CARDINALFINANCIAL CORPORATION 2002EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN (as amended and restated effective April 21,2006)

Contract Categories: Human Resources - Compensation Agreements
EX-10.1 2 a06-10669_1ex10d1.htm EX-10

Exhibit 10.1

 

CARDINAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

2002 EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN

 

(as amended and restated effective April 21, 2006)

 



 

CARDINAL FINANCIAL CORPORATION

2002 Equity Compensation Plan

As Amended and Restated Effective April 21, 2006

 

Table of Contents

 

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

1

 

 

 

1.01.

Administrator

1

1.02.

Agreement

1

1.03.

Award

1

1.04.

Board

1

1.05.

Change in Control

1

1.06.

Change in Control Price

1

1.07.

Code

2

1.08.

Committee

2

1.09.

Common Stock

2

1.10.

Control Change Date

2

1.11.

Corporation

2

1.12.

Corresponding SAR

2

1.13.

Exchange Act

2

1.14.

Fair Market Value

2

1.15.

Incentive Stock Option

2

1.16.

Initial Value

3

1.17.

Non-Qualified Stock Option

3

1.18.

Option

3

1.19.

Participant

3

1.20.

Performance Shares

3

1.21.

Plan

3

1.22.

SAR

3

1.23.

Stock Award

3

1.24.

Stock Unit

4

1.25.

Subsidiary

4

 

 

 

ARTICLE II PURPOSES

5

 

 

 

ARTICLE III ADMINISTRATION

6

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV ELIGIBILITY

7

 

 

 

ARTICLE V STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN

8

 

 

 

5.01.

Shares Issued

8

5.02.

Aggregate Limit

8

5.03.

Reallocation of Shares

8

 

 

 

ARTICLE VI OPTIONS

9

 

 

 

6.01.

Award

9

 

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6.02.

Option Price

9

6.03.

Maximum Option Period

9

6.04.

Nontransferability

9

6.05.

Transferable Options

9

6.06.

Employee Status

10

6.07.

Exercise

10

6.08.

Payment

10

6.09.

Change in Control

10

6.10.

Shareholder Rights

11

6.11.

Disposition of Stock

11

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII SARS

12

 

 

 

7.01.

Award

12

7.02.

Maximum SAR Period

12

7.03.

Nontransferability

12

7.04.

Transferable SARs

12

7.05.

Exercise

13

7.06.

Change in Control

13

7.07.

Employee Status

13

7.08.

Settlement

13

7.09.

Shareholder Rights

14

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII STOCK AWARDS

15

 

 

 

8.01.

Award

15

8.02.

Vesting

15

8.03.

Employee Status

15

8.04.

Change in Control

15

8.05.

Shareholder Rights

16

 

 

 

ARTICLE IX PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARDS

17

 

 

 

9.01.

Award

17

9.02.

Earning the Award

17

9.03.

Payment

17

9.04.

Shareholder Rights

17

9.05.

Nontransferability

17

9.06.

Transferable Performance Shares

18

9.07.

Employee Status

18

9.08.

Change in Control

18

 

 

 

ARTICLE X STOCK UNITS

19

 

 

 

10.01.

Award

19

 

ii



 

10.02.

Earning the Award

19

10.03.

Payment

19

10.04.

Nontransferability

19

10.05.

Shareholder Rights

19

10.06.

Change in Control

20

 

 

 

ARTICLE XI ADJUSTMENT UPON CHANGE IN COMMON STOCK

21

 

 

 

ARTICLE XII COMPLIANCE WITH LAW AND APPROVAL OF REGULATORY BODIES

22

 

 

 

ARTICLE XIII GENERAL PROVISIONS

23

 

 

 

13.01.

Effect on Employment and Service

23

13.02.

Unfunded Plan

23

13.03.

Rules of Construction

23

13.04.

Tax Withholding

23

 

 

 

ARTICLE XIV AMENDMENT

24

 

 

 

ARTICLE XV DURATION OF PLAN

25

 

 

 

ARTICLE XVI EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN

26

 

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ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS

 

1.01.                     Administrator

 

Administrator means the Committee and any delegate of the Committee that is appointed in accordance with Article III.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, “Administrator” means the Board on any date on which there is not a Committee.

 

1.02.                     Agreement

 

Agreement means a written agreement (including any amendment or supplement thereto) between the Corporation and a Participant specifying the terms and conditions of an Award granted to such Participant.

 

1.03.                     Award

 

Award means an award of Performance Shares, a Stock Award, Stock Unit, Option or SAR granted to a Participant.

