QUANTUM CORPORATION
2023 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
As Amended through June 27, 2024
1.Purposes of the Plan; Award Types. The purposes of this Plan are to attract, retain and incentivize the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, and to promote the success of the Company’s business. The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, and Performance Awards.
2.Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions will apply:
(a) “Administrator” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) of the Plan.
(b) “Affiliate” means any corporation or any other entity (including, but not limited to, partnerships and joint ventures) controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company.
(c) “Applicable Laws” means the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards, including but not limited to the related issuance of Shares under U.S. federal and state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and, only to the extent applicable with respect to an Award or Awards, the tax, securities, exchange control, and other laws of any jurisdictions other than the United States where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan. Reference to a section of an Applicable Law or regulation related to that section shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation issued under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.
(d) “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or Performance Awards.
(e) “Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(f) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(g) “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i)A change in the ownership of the Company that occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (a “Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (i), (1) the acquisition of beneficial ownership of additional stock by any one Person who is considered to beneficially own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company at the time of the acquisition if the additional stock will not be considered a Change in Control; and (2) if the stockholders of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership
of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, such event shall not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection (i). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership shall include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities;
(ii)A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this subsection (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or
(iii)A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection. For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
For purposes of this definition, Persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
A transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control (x) unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Section 409A, or (y) if its primary purpose is to (A) change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation, or (B) create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.
(h) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(i) “Committee” means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board, or a duly authorized committee of the Board, in accordance with Section 4(a) of the Plan.
(j) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
(k) “Company” means Quantum Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.
(l) “Company Group” means the Company, any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company, and any Affiliate.
(m) “Consultant” means any person engaged by a member of the Company Group to render bona fide services to such entity. A Consultant must be a person to whom the issuance of Shares registered on Form S-8 under the Securities Act is permitted.
(n) “Director” means a member of the Board.
(o) “Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.
(p) “Dividend Equivalent” means a credit, made at the discretion of the Administrator or as otherwise provided by the Plan, to the account of a Participant in an amount equal to the cash dividends paid on one Share for each Share represented by a Restricted Stock Unit (including a Restricted Stock Unit granted as a Performance Award) held by such Participant.
(q) “Effective Date” has the meaning provided in Section 18 of the Plan.
(r) “Employee” means any person, including officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any member of the Company Group. However, with respect to Incentive Stock Options, an Employee must be employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
(s) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(t) “Exchange Program” means a program under which (i) outstanding awards are surrendered or cancelled in exchange for awards of the same type (which may have higher or lower exercise prices and different terms), awards of a different type, and/or cash, (ii) Participants would have the opportunity to transfer for value any outstanding Awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the Administrator (excluding for bona fide estate planning purposes as approved by the Administrator), and/or (iii) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is reduced (for example, the downward “repricing” of an underwater stock option). The term Exchange Program excludes any action permitted under Section 13 of the Plan. The Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of any Exchange Program in its discretion, but only to the extent permitted by the Company’s stockholders.
(u) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:
(i)If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were
reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(ii)If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination (or, if no bids and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last Trading Day such bids and asks were reported), as reported in the Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or
(iii)In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the determination date for the Fair Market Value occurs on a weekend, holiday, or other day other than a Trading Day, the Fair Market Value will be the price as determined under subsections (i) or (ii) above on the immediately preceding Trading Day, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator. In addition, for purposes of determining the Fair Market Value of shares for any reason other than the determination of the Exercise Price of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, Fair Market Value will be determined by the Administrator in a manner compliant with Applicable Laws and applied consistently for such purpose. Note that the determination of Fair Market Value for purposes of tax withholding may be made in the Administrator’s sole discretion subject to Applicable Laws and is not required to be consistent with the determination of Fair Market Value for other purposes.
(v) “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.
(w) “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms qualifies and is otherwise intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(x) “ISO Limit” has the meaning provided in Section 3(c) of the Plan.
