8-K
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 20, 2023

 

 

PLUS THERAPEUTICS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

Delaware

001-34375

33-0827593

(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

4200 Marathon Blvd.

Suite 200

 

Austin, Texas

 

78756

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (737) 255-7194

 

 

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class

 

Trading
Symbol(s)

 


Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

 

PSTV

 

The Nasdaq Capital Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

 


Item 5.07 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Plus Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) was held on April 20, 2023 (the “Annual Meeting”). At the Annual Meeting, the Company’s stockholders voted on six proposals, as described in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement, filed on Schedule 14A on March 7, 2023 (the “Proxy Statement”), including the following proposal: approval of an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, at a ratio of not less than 1-for-3 and not greater than 1-for-15, with the exact ratio and effective time of the reverse stock split to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Reverse Stock Split Proposal”).

 

The Company had 35,418,165 shares of common stock and one share of Series F preferred stock (the “Preferred Stock”) issued and outstanding at the close of business on March 3, 2023, the record date for eligibility to vote at the Annual Meeting, and there were present at the Annual Meeting (in person virtually or represented by valid proxy) a total of 15,496,411 shares of common stock and one share of Preferred Stock.

 

As previously described in the Proxy Statement, the holder of record of the one outstanding share of Preferred Stock was entitled to 50,000,000 votes, had the right to vote only on the Reverse Stock Split Proposal, and such votes were automatically voted in the same proportion as the shares of common stock voted on the Reverse Stock Split Proposal. Holders of the Company’s common stock were entitled to one vote per share.

 

The Reverse Stock Split Proposal submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders at the Annual Meeting was approved. The ratio and effective date of the reverse stock split will be reported on a separate Current Report on Form 8-K once approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

The proposals and the results of the stockholder votes are as follows:

 

1. Proposal to elect six directors to serve until the 2024 annual meeting or until their successors are duly elected and qualified:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For

 

Withheld

 

Broker Non-Votes

Howard Clowes

 

5,306,629

 

1,189,249

 

9,000,533

An van Es-Johansson

 

5,387,484

 

1,108,394

 

9,000,533

Richard J. Hawkins

 

5,364,397

 

1,131,481

 

9,000,533

Marc H. Hedrick, M.D.

 

5,700,185

 

795,693

 

9,000,533

Robert Lenk

 

5,308,285

 

1,187,593

 

9,000,533

Greg Petersen

 

5,675,200

 

820,678

 

9,000,533

 

2. Proposal to ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for the 2023 fiscal year:

 

 

 

 

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

14,681,590

 

617,972

 

196,849

3. Proposal to provide a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers:

 

 

 

 

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

4,580,421

 

1,735,989

 

179,468

4. Proposal to provide a non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of holding future non-binding advisory votes on executive officer compensation:

 

 

 

 

 

One Year

 

Two Years

 

Three Years

Abstain

5,695,824

 

105,972

 

401,874

292,208

5. Proposal to approve an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to effect a reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock, at a specific ratio, ranging from one-for-three (1:3) to one-for-fifteen (1:15):

 

 

 

 

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

52,798,957

 

12,179,757

 

517,698


6. Proposal to approve the third amendment and restatement of the Company’s 2020 Stock Incentive Plan:

 

 

 

 

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

4,279,475

 

2,112,637

 

103,766

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit
Number

Description

10.1

Plus Therapeutics, Inc. 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, as further amended and restated

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

PLUS THERAPEUTICS, INC.

 

 

 

 

Date:

April 21, 2023

By:

/s/ Marc H. Hedrick, M.D.

 

 

 

Marc H. Hedrick, M.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer

 


EX-10

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

 

PLUS THERAPEUTICS, INC.

 

2020 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Adopted by the Board of Directors on April 30, 2020

Approved by the Stockholders on June 16, 2020

 

Amended and Restated by the Board of Directors on March 22, 2021

Approved by the Stockholders on May 17, 2021

 

Further Amended and Restated by the Board of Directors on March 28, 2022
Approved by the Stockholders on May 16, 2022

 

Further Amended and Restated by the Board of Directors on February 24, 2023
Approved by the Stockholders on April 20, 2023

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

SECTION 1.

ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE.

1

SECTION 2.

DEFINITIONS.

2

(a)

“Affiliate”

2

(b)

“Award”

2

(c)

“Award Agreement”

2

(d)

“Board of Directors” or “Board”

2

(e)

“Cause”

2

(f)

“Change in Control”

2

(g)

“Code”

4

(h)

“Committee”

4

(i)

“Company”

4

(j)

“Consultant”

4

(k)

“Disability”

4

(l)

“Effective Date”

4

(m)

“Employee”

4

(n)

“Exchange Act”

4

(o)

“Exercise Price”

4

 


(p)

“Fair Market Value”

4

(q)

“ISO”

5

(r)

“Nonstatutory Option” or “NSO”

5

(s)

“Offeree”

5

(t)

“Option”

5

(u)

“Optionee”

5

(v)

“Outside Director”

5

(w)

“Parent”

5

(x)

“Participant”

5

(y)

“Plan”

5

(z)

“Purchase Price”

5

(aa)

“Restricted Share”

5

(bb)

“Restricted Share Agreement”

5

(cc)

“SAR”

5

(dd)

“SAR Agreement”

5

(ee)

“Service”

6

(ff)

“Share”

6

(gg)

“Stock”

6

(hh)

“Stock Option Agreement”

6

(ii)

“Stock Unit”

6

(jj)

“Stock Unit Agreement”

6

(kk)

“Subsidiary”

6

SECTION 3.

ADMINISTRATION.

6

(a)

Committee Composition

6

(b)

Committee for Non-Officer Grants

6

(c)

Committee Procedures

7

(d)

Committee Responsibilities

7

(e)

Cancellation and Re-Grant of Stock Awards

8

SECTION 4.

ELIGIBILITY.

8

(a)

General Rule

8

(b)

Limit on Grants to Outside Directors

9

(c)

Ten-Percent Stockholders

9

(d)

Attribution Rules

9

 

 


(e)

Outstanding Stock

9

SECTION 5.

STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN.

9

(a)

Basic Limitation

9

(b)

Additional Shares

10

(c)

Substitution and Assumption of Awards

10

SECTION 6.

RESTRICTED SHARES.

10

(a)

Restricted Stock Agreement

10

(b)

Payment for Awards

10

(c)

Vesting

10

(d)

Voting and Dividend Rights

11

(e)

Restrictions on Transfer of Shares

11

SECTION 7.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS.

11

(a)

Stock Option Agreement

11

(b)

Number of Shares

11

(c)

Exercise Price

11

(d)

Withholding Taxes

11

(e)

Exercisability and Term

12

(f)

Exercise of Options

12

(g)

No Rights as a Stockholder

12

(h)

Modification or Extension of Options

12

(i)

Restrictions on Transfer of Shares

12

(j)

Buyout Provisions

13

SECTION 8.

PAYMENT FOR SHARES.

13

(a)

General Rule

13

(b)

Surrender of Stock

13

(c)

Services Rendered

13

(d)

Cashless Exercise

13

(e)

Exercise/Pledge

13

(f)

Net Exercise

13

(g)

Promissory Note

14

(h)

Other Forms of Payment

14

(i)

Limitations under Applicable Law

14

SECTION 9.

STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.

