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A.
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Overview and Objectives
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A- 3
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B.
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Base Salary and Benefits
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A- 4
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C.
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Cash Bonuses (Excluding Directors)
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A-6
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D.
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Equity-Based Compensation
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A- 7
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E.
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Retirement and Termination of Service Arrangements (Excluding Directors)
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A- 9
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F.
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Exemption, Indemnification and Insurance
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A- 10
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G.
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Arrangements upon Change of Control
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A-11
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H.
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Board of Directors Compensation
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A- 11
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I.
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Miscellaneous
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A-12
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1. |
Introduction
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2. |
Objectives
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2.1. |
To closely align the interests of the Executive Officers with those of Sol-Gel's shareholders in order to enhance shareholder value;
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2.2. |
To provide the Executive Officers with a structured compensation package, while creating a balance between the fixed components, i.e., the base salaries and benefits, and the variable
compensation, such as bonuses and equity-based compensation in order to minimize potential conflicts between the interests of Executive Officers and those of Sol-Gel;
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2.3. |
To strengthen the retention and the motivation of Executive Officers in the short and long term.
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2.4. |
This Compensation Policy was prepared taking into account the Company's nature, size and business and financial characteristics.
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3. |
Compensation structure and instruments
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Base salary;
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Benefits and perquisites;
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Cash bonuses (short-to-medium term incentive);
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Equity based compensation (medium-to-long term incentive); and
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Retirement and termination of service arrangements payments.
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4. |
Overall Compensation - Ratio Between Fixed and Variable Compensation
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5. |
Intra-Company Compensation Ratio
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Position
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Ratio between the Executive Officers Cost and the average Other Employees Cost
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Ratio between the Executive Officers Cost and the median Other Employees Cost
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CEO
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8.12
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10.64
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Other Executive Officers
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3.12
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4.16
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1
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Based on the fair value on the date of grant, calculated annually, on a linear basis.
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6. |
Base Salary
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6.1. |
The Base Salary varies between Executive Officers, is individually determined by the Company (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the CEO, also the Company's general meeting of
shareholders) and may be considered and adjusted by the Company (subject to the approvals of the abovementioned organs) on a periodically basis, according to, among others, the educational background,
prior vocational experience, expertise and qualifications, role, business authorities and responsibilities, past performance and previous compensation arrangements of such Executive Officer, as well as the Company's financial state and cash
position and any requirements or restrictions prescribed by any applicable legislation, from time to time. When determining the Base Salary, the Company may also decide to consider, at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee and
the Board and as required, the prevailing pay levels in the relevant market, Base Salary and the total compensation package of comparable Executive Officers in the Company, the proportion between the Executive Officer's compensation package
and the salaries of other employees in the Company and specifically the median and average salaries and the effect of such proportions on the work relations in the Company.
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7. |
Benefits
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7.1. |
In addition to the Base Salary, the following benefits may be granted to the Executive Officers (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the CEO- also the Company's general meeting pf
shareholders), in order, among other things, to comply with legal requirements. It shall be clarified, that the list below is an open list and Sol-Gel (subject to the abovementioned required approvals) may grant to its Executive Officers
other similar, comparable or customary benefits, subject to the applicable law. In addition, Executive Officers employed outside of Israel may receive other similar, comparable or customary benefits as applicable in the relevant
jurisdiction in which they are employed.
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Vacation days in accordance with market practice and the applicable law, up to a cap of 30 days per annum;
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Sick days in accordance with market practice and the applicable law; However, the Company may decide to cover sick days from the first day;
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Convalescence pay according to the applicable law;
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Medical Insurance in accordance with market practice and the applicable law;
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With respect to Executive Officers employed in Israel: monthly remuneration for a study fund ("Keren Hishtalmut"), as allowed by applicable tax law and with reference to Sol-Gel’s practice and common market practice;
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Pension and savings – according to local market practices and legislation;
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Disability insurance – the Company may purchase disability insurance, according to applicable legislation.
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7.2. |
Sol-Gel may offer additional benefits to its Executive Officers, including but not limited to: communication, company car and travel benefits, insurances and other benefits (such as newspaper
subscriptions, academic and professional studies), etc., including their gross up.
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7.3. |
Sol-Gel may reimburse its Executive Officers for reasonable work-related expenses incurred as part of their activities, including without limitations, meeting participation expenses, reimbursement of business travel, including a daily
stipend when traveling and accommodation expenses. Sol-Gel may provide advance payments to its Executive Officers in connection with work-related expenses.
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8. |
Signing Bonus
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9. |
Annual Bonuses
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9.1. |
The annual bonus that may be paid to the Executive Officers for any fiscal year shall not exceed twelve (12) monthly Base Salaries to the CEO, and six (6) monthly Base Salaries to any other Executive Officer.
