (viii) items of income, gain, loss or expense attributable to the operations of any business acquired by us or any parent or subsidiary or of any joint venture established by us or any parent or subsidiary; (ix) items of income, gain, loss or expense attributable to one or more business operations divested by us or any parent or subsidiary or the gain or loss realized upon the sale of any such divested business or the assets thereof; or (x) the effect of any change in the outstanding shares of our common stock effected by reason of a stock split, stock dividend, stock repurchase, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares or other similar corporate change or any distributions to our stockholders other than regular cash dividends.
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As described above, the selection of participants who will receive awards under the 2017 Restatement and the size and types of awards will be determined by the Plan Administrator in its discretion. Therefore, the amount of any future awards under the 2017 Restatement is not yet determinable and it is not possible to predict the benefits or amounts that will be received by, or allocated to, particular individuals or groups of employees. Please see the 2016 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table on page 79 for information on awards granted in 2016 under the 2004 Plan to certain of our executive officers. On February 28, 2017, the fair market value was $70.48 per share, based on the closing sale price of our common stock on that date on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
The following table sets forth information with respect to options previously granted under the 2004 Plan:
Name |
Number of Shares Underlying Options Granted |
|||
Named Executive Officers |
||||
John F. Milligan |
4,692,140 | |||
John C. Martin |
9,314,670 | |||
Robin L. Washington |
1,188,170 | |||
Norbert W. Bischofberger |
3,537,080 | |||
Kevin Young |
4,275,805 | |||
Gregg H. Alton |
2,742,160 | |||
Non-Employee Board Members |
||||
John F. Cogan |
521,690 | |||
Kelly A. Kramer |
5,611 | |||
Kevin E. Lofton |
97,330 | |||
John W. Madigan |
509,690 | |||
Nicholas G. Moore |
750,190 | |||
Richard J. Whitley |
163,190 | |||
Gayle E. Wilson |
700,190 | |||
Per Wold-Olsen |
89,030 | |||
All current executive officers as a group (7 persons) |
27,156,125 | |||
All current non-employee Board members as a group (8 persons) |
2,836,921 | |||
All employees, including current officers who are not executive officers, as a group |
175,446,449 |
Limitations on Vesting
Except with respect to a maximum of 5% of the total number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2017 Restatement, no awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units which vest solely on the basis of continued service with us or any parent or subsidiary company will provide for vesting at a rate more rapid than annual pro rata vesting over a three-year period, and any awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares or performance units which provide for vesting upon the attainment of performance goals will provide for a performance period of at least 12 months; provided, however, that such limitations will not apply in the event of a change in control transaction or to any award recipient whose service terminates by reason of death, disability, a constructive termination, or an involuntary termination other than for cause or to any award made after June 30, 2013 to a non-employee Board member.
Transferability
Generally, awards under the 2017 Restatement may not, prior to settlement, be transferred assigned, pledged or disposed of in any manner other than by will or the laws of inheritance following the grantees death.
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However, a grantee may assign awards to a revocable living trust established by the grantee (or by the grantee and his or her spouse) of which he or she is a trustee or co-trustee with his or her spouse. In addition, a grantee may designate a beneficiary to receive the vested portion of his or her awards in the event of their death, and the Plan Administrator also has the authority to allow the transfer of awards other than incentive stock options by gift or pursuant to a domestic relations order to members of the grantees immediate family or former spouse.
Termination of Employment
Upon termination of employment, the grantee will have a limited period in which to exercise outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights as to any shares which are vested at that time. The applicable post-employment exercise period will be determined by the Plan Administrator, need not be uniform for all awards made under the 2017 Restatement, and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination of employment. Other outstanding awards held by a grantee at the time of his or her termination of employment (other than by reason of death, total and permanent disability or for some awards, retirement) will be forfeited to the extent they are not vested at that time. If the grantee previously paid any cash consideration for the forfeited shares, then the company will pay to such individual the lower of the cash amount paid for those shares or their then fair market value.
Deferral of Settlement
The Plan Administrator may provide selected grantees with the opportunity to defer receipt of the shares of common stock or other consideration due upon the settlement of their awards following the satisfaction of the applicable vesting requirements. The Plan Administrator will have the discretionary authority, subject to the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code, to establish the election process, the amounts eligible for deferral, the procedures for crediting interest or other investment return on the deferred amounts, the timing and form of payment of those deferred amounts and such other terms, conditions, rules and procedures as the Plan Administrator deems advisable for the administration of the deferral program.
Change in Control
Stock options and stock appreciation rights outstanding under the 2017 Restatement at the time a change in control is effected will be subject to one or more of the following methods of disposition: (i) the options and stock appreciation rights may be assumed by the surviving corporation or replaced with economically equivalent cash or equity awards, (ii) the options and stock appreciation rights may vest in full immediately prior to the change in control and then terminate immediately after the consummation of the change in control, to the extent not previously exercised, or (iii) the options and stock appreciation rights may be continued in full force and effect following such change in control.
Any other awards outstanding under the 2017 Restatement at the time a change in control is effected will automatically vest in full on an accelerated basis, and the shares of common stock subject to those awards will be issued as fully vested shares, immediately prior to the change in control, except to the extent (i) those awards are assumed by the successor corporation or otherwise continued in effect or (ii) such awards are replaced with economically equivalent cash or equity awards.
Awards under the 2017 Restatement will vest in full in the event the grantees service with us or the successor entity is terminated (actually or constructively) within a designated period following a change in control in which those awards are assumed, replaced with an economically-equivalent substitute award or otherwise continued in effect. In addition, the Plan Administrator will have the discretion to structure one or more awards under the 2017 Restatement so that the shares subject to those awards will vest immediately prior to the effective date of a change in control, whether or not those awards are assumed, replaced with an economically-equivalent substitute award or otherwise continued in effect.
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Awards subject to performance-vesting requirements may be structured so that upon the occurrence of a change in control prior to the completion of the applicable performance measurement period, the performance goal or goals established for those awards will be deemed to have been met at a level pre-specified in the award agreement.
A change in control will be deemed to occur in the event (i) we are acquired by merger or asset sale, (ii) any person or group of related persons becomes directly or indirectly the beneficial owner of securities possessing more than 50% of the total combined voting power of our outstanding securities, (iii) certain changes occur in the composition of our Board, or (iv) we are dissolved or liquidated.
Prohibition against Repricing
Without the consent of our stockholders, no award granted under the 2017 Restatement may be repriced, replaced, regranted through cancellation or modified (other than in the event of certain changes in our capital structure as described below), if the effect would be to reduce the exercise or purchase price in effect for the shares underlying that award. Accordingly, the Plan Administrator may not implement any of the following repricing programs under the 2017 Restatement without obtaining stockholder approval: (i) the cancellation of outstanding options or stock appreciation rights in return for new options or stock appreciation rights with a lower exercise price per share, (ii) the cancellation of outstanding options or stock appreciation rights with exercise prices per share in excess of the then current fair market value per share of our common stock for consideration payable in cash, property, or other award, except in connection with a change in control transaction, or (iii) the direct reduction of the exercise price in effect for outstanding options or stock appreciation rights.
Adjustments
In the event any change is made to our outstanding common stock as a result of any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, combination of shares, exchange of shares, spin-off transaction or other change affecting our outstanding common stock as a class, or should the value of the outstanding shares of our common stock change as a result of a spin-off transaction or an extraordinary dividend or distribution, or should there occur any merger, consolidation or other reorganization, then equitable and proportional adjustments will be made to the maximum number and class(es) of securities issuable under the 2017 Restatement, the maximum number and class(es) of securities issuable under the 2017 Restatement pursuant to incentive stock options granted under such plan after December 31, 2012, and the maximum number and class(es) of securities for which the various types of awards under the 2017 Restatement may be made to any person during any calendar year. Outstanding awards under the 2017 Restatement will also be equitably and proportionally adjusted as to the number and class(es) of securities and exercise price (or other cash consideration) payable per share under each such award; provided, however, that the aggregate exercise price (or other cash consideration) will remain the same. The adjustments will be made in such a manner as the Plan Administrator deems appropriate and such adjustments will be final, binding and conclusive.
Withholding
The Plan Administrator may provide holders of awards under the 2017 Restatement with the right to use shares of our common stock in satisfaction of all or part of the federal and state income and employment withholding taxes to which they may become subject in connection with the exercise, vesting or settlement of those awards. Either of the following alternatives may be utilized to satisfy the applicable withholding taxes:
| Stock withholding: The election to have us withhold, from the shares otherwise issuable upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of that award, a portion of those shares with an aggregate fair market value equal to the percentage of the withholding taxes as determined by the Plan Administrator. |
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| Stock delivery: The election to deliver to us, at the time of the exercise, vesting or settlement of such award, shares of our common stock at the time held by such individual with an aggregate fair market value equal to the percentage of the withholding taxes as determined by the Plan Administrator. |
In addition, the Plan Administrator may structure an award under the 2017 Restatement so that a portion of the shares of common stock otherwise issuable under those awards will automatically be withheld by us in satisfaction of the withholding taxes which become applicable in connection with the exercise, vesting or settlement of that award.
Amendments and Termination
Our Board may amend, suspend or terminate the 2017 Restatement at any time; provided, however, no amendments to the 2017 Restatement will be made without the approval of our stockholders, if such approval is required by applicable law or regulation or the listing standards of the exchange on which our common stock is at the time primarily traded, or if such amendment would change any provisions of Section 4(b)(vi) or Section 13(a) of the 2017 Restatement. Unless earlier terminated by our Board, the 2017 Restatement will terminate on May 10, 2027.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a summary of the Federal income taxation treatment applicable to us and the participants who receive awards under the 2017 Restatement.
Option Grants
Options granted under the 2017 Restatement may be either incentive stock options, which satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code, or non-statutory stock options, which are not intended to meet such requirements. The Federal income tax treatment for the two types of options differs as follows:
Incentive Stock Options
No taxable income is recognized by the optionee at the time of the option grant, and no taxable income is recognized for ordinary income tax purposes at the time the option is exercised, although taxable income may arise at that time for alternative minimum tax purposes. The optionee will recognize taxable income in the year in which the purchased shares are sold or otherwise made the subject of certain other dispositions. For Federal tax purposes, dispositions are divided into two categories: (i) qualifying and (ii) disqualifying. A qualifying disposition occurs if the sale or other disposition is made more than two years after the date the option for the shares involved in such sale or disposition is granted and more than one (1) year after the date the option is exercised for those shares. If the sale or disposition occurs before those two periods are satisfied, then a disqualifying disposition will result.
Upon a qualifying disposition, the optionee will recognize long-term capital gain in an amount equal to the excess of (i) the amount realized upon the sale or other disposition of the purchased shares over (ii) the exercise price paid for the shares. If there is a disqualifying disposition of the shares, then the excess of (i) the fair market value of those shares on the exercise date or (if less) the amount realized upon such sale or disposition over (ii) the exercise price paid for the shares will be taxable as ordinary income to the optionee. Any additional gain or loss recognized upon the disposition will be a capital gain or loss.
If the optionee makes a disqualifying disposition of the purchased shares, then we will be entitled to an income tax deduction, for the taxable year in which such disposition occurs, equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionee as a result of the disposition. We will not be entitled to any income tax deduction if the optionee makes a qualifying disposition of the shares.
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Non-Statutory Options
No taxable income is recognized by an optionee upon the grant of a non-statutory option. The optionee in general will recognize ordinary income, in the year in which the option is exercised, equal to the excess of the fair market value of the purchased shares on the exercise date over the exercise price paid for the shares, and the optionee will be required to satisfy the tax withholding requirements applicable to such income. We will be entitled to an income tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionee with respect to the exercised non-statutory option. The deduction in general will be allowed for our taxable year in which such ordinary income is recognized by the optionee.
Stock Appreciation Rights
No taxable income is recognized upon receipt of a stock appreciation right. The holder will recognize ordinary income in the year in which the stock appreciation right is exercised, in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the underlying shares of common stock on the exercise date over the base price in effect for the exercised right, and the holder will be required to satisfy the tax withholding requirements applicable to such income. We will be entitled to an income tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the holder in connection with the exercise of the stock appreciation right. The deduction will be allowed for the taxable year in which such ordinary income is recognized.
Restricted Stock Awards
The recipient of unvested shares of common stock issued under the 2017 Restatement will not recognize any taxable income at the time those shares are issued but will have to report as ordinary income, as and when those shares subsequently vest, an amount equal to the excess of (i) the fair market value of the shares on the vesting date over (ii) the cash consideration (if any) paid for the shares. The recipient may, however, elect under Section 83(b) of the Code to include as ordinary income in the year the unvested shares are issued an amount equal to the excess of (i) the fair market value of those shares on the issue date over (ii) the cash consideration (if any) paid for such shares. If the Section 83(b) election is made, the recipient will not recognize any additional income as and when the shares subsequently vest. Subject to the deductibility limitations of Section 162(m) described below, we will be entitled to an income tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the recipient with respect to the unvested shares. The deduction in general will be allowed for our taxable year in which such ordinary income is recognized by the recipient.
