Weyerhaeuser Company 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan

EX-10.1 2 wy-ex101_180.htm EX-10.1 wy-ex101_180.htm

EXHIBIT 10.1

WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY

2022 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

 


 

 

WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY

2022 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

 

SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND ESTABLISHMENT

3

 

 

 

      1.1

PURPOSE

3

 

 

 

      1.2

REPLACEMENT PLAN

3

 

 

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS

3

 

 

SECTION 3. ADMINISTRATION

9

 

 

 

      3.1

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

9

 

 

 

      3.2

ADMINISTRATION AND INTERPRETATION BY COMMITTEE

9

 

 

SECTION 4. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

10

 

 

 

      4.1

AUTHORIZED NUMBER OF SHARES

10

 

 

 

      4.2

SHARE USAGE

10

 

 

SECTION 5. ELIGIBILITY; LIMITATIONS

12

 

 

 

      5.1

ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS

    12

 

 

 

      5.2

LIMITS ON AWARDS TO NONEMPLOYEE DIRECTORS

    12

 

 

SECTION 6. AWARDS

12

 

 

 

      6.1

FORM AND GRANT OF AWARDS

12

 

 

 

      6.2

EVIDENCE OF AWARDS

12

 

 

 

      6.3

DEFERRALS

12

 

 

 

      6.4

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

13

 

 

SECTION 7. OPTIONS

13

 

 

 

      7.1

GRANT OF OPTIONS

13

 

 

 

      7.2

OPTION EXERCISE PRICE

13

 

 

 

      7.3

TERMS OF OPTIONS

13

 

 

 

      7.4

EXERCISE OF OPTIONS

13

 

 

 

      7.5

PAYMENT OF EXERCISE PRICE

14

 

 

 

      7.6

POST-TERMINATION EXERCISE

15

 

 

 

      7.7

INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION LIMITATIONS

15

 

 

SECTION 8. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

15

 

 

 

      8.1

GRANT OF STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

15

 

 

 

      8.2

PAYMENT OF SAR AMOUNT

16

 

 

SECTION  9. STOCK AWARDS, RESTRICTED STOCK AND STOCK UNITS

16

 

 

 

      9.1

GRANT OF STOCK AWARDS , RESTRICTED STOCK AND STOCK UNITS

16

 

 

 

      9.2

VESTING OF RESTRICTED STOCK AND STOCK UNITS

16

 

 

SECTION 10. PERFORMANCE SHARES AND PERFORMANCE UNITS

16

 

 

 

      10.1

GRANT OF PERFORMANCE SHARES

16

 

 

 

      10.2

GRANT OF PERFORMANCE UNITS

17

 

 

SECTION 11. OTHER STOCK OR CASH BASED AWARDS

17

 

 

SECTION 12. WITHHOLDING

17

 

 

 

      12.1

WITHHOLDING FOR TAXES OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS

17

 

 

 


 

      12.2

PAYMENT OF WITHHOLDING OBLIGATIONS

17

 

 

SECTION 13. ASSIGNABILITY

18

 

 

SECTION 14. ADJUSTMENTS

18

 

 

 

      14.1

ADJUSTMENT OF SHARES

18

 

 

 

      14.2

DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION

19

 

 

 

      14.3

CHANGE OF CONTROL

19

 

 

 

      14.4

FURTHER ADJUSTMENT OF AWARDS

20

 

 

 

      14.5

NO LIMITATIONS

21

 

 

 

      14.6

NO FRACTIONAL SHARES

21

 

 

 

      14.7

SECTION 409A

21

 

 

SECTION 15. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

21

 

 

 

      15.1

AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

21

 

 

 

      15.2

TERM OF THE PLAN

21

 

 

 

      15.3

CONSENT OF PARTICIPANT

21

 

 

SECTION 16. GENERAL

22

 

 

 

      16.1

NO INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS

22

 

 

 

      16.2

ISSUANCE OF SHARES

22

 

 

 

      16.3

INDEMNIFICATION

23

 

 

 

      16.4

NO RIGHTS AS A SHAREHOLDER

23

 

 

 

      16.5

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS

23

 

 

 

      16.6

PARTICIPANTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES

24

 

 

 

      16.7

NO TRUST OR FUND

25

 

 

 

      16.8

SUCCESSORS

25

 

 

 

      16.9

SEVERABILITY

   25

 

 

 

      16.10

CHOICE OF LAW

25

 

 

 

      16.11

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

   25

 

 

 

      16.12

Recoupment

25

 

 

SECTION 17. EFFECTIVE DATE

26

 

 


 

 

WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY

2022 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

SECTION 1. PURPOSE AND ESTABLISHMENT

 

1.1

Purpose

The purposes of this 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”) are to promote the interests of Weyerhaeuser Company (the “Company”) and its shareholders by attracting, retaining and motivating employees, officers, directors, consultants, advisors and independent contractors who are key to the growth and success of the Company by providing them the opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company and to link their interests and efforts to the long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders.

 

1.2

Replacement Plan

This Plan replaces the Company’s 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Prior Plan”). The Prior Plan shall be frozen and no further awards may be made under the Prior Plan after the Effective Date (as defined in Section 17). However, the Prior Plan shall continue to govern the terms and conditions of outstanding awards granted pursuant to the Prior Plan.

Section  2. DEFINITIONS

As used in the Plan, the following definitions apply to the terms indicated below:

“Acquired Entity” means any entity acquired by the Company or a Related Company or with which the Company or a Related Company merges or combines.

“Award” means any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Stock Award, Restricted Stock, Stock Unit, Performance Share, Performance Unit, dividend equivalent, cash-based award or other incentive payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock as may be designated by the Committee from time to time.