 

1.04.                     Board

 

Board means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

 

1.05.                     Change in Control

 

Change in Control means a change in control of the Corporation of a nature that would be required to be reported (assuming such event has not been previously reported) in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act (or a successor provision thereto), provided that, without limitation, a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred at such time after May 29, 2002 as (i) any “person”, within the meaning of Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act, becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Corporation representing 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Corporation’s then outstanding securities, or (ii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof unless the election or the nomination for election, by the Corporation’s shareholders, of each new director was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors at the beginning of the period.

 

1.06.                     Change in Control Price

 

Change in Control Price means the higher of (i) the mean of the high and low trading prices for the Corporation’s Common Stock on the Stock Exchange on the date of determination of the Change in Control or (ii) the higher price per share actually paid for the Common Stock in connection with the Change in Control of the Corporation.

 

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1.07.                     Code

 

Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and any amendments thereto.

 

1.08.                     Committee

 

Committee means the Compensation Committee of the Board.

 

1.09.                     Common Stock

 

Common Stock means the common stock of the Corporation.

 

1.10.                     Control Change Date

 

Control Change Date means the date on which a Change in Control occurs.  If a Change in Control occurs on account of a series of transactions, the Control Change Date is the date of the last of such transactions.

 

1.11.                     Corporation

 

Corporation means Cardinal Financial Corporation.

 

1.12.                     Corresponding SAR

 

Corresponding SAR means an SAR that is granted in relation to a particular Option and that can be exercised only upon the surrender to the Corporation, unexercised, of that portion of the Option to which the SAR relates.

 

1.13.                     Exchange Act

 

Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

 

1.14.                     Fair Market Value

 

Fair Market Value means, on any given date, the reported “closing” price of a share of Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market System or the Principal Stock Exchange on which the Common Stock is traded, or if the Common Stock was not so traded on such day, then on the next preceding day that the Common Stock was so traded.

 

1.15.                     Incentive Stock Option

 

Incentive Stock Option means an Option which qualifies and is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code.

 

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1.16.                     Initial Value

 

Initial Value means, with respect to a Corresponding SAR, the Option price per share of the related Option and, with respect to an SAR granted independently of an Option, the price per share of Common Stock as determined by the Administrator on the date of the grant; provided, however, that the price per share of Common Stock encompassed by the grant of an SAR shall not be less than the Fair Market Value on the date of grant.

 

1.17.                     Non-Qualified Stock Option

 

Non-Qualified Stock Option means an Option other than an Incentive Stock Option.

 

1.18.                     Option

 

Option means a stock option that entitles the holder to purchase from the Corporation a stated number of shares of Common Stock at the price set forth in an Agreement.

 

1.19.                     Participant

 

Participant means a key employee of the Corporation or a Subsidiary or a member of the Board or the board of directors of a Subsidiary or a consultant to the Corporation or a Subsidiary who satisfies the requirements of Article IV and is selected by the Administrator to receive an Award.

 

1.20.                     Performance Shares

 

Performance Shares means an Award, in the amount determined by the Administrator and specified in an Agreement, stated with reference to a specified number of shares of Common Stock, that entitles the holder to receive a payment for each specified share equal to the Fair Market Value of Common Stock on the date of payment.

 

1.21.                     Plan

 

Plan means the Cardinal Financial Corporation 2002 Equity Compensation Plan.

 

1.22.                     SAR

 

SAR means a stock appreciation right that entitles the holder to receive, with respect to each share of Common Stock encompassed by the exercise of such SAR, the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value at the time of exercise over the Initial Value.  References to “SARs” include both Corresponding SARs and SARs granted independently of Options, unless the context requires otherwise.

 

1.23.                     Stock Award

 

Stock Award means Common Stock awarded to a Participant under Article VIII.

 

3



 

1.24.                     Stock Unit

 

Stock Unit means an Award, in an amount determined by the Administrator and specified in an Agreement, stated with reference to a specified number of shares of Common Stock, that entitled the holder to receive a payment for each Stock Unit equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of payment.

 

1.25.                     Subsidiary

 

Subsidiary means a Corporation or other business entity that the Corporation directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting equity of such corporation.

 

4



 

ARTICLE II
PURPOSES

 

The Plan is intended to assist the Corporation and Subsidiaries in recruiting and retaining individuals with ability and initiative by enabling such persons to participate in the future success of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries and to associate their interests with those of the Corporation and its shareholders.  The Plan is intended to permit the grant of Incentive Stock Options and Non-Qualified Stock Options, and the grant of SARs, Stock Awards, Stock Units and Performance Shares.  No Option that is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option shall be invalid for failure to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.  The proceeds received by the Corporation from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to this Plan shall be used for general corporate purposes.