Restricted Stock Units
No taxable income is recognized upon receipt of restricted stock units. The holder will recognize ordinary income in the year in which the shares subject to the units are actually issued to the holder. The amount of that income will be equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of issuance, and the holder will be required to satisfy the tax withholding requirements applicable to such income. Subject to the deductibility limitations of Section 162(m) described below, we will be entitled to an income tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the holder at the time the shares are issued. The deduction will be allowed for the taxable year in which such ordinary income is recognized.
Performance Shares/Performance Units/Phantom Shares
No taxable income is recognized upon receipt of such award. The holder will recognize ordinary income in the year in which the shares subject to the award are actually issued or in the year in which the award is settled in cash. The amount of that income will be equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of issuance or the amount of the cash paid in settlement of the award, and the holder will be required to satisfy the tax withholding requirements applicable to the income. We will be entitled to an income tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the holder at the time the shares are issued or the cash amount is paid. The deduction will be allowed for the taxable year in which such ordinary income is recognized.
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Deductibility of Executive Compensation
We anticipate that any compensation deemed paid by us in connection with the exercise of non-statutory stock options or stock appreciation rights or the disqualifying disposition of incentive stock option shares will qualify as performance-based compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) and will not have to be taken into account for purposes of the $1,000,000 limitation per covered individual on the deductibility of the compensation paid to certain of our executive officers. Accordingly, the compensation deemed paid with respect to options and stock appreciation rights granted under the 2017 Restatement will remain deductible by us without limitation under Section 162(m). However, any compensation deemed paid by us in connection with any other awards made under 2017 Restatement will be subject to the $1,000,000 limitation, unless the vesting of those awards is tied to performance goals based on one or more of the performance criteria described above. The Compensation Committee has full discretion to determine whether or not awards made under the Plan will be structured so as to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) and will make its decision based on all the relevant factors, including potential tax deductibility, in existence at the time of the award.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be required to approve the 2017 Restatement. Abstentions will be counted toward the tabulation of votes cast and will have the same effect as negative votes. Broker non-votes are counted toward a quorum, but are not counted for any purpose in determining whether this proposal has been approved.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 3.
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SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The following table provides certain information with respect to all of our equity compensation plans in effect as of December 31, 2016:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan Category |
Number of Common Shares to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (a) |
Weighted- average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (b)(1) |
Number of Common Shares Remaining Available for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) (c) |
|||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(2): |
||||||||||||
2004 Equity Incentive Plan |
23,140,080 | $ | 37.7017 | 60,003,293 | ||||||||
Employee Stock Purchase Plan(3) |
13,322,732 | |||||||||||
All plans approved by security holders |
23,140,080 | $ | 37.7017 | 73,326,025 | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
| | | |||||||||
Total: |
23,140,080 | $ | 37.7017 | 73,326,025 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Does not take into account 10,554,250 phantom shares, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance share units granted under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. |
(2) | Does not include 15,646 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of assumed options and vesting of restricted stock awards under the CV Therapeutics, Inc. 1994 Equity Incentive Plan, CV Therapeutics, Inc. 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, CV Therapeutics, Inc. 2000 Nonstatutory Incentive Plan, CV Therapeutics, Inc. 2004 Employment Commencement Incentive Plan, and CV Therapeutics, Inc. Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan in connection with acquisitions. Options granted under such plans have a weighted-average exercise price of $ 15.3331. |
(3) | Under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, participants are permitted to purchase our common stock at a discount on certain dates through payroll deductions within a pre-determined purchase period. Accordingly, these numbers are not determinable. |
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ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
General
Based upon a vote of stockholders at the 2011 annual meeting of stockholders, following our Boards recommendation for an annual advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Named Executive Officers, we are providing stockholders with an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our Named Executive Officers. Although the vote is non-binding, our Board and Compensation Committee value the opinions of our stockholders and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions affecting our executive officers.
Performance Highlights
During 2016, we continued to focus efforts to identify, develop and deliver best-in-class drugs that advance the current standard of care and address unmet medical needs. Our total revenues grew 262% over the last five years and our stock price performance during the same period far exceeded the Nasdaq Biotech Index and S&P 500 Index. We achieved this growth while enhancing our operating margins and maintaining an operationally efficient organization. Due to the dynamics of the HCV product market, which is characterized by a rapid uptake after launch as a warehoused group of patients seek treatment followed by a deceleration of demand as that group of patients complete their treatment, our total revenues increased dramatically from 2013 to 2015 and then declined in 2016. Despite the decline in our HCV revenues, revenues for our HIV and other antiviral products were up 17% over 2015 and 24% over the past three years. Our HIV and other antiviral product revenues represented 43% of our total product sales, up from 34% in 2015. Sales in each of our other therapeutic areas also increased.
We also achieved a number of operational achievements, including the successful launch of four new products in 2016. For specific 2016 corporate achievements, please see the business highlights under Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 55.
Executive Compensation Highlights
A substantial portion of compensation for each Named Executive Officer (NEO) is tied directly to Gileads performance, with 90% of our Chief Executive Officers direct compensation and 83% of direct compensation for our other NEOs based on corporate performance and paid in the form of long-term equity awards and annual cash bonuses. Long-term equity incentive awards have historically been the largest component of our total direct compensation opportunities for our executive officers and comprise 73% of our Chief Executive Officers direct compensation and 64% of direct compensation of our other NEOs. We believe this mix is appropriate because the NEOs should focus their efforts on achieving short- and long-term corporate results, which will ultimately drive stockholder value.
Our pay mix and pay programs are designed to ensure that our NEOs are aligned with the interests of our stockholders as our NEOs only realize value from their equity awards, the largest component of their total direct compensation opportunities, if our financial and total shareholder return (TSR) performance is strong.
Our performance-based approach to compensation is functioning as intended. As a result of our fiscal 2016 financial and TSR performance, the performance-based equity pay was earned significantly below the target amounts.
Receptive to Stockholder Feedback
During 2016, we contacted a number of our stockholders and the two largest proxy advisors to gain valuable insights into the issues about which they care most. In addition to continuing the dialogue on key corporate
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governance topics such as board refreshment and environmental, social and governance reporting, we asked our stockholders whether they had any concerns about our executive compensation programs. The stockholders we contacted did not express concerns about our executive compensation programs.
At the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders, approximately 96% of the votes cast were in favor of our executive compensation program. Our Compensation Committee carefully reviews feedback from our engagement activities and the voting results when making decisions regarding our executive compensation program. Our Compensation Committee did not change our executive compensation program based on the 2016 stockholder advisory vote.
Our Compensation Committee closely evaluates our company performance and compensation programs and will continue to take action to ensure that our compensation programs are aligned with our long-term performance and stockholder interests. Stockholders may express their views directly to our Compensation Committee as described in our Stockholders Communications with the Board policy available on our website at http://www.gilead.com in the Investors section under Corporate Governance.
Resolution
Our stockholders are being asked to approve by advisory vote the following resolution relating to the compensation of the Named Executive Officers in this Proxy Statement:
RESOLVED, that Gileads stockholders hereby approve the compensation paid to Gileads executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table of this Proxy Statement, as that compensation is disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the various compensation tables and the accompanying narrative discussion included in this Proxy Statement.
The vote on this resolution is not intended to address any specific element of compensation; rather the vote relates to the compensation of the Named Executive Officers, as described in this Proxy Statement in accordance with the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 4.
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ADVISORY VOTE AS TO THE FREQUENCY OF FUTURE
ADVISORY SHAREHOLDER VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Dodd-Frank Act enables our stockholders to indicate how frequently we should seek an advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers. By voting on this proposal, stockholders may indicate whether they prefer an advisory vote on named executive officer compensation every one, two or three years. Stockholders also will have the option to abstain from voting on the matter.
After careful consideration of this proposal, our Board has determined that an advisory vote on executive compensation that occurs every year is the most appropriate alternative for Gilead, and therefore our Board recommends that you vote for a one-year interval for the advisory vote on executive compensation.
Our Board believes an annual advisory vote on executive compensation will allow our stockholders to provide us with their direct input on our compensation philosophy, policies and practices on a more consistent basis. Additionally, an annual advisory vote on executive compensation is consistent with our policy of seeking input from, and engaging in discussions with, our stockholders on corporate governance matters and our executive compensation philosophy, policies and practices. We understand that our stockholders may have different views as to what is the best approach for Gilead, and we look forward to hearing from our stockholders on this proposal.
The stockholder vote under this proposal is not to approve the Boards recommendation but is instead an advisory vote on the particular frequency at which each stockholder would like future advisory votes on executive officer compensation to be conducted. You may cast your vote on your preferred voting frequency by choosing the option of one year, two years, three years or you may abstain from voting on this Proposal 5.
The stockholder vote on this proposal is advisory and not binding on our Board or Gilead. However, unless our Board should decide otherwise, the particular frequency that receives the highest number of votes cast by stockholders will be the frequency for future advisory votes on executive compensation. Stockholders will be asked to vote on the frequency of an advisory vote on executive compensation at least once every six years.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR 1 YEAR FOR PROPOSAL 5.
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STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL REQUESTING THAT THE BOARD TAKE STEPS TO PERMIT STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT
James McRitchie has submitted a stockholder proposal for consideration at the Annual Meeting. Mr. McRitchies address is 9295 Yorkship Court, Elk Grove, CA 95758. We have been notified that Mr. McRitchie has continuously held 200 shares of our common stock since at least November 2015. If properly presented at the Annual Meeting, the Board unanimously recommends a vote AGAINST the following proposal. The resolution being submitted by Mr. McRitchie to the stockholders for approval is as follows:
Stockholder Proposal
Proposal 6 Right to Act by Written Consent
Resolved, Shareholders request that our board of directors undertake such steps as may be necessary to permit written consent by shareholders entitled to cast the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize the action at a meeting at which all shareholders entitled to vote thereon were present and voting. This written consent is to be consistent with applicable law and consistent with giving shareholders the fullest power to act by written consent consistent with applicable law. This includes shareholder ability to initiate any topic for written consent consistent with applicable law.
A shareholder right to act by written consent and to call a special meeting are two complimentary ways to bring an important matter to the attention of both management and shareholders outside the annual meeting cycle. Both are associated with increased governance quality and shareholder value.
A shareholder right to act by written consent is one method to equalize our limited provisions for shareholders to call a special meeting. For instance, it takes 20% of Gilead Sciences shares outstanding to call a special meeting. Delaware law would allow those with 10% of shares outstanding to call a special meeting. With a net requirement of 20%, a significant percentage of Gilead Sciences shareholders could be disenfranchised from having any voice whatsoever in calling a special meeting. That makes enactment of right to written consent all the more important.
This proposal topic won 47% support last year at Gilead Sciences, up from 46% a year earlier. It also won majority shareholder support at 13 major companies in a single year. This included 67%-support at both Allstate and Sprint. Hundreds of major companies enable shareholders to act by written consent.
Please vote FOR our Right to Act by Written Consent to protect shareholder value.
Our Board Recommends a Vote AGAINST This Proposal.
Boards View Aligns with Recent Stockholder Votes on this Issue
Our Board carefully considered the advisory votes regarding written consent at our 2012-2016 annual meetings of stockholders and concluded that our stockholders are better served by holding meetings where all stockholders:
| are provided with notice of the meeting; |
| may discuss the proposed actions; and |
| vote their shares at a designated time using the familiar stockholder vote processes. |
This view is in accord with our stockholders who cast the majority of votes AGAINST this proposal at the last four annual meetings of stockholders. Stockholder meetings provide stockholders with a more effective
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means to participate in proposed actions and facilitate more rigorous and careful consideration of proposed actions by both the Board and the stockholders. Our Board continues to believe that the right to call a special meeting is superior to this proposal in terms of giving our stockholders a meaningful voice within our company.
Written Consent May Disenfranchise Smaller Stockholders
Unlike meetings of stockholders, action by written consent would:
| result in certain stockholders being denied the ability to be informed about, vote on or otherwise have a say on proposed stockholder actions; |
| enable a bare majority of stockholders to take action on a proposal without the benefit of hearing the views, questions and arguments of other stockholders; |
| potentially result in multiple contradictory consents being solicited simultaneously, creating administrative and financial burdens for the company and also putting our stockholders at risk of confusion; |
| disenfranchise smaller stockholders, in particular in a consent solicitation that does not require their involvement to achieve majority support; and |
| enable a party attempting an unsolicited bid to circumvent negotiating with the Board and result in terms that are not in the best interest of all stockholders. |
In addition, action by written consent eliminates the need for notice to be given to stockholders about a proposed action, and therefore, certain stockholders may not be informed about the proposed action until after the action has already been taken. This would deny these stockholders the ability to determine whether to exercise their rights, such as by expressing their views as to the merits of the proposal, encouraging the Board to reconsider the matter and voting on the proposed action. Our Board, therefore, believes that this proposal could adversely affect the conduct of stockholder business by resulting in certain stockholders taking action that otherwise would not have been taken if all of our stockholders were informed about and afforded the opportunity to discuss, debate and vote on the matter.