“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

“Business Combination” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Change of Control.”

“Cause” unless otherwise defined in the instrument evidencing an Award or, if not provided in such instrument, in a written employment, services or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or a Related Company, means dishonesty, fraud, serious or willful misconduct, unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information or trade secrets, violation of a state or federal criminal law involving the commission of a crime against the Company or a felony, current use of illegal substances, or any act or omission that substantially impairs the Company’s business, good will or reputation, in each case as determined by the Company’s chief human resources officer or other person performing that function or, in the case of directors and executive officers, the Compensation Committee, whose determination shall be conclusive and binding.

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“Change of Control” unless otherwise defined in the instrument evidencing an Award or, if not provided in such instrument, in a written employment, services or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or a Related Company, means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)

an acquisition by any Person of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 35% or more of either (A) the number of then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (1) any acquisition directly from the Company, other than an acquisition by virtue of the exercise of a conversion privilege where the security being so converted was not acquired directly from the Company by the party exercising the conversion privilege, (2) any acquisition by the Company, (3) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Related Company, or (4) an acquisition by any Person pursuant to a transaction that meets the conditions of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) set forth in subsection (d) of this definition of Change of Control;

 

(b)

a change in the composition of the Board during any 24-consecutive month period such that the individuals who, as of 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 for purposes of this definition, any individual who becomes a member of the Board during the period, whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of those individuals who are members of the Board and who were also members of the Incumbent Board (or deemed to be such pursuant to this proviso) shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board; and provided further, however, that any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of or in connection with (x) an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors, (y) any actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any Person or Persons (whether or not acting in concert) other than the Board or (z) an agreement with any Person or Persons (whether or not acting in concert) to avoid or settle any such contest or solicitation, in any such case, shall not be considered a member of the Incumbent Board; or

 

(c)

consummation of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or

 

(d)

consummation in one transaction or a series of transactions undertaken with a common purpose of (x) a reorganization, merger or consolidation, (y) sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (other than (1) any sale or disposition to a Related Company or (2) any dividend or distribution of assets (including the stock of any Related Company) to the shareholders of the Company), but only if such sale or other disposition requires the approval of the Company’s shareholders under the law of the Company’s jurisdiction of organization, or (z) sale of

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at least 60% of the Company’s outstanding securities (any such transaction or series of transactions, a “Business Combination”); excluding however, such a Business Combination pursuant to which:

 

(i)

all or substantially all of the Persons who are the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, at least 60% of the outstanding shares of common stock, and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, of the Successor Company (including, without limitation, an entity that as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or stock 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 Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities;

 

(ii)

no Person (other than the Company, any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company, a Related Company or such Successor Company) will beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 30% or more of, respectively, the outstanding shares of common stock of the Successor Company or the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Successor Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors unless such ownership resulted solely from ownership of securities of the Company prior to the Business Combination; and

 

(iii)

individuals who were members of the Incumbent Board will immediately after the consummation of the Business Combination constitute at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Successor Company.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

“Committee” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

“Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $1.25 per share, of the Company.

“Company” means Weyerhaeuser Company, a Washington corporation.

“Compensation Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board.

“Disability” means “Disability” as defined in the instrument evidencing an Award or, if not provided in such instrument, by the Committee or the Company’s chief human resources officer or other person performing that function for purposes of the Plan or an Award, or in a written employment or services agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to Incentive Stock Options, “Disability” shall have the meaning attributed to that term for purposes of Section 422 of the Code.

“Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 17.

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“Eligible Person” means any person eligible to receive an Award as set forth in Section 5.

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

“Fair Market Value” means the closing price for the Common Stock on any given date during regular trading, or if not trading on that date, such price on the last preceding date on which the Common Stock was traded, unless determined otherwise by the Committee using such methods or procedures as it may establish.

“Freestanding SAR” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1.

“Grant Date” means the later of (a) the date on which the Committee completes the corporate action authorizing the grant of an Award or such later date specified by the Committee and (b) the date on which all conditions precedent to an Award have been satisfied, provided that conditions to the exercisability or vesting of Awards shall not defer the Grant Date.

“Incentive Stock Option” means an Option granted with the intention that it qualify as an “Incentive Stock Option” as that term is defined in Section 422 of the Code or any successor provision.

“Incumbent Board” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Change of Control.”

“Layoff” means “Layoff” as defined in the instrument evidencing an Award or, if not provided in such instrument, by the Committee or the Company’s chief human resources officer or other person performing that function for purposes of the Plan or an Award, or in a written employment or services agreement.

“Nonemployee Director” means a member of the Board who is not an employee of the Company or an affiliate.

“Nonqualified Stock Option” means an Option other than an Incentive Stock Option.

“Option” means a right to purchase Common Stock granted under Section 7.

“Option Expiration Date” means the last day of the maximum term of an Option.

“Other Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.1.

“Outstanding Company Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Change of Control.”

“Outstanding Company Voting Securities” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Change of Control.”

“Parent Company” means a company or other entity that, as a result of a Change of Control, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, either directly or through one or more subsidiaries.

“Participant” means any Eligible Person to whom an Award is granted.

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“Performance Measures” means any measures of performance for the Company as a whole or any affiliate or business unit of the Company established by the Committee in connection with the grant of an Award. The Performance Measures may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: cash flows (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow or cash flow return on capital); working capital; earnings per share; book value per share; operating income (including or excluding depreciation, amortization, extraordinary items, restructuring charges or other expenses); funds from operations and funds from operations per share; revenues; operating margins; return on assets; return on equity; return on net assets; debt; debt plus equity; market or economic value added; stock price appreciation; total shareholder return; cost control; strategic initiatives; market share; net income; return on invested capital; improvements in capital structure; environmental, social or governance metrics including, but not limited to, goals or metrics pertaining to improvements in environmental practices, sustainability, people development and company diversity, equity or inclusion; or customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, services performance, cash management or asset management metrics. Such performance goals also may be based on the achievement of specified levels of Company performance (or performance of an applicable affiliate or business unit of the Company) under one or more of the Performance Measures described above relative to the performance of other corporations or a market index.

