Cortex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10.94
CORTEX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
2006 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
The 2006 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN (the Plan) is hereby established and adopted this 30th day of March, 2006 (the Effective Date) by Cortex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the Company).
ARTICLE 1.
PURPOSES OF THE PLAN
1.1 Purposes. The purposes of the Plan are (a) to enhance the Companys ability to attract and retain the services of qualified employees, officers, directors, consultants and other service providers upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts the successful conduct and development of the Companys business largely depends, and (b) to provide additional incentives to such persons or entities to devote their utmost effort and skill to the advancement and betterment of the Company, by providing them an opportunity to participate in the ownership of the Company and thereby have an interest in the success and increased value of the Company.
ARTICLE 2.
DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
2.1 Administrator. Administrator shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.1.
2.2 Affiliated Company. Affiliated Company means:
(a) with respect to Incentive Options, any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation of the Company, whether now existing or hereafter created or acquired, as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and 424(f) of the Code, respectively; and
(b) with respect to Awards other than Incentive Options, any entity described in paragraph (a) of this Section 2.2 above, plus any other corporation, limited liability company (LLC), partnership or joint venture, whether now existing or hereafter created or acquired, with respect to which the Company beneficially owns more than fifty percent (50%) of: (1) the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities or (2) the capital or profits interests of an LLC, partnership or joint venture.
2.3 Award. Award means an Option, a Restricted Stock award, a Stock Appreciation Right award, a Dividend Equivalents award, a Stock Payment award or a Restricted Stock Unit award granted to a Participant pursuant to the Plan.
2.4 Award Agreement. Award Agreement means a written or electronic agreement entered into between the Company and a Participant setting forth the terms and conditions of an Award granted to a Participant.
2.5 Board. Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.6 Change in Control. Change in Control shall mean:
(a) The acquisition, directly or indirectly, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of the beneficial ownership of securities of the Company possessing forty percent (40%) or more of the total combined voting power of all outstanding securities of the Company;
(b) A merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving entity, except for a transaction in which the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation hold as a result of holding Company securities prior to such transaction, in the aggregate, securities possessing more than sixty percent (60%) of the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities of the surviving entity (or the parent of the surviving entity) immediately after such merger or consolidation;
(c) A reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving entity but in which the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such merger hold, in the aggregate, securities possessing sixty percent (60%) or less of the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities of the Company or of the acquiring entity immediately after such merger;
(d) The sale, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, except for a transaction in which the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction(s) receive as a distribution with respect to securities of the Company, in the aggregate, securities possessing more than sixty percent (60%) of the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities of the acquiring entity immediately after such transaction(s); or
(e) The approval by the stockholders of a plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
2.7 Code. Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
2.8 Committee. Committee means a committee of two or more members of the Board appointed to administer the Plan, as set forth in Section 10.1 hereof.
2.9 Common Stock. Common Stock means the Common Stock of the Company, subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof.
2.10 Covered Employee. Covered Employee means the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (or the individual acting in a similar capacity) and the four (4) other individuals that are the highest compensated executive officers of the Company for the relevant taxable year for whom total compensation is required to be reported to stockholders under the Exchange Act.
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2.11 Disability. Disability means permanent and total disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. The Administrators determination of a Disability or the absence thereof shall be conclusive and binding on all interested parties.
2.12 Dividend Equivalent. Dividend Equivalent means a right to receive payments equivalent to the amount of dividends paid by the Company to holders of shares of Common Stock with respect to the number of Dividend Equivalents held by the Participant. The Dividend Equivalent may provide for payment in Common Stock or in cash, or a fixed combination of Common Stock or cash, or the Administrator may reserve the right to determine the manner of payment at the time the Dividend Equivalent is payable. Dividend Equivalents may be granted only in connection with a grant of Restricted Stock Units and shall be subject to the vesting conditions that govern Restricted Stock Units as set forth in the applicable Restricted Stock Award Agreement.
2.13 DRO. DRO means a domestic relations order as defined in the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or the regulations thereunder.
2.14 Effective Date. Effective Date means the date on which the Plan was originally adopted by the Board, as set forth on the first page hereof.
2.15 Exchange Act. Exchange Act means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
2.16 Exercise Price. Exercise Price means the purchase price per share of Common Stock payable upon exercise of an Option.
2.17 Fair Market Value. Fair Market Value on any given date means the value of one share of Common Stock, determined as follows:
(a) If the Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading on a Nasdaq market system or a stock exchange which reports closing sale prices, the Fair Market Value shall be the closing sale price on the date of valuation on such Nasdaq market system or principal stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading, or, if no closing sale price is quoted on such day, then the Fair Market Value shall be the closing sale price of the Common Stock on such Nasdaq market system or such exchange on the next preceding day on which a closing sale price is reported.
