BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE
Number, Term and Election of Directors
Our articles of incorporation provide
that the number of directors shall be determined in the manner provided by our bylaws. Our bylaws provide that the number of directors shall not be
less than four or more than ten, with the precise number to be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is currently
composed of eight directors and divided into three classes as follows:
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|
Two Class I Directors Mr. Pahre, whose term will expire
at the 2008 annual meeting, and Mr. Ivesdal, whose term will expire at the 2006 annual meeting. Mr. Ivesdal has been nominated for election at the 2006
annual meeting to a two-year term ending in 2008. |
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|
Three Class II Directors Messrs. Gonzalez and James and
Ms. Maza, whose terms will expire at the 2006 annual meeting. Messrs. Gonzalez and James and Ms. Maza have been nominated for re-election at the 2006
annual meeting to three-year terms ending in 2009. |
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|
Three Class III Directors Dr. Atkins, Mr. Jacoby and Dr.
Weyerhaeuser, whose terms will expire at the 2007 annual meeting. |
Generally, one class of directors will
be elected each year by our shareholders. Each director will hold office until the election and qualification of his or her successor or upon earlier
resignation or removal. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes
so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of an equal number of directors.
The following individual is a
continuing Class I Director (term to expire in 2008) and is not standing for election this year:
Richard N. Pahre (age 65) has
served as one of our directors since February 2003. Mr. Pahre is a certified public accountant and, effective December 31, 2002, retired as a partner
of Moss Adams LLP, a public accounting firm that provides services to a wide-range of public and private clients. From February 1977 to December 2002,
Mr. Pahre served as an audit partner of Moss Adams LLP. Mr. Pahre joined Moss Adams LLP in August 1975 and served as a Senior Audit Manager through
January 1977. Mr. Pahre joined the public accounting firm of Price Waterhouse & Co. in June 1962, and from June 1967 to August 1975 served as a
Senior Audit Manager. Since 1993, Mr. Pahre has served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer (non-executive) of Seattle Goodwill, a nonprofit
organization. In February 2005, Mr. Pahre was elected to the Board of Directors of CityBank, a commercial bank, headquartered in Lynnwood, Washington,
and a NASDAQ listed public company. Mr. Pahre received a B.A. degree in accounting from the University of Washington.
The following individuals are
continuing Class III Directors (terms to expire in 2007) and are not standing for election this year:
Rhett R. Atkins, D.B.A. (age 52)
was appointed President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors in June 2002. From January 2001 to June 2002, Dr. Atkins was
President of Palmetto Ag Inc., a retail provider of seed and chemical crop inputs. From September 1991 to December 2000, Dr. Atkins worked for Micro
Flo Company, an agricultural chemical production company, in various executive positions related to sales, marketing and research and development. From
1981 to 1991, Dr. Atkins worked for BASF, a chemical company, in sales and marketing. Dr. Atkins received a B.S. degree from Clemson University, an
M.B.A. degree from Campbell University and a D.B.A. degree from Nova Southeastern University.
Jon E. M. Jacoby (age 67) has
served as one of our directors since February 1999. Until his retirement in October 2004, Mr. Jacoby worked in various capacities since 1963, most
recently as Vice-Chairman and member of the Executive Committee, for Stephens Inc. and Stephens Group, Inc., collectively engaged in investment banking
and other business activities, and remains a director of Stephens Group, Inc. He is also a director of Delta & Pine Land Company, an agricultural
products company; Power-One, Inc., a power supplies
4
manufacturer; Sangamo Biosciences,
a biotechnology company; and Conns Inc., retail stores specializing in electronics. Mr. Jacoby received a B.S. degree from the University of
Notre Dame and an M.B.A. degree from Harvard Business School.
William T. Weyerhaeuser, Ph.D.
(age 62) has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since November 2001 and as one of our directors since May 1998. Dr. Weyerhaeuser was in
private practice as a clinical psychologist from 1975 to 1999. From May 1993 to June 1994, he served as President of Rock Island Company, a private
investment company, and from July 1994 to June 1998 as its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Weyerhaeuser currently serves as a
director of several privately held companies and foundations, and of two other public companies, Potlatch Corporation, a forest products company, and
Columbia Banking System, Inc., a financial institution. Dr. Weyerhaeuser received a B.A. degree from Stanford University, an M.A. degree from Fuller
Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. degree from the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology.
Independence of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has reviewed the
relationships between Eden Bioscience and each of its directors and has determined that all of the directors, other than Dr. Atkins, Eden
Biosciences President and Chief Executive Officer, are independent under Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards.
Board Attendance
During 2005, there were seven meetings
of the Board of Directors. Each director attended 80% or more of the Board meetings and the meetings of the Board Committees on which he or she
served.
The Board of Directors has adopted a
policy that each director is encouraged to attend Eden Biosciences regularly scheduled annual meeting of shareholders. Six out of seven directors
as of May 17, 2005 attended Eden Biosciences 2005 annual meeting of shareholders held on that date.
Board of Directors Compensation
Our directors do not receive cash
compensation for their services as directors or members of committees of the Board of Directors, but are reimbursed for their reasonable expenses
incurred in attending meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees.