14

 

 


(a)

SAR Agreement

14

(b)

Number of Shares

14

(c)

Exercise Price

14

(d)

Exercisability and Term

14

(e)

No Rights as a Stockholder

14

(f)

Exercise of SARs

15

(g)

Modification, Extension or Assumption of SARs

15

(h)

Buyout Provisions

15

SECTION 10.

STOCK UNITS.

15

(a)

Stock Unit Agreement

15

(b)

Payment for Awards

15

(c)

Vesting Conditions

15

(d)

Voting and Dividend Rights

15

(e)

Form and Time of Settlement of Stock Units

16

(f)

Death of Recipient

16

(g)

Creditors’ Rights

16

SECTION 11.

ADJUSTMENT OF SHARES.

16

(a)

Adjustments

16

(b)

Dissolution or Liquidation

17

(c)

Reorganizations

17

(d)

Reservation of Rights

18

(e)

Change in Control

18

SECTION 12.

DEFERRAL OF AWARDS.

18

(a)

Committee Powers

18

(b)

General Rules

19

SECTION 13.

AWARDS UNDER OTHER PLANS.

19

SECTION 14.

LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS.

19

SECTION 15.

WITHHOLDING TAXES.

19

(a)

Withholding Taxes

19

(b)

Share Withholding

20

SECTION 16.

OTHER PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AWARDS.

20

(a)

Transferability

20

(b)

Performance Criteria

20

 

 


SECTION 17.

NO EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS.

21

SECTION 18.

SECTION 409A.

21

SECTION 19.

DURATION AND AMENDMENTS.

22

(a)

Term of the Plan

22

(b)

Right to Amend or Terminate the Plan

22

(c)

Effect of Termination

22

SECTION 20.

AWARDS TO NON-U.S. PARTICIPANTS.

22

SECTION 21.

FORFEITURE, CANCELLATION OR CLAWBACK OF AWARDS.

22

SECTION 22.

GOVERNING LAW.

23

 

 

PLUS THERAPEUTICS, INC.

2020 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE.

(a) The Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors on April 30, 2020 and approved by the Company’s stockholders on June 16, 2020. The Plan was amended and restated by the Board of Directors on March 22, 2021, subject to approval of the Company’s stockholders, which approval occurred on May 17, 2021. The Plan was further amended and restated by the Board of Directors on March 28, 2022, subject to approval of the Company’s stockholders, which approval was obtained on May 16, 2022. The Plan was further amended and restated by the Board of Directors on February 24, 2023, subject to approval of the Company’s stockholders. The Plan was initially effective upon approval by the stockholders of the Company on the Effective Date. The Plan is a successor to the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan of Plus Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Predecessor Plan”). From and after 12:01 a.m. Central time on the Effective Date, no additional stock awards will be granted under the Predecessor Plan. All Awards granted on or after the Effective Date will be granted under the Plan as in effect on the date of grant of each Award. All stock awards granted under the Predecessor Plan will remain subject to the terms of the Predecessor Plan.

(i) Any Shares that would otherwise remain available for future grants under the Predecessor Plan as of 12:01 a.m. Central Time on the Effective Date (the “Predecessor Plan’s Available Reserve”) will cease to be available under the Predecessor Plan at such time. Instead, that number of Shares equal to the Predecessor Plan’s Available Reserve will be added to the Absolute Share Limit (as further described in Section 5(a) below) and be then immediately available for grants and issuance pursuant to Awards hereunder, up to the maximum number set forth in Section 5(a) below.

(ii) In addition, from and after 12:01 a.m. Central time on the Effective Date, with respect to the aggregate number of Shares subject, at such time, to outstanding stock options and stock awards granted under the Predecessor Plan that (i) expire or terminate for any reason prior to exercise or settlement; or (ii) are forfeited because of the failure to meet a contingency or condition required to vest such Shares or otherwise return to the Company (such Shares the

 

 


“Predecessor Plan Returning Shares”) will immediately be added to the Absolute Share Limit (as further described in Section 5(a) below) as and when such a Share becomes a Predecessor Plan Returning Share, up to the maximum number set forth in Section 3(a) below. For the avoidance of doubt, Predecessor Plan Returning Shares will not include any Shares subject to outstanding stock options or stock awards granted under the Predecessor Plan that are reacquired, withheld (or not issued) to satisfy (i) a tax withholding obligation in connection with an award or (ii) the purchase price or exercise price of an award.

(b) The purpose of the Plan is to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation of stockholder value by (a) encouraging Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants to focus on critical long-range objectives, (b) encouraging the attraction and retention of Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants with exceptional qualifications and (c) linking Employees, Outside Directors and Consultants directly to stockholder interests through increased stock ownership. The Plan seeks to achieve this purpose by providing for Awards in the form of restricted shares, stock units, options (which may constitute incentive stock options or nonstatutory stock options) or stock appreciation rights.

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS.

(a) “Affiliate” shall mean any entity other than a Subsidiary, if the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries own not less than 50% of such entity.

(b) “Award” shall mean any award of an Option, a SAR, a Restricted Share or a Stock Unit under the Plan.

(c) “Award Agreement” shall mean a Stock Option Agreement, SAR Agreement, Restricted Share Agreement or Stock Unit Agreement, as applicable.

(d) “Board of Directors” or “Board shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted from time to time.

(e) Cause” shall mean, unless such term or an equivalent term is otherwise defined by the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement between a Participant and the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate applicable to an Award, any of the following: (i) the Participant’s theft, dishonesty, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty for personal profit, or falsification of any documents or records of the Company, a Subsidiary or any Affiliate; (ii) the Participant’s material failure to abide by a code of conduct or other policies of the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate (including, without limitation, policies relating to confidentiality and reasonable workplace conduct); (iii) the Participant’s unauthorized use, misappropriation, destruction or diversion of any tangible or intangible asset or corporate opportunity of the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate (including, without limitation, the Participant’s improper use or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information of the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate); (iv) any intentional act by the Participant which has a material detrimental effect on the reputation or business of a Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate; (v) the Participant’s repeated failure or inability to perform any reasonable assigned duties after written notice from the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of, and a reasonable opportunity to cure, such failure or inability; (vi) any material breach by the Participant of any employment, service, non-disclosure, non-competition, non-solicitation or other similar agreement between the Participant and the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate, which breach is not cured pursuant to the

 

 


terms of such agreement; or (vii) the Participant’s conviction (including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any criminal act involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation or moral turpitude, or which impairs the Participant’s ability to perform his or her duties with the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate.

(f) “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events:

(i) A change in the composition of the Board of Directors occurs, as a result of which fewer than one-half of the incumbent directors are directors who either:

(A) Had been directors of the Company on the “look-back date” (as defined below) (the “original directors”); or

(B) Were elected, or nominated for election, to the Board of Directors with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the aggregate of the original directors who were still in office at the time of the election or nomination and the directors whose election or nomination was previously so approved (the “continuing directors”); or

(ii) Any “person” (as defined below) who by the acquisition or aggregation of securities, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities ordinarily (and apart from rights accruing under special circumstances) having the right to vote at elections of directors (the “Base Capital Stock”); except that any change in the relative beneficial ownership of the Company’s securities by any person resulting solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of Base Capital Stock, and any decrease thereafter in such person’s ownership of securities, shall be disregarded until such person increases in any manner, directly or indirectly, such person’s beneficial ownership of any securities of the Company; or

(iii) The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity or any other corporate reorganization, if persons who were not stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or other reorganization own immediately after such merger, consolidation or other reorganization 50% or more of the voting power of the outstanding securities of each of (A) the continuing or surviving entity and (B) any direct or indirect parent corporation of such continuing or surviving entity; or

(iv) The sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets.

