UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

SCHEDULE 14A

PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

Filed by the Registrant  ☒

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ☐

Check the appropriate box:

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

Definitive Proxy Statement

Definitive Proxy StatementAdditional Materials

Definitive Additional Materials

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

CALYXT, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):

 

No fee required.

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

 

 


LOGOLOGO

CALYXT, INC.

2800 Mount Ridge Road

Roseville, Minnesota 55113

Notice of 20222023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

to be held on June 1, 2022May 2, 2023

Dear Stockholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the 20222023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Calyxt, Inc., to be held virtually via live audio webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CLXT2022,CLXT2023, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022,Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time, for the following purposes:

 

 1.

To elect eighttwo Class I directors to our Board of Directors, each to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholdersa three-year term and until his or her successor has been elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, or removal;

 

 2.

To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of Calyxt, Inc.’s Named Executive Officers;

3.

To approve, on an advisory basis, the frequency of future votes to approve the compensation of Calyxt, Inc.’s Named Executive Officers; and

4.

To ratify the appointment by the Audit Committee of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2022;

3.

To approve an amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the Company’s shares of Common Stock at a ratio not less than 2-to-1 and not greater than 10-to-1, with the exact ratio to be set within that range at the discretion of our Board of Directors before April 1, 2024 without further approval or authorization of our stockholders (the “Reverse Stock Split”); and2023.

Stockholders will also act on such other business and matters or proposals as may properly come before the Annual Meeting.

These items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice.

The record date for the Annual Meeting is April 6, 2022.March 10, 2023. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on that date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Calyxt, Inc.’s list of stockholders as of April 6, 2022,March 10, 2023, will be available for inspection 10 days prior to the Annual Meeting during ordinary business hours at our corporate headquarters. In addition, the list of stockholders will also be available during the Annual Meeting through the meeting website for those stockholders who choose to attend.

Your vote as a stockholder of Calyxt, Inc. is very important. Each share of stock that you own represents one vote.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

/s/ Michael A. Carr

Michael A. Carr

President & Chief Executive Officer

Roseville, Minnesota

                , 2022March 22, 2023

Whether or not you expect to attend the online Annual Meeting, please submit voting instructions for your shares promptly by internet at www.proxyvote.com, by telephone at 1-800-690-6903 (toll free) or by mail. Even if you have voted by proxy, you may still vote online if you attend the Annual Meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a proxy issued in your name from that record holder.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON JUNE 1, 2022MAY 2, 2023

The Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com.


CALYXT, INC.

PROXY STATEMENT FOR 20222023 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   Page 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Calyxt, Inc. Stockholder Meeting to be Held on June 1, 2022May 2, 2023

   1 

Information aboutAbout the Annual Meeting

   1 

Proposal No. 1 Election of Directors

   9 

Directors and Corporate Governance

   1311

Executive Officers

18

Executive Compensation

19

Director Compensation

38

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

38 

Proposal No.  2 — Approval, on an Advisory Basis, of the Compensation of our Named Executive Officers

39

Proposal No.  3 — Approval, on an Advisory Basis, of the Frequency of Future Votes to Approve the Compensation of our Named Executive Officers

40

Proposal No.  4 — Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   1941 

Relationship with Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   2041 

Report of the Audit Committee

   21

Proposal No.  3 – Approval of an Amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to Effect a Reverse Stock Split at the Discretion of our Board of Directors

22

Executive Officers

29

Executive Compensation

30

Director Compensation

36

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

3743 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

   38

Delinquent 16(a) Reports

3944 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

   4046 

Other Matters

   4348 

Appendix A — Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Calyxt, Inc.


IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE CALYXT, INC. STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON JUNE 1, 2022MAY 2, 2023

In accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), we have elected to furnish our proxy materials, including this Proxy Statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K, primarily over the internet rather than in paper form. Instructions on how to access these materials online or how to request a paper copy of the proxy materials may be found in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (“Notice of Internet Availability”), which is being first mailed on or about , 2022,March 22, 2023, to all stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. We believe that following this rule makes the distribution of proxy materials more efficient and less costly and helps in conserving natural resources.

The proxy materials referred to in the Notice of Internet Availability are both downloadable and printable. If you would prefer to receive proxy materials in printed form by mail or electronically by email on an ongoing basis, please follow the instructions contained in the Notice of Internet Availability.

The Notice of the Calyxt, Inc. 20222023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, this Proxy Statement for the 20222023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and Calyxt, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021,2022 are available at www.proxyvote.com. These materials will remain on this website and be accessible to Calyxt, Inc. stockholders through the conclusion of the Annual Meeting at no charge to the stockholder.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

The Calyxt, Inc. Board of Directors (the “Board”) is providing you with these proxy materials because the Board is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Calyxt, Inc. 20222023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”), including at any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting. The Board requests that you vote on the proposals described in this Proxy Statement. You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting online, but you do not need to attend the Annual Meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply vote your shares by proxy by voting online or by telephone as described on the proxy card or voting instruction form or, request a proxy card from us and complete, sign, and return it at your earliest convenience in the postage-prepaid return envelope that will be provided.

Calyxt, Inc. intends to post this Proxy Statement, proxy card, and Annual Report on Form 10-K online at www.proxyvote.com and at https://ir.calyxt.com/sec-filings on or about , 2022.March 22, 2023. We will mail printed copies of the proxy materials to stockholders who request them by following the instructions contained in the Notice of Internet Availability.

In this Proxy Statement, the terms “Calyxt,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Calyxt, Inc. and the term “Cellectis” refers to Cellectis S.A., our majority stockholder. The mailing address of the principal executive offices is Calyxt, Inc., 2800 Mount Ridge Road, Roseville, MN 55113.

Conduct of the Meeting Virtual Only

The Annual Meeting will be held virtually on June 1, 2022,May 2, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time via live audio webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CLXT2022.CLXT2023. There will be no physical meeting location, though we have designed the virtual Annual Meeting to provide substantially the same opportunities to participate as you would have at an in-person meeting. In addition to supporting the health and well-being of our employees, stockholders, and other members of the community this year, we believe there are many benefits to a virtual meeting, including expanded access, improved communication, and cost savings for our stockholders and us. We believe that hosting a virtual meeting enables stockholder participation from any location around the world.

To attend the Annual Meeting, you will need the 16-digit control number that is printed in the box marked by the arrow on your Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card.

We recommend that you log in at least 15 minutes before the Annual Meeting to ensure that you are logged in when the meeting starts. Online access will begin at 9:45 a.m. Central Time. The Annual Meeting platform is fully supported across browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari) and devices (desktops, laptops, tablets, and cell phones) running the most updated version of applicable software and plugins. Stockholders should ensure that they have a strong internet connection if they intend to attend and/or participate in the Annual Meeting. Attendees should allow plenty of time to log in (at least 15 minutes before the Annual Meeting) and ensure that they can hear streaming audio prior to the start of the Annual Meeting. Information on how to vote online at the Annual Meeting is discussed below.

If you wish to submit a question, please do so during the meeting by logging into the virtual platform at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CLXT2022CLXT2023 and follow the instructions within.

Questions pertinent to meeting matters will be answered during the Annual Meeting, subject to time constraints. If we are unable to respond to a stockholder’s properly submitted question due to time constraints, we will respond directly to that stockholder using the contact information provided.

If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in or meeting time, please call the technical support number that will be posted on the Virtual Stockholder Meeting log in page.

Record Date and Voting Power

Our Board has fixed April 6, 2022,March 10, 2023, as the record date for the Annual Meeting. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on the record date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. On the record date, there were 42,768,16349,544,492 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held as of the record date. There will be no cumulative voting in the election of directors.

Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name

If on April 6, 2022,March 10, 2023, your shares were registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc., then you are a stockholder of record. As a stockholder of record, you may vote online at the Annual Meeting or vote in advance of the Annual Meeting by proxy. You will need the 16-digit control number that is printed in the box marked by the arrow on your Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card to vote online at the Annual Meeting or to submit voting instructions in advance of the Annual Meeting by internet or telephone for your shares to be voted by proxy.

Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, to ensure your vote is counted, we urge you to submit voting instructions by internet or telephone as instructed on your Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card or to request a proxy card from us and complete, date, sign, and return the proxy card in the envelope that we will provide to you.

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker, Bank, or Other Agent

If on April 6, 2022,March 10, 2023 your shares were held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer, or other similar organization (as opposed to in your name directly), then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name” and the organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other agent regarding how to vote the shares in your account, and such broker or other agent has provided voting instructions for you to use in directing it on how to vote your shares. As a beneficial owner, you are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, as you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares online at the Annual Meeting unless you request and obtain a valid proxy from your broker or other agent in whose name the shares are held in advance of the Annual Meeting.

Quorum

A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. The presence, virtually or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common shares of Calyxt entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. On the record date, there were 42,768,16349,544,492 shares outstanding and entitled to vote. Thus, the holders of 21,384,08224,772,247 shares must be present virtually or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting to have a quorum.

Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank, or other nominee) or if you vote online at the meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the quorum requirement.

If, however, a quorum is not present at the Annual Meeting, either the Chair of the Annual Meeting or a majority of the holders of common stock present virtually or represented by proxy will adjourn the Annual Meeting, without notice other than announcement at the Annual Meeting, until a quorum is present. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present any business may be transacted which would have been transacted at the original Annual Meeting.

Recommendations of the Board of Directors on Each of the Proposals

There are threefour proposals that will be presented to Calyxt stockholders at the Annual Meeting:

Proposal No. 1 Election of Directors.

The Board recommends that you vote FOR the election of each of the eighttwo Class I nominees named in this Proxy Statement.

Proposal No. 2 Say-on-Pay.

The Board recommends that you vote FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers.

Proposal No. 3 — Say-on-Frequency.

The Board recommends that you vote ONE YEAR, on an advisory basis, for the frequency of future votes to approve the compensation of our Named Executive Officers.

Proposal No. 4 — Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

The Board recommends that you vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2022.

Proposal No. 3 – Approval of an Amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to Effect a Reverse Stock Split at the Discretion of our Board of Directors.

The Board recommends that you vote FOR the approval of the amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (“Certificate of Incorporation”) to effect a reverse stock split of the Company’s shares of Common Stock at a ratio not less than 2-to-1 and not greater than 10-to-1, with the exact ratio to be set within that range at the discretion of our Board of Directors before April 1, 2024 without further approval or authorization of our stockholders.2023.

The Board knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on those matters in accordance with their best judgment.

Required Votes

Pursuant to our amended and restated bylaws (“bylaws”):

 

Nominees for election as Class I Directors to our Board of Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present virtually or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. This means that the eighttwo nominees receiving the highest number of

affirmative “For” votes will be elected as Class I Directors. Only votes “For” will affect the outcome. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on Proposal No. 1.

The compensation of our Named Executive Officers will be elected.approved by the affirmative vote of a majority in voting power of the votes cast by the holders of all shares of common stock present or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. Only votes “For” or “Against” will affect the outcome. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on Proposal No. 1.2. Proposal No. 2 is advisory in nature and is not binding on the Board of Directors or the Company.

We will consider our stockholders to have approved the frequency option for the frequency of future votes to approve the compensation of our Named Executive Officers that receives the highest number of votes. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on Proposal No. 3. Proposal No. 3 is advisory in nature and is not binding on the Board of Directors or the Company.

The appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022,2023 will be ratified by the affirmative “For” vote of a majority of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on this matter. Abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on Proposal No. 2.4. Because Proposal No. 24 is a routine matter, it is expected that there would not be any broker non-votes.

Approval of the amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split will be approved by the affirmative “For” vote of a majority of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on this matter. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on Proposal No. 3.

Voting Instructions; Voting of Proxies

You may either vote “For” or “Withhold” authority to vote for each nominee for the Board. With respect to the advisory approval of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, you may vote “For” or “Against” or “Abstain.” With respect to the advisory approval of the frequency of future votes to approve the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, you may vote for every “one year,” “two years,” or “three years,” or “Abstain.” With respect to the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm, you may vote “For” or “Against” or “Abstain.” With respect to approval of the Reverse Stock Split, you may vote “For” or “Against” or “Abstain.”

The procedures for voting are:

Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name

If you are a stockholder of record, you may (1) vote by proxy by using a proxy card that you may request from us, (2) vote by proxy over the internet prior to the meeting, (3) vote over the internet during the meeting, or (4) vote by proxy by telephone prior to the meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy (via card, Internet,internet, or telephone) to ensure your vote is counted. You may still attend the Annual Meeting and vote if you have already voted by proxy.

 

You can vote by proxy card by requesting a proxy card from us pursuant to the instructions in the Notice of Internet Availability, and promptly completing and returning your signed proxy card in the envelope that will be provided. You should mail your signed proxy card sufficiently in advance for it to be received by May 29, 2022.1, 2023.

 

To vote online prior to the Annual Meeting, visit www.proxyvote.com, be sure to have your Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card available, and follow the steps outlined on the secure website. You will need the 16-digit control number that is printed in the box marked by the arrow on your Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card to vote online. Your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on May 31, 2022,1, 2023 to be counted.

 

To vote by telephone within the United States and Canada, call 1-800-690-6903 (toll free) on a touch tone telephone and follow the instructions provided by the recorded message. You will need the 16-digit control number that is printed in the box marked by the arrow on your Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card to vote by telephone. Your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on May 31, 2022,1, 2023, to be counted.

To vote online during the Annual Meeting, visit www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CLXT2022,CLXT2023, be sure to have your Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card available and follow the instructions given on the secure website. You will need the 16-digit control number that is printed in the box marked by the arrow on your Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card to vote online at the Annual Meeting.

We provide Internetinternet proxy voting to allow you to vote your shares online with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. Please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your Internetinternet access, such as usage charges from Internetinternet access providers.

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker, Bank, or Other Agent

If you are a beneficial owner of shares registered in the name of your broker, bank, or other agent, you should have received a notice containing voting instructions from that organization rather than from us. Please follow the voting instructions in that notice to ensure that your vote is counted. Alternatively, you may vote over the Internetinternet as instructed by your broker, bank, or other agent. To vote online during the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a valid proxy from your broker, bank, or other agent and follow the instructions included with those proxy materials. You may contact the broker, bank, or other agent in whose name your shares are registered to request a proxy form.

Consequences of Not Voting

Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name

If you are a stockholder of record and do not vote by completing your proxy card, through the internet, by telephone or online during the Annual Meeting, your shares will not be voted.

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker, Bank, or Other Agent

A broker non-vote occurs when shares registered in the name of a broker are not voted with respect to a particular proposal because the broker does not have discretionary authority to vote on the matter and has not received voting instructions from its client who beneficially owns those shares. If your broker holds your shares in its name and you do not instruct your broker how to vote, your broker will only have discretion to vote your shares on “routine” matters.

Where a proposal is not “routine,” a broker who has received no instructions from its clients does not have discretion to vote its clients’ uninstructed shares on that proposal. Proposal No. 1 (the election of directors), Proposal No. 2 (say-on-pay) and Proposal No. 3 (approval of the amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split)(say-on-frequency) are considered non-routine matters under applicable rules, and your broker or other nominee will not have discretion to vote on Proposal No. 1, Proposal No. 2 or Proposal No. 3 absent direction from you. Accordingly, there may be broker non-votes on Proposal No. 1 (the election of directors), Proposal No. 2 (say-on-pay) and Proposal No. 3 (approval of the amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split)(say-on-frequency). Proposal No. 24 (the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2022)2023) is considered a routine matter under applicable rules, and your broker or other nominee may generally vote in its discretion. Accordingly, no broker non-votes are expected to exist in connection with Proposal No. 2.4.

The Company’s bylaws provide that a majority of the shares entitled to vote, present virtually, or represented by proxy, will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. In addition, under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, shares that are voted “abstain” or “withheld” and broker non-votes are counted as present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. As a result, broker non-votes and abstentions by stockholders from voting (including brokers holding their clients’ shares of record who cause abstentions to be recorded) will be counted towards determining a quorum is

present. However, because broker non-votes and abstentions are not voted affirmatively or negatively, they will have no effect on the approval of Proposal No. 1, Proposal No. 2, Proposal No. 3 or Proposal No. 34 (other than with respect to the determination of whether a quorum is present).

Returning Blank Proxy Card

If you request a proxy card from us and return a signed and dated proxy card or otherwise vote without marking voting selections, your shares will be voted “For” the election of each of the nominees for director, “For” the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, and “For” the approval of the amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of

Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split.in accordance with management’s recommendations. If any other matter is properly presented at the Annual Meeting, your proxyholder (one of the individuals named on your proxy card) will vote your shares using his or her best judgment.

Expenses of Soliciting Proxies

The Board is soliciting proxies to provide an opportunity for all stockholders to vote, whether or not the stockholders are able to attend the Annual Meeting or an adjournment or postponement thereof. We will pay for the entire cost of soliciting proxies. In addition to these proxy materials, the Company’s directors and employees may also solicit proxies by telephone, or by other means of communication. Directors and employees will not be paid any additional compensation for soliciting proxies. We will also reimburse brokerage firms, banks, and other agents for the cost of forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners.

Receiving More than One Proxy

If you receive more than one Notice of Internet Availability or more than one set of proxy materials, your shares may be registered in more than one name or in different accounts. Please follow the voting instructions on each Notice of Internet Availability or set of proxy materials that you receive to ensure that all your shares are voted. Each Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card may have a different 16-digit control number printed in the box marked by the arrow.

Revocation of Proxies

Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name

You can revoke your proxy at any time before the final vote at the Annual Meeting. If you are the record holder of your shares, you may revoke your proxy in any one of the following ways:

 

You may submit another properly completed proxy card with a later date.

 

You may grant a subsequent proxy by voting again through the internet or by telephone.

 

You may send a timely written notice that you are revoking your proxy to Calyxt’s General Counsel at 2800 Mount Ridge Road, Roseville, MN 55113.

 

You may attend the virtual Annual Meeting and vote online by following the instructions posted at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CLXT2022.CLXT2023. Simply attending the Annual Meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy.

The latest proxy vote is the one that is counted.

Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker, Bank, or Other Agent

If your shares are held by your broker, bank, or other agent, as a nominee or agent, you should follow the instructions provided by such broker, bank, or other agent.

Results of Voting at the Annual Meeting

Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting. In addition, final voting results will be published in a current report on Form 8-K that we expect to file within four business days after the Annual Meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to file a Form 8-K within four business days after the Annual Meeting, we intend to file a Form 8-K to publish preliminary results and, within four business days after the final results are known to us, file an additional Form 8-K to publish the final results.

Implications of Being an “Emerging Growth Company”

We are an “emerging growth company” under applicable federal securities laws and therefore permitted to take advantage of certain reduced public company reporting requirements. As an emerging growth company, we provide in this Proxy Statement the scaled disclosure permitted under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), including the compensation disclosures required of a “smaller reporting company,” as that term is defined in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). In addition, as an emerging growth company, we are not required to conduct votes seeking approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers or the frequency with which such votes must be conducted. We would cease to be an “emerging growth company” upon the earliest to occur of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have more than $1.07 billion in annual revenue; (ii) the date we qualify as a “large accelerated filer,” with at least $700 million of public float (iii) the issuance, in any three-year period, by us of more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities held by non-affiliates; and (iv) the last day of the fiscal year ending after the fifth anniversary of the Company’s initial public offering, or December 31, 2022.

Procedure for Submitting Stockholders Proposals and Director Nominees at the 20232024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

The rules of the SEC permit our stockholders, after timely notice to Calyxt, to present proposals in the Company’s proxy statement for stockholder action where such proposals are consistent with applicable law, constitute a proper matter for stockholder action, and are not properly omitted by Calyxt in accordance with the rules of the SEC. To be timely for the Company’s 20232024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, a stockholder’s notice of a proposal must be delivered to or mailed and received by the Secretary of Calyxt at the Company’s principal executive offices, 2800 Mount Ridge Road, Roseville, MN 55113, no later than December 20, 2022.November 23, 2023.

Pursuant to the Company’s bylaws, in order for a proposal to be properly brought before the next annual meeting by a stockholder or for a stockholder’s nominee for director to be considered at such annual meeting, the stockholder must give written notice of such stockholder’s intent to bring a matter before the annual meeting or to nominate the director, which must be received by the Company not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders. In the case of the Company’s 20232024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be timely under the Company’s bylaws, a stockholder’s notice must be received not later than March 3, 2023,February 2, 2024, nor earlier than February 1, 2023.January 3, 2024. Each such notice must set forth certain information with respect to the stockholder who intends to bring a proposal before the meeting or to make the nomination, and the director nominee or proposal, as set forth in greater detail in the Company’s bylaws. If we receive notice of a stockholder proposal after March 3, 2023,February 2, 2024, such proposal also will be considered untimely pursuant to Rules 14a-4 and 14a-5(e) and the persons named in proxies solicited by the Board for this 2022the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders may exercise discretionary voting power with respect to such proposal.

In the event that the date of the Company’s 20232024 Annual Meeting is advanced more than 30 days prior to the anniversary of the Company’s 20222023 Annual Meeting or delayed more than 30 days after such anniversary date, then to be timely such notice must be received by the Company no earlier than 120 days prior to such 20232024 Annual Meeting and no later than the later of 70 days prior to the date of the meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the meeting was first made by the Company.

In addition to satisfying the requirements under the Company’s bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy rules, (once effective), stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Company’s nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act, which notice must be postmarked or transmitted electronically to us at our principal executive offices no later than 60 calendar days prior to the first anniversary date of this year’s annual meeting. March 1, 2024.

If the date of the 20232024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is changed by more than 30 calendar days from the anniversary of the Annual Meeting, then notice must be provided by the later of 60 calendar days prior to the date of the 2023

2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or the 10th calendar day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the 20232024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is first made. Accordingly, for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, we must receive such notice no later than April 2, 2022.