The Committee may provide in any such Award (or in its approvals related to any such Award) that any evaluation of performance may include or exclude any of the following events that occurs during a performance period: (i) asset write-downs, (ii) litigation or claim judgments or settlements, (iii) the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or provisions affecting reported results, (iv) any reorganization and restructuring programs, (v) extraordinary nonrecurring items as described in Accounting Standards Codification 225-20 or in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations appearing in the Company’s annual report to shareholders for the applicable year, (vi) acquisitions or divestitures, (vii) foreign exchange gains and losses, (viii) gains and losses on asset sales, (ix) impairments, and (x) to make other appropriate adjustments selected by the Committee.

“Performance Share” means an Award of units denominated in shares of Common Stock granted under Section 10.1.

“Performance Unit” means an Award of units denominated in cash or property other than shares of Common Stock granted under Section 10.2.

“Person” means any individual, entity or group within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.

“Plan” means the Weyerhaeuser Company 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.

“Prior Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.2.

“Related Company” means any entity that is directly or indirectly controlled by or under common control with the Company.

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“Restricted Stock” means an Award of shares of Common Stock granted under Section 9, the rights of ownership of which may be subject to restrictions prescribed by the Committee.

“Retirement” shall mean Retirement as defined in the instrument evidencing the Award or, if not provided in such instrument, by the Committee or the Company’s chief human resources officer or other person performing that function or in a written employment, services or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or a Related Company.

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

“Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code.

“Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means the right granted under Section 8.1 to receive the excess of the Fair Market Value of a specified number of shares of Common Stock over the grant price.

“Stock Award” means an Award of shares of Common Stock granted under Section 9, the rights of ownership of which are not subject to restrictions prescribed by the Committee.

“Stock Unit” means an Award granted under Section 9 denominated in units of Common Stock.

“Substitute Awards” means Awards granted or shares of Common Stock issued by the Company in assumption of, or in substitution or exchange for, awards previously granted by an Acquired Entity.

“Successor Company” means the surviving company, the successor company or Parent Company, as applicable, in connection with a Business Combination.

“Tandem SAR” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1.

“Tax Withholding Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.1.

“Termination of Service” means a termination of employment or service relationship with the Company or a Related Company for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, including by reason of death, Disability, Retirement, or Layoff. Any question as to whether and when there has been a Termination of Service for the purposes of an Award and the cause of such Termination of Service shall be determined by the Company’s chief human resources officer or other person performing that function or, with respect to directors and executive officers, by the Committee, whose determination shall be final and binding. None of the following circumstances shall be considered a Termination of Service: (i) a transfer of a Participant’s employment or service relationship between the Company and any Related Company; (ii) a termination of a Participant from any position with any Related Company in circumstances in which the Participant maintains employment with the Company or another Related Company; or (iii) a Participant’s change in status from an employee of the Company or a Related Company to a Nonemployee Director, consultant, advisor or independent contractor of the Company or a Related Company or a change in status from a Nonemployee Director, consultant, advisor or independent contractor of the Company or a Related Company to an employee of the Company or a Related Company. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, a Termination of Service

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shall be deemed to occur if the Participant’s employment or service relationship is with an entity that has ceased to be a Related Company.

“Vesting Commencement Date” means the Grant Date or such other date selected by the Committee as the date from which an Award begins to vest.

Section  3. ADMINISTRATION

 

3.1

Administration of the Plan

The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee, which shall be composed of two or more directors, each of whom shall qualify as a “nonemployee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b)(3) promulgated under the Exchange Act (or any successor definition adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission) and an “independent director” as defined under the New York Stock Exchange listing standards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board or the Compensation Committee may delegate responsibility for administering the Plan with respect to designated classes of Eligible Persons to different committees consisting of two or more members of the Board, subject to such limitations as the Board or the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, except with respect to benefits to nonemployee directors and to officers subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Members of any committee shall serve for such term as the Board may determine, subject to removal by the Board at any time. To the extent consistent with applicable law, the Board or the Compensation Committee may authorize one or more officers of the Company to grant Awards to designated classes of Eligible Persons, within limits specifically prescribed by the Board or the Compensation Committee; provided, however, that no such officer shall have or obtain authority to grant Awards to himself or herself or to any person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. All references in the Plan to the “Committee” shall be, as applicable, to the Compensation Committee or any other committee or any officer to whom the Board or the Compensation Committee has delegated authority, in whole or in part, to administer the Plan.

 

3.2

Administration and Interpretation by Committee

 

(a)

Except for the terms and conditions explicitly set forth in the Plan, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee shall have full power and exclusive authority, subject to such orders or resolutions not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan as may from time to time be adopted by the Board or a Committee composed of members of the Board, to (i) select the Eligible Persons to whom Awards may from time to time be granted under the Plan; (ii) determine the type or types of Award to be granted to each Participant under the Plan; (iii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each Award granted under the Plan; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award granted under the Plan; (v) approve the forms of notice or agreement for use under the Plan; (vi) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may be settled in cash, shares of Common Stock or other property or canceled or suspended; (vii) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances cash, shares of Common Stock, other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the Participant, subject to Section 409A and in accordance with Section 6.3; (viii) interpret and administer the Plan and any

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instrument evidencing an Award, notice or agreement executed or entered into under the Plan; (ix) establish such rules and regulations as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; (x) delegate ministerial duties to such of the Company’s employees as it so determines; (xi) accelerate or waive any terms, conditions or restrictions on any Award under such circumstances and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall deem appropriate; and (xii) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for administration of the Plan.

