Tripadvisor, Inc. 2023 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan

EX-10.21 3 trip-ex10_21.htm EX-10.21 EX-10.21

Exhibit 10.21

 

TRIPADVISOR, INC.


2023 STOCK AND ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN

SECTION 1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Plan is to give the Company a competitive advantage in attracting, retaining and motivating officers, employees, directors and/or consultants by providing the Company with short and long-term incentive programs providing incentives related to stockholder value, the achievement of financial and strategic targets and other objectives.

This Plan supersedes and replaces the Prior Plans in their entirety. Awards may not be granted under the Prior Plans on or following the Effective Date. Awards granted under the Prior Plans prior to the Effective Date will remain subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prior Plans in which such Award was granted.

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS

Certain terms used herein have definitions given to them in the first place in which they are used. In addition, for purposes of this Plan, the following terms are defined as set forth below:

2011 Plan” means the TripAdvisor, Inc. Amended and Restated 2011 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan, as amended.

2018 Plan” means the TripAdvisor, Inc. 2018 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan, as amended.

Affiliate” means a corporation or other entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with, the Company.

Applicable Exchange” means The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, or such other securities exchange as may at the applicable time be the principal market for the Common Stock.

Applicable Law means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards and the related shares under U.S. state corporate law, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the shares are listed or quoted, and any other applicable laws, including tax laws, of any U.S. or non-U.S. jurisdictions where Awards are, or will be, granted under this Plan.

Award” means an Option, SAR, Restricted Stock, RSU, Performance Award, other stock-based award or Bonus Award granted or assumed pursuant to the terms of this Plan.

Award Agreement” means a written or electronic document or agreement setting forth the terms and conditions of a specific Award.

Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Bonus Award” means a bonus award made pursuant to Section 11.

Cause” means, unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, (i) “Cause” as defined in any Individual Agreement to which the applicable Participant is a party, or (ii) if there is no such Individual Agreement or if it does not define Cause: (A) the willful or gross neglect by a Participant of his employment duties; (B) the plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, or conviction for, the commission of a felony offense by a Participant; (C) a material breach by a Participant of a fiduciary duty owed to the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (D) a material breach by a Participant of any nondisclosure, non-solicitation or non-competition obligation or any other restrictive covenant obligation owed to the Company or any of its Affiliates; (E) before a Change in Control, such other events as shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in a Participant’s Award Agreement; (F) a Participant’s material violation of the Company’s written policies or code of conduct, including policies related to discrimination, harassment or retaliation; or (G) a Participant’s conduct that brings, or is reasonably likely to bring, the Company or an Affiliate negative publicity or into public disgrace, embarrassment, or disrepute. Notwithstanding the general rule of Section 3(a), following a Change in Control, any determination by the Committee as to whether “Cause” exists shall be subject to de novo review.

Change in Control” has the meaning set forth in Section 13(a).

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Exhibit 10.21

 

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any successor thereto, the Treasury Regulations thereunder and other relevant interpretive guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service or the Treasury Department. Reference to any specific section of the Code shall be deemed to include such regulations and guidance, as well as any successor provision of the Code.

Committee” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).

Common Stock” means common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company.

Company” means TripAdvisor, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or its successor.

Corporate Transaction” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(d).

Disability” means (i) “Disability” as defined in any Individual Agreement to which the Participant is a party, or (ii) if there is no such Individual Agreement or it does not define “Disability,” (A) permanent and total disability as determined under the Company’s long- term disability plan applicable to the Participant, or (B) if there is no such plan applicable to the Participant or the Committee determines otherwise in an applicable Award Agreement, “Disability” as determined by the Committee. Notwithstanding the above, with respect to an Incentive Stock Option, Disability shall mean Permanent and Total Disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code and, with respect to all Awards, to the extent required by Section 409A of the Code, Disability shall mean “disability” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.

Disaffiliation” means a Subsidiary’s or Affiliate’s ceasing to be a Subsidiary or Affiliate for any reason (including, without limitation, as a result of a public offering, or a spinoff or sale by the Company, of the stock of the Subsidiary or Affiliate) or a sale of a division of the Company and its Affiliates.

Eligible Individuals” means directors, officers, employees and consultants (including independent contractors) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and any successor thereto. Reference to a specific section of the Exchange Act or regulation thereunder shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or interpretation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing, or superseding such section or regulation.

Fair Market Value” means, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the closing price of a share of Common Stock on the Applicable Exchange on the date of measurement, or if Shares were not traded on the Applicable Exchange on such or (C) a material and demonstrable adverse change in the nature and scope of the Participant’s duties from those in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control. In order to invoke a Termination of Employment for Good Reason, a Participant shall provide written notice to the Company of the existence of one or more of the conditions described in clauses (A) through (C) within 90 days following the Participant’s knowledge of the initial existence of such condition or conditions, and the Company shall have 30 days following receipt of such written notice (the “Cure Period”) during which it may remedy the condition. In the event that the Company fails to remedy the condition constituting Good Reason during the Cure Period, the Participant must terminate employment, if at all, within 90 days following the Cure Period in order for such Termination of Employment to constitute a Termination of Employment for Good Reason.

Grant Date” means (i) the date on which the Committee by resolution selects an Eligible Individual to receive a grant of an Award and determines the number of Shares to be subject to such Award or the formula for earning a number of shares or cash amount, or (ii) such later date as the Committee shall provide in such resolution.

Incentive Stock Option” means any Option that is designated in the applicable Award Agreement as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, and that in fact so qualifies.

Individual Agreement” means an employment, consulting or similar agreement between a Participant and the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

Nonqualified Stock Option” means any Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.

Option” means an Award described under Section 6(a).

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Exhibit 10.21

 

Participant” means an Eligible Individual to whom an Award is or has been granted.

Performance Award” means an Award granted under this Plan of Common Stock, that is based upon, payable in, or otherwise related to, Shares (including Restricted Stock, RSUs or cash), as the Committee may determine, at the end of a specified Performance Period based on the attainment of one or more Performance Goals.

Performance Goals” means the performance goals established by the Committee in connection with the grant of Performance Awards. Such Performance Goals also may be based upon the attaining of specified levels of Company, Subsidiary, Affiliate, business unit or divisional performance under one or more of the measures including but not limited to, revenue, earnings per share, total shareholder return, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), adjusted EBITDA or return on capital). Performance goals established by the Committee may also include individual strategic goals.

Performance Period” means with respect to a Performance Award the period established by the Committee or its designee at the time the Award is granted, or at any time thereafter, during which the performance of the Company, a Subsidiary, or any Affiliate is measured for the purpose of determining whether and to what extent the Performance Award’s Performance Goal has been achieved.