Board has Demonstrated Responsiveness to Stockholders and Adopted Governance Structures that Create Accountability to Stockholders
Adoption of this proposal is unnecessary because our Board has already taken a number of significant steps to ensure accountability to stockholders. For example:
| Established a strong engagement program to develop relationships and maintain ongoing dialogue with our stockholders. For example, in 2016, we held discussions with a number of our large stockholders and the two largest proxy advisory firms to solicit their feedback on our corporate governance practices. |
| Our conversations with investors are consistent with the voting results on this issuewhile some view written consent as an important right, the majority of our stockholders do not support adopting it. |
| We adopted proxy access, which permits a stockholder, or a group of up to 20 stockholders, owning 3% or more of Gileads outstanding common stock continuously for at least three years, to nominate and include in Gileads proxy materials director nominees constituting up to 20% of the Board (or at least two directors). |
| At the 2012 annual meeting, our stockholders voted to request that our Board take steps to redeem Gileads rights plan or poison pill unless the plan was subject to a stockholder vote. In response, our Board adopted an amendment that terminated Gileads rights plan. |
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| We permit stockholders or group of stockholders holding 20% or more of our outstanding shares of common stock to call a special meeting of stockholders. There is no limitation on the timing or agenda of a special meeting called by stockholders. Our stockholders may propose any proper matter for a vote at our annual meeting. |
| Our board structure designates a lead independent director to ensure a strong, independent and active Board of Directors and establish a lead independent contact should stockholders want to speak with a member of the Board. |
| We have eliminated all supermajority voting provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. |
| Our director nominees are elected annually by majority voting in uncontested elections. |
| A substantial majority of our directors (seven out of the nine director nominees) are independent. |
| We only have one class of stock with equal voting provisions. |
Our Board believes that adoption of this proposal would significantly disenfranchise a large proportion of our stockholders and is not necessary given other accountability mechanisms that our Board has adopted. Our Board therefore recommends a vote AGAINST this proposal as it is not in the best interests of Gilead or our stockholders.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST PROPOSAL 6.
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STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL REQUESTING THAT THE BOARD ADOPT A POLICY THAT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS BE AN INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
John Chevedden has submitted a stockholder proposal for consideration at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Cheveddens address is 2215 Nelson Avenue, No. 205, Redondo Beach, CA 90278. We have been notified that Mr. Chevedden has continuously held 100 shares of our common stock since July 1, 2015. If properly presented at the Annual Meeting, the Board unanimously recommends a vote AGAINST the following proposal. The resolution being submitted by Mr. Chevedden to the stockholders for approval is as follows:
Stockholder Proposal
Proposal 7 Independent Board Chairman
Shareholders request our Board of Directors to adopt as policy, and amend our governing documents as necessary, to require the Chair of the Board of Directors, whenever possible, to be an independent member of the Board. The Board would have the discretion to phase in this policy for the next CEO transition, implemented so it does not violate any existing agreement. If the Board determines that a Chair who was independent when selected is no longer independent, the Board shall select a new Chair who satisfies the requirements of the policy within a reasonable amount of time. Compliance with this policy is waived if no independent director is available and willing to serve as Chair. This proposal requests that all the necessary steps be taken to accomplish the above.
Caterpillar reversed itself by naming an independent board chairman in October 2016. Caterpillar had opposed a shareholder proposal for an independent board chairman as recent as its June 2016 annual meeting. Wells Fargo also reversed itself and named an independent board chairman in October 2016.
According to Institutional Shareholder Services 53% of the Standard & Poors 1,500 firms separate these 2 positions2015 Board Practices, April 12, 2015. This proposal topic won 50%-plus support at 5 major U.S. companies in 2013 including 73%-support at Netflix.
It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to protect shareholders long-term interests by providing independent oversight of management. By setting agendas, priorities and procedures, the Chairman is critical in shaping the work of the Board.
Having a board chairman who is independent of management is a practice that will promote greater management accountability to shareholders and lead to a more objective evaluation of management. This proposal is of particular importance to our company since our stock price fell about 30% in the year leading up to the submittal of this proposal. We also do not have the right to act by written consenta sign that management does not value shareholder input.
According to the Millstein Center for Corporate Governance and Performance (Yale School of Management), The independent chair curbs conflicts of interest, promotes oversight of risk, manages the relationship between the board and CEO, serves as a conduit for regular communication with shareowners, and is a logical next step in the development of an independent board.
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A number of institutional investors said that a strong, objective board leader can best provide the necessary oversight of management. Thus, the California Public Employees Retirement Systems Global Principles of Accountable Corporate Governance recommends that a companys board should be chaired by an independent director, as does the Council of Institutional Investors. An independent director serving as chairman can help ensure the functioning of an effective board.
Please vote to enhance shareholder value:
Independent Board ChairmanProposal 7
Our Board Recommends a Vote AGAINST This Proposal.
Boards View Aligns with Recent Stockholder Votes on this Issue
In 2013, 2014 and 2015, our Board carefully considered stockholder proposals requesting that our Board adopt a policy that the Chairman of the Board be an independent director. Our Board continues to believe that stockholder interests are best served when the Board has the flexibility to determine the best person to serve as Chairman, whether that person is an independent director, a director employed by Gilead or another person, and recommends a vote AGAINST this proposal. This view is in accord with our stockholders who cast the majority of votes against this proposal at our 2013, 2014 and 2015 annual meetings of stockholders.
The Board Should Have Flexibility to Structure an Appropriate Governance Structure Tailored to the needs of Gilead
Gileads Board Guidelines provides our Board flexibility to designate Gileads Chairman and board leadership structure as our Board deems appropriate based on the circumstances at the time. Our policy enables our Board to choose a leadership structure that can be tailored to the strengths of Gileads officers and directors and best addresses Gileads evolving and highly complex business. Departing from Gileads current policy would unduly impair our Boards ability to select the director it believes is best suited to serve as Chairman based on the circumstances at the time.
Our Board believes that it is currently in the best interests of Gilead and its stockholders for Dr. Martin to serve as our Executive Chairman. Dr. Martins previous experience as our Chief Executive Officer as well as his experience serving as Chairman of the Board since May 2008 enables him to uniquely provide insight into our business and support Dr. Milligan as Chief Executive Officer. As Executive Chairman, Dr. Martins primary responsibilities include coordinating the activity of the Board with our lead independent director and working with external stakeholders, including academic thought leaders and government agencies, and individuals across the organization on opportunities for continued innovation. Given their proven leadership capabilities, breadth of industry experience and business success, our Board concluded that Gilead is best served with this leadership structure. Further, our Board believes Gilead can more effectively execute its strategy and business plans to maximize stockholder value if Dr. Martin holds the Executive Chairman position.
Our Board believes the robust role of the lead independent director and Gileads other strong corporate governance policies and practices provide effective oversight of management. Moreover, our Boards approach to this issue is consistent with that of most large, publicly-traded companies in the United States29% of companies in the S&P 500 have an independent chairman, but only 4% require a separate chairman, according to the Spencer Stuart 2015 Board Index. If our Board determined that an independent chairman would better meet the needs of Gilead, our Board has the authority to do so.
Our Lead Independent Director and Our Strong Governance Structures Ensure our Boards Independent Leadership and Accountability
We believe the robust duties of our lead independent director empower our independent directors to provide effective guidance, challenge and oversight of management:
| Lead independent director. Our Board Guidelines provide that where the Chairman is an employee of the company, the independent directors will appoint a lead independent director to coordinate their |
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efforts and activities. The defined role of lead independent director at Gilead is closely aligned with the role of an independent Chairman, ensuring a strong, independent and active Board of Directors. As set forth in the Lead Independent Charter adopted by our Board, the lead independent director has clearly delineated and comprehensive duties. These duties include: |
| presiding at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors; |
| serving as principal liaison between the independent directors and the Chairman and between the independent directors and senior management; |
| approving information sent to the Board; |
| approving agendas for the Board; |
| approving meeting schedules to ensure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items; |
| calling meetings of the independent directors when necessary and appropriate; |
| responding directly to stockholder and other stakeholder questions and comments that are directed to the lead independent director or to the independent directors as a group; |
| recommending to the Board and the Board committees the retention of advisers and consultants to report directly to the Board; and |
| communicating to management, as appropriate, the results of private discussions among independent directors. |
In addition, as required by our Board Guidelines, Gileads independent directors meet without executive management on a routine basis to review, among other things, Gileads strategy, performance, management effectiveness and succession planning. In addition, Dr. Cogan conducts an annual assessment of the Board and committees of the Board to evaluate their effectiveness.
| Substantial majority of our directors are independent. Currently, seven out of the nine director nominees are independent. |
| Fully-independent Board committees. All members of the key Board committeesthe Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committeeare independent in accordance with or as defined in the rules adopted by the SEC and NASDAQ and Gileads own Board Guidelines. This ensures that oversight of critical matters such as the integrity of our financial statements, the compensation of our executive officers, the selection and evaluation of directors and the development of corporate governance principles is entrusted to independent directors. |
| Ongoing Board refreshment: Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee regularly evaluates the Boards composition to ensure a diversity of perspectives and a combined skill-set to oversee managements execution of our strategy. |
| Established corporate governance guidelines. We maintain strong corporate governance policies and practices. Information regarding our corporate governance initiatives, including our Board Guidelines and the charter for each Board committee, can be found on our website at http://www.gilead.com in the Investors section under Corporate Governance. |
We believe our strong corporate governance policies and practices, including the substantial percentage of independent directors on our Board, as well as the robust duties of our lead independent director, empower our independent directors to effectively oversee our managementincluding the performance of our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officerand provide an effective and appropriately balanced board governance
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structure. We believe that the interests of our stockholders will be best served by maintaining our Boards flexibility in determining the board leadership structure that is best suited to the needs of Gilead at any particular time.
Our Board therefore recommends a vote AGAINST this proposal as it is not in the best interests of Gilead or its stockholders.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST PROPOSAL 7.
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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides an overview of the components of our executive compensation program and the 2016 executive compensation decisions of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors (our Compensation Committee) for our Named Executive Officers:
| John F. Milligan, our President and Chief Executive Officer (our Chief Executive Officer). Dr. Milligan assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer effective March 10, 2016, after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer since 2008. |
| John C. Martin, our Executive Chairman (our Former Chief Executive Officer). Dr. Martin transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman effective March 10, 2016, after serving as Chief Executive Officer for over 20 years. |
| Robin L. Washington, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. |
| Norbert W. Bischofberger, our Executive Vice President, Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer. |
| Kevin Young, our Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Young was appointed to the role of Chief Operating Officer effective Mary 24, 2016. The compensation paid to Mr. Young for the 2016 fiscal year is discussed in detail in a separate section of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 71 below. |
| Gregg H. Alton, our Executive Vice President, Corporate and Medical Affairs. |
Company Overview
We are a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need.
| We have 21 marketed products and our primary areas of focus include HIV, liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hematology/oncology, cardiovascular and inflammation/respiratory diseases. |
| Our total revenues grew 262% over the last five years and our stock price performance during the same period far exceeded the Nasdaq Biotech Index and S&P 500 Index. We achieved this growth while enhancing our operating margins and maintaining an operationally efficient organization. |
| Our curative HCV products created a new revenue dynamic for us which was reflected in our significant revenues growth from 2013 2015. |
(1) | Stock performance reflects the cumulative return on investment assuming an investment of $100 in our common stock, the NBI Index and the S&P 500 Index on December 30, 2011, and that all dividends were reinvested. |
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Total Revenue Stock Price Performance(1)
We significantly diversified our portfolio of products over the past several years by launching our curative HCV products, creating a new revenue dynamic.
| Our HCV products created a new revenue dynamic for us as they offer cure rates as high as 95-99 percent for all genotypes (1-6) of HCV infection in less time (as little as eight weeks) and with fewer side effects than prior treatments. These products are characterized by a rapid uptake after launch as a warehoused group of patients seek treatment followed by a deceleration of demand as that group of patients complete their treatment. This effect caused our HCV and total revenues to increase dramatically from 2013 to 2015 and then to decline in 2016. |
| While we anticipate HCV revenues in 2017 will decline from the prior year levels due to a decline in patient starts, there are still many patients to treat and we expect our HCV business to generate significant revenues and cash flows in the future. |
| Despite the short term revenue volatility created by the dynamics of the HCV cure market, the significant revenue growth generated by these products provides us with critical resources to invest in our internal pipeline and external opportunities in order to create long-term stockholder value. |
Our business model continues to be characterized by significant capital investment, long lead times for discovery and development and unpredictable outcomes due to the nature of developing medication for human use.
| Investments in our product pipeline take time to mature, as our business faces multi-year development cycles. We establish goals and metrics and measure performance not only based on the achievement of financial goals, but also by evaluating performance across a range of operational goals that support our long-term strategy. We believe that both our financial and operational achievements are critical to our future success. |
| We are committed to building and sustaining long-term growth by expanding our product pipeline and therapeutic areas through internal discovery and innovation as well as product acquisition and in-licensing. |
This illustration of the drug development industry life cycle highlights the importance of sustained investment and performance, which ultimately drives commercial and financial results:
Highlights of 2016 Performance
Operating Performance:
In 2016, our revenues declined 7% compared to 2015. This was our first year of declining revenues since 2003 and was attributable to the dynamics of the HCV market described above. Despite the decline in our HCV revenues, revenues for our HIV and other antiviral products were up 17% over 2015 and 24% over the past three years. Our HIV and other antiviral product revenues represented 43% of our total product sales, up from 34% in 2015. Our growth in the HIV area resulted from our continued innovation over the years. Sales in each of our other therapeutic areas also increased.