Eden Bioscience does not have a
standard arrangement pursuant to which directors receive equity compensation for their services as directors. Rather, directors in the past have been
and may in the future be granted equity awards at the discretion of the Board of Directors. No equity awards were granted to directors in 2004. In
September 2005, the Board of Directors granted Mr. Ivesdal an option to purchase 30,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per
share, with the option to vest annually in equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. The options expire in
September 2015. In February 2003, the Board of Directors granted each of Messrs. Gonzalez and Pahre an option to purchase 35,000 shares of our common
stock at an exercise price of $1.40 per share, of which options to purchase 5,000 shares were vested immediately and the remaining options vest
annually in equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. The options expire in February 2013. In July 2003,
the Board of Directors granted each non-employee director, except for Messrs. Gonzalez and Pahre, an option to purchase 30,000 shares of our common
stock at an exercise price of $1.85 per share, with each option to vest annually in equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of
the date of grant. The options expire in July 2013.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee currently
consists of Messrs. Jacoby, James and Gonzalez (Chair). Each member of the Compensation Committee is an independent director under Nasdaq listing
standards.
5
The primary function of the
Compensation Committee is to discharge the responsibilities of the Board of Directors relating to the compensation of Eden Biosciences chief
executive officer and other executives. The Compensation Committee has overall responsibility for approving and evaluating executive officer
compensation plans, policies and programs. In addition, the Compensation Committee considers incentive compensation plans for our employees and carries
out duties assigned to it under our option plans and our employee stock purchase plan. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for performing
other related responsibilities set forth in its written charter posted on Eden Biosciences website at www.edenbio.com.
The Compensation Committee held three
meetings in 2005.
Audit Committee
Eden Bioscience has a
separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The Audit Committee currently consists of Ms. Maza and Messrs. Gonzalez and Pahre (Chair). Each member of the Audit Committee is an independent
director under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Nasdaq listing standards. The Board of Directors has
determined that Mr. Pahre meets the definition of an audit committee financial expert under SEC rules.
The primary function of the Audit
Committee is to represent and assist the Board of Directors with the oversight of:
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the integrity of Eden Biosciences financial statements and
internal controls; |
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Eden Biosciences compliance with legal and regulatory
requirements; |
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the independent auditors qualification; and |
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the performance of the audit function by the independent
auditor. |
In addition, the Audit Committee has
ultimate authority to select, evaluate, and where appropriate, replace the independent auditor, approve all audit engagement fees and terms, and engage
outside advisors, including its own counsel and other advisors, as it determines necessary to carry out its duties. The Audit Committee is also
responsible for performing other related responsibilities set forth in its written charter, which is posted on Eden Biosciences website at
www.edenbio.com.
The Audit Committee held six meetings
in 2005.
Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee
Each member of the Board of Directors,
other than Dr. Atkins, is a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee is an independent director under Nasdaq listing standards.
The primary function of the Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee is to:
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identify individuals qualified to become members of the Board of
Directors; |
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approve and recommend to the Board of Directors candidates for
election to the Board of Directors; |
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develop, update as necessary and recommend to the Board of
Directors corporate governance principles and policies applicable to Eden Bioscience; and |
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monitor compliance with such principles and
policies. |
The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee is also responsible for performing other related responsibilities set forth in its written charter posted on Eden Biosciences website
at www.edenbio.com.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee held two meetings in 2005.
6
Director Nomination Procedures
The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee is generally responsible for the identification, review, selection and recommendation to the Board of Directors of candidates for director
nominees, including the development of policies and procedures to assist in the performance of these responsibilities. The Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee reviews with the Board of Directors the requisite qualifications, skills and characteristics for Board of Directors nominees and
composition and the specific considerations relating to individual director candidates. Upon the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees
recommendations, the Board of Directors recommends the director nominees to the shareholders for election.
Potential director candidates are
referred to the Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee, which may then recommend the director candidate to the Board of Directors for its consideration, if deemed appropriate. If necessary or
desirable in the opinion of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will determine
appropriate means for seeking additional director candidates, including engagement of an outside consultant to assist in the identification of director
candidates.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee will consider candidates recommended by shareholders. Shareholders wishing to suggest director candidates should submit their suggestions in
writing to the Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, c/o the Corporate Secretary of Eden Bioscience Corporation at 11618
North Creek Parkway N., Bothell, WA 98011-8201, providing the candidates name, biographical data and other relevant information.
