This Compensation Discussion & Analysis (“CD&A”) outlines our compensation philosophy, objectives and processes for our executive officers. It explains how we make executive compensation decisions, the data we use and the reasoning behind the decisions that we make.
Following the CD&A are tables and other information that explain the compensation for our executive officers, including discussion of the potential compensation of our executive officers following termination of employment under different situations.
These tables and narratives assist us in communicating our compensation plans to our stockholders.
Our compensation philosophy extends to all employees, including executive officers, and is designed to align employee and stockholder interests. The philosophy’s objective is to pay fairly based upon the employee’s position, experience, individual performance and Company performance. Employees may be rewarded through additional compensation when the Company meets or exceeds targeted business objectives. Generally, under our compensation philosophy, as an employee’s level of responsibility increases, a greater portion of his or her total potential compensation becomes contingent upon annual performance.
Review of Executive Officer Compensation
The Compensation Committee (the “Committee” with respect to this section of the proxy statement) determines the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and delegates to him the responsibility to determine the base salaries and bonuses of all officers other than the Chief Executive Officer under the constraints of an overall limitation on the total amount of compensation to be paid to them.
Our current policy is that the various elements of the compensation package are not interrelated in that gains or losses from past equity incentives are not factored into the determination of other compensation. For instance, if options that are granted in a previous year become underwater the next year, the Committee does not take that into consideration in determining the amount of the bonus, options or restricted stock to be granted the next year. Similarly, if the options or restricted shares granted in a previous year become extremely valuable, the Committee does not take that into consideration in determining the bonus, options or restricted stock to be awarded for the next year. In addition, the amount of a cash bonus does not affect the number of options or restricted stock that is granted during a particular year. A subcommittee of the Committee, comprised of independent directors, determines grants of options and stock to our executive officers.
We have no policy with regard to the adjustment or recovery of awards or payments if our relevant performance measures upon which they are based are restated or otherwise adjusted in a manner that would reduce the size of an award or payment.
Components of Compensation—Executive Officers
Our executive officers are compensated through the following four components:
| • | | Base Salary |
| • | | Annual Incentive Compensation |
| • | | Long-Term Incentives (stock options and/or grants of stock) |
| • | | Benefits |
These components provide a balanced mix of base compensation and compensation that is contingent upon each executive officer’s individual performance and Company performance. A goal of the compensation program is to provide executive officers with a reasonable level of security through base salary and benefits, while rewarding them through incentive compensation to achieve business objectives and create stockholder value. We want to ensure that our compensation programs are appropriately designed to encourage executive officer retention and motivation to create stockholder value.
Base salaries, benefits and incentive compensation opportunities are generally targeted between the median and 75th percentile of general survey market data derived from indices covering these same components for generic pharmaceutical companies of various sizes. Included in this review were direct competitor companies. The companies represented may have brand segments within its business to complement its generic pharmaceutical segments. Others within the group may solely be generic pharmaceutical companies. The companies include Actavis Group, Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc., Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited, Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc., Forest Laboratories, Inc., King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Lannett Company, Inc., Mylan Inc., Paddock Laboratories, Inc., Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc., Sandoz, Inc.(a division of Novartis AG), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Wyeth. We have not used third party consultants to provide us with recommendations or reports. We have utilized the survey data to reach our target compensation objectives.
Base Salaries
Base salaries are targeted to be competitive when compared to the salary levels of persons holding similar positions in other pharmaceutical companies and other publicly traded companies of comparable size. Each executive officer’s respective responsibilities, experience, expertise and individual performance are considered.
In Fiscal 2009, our Compensation Committee did not increase the base salary of our Chief Executive Officer from the Fiscal 2008 base salary. Effective Fiscal 2009, the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to delegated authority from the Compensation Committee, increased the base salaries for Gurpartap Singh Sachdeva, Senior Vice President – Business Strategies, Robert Kurkiewicz, Senior Vice President – Regulatory and Mukul Rathi, interim Chief Financial Officer as follows: Gurpartap Singh Sachdeva from $225,096 to $243,104; Robert Kurkiewicz from $161,522 to $167,983 and Mukul Rathi from $88,400 to $110,000. Other than the interim Chief Financial Officer who had his based salary increased to $125,000 in June 2009, none of the other executive officers have had their base salaries increased in Fiscal 2010.
Annual Cash Bonus Recognition Program
Our annual cash bonus recognition program is specifically designed to provide at-risk and contingent cash awards based on the achievement of performance goals which are linked directly to individual, business and strategy objectives for each participant. This linkage, particularly when combined with a market-based base salary program, provides our officers with a competitive level of compensation when objectives are achieved.
Annual Cash Bonus Recognition Award for our Chief Executive Officer
On an annual basis, the Compensation Committee determines whether to award a cash bonus to our Chief Executive Officer based on the Company’s performance and his individual performance contributions during the Fiscal year. Annually, the targets and the percentages allocated to each are determined by the Compensation Committee. However, the Compensation Committee retains the discretion to change or eliminate the bonus award whether or not the performance criteria are satisfied.