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Typical industry life cycle is 12 years Scientific Conception Significant capital investment (either through internal discovery or acquisition/in-licensing) Long lead times Research & Development Industry average to bring a product to market is 12 years Only 33% of Phase 2 trials progress to Phase 3 Marketing Application Long lead times to receive product and pricing approval Commercialization Success depends on competitive and economic landscape Realization of financial investment
By the end of 2016, we had treated approximately 1.3 million HCV-infected individuals around the world with our breakthrough HCV drugs in just three years while eliminating the debilitating side effects of earlier drugs. In addition, more than 10 million HIV patients in resource-limited countries are receiving a Gilead-based HIV regimen, representing two-thirds of the countries in the world and the regions hardest hit by HIV/AIDS.
Our decline in revenues due to the dynamics of the HCV market impacted our total shareholder return (TSR), which was down on a one-year basis, as illustrated below(1):
(1) | Data per S&P Research Insight as of December 31, 2016. |
Pipeline and Innovation Performance:
As discussed above, our continued success will be driven by advancing our drug development pipeline and achieving other operational goals. Key achievements in 2016 included the following:
| Successful launch of four new products in 2016 (1) Odefsey® for the treatment of HIV, (2) Descovy® for the treatment of HIV, (3) Epclusa® for the treatment of HCV and (4) Vemlidy® for the treatment of HBV. |
| Significant pipeline progress across all therapeutic areas, including pending regulatory approval of the fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir/velpatisivir/voxilaprevir for the treatment of HCV. Highlights include: |
| Positive results from a Phase 2 trial evaluating selonsertib in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and moderate to severe liver fibrosis. Advanced selonsertib to Phase 3 clinical trials; |
| Advanced filgotinib, a JAK1 inhibitor, to Phase 3 trials for three inflammatory disease indications rheumatoid arthritis, Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis; |
| Positive data from a Phase 2 study demonstrating that bictegravir and emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide for the treatment of HIV demonstrated high virologic response rates; and |
| Positive data from Phase 3 studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of switching virologically suppressed HIV-1-infected patients from regimens containing Truvada® to regimens containing Descovy. |
Highlights of our 2016 achievements are addressed in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis under Our 2016 Executive Compensation Decisions; Annual Bonuses.
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Total Shareholder Return Long term TSR is the highest of our per group
Pay for Performance Alignment
A substantial portion of compensation for each Named Executive Officer is tied directly to Gileads performance, with 90% of our Chief Executive Officers direct compensation and 83% of direct compensation for our other Named Executive Officers based on our corporate performance and paid in the form of long-term equity awards and annual cash bonuses. Long-term equity incentive awards have historically been the largest component of our total direct compensation opportunities for our executive officers and comprise 73% of our Chief Executive Officers direct compensation and 64% of direct compensation of our other Named Executive Officers. We believe this mix is appropriate because the Named Executive Officers should focus their efforts on achieving short- and long-term corporate results. The following charts show the allocation among base salary and performance-based compensation that was awarded in the form of annual bonus and equity award values for our Chief Executive Officer and the other Named Executive Officers as a group for 2016.
Our fiscal 2016 financial and relative TSR performance resulted in performance-based equity pay that was significantly below the target amounts. Earnings under our 2014 performance share awards, for which the multi-year performance period was completed at the end of fiscal 2016, are based on our three-year TSR performance and the cumulative revenue performance over the past three years. Our Named Executive Officers did not earn any shares under the 2014 TSR performance share awards, and the 2016 sub-tranche of the Revenue performance share awards was achieved at 79% of target. The stock options granted in 2016 had no value as of December 31, 2016 since stock options only provide value if our stock price appreciates. Additionally, as of December 31, 2016, all stock options granted over the past three years had no value.
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Chief Executive Officer Other Named Executive Officers
The Named Executive Officers payouts under our annual corporate bonus program were on average 120% of target; the Chief Executive Officers award was 116% of target. This represents a year-over-year reduction of 23% for our Chief Executive Officer. This year-over-year reduction was driven in large part by our failure to meet specific financial goals, which accounted for 30% of our corporate bonus award determination. To illustrate the impact of fiscal 2016 performance on the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, the following table compares the target compensation amounts to actual earnings for performance-based pay at the end of fiscal 2016.
|
||||
2016 bonus payout was 23% below 2015 bonus payout
2014 TSR PSUs were earned at 0%
2016 Revenue PSUs were earned at 79% of target(2)
2016 stock options currently have no value | ||||
(1) | Target performance share value is based on the 2014 performance share grant, valued as of the award date. |
(2) | Actual performance share value is based on 0% payout for TSR tranche and 160% payout of the target shares for the absolute revenue tranche valued at $70.31 as of the release date of February 16, 2017. |
(3) | Target stock option value is based on the 2016 stock option grant, valued as of the actual grant date fair value; actual stock option value is based on the value of the 2016 stock option grant as of December 31, 2016. |
(4) | Target bonus value is based on target amount of 150% of base salary; actual annual bonus earned was at 116% of target. |
Stockholder Engagement and 2016 Vote on Executive Compensation
Our relationship with our stockholders is a critical part of our success, and in 2016, we conducted extensive stockholder engagement to ensure that both management and the Board of Directors (our Board) understand and consider the issues that matter most to our stockholders. We value the views of our stockholders, and we are committed to engaging in regular, transparent communication with stockholders. The insights we have gained from these discussions over the years have been helpful to management and the Board in guiding our corporate policies and practices.
During 2016, we contacted a number of our stockholders and the two largest proxy advisors to gain valuable insights into the issues about which they care most. In addition to continuing the dialogue on key corporate governance topics such as board refreshment and environmental, social and governance reporting, we asked our stockholders whether they had any concerns about our executive compensation programs. The stockholders we contacted did not express concerns about our executive compensation programs.
At the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders, approximately 96% of the votes cast were in favor of our executive compensation program. The Committee carefully reviews feedback from our engagement activities and the voting results when making decisions regarding our executive compensation program. Our Compensation Committee did not change our executive compensation program based on the 2016 stockholder advisory vote.
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CEO Performance Based Compensation
Stockholders may express their views directly to our Compensation Committee as described in our Stockholders Communications with the Board policy, available on our website at http://www.gilead.com in the Investors section under Corporate Governance.
Gileads Compensation Philosophy, Goals and Principles
Due to the nature of our business, our executive compensation program is designed to reward progress in advancing our drug development pipeline and achieving other operational goals while aligning the short- and long-term interests of executives with those of our stockholders. We deliver the majority of our Named Executive Officers compensation in the form of performance-based awards. As a result, a significant percentage of total target compensation is at-risk through both our short- and long-term incentive awards. These awards are directly linked to company performance.
Other Compensation Policies and Practices
We maintain best-in-class governance standards pertaining to the oversight of our executive compensation programs. As in prior years, the following policies and practices were in effect during 2016:
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Our Named Executive Officers 2016 Compensation
Executive Chairman Compensation
In March 2016, we appointed a new Chief Executive Officer, John F. Milligan, who previously served as our President and Chief Operating Officer, and John C. Martin assumed the role of Executive Chairman. The Board carefully evaluated the needs of Gilead when deciding to appoint Dr. Martin as Executive Chairman and thoughtfully defined the distinct roles of Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for day-to-day management of the company and the overall execution of our strategy. The Executive Chairmans primary responsibilities include coordinating the activities of our Board with our lead independent director and working with external stakeholders, including academic thought leaders and government agencies, and individuals across the organization on opportunities for continued innovation. Based on Dr. Martins over 40 years of industry experience, including over 20 years as our Chief Executive Officer, his extensive knowledge of the industry, our anticipated opportunities and challenges as well as his proven leadership abilities in both building our company and bringing innovative medicines to market, our Board determined in 2017 that Dr. Martins continued role as Executive Chairman will allow us to further benefit from his continued involvement with the company. The Executive Chairman role does not have a defined tenure; rather, our Board will assess the anticipated needs of our company each year in making the determination whether to extend the appointment.
In 2016, when Dr. Martin initially assumed the role of Executive Chairman, his total compensation was decreased significantly. In 2017, his total compensation was further reduced. When considering the compensation for the Executive Chairman, the Board considered many factors, including the scope of Dr. Martins role and market practices.
Pay Element(1) |
Final Year as Chief Executive Officer 2015 |
First Year as Executive Chair 2016 |
Second Year
as Executive Chairman 2017 |
|||||||||||||||||
Base Salary |
$ | 1,737,000 | $ | 1,737,000 | 0 | % | $ | 1,160,000 | -33 | % | ||||||||||
Target Bonus % |
155% | 100% | 100% | |||||||||||||||||
and $ |
$ | 2,692,000 | $ | 1,737,000 | -35 | % | $ | 1,160,000 | -33 | % | ||||||||||
Equity |
$ | 11,500,000 | $ | 6,000,000 | -48 | % | $ | 4,000,000 | -33 | % | ||||||||||
Target Total Direct Compensation |
$ | 15,929,000 | $ | 9,474,000 | -41 | % | $ | 6,320,000 | -33 | % |
(1) | Dr. Martin assumed the role of Executive Chairman effective March 10, 2016. The base salary figures represents an annualized amount. |
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A summary of our Named Executive Officers compensation that was awarded or earned during 2016 is set forth below:
Compensation Component |
Payment Criteria |
2016 Compensation Summary | ||
Base Salary | Fixed annual compensation reviewed annually with increases occurring February 1 |
Increased 25% for our Chief Executive Officer due to his promotion to Chief Executive Officer
Increased between 0% and 5% for other Named Executive Officers(1)
| ||
Annual Bonus | Chief Executive Officer:
100% corporate performance
Target = 150% of salary
Executive Chairman:
100% corporate performance
Target = 100% of salary
Other Executives:
75% corporate/25% individual performance
Target = 85% to 95% of salary
Corporate performance assessed on:
Product pipeline development 30%
Launch and support products 30%
Financial results 30%
Organizational achievements 10%
|
Annual bonus earned at 116% of target for our Chief Executive Officer, based on financial and strategic business achievements
Annual bonus earned at 116% 125% of target for other Named Executive Officers | ||
Equity Compensation | Performance shares are earned over three years based on relative TSR and annual revenue growth
Performance shares pay out at zero shares below a minimum threshold of performance
Options vest over four years beginning one year after grant, with quarterly vesting after year one |
Value of 2016 equity award granted to our Chief Executive Officer represented a 131% increase compared to 2015 equity award due to his promotion to Chief Executive Officer
Value of 2016 equity award granted to our Executive Chairman represented a 48% decrease compared to 2015 due to his transition to Executive Chairman
Relative TSR tranche of performance shares for 2014-2016 earned at 0% of target shares
Absolute revenue tranche of performance shares for 2014-2016 earned at 160% of target shares
|
(1) | Due to the nature of his prior role, Mr. Young is excluded from this calculation. |
Equity Compensation: Performance Shares and Stock Options
The long-term incentive component of our executive compensation program is entirely performance-based and in 2016 consisted of (i) performance-share awards that may be earned only upon the achievement of pre-established performance objectives and (ii) time-vested options to purchase shares of our common stock, which require our common stock to appreciate in value before our executive officers realize any economic benefit from the options.
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2016 Equity Award Decisions
In determining the equity awards for our Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Chairman, the Compensation Committees recommendations, which were ratified by the independent members of our Board, were based on the following considerations:
| a competitive assessment of the grant-date fair value of equity awards granted to the chief executive officers at the companies in our compensation peer group, |
| our financial and operational performance in 2015, and |
| our financial performance relative to our compensation peer group over the past several years. |
Dr. Martin, who served as Chief Executive Officer at the January 2016 meeting, recommended to our Compensation Committee that equity awards to the other Named Executive Officers remain relatively unchanged. After evaluating each Named Executive Officers performance during the prior year, his or her expected future contributions, our performance compared to the competitive market and Dr. Martins recommendation, our Compensation Committee approved each of these recommendations. In connection with the announcement that Dr. Milligan would assume the role of Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Martin would assume the role of Executive Chairman effective March 2016, their awards take into account their new roles.
