Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below and those discussed in “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report. As used in this report, unless the context suggests otherwise, “we,” “us,” our” or “the Company” refer to SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Overview
We are a clinical-stage, biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of powerful and proprietary immunotherapeutic polyclonal human antibodies to treat and prevent infectious diseases and immune and autoimmune disorders, including infectious diseases resulting from outbreaks and pandemics as well as immunology, gastroenterology, and respiratory diseases that have significant mortality and health impacts on immunocompromised patients. We have applied advanced genetic engineering and antibody science to develop transchromosomic (Tc) BovineTM. Our novel immunotherapy platform that is developing fully-human hIgC for delaying the onset or progression of T1D.
We are advancing clinical programs in two indications, and preclinical development in three indications. In addition, we are executing on two research collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies, including CSL Behring and an undisclosed collaboration.
We formed SAB Australia, in order to qualify for the Australian government’s research and development tax credit for research and development dollars spend in Australia. The primary purpose of SAB Australia is to conduct clinical trials for SAB-142. We started phase 1 trials in the fourth quarter of 2023.
We generated total revenue of $2.2 million and $23.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively (90.6% decline). Our revenue to date has been primarily derived from government grants.
We plan to focus a substantial portion of our resources on continued research and development efforts towards deepening our technology and expertise with our platform and as well as indications in infectious disease and autoimmune indications. As a result, we expect to continue to make significant investments in these areas for the foreseeable future. We incurred research and development expenses of $16.5 million and $36.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and general and administrative expenses of $23.8 million and $16.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses, and we expect such expenses to increase substantially in connection with our ongoing activities, including as we:
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invest in research and development activities to optimize and expand our immunotherapy platform;
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develop new and advance preclinical and clinical progress of pipeline programs;
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market to and secure partners to commercialize our products;
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expand and enhance operations to deliver products, including investments in manufacturing;
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acquire businesses or technologies to support the growth of our business;
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continue to establish, protect and defend our intellectual property and patent portfolio;
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operate as a public company.
To date, we have primarily financed our operations from government agreements and the issuance and sale of common stock and preferred stock.
Our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $42.2 million and our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $18.7 million. As of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $90.1 million, and cash and cash equivalents totaling $56.6 million.
Recent Developments
Effective January 5, 2024, we filed articles of amendment to our articles of incorporation to affect a one-for-ten reverse split of our issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock. All references to common stock, warrants and options to purchase
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common stock, including per share data and related information contained in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effect of the Reverse Stock Split for all periods presented.
Key Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations and Future Performance
We believe that our financial performance has been, and in the foreseeable future will continue to be, primarily driven by multiple factors as described below, each of which presents growth opportunities for our business. These factors also pose important challenges that we must successfully address in order to sustain our growth and improve our results of operations. Our ability to successfully address these challenges is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K.
Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
Our revenue has historically been generated through grants from government and other (non-government) organizations. We currently have no commercially-approved products.
Grant revenue is recognized for the period that the research and development services occur, as qualifying expenses are incurred or conditions of the grants are met. We concluded that payments received under these grants represent conditional, nonreciprocal contributions, as described in ASC 958, Not-for-Profit Entities, and that the grants are not within the scope of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as the organizations providing the grants do not meet the definition of a customer. Expenses for grants are tracked by using a project code specific to the grant, and the employees also track hours worked by using the project code.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we received the following grants:
Government grants
The total revenue for government grants was approximately $2.2 million and $23.9 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
National Institute of Health – National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (“NIH-NIAID”) (Federal Award #1R44AI117976-01A1) – this grant was for $1.4 million and started in September 2019 through August 2021. This grant was subsequently amended to extend the end date to August 2022. No grant income was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2022 there was approximately $182 thousand in grant income recognized from this grant. This grant was completed in 2022.
NIH-NIAID (Federal Award #1R41AI131823-02) – this grant was for approximately $1.5 million and started in April 2019 through March 2021. The grant was subsequently amended to extend the date through March 2023. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately $192 thousand and $328 thousand, respectively, in grant income was recognized from this grant. This grant was completed as of June 30, 2023.
NIH-NIAID through Geneva Foundation (Federal Award #1R01AI132313-01, Subaward #S-10511-01) – this grant was for approximately $2.7 million and started in August 2017 through July 2021. The grant was subsequently amended to extend the end date to July 2023. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there was approximately $273 thousand and $1.1 million, respectively, in grant income recognized from this grant. This grant was completed as of June 30, 2023.
Department of Defense (“DoD”), Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Enabling Biotechnologies (“JPEO”) through Advanced Technology International – this grant was for a potential of $25 million, awarded in stages starting in August 2019 and with potential stages running through February 2023. Additional contract modifications were added to this contract in 2020 and 2021 for work on a COVID therapeutic, bringing the contract total to $203.6 million. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there was approximately $1.8 million and $22.2 million, respectively, in grant income recognized from this grant. This grant was terminated in 2022.
The grants for the JPEO Rapid Response contract are cost reimbursement agreements, with reimbursement of qualified direct research and development expense (labor and consumables) with an overhead charge (based on actual, reviewed quarterly) and a fixed fee (9%).
On August 3, 2022, we received notice from the DoD terminating the JPEO Rapid Response contract (the “JPEO Rapid Response Contract Termination”). We engaged in negotiations with the DoD to compensate us for services provided prior to the JPEO Rapid Response Contract Termination and costs we would be expected to bear in future periods. A termination and settlement proposal was submitted to the DoD on September 9, 2022; we submitted a final invoice on December 15, 2022;
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and received payment from the DoD on or about January 12, 2023. The terms of the arrangement provide for a cost-reimbursable structure, and state that the parties will work in good faith equitable reimbursement for work performed toward accomplishment of tasks provided in the agreement. At this time, other than certain deferred obligations (presented within deferred grant income within our consolidated balance sheet) potentially payable to the DoD solely due to subsequent negotiations with third-party vendors,we believe and have been advised there is a reasonable, good faith basis for the position that no present or future obligations exist. Revenue recognized subsequent to the JPEO Rapid Response Contract Termination relates to satisfaction of residual obligations under the termination and settlement agreement—see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for further information about our established revenue recognition process.
Operating Expenses
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses primarily consist of salaries, benefits, incentive compensation, stock-based compensation, laboratory supplies and materials for employees and contractors engaged in research and product development, licensing fees to use certain technology in our research and development projects, fees paid to consultants and various entities that perform certain research and testing on our behalf. Research and development expenses are tracked by target/project code. Indirect general and administrative costs are allocated based upon a percentage of direct costs. We expense all research and development costs in the period in which they are incurred.
Research and development activities consist of discovery research for our platform development and the various indications we are working on. We have not historically tracked our research and development expenses on a product candidate-by-product candidate basis.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had contracts with multiple CROs to conduct and complete clinical studies. In the case of SAB-185, the CRO has been contracted and paid by the US government. For SAB-176, PPD Development, LP, acting as CRO oversaw the Phase 1 safety study. The terms of that agreement are subject to confidentiality, and the status of the agreement is that it is current, in good standing and 100% of the contract has been paid as of December 31, 2023. SAB has also contracted with hVIVO Services Limited to conduct the Phase 2a influenza study on SAB-176. The terms of that agreement are subject to confidentiality, and the status of the agreement is that it is current, in good standing and 100% of the contract has been paid as of December 31, 2023. For SAB-142, Avance, acting as CRO oversaw Phase 1 safety study. This study started in December 2023 and the terms of that agreement are subject to confidentiality and the status of the agreement is that it is current.
We expect to continue to incur substantial research and development expenses as we conduct discovery research to enhance our platform and work on our indications. We expect to hire additional employees and continue research and development and manufacturing activities. As a result, we expect that our research and development expenses will continue to increase in future periods and vary from period to period as a percentage of revenue.
Major components within our research and development expenses are salaries and benefits (laboratory & farm), laboratory supplies, animal care, contract manufacturing, clinical trial expense, outside laboratory services, project consulting, and facility expense. Our platform allows us to work on multiple projects with the same resources, as the research and development process of each product is very similar (with minimal differences in the manufacturing process).
Research and development expenses by component for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
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General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses primarily consist of salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation costs for employees in our executive, accounting and finance, project management, corporate development, office administration, legal and human resources functions as well as professional services fees, such as consulting, audit, tax and legal fees, general corporate costs and allocated overhead expenses. General and administrative expenses also include rent and facilities expenses allocated based upon total direct costs. We expect that our general and administrative expenses will continue to increase in future periods, primarily due to increased headcount to support anticipated growth in the business and due to incremental costs associated with operating as a public company, including costs to comply with the rules and regulations applicable to companies listed on a securities exchange and costs related to compliance and reporting obligations pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and stock exchange listing standards, public relations, insurance and professional services. We expect these expenses to vary from period to period in absolute terms and as a percentage of revenue.
Nonoperating (Expense) Income
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of warrant liabilities
Gain (loss) on change in fair value of warrant liabilities consists of the changes in the fair value of the warrant liabilities.
Other income
Other income primarily consists of income associated with the refundable portion of Australian research and development tax credits.
Interest income
Interest income consists of interest earned on cash balances in our bank accounts.
Interest expense
Interest expense consists primarily of interest related to borrowings under notes payable for equipment, abated rent, and insurance financing.
Results of Operations
The following tables set forth our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Year Ended December 31,
Revenue
Operating expenses
Other income (expense)
Income tax expense (benefit) — 25,629
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Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Revenue
Year Ended December 31,
Revenue decreased by $21.7 million, or 90.6%, in 2023, primarily due to the JPEO Rapid Response Contract Termination. Included in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023, are amounts for billable costs related to closeout activities and charges of $0.1 million for labor, $0.8 million for supplies, and $1.3 million for outside research manufacturing services, as compared to $3.1 million for labor, $5.4 million for supplies, and $5.3 million for outside research manufacturing services for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Research and Development
Year Ended December 31,
Research and development expenses decreased by $19.9 million, or 54.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to decreases in laboratory supplies (year-over-year decrease of $5.4 million, 84.4%), contract manufacturing costs (year-over-year decrease of $4.9 million, 92.6%), salaries and benefits (year-over-year decrease of $5.4 million, 45.0%), outside lab services due to the JPEO Rapid Response Contract Termination (year-over-year decrease of $3.6 million, 78.3%), project consulting (year-over-year decrease of $0.4 million, 53.9%) and offset by overhead costs (year-over-year increase of $0.1 million, 1.7%).
General and Administrative
Year Ended December 31,
General and administrative expenses increased by $7.4 million, or 45.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to other administrative support fees relating to IT, human resources, and legal (year-over-year increase of $7.7 million, 131.5%), and salaries and benefits (year-over-year increase of $2.2 million, 35.5%), offset by insurance costs (year-over-year decrease of $1.4 million, 51.5%), project consulting (year-over-year decrease of $1.2 million, 73.6%). We anticipate that our general and administrative expenses will increase in the future as we increase our headcount to support our continued research activities and development of our product candidates. We also anticipate that we will incur increased accounting, audit, legal, regulatory, compliance, director and officer insurance costs as well as investor and public relations expenses associated with being a public company.
Non-operating (Expense) Income
Year Ended December 31,
Total non-operating income decreased by $14.8 million, or 142.1% for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to changes in the fair value of the warrant liabilities (year-over-year decrease of $15.2 million, 146.4%), primarily offset by the Australian research and development tax credit of $0.3 million.