 

5



 

ARTICLE III
ADMINISTRATION

 

The Plan shall be administered by the Administrator.  The Administrator shall have authority to grant Awards upon such terms (not inconsistent with the provisions of this Plan), as the Administrator may consider appropriate.  Such terms may include conditions (in addition to those contained in this Plan) on the exercisability of all or any part of an Option or SAR or on the transferability or forfeitability of a Stock Award or an award of Performance Shares or Stock Units, including by way of example and not of limitation, requirements that the Participant complete a specified period of employment or service with the Corporation or a Subsidiary, requirements that the Corporation achieve a specified level of financial performance or that the Corporation achieve a specified level of financial return.  Notwithstanding any such conditions, the Administrator may, in its discretion, accelerate the time at which any Option or SAR may be exercised, or the time at which a Stock Award may become transferable or nonforfeitable or both, or the time at which an award of Performance Shares or Stock Units may be settled.  In addition, the Administrator shall have complete authority to interpret all provisions of this Plan; to prescribe the form of Agreements; to adopt, amend, and rescind rules and regulations pertaining to the administration of the Plan; and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan.  The express grant in the Plan of any specific power to the Administrator shall not be construed as limiting any power or authority of the Administrator.  Any decision made, or action taken, by the Administrator in connection with the administration of this Plan shall be final and conclusive.  Neither the Administrator nor any member of the Committee shall be liable for any act done in good faith with respect to this Plan or any Agreement or Award.  All expenses of administering this Plan shall be borne by the Corporation, a Subsidiary or a combination thereof.

 

The Committee, in its discretion, may delegate to one or more officers of the Corporation all or part of the Committee’s authority and duties with respect to grants and awards to individuals who are not subject to the reporting and other provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.  The Committee may revoke or amend the terms of a delegation at any time but such action shall not invalidate any prior actions of the Committee’s delegate or delegates that were consistent with the terms of the Plan.

 

6



 

ARTICLE IV
ELIGIBILITY

 

Any key employee of the Corporation, any member of the Board, any employee or director of a Subsidiary (including a corporation that becomes a Subsidiary after the adoption of this Plan), or any consultant or advisor to the Company or a Subsidiary is eligible to participate in this Plan if the Administrator, in its sole discretion, determines that such person has contributed or can be expected to contribute to the profits or growth of the Corporation or a Subsidiary.

 

7



 

ARTICLE V
STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN

 

5.01.                     Shares Issued

 

Upon the award of shares of Common Stock pursuant to a Stock Award or in settlement of an award of Stock Units or Performance Shares, the Corporation may issue shares of Common Stock from its authorized but unissued Common Stock.  Upon the exercise of any Option or SAR the Corporation may deliver to the Participant (or the Participant’s broker if the Participant so directs), shares of Common Stock from its authorized but unissued Common Stock.

 

5.02.                     Aggregate Limit

 

The maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under this Plan, pursuant to the exercise of SARs and Options, the grant of Stock Awards and the settlement of Performance Shares or Stock Units is 2,420,000 shares.  The maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under this Plan as Options is 2,420,000.  The maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under this Plan and the maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Options shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Article XI.

 

5.03.                     Reallocation of Shares

 

If an Option is terminated, in whole or in part, for any reason other than its exercise or the exercise of a Corresponding SAR, the number of shares of Common Stock allocated to the Option or portion thereof may be reallocated to other Awards to be granted under this Plan.  If an SAR is terminated, in whole or in part, for any reason other than its exercise or the exercise of a related Option, the number of shares of Common Stock allocated to the SAR or portion thereof may be reallocated to other Awards to be granted under this Plan.  If Stock Unit or an award of Performance Shares is terminated, in whole or in part, the number of shares of Common Stock allocated to the Stock Unit or Performance Shares, or portion thereof, may be reallocated to other Awards to be granted under this Plan.  If a Stock Award is forfeited or terminated, in whole or in part, for any reason, the number of shares of Common Stock allocated to the Stock Award or portion thereof may be reallocated to other Awards to be granted under this Plan.  If shares of Common Stock are surrendered or withheld in satisfaction of tax withholding requirements the number of shares surrendered or withheld may be reallocated to other Awards to be granted under this Plan.