In Fiscal 2009, our Chief Executive Officer was eligible to receive a targeted cash bonus of up to 50% of his base salary, or $214,968. The Fiscal 2009 performance parameters for the Chief Executive Officer (with the percentage of targeted cash bonus included in parentheses) included:
| ● | achieving net sales target of $461 million (15%); |
| ● | maintaining gross profit of 46% or above for manufactured products (20%); |
| ● | lowering overall SG&A percentage excluding Sun related SG&A expenses (15%); |
| ● | increasing product development filings (15%); |
| ● | reducing incidences by 50% (20%); and |
| ● | increasing productivity in quality and manufacturing (15%). |
As a result of the Company’s overall performance, no cash bonus was awarded by the Compensation Committee to the Chief Executive Officer.
Annual Cash Bonus Recognition Awards for our Named Executive Officers other than our Chief Executive Officer
Each year, the Compensation Committee adopts a program, based on the recommendation of our Chief Executive Officer, that provides specific achievement targets and weighting of those achievements as part of the overall target bonus. The attainment level of these goals is used to calculate the annual cash bonus recognition portion of the total compensation of our executive officers. The target bonus percentage is a standard percentage for each position and that position’s contribution to the overall operation of the Company. However, the Compensation Committee retains the discretion to change or eliminate the bonus award whether or not the performance criteria are satisfied.
The targets for each of such named executive officers for Fiscal 2009 (with the percentage of targeted cash bonus included in parentheses) were as follows:
| ● | Our Interim Chief Financial Officer’s targeted 2009 bonus was up to 15% of his base salary, predicated on the level of attainment of the following targets: transition to monthly close of financials (20%), achievement of the Company’s overall sales goals (25%), improved reporting of accounts receivable activity on a periodic basis with action steps and resolution time line (20%), improved costing information and analysis (20%), and the balance (15%) based on individual development goals and at the discretion of our Chief Executive Officer. |
| ● | Our Senior Vice President - Business Strategies had a targeted bonus was up to 27% of his base salary predicated on the level of attainment of the following targets: achievement of the Company’s overall sales goals (25%), achievement of sales of a certain product (10%), maintaining gross profit of 46% or above for manufactured products (20%), obtain target market share for Sun Pharma products (20%) and the balance (25%) based on individual development goals and at the discretion of our Chief Executive Officer. The target allocated for achievement of sales of a certain product was set at a very high threshold. While there was no assurance of its success, we believed that a substantial part of the bonus for this parameter would be earned based on his motivated performance, but that extraordinary efforts would be necessary to achieve the entire bonus for such parameter. |
| ● | Our Senior Vice President - Regulatory had a targeted bonus of up to 27% of his base salary, predicated on the level of attainment of the following targets: submit all ANDAs in electronic format (20%), improve HIPAA program and trainings (10%), develop comprehensive safety manual (10%), review and revise adverse drug effects reporting procedures (25%), evaluate and determine solutions necessary for electronic DEA processing (15%), and the balance (20%) based on individual development goals and at the discretion of our Chief Executive Officer. |
As a result of the Company’s overall performance in Fiscal 2009, the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, determined that no cash bonuses be paid to the named executive officers set forth above.
Long-Term Incentives
Long-term incentives are used to balance the short-term focus of the annual bonus program with performance over multi-year periods. Stock grants and option grants help to align the interests of our employees with those of our stockholders.
We believe that grants of equity-based compensation:
| • | | Enhance the link between the creation of stockholder value and long-term executive incentive compensation; |
| • | | Provide focus, motivation and retention incentive; and |
| • | | Provide competitive levels of total compensation. |
We made limited option grants in Fiscal 2009 to certain executive officers, as reflected in the tables below. The subcommittee of the Compensation Committee (comprised only of independent directors) received recommendations from the Chief Executive Officer, based on the Chief Executive Officer’s subjective judgment of an executive officer’s performance, of the appropriate number of options to be granted to an executive officer other than the Chief Executive Officer, and the subcommittee makes the final determination of the grants to all executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer. The employment agreement of the then Chief Executive Officer required that he be granted options to purchase no less than 40,000 shares of common stock each year during the term of his agreement based on Company performance in light of pre-established mutually agreed upon Company goals and objectives. During Fiscal 2009, the subcommittee did not award any options to the Chief Executive Officer. Options are granted with exercise prices equal to the closing price of our common stock on the day immediately preceding the date of grant, with pro rata vesting at the end of each of the following three years. On July 25, 2008, the interim Chief Financial Officer, the Senior Vice President – Business Strategies and the Senior Vice President – Regulatory were awarded options to purchase 4,000, 15,000 and 5,000 shares of Common Stock, respectively, by the subcommittee. On May 2, 2008, pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, the Chief Executive Officer was awarded 10,000 shares of our common stock.
Treatment of Dividends
We have not historically paid cash dividends.
Benefits
In addition to cash and equity compensation programs, executive officers participate in the retirement, health and welfare benefit programs generally available to other employees. In a few limited circumstances, we provide other benefits to certain executive officers, such as car allowances, disability and life insurance premiums, as set forth in the tables below.
All executive officers are eligible to participate in the company’s 401(k) plan on the same basis as our other employees. With the exception of those employees deemed “highly compensated,” eligible employees are permitted to defer between 1% and 90% of their salary on a pre-tax basis through bi-weekly payroll deductions. The company matches $0.50 of each $1.00 of each employee’s contribution up to the first 4% of his or her salary.