For purposes of subsection 2.f)i) above, the term “look-back” date shall mean the date 24 months prior to the date of the event that may constitute a Change in Control.

For purposes of subsection 2.f)iii)) above, the term “person” shall have the same meaning as when used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act but shall exclude (1) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan maintained by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary and (2) a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Stock.

 

 


Any other provision of this Section 2.f) notwithstanding, a transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company’s incorporation or to 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, and a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur if the Company files a registration statement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for the offering of securities or debt to the public.

(g) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(h) “Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee as designated by the Board of Directors, which is authorized to administer the Plan, as described in Section 3 hereof.

(i) “Company” shall mean Plus Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor corporation thereto.

(j) “Consultant” shall mean an individual who is a consultant or advisor and who provides bona fide services to the Company, a Parent, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate as an independent contractor (not including service as a member of the Board of Directors) or a member of the board of directors of a Parent or a Subsidiary, in each case who is not an Employee.

(k) “Disability” shall mean any permanent and total disability as defined by section 22(e)(3) of the Code

(l) “Effective Date” shall mean the effective date of this Plan document, which is the date of the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company held in 2020.

(m) “Employee” shall mean any individual who is a common-law employee of the Company, a Parent, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate.

(n) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(o) “Exercise Price” shall mean, in the case of an Option, the amount for which one Share may be purchased upon exercise of such Option, as specified in the applicable Stock Option Agreement. “Exercise Price,” in the case of a SAR, shall mean an amount, as specified in the applicable SAR Agreement, which is subtracted from the Fair Market Value of one Share in determining the amount payable upon exercise of such SAR.

(p) “Fair Market Value” with respect to a Share, shall mean the market price of one Share, determined by the Committee as follows:

(i) If the Stock was traded over-the-counter on the date in question, then the Fair Market Value shall be equal to the last transaction price quoted for such date by the OTC Bulletin Board or, if not so quoted, shall be equal to the mean between the last reported representative bid and asked prices quoted for such date by the principal automated inter-dealer quotation system on which the Stock is quoted or, if the Stock is not quoted on any such system, by the Pink Sheets LLC;

 

 


(ii) If the Stock was traded on any established stock exchange (such as The Nasdaq Global Market, The Nasdaq Global Select Market or the New York Stock Exchange) or national market system on the date in question, then the Fair Market Value shall be equal to the closing price reported for such date by the applicable exchange or system; or

(iii) If none of the foregoing provisions is applicable, then the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee in good faith on such basis as it deems appropriate.

In all cases, the determination of Fair Market Value by the Committee shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.

(q) “ISO” shall mean an employee incentive stock option described in Section 422 of the Code.

(r) “Nonstatutory Option” or “NSO” shall mean an employee stock option that is not an ISO.

(s) “Offeree” shall mean an individual to whom the Committee has offered the right to acquire Shares under the Plan (other than upon exercise of an Option or SAR).

(t) “Option” shall mean an ISO or Nonstatutory Option granted under the Plan and entitling the holder to purchase Shares.

(u) “Optionee” shall mean the holder of an Option or SAR.

(v) “Outside Director” shall mean a member of the Board of Directors who is not a common-law employee of, or paid consultant to, the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary.

(w) “Parent” shall mean any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain. A corporation that attains the status of a Parent on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be a Parent commencing as of such date.

(x) “Participant” shall mean the holder of an Award.

(y) “Plan” shall mean this 2020 Stock Incentive Plan of Plus Therapeutics, Inc., as amended from time to time.

(z) “Purchase Price” shall mean the consideration for which one Share may be acquired under the Plan (other than upon exercise of an Option or SAR), as specified by the Committee.

(aa) “Restricted Share” shall mean a Share awarded under the Plan.

(bb) “Restricted Share Agreement” shall mean the agreement between the Company and the recipient of a Restricted Share which contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Restricted Shares.

(cc) “SAR” shall mean a stock appreciation right granted under the Plan.

 

 


(dd) “SAR Agreement” shall mean the agreement between the Company and an Optionee which contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to his or her SAR.

(ee) “Service” shall mean service as an Employee, Consultant or Outside Director, subject to such further limitations as may be set forth in the Plan or the applicable Stock Option Agreement, SAR Agreement, Restricted Share Agreement or Stock Unit Agreement, and as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee. Service does not terminate when an Employee goes on a bona fide leave of absence, that was approved by the Company in writing, if the terms of the leave provide for continued Service crediting, or when continued service crediting is required by applicable law. However, for purposes of determining whether an Option is entitled to ISO status, an Employee’s Service will be treated as terminating three months after such Employee went on leave, unless such Employee’s right to return to active work is guaranteed by law or by a contract. Service terminates in any event when the approved leave ends, unless such Employee immediately returns to active work. The Company determines which leaves count toward Service, and when Service terminates for all purposes under the Plan.

(ff) “Share” shall mean one share of Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 11 (if applicable).

(gg) “Stock” shall mean the Common Stock of the Company.

(hh) “Stock Option Agreement” shall mean the agreement between the Company and an Optionee that contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Option.

(ii) “Stock Unit” shall mean a bookkeeping entry representing the Company’s obligation to deliver one Share (or distribute cash) on a future date in accordance with the provisions of a Stock Unit Agreement.

(jj) “Stock Unit Agreement” shall mean the agreement between the Company and the recipient of a Stock Unit which contains the terms, conditions and restrictions pertaining to such Stock Unit.

(kk) “Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation, if the Company and/or one or more other Subsidiaries own not less than 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding stock of such corporation. A corporation that attains the status of a Subsidiary on a date after the adoption of the Plan shall be considered a Subsidiary commencing as of such date.

SECTION 3. ADMINISTRATION.

(a) Committee Composition. The Plan shall be administered by a Committee appointed by the Board of Directors, or by the Board of Directors acting as the Committee. The Committee shall consist of two or more directors of the Company. In addition, the composition of the Committee shall satisfy such requirements as the Securities and Exchange Commission may establish for administrators acting under plans intended to qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3 (or its successor) under the Exchange Act.

(b) Committee for Non-Officer Grants. The Board of Directors may also appoint one or more separate committees of the Board, each composed of one or more directors of the Company who

 

 


need not satisfy the requirements of Section 3.a), who may administer the Plan with respect to Employees who are not considered officers or directors of the Company under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, may grant Awards under the Plan to such Employees and may determine all terms of such grants. Within the limitations of the preceding sentence, any reference in the Plan to the Committee shall include such committee or committees appointed pursuant to the preceding sentence. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board of Directors 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 of Directors shall specify the total number of Awards that such officers may so award.

(c) Committee Procedures. The Board of Directors shall designate one of the members of the Committee as chairman. The Committee may hold meetings at such times and places as it shall determine. The acts of a majority of the Committee members present at meetings at which a quorum exists, or acts reduced to or approved in writing (including via email) by all Committee members, shall be valid acts of the Committee.