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Interest Expense
Year Ended December 31,
Interest expense increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to the 8% Unsecured Convertible Note accrued interest payable realized over a full year.
Interest Income
Year Ended December 31,
Interest income increased by $514 thousand, or 723.1% for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to higher interest rates and interest earning cash balances.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had $56.6 million and $15.0 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents.
We intend to continue to invest in our business and, as a result, may incur operating losses in future periods. We expect to continue to invest in research and development efforts towards expanding our capabilities and expertise along our platform and the primary pipeline development targets we are working on, as well as building our business development team and marketing our solutions to partners in support of the growth of the business.
We anticipate that we will continue to generate losses for the foreseeable future, and we expect the losses to increase as we continue the development of, and seek regulatory approvals for, our product candidates, and begin commercialization of our products. As a result, we will require additional capital to fund our operations in order to support our long-term plans.
We have incurred operating losses for the past several years. While we intend to continue to keep operating expenses at a reduced level there can be no assurance that our current level of operating expenses will not increase or that other uses of cash will not be necessary. Based on our current level of operating expenses, existing resources will be sufficient to cover operating cash needs through the twelve months following the date these financials are made available for issuance. We intend to seek additional capital through equity and/or debt financings, collaborative or other funding arrangements. Should we seek additional financing from outside sources, we may not be able to raise such financing on terms acceptable to us or at all. If we are unable to raise additional capital when required or on acceptable terms, we may be required to scale back or discontinue the advancement of product candidates, reduce headcount, liquidate our assets, file for bankruptcy, reorganize, merge with another entity, or cease operations.
Sources of Liquidity
Since our inception, we have financed our operations primarily from revenue in the form of government grants and from equity financings.
Equity Financings and Option Exercises
As of December 31, 2023, we have raised approximately $157.4 million since our inception from the issuance and sale of convertible preferred shares, net of issuance costs associated with such financings, the merger transaction in 2021, proceeds from private placements of securities, and exercises of employee stock options.
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Notes payable
8% Unsecured Convertible Note
Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment to our lease with Sanford Health, we agreed to a period of abated rent (“Abated Rent”) from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023 pertaining to our leased laboratory bay at the Research Center. In exchange for the Abated Rent, effective as of October 1, 2022, we issued to Sanford Health an 8% unsecured, convertible promissory note (the “8% Unsecured Convertible Note”).
Pursuant to the 8% Unsecured Convertible Note, we shall pay the sum of approximately $542 thousand plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon on September 30, 2024. Simple interest shall accrue on the outstanding Principal from and after the date of the 8% Unsecured Convertible Note and shall be payable on September 31, 2024 (the “Maturity Date”). Sanford Health shall have the right, but not the obligation, to convert all or any part of the outstanding Principal of the 8% Unsecured Convertible Note, together with any accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the date of such conversion, into such number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of our common stock, at any time and from time to time, prior to the later of the Maturity Date and the date on which the 8% Unsecured Convertible Note is paid in full, subject to certain restrictions, at a conversion price per share of common stock equal to greater of (x) $15.00 and (y) the price at which the we sells shares of common stock in any bona fide private or public equity financing prior to the Maturity Date.
Insurance Financing
We obtained financing for certain Director & Officer liability insurance policy premiums. The agreement assigns First Insurance Funding (the “Lender”) a first priority lien on and security interest in the financed policies and any additional premium required in the financed policies including (a) all returned or unearned premiums, (b) all additional cash contributions or collateral amounts assessed by the insurance companies in relation to the financed policies and financed by Lender, (c) any credits generated by the financed policies, (d) dividend payments, and (e) loss payments which reduce unearned premiums. If any circumstances exist in which premiums related to any Financed Policy could become fully earned in the event of loss, Lender shall be named a loss-payee with respect to such policy.
The total premiums, taxes and fees financed is approximately $0.8 million with an annual interest rate of 7.96% and approximately $1.2 million with an annual interest rate 5.47% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In consideration of the premium payment by Lender to the insurance companies or the agent or broker, we unconditionally promise to pay lender the amount financed plus interest and other charges permitted under the agreement. We paid the financing through installment payments with the last payment for the current note being September 22, 2023. At December 31, 2023 and 2022 we recognized approximately $509 thousand and $773 thousand, respectively as an insurance financing note payable in our consolidated financial statements. We will pay the insurance financing through installment payments with the last payment for the current note being on September 22, 2024.
Please refer to Note 9, Notes Payable, in our consolidated financial statements for additional information on our debt.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Year Ended December 31,
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 18,144 —
Operating Activities
Net cash used by operating activities increased by $1.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to an increase in our net loss adjusted for non-cash items of $4.2 million, offset by a decrease in cash used in operating activities related to change in our operating assets and liabilities of $2.5 million. Year-over-year changes in cash used by operating activities is explained by shifts in the working capital balances as we continue to advance our lead programs after the JPEO Rapid Response Contract Termination.
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Investing Activities
Net cash used by investing activities decreased by $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to a decrease in purchases of equipment. Capital asset purchases completed in 2022 relate substantially to leasehold improvements at the Company’s corporate headquarters and completion of the clinical manufacturing facility at the Research Center.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities increased by $65.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to increased proceeds from equity issuances of $59.7 million, a reduction in stock repurchases of $5.5 million, and reduced net payments on notes payable of $0.8 million.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
We enter into contracts in the normal course of business with third parties, including CROs. These payments are not included in the table above, as the amount and timing of such payments are not known.
As of December 31, 2023, there were no material changes outside of the ordinary course of business to our commitments and contractual obligations.
Income Taxes
We had $40.8 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2023. Our carryforwards are subject to review and possible adjustment by the appropriate taxing authorities.
These carryforwards may generally be utilized in any future period but may be subject to limitations based upon changes in the ownership of our shares in a prior or future period. We have not quantified the amount of such limitations, if any.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have, for the periods presented, and we do not currently have, any off-balance sheet financing arrangements or any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, including entities sometimes referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, that were established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We have prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and related disclosures. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could therefore differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in our consolidated financial statements,we believe the following accounting policies to be critical to the judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Research and development expenses
Costs incurred in connection with research and development activities are expensed as incurred. These include licensing fees to use certain technology in our research and development projects, fees paid to consultants and various entities that perform certain research and testing on behalf of us, and expenses related to animal care, research-use equipment depreciation, salaries, benefits, and stock-based compensation granted to employees in research and development functions.
We had contracts with multiple CROs to complete studies as part of research grant agreements. These costs include upfront, milestone and monthly expenses as well as reimbursement for pass through costs. All research and development costs are expensed as incurred except when we are accounting for nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services to be used in
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future research and development activities. In these cases, these payments are capitalized at the time of payment and expensed in the period the research and development activity is performed. As actual costs become known to us, we adjust our accrual; such changes in estimate may be a material change in our clinical study accrual, which could also materially affect our results of operations.
Revenue Recognition
Our revenue is primarily generated through grants from government and other (non-government) organizations.
Grant revenue is recognized for the period that the research and development services occur, as qualifying expenses are incurred or conditions of the grants are met. We concluded that payments received under these grants represent conditional, nonreciprocal contributions, as described in ASC 958, Not-for-Profit Entities, and that the grants are not within the scope of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as the organizations providing the grants do not meet the definition of a customer. Expenses for grants are tracked by using a project code specific to the grant, and the employees also track hours worked by using the project code.
Stock-Based Compensation
We recognize compensation cost relating to stock-based payment transactions using a fair-value measurement method, which requires all stock-based payments to employees, directors, and non-employee consultants, including grants of stock options, to be recognized in operating results as compensation expense based on fair value over the requisite service period of the awards. The board of directors elected to determine the fair value of our common stock based on the closing market price at closing on the date of grant. In determining the fair value of our stock-based awards, we utilize the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which uses both historical and current market data to estimate fair value. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model incorporates various assumptions, such as the value of the underlying common stock, the risk-free interest rate, expected volatility, expected dividend yield, and expected life of the options. For awards with performance-based vesting criteria, we estimate the probability of achievement of the performance criteria and recognize compensation expense related to those awards expected to vest. We recognized stock-based compensation expense over the expected term. Forfeitures are recorded when they occur. Stock-based compensation expense is classified in our consolidated statements of operations based on the function to which the related services are provided. We recognize stock-based compensation expense over the expected term.
See Note 11, Stock Option Plan, in our consolidated financial statements for information concerning certain specific assumptions we used in applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the estimated fair value of our stock options granted for the for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Warrant Liabilities Valuations
Liability Classified Warrants
We are required to periodically estimate the fair value liability of our private placement warrants issued simultaneously with the closing of our initial public offering (the “Private Placement Warrant”) liabilities with the assistance of an independent third-party valuation firm. The assumptions underlying these valuations represented our best estimates, which involved inherent uncertainties and the application of significant levels of our judgment. The fair value liability of our public warrants issued upon the closing of our initial public offering (the “Public Warrants”) is determined by reference to the quoted market price.
The warrants are accounted for as liabilities in accordance with ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity, and were presented within warrant liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The initial fair value of the warrant liabilities were measured at fair value on the issuance date, and changes in the fair value of the warrant liabilities were presented within changes in fair value of warrant liabilities in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants
The fair value of the Private Placement Warrants was determined utilizing both the Black-Scholes Merton formula and a Monte Carlo Simulation (“MCS”) analysis. Specifically, we considered a MCS to derive the implied volatility in the publicly listed price of the Public Warrants We then considered this implied volatility in selecting the volatility for the application of a Black-Scholes Merton model for the Private Placement Warrants. We determined the fair value of the Public Warrants by reference to the quoted market price.
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The Public Warrants were classified as a Level 1 fair value measurement, due to the use of the quoted market price, and the Private Placement Warrants held privately by assignees of Big Cypress Holdings LLC, were classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement, due to the use of unobservable inputs. See Note 12, Warrants, for further information regarding the Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants.
The measurement as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 for the Private Placement Warrant liability was approximately $6 thousand and $10 thousand, respectively, and the change in fair value of the Private Placement Warrant liability was approximately $4 thousand and $417 thousand, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The key inputs into the valuations as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
Risk-free interest rate 4.03 % 4.00 %
Expected term remaining (years) 2.81 3.81
Implied volatility 85.0 % 82.0 %
Closing common stock price on the measurement date $ 0.69 $ 0.59
September 2023 Purchase Agreement Warrants
We established fair value of the Preferred Warrants utilizing the Black-Scholes Merton formula. All tranches of the Preferred Warrants were classified as Level 3 fair value measurements, due to unobservable inputs. See Note 12, Warrants, for further information regarding the Preferred Warrants.
The initial measurement as of October 3, 2023 and the measurement of December 31, 2023 for the Preferred Warrant liability was approximately $10.9 million and $11.6 million, respectively. The change in fair value of the Preferred Warrant liability was approximately $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. In November 2023, 59,654 Tranche A Warrants with a value of $0.7 million were exercised and 10,486 Tranche A Warrants with a value of $0.1 million, 9,154 Tranche B Warrants with a value of $1.1 million and 22,885 Tranche C Warrants with a value of $2.4 million were forfeited.