Copies of Proxy Materials and Corporate Governance Documents

The Notice of 20222023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, this Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting, and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K are posted on Calyxt’s website at https://ir.calyxt.com/sec-filings and at www.proxyvote.com.

The Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws are filed as an exhibit to its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is posted on the Company’s website at https://ir.calyxt.com/sec-filings.

The Company’s corporate governance guidelines, code of business conduct and ethics, and charters for each of the Company’s standing Board committees are posted on the Company’s website at https://ir.calyxt.com/corporate-governance/governance-documents. Stockholders may receive printed copies of each of these documents without charge by contacting the Company’s Investor Relations Department at Calyxt, Inc., Attn: Investor Relations, 2800 Mount Ridge Road, Roseville, MN 55113, or by calling (651) 683-2807.

PROPOSAL NO. 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Pursuant to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, our Board shall consist of not less than five nor more than 11 directors, with the exact number of directors to be determined from time to time solely by resolution adopted by a majority of the Board. Our Board has adopted a resolution fixing the number of directors at eight members. Until

Following the first date on which Cellectis and its affiliates no longer beneficially ownowned more than 50% of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock, (the “Effective Date”), all theour Board became divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. While our Board is classified, only one class of directors will be elected to ourat each annual meeting of stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms. Our Board annuallyof Directors is designated as follows:

Mr. Philippe Dumont and Mr. Jonathan Fassberg serve as Class I directors, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders. Atstockholders to be held in 2023;

Ms. Anna Ewa Kozicz-Stankiewicz, Ms. Kimberly Nelson, and Mr. Christopher Neugent serve as Class II directors, and their terms will expire at the Annual Meeting, directors will be elected to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2024; and

Mr. Laurent Arthaud, Mr. Michael Carr, and until his or her successor has been electedDr. Yves Ribeill serve as Class III directors, and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, or removal. From and aftertheir terms will expire at the Effective Date, our Board will transitionannual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2025.

Each director shall serve for a staggered board divided into three classes, with directors serving three-year terms.term ending on the date of the third annual meeting of stockholders next following the annual meeting at which such director was elected.

Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares of our common stock present virtually or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. This means that the eighttwo nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative “For” votes will be elected.

Unless otherwise provided by law and subject to the terms of our Stockholders Agreement dated July 25, 2017 with Cellectis (as amended, the “Stockholders Agreement”), any vacancy on the Board, including a vacancy created by an increase in the authorized number of directors, may be filled solely by a majority of the directors then in office or by the sole remaining director.

Nominees for Election for a One-Year Term Expiring at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

The individuals listed below, all of whom are currently serving on our Board, are nominated for election this year. In addition to the names of the nominees and their ages provided Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the table below, additional biographical information fornumber of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each nominee follows the table.class will consist of one-third of our directors.

Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, Cellectis has a right to designate as nominees to the Board the greater of three members of the Board or a majority of the directors on the Board, and to designate the chair of the Board and one member to each committee of the Board. Cellectis has designated Mr. Arthaud to serve as its nominee to the Board. Cellectis has reserved its rights under the Stockholders Agreement to make additional designations from time to time.

Nominees for Election for a Three-Year Term Expiring at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Name

Age

Position

Yves J. Ribeill, Ph.D.

62Chair of the Board

Michael A. Carr

53President & Chief Executive Officer

Laurent Arthaud

59Director

Philippe Dumont

70Director

Jonathan B. Fassberg

55Director

Anna Ewa Kozicz-Stankiewicz

46Director

Kimberly K. Nelson

54Director

Christopher J. Neugent

60Director

The individuals listed below, each of whom is currently serving on our Board, are nominated for election this year as Class I directors. The following is a brief biography of each nominee for Class I director and a discussion of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills of each nominee that led the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to recommend that person as a nominee for director, as of the date of this Proxy Statement.

Yves J. Ribeill, Ph.D., has served as a member of our Board since July 2018 and currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors. Dr. Ribeill served on an interim basis as Calyxt’s Executive Chair and principal executive officer from February 2021 until August 2021 and interim Chief Executive Officer from August 2018 until October 2018. In January 2022, he became a Partner at Argobio, a start-up studio based in Paris, France, dedicated to turning cutting-edge innovations into breakthrough biotech companies. From August 2017 to December 2021, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Ribogenics, Inc., which is a private biotechnology

company working on mRNA splicing. Dr. Ribeill was also a founder of Scynexis, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCYX), served as its President from November 1999 until July 2015 and served as its Chief Executive Officer from November 1999 until April 2015. Before his work with Scynexis, Dr. Ribeill served in various positions during the 35 years of his international career with Rhone-Poulenc, Aventis including Discovery Chemistry Group leader for Anti-Viral Research and later in the Central Nervous System Group in France. He also served as Group Leader in the Cardiovascular Group in England. Upon his return to France, Dr. Ribeill served as Director of Chemistry for the Anti-Infective Group. He was involved in all phases of the drug discovery and development effort that resulted in the FDA approval of multiple drugs. He served as a Director of Scynexis, Inc. from November 1999 to March 2016 and has been a director of various other biotechnology companies in Europe and the United States. He is the author of more than 26 publications and 15 patents. He was a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the World Health Organization, Drug for Neglected Diseases and of the Medicine Malaria Venture in Geneva. Dr. Ribeill has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Montpellier (France). Based on his deep understanding of research and development and his experience with numerous biotechnology companies, we believe Dr. Ribeill has the appropriate skills to serve as a member of our Board.

Michael A. Carr was appointed as a Director as well as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer effective July 27, 2021. Mr. Carr previously served as the Vice President M&A, Strategy, and Innovation of Darling Ingredients, Inc. (NYSE: DAR), a global developer and producer of sustainable natural ingredients and renewable energy since January 2017. Prior to joining Darling Ingredients, Mr. Carr was a partner at BAC Investments, LLC, an established consulting, advisory, and investment firm, from January 2010 through January 2017, Previously, Mr. Carr held multiple positions at American Capital Limited, a global private equity and asset management firm. Mr. Carr has served on the boards of directors for EnviroFlight, a brand of Darling Ingredients (2020-2021), BEST Life and Health Insurance Company (2014-2018), ACG Global (2010 – 2017), and several portfolio companies of American Capital Limited, including United Food Group. Mr. Carr obtained his M.B.A. from the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University, and he also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from California State University—Northridge. Mr. Carr is qualified to serve on the Board in light of his deep operational, financial and investment experience and his diverse knowledge across industries.

Laurent Arthaudwas appointed as a Director in July 2020. Mr. Arthaud served as a member of our Board of Directors from July 2017 to May 2019 and has served as a member of Cellectis’ board of directors since 2011. Mr. Arthaud has been designated by Cellectis to serve as its nominee to the Board. Mr. Arthaud has been the Managing Director of Life Sciences and Ecotechnologies for Bpifrance Investissement (formerly CDC Enterprises, a subsidiary of Caisse des Dépôts) since 2012. He currently serves on the board of directors of Kurma Life Sciences Partners, Adocia, Ribogenics Inc., Aledia, Argobio, Enyo Pharma, and Sparingvision. From 2006 to 2016, he served on the board of directors of Emertec Gestion. From 2006 to 2012, Mr. Arthaud held the position of Deputy CEO at CDC Entreprises, and directed InnoBio, an investment fund managed by Bpifrance Investissement. From 1999 to 2004, he served as Vice President of Aventis Capital, an investment subsidiary of the pharmaceuticals group Aventis, and as President of Pharmavent Partners from 2004 to 2006. Mr. Arthaud is a graduate of the École Polytechnique and the École Nationale de Statistique et d’Administration Économique. We believe Mr. Arthaud’s extensive investment experience in the biotechnology industry qualifies him to serve as a member on our Board.

Philippe Dumont, 71, has served as a member of our Board since July 2017. Mr. Dumont retired in December 2012 from Bayer CropScience, where he was employed since May 2002. At Bayer he held the

position of Head of Technology Management, Seeds, and was responsible for supervising globally the Regulatory Affairs and Regulatory Science functions, Stewardship, Public, and Governmental Affairs and Communication impacting GMOs and seeds. Until 2006 Mr. Dumont also supervised the Legal and Intellectual Property functions in the seed business. Mr. Dumont also held the same responsibilities at Aventis Crop Science from December 1998 until April 2002. From 1987 to 1998, Mr. Dumont was General Counsel of Rhône-Poulenc Agrochimie. Prior to moving to France in 1987, Mr. Dumont held positions as an associate at Cravath Swaine & Moore (1975-1981), international legal counsel at Gulf Oil Corporation (1981-1983), and as solo practitioner in Washington D.C.

from 1983-1986. Mr. Dumont is retired from the New York and District of Columbia Bars and is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center (J.D. 1975) and Columbia University (B.A., magna cum laude 1972). Since June 2013, he has been serving as a director of Association Française des Biotechnologies Végétales, responsible for international relations, where he tries to promote public and governmental understanding of new breeding techniques and related regulatory issues. Based on his leadership and regulatory experience in the plant biotechnology industry both in the United States and Europe, we believe Mr. Dumont has the appropriate set of skills to serve as a member of our Board.

Jonathan B. Fassberg, 57, has served as a member of our Board since August 2018. Mr. Fassberg is currently the Vice Chairman of Healthcare Investment Banking at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., a leading investment bank, wealth manager, and a subsidiary of Oppenheimer Holdings. Mr. Fassberg founded The Trout Group in 1996 and was the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Solebury Trout LLC since the Trout Group’s acquisition by Solebury Communications in November 2017 until March 2021. Mr. Fassberg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry from The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and a Master of Business Administration degree in finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business. Based on his deep financial expertise and experience, we believe Mr. Fassberg has the appropriate set of skills to serve as a member of our Board.

Anna Ewa Kozicz-Stankiewicz has served as a member of our Board since July 2017. In July 2017, Ms. Kozicz partnered with Cowen Investment Management to create Cowen Sustainable Investments focused on sustainability in agriculture, energy, and transportation services. Prior to this partnership, Ms. Kozicz held management roles at BlackRock from 2012 to 2017, including Head of US Strategy and Corporate Development as well as investing roles as Portfolio Manager of a private asset portfolio for ABR Reinsurance Ltd., a Bermuda based reinsurance company which Ms. Kozicz helped to set up on behalf of BlackRock. From 2009 to 2012, Ms. Kozicz worked as an equity Portfolio Manager at Caxton Associates. From 2000 to 2009, Ms. Kozicz held multiple positions at Goldman Sachs, including Managing Director, and spent most of her time in the Principal Strategies Group with a focus on investing in the global agricultural sector. During her time at Goldman Sachs, she served as a director on the board of a New York-based federal credit union Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union. She started her career in investment banking in 1996 at Credit Suisse First Boston in its Financial Institutions Group. Ms. Kozicz received a Bachelor of Arts in Math and Economics from Columbia College and her MBA from Columbia Business School. Based on her investment experience in the agriculture industry, we believe Ms. Kozicz has the appropriate set of skills to serve as a member of our Board.

Kimberly K. Nelson has served as a member of our Board since January 2019. Ms. Nelson has served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of SPS Commerce (NASDAQ: SPSC), a provider of cloud-based supply chain management solutions, since November 2007. Ms. Nelson has also served on the Board of Qumu Corporation (NASDAQ: QUMU), a video content management company, from March 2012 until May 2019. Since November 2019, Ms. Nelson has served at the Board of Directors of Teradata, a provider of database and analytics-related software, products, and services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance from Babson College, Wellesley, Massachusetts, and completed the Executive MBA program at the University of Saint Thomas. Ms. Nelson has provided financial direction at several companies over her 30-year career including Amazon.com, Nestlé USA Inc., and The Pillsbury Company. Based on her strong finance and investor relations experience and her broad experience with premier food and consumer companies, we believe Ms. Nelson has the appropriate set of skills to serve as a member of our Board.

Christopher J. Neugent has served as a member of our Board since September 2018. Mr. Neugent has served as the Executive Vice President of Strategy of Post Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POST), a consumer packaged goods holding company, since July 2018. Prior to this, he served as President and CEO of Post Consumer Brands, breakfast cereal manufacturer, from 2015 until July 2018. He held a variety of leadership positions at the MOM Brands Company from 2001-2015, and was its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer when the company was sold to Post Holdings in 2015. Prior to joining MOM Brands in 2001, Mr. Neugent was a Vice President of Marketing at Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo, Inc., where he served in a variety of leadership positions in marketing, sales, and finance from 1989-2001. Mr. Neugent has served on the Board of Welch Foods, Inc. since February 2016 and is Chairman of their Compensation Committee and a member of their Audit

Committee. He holds an A.B degree in Economics from Princeton University and completed the Advanced Management Program at the Wharton School of Business. We believe Mr. Neugent’s experience as a Chief Executive Officer in building and leading organizations, developing and implementing corporate strategy, and leading business transformations qualifies him to serve as a member of our Board.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” EACH NAMED CLASS I NOMINEE.

The following Class II directors’ terms will continue until the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders and are not submitted for election at the Annual Meeting:

Ms. Anna Ewa Kozicz-Stankiewicz

Ms. Kimberly Nelson

Mr. Christopher Neugent

The following Class III directors’ terms will continue until the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders and are not submitted for election at the Annual Meeting:

Mr. Laurent Arthaud

Mr. Michael Carr

Dr. Yves Ribeill

DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors and Leadership Structure

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Certificate of Incorporation, and bylaws provide the Board flexibility in determining its leadership structure.

The Board may establish the authorized number of directors from time to time by resolution. Immediately prior to the Annual Meeting, our Board consists of eight members, six of whom are independent under the listing standards of the Nasdaq GlobalCapital Market (the “Nasdaq”).

The Board separates the role of Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The Board believes it is important to retain its flexibility to allocate the responsibilities of the offices of the Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in any way that is in our best interests at a given point in time. The Board may make a different determination in the future as to the appropriateness of its current policies in connection with the recruitment and succession of the Chair of the Board and/or the Chief Executive Officer.

We provide below biographical information, including age, for each director (other than our director nominees whose biographies appear under “Proposal No. 1 — Election of Directors”).

Yves J. Ribeill, Ph.D., 63, has served as a member of our Board since July 2018 and currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors. Dr. Ribeill served on an interim basis as Calyxt’s Executive Chair and principal executive officer from February 2021 until August 2021 and interim Chief Executive Officer from August 2018 until October 2018. In January 2022, he became a Partner at Argobio, a start-up studio based in Paris, France, dedicated to turning cutting-edge innovations into breakthrough biotech companies. From August 2017 to December 2021, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Ribogenics, Inc., which is a private biotechnology company working on mRNA splicing. Dr. Ribeill was also a founder of Scynexis, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCYX), served as its President from November 1999 until July 2015 and served as its Chief Executive Officer from November 1999 until April 2015. Before his work with Scynexis, Dr. Ribeill served in various positions during the 35 years of his international career with Rhone-Poulenc, Aventis including Discovery Chemistry Group leader for Anti-Viral Research and later in the Central Nervous System Group in France. He also served as Group Leader in the Cardiovascular Group in England. Upon his return to France, Dr. Ribeill served as Director of Chemistry for the Anti-Infective Group. He was involved in all phases of the drug discovery and development effort that resulted in the FDA approval of multiple drugs. He served as a Director of Scynexis, Inc. from November 1999 to March 2016 and has been a director of various other biotechnology companies in Europe and the United States. He is the author of more than 26 publications and 15 patents. He was a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the World Health Organization, Drug for Neglected Diseases and of the Medicine Malaria Venture in Geneva. Dr. Ribeill has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Montpellier (France). Based on his deep understanding of research and development and his experience with numerous biotechnology companies, we believe Dr. Ribeill has the appropriate skills to serve as a member of our Board.

Michael A. Carr, 54, was appointed as a Director as well as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer effective July 27, 2021. Mr. Carr previously served as the Vice President M&A, Strategy, and Innovation of Darling Ingredients, Inc. (NYSE: DAR), a global developer and producer of sustainable natural ingredients and renewable energy since January 2017. Prior to joining Darling Ingredients, Mr. Carr was a partner at BAC Investments, LLC, an established consulting, advisory, and investment firm, from January 2010 through January 2017, Previously, Mr. Carr held multiple positions at American Capital Limited, a global private equity and asset management firm. Mr. Carr has served on the boards of directors for EnviroFlight, a brand of Darling Ingredients (2020-2021), BEST Life and Health Insurance Company (2014-2018), ACG Global (2010 – 2017), and several portfolio companies of American Capital Limited, including United Food Group. Mr. Carr obtained his M.B.A. from the Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University, and he also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from California State University — Northridge. Mr. Carr is qualified to serve on the Board in light of his deep operational, financial and investment experience and his diverse knowledge across industries.

Laurent Arthaud, 60,was appointed as a Director in July 2020. Mr. Arthaud served as a member of our Board of Directors from July 2017 to May 2019 and has served as a member of Cellectis’ board of directors since 2011. Mr. Arthaud has been designated by Cellectis to serve as its nominee to the Board. Mr. Arthaud has been the Managing Director of Life Sciences and Ecotechnologies for Bpifrance Investissement (formerly CDC Enterprises, a subsidiary of Caisse des Dépôts) since 2012. He currently serves on the board of directors of Kurma Life Sciences Partners, Adocia, Ribogenics Inc., Aledia, Argobio, Enyo Pharma, and Sparingvision. From 2006 to 2016, he served on the board of directors of Emertec Gestion. From 2006 to 2012, Mr. Arthaud held the position of Deputy CEO at CDC Entreprises, and directed InnoBio, an investment fund managed by Bpifrance Investissement. From 1999 to 2004, he served as Vice President of Aventis Capital, an investment subsidiary of the pharmaceuticals group Aventis, and as President of Pharmavent Partners from 2004 to 2006. Mr. Arthaud is a graduate of the École Polytechnique and the École Nationale de Statistique et d’Administration Économique. We believe Mr. Arthaud’s extensive investment experience in the biotechnology industry qualifies him to serve as a member on our Board.

Anna Ewa Kozicz-Stankiewicz, 47, has served as a member of our Board since July 2017. In July 2017, Ms. Kozicz partnered with Cowen Investment Management to create Cowen Sustainable Investments focused on sustainability in agriculture, energy, and transportation services. Prior to this partnership, Ms. Kozicz held management roles at BlackRock from 2012 to 2017, including Head of US Strategy and Corporate Development as well as investing roles as Portfolio Manager of a private asset portfolio for ABR Reinsurance Ltd., a Bermuda based reinsurance company which Ms. Kozicz helped to set up on behalf of BlackRock. From 2009 to 2012, Ms. Kozicz worked as an equity Portfolio Manager at Caxton Associates. From 2000 to 2009, Ms. Kozicz held multiple positions at Goldman Sachs, including Managing Director, and spent most of her time in the Principal Strategies Group with a focus on investing in the global agricultural sector. During her time at Goldman Sachs, she served as a director on the board of a New York-based federal credit union Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union. She started her career in investment banking in 1996 at Credit Suisse First Boston in its Financial Institutions Group. Ms. Kozicz received a Bachelor of Arts in Math and Economics from Columbia College and her MBA from Columbia Business School. Based on her investment experience in the agriculture industry, we believe Ms. Kozicz has the appropriate set of skills to serve as a member of our Board.

Kimberly K. Nelson, 55, has served as a member of our Board since January 2019. Ms. Nelson has served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of SPS Commerce (NASDAQ: SPSC), a provider of cloud-based supply chain management solutions, since November 2007. Ms. Nelson has also served on the Board of Qumu Corporation (NASDAQ: QUMU), a video content management company, from March 2012 until May 2019. Since November 2019, Ms. Nelson has served at the Board of Directors of Teradata, a provider of database and analytics-related software, products, and services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance from Babson College, Wellesley, Massachusetts, and completed the Executive MBA program at the University of Saint Thomas. Ms. Nelson has provided financial direction at several companies over her 30-year career including Amazon.com, Nestlé USA Inc., and The Pillsbury Company. Based on her strong finance and investor relations experience and her broad experience with premier food and consumer companies, we believe Ms. Nelson has the appropriate set of skills to serve as a member of our Board.

Christopher J. Neugent, 61, has served as a member of our Board since September 2018. Mr. Neugent has served as the Executive Vice President of Strategy of Post Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POST), a consumer packaged goods holding company, since July 2018. Prior to this, he served as President and CEO of Post Consumer Brands, a breakfast cereal manufacturer, from 2015 until July 2018. He held a variety of leadership positions at the MOM Brands Company from 2001-2015, and was its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer when the company was sold to Post Holdings in 2015. Prior to joining MOM Brands in 2001, Mr. Neugent was a Vice President of Marketing at Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo, Inc., where he served in a variety of leadership positions in marketing, sales, and finance from 1989-2001. Mr. Neugent has served on the Board of Welch Foods, Inc. since February 2016 and is Chairman of their Compensation Committee and a member of their Audit Committee. He holds an A.B. degree in Economics from Princeton University and completed the Advanced Management Program at the Wharton School of Business. We believe Mr. Neugent’s experience as a Chief

Executive Officer in building and leading organizations, developing and implementing corporate strategy, and leading business transformations qualifies him to serve as a member of our Board.

Director Independence

The Nasdaq listing standards generally require that a majority of the members of a listed company’s Board be independent. In addition, the listing rules generally require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation, and nominating committees be independent. Audit committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.

Although the Nasdaq listing standards allow a “controlled company,” such as us, to elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, such “controlled company” exemptions do not modify the independence requirements for the audit committee. The controlled company exemptions are discussed further below.