(b) If the Common Stock is not then listed or admitted to trading on a Nasdaq market system or a stock exchange which reports closing sale prices, the Fair Market Value shall be the average of the closing bid and asked prices of the Common Stock in the over-the-counter market on the date of valuation.
(c) If neither (a) nor (b) is applicable as of the date of valuation, then the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Administrator in good faith using any reasonable method of evaluation, which determination shall be conclusive and binding on all interested parties.
2.18 Incentive Option. Incentive Option means any Option designated and qualified as an incentive stock option as defined in Section 422 of the Code.
2.19 Incentive Option Agreement. Incentive Option Agreement means an Option Agreement with respect to an Incentive Option.
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2.20 NASD Dealer. NASD Dealer means a broker-dealer that is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
2.21 Nonqualified Option. Nonqualified Option means any Option that is not an Incentive Option. To the extent that any Option designated as an Incentive Option fails in whole or in part to qualify as an Incentive Option, including, without limitation, for failure to meet the limitations applicable to a 10% Stockholder or because it exceeds the annual limit provided for in Section 5.7 below, it shall to that extent constitute a Nonqualified Option.
2.22 Nonqualified Option Agreement. Nonqualified Option Agreement means an Option Agreement with respect to a Nonqualified Option.
2.23 Option. Option means any option to purchase Common Stock granted pursuant to the Plan.
2.24 Option Agreement. Option Agreement means the written agreement entered into between the Company and the Optionee with respect to an Option granted under the Plan.
2.25 Optionee. Optionee means any Participant who holds an Option.
2.26 Participant. Participant means an individual or entity that holds an Option, Stock Appreciation Right, shares of Stock, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Payment or Dividend Equivalents under the Plan.
2.27 Performance Criteria. Performance Criteria means one or more of the following as established by the Administrator, which may be stated as a target percentage or dollar amount, a percentage increase over a base period percentage or dollar amount or the occurrence of a specific event or events:
(a) The achievement of certain scientific and development milestones;
(b) Licensing, partnership or other strategic transactions;
(c) Acceptance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or a comparable foreign regulatory authority of a final New Drug Application or similar document;
(d) Approval for marketing of a product candidate of the Company by the FDA or a comparable foreign regulatory authority;
(e) Obtaining a specified level of financing for the Company;
(f) Cost containment or reduction;
(g) The percentage increase in the market price of the Companys common stock over a stated period; and
(h) Individual business objectives.
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2.28 Purchase Price. Purchase Price means the purchase price payable to purchase a share of Restricted Stock, or a Restricted Stock Unit, which, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, may be zero (0), subject to limitations under applicable law.
2.29 Repurchase Right. Repurchase Right means the right of the Company to repurchase either unvested shares of Restricted Stock pursuant to Section 6.6 or to cancel unvested Restricted Stock Units pursuant to Section 7.6.
2.30 Restricted Stock. Restricted Stock means shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to Article 6 hereof, subject to any restrictions and conditions as are established pursuant to such Article 6.
2.31 Restricted Stock Award. Restricted Stock Award means either the issuance of Restricted Stock or the grant of Restricted Stock Units or Dividend Equivalents under the Plan.
2.32 Restricted Stock Award Agreement. Restricted Stock Award Agreement means the written agreement entered into between the Company and a Participant evidencing the issuance of Restricted Stock or the grant of Restricted Stock Units or Dividend Equivalents under the Plan.
2.33 Restricted Stock Unit. Restricted Stock Unit means the right to receive one share of Common Stock issued pursuant to Article 7 hereof, subject to any restrictions and conditions as are established pursuant to such Article 7.
2.34 Service Provider. Service Provider means a consultant or other person or entity the Administrator authorizes to become a Participant in the Plan and who provides services to (i) the Company, (ii) an Affiliated Company, or (iii) any other business venture designated by the Administrator in which the Company or an Affiliated Company has a significant ownership interest.
2.35 Stock Appreciation Right. Stock Appreciation Right means a contractual right granted to a Participant under Article 8 hereof entitling such Participant to receive a payment representing the difference between the base price per share of the right and the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock, payable either in cash or in shares of the Companys Common Stock, at such time, and subject to such conditions, as are set forth in this Plan and the applicable Stock Appreciation Rights Award agreement.
2.36 Stock Appreciation Rights Holder. Stock Appreciation Rights Holder means any Participant who holds an Stock Appreciation Right.