The key inputs utilized in determining the fair value of each Tranche A Warrant as of the Initial Issuance Date was as follows:
October 3, 2023Initial Measurement
Risk-free interest rate (1) 5.58 %
Expected term remaining (years) (1) 0.16
Implied volatility 65.0 %
Underlying Stock Price (Preferred Series A) $ 546.30
The key inputs utilized in determining the fair value of each Tranche B Warrants as of the Initial Issuance Date and December 31, 2023 were as follows:
Risk-free interest rate (1) 2.68 % 2.58 %
Expected term remaining (years) (1) 0.75 0.69
Implied volatility 75.0 % 85.0 %
Underlying Stock Price (Preferred Series A) $ 546.30 $ 560.56
(1)
Reflects a probability-weighted input derived from multiple Black-Scholes calculations. These calculations take into account the various potential dates for the announcement of the SAB-142-101 data. Specifically, we assumed a 50.0% probability of no data release on the Initial Measurement Date. This probability was later adjusted to 45.0% as of December 31, 2023.
(2)
Reflects a 5% discount for lack of marketability.
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The key inputs utilized in determining the fair value of each Tranche C Warrants as of the Initial Issuance Date and December 31, 2023 were as follows:
Risk-free interest rate (1) 4.80 % 3.85 %
Expected term remaining (years) (1) 5.15 4.91
Implied volatility 85.0 % 85.0 %
Underlying Stock Price (Preferred Series A) $ 546.30 $ 560.56
(1)
Reflects a probability-weighted input derived from multiple Black-Scholes calculations. These calculations incorporate our estimated probability of dissolution, should SABS’ intellectual property fail to yield positive results in forthcoming clinical trials, potentially leading to dissolution before 2028. Initially, we estimated a 20.0% probability of continuing operations through the expected remaining term. This probability was later adjusted to 25.0% as of December 31, 2023.
(2)
Reflects a 5% discount for lack of marketability.
The initial fair value of each Preferred Placement Agent Warrant issued and exercisable at $6.30 has been determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
The key inputs into the valuations as of the October 3, 2023 initial measurement date were as follows:
Initial Measurement
Risk-free interest rate 4.80 %
Expected term remaining (years) 5.00
Implied volatility 85.0 %
Closing common stock price on the measurement date $ 0.63
Upon initial measurement, the fair value of each Preferred Placement Agent Warrant was determined to be $4.40, per warrant for a value of approximately $3.7 million. The total fair value of the Preferred PIPE Placement Agent Warrants was recognized as a non-cash expense and allocated to additional paid-in capital within the consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and consolidated balance sheet.
Common Stock Valuations
Prior to becoming a public company, we were required to periodically estimate the fair value of our common stock with the assistance of an independent third-party valuation firm, as discussed above, when issuing stock options and computing our estimated stock-based compensation expense. The assumptions underlying these valuations represented our best estimates, which involved inherent uncertainties and the application of significant levels of our judgment. In order to determine the fair value of our common stock, we considered, among other items, previous transactions involving the sale of our securities, our business, financial condition and results of operations, economic and industry trends, the market performance of comparable publicly traded companies, and the lack of marketability of our common stock.
We determine the fair value of our common stock based on the closing market price at closing on the date of grant.
Compensation expense related to stock-based transactions is measured and recognized in the financial statements at fair value of our post-merger common stock based on the closing market price at closing on the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the equity award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, on the straight-line method. We estimate the fair value of each stock option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Determining the fair value of stock option awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating the expected volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividends.
Lease Liabilities and Right-of-Use Assets
We are party to certain contractual arrangements for equipment, lab space, and an animal facility, which meet the definition of leases under FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”). In accordance with ASC 842, we, as of January 1, 2018 (the date of adoption), recorded right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities for the present value of the lease payments over the lease terms. We utilized the practical expedient regarding lease and non-lease components and have combined such items into a single combined component. Our incremental borrowing rate was used in the calculation of our right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
A description of recently issued accounting pronouncements that may potentially impact our financial position and results of operations is disclosed in Note 3, New Accounting Standards, in our consolidated financial statements.
JOBS Act Accounting Election
We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of reduced reporting requirements that are not otherwise applicable to public companies. These provisions include, but are not limited to:
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being permitted to present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Form 10-K;
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not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting;
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not being required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the PCAOB regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis);
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reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation arrangements; and
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exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.
We may use these provisions until the last day of our fiscal year in which the fifth anniversary of the completion of our initial public offering occurred. However, if certain events occur prior to the end of such five-year period, including if we become a “large accelerated filer,” our annual gross revenue exceeds $1.235 billion, or we issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt in any three-year period, we will cease to be an emerging growth company prior to the end of such five-year period.
We have elected to take advantage of certain of the reduced disclosure obligations in this Form 10-K and may elect to take advantage of other reduced reporting requirements in future filings. As a result, the information that we provide to our shareholders may be different than the information you receive from other public companies in which you hold stock.
The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards, until those standards apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period and, therefore, we will not be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. Our financial statements may therefore not be comparable to those of companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards. Until the date that we are no longer an emerging growth company or affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the exemption provided by Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act upon issuance of a new or revised accounting standard that applies to our financial statements and that has a different effective date for public and private companies, we will disclose the date on which we will adopt the recently issued accounting standard.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Not Applicable.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The consolidated financial statements required pursuant to this item are included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report, and are presented beginning on page F-1.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
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Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report as a result of the material weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting described below.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a- 15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act and based upon the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“the COSO framework”). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
An effective internal control system, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error or overriding of controls, and therefore can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to reliable financial reporting. Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the COSO framework. Based on evaluation under these criteria and based upon the existence of the material weakness described below, management determined, that we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that a reasonable possibility exists that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
We identified deficiencies in the control environment component of the COSO Framework that constitute a material weakness:
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We lack documentation of the formalized processes and procedures that are critical to the accomplishment of financial reporting objectives.
Management believes that the material weakness set forth above is the result of the scale of our operations, is intrinsic to our size, and intends to take remedial actions described below.
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Plan for Remediation of Material Weakness
We continue to work to strengthen our internal control over financial reporting and are committed to ensuring that such controls are designed and operating effectively. We are implementing process and control improvements to address the above material weakness as follows:
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We have engaged with a third party firm to perform a complete risk assessment and provide advisory services for our required documented control attributes and necessary remediation efforts.
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We will soon complete the process of implementing a contract management platform that will integrate functions governing the initiation, authorization, and execution of contracts with enhancements for our existing contract review control. This tool will improve the ability of the finance organization to review new and renewed contracts for potential financial reporting implications.
We are committed to continuing to improve our internal control processes related to these matters and will continue to review our financial reporting controls and procedures. As we continue to evaluate and work to improve our internal control over financial reporting, we may take additional measures to address deficiencies or modify certain of the remediation measures described above.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Other than as described above, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting in connection with the evaluation required by Rules 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the fiscal quarter to which period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K relates that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
Not applicable.
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PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Directors and Executive Officers
The following persons are serving as our executive officers and directors:
Name Age Position(s)
Christine Hamilton, MBA 68 Class III Director
Eddie J. Sullivan, PhD 58 Class III Director and President
Jeffrey G. Spragens 82 Class II Director
David Link, MBA 68 Class II Director
Katie Ellias 45 Class II Director
Andrew Moin 40 Class II Director
William Polvino, MD 63 Class I Director
Scott Giberson 55 Class I Director
Erick Lucera 56 Class I Director
Michael G. King, Jr. 63 Chief Financial Officer
Christoph Bausch, PhD 53 Chief Operating Officer
Alexandra Kropotova, MD 51 Chief Medical Officer
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers. Edward Hamilton, our former Chairman, retired from such role as of the consummation of the Business Combination. Mr. Hamilton was named as a board observer in October 2021. Edward Hamilton is Christine Hamilton’s husband.
Executive Officers
Samuel J. Reich has served as a member of our board of directors from November 2020 and our CEO since January 2024 and was named chairman of our board of directors in October 2021, and was named Chief Executive Officer in January 2024. Mr. Reich served as our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer from November 2020 until October 2020 prior to the closing of our Business Combination. Mr. Reich co-founded Biscayne Neurotherapeutics, Inc. in 2011 and served as its Executive Chairman until its sale to Supernus Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SUPN) in October 2018. Biscayne Neurotherapeutics was focused on novel treatments for seizure disorders. Previously, Mr. Reich was the Executive Vice President of OPKO Ophthalmologics, a division of OPKO Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: OPK) from March 2007 to November 2008, where Mr. Reich served on the executive committee and lead the Ophthalmologics business division. Prior to his position at OPKO, Mr. Reich was the Founder and Executive Vice President of Acuity Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where he worked from July 2002 through March 2007, at which time Acuity Pharmaceuticals merged with OPKO Health. Mr. Reich was a doctoral candidate in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He left graduate school prior to the completion of his Ph.D. to establish Acuity. Prior to that, he was a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania in the Biomedical Studies graduate program. He has authored six peer- reviewed scientific publications and is currently an inventor on sixteen issued U.S. patents and over 50 issued foreign patents. Mr. Reich holds a B.A. with High Honors in Biochemistry from Clark University, cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa.
Eddie J. Sullivan, PhD, is our co-founder and has served as our president since 2014 and our past CEO from 2014 until January 2024. Dr. Sullivan has served in biopharma leadership positions for more than 25 years. Prior to joining us, he held the CEO role or other leadership roles in our predecessor entities, including CEO of Hematech, a subsidiary of Kyowa Hakko Kirin. During that time, he led initiatives to develop infectious disease, cancer, and autoimmune immunotherapies. In addition to raising over $250 million in capital to develop biopharmaceutical platform technologies, he has also led several successful mergers and acquisitions. A recognized thought leader in antibodies and transgenic animals, Dr. Sullivan serves on the board of directors for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and has served on its executive committee. He has worked with industry committees and discussion groups that have focused on animal biotechnology, regulatory framework, human immunotherapies, and global health threats. Dr. Sullivan was governor-appointed to South Dakota’s Research Commercialization Council and is Chairman of the state’s National Science Foundation-EPSCoR committee. He
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also founded, served as president, and remains an advisor to the state affiliate of BIO, South Dakota Biotech, and in 2014 was honored for his leadership, innovation, vision, and entrepreneurship with the inaugural LIVE award. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and graduate degrees from Brigham Young University, Kennedy-Western University, and Utah State University in both reproduction and business.
Michael G King, Jr., is our Chief Financial Officer as of October 2023. Mr. King is an award-winning biotechnology industry research analyst with over 25 years of experience advising investors and issuers. From June 2022 to May 2023, Mr. King was Co-Head of Healthcare Research at EF Hutton Group., where he provided coverage on 15 healthcare and biotechnology companies across a range of market capitalizations. From January 2021 to May 2022, he was Managing Director and Senior Biotechnology Analyst with H.C. Wainwright & Co., where he provided coverage on 21 healthcare and biotechnology companies From May 2018 to December 2020, Mr. King acted as Entrepreneur in Residence at Fortress Biotech, Inc., where he was responsible for identifying promising therapeutic molecules, securing rights to their development and commercialization, and forming and capitalization new companies around these molecules. Mr. King has previously held senior roles with prominent companies including JMP Securities LLC, Rodman and Renshaw LLC, Ziopharm Oncology, Inc. Wedbush PacGrow Life Sciences, Bank of America, Robertson Stephens, and Vector Securities. Mr. King’s extensive investment banking and public company advisory experience includes equity research, capital markets, corporate finance, and M&A advisory. He received his BA in Finance from the Bernard M. Baruch College of the City University of New York.