Our Board has undertaken a review of the independence of each of our directors who served in the most recently completed fiscal year and has considered whether any such 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 on this evaluation, the Board determined that each of Mr. Dumont, Mr. Fassberg, Ms. Kozicz, Ms. Nelson, Mr. Neugent, and Dr. Ribeill are independent. Because of his status as President & Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Board determined that Mr. Carr is not independent under the independence provisions of the Nasdaq listing standards and Rule 10A-3. Because of his status as a director of Cellectis, the Board determined that Mr. Arthaud is not independent under the independence provisions of the Nasdaq listing standards and Rule 10A-3.

In making such independence determinations, our Board considered the relationships that each of the directors has with us and all other facts and circumstances our Board deemed relevant in determining their independence, including the beneficial ownership of our capital stock held by each director.

There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.

Loss of Controlled Company Exemption

Until the Effective Date, Cellectis controlscontrolled a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock. As a result, we arewere a “controlled company” within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing standards. Under the Nasdaq listing standards a company of which more than 50 percent of the voting power is held by an individual, group, or another company is a “controlled company” and maywere permitted to elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that:

a majority of the Board consist of independent directors;

that (a) director nominees be selected, or recommended to the Board, either by (i) independent directors constituting a majority of the Board’s independent directors or (ii) a nominations committee composed entirely of independent directors, with a written charter or board resolution, as applicable, addressing the nominations process;process, and

(b) we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities.

Our Board has established an Audit Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and Compensation Committee, each of which has a written charter that addresses its purpose and responsibilities.

Except for Mr. Arthaud and Mr. Carr, each of the other nominees for election to the Board at the 2022 Annual Meeting is an independent director under the independence provisions of the Nasdaq listing standards. Accordingly, our Board is currently comprised of a majority of independent directors. However, pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, Cellectis has a right to designate as nominees to the Board the greater of three members of the Board or a majority of the directors on the Board. Currently Cellectis has designated only Mr. Arthaud as its nominee to the Board and has otherwise reserved its rights under the Stockholders Agreement to make additional designations from time to time. If Cellectis exercised its designation rights and designated nominees that were not independent, we would rely on the controlled company exemption to the requirement that a majority of our Board consist of independent directors.

Because Cellectis has designated Mr. Arthaud as a member of each of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, we relypreviously relied on the controlled company exemption with respect to the independence requirements for those committees. Pursuant to Nasdaq’s listing standards, we are permitted a phase-in period of one year before we are required to have a fully independent Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Role of the Board in Risk Oversight

The Board is actively involved in the oversight of our risk management process. The Board does not have a standing risk management committee but administers this oversight function directly through the Board as a whole, as well as through its standing committees that address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight. Our Audit Committee has the responsibility to consider and discuss our major financial and cybersecurity risk exposures and the steps our management has taken to monitor and control these exposures. Our Compensation Committee assesses and monitors whether our compensation policies and programs have the potential to encourage excessive risk-taking. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has responsibility to review and assess Calyxt’s

significant environmental, social, and governance issues, risks, and trends. Our Board is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure and other risks not covered by our committees.

The full Board, or the appropriate committee, receives reports on risks facing Calyxt from our principal executive officer or other members of management to enable it to understand our risk identification, risk management, and risk mitigation strategies. We believe that our Board’s leadership structure is consistent with and supports the effective administration of the Board’s risk oversight function.

Attendance at Meetings

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021,2022, the Board held 1422 meetings and acted by written consent sixseven times. Members of the Board are expected to regularly attend all meetings of the Board and committees

on which they serve. With respect to each of our incumbent director’s period of service, eachEach director attended more than 75 percent of the meetings of the Board and of the committees on which the director served that were held during the last fiscal year and during such director’s period of service.year. The non-management directors meet in conjunction with regular meetings of the Board outside of the presence of management in executive session and the independent members of our Board also meet in executive sessions.

Members of the Board are invited, but not required, to attend each annual meeting of our stockholders. Dr. Ribeill, Mr. Dumont,Carr, Mr. Fassberg, and Ms. Nelson attended our 2021 annual meeting2022 Annual Meeting of stockholders,Stockholders, which was held on May 18, 2021.June 1, 2022.

Board Committees

Our Board has established three standing committees: Audit Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and Compensation Committee, each of which is described below. Each of our standing committees operate pursuant to charters posted on the Investors section of our website at https://ir.calyxt.com/corporate-governance/governance-documents.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is composed of Mr. Dumont, Mr. Fassberg, Ms. Kozicz, and Ms. Nelson (chair). Our Board has determined that Ms. Nelson, Mr. Dumont, Mr. Fassberg, and Ms. Kozicz are independent under the applicable provisions of the Nasdaq listing standards and Rule 10A-3. Each of Ms. Nelson, Mr. Dumont, Mr. Fassberg, and Ms. Kozicz qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined in the regulations under the Exchange Act and meets the requirements for financial literacy and financial sophistication required under applicable rules and regulations.

The Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things, the oversight of the integrity of our financial statements and system of internal controls, the qualifications and independence of our independent registered accounting firm, and the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditor. The Audit Committee also has the authority and responsibility to select, determine the compensation of, evaluate and, when appropriate, replace our independent registered public accounting firm. In addition, the Audit Committee will review reports from management, legal counsel, and third parties relating to the status of compliance with laws, regulations, and internal procedures. The Audit Committee is also responsible for reviewing and discussing with management our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management.

The Audit Committee held sixfour meetings during 2021.2022.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is composed of Mr. Arthaud, Mr. Fassberg, Ms. Kozicz (chair), and Dr. Ribeill. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for, among other

things, matters of corporate governance and matters relating to the practices, policies, and procedures of our Board, identifying and recommending candidates for election to our Board and each committee of our Board, and reviewing, at least annually, our corporate governance principles. As a “controlled company,” we are not required to have director nominations selected by a nominations committee comprised solelySee “Loss of independent directors.Controlled Company Exemption” above.

The policy of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to identify director candidates, including nominees submitted by stockholders, based on criteria established by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and approved by the Board, which includes the criteria set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers not only the director candidate’s qualities, performance, and professional responsibilities, but also the current composition of the Board and the

challenges and needs of the Board at that time. In addition, the Stockholders Agreement provides Cellectis with certain rights relating to the composition of our Board. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Transactions — Relationship with Cellectis—Cellectis — Stockholders Agreement.” The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider candidates for Board membership suggested by its members and other Board members, as well as management and stockholders. Stockholders who wish to recommend a prospective nominee should follow the procedures set forth in Section 2.05 of our bylaws. Stockholders should also review the section entitled “Procedures for Submitting Director Nominations and Stockholder Proposals.” The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will evaluate stockholder-recommended nominees in the same manner as other nominees, other than those designated pursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement. All director nominees at the Annual Meeting were elected at the Calyxt 20212022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders except for Mr. Carr, who was appointed by the Board upon joining the Company as President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2021.Stockholders.

Calyxt does not have a specific policy on diversity of the Board. Instead, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board evaluate nominees in the context of the Board as a whole, with the objective of selecting nominees that will contribute to a diversity of viewpoints that will enhance the quality of the Board’s deliberations and decisions. Such diversity may be reflected in a mix of different knowledge, experience, skills, expertise, backgrounds, and other characteristics. Calyxt is proud to have a diverse Board, including with respect to gender. We provide below disclosure regarding the diversity of our Board.

 

Board Diversity Matrix (As of April 1, 2022)

 

Board Diversity Matrix (As of March 1, 2023)

Board Diversity Matrix (As of March 1, 2023)

  Female  Male  Non-Binary  Did Not Disclose
Gender

Total Number of Directors

   8   8
  Female   Male   Non-Binary   Did Not Disclose
Gender
 

Part I: General Identity

                

Directors

   2    5    —      1   2  5  —    1

Part II: Demographic Background

                

Black or African American

   —      —      —      —     —    —    —    —  

Hispanic or Latinx

   —      —      —      —   

Hispanic or Latino

  —    —    —    —  

Asian

   —      —      —      —     —    —    —    —  

Native American or Alaska Native

   —      —      —      —     —    —    —    —  

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

   —      —      —      —     —    —    —    —  

White (not of Hispanic or Latino origin)

   2    5    —      —   

White (not of Hispanic or Latinx origin)

  2  5  —    —  

Two or More Races or Ethnicities

   —      —      —      —     —    —    —    —  

LGBTQ+

   —      —      —      —         —    

Did Not Disclose Demographic Background

   —      —      —      1   —    —    —    1

The Nominating and Governance Committee held fourtwo meetings during 2021.2022.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee is composed of Mr. Arthaud, Mr. Dumont, Mr. Neugent (chair), and Dr. Ribeill. The Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other things, reviewing and approving our overall compensation philosophy and overseeing the administration of related compensation benefit programs, policies,

and practices. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for annually reviewing and approving the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers and evaluating their performance in light of these goals, reviewing the compensation of our executive officers and other appropriate officers, and administering our incentive and equity-based compensation plans. Executive compensation is recommended by the Compensation Committee and set by the Board. In performing this function, the Compensation Committee and the Board rely on the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer to provide information regarding the executive officers, their roles and responsibilities, and the general performance of the Company and the various business units. The Chief Executive Officer, Chief

Financial Officer, and General Counsel, as well as members of Calyxt’s human resources team, provide support, take directions from, and bring suggestions to the Compensation Committee and the Board. The Chief Executive Officer also suggests performance measures and targets for each of the executive officers under our cash bonus program. The final decisions regarding salaries, bonuses (including measures, targets, and amounts to be paid), equity grants, and other compensation matters related to executive officers are made by the Board. No executive officer has any role in director compensation. The Compensation Committee may delegate all or a portion of duties and responsibilities to a subcommittee of the Compensation Committee. As a “controlled company,” we are not required to have a compensation committee comprised entirelySee “Loss of independent directors.Controlled Company Exemption” above.

TheIn fiscal year 2022, the Compensation Committee has engaged Vareo Advisors, LLC as its consultant for executive and non-executive compensation. The Compensation Committee determined that Vareo Advisors, LLC is free of conflicts of interest under applicable Nasdaq and SEC rules. The consultant reports directly to the Compensation Committee and works with the Compensation Committee, the Board, and management to, among other things, provide advice regarding compensation structures and programs in general and competitive compensation data.

The Compensation Committee held ninesix meetings during 2021.2022.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

Our Board has adopted written Corporate Governance Guidelines that serve as a framework for our Board and its committees. These guidelines cover a number of areas including the size and composition of the Board, membership criteria for the Board and director qualifications, director responsibilities, board agenda, the responsibilities of the Chair of the Board, and the Chief Executive Officer, the appointment of a presiding director, meetings of non-management directors, the role of committees of the Board, access of directors to management and independent advisors, third-party communications, director compensation, director orientation and continuing education, management evaluation and succession and annual performance evaluations.

The Corporate Governance Guidelines are reviewed at least annually by our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and changes are recommended to our Board, as warranted.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted the Calyxt Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which is applicable to all our employees, executive officers, and directors. Any amendments to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and any waivers of its requirements will be disclosed on our website or in filings under the Exchange Act, as required by the applicable rules and exchange requirements.

Policies Prohibiting Employee, Officer, and Director Hedging and Pledging

Calyxt’s insider trading policy prohibits our directors, executive officers, employees, and their related persons from purchasing our securities on margin or holding our securities in margin accounts or otherwise pledging our securities, and also prohibits any hedging transactions (including, transactions involving options, warrants, puts, calls, prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, and exchange funds or other derivatives) that are designed to hedge or speculate on any change in the market value of equity securities of Calyxt.

Stockholder Communications

Stockholders may contact our Board about bona fide issues or questions about Calyxt by sending a letter to the following address: Calyxt, Inc., 2800 Mount Ridge Road, Roseville, MN 55113, Attention: Board of Directors. Each communication should specify the applicable addressee or addressees to be contacted, the general topic of the communication, and the number of shares of our stock that are owned of record (if a record holder) or beneficially. If a stockholder wishes to contact the independent members of the Board, the stockholder should address such communication to the attention of the “Independent Directors” at the address above. Our General Counsel will initially receive and process communications before forwarding them to the addressee, and generally will not forward a communication that is unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of the Board, including a communication the General Counsel determines to be primarily commercial in nature, is related to an improper or irrelevant topic, or is a request for general information about us or our products or services.

PROPOSAL NO. 2

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP

Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”) has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since 2015. The Audit Committee has approved the engagement of EY to perform audit and audit-related services with respect to the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, and the Board has directed that management submit the selection of EY as Calyxt’s independent registered public accounting firm for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting as part of this Proposal 2. The Audit Committee’s selection process includes consideration of the following factors: continuity of experience with our business, internal controls, and technical accounting experience; independence; history of and reputation for thoroughness, accuracy, excellence, and integrity; and reasonableness of fees. In the event the stockholders do not ratify the reappointment of EY, the Audit Committee will reconsider the selection.

Representatives of EY will be present at the Annual Meeting. They will be given an opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and they will be available to respond to appropriate questions after the meeting.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.

RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Pre-Approval of Accounting Services

The Audit Committee has established a policy regarding pre-approval of audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. Under that policy, the Audit Committee must approve the services to be rendered and fees to be charged by our independent registered public accounting firm. Unless a type of service has received general pre-approval, it will require specific pre-approval of the Audit Committee if it is to be provided by the independent auditor. The Audit Committee may establish pre-approval fee limits for all services to be provided by the independent accountant. The Audit Committee must then approve, in advance, any services or fees exceeding those pre-approved levels, subject to the de minimis exception set forth in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee pre-approved all services and fees charged by Ernst & Young LLP to the Company in 2021.

The Audit Committee has delegated to its Chair the authority to grant separate pre-approvals of services and fees in accordance with the pre-approval policy. The Audit Committee may further delegate pre-approval authority from time to time to one or more of its other members in its discretion.

Fees Billed by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for Fiscal Years 2021 and 2020

The following table presents aggregate fees (including related expenses) for services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020:

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2021   2020 

Audit Fees

  $280,000   $370,000 

Audit-Related Fees

   5,500    —   

Tax Fees

   —      —   

All Other Fees (1)

   139,800    —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $425,300   $370,000 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1)

Represents work performed primarily in association with the Company’s issuances of Common Stock under the Company’s Open Market Sale AgreementSM with Jefferies LLC and the Company’s February 2022 underwritten public offering of shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase Common Stock.

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

This report of the Audit Committee is required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and, in accordance with the SEC’s rules, will not be deemed to be part of or incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference, and will not otherwise be deemed “soliciting material” or “filed” under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

The principal purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in its general oversight of our accounting practices, system of internal controls, audit processes, and financial reporting processes. The Audit Committee is responsible for appointing and retaining our independent auditor and approving the audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditor. The Audit Committee’s function is more fully described in its charter.

Our management is responsible for preparing our financial statements and ensuring they are complete and accurate and prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. EY, our independent registered public accounting firm for 2021, was responsible for performing an independent audit of our consolidated financial statements and expressing an opinion on the conformity of those financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles.

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021, with management and with our independent auditor, EY. These audited financial statements are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (“Annual Report”).

The Audit Committee has also discussed with EY the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and the SEC.

The Audit Committee also has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from EY required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding EY’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed with EY its independence from us.

Based on the review and discussions described above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report for filing with the SEC.

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

Ms. Kimberly K. Nelson (Chair)

Mr. Philippe Dumont

Mr. Jonathan B. Fassberg

Ms. Ana Ewa Kozicz-Stankiewicz

PROPOSAL NO. 3

APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT AT THE DISCRETION OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Summary

Our Board has unanimously approved a proposal to allow for the amendment of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of all of our outstanding shares of Common Stock by a ratio in the range of not less than 2-to-1 and not greater than 10-to-1 (the “Reverse Stock Split”). As required by the Stockholders Agreement, the Reverse Stock Split has been approved by Cellectis for submission to the Company’s stockholders for approval. The proposal provides that our Board shall have sole discretion pursuant to Section 242(c) of the DGCL to elect, as it determines to be in the Company’s best interests, whether or not to effect the Reverse Stock Split before April 1, 2024, or to abandon it. Should the Board proceed with the Reverse Stock Split, the exact ratio shall be set at a whole number within the above range as determined by our Board in its sole discretion. Our Board believes that the availability of alternative reverse stock split ratios will provide it with the flexibility to implement the Reverse Stock Split in a manner designed to maximize the anticipated benefits for the Company and its stockholders.

In determining whether to implement the Reverse Stock Split following the receipt of stockholder approval, our Board may consider, among other things, factors such as:

the historical trading price and trading volume of our Common Stock;

the then prevailing trading price and trading volume of our Common Stock and the anticipated impact of the Reverse Stock Split on the trading market for our Common Stock;

our ability to have our shares of Common Stock remain listed on Nasdaq;

the anticipated impact of the reverse stock split on our ability to raise additional financing; and

prevailing general market and economic conditions.

If our Board determines that effecting the Reverse Stock Split is in our best interest, the Reverse Stock Split will become effective upon filing of an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The amendment filed thereby will set forth the number of shares of our outstanding Common Stock to be combined into one share of our Common Stock within the limits set forth in this proposal. Except for adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares as described below, each stockholder will generally hold the same percentage of our outstanding Common Stock immediately following the Reverse Stock Split as such stockholder holds immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split.

The text of the form of amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Amendment”), which would be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effect the Reverse Stock Split, is set forth in Appendix A to this Proxy Statement. The text of the Certificate of Amendment accompanying this Proxy Statement is, however, subject to amendment to reflect the exact ratio for the Reverse Stock Split and any changes that may be required by the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or that the Board may determine to be necessary or advisable ultimately to comply with applicable law and to effect the Reverse Stock Split.

Our Board of Directors believes that approval of the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders and has unanimously recommended that the proposed amendment be presented to our stockholders for approval.

Board Discretion to Implement or Abandon Reverse Stock Split

The Reverse Stock Split will be effected, if at all, only upon a determination by our Board that the Reverse Stock Split (with a reverse stock split ratio determined by our Board as described above) is in the Company’s best interest. Such determination shall be based upon certain factors, including those identified above. No further action on the part of stockholders would be required to either implement or abandon the Reverse Stock Split. If our stockholders approve the proposal, and the Board determines to effect the Reverse Stock Split, we would communicate to the public, prior to the Effective Date (as defined below), additional details regarding the Reverse Stock Split, including the specific ratio selected by the Board.

If the Board does not implement the Reverse Stock Split prior to April 1, 2024, the authority granted in this proposal to implement the Reverse Stock Split will terminate. The Board reserves its right to elect not to proceed with the Reverse Stock Split if it determines, in its sole discretion, that this proposal is no longer in the Company’s best interest.

Effective Date

If the proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split is approved at the Annual Meeting and the Board determines to effect the Reverse Stock Split, the Reverse Stock Split will become effective as of a date and time to be determined by the Board that will be specified in the Certificate of Amendment (the “Effective Date”). Except as explained below with respect to fractional shares, each issued share of Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Date will automatically be changed, as of the Effective Date, into a fraction of a share of Common Stock based on the exchange ratio within the approved range determined by the Board of Directors.

Principal Effects of the Reverse Stock Split

Common Stock. If this proposal is approved by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting and the Board determines to effect the Reverse Stock Split and thus amend the Certificate of Incorporation, the Company will file a certificate of amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Except for adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares of Common Stock as described below, each issued share of Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Date will automatically be changed, as of the Effective Date, into a fraction of a share of Common Stock based on the exchange ratio within the approved range determined by the Board. In addition, proportional adjustments will be made to the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable under, and other terms of, our equity compensation plans, as well as to the number of shares of Common Stock issuable under, and the exercise price of, outstanding awards under our equity compensation plans.

Except for adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares of Common Stock as described below, because the Reverse Stock Split would apply to all issued and outstanding shares of our Common Stock, the proposed Reverse Stock Split would generally not alter the relative rights and preferences of our existing stockholders nor affect any stockholder’s proportionate equity interest in the Company. For example, a holder of two percent (2%) of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split will generally continue to hold two percent (2%) of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock immediately after the Reverse Stock Split. Moreover, the number of stockholders of record will not be affected by the Reverse Stock Split. The amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation itself would not change the number of authorized shares of our Common Stock. Accordingly, the Reverse Stock Split will have the effect of creating additional unreserved shares of our authorized Common Stock. Although at present we have no current arrangements or understandings providing for the issuance of the additional shares of Common Stock that would be made available for issuance upon effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split, other than those shares needed to satisfy the exercise of the Company’s outstanding awards under its equity compensation plans and any shares that it may issue pursuant to its existing at-the-market equity program

under the Open Market Sale AgreementSM with Jefferies LLC, these additional shares of Common Stock may be used by us for various purposes in the future without further stockholder approval, including, among other things:

raising capital to fund our operations and to continue as a going concern;

establishing strategic relationships with other companies;

providing equity incentives to our employees, officers or directors; and

expanding our business or product lines through the acquisition of other businesses or products.

Effect on Employee Plans, Options, Restricted Stock Awards and Convertible or Exchangeable Securities. Pursuant to the terms of the Calyxt, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan, the Calyxt, Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended, and the Calyxt, Inc. 2021 Employee Inducement Incentive Plan (collectively, the “Plans”), the Board or a committee thereof, as applicable, will adjust the number of shares of Common Stock available for future grant under the Plans, the number of shares of Common Stock underlying outstanding awards, the exercise price per share of outstanding stock options, and other terms of outstanding awards issued pursuant to the Plans to equitably reflect the effects of the Reverse Stock Split. Based upon the Reverse Stock Split ratio determined by the Board, proportionate adjustments are also generally required to be made to the per share exercise price and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise or conversion of outstanding options, and any convertible or exchangeable securities entitling the holders to purchase, exchange for, or convert into, shares of Common Stock. This would result in approximately the same aggregate price being required to be paid under such options, and convertible or exchangeable securities upon exercise, and approximately the same value of shares of Common Stock being delivered upon such exercise, exchange or conversion, immediately following the Reverse Stock Split as was the case immediately preceding the Reverse Stock Split. The number of shares of Common Stock subject to restricted stock awards and restricted stock units will be similarly adjusted, subject to our treatment of fractional shares of Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to these securities and our Plans will be adjusted proportionately based upon the Reverse Stock Split ratio determined by the Board, subject to our treatment of fractional shares of Common Stock.