2.37 Stock Payment. Stock Payment means a payment in the form of shares of Common Stock.
2.38 10% Stockholder. 10% Stockholder means a person who, as of a relevant date, owns or is deemed to own (by reason of the attribution rules applicable under Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of an Affiliated Company.
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ARTICLE 3.
ELIGIBILITY
3.1 Incentive Options. Only employees of the Company or of an Affiliated Company (including members of the Board if they are employees of the Company or of an Affiliated Company) are eligible to receive Incentive Options under the Plan.
3.2 Nonqualified Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Stock Payments and Restricted Stock Awards. Employees of the Company or of an Affiliated Company, members of the Board (whether or not employed by the Company or an Affiliated Company), and Service Providers are eligible to receive Nonqualified Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Stock Payments or Restricted Stock Awards under the Plan.
3.3 Section 162(m) Limitation. In no event shall any Participant be granted Options or Stock Appreciation Rights in any one calendar year pursuant to which the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be acquired thereunder exceeds one million (1,000,000) shares, subject to adjustment as to the number and kind of shares pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof. The foregoing limitation shall be applied on an aggregate basis taking into account Awards granted to a Participant under the Plan as well as awards of the same type granted to a Participant under any other equity-based compensation plan of the Company or any Affiliated Company.
ARTICLE 4.
PLAN SHARES
4.1 Shares Subject to the Plan.
(a) The number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards under the Plan shall be the sum of: (i) one million and three hundred thousand (1,300,000) shares; plus (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock remaining available for issuance and not subject to awards granted under the Cortex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (the Existing Plan) as of the Effective Date. The foregoing limitations shall be subject to adjustment as to the number and kind of shares pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof. In the event that (a) all or any portion of any Option granted under the Plan can no longer under any circumstances be exercised, or (b) any shares of Common Stock subject to an Award Agreement are reacquired by the Company, the shares of Common Stock allocable to the unexercised portion of such Option or the shares so reacquired shall again be available for grant or issuance under the Plan.
As of the Effective Date, there were five hundred sixty-three thousand, seven hundred and ninety-nine (563,799) shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Existing Plan. Accordingly, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that could be issued pursuant to Awards under the Plan is one million, eight hundred and sixty-three thousand, seven hundred and ninety-nine (1,863,799) shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment as to the number and kind of shares pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof.
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(b) The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan as Incentive Options shall be one million, eight hundred and sixty-three thousand, seven hundred and ninety-nine (1,863,799) shares, subject to adjustment as to the number and kind of shares pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof.
(c) The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued as Restricted Stock, Stock Payment awards, or subject to Restricted Stock Units shall be five hundred thousand (500,000) shares, subject to adjustment as to the number and kind of shares pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof.
4.2 Changes in Capital Structure. In the event that the outstanding shares of Common Stock are hereafter increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities of the Company by reason of a recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reclassification, stock dividend, or other change in the capital structure of the Company, then appropriate adjustments shall be made by the Administrator to the aggregate number and kind of shares subject to this Plan, the number and kind of shares and the price per share subject to outstanding Award Agreements and the limit on the number of shares under Section 3.3, all in order to preserve, as nearly as practical, but not to increase, the benefits to Participants.
ARTICLE 5.
OPTIONS
5.1 Grant of Stock Options. The Administrator shall have the right to grant, pursuant to this Plan, Options subject to such terms, restrictions and conditions as the Administrator may determine at the time of grant. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, continued employment or the achievement of specified performance goals or objectives established by the Administrator with respect to one or more Performance Criteria.
5.2 Option Agreements. Each Option granted pursuant to this Plan shall be evidenced by an Option Agreement which shall specify the number of shares subject thereto, vesting provisions relating to such Option, the Exercise Price per share, and whether the Option is an Incentive Option or Nonqualified Option. As soon as is practical following the grant of an Option, an Option Agreement shall be duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the Optionee to whom such Option was granted. Each Option Agreement shall be in such form and contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Plan, as the Administrator shall, from time to time, deem desirable.
5.3 Exercise Price. The Exercise Price per share of Common Stock covered by each Option shall be determined by the Administrator, subject to the following: (a) the Exercise Price of an Incentive Option shall not be less than 100% of Fair Market Value on the date the Incentive Option is granted, (b) the Exercise Price of a Nonqualified Option shall not be less than 100% of Fair Market Value on the date the Nonqualified Option is granted, and (c) if the person to whom an Incentive Option is granted is a 10% Stockholder on the date of grant, the Exercise Price shall not be less than 110% of Fair Market Value on the date the Incentive Option is granted. However, an Option may be granted with an exercise price lower than that set forth in the preceding sentence if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 424 of the Code.