Compensation Committee Report
The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
We have reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and, based on our review and discussion with management, we have recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement or in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2009.
Members of the Compensation Committee:
Dilip S. Shanghvi (Chairman) |
Timothy S. Manney |
Georges Ugeux |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
As noted, Mr. Dilip S. Shanghvi is the Chairman of our Compensation Committee and the Chairman of the Board of Caraco, a non-executive position. Mr. Shanghvi is also the Managing Director of Sun Pharma. As disclosed above, Sun Pharma engages in a number of transactions with Caraco. See “Transactions with Directors, Executive Officers, and certain Beneficial Holders of Caraco” above.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table summarizes the total compensation paid to or earned by our Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer and our two most highly compensated executive officers whose total compensation for Fiscal 2009 exceeded $100,000. For additional information on the compensation summarized below and other benefits, please refer to “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” above.
2009 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Name and Principal Position | | Year | | Salary ($) | | Bonus ($) | | Stock Awards ($)(1) | | Option Awards ($)(2) | | All Other Compensation ($)(3) | | Total ($) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Daniel H. Movens – Chief | | 2009 | | 429,936 | | — | | 179,838 | | 153,552 | | 1,500 | | 764,826 |
Executive Officer (4) | | 2008 | | 427,596 | | 150,478 | | 119,250 | | 176,894 | | 1,500 | | 875,718 |
| | 2007 | | 405,600 | | 200,772 | | 119,250 | | 86,727 | | 1,500 | | 813,849 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mukul Rathi – Interim Chief Financial Officer– | | 2009 | | 111,163 | | — | | — | | 7,732 | | 8,616 | | 127,511 |
| 2008 | | 88,335 | | 9,945 | | — | | 2,895 | | 7,200 | | 108,375 |
| 2007 | | 78,231 | | 11,399 | | — | | 1,930 | | 1,200 | | 92,760 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gurpartap Singh Sachdeva – Senior Vice President – Business Strategies | | 2009 | | 242,688 | | — | | — | | 18,140 | | 13,116 | | 273,944 |
| 2008 | | 224,345 | | 51,660 | | — | | — | | 11,288 | | 287,293 |
| 2007 | | 186,030 | | 36,392 | | — | | 650 | | 7,128 | | 230,200 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Robert Kurkiewicz - Senior Vice President - Regulatory | | 2009 | | 167,834 | | — | | — | | 6,047 | | 8.839 | | 182,720 |
| 2008 | | 161,432 | | 35,216 | | — | | — | | 9,314 | | 205,962 |
| 2007 | | 156,818 | | 37,578 | | — | | 650 | | 6,245 | | 201,291 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | The amounts reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R),Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123(R)”) of stock awards and thus include amounts from a stock award of 10,000 shares on May 2, 2008 which vested immediately and 45,000 shares of common stock granted on May 2, 2005 and which vested at a rate of 15,000 shares on each anniversary date until fully vested on May 2, 2008. Disclosure of the assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in note 7 to our audited financial statements, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2009. |
(2) | The amounts reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R) of stock options granted under our 2008 Equity Participation Plan and our 1999 Equity Participation Plan and thus may include amounts from awards granted in and prior to 2009, 2008 and 2007. We calculated the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Disclosure of the assumptions used for grants are included in footnote 8 to the Notes to financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2009. |
(3) | The amount shown reflects for each executive officer, other than Mr. Movens, matching contributions to 401(k) and a car allowance. The amount shown for Mr. Movens reflects a life insurance premium. |
(4) | Resigned as Chief Executive Officer and Director effective at the close of business on July 28, 2009. |
Fiscal 2009 Chief Executive Officer and Executive Officer Compensation
In Fiscal 2009, our Compensation Committee did not increase the base salary of our Chief Executive Officer from his Fiscal 2008 base salary. Effective Fiscal 2009, the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to delegated authority from the Compensation Committee, increased the base salaries for Gurpartap Singh Sachdeva, Senior Vice President – Business Strategies, Robert Kurkiewicz, Senior Vice President – Regulatory and Mukul Rathi, interim Chief Financial Officer as follows: Gurpartap Singh Sachdeva from $225,096 to $243,104; Robert Kurkiewicz from $161,522 to $167,983 and Mukul Rathi from $88,400 to $110,000. In light of the Company’s overall performance, no bonuses were awarded in Fiscal 2009 to the Chief Executive Officer or any of the other named executive officers. See “Compensation of Executive Officers – Components of Compensation – Executive Officers” for additional details.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
We generally award stock options and/or stock grants under our 2008 Equity Participation Plan. Prior to the adoption of the 2008 Equity Participation Plan, options and/or stock grants were awarded under our 1999 Equity Participation Plan. The subcommittee of non-employee directors of the Compensation Committee determines the options to be awarded to the Chief Executive Officer and our other executive officers. Under our Chief Executive Officer’s employment agreement, he is entitled to receive during each year of his term of employment, options to purchase no less than 40,000 shares of common stock based on the Company’s performance in light of pre-established mutually agreed upon Company objectives. During Fiscal 2009, no options were granted to the Chief Executive Officer. The subcommittee receives recommendations from the Chief Executive Officer, based on the Chief Executive Officer’s subjective judgment of an executive officer’s performance, of the appropriate number of options to be granted to an executive officer other than the Chief Executive Officer. During Fiscal 2009, options were granted to the other named executive officers as set forth below.