The table below sets forth the equity awards approved by our Compensation Committee at its January 2016 meeting, and for comparison purposes, the values of the 2015 equity awards:
Named Executive Officer |
Equity Award Value Approved By The Compensation Committee |
|||||||
2015 | 2016 | |||||||
Dr. Milligan |
$ | 4,760,000 | $ | 11,000,000 | ||||
Dr. Martin |
$ | 11,500,000 | $ | 6,000,000 | ||||
Ms. Washington |
$ | 3,200,000 | $ | 3,200,000 | ||||
Dr. Bischofberger |
$ | 4,200,000 | $ | 4,000,000 | ||||
Mr. Young |
N/A | $ | 3,500,000 | (1) | ||||
Mr. Alton |
$ | 3,500,000 | $ | 3,500,000 |
(1) | Mr. Youngs award value reflects the equity grant he received upon his appointment to Chief Operating Officer. |
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Equity Awards 100% Performance Based 50% Stock Options 50% Performance Shares Value is only realized if stock price appreciates Payout based on performance against financial metrics which include 50% relative TSR and 50% absolute revenue
2016 Performance Share Awards
Consistent with prior years, performance share awards granted by our Compensation Committee in 2016 were divided into two equally weighted tranches: one subject to relative TSR performance conditions and one subject to three annual revenue-based performance goals. Our Compensation Committee selected TSR and revenue as our performance measures because they relate to the key behaviors that it wants to reinforce. These metrics also resonate strongly with our stockholders.
Relative TSR Portion. The performance-based vesting requirement for the relative TSR shares is tied to the percentile level of our TSR for the three-year performance period from February 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018 relative to the TSR realized for that same period by the companies comprising the S&P Healthcare Sub-Index. Our Compensation Committee selected the S&P Healthcare Sub-Index for comparison purposes because it enables our Compensation Committee to assess our financial performance against an objective peer group, which consists of approximately 35 companies.
TSR Percentile vs. Comparator Group |
% of Target Paid | |
81st or above | 200% of Target | |
50th | 100% of Target | |
20th or below | 0% of Target |
If our absolute TSR is negative, the maximum vesting opportunity is capped at 100% of the target, regardless of our relative performance. To receive the earned shares, an executive officer must remain employed with us through the date on which our Compensation Committee certifies performance achievement.
Absolute Revenue Portion. One-third of the shares subject to the revenue-based tranche of the 2016 performance shares are tied to achievement of our 2016 net product revenue goal, one-third are tied to a 2017 net product revenue goal and one-third are tied to a 2018 net product revenue goal. Each years net product revenue goal is established by our Compensation Committee in the first quarter of that year, and the payout level can range from 0% to 200% of each years target. The uncertainty of many external factors influencing our business, such as unanticipated pricing pressures from payers and competitors, potential amendments to the new healthcare legislation or other government action as well as volatility in the foreign currency exchange rates make it very difficult to forecast net product revenue beyond a one-year period. As a result, our Compensation Committee has determined that an annual net product revenue goal, with a multi-year service period component, is the most appropriate metric. For purposes of determining the achievement level, any product revenue realized during the fiscal year by any entity that we acquired during that year and the effect of any accounting change is excluded. Revenue from an acquired entity is excluded to ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the goals set at the beginning of the performance period and to ensure that our executives are not encouraged to make significant business decisions for the purpose of influencing the payout of awards.
The awards are also subject to continued employment through the date our Compensation Committee certifies performance achievement.
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In January 2016, our Compensation Committee established the net product revenue performance goal of $30.8 billion (at target) for 2016. The same 2016 net product revenue performance goals also apply to one-third of the shares subject to the revenue-based tranche of the performance share awards granted in 2015 and in 2014.
Year of Grant
|
2014
|
2015
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018
| |||||
2014 Equity Award
| ||||||||||
Absolute Revenue Tranche |
$14.7B
|
$27.3B
|
$30.8B
|
|||||||
2015 Equity Award
| ||||||||||
Absolute Revenue Tranche |
$27.3B
|
$30.8B
|
TBD
|
|||||||
2016 Equity Award
| ||||||||||
Absolute Revenue Tranche |
$30.8B
|
TBD
|
TBD
|
2016 Stock Options
Our Compensation Committee believes that stock options provide the appropriate incentive for our executive officers because they will realize value only if our stock price appreciates, which benefits all stockholders. Stock options granted to the Named Executive Officers vest over a four-year service period. One-quarter of the shares of our common stock subject to these options vest one year from the grant date and the remaining shares vest quarterly thereafter (assuming the continued service of the executive officer over the next three years) until fully vested.
2014 Performance Share Award Results
In January 2014, our Compensation Committee granted performance share awards to the Named Executive Officers that were subject to a three-year performance period and continued employment through certification:
| The vesting requirement for the first tranche was tied to our TSR for the three-year performance period ending January 31, 2017 relative to the TSR of the companies comprising the S&P Healthcare Sub-Index. |
| The vesting requirement for the second tranche was based on net product revenue goals established for each of 2014, 2015 and 2016 (one-third each year). |
In February 2017, our Compensation Committee certified final performance achievements for the 2014 performance share awards. Our three-year relative TSR was at the 11th percentile, resulting in no payout for the TSR tranche of the performance shares. In addition, our net product revenue exceeded the maximum revenue goal in 2014 and 2015 but slightly missed our revenue goal in 2016, resulting in a payout of 160% of the target number of shares subject to the revenue tranche of the performance shares.
Performance Share Awards |
Threshold | Target | Maximum | Actual Performance |
Percentage Earned |
|||||||||||||||
Relative TSR Tranche: |
20th percentile | 50th percentile | >80th percentile | 11th percentile | 0% | |||||||||||||||
Net Product Revenue Tranche: |
||||||||||||||||||||
2014 Net Product Revenue |
$13.2B | $14.7B | $15.5B | $24.5B | 200% | |||||||||||||||
2015 Net Product Revenue(1) |
$24.6B | $27.3B | $28.7B | $32.2B | 200% | |||||||||||||||
2016 Net Product Revenue(2) |
$27.7B | $30.8B | $32.3B | $30.0B | 79% |
(1) | Also included as a sub-tranche of the 2013 and 2014 performance shares. |
(2) | Also included as a sub-tranche of the 2014 and 2015 performance shares. |
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Named Executive Officer(1) |
Target Number of
TSR Shares Subject to 2014 Performance Share Award |
Number of
TSR Shares Earned Under 2014 Performance Share Award |
Target Number of Revenue Shares Subject to 2014 Performance Share Award |
Number of
Revenue Shares Earned Under 2014 Performance Share Award |
||||||||||||
Dr. Milligan |
10,150 | 0 | 13,020 | 20,789 | ||||||||||||
Dr. Martin |
25,360 | 0 | 32,550 | 51,972 | ||||||||||||
Ms. Washington |
9,430 | 0 | 12,090 | 19,303 | ||||||||||||
Dr. Bischofberger |
8,940 | 0 | 11,470 | 18,313 | ||||||||||||
Mr. Alton |
8,210 | 0 | 10,540 | 16,828 |
(1) | Mr. Young is excluded from the table as he did not receive such award in his role prior to appointment to Chief Operating Officer. |
Annual Bonuses
Our annual bonus plan is designed to reward the achievement of key short-term corporate objectives (such as research and development and strategic goals), as well as individual performance objectives that drive our longer-term corporate performance and growth.
Target Bonus Opportunities
The 2016 target bonus opportunities for the Named Executive Officers were established as a percentage of their base salaries. Actual earned amounts could range from 0% to 150% of the target opportunity, based on achievement of the relevant performance objectives as follows:
2015 Target Bonus Opportunity (as a percentage of base salary) |
2016 Target Bonus Opportunity (as a percentage of base salary) |
|||||||
Named Executive Officer |
||||||||
Dr. Milligan(1) |
100% | 150% | ||||||
Dr. Martin(2) |
155% | 100% | ||||||
Ms. Washington |
85% | 85% | ||||||
Dr. Bischofberger |
85% | 95% | ||||||
Mr. Young(3) |
N/A | 95% | ||||||
Mr. Alton |
85% | 85% |
(1) | The bonus target increase reflects Dr. Milligans promotion to Chief Executive Officer. |
(2) | The bonus target opportunity in 2015 reflects Dr. Martins role as Chief Executive Officer. |
(3) | The actual bonus target opportunity for Mr. Young was prorated to reflect his time in the role of Chief Operating Officer; Mr. Young was not a Named Executive Officer in 2015. |
The annual bonus of our Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman was tied solely to our achievement of corporate financial and operational performance objectives based on our operating plan for 2016. The other Named Executive Officers annual bonuses were weighted 75% on achievement of the same corporate financial and operational performance objectives that apply to our Chief Executive Officer and 25% on each executive officers achievement of his or her individual performance objectives, with award amounts determined by the following formula:
Corporate Performance Objectives and Achievements
For the 2016 annual bonus plan, our Compensation Committee considered the following corporate performance criteria and our achievement thereof in determining the Named Executive Officer awards. The
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Target Bonus Corporate Weighting (75%) Corporate Performance Target Bonus Individual Weighting (25%) individual Performance Actual Bonus Award
Committee selected these goals because it believes they represent fundamental categories of our corporate performance based on our 2016 annual operating plan:
| Build product pipeline for the future The pipeline is critical for a research and innovation focused biopharmaceutical company and is a key driver of future growth. Our pipeline metric is based on the achievement of milestones in early development, discovery research, business development, late-stage development, filings and approvals. |
| Launch and support products Maintaining and expanding our market share, through successful commercial efforts, is key to our success. This metric is based on the achievement of sales goals around the world, ensuring access of our products to patients in need and partnering with key external constituents. |
| Drive financial results Financial performance is an indicator of performance, growth and the health of the organization and is a key metric for stockholders. Our financial performance metric is based on achievement of annual revenue and expense goals. |
| Obtain organizational achievements The wellbeing of our culture is critical to achieving our business objectives. Our organizational metric is based on achievements in operational efficiency and employee engagement and development. |
Within each category, our Compensation Committee considers our performance against the objectives, the degree of difficulty in achieving the objectives and relevant events and circumstances that affected our performance. Based on these assessments, our Compensation Committee assigns a corporate performance factor between 0% and 150% for each category, as referenced in the table below. Our Compensation Committee can add or subtract an additional 10% to recognize unplanned factors, provided that the total amount payable may not exceed the maximum bonus opportunity for the year. If our Compensation Committee determines that the overall corporate performance factor for the year was less than 50%, no bonus is payable for the year.
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In assessing our overall corporate performance in 2016, our Compensation Committee considered the key achievements set forth in the table below. These were also the factors considered in connection with annual bonus of our Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman since they are not subject to an individual performance factor.
Corporate Category
|
Achievements
|
Weighting (a)
|
2016 (b)
|
Results (a * b)
| ||||
Build Product Pipeline |
Received approval of Descovy and Odefsey in the U.S. and EU as the second and third tenofovir alafenamide-based HIV regimens
Received approval of Epclusa, the first all oral, pan-genotypic, single tablet regimen for the treatment of adults with genotype 1 6 chronic HCV infection
Received approval of Vemlidy in the U.S. for the treatment of chronic HBV infection
Submission of a new drug application for the single table regimen containing sofosbuvir, velpatasvir and voxilaprevir for the treatment of HCV
|
30% | 130% | 39.0% | ||||
Launch and Support Products |
Sovaldi® and Harvoni® approved in 65 and 48 countries, respectively
As of December 31, 2016, more than 1.3 million patients worldwide have been treated with a sofosbuvir-based regimen
More than 10 million HIV patients in low- and middle-income countries received treatment
Genvoya® launch was the fastest HIV launch in history
|
30% | 125% | 37.5% | ||||
Financial Results |
2016 net product revenues of $29.95 billion, which was slightly below expectations
Controlled selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) and research and development (R&D) expenses, with SG&A below budget and R&D at budget (excluding one-time acquisition-related amounts)
|
30% | 80% | 24.0% | ||||
Organizational Achievements |
Campus expansion and improvements in Foster City, Oceanside and LaVerne, California implementing sustainable principles in construction and design, on-time and on-budget
Successful delivery of Odefsey, Descovy, Epclusa and Vemlidy within 48 hours of U.S. approval
|
10% | 140% | 14.0% | ||||
Unplanned Activities |
Purchase of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration Priority Review Voucher
Partnership with the World Health Organization to provide $20 million in funding and drug donations to expand access to treatment for visceral leishmaniasis, the worlds second-deadliest parasitic infectious disease
|
+/-10% | 1.5% | 1.5% | ||||
Overall 2016 Corporate Performance Factor
|
116.0%
|
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The Compensation Committee determines the Performance Factor (column (b)) by assessing the companys achievement of each Corporate Performance Category. The Achievements column in the table above sets forth the material accomplishments considered by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee places equal importance on research and development, financial, and commercial achievements where applicable and appropriate. The sum of the results for each category equals the overall corporate performance factor.