(d) Committee Responsibilities. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have full authority and discretion to take the following actions:

(i) To interpret the Plan and to apply its provisions;

(ii) To adopt, amend or rescind rules, procedures and forms relating to the Plan;

(iii) To adopt, amend or terminate sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws including qualifying for preferred tax treatment under applicable foreign tax laws;

(iv) To authorize any person to execute, on behalf of the Company, any instrument required to carry out the purposes of the Plan;

(v) To determine when Awards are to be granted under the Plan;

(vi) To select the Offerees, Optionees and Participants;

(vii) To determine the type of Award and number of Shares or amount of cash to be made subject to each Award;

(viii) To prescribe the terms and conditions of each Award, including (without limitation) the Exercise Price and Purchase Price, and the vesting or duration of the Award (including accelerating the vesting of Awards, either at the time of the Award or thereafter, without the consent of the Participant), to determine whether an Option is to be classified as an ISO or as a Nonstatutory Option, and to specify the provisions of the agreement relating to such Award;

(ix) To amend any outstanding Award Agreement, subject to applicable legal restrictions and to the consent of the Participant if the Participant’s rights or obligations would be materially impaired;

 

 


(x) To prescribe the consideration for the grant of each Award or other right under the Plan and to determine the sufficiency of such consideration;

(xi) To determine the disposition of each Award or other right under the Plan in the event of a Participant’s divorce or dissolution of marriage;

(xii) To determine whether Awards under the Plan will be granted in replacement of other grants under an incentive or other compensation plan of an acquired business;

(xiii) To correct any defect, supply any omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award Agreement;

(xiv) To establish or verify the extent of satisfaction of any performance goals or other conditions applicable to the grant, issuance, exercisability, vesting and/or ability to retain any Award; and

(xv) To take any other actions deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

Subject to the requirements of applicable law, the Committee may designate persons other than members of the Committee to carry out its responsibilities and may prescribe such conditions and limitations as it may deem appropriate, except that the Committee may not delegate its authority with regard to the selection for participation of or the granting of Awards under the Plan to persons subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. All decisions, interpretations and other actions of the Committee shall be final and binding on all Offerees, all Optionees, all Participants and all persons deriving their rights from an Offeree, Optionee or Participant. No member of the Committee shall be liable for any action that he has taken or has failed to take in good faith with respect to the Plan, any Award, or any right to acquire Shares under the Plan.

(e) Cancellation and Re-Grant of Stock Awards. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan, neither the Committee nor its designees shall have the authority to: (i) amend the terms of outstanding Options or SARs to reduce the Exercise Price thereof, or (ii) cancel outstanding Options or SARs with an Exercise Price above the current Fair Market Value per Share in exchange for another Option or SAR with a lower exercise price or for another Award or for cash, unless the stockholders of the Company have previously approved such an action or such action relates to an adjustment pursuant to Section 11.

SECTION 4. ELIGIBILITY.

(a) General Rule. Only common-law employees of the Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary shall be eligible for the grant of ISOs. Only Employees, Consultants and Outside Directors shall be eligible for the grant of Restricted Shares, Stock Units, Nonstatutory Options or SARs.

(b) Limit on Grants to Outside Directors. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Board of Directors may establish compensation for Outside Directors from time to time, subject to the limitations in the Plan. The Board of Directors will from time to time determine the terms, conditions and amounts of all such Outside Director compensation in its discretion and pursuant to the exercise of its business judgment, taking into account such factors, circumstances and

 

 


considerations as it shall deem relevant from time to time, provided that the sum of any cash compensation, or other compensation, and the value (determined as of the grant date in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification of Topic 718, or any successor thereto) of Awards granted to Outside Directors as compensation for services as an Outside Director during any calendar year of the Company may not exceed $500,000 (increased to $700,000 in the calendar year of his or her initial service as an Outside Director).

(c) Ten-Percent Stockholders. An Employee who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding stock of the Company, a Parent or Subsidiary shall not be eligible for the grant of an ISO unless such grant satisfies the requirements of Section 422(c)(5) of the Code.

(d) Attribution Rules. For purposes of Section 4.c) above, in determining stock ownership, an Employee shall be deemed to own the stock owned, directly or indirectly, by or for such Employee’s brothers, sisters, spouse, ancestors and lineal descendants. Stock owned, directly or indirectly, by or for a corporation, partnership, estate or trust shall be deemed to be owned proportionately by or for its stockholders, partners or beneficiaries.

(e) Outstanding Stock. For purposes of Section 4.c) above, “outstanding stock” shall include all stock actually issued and outstanding immediately after the grant. “Outstanding stock” shall not include shares authorized for issuance under outstanding options held by the Employee or by any other person.

SECTION 5. STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN.

(a) Basic Limitation. Shares offered under the Plan shall be authorized but unissued Shares or treasury Shares. Subject to Section 5.b) below, the maximum aggregate number of Shares authorized for issuance as Awards under the Plan shall not exceed 4,659,286 Shares, which is the sum of (i) 550,000 Shares approved at the Company’s 2020 annual meeting of stockholders, plus (ii) 1,000,000 Shares approved at the Company’s 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, plus (iii) 2,000,000 Shares approved at the Company’s 2022 annual meeting of stockholders, plus (iv) 1,000,000 Shares approved at the Company’s 2023 annual meeting of stockholders, (v) the number of shares subject to the Predecessor Plan’s Available Reserve, plus (vi) the number of shares that are Predecessor Plan Returning Shares, as such shares become available from time to time (the “Absolute Share Limit”). The number of Shares that may be delivered in the aggregate pursuant to the exercise of ISOs granted under the Plan shall not exceed 4,000,000 Shares plus, to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Section 5.b). The limitations of this Section 5.a) shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 11. The number of Shares that are subject to Options or other Awards outstanding at any time under the Plan shall not exceed the number of Shares which then remain available for issuance under the Plan. The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available sufficient Shares to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.

(b) Additional Shares. If Restricted Shares are forfeited, then such Shares shall again become available for Awards under the Plan. If Stock Units, Options or SARs are forfeited or terminate for any reason before being exercised or settled, then the corresponding Shares shall again become available for Awards under the Plan. If Stock Units are settled, then only the number of Shares (if any) actually issued in settlement of such Stock Units shall reduce the number available in

 

 


Section SECTION 5(a) and the balance shall again become available for Awards under the Plan. The full number of Options exercised shall be counted against the number of Shares available for Awards under the Plan, regardless of the number of Shares actually issued upon exercise of such Options. The full number of SARs settled shall be counted against the number of Shares available for Awards under the Plan, regardless of the number of Shares actually issued in settlement of such SARs. For the avoidance of doubt, any Shares withheld to satisfy the exercise price or tax withholding obligation pursuant to any Award shall not be added to the Shares available for Awards under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section SECTION 5(b), Shares that have actually been issued shall not again become available for Awards under the Plan, except for Restricted Shares that are forfeited and do not become vested.

(c) Substitution and Assumption of Awards. The Committee may make Awards under the Plan by assumption, substitution or replacement of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock units or similar awards granted by another entity (including a Parent or Subsidiary), if such assumption, substitution or replacement is in connection with an asset acquisition, stock acquisition, merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving the Company (and/or its Parent or Subsidiary) and such other entity (and/or its affiliate). The terms of such assumed, substituted or replaced Awards shall be as the Committee, in its discretion, determines is appropriate, notwithstanding limitations on Awards in the Plan. Any such substitute or assumed Awards shall not count against the Absolute Share Limit set forth in Section 5.a) (nor shall Shares subject to such Awards be added to the Shares available for Awards under the Plan as provided in Section 5.b) above), except that Shares acquired by exercise of substitute ISOs will count against the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs under the Plan.