 

8



 

ARTICLE VI
OPTIONS

 

6.01.                     Award

 

In accordance with the provisions of Article IV, the Administrator will designate each individual to whom an Option is to be granted and will specify the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each such award.

 

6.02.                     Option Price

 

The price per share for Common Stock purchased on the exercise of an Option shall be determined by the Administrator on the date of grant, but shall not be less than the Fair Market Value on the date the Option is granted.  Except for an adjustment authorized under Article XII, the Option price may not be reduced (by amendment or cancellation of the Option or otherwise) after the date of grant.

 

6.03.                     Maximum Option Period

 

The maximum period in which an Option may be exercised shall be ten years from the date such Option was granted.  The terms of any Option may provide that it has a term that is less than such maximum period.

 

6.04.                     Nontransferability

 

Except as provided in Section 6.05, each Option granted under this Plan shall be nontransferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.  In the event of any transfer of an Option (by the Participant or his transferee), the Option and any Corresponding SAR that relates to such Option must be transferred to the same person or persons or entity or entities.  Except as provided in Section 6.05, during the lifetime of the Participant to whom the Option is granted, the Option may be exercised only by the Participant.  No right or interest of a Participant in any Option shall be liable for, or subject to, any lien, obligation, or liability of such Participant.

 

6.05.                     Transferable Options

 

Section 6.04 to the contrary notwithstanding, and if the Agreement provides, a Non-Qualified Stock Option may be transferred by a Participant to the Participant’s children, grandchildren, spouse, one or more trusts for the benefit of such family members or a partnership in which such family members are the only partners, on such terms and conditions as may be permitted under Securities Exchange Commission Rule 16b-3 as in effect from time to time.  The holder of an Option transferred pursuant to this section shall be bound by the same terms and conditions that governed the Option during the period that it was held by the Participant; provided, however, that such transferee may not transfer the Option except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  In the event of any transfer of an Option (by the Participant or his

 

9



 

transferee), the Option and any Corresponding SAR that relates to such Option must be transferred to the same person or persons or entity or entities.

 

6.06.                     Employee Status

 

For purposes of determining the applicability of Section 422 of the Code (relating to Incentive Stock Options), or in the event that the terms of any Option provide that it may be exercised only during employment or continued service or within a specified period of time after termination of employment or service, the Administrator may decide to what extent leaves of absence for governmental or military service, illness, temporary disability, or other reasons shall not be deemed interruptions of continuous employment or service.

 

6.07.                     Exercise

 

Subject to the provisions of this Plan and the applicable Agreement, an Option may be exercised in whole at any time or in part from time to time at such times and in compliance with such requirements as the Administrator shall determine; provided, however, that Incentive Stock Options (granted under the Plan and all plans of the Corporation and its Related Entities) may not be first exercisable in a calendar year for stock having a Fair Market Value (determined as of the date an Option is granted) exceeding the limit prescribed by Section 422(d) of the Code.  An Option granted under this Plan may be exercised with respect to any number of whole shares less than the full number for which the Option could be exercised.  A partial exercise of an Option shall not affect the right to exercise the Option from time to time in accordance with this Plan and the applicable Agreement with respect to the remaining shares subject to the Option.  The exercise of an Option shall result in the termination of any Corresponding SAR to the extent of the number of shares with respect to which the Option is exercised.

 

6.08.                     Payment

 

Unless otherwise provided by the Agreement, payment of the Option price shall be made in cash or a cash equivalent acceptable to the Administrator.  Subject to rules established by the Administrator, payment of all or part of the Option price may be made with shares of Common Stock which have been owned by the Participant for at least six months and which have not been used for another Option exercise during the prior six months.  If Common Stock is used to pay all or part of the Option price, the sum of the cash and cash equivalent and the Fair Market Value (determined as of the day preceding the date of exercise) of the shares surrendered must not be less than the Option price of the shares for which the Option is being exercised.

 

6.09.                     Change in Control

 

Section 6.07 to the contrary notwithstanding, each outstanding Option shall be fully exercisable (in whole or in part at the discretion of the holder) upon a Change in Control and in the discretion of the Committee, (i) the Options shall be assumed, or an equivalent option substituted, by any successor corporation to the Corporation, or (ii) the Corporation shall make provisions for the Participant to exercise the Options for a minimum of ten (10) days prior to the

 

10



 

Change in Control as to all shares subject to the Options.  An Option that becomes exercisable pursuant to this Section 6.09 shall remain exercisable thereafter in accordance with the terms of the Agreement.