Individual Performance Objectives
Our Compensation Committee also considered the individual contributions of the Named Executive Officers (other than our Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman, whose bonus opportunities were based entirely on corporate performance) to the achievement of the research and development, commercial, financial and operational objectives that supported our corporate objectives. The assigned individual performance factors reflect the extent to which each Named Executive Officers personal contributions were determined to benefit our overall performance and to exceed or fall short of his or her individual objectives. In considering the annual bonus attributable to individual performance, our Chief Executive Officer and Compensation Committee took into account the accomplishments by the Named Executive Officers, based on their individual strategic achievements, including their continued focus on evolving our pipeline and growing our marketed products.
Executive Officer |
Select 2016 Achievements | |
Ms. Washington |
Ms. Washingtons award reflects Gileads strong capital allocation strategy and overall financial health. In addition, Ms. Washington led critical initiatives in the Finance organization to streamline costs and in the Information Technology organization to improve efficiency and processes.
| |
Dr. Bischofberger |
Dr. Bischofbergers award reflects his significant advancement of Gileads pipeline, including the regulatory approval of four new products. Under his leadership, as of the end of 2016, the research pipeline included 167 active clinical studies, of which 61 were Phase 3 clinical trials. In addition, Dr. Bischofberger was instrumental in identifying new leadership in our emerging therapeutic areas.
| |
Mr. Young |
Mr. Youngs award reflects his achievements since his appointment as Chief Operating Officer to drive efficiency and leverage expertise across the Commercial organization. Under Mr. Youngs leadership, Gileads HIV franchise exceeded the expected budget in 2016. Finally, Mr. Young has made critical leadership changes in key markets and continues to build strong teams.
| |
Mr. Alton |
Mr. Altons award reflects his achievements in expanding Gileads patient access programs. Through his leadership, more than 10 million people in the developing world are being treated by a Gilead-based HIV regimen. Mr. Alton also led the submission of six products for inclusion in the World Health Organization List of Essential Medicines. |
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Annual Bonus Decisions
Based on our corporate performance and the evaluation of individual performance objectives (for Named Executive Officers other than our Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman), our Compensation Committee approved the following bonus payments:
Company Performance | Individual Performance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Named Executive Officer |
Base Salary | Target Bonus Opportunity (as % of Salary) |
Target Bonus Opportunity |
Corporate Performance Factor (%) |
Factor Weighting (%) |
Individual Performance Factor |
Factor Weighting (%) |
Total Bonus Payment |
Total Bonus Payment as % of Target |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Milligan |
$ | 1,500,000 | 150 | % | $ | 2,250,000 | 116 | % | 100 | % | | | $ | 2,610,000 | 116 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Martin |
$ | 1,737,000 | 100 | % | $ | 1,737,000 | 116 | % | 100 | % | | | $ | 2,014,920 | 116 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ms. Washington |
$ | 905,000 | 85 | % | $ | 769,250 | 116 | % | 75 | % | 140 | % | 25 | % | $ | 938,485 | 122 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Bischofberger |
$ | 1,050,000 | 95 | % | $ | 997,500 | 116 | % | 75 | % | 125 | % | 25 | % | $ | 1,179,544 | 118 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Young |
$ | 1,050,000 | 73 | %(1) | $ | 766,500 | 116 | % | 75 | % | 150 | % | 25 | % | $ | 954,293 | 125 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Alton |
$ | 930,000 | 85 | % | $ | 790,500 | 116 | % | 75 | % | 130 | % | 25 | % | $ | 944,648 | 120 | % |
(1) | Mr. Youngs target bonus opportunity of 95% was pro-rated to reflect the May 24, 2016 effective date of his appointment as Chief Operating Officer. |
Base Salary
Base salary is the primary fixed component in our executive compensation program and supports our objective of providing competitive compensation that will attract and retain talented executive officers. Our Compensation Committee believes that base salaries should reflect the responsibilities of the position, the individuals performance for the preceding year, his or her experience, as well as an appropriate pay level relative to similar positions within Gilead and the external competitive market. Executive officer base salary increases are effective on February 1 of each year.
Our Compensation Committee reviews and approves our Chief Executive Officers and Executive Chairmans base salary, subject to ratification by the independent members of our Board. For 2016, our Compensation Committee approved, and our Board ratified, a 25% increase to Dr. Milligans base salary in conjunction with his promotion to Chief Executive Officer and no change to Dr. Martins base salary as he transitioned into his role as Executive Chairman. The increase to Dr. Milligans base salary reflects the positive view held by both our Compensation Committee and the independent members of our Board of his overall performance, market position in comparison to our compensation peer group, and his leadership in our achievement of key business initiatives and financial objectives, as described earlier in this Proxy Statement.
Additionally, in January 2016, Dr. Martin, in his role as Chief Executive Officer, presented his recommendations for base salary increases for the other Named Executive Officers to the Compensation Committee. The recommendations for the other Named Executive Officers were based on their individual achievements during 2016, the expectations for their roles moving forward, as well as their competitive market positioning.
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The base salary increases for our Chief Executive Officer and the other Named Executive Officers are as follows:
Named Executive Officer |
2015 Base Salary | 2016 Base Salary | Percentage Base Salary Increase |
|||||||||
Dr. Milligan(1) |
$ | 1,200,000 | $ | 1,500,000 | 25.0% | |||||||
Dr. Martin |
$ | 1,737,000 | $ | 1,737,000 | 0.0% | |||||||
Ms. Washington..... |
$ | 865,000 | $ | 905,000 | 4.6% | |||||||
Dr. Bischofberger |
$ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,050,000 | 5.0% | |||||||
Mr. Young(2) |
N/A | $ | 1,050,000 | N/A | ||||||||
Mr. Alton |
$ | 890,000 | $ | 930,000 | 4.5% |
(1) | Total increase was in conjunction with Dr. Milligans promotion to Chief Executive Officer. |
(2) | Mr. Young was not a Named Executive Officer in 2015. |
Chief Operating Officer Compensation Arrangements
In May 2016, Kevin Young was appointed Chief Operating Officer. His compensation arrangement was set to be competitive with our peer group and internally equitable in relation to other company executives. The primary elements of his compensation arrangement included: an annual base salary of $1,050,000; a target annual bonus opportunity equal to 95% of base salary and participation in our corporate bonus program under the same terms and conditions as the other Named Executive Officers; a one-time stock option grant of $1,750,000 and performance-based restricted stock units of $1,750,000. The stock options are subject to our standard four-year vesting schedule and the performance-based restricted stock units are divided into three tranches with the vesting of each tranche tied to the achievement of pre-established individual performance objectives.
Other Aspects of Our Executive Compensation-Determination Process
Role of Chief Executive Officer
Our Chief Executive Officer makes compensation recommendations to our Compensation Committee for the other Named Executive Officers. In formulating his recommendations, our Chief Executive Officer reviews internal base salary data and external compensation data from our Human Resources Department, which has engaged Compensia Inc. (Compensia), a national compensation consulting firm, to provide comparable market data, including tally sheets, financial performance reports, market compensation reviews and other analyses to aid our Chief Executive Officer in developing his recommendations. During 2016, Compensia served solely as a consultant to management in the compensation decision-making process. Our Compensation Committee places considerable weight on our Chief Executive Officers compensation recommendations because of his direct knowledge of each Named Executive Officers performance and contributions to our performance.
Role of Compensation Consultant
Our Compensation Committee has retained Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (FW Cook), a national compensation consulting firm, as its independent compensation consultant. FW Cook reports directly to our Compensation Committee, which has direct authority to appoint, compensate, oversee the work of and dismiss its compensation consultant. George Paulin, Chairman of FW Cook, attends meetings of our Compensation Committee, as requested. FW Cook provides various executive compensation services to our Compensation Committee, including advising the Committee on the principal aspects of our Chief Executive Officers compensation and evolving industry practices, and providing market information and analyses regarding the competitiveness of our program design for both our executive officers and the non-employee members of our Board of Directors. During 2016, FW Cook served solely as a consultant to our Compensation Committee and did not provide any other services to Gilead.
Based on the six factors for assessing independence and identifying potential conflicts of interest that are set forth in Exchange Act Rule 10C-1(b)(4), the listing standards of NASDAQ and such other factors as were
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deemed relevant under the circumstances, our Compensation Committee has determined that FW Cook is independent and the work of FW Cook on behalf of our Compensation Committee did not raise any conflict of interest.
Use of Market Data
Individual compensation levels and opportunities for the Named Executive Officers are compared to a peer group of biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical companies headquartered in the United States that are most similar to us in terms of business strategy, labor market competition, market capitalization, revenue and number of employees. Our compensation peer group for 2016 compensation, which was identified based on these objective selection criteria, was comprised of these following 11 companies:
AbbVie, Inc. Allergan, PLC Amgen, Inc. Baxter International Inc. Biogen Idec, Inc. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company |
Celgene Corporation Eli Lilly and Company Johnson & Johnson, Inc. Merck & Co., Inc. Pfizer Inc. |
The chart below represents our position relative to our peer group on three metrics at the time the 2016 compensation peer group was approved in July 2015 (based on publicly available information as of June 2015).
Revenue in $ millions (as of June 30, 2015) |
Market Capitalization in $ millions (as of June 30, 2015) |
Worldwide Headcount (as of FYE 2014) |
||||||||||
Peer Group Median |
$ | 19,577 | $ | 111,064 | 26,000 | |||||||
Gilead Sciences, Inc. |
$ | 27,485 | $ | 171,587 | 7,000 |
Our compensation peer group includes companies we believe are most similar to us in terms of business complexity and product life cycle. We also include companies that fall within specified revenue and market capitalization ranges. These ranges are broad enough to ensure we can maintain a sufficient number of peer companies. This is especially important, as our industry experiences a number of mergers and acquisitions each year, thereby reducing the number of relevant peer company choices. We review the companies in our compensation peer group annually and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the comparator companies properly reflect the market in which we compete for executive talent. We also review the executive pay practices of similarly situated companies as reported in industry surveys and reports. We take into account internal pay equity that recognizes the relative experience, responsibilities and capabilities of our executive officers. Thus, in practice, our Compensation Committee has not targeted a specific percentile relative to our compensation peer group for individual components of our total compensation.
Use of Tally Sheets
Our Compensation Committee annually reviews tally sheets in its evaluation of the total compensation provided to each Named Executive Officer. These tally sheets affix dollar amounts to each compensation component, including current cash compensation (base salary and annual bonus), outstanding vested and unvested equity awards, employee benefits, perquisites and other personal benefits and potential severance payments and benefits.
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Other Components of Executive Compensation
Stock Ownership Guidelines
We have stock ownership guidelines that require each Named Executive Officer to maintain a stock ownership level equal to a specified multiple of his or her base salary, as set forth in the table below:
Named Executive Officer |
Stock Ownership Guideline | |
Chief Executive Officer |
6 times base salary | |
Executive Chairman |
6 times base salary | |
All other Named Executive Officers |
3 times base salary |
Individuals newly hired or promoted receive a specified number of years to comply with their ownership guidelines. As of December 31, 2016, all Named Executive Officers were in compliance with their respective stock ownership guidelines.
Clawback Policy
We maintain a compensation recovery or claw back policy under which our Board has the authority to recoup any bonus or other cash or equity compensation paid on the basis of financial results that are subsequently restated from any executive officer or other covered individual whose misconduct contributed to an obligation to file the financial restatement.
Equity Practices
We maintain an insider trading policy applicable to all employees, including the Named Executive Officers, which prohibits hedging transactions in our common stock as well as pledging of Gilead securities.
Health and Welfare Benefits and Perquisites
We provide medical and other benefits to our executive officers that are generally available to other full-time employees, including participation in our employee stock purchase plan, group term life insurance program and a Section 401(k) savings plan. Under the 401(k) plan, we make matching contributions on behalf of each participant equal to 100% of his or her contributions to the plan, up to an annual maximum matching contribution of $10,000. All of our executive officers participated in the Section 401(k) plan during 2016 and received matching contributions.
We do not provide defined benefit retirement plans, post-retirement health coverage or any other supplemental retiree benefits for our executive officers or employees. We generally do not provide perquisites or other personal benefits to our executive officers. The Compensation Committee, however, determined that upon his appointment to Chief Operating Officer, that commuting expenses for Mr. Young, including from time to time, the use of company aircraft, was necessary in order to facilitate the efficient operation of our business, allowing Mr. Young to better focus his time, attention and capabilities on Gilead.
For further information on the perquisites and other personal benefits provided to the Named Executive Officers during 2016, see the Summary Compensation Table on page 77 below.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
Eligible employees (including our executive officers) can enroll in our Deferred Compensation Plan and defer a portion of their base salaries each year and part or all of their annual bonuses and commissions. The company does not provide any matching contribution to the Deferred Compensation Plan. Each participant may direct the investment of his or her deferred compensation account balance among a number of investment choices that mirror substantially all of the investment funds available under the Section 401(k) plan. None of these investment alternatives result in above-market interest for disclosure purposes. For further information on the deferred compensation arrangements of the Named Executive Officers, see the 2016 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table on page 85 below.