Christoph Bausch, PhD, MBA, is our Chief Operating Officer as of May 2022, overseeing all Research & Manufacturing operations of the company. Prior to his role as COO, he served as Chief Science Officer since joining SAB in April 2017, providing leadership in all areas of Research & Development, and functioned as drug development lead for a Stage 3 clinically advanced drug product. Dr. Bausch is an experienced research scientist, biotech entrepreneur and business development executive who has led the successful discovery, development, biomanufacturing, and commercialization of platform technologies in the life sciences. Previously, Dr. Bausch has served as founder and director of a molecular diagnostic company and has provided life science consulting for Keion Group, LLC. Dr. Bausch held several science-based business development positions prior to joining SAB, most recently for multi-billion-dollar global industrial biomanufacturing leader POET, LLC, where he structured strategic partnerships, prospected, and vetted new technologies and streamlined research and development activities. He also worked in both research and commercialization roles for Fortune 500 life science and high technology company Sigma-Aldrich, now MilliporeSigma. Dr. Bausch received his PhD in Microbiology at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, completed Post-Doctoral Training at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri and earned an MBA from St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, in addition to a BA in Biology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Alexandra Kropotova, M.D., is our Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer as of June, 2022, leading the strategy, direction, and execution of the company’s clinical development for the entire portfolio. Dr. Kropotova is a biopharmaceutical executive with expertise in all phases of global clinical development, translational medicine and medical affairs. Prior to joining SAB Biotherapeutics, as a Therapeutic Area Head of Global Specialty R&D at Teva Pharmaceuticals from April 2016 to June 2022, Alexandra led innovative drug development focused on delivering a broad portfolio of immunology, respiratory, and immuno-oncology assets spanning from pre-IND to BLA/NDA filing of biologics and complex drug-device combination products. Prior to Teva, Dr. Kropotova served in various roles at Sanofi, including Vice President, Strategy & Strategic Planning Head, North American Medical Affairs; Associate Vice President and subsequently Vice President, Immuno-Inflammation, Global R&D Clinical Development; and Senior Medical Director, Respiratory, Allergy & Anti-Infectives. She also served in various roles at Pfizer Inc., most recently as Director & Head of Global Clinical Respiratory and Analgesics. She continues to serve on the Board of Directors at iBio, a global leader in plant-based biologics manufacturing and development of novel biopharmaceuticals. Dr. Kropotova received her MBA from Ohio University Graduate School of Business, Athens, Ohio; and her M.D. in Internal Medicine from the Vladivostok State Medical University, Vladivostok, Russia.
Non-Employee Directors
Biographical information for Eddie J. Sullivan PhD, our President and Class III director, and Samuel J. Reich, our Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Class III director, is set forth above in “Item 10. Executive Officers”.
Christine Hamilton, MBA, is our co-founder and has served as a member of our board of directors since 2014. Ms. Hamilton is the owner and managing partner of Christiansen Land and Cattle, Ltd., a fourth-generation diversified farming and ranching enterprise. She also owns Dakota Packing, Inc., a wholesale company based in Las Vegas that provides high-end, “center-of-the-plate” protein products to a national customer base. Ms. Hamilton has served on the board of directors for several financial and public companies including HF Financial Corporation, Home Federal Bank (now Great Western Bancorp, NYSE: GWB) and, in 2018, was recognized for her exemplary service as a board member of the Federal Reserve Bank (Ninth District) after a four-year term. She currently serves as a board member for publicly traded Titan Machinery,
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Padlock Ranch, and Meadowlark Institute. Ms. Hamilton was a governor-appointed commissioner for South Dakota Game Fish & Parks and is a 2016 inductee to the South Dakota Hall of Fame for her contributions to the state and agribusiness. In 2000, Ms. Hamilton and her family formed the Matson Halverson Christiansen Hamilton Foundation (MHCH), a not-for-profit foundation with a mission to improve the quality of life and create opportunities for growth and enterprise development in South Dakota. Ms. Hamilton holds a philosophy degree from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, and an MBA in entrepreneurship from the University of Arizona. Ms. Hamilton is well qualified to serve on our board of directors because of her extensive public company board experience.
Katie Ellias, joined the SAB board of directors in November 2023. Ms. Ellias serves as a Managing Director at the JDRF T1D Fund LLC, a venture philanthropy fund with approximately $200 million in assets (the “T1D Fund”), including an investment in the Company. Ms. Ellias joined the T1D Fund in 2018 where she has led a number of investments in companies developing T1D-oriented therapies, and served as a director on the board of several including, DiogenX, Veralox Therapeutics, i2O Therapeutics, and Capillary Biomedical. Ms. Ellias joined the T1D Fund from Endeavour Vision, a Geneva-based growth stage venture fund. She was previously Principal at Sofinnova Partners, Paris, a leading early-stage life sciences fund. Ms. Ellias has also held roles in business development with Medtronic and started her career at McKinsey & Company. She holds an M.B.A. in Healthcare Management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in International Relations and Political Science from Yale University.
Scott Giberson, RPh, MPH, D.Sc., Rear Admiral (retired), joined the SAB board of directors in July 2022. He is currently the President of AMI Expeditionary Healthcare, a private global healthcare solutions company where he has fostered global client relations at the highest levels, since March 2021. Clients include senior leadership of multiple U.S. and foreign government entities, the WHO, UN and private industry partners such as the Gates Foundation. RADM Giberson retired after 27 years as two-star admiral and as an Assistant U.S. Surgeon General, serving in a variety of senior roles with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from March 2010 to March 2021. RADM (rert.) Giberson served as the acting Deputy Surgeon General of the United States (2013-2014), he was the Surgeon General's principal liaison with health leadership in multiple U.S. Departments. He also held executive positions as the Senior Advisor to the Office of Surgeon General, Director of Commissioned Corps Headquarters, Chief Pharmacist of the USPHS (2010-2014), Director of the IHS National HIV/AIDS Program and Senior Public Health Advisor for Pacific Command's Center of Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (2003-2006). He served as overall Commander of the Commissioned Corps' Ebola Response in West Africa. RADM Giberson has authored numerous articles and delivered well over 100 keynote lectures on leadership, global health, and public health at numerous venues both domestically and internationally. RADM Giberson has received many awards including the Presidential Unit Citation from President Obama in the Oval Office for leadership during the West African Ebola response. The Military Officers Association of America selected him as on the of the “Top 100 Veterans in the Last 100 Years You Need to Know”. RADM Giberson is a graduate of Temple University and U. of Massachusetts/Amherst, holds a Pharmacy degree and licensure, MPH, and graduate certificate in Health Emergencies in Large Populations from the International Committee of the Red Cross. He has received three honorary Doctoral degrees (one for his pioneering work in interprofessional practice). He is also a Fellow of Wharton Business School (U. of Pennsylvania) Executive Leadership Program. Mr. Giberson is well qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his extensive experience in the medical industry.
David Link, MBA, has served as a member of our board of directors since 2018 and is currently Vice-Chairman. Mr. Link is the former executive vice president and chief strategy office at Sanford Health with more than three decades of experience in strategy, planning and financial operations. During his tenure, Mr. Link contributed significantly to growing the organization from a regional health system into one of the nation’s largest non-profit, integrated health care delivery systems. He was also charged with overseeing Sanford Health Plan, Sanford Foundation and research and development, including Sanford Research. Under his leadership, the initial Sanford Clinic was created as well as the development of Sanford World Clinics, an initiative designed to provide communities around the world with permanent, sustainable health care infrastructure. Currently, Dave serves as an appointed program director in the President’s Office at Dakota State University, one of the nation’s leading programs in cyber security. Dave holds board or committee positions with Enterprise 605, the South Dakota REACH Committee, South Dakota Research and Commercialization Council and Sanford Research. In 2019, he was honored for his exemplary leadership and support of the state’s bioscience industry with the LIVE Award at the South Dakota Biotech. Dave holds a bachelor’s degree in data processing and computer science, an MBA from the University of South Dakota and a master’s in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota. Mr. Link is well qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his extensive experience in the biotechnology industry and his extensive public company board experience.
Erick Lucera, joined the SAB board of directors in April 2023. From 2020 to February 2023, Mr. Lucera served as Chief Financial Officer of AVEO Oncology, a public biotech company, and subsequent to the close of its acquisition, worked on integration with LG Chem, Ltd. From 2016 to 2020, Mr. Lucera served as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of VALERITAS, a publicly traded commercial-stage medical technology company where he led multiple successful public
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offerings. From 2017 to the present, Mr. Lucera has served as a member of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee Chairman of Beyond Air, a publicly held commercial-stage medical device and biopharmaceutical company developing a platform of nitric oxide generators and delivery systems. From 2021 to the present, Mr. Lucera has served as a member of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee Chairman of Bone Biologics Corporation, a publicly held company focusing on regenerative medicine therapies to treat bone disorders. From 2015 to 2016, Mr. Lucera served as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of VIVENTIA Bio, acquired by Eleven Biotherapeutics, Inc., now Sesen Bio, a biotechnology company focused on developing targeted protein therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Early in his career, Mr. Lucera spent more than 15 years covering healthcare and the life sciences in investment management. Given Mr. Lucera’s extensive experience in strategic planning and finance, we believe that Mr. Lucera is well qualified to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Andrew Moin, joined the SAB board of directors in October 2023. Mr. Moin is a Partner and Analyst at Sessa Capital, a New York based investment advisor registered with the SEC. Mr. Moin has been with Sessa since 2012, where he works on idea generation, research, and investment implementation. Prior to Sessa, from 2008-2012, Mr. Moin was in the Tax Group at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, where he advised corporate and other clients on a variety of transactions. In the non-profit realm, Andrew has served on the Young Leadership Committee of the New York City Chapter of the JDRF and was Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Great Neck Community School. Andrew received a B.A. in Economics, with distinction, from Amherst College and a J D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School.
Dr. William J. Polvino, MD, has served as a member of our board of directors since 2019, after having served as our business advisor for several years. Dr. Polvino is pharmaceutical entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare arena. He is currently chief executive officer of Bridge Medicines, a pioneering drug discovery company focused on advancing promising early technologies from concept to clinic. Prior to Bridge Medicines, Dr. Polvino was president and chief executive officer of Veloxis Pharmaceuticals A/S (NASDAQ-OMX: VELO), a public biotechnology company that deployed proprietary formulation technology to develop and commercialize an innovative oral drug product for transplant patients. He also served as president and CEO of Helsinn Therapeutics (formerly Sapphire Therapeutics) and has held executive and senior-level positions in drug development at Merck, Wyeth and Theravance. Dr. Polvino earned his medical degree from Rutgers Medical School and a B.S. in Biology from Boston College. He trained in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and was a fellow in clinical pharmacology at the National Institutes of Health prior to entering the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. Dr. Polvino is well qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his extensive experience in the biotechnology industry and his extensive public company management experience.