 

6.10.                     Shareholder Rights

 

No Participant shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to shares subject to his Option until the date of exercise of such Option.

 

6.11.                     Disposition of Stock

 

A Participant shall notify the Corporation of any sale or other disposition of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an Option that was an Incentive Stock Option if such sale or disposition occurs (i) within two years of the grant of an Option or (ii) within one year of the issuance of the Common Stock to the Participant.  Such notice shall be in writing and directed to the Secretary of the Corporation.

 

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ARTICLE VII
SARS

 

7.01.                     Award

 

In accordance with the provisions of Article IV, the Administrator will designate each individual to whom SARs are to be granted and will specify the number of shares covered by each such award.  No Participant may be granted Corresponding SARs (under all Incentive Stock Option plans of the Corporation and its Affiliates) that are related to Incentive Stock Options which are first exercisable in any calendar year for stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date the related Option is granted) that exceeds the limit prescribed by Section 422(d) of the Code.

 

7.02.                     Maximum SAR Period

 

The maximum period in which an SAR may be exercised shall be ten years from the date such SAR was granted.  The terms of any SAR may provide that it has a term that is less than such maximum period.

 

7.03.                     Nontransferability

 

Except as provided in Section 7.04, each SAR granted under this Plan shall be nontransferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.  In the event of any such transfer, a Corresponding SAR and the related Option must be transferred to the same person or persons or entity or entities.  Except as provided in Section 7.04, during the lifetime of the Participant to whom the SAR is granted, the SAR may be exercised only by the Participant.  No right or interest of a Participant in any SAR shall be liable for, or subject to, any lien, obligation, or liability of such Participant.

 

7.04.                     Transferable SARs

 

Section 7.03 to the contrary notwithstanding, if the Agreement provides, an SAR, other than a Corresponding SAR that is related to an Incentive Stock Option, may be transferred by a Participant to the Participant’s children, grandchildren, spouse, one or more trusts for the benefit of such family members or a partnership in which such family members are the only partners, on such terms and conditions as may be permitted under Securities Exchange Commission Rule 16b-3 as in effect from time to time.  The holder of an SAR transferred pursuant to this section shall be bound by the same terms and conditions that governed the SAR during the period that it was held by the Participant; provided, however, that such transferee may not transfer the SAR except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  In the event of any transfer of a Corresponding SAR (by the Participant or his transferee), the Corresponding SAR and the related Option must be transferred to the same person or person or entity or entities.

 

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7.05.                     Exercise

 

Subject to the provisions of this Plan and the applicable Agreement, an SAR may be exercised in whole at any time or in part from time to time at such times and in compliance with such requirements as the Administrator shall determine; provided, however, that a Corresponding SAR that is related to an Incentive Stock Option may be exercised only to the extent that the related Option is exercisable and only when the Fair Market Value exceeds the option price of the related Option.  An SAR granted under this Plan may be exercised with respect to any number of whole shares less than the full number for which the SAR could be exercised.  A partial exercise of an SAR shall not affect the right to exercise the SAR from time to time in accordance with this Plan and the applicable Agreement with respect to the remaining shares subject to the SAR.  The exercise of a Corresponding SAR shall result in the termination of the related Option to the extent of the number of shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised.

 

7.06.                     Change in Control

 

Section 7.05 to the contrary notwithstanding, each outstanding SAR shall be fully exercisable (in whole or in part at the discretion of the holder) upon a Change in Control and (i) the Corporation shall make payment to Participants with respect to SARs in cash in an amount equal to the appreciation in value of the SAR from the Initial Value to the price as of the date of the Change in Control; (ii) such cash payments to Participants shall be due and payable, and shall be paid by the Corporation, immediately upon the occurrence of such Change in Control; and (iii) after the payment provided for in (ii) above, Participants shall have no further rights under SARs outstanding at the time of such Change in Control.

 

7.07.                     Employee Status

 

If the terms of any SAR provide that it may be exercised only during employment or continued service or within a specified period of time after termination of employment or service, the Administrator may decide to what extent leaves of absence for governmental or military service, illness, temporary disability or other reasons shall not be deemed interruptions of continuous employment or service.

 

7.08.                     Settlement

 

At the Administrator’s discretion, the amount payable as a result of the exercise of an SAR may be settled in cash, Common Stock, or a combination of cash and Common Stock.  No fractional share will be deliverable upon the exercise of an SAR but a cash payment will be made in lieu thereof.