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In addition, our executive officers may defer receipt of the shares of our common stock that they earn under their performance share awards.
Severance Benefits
We do not have employment agreements with any of our executive officers, and their employment with us is at-will. Instead, we maintain the Gilead Sciences, Inc. Severance Plan (the Severance Plan) that offers severance payments and benefits to all of our employees, including our executive officers, upon certain involuntary terminations of employment. The intent of our Severance Plan is to serve the following purposes:
| To provide our executive officers with financial protection only upon a loss of employment, the payments and benefits under the Severance are subject to a double trigger, which means that an executive officer will be eligible to receive payments and benefits only if he or she incurs a qualifying termination of employment in connection with a change in control of Gilead |
| Enable us to provide a standard set of payments and benefits to new and current executive officers and employees, thereby eliminating the negotiation of one-off arrangements |
| Align the interests of our executive officers with those of our stockholders by enabling our executive officers to consider corporate transactions that are in the best interests of our stockholders and other stakeholders without undue concern over whether a transaction may jeopardize their employment |
In addition, the Severance Plan prohibits gross-up payments on change in control benefits for all executive officers.
For further information about the Severance Plan, see Severance and Change in Control Arrangements with Named Executive Officers on page 87 below.
Compensation-Related Risk
Our Compensation Committee and the outside, independent consultant, with input from our Human Resources Department, undertakes an annual review of the compensation programs for our executive officers and other employees to determine whether any of these programs encourage excessive risk-taking that would create a material risk to our economic viability. As part of this review, the Compensation Committee specifically considers (1) the balance of the programs and the appropriate mix of short- and long-term goals and incentives; (2) whether the appropriate controls and governance policies are in place to manage risk; and (3) whether broad-based employee incentive plans (including sales) have appropriate leverage and do not drive undue risk taking.
Based on this annual review, our Compensation Committee concluded it was not reasonably likely that any of our compensation policies and practices in place during 2016, whether individually or in aggregate, would have a material adverse effect upon Gilead. As discussed in prior years, our Compensation Committee took into account the following factors, including factors specifically analyzed in terms of the compensation program for the Named Executive Officers:
| Our overall compensation structure is applied uniformly throughout the organization, with the only major exception relating to the form in which the equity compensation component is awarded |
| For our broad-based employee population with a title of Director or higher, a significant component of compensation is in the form of equity awards tied to the value of our common stock |
| The vesting of performance-share awards is tied to our TSR and revenue achievement over a prescribed performance period |
| Our overall compensation structure is not overly weighted toward short-term incentives |
| The performance goals for our 2016 annual bonus program were based on both financial and non-financial corporate measures as well as individual achievements (except with respect to our Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Chairman, whose performance is evaluated solely on the basis of corporate measures) |
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| We have instituted stock ownership guidelines, which require our executive officers to maintain a substantial ownership interest in Gilead |
| We have adopted a compensation recovery policy that permits us to recoup any compensation paid to our executive officers on the basis of financial results that have to be subsequently restated as a result of their misconduct |
| We have adopted policies that preclude any hedging transactions in our common stock, such as put and call options or pre-paid forward sale contracts by executive officers, employees and directors, as well as pledging of our securities |
For the foregoing reasons, our Compensation Committee has concluded that it was not reasonably likely that our overall employee compensation structure, when analyzed either in terms of its company-wide application or its specific application to our various major business units, would have a material adverse effect upon Gilead.
Tax Considerations
Deductibility of Compensation
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code disallows an income tax deduction to publicly traded companies for compensation paid to or realized by our Chief Executive Officer and the other Named Executive Officers (other than our Chief Financial Officer) to the extent that this compensation exceeds $1 million per covered individual in any taxable year and does not otherwise qualify for an exception to this limitation, such as the exception for performance-based compensation. Our current annual bonus plan for our executive officers and equity compensation plan have been structured with the intent to qualify the compensation paid or realized under these plans as performance-based compensation. No bonuses were payable to our executive officers for 2016 unless our non-GAAP operating income for the year was at least $15.90 billion, regardless of the achievement of other corporate financial and operational performance objectives established for the year. For 2016, our non-GAAP operating income, which was determined using our GAAP operating income excluding amounts related to acquisition related, up-front collaboration, stock-based compensation and other expenses, was $20.0 billion. Similarly, the stock options and performance share awards granted to the Named Executive Officers are intended to qualify the compensation paid or realized under these awards as performance-based compensation. For 2017, our Compensation Committee approved the same annual bonus plan 162(m) metric of operating income, excluding amounts related to acquisition related, up-front collaboration and other expenses.
Our Compensation Committee will continue to evaluate ways to qualify significant components of the Named Executive Officers compensation under Section 162(m) to the extent that it determines to be in the best interests of Gilead and our stockholders. However, in establishing the compensation for our executive officers, our Compensation Committee believes that the potential deductibility of compensation should be only one of a number of relevant factors taken into consideration, and therefore may determine to take actions or provide for compensation that does not qualify as deductible under Section 162(m). Our Compensation Committee believes that cash and equity incentive compensation must be maintained at the requisite level to attract and retain talented executive officers, even if all or part of that compensation may not be deductible by reason of Section 162(m). In addition, because there are uncertainties as to the application of regulations under Section 162(m), as with most tax matters it is possible that our deductions may be challenged or disallowed.
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT(1)
Our Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K and contained within this Proxy Statement with management and, based on such review and discussions, our Compensation Committee recommended to our Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.
Compensation Committee
John W. Madigan, Chairman
Kevin E. Lofton
Nicholas G. Moore
Per Wold-Olsen
(1) | The material in this report is not soliciting material, is not deemed filed with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
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The following table shows, for the fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, compensation awarded or paid to, or earned by, our Named Executive Officers:
Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary(1) | Stock Awards |
Option Awards(2) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation(1)(3) |
All Other Compensation |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
John F. Milligan(4) |
2016 | $ | 1,465,385 | $ | 4,349,750 | (5) | $ | 5,500,077 | $ | 2,610,000 | $ | 10,000 | (6) | $ | 13,935,212 | |||||||||||||
President and Chief Executive |
2015 | $ | 1,186,154 | $ | 2,903,133 | $ | 2,379,914 | $ | 1,800,000 | $ | 7,500 | $ | 8,276,701 | |||||||||||||||
Officer as of March 10, 2016 |
2014 | $ | 1,046,898 | $ | 3,441,544 | $ | 2,096,957 | $ | 1,579,500 | $ | 96,197 | $ | 8,261,095 | |||||||||||||||
John C. Martin(4) |
2016 | $ | 1,737,000 | $ | 3,680,389 | (5) | $ | 3,000,063 | $ | 2,014,920 | $ | 10,000 | (6) | $ | 10,442,372 | |||||||||||||
Executive Chairman |
2015 | $ | 1,727,423 | $ | 7,232,654 | $ | 5,749,850 | $ | 4,038,525 | $ | 7,500 | $ | 18,755,952 | |||||||||||||||
(Chairman and Chief Executive Officer until March 9, 2016) |
2014 | $ | 1,605,017 | $ | 8,386,205 | $ | 5,241,907 | $ | 3,717,365 | $ | 7,500 | $ | 18,957,994 | |||||||||||||||
Robin L. Washington |
2016 | $ | 900,385 | $ | 1,619,221 | (5) | $ | 1,599,971 | $ | 938,485 | $ | 10,000 | (6) | $ | 5,068,062 | |||||||||||||
Executive Vice President and |
2015 | $ | 860,384 | $ | 2,004,702 | $ | 1,600,153 | $ | 1,084,494 | $ | 7,500 | $ | 5,557,233 | |||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer |
2014 | $ | 797,601 | $ | 2,504,439 | $ | 1,947,382 | $ | 965,250 | $ | 8,820 | $ | 6,223,491 | |||||||||||||||
Norbert W. Bischofberger |
2016 | $ | 1,044,231 | $ | 1,935,730 | (5) | $ | 1,999,964 | $ | 1,179,544 | $ | 10,000 | (6) | $ | 6,169,469 | |||||||||||||
Executive Vice President, |
2015 | $ | 994,231 | $ | 2,576,436 | $ | 2,099,904 | $ | 1,275,000 | $ | 7,500 | $ | 6,953,071 | |||||||||||||||
Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer |
2014 | $ | 920,647 | $ | 2,905,986 | $ | 1,847,234 | $ | 1,111,500 | $ | 8,820 | $ | 6,794,187 | |||||||||||||||
Kevin Young(7) |
2016 | $ | 787,645 | $ | 1,911,323 | (8) | $ | 1,910,839 | $ | 954,293 | $ | 75,574 | (6)(9) | $ | 5,639,674 | |||||||||||||
Chief Operating Officer |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gregg H. Alton |
2016 | $ | 925,385 | $ | 1,695,597 | (5) | $ | 1,749,940 | $ | 944,648 | $ | 10,000 | (6) | $ | 5,325,570 | |||||||||||||
Executive Vice President, |
2015 | $ | 884,231 | $ | 2,159,154 | $ | 1,750,146 | $ | 1,134,750 | $ | 7,500 | $ | 5,935,781 | |||||||||||||||
Corporate and Medical Affairs |
2014 | $ | 814,300 | $ | 2,474,166 | $ | 1,697,336 | $ | 982,800 | $ | 8,702 | $ | 5,977,304 |
(1) | Includes amounts earned but deferred at the election of the Named Executive Officers pursuant to our 401(k) employee savings and retirement plan or our non-qualified deferred compensation plan. |
(2) | Represents the aggregate grant-date fair value of the stock options awarded to the Named Executive Officer for the applicable year, calculated in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (FASB ASC Topic 718), and does not take into account estimated forfeitures. Assumptions used in the calculation of such grant-date fair values are set forth in Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for such fiscal year. |
(3) | Represents amounts paid under our corporate bonus plan based on our Compensation Committees certification of corporate performance and individual achievements. |
(4) | Effective March 10, 2016, Dr. Milligan assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Martin, who served as Chief Executive Officer for part of the year, assumed the role of Executive Chairman. |
(5) | Represents the aggregate grant-date fair value of the performance shares determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The aggregate grant-date fair values of the awards reported for 2016 (the TSR tranche of the 2016 performance shares and the 2016 revenue subtranches of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 performance shares), assuming maximum attainment of the applicable performance goals in effect for those tranches and subtranches, are as follows: John F. Milligan ($5,949,222), John C. Martin ($5,860,899), Robin L. Washington ($2,438,457), Norbert W. Bischofberger ($2,871,290) and Gregg H. Alton ($2,516,514). As described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the revenue subtranches of the 2015 and 2016 performance shares for which performance objectives have not yet been set do not at present have a reportable grant-date fair value under FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of such grant-date fair values are set forth in Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for such fiscal year. The grant-date fair values assume maximum goal attainment only as to those tranches or subtranches that at present have a reportable grant-date fair value. |
Beginning with performance shares awarded in 2012, performance objectives have been set for only certain tranches of the awards granted in each year and the associated grant-date fair value of those tranches has been incorporated in the table above. Tranches for which performance objectives have not been set do not have a reportable grant-date fair value under FASB ASC Topic 718 and therefore, are not included in the table above. Thus: |
| amounts reported for 2014 reflect only the grant-date fair value of that portion of the award that is subject to a three-year TSR performance condition and the portion of the 2012, 2013 and 2014 award that is subject to the 2014 revenue goal; |
| amounts reported for 2015 reflect the grant-date fair value of that portion of the award that is subject to a three-year TSR performance condition, and the portions of the 2013, 2014 and 2015 awards that are subject to the 2015 revenue goal; and |
| amounts reported for 2016 reflect the grant-date fair value of that portion of the award that is subject to a three-year TSR performance condition, and the portions of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 awards that are subject to the 2016 revenue goal. |
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See footnotes 6, 7 and 9 to the 2016 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table on page 79 for a detailed description of the terms of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 performance shares. |
Because of these financial accounting reporting rules, the value of revenue-based performance shares reported in the Summary Compensation Table for 2016 includes awards our Compensation Committee approved in 2014 and 2015. This reported value differs from the award values approved by our Compensation Committee because of changes in our stock price between the date of such approval and the time when the performance objectives are established. For example, the revenue-based performance share award value approved by our Compensation Committee for Dr. Milligan in 2016 was $2.8 million compared to the $1.6 million required reporting value reported as 2016 compensation in the Summary Compensation Table. The chart below summarizes the difference between the revenue-based performance share award value approved by our Compensation Committee for Dr. Milligan in each year compared to the fair value of revenue-based performance share awards as required to be reported for Dr. Milligan in the Summary Compensation Table for each year: |
(a) | Number of shares and corresponding value reflects only those shares subject to the revenue-based performance shares and therefore do not match the stock values in the Summary Compensation Table, as those also include the value of the TSR tranche. |
(6) | Includes matching contributions made by us on such individuals behalf to the 401(k) employee savings and retirement plan. |
(7) | Mr. Young was not one of our Named Executive Officers in 2014 and 2015. Mr. Young was appointed as our Chief Operating Officer effective May 24, 2016. |
(8) | Represents the aggregate grant-date fair value of the restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Young under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan during 2016, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and does not take into account estimated forfeitures (See footnote 10 to the 2016 Grants of Plan-Based Awards table on page 79 for a detailed description of the terms of the awards). Assumptions used in the calculation of such grant-date fair values are set forth in Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for such fiscal year. |