Listing. Our shares of Common Stock currently trade on the Nasdaq Global Market. The Reverse Stock Split will not directly affect the listing of our Common Stock on the Nasdaq Global Market, although we believe that the Reverse Stock Split could potentially increase our stock price, facilitating compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price listing requirement. Following the Reverse Stock Split, our Common Stock will continue to be listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “CLXT,” although our Common Stock would have a new committee on uniform securities identification procedures (“CUSIP”) number, a number used to identify our Common Stock.

Public Company Status. Our Common Stock is currently registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, and we are subject to the “public company” periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act. The proposed Reverse Stock Split will not affect our status as a public company or this registration under the Exchange Act. The Reverse Stock Split is not intended as, and will not have the effect of, a “going private transaction” covered by Rule 13e-3 under the Exchange Act.

Odd Lot Transactions. It is likely that some of our stockholders will own “odd-lots” of less than 100 shares of Common Stock following the Reverse Stock Split. A purchase or sale of less than 100 shares of Common Stock (an “odd lot” transaction) may result in incrementally higher trading costs through certain brokers, particularly “full service” brokers, and generally may be more difficult than a “round lot” sale. Therefore, those stockholders who own less than 100 shares of Common Stock following the Reverse Stock Split may be required to pay somewhat higher transaction costs and may experience some difficulties or delays should they then determine to sell their shares of Common Stock.

Authorized but Unissued Shares; Potential Anti-Takeover Effects. Our Certificate of Incorporation presently authorizes 275,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The Reverse Stock Split would not change the number of authorized shares of the Common Stock or preferred stock as designated. Therefore, because the number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock would decrease, the number of shares of Common Stock remaining available for issuance by us in the future would increase.

Such additional shares of Common Stock would be available for issuance from time to time for corporate purposes such as issuances of Common Stock in connection with capital-raising transactions and acquisitions of companies or other assets, as well as for issuance upon conversion or exercise of securities such as convertible preferred stock, convertible debt, warrants or options convertible into or exercisable for Common Stock. We believe that the availability of the additional shares of Common Stock will provide us with the flexibility to meet business needs as they arise, to take advantage of favorable opportunities and to respond effectively in a changing corporate environment. For example, we may elect to issue shares of Common Stock to raise equity capital, to make acquisitions through the use of stock, to establish strategic relationships with other companies, to adopt additional employee benefit plans or reserve additional shares of Common Stock for issuance under such plans, where the Board determines it advisable to do so, without the necessity of soliciting further stockholder approval, subject to applicable stockholder vote requirements under Delaware law and Nasdaq rules. If we issue additional shares of Common Stock for any of these purposes, the aggregate ownership interest of our current stockholders, and the interest of each such existing stockholder, would be diluted, possibly substantially.

The additional shares of our Common Stock that would become available for issuance upon an effective Reverse Stock Split could also be used by us to oppose a hostile takeover attempt or delay or prevent a change of control or changes in or removal of our management, including any transaction that may be favored by a majority of our stockholders or in which our stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares of Common Stock over then-current market prices or benefit in some other manner. Although the increased proportion of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock to issued shares of Common Stock could, under certain circumstances, have an anti-takeover effect, the Reverse Stock Split is not being proposed to respond to a hostile takeover attempt or to an attempt to obtain control of the Company.

Fractional Shares

We will not issue fractional certificates for post-Reverse Stock Split shares of Common Stock in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. To the extent any holders of pre-Reverse Stock Split shares of Common Stock are entitled to fractional shares of Common Stock as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the Company will round up and issue an additional share to all holders of fractional shares of Common Stock.

No Dissenters’ Rights

Under Delaware law, our stockholders would not be entitled to dissenters’ rights or rights of appraisal in connection with the implementation of the Reverse Stock Split, and we will not independently provide our stockholders with any such rights.

Certain Risks Associated with the Reverse Stock Split

Before voting on this proposal, you should consider the following risks associated with the implementation of the Reverse Stock Split.

The Reverse Stock Split could result in a significant devaluation of the Company’s market capitalization and the trading price of the common stock.

Although we expect that the Reverse Stock Split will result in an increase in the market price of the Common Stock, we cannot assure you that the Reverse Stock Split, if implemented, will increase the market price of the

Common Stock in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding or result in a permanent increase in the market price. Accordingly, the total market capitalization of the Common Stock after the Reverse Stock Split may be lower than the total market capitalization before the Reverse Stock Split and, in the future, the market price of the common stock following the Reverse Stock Split may not exceed or remain higher than the market price prior to the Reverse Stock Split.

The effect the Reverse Stock Split may have upon the market price of the Common Stock cannot be predicted with any certainty. The market price of the Common Stock is dependent on many factors, including our business and financial performance, general market conditions, prospects for future success and other factors detailed from time to time in the reports we file with the SEC.

The Reverse Stock Split may result in some stockholders owning “odd lots” that may be more difficult to sell or require greater transaction costs per share to sell.

The Reverse Stock Split may result in some stockholders owning “odd lots” of less than 100 shares of Common Stock on a post-split basis. These odd lots may be more difficult to sell, or require greater transaction costs per share to sell, than shares in “round lots” of even multiples of 100 shares.

The Reverse Stock Split may not generate additional investor interest.

While the Board believes that a higher stock price may help generate investor interest, there can be no assurance that the Reverse Stock Split will result in a per share price that will attract institutional investors or investment funds or that such share price will satisfy the investing guidelines of institutional investors or investment funds. As a result, the trading liquidity of the Common Stock may not necessarily improve.

The reduced number of issued shares of common stock resulting from a Reverse Stock Split could adversely affect the liquidity of the common stock.

Although the Board believes that the decrease in the number of shares of common stock outstanding as a consequence of the Reverse Stock Split could encourage interest in the Common Stock and possibly promote greater liquidity for the Company’s stockholders, such liquidity could also be adversely affected by the reduced number of shares outstanding after the Reverse Stock Split.

Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following is a summary of certain United States federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split to our stockholders. It does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to any particular stockholder, including tax considerations that arise from rules of general application to all taxpayers or to certain classes of taxpayers or that are generally assumed to be known by investors. This summary also does not address the tax consequences to (a) persons that may be subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law, such as banks and other financial institutions, insurance companies, thrift institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt organizations, partnerships (or other entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and investors therein, “United States holders” (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, U.S. expatriates, controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, persons who acquired our Common Stock through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation, traders in securities that elect to mark to market and dealers in securities or currencies, (b) persons that hold our Common Stock as part of a position in a “straddle” or as part of a “hedging,” “conversion” or other integrated investment transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (c) stockholders who own or have owned, actually or constructively, 5% or more of our Common Stock (by vote or value) at any time during the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the Reverse Stock Split or any such stockholder’s holding period or (d) persons that do not hold our Common Stock as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment). The discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), its legislative history,

existing, temporary, and proposed regulations under the Internal Revenue Code, published rulings and court decisions, all as of the date hereof. These laws, regulations and other guidance are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. We have not sought and will not seek an opinion of counsel or a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service regarding the United States federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split. This summary does not address any state, local or foreign income or other tax consequences, which, depending upon the jurisdiction and the status of the stockholder, may vary from the United States federal income tax consequences, or the effects of other U.S. federal tax laws, such as estate and gift tax laws.

PLEASE CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISOR CONCERNING THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT IN YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION.

If a partnership (or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of our Common Stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships that hold our Common Stock, and partners in such partnerships, should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split.

Tax Consequences to United States Holders. A “United States holder” is a beneficial owner of our Common Stock that is, for United States federal income tax purposes: (a) a citizen or individual resident of the United States, (b) a corporation organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (c) an estate whose income is subject to United States federal income tax regardless of its source, or (d) a trust, if a United States court can exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more United States persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust. The discussion in this section applies only to United States holders.

The Reverse Stock Split is intended to be treated as a recapitalization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Assuming that the Reverse Stock Split qualifies as a recapitalization (and subject to the discussion of fractional shares below), no gain or loss will be recognized by a United States holder upon such holder’s exchange of pre-Reverse Stock Split shares of Common Stock for post-Reverse Stock Split shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split. A United States holder’s aggregate adjusted basis in the post-Reverse Stock Split shares of Common Stock received will be the same as such holder’s aggregate adjusted basis in the Common Stock exchanged for such new shares. The United States holder’s holding period for the post-Reverse Stock Split shares of Common Stock will include the period during which such holder held the pre-Reverse Stock Split shares of Common Stock surrendered. United States holders that acquired pre-Reverse Stock Split shares of Common Stock on different dates and at different prices should consult their own tax advisors regarding allocating the tax basis and holding period from pre-Reverse Stock Split shares of Common Stock to post-Reverse Stock Split shares of Common Stock.

The treatment of fractional post-Reverse Stock Split shares of Common Stock being rounded up to the next whole share is uncertain, and a United States holder that receives a whole share in lieu of a fractional share may recognize income, which may be characterized as either capital gain or as a dividend, in an amount not to exceed the excess of the fair market value of such whole share over the fair market value of the fractional share to which the United States holder is otherwise entitled. United States holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of fractional shares being rounded to the next whole share (including the tax basis and holding period of a whole share received in lieu of a fractional share).

Non-U.S. Holders.A “non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of our Common Stock that is neither a United States holder nor a partnership (or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes). The discussion in this section applies only to non-U.S. holders. Generally, non-U.S. holders will not recognize any gain or loss upon the Reverse Stock Split.

A non-U.S. holder that receives a whole post-Reverse Stock Split share of Common Stock in lieu of a fractional post-Reverse Stock Split share of Common Stock may be treated as described above under “—Tax Consequences to United States Holders,” if (a) any income or gain from the exchange of pre-Reverse Stock Split shares of

Common Stock for post-Reverse Stock Split shares of Common Stock is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States (or, if certain income tax treaties apply, is attributable to a non-U.S. holder’s permanent establishment or fixed base in the United States), or (b) such non-U.S. holder is an individual and is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the Reverse Stock Split and other conditions are met. Such non-U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of fractional shares being rounded to the next whole share.

Accounting Consequences

Following the Effective Date of the Reverse Stock Split, if any, the net income or loss and net book value per share of Common Stock will be increased because there will be fewer shares of Common Stock outstanding. We do not anticipate that any other accounting consequences would arise as a result of the Reverse Stock Split.

Effect on Registered “Book-Entry” Holders of Common Stock

The Company’s registered stockholders hold their shares electronically in book-entry form with the Company’s transfer agent, Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc. (the “Transfer Agent”). Stockholders do not have stock certificates evidencing their ownership of Common Stock. They are, however, provided with a statement reflecting the number of shares of Common Stock registered in their accounts.

If you hold registered shares of Common Stock in book-entry form, you do not need to take any action to receive your post-Reverse Stock Split shares of Common Stock in registered book-entry form.

If you are entitled to post-Reverse Stock Split shares of Common Stock, a transaction statement will automatically be sent to your address of record by our transfer agent as soon as practicable after the Effective Date indicating the number of shares of Common Stock that you hold.

Upon the implementation of the Reverse Stock Split, we intend to treat shares held by stockholders through a bank, broker, custodian, or other nominee in the same manner as registered stockholders whose shares are registered directly in their names with the Transfer Agent. Banks, brokers, custodians, or other nominees will be instructed to effect the Reverse Stock Split for their beneficial holders holding our common stock in street name. However, these banks, brokers, custodians, or other nominees may have different procedures for processing the Reverse Stock Split. Stockholders who hold our common stock with a bank, broker, custodian, or other nominee and who have any questions in this regard are encouraged to contact their banks, brokers, custodians, or other nominees.

Interests of Directors and Executive Officers

Our directors and executive officers have no substantial interests, directly or indirectly, in the matters set forth in this proposal except to the extent of their ownership of shares of our Common Stock and equity awards under granted to them under our equity incentive plans.

Vote Required and Recommendation

Our By-laws provide that, on all matters (other than the election of directors and except to the extent otherwise required by our Certificate of Incorporation or applicable Delaware law), the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively at a meeting at which a quorum is present and entitled to vote will be required for approval of the amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split. Accordingly, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter will be required to approve the Reverse Stock Split.

At the Annual Meeting, a vote will be taken on a proposal to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table sets forth information concerning our current executive officers, other than Michael A. Carr, whose information is set forth above under “Proposal No. 1—Election“Directors and Corporate Governance — Board of Directors—Nominees for Election for a One-Year Term Expiring at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders”Directors and Leadership Structure”:

 

Name

  Age   

Position

Michael A. Carr.

   5354   President & Chief Executive Officer

William F. Koschak

   5354   Chief Financial Officer

Travis J. Frey, Ph.D.

   4445   Chief Technology Officer

Debra Frimerman

   4243   General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

William F. Koschak has served as our Chief Financial Officer since January 2019. Mr. Koschak previously served as the Vice President, Finance of the Brain Therapies business unit of Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global medical technology company, from June 2017 through January 2019. As Vice President, Finance of the Brain Therapies business unit, Mr. Koschak had responsibility for matters including financial and strategic planning for the $2.5 billion in revenue global brain therapies business unit, as well as acquisitions and operational excellence. During this time, Mr. Koschak also served as Interim Vice President and General Manager, Brain Modulation from May 2018 through October 2018. As the interim General Manager of Brain Modulation, he led all aspects of the global Brain Modulation business with a focus on the development of products for medical devices to treat the effects of Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. Prior to joining Medtronic plc, Mr. Koschak served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Young America Holdings, LLC, a privately held digital services firm, beginning in December 2014. Mr. Koschak also held various finance positions including Vice President, Finance for Convenience and Foodservice and Vice President, Financial Reporting at General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS), where he was employed from May 2005 until December 2014. Prior to General Mills, Mr. Koschak was an audit partner at KPMG LLP. Mr. Koschak is a board member of 1st Financial Bank USA and Second Harvest Heartland, the second largest food bank in the United States. Mr. Koschak is a graduate of Augsburg College.

Travis J. Frey, Ph.D., has served as our Chief Technology Officer since May 2019. Prior to joining Calyxt, Dr. Frey served as the Vice President of Science and Innovation from March of 2018 to April of 2019 at WISErg Corporation, a company fusing biological science and engineering into a solution that converts landfill-bound food into premium sustainable agricultural inputs. Dr. Frey was responsible for WISErg’s science and technology vision, strategy and execution as well as being responsible for aligning science and innovation initiatives regarding existing and new product research and development. Prior to joining WISErg Corporation, Dr. Frey held various roles at Monsanto from January of 2006 to March of 2018, where he developed improved varieties of corn, improved efficiencies in the introgression of traits into elite germplasm, improved molecular assays to enhance the use of breeding while reducing the need for field testing, and led Monsanto’s global Dicot transformation center as well as their controlled environment facilities. Dr. Frey received his B.S. in Horticulture from Penn State University, M.S. in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics from the University of Wisconsin, Ph.D. in the Plant Biology and Biotechnology Program at the University of Delaware and an M.B.A from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Debra Frimerman has served as our General Counsel since February 2019 and also our Corporate Secretary since March 2019. From February 2012 until joining Calyxt, Ms. Frimerman held multiple roles in the legal department at Syngenta, a global agribusiness company. Ms. Frimerman’s most recent role at Syngenta was Associate General Counsel for Syngenta North America where she led the U.S. seeds legal department, which included responsibility for global seed licensing transactions. Prior to Syngenta, Ms. Frimerman practiced law at Stoel Rives LLP and Lindquist & Vennum PLLP focusing on mergers and acquisitions, securities, commercial transactions, and general corporate matters. Ms. Frimerman holds a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, where she graduated magna cum laude, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Named Executive Officers

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides information regarding our compensation programs for its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and each of its other executive officers serving at the end of the 2022 fiscal year (collectively, the “NEOs”), who are identified below:

NEO

Position

Michael A. Carr

President & Chief Executive Officer

William F. Koschak

Chief Financial Officer

Travis J. Frey, Ph.D.

Chief Technology Officer

Debra Frimerman

General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

Calyxt’s compensation program is designed to recognize the level of responsibility of an executive within Calyxt, taking into account the NEO’s role and expected leadership within our organization, and to encourage and reward decisions and actions that have a positive impact on our overall performance.

Calyxt’s compensation philosophy is based upon the following objectives:

to reward our executives for their outstanding performance and business results;

to emphasize the enhancement of shareholder value;

to value the executive’s unique skills and competencies;

to attract, retain and motivate qualified executives; and

to provide a competitive compensation structure in the life sciences market based on select market survey data.

Overview of Compensation Process

The Compensation Committee administers Calyxt’s compensation program. The Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other things, reviewing and approving our overall compensation philosophy and overseeing the administration of related compensation benefit programs, policies, and practices. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for annually reviewing and approving the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other NEOs and evaluating their performance in light of these goals, reviewing the compensation of NEOs, and administering our incentive and equity-based compensation plans. Executive compensation is recommended by the Compensation Committee and set by the Board. In performing this function, the Compensation Committee and the Board rely on the Chief Executive Officer to provide information regarding the other NEOs, their roles and responsibilities, and the general performance of Calyxt. The Chief Executive Officer also suggests performance measures and targets for each of the executive officers under our short-term cash incentive program. The final decisions regarding salaries, bonuses (including measures, targets, and amounts to be paid), equity grants, and other compensation matters related to executive officers are made by the Board. None of the NEOs (including the Chief Executive Officer) has a role in determining his or her own compensation.

Compensation Consultant

In fiscal 2022, the Compensation Committee engaged Vareo Advisors, LLC to serve as its compensation consultant. The compensation consultant has periodically been engaged to assist the Compensation Committee

with evaluation of our compensation program to review, comment and make recommendations on executive compensation matters, to help select appropriate market data for compensation determinations, to assist in executive compensation disclosures, and to provide updates on regulatory changes in compensation-related issues and other developments and trends in executive compensation. The Compensation Committee determined that Vareo Advisors, LLC is free of conflicts of interest under applicable Nasdaq and SEC rules. The compensation consultant reported directly to the Compensation Committee and works with the Compensation Committee, the Board, and management to, among other things, provide advice regarding compensation structures and programs in general and competitive compensation data.

Elements of Compensation

Our compensation program has three primary elements: a base salary, an annual cash incentive, and incentive equity awards. In addition, we also offer Our executives the ability to participate in a 401(k) plan and health and welfare programs. Calyxt pays the cost of executives’ insurance premiums for medical and dental plans.

Our Compensation Committee has not adopted any policies for allocating compensation between long- term and currently paid-out compensation, between cash and non-cash compensation or among different forms of non-cash compensation.

Base Salary

Calyxt pays base salaries to recognize and reward each named executive officer’s unique value and skills, competencies and experience in light of the executive’s position. The Compensation Committee and the Board consider a variety of factors such as market survey data, a subjective assessment of the nature and scope of the NEO’s responsibilities, each NEO’s unique value and historical contributions, historical increases, internal equity considerations, and the experience of the NEO in setting base salaries. The NEOs were entitled to base salaries at the following annual rates during 2022:

2022 Base Salary Rate

Name($)

Michael A. Carr

500,000

William F. Koschak

340,000

Travis J. Frey, Ph.D.

300,000

Debra Frimerman

321,000

Calyxt did not modify the base salary rates of any NEOs for 2022.

Annual Cash Incentive

Annual cash incentive awards are used to reward and motivate NEOs for achieving key financial and operational objectives. The annual incentive bonus awards are generally payable based on our performance and, in some cases, the level of individual contributions to that performance.

On May 3, 2022, Calyxt established the 2022 Short Term Incentive Plan (“STIP”), which provides performance-based cash awards for certain of our executives, subject to a maximum limit of 200% of the executive’s target bonus level. Under the STIP, the eligible executives (including the NEOs) will receive a performance bonus opportunity based on a percentage of the individual’s annual base salary, with Calyxt performance objectives and individual performance objectives established by the Board, and each comprising 50% of the bonus determination for executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer. The achievement against Calyxt performance objectives comprises 100% of the bonus determination for the Chief Executive Officer. To be eligible to receive a bonus under the STIP, a participant in the plan must be employed by Calyxt as of both December 31, 2022 and the payment date, unless otherwise provided in a written agreement between Calyxt and the participant, and bonuses are subject to clawback to the extent required or permitted by law.

STIP Targets

Name

  Bonus Target
(as a Percentage
of Base Salary)
(%)
  2022 Bonus
Target
($)
 

Michael A. Carr

   100  500,000 

William F. Koschak

   45  153,000 

Travis J. Frey, Ph.D.

   45  135,000 

Debra Frimerman

   40  128,400 

Company Objectives (100% for Chief Executive Officer and 50% for non-Chief Executive Officer Plan Participants)

The portion of bonus attributable to Company Objectives is weighted as follows: 40% Collaboration (Measure 1), 20% Cash Balance (Measure 2) and 40% Innovation (Measure 3). Each Measure 1-3 will be determined by the Compensation Committee.