Plan” means this Tripadvisor, Inc. 2023 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan, as set forth herein and as hereafter amended from time to time.

Plan Year” means the calendar year or, with respect to Bonus Awards, the Company’s fiscal year if different.

Prior Plans” means, collectively, the 2011 Plan and 2018 Plan.

Restricted Stock” means an Award described under Section 7.

Retirement” means retirement from active employment with the Company, a Subsidiary or Affiliate at or after the Participant’s attainment of age 65.

RS Restriction Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(b)(ii).

RSU” means an Award described under Section 8.

RSU Restriction Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 8(b)(ii).

Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act as then in effect or any successor provision.

SAR” has the meaning set forth in Section 7(b).

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, and any successor thereto.

Share” means a share of Common Stock.

Subsidiary” means any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity during any period in which at least a 50% voting or profits interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or any successor to the Company.

Tandem SAR” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(b).“Ten Percent Stockholder” means a Person owning stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, or its parent corporation (within the meaning of Section 424(e) of the Code) or any of its Subsidiaries.

Term” means the maximum period during which an Option or SAR may remain outstanding, subject to earlier termination upon Termination of Employment or otherwise, as specified in the applicable Award Agreement.

Termination of Employment” means the termination of the applicable Participant’s employment with, or performance of services for, the Company and any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if a Participant’s employment with, or membership on a board of directors of, the Company and its Affiliates terminates but such Participant continues to provide services to the Company and its Affiliates in a non-employee or non-director capacity, as applicable, such change in status shall not be deemed a Termination of Employment. A Participant employed by, or performing services for, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate or a division

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Exhibit 10.21

 

of the Company and its Affiliates shall be deemed to incur a Termination of Employment if, as a result of a Disaffiliation, such Subsidiary, Affiliate, or division ceases to be a Subsidiary, Affiliate or division, as the case may be, and the Participant does not immediately thereafter become an employee of (or service provider for), or member of the board of directors of, the Company or another Subsidiary or Affiliate. Temporary absences from employment of 90 days or less because of illness, vacation or leave of absence and transfers among the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates shall not be considered Termination of Employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Award that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, “Termination of Employment” shall mean a “separation from service” as defined under Section 409A of the Code.

SECTION 3. ADMINISTRATION

(a) Committee. This Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee of the Board as the Board may from time to time designate (the “Committee”), which shall be composed of not less than two directors, and shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Committee shall have plenary authority to grant Awards pursuant to the terms of this Plan to Eligible Individuals. Among other things, the Committee shall have the authority, subject to the terms of this Plan:

(i) to select the Eligible Individuals to whom Awards may from time to time be granted;

(ii) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder or the amount of any Bonus Award;

(iii) to determine the terms and conditions of each Award granted hereunder, based on such factors as the Committee shall determine;

(iv) subject to Section 16, to modify, amend or adjust the terms and conditions of any Award, at any time or from time to time;

(v) subject to Section 14, to accelerate the vesting or lapse of restrictions of any outstanding Award, based in each case on such considerations as the Committee in its sole discretion determines;

(vi) to interpret the terms and provisions of this Plan and any Award issued under this Plan (and any agreement relating thereto);

(vii) to establish any “blackout” period that the Committee in its sole discretion deems necessary or advisable;

(viii) to decide all other matters that must be determined in connection with an Award;

(ix) determine whether and under what circumstances an Award may be settled in cash, Shares, other property, or a combination of the foregoing;

(x) determine whether to require a Participant, as a condition of the granting of any Award, to not sell or otherwise dispose of Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise or vesting of an Award for a period of time as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, following the date of the acquisition of such Award or Shares; and

(xi) to otherwise administer this Plan.

(b) Procedures.

(i) The Committee may act only by a majority of its members then in office, except that the Committee may, except to the extent prohibited by applicable law or the listing standards of the Applicable Exchange, allocate all or any portion of its responsibilities and powers to any one or more of its members and may delegate all or any part of its responsibilities and powers to any person or persons selected by it.

(ii) Subject to Section 3(d), any authority granted to the Committee may also be exercised by the full Board. To the extent that any permitted action taken by the Board conflicts with action taken by the Committee, the Board action shall control.

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Exhibit 10.21

 

(c) Delegation of Authority. Subject to applicable law, the Committee may delegate any or all of its powers under this Plan to one or more other committees or officers of the Company (including persons other than members of the Committee) as it shall appoint with respect to the granting of Awards to individuals who are not (i) subject to the reporting and other provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and (ii) members of the delegated committee or the delegated individual(s). Any such delegation by the Committee shall include limitations as to the amount of Common Stock underlying Awards that may be granted during specified periods and shall contain guidelines as to the determination of the exercise price. The delegated officer may correct any defect, supply any omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan or in any agreement relating thereto in the manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary to effectuate the purpose and intent of this Plan. Any determination made by the Committee or by an appropriately delegated officer pursuant to delegated authority under the provisions of this Plan with respect to any Award shall be made in the sole discretion of the Committee or such delegate at the time of the grant of the Award or, unless in contravention of any express term of this Plan, at any time thereafter. All decisions made by the Committee or any appropriately delegated officer pursuant to the provisions of this Plan shall be final and binding on all persons, including the Company, Participants, and Eligible Individuals.

(d) Section 16(b) Compliance. The provisions of this Plan are intended to ensure that no transaction under this Plan is subject to (and all such transactions will be exempt from) the short-swing recovery rules of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act (“Section 16(b)”). Accordingly, the composition of the Committee shall be subject to such limitations as the Board deems appropriate to permit transactions pursuant to this Plan to be exempt (pursuant to Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) from Section 16(b), and no delegation of authority by the Committee shall be permitted if such delegation would cause any such transaction to be subject to (and not exempt from) Section 16(b).

(e) Award Agreements. The terms and conditions of each Award (other than any Bonus Award), as determined by the Committee, shall be set forth in an Award Agreement, which shall be delivered to the Participant receiving such Award upon, or as promptly as is reasonably practicable following, the grant of such Award. The effectiveness of an Award shall not be subject to the Award Agreement’s being signed by the Company and/or the Participant receiving the Award unless specifically so provided in the Award Agreement. Award Agreements may be amended only in accordance with Section 14 hereof.