 

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7.09.                     Shareholder Rights

 

No Participant shall, as a result of receiving an SAR, have any rights as a shareholder of the Corporation until the date that the SAR is exercised and then only to the extent that the SAR is settled by the issuance of Common Stock.

 

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ARTICLE VIII
STOCK AWARDS

 

8.01.                     Award

 

In accordance with the provisions of Article IV, the Administrator will designate each individual to whom a Stock Award is to be made and will specify the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each such award.

 

8.02.                     Vesting

 

The Administrator, on the date of the award, may prescribe that a Participant’s rights in a Stock Award shall be forfeitable or otherwise restricted for a period of time or subject to such conditions as may be set forth in the Agreement.  By way of example and not of limitation, the restrictions may postpone transferability of the shares or may provide that the shares will be forfeited if the Participant separates from the service of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries before the expiration of a stated period or if the Corporation, a Subsidiary, the Corporation and its Subsidiaries or the Participant fails to achieve stated performance objectives.  The Administrator, in its discretion, may waive the requirements for vesting or transferability for all or part of the shares subject to a Stock Award in connection with a Participant’s termination of employment or service.

 

8.03.                     Employee Status

 

In the event that the terms of any Stock Award provide that shares may become transferable and nonforfeitable thereunder only after completion of a specified period of employment or service, the Administrator may decide in each case to what extent leaves of absence for governmental or military service, illness, temporary disability, or other reasons shall not be deemed interruptions of continuous employment or service.

 

8.04.                     Change in Control

 

Sections 8.02 and 8.03 to the contrary notwithstanding, each outstanding Stock Award shall be transferable and nonforfeitable upon a Change in Control, except that if, upon the advice of counsel to the Corporation, shares of Common Stock cannot lawfully be issued without restriction, then the Corporation shall make payment to Participants in cash in an amount equal to the Change in Control Price of the Common Stock that otherwise would have been issued; and (i) such cash payments to Participants shall be due and payable, and shall be paid by the Corporation, immediately upon the occurrence of such Change in Control; and (ii) after the payment provided for in (i) above, Participants shall have no further rights under Stock Awards outstanding at the time of such Change in Control of the Corporation.

 

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8.05.                     Shareholder Rights

 

Prior to their forfeiture (in accordance with the applicable Agreement and while the shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the Stock Award may be forfeited or are nontransferable), and if the Agreement so provides, a Participant will have all the rights of a shareholder with respect to a Stock Award, including the right to receive dividends and vote the shares; provided, however, that during such period (i) a Participant may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to a Stock Award, (ii) the Corporation shall retain custody of the certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to a Stock Award, and (iii) the Participant will deliver to the Corporation a stock power, endorsed in blank, with respect to each Stock Award.  The limitations set forth in the preceding sentence shall not apply after the shares of Common Stock granted under the Stock Award are transferable and are no longer forfeitable.

 

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ARTICLE IX
PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARDS

 

9.01.                     Award

 

In accordance with the provisions of IV, the Administrator will designate each individual to whom an Award of Performance Shares is to be made and will specify the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each such Award.

 

9.02.                     Earning the Award

 

The Administrator, on the date of the grant of an Award, shall prescribe that the Performance Shares, or a portion thereof, will be earned, and the Participant will be entitled to receive payment pursuant to the Award of Performance Shares, only upon the satisfaction of performance objectives or such other criteria as may be prescribed by the Administrator and set forth in the Agreement. By way of example and not of limitation, the performance objectives or other criteria may provide that the Performance Shares will be earned only if the Participant remains in the employ or service of the Corporation or a Subsidiary for a stated period or that the Corporation, a Subsidiary, the Corporation and its Subsidiaries or the Participant achieve stated objectives.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentences of this Section 9.02, the Administrator, in its discretion, may reduce the duration of the performance period and may adjust the performance objectives for outstanding Performance Shares in connection with a Participant’s termination of employment or service.

 

9.03.                     Payment

 

In the discretion of the Administrator, the amount payable when an Award of Performance Shares is earned may be settled in cash, by the issuance of Common Stock or a combination of cash and Common Stock.  A fractional share shall not be deliverable when an Award of Performance Shares is earned, but a cash payment will be made in lieu thereof.

 

9.04.                     Shareholder Rights

 

No Participant shall, as a result of receiving an Award of Performance Shares, have any rights as a shareholder until and to the extent that the Award of Performance Shares is earned and settled by the issuance of Common Stock.  After an Award of Performance Shares is earned, if settled completely or partially in Common Stock, a Participant will have all the rights of a shareholder with respect to such Common Stock.