Jeffrey G. Spragens has served as a member of our board of directors since November 2020. From 2005 through 2013, Mr. Spragens was a Co-Founder and the CEO of SafeStitch Medical, Inc., a medical device company that pioneered incisionless surgery techniques that helps to relieve GERD and obesity. In 2013, SafeStitch merged with TransEnterix, Inc. (NYSE: TRXC). In addition, Mr. Spragens was one of the three founding board members of North American Vaccine, which became a publicly traded company in 1990. At North American Vaccine, Mr. Spragens was responsible for securing initial financing and building a commercial manufacturing facility. Mr. Spragens was instrumental in North American Vaccine’s acquisition by Baxter International (NYSE: BAX) in 1999. Mr. Spragens has also been a successful real estate developer and entrepreneur. Mr. Spragens was President of FCH services from 1973 until 1986. FCH developed and managed units of coop and condo housing financed with HUD financing with offices in several major cities. In 1986, Mr. Spragens converted to condo ownership 1,000 apartment units in San Mateo, California, resulting in one of the largest residential projects in California at that time. Mr. Spragens was Managing Partner of Gateway Associates, Inc. from 1990 to 2000. In addition, Mr. Spragens is President and 50% owner of Mint Management Company, a residential property management company he co-founded in 1987, which develops, owns and operates apartment units in New Jersey, Michigan and Kansas. Mr. Spragens developed and continues to own and operate Inman Grove Shopping Center in Edison, New Jersey. Mr. Spragens is also a well-known and respected philanthropist. Mr. Spragens is a Founding Board Member and Treasurer of Foundation for Peace. Foundation for Peace provides healthcare, education, and clean water to those in need in Dominican Republic and Haiti. He is also a member of the Board of Directors and Finance Committee of Hernia Help, which provides free hernia surgery to underserved children and adults in developing countries. Mr. Spragens has a BA from the University of Cincinnati, a Law Degree from George Washington University, and an MA from American University. Mr. Spragens is well qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his extensive public company management and multi-sector investment experience, and his public company board experience.
Director Independence
The listing rules of Nasdaq require us to maintain a board of directors comprised of a majority of independent directors, as determined affirmatively by our board of directors. In addition, the Nasdaq listing rules require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of our audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees must be
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independent. Audit committee members and compensation committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 and Rule 10C-1, respectively, under the Exchange Act. Under the Nasdaq listing rules, a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of our board of directors, the director does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out his or her responsibilities.
Our board of directors has undertaken a review of the independence of our directors and considered whether any director has a material relationship with us that could compromise his or her ability to exercise independent judgment in carrying out his or her responsibilities. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, our board of directors has determined that none of Christine Hamilton, Jeffrey Spragens, William Polvino, David Link, Scott Giberson, Erick Lucera, Katie Ellias, and Andrew Moin (representing eight of our ten directors), has a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that they each are an “independent director” as that term is defined under the Nasdaq listing rules.
In making these determinations, our board of directors considered the relationships that each nonemployee director has with us and all other facts and circumstances our board of directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including consulting relationships, family relationships and the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by each non-employee director.
Board Composition
Our business and affairs are organized under the direction of our board of directors. Our board currently consists of ten (10) directors divided into three classes as follows:
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each Class I director having a term that expires immediately following our annual meeting of stockholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2025;
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each Class II director having a term that expires immediately following our annual meeting of stockholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2026; and
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each Class III director having a term that expires immediately following our annual meeting of stockholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2024
or, in each case, until their respective successor is duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier resignation, removal or death.
Messrs. Lucera, Giberson, and Dr. Polvino currently serve as the Class I directors, Ms. Ellias, Messrs. Link, Spragens and Moin currently serve as the Class II directors, and Ms. Hamilton, and Messrs. Reich and Sullivan currently serve as Class III directors.
At each annual meeting of stockholders, the successors to directors whose terms then expire will serve until the third annual meeting following their election and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The authorized size of the board of directors will be fixed exclusively by resolutions of the board of directors. The authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the board of directors. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed between the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. This classification of the board of directors may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in its control or management. Our board of directors may be removed for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of its voting stock.
Board Meetings
During 2023, our board of directors held six meetings, and each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of our board of directors held during the period for which he or she has been a director and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of our board of directors on which he or she served during the periods that he or she served.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Our board of directors has three standing committees: an audit committee, a nominating and corporate governance committee (“nominating committee”) and a compensation committee. Subject to phase-in rules and a limited exception, Nasdaq rules and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act require that the audit committee of a listed company be comprised solely of independent directors, and Nasdaq rules require that the compensation committee and nominating committee of a listed
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company be comprised solely of independent directors. Each of our committees is comprised entirely of independent directors.
Audit Committee
On October 22, 2021, we established an audit committee of the board of directors. Erick Lucera, William Polvino, and Jeffrey Spragens serve as members of the audit committee, with Erick Lucera serving as the Chairman of the audit committee. Under the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules, we are required to have at least three members of the audit committee, all of whom must be independent. Each of Mr. Lucera, Dr. Polvino, and Mr. Spragens meet the independent director standard under Nasdaq listing standards and under Rule 10A-3(b)(1) of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee held five meetings during 2023.
Each member of the audit committee is financially literate, and our board of directors has determined that each Mr. Lucera and Mr. Spragens qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in applicable SEC rules.
We adopted a restated audit committee charter on October 22, 2021 which details the principal functions of the audit committee, including:
•
the appointment, compensation, retention, replacement, and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accounting firm engaged by us;
•
pre-approving all audit and permitted non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm engaged by us, and establishing pre-approval policies and procedures;
•
setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent registered public accounting firm, including but not limited to, as required by applicable laws and regulations;
•
setting clear policies for audit partner rotation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
•
obtaining and reviewing a report, at least annually, from the independent registered public accounting firm describing (i) the independent registered public accounting firm’s internal quality-control procedures, (ii) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the audit 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 and any steps taken to deal with such issues and (iii)all relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and us to assess the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence;
•
reviewing and approving any related party transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC prior to us entering into such transaction; and
•
reviewing with management, the independent registered public accounting firm, and our legal advisors, as appropriate, any legal, regulatory or compliance matters, including any correspondence with regulators or government agencies and any employee complaints or published reports that raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies and any significant changes in accounting standards or rules promulgated by the FASB, the SEC or other regulatory authorities.
Compensation Committee
On October 22, 2021, we established a compensation committee of the board of directors. Christine Hamilton, Eric Lucera and Katie Ellias serve as members of the compensation committee. Christine Hamilton serves as the Chairwoman of the compensation committee. Under the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules, we are required to have at least two members of the compensation committee, all of whom must be independent. Each of Mr. Lucera, Ms. Ellias and Ms. Hamilton are independent. The Compensation Committee held two meetings during 2023.
We adopted a restated compensation committee charter on October 22, 2021, which details the principal functions of the compensation committee, including:
•
reviewing and approving on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, if any is paid by us, evaluating our Chief Executive Officer’s performance considering such goals and objectives and determining and approving the remuneration (if any) of our Chief Executive Officer based on such evaluation;
•
reviewing and approving on an annual basis the compensation, if any is paid by us, of all our other officers;
•
reviewing on an annual basis our executive compensation policies and plans;
•
implementing and administering our incentive compensation equity-based remuneration plans;
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•
assisting management in complying with our proxy statement and Form 10-K disclosure requirements;
•
approving all special perquisites, special cash payments and other special compensation and benefit arrangements for our officers and employees;
•
if required, producing a report on executive compensation to be included in our annual proxy statement; and
•
reviewing, evaluating, and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for directors.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, other than as indicated in this Form 10-K, no compensation of any kind, including finders, consulting, or other similar fees, will be paid to any of our existing stockholders, officers, directors, or any of their respective affiliates, prior to, or for any services they render to effectuate the offering.
The charter also provides that the compensation committee may, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser and will be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any such adviser. However, before engaging or receiving advice from a compensation consultant, external legal counsel or any other adviser, the compensation committee will consider the independence of each such adviser, including the factors required by Nasdaq and the SEC.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
No person who served as a member of the compensation committee during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 was a current or former officer or employee of the Company or engaged in certain transactions with the Company required to be disclosed by regulations of the SEC. Additionally, there were no compensation committee “interlocks” during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which generally means that no executive officer of the Company served as a director or member of the compensation committee of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director or member of the compensation committee of the Company.
Nominating Committee
On October 22, 2021, we established a nominating committee of the board of directors. David Link, Scott Giberson, and Andrew Moin currently serve as members of the Nominating and Governance Committee. David Link serves as the Chairman of the nominating committee. Under the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules, we are required to have at least two members of the nominating committee, all of whom must be independent. Each of Mr. Link, Mr. Giberson, and Mr. Moin are independent. The Nominating Committee held two meetings during 2023.
We adopted a restated nominating committee charter on October 22, 2021, which details the purpose and responsibilities of the nominating committee, including:
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screening and reviewing individuals qualified to serve as directors, consistent with criteria approved by the board, and recommending to the board of directors’ candidates for nomination for election at the annual meeting of stockholders or to fill vacancies on the board of directors;
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developing and recommending to the board of directors and overseeing implementation of our corporate governance guidelines; and
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reviewing on a regular basis our overall corporate governance and recommending improvements as and when necessary.
The nominating committee will consider several qualifications relating to management and leadership experience, background and integrity and professionalism in evaluating a person’s candidacy for membership on the board of directors. The nominating committee may require certain skills or attributes, such as financial or accounting experience, to meet specific board needs that arise from time to time and will also consider the overall experience and makeup of its members to obtain a broad and diverse mix of board members. The nominating committee does not distinguish among nominees recommended by stockholders and other persons.
We have not formally established any specific, minimum qualifications that must be met or skills that are necessary for directors to possess. In general, in identifying and evaluating nominees for director, the board of directors considers educational background, diversity of professional experience, knowledge of our business, integrity, professional reputation, independence, wisdom, and the ability to represent the best interests of our stockholders.
Executive Sessions of Independent Directors
Independent directors are required to meet regularly without management participation. During 2023, there were six meetings of independent directors.
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Director Nominations
The process of recommending director nominees for selection by the board of directors is undertaken by the nominating committee (see above).
The board of directors will also consider director candidates recommended for nomination by our stockholders during such times as they are seeking proposed nominees to stand for election at the next annual meeting of stockholders (or, if applicable, a special meeting of stockholders). Our stockholders that wish to nominate a director for election to our board of directors should follow the procedures set forth in our bylaws. In 2023, there were no material changes have been made to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our board of directors.
Section 16 Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires certain of our officers and our directors, and persons who own more than 10 percent of a registered class of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Officers, directors, and greater than 10 percent stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on our review of copies of such forms received by us, we believe that during the year ended December 31, 2023, all filing requirements applicable to all of our officers, directors, and greater than 10% beneficial stockholders were timely complied with.
Code of Ethics
We adopted a restated Code of Ethics applicable to our directors, officers, and employees. A copy of our Code of Ethics and copies of our audit, nominating and compensation committee charters are available on our website at https://www.sabbiotherapeutics.com/.
In addition, a copy of the Code of Ethics will be provided without charge upon written request, addressed to:
SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc.
2100 East 54th Street North
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104
Attn: Corporate Secretary
We intend to disclose any amendments to or waivers of certain provisions of our Code of Ethics in a Current Report on Form 8-K. Please see “Where You Can Find Additional Information” for additional information.