 

(b)

In no event, however, shall the Board or the Committee have the right, without shareholder approval, to (i) lower the exercise or grant price of an Option or SAR after it is granted, except in connection with adjustments provided in Section 14, (ii) cancel an Option or SAR at a time when its exercise or grant price exceeds the Fair Market Value of the underlying stock, in exchange for cash, another option or stock appreciation right, restricted stock or other equity award, unless the cancellation and exchange occurs in connection with a merger, acquisition, spin-off or other similar corporate transaction or (iii) take any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles.

 

(c)

Decisions of the Committee shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons, including the Company, any Participant, any shareholder and any Eligible Person. A majority of the members of the Committee may determine its actions.

Section  4. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

 

4.1

Authorized Number of Shares

Subject to adjustment from time to time as provided in Section 14.1 and the share usage provisions in Section 4.2, as of the Effective Date, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan shall be 21,825,189 shares, less one share for every one share that was subject to an award granted under the Prior Plan after February 28, 2022 and prior to the Effective Date. Shares issued under the Plan shall be drawn from authorized and unissued shares or shares now held or subsequently acquired by the Company.

 

4.2

Share Usage

 

(a)

If (i) any Award based on shares lapses, expires, terminates or is canceled prior to the issuance of shares thereunder, or if shares of Common Stock are issued under the Plan to a Participant and thereafter are forfeited to the Company, or if an Award is settled for cash (in whole or in part) or otherwise does not result in the issuance of all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Award, or (ii) after February 28, 2022, any award under the Prior Plan based on shares lapses, expires, terminates, or is canceled prior to the issuance of shares thereunder, or if shares of Common Stock issued under the Prior Plan to a Participant are thereafter forfeited to the Company, or if an award under the Prior Plans is settled for cash (in whole or in part), or otherwise does not result in the issuance of all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock subject to such award under the Prior Plan, then the shares subject to such Awards or awards under the Prior Plan shall again be available for issuance under the Plan.

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(b)

In the event that withholding tax liabilities arising from an Award other than an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or, after February 28, 2022, an award other than a stock option or stock appreciation right under the Prior Plan, are satisfied by the tendering of shares of Common Stock (either actually or by attestation) or by the withholding of shares of Common Stock by the Company, then in each such case the shares so tendered or withheld shall be added (or added back, as applicable) on a one-for-one basis to the shares authorized and available for grant under Section 4.1. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the following shares shall not be added (or added back, as applicable) to the shares authorized and available for grant under Section 4.1: (i) shares tendered or otherwise used by a Participant or withheld by the Company in payment of the exercise price of an Option or, after February 28, 2022, an option under the Prior Plan, (ii) shares tendered or otherwise used by a Participant or withheld by the Company to satisfy any tax withholding liability with respect to an Award of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights or, after February 28, 2022, options or stock appreciation rights under the Prior Plan, (iii) shares subject to a Stock Appreciation Right or, after February 28, 2022, a stock appreciation right under the Prior Plan that are not issued in connection with its stock settlement on exercise thereof, and (iv) shares reacquired by the Company on the open market or otherwise using cash proceeds from the exercise of Options or, after February 28, 2022, options under the Prior Plan.

 

(c)

The number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan shall not be reduced to reflect any dividends or dividend equivalents that are reinvested into additional shares of Common Stock or credited as additional shares of Common Stock subject or paid with respect to an Award.

 

(d)

The Committee shall also, without limitation, have the authority to grant Awards as an alternative to or as the form of payment for grants or rights earned or due under other compensation plans or arrangements of the Company.

 

(e)

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Committee may grant Substitute Awards under the Plan. Substitute Awards shall not reduce the number of shares authorized for issuance under the Plan. In the event that an Acquired Entity has shares available for awards or grants under one or more preexisting plans not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, then, to the extent determined by the Board or the Compensation Committee, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such preexisting 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 holders of common stock of the entities that are parties to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the Plan; provided, however, that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of such preexisting plans, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall be made only to persons who were not employees or directors of the Company or a Related Company prior to such acquisition or combination. In the event that a written agreement between the

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Company and an Acquired Entity pursuant to which a merger or consolidation is completed is approved by the Board and that agreement sets forth the terms and conditions of the substitution for or assumption of outstanding awards of the Acquired Entity, those terms and conditions shall be deemed to be the action of the Committee without any further action by the Committee, except as may be required for compliance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, and the persons holding such awards shall be deemed to be Participants.

 

(f)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maximum number of shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options shall equal 21,825,189, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 14.1.

Section 5. ELIGIBILITY; LIMITATIONS

 

5.1

Eligible Individuals

An Award may be granted to any employee, officer or director of the Company or a Related Company as well as Company or Related Company consultants, advisors and independent contractors whom the Committee from time to time selects. The above are “Eligible Persons.”

 

5.2

Limits on Awards to Nonemployee Directors

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, the aggregate value of cash and other compensation and the grant date fair value of shares of Common Stock (computed as of the date of grant in accordance with applicable financial accounting rules) that may be awarded or granted during any fiscal year of the Company to any Nonemployee Director in respect of the director’s service as a member of the Board shall not exceed $800,000.00. For the avoidance of doubt, any compensation that is deferred shall be counted toward this limit for the year in which it was first earned, and not when paid or settled if later.

Section   6. AWARDS

 

6.1

Form and Grant of Awards

The Committee shall have the authority, in its sole discretion, to determine the type or types of Awards to be granted under the Plan. Such Awards may be granted alone, in addition to or in tandem with any other type of Award. Any Award settlement may be subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Committee shall determine.