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9.2. |
CEO
The annual bonus to the CEO will be based mainly on measurable criteria, and with respect to its less significant part shall be determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and the Board, in
accordance with the following:
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Position
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Company/Individual
Performance Measures |
Company's
Discretion
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CEO
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75%-100%
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0%-25%
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9.3. |
Other Executive Officers (Excluding CEO and Directors)
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10. |
Special Bonuses
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11. |
Additional Provisions Relating to Cash Bonuses
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11.1. |
Pro Rata Payment
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11.2. |
Compensation Recovery ("Clawback")
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11.2.2. |
In the event of an accounting restatement, Sol-Gel shall be entitled to recover from its Executive Officers the bonus compensation in the amount in which such bonus exceeded what would have been paid under the financial statements, as
restated ("Compensation Recovery"), provided that a claim is made by Sol-Gel prior to the third anniversary of fiscal year end of the restated financial statements.
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11.2.3. |
Notwithstanding the aforesaid, the Compensation Recovery will not be triggered in the following events:
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The financial restatement is required due to changes in the applicable financial reporting standards; or
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The Company (subject to any required approval by the applicable law) has determined that clawback proceedings in the specific case would be impossible, impractical or not commercially or legally efficient; or
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The amount to be paid under the clawback proceedings is less than 10% of the relevant bonus received by the Executive Officer.
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11.2.4. |
It shall be clarified, that Sol-Gel shall not be entitled to Compensation Recovery with respect to equity-based compensation granted to its Executive Officers.
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11.3. |
Reduction or Postponement
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12. |
General and Objectives
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12.1. |
The Company (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the Company's directors and CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) may grant from time to time equity-based
compensation which will be individually determined and awarded according to, inter alia, the performance, educational background, prior business experience, qualifications, role and the personal
responsibilities of the Executive Officer. Equity-based compensation may also be awarded to the Company's directors, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Executive Chairman, provided that such directors do not also serve as officers
in the Company.
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12.2. |
The main objectives of the equity-based compensation is to enhance the alignment between the Executive Officers' and directors' interests with the long term interests of Sol-Gel and its shareholders, and to strengthen the retention and
the motivation of Executive Officers in the medium-to-long term. In addition, since equity-based awards are structured to vest over several years, their incentive value to recipients is aligned with longer-term strategic plans.
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12.3. |
The equity based compensation offered by Sol-Gel is intended to be in a form of options exercisable into shares, restricted shares and/or other equity based awards, such as restricted share units (RSUs), in accordance with the Company's
incentive plan in place as may be updated from time to time.2
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13. |
Fair Market Value
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14. |
Taxation Regime
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15. |
Exercise Period
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2 |
The equity based compensation is based on the fair value on the date of grant, calculated annually, on a linear basis.
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3 |
Calculated annually, on a linear basis.
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16. |
Vesting
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17. |
For details regarding ceilings with respect to director's equity-based compensation see section 29 below.
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18. |
General
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19. |
Advanced Notice Period
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19.1. |
Sol-Gel (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) may provide each Executive Officer (excluding directors), pursuant to an
Executive Officer's employment agreement and according to the Company's decision per each case, a prior notice of termination of up to six (6) months, except for the CEO whose prior notice may be of up to twelve (12) months (the "Advance Notice Period"). During the Advance Notice Period, the Executive Officer may be entitled to all of the compensation elements, and to the continuation of vesting of his/her options, restricted
shares, RSUs and/or any other equity based awards.
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19.2. |
During the Advance Notice Period, an Executive Officer will be required to keep performing his/her duties pursuant to his/her agreement with the Company, unless the Company (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the
Board, and with respect to the CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) has waived the Executive Officer’s services to the Company during the Advance Notice Period and pay the amount payable in lieu of notice, plus the value
of benefits.
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19.3. |
In the event of a change of control in the Company, the Company (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) may decide to extend
the Advance Notice Period as provided in section 19.1 above (and the compensation paid for such Advance Notice Period, accordingly) to up to two times the original Advance Notice Period of the Executive Officer, in accordance with the
applicable law as of that time.
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20. |
Adjustment Period/Retirement Bonus
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21. |
Additional Retirement and Termination Benefits
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22. |
Exemption
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23. |
Indemnification
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24. |
Insurance
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24.1. |
Sol-Gel (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the Company's directors and CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) will provide "Directors’ and Officers’ Liability
Insurance" (the "Insurance Policy"), as well as a "run off" insurance policy for its Executive Officers as follows:
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The limit of liability of the insurer shall be up to $75 million per event and in the aggregate in the insurance period.
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The Insurance Policy, as well as the limit of liability and the premium for each extension or renewal shall be approved by the Company, which shall determine (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with
respect to the Company's directors and CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) that the sums are reasonable considering Sol-Gel's exposures, the scope of coverage and the market conditions and that the Insurance Policy
reflects the current market conditions, and it shall not materially affect the Company's profitability, assets or liabilities.