SECTION 4. COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN

(a) Shares Available for Awards. The maximum number of Shares that may be delivered pursuant to Awards under this Plan shall be (i) 12,000,000 Shares, plus (ii) any Shares available for issuance under the Prior Plans not issued or subject to outstanding Awards under the Prior Plans as of the Effective Date. For purposes of this limitation, Shares underlying any Awards (including after the Effective Date, awards previously granted under the Prior Plans, as applicable) that are forfeited, canceled, held back upon exercise of an Option or settlement of an Award to cover the exercise price or tax withholding, reacquired by the Company prior to vesting, satisfied without the issuance of Common Stock or otherwise terminated (other than by exercise) under this Plan or the Prior Plans shall be added back (or newly added, as applicable) to the Shares available for issuance under this Plan and, to the extent permitted under Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the Shares that may be issued as Incentive Stock Options. The Shares available for delivery under this Plan may consist of authorized and unissued Shares, Shares held in treasury, Shares of Common Stock purchased or held by the Company for purposes of this Plan, or any combination thereof.

(b) Plan Maximums. The maximum number of Shares that may be granted pursuant to Options intended to be Incentive Stock Options shall be 6,000,000 Shares.

(c) Director Compensation Limit. During a calendar year, no non-employee director may be granted any compensation for service as a non-employee director (including cash and an Award) with a fair value, as determined under accounting rules, as of the Grant Date, in excess of $1,000,000.

(d) Adjustment Provisions.

(i) In the event of a merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or shares, stock rights offering, liquidation, Disaffiliation, or similar event affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (each, a “Corporate Transaction”), the Committee or the Board may in its discretion make such substitutions or adjustments as it deems appropriate and equitable to (A) the aggregate number and kind of Shares or other securities reserved for issuance and delivery under this Plan, (B) the various maximum limitations set forth in Sections 4(a) and 4(b) upon certain types of Awards and upon the grants to individuals of certain types of Awards, (C) the number and kind of Shares or other securities subject to outstanding Awards; and (D) the exercise price of outstanding Options and SARs.

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Exhibit 10.21

 

(ii) In the event of a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, separation, spinoff, reorganization, extraordinary dividend of cash or other property, share combination, or recapitalization or similar event affecting the capital structure of the Company (each, a “Share Change”), the Committee or the Board shall make such substitutions or adjustments as it deems appropriate and equitable to (A) the aggregate number and kind of Shares or other securities reserved for issuance and delivery under this Plan, (B) the maximum limitations set forth in Sections 4(a) and 4(b) upon certain types of Awards and upon the grants to individuals of certain types of Awards, the number and kind of Shares or other securities subject to outstanding Awards; and (C) the exercise price of outstanding Options and SARs.

(iii) In the case of Corporate Transactions, the adjustments contemplated by clause (i) of this paragraph (d) may include, without limitation, any of the following, as determined by the Committee: (A) the cancellation of outstanding Awards in exchange for payments of cash, property or a combination thereof having an aggregate value equal to the value of such Awards, as determined by the Committee or the Board in its sole discretion (it being understood that in the case of a Corporate Transaction with respect to which holders of Common Stock receive consideration other than publicly traded equity securities of the ultimate surviving entity, any such determination by the Committee that the value of an Option or SAR shall for this purpose be deemed to equal the excess, if any, of the value of the consideration being paid for each Share pursuant to such Corporate Transaction over the exercise price of such Option or SAR shall conclusively be deemed valid); provided, however, that if the exercise price of an Option or SAR exceeds the value of such Award, such Award may be canceled for no consideration; (B) the substitution, assumption or replacement of other property (including, without limitation, cash or other securities of the Company and securities of entities other than the Company) for the Shares subject to outstanding Awards; (C) in connection with any Disaffiliation, arranging for the assumption of Awards, or replacement of Awards with new awards based on other property or other securities (including, without limitation, other securities of the Company and securities of entities other than the Company), by the affected Subsidiary, Affiliate, or division or by the entity that controls such Subsidiary, Affiliate, or division following such Disaffiliation (as well as any corresponding adjustments to Awards that remain based upon Company securities); (D) the termination of all outstanding and unexercised Options or SARs, effective as of the date of the Corporate Transaction, by delivering notice of termination to each Participant at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of consummation of the Corporate Transaction, in which case during the period from the date on which such notice of termination is delivered to the consummation of the Corporation Transaction, each such Participant shall have the right to exercise in full all of such Participant’s Awards that are then outstanding (without regard to any limitations on exercisability otherwise contained in the Award Agreements), but any such exercise shall be contingent on the occurrence of the Corporate Transaction, and, provided that, if the Corporation Transaction does not take place within a specified period after giving such notice for any reason whatsoever, the notice and exercise pursuant thereto shall be null and void; and (F) the acceleration of vesting or lapse of restrictions, of an Award at any time.

(iv) Any adjustment under this Section 4(d) need not be the same for all Participants.

(v) Any adjustments made pursuant to this Section 4(d) to Awards that are considered “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code shall be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Any adjustments made pursuant to this Section 4(d) to Awards that are not considered “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code shall be made in such a manner as to ensure that after such adjustment, the Awards either (A) continue not to be subject to Section 409A of the Code or (B) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. In any event, neither the Committee nor the Board shall have the authority to make any adjustments pursuant to this Section 4(d) to the extent the existence of such authority would cause an Award that is not intended to be subject to Section 409A of the Code at the Grant Date to be subject thereto.

(e) Substitute Awards. In connection with an entity’s merger or consolidation with the Company or the Company’s acquisition of an entity’s property or stock, the Committee may grant Awards in substitution for any options or other stock or stock-based awards granted before such merger or consolidation by such entity or its affiliate (“Substitute Awards”). Substitute Awards may be granted on such terms as the Committee deems appropriate, notwithstanding limitations on Awards in this Plan. Substitute Awards will not count against the Shares authorized for grant under this Plan (nor shall Shares subject to a Substitute Award be added to the Shares available for Awards under this Plan as provided under Section 4(a) above), except that Shares acquired by exercise of substitute Incentive Stock Options will count against the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options under this Plan, as set forth in Section 4(a) above. Additionally, in the event that a Person acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by stockholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grants pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of common stock of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under this Plan and shall not reduce the Shares authorized for grant under this Plan (and Shares subject to such Awards shall not be added to the Shares available for Awards under this Plan as provided under Section 4(a) above);

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Exhibit 10.21

 

provided that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not Eligible Individuals prior to such acquisition or combination.

(f) Minimum Vesting Schedule. A vesting period of at least one (1) year shall apply to all Awards issued under this Plan; provided, that up to five percent (5%) of the Shares reserved for issuance under this Plan as of the Effective Date may be issued pursuant to Awards that do not comply with such minimum one (1) year vesting period.

SECTION 5. ELIGIBILITY

Awards may be granted under this Plan to Eligible Individuals; provided, however, that Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries or parent corporation (within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code).

SECTION 6. OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

(a) Types of Options. Options may be of two types: Incentive Stock Options and Nonqualified Stock Options. The Award Agreement for an Option shall indicate whether the Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option.