Shareholders who intend to nominate a
director for election at the 2007 annual meeting of shareholders must provide advance written notice of such nomination to the Corporate Secretary of
Eden Bioscience in the manner described below under Shareholder Proposals for 2007 Annual Meeting.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors has adopted, Director Selection Guidelines set out in Exhibit A to the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter. In accordance with the Director Selection Guidelines, the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee and the Board of Directors, as appropriate, will review the following considerations, among others, in their evaluation of candidates for
Board of Directors nomination:
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personal and professional ethics; |
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training and experience in making and overseeing policy in
business, government and/or educational sectors; |
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willingness and ability to keep an open mind when considering
matters affecting interests of Eden Bioscience and its constituents; |
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|
willingness and ability to devote the required time and effort
to effectively fulfill the duties and responsibilities related to the Board of Directors and committee membership; |
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|
willingness and ability to serve the Board of Directors for
multiple terms to enable development of a deeper understanding of Eden Biosciences business affairs; |
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willingness not to engage in activities or interests that may
create a conflict of interest with a directors responsibilities and duties to Eden Bioscience and its constituents; |
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willingness to act in the best interests of Eden Bioscience and
its constituents; |
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professional experience, industry knowledge, skills and
expertise; |
7
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leadership qualities; and |
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previous public company board of directors and committee
experience. |
The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee periodically reviews with the Board of Directors the appropriate process for and the considerations to be made in the evaluation of director
candidates. In the event there is a vacancy on the Board of Directors, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will initiate the effort to
identify appropriate director candidates.
Shareholder Communications with the Board of
Directors
Shareholders of Eden Bioscience may
contact the Board of Directors as a group or an individual director by the U.S. Postal mail directed to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, c/o the
Corporate Secretary of Eden Bioscience Corporation at 11618 North Creek Parkway N., Bothell, WA 98011-8201. Shareholders should clearly specify in each
communication the name of the individual director or group of directors to whom the communication is addressed. All communications will be forwarded to
the intended directors or to the Board of Directors as a whole, as applicable.
Shareholders wishing to submit
proposals for inclusion in the proxy statement relating to the 2007 annual meeting of shareholders should follow the procedures specified under the
sections below entitled Shareholder Proposals for 2007 Annual Meeting. These sections outline the procedures for submission of shareholder
proposals for inclusion in Eden Biosciences proxy statement for the 2007 annual meeting of shareholders and submission of nominations of persons
for election to the Board of Directors or proposals for other business to be considered at the 2007 annual meeting of shareholders.
Additional Corporate Governance
Information
The following corporate governance
materials of Eden Bioscience are available in the Investor Information section of Eden Biosciences website at www.edenbio.com, and a copy of the
materials will be mailed to you upon request to Eden Bioscience Corporation, Investor Relations, 11618 North Creek Parkway N., Bothell, WA 98011-8201
or by calling 425-984-2120:
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Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee Charters; |
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Code of Ethics for our CEO and senior financial officers;
and |
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Code of Conduct applicable to all directors, officers and
employees of Eden Bioscience. |
If we waive any material provision of
our Code of Ethics for our CEO and senior financial officers or substantively change the code, we will disclose that fact on our website within four
business days.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation
During the year ended December 31,
2005, Messrs. Jacoby, James and Gonzalez served on our Compensation Committee, and none of these committee members served as an officer or employee of
Eden Bioscience during that time. Mr. James served as our Secretary from May 1995 to June 2000. None of our executive officers serves as a member of
the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as members of our Board of Directors or
Compensation Committee.
Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors
Bradley S. Powell (age 45)
served as our Interim President from November 2001 to June 2002, and has served as Secretary since June 2000 and as Chief Financial Officer and Vice
President of Finance since July 1998. From March 1994 to July 1998, he served as Vice President and Corporate Controller of Omega
8
Environmental, Inc., a provider of
products and services to owners of underground storage tanks. In 1983, Mr. Powell joined KPMG Peat Marwick, an international public accounting firm, as
a certified public accountant and, from 1990 to March 1994, served as a Senior Audit Manager. Mr. Powell received a B.S. degree from Central Washington
University.
Zhongmin Wei, Ph.D. (age 49) has
served as our Chief Scientific Officer since November 2001, as Vice President of Research since May 1998, as Director of Research from April 1997 to
May 1998 and as Senior Scientist from June 1996 to April 1997. From November 1995 to April 1996, Dr. Wei served as Principal Investigator at the
Institute of Molecular Agrobiology in Singapore, an agricultural biotechnology research organization. From July 1992 to June 1996, Dr. Wei served as a
Research Scientist and, from September 1989 to September 1992, as a Post-Doctoral Associate at the Cornell University School of Agricultural and Life
Sciences. Dr. Wei received a B.S. degree from Zhejiang University and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Nanjing Agricultural University, both in the
Peoples Republic of China.
9
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management
The following table summarizes certain
information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 15, 2006 for:
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each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation
Table; |
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all our directors and executive officers as a group;
and |
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each person or group that we know owns more than 5% of our
common stock. |
Beneficial ownership is determined in
accordance with rules of the SEC and includes shares over which the indicated beneficial owner exercises sole or shared voting or investment power.
Shares of our common stock subject to options or warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 15, 2006 are deemed
outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding the options or warrants, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the
percentage ownership of any other person. Except as otherwise indicated, we believe the beneficial owners of our common stock listed below, based on
information furnished by them, have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares listed opposite their names. Unless otherwise
indicated, the following officers, directors and shareholders can be reached at the principal offices of Eden Bioscience.