 

6.2

Evidence of Awards

Awards granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written or electronic instrument that shall contain such terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions as the Committee shall deem advisable and that are not inconsistent with the Plan.

 

6.3

Deferrals

The Committee may permit or require a Participant to defer receipt of the payment of any Award if and to the extent set forth in the instrument evidencing the Award at the time of grant. If any such deferral election is permitted or required, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall establish rules and procedures for such payment deferrals, which may include the grant of additional Awards or provisions for the payment or crediting of interest or dividend equivalents,

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including converting such credits to deferred stock unit equivalents; provided, however, that the terms of any deferrals under this Section 6.3 shall comply with all applicable law, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, Section 409A.

 

6.4

Dividends and Distributions

Participants may, if the Committee so determines, be credited with dividends paid with respect to shares of Common Stock underlying an Award, other than Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, in a manner determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. The Committee may apply any restrictions to the dividends or dividend equivalents that the Committee deems appropriate. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine the form of payment of dividends or dividend equivalents, including cash, shares of Common Stock, Restricted Stock or Stock Units. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in the Plan to the contrary, the dividends or dividend equivalents shall accrue and be paid only to the extent the Award becomes vested or payable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the crediting of dividends or dividend equivalents must comply with or qualify for an exemption under Section 409A.

Section   7. OPTIONS

 

7.1

Grant of Options

The Committee may grant Options designated as Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options.

 

7.2

Option Exercise Price

The exercise price for shares purchased under an Option shall be the average of the high and low price of the Common Stock for the Grant Date (and not less than the minimum exercise price required by Section 422 of the Code with respect to Incentive Stock Options), except in the case of Substitute Awards.

 

7.3

Terms of Options

Subject to earlier termination in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the instrument evidencing the Option, the maximum term of an Option shall be 10 years from the Grant Date. For Incentive Stock Options, the maximum term shall comply with Section 422 of the Code.

 

7.4

Exercise of Options

 

(a)

The Committee shall establish and set forth in each instrument that evidences an Option the time at which, or the installments in which, the Option shall vest and become exercisable.

 

(b)

To the extent an Option has vested and become exercisable, the Option may be exercised in whole or from time to time in part by delivery as directed by the Company to the Company or a brokerage firm designated or approved by the Company of a stock option exercise agreement or notice, in a form and in accordance with procedures established by the Committee, setting forth the number of shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised, the restrictions imposed on the shares purchased under such exercise agreement or notice, if any, and such representations and agreements as may be required by the Committee, accompanied by payment in full

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as described in Section 7.5. An Option may be exercised only for whole shares and may not be exercised for less than a reasonable number of shares at any one time, as determined by the Committee.

 

(c)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Award agreement may provide that if on the last day of the term of an Option or a Tandem SAR (if applicable) that is outstanding on such date the Fair Market Value of one share exceeds the Option exercise price per share, the Participant has not exercised the Option or a Tandem SAR (if applicable) and the Option has not expired, the Option shall be deemed to have been exercised by the Participant on such day with payment made by withholding shares otherwise issuable in connection with the exercise of the Option. In such event, the Company shall deliver to the Participant the number of shares for which the Option was deemed exercised, less the number of shares required to be withheld for the payment of the total purchase price and required withholding taxes; provided, however, any fractional share shall be settled in cash, rounded down to the nearest $.01.

 

7.5

Payment of Exercise Price

The exercise price for shares purchased under an Option shall be paid in full as directed by the Company to the Company or a brokerage firm designated or approved by the Company by delivery of consideration equal to the product of the Option exercise price and the number of shares purchased. Such consideration must be paid before the Company will issue the shares being purchased and must be in a form or a combination of forms acceptable to the Committee for that purchase, which forms may include:

 

(a)

cash;

 

(b)

check or wire transfer;

 

(c)

having the Company withhold shares of Common Stock that otherwise would be issued on exercise of the Option that have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate exercise price of the shares being purchased under the Option;

 

(d)

tendering (either actually or, so long as the Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, by attestation) shares of Common Stock already owned by the Participant that on the day prior to the exercise date have a Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate exercise price of the shares being purchased under the Option;

 

(e)

so long as the Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, delivery of a properly executed exercise agreement or notice, together with irrevocable instructions to a brokerage firm designated or approved by the Company to deliver promptly to the Company the aggregate amount of sale or loan proceeds to pay the Option exercise price and any Tax Withholding Obligations that may arise in connection with the exercise, all in accordance with the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board; or

 

(f)

such other consideration as the Committee may permit.

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7.6

Post-Termination Exercise

 

(a)

The Committee shall establish and set forth in each instrument that evidences an Option whether the Option shall continue to be exercisable, and the terms and conditions of such exercise, after a Termination of Service.

 

(b)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in case a Participant’s Termination of Service occurs for Cause, all Options granted to the Participant shall automatically expire upon first notification to the Participant of such termination, unless the Committee determines otherwise. If a Participant’s employment or service relationship with the Company is suspended pending an investigation of whether the Participant shall be terminated for Cause, all the Participant’s rights under any Option shall likewise be suspended during the period of investigation; provided, however, that any such suspension shall not extend the expiration date of any Option. If any facts that would constitute termination for Cause are discovered after a Participant’s Termination of Service, any Option then held by the Participant may be immediately terminated by the Committee, in its sole discretion.

 

(c)

If the exercise of the Option following a Participant’s Termination of Service, but while the Option is otherwise exercisable, would be prohibited solely because the issuance of Common Stock would violate either the registration requirements under the Securities Act or the Company’s insider trading policy, then the Option shall remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the Option Expiration Date or (ii) the expiration of a period of three months (or such longer period of time as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) after the Participant’s Termination of Service during which the exercise of the Option would not be in violation of such Securities Act or insider trading policy requirements.