With respect to the Company Objectives, the STIP provides the Compensation Committee with the authority to determine whether (and by what amount) the actual result used to calculate the achievement of a Measure should be adjusted to account for extraordinary events or circumstances (including, without limitation, overall financial market performance factors relative to assumptions used in establishing target Measures), or should otherwise be adjusted in order to be consistent with the purpose or intent of the 2022 annual performance bonus program. The following are the performance targets and corresponding potential payouts for each of the three measures used in the STIP for 2022:

Multiplier/

Achievement Level

  Measure 1
Collaboration
  Measure 2
Cash Balance
  

Measure 3

Innovation

50%  Signed BioFactory
Collaboration(s) AND
Licensing Deal(s),
collectively having
NPV of $40mm
  Cash Balance at
12/31/22
sufficient to fund
6 months of
operations
  BioFactory Pilot Plant Fully Operational with Full Analytics
100%  Signed BioFactory
Collaboration(s) AND
Licensing Deal(s),
collectively having
NPV of $75mm
  Cash Balance at
12/31/22
sufficient to fund
12 months of
operations
  AI/ML Advancement to include Pathway Discovery and Vector Creation at a 25% improvement over baseline. Use of Lab Analytics (LC) in validating targets cumulating in AI/ML with Predictive Capabilities
200%  Signed BioFactory
Collaboration(s) AND
Licensing Deal(s),
collectively having
NPV of $100mm
  Cash Balance at
12/31/22
sufficient to fund
18 months of
operations
  First BioFactory Infrastructure Partner Announced OR Scaling Production in Calyxt System
Weighting of Company Objectives  40%  20%  40%

Individual Objectives (50% for non-Chief Executive Officer Plan Participants)

The Compensation Committee will determine, in its discretion, the level of achievement of the goals identified below and the overall achievement of the Individual Objectives, with a multiplier of 0.7x at a minimum level of achievement, 1x at a target level of achievement and 2x at a maximum level of achievement. Achievement at less than the minimum level determined by the Compensation Committee will result in no bonus being earned for that particular goal or for the Individual Objectives as determined by the Compensation Committee.

Specific individual measures will be determined by the Compensation Committee drawn from the categories identified below, together with individual weighting of such Individual Objectives:

Internal & External Communications Achievement / Advancement

Financial Reporting Achievement / Advancement

Information Technology Achievement / Advancement

Research and Development Achievement / Advancement

Safety & Compliance Achievement / Advancement

Leadership Achievement / Advancement

Risk Management Achievement / Advancement

Intellectual Property Achievement / Advancement

Business Development Achievement / Advancement

2022 STIP Results

Given the Company’s cash position, the Compensation Committee determined that payment under the 2022 STIP would not be consistent with the purpose or the intent of the 2022 STIP. Therefore, no STIP amounts were earned or paid to the NEOs for 2022 given that the goal for the cash balance metric was not met.

Incentive Equity Awards

Calyxt uses the grant of equity awards under Calyxt, Inc.’s 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended, effective May 18, 2021) (the “Omnibus Plan”) to provide long-term incentive compensation opportunities intended to align the NEOs’ interests with those of Calyxt Stockholders, and to attract, retain and reward NEOs. Our equity program generally consists of a mix of three types of equity awards: stock option awards (“options”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and performance stock units (“PSUs”).

On March 24, 2022, Calyxt granted equity awards to certain of our employees, including the NEOs, pursuant to the Omnibus Plan. The amount of the awards was determined based on ownership percentage of Calyxt, on a fully diluted basis, by role based on general practice for similar roles in early stage technology companies. The number of options, RSUs and PSUs granted to each NEO is set forth below:

Name

  Options(1)   RSUs(2)   PSUs(3) 

Michael A. Carr

   490,000    368,000    205,000 

William F. Koschak

   250,000    219,700    100,000 

Travis J. Frey, Ph.D.

   250,000    205,650    100,000 

Debra Frimerman

   250,000    200,450    100,000 

(1)

The options have a term of ten years from the grant date, and will vest 25% on the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date.

(2)

Certain of the RSUs granted vested in full on January 1, 2023, and the remaining RSUs will vest 1/3 on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date.

(3)

The PSUs have a three-year performance period of 2022, 2023, and 2024. Vesting and settlement of the PSUs will occur each year based on achievement of objectives approved by the Board for the applicable year; provided that, upon a change in control, the performance period shall be truncated, and the PSUs will vest and settle based on performance through such date, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board and otherwise in accordance with the Omnibus Plan and the applicable award agreements. The PSU objectives for 2022 match the target performance goals under the STIP, described above. However, the Compensation Committee determined that the 2022 PSUs would be earned at 100% of target given the Company’s execution of its strategic objectives during 2022.

Other Compensation and Benefits

Health and Welfare and Retirement Benefits

NEOs are generally eligible to participate in the same health and welfare programs and 401(k) plan as other employees and receive company matching contributions under the 401(k) plan. The monthly medical and dental benefit plan premiums of NEO’s are fully paid by Calyxt.

Perquisites

Calyxt generally does not offer any additional perquisites to NEOs. However, our Chief Executive Officer is entitled to receive commuter expense reimbursements of up to $40,000 per calendar year for documented reasonable and customary expenses incurred by him in connection with commuting from his place of residence to our headquarters.

Post-Employment Compensation

Calyxt has entered into employment agreements with certain NEOs, which provide for certain post-employment compensation including severance. Calyxt also maintains a 2021 Executive Severance Plan, as amended, in which certain NEOs participate via voluntary participation agreements. These post-employment benefits are described in additional detail in “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below.

Other Considerations

Compensation Risk Assessment

From time to time, our Compensation Committee oversees a risk assessment of our compensation arrangements. The last review was conducted in December 2021 and, through discussions with management and our compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee determined that our policies and practices of compensating its employees, including executive officers, are not reasonably likely to have material risk for the company.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth total compensation for the years ended December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, as applicable, for each person who served as our principal executive officer during 2021, as well as our two other most highly compensated executive officers in 2021 (“NEOs”).Calyxt NEO.

 

Name and Principal Position

 Fiscal
Year
 Salary ($) Bonus ($) (4) Stock
Awards ($) (5)
 Option
Awards ($) (6)
 All Other
Compensation
($) (7)
 Total ($)  Fiscal
Year
 Salary
($)
 Bonus
($)(2)
 Stock
Awards
($)(3)
 Option
Awards
($)(4)
 Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(5)
 All Other
Compensation
($)(6)
 Total ($) 

Michael Carr (1)

  2021   216,984   450,000   1,346,500   503,306   —     2,516,790 

Michael A. Carr(1)

  2022   500,000   —     495,923   474,522   —     43,561   1,514,006 

President and Chief Executive Officer

  2020   —     —     —     —     —     —     2021   216,984   450,000   1,346,500   503,306   —     17,124   2,533,914 

James A. Blome (2)

  2021   91,134   —     —     —     579,164   670,298 

Former Chief Executive Officer

  2020   635,000   259,556   —     543,609   17,123   1,455,288 

Yves Ribeill (3)

  2021   50,000   —     515,077   29,153   —     594,230 

Former Executive Chair

  2020   —     —     —     —     142,659   142,659 

William F. Koschak

  2021   338,000   —     144,900   144,635   16,225   643,760   2022   340,000   —     292,952   241,935   —     16,742   891,629 

Chief Financial Officer

  2020   329,000   133,713   —     341,697   18,751   823,161   2021   338,000   —     144,900   144,635   —     16,225   643,760 
  2020   329,000    —     341,697   133,713   18,751   823,161 

Travis J. Frey

  2022   300,000   —     275,109   242,138   —     14,760   832,007 

Chief Technology Officer

  2021   295,263   —     132,825   133,509   —     14,464   576,061 
  2020   279,538   —     —     248,507   113,193   34,026   675,264 

Debra Frimerman

  2021   312,078   —     152,950   150,198   13,076   628,302   2022   321,000   —     268,505   242,085   —     13,076   844,666 

General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

  2020   285,313   102,142   —     248,314   14,983   650,752   2021   312,078   —     152,950   150,198   —     13,076   628,302 
  2020   285,313   —     —     248,314   102,142   14,983   650,752 

 

(1)

Mr. Carr was appointed as Chief Executive Officer effective July 27, 2021.

(2)

This column reflects Mr. Blome was terminated as Chief Executive Officer effective February 19, 2021.Carr’s one-time new-hire bonus of $450,000.

(3)

Dr. Ribeill served as Executive Chair from February 19, 2021, until August 6, 2021. The amount reported in the “Salary” column for Dr. Ribeill represents his director fees.

(4)

This column reflects, in the case of Mr. Carr, his 2021 sign-on bonus, and, in the case of the other NEOs, annual cash bonus earned for fiscal year 2020. No annual cash bonus was earned by NEOs pursuant to the Company’s 2021 short-term cash incentive plan.

(5)

This column reflects the fair value of restricted stock units (“RSUs”)RSUs and for Mr. Carr, performance stock units (“PSUs”)PSUs granted in 2022, 2021, and 2020, as applicable, based on the stock price on the date of grant. These amounts reflect our accounting expense for these awards and do not correspond to the actual value that will be realized by the NEOs. Amounts listed in this column aregrant or as calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, as disclosed in Note 6 “Stock-Based Compensation” to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.2022. The amounts do not correspond to the actual value of Mr. Carr’s PSUs in this column is calculated based onthat will be realized by the probable outcome of the performance conditions on the date of grant; the value of such PSUs on the date of grant assuming maximum achievement of performance conditions is $4,110,000. Dr. Ribeill’s stock awards for the year ended 2021 reflects the RSUs received while serving as Executive Chair, plus $79,041 in stock awards associated with his service on our Board of Directors.NEOs.

(6)(4)

This column reflects the fair value of options granted in 2022, 2021 and 2020 based on their grant date fair value calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. These amounts reflect our accounting expense for these awards and do not correspond to the actual value that will be realized by the NEOs. The assumptions used in the calculation of the amounts are described in Note 6 “Stock-Based Compensation” to our audited financial statements included in ourCalyxt’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. The amount listed in this column for Dr. Ribeill reflects the value of options he received in connection with his service on our Board of Directors.2022.

(7)(5)

This column reflects the annual cash bonus earned for the applicable fiscal year. No annual cash bonus was earned by NEOs pursuant to our 2022 or 2021 short-term cash incentive plan.

(6)

Mr. Blome’sCarr’s other compensation for the year ended December 31, 2021,2022 includes severance$28,635 of $566,643commuter expenses and $12,274$11,600 of matching contributions under our 401k benefit plan. Mr. Blome’s other compensation for the year ended December 31, 2020, includes $11,400 of matching contributions under our 401k benefit plan. Dr. Ribeill’s other compensation for the year ended December 31, 2020, includes option awards valued at $77,659 and director fees of $65,000, which were associated with his time serving on the board of directors rather than as a NEO. Mr. Koschak’s other compensation for the year ended December 31, 2021, and 20202022 includes $11,600 of matching contributions under our 401k benefit plan and $11,400, respectively,$5,100 of premiums for medical, dental, and life insurance that were paid by Calyxt. Dr. Frey’s other compensation for the year ended December 31, 2022 includes $11,434 of matching contributions under our 401k benefit plan. Ms. Frimerman’s other compensation for the year ended December 31, 2021, and 20202022 includes $11,600 and $11,137, respectively, of matching contributions under our 401k benefit plan.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table sets forth certain information regarding grants of awards made to our NEOs during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Name Grant
Date
  Estimated Possible Payouts
under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards
  Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards
  All
Other
Stock
Award:
Number
of
Shares
of Stock
or Units

(#)
  All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options

(#)
  Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards

($/Sh)
  Grant
Date
Fair
Value of
Stock

and
Option
Awards
($)(1)
 
 Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  Threshold
(#)(2)
  Target
(#)
  Maximum
(#)
 

Michael A. Carr

  3/24/22   —     —     —     —     —     —     —     490,000  $1.27  $474,522 
  3/24/22   —     —     —     —     —     —     368,000   —     —    $467,360 
  3/24/22   —     —     —     —     205,000   205,000   —     —     —    $28,563 
  $250,000  $500,000  $1,000,000   —     —     —     —     —     —     —   

William F. Koschak

  3/24/22   —     —     —     —     —     —     —     250,000  $1.27  $241,935 
  3/24/22   —     —     —     —     —     —     219,700   —     —    $279,019 
  3/24/22   —     —     —     —     100,000   100,000   —     —     —    $13,933 
  $76,500  $153,000  $306,000   —     —     —     —     —     —     —   

Travis J. Frey

  3/24/22   —     —     —     —     —     —     —     250,000  $1.27  $242,138 
  3/24/22   —     —     —     —     —     —     205,650   —     —    $261,176 
  3/24/22   —     —     —     —     100,000   100,000   —     —     —    $13,933 
  $67,500  $135,000  $270,000   —     —     —     —     —     —     —   

Debra Frimerman

  3/24/22   —     —     —     —     —     —     —     250,000  $1.27  $242,085 
  3/24/22   —     —     —     —     —     —     200,450   —     —    $254,572 
  3/24/22   —     —     —     —     100,000   100,000   —     —     —    $13,933 
  $64,200  $128,400  $256,800   —     —     —     —     —     —     —   

(1)

The values in this column reflect the grant date fair value for each award in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

(2)

The PSU awards granted on March 24, 2022 do not have a threshold level.

Outstanding Equity Awards at 20212022 Fiscal Year-End

The following table sets forth certain information regarding outstanding equity awards of our NEOs as of December 31, 2021.2022. The market value of the shares in the following table is the fair value of such shares as of December 31, 2021.2022.

 

 

Option Awards

 Option Awards
 

Grant Date

 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable
   Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 

Option

Expiration

Date

Number of Securities Underlying Grant Date Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
 Option
Exercise
Price

($)
 Option
Expiration
Date

Name

Michael A. Carr

 July 27, 2021 (1)  —     200,000    3.65  July 27, 2031 March 24, 2022(1)  —      490,000   1.27  March 24, 2032

President and Chief Executive Officer

       July 27, 2021(2)  66,666    133,334   3.65  July 27, 2031

James A. Blome

 

—  

  —     —      —    

—  

Former Chief Executive Officer

      
      

Yves J. Ribeill, Ph D.

 May 27, 2021 (2)  —     10,291    4.22  May 27, 2031

Former Executive Chair

 August 4, 2020 (1)  8,333   16,667    4.55  August 4, 2030
 May 6, 2019 (3)  3,000   4,500    15.59  May 6, 2029
 August 21, 2018 (5)  180,000   —      17.10  August 21, 2028

William F. Koschak

 March 12, 2021 (1)  —     26,000    8.05  March 12, 2031 March 24, 2022(1)  —      250,000   1.27  March 24, 2032

Chief Financial Officer

 August 4, 2020 (1)  36,666   73,334    4.55  August 4, 2030 March 12, 2021(2)  8,666    17,334   8.05  March 12, 2031
 February 8, 2019 (3)  72,000   108,000    13.01  February 8, 2029 August 4, 2020(2)  73,332    36,668   4.55  August 4, 2030
 February 8, 2019(3)  108,000    72,000   13.01  February 8, 2029

Travis J. Frey, Ph.D.

 March 24, 2022(1)  —      250,000   1.27  March 24, 2032

Chief Technology Officer

 March 12, 2021(2)  8,000    16,000   8.05  March 12, 2031
 August 4, 2020(2)  53,332    26,668   4.55  August 4, 2030
 May 20, 2019(3)  55,000    45,000   14.72  May 20, 2029

Debra Frimerman

 March 12, 2021 (1)  —     27,000    8.05  March 12, 2031 March 24, 2022(1)  —      250,000   1.27  March 24, 2032

General Counsel and

 August 4, 2020 (1)  26,666   53,334    4.55  August 4, 2030 March 12, 2021(2)  9,000    18,000   8.05  March 12, 2031

Corporate Secretary

 May 13, 2019 (3)  35,000   65,000    15.28  May 13, 2029 August 4, 2020(2)  53,332    26,668   4.55  August 4, 2030
 May 13, 2019(3)  55,000    45,000   15.28  May 13, 2029

   

Stock Awards

 
   

Issued Date

  Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested (#)
   Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested ($) (8)
   Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards;
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested (#) (4)
   Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards;
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested ($) (8)
 

Michael A. Carr

  July 27, 2021 (6)   50,000    106,500    600,000    1,278,000 

President and Chief Executive Officer

          

James A. Blome

  —     —      —      —      —   

Chief Executive Officer

          

Yves J. Ribeill, Ph D.

  July 27, 2021 (6)   33,619    71,608     

Executive Chair

  July 1, 2021 (6)   8,032    17,108     
  June 1, 2021 (6)   7,978    16,993     
  May 27, 2021 (7)   18,730    39,895     
  May 3, 2021 (6)   6,287    13,391     
  April 1, 2021 (6)   11,061    23,560     

William F. Koschak

  March 12, 2021 (6)   18,000    38,340    —      —   

Chief Financial Officer

  June 28, 2019   —      —      85,000    181,050 

Debra Frimerman

  March 12, 2021 (6)   19,000    40,470    —     

General Counsel and

  June 28, 2019   —      —      60,000    127,800 

Corporate Secretary

          
  Stock Awards 

Name

 Grant Date Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not
Vested (#)
   Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
($)(7)
   Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards;
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested (#)
   Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards;
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested ($)(7)
 

Michael A. Carr

 March 24, 2022(4)  368,000    54,464    205,000    30,340 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 July 27, 2021(5)  33,334    4,933    600,000    88,800 

William F. Koschak

 March 24, 2022(4)  219,700    32,516    100,000    14,800 

Chief Financial Officer

 March 12, 2021(5)  12,000    1,776    —      —   
 June 28, 2019(6)  —      —      85,000    —   

Travis J. Frey, Ph.D.

 March 24, 2022(4)  205,650    30,436    100,000    14,800 

Chief Technology Officer

 March 12, 2021(5)  11,000    1,628    —      —   

Debra Frimerman

 March 24, 2022(4)  200,450    29,667    100,000    14,800 

General Counsel and

 March 12, 2021(5)  12,667    1,875    —      —   

Corporate Secretary

 June 28, 2019(6)  —      —      60,000    —   

 

(1)

The stock option grant vesting schedule is as follows: 25% of the total number of stock options vest on the first, second, third, and fourth anniversaries of the grant date.

(2)

The stock option grant vesting schedule is as follows: (i) 33.3% of the total number of stock options vest on the first anniversaryand second anniversaries of the grant date; (ii) 33.3% of the total number of stock options vest on the second

anniversary of the grant date and (iii)(ii) 33.4% of the total number of stock options vest on the third anniversary of the grant date.
(2)

The stock option grant vesting schedule is as follows: 100% of the total number of stock options vest on the first anniversary of the grant date.

(3)

The stock option grant vesting schedule is as follows: (i) 15% of the total number of stock options vest on the first anniversary of the grant date; (ii) 10% of the total number of stock options vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and (iii) 5% of the total number of stock options vest on the last day of the next 15 quarters.

(4)

For Mr. Carr, histhe RSU grant vesting schedule is as follows: 163,000 of the 368,000 RSUs granted vest on January 1, 2023, and the vesting schedule for the remaining 205,000 RSUs is as follows: (i) 33.3% of the total number of RSUs vest on the first anniversary of the grant date; (ii) 33.4% of the total number of RSUs vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and (iii) 33.3% of the total number of RSUs vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. For Mr. Koschak, the RSU grant vesting schedule is as follows: 119,700 of the 219,700 RSUs granted vest on January 1, 2023, and the vesting schedule for the remaining 100,000 RSUs is as follows: (i) 33.3% of the total number of RSUs vest on the first anniversary of the grant date; (ii) 33.4% of the total number of RSUs vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and (iii) 33.3% of the total number of RSUs vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. For Dr. Frey, the RSU grant vesting schedule is as follows: 105,650 of the 205,650 RSUs granted vest on January 1, 2023, and the vesting schedule for the remaining 100,000 RSUs is as follows: (i) 33.3% of the total number of RSUs vest on the first anniversary of the grant date; (ii) 33.4% of the total number of RSUs vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and (iii) 33.3% of the total number of RSUs vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. For Ms. Frimerman, the RSU grant vesting schedule is as follows: 100,450 of the 200,450 RSUs granted vest on January 1, 2023, and the vesting schedule for the remaining 100,000 RSUs is as follows: (i) 33.3% of the total number of RSUs vest on the first anniversary of the grant date; (ii) 33.4% of the total number of RSUs vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and (iii) 33.3% of the total number of RSUs vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. Mr. Carr was granted 205,000 PSUs, Mr. Koschak was granted 100,000 PSUs, Dr. Frey was granted 100,000 PSUs, and Ms. Frimerman was granted 100,000 PSUs. The PSUs have a three-year performance period of 2022, 2023, and 2024. Vesting and settlement of the PSUs will occur each year based on achievement of objectives approved by the Board for the applicable year; provided that, upon a change in control, the performance period shall be truncated, and the remaining PSUs will vest at a level ranging from 0% to 100% over aand settle based on performance period of three years fromthrough such date, as determined by the grant date, dependent on the Company’s share value reaching predetermined performance prices. For Mr. Koschak and Ms. Frimerman, their PSUs will vest at 50%, 75% or 100%Compensation Committee of the shares underBoard and otherwise in accordance with the Omnibus Plan and the applicable award at the end the three-year performance period ending June 27, 2024, based upon increases in the value of our common stock from the starting price of $12.00. The awards vest on a linear basis between vesting percentages during specified periods within the three-year performance period. If vested, the PSUs will be settled in restricted stock with restrictions lapsing on the two-year anniversary of the date of issuance. Number of PSUs unearned and value of unearned PSUs at December 31, 2021 reflect PSU awards at 100% vesting.agreements.

(5)

Dr. Ribeill’s options granted on August 21, 2018, are fully vested.