(y) “Maximum Share Limit” has the meaning provided in Section 3(a) of the Plan.
(z) “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(aa) “Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
(ab) “Outside Director” means a Director who is not an Employee or Consultant.
(ac) “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(ad) “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.
(ae) “Performance Award” means an Award granted pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine and which may be cash- or stock-denominated and may be settled for cash, Shares, or other securities or a combination of the foregoing.
(af)“Plan” means this 2023 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
(ag) “Prior Plan” means the Quantum Corporation Amended and Restated 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
(ah) “Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to a Restricted Stock award under Section 7 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.
(ai) “Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the Fair Market Value (of one Share or a cash amount), granted pursuant to Section 8 of the Plan. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.
(aj) “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code.
(ak) “Securities Act” means U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(al) “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant. The Company shall determine in good faith and in the exercise of its discretion whether an individual has become or has ceased to be a Service Provider and the effective date of such individual’s status as, or cessation of status as, a Service Provider. For purposes of an individual’s rights, if any, under the Plan as of the time of the Company’s determination, all such determinations by the Company shall be final, binding and conclusive, notwithstanding that the Company or any court of law or governmental agency subsequently makes a contrary determination.
(am) “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.
(an) “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan is designated as a Stock Appreciation Right.
(ao) “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
(ap) “Substitute Awards” means Awards granted or Shares issued by the Company in assumption of, or in substitution or exchange for, awards previously granted, or the right or obligation to make future awards, in each case by a company acquired by the Company Group or with which a member of the Company Group combines.
(aq) “Tax Obligations” means tax and social insurance liability obligations and requirements in connection with the Awards, including (i) all federal, state, and local taxes (including the Participant’s Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) obligation) that are required to be withheld by the Company or the employing Affiliate, (ii) the Participant’s and, to the extent required by the Company (or Affiliate), the Company’s (or Affiliate’s) fringe benefit tax liability, if any, associated with the grant, vesting, or exercise of an Award or sale of Shares, and (iii) any other Company (or Affiliate) taxes or social insurance liabilities the responsibility for which the Participant has, or has agreed to bear, with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof or issuance of Shares thereunder).
(ar) “Trading Day” means a day on which the primary stock exchange or national market system (or other trading platform, as applicable) on which the Common Stock trades is open for trading.
3.Stock Subject to the Plan.
(a)Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of the Plan regarding adjustments, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is 5,000,000 plus (i) any Shares that, as of the date stockholders initially approve the Plan (which was September 12, 2023, the “Approval Date”), have been reserved but not issued pursuant to any awards granted under the Prior Plan and are not subject to any awards granted thereunder, and (ii) any Shares subject to awards granted under the Prior Plan that, after the Approval Date (x) expire or otherwise terminate without having been vested or exercised in full, (y) are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to failure to vest, and (z) would have, but for the termination of the Prior Plan, again become available for future use under the terms of the Prior Plan (the “Maximum Share Limit”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maximum number of Shares to be added to the Plan pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) of the prior sentence shall be equal to 5,957,921 Shares. The Shares may be authorized but unissued Common Stock, or Common Stock issued and then reacquired by the Company.
(b)Share Recycling.
(i)If an Option or SAR expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full or is surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares subject to the Option or SAR will become available for future issuance under the Plan. Upon exercise of a SAR settled in Shares, the gross number of Shares covered by the portion of the Award so exercised, whether or not actually issued pursuant to such exercise will cease to be available under the Plan.
(ii)Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan under any Award will not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the Plan; provided, however, that unvested Shares issued pursuant to Awards that are reacquired by the Company or are forfeited to the Company due to failure to vest will become available for future issuance under the Plan.
(iii)Shares used to pay the exercise price or purchase price of an Award will not become available for future grant and/or sale under the Plan. Shares purchased in the open market with proceeds from Option exercises will not become available for issuance under the Plan.