SECTION 6. RESTRICTED SHARES.

(a) Restricted Stock Agreement. Each grant of Restricted Shares under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Restricted Stock Agreement between the recipient and the Company. Such Restricted Shares shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various Restricted Stock Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical.

(b) Payment for Awards. Restricted Shares may be sold or awarded under the Plan for such consideration as the Committee may determine, including (without limitation) cash, cash equivalents, full-recourse promissory notes, past services and future services.

(c) Vesting. Each Award of Restricted Shares may or may not be subject to vesting. Vesting shall occur, in full or in installments, upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Restricted Stock Agreement. A Restricted Stock Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting in the event of the Participant’s death, Disability or retirement or other events.

(d) Voting and Dividend Rights. The holders of Restricted Shares awarded under the Plan shall have the same voting, dividend and other rights as the Company’s other stockholders. Holders of Restricted Shares must invest any cash dividends received in additional Restricted Shares. Such additional Restricted Shares shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions (including without limitation, any forfeiture conditions) as the Award with respect to which the dividends were paid.

 

 


(e) Restrictions on Transfer of Shares. Restricted Shares shall be subject to such rights of repurchase, rights of first refusal or other restrictions as the Committee may determine. Such restrictions shall be set forth in the applicable Restricted Stock Agreement and shall apply in addition to any general restrictions that may apply to all holders of Shares.

SECTION 7. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS.

(a) Stock Option Agreement. Each grant of an Option under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement between the Optionee and the Company. Such Option shall be subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms and conditions which are not inconsistent with the Plan and which the Committee deems appropriate for inclusion in a Stock Option Agreement. The Stock Option Agreement shall specify whether the Option is an ISO or an NSO. The provisions of the various Stock Option Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical. Options may be granted in consideration of a reduction in the Participant’s other compensation.

(b) Number of Shares. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the number of Shares that are subject to the Option and shall provide for the adjustment of such number in accordance with Section 11.

(c) Exercise Price. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of an ISO shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant, except as otherwise provided in 4(c), and the Exercise Price of an NSO shall not be less 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with an Exercise Price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code. Subject to the foregoing in this Section 7.c), the Exercise Price under any Option shall be determined by the Committee at its sole discretion. The Exercise Price shall be payable in one of the forms described in Section 8.

(d) Withholding Taxes. As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Optionee shall make such arrangements as the Committee may require for the satisfaction of any federal, state, local or foreign withholding tax obligations that may arise in connection with such exercise. The Optionee shall also make such arrangements as the Committee may require for the satisfaction of any federal, state, local or foreign withholding tax obligations that may arise in connection with the disposition of Shares acquired by exercising an Option.

(e) Exercisability and Term. Each Stock Option Agreement shall specify the date when all or any installment of the Option is to become exercisable. The Stock Option Agreement shall also specify the term of the Option; provided that the term of an ISO shall in no event exceed 10 years from the date of grant (five years for Employees described in Section 4.c)). A Stock Option Agreement may provide for accelerated exercisability in the event of the Optionee’s death, Disability, or retirement or other events and may provide for expiration prior to the end of its term in the event of the termination of the Optionee’s Service. Options may be awarded in combination with SARs, and such an Award may provide that the Options will not be exercisable unless the related SARs are forfeited. Subject to the foregoing in this Section 7(e), the Committee at its sole discretion shall determine when all or any installment of an Option is to become exercisable and when an Option is to expire.

 

 


(f) Exercise of Options. Each Stock Option Agreement shall set forth the extent to which the Optionee shall have the right to exercise the Option following termination of the Optionee’s Service with the Company and its Subsidiaries, and the right to exercise the Option of any executors or administrators of the Optionee’s estate or any person who has acquired such Option(s) directly from the Optionee by bequest or inheritance. Such provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, need not be uniform among all Options issued pursuant to the Plan, and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination of Service.

(g) No Rights as a Stockholder. An Optionee, or a transferee of an Optionee, shall have no rights (including voting, dividend and other rights) as a stockholder with respect to any Shares covered by his Option until such person has satisfied all of the terms and conditions to receive such Shares, has satisfied any applicable withholding or tax obligations relating to the Award and the Shares have been issued (as evidenced by an appropriate entry on the books of the Company or a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company). The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustments shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 11.

(h) Modification or Extension of Options. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Committee may modify or, extend outstanding Options or may accept the cancellation of outstanding Options (to the extent not previously exercised), whether or not granted hereunder, in return for the grant of new Options for the same or a different number of Shares and at the same or a different Exercise Price; provided, however, that other than in connection with an adjustment of Awards pursuant to Section 11, the Committee may not modify outstanding Options to lower the Exercise Price nor may the Committee assume or accept the cancellation of outstanding Options in return for cash or the grant of new Options or SARs with a lower Exercise Price, unless such action has been approved by the Company’s stockholders. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of an Option shall, without the consent of the Optionee, materially impair his or her rights or obligations under such Option.

(i) Restrictions on Transfer of Shares. Any Shares issued upon exercise of an Option shall be subject to such special forfeiture conditions, rights of repurchase, rights of first refusal and other transfer restrictions as the Committee may determine. Such restrictions shall be set forth in the applicable Stock Option Agreement and shall apply in addition to any general restrictions that may apply to all holders of Shares.

(j) Buyout Provisions. Except with respect to an Option whose Exercise Price exceeds the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the Option, the Committee may at any time (a) offer to buy out for a payment in cash or cash equivalents an Option previously granted or (b) authorize an Optionee to elect to cash out an Option previously granted, in either case at such time and based upon such terms and conditions as the Committee shall establish.

 

 


SECTION 8. PAYMENT FOR SHARES.

(a) General Rule. The entire Exercise Price or Purchase Price of Shares issued under the Plan shall be payable in lawful money of the United States of America at the time when such Shares are purchased, except as provided in Section 8.b) through Section 8.h) below.

(b) Surrender of Stock. To the extent that a Stock Option Agreement so provides, payment may be made all or in part by surrendering, or attesting to the ownership of, Shares which have already been owned by the Optionee or his representative. Such Shares shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date when the new Shares are purchased under the Plan. The Optionee shall not surrender, or attest to the ownership of, Shares in payment of the Exercise Price if such action would cause the Company to recognize compensation expense (or additional compensation expense) with respect to the Option for financial reporting purposes.

(c) Services Rendered. At the discretion of the Committee, Shares may be awarded under the Plan in consideration of services rendered to the Company or a Subsidiary prior to the award. If Shares are awarded without the payment of a Purchase Price in cash, the Committee shall make a determination (at the time of the Award) of the value of the services rendered by the Offeree and the sufficiency of the consideration to meet the requirements of Section 6.b).

(d) Cashless Exercise. To the extent that a Stock Option Agreement so provides, payment may be made all or in part by delivery (on a form prescribed by the Committee) of an irrevocable direction to a securities broker to sell Shares and to deliver all or part of the sale proceeds to the Company in payment of the aggregate Exercise Price.

(e) Exercise/Pledge. To the extent that a Stock Option Agreement so provides, payment may be made all or in part by delivery (on a form prescribed by the Committee) of an irrevocable direction to a securities broker or lender to pledge Shares, as security for a loan, and to deliver all or part of the loan proceeds to the Company in payment of the aggregate Exercise Price.