The following table summarizes all grants of plan-based awards during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, to all named executive officers. For additional information on the plan-based award grants summarized below, please refer to “Compensation of Executive Officers – Components of Compensation – Executive Officers” above.
| Name | | Grant Date | | All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#) | | Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($ / Sh) | Grant Date Fair Value ($) 1) | |
Daniel H. Movens – 2008 | | 8/09/2007 | | 40,000 | | 13.82 | 291,288 | |
Daniel H. Movens - 2007 | | 7/11/2006 | | 40,000 | | 9.03 | 156,108 | |
Mukul Rathi - 2009 | | 7/25/2008 | | 4,000 | | 15.57 | 19,349 | |
Mukul Rathi – 2007 | | 7/11/2006 | | 3,000 | | 9.03 | 8,684 | |
Gurpartap Singh Sachdeva-2009 | | 7/25/2008 | | 15,000 | | 15.57 | 72,559 | |
Robert Kurkiewicz - 2009 | | 7/25/2008 | | 5,000 | | 15.57 | 24,186 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | The amount shown in this column represents full grant date fair value. Value of stock granted is based on “grant date present value” using a Black-Scholes option pricing model using weighted average assumptions at grant date. Disclosure of the assumptions used for grants in Fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 are included in footnote 8 to the Notes to the financial statement included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2009. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides information as of March 31, 2009 regarding unexercised options and stock that has not vested which are outstanding as of March 31, 2009.
| | Option Awards | | Stock Awards |
| | | | |
Name | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#)(1) Unexercisable | | Option Exercise Price ($) | | Option Expiration Date | | Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) | | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Daniel Movens, 5/02/05 | | 40,000 | | — | | 8.31 | | 5/2/2011 | | — | | -(2) |
7/11/06 | | 26,667 | | 13,333 | | 9.03 | | 7/11/2012 | | — | | — |
8/09/07 | | 13,333 | | 26,667 | | 13.82 | | 8/19/2013 | | — | | — |
Mukul Rathi, 7/11/06 | | 2,000 | | 1,000 | | 9.03 | | 7/11/2012 | | — | | — |
7/25/08 | | 0 | | 4,000 | | 15.57 | | 7/25/2014 | | — | | — |
Gurpartap Singh Sachdeva | | | | | | | | | | | | |
7/25/08 | | 0 | | 15,000 | | 15.57 | | 7/25/2014 | | — | | — |
Robert Kurkiewicz | | | | | | | | | | | | |
7/25/08 | | 0 | | 5,000 | | 15.57 | | 7/25/2014 | | — | | — |
_____________________________
(1) | One-third of stock options vest on each anniversary date. |
| |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table sets forth the options exercised by the named executive officers, and the stock of the named executive officers which vested, during the Fiscal years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
| | Option Awards | | Stock Awards |
Name | | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) | | Value Realized on Exercise ($) (1) | | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting # |
Value Realized on Vesting $ (2)
|
| | | | | | | |
Daniel H.Movens | 2009 | — | | — | | 25,000 | 424,750 |
Danie H. Movens | 2008 | — | | — | | 15,000 | 217,800 |
Daniel H.Movens | 2007 | — | | — | | 15,000 | 184,650 |
Mukul Rathi | 2009 | — | | — | | — | — |
Mukul Rathi | 2008 | — | | — | | — | — |
Mukul Rathi | 2007 | — | | — | | — | — |
Gurpartap Singh Sachdeva | 2009 | — | | — | | — | — |
Gurpartap Singh Sachdeva | 2008 | — | | — | | — | — |
Gurpartap Singh Sachdeva | 2007 | 2,000 | | 21,280 | | — | — |
Robert Kurkiewicz | 2009 | — | | — | | — | — |
Robert Kurkiewicz | 2008 | 10,000 | | 139,000 | | — | — |
Robert Kurkiewicz | 2007 | — | | — | | — | — |
(1) | The value realized on exercise is the difference between the closing price of the Company’s common stock at the time of exercise and the option exercise price times the number of shares acquired on exercise. |
(2) | The value realized on vesting is obtained by multiplying the number of shares of stock which has vested during the applicable years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 by the market value of the Company’s common stock on the vesting date. |
Employment Agreements and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control
Daniel H. Movens, who was the Chief Executive Officer of Caraco until his resignation effective at the close of business on July 28, 2009, entered into an employment agreement with Caraco dated as of May 2, 2005 (the “effective date”). Under the employment agreement, Mr. Movens agreed to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company for period of thirty-six (36) calendar months which would automatically renew at the end of thirty-six (36) months. Each party may terminate the agreement upon ninety (90) days written notice to the other party. The agreement provides Mr. Movens with: a base salary during the first year of the agreement of $390,000 (to be reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee and adjusted accordingly, in its discretion), a bonus of up to fifty (50%) percent of the base compensation (with twenty-five (25%) percent of the base compensation guaranteed only for the first year), and stock options for 40,000 shares upon the effective date at the fair market value of the common stock on the day immediately preceding the effective date and stock options for not less than 40,000 shares of the Company annually thereafter based on Company performance in light of pre-established mutually agreed upon Company goals and objectives (all such options to vest over a period of three years from the date of their respective grants), a stock grant on the effective date of 45,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (to vest over a period of three (3) years), and a stock grant of an additional 10,000 shares upon the renewal of the employment agreement. In addition, the Company provided for the reimbursement to Mr. Movens of his reasonable relocation expenses up to $50,000.