 

9.05.                     Nontransferability

 

Except as provided in Section 9.06, Performance Shares granted under this Plan shall be nontransferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.  No right or interest of a Participant in any Performance Shares shall be liable for, or subject to, any lien, obligation, or liability of such Participant.

 

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9.06.                     Transferable Performance Shares

 

Section 9.05 to the contrary notwithstanding, if the Agreement provides, an Award of Performance Shares may be transferred by a Participant to the Participant’s children, grandchildren, spouse, one or more trusts for the benefit of such family members or a partnership in which such family members are the only partners, on such terms and conditions as may be permitted under Securities Exchange Commission Rule 16b-3 as in effect from time to time.  The holder of Performance Shares transferred pursuant to this section shall be bound by the same terms and conditions that governed the Performance Shares during the period that they were held by the Participant; provided, however that such transferee may not transfer Performance Shares except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

 

9.07.                     Employee Status

 

In the event that the terms of any Performance Share Award provide that no payment will be made unless the Participant completes a stated period of employment or service, the Administrator may decide to what extent leaves of absence for government or military service, illness, temporary disability, or other reasons shall not be deemed interruptions of continuous employment or service.

 

9.08.                     Change in Control

 

Section 9.02 to the contrary notwithstanding, each outstanding Performance Share Award shall be earned upon a Change in Control and Participants shall be entitled to a pro-rata portion of their Performance Share Award, calculated by multiplying the total Award by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months elapsed in the performance period (as defined in the Agreement) and the denominator of which is the total length of the performance period defined in the Agreement.  The amount payable for Performance Shares that are earned pursuant to this Section 9.08 shall be settled in cash or Common Stock or a combination of cash and Common Stock as determined by the Administrator in its discretion as soon as practicable after the Change in Control Date.

 

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ARTICLE X
STOCK UNITS

 

10.01.              Award

 

In accordance with the provisions of Article IV, the Administrator will designate individual to whom an Award of Stock Units is to be made and will specify the number of Stock Units covered by such Awards.

 

10.02.              Earning the Award

 

The Administrator, on the date of grant of the Award, may prescribe that the Stock Units or a portion thereof, will be earned only upon, and the Participant will be entitled to receive a payment pursuant to the Award of Stock Units, only upon the satisfaction of performance objectives or such other criteria as may be prescribed by the Administrator and set forth in the Agreement.  By way of example and not of limitation, the performance objectives or other criteria may provide that the Stock Units will be earned only if the Participant remains in the employ or service of the Corporation or a Subsidiary for a stated period or that the Corporation, a Subsidiary, the Corporation and its Subsidiaries or the Participant achieve stated objectives.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentences of this Section 10.02, the Administrator, in its discretion, may reduce the duration of the performance period and may adjust the performance objectives for outstanding Stock Units in connection with a Participant’s termination of employment or service.

 

10.03.              Payment

 

In accordance with the Agreement, the amount payable when an award of Stock Units is earned may be settled in cash, Common Stock or a combination of cash and Common Stock.  A fractional share shall not be deliverable when an Award of Stock Units is earned, but a cash payment will be made in lieu thereof.

 

10.04.              Nontransferability

 

A Participant may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecate, or otherwise dispose of a Stock Unit Award other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  The limitations set forth in the preceding sentence shall not apply to Common Stock issued as payment pursuant to a Stock Unit Award.

 

10.05.              Shareholder Rights

 

No Participant shall, as a result of receiving a Stock Unit Award, have any rights as a shareholder of the Company or Subsidiary until and to the extent that the Stock Units are earned and settled in shares of Common Stock.  After Stock Units are earned and settled in shares of Common Stock, a Participant will have all the rights of a shareholder with respect to such shares.

 

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10.06.              Change in Control

 

Section 10.02 to the contrary notwithstanding, each Stock Unit shall be earned in its entirety as of a Control Change Date without regard to whether any condition to which the award is subject have been met.

 

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ARTICLE XI
ADJUSTMENT UPON CHANGE IN COMMON STOCK

 

The maximum number of shares as to which Awards may be granted under this Plan; and the terms of outstanding Awards; and the per individual limitations on the number of shares of Common Stock for which Awards may be granted shall be adjusted as the Committee shall determine to be equitably required in the event that (a) the Corporation (i) effects one or more stock dividends, stock split-ups, subdivisions or consolidations of shares or (ii) engages in a transaction to which Section 424 of the Code applies, (b) there occurs any other event which, in the judgment of the Committee necessitates such action or (c) there is a Change in Control.  Any determination made under this Article XI by the Committee shall be final and conclusive.