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|
Shares of Eden Bioscience Corporation Common
Stock
|
|
Name of Beneficial Owners
|
|
|
|
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership
|
|
Percent of Class (1)
|
Executive
Officers and Directors:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William T.
Weyerhaeuser |
|
|
|
|
1,278,423 |
(2) |
|
|
5.23 |
% |
Agatha L.
Maza |
|
|
|
|
692,471 |
(3) |
|
|
2.83 |
% |
Jon E. M.
Jacoby |
|
|
|
|
671,400 |
(4) |
|
|
2.75 |
% |
Albert A.
James |
|
|
|
|
632,699 |
(5) |
|
|
2.59 |
% |
Zhongmin
Wei |
|
|
|
|
471,667 |
(6) |
|
|
1.90 |
% |
Rhett R.
Atkins |
|
|
|
|
381,600 |
(7) |
|
|
1.54 |
% |
Bradley S.
Powell |
|
|
|
|
348,700 |
(8) |
|
|
1.41 |
% |
Gilberto H.
Gonzalez |
|
|
|
|
36,500 |
(9) |
|
|
* |
|
Richard N.
Pahre |
|
|
|
|
41,000 |
(10) |
|
|
* |
|
Roger
Ivesdal. |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All directors
and executive officers as a group (10 persons) |
|
|
|
|
4,554,460 |
(11) |
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|
17.59 |
% |
|
Other 5%
Shareholder:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stephens
Group, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
4,177,633 |
(12) |
|
|
17.12 |
% |
111 Center
Street Suite 2500 Little Rock, AR 72201
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Based on 24,406,870 shares outstanding as of March 15,
2006. |
(2) |
|
Represents 259,500 shares owned directly by Dr. Weyerhaeuser;
958,673 shares held by the WBW Trust Number One, of which Dr. Weyerhaeuser is trustee; 10,000 shares owned by Dr. Weyerhaeusers wife; 250 shares
owned by a trust for Dr. Weyerhaeusers son, of which Dr. Weyerhaeusers wife is trustee; |
10
|
|
and 50,000 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days
after March 15, 2006. Dr. Weyerhaeuser disclaims beneficial ownership of shares held by his wife, one of his sons and the trust established for his
other son, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in such shares. |
(3) |
|
Represents 310,200 shares owned directly by Ms. Maza; 151,191
shares held by Prudential Securities as custodian for the Agatha L. Maza IRA; 1,000 shares owned by Ms. Mazas spouse; 135,080 shares held by the
Maza Family LLC, of which Ms. Maza is a co-manager; and 95,000 shares subject to options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 15, 2006. Ms.
Maza disclaims beneficial ownership of shares held by the Maza Family LLC, except to the extent of her pecuniary interest in such shares. |
(4) |
|
Includes 45,000 shares owned directly by Mr. Jacoby, 213,390
shares owned by Jacoby Enterprises, Inc., of which Mr. Jacoby is President, 23,110 shares owned by Smiley Holdings, LLC, of which Mr. Jacoby is a
manager and member, and 50,000 shares subject to options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 15, 2006. Also includes the following shares
as to which Mr. Jacoby disclaims beneficial ownership: 2,000 shares owned by Grandchilds Trust One and 2,000 shares owned by Grandchilds
Trust Three, as to which Mr. Jacoby, as co-trustee, has shared power of disposition and shared power to vote; 65,400 shares owned by Warren &
Harriet Stephens Childrens Trust and 240,000 shares owned by Warren A. Stephens Grantors Trust, as to which Mr. Jacoby, as sole trustee,
has sole power of disposition and sole power to vote; 20,500 shares owned by Etablissement Landeco Vaduz and 10,000 shares owned by Fuerstliech
Oettingen Spielberg Partnership, as to which Mr. Jacoby has shared power of disposition and no power to vote pursuant to powers of attorney granted to
Mr. Jacoby. Does not include shares beneficially owned by Stephens Group, Inc., of which Mr. Jacoby was an executive officer until his retirement on
October 1, 2003 and of which he remains a director. |
(5) |
|
Represents 115,556 shares held by the Albert A. James Family
Partnership, of which Mr. James is a co-general partner; 467,143 shares held by the Albert A. James Living Trust, of which Mr. James is trustee; and
50,000 shares subject to options that are exercisable within 60 days after March 15, 2006. |
(6) |
|
Represents 10,000 shares owned directly by Dr. Wei and 470,667
shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days after March 15, 2006. |
(7) |
|
Represents 6,600 shares owned directly by Dr. Atkins and 375,000
shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days after March 15, 2006. |
(8) |
|
Represents 348,500 shares subject to options exercisable within
60 days after March 15, 2006; and 200 shares held in a trust for the benefit of Mr. Powells minor sons, of which Mr. Powells father serves
as trustee. Mr. Powell disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares held in trust, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest in such
shares. |
(9) |
|
Represents 1,500 shares owned directly by Mr. Gonzalez and
35,000 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days after March 15, 2006. |
(10) |
|
Represents 35,000 shares subject to options exercisable within
60 days after March 15, 2006. |
(11) |
|
Includes 1,509,167 shares subject to options that are
exercisable within 60 days after March 15, 2006. |
(12) |
|
Includes 4,059,333 shares beneficially owned by Stephens
EBC, LLC, of which Stephens Group, Inc. is the sole managing member. Jon E. M. Jacoby, a director of Eden Bioscience, was an executive vice president
of Stephens Group, Inc. until October 1, 2003 and remains a director of Stephens Group, Inc. Stephens EBC, LLC has contributed all of its shares
to a voting trust pursuant to which the trustee of the trust, an individual not affiliated with Stephens Group, Inc., has sole voting power. The
trustee is required to vote such shares for or against proposals submitted to our shareholders in the same proportion as the
votes cast for or against such proposals by all other shareholders, excluding abstentions. The voting trust agreement also
imposes limitations on the sale or other disposition of the shares subject to the voting trust. The voting trust agreement expires in 2010 or such
earlier time as Stephens Inc. ceases to be a market maker of our common stock. Also includes 118,300 shares beneficially owned by Stephens Inc., the
second-tier wholly owned subsidiary of Stephens Group, Inc., representing shares held in the market-making inventory of Stephens Inc. and shares owned
by clients in accounts over which Stephens Inc. exercises discretionary trading authority. |
11
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table presents summary
information about our equity compensation plans at December 31, 2005:
Plan category
|
|
|
|
(a) Number of securities to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
|
|
(b) Weighted average exercise price of
outstanding options, warrants and rights
|
|