 

7.7

Incentive Stock Option Limitations

Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, the terms of any Incentive Stock Options shall in addition comply in all respects with Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision, and any applicable regulations thereunder. Persons who are not employees of the Company or one of its parent or subsidiary corporations (as such terms are defined for purposes of Section 422 of the Code) may not be granted Incentive Stock Options. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year exceeds $100,000 (or, if different, the maximum limitation in effect at the time of grant under the Code), such portion in excess of $100,000 shall be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options. If any Participant shall make any disposition of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option under any circumstances described in Section 421(b) of the Code (relating to certain disqualifying dispositions), such Participant shall notify the Company of such disposition.

Section  8. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

 

8.1

Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights

The Committee may grant stock appreciation rights (“Stock Appreciation Rights” or “SARs”) to Participants at any time and on such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine in

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its sole discretion. A SAR may be granted in tandem with an Option (“Tandem SAR”) or alone (“Freestanding SAR”). The grant price of a Tandem SAR shall be equal to the exercise price of the related Option. The grant price of a Freestanding SAR shall be established in accordance with procedures for Options set out in Section 7.2. A SAR may be exercised upon such terms and conditions and for the term as the Committee determines in its sole discretion; provided, however, that, subject to earlier termination in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the instrument evidencing the SAR, the maximum term of a Freestanding SAR shall be 10 years, and in the case of a Tandem SAR, (a) the term shall not exceed the term of the related Option and (b) the Tandem SAR may be exercised for all or part of the shares subject to the related Option upon the surrender of the right to exercise the equivalent portion of the related Option, except that the Tandem SAR may be exercised only with respect to the shares for which its related Option is then exercisable.

 

8.2

Payment of SAR Amount

Upon the exercise of a SAR, a Participant shall be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying (a) the difference between the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of exercise over the grant price of the SAR by (b) the number of shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised. At the discretion of the Committee as set out in the instrument evidencing the Award, the payment upon exercise of a SAR may be in cash, in shares of equivalent value, in some combination thereof or in any other manner approved by the Committee in its sole discretion.

Section  9. STOCK AWARDS, RESTRICTED STOCK AND STOCK UNITS

 

9.1

Grant of Stock Awards, Restricted Stock and Stock Units

The Committee may grant Stock Awards, Restricted Stock and Stock Units on such terms and conditions and subject to such repurchase or forfeiture restrictions, if any, which may be based on continuous service with the Company or a Related Company or the achievement of any performance goals, as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion, which terms, conditions and restrictions shall be set forth in the instrument evidencing the Award.

 

9.2

Vesting of Restricted Stock and Stock Units

Upon the satisfaction of any terms, conditions and restrictions prescribed with respect to Restricted Stock or Stock Units, or upon a Participant’s release from any terms, conditions and restrictions of Restricted Stock or Stock Units, as determined by the Committee, and subject to the provisions of Section 12, (a) the shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Award of Restricted Stock shall become freely transferable by the Participant, and (b) Stock Units shall be paid in shares of Common Stock or, if set out in the instrument evidencing the Awards, in cash or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock. Any fractional shares subject to such Awards shall be paid to the Participant in cash.

Section  10. PERFORMANCE SHARES AND PERFORMANCE UNITS

 

10.1

Grant of Performance Shares

The Committee may grant Awards of performance shares (“Performance Shares”), designate the Participants to whom Performance Shares are to be awarded, and determine the number of

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Performance Shares and the terms and conditions of each such Award. Performance Shares shall consist of a unit valued by reference to a designated number of shares of Common Stock, the value of which may be paid to the Participant by delivery of shares of Common Stock or, if set out in the instrument evidencing the Award, of such property as the Committee shall determine, including without limitation, cash, shares of Common Stock, or other property, or any combination thereof, upon the attainment of performance goals, as established by the Committee, and other terms and conditions specified by the Committee. The amount to be paid under an Award of Performance Shares may be adjusted on the basis of such further consideration as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion.

 

10.2

Grant of Performance Units

The Committee may grant Awards of performance units (“Performance Units”), designate the Participants to whom Performance Units are to be awarded, and determine the number of Performance Units and the terms and conditions of each such Award. Performance Units shall consist of a unit valued by reference to a designated amount of cash or property other than shares of Common Stock, which value may be paid to the Participant by delivery of the cash or such property as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, shares of Common Stock, other property, or any combination thereof, upon the attainment of performance goals, as established by the Committee, and other terms and conditions specified by the Committee. The Amount to be paid under an Award of Performance Units may be adjusted on the basis of such further consideration as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion.

Section 11. OTHER STOCK OR CASH-BASED AWARDS

Subject to the terms of the Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate, the Committee may grant other incentives payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock under the Plan.

Section  12. WITHHOLDING

 

12.1

Withholding for Taxes or Other Obligations

The Company may require the Participant to pay to the Company the amount of (a) any taxes that the Company is required by applicable federal, state, local or foreign law to withhold with respect to the grant, vesting or exercise of an Award (“Tax Withholding Obligations”) and (b) any amounts due from the Participant to the Company or to any Related Company (“Other Obligations”). Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to issue any shares of Common Stock or otherwise settle an Award under the Plan until such Tax Withholding Obligations and Other Obligations are satisfied and shall not be required to issue any shares of Common Stock or otherwise settle an Award under the Plan; provided, however, such payment or satisfaction of tax withholding or Other Obligations may not be delayed in such a way as to cause such issuance or settlement to not be in compliance with Section 409A.