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5.4 Payment of Exercise Price. Payment of the Exercise Price shall be made upon exercise of an Option and may be made, in the discretion of the Administrator, subject to any legal restrictions, by: (a) cash; (b) check; (c) the surrender of shares of Common Stock owned by the Optionee (provided that shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of options granted by the Company must have been held by the Optionee for the requisite period necessary to avoid a charge to the Companys earnings for financial reporting purposes), which surrendered shares shall be valued at Fair Market Value as of the date of such exercise; (d) the cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to the Optionee; (e) the waiver of compensation due or accrued to the Optionee for services rendered; (f) provided that a public market for the Common Stock exists, a same day sale commitment from the Optionee and an NASD Dealer whereby the Optionee irrevocably elects to exercise the Option and to sell a portion of the shares so purchased to pay for the Exercise Price and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such shares to forward the Exercise Price directly to the Company; (g) provided that a public market for the Common Stock exists, a margin commitment from the Optionee and an NASD Dealer whereby the Optionee irrevocably elects to exercise the Option and to pledge the shares so purchased to the NASD Dealer in a margin account as security for a loan from the NASD Dealer in the amount of the Exercise Price, and whereby the NASD Dealer irrevocably commits upon receipt of such shares to forward the Exercise Price directly to the Company; or (h) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment or any other consideration or method of payment as shall be permitted by applicable law.
5.5 Term and Termination of Options. The term and provisions for termination of each Option shall be as fixed by the Administrator, but no Option may be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date it is granted.
5.6 Vesting and Exercise of Options. Each Option shall vest and become exercisable in one or more installments, at such time or times and subject to such conditions, including without limitation the achievement of specified performance goals or objectives established with respect to one or more Performance Criteria, as shall be determined by the Administrator.
5.7 Annual Limit on Incentive Options. To the extent required for incentive stock option treatment under Section 422 of the Code, the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time of grant) of the Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Options granted under this Plan and any other plan of the Company or any Affiliated Company become exercisable for the first time by an Optionee during any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000.
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5.8 Nontransferability of Options. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 5.8, Options shall not be assignable or transferable except by will, the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a DRO entered by a court in settlement of marital property rights, and during the life of the Optionee, Options shall be exercisable only by the Optionee. At the discretion of the Administrator and in accordance with rules it establishes from time to time, Optionees may be permitted to transfer some or all of their Nonqualified Options to one or more family members, which is not a prohibited transfer for value, provided that (i) the Optionee (or such Optionees estate or representative) shall remain obligated to satisfy all income or other tax withholding obligations associated with the exercise of such Nonqualified Option; (ii) the Optionee shall notify the Company in writing that such transfer has occurred and disclose to the Company the name and address of the family member or family members and their relationship to the Optionee, and (iii) such transfer shall be effected pursuant to transfer documents in a form approved by the Administrator. For purposes of the foregoing, the terms family members and prohibited transfer for value have the meaning ascribed to them in the General Instructions to Form S-8 (or any successor form) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
5.9 Rights as a Stockholder. An Optionee or permitted transferee of an Option shall have no rights or privileges as a stockholder with respect to any shares covered by an Option until such Option has been duly exercised and certificates representing shares purchased upon such exercise have been issued to such person.
5.10 Non-Employee Directors. Each director of the Company who is not an employee or executive officer of the Company and who does not serve on the Board to oversee an investment in the Company, shall be granted (i) Nonqualified Options to purchase up to a maximum of thirty thousand (30,000) shares of the Common Stock upon commencement of service as a director of the Company, and (ii) Nonqualified Options to purchase up to a maximum of twenty-five thousand (25,000) shares of Common Stock at each annual meeting of the Companys stockholders (including any meeting coincident with the commencement of service as a director). The number of Nonqualified Options to be granted to non-employee directors of the Company shall be determined by the Administrator, subject to the maximums described above. Nonqualified Options to be granted to non-employee directors of the Company described above shall (i) have an Exercise Price equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant of the options, as determined in accordance with the terms of the Plan, (ii) have a ten (10) year term, (iii) subsequently vest in increments of thirty-three and one-third percent (33 1/3%) on either (A) each anniversary of the date of grant or (B) each successive annual meeting of the Companys stockholders following the date of the grant, whichever more closely represents a successive twelve-month period from the date of grant, as determined by the Administrator, and (iv) otherwise be subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan. If deemed appropriate by the Administrator, each director of the Company who is not an employee or executive officer of the Company and who serves on the Board to oversee an investment in the Company, may be granted Nonqualified Options to purchase shares of Common Stock upon the terms and conditions determined by the Administrator.