(iv)Shares used to satisfy the Tax Obligations related to an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units will not become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. Shares used to satisfy the Tax Obligations under an Option or SAR will not become available for future grant or sale under the Plan.
(v)If any portion of an Award is paid to a Participant in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan.
(c)Incentive Stock Option Limit. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 13 of the Plan, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the Maximum Share Limit.
(d)Substitute Awards. In connection with an entity’s merger or consolidation with the Company or the Company’s acquisition of an entity’s property or stock, the Administrator may grant Awards in substitution for any options or other stock or stock-based awards granted before such merger or consolidation by such entity or its affiliate. Substitute Awards may be granted on such terms as the
Administrator deems appropriate, notwithstanding limitations on Awards in the Plan. Substitute Awards will not count against the Maximum Share Limit (nor will Shares subject to a Substitute Award be added to the Shares available for Awards under the Plan as provided above), except that Shares acquired by exercise of substitute Incentive Stock Options will count against the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options under the Plan. Additionally, in the event that a company acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by stockholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of common stock of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the Shares authorized for grant under the Plan (and Shares subject to such Awards shall not be added to the Shares available for Awards under the Plan as provided above); provided that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not Employees, Consultants or Directors prior to such acquisition or combination.
(e)Reservation of Shares; Fractional Shares. The Company shall at all times reserve a number of Shares sufficient to cover the Company’s obligations and contingent obligations to deliver Shares with respect to Awards then outstanding under the Plan (exclusive of any obligations to the extent the Company has the right to settle such rights in cash). Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, no fractional Shares shall be issuable pursuant to the exercise or settlement of Awards under the Plan. The Administrator shall also have the authority to determine whether fractional Shares shall be rounded down or a cash payment shall be made in lieu of fractional Shares.
4.Administration of the Plan.
(a)Administrator. The Plan will be administered by the Board or a Committee consisting of two or more directors of the Company (the “Administrator”). The Board will retain the authority to concurrently administer the Plan with a Committee and may revoke the delegation of some or all authority previously delegated. In addition, to the extent required by the Board, the composition of a Committee responsible for administering the Plan will satisfy such requirements of the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, as applicable, and as the Securities and Exchange Commission may establish for administrators acting under plans intended to qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.
(b)Delegation. To the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, the Board or the Committee may also authorize one or more officers of the Company to designate Employees, other than officers under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, to receive Awards, and/or to determine the number of such Awards to be received by such persons; provided, however, that the Board or the Committee shall specify the total number of Awards that such officers may so award. This delegation may be revoked at any time by the Administrator.
(c)Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, any limitations specified by the Board, and any requirements imposed by Applicable Laws, the Administrator will have the authority, in its sole discretion, to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and make any determinations and perform any actions deemed necessary or advisable to administer the Plan, including:
(i)to determine the Fair Market Value;
(ii)to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;
(iii)to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(iv)to approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan;
(v)to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the method of payment for Shares purchased under any Award, the method for satisfaction of any Tax Obligation arising in connection with an Award, the time or times when Awards may be exercised or settled (which may be based on performance criteria), whether an Award will be settled in Shares, cash or a combination thereof, any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction, limitation or requirement regarding any Award or the Shares relating to an Award (for example, any holding period or ownership requirement);
(vi)to institute and determine the terms and conditions of any Exchange Program with the consent of the Company’s stockholders;
(vii)to establish, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying or facilitating compliance with applicable foreign laws, easing the administration of the Plan and/or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable foreign laws;
(viii)to interpret, modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 19 of the Plan);
(ix)to allow Participants to satisfy Tax Obligations in such manner as prescribed in Section 16 of the Plan;
(x)to delegate ministerial duties to any of the Company’s employees, and to authorize any person to take any steps and execute, on behalf of the Company, any documents required for an Award previously granted by the Administrator to be effective;
(xi)to allow a Participant, in compliance with all Applicable Laws (including Section 409A), to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would otherwise be due to such Participant under an Award;
(xii)to impose such restrictions, conditions or limitations as it determines appropriate as to the timing and manner of any resales by a Participant or other subsequent transfers by the Participant of any Shares issued as a result of or under an Award, including (A) restrictions under an insider trading policy, and (B) restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales or other transfers;
(xiii)to temporarily suspend the exercisability of an Award if the Administrator deems such suspension to be necessary or appropriate for administrative purposes, including in connection with Section 15 of the Plan, provided that, unless prohibited by Applicable Laws,
such suspension not in connection with a transaction described under Section 15 of the Plan shall be lifted not less than ten (10) Trading Days before the last date that the Award may be exercised;
(xiv)to correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award Agreement and to make all other determinations and take such other actions with respect to the Plan or any Award deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.