(6)

TheFor all NEOs, the RSU grant vesting schedule is as follows: (i) 33.3% of the total number of stock optionsRSUs vest on the first anniversary of the grant date; (ii) 33.3% of the total number of stock optionsRSUs vest on the second anniversary of the grant date and (iii) 33.4% of the total number of stock optionsRSUs vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. For Mr. Carr, the PSUs will vest if Calyxt Common Stock remains above three specified price levels for 30 calendar days over the three-year performance

period. The PSUs will be settled in unrestricted shares of Calyxt Common Stock on the vesting date. Upon a change of control as defined in the award agreement, 25% of the PSUs will vest with the remainder continuing to vest pursuant to the terms of the award provided that he maintains continuous service.
(6)

The performance conditions in these PSUs were not met and the awards were forfeited.

(7)

The RSU grant vesting schedule is as follows: 100% of the total number of stock options vest on the first anniversary of the grant date.

(8)

Value of unvested RSUs and PSUs are based on ourCalyxt’s closing price per common share of $2.13$0.15 on December 31, 2021.2022.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table sets forth information with respect to stock options that were exercised, and Calyxt RSUs that vested, during the year ended December 31, 2022.

   Option Awards   Stock Awards 

Name

  Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)
   Value Realized on
Exercise ($)
   Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting (#)
   Value Realized on
Vesting ($)
 

Michael A. Carr

   —      —      16,666    3,742 

William F. Koschak

   —      —      6,000    7,260 

Travis J. Frey, Ph.D.

   —      —      5,500    6,655 

Debra Frimerman

   —      —      6,333    7,663 

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

Agreements with Named Executive Officers

The following provides a discussion of the agreements between Calyxt, Inc. and each of our NEOs.NEO.

Michael A. Carr

On July 13, 2021, Mr. Carr entered into an offer letter agreement with the CompanyCalyxt, Inc. (the “Offer Letter”“Carr Agreement”). Pursuant to the Offer Letter,Carr Agreement, Mr. Carr joined the CompanyCalyxt on July 27, 2021, as the Company’sour President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Carr’s employment is at-will and may be terminated at any time for any reason, subject to the terms of the Company’sour 2021 Executive Severance Plan (the “Severance Plan”), as modified by Mr. Carr’s Participation Agreement with respect thereto, as described below.

Mr. Carr is or was entitled to receive the following compensation and benefits in connection with his service as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company:Calyxt, Inc.:

 

an annual base salary of $500,000;

 

a one-time new-hire bonus of $450,000, which is subject to repayment to the Company upon certain employment termination events that occur on or prior to the one-year anniversary of Mr. Carr’s start date;$450,000;

 

a one-time equity award of (i) stock options for the purchase of 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stockCalyxt Common Stock and (ii) 50,000 RSUs, which, in each case, will vest in equal installments on the first three anniversaries of Mr. Carr’s start date;

a one-time inducement award to be granted outside of the Company’sour existing equity compensation plans in accordance with Rule 5635(c)(4) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules of performance stock unitsPSUs to acquire up to 600,000 shares of the Company’s common stock,Calyxt Common Stock, which will vest based on the Company’sour achievement for a period of 30 consecutive calendar days of specified trading price levelslevels;

during a three-year performance period following the grant date (300,000 shares for a $12.00 price level, an additional 150,000 shares for a $15.00 price level and an additional 150,000 shares for a $20.00 price level) and otherwise have terms substantially similar to those of PSUs issued under the Omnibus Plan;

during a three-year performance period following the grant date (300,000 shares for a $12.00 price level, an additional 150,000 shares for a $15.00 price level and an additional 150,000 shares for a $20.00 price level) and otherwise have terms substantially similar to those of performance stock units issued under the Omnibus Plan.

 

eligibility to receive an annual cash performance bonus under the Company’sour existing short-term incentive plan with a 2021 annual target of 100% of base salary (prorated for the number of days of employment during 2021), based on the achievement of performance goals, as determined by the Company’s Board;

 

eligibility under the Severance Plan, as amended by Mr. Carr’s participation agreement, to receive upon termination of employment by Mr. Carr for Good Reason (as defined in the Severance Plan) or by the CompanyCalyxt for any reason other than Cause (as defined in the Severance Plan, but modified to be subject to a notice and cure period with respect to non-willful performance deficiencies) severance benefits equal to 12 months (24 months, if occurring during a Change-in-Control Period (as defined in the Severance Plan)) of base salary and a prorated portion (the full amount, if occurring during a Change-in-Control Period) of Mr. Carr’s target cash incentive bonus for the applicable year;

 

eligibility for certain travel, temporary living, and relocation benefits for up to three years from Mr. Carr’s start date; and

 

participation in the benefit plans and programs of the CompanyCalyxt in which similarly situated employees of the CompanyCalyxt participate, as may be in effect from time to time, and accrual of 20 days of vacation per year.

On July 13, 2021, the Company’s Board and the independent directors of the Board approved the Calyxt, Inc. 2021 Employee Inducement Incentive Plan (the “Inducement Plan”) and reserved 600,000 shares of the Company’s common stockCalyxt Common Stock for issuance upon vesting of the PSUs granted to Mr. Carr on July 27, 2021. The Inducement Plan’s terms are substantially similar to the terms of the Omnibus Plan. The Inducement Plan was adopted without stockholderCalyxt Stockholder approval pursuant to Rule 5635(c)(4) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. The PSUs granted to Mr. Carr on July 27, 2021, constitute an inducement material to Mr. Carr’s entering into employment with the CompanyCalyxt within the meaning of Rule 5635(c)(4) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

Mr. Carr is the only participant in the Inducement Plan, and the PSUs granted in connection with the commencement of Mr. Carr’s employment are the only awards that will be granted under the Inducement Plan. The PSUs will vest if Calyxt Common Stock remains above three specified price levels for 30 calendar days over the three-year performance period. The PSUs will be settled in unrestricted shares of Calyxt Common Stock on the vesting date.

Mr. Carr has also entered into a customary non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality and inventions agreement and the Company’sour standard indemnification agreement.

James A. BlomeWilliam Koschak

We were party toOn December 21, 2018 Mr. Koschak entered into an employmentoffer letter agreement with our Chief Executive Officer, James A. Blome, dated as of September 17, 2018.Calyxt (the “Koschak Agreement”). Pursuant to the Koschak Agreement, Mr. Koschak joined Calyxt on January 7, 2019, as its Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Koschak is or was entitled to receive the following compensation and benefits in connection with his employment agreement, the termservice as Chief Financial Officer of Mr. Blome’s employment began on October 1, 2018, and ended on February 19, 2021, upon termination without cause, as defined therein.Calyxt:

Pursuant to Mr. Blome’s employment agreement, his initial

an annual base salary was established at $635,000 and remained in effect for 2020. He was also eligibleof $320,000;

a one-time sign-on bonus of $180,000;

a one-time sign-on equity award of 30,000 stock options;

eligibility to receive an annual cash performance bonus with an amount equal to up to 45% of Mr. Koschak’s base salary and a multiplier on the annual target value of 75%0.7 to 1.5x (prorated for the number of days of his base salaryemployment during 2019), based on his achievement of individual and/or companyCalyxt performance goals as determined by the Compensation CommitteeBoard;

a one-time equity award of 150,000 shares of Calyxt Common Stock pursuant to our existing equity incentive plan; and

participation in the Board.benefit plans and programs of Calyxt in which substantially all of our employees participate, as may be in effect from time to time, and accrual of 20 days of vacation per year as well as a one-time grant of 5 days of vacation to be used prior to January 7, 2020.

The Koschak Agreement also provides for severance benefits in the event that Mr. Blome’s base salary and his target bonus percentage were subject to periodic review.

Mr. Blome’sKoschak’s employment agreement provided that for each calendar year during which Mr. Blome is employedterminated by Calyxt he was eligible to receive an annual performance award comprised of 50,000 RSUs and 125,000 stock options. The annual equity awards he received were subject to the achievement of performance metrics, the annual RSU awards vestedwithout Cause, in accordance with the vesting schedule described above for the September 2018 RSUs, and the annual stock option awards vested in accordance with our equity incentive plan.which case Mr. Blome

received his 2020 annual performance award comprised of 175,000 stock options on August 4, 2020. All unvested stock options, RSUs, and PSUs were forfeited by Mr. Blome upon his termination.

Mr. Blome was entitled to compensation and benefits as part of his termination without cause, and in the first quarter of 2021 we recorded approximately $2.3 million of cash expense for separation-related payments. The cash payments to Mr. BlomeKoschak will be made over a period of 24 months from the date his separation agreement is executed, which was March 8, 2021. Mr. Blome is entitled to receive a pro-rata portion of his annual performance bonus, calculated as the maximum annual performance bonus target amount. Mr. Blome’s employment agreementbonus.

The Koschak Agreement also includes customary non-solicitation, non-compete, intellectual property and confidentiality provisions.

Yves RibeillTravis J. Frey, Ph.D.

On March 15, 2021,May 13, 2019, Dr. Frey entered into an offer letter agreement with Calyxt (the “Frey Agreement”). Pursuant to the Company approved a newFrey Agreement, Dr. Frey joined Calyxt on May 20, 2019, as its Chief Technology Officer. Dr. Frey is or was entitled to receive the following compensation arrangement for its Executive Chair, Yves Ribeill,and benefits in connection with his assumption of this executive role. Dr. Ribeill’s compensation was in the form of equity and cash. Dr. Ribeill received RSUs valued at $50,000 per month for his service as Executive Chair, additional RSUs valued at $200,000 uponChief Technology Officer of Calyxt:

an annual base salary of $300,000;

a one-time sign-on equity award of 100,000 stock options, which will be granted, subject to the hiringapproval of a new Chief Executive Officer,the Board; and he had the potential

eligibility to receive aan annual cash performance bonus ofwith an amount equal to up to $500,000.45% of Dr. Ribeill’s cash bonus wasFrey’s base salary and a multiplier on the annual target of 0.7 to be1.5x (prorated for the number of days of his employment during 2019), based on his achievement of individual and/or Calyxt performance goals as determined by the Company’sBoard.

Dr. Frey’s offer letter also included customary year-endnon-solicitation, non-compete, cash balance at December 31, 2021. Given the Company’s year-end cash balance at December 31, 2021, Dr. Ribeill did not receive a cash bonus.intellectual property, and confidentiality provisions.

The RSUs were granted pursuantDebra Frimerman

On January 21, 2019, Ms. Frimerman entered into an offer letter agreement with Calyxt (the “Frimerman Agreement”). Pursuant to the Company’s 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The RSUs vest in three one-third installments upon (i) the date of hiring of a new Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO Start Date”), (ii) the six-month anniversary of the CEO Start Date, and (iii) the one-year anniversary of the CEO Start Date. In addition, Dr. Ribeill continued to receive compensation for his serviceFrimerman Agreement, Ms. Frimerman joined Calyxt on February 11, 2019, as a director and Chair of the Board.

On April 1, 2021, May 3, 2021, May 27, 2021, June 1, 2021, July 1, 2021, and July 27, 2021, Dr. Ribeill received 11,061, 6,287, 18,730, 7,978, 8,032, and 33,619 RSUs, respectively. Additionally, on May 27, 2021, Dr. Ribeill received 10,291 stock options for his service as a director.

William F. Koschak

We are party to an employment agreement with our Chief Financial Officer, William F. Koschak, dated as of December 19, 2018. Pursuant to his employment agreement, the term of Mr. Koschak’s employment began on January 7, 2019, and will end upon the termination of Mr. Koschak’s employment due to his death, permanent disability, or resignation or a termination by us with or without cause, as defined in Mr. Koschak’s employment agreement. Mr. Koschak’sits General Counsel & Corporate Secretary. Ms. Frimerman’s employment agreement provides for at-will employment and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause, subject to certain severance benefits described below. Ms. Frimerman is or was entitled to receive the following compensation and benefits in connection with her service as General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of Calyxt:

Mr. Koschak’s current

an annual base salary is $340,000. He is also eligibleof $321,000;

a one-time sign-on equity award of 100,000 stock options; and

eligibility to receive an annual cash performance bonus with a target valuean amount equal to up to 40% of 45% of hisMs. Frimerman’s base salary and a multiplier on the annual target of 0.7 to 1.5x based on his achievement of individual and/or company performance goals as determined by the Board. Mr. Koschak’s base salary and his target bonus percentage are subject to periodic review. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Koschak was also entitled to a stock option award to purchase 180,000 shares of our common stock, which was granted on February 8, 2019. Mr. Koschak has received additional stock option, RSU, and PSU awards, which are set forth for 2021 and prior years in the tables above.

Mr. Koschak is a participant in the Severance Plan, which provides plan participants with severance benefits upon termination of employment by the plan participant for Good Reason or by the Company for any reason other than for Cause or other than the plan participant’s death or Disability (each as defined in the Severance Plan). Under the terms of the Severance Plan, Mr. Koschak is entitled to the following compensation (“Severance Benefits”) upon such a qualifying termination:

An amount equal to the plan participant’s base salary for a period of 12 months, beginning on the plan participant’s date of termination; and

A prorated portion of the plan participant’s target incentive bonus under the Company’s annual cash incentive plan for the applicable year, prorated(prorated for the number of days elapsed in the applicable year.

Plan participants will also be entitled to any unpaid amounts earned under the annual cash incentive plan for the preceding year, based upon actual performance and, in certain circumstances, continuing medical and dental benefits. Severance Benefits will generally be paid in substantially equal installments over the applicable period.

Stock option awards held by plan participants shall be exercisable as to the vested portion for a period of 90 days following the plan participant’s Qualifying Termination or the stated expiration date, whichever is earlier, so long as the Qualifying Termination does not occur during a period of 27 months beginning three months before the effective date of a change-in-control (the “Change-in-Control Period”). If a Qualifying Termination occurs during a Change-in-Control Period, (i) all time-based vesting conditions applicable to the Company equity or equity-based awards held by the plan participant will lapse and such awards will be immediately vested, and (ii) all performance-based vesting conditions applicable to outstanding equity awards will be deemed satisfied at a level reasonably determined by the Compensation Committee based on actual performance (unless otherwise specified in the plan participant’s participation agreement).

Mr. Koschak’s offer letter also included customary non-solicitation, non-compete, intellectual property, and confidentiality provisions.

Debra Frimerman

We are party to an employment agreement with our General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Debra Frimerman dated January 21, 2019. Pursuant to her employment agreement, the term of Ms. Frimerman’s employment began on February 11, 2019, and will end upon the termination of Ms. Frimerman’s employment due to her death, permanent disability, or resignation or a termination by us with or without cause, as defined in her employment agreement. Ms. Frimerman’s employment agreement provides for at-will employment and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause, subject to certain severance benefits described below.

Ms. Frimerman’s current base salary is $321,000. She is also eligible to receive an annual performance bonus in cash with a target value of 40% of her base salary and a multiplier on the annual target of 0.7 to 1.5xduring 2019), based on her achievement of individual and/or companyCalyxt performance goals as determined by the Board. Under her employment agreement, Ms. Frimerman was also entitled to a stock option award to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock, which was granted on May 13, 2019. Ms. Frimerman has received additional stock option, RSU, and PSU awards, which are disclosed for 2021 and prior years in the tables above.

Under her employment agreement, if Ms. Frimerman’s employment is terminated by usCalyxt without cause (as defined in her employment agreement), she is eligible to receive a pro rata annual performance bonus and 12 months of base salary paid in installments. WeCalyxt may condition any severance pay to Ms. Frimerman upon her entering into a full release of claims in favor of us.Calyxt. If Ms. Frimerman voluntarily terminates her employment or her employment terminates due to death or disability, she will be entitled only to accrued base salary and other accrued amounts. Ms. Frimerman is eligible to participate in the Severance Plan, which would supersede the applicable terms of her employment agreement, if she executes a Severance Plan participation agreement.

Ms. Frimerman’s offer letteremployment agreement also included customary non-solicitation, non-compete, intellectual property, and confidentiality provisions.

Executive Severance Plan

Calyxt maintains the 2021 Executive Severance Plan, as amended on January 13, 2023 (the “Executive Severance Plan”) for certain key management employees who agree to participate. The Executive Severance Plan provides plan participants with certain severance benefits upon termination of the plan participant’s employment with Calyxt. Mr. Carr, Mr. Koschak, and Dr. Frey are participants in the Executive Severance Plan. Ms. Frimerman is eligible to become a participant in the Executive Severance Plan by executing a plan participation agreement. Until such time as Ms. Frimerman may become a participant under the Executive Severance Plan, upon a qualifying termination Ms. Frimerman will be entitled to receive severance benefits under her employment agreement as described above.

The Executive Severance Plan provides plan participants with severance benefits upon termination of the plan participant’s employment by the plan participant for Good Reason or by Calyxt for any reason other than for Cause or other than the plan participant’s death or Disability (each as defined in the Executive Severance Plan).

Under the terms of the Executive Severance Plan, plan participants are entitled to the following compensation (“Severance Benefits”) upon such a qualifying termination:

An amount equal to the plan participant’s base salary for a period of (i) 12 months, for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer/General Counsel and any other chief executive, and (ii) 6 months, for Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents or other participants, beginning on the plan participant’s date of termination, each a “Severance Coverage Period;” and

A pro-rated portion of the plan participant’s target incentive bonus under our annual cash incentive plan for the applicable year, pro-rated for the number of days elapsed in the applicable year.

Plan participants are also entitled to any unpaid amounts earned under the annual cash incentive plan for the preceding year, based upon actual performance and, in certain circumstances, continuing medical and dental benefits. Severance Benefits will generally be paid in substantially equal installments over the applicable Severance Coverage Period.

Stock option awards held by plan participants shall be exercisable as to the vested portion for a period of 90 days following the plan participant’s qualifying termination or the stated expiration date, whichever is earlier, so long as the qualifying termination does not occur during a period of 27 months beginning three months before the effective date of a change-in-control (the “Change-in-Control Period”). If a qualifying termination occurs during a Change-in-Control Period, (i) all time-based vesting conditions applicable to Calyxt equity or equity-based awards held by the plan participant will lapse and such awards will be immediately vested, and (ii) all performance-based vesting conditions applicable to outstanding equity awards will be deemed satisfied at a level reasonably determined by the compensation committee of the Board based on actual performance (unless otherwise specified in the plan participant’s participation agreement). In addition, with respect to Mr. Carr, if a qualifying termination occurs during a Change-in-Control Period, Mr. Carr’s Severance Benefits are increased to 24 months of base salary and the full amount of his target cash incentive bonus for the applicable year.

2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan

Calyxt maintains the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended on May 18, 2021. Employees, consultants, non-employee directors (and director nominees) and any other individuals who provide services to us or any of our affiliates are eligible to receive awards under the Omnibus Plan, if permitted by applicable laws or accounting and tax rules and regulations.

In the event of a dissolution or liquidation of Calyxt or a triggering event, except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, the plan administrator may provide for:

assumption or substitution with equivalent awards of outstanding awards under the Plan by Calyxt (if Calyxt is the surviving corporation) or by the surviving corporation or its parent or subsidiary;

termination of outstanding awards under the Omnibus Plan in exchange for a payment of cash, securities and/or other property equal to the excess of the fair market value of the portion of the awards stock that is vested and exercisable immediately prior to the consummation of the corporate transaction over the per share exercise price;

any combination of assumption, substitution, or termination of outstanding awards under the Omnibus Plan as described above; provided that outstanding awards of stock options and SARs may be cancelled without consideration if the fair market value on the date of the event is greater than the exercise or hurdle price of such award; or

acceleration of the vesting (including the lapse of any restrictions, with any performance criteria or conditions deemed met at target) and exercisability of outstanding award in full prior to the date of the corporate transaction and the expiration of awards not timely exercised by the date determined by the plan administrator.

A triggering event as defined in the plan includes (i) a sale, transfer or disposition of all or substantially all of Calyxt’s assets other than to (A) a corporation or other entity of which at least a majority of its combined voting power is owned directly or indirectly by Calyxt, (B) a corporation or other entity owned directly or indirectly by the holders of capital stock of Calyxt in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of Calyxt Common Stock, or (C) an Excluded Entity (as defined in subsection (ii) below); or (ii) any merger, consolidation or other business combination transaction of Calyxt with or into another corporation, entity or person, other than a transaction with or into another corporation, entity or person in which the holders of at least a majority of the shares of voting capital stock of Calyxt outstanding immediately prior to such transaction continue to hold (either by such shares remaining outstanding in the continuing entity or by their being converted into shares of voting capital stock of the surviving entity) a majority of the total voting power represented by the shares of voting capital stock of Calyxt (or the surviving entity) outstanding immediately after such transaction (an “Excluded Entity”); or (iii) any direct or indirect purchase or other acquisition by any person or group, other than a parent company or another person that is controlled by a parent company, of more than 50% of the total outstanding equity interests in or voting securities of Calyxt, excluding any transaction that is determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion to be a bona fide capital raising transaction.

The RSU and option awards granted to NEOs under the Omnibus Plan provide that in the event that a triggering event occurs during the vesting period, an additional 25% of the total number of RSUs or shares underlying the options shall immediately vest. In addition, these awards provide that 100% of the total number of RSUs or shares underlying the options shall vest in the event of the termination of the NEO’s employment without cause within 12 months following a triggering event or resignation of the NEO for “good reason” following a triggering event. The PSUs granted to NEOs under the Omnibus Plan that remain outstanding provide that, upon a change in control, the performance period shall be truncated, and the PSUs will vest and settle based on performance through such date, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board and otherwise in accordance with the Omnibus Plan and the applicable PSU agreement.

2021 Employee Inducement Incentive Plan

In July 2021, Calyxt adopted the Inducement Plan, pursuant to which shares of Calyxt Common Stock are issuable upon the settlement of PSUs granted to Mr. Michael A. Carr in July 2021 as a material inducement to accept employment as our President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Inducement Plan mirrors the Omnibus Plan with regard to impacts of a dissolution or liquidation of Calyxt or a triggering event. Mr. Carr’s award agreement under the Inducement Plan provides that in the event of a triggering event (as defined in the Inducement Plan) during the performance period, 25 percent of the total PSUs will immediately vest to the extent not already vested.