5.11 Compliance with Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Article 5 to the contrary, all Option Agreements must be structured to satisfy the requirements of Code Section 409A, as determined by the Administrator.
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ARTICLE 6.
RESTRICTED STOCK
6.1 Issuance of Restricted Stock. The Administrator shall have the right to issue pursuant to this Plan and at a Purchase Price determined by the Administrator, shares of Common Stock subject to such terms, restrictions and conditions as the Administrator may determine at the time of grant. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, continued employment or the achievement of specified performance goals or objectives established by the Administrator with respect to one or more Performance Criteria, which require the Administrator to certify in writing whether and the extent to which such performance goals were achieved before such restrictions are considered to have lapsed.
6.2 Restricted Stock Award Agreements. A Participant shall have no rights with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock covered by a Restricted Stock Award Agreement until the Participant has paid the full Purchase Price, if any, to the Company in the manner set forth in Section 6.3(b) hereof and has executed and delivered to the Company the applicable Restricted Stock Award Agreement. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall be in such form, and shall set forth the Purchase Price, if any, and such other terms, conditions and restrictions of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Plan, as the Administrator shall, from time to time, deem desirable. Each such Restricted Stock Award Agreement may be different from each other Restricted Stock Award Agreement.
6.3 Purchase Price.
(a) Amount. Restricted Stock may be issued to Participants for such consideration as is determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, including no consideration or such minimum consideration as may be required by applicable law.
(b) Payment. Payment of the Purchase Price, if any, may be made, in the discretion of the Administrator, subject to any legal restrictions, by: (a) cash; (b) check; (c) the surrender of shares of Common Stock owned by the Participant (provided that shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of options granted by the Company shall have been held by the Participant for the requisite period necessary to avoid a charge to the Companys earnings for financial reporting purposes), which surrendered shares shall be valued at Fair Market Value as of the date of such acceptance; (d) the cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to the Participant; (e) the waiver of compensation due or accrued to the Participant for services rendered; or (f) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment or any other consideration or method of payment as shall be permitted by applicable law. If payment for shares of Restricted Stock is made by promissory note, any cash dividends paid with respect to the Restricted Stock may be applied, in the discretion of the Administrator, to repayment of such note.
6.4 Vesting of Restricted Stock. The Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall specify the date or dates, the performance goals, if any, established by the Administrator with respect to one or more Performance Criteria that must be achieved, and any other conditions on which the Restricted Stock may vest.
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6.5 Rights as a Stockholder. Upon complying with the provisions of Sections 6.2 and 6.3 hereof, a Participant shall have the rights of a stockholder with respect to the Restricted Stock acquired pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award Agreement, including voting and dividend rights, subject to the terms, restrictions and conditions as are set forth in such Restricted Stock Award Agreement. Unless the Administrator shall determine otherwise, certificates evidencing shares of Restricted Stock shall remain in the possession of the Company until such shares have vested in accordance with the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.
6.6 Restrictions. Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of and shall not be assignable or transferable except by will, the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a DRO entered by a court in settlement of marital property rights, except as specifically provided in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement or as authorized by the Administrator. In the event of termination of a Participants employment, service as a director of the Company or Service Provider status for any reason whatsoever (including death or disability), the Restricted Stock Award Agreement may provide, in the discretion of the Administrator, that the Company may, at the discretion of the Administrator, exercise a Repurchase Right to repurchase at the original Purchase Price the shares of Restricted Stock that have not vested as of the date of termination.
ARTICLE 7.
RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
7.1 Grants of Restricted Stock Units and Dividend Equivalents. The Administrator shall have the right to grant, pursuant to this Plan, Restricted Stock Units and Dividend Equivalents, subject to such terms, restrictions and conditions as the Administrator may determine at the time of grant. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, continued employment or the achievement of specified performance goals or objectives established by the Administrator with respect to one or more Performance Criteria, which require the Administrator to certify in writing whether and the extent to which such performance goals were achieved before such restrictions are considered to have lapsed.
7.2 Restricted Stock Unit Agreements. A Participant shall have no rights with respect to the Restricted Stock Units or Dividend Equivalents covered by a Restricted Stock Award Agreement until the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company the applicable Restricted Stock Award Agreement. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall be in such form, and shall set forth the Purchase Price, if any, and such other terms, conditions and restrictions of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Plan, as the Administrator shall, from time to time, deem desirable. Each such Restricted Stock Award Agreement may be different from each other Restricted Stock Award Agreement.