 

12.2

Payment of Withholding Obligations

The Committee may permit or require a Participant to satisfy all or part of his or her Tax Withholding Obligations and Other Obligations by (a) paying cash to the Company, (b) having the Company withhold an amount from any cash amounts otherwise due or to become due from

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the Company to the Participant, (c) having the Company withhold a number of shares of Common Stock that would otherwise be issued to the Participant (or become vested in the case of Restricted Stock) having a Fair Market Value equal to the Tax Withholding Obligations and Other Obligations, or (d) surrendering a number of shares of Common Stock the Participant already owns having a value equal to the Tax Withholding Obligations and Other Obligations. The value of the shares so withheld or tendered may not exceed the employee’s minimum required tax withholding rate or such other rate as may be approved by the Committee so long as such withholding does not result in adverse treatment for financial accounting purposes.

Section  13. ASSIGNABILITY

No Award or interest in an Award may be sold, assigned, pledged (as collateral for a loan or as security for the performance of an obligation or for any other purpose) or transferred by the Participant or made subject to attachment or similar proceedings otherwise than by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution, except that to the extent the Participant designates one or more beneficiaries on a Company-approved form who may exercise the Award or receive payment under an Award after the Participant’s death. During a Participant’s lifetime, an Award may be exercised only by the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing and to the extent permitted by Section 422 of the Code with respect to Options, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit a Participant to assign or transfer an Award without consideration, subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall specify.

Section  14. ADJUSTMENTS

 

14.1

Adjustment of Shares

 

(a)

In the event, at any time or from time to time, a stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, combination or exchange of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, extraordinary cash dividend, distribution to shareholders other than a normal cash dividend, or other change in the Company’s corporate or capital structure results in (i) the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or any securities exchanged therefor or received in their place, being exchanged for a different number or kind of securities of the Company or (ii) new, different or additional securities of the Company or of any other company being received by the holders of shares of Common Stock, then the Committee shall make proportional adjustments, taking into consideration the accounting and tax consequences, in (A) the maximum number and kind of securities available for issuance under the Plan; (B) the maximum number and kind of securities issuable as Incentive Stock Options as set forth in Section 4.2; and (C) the number and kind of securities that are subject to any outstanding Awards and the per share exercise or grant price of such securities, without any change in the aggregate price to be paid therefor. The determination by the Committee as to the terms of any of the foregoing adjustments shall be conclusive and binding.

 

(b)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, for cash or property, or for labor or services rendered, either upon direct sale or upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, outstanding Awards. Also notwithstanding the foregoing, a dissolution or liquidation of the Company or a

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Business Combination shall not be governed by this Section 14.1, but shall be governed by Sections 14.2 and 14.3, respectively.

 

14.2

Dissolution or Liquidation

To the extent not previously exercised or settled, and unless otherwise determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, Awards shall terminate immediately prior to the dissolution or liquidation of the Company. To the extent a vesting condition, forfeiture provision or repurchase right applicable to an Award has not been waived by the Committee, the Award shall be forfeited immediately prior to the consummation of the dissolution or liquidation.

14.3

Change of Control

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, unless the Committee shall determine otherwise in the instrument evidencing the Award or, if not provided for in such instrument, in a written employment, services or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or a Related Company, in the event of a Change of Control:

 

(a)

If the Change of Control is a Business Combination in which Awards, other than Performance Shares and Performance Units, could be converted, assumed, substituted for or replaced by the Successor Company, then, if and to the extent that the Successor Company converts, assumes, substitutes or replaces an Award, the vesting restrictions or forfeiture provisions applicable to such Award shall not be accelerated or lapse, and all such vesting restrictions or forfeiture provisions shall continue with respect to any shares of the Successor Company or other consideration that may be received with respect to such Award. If and to the extent that such Awards are not converted, assumed, substituted for or replaced by the Successor Company, such Awards shall become fully vested and exercisable or payable, and all applicable restrictions or forfeiture provisions shall lapse, immediately prior to the Change of Control and such Awards shall terminate at the effective time of the Change of Control.

 

  

If the Change of Control is not a Business Combination in which Awards, other than Performance Shares and Performance Units, could be converted, assumed, substituted for or replaced by the Successor Company, all outstanding Awards, other than Performance Shares and Performance Units, shall become fully vested and exercisable or payable, and all applicable restrictions or forfeiture provisions shall lapse, immediately prior to the Change of Control and shall terminate at the effective time of the Change of Control.

 

  

For the purposes of this Section 14.3(a), an Award shall be considered converted, assumed, substituted for or replaced by the Successor Company if following the Business Combination the option or right confers the right to purchase or receive, for each share of Common Stock subject to the Award immediately prior to the Business Combination, the consideration (whether stock, cash or other securities or property) received in the Business Combination by holders of Common Stock for each share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Business Combination is not solely common stock of the Successor Company, the

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Committee may, with the consent of the Successor Company, provide for the consideration to be received pursuant to the Award, for each share of Common Stock subject thereto, to be solely common stock of the Successor Company substantially equal in Fair Market Value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Business Combination. The determination of such substantial equality of value of consideration shall be made by the Committee, and its determination shall be conclusive and binding.

 

(b)

All Performance Shares or Performance Units earned and outstanding as of the date the Change of Control is determined to have occurred and for which the payout level has been determined shall be payable in full in accordance with the payout schedule pursuant to the instrument evidencing the Award. Any remaining outstanding Performance Shares or Performance Units (including any applicable performance period) for which the payout level has not been determined shall be payable in accordance with the terms and payout schedule pursuant to the instrument evidencing the Award. Any existing deferrals or other restrictions not waived by the Committee in its sole discretion shall remain in effect.