(f) Net Exercise. To the extent that a Stock Option Agreement so provides, payment may be made by a “net exercise” arrangement pursuant to which the number of Shares issuable upon exercise of the Option shall be reduced by the largest whole number of Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value that does not exceed the aggregate Exercise Price (plus tax withholdings, if applicable) and any remaining balance of the aggregate Exercise Price (and/or applicable tax withholdings) not satisfied by such reduction in the number of whole Shares to be issued shall be paid by the Optionee in cash or other form of payment permitted under the Stock Option Agreement.

(g) Promissory Note. To the extent that a Stock Option Agreement or Restricted Stock Agreement so provides, payment may be made all or in part by delivering (on a form prescribed by the Company) a full-recourse promissory note.

(h) Other Forms of Payment. To the extent that a Stock Option Agreement or Restricted Stock Agreement so provides, payment may be made in any other form that is consistent with applicable laws, regulations and rules.

 

 


(i) Limitations under Applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything herein or in a Stock Option Agreement or Restricted Stock Agreement to the contrary, payment may not be made in any form that is unlawful, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

SECTION 9. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.

(a) SAR Agreement. Each grant of a SAR under the Plan shall be evidenced by a SAR Agreement between the Optionee and the Company. Such SAR shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various SAR Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical. SARs may be granted in consideration of a reduction in the Participant’s other compensation.

(b) Number of Shares. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the number of Shares to which the SAR pertains and shall provide for the adjustment of such number in accordance with Section 11.

(c) Exercise Price. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of a SAR shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, SARs may be granted with an Exercise Price of less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code. Subject to the foregoing in this Section 9.c), the Exercise Price under any SAR shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

(d) Exercisability and Term. Each SAR Agreement shall specify the date when all or any installment of the SAR is to become exercisable. The SAR Agreement shall also specify the term of the SAR. A SAR Agreement may provide for accelerated exercisability in the event of the Participant’s death, Disability or retirement or other events and may provide for expiration prior to the end of its term in the event of the termination of the Participant’s service. SARs may be awarded in combination with Options, and such an Award may provide that the SARs will not be exercisable unless the related Options are forfeited. A SAR may be included in an ISO only at the time of grant but may be included in an NSO at the time of grant or thereafter. A SAR granted under the Plan may provide that it will be exercisable only in the event of a Change in Control.

(e) No Rights as a Stockholder. A Participant, or a transferee of a Participant, shall have no rights (including voting, dividend and other rights) as a stockholder with respect to any Shares pertaining to his SAR until the date such person has satisfied all of the terms and conditions to receive such Shares, has satisfied any applicable withholding or tax obligations relating to the Award and any Shares have been issued pursuant to the SAR (to the extent the SAR is settled in Shares and as evidenced by an appropriate entry on the books of the Company or a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company). No adjustments shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 11.

(f) Exercise of SARs. Upon exercise of a SAR, the Optionee (or any person having the right to exercise the SAR after his or her death) shall receive from the Company (a) Shares, (b) cash or (c) a combination of Shares and cash, as the Committee shall determine. The amount of cash and/or the Fair Market Value of Shares received upon exercise of SARs shall, in the aggregate, be equal to the amount by which the Fair Market Value (on the date of surrender) of the Shares subject to the SARs exceeds the Exercise Price.

 

 


(g) Modification, Extension or Assumption of SARs. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Committee may modify, extend or assume outstanding SARs or may accept the cancellation of outstanding SARs (whether granted by the Company or by another issuer) in return for the grant of new SARs for the same or a different number of Shares and at the same or a different Exercise Price; provided, however, that other than in connection with an adjustment of Awards pursuant to Section 11, the Committee may not modify outstanding SARs to lower the Exercise Price nor may the Committee assume or accept the cancellation of outstanding SARs in return for cash or the grant of new Options or SARs with a lower Exercise Price, unless such action has been approved by the Company’s stockholders. The foregoing notwithstanding, no modification of a SAR shall, without the consent of the holder, materially impair his or her rights or obligations under such SAR.

(h) Buyout Provisions. Except with respect to a SAR whose Exercise Price exceeds the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the SAR, the Committee may at any time (a) offer to buy out for a payment in cash or cash equivalents a SAR previously granted, or (b) authorize an Optionee to elect to cash out a SAR previously granted, in either case at such time and based upon such terms and conditions as the Committee shall establish.

SECTION 10. STOCK UNITS.

(a) Stock Unit Agreement. Each grant of Stock Units under the Plan shall be evidenced by a Stock Unit Agreement between the recipient and the Company. Stock Units shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. The provisions of the various Stock Unit Agreements entered into under the Plan need not be identical. Stock Units may be granted in consideration of a reduction in the Participant’s other compensation.

(b) Payment for Awards. To the extent that an Award is granted in the form of Stock Units, no cash consideration shall be required of the Award recipients.

(c) Vesting Conditions. Each Award of Stock Units may or may not be subject to vesting. Vesting shall occur, in full or in installments, upon satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Stock Unit Agreement. A Stock Unit Agreement may provide for accelerated vesting in the event of the Participant’s death, Disability or retirement or other events.

(d) Voting and Dividend Rights. The holders of Stock Units shall have no voting rights. Prior to settlement or forfeiture, any Stock Unit awarded under the Plan may, at the Committee’s discretion, carry with it a right to dividend equivalents. Such right entitles the holder to be credited with an amount equal to all cash dividends paid on one Share while the Stock Unit is outstanding. Dividend equivalents may be converted into additional Stock Units. 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 shall not be distributed prior to settlement of the Stock Unit to which the dividend equivalents pertain. Prior to distribution, any dividend equivalents which are not paid shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions (including without limitation, any forfeiture conditions) as the Stock Units to which they attach.

(e) Form and Time of Settlement of Stock Units. Settlement of vested Stock Units may be made in the form of (a) cash, (b) Shares or (c) any combination of both, as determined by the Committee. The actual number of Stock Units eligible for settlement may be larger or smaller than

 

 


the number included in the original Award, based on predetermined performance factors. Methods of converting Stock Units into cash may include (without limitation) a method based on the average Fair Market Value of Shares over a series of trading days. Vested Stock Units may be settled in a lump sum or in installments. The distribution may occur or commence when all vesting conditions applicable to the Stock Units have been satisfied or have lapsed, or it may be deferred to any later date, subject to compliance with Section 409A of the Code. The amount of a deferred distribution may be increased by an interest factor or by dividend equivalents. Until an Award of Stock Units is settled, the number of such Stock Units shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 11.

(f) Death of Recipient. Any Stock Units Award that becomes payable after the recipient’s death shall be distributed to the recipient’s beneficiary or beneficiaries. Each recipient of a Stock Units Award under the Plan shall designate one or more beneficiaries for this purpose by filing the prescribed form with the Company. A beneficiary designation may be changed by filing the prescribed form with the Company at any time before the Award recipient’s death. If no beneficiary was designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the Award recipient, then any Stock Units Award that becomes payable after the recipient’s death shall be distributed to the recipient’s estate.

(g) Creditors’ Rights. A holder of Stock Units shall have no rights other than those of a general creditor of the Company. Stock Units represent an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable Stock Unit Agreement.

SECTION 11. ADJUSTMENT OF SHARES.