(c) Number of securities remaining available
for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
|
Equity
compensation plans approved by security holders |
|
|
|
|
2,647,751 |
|
|
|
$2.68 |
|
|
|
1,182,421 (1) |
|
(1) |
|
The Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the
2000 Plan) incorporates an evergreen formula pursuant to which the number of shares authorized for issuance is increased annually on the
first day of each fiscal year by a number of shares equal to the least of (a) 1,500,000 shares; (b) 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock on a
fully diluted basis as of the end of the immediately preceding fiscal year; and (c) a lesser amount as may be determined by the Board of Directors.
Since the inception of the 2000 Plan, the Board of Directors has never used the evergreen provision to add shares. Under the 2000 Plan, in addition to
options, we may make awards of our common stock or awards denominated in units of our common stock. |
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING
COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 requires Eden Biosciences officers, directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of Eden
Biosciences equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Officers, directors and greater-than-10%
shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish Eden Bioscience with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on its review of the
copies of such forms it received, or written representations from certain reporting persons that no forms were required for those persons, Eden
Bioscience believes that during 2005 all of its officers, directors and greater-than-10% beneficial owners complied with all applicable filing
requirements of Section 16(a).
12
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table provides
information concerning the compensation earned for services rendered to Eden Bioscience in all capacities for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004
and 2003 by our chief executive officer and our other two executive officers whose total salary and bonus exceeded $100,000. We refer to these
executive officers in other parts of this Proxy Statement as our Named Executive Officers.
|
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|
|
Annual Compensation
|
|
Long-Term Compensation
|
|
Name and Principal Position
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary ($)
|
|
Bonus ($)
|
|
Other Annual Compensation ($)
|
|
Securities Underlying Options (#)
|
|
All Other Compensation ($)
|
Rhett R.
Atkins |
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
$ |
174,819 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
48,676 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President,
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
166,819 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and
Director
|
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
197,704 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bradley S.
Powell |
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
169,650 |
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|
|
20,000 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vice
President Finance, Chief
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|
|
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2004 |
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|
161,650 |
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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75,000 |
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|
|
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|
Financial
Officer and Secretary
|
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2003 |
|
|
|
178,488 |
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|
15,000 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
36,000 |
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|
|
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Zhongmin
Wei |
|
|
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|
2005 |
|
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|
173,660 |
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Chief
Scientific Officer and Vice
|
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2004 |
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165,660 |
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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32,000 |
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President of
Research
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2003 |
|
|
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182,916 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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268,000 |
|
|
|
|
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(1) |
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Consists of $30,039 of reimbursement expenses incurred by Dr.
Atkins in connection with his relocation and $18,637 of amounts reimbursed for the payment of taxes relating to the reimbursement of certain expenses
incurred by Dr. Atkins in connection with his relocation. |
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
No stock options were granted to Named
Executive Officers during the year ended December 31, 2005. During 2005, we granted options to purchase a total of 210,000 shares of our common stock
to our employees. All options were granted at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the dates of
grant.
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal
Year-End Option Values
No stock options were exercised by the
Named Executive Officers during the year ended December 31, 2005. The following table sets forth information regarding unexercised stock options held
by Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2005.
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Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
at Fiscal Year End (#)
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Value of Unexercised In-the-Money Options at
Fiscal Year End ($) (1)
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Name
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Exercisable
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Unexercisable
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Exercisable
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Unexercisable
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Rhett R.
Atkins |
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375,000 |
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125,000 |
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$ |
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$ |
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Bradley S.