Board Oversight of Risk
The Board’s Role
The Board’s role in the Company’s risk oversight process includes receipt and review of scheduled and ad hoc reports from members of the executive management team which relate to areas of actual or potential material risk to the Company, including but not limited to, operational, financial, legal, regulatory, strategic, transactional and reputational risks. The full Board receives these reports from the appropriate “risk owner” within the organization to enable each member of the Board to understand our risk identification, risk management and risk mitigation strategies.
Risk Assessment in Compensation Policies and Practices for Employees
The Compensation Committee reviewed the elements of our compensation policies and practices for all of our employees, including our named executive officers, to evaluate whether risks that may arise from such compensation policies and practices are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our Company. The Compensation Committee has concluded that the following current features of our compensation programs guard against excessive risk-taking:
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compensation programs provide a balanced mix of short-term and longer-term incentives;
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base salaries are consistent with employees’ duties and responsibilities;
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cash incentive awards are capped by the Compensation Committee;
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cash incentive awards are tied to corporate performance goals, as well as individual performance goals;
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•
vesting periods for equity awards encourage executives to focus on sustained stock price appreciation;
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our clawback policy provides our Board the ability to recoup any erroneously awarded performance-based compensation from executive officers on account of intentional misconduct; and
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our robust stock ownership guidelines for executive officers provide alignment with stockholder interests.
The Compensation Committee believes that, for all of our employees, including our named executive officers, our compensation programs do not lead to excessive risk-taking and instead encourage behavior that supports sustainable value creation. We believe that risks that may arise from our compensation policies and practices for our employees, including our named executive officers, are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our Company.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The following is a discussion and analysis of compensation arrangements of the Company’s named executive officers. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements that are based on the Company’s current plans, considerations, expectations and determinations regarding future compensation programs. The actual compensation programs that the Company adopts may differ materially from the currently planned programs that are summarized in this discussion. As an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, we are not required to include a Compensation Discussion and Analysis section and have elected to comply with the scaled disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies.
Summary Executive Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to Our named executive officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Name and Principal Position Year ($) ($) ($) ($) ($) ($)
EVP, Chief Financial Officer 2022 — — — — — —
(1)
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of stock option awards granted in the respective fiscal year as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. A discussion of the assumptions used in calculating the amounts in this column may be found in the Notes to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 set forth in this Annual Report. These amounts do not represent the actual amounts paid to or realized by the executives during the fiscal years presented.
(2)
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted in the respective fiscal year as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. Restricted stock units are valued at market price of the Company’s common stock at the closing price at the date of grant. These amounts do not represent the actual amounts paid to or realized by the executives during the fiscal years presented.
(3)
We granted Mr. Reich a stock option to purchase up to 7,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.78 per share, the closing price of our common stock on March 16, 2022. The shares subject to this stock option award
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vested 100% of the shares on the one-year anniversary of the grant date and We granted Mr. Reich a stock option to purchase up to 525,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.71 per share, the closing price of our common stock on September 13, 2022. The shares subject to this stock option will vest as to 25% of the shares one-year anniversary of the grant date, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter. We granted Mr. Reich a stock option to purchase up to 525,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.54 per share, the closing price of our common stock on March 14, 2023. The shares subject to this stock option will vest as to 25% of the shares one-year anniversary of the grant date, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter. “All Other Compensation” includes only employer matching contributions under our 401(k) plan.
(4)
We granted Dr. Sullivan a stock option to purchase up to 21,218 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.78 per share, the closing price of our common stock on March 16, 2022. The shares subject to this stock option award vested 100% on the one-year anniversary of the grant date. We granted Dr. Sullivan a stock option to purchase up to 35,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.71 per share, the closing price of our common stock on September 13, 2022. The shares subject to this stock option vest 25% one the one-year anniversary of the grant date, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter. We granted Dr. Sullivan a stock option to purchase up to 525,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.54 per share, the closing price of our common stock on March 14, 2023. The shares subject to this stock option vest 25% one the one-year anniversary of the grant date, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter. “All Other Compensation” includes (a) $13,173 representing payment for a lease to occupy an apartment in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and (b) $12,187 representing employer matching contributions under our 401(k) plan.
(5)
On June 6, 2022 we granted Alexandra Kropotova 300,000 restricted shares of our common stock (“RSUs”). The shares subject to this stock award will vest as to 25% of the RSU’s on the one-year anniversary of the grant date, and the remainder of the RSU’s vest in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter. On March 14, 2023 we granted Dr. Kropotova 275,000 (27,500 shares following the Reverse Stock Split) restricted shares of our common stock (“RSUs”). The shares subject to this stock award will vest as to 25% of the RSU’s on the one-year anniversary of the grant date, and the remainder of the RSU’s vest 36 equal monthly installments thereafter. “All Other Compensation” includes only employer matching contributions under our 401(k) plan.
(6)
We granted Mr. King a stock option to purchase up to 850,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.798 per share, the closing price of our common stock on October 19, 2023. The award was contingent upon the Mr. King's commencement of service as Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, which occurred on October 30, 2023. The shares subject to this stock option vest 25% one the one-year anniversary of Mr. King’s commencement of service as Chief Financial Officer , and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter.
(7)
We granted Dr. Bausch a stock option to purchase up to 24,972 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.78 per share, the closing price of our common stock on March 16, 2022. The shares subject to this stock option award vested 100% on the one-year anniversary of the grant date. We granted Dr. Bausch a stock option to purchase up to 274,875 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.71 per share, the closing price of our common stock on September 13, 2022. The shares subject to this stock option vest 25% one the one-year anniversary of the grant date, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter. We granted Dr. Bausch a stock option to purchase up to 275,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.54 per share, the closing price of our common stock on March 14, 2023. The shares subject to this stock option vest 25% one the one-year anniversary of the grant date, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter. “All Other Compensation” includes only employer matching contributions under our 401(k) plan.
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2023 Year-End
The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2023.
Option Awards Stock Awards
(1)
The shares subject to this stock option award will vest as to 33% of the shares on one-year anniversary of the grant date, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 24 equal monthly installments thereafter.
(2)
The shares subject to this stock option award will vest as to 25% of the shares on one-year anniversary of the grant date, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter.
(3)
The shares subject to this stock option award will vest as to 25% of the shares on one-year anniversary of the grant date, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter.
(4)
The shares subject to this stock option award will vest as to 25% of the shares on one-year anniversary of the grant date, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter.
(5)
The shares subject to this stock option award will vest as to 25% of the shares on one-year anniversary of the grant date, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter.
(6)
The shares subject to this stock option award will vest as to 25% of the shares on one-year anniversary of the grant date, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter.
(7)
Shares subject to these stock awards vest as to 25% of the RSU’s on the one-year anniversary of the grant date, and the remainder of the RSU’s in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter.
(8)
The shares subject to this stock option award will vest as to 25% of the shares on one-year anniversary of Mr. King’s commencement of service as Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter.
(9)
The shares subject to this stock option award will vest as to 25% of the shares on one-year anniversary of the grant date, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter.
(10)
The shares subject to this stock option award will vest as to 25% of the shares on one-year anniversary of the grant date, and vest as to the remainder of the shares in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter.
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Named Executive Officer Employment Arrangements
Below are descriptions of the current employment agreements with our named executive officers.
Samuel J. Reich
On November 17, 2021, we entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with Mr. Reich to serve as our Chairman of the Board of Directors. The agreement provides Mr. Reich an annual base salary of $350,000, and his eligibility to participate in the Company’s benefit plans generally. The agreement also subjects Mr. Reich to standard nondisclosure, invention assignment, and arbitration provisions. If Mr. Reich's employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the employment agreement) (other than for death or disability) or the term of his employment is not renewed, Mr. Reich will receive (i) a severance payment equal to one year of his then base salary, payable in a lump sum five business days after his release becomes final, (ii) the applicable accrued but unpaid annual bonus, if any, for the fiscal year ended prior to his date of termination, payable at the same time annual bonuses for such fiscal year are paid to other key executives of the Company, (iii) one hundred percent of his outstanding unvested equity awards as of the date of termination will be fully vested and exercisable, and (iv) reimbursement of the COBRA premiums, if any, for continuation coverage for Mr. Reich, his spouse and dependents under the Company’s group health, dental and vision plans for a twelve month period from the date of termination.
Eddie J. Sullivan
On March 5, 2024, we entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with Dr. Sullivan to continue to serve as our President. The agreement provides Dr. Sullivan an annual base salary of $485,000, and his eligibility to participate in the Company’s benefit plans generally. The agreement also subjects Dr. Sullivan to standard nondisclosure, invention assignment, and arbitration provisions. If Dr. Sullivan’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the employment agreement) (other than for death or disability) or the term of his employment is not renewed, Dr. Sullivan will receive: (i) a severance payment equal to one year of his then base salary, payable in a lump sum five business days after his release becomes final, (ii) the applicable accrued but unpaid annual bonus, if any, for the fiscal year ended prior to his date of termination, payable at the same time annual bonuses for such fiscal year are paid to other key executives of the Company, (iii) one hundred percent of his outstanding unvested equity awards as of the date of termination will be fully vested and exercisable, and (iv) reimbursement of the COBRA premiums, if any, for continuation coverage for Dr. Sullivan, his spouse and dependents under the Company’s group health, dental and vision plans for a twelve month period from the date of termination.
Alexandra Kropotova
On May 20, 2022, we entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with Dr. Kropotova to serve as our Executive Vice President – Chief Medical Officer. The agreement provides Dr. Kropotova an annual base salary of $525,000, and her eligibility to participate in the Company’s benefit plans generally. The agreement also subjects Dr. Kropotova to standard nondisclosure, invention assignment, and arbitration provisions. If Dr. Kropotova’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the employment agreement) (other than for death or disability) or the term of her employment is not renewed, Dr. Kropotova will receive: (i) a severance payment equal to one year of her then base salary, payable in a lump sum five business days after his release becomes final, (ii) the applicable accrued but unpaid annual bonus, if any, for the fiscal year ended prior to her date of termination, payable at the same time annual bonuses for such fiscal year are paid to other key executives of the Company, (iii) one hundred percent of her outstanding unvested equity awards as of the date of termination will be fully vested and exercisable, and (iv) reimbursement of the COBRA premiums, if any, for continuation coverage for Dr. Kropotova, her spouse and dependents under the Company’s group health, dental and vision plans for a six month period from the date of termination.
Michael G. King, Jr.
On October 23, 2023, we entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with Mr. King to serve as our Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer. The agreement provides Mr. King an annual base salary of $450,000, and his eligibility to participate in the Company’s benefit plans generally. The agreement also subjects Mr. King to standard nondisclosure, invention assignment, and arbitration provisions. If Mr. King’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the employment agreement) (other than for death or disability) or the term of his employment is not renewed, Mr. King will receive: (i) a severance payment equal to one year of his then base salary, payable in a lump sum five business days after his release becomes final, (ii) the applicable accrued but unpaid annual bonus, if any, for the fiscal year ended prior to her date of termination, payable at the same time annual bonuses for such fiscal year are paid to other key executives of the Company, (iii) fifty percent of his outstanding unvested equity awards as of the date of termination will be fully vested and
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exercisable, and (iv) reimbursement of the COBRA premiums, if any, for continuation coverage for Mr. King, his spouse and dependents under the Company’s group health, dental and vision plans for a six month period from the date of termination.