 

The issuance by the Corporation of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, for cash or property, or for labor or services, either upon direct sale or upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefore, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Corporation convertible into such shares or other securities, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the maximum number of shares as to which Awards may be granted, the per individual limitations on the number of shares of Common Stock for which Awards may be granted or the terms of outstanding Awards.

 

The Committee may make Awards in substitution for performance shares, phantom shares, stock awards, stock options, stock appreciation rights, or similar awards held by an individual who becomes an employee of the Corporation or a Subsidiary in connection with a transaction or event described in the first paragraph of this Article XI.  Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan (other than the limitation of Section 5.02), the terms of such substituted Awards shall be as the Committee, in its discretion, determines is appropriate.

 

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ARTICLE XII
COMPLIANCE WITH LAW AND APPROVAL OF REGULATORY BODIES

 

No Option or SAR shall be exercisable, no Common Stock shall be issued, no certificates for shares of Common Stock shall be delivered, and no payment shall be made under this Plan except in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations (including, without limitation, withholding tax requirements), any listing agreement to which the Corporation is a party, and the rules of all domestic stock exchanges on which the Corporation’s shares may be listed.  The Corporation shall have the right to rely on an opinion of its counsel as to such compliance.  Any share certificate issued to evidence Common Stock when a Stock Award is granted, a Performance Share or Stock Unit is settled or for which an Option or SAR is exercised may bear such legends and statements as the Administrator may deem advisable to assure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.  No Option or SAR shall be exercisable, no Stock Award, Stock Unit or Performance Share shall be granted, no Common Stock shall be issued, no certificate for shares shall be delivered, and no payment shall be made under this Plan until the Corporation has obtained such consent or approval as the Administrator may deem advisable from regulatory bodies having jurisdiction over such matters.

 

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ARTICLE XIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

13.01.              Effect on Employment and Service

 

Neither the adoption of this Plan, its operation, nor any documents describing or referring to this Plan (or any part thereof), shall confer upon any individual any right to continue in the employ or service of the Corporation or a Subsidiary or in any way affect any right or power of the Corporation or a Subsidiary to terminate the employment or service of any individual at any time with or without assigning a reason therefore.

 

13.02.              Unfunded Plan

 

The Plan, insofar as it provides for grants, shall be unfunded, and the Corporation shall not be required to segregate any assets that may at any time be represented by grants under this Plan.  Any liability of the Corporation to any person with respect to any grant under this Plan shall be based solely upon any contractual obligations that may be created pursuant to this Plan.  No such obligation of the Corporation shall be deemed to be secured by any pledge of, or other encumbrance on, any property of the Corporation.

 

13.03.              Rules of Construction

 

Headings are given to the articles and sections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference.  The reference to any statute, regulation, or other provision of law shall be construed to refer to any amendment to or successor of such provision of law.

 

13.04.              Tax Withholding

 

Each Participant shall be responsible for satisfying any income and employment tax withholding obligation attributable to participation in this Plan.  In accordance with procedures established by the Administrator, a Participant may surrender shares of Common Stock, or receive fewer shares of Common Stock than otherwise would be issuable, in satisfaction of all or part of that obligation.

 

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ARTICLE XIV
AMENDMENT

 

The Board may amend or terminate this Plan from time to time; provided, however, that no amendment may become effective until shareholder approval is obtained if (i) the amendment increases the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan (other than an adjustment pursuant to Article XI) or (ii) the amendment changes the class of individuals eligible to become Participants.  No amendment shall, without a Participant’s consent, adversely affect any rights of such Participant under any Award outstanding at the time such amendment is made.

 

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ARTICLE XV
DURATION OF PLAN

 

No Awards may be granted under this Plan more than ten years after the earlier of the date the Plan is adopted by the Board or the date that the Plan is approved in accordance with Article XVI.  Awards granted before that date shall remain valid in accordance with their terms.

 

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ARTICLE XVI
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN

 

Options, SARs, Stock Units and Performance Shares may be granted under this Plan upon its adoption by the Board, provided that no Option, SAR, Stock Units or Performance Shares shall be effective or exercisable unless this Plan is approved by a majority of the votes cast by the Corporation’s shareholders, voting either in person or by proxy, at a duly held shareholders’ meeting at which a quorum is present or by unanimous consent.  Stock Awards may be granted under this Plan, upon the later of its adoption by the Board or its approval by shareholders in accordance with the preceding sentence.

 

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