(b) Types and Nature of SARs. SARs may be “Tandem SARs,” which are granted in conjunction with an Option, or “Free-Standing SARs,” which are not granted in conjunction with an Option. Upon the exercise of an SAR, the Participant shall be entitled to receive an amount in cash, Shares, or both, in value equal to the product of (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of one Share over the exercise price of the applicable SAR, multiplied by (ii) the number of Shares in respect of which the SAR has been exercised. The applicable Award Agreement shall specify whether such payment is to be made in cash or Common Stock or both, or shall reserve to the Committee or the Participant the right to make that determination prior to or upon the exercise of the SAR.

(c) Tandem SARs. A Tandem SAR may be granted at the Grant Date of the related Option. A Tandem SAR shall be exercisable only at such time or times and to the extent that the related Option is exercisable in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6, and shall have the same exercise price as the related Option. A Tandem SAR shall terminate or be forfeited upon the exercise or forfeiture of the related Option, and the related Option shall terminate or be forfeited upon the exercise or forfeiture of the Tandem SAR.

(d) Exercise Price. The exercise price per Share subject to an Option or Free- Standing SAR shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, and shall not be less than 100% (or, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder, 110%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of the Common Stock on the applicable Grant Date. In no event may any Option or Free-Standing SAR granted under this Plan be amended, other than pursuant to Section 4(d), to decrease the exercise price thereof, be canceled in conjunction with the grant of any new Option or Free-Standing SAR with a lower exercise price, be canceled for cash or other Award or otherwise be subject to any action that would be treated, for accounting purposes or under the applicable listing standards of the Applicable Exchange, as a “repricing” of such Option or Free-Standing SAR, unless such amendment, cancellation, or action is approved by the Company’s stockholders.

(e) Term. The Term of each Option and each Free-Standing SAR shall be fixed by the Committee, but shall not exceed ten years from the Grant Date (or, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder, five years from the Grant Date). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, by its terms, an Option, other than an Incentive Stock Option, would expire when trading in Shares is otherwise prohibited by law or by the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, as such may be amended from time to time, then the term of the Option will be automatically extended until the close of trading on the 30thtrading day following the expiration of such prohibition; provided, that, in no event will the Option be extended beyond ten years from the Grant Date.

(f) Vesting and Exercisability. Except as otherwise provided herein, Options and Free-Standing SARs shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee. If the Committee provides that any Option or Free-Standing SAR will become exercisable only in installments, the Committee may at any time waive such installment exercise provisions, in whole or in part, based on such factors as the Committee may determine. In addition, the Committee may at any time accelerate the exercisability of any Option or Free-Standing SAR. In the event of a temporary absence exceeding 90 days, the Company shall have authority to suspend the vesting period for such period of time and on such terms as management of the Company shall deem appropriate.

(g) Method of Exercise. Subject to the provisions of this Section 6, Options and Free-Standing SARs may be exercised, in whole or in part, at any time during the applicable Term by giving written notice of exercise to the Company or through the procedures established with the Company’s appointed third-party Option administrator specifying the number of Shares as to which the Option or

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Exhibit 10.21

 

Free-Standing SAR is being exercised; provided, however, that, unless otherwise permitted by the Committee, any such exercise must be with respect to a portion of the applicable Option or Free-Standing SAR relating to no less than the lesser of the number of Shares then subject to such Option or Free-Standing SAR or 100 Shares. In the case of the exercise of an Option, such notice shall be accompanied by payment in full of the purchase price (which shall equal the product of such number of Shares multiplied by the applicable exercise price) by certified or bank check or such other instrument as the Company may accept. If approved by the Committee, payment, in full or in part, may also be made as follows:

(i) Payments may be made in the form of unrestricted Shares (by delivery of such Shares or by attestation) of the same class as the Common Stock subject to the Option already owned by the Participant (based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date the Option is exercised); provided, however, that, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the right to make a payment in the form of already owned Shares of the same class as the Common Stock subject to the Option may be authorized only at the time the Option is granted.

(ii) To the extent permitted by applicable law, payment may be made by delivering a properly executed exercise notice to the Company, together with a copy of irrevocable instructions to a broker to deliver promptly to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary to pay the purchase price, and, if requested, the amount of any federal, state, local or foreign withholding taxes. To facilitate the foregoing, the Company may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, enter into agreements for coordinated procedures with one or more brokerage firms. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee may also provide for Company loans to be made for purposes of the exercise of Options.

(iii) For Options that are not Incentive Stock Options, payment may be made by “net exercise” arrangement, pursuant to which a Participant instructs the Committee to withhold a whole number of Shares having a Fair Market Value (based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date the applicable Option is exercised) equal to the product of (A) the exercise price multiplied by (B) the number of Shares in respect of which the Option shall have been exercised.

(h) Delivery; Rights of Stockholders. No Shares shall be delivered pursuant to the exercise of an Option until the exercise price therefor has been fully paid and applicable taxes have been withheld. The applicable Participant shall have all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company holding the class or series of Common Stock that is subject to the Option or SAR (including, if applicable, the right to vote the applicable Shares and the right to receive dividends), when the Participant (i) has given written notice of exercise, (ii) if requested, has given the representation described in Section 16(a), and (iii) in the case of an Option, has paid in full for such Shares.

(i) Nontransferability of Options and SARs. No Option or Free-Standing SAR shall be transferable by a Participant other than (i) by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, or (ii) in the case of a Nonqualified Stock Option or Free-Standing SAR, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order or as otherwise expressly permitted by the Committee including, if so permitted, pursuant to a transfer to the Participant’s family members or to a charitable organization, whether directly or indirectly or by means of a trust or partnership or otherwise. For purposes of this Plan, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, “family member” shall have the meaning given to such term in General Instructions A.1(a)(5) to Form S-8 under the Securities Act and any successor thereto. A Tandem SAR shall be transferable only with the related Option as permitted by the preceding sentence. Any Option or SAR shall be exercisable, subject to the terms of this Plan, only by the applicable Participant, the guardian or legal representative of such Participant, or any person to whom such Option or SAR is permissibly transferred pursuant to this Section 6(i), it being understood that the term “Participant” includes such guardian, legal representative and other transferee; provided, however, that the term “Termination of Employment” shall continue to refer to the Termination of Employment of the original Participant.

SECTION 7. RESTRICTED STOCK

(a) Nature of Awards and Certificates. Shares of Restricted Stock are actual Shares issued to a Participant, and shall be evidenced in such manner as the Committee may deem appropriate, including book-entry registration or issuance of one or more stock certificates. Any certificate issued in respect of Shares of Restricted Stock shall be registered in the name of the applicable Participant and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Award, substantially in the following form:

“The transferability of this certificate and the shares of stock represented hereby are subject to the terms and conditions (including forfeiture) of the Tripadvisor, Inc. 2023 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan and an Award Agreement. Copies of such Plan and Agreement are on file at the offices of TripAdvisor, Inc.”