(d)Effect of Administrator’s Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards and shall be given the maximum deference permitted by Applicable Law.
5.Eligibility and Award Limitations.
(a)Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Performance Awards may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees of the Company or Parent or Subsidiary of the Company.
(b)Fiscal Year Limit on Employee/Consultant Awards. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 13 of the Plan, during any Fiscal Year, no Employee or Consultant will be granted:
(i)Options and/or SARs (including Performance Awards structured as Options or SARs) covering more than a total of 1,000,000 Shares; provided, however, that in connection with his or her initial employment or engagement, such Participant may be granted Options and/or SARs covering an additional 1,000,000 Shares in the Fiscal Year in which his or her service first commences;
(ii)Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units (including Performance Awards structured as Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units) covering more than 750,000 Shares; provided, however, that in connection with his or her initial employment or engagement, such Participant may be granted Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units covering up to a total of 750,000 additional Shares in the Fiscal Year in which his or her service first commences; and
(iii)Cash-denominated Performance Awards having an initial value greater than $10,000,000; provided, however, that in connection with his or her initial employment or engagement, such Participant may be granted additional cash-denominated Performance Awards in the Fiscal Year in which his or her service first commences having an initial value no greater than an additional $10,000,000.
(c)Fiscal Year Limit on Outside Director Awards. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 13 of the Plan, no Outside Director may be granted, in any Fiscal Year, Awards (the value of which will be based on their grant date fair value determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) which, in the aggregate, exceed $500,000, provided that such amount is increased to $750,000 in the Fiscal Year of his or her initial service as an Outside Director. Any Awards or other compensation provided to an individual for his or her services as an Employee, or for his or her services as a Consultant other than as an Outside Director, will be excluded for purposes of applying the preceding limit.
6.Stock Options.
(a)Stock Option Award Agreement. Each Option will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the number of Shares subject to the Option, per share exercise price, its expiration date, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator determines. Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. An Option not designated as an Incentive Stock Option is a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
(b)Term of Option. The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement; provided, however, that the term will be no more than seven (7) years from the date of grant hereof. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.
(c)Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
(i)Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, subject to the following:
(1)In the case of an Incentive Stock Option
(A)granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(B)granted to any Employee other than an Employee described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(2)In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(3)Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code.
(ii)Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.
(iii)Form of Consideration. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such consideration may consist entirely of: (1) cash; (2) check; (3) promissory note, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, (4) other Shares, provided that such Shares have a Fair Market
Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option will be exercised and provided that accepting such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion; (5) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise program (whether through a broker, net exercise program or otherwise) implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; (6) by reduction in the amount of any Company liability to the Participant, (7) by net exercise; (8) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; or (9) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.
(d)Exercise of Option.
(i)Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) a notice of exercise (in such form as the Administrator may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with applicable withholding taxes). Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends, Dividend Equivalents or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to an Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend, Dividend Equivalent or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 13 of the Plan.
Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.