Powell |
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336,500 |
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99,500 |
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Zhongmin
Wei |
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464,667 |
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27,333 |
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3,360 |
(1) |
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(1) |
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Amounts equal the closing price of our common stock as reported
on The Nasdaq Capital Market on December 31,2005 ($0.58 per share), less the option exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares of exercisable
or unexercisable, as the case may be, in-the-money options. The per-share closing price at year-end is not necessarily indicative of future price
performance. An option is in-the-money if the fair market value of the underlying shares exceeds the exercise price of the option. |
13
Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and
Change-in-Control Arrangements
Mr. Powells Employment Agreement
Pursuant to an agreement we entered
into with Mr. Powell in January 2002, if Mr. Powells employment is terminated by Eden Bioscience without cause, as defined in the agreement, he
will receive severance payments equal to six months annual base salary.
Change-in-Control Agreements
In August 2000, we entered into
change-in-control agreements with Mr. Powell and Dr. Wei. The agreements for Mr. Powell and Dr. Wei provide that, upon a change in control, we would
continue to employ them, and they would remain in our employ, for a period of two years following a change in control. During that time, the agreements
each provide that the position, authority, duties and responsibilities of the executives would be substantially the same as they were during the 90-day
period prior to the change in control, and that their annual base salaries would be at least equal to their annual base salaries established by our
Board of Directors prior to the change in control.
If, during this two-year period, the
employment of the executives is terminated by us other than for cause, as defined in the agreements, or by the executives for good reason, as defined
in the agreements, the terminated executive would be entitled to receive:
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his annual base salary, and pro rata annual bonus, through the
date of termination, and any deferred compensation; and |
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a severance payment equal to twice the sum of his annual base
salary and the average of his past three annual bonuses. |
In addition, the terminated
executives unvested options would accelerate and become fully vested and exercisable. If the executives employment is terminated by us for
cause or by the executives without good reason, the terminated executive will receive only the amount of his annual base salary and other deferred
compensation then due.
Mr. Powells and Dr. Weis
change-in-control agreements each provide that the executive is subject to noncompetition and noninterference provisions during his employment and for
18 months thereafter, to a customary inventions assignment provision during his employment and for three years thereafter and to a customary
confidentiality provision at all times during and after his employment.
Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive
Plan
In the event of certain corporate
transactions, such as a merger or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Eden Bioscience, except as otherwise provided in the instrument
evidencing the stock option, each outstanding stock option will be assumed or replaced with a comparable award by the successor corporation or parent
thereof. If the successor corporation will not assume or replace the stock options, the stock options will automatically accelerate and become 100%
vested and exercisable immediately before the corporate transaction. All stock options will terminate and cease to remain outstanding immediately
following a corporate transaction, except to the extent assumed by the successor corporation. Except as otherwise provided in the instrument evidencing
the award, to the extent that stock options accelerate due to a corporate transaction, the restrictions on restricted stock awards also will
lapse.
If awards are assumed or replaced in a
corporate transaction, such awards will become fully vested and exercisable (and any forfeiture or repurchase rights applicable to restricted stock
awards will lapse) if a participants employment or services are terminated in contemplation of the corporate transaction or within three years
following the corporate transaction, unless employment or services are terminated for cause or the participant terminates employment or services
without good reason.
14
1995 Combined Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option
Plan
In a stock-for-stock transaction
involving a merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock for reorganization, the Board of Directors and a successor corporation may
determine that all outstanding options under our 1995 Combined Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan (the 1995 Plan) will be
converted into options to purchase shares of the successor corporation. If options are not assumed in a transaction, outstanding options will become
fully vested and exercisable immediately before the transaction and will terminate upon the effectiveness of the transaction. Except as otherwise
provided in the instrument evidencing the option, if options are converted into options to purchase stock of the successor corporation, such options
will become fully vested and exercisable if an individuals services are terminated in contemplation of the transaction or within three years of
such transaction, unless services are terminated for cause or the individual terminates services without good reason. Effective on the date of our
initial public offering, no additional options will be granted under our 1995 Plan.
Report on Executive Compensation by the Compensation
Committee
The Compensation Committee has
furnished the following report on executive compensation. The Compensation Committee, which is composed of three non-employee, independent directors,
establishes and reviews all compensation and benefits of our executive officers, considers incentive compensation plans for our employees and carries
out duties assigned to the committee under our stock option plans and our employee stock purchase plan. The Compensation Committee has the authority to
retain and terminate compensation consulting firms, including authority to approve the firms fees and other retention terms.
Compensation Policies
Our compensation policies for executive
officers are based on the belief that the interests of executives should be closely aligned with those of our shareholders. We believe that this will
encourage the creation of additional shareholder value. The compensation policies are designed to achieve the following objectives:
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offer compensation opportunities that attract highly qualified
executives, reward outstanding initiative and achievement, and retain the leadership and skills necessary to build long-term shareholder
value; |
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maintain a significant portion of our executives total
compensation at risk, tied to both the annual and long-term financial performance of Eden Bioscience; and |
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further our short- and long-term strategic goals and values by
aligning compensation with business objectives and individual performance. |
Compensation Program
Our executive compensation program has
three major integrated components: base salary, annual incentive awards and long-term incentives. We emphasize the award of stock options as long-term
incentives to executive officers.