E - 8


Exhibit 10.21

 

The Committee may require that the certificates evidencing such shares be held in custody by the Company until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed and that, as a condition of any Award of Restricted Stock, the applicable Participant shall have delivered a stock power, endorsed in blank, relating to the Common Stock covered by such Award.

(b) Terms and Conditions. Shares of Restricted Stock shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

(i) The Committee shall, prior to or at the time of grant, condition the vesting or transferability of an Award of Restricted Stock upon the continued service of the applicable Participant or the attainment of Performance Goals, or the attainment of Performance Goals and the continued service of the applicable Participant. In the event that the Committee conditions the grant or vesting of an Award of Restricted Stock upon the attainment of Performance Goals or the attainment of Performance Goals and the continued service of the applicable Participant, the Committee may, prior to or at the time of grant, designate such an Award as a Performance Award. The conditions for grant, vesting, or transferability and the other provisions of Restricted Stock Awards (including without limitation any Performance Goals) need not be the same with respect to each Participant.

(ii) Subject to the provisions of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, during the period, if any, set by the Committee, commencing with the date of such Restricted Stock Award for which such vesting restrictions apply and until the expiration of such vesting restrictions (the “RS Restriction Period”), the Participant shall not be permitted to sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise encumber Shares of Restricted Stock.

(iii) Except as provided in this Section 7 and in the applicable Award Agreement, the applicable Participant shall have, with respect to the Shares of Restricted Stock, all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company holding the class or series of Common Stock that is the subject of the Restricted Stock, including, if applicable, the right to vote the Shares and the right to receive any cash dividends. If so determined by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement and subject to Section 16(e), (A) cash dividends on the class or series of Common Stock that is the subject of the Restricted Stock Award shall be automatically reinvested in additional Restricted Stock, held subject to the vesting of the underlying Restricted Stock, and (B) subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 4(d), dividends payable in Common Stock shall be paid in the form of Restricted Stock of the same class as the Common Stock with which such dividend was paid, held subject to the vesting and forfeiture of the underlying Restricted Stock.

(iv) Except as otherwise set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment for any reason (other than death) during the RS Restriction Period or before the applicable Performance Goals are satisfied, all Shares of Restricted Stock still subject to restriction shall be forfeited by such Participant; provided, however, the Committee shall have the discretion to waive, in whole or in part, any or all remaining restrictions with respect to any or all of such Participant’s Shares of Restricted Stock. Upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment by reason of death, during the RS Restriction Period or before the applicable Performance Goals are satisfied, all Shares of Restricted Stock reflected in the Participant’s account shall immediately and automatically vest.

(v) If and when any applicable Performance Goals are satisfied and the RS Restriction Period expires without a prior forfeiture of the Shares of Restricted Stock for which legended certificates have been issued, unlegended certificates for such Shares shall be delivered to the Participant upon surrender of the legended certificates.

SECTION 8. RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

(a) Nature of Awards. RSUs are Awards denominated in Shares that will be settled, subject to the terms and conditions of the RSUs, in an amount in cash, Shares or both, based upon the Fair Market Value of a specified number of Shares.

(b) Terms and Conditions. RSUs shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

(i) The Committee shall, prior to or at the time of grant, condition the grant, vesting, or transferability of RSUs upon the continued service of the applicable Participant or the attainment of Performance Goals, or the attainment of Performance Goals and the continued service of the applicable Participant. In the event that the Committee conditions the grant or vesting of RSUs upon the attainment of Performance Goals or the attainment of Performance Goals and the continued service of the applicable Participant, the Committee may, prior to or at the time of grant, designate such Awards as Performance Awards. The conditions for grant, vesting or transferability and the other provisions of RSUs (including without limitation any Performance Goals) need not be the same with respect to each Participant. In the event of a temporary

E - 9


Exhibit 10.21

 

absence exceeding 90 days, the Company shall have authority to suspend the vesting of such RSUs for such period of time and on such terms as management of the Company shall deem appropriate.

(ii) Subject to the provisions of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, during the period, if any, set by the Committee, commencing with the date of such RSUs for which such vesting restrictions apply and until the expiration of such vesting restrictions (the “RSU Restriction Period”), the Participant shall not be permitted to sell, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise encumber RSUs.

(iii) The Award Agreement for RSUs shall specify whether, to what extent and on what terms and conditions the applicable Participant shall be entitled to receive current or delayed payments of cash, Common Stock or other property corresponding to the dividends payable on the Common Stock (subject to Section 16(e) below).

(iv) Except as otherwise set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment for any reason during the RSU Restriction Period or before the applicable Performance Goals are satisfied, all RSUs still subject to restriction shall be forfeited by such Participant; provided, however, the Committee shall have the discretion to waive, in whole or in part, any or all remaining restrictions with respect to any or all of such Participant’s RSUs; and; provided, further, upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment by reason of death, during the RSU Restriction Period or before the applicable Performance Goals are satisfied, all RSUs reflected in the Participant’s account shall immediately and automatically vest.

(v) Except to the extent otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, an award of RSUs shall be settled as and when the RSUs vest (but in no event later than 60 days thereafter).

SECTION 9. PERFORMANCE AWARDS

(a) Generally. An Award under this Plan may be in the form of a Performance Award.

(b) Performance Goals. Each Performance Award shall be earned, vested and payable (as applicable) only upon the achievement of one or more Performance Goals, together with the satisfaction of any other conditions, such as continued employment, as the Committee may determine to be appropriate. Performance Goals applicable to the Performance Award will be established by the Committee.

(c) Other Restrictions. The Committee will determine any other terms and conditions applicable to any Performance Award, including any vesting conditions or restrictions on the delivery of Common Stock payable in connection with the Performance Award and restrictions that could result in the future forfeiture of all or part of any Common Stock earned. The Committee may provide that shares of Common Stock issued in connection with a Performance Award be held in escrow and/or legended.

(d) Measurement of Performance Against Performance Goals. The Committee will, as soon as practicable after the close of a Performance Period, determine the extent to which the Performance Goals for such Performance Period have been achieved, and the percentage of the Performance Awards, if any, earned as a result. All determinations of the Committee will be absolute and final as to the facts and conclusions therein made and are binding on all parties. As promptly as practicable after the Committee has made the foregoing determination, each Eligible Individual who has earned Performance Award will be notified thereof. Subject to Section 16(i), an Eligible Individual may not sell, transfer, pledge, exchange, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of all or any portion of a Performance Awards during the Performance Period.