On July 28, 2009, Mr. Movens entered into a Separation Agreement and Release of all Claims (“Separation Agreement”) pursuant to which he resigned as Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company. Under the Separation Agreement, Mr. Movens received a separation payment of $870,621 (one and one-half times his highest annual base and last earned bonus), the continuation of his health, vision and dental insurance for twelve months and the immediate vesting of his outstanding stock options and stock grants. In addition, Mr. Movens is bound by the confidentiality provisions of his employment agreement and by his Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement, pursuant to which Mr. Movens agrees not to solicit any customer of the Company for business in competition with the Company, or solicit for employment any other employee of the Company, for a period of two (2) years following his termination. In addition, for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination of his employment, Mr. Movens agrees not to engage in any activity within North America which is competitive in any material respect with the business of the Company, including generic pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing, but excluding wholesale distribution. In addition, for a period of twelve (12) months following termination of his employment, Mr. Movens agrees that he will not perform services for any business or organization, whether as an employee, consultant, advisor, independent contractor, or otherwise, which engages in any activity within North America that is competitive in any material respect with the business conducted by the Company, including any business engaged in generic pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing and any other business in which the Company generates more than ten (10%) percent of its gross revenues.
Robert Kurkiewicz, the Senior Vice President - Regulatory, entered into a five-year employment agreement on November 22, 1993 which was amended on January 1, 1999 to extend the term until January 1, 2003 and which was further amended on August 30, 2002 to extend the term until December 31, 2007. The agreement, as amended, provides Mr. Kurkiewicz with a salary of $129,800 per year and provides for a car allowance of $380.00 per month. The agreement provides that at the end of the term, it is renewable for successive one-year terms. In the event that Caraco terminates Mr. Kurkiewicz for ‘cause’ (as defined in the employment agreement), he is entitled to the base salary and benefits earned by him prior to the date of termination. In the event that Caraco terminates the agreement without cause or Mr. Kurkiewicz terminates the agreement for cause not attributable to him (meaning Caraco failing to make any payment of base salary to him within 30 days after such payment is due), Mr. Kurkiewicz is entitled to receive monthly base salary payments and his premium payments for health insurance benefits for six (6) months from the date of termination. In addition, any stock options that would become available for exercise at the end of the year during which such termination occurred shall immediately vest. In August 2005, the Compensation Committee increased Mr. Kurkiewicz’s salary to $152,250 annually. If Mr. Kurkiewicz was terminated without cause or he terminates for cause, as set forth above, as of March 31, 2009, he would have received payment (including the value of the benefits and the vested options and stock (assuming the closing stock price on March 31, 2009) of $87,580.
Gurpartap Singh Sachdeva, the Senior Vice President - Business Strategies, entered into an employment agreement with Caraco dated February 1, 2005. The employment agreement provides Mr. Sachdeva with a salary at the rate of $135,000 annually, which may be reviewed and adjusted, and a car allowance of $380.00 per month. The employment agreement is for a term of five (5) years, commencing on February 1, 2005. The agreement automatically renews for successive one-year periods unless terminated by Caraco or Mr. Sachdeva upon ninety (90) days notice. In the event of the death or Disability (as such term is defined in the employment agreement) or if Caraco terminates Mr. Sachdeva for just cause (as such term is defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Sachdeva shall be entitled to his base salary and to benefits earned by him prior to the date of death, Disability or termination for just cause, respectively. In the event Caraco terminates Mr. Sachdeva without cause or if Mr. Sachdeva terminates for cause not attributable to him (meaning Caraco failing to make any payment of base salary to him within 30 days after such payment is due), he will receive base salary payments and his premium payments for health insurance benefits for six (6) months from the date of termination. In addition, any stock options that would become available for exercise at the end of the year during which such termination occurred shall immediately vest. If Mr. Sachdeva was terminated without cause or he terminates for cause, as set forth above, as of March 31, 2009, he would have received payment (including the value of the benefits and the vested options and stock (assuming the closing stock price on March 31, 2009) of $126,354.