7.3 Purchase Price.
(a) Amount. Restricted Stock Units may be issued to Participants for such consideration as is determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, including no consideration or such minimum consideration as may be required by applicable law.
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(b) Payment. Payment of the Purchase Price, if any, may be made, in the discretion of the Administrator, subject to any legal restrictions, by: (a) cash; (b) check; (c) the surrender of shares of Common Stock owned by the Participant (provided that shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of options granted by the Company shall have been held by the Participant for the requisite period necessary to avoid a charge to the Companys earnings for financial reporting purposes), which surrendered shares shall be valued at Fair Market Value as of the date of such acceptance; (d) the cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to the Participant; (e) the waiver of compensation due or accrued to the Participant for services rendered; or (f) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment or any other consideration or method of payment as shall be permitted by applicable law.
7.4 Vesting of Restricted Stock Units and Dividend Equivalents. The Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall specify the date or dates, the performance goals, if any, established by the Administrator with respect to one or more Performance Criteria that must be achieved, and any other conditions on which the Restricted Stock Units and Dividend Equivalents may vest.
7.5 Rights as a Stockholder. Holders of Restricted Stock Units shall not be entitled to vote or to receive dividends unless or until they become owners of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to their Restricted Stock Award Agreement and the terms and conditions of the Plan.
7.6 Restrictions. Restricted Stock Units and Dividend Equivalents may not be sold, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of and shall not be assignable or transferable except by will, the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a DRO entered by a court in settlement of marital property rights, except as specifically provided in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement or as authorized by the Administrator. In the event of termination of a Participants employment, service as a director of the Company or Service Provider status for any reason whatsoever (including death or disability), the Restricted Stock Award Agreement may provide that all Restricted Stock Units and Dividend Equivalents that have not vested as of such date shall be automatically forfeited by the Participant. However, if, with respect to such unvested Restricted Stock Units the Participant paid a Purchase Price, the Administrator shall have the right, exercisable at the discretion of the Administrator, to exercise a Repurchase Right to cancel such unvested Restricted Stock Units upon payment to the Participant of the original Purchase Price. The Participant shall forfeit such unvested Restricted Stock Units upon the Administrators exercise of such right.
7.7 Compliance with Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Article 7 to the contrary, all Restricted Stock Award Agreements must be structured to satisfy the requirements of Code Section 409A, as determined by the Administrator.
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ARTICLE 8.
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
8.1 Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to any Participant selected by the Administrator. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted on a basis that allows for the exercise of the right by the Participant or that provides for the automatic payment of the right upon a specified date or event. Stock Appreciation Rights shall be exercisable or payable at such time or times and upon conditions as may be approved by the Administrator, provided that the Administrator may accelerate the exercisability or payment of a Stock Appreciation Right at any time.
8.2 Vesting of Stock Appreciation Rights. Each Stock Appreciation Right shall vest and become exercisable in one or more installments at such time or times and subject to such conditions, including without limitation the achievement of specified performance goals or objectives established with respect to one or more Performance Criteria, as shall be determined by the Administrator. A Stock Appreciation Right will be exercisable or payable at such time or times as determined by the Administrator, provided that the maximum term of a Stock Appreciation Right shall be ten (10) years from the date of grant. The base price of a Stock Appreciation Right shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion; provided, however, that the base price per share of any Stock Appreciation Right shall not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the date of grant.
8.3 Payment of Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right will entitle the holder, upon exercise or other payment of the Stock Appreciation Right, as applicable, to receive an amount determined by multiplying: (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise or payment of the Stock Appreciation Right over the base price of such Stock Appreciation Right, by (ii) the number of shares as to which such Stock Appreciation Right is exercised or paid. Payment of the amount determined under the foregoing shall be made either in cash or in shares of Common Stock, as determined by the Administrator in its discretion. If payment is made in shares of Common Stock, such shares shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise or payment, subject to applicable tax withholding requirements and to such conditions, as are set forth in this Plan and the applicable Stock Appreciation Rights Award Agreement.