(ii)Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Participant’s termination as the result of the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for ninety (90) days following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will be forfeited and revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Award Agreement, this Plan or the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iii)Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such
period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will be forfeited and revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iv)Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised following the Participant’s death within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death (but in no event may the option be exercised later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement), by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following Participant’s death. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if at the time of death Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will be forfeited and revert to the Plan. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(e)Tolling of Expiration. If exercising an Option prior to its expiration is not permitted because of Applicable Laws, other than the rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted, the Option will remain exercisable until thirty (30) days after the first date on which exercise no longer would be prevented by such provisions; provided, however, that this tolling of expiration shall not apply if and to the extent the holder of such Option is a United States taxpayer and the tolling would result in a violation of Section 409A such that the Option would be subject to additional taxation or interest under Section 409A. If this would result in the Option remaining exercisable past its Expiration Date, then unless earlier terminated pursuant to Section 15 of the Plan relating to a merger or Change in Control, the Option will remain exercisable only until the end of the later of (x) the first day on which its exercise would not be prevented by Section 20(a) of the Plan relating to legal compliance and (y) its expiration date.
(f)Incentive Stock Option Limitations. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), such Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. If for any reason an Option (or portion thereof) designated as an Incentive Stock Option shall not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, then, to the extent of such nonqualification, such Option (or portion thereof) shall be regarded as a Nonstatutory Stock Option granted under the Plan. Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.
(g)No Reload Options. No Option granted under the Plan shall contain any provision entitling the Participant to the automatic grant of additional Options in connection with any exercise of the original Option.
7.Restricted Stock.
(a)Restricted Stock Award Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the number of Shares subject to the Award of Restricted Stock and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator determines. For the avoidance of doubt, Restricted Stock may be granted without any vesting requirements (e.g., vested stock bonuses). Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, Shares of Restricted Stock will be held in escrow while unvested.
(b)Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 7 or Section 12 of the Plan, or the Award Agreement, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable vesting period (if any).
(c)Escrow; Other Restrictions. Restricted Stock may be granted with or without any vesting requirements (e.g., vested stock bonuses). Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, Shares of Restricted Stock will be held in escrow while unvested. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose prior to grant, such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Company as escrow agent will hold Shares of Restricted Stock until the restrictions on such Shares, if any, have lapsed. Shares of Restricted Stock will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the vesting period or at such other time as the Administrator may determine.
(d)Voting Rights. During the vesting period, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.
(e)Dividends and Other Distributions. During the vesting period, Participants holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares, unless the Administrator provides otherwise. Any such dividends or other distributions credited/payable in connection with Shares of Restricted Stock that are not yet vested will be subject to the same restrictions and risk of forfeiture as the underlying Award and will not be paid until the underlying Award vests. At the Administrator’s discretion, the Restricted Stock Award Agreement may require that the holder of Restricted Stock invest any cash dividends received in additional Shares of Restricted Stock. Such additional Shares of Restricted Stock shall be subject to the same conditions as the Award with respect to which the dividend was paid. Shares of Restricted Stock may not receive Dividend Equivalents.
(f)Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and, subject to Section 3 of the Plan, again will become available for grant under the Plan.
8.Restricted Stock Units.
(a)Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock Units will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the number of Restricted Stock Units subject to the Award and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator determines.
(b)Vesting Criteria and Other Terms. The Administrator will set vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participant.
(c)Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of vested Restricted Stock Units will be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement; provided, however, that the timing of payment shall in all cases comply with Section 409A to the extent applicable to the Award. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may settle earned Restricted Stock Units in cash, Shares, or a combination of both.
(d)Voting Rights. Participants shall have no voting rights with respect to Shares represented by Restricted Stock Units until the date of the issuance of such Shares (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company).
