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A- 3
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A- 5
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A-6
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A- 8
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A- 10
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A- 10
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A-11
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A- 12
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A-13
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| 1. |
Introduction
|
| 2. |
Objectives
|
| 2.1. |
To closely align the interests of the Executive Officers with those of Sol-Gel's shareholders in order to enhance shareholder value;
|
| 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;
|
| 2.3. |
To strengthen the retention and the motivation of Executive Officers in the short and long term.
|
| 2.4. |
This Compensation Policy was prepared taking into account the Company's nature, size and business and financial characteristics.
|
| 3. |
Compensation structure and instruments
|
| • |
Base salary;
|
| • |
Benefits
and perquisites;
|
| • |
Cash bonuses (short-to-medium term incentive);
|
| • |
Equity based compensation (medium-to-long term incentive); and
|
| • |
Retirement and termination of service arrangements payments.
|
| 4. |
Overall Compensation - Ratio Between Fixed and Variable Compensation
|
| 5. |
Intra-Company Compensation Ratio
|
| 6. |
| 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.
|
| 6.2. |
Position: Company CEO in Israel.
|
| 6.3. |
The monthly Base Salary for the Company CEO resident is Israel shall not exceed NIS 120,000 for a full time position. The total fixed and variable compensation
(including equity based compensation) payable to the Company CEO shall not exceed NIS 5 million per year. Such maximum amounts may be increased from time to time based on increases in the Israeli Consumer Price Index from the date of approval
of this Policy. For purposes of calculating the total fixed and variable compensation payable to the Company CEO each year, the value of any equity award granted to the Company CEO determined on the date of Board approval will be allocated
equally over the number of years during which such equity award vests.
|
| 6.4. |
Position: Executive Officers in Israel (other than Board member or CEO)
The monthly Base Salary for Executive Officers (other than Board member or CEO) resident in Israel shall not exceed
NIS 90,000 for a full time position. Such maximum amount may be increased from time to time based on increases in the Israeli Consumer Price Index from the date of approval of this Policy.
|
| 6.5. |
Position: Company CEO in the U.S. or other location outside of Israel
The annual Base Salary for the Company CEO resident in the U.S. or another location outside of Israel shall be
determined by the shareholders pursuant to applicable law.
|
| 6.6. |
Position: Officers in the U.S. or other location outside of Israel (other than Board member or CEO).
The annual Base Salary for the Executive Officers (other than Board member or CEO) resident in the U.S. or other
location outside of Israel shall not exceed USD 400,000 for a full time position. Such amount may be linked to increases in the Consumer Price Index in the U.S. (or in such other location, as the case may be) from the date of approval of
this Policy.
|
| 7. |
Benefits
|
| 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.
|
| • |
Vacation days in accordance with market practice and the applicable law, up to a cap of 30 days per annum;
|
| • |
Sick days in accordance with market practice and the applicable law; However, the Company may decide to cover sick days from the first day;
|
| • |
Convalescence pay according to the applicable law;
|
| 1 |
Based on the fair value on the date of grant, calculated annually, on a linear basis.
|
| • |
Medical Insurance in accordance with market practice and the applicable law;
|
| • |
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;
|
| • |
Pension and savings – according to local market practices and legislation;
|
| • |
Disability insurance – the Company may purchase disability insurance, according to applicable legislation.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 8. |
Signing Bonus
|
| 9. |
Annual Bonuses
|
| 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.
|
| 9.2. |
CEO
|
|
Position
|
Company/Individual
Performance Measures |
Company's Discretion
|
|
CEO
|
75%-100%
|
0%-25%
|
| 9.3. |
Other Executive Officers (Excluding CEO and Directors)
|
| 10. |
Special Bonuses
|
| 11. |
Additional Provisions Relating to Cash Bonuses
|
| 11.1. |
Pro Rata Payment
|
| 11.2. |
Compensation Recovery ("Clawback")
|
| 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.
|
| 11.2.3. |
Notwithstanding the aforesaid, the Compensation Recovery will not be triggered in the following events:
|
| • |
The financial restatement is required due to changes in the applicable financial reporting standards; or
|
| • |
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
|
| • |
The amount to be paid under the clawback proceedings is less than 10% of the relevant bonus received by the Executive Officer.
|
| 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.
|
| 11.3. |
Reduction or Postponement
|
| 12. |
General and Objectives
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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
|
| 13. |
Fair Market Value
|
| 2 |
The equity based compensation is based on the fair value on the date of approval of the Board, calculated annually, on a linear basis.
|
| 3 |
Calculated annually, on a linear basis.
|
| 14. |
Taxation Regime
|
| 15. |
Exercise Period
|
| 16. |
Vesting
|
| 17. |
For details regarding ceilings with respect to director's equity-based compensation see section 29 below.
|
| 18. |
General
|
| 19. |
Advanced Notice Period
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 20. |
Adjustment Period/Retirement Bonus
|
| 21. |
Additional Retirement and Termination Benefits
|
| 22. |
Exemption
|
| 23. |
Indemnification
|
| 24. |
Insurance
|
| 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:
|
| • |
The annual premium to be paid by Sol-Gel shall not exceed $1.5 million of the aggregate coverage of the Insurance Policy;
|
| • |
The limit of liability of the insurer shall be up to $75 million per event and in the aggregate in the insurance period.
|
| • |
The deductible amount per each claim shall not exceed $5 million.
|
| • |
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.
|
| • |
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.
|
| 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:
|
| 25.1. |
Vesting acceleration of outstanding options, restricted shares, restricted share units (RSUs) and/or other equity based awards.
|
| 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.
|
| 25.3. |
An Advance Notice Period, in accordance with section 19.3 above.
|
| 25.4. |
An Adjustment period/retirement bonus in accordance with section 20 above, of up to twelve
(12) months of Employment Cost.
|
| 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.
|
| 27. |
The compensation of the Company's directors (including external directors and independent directors) shall not exceed the following:
|
| 27.1. |
Base payment of $58,000 per year (the "Base Payment");
|
| 27.2. |
Chairman of the Board- an additional amount of $32,000 per year to the Base Payment;
|
| 27.3. |
Committee Chairman- an additional amount of $13,000 per year to the Base Payment;
|
| 27.4. |
Committee member- an additional amount of $6,500 per year to the Base Payment;
|
| 28. |
Following June 23, 2023, the maximum compensation of the Company's directors (including external directors and independent directors) will increase by 15% and shall not
exceed the following:
|
| 28.1. |
Base payment of $67,275 per year (the "Base Payment");
|
| 28.2. |
Chairman of the Board- an additional amount of $37,375 per year to the Base Payment;
|
| 28.3. |
Committee Chairman- an additional amount of $14,950 per year to the Base Payment; and
|
| 28.4. |
Committee member- an additional amount of $7,475 per year to the Base Payment.
|
| 29. |
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.
|
| 30. |
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
|
| 31. |
Equity based-compensation granted to the Company’s directors shall not exceed 50% of the total cash compensation paid to the Company’s directors pursuant to Section 27.5
|
| 32. |
Sol-Gel's external and independent directors may be entitled to reimbursement of expenses
in accordance with the Companies Law and the regulations thereunder.
|
| 4 |
The equity based compensation is based on the fair value on the date of approval of the Board, calculated annually, on a linear basis.
|
| 5 |
Based on the fair value on the date of grant, calculated annually, on a linear basis.
|
| 33. |
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.
|
| 34. |
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.
|
| 35. |
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.
|
| 36. |
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.
|
| 37. |
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.
|
| 38. |
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.
|
| 39. |
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.
|