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8.4 Nontransferability of Stock Appreciation Rights. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.4, Stock Appreciation Rights shall not be assignable or transferable except by will, the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a DRO entered by a court in settlement of marital property rights, and during the life of the Stock Appreciation Rights Holder, Stock Appreciation Rights shall be exercisable only by the Stock Appreciation Rights Holder. At the discretion of the Administrator and in accordance with rules it establishes from time to time, Stock Appreciation Rights Holders may be permitted to transfer some or all of their Stock Appreciation Rights to one or more family members, which is not a prohibited transfer for value, provided that (i) the Stock Appreciation Rights Holder (or such holders estate or representative) shall remain obligated to satisfy all income or other tax withholding obligations associated with the exercise of such Stock Appreciation Right; (ii) the Stock Appreciation Rights Holder shall notify the Company in writing that such transfer has occurred and disclose to the Company the name and address of the family member or family members and their relationship to the holder, and (iii) such transfer shall be effected pursuant to transfer documents in a form approved by the Administrator. For purposes of the foregoing, the terms family members and prohibited transfer for value have the meaning ascribed to them in the General Instructions to Form S-8 (or any successor form) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
8.6 Compliance with Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Article 8 to the contrary, all Stock Appreciation Rights Awards must be structured to satisfy the requirements of Code Section 409A, as determined by the Administrator.
ARTICLE 9.
STOCK PAYMENT AWARDS
9.1 Grant of Stock Payment Awards. A Stock Payment award may be granted to any Participant selected by the Administrator. A Stock Payment award may be granted for past services, in lieu of bonus or other cash compensation, as directors compensation or for any other valid purpose as determined by the Administrator. A Stock Payment award granted to a Participant represents shares of Common Stock that are issued without restrictions on transfer and other incidents of ownership and free of forfeiture conditions, except as otherwise provided in the Plan and the Award Agreement. The Administrator may, in connection with any Stock Payment award, provide that no payment is required, or require the payment by the Participant of a specified purchase price.
9.2 Rights as Stockholder. Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Article 9 and the applicable Award Agreement, upon the issuance of the Common Stock under a Stock Payment award the Participant shall have all rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares of Common Stock, including the right to vote the shares and receive all dividends and other distributions paid or made with respect thereto.
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ARTICLE 10.
ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
10.1 Administrator. Authority to control and manage the operation and administration of the Plan shall be vested in the Board, which may delegate such responsibilities in whole or in part to a committee consisting of two (2) or more members of the Board (the Committee). Members of the Committee may be appointed from time to time by, and shall serve at the pleasure of, the Board. The Board may limit the composition of the Committee to those persons necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and Section 16 of the Exchange Act. As used herein, the term Administrator means the Board or, with respect to any matter as to which responsibility has been delegated to the Committee, the term Administrator shall mean the Committee.
10.2 Powers of the Administrator. In addition to any other powers or authority conferred upon the Administrator elsewhere in the Plan or by law, the Administrator shall have full power and authority: (a) to determine the persons to whom, and the time or times at which, Awards shall be granted, the number of shares to be represented by each Award, and the consideration to be received by the Company upon the exercise and/or vesting of such Awards; (b) to interpret the Plan; (c) to create, amend or rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan; (d) to determine the terms, conditions and restrictions contained in, and the form of, Award Agreements; (e) to determine the identity or capacity of any persons who may be entitled to exercise a Participants rights under any Award Agreement under the Plan; (f) to correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any Award Agreement; (g) to accelerate the vesting of any Award or release or waive any repurchase rights of the Company with respect to Restricted Stock Awards; (h) to extend the expiration date of any Option; (i) to amend outstanding Award Agreements to provide for, among other things, any change or modification which the Administrator could have included in the original Agreement or in furtherance of the powers provided for herein; and (j) to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan, but only to the extent not contrary to the express provisions of the Plan. Any action, decision, interpretation or determination made in good faith by the Administrator in the exercise of its authority conferred upon it under the Plan shall be final and binding on the Company and all Participants. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Administrator may from time to time delegate to one or more members of the Board or one or more officers of the Company the authority to grant or amend Awards to Participants other than (a) senior executives of the Company who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, (b) Covered Employees, or (c) officers of the Company (or members of the Board) to whom authority to grant or amend Awards has been delegated hereunder. Any delegation hereunder shall be subject to the restrictions and limits that the Administrator specifies at the time of such delegation, and the Administrator may at any time rescind the authority so delegated or appoint a new delegatee.
10.3 Limitation on Liability. No employee of the Company or member of the Board or Administrator shall be subject to any liability with respect to duties under the Plan unless the person acts fraudulently or in bad faith. To the extent permitted by law, the Company shall indemnify each member of the Board or Administrator, and any employee of the Company with duties under the Plan, who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or completed proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of such persons conduct in the performance of duties under the Plan.
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ARTICLE 11.