The table below quantifies the payments and benefits potentially payable to each NEO upon a change in control or certain employment terminations as described above, assuming a termination date of December 31, 2022 and a fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock of $0.14, which is the average closing price per share of Calyxt Common Stock on Nasdaq over the last five trading days in the period ending December 31, 2022.

Name

  Death/
Disability
($)
   Retirement
($)
   Change of
Control
Without
Termination
($)
   Qualifying
Termination
(no Change in
Control)
($)
   Qualifying
Termination
(in Connection
with a Change
of Control)
 

Michael A. Carr

          

Cash Severance

   —      —      —      1,000,000    1,500,000 

Equity Payout

   —      —      63,747    —      105,887 

Other Benefits

   50,000    —      —      33,133    33,133 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL

   50,000    —      63,747    1,033,133    1,639,020 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

William F. Koschak

          

Cash Severance

   —      —      —      493,000    493,000 

Equity Payout

   —      —      22,110    —      46,438 

Other Benefits

   50,000    —      —      25,829    25,829 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL

   50,000    —      22,110    518,829    565,267 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Travis Frey, Ph.D.

          

Cash Severance

   —      —      —      435,000    435,000 

Equity Payout

   —      —      21,583    —      44,331 

Other Benefits

   50,000    —      —      16,567    16,567 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL

   50,000    —      21,583    451,567    495,898 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Debra Frimerman

          

Cash Severance

   —      —      —      449,400    449,400 

Equity Payout

   —      —      21,459    —      43,836 

Other Benefits

   50,000    —      —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL

   50,000    —      21,459    449,400    493,236 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer Pay Ratio

For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, the ratio of the annual total compensation of Mr. Carr, our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO Compensation”), to the median of the annual total compensation of all of our employees and those of our consolidated subsidiaries other than our Chief Executive Officer (“Median Annual Compensation”) was 17.3 to 1. This ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K using the data and assumptions summarized below. In this summary, Calyxt refers to the employee who received such Median Annual Compensation as the “Median Employee.” For purposes of this disclosure, the date used to identify the Median Employee was December 31, 2022 (the “Determination Date”).

CEO Compensation for purposes of this disclosure was $1,514,006 and matches the total compensation reported for Mr. Carr under the Summary Compensation Table for the 2022 fiscal year. For purposes of this disclosure, Median Annual Compensation was $87,763, and was calculated by totaling for Median Employee all applicable elements of compensation for the 2022 fiscal year in accordance with Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K.

To identify the Median Employee, Calyxt first determined its employee population as of the Determination Date. Calyxt had 48 employees, representing all full-time, part-time, seasonal and temporary employees of Calyxt and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the Determination Date. Calyxt then measured compensation for the period beginning on January 1, 2022 and ending on December 31, 2022 for these employees. This compensation measurement was calculated by totaling, for each employee, W-2 compensation as shown in our payroll and human resources records for fiscal year 2022.

PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE DISCLOSURE

Pay Versus Performance Table

PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE 

Year

(a)

 Summary
Compensation
Table (SCT)
Total for
Carr

(b-1)(1)(3)
  Compensation
Actually Paid
(CAP) to Carr

(c-1)(1)(2)(3)
  SCT
Total for
Ribeill

(b-2)(1)(3)
  CAP to
Ribeill

(c-2)(1)(2)(3)
  SCT Total
for Blome

(b-3)(1)(3)
  CAP to
Blome

(c-3)(1)(2)(3)
  Average
SCT
Total for
Non-PEO
Named
Executive
Officers
(NEOs)

(d)(1)(3)
  Average
Compensation
Actually Paid
to Non-PEO
NEOs

(e)(1)(2)(3)
  Value of Initial Fixed
$100 Investment Based
On:
  Net
Income

(h)
($ in
000s)
  Company-
Selected
Measure:
Cash
Balance (i)(5)

($ in 000s)
 
 Total
Shareholder
Return

(f)(4)
  Peer Group
Total
Shareholder
Return

(g)(4)
 

2022

 $1,514,006  $(322,674 $—    $—    $—    $—    $856,101  $157,879  $2.11  $105.56  $(16,891 $3,526 

2021

 $2,533,914  $1,741,874  $594,230  $340,947  $670,298  $(1,033,259 $636,031  $168,800  $30.39  $134.57  $(29,199 $14,421 

2020

 $—    $—    $—    $—    $1,455,288  $233,378  $749,213  $409,943  $60.20  $118.36  $(44,836 $29,987 

(1)

James A. Blome served as our principal executive officer (“PEO”) for all of 2020 and from January 1, 2021 through February 18, 2021. Yves Ribeill served as our PEO from February 19, 2021 until July 26, 2021. Michael Carr served as our PEO from July 27, 2021 through December 31, 2021 and for all of 2022. For 2020, our non-PEO named executive officers (“NEOs”) included William Koschak and Travis Frey. For 2021, our non-PEO NEOs included William Koschak and Debra Frimerman. For 2022, our non-PEO NEOs included William Koschak, Travis Frey and Debra Frimerman.

(2)

For each of 2022, 2021 and 2020, the values included in this column for the compensation actually paid to each of Michael Carr, Yves Ribeill and James Blome and the average compensation actually paid to our

Non-PEO NEOs reflect the following adjustments to the values included in column (b-1), (b-2), (b-3) and column (d), respectively:

Michael Carr

  2022   2021 

Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO (column (b-1))

  $1,514,006   $2,533,914 

- SCT “Stock Awards” column value

  $(495,923  $(1,346,500

- SCT “Option Awards” column value

  $(474,522  $(503,306

+ year-end fair value of equity awards granted in the covered year that are outstanding and unvested as of the covered year-end

  $93,977   $1,057,766 

- year-over-year change in fair value of equity awards granted in prior years that are outstanding and unvested as of the covered year-end

  $(841,789  $—   

- vesting date fair value of equity awards granted and vested in the covered year

  $—     $—   

- year-over-year change in fair value of equity awards granted in prior years that vested in the covered year

  $(118,423  $—   

- fair value as of prior-year end of equity awards granted in prior years that failed to vest in the covered year

  $—     $   

+ dollar value of dividends/earnings paid on equity awards in the covered year

  $—     $—   

Compensation Actually Paid to Michael Carr (column (c-1))

  $(322,674  $1,741,874 

Yves Ribeill

  2021 

Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO (column (b-2))

  $594,230 

- SCT “Stock Awards” column value

  $(515,077

- SCT “Option Awards” column value

  $(29,153

+ year-end fair value of equity awards granted in the covered year that are outstanding and unvested as of the covered year-end

  $200,668 

- year-over-year change in fair value of equity awards granted in prior years that are outstanding and unvested as of the covered year-end

  $(28,762

+ vesting date fair value of equity awards granted and vested in the covered year

  $122,231 

- year-over-year change in fair value of equity awards granted in prior years that vested in the covered year

  $(3,190

- fair value as of prior-year end of equity awards granted in prior years that failed to vest in the covered year

  $—   

+ dollar value of dividends/earnings paid on equity awards in the covered year

  $—   

Compensation Actually Paid to Yves Ribeill (column (c-2))

  $340,947 

James A. Blome

  2021   2020 

Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO (column (b-3))

  $670,298   $1,455,288 

- SCT “Stock Awards” column value

  $—     $—   

- SCT “Option Awards” column value

  $—     $(543,609

+ year-end fair value of equity awards granted in the covered year that are outstanding and unvested as of the covered year-end

  $—     $463,750 

- year-over-year change in fair value of equity awards granted in prior years that are outstanding and unvested as of the covered year-end

  $—     $(987,708

+ vesting date fair value of equity awards granted and vested in the covered year

  $—     $—   

- year-over-year change in fair value of equity awards granted in prior years that vested in the covered year

  $—     $(154,343

- fair value as of prior-year end of equity awards granted in prior years that failed to vest in the covered year

  $(1,703,557  $—   

+ dollar value of dividends/earnings paid on equity awards in the covered year

  $—     $—   

Compensation Actually Paid to James Blome (column (c-3))

  $(1,033,259  $233,378 

AVERAGE FOR NON-PEO NEOS

  2022   2021   2020 

Average SCT Total for Non-PEO NEOs

  $856,101   $636,031   $749,213 

- SCT “Stock Awards” column value

  $(278,855  $(148,925  $—   

- SCT “Option Awards” column value

  $(242,053  $(147,417  $(295,102

+ year-end fair value of equity awards granted in the covered year that are outstanding and unvested as of the covered year-end

  $50,806   $66,965   $251,750 

- year-over-year change in fair value of equity awards granted in prior years that are outstanding and unvested as of the covered year-end

  $(110,790  $(263,461  $(275,923

+ vesting date fair value of equity awards granted and vested in the covered year

  $—     $—     $—   

+/- year-over-year change in fair value of equity awards granted in prior years that vested in the covered year

  $(59,088  $25,607   $(19,995

- fair value as of prior-year end of equity awards granted in prior years that failed to vest in the covered year

  $(58,242  $—     $—   

+ dollar value of dividends/earnings paid on equity awards in the covered year

  $—     $—     $—   

+ excess fair value for equity award modifications

  $—     $—     $—   

Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs (column (e))

  $157,879   $168,800   $409,943 

(3)

This column reflects the fair value and changes in fair value of RSUs as described in the tables in this proxy statement, based on the stock price on the date of grant or other measurement date as calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. This column also reflects the fair value and changes in fair value of PSUs as described in the tables in this proxy statement. The PSUs have been valued based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions as of the last day of the fiscal year. For PSUs granted to Michael Carr in 2021 and James Blome, William Koschak, and Debra Frimerman in 2019, the changes in fair market value subsequent to grant date have estimated using the grant date fair value and adjusting that amount for changes in the stock price from that date to the measurement date for this table. The amounts do not correspond to the actual value that will be realized by the NEOs.

(4)

For each of 2022, 2021 and 2020, total shareholder return for the Company and the peer group was calculated as the yearly percentage change in cumulative total shareholder return based on a deemed fixed investment of $100 at market close on December 31, 2019, assuming dividend reinvestment. For purposes of this pay versus performance disclosure, our peer group is the Russell 2000 Index (the “Peer Group”).Because fiscal years are presented in the table in reverse chronical order (from top to bottom), the table should be read from bottom to top for purposes of understanding cumulative returns over time.

(5)

Cash Balance is defined as cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short term investments as reported in the Company’s audited consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020.

Pay Versus Performance Relationship Descriptions

The following graphical comparisons provide descriptions of the relationships between certain figures included in the Pay Versus Performance table for each of 2022, 2021, and 2020, including: (a) a comparison between our cumulative total shareholder return and the total shareholder return of the Peer Group; and (b) comparisons between (i) the compensation actually paid to the PEOs and the average compensation actually paid to our non-PEO NEOs and (ii) each of the performance measures set forth in columns (f), (h) and (i) of the Pay Versus Performance table.

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Tabular List

The following table lists the three financial and non-financial performance measures that we believe represent the most important performance measures we use to link compensation actually paid to our NEOs for fiscal 2022 to our performance:

Cash Balance
Innovation
Collaboration

For additional details about the performance measures, see the section entitled “Executive Compensation — Elements of Compensation” of this proxy statement.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth the amount of compensation we paid to ourCalyxt’s directors during ourCalyxt’s fiscal year 2021. Our directors each received a cash stipend of $50,000 per year for Board service. Each committee chair also received additional cash compensation for such service in that year in the amounts of $7,500 for the chair of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee, $12,500 to the chair of the Compensation Committee, and $15,000 to the chair of the Audit Committee. Cash compensation is pro-rated based upon the date a director joins the Board.2022. The Board has determined there will be no cash stipends paid for Board service in 2022. Directors also receive equity compensation upon joining the Board and each year for their service. Directors received grants of stock options and RSUs in 20212022 for service in amounts determined by the Board. Mr. Arthaud elected not to not receive compensation for his Board service during 2021. In 2021,2022. Mr. Carr does not receive any additional compensation for his Board service.

 

Name

  Fees
Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)
   Stock
Awards
($) (1)
   Option
Awards
($) (2)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
   Total ($) 

Laurent Arthaud

  $—     $—     $—     $—     $—   

Michael Carr (3)

   —      —      —      —      —   

Philippe Dumont (4)

   50,000    30,401    29,153    —      109,554 

Jonathan B. Fassberg (4)

   50,000    30,401    29,153    —      109,554 

Anna Ewa Kozicz-Stankiewicz (5)

   57,500    30,401    36,150    —      124,051 

Kimberly K. Nelson (6)

   65,000    30,401    43,147    —      138,548 

Christopher J. Neugent (7)

   62,500    70,651    40,816    —      173,967 

Yves J. Ribeill, Ph.D. (8)

   —      —      —      —      —   

Name

  Fees
Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)
   Stock
Awards
($)(1)
   Option
Awards
($)(2)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
   Total ($) 

Laurent Arthaud

  $—     $—     $—     $—     $—   

Michael Carr(3)

   —      —      —      —      —   

Philippe Dumont(4)

   —      —      7,430    —      7,430 

Jonathan B. Fassberg(4)

   —      —      7,430    —      7,430 

Anna Ewa Kozicz-Stankiewicz(5)

   —      —      7,930    —      7,930 

Kimberly K. Nelson(6)

   —      —      8,430    —      8,430 

Christopher J. Neugent(7)

   —      —      8,271    —      8,271 

Yves J. Ribeill, Ph.D.(8)

   —      —      10,725    —      10,725 

 

(1)

This column reflects the fair valueNo RSU awards were granted to Calyxt’s non-employee directors in 2022. As of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance stock units (“PSUs”) granted in 2021 and 2020 based on the stock price on the date of grant. These amounts reflect our accounting expense for these awards and do not correspond to the actual value that will be realized by the NEOs. Amounts listed in this column are calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, as disclosed in Note 6 “Stock-Based Compensation” to our audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.2022, Mr. Fassberg held 5,880 RSUs and Mr. Neugent held 5,880 RSUs.

(2)

This column reflects the fair value of stock options granted in 20212022 based on their grant date fair value calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. As of December 31, 2022, Calyxt’s directors held stock options for the following number of shares of Calyxt’s common stock: (i) Mr. Dumont, 84,891 shares, (ii) Mr. Fassberg, 82,391 shares, (iii) Ms. Kozicz, 87,061 shares, (iv) Ms. Nelson, 114,831 shares, (v) Mr. Neugent, 92,708 shares, and (vi) Dr. Ribeill, 269,991 shares.

(3)

For Mr. Carr was appointed to the Board in July 2021 upon joining the Company as its President and ChiefCarr’s share information, see Executive Officer. Information for Mr. Carr can be found in the Executive Compensation table.Compensation.

(4)

Mr. Dumont and Mr. Fassberg each received 7,204 RSUs andwere granted options to purchase 10,29132,700 shares of common stock with a grant date of May 27, 2021.on June 13, 2022.

(5)

Ms. Kozicz received 7,204 RSUs andwas granted options to purchase 12,76134,900 shares of common stock with a grant date of May 27, 2021.on June 13, 2022.

(6)

Ms. Nelson received 7,204 RSUs andwas granted options to purchase 15,23137,100 shares of common stock with a grant date of May 27, 2021.on June 13, 2022.

(7)

Mr. Neugent received 7,204 RSUs andwas granted options to purchase 14,40836,400 shares of common stock with a grant date of May 27, 2021. Additionally, Mr. Neugent received 5,000 RSUs with grant date of March 12, 2021.on June 13, 2022.

(8)

Information for Dr. Ribeill can be found in the Executive Compensation table.was granted options to purchase 47,200 shares of common stock on June 13, 2022.

As of December 31, 2021, our directors held RSUs for the following number of shares of our common stock: (i) Mr. Dumont, 11,124, RSUs, (ii) Mr. Fassberg, 17,004 RSUs, (iii) Ms. Kozicz, 11,124 RSUs, (iv) Ms. Nelson, 7,204 RSUs, and (v) Mr. Neugent, 22,204 RSUs. For Mr. Carr and Dr. Ribeill share information, see Executive Compensation.

As of December 31, 2021, our directors held stock options for the following number of shares of our common stock: (i) Mr. Dumont, 52,191 shares, (ii) Mr. Fassberg, 49,691 shares, (iii) Ms. Kozicz, 52,161 shares, (iv) Ms. Nelson, 77,731 shares, and (v) Mr. Neugent, 56,308 shares. For Mr. Carr and Dr. Ribeill share information, see Executive Compensation.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

During 2021,2022, the following directors served as a member of our Compensation Committee: Mr. Arthaud, Mr. Dumont, Mr. Neugent (chair), and Dr. Ribeill. Other than Dr. Ribeill,During 2022, no member of our Compensation Committee was an officer or employee of Calyxt during 2021 orCalyxt. Other than Dr. Ribeill, no member of our Compensation Committee was formerly an officer of Calyxt.the Company. Dr. Ribeill served as our interim Chief Executive Officer from August 2018 until October 2018 and as Executive Chair from February 2021 until August 2021. During 2020,2022, none of our executive officers served as a member of the Compensation Committee (or other committee performing similar functions) or as a director of any other entity of which an executive officer served on ourthe Board or ourthe Compensation Committee. None of the directors who served on our Compensation Committee during 20212022 has any relationship requiring disclosure under this caption under SEC rules.

PROPOSAL NO. 2 — APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

As required under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Section 14A of the Exchange Act, the Company is asking stockholders to cast a nonbinding, advisory vote to approve the compensation of its named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to SEC rules, the executive compensation tables and related compensation disclosures included in this Proxy Statement. The advisory resolution below, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives stockholders the opportunity to express their views about the compensation the Company pays to its named executive officers, as described in this Proxy Statement.

The resolution is required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act. The resolution is not intended to indicate your approval of the matters disclosed under the heading “Risks Related to Compensation Policies and Practices” or future “golden parachute” payments. We will seek shareholder approval of any “golden parachute” payments at the time of any transaction triggering those payments to the extent required by applicable law.

Calyxt’s compensation program is designed to recognize the level of responsibility of an executive within Calyxt, taking into account the NEO’s role and expected leadership within Calyxt’s organization, and to encourage and reward decisions and actions that have a positive impact on Calyxt’s overall performance. Before you vote, please review the section captioned “Executive Compensation” above, which section describes the Company’s named executive officer pay programs and the rationale behind the decisions made by the Board and Compensation Committee.

You may vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” the resolution or “ABSTAIN” from voting on the resolution. The result of the say-on-pay proposal will not be binding on the Company or the Board; however, the Board values the views of its stockholders.

We ask you to vote “FOR” the following resolution which will be presented by the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting:

RESOLVED, that the stockholders of Calyxt, Inc. approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.”

If no voting specification is made on a properly returned or voted proxy card, the proxies named on the proxy card will vote “FOR” the approval, on a nonbinding, advisory basis, of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement and described in this say-on-pay proposal.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL, ON A NONBINDING, ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.

PROPOSAL NO. 3 — APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE FREQUENCY OF FUTURE VOTES TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

As required pursuant to Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act, we are providing our stockholders with the opportunity to vote to approve on an advisory basis the frequency of future stockholders advisory votes to approve the compensation of our Named Executive Officers.

Stockholders are being asked to vote on whether future stockholders advisory votes to approve the compensation of our Named Executive Officers should occur every one, two or three years. You will also have the choice to abstain from voting on this proposal.

We believe that a one year frequency is consistent with the Company’s approach to compensation. We believe an annual advisory vote gives the Board and the Compensation Committee the opportunity to annually evaluate compensation decisions in light of ongoing stockholder feedback.

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE OPTION OF “ONE YEAR” AS THE FREQUENCY FOR WHICH STOCKHOLDERS ARE TO PROVIDE FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.

PROPOSAL NO. 4 — RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP

Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”) has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since 2015. The Audit Committee has approved the engagement of EY to perform audit and audit-related services with respect to the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, and the Board has directed that management submit the selection of EY as Calyxt’s independent registered public accounting firm for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting as part of this Proposal 4. The Audit Committee’s selection process includes consideration of the following factors: continuity of experience with our business, internal controls, and technical accounting experience; independence; history of and reputation for thoroughness, accuracy, excellence, and integrity; and reasonableness of fees. In the event the stockholders do not ratify the reappointment of EY, the Audit Committee will reconsider the selection.

Representatives of EY will be present at the Annual Meeting. They will be given an opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and they will be available to respond to appropriate questions after the meeting.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.

RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Pre-Approval of Accounting Services

The Audit Committee has established a policy regarding pre-approval of audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. Under that policy, the Audit Committee must approve the services to be rendered and fees to be charged by our independent registered public accounting firm. Unless a type of service has received general pre-approval, it will require specific pre-approval of the Audit Committee if it is to be provided by the independent auditor. The Audit Committee may establish pre-approval fee limits for all services to be provided by the independent accountant. The Audit Committee must then approve, in advance, any services or fees exceeding those pre-approved levels, subject to the de minimis exception set forth in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee pre-approved all services and fees charged by Ernst & Young LLP to the Company in 2022 and 2021.

The Audit Committee has delegated to its Chair the authority to grant separate pre-approvals of services and fees in accordance with the pre-approval policy. The Audit Committee may further delegate pre-approval authority from time to time to one or more of its other members in its discretion.

Fees Billed by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2021

The following table presents aggregate fees (including related expenses) for services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2022  2021 

Audit Fees

  $270,000  $280,000 

Audit-Related Fees

   —     5,500 

Tax Fees

   —     —   

All Other Fees

   140,225(1)   139,800(2) 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $410,225  $425,300 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)

Represents work performed primarily in association with the Company’s February 2022 underwritten public offering of shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase Common Stock, the issuances of Common Stock under its Open Market Sale AgreementSM with Jefferies LLC, its filing of a Form S-3 registration statement, and the adoption of the lease accounting standard.