Christoph Bausch
On March 5, 2024, we entered into an Executive Employment Agreement with Dr. Bausch to continue to serve as our Chief Operating Officer. The agreement provides Dr. Bausch an annual base salary of $425,000, and his eligibility to participate in the Company’s benefit plans generally. The agreement also subjects Dr. Bausch to standard nondisclosure, invention assignment, and arbitration provisions. If Dr. Bausch’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in the employment agreement) (other than for death or disability) or the term of his employment is not renewed, Dr. Bausch will receive: (i) a severance payment equal to one year of his then base salary, payable in a lump sum five business days after his release becomes final, (ii) the applicable accrued but unpaid annual bonus, if any, for the fiscal year ended prior to his date of termination, payable at the same time annual bonuses for such fiscal year are paid to other key executives of the Company, (iii) one hundred percent of his outstanding unvested equity awards as of the date of termination will be fully vested and exercisable, and (iv) reimbursement of the COBRA premiums, if any, for continuation coverage for Dr. Bausch, his spouse and dependents under the Company’s group health, dental and vision plans for a twelve month period from the date of termination.
Summary Director Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash Option Awards (1) Stock Awards (2) Total
Name ($) ($) ($) ($)
Katie Ellias — — — —
Andrew Moin — — — —
(1)
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of stock option awards granted in the respective fiscal year as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. A discussion of the assumptions used in calculating the amounts in this column may be found in the Notes to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 set forth in this Form 10-K. These amounts do not represent the actual amounts paid to or realized by the executives during the fiscal years presented.
(2)
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted in the respective fiscal year as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. Restricted stock units are valued at market price of the Company’s common stock at the closing price at the date of grant. These amounts do not represent the actual amounts paid to or realized by the executives during the fiscal years presented.
Narrative to Director Compensation Table
Our director compensation policy is intended to provide a total compensation package that enables us to attract and retain qualified and experienced individuals to serve as directors and to align our directors’ interests with those of our stockholders.
Annual Cash Compensation
The annual retainers payable to non-employee directors for service on the Board and its committees are $25,000 for service on the Board.
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Inaugural Equity Grants
Each non-employee director who joins the board receives an equity award of an option to purchase 25,000 shares of our common stock, which vests monthly over a three-year period beginning one month from the date of grant.
SAB Biotherapeutics 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
The SAB Biotherapeutics 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) was adopted in connection with, and become effective at the closing of, the Business Combination.
Summary of the Incentive Plan
General
The Incentive Plan covers the grant of awards to our employees (including officers), non-employee consultants and non-employee directors and those of our affiliates. For purposes of the Incentive Plan, our affiliates include any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other entity, with respect to which we, directly or indirectly, own either (i) stock possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote, or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total value of all shares of all classes of stock of such corporation, or (ii) an aggregate of more than fifty percent (50%) of the profits interest or capital interest of any non-corporate entity.
The compensation committee administers the Incentive Plan. The full Board must approve all decisions regarding awards to non-employee directors.
Up to a maximum of 1,600,000 shares of our common stock (as adjusted following the Reverse Stock Split) may be delivered in settlement of awards granted under the Incentive Plan initially. The number of shares authorized for issuance will increase each fiscal year, beginning fiscal year 2022 and occurring each year thereafter through 2031, by 2.0% of the number of our shares of common stock issued and outstanding on a fully-diluted basis as of the last day of the preceding fiscal year (such lesser number of shares as determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion). In no event, however, shall the aggregate number of shares that may be issued pursuant to this annual increase under the Incentive Plan exceed 500,000.
Up to a maximum of 1,600,000 shares of our common stock (as adjusted following the Reverse Stock Split) may be issued under the Incentive Plan pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options. The stock delivered to settle awards made under the Incentive Plan may be authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares, including shares repurchased by us for purposes of the Incentive Plan. If any shares subject to any award granted under the Incentive Plan (other than a substitute award as described below) is forfeited or otherwise terminated without delivery of such shares (if such shares are returned to us due to a forfeiture restriction under such award), the shares subject to such awards will again be available for issuance under the Incentive Plan. However, any shares that are withheld or applied as payment for shares issued upon exercise of an award or for the withholding or payment of taxes due upon exercise of an award will continue to be treated as having been delivered under the Incentive Plan and will not again be available for grant under the Incentive Plan. Upon settlement of any stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), the number of shares underlying the portion of the SARs that is exercised will be treated as having been delivered for purposes of determining the maximum number of shares available for grant under the Incentive Plan and shall not again be treated as available for issuance under the Incentive Plan.
If a dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, shares of common stock or other property), recapitalization, forward or reverse stock split, subdivision, consolidation or reduction of capital, reorganization, merger, consolidation, scheme of arrangement, split-up, spin-off or combination involving us or repurchase or exchange of our shares or other securities, or other rights to purchase shares of our securities or other similar transaction or event affects our common stock such that the compensation committee determines that an adjustment is appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits (potential benefits) provided to grantees under the Incentive Plan, the compensation committee will make an equitable change or adjustment as it deems appropriate to the number of type of securities with respect to which awards may be granted, (ii) the number and type of securities subject to outstanding awards, (iii) the exercise price with respect to any option or SAR or, if deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment to the holder of such outstanding award, and (iv) the number and kind of outstanding restricted shares, or the shares underlying any other form of award.
Types of Awards
The Incentive Plan permits the granting of any or all of the following types of awards to all grantees:
•
stock options, including incentive stock options, or ISOs;
•
stock appreciation rights, or SARs;
•
restricted shares;
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•
deferred stock;
•
restricted stock units;
•
performance units and performance shares;
•
dividend equivalents;
•
bonus shares; and
•
other stock-based awards.
Generally, awards under the Incentive Plan are granted for no consideration other than prior and future services. Awards granted under the Incentive Plan may, in the discretion of the committee, be granted alone or in addition to, in tandem with or in substitution for, any other award under the Incentive Plan; provided, however, that if an SAR is granted in tandem with an ISO, the SAR and ISO must have the same grant date and term and the exercise price of the SAR may not be less than the exercise price of the ISO. The material terms of each award will be set forth in a written award agreement between the grantee and us.
Stock Options and SARs
The committee is authorized to grant SARs and stock options (including incentive stock options (ISOs) except that an ISO may only be granted to an employee of ours or one of our subsidiary corporations). A stock option allows a grantee to purchase a specified number of shares of our common stock at a predetermined price per share (the “exercise price”) during a fixed period measured from the date of grant. An SAR entitles the grantee to receive the excess of the fair market value of a specified number of shares on the date of exercise over a predetermined exercise price per share. The exercise price of an option or an SAR will be determined by the committee and set forth in the applicable award agreement, but the exercise price may not be less than the fair market value of a share of common stock on the grant date. The term of each option or SAR is determined by the committee and set forth in the applicable award agreement, except that the term may not exceed ten (10) years (five (5) years if the grantee holds more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our capital
stock).
Options may be exercised by payment of the purchase price through one or more of the following means: payment in cash (including personal check or wire transfer); delivering shares of our common stock previously owned by the grantee; or, with the approval of the compensation committee, (i) delivery of shares of our common stock acquired upon the exercise of such options, or (ii) the sale of shares acquired upon exercise of the options through a broker-dealer to whom the grantee has delivered irrevocable notice of exercise and instructions to deliver sales proceeds sufficient to pay us the exercise price.
Following shareholder approval of the Incentive Plan on October 20, 2021, ISOs may be granted pursuant to the terms of the Incentive Plan.
Restricted Shares
The committee may award restricted shares consisting of shares of our common stock which remain subject to a risk of forfeiture and may not be disposed of by grantees until certain restrictions established by the committee lapse. The vesting conditions may be service-based (i.e., requiring continuous service for a specified period) or performance-based (i.e., requiring achievement of certain specified performance objectives) or both. A grantee receiving restricted shares will have all of the rights of a stockholder, including the right to vote the shares and the right to receive any dividends, except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement. Upon termination of the grantee’s affiliation with us during the restriction period (or, if applicable, upon the failure to satisfy the specified performance objectives during the restriction period), the restricted shares will be forfeited as provided in the applicable award agreement.
Deferred Stock and Restricted Stock Units
The committee may also grant deferred stock awards and/or restricted stock unit awards. A deferred stock award is the grant of a right to receive a specified number of shares of our common stock at the end of specified deferral periods or upon the occurrence of a specified event, which satisfies the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. A restricted stock unit award is the grant of a right to receive a specified number of shares of our common stock upon lapse of a specified forfeiture condition (such as completion of a specified period of service or achievement of certain specified performance objectives). If the service condition and/or specified performance objectives are not satisfied during the restriction period, the award will lapse without the issuance of the shares underlying such award.
Restricted stock units and deferred stock awards carry no voting or other rights associated with stock ownership until the shares underlying the award are delivered in settlement of the award. Unless otherwise determined by the compensation committee, grantees will have the rights to receive dividend equivalents in respect of deferred stock and/or restricted stock units, which dividend equivalents shall be deemed reinvested in additional shares of deferred stock or restricted stock units,
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as applicable, which shall remain subject to the same forfeiture conditions applicable to the deferred stock or restricted stock units to which such dividend equivalents relate.
Performance Units
The committee may grant performance units, which entitle a grantee to cash or shares conditioned upon the fulfillment of certain performance conditions and other restrictions as specified by the committee and reflected in the applicable award agreement. The initial value of a performance unit will be determined by the committee at the time of grant. The committee will determine the terms and conditions of such awards, including performance and other restrictions placed on these awards, which will be reflected in the applicable award agreement.
Performance Shares
The committee may grant performance shares, which entitle a grantee to a certain number of shares of common stock, conditioned upon the fulfillment of certain performance conditions and other restrictions as specified by the committee and reflected in the applicable award agreement. The committee will determine the terms and conditions of such awards, including performance and other restrictions placed on these awards, which will be reflected in the applicable award agreement.
Bonus Shares
The committee may grant fully vested shares of our common stock as bonus shares on such terms and conditions as specified in the applicable award agreement.
Dividend Equivalents
The committee is authorized to grant dividend equivalents, which provide a grantee the right to receive payment equal to the dividends paid on a specified number of shares of our common stock. Dividend equivalents may be paid directly to grantees or may be deferred for later delivery under the Incentive Plan. If deferred, such dividend equivalents may be credited with interest or may be deemed to be invested in shares of our common stock, other awards under the Incentive Plan or in other property.
Other Stock-Based Awards
The Incentive Plan authorizes the committee to grant awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to or otherwise based on certain other securities. The committee determines the terms and conditions of such awards, including whether awards are paid in shares or cash.