SECTION 10. OTHER STOCK-BASED AWARDS

Other Awards of Common Stock and other Awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based upon or settled in, Common Stock, including (without limitation), unrestricted stock, performance units, dividend equivalents, and convertible debentures, may be granted under this Plan.

SECTION 11. BONUS AWARDS

(a) Determination of Awards. The Committee shall determine the total amount of Bonus Awards for each Plan Year or such shorter performance period as the Committee may establish in its sole discretion. Bonus Awards that are Performance Awards shall be subject to the provisions of Section 9 of this Plan.

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Exhibit 10.21

 

(b) Payment of Awards. Bonus Awards under this Plan shall be paid in cash or in Shares (valued at Fair Market Value as of the date of payment) as determined by the Committee, as soon as practicable following the close of this Plan Year or such shorter performance period as the Committee may establish. It is intended that a Bonus Award will be paid no later than the fifteenth (15th) day of the third month following the later of: (i) the end of the Participant’s taxable year in which the requirements for such Bonus Award have been satisfied by the Participant or (ii) the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which the requirements for such Bonus Award have been satisfied by the Participant. Subject to Section 16(k), the Committee may at its option establish procedures pursuant to which Participants are permitted to defer the receipt of Bonus Awards payable hereunder. The Bonus Award to any Participant for any Plan Year or such shorter performance period may be reduced or eliminated by the Committee in its discretion.

SECTION 12. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

(a) Generally. A Participant’s Awards shall be forfeited upon such Participant’s Termination of Employment, except as set forth below:

(i) Upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment by reason of death, all Awards reflected in the Participant’s account that were unvested at the time of death shall automatically vest and all such Options or SARs held by the Participant may be exercised at any time until the earlier of (A) the first anniversary of the date of such death and (B) the expiration of the Term thereof;

(ii) Upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment by reason of Disability or Retirement, any Option or SAR held by the Participant that was exercisable immediately before the Termination of Employment may be exercised at any time until the earlier of (A) the first anniversary of such Termination of Employment and the (B) expiration of the Term thereof;

(iii) Upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment for Cause, any unvested Award held by the Participant shall be forfeited, effective as of such Termination of Employment;

(iv) Upon a Participant’s Termination of Employment for any reason other than death, Disability, Retirement or for Cause, any Option or SAR held by the Participant that was exercisable immediately before the Termination of Employment may be exercised at any time until the earlier of (A) the 90th day following such Termination of Employment and (B) expiration of the Term thereof; and

(v) Notwithstanding the above provisions of this Section 12(a), if a Participant dies after such Participant’s Termination of Employment but while any Option or SAR remains exercisable as set forth above, such Option or SAR may be exercised at any time until the later of (A) the earlier of (1) the first anniversary of the date of such death and (2) expiration of the Term thereof and (B) the last date on which such Option or SAR would have been exercisable, absent this Section 12(a).

(b) Exception. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall have the power, in its discretion, to apply different rules concerning the consequences of a Termination of Employment; provided, however, that if such rules are less favorable to the Participant than those set forth above, such rules are set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. If an Incentive Stock Option is exercised after the expiration of the exercise periods that apply for purposes of Section 422 of the Code, such Option will thereafter be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option.

SECTION 13. CHANGE IN CONTROL PROVISIONS

(a) Definition of Change in Control. Except as otherwise may be provided in an applicable Award Agreement, for purposes of this Plan, a “Change in Control” shall mean any of the following events:

(i) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) (a “Person”), other than Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc., and its affiliates, of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of equity securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the voting power of the then outstanding equity securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (A) any acquisition by the Company, (B) any acquisition directly from the Company, (C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or

E - 11


Exhibit 10.21

 

maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company, or (D) any acquisition pursuant to a transaction which would qualify as a transaction described in clauses (A), (B) or(C) of subsection (iii) below; or

(ii) During the period of two consecutive years, individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the beginning of such period, whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

(iii) Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or the purchase of assets or stock of another entity (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless immediately following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then outstanding combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or equivalent governing body, if applicable) of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, (B) no Person (excluding Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc., and its affiliates, any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such entity resulting from such Business Combination) will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than a majority of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such entity except to the extent that such ownership of the Company existed prior to the Business Combination and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or equivalent governing body, if applicable) of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (I) will have been members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the initial agreement, or action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination, or (II) would have been elected, or nominated for election by the Company’s stockholders, by an approval vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board; or

(iv) Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless provided otherwise in an Award Agreement, with respect to any Award that is characterized as “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, an event shall not be considered to be a Change in Control under this Plan for purposes of payment of such Award unless such event is also a “change in ownership,” a “change in effective control,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Company within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.

(b) Impact of Event/Double Trigger on Vice Presidents and Above. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement and subject to Sections 4(d), 13(d) and 16(k), notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, upon the Termination of Employment, within three months prior to a Change in Control or within twelve months following a Change in Control, of a Participant who, as of the date of termination, has a title of Vice President or above, by the Company other than for Cause or Disability or by the Participant for Good Reason, then:

(i) any Options and SARs outstanding as of such Termination of Employment which were outstanding as of the date of such Change in Control shall be fully exercisable and vested and shall remain exercisable until the later of (i) the last date on which such Option or SAR would be exercisable in the absence of this Section 13(b) and (ii) the earlier of (A) the first anniversary of such Change in Control and (B) expiration of the Term of such Option or SAR;

(ii) all Restricted Stock outstanding as of such Termination of Employment which was outstanding as of the date of such Change in Control shall become free of all restrictions and become fully vested and transferable;

(iii) all RSUs outstanding as of such Termination of Employment which were outstanding as of the date of such Change in Control shall be considered to be earned and payable in full, and any restrictions shall lapse and such RSUs shall be settled as promptly as is practicable (but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the calendar year in which the RSUs vest); and

E - 12


Exhibit 10.21

 

(iv) all Performance Awards outstanding as of such Termination of Employment which were outstanding as of the date of such Change in Control shall be considered to be earned and payable in full, vesting shall accelerate assuming the Performance Goals have been met at target and any restrictions shall lapse and any such RSUs shall be settled as promptly as is practicable (but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the calendar year in which the RSUs vest).