18
Change in Control Arrangements
Under our 2008 Equity Participation Plan, options granted under that plan will become fully exercisable following certain changes in control of our Company, such as:
| A person, other than Sun Pharma, becomes the owner of a majority of the outstanding shares of our company; |
| A public announcement is made of a tender or exchange offer by any person, other than Sun Pharma, for 50% or more of the outstanding shares of our company; |
| The shareholders of our company approve a merger or consolidation with any other corporation or entity, unless, following the merger, the shares outstanding immediately before the merger continue to represent a majority of the outstanding shares of the surviving entity immediately following the merger. |
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Directors who are employees of Caraco or who are directors and/or employees of Sun Pharma and its affiliates do not receive additional compensation for their service on the Board of Directors and its committees. During 2009, all other directors, the non-employee directors, received an annual retainer of $12,000 and meeting attendance fees of $1,500 per each Board of Directors meeting and each committee meeting attended in person and $750 per each Board of Directors meeting and each committee meeting attended via teleconference. During 2009, the Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Chairman of the Independent Committee received, in addition to the other fees mentioned, an additional $500 for each meeting. No additional committee fees are paid if the committee meets on the same day as the Board meets. All directors are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable travel and lodging expenses incurred in attending meetings. The following table shows the value of all cash and equity-based compensation paid to the non-employee members of our Board of Directors during the year ended March 31, 2009.
Name | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | | Option Awards ($)(1) | | Total ($) |
John D. Crissman | | 17,250 | | 10,220 | | 27,470 |
Timothy S. Manney | | 20,000 | | 8,384 | | 28,384 |
Madhava Reddy | | 12,750 | | 10,220 | | 22,970 |
Georges Ugeux | | 15,000 | | 8,389 | | 23,389 |
(1) | Represents the grant date fair value of such options computed in accordance with FAS 123R. Disclosure of the assumptions used for grants for the year ended March 31, 2009 are included in footnote 8 to the Notes to financial statements included in our Annual Report on From 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2009. |
RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Audit Committee has appointed Rehmann Robson as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s financial statements for the Fiscal year ending March 31, 2010. A representative of Rehmann Robson is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if such representative desires to do so and is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Audit and Non-Audit Fees
Aggregate fees for professional services rendered for Caraco by Rehmann Robson for the Fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are set forth below. The aggregate fees included in the Audit Fee category are fees billedfor the audit of Caraco’s Fiscal financial statements and review of quarterly financial statements and statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. The aggregate fees included in each of the other categories are fees billedin the Fiscal years.
| Fiscal 2009 | | Fiscal 2008 |
Audit Fees | $264,000 | | $227,812 |
Audit Related Fees | - | | - |
Tax Fees | $76,315 | | $141,690 |
All Other Fees | $20,175 | | $7,525 |
Total | $360,490 | | $377,027 |
Audit Fees for the Fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were for professional services rendered for the audits of the financial statements of Caraco, quarterly review of the financial statements included in Caraco’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, or services that are normally provided by Rehmann Robson in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for such years, including Rehmann’s Robson’s audit of management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008.
Tax Fees for the Fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were for professional services rendered by Rehmann Robson for services related to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
All Other Fees for the Fiscal years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were for assistance on SEC reporting requirements.
None of the services described above was approved by the Audit Committee under thede minimus exception provided by Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) under Regulation S-X.
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditors
Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent auditors prior to the engagement of the independent auditors with respect to such services.
SHAREHOLDERS OF RECORD AS OF JULY 20, 2009 ARE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE A COPY WITHOUT CHARGE OF THE COMPANY’S FISCAL 2009 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SEC ON FORM 10-K. SHAREHOLDERS WHO WISH TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS REPORT SHOULD WRITE TO DONNA GRIFFITH, DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES, CARACO PHARMACEUTICAL LABORATORIES, LTD, 1150 ELIJAH MCCOY DRIVE, DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48202.
| |
| Jitendra N. Doshi |
| Chief Executive Officer |
August 7, 2009
20
APPENDIX A
Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd.
Audit Committee Charter
(Re-approved by the Board of Directors on July 9, 2009)
Purpose
The Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors to assist the Board in its oversight function by monitoring the following:
| 1. | integrity of the Company’s financial statements, |
| 2. | independent auditors’ qualifications and independence, |
| 3. | performance of the Company’s internal audit function and independent auditors, |
| 4. | compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements, and |
| 5. | the Company’s systems of internal auditing and financial controls. |
The Committee’s responsibilities are principally of an oversight nature. It is not the responsibility of the Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Company’s financial statements are complete and accurate or are in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Committee recognizes that financial management, including any internal audit staff and/or persons performing similar functions, as well as the independent auditors, have more time, more knowledge and more detailed information regarding the Company than do Committee members. Furthermore, it is recognized that the members of the Committee are not full-time employees of the Company and are not, and do not represent themselves to be, accountants or auditors by profession or experts in the fields of accounting or auditing, including in respect of auditor independence. Consequently, in carrying out its oversight responsibilities, the Committee shall not be deemed to provide any expert or special assurance as to the Company’s financial statements or any professional certification as to the independent auditors’ work. Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation, and integrity of the Company’s financial statements, including ensuring that the financial statements are accurate, complete, and stated in accordance with GAAP and, together with the other financial information included in the Company’s public disclosures, fairly present the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the Company. Management is also responsible for the Company’s financial reporting process, accounting policies, internal audit function, internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. The independent auditors are responsible for planning and conducting an audit of the Company’s annual financial statements, expressing an opinion as to the conformity of such annual financial statements with GAAP, reviewing the Company’s quarterly financial statements and preparing an attestation report on management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
The Audit Committee and the other Committees of the Board, as applicable, will coordinate their compliance and risk oversight efforts to the extent necessary or appropriate to ensure the complete and proper exchange of information.