(a) Adjustments. In the event of a subdivision of the outstanding Stock, a declaration of a dividend payable in Shares, a declaration of a dividend payable in a form other than Shares in an amount that has a material effect on the price of Shares, a combination or consolidation of the outstanding Stock (by reclassification or otherwise) into a lesser number of Shares, a recapitalization, a spin-off or a similar occurrence, the Committee shall make appropriate and equitable adjustments in:

(i) The class(es) and maximum number of securities available for future Awards under Section 5;

(ii) The class(es) and number of securities that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs pursuant to Section 5;

(iii) The class(es) and number of securities covered by each outstanding Option and SAR;

(iv) The Exercise Price under each outstanding Option and SAR; and

(v) The classes and number of securities subject to any outstanding Award.

The Committee will make such adjustments, and its determination will be final, binding and conclusive. Except as provided in this Section 11, a Participant shall have no rights by reason of any issue by the Company of stock of any class or securities convertible into stock of any class, any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, the payment of any stock dividend or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class.

 

 


(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. To the extent not previously exercised or settled, Options, SARs and Stock Units shall terminate immediately prior to the dissolution or liquidation of the Company.

(c) Reorganizations. In the event that the Company is a party to a merger or other reorganization, outstanding Awards shall be subject to the agreement of merger or reorganization. Subject to compliance with Section 409A of the Code, such agreement shall provide for:

(i) The continuation of the outstanding Awards by the Company, if the Company is a surviving corporation;

(ii) The assumption of the outstanding Awards by the surviving corporation or its parent or subsidiary;

(iii) The substitution by the surviving corporation or its parent or subsidiary of its own awards for the outstanding Awards;

(iv) Full exercisability or vesting and accelerated expiration of the outstanding Awards, provided, however, that the Committee may require Participants to complete and deliver to the Company a notice of exercise before the effective date of the merger or reorganization, which exercise is contingent upon the effectiveness of such merger or reorganization;

(v) Cancellation of the Award, to the extent not vested or not exercised prior to the effective time of the merger or reorganization, in exchange for such cash consideration, if any, as the Committee, in its sole discretion, may consider appropriate; or

(vi) Settlement of the intrinsic value of the outstanding Awards (whether or not then vested or exercisable) in cash or cash equivalents or equity (including cash or equity subject to deferred vesting and delivery consistent with the vesting restrictions applicable to such Awards or the underlying Shares) followed by cancellation of such Awards (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction the Committee determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, then such Award may be terminated by the Company without payment, and such amount may be delayed to the same extent that payment of consideration to the holders of Common Stock in connection with the merger or reorganization is delayed as a result of escrows, earnouts, holdbacks or other contingencies); in each case without the Participant’s consent. Any acceleration of payment or an amount that is subject to Section 409A of the Code will be delayed, if necessary, until the earliest time that such payment would be permissible under Section 409A of the Code without triggering any additional taxes applicable under Section 409A of the Code.

The Company need not take the same action or actions with respect to all Awards or portions thereof or with respect to all Participants. The Company may take different actions with respect to the vested and unvested portions of an Award.

(d) Reservation of Rights. Except as provided in this Section 11, an Optionee, Offeree or Participant shall have no rights by reason of any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any

 

 


class, the payment of any dividend or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class. Any issue by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or Exercise Price of Shares subject to an Award. The grant of an Award pursuant to the Plan shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Company to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations or changes of its capital or business structure, to merge or consolidate or to dissolve, liquidate, sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

(e) Change in Control. In its discretion, the Committee pay provide in the Award Agreement governing an Award or at any other time may take such action as it deems appropriate to provide for acceleration of the exercisability, vesting and/or settlement in connection with a Change in Control of each or any outstanding Award or portion thereof and shares acquired pursuant thereto upon such conditions, including termination of the Participant’s Service prior to, upon or following such Change in Control, and to such extent as the Committee shall determine. In the absence of such provision in an Award Agreement or any such action taken by the Committee, no acceleration will occur.

SECTION 12. DEFERRAL OF AWARDS.

(a) Committee Powers. Subject to compliance with Section 409A of the Code, the Committee (in its sole discretion) may permit or require a Participant to:

(i) Have cash that otherwise would be paid to such Participant as a result of the exercise of a SAR or the settlement of Stock Units credited to a deferred compensation account established for such Participant by the Committee as an entry on the Company’s books;

(ii) Have Shares that otherwise would be delivered to such Participant as a result of the exercise of an Option or SAR converted into an equal number of Stock Units; or

(iii) Have Shares that otherwise would be delivered to such Participant as a result of the exercise of an Option or SAR or the settlement of Stock Units converted into amounts credited to a deferred compensation account established for such Participant by the Committee as an entry on the Company’s books. Such amounts shall be determined by reference to the Fair Market Value of such Shares as of the date when they otherwise would have been delivered to such Participant.

(b) General Rules. A deferred compensation account established under this Section 12 may be credited with interest or other forms of investment return, as determined by the Committee. A Participant for whom such an account is established shall have no rights other than those of a general creditor of the Company. Such an account shall represent an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable agreement between such Participant and the Company. If the deferral or conversion of Awards is permitted or required, the Committee (in its sole discretion) may establish rules, procedures and forms pertaining to such Awards, including (without limitation) the settlement of deferred compensation accounts established under this Section 12.

 

 


SECTION 13. AWARDS UNDER OTHER PLANS.

The Company may grant awards under other plans or programs. Such awards may be settled in the form of Shares issued under this Plan. Such Shares shall be treated for all purposes under the Plan like Shares issued in settlement of Stock Units and shall, when issued, reduce the number of Shares available under Section 5.

SECTION 14. LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS.

Shares shall not be issued under the Plan unless the issuance and delivery of such Shares complies with (or is exempt from) all applicable requirements of law, including (without limitation) the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, state securities laws and regulations and the regulations of any stock exchange on which the Company’s securities may then be listed, and the Company has obtained the approval or favorable ruling from any governmental agency which the Company determines is necessary or advisable. The Company shall not be liable to a Participant or other persons as to: (a) the non-issuance or sale of Shares as to which the Company has not obtained from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares under the Plan; and (b) any tax consequences expected, but not realized, by any Participant or other person due to the receipt, exercise or settlement of any Award granted under the Plan.

SECTION 15. WITHHOLDING TAXES.

(a) Withholding Taxes. To the extent required by applicable federal, state, local or foreign law, a Participant or his or her successor shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Company for the satisfaction of any withholding tax obligations that arise in connection with the Plan. The Company shall not be required to issue any Shares or make any cash payment under the Plan until such obligations are satisfied.

(b) Share Withholding. The Committee may permit a Participant to satisfy all or part of his or her withholding or income tax obligations by having the Company withhold all or a portion of any Shares that otherwise would be issued to him or her or by surrendering all or a portion of any Shares that he or she previously acquired. Such Shares shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date when taxes otherwise would be withheld in cash. In no event may a Participant have Shares withheld that would otherwise be issued to him or her in excess of the number necessary to satisfy the maximum legally required tax withholding.

SECTION 16. OTHER PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO AWARDS.

(a) Transferability. Unless the agreement evidencing an Award (or an amendment thereto authorized by the Committee) expressly provides otherwise, no Award granted under this Plan, nor any interest in such Award, may be sold, assigned, conveyed, gifted, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred in any manner (prior to the vesting and lapse of any and all restrictions applicable to Shares issued under such Award), other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution; provided, however, that an ISO may be transferred or assigned only to the extent consistent with Section 422 of the Code. Any purported assignment, transfer or encumbrance in violation of this Section 16.a) shall be void and unenforceable against the Company.