(2)

Represents work performed primarily in association with the Company’s issuances of Common Stock under the Company’s Open Market Sale AgreementSM with Jefferies LLC and other public company matters.

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

This report of the Audit Committee is required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and, in accordance with the SEC’s rules, will not be deemed to be part of or incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference, and will not otherwise be deemed “soliciting material” or “filed” under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

The principal purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in its general oversight of our accounting practices, system of internal controls, audit processes, and financial reporting processes. The Audit Committee is responsible for appointing and retaining our independent auditor and approving the audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditor. The Audit Committee’s function is more fully described in its charter.

Our management is responsible for preparing our financial statements and ensuring they are complete and accurate and prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. EY, our independent registered public accounting firm for 2022, was responsible for performing an independent audit of our consolidated financial statements and expressing an opinion on the conformity of those financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles.

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, with management and with our independent auditor, EY. These audited financial statements are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (“Annual Report”).

The Audit Committee has also discussed with EY the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and the SEC.

The Audit Committee also has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from EY required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding EY’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed with EY its independence from us.

Based on the review and discussions described above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report for filing with the SEC.

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

Ms. Kimberly K. Nelson (Chair)

Mr. Philippe Dumont

Mr. Jonathan B. Fassberg

Ms. Anna Ewa Kozicz-Stankiewicz

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 6, 2022,March 10, 2023, for:

 

each person whom we know to own beneficially more than 5% of our common stock;

 

each director and named executive officer individually; and

 

all directors and executive officers as a group.

In accordance with the rules of the SEC, beneficial ownership includes voting or investment power with respect to securities and includes the shares that may be acquired within 60 days of the date for which information is presented. Shares that may be acquired within 60 days are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding such rights but are not outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage of any other person. The percentage of beneficial ownership for the following table is based on 42,768,16349,544,492 shares of Calyxt common stock outstanding as of April 6, 2022.March 10, 2023.

Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each listed director and named executive officer is c/o Calyxt, 2800 Mount Ridge Road, Roseville, MN 55113. The address of Cellectis is 8, rue de la Croix Jarry, 75013, Paris, France.

 

   Calyxt Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
 

Name of Beneficial Owner

  Number of Shares   Percentage of Class 

5% Beneficial Owners:

    

Cellectis S.A. (1)

   23,963,175    56.03

FMR LLC (2)

   2,811,480    6.57

Armistice Capital Master Fund Ltd. (3)

   4,272,539    9.99
   Calyxt Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
 

Name of Beneficial Owner

  Number
of Shares
   Percentage
of
Class
 

5% Beneficial Owners:

    

Cellectis S.A.(1)

   23,963,175    48.4

Armistice Capital Master Fund Ltd.(2)

   7,760,000    15.7

 

   Calyxt Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
 

Name of Beneficial Owner

  Number of Shares   Percentage of Class 

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

    

Laurent Arthaud

   —      * 

Philippe Dumont (4)

   65,396    * 

Jonathan B. Fassberg (5)

   48,361    * 

Anna Ewa Kozicz-Stankiewicz (6)

   62,816    * 

Kimberly K. Nelson (7)

   49,685    * 

Christopher J. Neugent (8)

   73,312    * 

Yves J. Ribeill, Ph.D. (9)

   297,736    * 

James A. Blome

   40,909    * 

Michael A. Carr

   10,000    * 

Debra Frimerman (10)

   79,497    * 

William F. Koschak (11)

   149,727    * 

Directors and current executive officers as a group (11 persons) (12)

   958,332    2.2
   Calyxt Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
 

Name of Beneficial Owner

  Number
of Shares
   Percentage
of
Class
 

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

    

Laurent Arthaud

   —      * 

Philippe Dumont(3)

   75,512    * 

Jonathan B. Fassberg(4)

   60,827    * 

Anna Ewa Kozicz-Stankiewicz(5)

   72,832    * 

Kimberly K. Nelson(6)

   63,185    * 

Christopher J. Neugent(7)

   86,612    * 

Yves J. Ribeill, Ph.D.(8)

   311,057    * 

Michael A. Carr(9)

   443,301    * 

William F. Koschak(10)

   431,388    * 

Travis J. Frey(11)

   326,335    * 

Debra Frimerman(12)

   323,421    * 

Directors and current executive officers as a group (11 persons)(13)

   2,194,470    4.4

 

As of April 6, 2022,March 10, 2023, there were no directors or named executive officers that beneficially owned ordinary shares of Cellectis S.A.

*

Represents beneficial ownershipsownership of less than one percent of our outstanding shares of common stock.

(1)

Based upon an Amendment No. 46 to Schedule 13D filed by Cellectis with the SEC on October 16, 2020,January 13, 2023, in which Cellectis reports sole voting power over 23,963,175 shares and sole dispositive power over 23,963,175 shares.

(2)

Based upon an Amendment No. 3 to Schedule 13G filed by FMR LLC and Abigail P. Johnson on February 8, 2022, wherein such reporting persons report sole voting power over 1,307,287Represents 7,760,000 shares and sole dispositive power over 2,811,480 shares. Abigail P. Johnson is a director, the chairman and the chief executive officer of FMR LLC. Members of the Johnson family, including Abigail P. Johnson, are the predominant owners, directly or through trusts, of Series B votingunderlying common shares of FMR LLC, representing 49% of the voting power of FMR LLC. FMR LLC is the parent company of Fidelity Management & Research Company, which carries out the voting of shares owned by various Fidelity funds under written guidelines established by the Fidelity funds’ boards of trustees. The address of Fidelity Management & Research Company is 245 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.

(3)

Includes 1,837,155 sharesstock warrants held by Armistice Capital Master Fund Ltd. (“Master Fund”) and 2,435,384 shares that grant the Master Fund has the right to acquire upon exercise of the outstanding pre-fundedcommon stock warrants within 60 days of April 6, 2022,March 10, 2023, which warrants are subject to a beneficial ownership limitation that precludes the Master Fund from exercising any portion of them to the extent that, following the exercise, the Master Fund’s ownership of the Company’s common stockCalyxt Common Stock would exceed 9.99% of the total number of the CompanyCalyxt, Inc. outstanding shares. The reported securities are directly owned by the Master Fund, a Cayman Islands exempted company, and may be deemed to be indirectly beneficially owned by (i) Armistice Capital, LLC (“Armistice Capital”), as the investment manager of the Master Fund; and (ii) Steven Boyd, as the Managing Member of Armistice Capital. Each of Armistice Capital and Mr. Boyd disclaim beneficial ownership of the reported securities except to the extent of their respective pecuniary interests therein, and this report shall not be deemed an admission that either of them are the beneficial owners of the securities for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, or for any other purpose.

(4)(3)

Includes 40,32247,898 shares of Calyxt common stockCommon Stock that Mr. Dumont has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of April 6, 2022, and 7,204 RSUs expected to lapse within 60 days of April 6, 2022.March 10, 2023.

(5)(4)

Includes 30,37738,923 shares of Calyxt common stockCommon Stock that Mr. Fassberg has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of April 6, 2022,March 10, 2023, and 7,204980 RSUs expected to lapse within 60 days of April 6, 2022.March 10, 2023.

(6)(5)

Includes 41,66748,743 shares of Calyxt common stockCommon Stock that Ms. Kozicz has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of April 6, 2022, and 7,204 RSUs expected to lapse within 60 days of April 6, 2022.March 10, 2023.

(7)(6)

Includes 42,48155,981 shares of Calyxt common stockCommon Stock that Ms. Nelson has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of April 6, 2022, and 7,204 RSUs expected to lapse within 60 days of April 6, 2022.March 10, 2023.

(8)(7)

Includes 35,32844,708 shares of Calyxt common stockCommon Stock that Mr. Neugent has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of April 6, 2022,March 10, 2023, and 7,204980 RSUs expected to lapse within 60 days of April 6, 2022.March 10, 2023.

(9)(8)

Includes 201,999211,832 shares of Calyxt common stockCommon Stock that Dr. Ribeill has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of April 6, 2022,March 10, 2023.

(9)

Includes 189,166 shares of Calyxt Common Stock that Mr. Carr has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 10, 2023, and 18,73068,333 RSUs expected to lapse within 60 days of April 6, 2022.March 10, 2023.

(10)

Includes 75,666270,164 shares of Calyxt commonCommon Stock that Mr. Koschak has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 10, 2023, and 39,333 RSUs expected to lapse within 60 days of March 10, 2023.

(11)

Includes 191,832 shares of Calyxt Common Stock that Dr. Frey has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 10, 2023, and 38,833 RSUs expected to lapse within 60 days of March 10, 2023.

(12)

Includes 193,832 shares of Calyxt Common Stock that Ms. Frimerman has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of April 6, 2022.

(11)

Includes 126,332 shares of Calyxt common stock that Mr. Koschak has the rightMarch 10, 2023, and 39,666 RSUs expected to acquire upon the exercise of stock optionslapse within 60 days of April 6, 2022.March 10, 2023.

(12)(13)

Calyxt, Inc. amounts include 668,3381,293,079 shares of Calyxt common stockCommon Stock the directors and current executive officers have the right to acquire upon the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of April 6, 2022.March 10, 2023. Calyxt, Inc. amounts also include 54,750188,125 RSUs expected to lapse within 60 days of April 6, 2022.March 10, 2023.

DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and officers and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC, and to furnish us with copies of the reports. Specific due dates for these reports are prescribed by SEC rules and we are required to report in this Proxy Statement any failure by directors, officers, or 10% holders to file such reports on a timely basis. Based on our review of such reports and written representations from our directors and officers, we believe that all such filing requirements were timely met during 2021, except that Dr. Frey, Ms. Frimerman, Mr. Neugent, and Mr. Koschak were each late in filing a Form 4 to report the grant of RSUs and stock options on March 12, 2021. Form 4s were subsequently filed to report these transactions on March 28, 2022.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

In addition to the named executive officer and director compensation arrangements discussed in “Executive Compensation” above, we describe below transactions and series of similar transactions since the beginning of our 20212022 fiscal year and currently proposed transactions, to which we were a party or will be a party, in which:

 

the amounts involved exceeded or will exceed $120,000; and

 

any of our directors, executive officers, or beneficial holders of more than 5% of any class of our capital stock had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

Other than as described below, there have not been, nor are there any currently proposed, transactions or series of similar transactions meeting these criteria to which we have been or will be a party other than compensation arrangements, which are described where required under “Executive Compensation.”

Relationship with Cellectis

Prior to the completion of our initial public offering, we were a wholly owned subsidiary of Cellectis. As of April 6, 2022,March 10, 2023, Cellectis owned approximately 56.03%48.4% of our common stock.

IPO Framework Documents

In connection with our initial public offering, we and Cellectis entered into certain agreements that relate to our relationship with Cellectis and provide a framework for our ongoing relationship. The material agreements are filed as exhibits to Amendment No 1. to our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2022.2023. The discussions below are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of such agreements.

Management Services Agreement

We are party to a management services agreement dated January 1, 2016, with Cellectis and Cellectis, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cellectis, pursuant to which Cellectis and Cellectis, Inc. provide certain services to us, including certain general management, finance, investor relations, communication, legal, intellectual property, human resources and information technology services. In consideration for such services, we pay certain fees, consisting of reimbursement of all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by Cellectis and Cellectis, Inc. in connection with the provision of such services, payment of a mark-up, ranging between zero and 10%, corresponding to a percentage of certain of the costs and expenses, and reimbursement of certain subcontracting costs and expenses.

During the year ended December 31, 2021, we2022, no payments were made nominal payments to Cellectis for services provided under ourthe management services agreement which exclude direct re-invoicing and royalties paid to Cellectis.agreement.

Stockholders Agreement

As of December 31, 2021,2022, Cellectis owned 61.8%49.1% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Pursuant to our stockholders’ agreement, Cellectis will have certain contractual rights for so long as it beneficially owns at least 50 percent of the then outstanding shares of our common stock, including approval rights over a significant number of key aspects of our operations and management. In addition, though their rights are diminished compared to when they own more than 50 percent of our then outstanding common stock, Cellectis will also maintainmaintains certain significant rights, including a right to nominate a majority of our board of directors, as long as it beneficially owns at least 15 percent of the then outstanding shares of our common stock. As a result, Cellectis controls the direction of our business, and the concentrated ownership of our common stock and the contractual rights described above will prevent stockholders from influencing significant decisions.

License Agreement with Cellectis

Through our perpetual license agreement with Cellectis, we have (i) access to intellectual property that broadly covers the use of engineered nucleases for plant gene editing, (ii) exclusive sublicense rights (subject to existing

non-exclusive sublicenses to third parties) to intellectual property exclusively licensed to Cellectis from the University of Minnesota in the field of researching, developing, and commercializing agricultural and food products, and (iii) a non-exclusive license to use the TALEN trademark in connection with our use of licensed products under the agreement. In consideration for the license from Cellectis, we are required to pay to Cellectis, on a product-by-product and country-by-country basis, a royalty of three percent of net sales less certain items as defined, including costs for grain and seed of any products that are covered by the patents licensed from Cellectis. In addition, we are required to pay Cellectis 30 percent of revenue we receive for sublicensing our rights under the agreement to third parties. Our payment obligations to Cellectis will expire upon the expiration of the last-to-expire valid claim of the patents licensed to us by Cellectis.

During the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, Calyxt incurred expenses related to the stated license agreements with Cellectis in the amount of $0.2 million.

Lease Guarantee and Indemnification

Cellectis has guaranteed the lease agreement for Calyxt’s headquarters. Cellectis’ guarantee of Calyxt’s obligations under the lease will terminate at the end of the second consecutive calendar year in which Calyxt’s tangible net worth exceeds $300 million. Calyxt agreed to indemnify Cellectis for any obligations incurred by Cellectis under its guaranty of the obligations under the lease, effective upon Cellectis’ ownership falling to 50 percent or less of Calyxt’s outstanding common stock. This indemnification obligation was triggered in October 2022.

Indemnification Agreements

Our Board has adopted a policy to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers. Such indemnification agreements and our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws will require us, subject to certain exceptions, to indemnify and hold harmless our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.

Policy Concerning Related Person Transactions

We maintain a written related person transaction approval policy, for the review of any transaction, arrangement, or relationship in which we are a participant, if the amount involved exceeds $100,000 and one of our executive officers, directors, director nominees, or beneficial holders of more than 5% of our total equity (or their immediate family members), each of whom we refer to as a related person, has a direct or indirect material interest. This policy was not in effect when we entered into the management, stockholders, or license agreements with Cellectis described above.

Each of the agreements between us and Cellectis that were entered into in connection with our initial public offering, and any transactions contemplated thereby, were and will be deemed approved under and not subject to the terms of such policy. Any future amendment to such agreements would be subject to our related person transaction approval policy. If a related person, other than Cellectis and its affiliates, proposes to enter into such a transaction, arrangement, or relationship, which we refer to as a related person transaction, the related person must report the proposed related person transaction to the General Counsel, who will present the proposed related party transaction to the Audit Committee. The policy calls for the proposed related person transaction to be reviewed and, if deemed appropriate, approved by the Audit Committee. If the proposed related person transaction involves related persons constituting a majority of the members of the Audit Committee, such review will be undertaken by the disinterested members of the board who are also independent directors (each such body, as applicable, referred to as the “Committee” for the purpose of this paragraph).

In approving or rejecting such proposed transactions, the Committee will be required to consider relevant facts and circumstances. The Committee will approve only those transactions that, considering known circumstances,

are deemed to be in our best interests. If any member of the Committee is not a disinterested person with respect to the related person transaction under review, that member will be excluded from the review and approval or rejection of such related person transaction; provided, however, that such Committee member may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at the meeting of the Committee at which such transaction is considered. If we become aware of an existing related person transaction which has not been approved under the policy, the matter will be referred to the Committee. The Committee will evaluate all options available, including ratification, revision, or termination of such transaction.

DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO STOCKHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS

A number of brokers with account holders who are Calyxt, Inc. stockholders will be “householding” our proxy materials. A single Notice of Internet Availability or, if requested, set of proxy materials or Annual Report may be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be “householding” communications to your address, “householding” will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in “householding” and would prefer to receive a separate Notice of Internet Availability and/or separate proxy statement and Annual Report, please notify your broker and direct your written request to Calyxt, Inc., 2800 Mount Ridge Road, Roseville, MN 55113, Attn: Secretary, or call (651) 683-2807. The Company undertakes to deliver promptly to a stockholder upon such written or oral request a separate Notice of Internet Availability, and, if requested, set of proxy materials or Annual Report. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the proxy materials at their address and would like to request “householding” of their communications should contact their broker.

OTHER MATTERS

The Board of Directors knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

/s/ Michael A. Carr

President & Chief Executive Officer
Roseville, Minnesota

Dated: , 2022March 22, 2023

APPENDIX A

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

TO THE

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

CALYXT, INC.

Calyxt, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, does hereby certify as follows:

LOGO

 

BROADRIDGE CORPORATE ISSUER SOLUTIONS

C/O CALYXT, INC.

P.O. BOX 1342

BRENTWOOD, NY 11717

(1)

  LOGO

VOTE BY INTERNET

Before The nameMeeting - Go to www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the Corporationday before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CLXT2023

You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is Calyxt, Inc (the “Corporation”).printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions.

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

 

(2)

The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on July 25, 2017.

(3)

Pursuant to and in accordance with Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, this Certificate of Amendment hereby further amends the provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation to amend and restate in its entirety Section 1 of Article 4 as follows:

“Section 1. The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 325,000,000, consisting of 275,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”). Upon filing and effectiveness of this Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of Delaware (the “Effective Time”), every [●]1 issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock shall without further action by this Corporation or the holder thereof be combined into and automatically become one share of Common Stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The number of authorized shares of Common Stock of the Corporation and the par value of the Common Stock shall remain as set forth in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. No fractional shares shall be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. In lieu of any fractional shares to which a stockholder would otherwise be entitled (after taking into account all fractional shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable to such holder), all fractional shares resulting from the Reverse Stock Split shall be rounded up to the nearest whole share. The capital of the Corporation will not be reduced under or by reason of any amendment herein certified.”

(4)

This Certificate of Amendment shall become effective as of [                ] at [a.m./p.m.].

(5)

This Certificate of Amendment was duly proposed and adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Corporation’s outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon.

* * * * *

1

To be a whole number of shares of Calyxt’s Common Stock between and including 2 and 10. If the reverse stock split proposal is approved by stockholders, the Certificate of Amendment filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware will include only that reverse stock split ratio determined by Calyxt’s Board of Directors to be in the best interests of Calyxt and its stockholders.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been executed by a duly authorized officer of this Corporation on this day of                     .

CALYXT, INC.
By:
Name:
Title:


LOGO

BROADRIDGE CORPORATE ISSUER SOLUTIONS C/O CALYXT, INC. P.O. BOX 1342 BRENTWOOD, NY 11717 VOTE BY INTERNET Before The Meeting - Go to www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CLXT2022 You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions. VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: D78049-P70692

V04974-P91498                         KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

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DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY CALYXT, INC.Proposals - The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed, FOR Proposal 2 and FOR Proposal 3. 1. Election of Directors: To elect 8 directors for one year and until their successors have been elected and qualified. 1a. Dr. Yves Ribeill 1b. Mr. Laurent Arthaud 1c. Mr. Michael A. Carr 1d. Mr. Philippe Dumont 1e. Mr. Jonathan Fassberg 1f. Ms. Anna Ewa Kozicz-Stankiewicz 1g. Ms. Kimberly Nelson 1h. Mr. Christopher Neugent 2. Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022. 3. Approval of the Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to enable a Reverse Stock Split at the Discretion of the Board of Directors. Please sign your name exactly as it appears hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please add your title as such. When signing as joint tenants, all parties in the joint tenancy must sign. If a signer is a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by duly authorized officer. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date For Withhold for Against Abstain

   CALYXT, INC.

Proposals - The Board of Directors recommends that you

vote FOR the nominees listed in Proposal 1, FOR Proposal 2,

1 YEAR for Proposal 3 and FOR Proposal 4.

1.

Election of Directors: To elect 2 Class I directors for a three-year term and until their successors have been elected and qualified.

ForWithholdForAgainstAbstain

1a. Mr. Philippe Dumont

4.Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.

1b. Mr. Jonathan Fassberg

For

Against

Abstain

2.

To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the company’s Named Executive Officers.

1 Year2 Years3 YearsAbstain

3.

To approve, on an advisory basis, the frequency of future votes to approve the compensation of the company’s Named Executive Officers.

Please sign your name exactly as it appears hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please add your title as such. When signing as joint tenants, all parties in the joint tenancy must sign. If a signer is a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by duly authorized officer.

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]

Date

Signature (Joint Owners)

Date


LOGO

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Notice and Proxy Statement, Annual Report and Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com.

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V04975-P91498        

Calyxt, Inc.

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS June 1, 2022

May 2, 2023

The undersigned hereby appoints Michael A. Carr, William Koschak and Debra Frimerman, or any of them, each with the power of substitution, to represent and vote the shares of the undersigned, with all the powers which the undersigned would possess if personally present, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Calyxt, Inc. to be held on June 1, 2022May 2, 2023 or at any postponement or adjournment thereof.

Shares represented by this Proxy will be voted as directed by the stockholder. If no such directions are indicated, the Proxies will have authority to vote FOR the election ofin accordance with the Board of Directors, FOR Proposal 2 and FOR Proposal 3. Directors’ recommendations.

PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED REPLY ENVELOPE

CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE D78050-P70692