(c) Impact of Event/Double Trigger on Other Participants. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement and subject to Sections 4(d), 13(d) and 16(k), notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, upon the Termination of Employment, within three months prior to a Change in Control or within twelve months following a Change in Control, of any other Participant, by the Company other than for Cause or Disability or by the Participant for Good Reason:

(i) Fifty percent (50%) of any Options and SARs outstanding as of such Termination of Employment which were outstanding as of the date of such Change in Control shall be fully exercisable and vested and shall remain exercisable until the later of (i) the last date on which such Option or SAR would be exercisable in the absence of this Section 13(b) and (ii) the earlier of (A) the first anniversary of such Change in Control and (B) expiration of the Term of such Option or SAR;

(ii) Fifty percent (50%) of all Restricted Stock outstanding as of such Termination of Employment which were outstanding as of the date of such Change in Control shall become free of all restrictions and become fully vested and transferable;

(iii) Fifty percent (50%) of all RSUs outstanding as of such Termination of Employment which were outstanding as of the date of such Change in Control shall be considered to be earned and payable in full, and any restrictions shall lapse and such RSUs shall be settled as promptly as is practicable (but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the calendar year in which the RSUs vest); and

(iv) Fifty percent (50%) of all Performance Awards outstanding as of such Termination of Employment which were outstanding as of the date of such Change in Control shall be considered to be earned and payable in full, vesting shall accelerate assuming the Performance Goals have been met at target and any restrictions shall lapse and any such RSUs shall be settled as promptly as is practicable (but in no event later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the calendar year in which the RSUs vest).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee will continue to have plenary authority and complete discretion to, among other things, accelerate the vesting of a greater percentage of Awards.

SECTION 14. TERM, AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

(a) Effectiveness. This Plan shall be effective as of April 19, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), subject to approval by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock present by person or by proxy at the Company’s 2023 Annual Meeting that are entitled to vote on a proposal to approve the adoption of this Plan.

(b) Termination. This Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. Awards outstanding as of such date shall not be affected or impaired by the termination of this Plan.

(c) Amendment of Plan. The Board may amend, alter, or discontinue this Plan, but no amendment, alteration or discontinuation shall be made which would materially impair the rights of the Participant with respect to a previously granted Award without such Participant’s consent, except such an amendment made to comply with applicable law (including without limitation Section 409A of the Code), stock exchange rules or accounting rules. In addition, no such amendment shall be made without the approval of the Company’s stockholders to the extent such approval is required by applicable law or the listing standards of the Applicable Exchange or to the extent determined by the Committee to be required by the Code to ensure that Incentive Stock Options granted under this Plan are qualified under Section 422 of the Code.

(d) Amendment of Awards. Subject to Section 6(d), the Committee may unilaterally amend the terms of any Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, but no such amendment shall, without the Participant’s consent, materially impair the rights of any Participant with respect to an Award, except such an amendment made to cause this Plan or Award to comply with applicable law, stock exchange rules or accounting rules.

SECTION 15. UNFUNDED STATUS OF PLAN

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Exhibit 10.21

 

It is presently intended that this Plan constitute an “unfunded” plan. Solely to the extent permitted under Section 409A, the Committee may authorize the creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the obligations created under this Plan to deliver Common Stock or make payments; provided, however, that the existence of such trusts or other arrangements is consistent with the “unfunded” status of this Plan. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, with respect to any Award that constitutes a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, no trust shall be funded with respect to any such Award if such funding would result in taxable income to the Participant by reason of Section 409A(b) of the Code and in no event shall any such trust assets at any time be located or transferred outside of the United States, within the meaning of Section 409A(b) of the Code. With respect to any payment as to which a Participant has a fixed and vested interest but which is not yet made to a Participant by the Company, nothing contained herein shall give any such Participant any right that is greater than those of a general unsecured creditor of the Company.

SECTION 16. GENERAL PROVISIONS

(a) Conditions for Issuance. The Committee may require each person purchasing or receiving Shares pursuant to an Award to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that such person is acquiring the Shares without a view to the distribution thereof. The certificates for such Shares may include any legend which the Committee deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on transfer. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan or agreements made pursuant thereto, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for Shares under this Plan prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions: (i) listing or approval for listing upon notice of issuance, of such Shares on the Applicable Exchange; (ii) any registration or other qualification of such Shares of the Company under any state or federal law or regulation, or the maintaining in effect of any such registration or other qualification which the Committee shall, in its absolute discretion upon the advice of counsel, deem necessary or advisable; and (iii) obtaining any other consent, approval, or permit from any state or federal governmental agency which the Committee shall, in its absolute discretion after receiving the advice of counsel, determine to be necessary or advisable.

(b) Additional Compensation Arrangements. Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements for its employees.

(c) No Contract of Employment or Service. Neither this Plan nor the grant of any Award hereunder shall constitute a contract of employment or service, and neither the adoption of this Plan nor the grant of any Award hereunder shall confer upon any employee, consultant, independent contractor or service provider any right to continued employment or service, nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate to terminate the employment or service of any employee, consultant, independent contractor or service provider at any time.

(d) Required Taxes. No later than the date as of which an amount first becomes includible in the gross income of a Participant for federal, state, local or foreign income or employment or other tax purposes with respect to any Award under this Plan, such Participant shall pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, any federal, state, local or foreign taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to such amount. If determined by the Company, withholding obligations may be settled with Common Stock, including Common Stock that is part of the Award that gives rise to the withholding requirement; provided, however, that the amount withheld does not exceed the maximum statutory tax rate or such lesser amount as is necessary to avoid liability accounting treatment. The required tax withholding obligation may also be satisfied, in whole or in part, by an arrangement whereby a certain number of Shares issued pursuant to any Award are immediately sold and proceeds from such sale are remitted to the Company in an amount that would satisfy the withholding amount due. In addition, the Committee may require Awards to be subject to mandatory share withholding up to the required withholding amount. The obligations of the Company under this Plan shall be conditional on such payment or arrangements, and the Company and its Affiliates shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment otherwise due to such Participant. The Committee may establish such procedures as it deems appropriate, including making irrevocable elections, for the settlement of withholding obligations with Common Stock.

(e) Limitation on Dividend Reinvestment and Dividend Equivalents. Reinvestment of dividends in additional Restricted Stock at the time of any dividend payment, and the payment of Shares with respect to dividends to Participants holding Awards of RSUs, shall only be permissible if sufficient Shares are available under Section 4 for such reinvestment or payment (taking into account then outstanding Awards). In the event that sufficient Shares are not available for such reinvestment or payment, such reinvestment or payment shall be made in the form of a grant of RSUs equal in number to the Shares that would have been obtained by such payment or reinvestment, the terms of which RSUs shall provide for settlement in cash and for dividend equivalent reinvestment in further RSUs on the terms contemplated by this Section 16(e). Any dividend equivalents granted with respect to an Award will be payable to the Participant only if, when and to the extent such underlying Award vests, and that dividend equivalent rights granted with respect to Awards that do not vest will be forfeited. For the avoidance of doubt, dividends and dividend equivalents shall not be payable with respect to Options or SARs.