(9) | Includes $65,574 for air travel to commute between Mr. Youngs residence and our Foster City office. |
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2016 GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
The following table sets forth certain additional information regarding grants of plan-based awards to our Named Executive Officers for the 2016 fiscal year:
Name |
Award Type |
Grant Date |
Approval Date(3) |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2) |
All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options(4) |
Exercise or Base Price of Option Award(4) |
Grant- Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Award(5) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Threshold | Target | Maximum | Threshold | Target | Maximum | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
John F. Milligan |
2014 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 868 | 4,340 | (6) | 8,680 | | | $ | 364,777 | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 756 | 3,783 | (7) | 7,566 | | | $ | 317,961 | (7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 option awards | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | | | | 235,820 | $ | 84.05 | $ | 5,500,077 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 3,102 | 47,727 | (9) | 95,454 | | | $ | 3,667,012 | (8)(9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonus | N/A | N/A | | $ | 2,250,000 | $ | 3,375,000 | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
John C. Martin |
2014 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 2,170 | 10,850 | (6) | 21,700 | | | $ | 911,943 | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 1,829 | 9,143 | (7) | 18,286 | | | $ | 768,469 | (7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 option awards | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | | | | 128,630 | $ | 84.05 | $ | 3,000,063 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 1,692 | 26,030 | (9) | 52,060 | | | $ | 1,999,978 | (8)(9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonus | N/A | N/A | | $ | 1,737,000 | $ | 2,605,500 | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Robin L. Washington |
2014 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 806 | 4,030 | (6) | 8,060 | | | $ | 338,806 | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 509 | 2,543 | (7) | 5,086 | | | $ | 213,739 | (7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 option awards | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | | | | 68,600 | $ | 84.05 | $ | 1,599,972 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 902 | 13,883 | (9) | 27,766 | | | $ | 1,066,677 | (8)(9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonus | N/A | N/A | | $ | 769,250 | $ | 1,153,875 | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Norbert W. Bischofberger |
2014 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 765 | 3,823 | (6) | 7,646 | | | $ | 321,407 | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 668 | 3,340 | (7) | 6,680 | | | $ | 280,727 | (7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 option awards | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | | | | 85,750 | $ | 84.05 | $ | 1,999,964 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 1,128 | 17,357 | (9) | 34,714 | | | $ | 1,333,596 | (8)(9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonus | N/A | N/A | | $ | 997,500 | $ | 1,496,250 | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kevin Young |
2016 option awards | 2/10/2016 | 2/10/2016 | | | | | | | 7,715 | $ | 87.80 | $ | 160,632 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 restricted stock unit awards | 2/10/2016 | 2/10/2016 | | | | | 1,830 | (10) | | | | $ | 160,674 | (10) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 option awards | 6/10/2016 | 5/22/2016 | | | | | | | 83,880 | $ | 84.45 | $ | 1,750,207 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 performance shares | 6/10/2016 | 5/22/2016 | | | | | 20,730 | (10) | | | | $ | 1,750,649 | (10) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonus | N/A | N/A | | $ | 997,500 | $ | 1,496,250 | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gregg H. Alton |
2014 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 703 | 3,513 | (6) | 7,026 | | | $ | 295,352 | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 557 | 2,783 | (7) | 5,566 | | | $ | 233,911 | (7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 option awards | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | | | | 75,030 | $ | 84.05 | $ | 1,749,940 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2016 performance shares | 2/1/2016 | 1/28/2016 | | | | 987 | 15,180 | (9) | 30,360 | | | $ | 1,166,335 | (8)(9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonus | N/A | N/A | | $ | 790,500 | $ | 1,185,750 | | | | | | |
(1) | Actual amounts paid in February 2017 were based on our Compensation Committees review and certification of corporate performance and individual achievements in 2016 and are included in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table on page 77. |
(2) | Performance shares and restricted stock unit awards granted under the 2004 Plan accrue forfeitable dividend equivalents that are subject to the same vesting and other terms and conditions as the corresponding performance shares and restricted stock unit awards. Dividend equivalents are accumulated and paid in cash when the underlying shares vest. Amounts in the Threshold |
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column represent the number of shares of our common stock issuable (e.g., 20% of the target number of performance shares allotted to the revenue subtranche and 2.5% of the target number of performance shares allotted to the TSR tranche) upon threshold-level achievement of the performance goals described in footnotes 6 through 9 below. If threshold-level performance is not achieved, no shares are issuable. |
(3) | These awards, with the exception of those to Mr. Young, were approved by the Compensation Committee on January 28, 2016 with a grant date of February 1, 2016. The options and awards to Mr. Young were approved on February 10, 2016 and May 22, 2016 with grant dates of February 10, 2016 and June 10, 2016, respectively. |
(4) | Reflects option awards granted under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, the terms of which are consistent with those of options granted to other employees under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. The options vest at the rate of 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date and 6.25% each quarter thereafter during the optionees employment over the next 36 months thereafter. Subject to earlier forfeiture, the maximum term of options granted under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan is 10 years. The exercise price per share of each option granted to individuals other than Mr. Young was equal to the closing market price of our common stock on February 1, 2016, the grant date. The exercise price per share for options granted to Mr. Young was equal to the closing market price of our common stock on February 10, 2016 and June 10, 2016, the respective grant date. |
(5) | Represents the grant-date fair value of each performance share and option award, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, and does not take into account estimated forfeitures. The grant-date fair value of the performance shares awarded is based on the probable outcome at 100% target level attainment of one or more pre-established performance objectives and the assumptions used in the calculation of the grant-date fair value of options are set forth in Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for such fiscal year. |
Performance objectives have been set for only certain tranches of the awards granted in each year and the associated grant-date fair value of those tranches has been incorporated in the table above. The performance objectives for subtranche 3 of the revenue tranche of the 2015 performance shares and subtranches 2 and 3 of the revenue tranche of the 2016 performance shares had not been set as of the close of the 2016 fiscal year, and therefore, they do not have a reportable grant-date fair value under FASB ASC Topic 718 and are not included in the Summary Compensation Table or the table above. See footnotes 6 through 9 below for a detailed description of the terms of the related performance shares.
(6) | Represents the grant-date fair value of the 2016 revenue subtranche of performance shares awarded in 2014 under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, as that value was measured on February 1, 2016, which was the date on which the revenue target for that particular subtranche was first communicated to the Named Executive Officer (following approval by the Compensation Committee). Although such subtranche was part of the performance share award originally made on February 1, 2014, no grant-date fair value could be determined for that subtranche under FASB ASC Topic 718 until February 1, 2016. The 2014 performance shares were divided into two separate equally-weighted tranches (based on number of shares granted). The performance-based vesting requirement for the first tranche was set by the Compensation Committee on the original February 1, 2014 award date and is tied to the percentile level of our total shareholder return (TSR) for the three-year performance period from February 1, 2014 through January 31, 2017 relative to the TSR realized for that same period by the companies comprising three subsets of the S&P Health Sub-Index. To receive any shares of our common stock accrued pursuant to this TSR tranche, an executive officer must remain employed with us through the date following the completion of the performance period on which our Compensation Committee certifies the TSR level attained. |
The performance-based vesting requirement for the second tranche of each performance award is divided into three equal subtranches, each with its own one-year performance period and applicable service period of one or more specified years, as follows:
| The performance-based vesting requirement for the first subtranche was the achievement of the target level of consolidated net product revenue for the 2014 calendar fiscal year as set by our Compensation Committee. The grant-date fair value of that particular subtranche was measured on February 1, 2014, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Any shares accrued on the basis of revenue goal attainment for this subtranche are also subject to a service-vesting condition that requires continued service from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2016. |
| The performance-based vesting requirement for the second subtranche is the achievement of the target level of consolidated net product revenue for the 2015 calendar fiscal year as set by our Compensation Committee. The grant-date fair value of that particular subtranche was measured on February 1, 2015, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Any shares accrued on the basis of revenue goal attainment for this subtranche are also subject to a service-vesting condition that requires continued service from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016. |
| The performance-based vesting requirement for the final subtranche is the achievement of the target level of consolidated net product revenue for the 2016 calendar fiscal year as set by our Compensation Committee. The grant-date fair value of that particular subtranche was measured on February 1, 2016, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Any shares accrued on the basis of revenue goal attainment for this subtranche are also subject to a service-vesting condition that requires continued service from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. |
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(7) | Represents the grant-date fair value of the 2016 revenue subtranche of performance shares awarded in 2015 under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, as that value was measured on February 1, 2016, which was the date on which the revenue target for that particular subtranche was first communicated to the Named Executive Officer (following approval by the Compensation Committee). Although such subtranche was part of the performance share award originally made on February 1, 2015, no grant-date fair value could be determined for that subtranche under FASB ASC Topic 718 until February 1, 2016. The 2015 performance shares were divided into two separate equally-weighted TSR and revenue tranches (based on grant-date fair value) similar to the description of the 2014 performance shares in footnote 6 above. Any shares accrued on the basis of the applicable level of TSR goal attainment are also subject to a service-vesting condition that requires continued service with us through the date following the completion of the performance period on which our Compensation Committee certifies the TSR level attained. The TSR three-year performance period is from February 1, 2015 through January 31, 2018. Any shares accrued on the basis of the applicable level of revenue goal attainment are also subject to a service-vesting condition that requires continued service with us from January 1st of the applicable revenue year through the Certification Date. |
Since the revenue goal for the third and final subtranche of the 2015 performance share award had not been set by the Compensation Committee as of the close of the 2016 fiscal year, that subtranche does not have a determinable grant-date fair value under FASB ASC Topic 718 for the 2016 fiscal year.
(8) | As described in footnote 5 of the Summary Compensation Table on page 77, only approximately two-thirds of the value of performance shares awarded in 2016 appears in the Summary Compensation Table and the Grants of Plans Based Awards Table. The value of performance shares awarded for 2016 is as set forth below: |
Executive Officer |
PSU Award Value Approved By The Compensation Committee |
Performance Shares (# of Shares) at Target |
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2016 | 2015 | TSR | Revenue | Individual performance goals |
||||||||||||||||
Dr. Milligan |
$ | 5,500,000 | $ | 2,380,000 | 36,820 | 32,720 | | |||||||||||||
Dr. Martin |
$ | 3,000,000 | $ | 5,750,000 | 20,080 | 17,850 | | |||||||||||||
Ms. Washington |
$ | 1,600,000 | $ | 1,600,000 | 10,710 | 9,520 | | |||||||||||||
Dr. Bischofberger |
$ | 2,000,000 | $ | 2,100,000 | 13,390 | 11,900 | | |||||||||||||
Mr. Young |
$ | 1,750,000 | | | | 20,730 | ||||||||||||||
Mr. Alton |
$ | 1,750,000 | $ | 1,750,000 | 11,710 | 10,410 | |
(9) | Reflects 2016 performance shares granted under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan which were divided into two separate equally-weighted TSR and revenue tranches (based on grant-date fair value) similar to the descriptions of the 2014 and 2015 performance shares in footnotes 6 and 7 above. The performance-based vesting requirement for the first revenue subtranche is our achievement of the target level of consolidated net product revenue for the 2016 calendar fiscal year that was established by our Compensation Committee at the time the award was made. The grant-date fair value reported for this award in the above table represents the grant-date fair value of the TSR tranche and the first revenue subtranche. Any shares accrued on the basis of the applicable level of TSR goal attainment are also subject to a service-vesting condition that requires continued service with us through the date following the completion of the performance period on which our Compensation Committee certifies the TSR level attained. The TSR three-year performance period is from February 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018. Any shares accrued on the basis of the applicable level of revenue goal attainment are also subject to a service-vesting condition that requires continued service with us from January 1st of the applicable revenue year through the Certification Date. |
Since the revenue goals for the second and third subtranches of the 2016 performance share award had not been set by the Compensation Committee as of the close of the 2016 fiscal year, those subtranches do not have a determinable grant-date fair value under FASB ASC Topic 718 for the 2016 fiscal year.
(10) | Represents restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Young under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. The award with a grant date of February 10, 2016 was granted to Mr. Young prior to his appointment as the Chief Operating Officer contains terms that are consistent with time-based restricted stock awards under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan. The award with a grant date of June 10, 2016 was divided into three tranches with the vesting of each tranche tied to the attainment of specified individual performance objectives and Mr. Youngs continued employment for each tranche. |