 

 


(b) Performance Criteria. The number of Shares or other benefits granted, issued, retainable and/or vested under an Award may be made subject to the attainment of performance goals.

(i) The Committee may utilize performance criteria including, but not limited to any of the following performance criteria: (a) cash flow (including operating cash flow), (b) earnings per share, (c) earnings before any combination of interest, taxes, depreciation or amortization, (d) return on equity, (e) total stockholder return, (f) share price performance, (g) return on capital, (h) return on assets or net assets, (i) revenue, (j) income or net income, (k) operating income or net operating income, (l) operating profit or net operating profit, (m) operating margin or profit margin (including as a percentage of revenue), (n) return on operating revenue, (o) return on invested capital, (p) market segment shares, (q) costs, (r) expenses, (s) achievement of target levels of discovery and/or development of products or services, including but not limited to research or regulatory achievements, (t) third party coverage and/or reimbursement objectives, (u) test volume metrics, (v) objective customer indicators (including, without limitation, customer satisfaction), (w) improvements in productivity, (x) attainment of objective operating goals, (y) objective employee metrics or (z) any other measures of performance selected by the Committee (“Qualifying Performance Criteria”), any of which may be measured either individually, alternatively or in any combination, applied to either the individual, the Company as a whole or to a business unit or subsidiary of the Company, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, and measured either annually or cumulatively over a period of years, or on the basis of any other specified period, on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to previous years’ results or to a designated comparison group or index, and subject to specified adjustments, in each case as specified by the Committee in the Award.

(ii) Unless specified otherwise by the Committee at the time the performance goals are established, the Committee shall appropriately adjust the method of evaluating performance under a Qualifying Performance Criteria for a performance period as follows: (a) to exclude asset write-downs, (b) to exclude litigation or claim judgments or settlements, (c) to exclude the effect of changes in tax law, accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results, (d) to exclude accruals for reorganization and restructuring programs, (e) to exclude any extraordinary nonrecurring items as determined under generally accepted accounting principles and/or described in managements’ discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations appearing in the Company’s annual report to stockholders for the applicable year, (f) to exclude the dilutive and/or accretive effects of acquisitions or joint ventures, (g) to assume that any business divested by the Company achieved performance objectives at targeted levels during the balance of a performance period following such divestiture, (h) to exclude the effect of any change in the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company by reason of any stock dividend or split, stock repurchase, reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares or other similar corporate change, or any distributions to common stockholders other than regular cash dividends, (i) to exclude the effects of stock based compensation; (j) to exclude costs incurred in connection with potential acquisitions or divestitures that are required to be expensed under generally accepted accounting principles and (k) to make other appropriate adjustments selected by the Committee.

 

 


The Committee shall establish in writing the applicable performance goals (and any variation to the adjustments specified in the preceding subparagraph (ii)), and an objective method for determining the Award earned by a Participant if the goals are attained, while the outcome is substantially uncertain, and shall determine and certify in writing, for each Participant, the extent to which the performance goals have been met prior to payment or vesting of the Award. The Committee may reserve the right, in its sole discretion, to reduce the amount of compensation otherwise payable under the Plan upon the attainment of the pre-established performance goals.

SECTION 17. NO EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS.

No provision of the Plan, nor any right or Award granted under the Plan, shall be construed to give any person any right to become, to be treated as, or to remain an Employee, Consultant or Outside Director. The Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates reserve the right to terminate any person’s Service at any time and for any reason, with or without notice.

SECTION 18. SECTION 409A.

The Plan is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code to the extent subject thereto, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, the Plan shall be interpreted and administered to be in compliance therewith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor the Committee shall have any obligation to take any action to prevent the assessment of any additional tax or penalty on any Participant under Section 409A of the Code and neither the Company nor the Committee will have any liability to any Participant for such additional tax or penalty.

Each Award that provides for “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code shall be subject to such additional rules and requirements as specified by the Committee from time to time in order to comply with Section 409A of the Code. If any amount under such an Award is payable upon a “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) to a Participant who is then considered a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), then no such payment shall be made prior to the date that is the earlier of (i) six months and one day after the Participant’s separation from service, or (ii) the Participant’s death, but only to the extent such delay is necessary to prevent such payment from being subject to interest, penalties and/or additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. In addition, the settlement of any such Award may not be accelerated except to the extent permitted by Section 409A of the Code.

SECTION 19. DURATION AND AMENDMENTS.

(a) Term of the Plan. The Plan, as set forth herein, shall become effective on the Effective Date. No Award may be granted hereunder prior to the Effective Date. The Board of Directors may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. No ISOs may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the earlier of (i) the date the Plan, as amended and restated herein, is adopted in 2022 by the Board of Directors, or (ii) the date the Plan, as amended and restated herein is approved the stockholders of the Company.

(b) Right to Amend or Terminate the Plan. The Board of Directors may amend or terminate the Plan at any time and from time to time. Rights and obligations under any Award granted before amendment of the Plan shall not be materially impaired by such amendment, except with

 

 


consent of the Participant. An amendment of the Plan shall be subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders only to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations or rules.

(c) Effect of Termination. No Awards shall be granted under the Plan after the termination thereof. The termination of the Plan shall not affect Awards previously granted under the Plan.

SECTION 20. AWARDS TO NON-U.S. PARTICIPANTS.

Awards may be granted to Participants who are non-United States nationals or employed or providing services outside the United States, or both, on such terms and conditions different from those applicable to Awards to Participants who are employed or providing services in the United States as may, in the judgment of the Committee, be necessary or desirable to recognize differences in local law, currency or tax policy or custom. The Committee also may impose conditions on the exercise, vesting or settlement of Awards in order to minimize the Company’s obligation with respect to tax equalization for Participants on assignments outside their home country. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, adjust the value of any Awards or any amounts due to Participants hereunder to reflect any foreign currency conversions or fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; provided, however, that none of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate shall be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuations between a Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of any Awards or of any amounts due to a Participant hereunder.

SECTION 21. FORFEITURE, CANCELLATION OR CLAWBACK OF AWARDS.

(a) The Committee may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, or recoupment upon the occurrence of specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. Such events may include, but shall not be limited to, termination of Service for Cause or any act by a Participant, whether before or after termination of Service, that would constitute Cause for termination of Service.

(b) If the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company, as a result of misconduct, with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, at the discretion of the Committee, any Participant who knowingly or through gross negligence engaged in the misconduct, or who knowingly or through gross negligence failed to prevent the misconduct, and any Participant who is one of the individuals subject to automatic forfeiture under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, shall reimburse the Company for (i) the amount of any payment in settlement of an Award received by such Participant during the twelve (12) month period following the first public issuance or filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (whichever first occurred) of the financial document embodying such financial reporting requirement, and (ii) any profits realized by such Participant from the sale of securities of the Company during such twelve- (12) month period. In addition, to the extent claw-back or similar provisions applicable to Awards are required by applicable law, listing standards and/or policies adopted by the Company, Awards granted under the Plan shall be subject to such provisions.

SECTION 22. GOVERNING LAW.

The Plan, each Award Agreement and each Award and all disputes or controversies arising out of or relating thereto and all other matters shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the

 

 


internal laws of the State of Delaware as to matters within the scope thereof, without regard to the laws of any other jurisdiction that might be applied because of the conflicts of laws principles of any state.