(e)Dividend Equivalent Rights. An award of Restricted Stock Units may, at the Administrator’s discretion, include a right to Dividend Equivalents. Such right, if awarded, entitles the Participant to be credited with an amount equal to all cash dividends paid on one Share while the Restricted Stock Unit is outstanding. Settlement of Dividend Equivalents may be made in the form of cash, in the form of Shares, or in a combination of both. Dividend Equivalents may also be converted into additional Restricted Stock Units at the Administrator’s discretion. Dividend Equivalents shall not be distributed prior to settlement of the Restricted Stock Unit to which the Dividend Equivalents pertain. Prior to distribution, any Dividend Equivalents shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions (including any forfeiture conditions) as the Restricted Stock Units to which they attach. The value of Dividend Equivalents payable or distributable with respect to any unvested Restricted Stock Units that do not vest will be forfeited. Any entitlement to Dividend Equivalents or similar entitlements will be established and administered either consistent with an exemption from, or in compliance with, the applicable requirements of Section 409A to the extent applicable to the Participant. All such Dividend Equivalent payments will be made no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the right to the Dividend Equivalent payment becomes nonforfeitable, unless determined otherwise by the Administrator or unless deferred in a manner intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code.
(f)Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the Company and, subject to Section 3 of the Plan, again will become available for grant under the Plan.
9.Stock Appreciation Rights.
(a)Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the number of Shares subject to the Stock Appreciation Right, its per share exercise price, its expiration date, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator determines.
(b)Exercise Price and Other Terms. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right will be determined by the Administrator and will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code. Otherwise, the Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan. Until Shares are issued in respect of a Stock Appreciation Right (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends, Dividend
Equivalents or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to a Stock Appreciation Right.
(c)Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan will expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6(a) of the Plan relating to the maximum term and Sections 6(c) and 6(d) of the Plan relating to exercise also will apply to Stock Appreciation Rights.
(d)Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount. Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:
(i)The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times
(ii)The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.
At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon Stock Appreciation Right exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.
10.Performance Awards.
(a)Award Agreement. Each Performance Award will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the period during which any performance objectives or other vesting provisions will be measured (the “Performance Period”), and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator determines. Each Performance Award’s threshold, target, and maximum payout values (as applicable) will be established by the Administrator on or before the grant date of the Award.
(b)Performance Objectives and Other Terms. The Administrator will set performance objectives or other vesting provisions in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number of Shares or value of the payout for the Performance Award. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon continued employment or service, the achievement of specific performance objectives (such as Company-wide, departmental, divisional, business unit, or individual goals), applicable federal or state securities laws or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion. Performance Awards that are Restricted Stock Units may contain Dividend Equivalent rights, subject to the provisions of Section 8(e) of the Plan.
(c)Earning Performance Awards. After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of a Performance Award will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Shares or cash, as applicable, earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives or other vesting provisions have been achieved.
(d)Form and Timing of Payout. Payment of earned Performance Awards will be made at the time(s) specified in the Award Agreement. Payment with respect to earned Performance Awards will be made in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or any combination of cash and Shares, with the determination of form of payment made by the Administrator at the time of grant (unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement).
(e)Cancellation of Awards. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Shares subject to a Performance Award will be forfeited to the Company, and, subject to Section 3 of the Plan, again will be available for grant under the Plan.
11.Leaves of Absence/Transfer Between Locations. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise or as otherwise required by Applicable Law, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence, such that vesting shall cease on the first day of any such unpaid leave of absence and shall only recommence upon return to active service. A Participant will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company and any member of the Company Group. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed three (3) months, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then six (6) months following the first (1st) day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
12.Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant (or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative). If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.
13.Capitalization Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property, but excepting normal cash dividends), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, reincorporation, reclassification, merger, consolidation, split-up, split-off, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs, the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, will adjust the number and class of shares of stock that may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number, class, and price of shares of stock covered by each outstanding Award, the numerical Share limits in Section 3 of the Plan and the per person numerical Share limits in Section 5 of the Plan. Adjustments to Awards and the grant of new Awards (including, but not limited to, substitute Awards) under this Section 13 will not count against the per person numerical Share or dollar limits in Section 5 of the Plan. Any fractional share resulting from an adjustment pursuant to this Section 13 shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number, and in no event may the exercise or purchase price under any Award be decreased to an amount less than the par value, if any, of the stock subject to such Award.