Business Combination, Consolidation or Similar Corporate Transaction
If there is a merger or consolidation of us with or into another corporation or a sale of substantially all of our stock (a “Corporate Transaction”), and the outstanding awards are not assumed by surviving company (its parent company) or replaced with equivalent awards granted by the surviving company(its parent company),the committee will cancel any outstanding awards that are not vested and nonforfeitable as of the consummation of such Corporate Transaction (unless the committee accelerates the vesting of any such awards) and with respect to any vested and nonforfeitable awards, the committee may either (i) allow all grantees to exercise options and SARs within a reasonable period prior to the consummation of the Corporate Transaction and cancel any outstanding options or SARs that remain unexercised upon consummation of the Corporate Transaction, or (ii) cancel any or all of such outstanding awards (including options and SARs) in exchange for a payment (in cash, or in securities or other property) in an amount equal to the amount that the grantee would have received (net of the exercise price with respect to any options or SARs) if the vested awards were settled or distributed or such vested options and SARs were exercised immediately prior to the consummation of the Corporate Transaction. If an exercise price of an option or SAR exceeds the fair market value of our common stock and the option or SAR is not assumed or replaced by the surviving company(its parent company),such options and SARs will be cancelled without any payment to the grantee.
Amendment to and Termination of the Incentive Plan
The Incentive Plan may be amended, altered, suspended, discontinued or terminated by our board of directors without further stockholder approval, unless such approval is required by law or regulation or under the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our common stock is then listed or quoted. Thus, stockholder approval will not necessarily be required for amendments which might increase the cost of the Incentive Plan or broaden eligibility. Stockholder approval will not be deemed to be required under laws or regulations that condition favorable treatment of grantees on such approval, although our board of directors may, in its discretion, seek stockholder approval in any circumstance in which it deems such approval advisable.
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In addition, subject to the terms of the Incentive Plan, no amendment or termination of the Incentive Plan may materially and adversely affect the right of a grantee under any award granted under the Incentive Plan.
Unless earlier terminated by our board of directors, the Incentive Plan will terminate when no shares remain reserved and available for issuance or, if earlier, on the tenth anniversary of the effective date of the Incentive Plan.
SAB Biotherapeutics 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The SAB Biotherapeutics 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, (the “ESPP”) was adopted in connection with, and became effective at the closing of, the Business Combination. The ESPP provides eligible employees an opportunity to purchase shares of common stock at a discount through accumulated contributions of their earned compensation. The ESPP’s initial share reserve is one million shares of SAB Biotherapeutics common stock. Offering periods will not commence under the ESPP until determined by the board of directors or compensation committee.
Summary of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Administration
The ESPP is administered by the board of directors, or a committee appointed by the board of directors, which may be the compensation committee. The board of directors or committee administering the ESPP (the “Administrator”) has authority to construe and interpret the ESPP and to establish rules and regulations for the administration of the ESPP.
Eligibility
Eligible employees of the Company or a participating subsidiary may participate in the ESPP. One is an eligible employee for an accumulation period if he or she is an employee of the Company or a participating subsidiary both on the date determined by the ESPP administrator that enrollment forms must be received for an accumulation period and on the first day of the accumulation period. Notwithstanding the preceding sentences, an employee is not eligible to participate in the ESPP if on the first day of the accumulation period (1) such employee is a member of a collective bargaining unit whose benefits were the subject of good faith bargaining; (2) such employee is customarily employed 20 or less hours per week or five months or less per year; or (3) such employee is an employee of a participating subsidiary who is a resident of a foreign jurisdiction and
(i) participation is prohibited under the laws of such foreign jurisdiction or (ii) compliance with the laws of such foreign jurisdiction would violate Section 423 of the Code. An employee is also not eligible to participate if immediately after any purchase of shares under the ESPP, the employee would own capital stock of the Company and/or hold outstanding options to purchase such stock constituting five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of the capital stock of the Company or of any subsidiary of the Company.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately 57 employees that would be eligible to participate in the ESPP.
Shares Available for Issuance
As noted above, the maximum aggregate number of shares of Company stock that may be issued under the ESPP is one million shares.
Enrollment Dates, Accumulation Periods and Purchase Dates
The accumulation periods under the ESPP will generally be a specified one-year period, or such other period, not to exceed twenty-seven (27) months, as determined by the Administrator. The first trading day of each accumulation period is the enrollment date, which is the date as of which eligible employees are granted contractual rights to purchase shares of Company stock under the ESPP. Payroll deductions may be made during the accumulation period by eligible employee selecting to participate as described below. The last trading day of each accumulation period will be the Company stock purchase date (unless the Administrator selects a different date) and on such date any contractual rights remaining outstanding will be deemed to be exercised and shares of Company stock will be purchased, as described below.
Participation in the ESPP
An eligible employee may become a participant in the ESPP by submitting an enrollment form, and payroll deductions for such employee will begin as soon as administratively feasible after such form is received in good order, subject to compliance with such policies, rules and procedures as we may establish in connection therewith.
As of each purchase date (which is the last trading day of an accumulation period as stated above), an employee’s payroll deductions made during the accumulation period and not withdrawn by the employee or otherwise paid to the employee are used to buy shares of Company stock. The per share purchase price on the purchase date is 85% of the lower of (1) the fair
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market value of a share of Company stock on the purchase date, or (2) the fair market value of a share of Company stock on the first trading day of the accumulation period.
An employee will not be permitted to purchase more than 25,000 shares of Company stock on any purchase date, or such lower maximum number as may be determined by the Administrator. An employee’s right to purchase shares under the ESPP in any calendar year cannot exceed $25,000, as measured by the fair market value of such shares (determined for each accumulation period as of the first trading day of the accumulation period).
An employee can invest any amount from 1% to 15% of his or her base earnings in Company stock through payroll deductions under the ESPP. Payroll deductions are credited to recordkeeping accounts. No earnings are credited to the accounts.
Withdrawal from the ESPP, Cessation of Payroll Deductions, Mandatory Cessation of Participation
An employee may withdraw from the ESPP in full (but not in part) during any accumulation period by delivering a notice of withdrawal to us (in a manner prescribed by the Administrator) at any time prior to the first day of the last calendar month immediately preceding the purchase date for such accumulation period, or at such shorter time in advance of the purchase date as the Administrator may permit. If notice of withdrawal is timely received, all funds then accumulated in the employee’s account will not be used to purchase shares, but will instead be distributed to the employee as soon as administratively practical, and the employee’s payroll deductions will cease as soon as administratively practical.
An employee also may cease payroll deductions as of the last day of any month during an accumulation period by delivering a notice of cessation to us at the time and in the manner prescribed by the Administrator. Unless the employee also withdraws from the ESPP as described in the preceding paragraph, the employee’s accumulated payroll deductions will be applied to purchase shares of Company stock on the purchase date as described above.
Participation in the ESPP immediately terminates when an employee ceases to be an eligible employee for any reason, including voluntary or involuntary termination of employment. Upon the termination of an employee’s participation in the ESPP, all accumulated payroll deductions of the employee will be returned to the employee.
Amendment and Termination
The board of directors or the compensation committee may amend or alter any provision of the ESPP and may terminate the ESPP at any time. Under certain circumstances, an amendment to the ESPP may require the approval of our stockholders. In addition, if the ESPP is amended to change the aggregate number of shares issuable thereunder or the provisions regarding eligible employees, certain tax advantages under the Code as discussed below (see “Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences Relating to the ESPP”) will only continue if we obtain stockholder approval of such amendment. Certain amendments to the ESPP may be made by the Administrator without stockholder approval.
In the event of any Company reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination of shares, merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or shares, separation, asset spin-off, stock rights offering, liquidation or other similar change in the capital structure of the Company, the shares subject to an employee’s election to purchase Company stock during an accumulation period will be adjusted and the aggregate number and kind of shares available under the ESPP and the purchase price of shares will also be adjusted, in each case to the extent deemed appropriate by the Administrator. Generally, if a dissolution or liquidation of the Company occurs during an accumulation period, any rights an employee has to acquire Company stock under the ESPP will be terminated, but an employee will have the right to acquire Company stock before the dissolution or liquidation.
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences Relating to the ESPP
The following summary of the income tax consequences of the ESPP is based on current provisions of the Code and regulations thereunder. The summary does not address tax rates or state or local income taxes or taxes in jurisdictions other than the United States, nor does it address employment tax.
Enrollment or Purchase of Company Stock under the ESPP. No federal income tax consequences arise at the time of an employee’s enrollment in the ESPP or upon the purchase of Company stock under the ESPP. However, as discussed below, if an employee disposes of Company stock acquired under the ESPP, such employee will have the federal income tax consequences described below in the year such employee disposes of the stock. Amounts withheld by payroll deduction are subject to federal income tax as though those amounts had been paid in cash. Whenever an employee transfers any shares of Company stock in a manner which may constitute a disposition, such employee must promptly advise the Secretary of the Company of the facts concerning that transfer.
Early Dispositions. If an employee disposes of Company stock purchased under the ESPP within two years after the first trading day of an accumulation period or within one year after the shares of Company stock are transferred to such employee
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or to an account in such employee’s name (the “Tax Holding Period”), such employee will recognize compensation income in the year of disposition in an amount equal to the excess of (A) the lesser of the fair market value of the Company stock on the purchase date or the proceeds from the sale or exchange of the shares over (B) the price such employee paid for the Company stock. The Company must report such compensation as taxable ordinary income to the Internal Revenue Service on such employee’s annual Form W-2.The amount, if any, that is taxable as ordinary income is added to the purchase price and becomes part of the cost basis for that Company stock for federal income tax purposes. If the disposition of the Company stock involves a sale or exchange, such employee generally may also realize a short-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference between such employee’s cost basis (calculated pursuant to the preceding sentence)and the proceeds from the sale or exchange of the shares.
Later Dispositions. If an employee disposes of Company stock purchased under the ESPP on a date after the Tax Holding Period, or if such employee dies at any time while owning Company stock, such employee (such employee’s estate) will have included in such employee’s compensation as taxable ordinary income in the year of disposition or death, an amount equal to the lesser of
(1)
the excess of the fair market value of the Company stock on the first trading day of the accumulation period over the purchase price paid by such employee (the employee’s estate) for the shares, or
(2)
the excess of the fair market value of the Company stock on the date of disposition or death over the purchase price paid by such employee (the estate) for the shares.
The amount which is taxable as ordinary income is added to the cost basis of that Company stock for federal income tax purposes. The cost basis is therefore the sum of the purchase price of the Company stock and the ordinary income recognized from the formula above. If the disposition of the Company stock involves a sale or exchange, such employee will also realize a long-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference between such employee’s cost basis (calculated pursuant to the preceding sentence) and the proceeds from the sale or exchange of the shares.
The Company is not entitled to a deduction for amounts taxed as ordinary income or capital gain to an employee except to the extent of ordinary income recognized upon a sale or disposition during the Tax Holding Period (an early disposition).
SAB Biotherapeutics 2014 Equity Incentive Plan
The SAB Biotherapeutics 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Incentive Plan”) was adopted on June 27, 2014.
Summary of the 2014 Incentive Plan
General
The 2014 Incentive Plan covers the grant of awards to our employees (including officers), non-employee consultants and non-employee directors and those of our affiliates. For purposes of the 2014 Incentive Plan, our affiliates include any “parent” or “majority-owned subsidiary” of the Company, as such terms are defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
The compensation committee administers the 2014 Incentive Plan. The full Board must approve all decisions regarding awards to non-employee directors.
Up to a maximum of 800,000 shares of our common stock (as adjusted following the Reverse Stock Split) may be delivered in settlement of awards granted under the 2014 Incentive Plan.
Types of Awards
The Incentive Plan permits the granting of any or all of the following types of awards to all grantees:
•
stock options, including incentive stock options, and non-statutory Stock Options;
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stock appreciation rights, or SARs;