Base
Salary. Base salary levels are determined annually by reviewing an individual executives skills, performance level and
contribution to the business. Our Named Executive Officers voluntarily reduced their annual base salaries for 2004 in order to reduce expenses and
conserve cash.
Annual Incentive
Awards. Annual cash bonus awards are based on an assessment by the Board of Directors of an individual executives
performance and of the achievement of corporate objectives, among which include the following:
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achievement of planned revenue targets; |
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management of expenditures to levels established in the annual
budget; |
15
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progress toward development of product extensions and new
products that utilize natural plant systems; and |
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progress toward development of new markets for our current
products and possible future products. |
Based on these goals, one of the Named
Executive Officers, Bradley S. Powell, received a $20,000 annual cash bonus in 2005 for reduction of current and future expenditures.
Long-Term
Incentives. The Compensation Committee views stock options as an important part of its long-term, performance-based
compensation program. The committee believes that stock ownership is an excellent vehicle for compensating its officers and employees. We provide
long-term incentives through our stock option plans. The purpose of the plans is to create a direct link between executive compensation and increases
in shareholder value. Stock options are granted at fair market value and vest in installments generally over three to five years. Thus, the value of
the shareholders investment must appreciate before the optionee receives any financial benefit. Additionally, the employee must remain in our
employ for the period required for the stock option to be exercisable, thus providing an incentive to remain in our employ. When determining option
awards for an executive officer, the committee considers the executives current contribution to company performance, the anticipated contribution
to meeting our long-term strategic performance goals, and industry practices and norms. Long-term incentives granted in prior years and existing levels
of stock ownership are also taken into consideration. Typically, options are granted on hire date and periodically thereafter.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation.
Dr. Atkins base salary level is
determined annually by reviewing skills, performance level and contribution to the business. Dr. Atkins base salary for 2005 was $174,819, which
is $8,000 more than his base salary for 2004. We did not meet our revenue target in 2005 and Dr. Atkins did not receive an annual cash bonus or stock
option grant for 2005.
162 Limitation.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code limits the tax deductibility by a corporation of compensation in excess of $1 million paid to the chief executive officer and any other of its
four most highly compensated executive officers. However, compensation that qualifies as performance-based is excluded from the $1 million
limit if, among other requirements, the compensation is payable only upon attainment of pre-established, objective performance goals under a plan
approved by shareholders. The Compensation Committee does not presently expect total cash compensation payable for salaries and bonuses to exceed the
$1 million limit for any individual executive. The stock option plans are designed to qualify for the performance-based exemption.
The Compensation Committee
of the
Board of Directors
Gilberto H. Gonzalez,
Chairman
Jon E. M. Jacoby
Albert A. James
16
Performance Graph
Set forth below is a line graph
comparing the cumulative return to the shareholders of Eden Biosciences common stock with the cumulative return of (a) The Nasdaq Stock Market
U.S. Index and (b) the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index, resulting from an initial assumed investment of $100 in each and assuming the reinvestment of any
dividends, for the period commencing December 31, 2000 and ending on December 31, 2005. The stock price performance shown in this graph is not
necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL
RETURN
Among Eden Bioscience Corporation, The NASDAQ Stock Market U.S. Index and
The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index
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Cumulative Total Return
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Quarter Ended
|
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Eden Bioscience
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The Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S.) Index
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Nasdaq Biotechnology Index
|
12/31/00 |
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$ |
100.00 |
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|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
$ |
100.00 |
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12/31/01 |
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16.94 |
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79.08 |
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80.72 |
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12/31/02 |
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4.78 |
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55.95 |
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44.83 |
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12/31/03 |
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4.77 |
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83.35 |
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62.82 |
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12/31/04 |
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3.27 |
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90.64 |
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65.43 |
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12/31/05 |
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1.94 |
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92.73 |
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83.51 |
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17
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The members of the Audit Committee are
independent under SEC rules and Nasdaq listing standards. The Board of Directors adopted a written Audit Committee Charter, which is available in the
Investor Information section of Eden Biosciences web site at www.edenbio.com.
In fulfilling its oversight
responsibilities, the Audit Committee met and held discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit
Committee also met separately with the independent registered public accounting firm. Management represented to the Audit Committee that Eden
Biosciences audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 were prepared in accordance with U.S generally accepted
accounting principles, The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management and the independent registered public accounting firm the audited
financial statements for the 2005 fiscal year.
The Audit Committee also discussed with
the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, including a
discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of
disclosures in the financial statements. In addition, the Audit Committee has received from the independent registered public accounting firm the
written disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, and discussed with the independent registered public
accounting firm their independence relating to Eden Bioscience. In accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Audit Committee pre-approves all
audit and non-audit services performed by the independent auditors.