14.Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised (with respect to an
Option or SAR) or vested (with respect to an Award other than an Option or SAR), an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
15.Merger or Change in Control.
(a)General. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or other entity or a Change in Control (a “Transaction”), each outstanding Award will be treated as the Administrator determines (subject to the provisions of this Section) without a Participant’s consent, including that each Award be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation (or an affiliate thereof). The Administrator will not be required to treat all Awards or portions thereof similarly in the Transaction.
(b)Continuation or Assumption. An Award will be considered assumed if, following the Transaction, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the Transaction by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the Transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Transaction is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or upon the payout of a Restricted Stock Unit or Performance Award, for each Share subject to such Award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Transaction. An Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-Transaction corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.
(c)Non-Continuation. In the event that the successor corporation does not assume or substitute for the Award, the Participant will fully vest in (and have the right to exercise) all of his or her outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will lapse, and, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met. In addition, if an Option or Stock Appreciation Right is not assumed or substituted in the event of a Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.
(d)Outside Director Awards. With respect to Awards granted to an Outside Director that are assumed or substituted for, if on the date of or following such assumption or substitution the Participant’s status as a Director or a director of the successor corporation, as applicable, is terminated other than upon a voluntary resignation by the Participant (unless such resignation is at the request of the acquirer), then the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights as to all of the Shares underlying such Award, including those Shares which would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will
lapse, and, with respect to Performance Awards, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met.
16.Tax Matters.
(a)Withholding Requirements. Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof) or such earlier time as any Tax Obligations are due, the Company will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy all Tax Obligations.
(b)Withholding Arrangements. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may designate the method or methods by which a Participant may satisfy such Tax Obligations. As determined by the Administrator in its discretion from time to time, these methods may include one or more of the following (i) paying cash, check, or other cash equivalents, (ii) having the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash (including cash from the sale of Shares issued to the Participant) or Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld or such greater amount (including up to a maximum statutory amount) as the Administrator may determine or permit if such amount does not result in unfavorable financial accounting treatment, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion, (iii) forcing the sale of Shares issued pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof) having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum statutory amount applicable in a Participant’s jurisdiction or a greater amount as the Administrator may determine or permit if such greater amount would not result in unfavorable financial accounting treatment, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion, (iv) requiring the Participant to deliver to the Company already-owned Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld or a greater amount as the Administrator may determine or permit if such greater amount would not result in unfavorable financial accounting treatment, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion, (v) requiring the Participant to engage in a cashless exercise transaction (whether through a broker or otherwise) implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan, (vi) having the Company or a member of the Company Group withhold from wages or any other cash amount due or to become due to the Participant and payable by the Company or any a member of the Company Group, or (vii) such other consideration and method of payment to meet Tax Obligations as the Administrator may determine to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws. In all instances, the satisfaction of the Tax Obligations will not result in any adverse accounting consequence to the Company, as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date the amount of tax to be withheld is calculated or such other date as Administrator determines is applicable or appropriate with respect to the Tax Obligation calculation, and will be rounded up to the nearest whole Share, with no refund provided in the U.S. for any value of the Shares withheld in excess of the Tax Obligations as a result of such rounding.
(c)Compliance With Section 409A. Unless the Administrator determines that compliance with Section 409A is not necessary, it is intended that Awards will be designed and operated so that they are either exempt or excepted from the application of Section 409A or comply with any requirements necessary to avoid the imposition of additional tax under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) so that the grant, payment, settlement, or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Section 409A and the Plan and each Award Agreement will be interpreted consistent with this intent. This Section is not a guarantee to any Participant of the consequences of his or her Awards. In no event will the Company have any responsibility, liability or obligation to reimburse, indemnify, or hold harmless Participant for any taxes that may be imposed or other costs that may be incurred, as a result of Section 409A.