E - 14


Exhibit 10.21

 

(f) Designation of Death Beneficiary. The Committee shall establish such procedures as it deems appropriate for a Participant to designate a beneficiary to whom any amounts payable in the event of such Participant’s death are to be paid or by whom any rights of such eligible Individual, after such Participant’s death, may be exercised.

(g) Subsidiary Employees. In the case of a grant of an Award to any employee of a Subsidiary of the Company, the Company may, if the Committee so directs, issue or transfer the Shares, if any, covered by the Award to the Subsidiary, for such lawful consideration as the Committee may specify, upon the condition or understanding that the Subsidiary will transfer the Shares to the employee in accordance with the terms of the Award specified by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of this Plan. All Shares underlying Awards that are forfeited or canceled should revert to the Company.

(h) Governing Law and Interpretation. This Plan and all Awards made and actions taken thereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Plan are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect.

(i) Non-Transferability. Except as otherwise provided in Section 6(i) or by the Committee, Awards under this Plan are not transferable except by will or by laws of descent and distribution.

(j) Foreign Employees and Foreign Law Considerations. The Committee may grant Awards to Eligible Individuals who are foreign nationals, who are located outside the United States or who are not compensated from a payroll maintained in the United States, or who are otherwise subject to (or could cause the Company to be subject to) legal or regulatory provisions of countries or jurisdictions outside the United States, on such terms and conditions different from those specified in this Plan as may, in the judgment of the Committee, be necessary or desirable to foster and promote achievement of the purposes of this Plan, and, in furtherance of such purposes, the Committee may make such modifications, amendments, procedures, or subplans as may be necessary or advisable to comply with such legal or regulatory provisions.

(k) Section 409A of the Code. This Plan and Awards are intended to comply with or be exempt from the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code and shall be limited, construed, and interpreted in accordance with such intent. The terms and conditions governing any Awards that the Committee determines will be subject to Section 409A of the Code, including any rules for elective or mandatory deferral of the delivery of cash or Shares pursuant thereto and any rules regarding treatment of such Awards in the event of a Change in Control, shall be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, and shall comply in all respects with Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Plan or Award Agreement, any payment(s) of “nonqualified deferred compensation” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) that are otherwise required to be made under this Plan to a “specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A of the Code) as a result of such employee’s separation from service (other than a payment that is not subject to Section 409A of the Code) shall be delayed for the first six (6) months following such separation from service (or, if earlier, until the date of death of the specified employee) and shall instead be paid (in a manner set forth in the Award Agreement) upon expiration of such delay period. In no event may a Participant, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year of any payment to be made under any Award. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any provision in this Plan that is inconsistent with Section 409A of the Code shall be deemed to be amended to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and, to the extent such provision cannot be amended to comply therewith or be exempt therefrom, such provision shall be null and void. The Company shall have no liability to a Participant, or any other party, if an Award that is intended to be exempt from, or compliant with, Section 409A of the Code is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Committee or the Company. The Participant shall be solely responsible for the payment of any taxes, penalties, interest, or other expenses incurred by the Participant with respect to any Award that is not compliant with or exempt from Section 409A, and the Company shall have no responsibility to the Participant or any other party for the payment of such taxes, penalties interest or other expense.

(l) Indemnification. Each person who is or will have been a member of the Board or of the Committee and any designee of the Board or Committee will be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed on or reasonably incurred by him in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he may be made party or in which he may be involved by reason of any determination, interpretation, action taken or failure to act under this Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by him in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by him in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against him, provided he will give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he undertakes to handle and defend it on his own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification will not be exclusive and will be independent of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, by contract, as a matter of law, or otherwise.

(m) Compensation Recoupment or “Clawback” Policy. All Awards, amounts, or benefits received or outstanding under this Plan will be subject to clawback, cancellation, recoupment, rescission, payback, reduction, or other similar action in accordance with any Company clawback or similar policy or any Applicable Law related to such actions. A Participant’s acceptance of an Award will

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Exhibit 10.21

 

constitute the Participant’s acknowledgment of and consent to the Company’s application, implementation, and enforcement of any applicable Company clawback or similar policy that may apply to the Participant, whether adopted before or after the Effective Date, and any Applicable Law relating to clawback, cancellation, recoupment, rescission, payback, or reduction of compensation, and the Participant’s agreement that the Company may take any actions that may be necessary to effectuate any such policy or Applicable Law, without further consideration or action.

(n) Deferral of Awards. The Committee may establish one or more programs under this Plan to permit selected Participants the opportunity to elect to defer receipt of consideration upon exercise of an Award, satisfaction of performance criteria, or other event that absent the election would entitle the Participant to payment or receipt of Shares or other consideration under an Award. The Committee may establish the election procedures, the timing of such elections, the mechanisms for payments of, and accrual of interest or other earnings, if any, on amounts, Shares or other consideration so deferred, and such other terms, conditions, rules, and procedures that the Committee deems advisable for the administration of any such deferral program.

(o) Data Privacy. As a condition of receipt of any Award, each Participant explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use, and transfer, in electronic or other form, of personal data as described in this Section 16(o) by and among, as applicable, the Company and its Affiliates, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering, and managing this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan. In furtherance of such implementation, administration, and management, the Company and its Affiliates may hold certain personal information about a Participant, including, but not limited to, the Participant’s name, home address, telephone number, date of birth, social security or insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title(s), information regarding any securities of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and details of all Awards (the “Data”). In addition to transferring the Data amongst themselves as necessary for the purpose of implementation, administration, and management of this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan, the Company and its Affiliates may each transfer the Data to any third parties assisting the Company in the implementation, administration, and management of this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan. Recipients of the Data may be located in the Participant’s country or elsewhere, and the Participant’s country and any given recipient’s country may have different data privacy laws and protections. By accepting an Award, each Participant authorizes such recipients to receive, possess, use, retain, and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the purposes of assisting the Company in the implementation, administration, and management of this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan, including any requisite transfer of such Data as may be required to a broker or other third party with whom the Company or the Participant may elect to deposit any shares of Common Stock. The Data related to a Participant will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer, and manage this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan. A Participant may, at any time, view the Data held by the Company with respect to such Participant, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data with respect to such Participant, recommend any necessary corrections to the Data with respect to the Participant, or refuse or withdraw the consents herein in writing, in any case without cost, by contacting his or her local human resources representative. The Company may cancel the Participant’s eligibility to participate in this Plan, and in the Committee’s discretion, the Participant may forfeit any outstanding Awards if the Participant refuses or withdraws the consents described herein. For more information on the consequences of refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participants may contact their local human resources representative

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