CHANGE IN CONTROL
11.1 Impact of Change in Control on Awards Under Plan. In order to preserve a Participants rights in the event of a Change in Control of the Company:
(a) The Administrator shall have the discretion to provide in each Award Agreement the terms and conditions that relate to (i) vesting of such Award in the event of a Change in Control, and (ii) assumption of such Awards or issuance of comparable securities under an incentive program in the event of a Change in Control. The aforementioned terms and conditions may vary in each Award Agreement.
(b) If the terms of an outstanding Option provide for accelerated vesting in the event of a Change in Control, or to the extent that a Option is vested and not yet exercised, the Administrator in its discretion may provide, in connection with the Change in Control transaction, for the purchase or exchange of each Option for an amount of cash or other property having a value equal to the difference (or spread) between: (x) the value of the cash or other property that the Participant would have received pursuant to the Change in Control transaction in exchange for the shares issuable upon exercise of the Option had the Option been exercised immediately prior to the Change in Control, and (y) the Exercise Price of the Option.
(c) If the terms of an outstanding Stock Appreciation Right provide for accelerated vesting in the event of a Change in Control, or to the extent that a Stock Appreciation Right is vested and not yet exercised, the Administrator in its discretion may provide, in connection with the Change in Control transaction, for the purchase or exchange of each Stock Appreciation Right for an amount of cash or other property having a value equal to the value of the cash or other property that the Participant would have received pursuant to the Change in Control transaction in exchange for the shares issuable upon exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right had the Stock Appreciation Right been exercised immediately prior to the Change in Control.
(d) Outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall terminate and cease to be exercisable upon consummation of a Change in Control except to the extent that the Options or Stock Appreciation Rights are assumed by the successor entity (or parent thereof) pursuant to the terms of the Change in Control transaction.
(e) The Administrator shall cause written notice of a proposed Change in Control transaction to be given to Participants not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction.
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ARTICLE 12.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN
12.1 Amendments. The Board may from time to time alter, amend, suspend or terminate the Plan in such respects as the Board may deem advisable. No such alteration, amendment, suspension or termination shall be made which shall substantially affect or impair the rights of any Participant under an outstanding Award Agreement without such Participants consent. The Board may alter or amend the Plan to comply with requirements under the Code relating to Incentive Options or other types of options which give Optionees more favorable tax treatment than that applicable to Options granted under this Plan as of the date of its adoption. Upon any such alteration or amendment, any outstanding Option granted hereunder may, if the Administrator so determines and if permitted by applicable law, be subject to the more favorable tax treatment afforded to an Optionee pursuant to such terms and conditions.
12.2 Plan Termination. Unless the Plan shall theretofore have been terminated, the Plan shall terminate on the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date and no Awards may be granted under the Plan thereafter, but Awards and Award Agreements then outstanding shall continue in effect in accordance with their respective terms.
ARTICLE 13.
TAX WITHHOLDING
13.1 Tax Withholding. The Participant shall be responsible for payment of any taxes or similar charges required by law to be withheld from an Award or an amount paid in satisfaction of an Award, which shall be paid by the Participant on or prior to the payment or other event that results in taxable income in respect of an Award. The Award Agreement may specify the manner in which the withholding obligation shall be satisfied with respect to the particular type of Award.
ARTICLE 14.
MISCELLANEOUS
14.1 Benefits Not Alienable. Other than as provided above, benefits under the Plan may not be assigned or alienated, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. Any unauthorized attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be without effect.
14.2 No Enlargement of Employee Rights. This Plan is strictly a voluntary undertaking on the part of the Company and shall not be deemed to constitute a contract between the Company and any Participant to be consideration for, or an inducement to, or a condition of, the employment of any Participant. Nothing contained in the Plan shall be deemed to give the right to any Participant to be retained as an employee of the Company or any Affiliated Company or to interfere with the right of the Company or any Affiliated Company to discharge any Participant at any time.
14.3 Application of Funds. The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to Option Agreements and Restricted Stock Award Agreements, except as otherwise provided herein, will be used for general corporate purposes.
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14.4 Unfunded Plan. The adoption of the Plan and any reservation of shares of Common Stock or cash amounts by the Company to discharge its obligations hereunder shall not be deemed to create a trust or other funded arrangement. Except upon the issuance of Common Stock pursuant to an Award, any rights of a Participant under the Plan shall be those of a general unsecured creditor of the Company, and neither a Participant nor the Participants permitted transferees or estate shall have any other interest in any assets of the Company by virtue of the Plan.
14.5 Annual Reports. During the term of this Plan, the Company will furnish to each Participant who does not otherwise receive such materials, copies of all reports, proxy statements and other communications that the Company distributes generally to its stockholders.
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