Based on the Audit Committees
review and discussions of the matters referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors has
approved, that the audited financial statements be included in Eden Biosciences Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2005 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Audit Committee
of the Board
of Directors
Richard N. Pahre, Chairman
Gilberto H. Gonzalez
Agatha L. Maza
18
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The aggregate fees billed for
professional services rendered by KPMG LLP (KPMG) for fiscal years 2005 and 2004 were as follows:
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KPMG
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2005
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|
2004
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Audit
Fees |
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$ |
145,000 |
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$ |
115,000 |
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Audit-Related
Fees |
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Tax
Fees |
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All Other
Fees |
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Total
Fees |
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$ |
145,000 |
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$ |
115,000 |
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Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy
The Audit Committee has adopted a
policy for the pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. The policy is designed
to ensure that the provision of these services does not impair the registered public accounting firms independence. Under the policy, any
services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, including audit, audit-related, tax and other services, must be specifically
pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee may delegate
pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. The member or members to whom such authority is delegated shall report any pre-approval decisions
to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee does not delegate responsibilities to pre-approve services performed by the
independent registered public accounting firm to management.
For 2005, all services provided by KPMG
were pre-approved.
2006 Independent Auditors
KPMG, independent registered public
accounting firm, has been selected by the Audit Committee to audit the financial statements of Eden Bioscience for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2006. KPMG has been our auditors since May 2002. Representatives of KPMG are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, with the opportunity to make
a statement if they desire to do so and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
19
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2007 ANNUAL
MEETING
Submission of Shareholder Proposals for Inclusion in the Proxy
Statement
Under the SECs proxy rules,
shareholder proposals that meet certain conditions may be included in Eden Biosciences proxy statement and form of proxy for a particular annual
meeting. Shareholders that intend to present a proposal at Eden Biosciences 2007 annual meeting of shareholders must give notice of the proposal
to Eden Bioscience no later than December 7, 2006 to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to the 2007 annual
meeting of shareholders.
Advance Notice Procedures for Director Nominations and Other
Business
Shareholders who intend to nominate
persons for election to the Board of Directors or to present a proposal at the 2007 annual meeting of shareholders without inclusion of the proposal in
our proxy materials must provide advance written notice of such nomination or proposal in the manner required by Eden Biosciences Bylaws. Notice
of nominations or other business proposed to be considered by shareholders, complying with Sections 2.6 or 3.3, as applicable, of the Bylaws, must be
delivered to the Corporate Secretary no earlier than February 15, 2007 and no later than March 17, 2007. Notices should be sent to: Corporate
Secretary, Eden Bioscience Corporation, 11816 North Creek Parkway, Bothell, Washington 98011-8201.
For proposals that are not timely
filed, Eden Bioscience retains discretion to vote proxies it receives. For such proposals that are timely filed, Eden Bioscience retains discretion to
vote proxies it receives provided that (1) Eden Bioscience includes in its proxy statement advice on the nature of the proposal and how it intends to
exercise its voting discretion and (2) the proponent does not issue a proxy statement.
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement,
the Board of Directors does not intend to present, and has not been informed that any other person intends to present, any matters for action at the
Annual Meeting other than the matters specifically referred to in this Proxy Statement. If other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is
intended that the holders of the proxies will act with respect thereto in accordance with their best judgment.
Copies of the Eden Bioscience 2005
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, as filed with the SEC, are being mailed to shareholders, together with this
Proxy Statement, form of proxy and Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Additional copies may be obtained from the Corporate Secretary of Eden
Bioscience Corporation at 11816 North Creek Parkway N., Bothell, Washington 98011-8201.
By order of the Board of
Directors,
Rhett R. Atkins
President,
Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Bothell, Washington
April 6, 2006
20
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This
proxy, when properly signed, will be voted in the manner directed herein
by the undersigned shareholder.
IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSAL 1. |
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Please
Mark Here
for Address
Change or
Comments |
¨ |
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SEE REVERSE SIDE |
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1. |
ELECTION OF DIRECTOR: |
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Class I (term expiring 2008)
01 Roger M. Ivesdal,
Class II (term expiring 2009)
02 Gilberto H. Gonzalez,
03 Albert A. James, and
04 Agatha L. Maza |
o |
FOR all
nominees listed
(except as withheld) |
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o |
WITHHOLD
AUTHORITY to vote
for nominees listed |
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WITHHOLD
AUTHORITY to vote for the following Directors: |
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IMPORTANT PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN
PROMPTLY. |
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Signature |
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Dated: |
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, 2006. |
When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by an authorized person.
5 FOLD AND DETACH HERE 5
PROXY
FOR THE 2006 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
EDEN BIOSCIENCE CORPORATION
This Proxy Is Solicited On Behalf Of The Board Of Directors
The
undersigned hereby appoints Rhett R. Atkins and Bradley S. Powell (collectively,
the Proxies), and each of them, with full power of substitution,
as proxies to vote the shares that the undersigned is entitled to vote at
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Eden Bioscience Corporation to be held
at the Country Inn & Suites, 19333 North Creek Parkway, Bothell, Washington
on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) and at any adjournments
thereof. Such shares shall be voted as indicated with respect to the proposal
listed on the reverse side hereof and in the Proxies discretion on such
other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
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(Continued and to be signed on reverse side.) |
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Address Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side)
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5 FOLD AND DETACH HERE 5