Membership
The Committee shall be comprised of at least three Directors. Members shall be appointed and may be removed by the Board.
The Committee shall meet the independence, financial literacy and expertise requirements of the NYSE Amex, the requirements of Section 10A(m)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Committee members shall not simultaneously serve on the audit committees of more than three other public companies.
Meetings and Operation
The Committee shall meet at least quarterly, and more frequently as it may determine advisable in light of its responsibilities as set forth in this Charter. The Committee Chair sets the agenda for each meeting and determines the length and frequency of meetings.
The Committee shall meet periodically, in separate executive sessions with management, the internal auditors and the independent auditor. The Committee may request any officer or employee of the Company, outside counsel or the independent auditors to attend a meeting of the Committee or to meet with any members of, or consultants to, the Committee.
The Committee shall determine how to best operate, including whether to delegate any responsibilities to subcommittees.
The Committee shall operate in full compliance with the NYSE Amex requirements for audit committees and other applicable laws and regulations.
Independent Auditor
The independent auditor shall report directly to the Committee. The Committee has the sole authority and responsibility to select, appoint, evaluate, retain, and, where appropriate, replace the independent auditor. The Committee shall be directly responsible for the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor (including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work.
Member Compensation
No Committee member shall accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fees from the Company, except for the member’s fees for services as a Director and member of the Committee and any other Committees of the Board.
Responsibilities
In carrying out its purposes, the Committee’s policies and procedures should remain flexible, so that it may be in a position to best react or respond to changing circumstances or conditions. In carrying out its purposes, the following should be considered within the responsibilities and authority of the Committee:
| 1. | Select Independent Auditors. Select the independent auditors annually. |
| 2. | Matters Concerning the Independence of Independent Auditors. Ensure that the Committee receives from the independent auditors the written disclosures and letter required by Independent Standards Board Standard No. 1 (See attached summary) delineating all relationships between the independent auditors and the Company; the Committee shall discuss with the independent auditors their independence, including any disclosed relationships or services that may impact the auditors’ objectivity and independence. If deemed appropriate by the Committee, the Committee may recommend that the Board of Directors take appropriate action in response to the independent auditors’ report to satisfy itself of their independence. |
Confirm with the independent auditors that the independent auditors are in compliance with the partner rotation requirements established by the SEC.
Set policies for the Company’s hiring of employees or former employees of the independent auditor.
Preapprove permitted non-audit services and all audit, review or attest engagements required under the securities laws to be rendered by the independent auditors (including the fees and terms thereof). Alternatively, the Company may enter into engagements to render such services pursuant to pre-approval policies and procedures established by the Audit Committee; provided, that such policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service, the Audit Committee is informed of each service and such policies and procedures do not include the delegation of Audit Committee responsibilities under the Exchange Act to management. Moreover, the pre-approval requirement for permissible non-audit services shall be waived under certain circumstances described in Section 10A of the Exchange Act.
| 3. | Review Quality Control Process of Independent Auditor. Obtain and review a report from the independent auditor at least annually regarding (a) the independent auditors’ internal quality-control procedures, (b) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities within the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm, (c) any steps taken to deal with any such issues, and (d) all relationships between the independent auditor and the Company. Present the conclusions of its review with respect to the independent auditors to the Board. |
| 4. | Review Audit Plan. Review with the independent auditors their plans for, and the scope of, their annual audit. |
| 5. | Conduct of Audit. Discuss with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standard No. 61 (see attached summary) relating to the conduct of the audit, including any difficulties encountered in the course of the audit work and management’s response, any restrictions on the scope of activities or access to requested information, and any significant disagreements with management. |
| 6. | Review Audit Results. Review with the independent auditors the report of their annual audit, or proposed report of their annual audit, the accompanying management letter, if any, and the reports of their reviews of the Company’s interim financial statements conducted in accordance with Statement on Auditing Standards No. 100. |
| 7. | Review Annual Financial Statements. Review and discuss with management and the independent auditors the audited financial statements and the disclosures to be made in management’s discussion and analysis. Based on the foregoing, recommend to the Board whether the audited financial statements should be included in the Form 10-K. |
| 8. | Review Quarterly Financial Results. Review and discuss with management the Company’s earnings releases (paying particular attention to any use of “pro-forma” or “adjusted” non-GAAP information), as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies (this may be done generally and need not occur in advance of each earnings release or each instance in which the Company may provide earnings guidance). |
| 9. | Review Quarterly Financial Statements. Review and discuss with management and the independent auditor the quarterly financial statements and the disclosures to be made in the MD&A prior to filing the 10-Q. Discuss with the independent auditors their review of the quarterly financial statements. |
| 10. | Financial Reporting Issues and Judgments: Related Matters. Discuss with management and the independent auditor significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the Company’s financial statements, including any significant changes in the Company’s selection or application of accounting principles, any major issues as to the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls and any special steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies. |
Review and discuss reports from the independent auditors on:
| (a) | All critical accounting policies and practices to be used. |
| (b) | All alternative treatments of financial information within generally accepted accounting principles that have been discussed with management, ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the independent auditor. |
| (c) | Other material written communications between the independent auditor and management, such as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences. |
| (d) | Reports and disclosures of any insider or affiliated party transactions. |
Discuss with management and the independent auditor the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives as well as off-balance sheet structures on the Company’s financial statements.