17.Other Plan Terms.
(a)Electronic Delivery. The Company may deliver by e-mail or other electronic means (including posting on a website maintained by the Company or by a third party under contract with the Company or another member of the Company Group) all documents relating to the Plan or any Award and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including prospectuses, annual reports, and proxy statements).
(b)No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the Company’s right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
(c)Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.
(d)Interpretation and Construction. Captions and titles contained in the Plan are for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of the Plan. Except when otherwise indicated by the context, the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular. Use of the term “or” is not intended to be exclusive, unless the context clearly requires otherwise. The words “include,” “includes,” and “including” when used in the Plan shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words “without limitation.”
(e)Severability. If any one or more of the provisions (or any part thereof) of this Plan shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such provision shall be modified so as to make it valid, legal and enforceable, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions (or any part thereof) of the Plan shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
18.Term of the Plan. Unless earlier terminated by the Board, the Plan will become effective July 25 , 2023 (the “Effective Date”), subject to stockholder approval as provided in Section 22 of the Plan, and will remain in effect until the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date unless terminated earlier under Section 19 of the Plan.
19.Amendment and Termination.
(a)Amendment and Termination of the Plan. The Administrator may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.
(b)Stockholder Approval. The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.
(c)Consent of Participants Generally Required. Subject to subsection (d) below, no amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan or an Award under it will materially impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
(d)Exceptions to Consent Requirement. A Participant’s rights will not be deemed to have been impaired by any amendment, alteration, suspension, or termination if the Administrator, in its sole discretion, determines that the amendment, alteration, suspension, or termination taken as a whole does not materially impair the Participant’s rights. Subject to any limitations of Applicable Laws, the Administrator may amend the terms of any one or more Awards without the affected Participant’s consent even if it does materially impair the Participant’s rights if such amendment is done (i) in a manner specified by the Plan, (ii) to maintain the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code, (iii) to change the terms of an Incentive Stock Option, if such change results in impairment of the Award only because it impairs the qualified status of the Award as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code, (iv) to clarify the manner of exemption from Section 409A or compliance with any requirements necessary to avoid the imposition of additional tax or interest under Section 409A(a)(1)(B), or (v) to comply with other Applicable Laws.
20.Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
(a)Legal Compliance. The Company will make good faith efforts to comply with all Applicable Laws related to the issuance of Shares. Shares will not be issued pursuant to an Award, including upon exercise or vesting, as applicable, unless the issuance and delivery of such Shares and exercise or vesting of the Award, as applicable, will comply with Applicable Laws. If required by the Administrator, issuance will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance. If the Company determines it to be impossible or impractical to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction or to complete or comply with the requirements of any Applicable Laws, registration or other qualification of the Shares under any state, federal or foreign law or under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the stock exchange on which Shares of the same class are then listed, or any other governmental or regulatory body, which authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary or advisable for the issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, the Company will be relieved of any liability regarding the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance was not obtained and the Administrator reserves the authority, without the consent of a Participant, to terminate or cancel Awards with or without consideration in such a situation.
(b)Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.
21.Forfeiture Events.
(a)All Awards (including, without limitation, any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit actually or constructively received by Participant upon any receipt or exercise of any Award or upon the receipt or resale of any Shares underlying the Award) will be subject to any provisions of Applicable Laws providing for the recoupment or clawback of incentive compensation; the terms of any Company recoupment, clawback or similar policy in effect at the time of grant of the Award, and any recoupment, clawback or similar provisions that may be included in the applicable Award Agreement.
(b)Unless this Section is specifically mentioned and waived in an Award Agreement or other document, no reduction, forfeiture, or recoupment of compensation under a Company clawback policy or otherwise will be an event that triggers or contributes to any right of a Participant to resign for
“good reason” or “constructive termination” (or similar term) under any agreement with the Company or a member of the Company Group.
22.Stockholder Approval. The Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.