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The policy will also cover the liability of the controlling shareholders due to their positions as Executive Officers in the Company, from time to time, provided that the coverage terms in this respect do not exceed those of the other
Executive Officers in the Company.
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25. |
The following benefits may be granted to the Executive Officers in addition to the benefits applicable in the case of any retirement or termination of service upon a "Change of Control" following of which the employment of the Executive
Officer is terminated or adversely adjusted in a material way:
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25.1. |
Vesting acceleration of outstanding options, restricted shares, restricted share units (RSUs) and/or other equity based awards.
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25.2. |
Extension of the exercising period of options, restricted shares, restricted share units (RSUs) and/or other equity based awards for Sol-Gel’s Executive Officers for a period of up to five (5) years, following the date of termination of
employment.
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25.3. |
An Advance Notice Period, in accordance with section 19.3 above.
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25.4. |
An Adjustment period/retirement bonus in accordance with section 20 above, of up to twelve (12) months of Employment Cost.
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26. |
The compensation of the Company's directors shall be in accordance with the amounts provided in the Companies Regulations (Rules Regarding the Compensation and Expenses of an External Director) of 2000, as amended by the Companies
Regulations (Relief for Public Companies Traded in Stock Exchange Outside of Israel) of 2000, as such regulations may be amended from time to time, or in accordance with section 27 below, subject to any required approvals by the applicable
law.
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27. |
The compensation of the Company's directors (including external directors and independent directors) shall not exceed the following:
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27.1. |
Base payment of $45,000 per year (the "Base Payment");
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27.2. |
Chairman of the Board- an additional amount of $25,000 per year to the Base Payment;
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27.3. |
Committee Chairman- an additional amount of $10,000 per year to the Base Payment;
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27.4. |
Committee member- an additional amount of $5,000 per year to the Base Payment;
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28. |
In addition, the Company may engage with its directors (excluding external and independent directors) for the receipt of consulting services and/or other special services, for a consideration of up to $1,000 per day, plus reasonable
expense reimbursement. Such compensation shall be paid for a maximum of 6 days per year for each director.
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29. |
Directors may be granted equity-based compensation in accordance with the applicable principles detailed in section D of this Policy, and subject to the provisions of the Companies Law and the regulations thereunder.4
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29.1. |
Director: $55,000 per year (the "Equity Compensation");
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29.2. |
Chairman of the Board- an additional amount of $55,000 per year to the Equity Compensation;
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29.3. |
Committee Chairman- an additional amount of $10,000 per year per year to the Equity Compensation;
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29.4. |
Committee member- an additional amount of $5,000 per year to the Equity Compensation;
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30. |
Sol-Gel's external and independent directors may be entitled to reimbursement of expenses in accordance with the Companies Law and the regulations thereunder.
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31. |
This Policy is designed solely for the benefit of Sol-Gel. Nothing in this Compensation Policy shall be deemed to grant any of Sol-Gel’s Executive Officers or employees or any third party any right or privilege in connection with their
employment by the Company and their compensation thereof. Such rights and privileges, to which Executive Officers or employees serving in the Company or that will serve in the Company in the future, are entitled for, shall be governed by
the respective personal employment agreements.
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32. |
This Policy is subject to applicable law and is not intended, and should not be interpreted as limiting or derogating from, provisions of applicable law to the extent not permitted, nor should it be interpreted as limiting or derogating
from the Company’s Articles of Association.
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33. |
This Policy is not intended to affect current agreements nor affect obligating customs (if applicable) between the Company and its Executive Officers as such may exist prior to the approval of this Compensation Policy, subject to any
applicable law.
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34. |
In the event of amendments made to the Companies Law or any regulations promulgated thereunder providing relief in connection with Sol-Gel’s compensation to its Executive Officers, Sol-Gel may elect to act pursuant to such relief without
regard to any contradiction with this Policy.
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35. |
The Company (subject to any required approvals by the applicable law) may determine that none or only part of the payments, benefits and perquisites shall be granted, and is authorized to cancel or suspend a compensation package or part
of it.
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36. |
An immaterial change in the terms of office of Executive Officers (excluding directors, a controlling shareholder or a controlling shareholder's relative) during the term of this Compensation Policy, will be subject to the approval of
the Company's CEO only (changes in the terms of office of the CEO shall be approved in accordance with the Companies Law). An immaterial change in this matter shall be deemed to be a change that does not exceed 5% of the annual Employment
Cost with respect to the employment of such an Executive Officer in the Company, subject to the conditions prescribed in this Compensation Policy.
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37. |
It should be clarified, that the compensation components detailed in this Policy do not relate to various components that the Company may provide to all or part of its employees and/or its Executive Officers, such as: parking spaces,
entry permits for its assets, reimbursement for meals and accommodation expenses, vacations, company events, etc.
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4 |
The equity based compensation is based on the fair value on the date of grant, calculated annually, on a linear basis.
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5 |
Based on the fair value on the date of grant, calculated annually, on a linear basis.
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