| 11. | Review Internal Audit Program. To the extent that the Company utilizes internal auditors and/or other persons performing such functions, such persons, shall report to the Committee and the Committee shall review and discuss with such persons, the internal audit function, the internal auditors’ budget, staffing, and reporting obligations, the proposed audit plan for the coming year, the coordination of that proposed audit plan with the Company’s independent auditors, the results of the internal audit and a specific review of any significant issues, including any significant difficulties, disagreements with management or scope restrictions encountered. |
| 12. | Complaints Regarding Accounting and Auditing Matters. Establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. |
| 13. | Review Systems of Internal Accounting Controls. Review with management, the senior corporate auditing manager, the independent auditors and, as applicable, other persons performing the internal audit function, the adequacy of the Company’s internal accounting controls that could significantly affect the Company’s financial statements. |
Review disclosures made to Committee by the Company’s CEO and CFO during their certification process for the Form 10-K and Form 10-Q about any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls over
financial reporting or material weaknesses therein and any fraud involving management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. Review, discuss with the Chief Financial Officer, the senior corporate auditing manager, the independent auditors, and, as applicable, other persons performing the internal audit function, the Company’s report on internal controls over financial reporting and the auditors attestation relating thereto, prior to such documents being included in the Form 10-K.
| 14. | Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Obtain assurance from the independent auditor that Section 10A(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (see attached summary) has not been implicated. |
| 15. | Legal Compliance and Risk Management Matters. |
| • | At least annually, the Committee will meet with the management to review compliance with laws and regulations, including material reports or inquiries received from governmental agencies and material litigation. |
| • | Review with the Company’s counsel legal matters that may have a material impact on the financial statements and legal and compliance matters that involve financial reporting or SEC compliance. |
| • | Discuss with management the Company’s major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures, including the Company’s risk assessment and risk management policies. |
| 16. | Prepare Proxy Statement Report. Prepare the report of the Committee required by the rules of the SEC to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement. |
| 17. | Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Confirm with management on at least an annual basis that the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics has been communicated by the Company to all directors, officers and employees with a direction that all such persons certify that they have read and understood and will comply with the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. |
| 18. | Review Other Matters. Review such other matters in relation to the accounting, auditing, financial reporting and related compliance practices and procedures of the Company as the Committee may, in its own discretion, deem desirable in connection with the review functions described above. |
| 19. | Board Reports. Regularly report its activities to the Board in such manner and at such times as it deems appropriate. The Committee shall review with the Board any issues that arise with respect to the quality or integrity of the Company’s financial statements, compliance with legal or regulatory requirements, the performance and independence of the independent auditors or the performance of the corporate auditors. |
| 20. | Review Committee Performance. Annually review its own performance. |
| 21. | Review Charter. Review and reassess the adequacy of this Charter annually and submit it to the Board for approval. |
| 22. | Related Party Transactions. Unless reviewed by a comparable body of the Board of Directors, review and provide oversight of all related party transactions. |
Advisors
The Committee shall have the authority, to the extent it deems necessary or appropriate, to retain independent legal, accounting or other advisors. The Committee may also utilize the services of the Company’s regular legal counsel and other advisors to the Company.
Funding for Independent Auditors and Advisors
The Company shall provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee, for payment of:
| • | compensation to the independent auditor for the purpose of rendering or issuing an audit report and for any other services approved by the Committee, |
| • | compensation for any other advisors retained by the Committee, and |
| • | ordinary administrative expenses that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out the Committee’s duties. |
• | Audit Committee Charter reference sheet: |
| 1. | Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 |
Under ISB Standard No. 1, at least annually, an auditor must (1) disclose to the audit committee, in writing, all relationships between the auditor and its related entities that in the auditors’ professional judgment may reasonably be thought to bear on independence, (2) confirm in the letter that, in its professional judgment, it is independent of the company, and (3) discuss the auditors’ independence with the audit committee.
| 2. | Statement on Accounting Standard No. 61 |
SAS No. 61 requires an independent auditor to communicate to the audit committee matters related to the conduct of the audit such as the selection of and changes in significant accounting policies, the methods used to account for significant unusual transactions, the effect of significant accounting policies in controversial or emerging areas, the process used by management in formulating particularly sensitive accounting estimates and the basis for the auditors’ conclusions regarding the reasonableness of those estimates, significant adjustments arising from the audit, and disagreements with management over the application of accounting principles, the basis for management’s accounting estimates and the disclosures in the financial statements.
| 3. | Statement on Accounting Standards No. 100 |
SAS No. 100 requires an independent auditor to be satisfied that any significant matters identified as a result of interim review procedures have been brought to the attention of the audit committee, either by management or the auditor. If it is not possible for the auditor to make such communications prior to the filing, they should be made as soon as practicable thereafter.
| 4. | Section 10A(b) of Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
Section 10A(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which is part of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, requires an independent auditor to inform management of, and assure that the audit committee is adequately informed with respect to, illegal acts that have come to the attention of the auditors in the course of their audits.