Posted: 05/24/2025 03:54 am
PepGen Inc., a pharmaceutical preparations company listed on NASDAQ under the symbol PEPG, is currently facing scrutiny from investors as multiple law firms investigate potential claims on behalf of its shareholders. Amidst this backdrop of legal inquiries, it's revealing to examine the compensation trends of the company’s top executives, which have been substantial in recent years.
In 2024, Paul Streck, M.D., M.B.A., the Executive Vice President, Head of Research & Development at PepGen, received a notable total compensation package of approximately $2.07 million. This included a $194,886 salary and a $132,000 bonus. However, the most significant portion of his compensation came in the form of option awards, valued at $1,739,534, indicating a strong emphasis on stock options in rewarding key company figures^1.
Comparatively, in 2023, Noel P. Donnelly, M.B.A., the Chief Financial Officer, was awarded a total compensation of around $1.97 million. His compensation was similarly structured, with a base salary of $450,341 and a $144,000 bonus, supplemented by option awards amounting to $1,369,310^2. This pattern of substantial option awards was also seen in 2022 when Donnelly's total compensation was approximately $1.98 million, with a majority derived from options valued at $1,333,702^3.
The emphasis on option awards in PepGen's executive compensation underscores the company's strategy to align managerial interests with shareholder value appreciation. However, the current decrease in the company's stock price, which recently traded at $1.46, down 0.68% from the previous day and significantly lower than its year high of $19.298^6, poses questions on the long-term effectiveness of this strategy.
Compounding these concerns is the ongoing investigation by Pomerantz LLP, which has issued several alerts to PepGen investors. These alerts are urging shareholders to contact the firm regarding potential claims, indicating growing legal scrutiny^4. This investigation, alongside PepGen's challenging stock performance, could impact investor confidence, particularly if allegations are found to be substantial^5.
As PepGen navigates through these challenges, the scrutiny over executive pay remains a crucial topic, particularly given the significant disparity between the compensation and the current stock performance and market conditions. The outcomes of the investigations and how they influence PepGen’s strategies, including its executive compensation framework, will be critical for stakeholders to monitor closely in the coming months.
:
1. [PepGen Inc. 2024 PEPG Executive Compensation Report](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1835597/000095017025058337/0000950170-25-058337-index.htm)
2. [PepGen Inc. 2023 PEPG Executive Compensation Report](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1835597/000095017024049083/0000950170-24-049083-index.htm)
3. [PepGen Inc. 2022 PEPG Executive Compensation Report](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1835597/000095017023015751/0000950170-23-015751-index.htm)
4. [Pomerantz LLP Shareholder Alert, April 25, 2025](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/04/25/3068626/1087/en/INVESTOR-ALERT-Pomerantz-Law-Firm-Investigates-Claims-On-Behalf-of-Investors-of-PepGen-Inc-PEPG.html)
5. [Pomerantz LLP Shareholder Alerts, February 2025](https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/investor-alert-pomerantz-law-firm-investigates-claims-on-behalf-1015333)
6. [PepGen Stock Performance Data](https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/pepg)