 

(c)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may instead provide in the event of a Change of Control that is a Business Combination that a Participant’s outstanding Awards shall terminate upon or immediately prior to such Business Combination and that such Participant shall receive, in exchange therefor, a cash payment equal to the amount (if any) by which (x) the value of the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Business Combination, or, in the event the Business Combination is one of the transactions listed under subsection (c) in the definition of Business Combination or otherwise does not result in direct receipt of consideration by holders of Common Stock, the value of the deemed per share consideration received, in each case as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such outstanding Awards (to the extent then vested and exercisable or whether or not then vested and exercisable, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) exceeds (y) if applicable, the respective aggregate exercise price or grant price for such Awards.

 

(d)

For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 14.3 requires all outstanding Awards to be treated similarly.

 

14.4

Further Adjustment of Awards

Subject to Sections 14.2 and 14.3, the Committee shall have the discretion, exercisable at any time before a sale, merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation, dissolution or change of control of the Company, as defined by the Committee, to take such further action as it determines to be necessary or advisable with respect to Awards. Such authorized action may include (but shall not be limited to) establishing, amending or waiving the type, terms, conditions, or duration of, or restrictions on, Awards so as to provide for earlier, later, extended or additional time for exercise, lifting restrictions and other modifications, and the Committee may take such actions with respect to all Participants, to certain categories of Participants or only to individual Participants. The Committee may take such action before or after granting Awards to which the

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action relates and before or after any public announcement with respect to such sale, merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation, dissolution or change of control that is the reason for such action.

 

14.5

No Limitations

The grant of Awards shall in no way affect the Company’s right to adjust, reclassify, reorganize or otherwise change its capital or business structure or to merge, consolidate, dissolve, liquidate or sell or transfer all or any part of its business or assets.

 

14.6

No Fractional Shares

In the event of any adjustment in the number of shares covered by any Award, each such Award shall cover only the number of full shares resulting from such adjustment, and any fractional shares resulting from such adjustment shall be disregarded.

 

14.7

Section 409A

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, (a) any adjustments made pursuant to this Section 14 to Awards that are considered “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A shall be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A and (b) any adjustments made pursuant to this Section 14 to Awards that are not considered “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A shall be made in such a manner as to ensure that after such adjustment the Awards either (i) continue not to be subject to Section 409A or (ii) comply with the requirements of Section  409A.

Section  15. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

 

15.1

Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan

The Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan or any portion of the Plan at any time and in such respects as it shall deem advisable; provided, however, that, to the extent required by applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule, shareholder approval shall be required for any amendment to the Plan; and provided, further, that any amendment that requires shareholder approval may be made only by the Board. Subject to Section 15.3, the Committee may amend the terms of any outstanding Award, prospectively or retroactively.

 

15.2

Term of the Plan

Unless sooner terminated as provided herein, the Plan shall terminate 10 years from the Effective Date. After the Plan is terminated, no future Awards may be granted, but Awards previously granted shall remain outstanding in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions and the Plan’s terms and conditions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Incentive Stock Options may be granted more than 10 years after the earlier of approval by the Board or the shareholders of the Plan (or any amendment to the Plan that constitutes the adoption of a new plan for purposes of Section 422 of the Code).

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15.3

Consent of Participant

The amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan or a portion thereof or the amendment of an outstanding Award shall not, without the Participant’s consent, materially adversely affect any rights under any outstanding Award under the Plan. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, any change or adjustment to an outstanding Incentive Stock Option shall not, without the consent of the Participant, be made in a manner so as to constitute a “modification” that would cause such Incentive Stock Option to fail to continue to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any adjustments made pursuant to Section 14 shall not be subject to these restrictions.

Section 16. GENERAL

 

16.1

No Individual Rights

 

(a)

No person or Participant shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan, and the Company has no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants under the Plan.

 

(b)

Nothing in the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan shall be deemed to constitute an employment contract or confer or be deemed to confer on any Participant any right to continue in the employ of, or to continue any other relationship with, the Company or any Related Company or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Related Company to terminate a Participant’s employment or other relationship at any time, with or without Cause.

 

16.2

Issuance of Shares

 

(a)

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Company shall have no obligation to issue or deliver any shares of Common Stock under the Plan or make any other distribution of benefits under the Plan unless, in the opinion of the Company’s counsel, such issuance, delivery or distribution would comply with all applicable laws (including, without limitation, the requirements of the Securities Act or the laws of any state or foreign jurisdiction) and the applicable requirements of any securities exchange or similar entity.

 

(b)

The Company shall be under no obligation to any Participant to register for offering or resale or to qualify for exemption under the Securities Act, or to register or qualify under the laws of any state or foreign jurisdiction, any shares of Common Stock, security or interest in a security paid or issued under, or created by, the Plan, or to continue in effect any such registrations or qualifications if made.

 

(c)

As a condition to the exercise of an Option or any other receipt of Common Stock pursuant to an Award under the Plan, the Company may require (i) the Participant to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise or receipt that such shares are being purchased or received only for the Participant’s own account and without any present intention to sell or distribute such shares and (ii) such other action or agreement by the Participant as may from time to time be necessary to comply with the federal, state and foreign securities laws. At the option of the Company, a stop-transfer

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order against any such shares may be placed on the official stock books and records of the Company, and a legend indicating that such shares may not be pledged, sold or otherwise transferred, unless an opinion of counsel is provided (concurred in by counsel for the Company) stating that such transfer is not in violation of any applicable law or regulation, may be stamped on stock certificates to ensure exemption from registration. The Committee may also require the Participant to execute and deliver to the Company a purchase agreement or such other agreement as may be in use by the Company at such time that describes certain terms and conditions applicable to the shares.

(d)

To the extent the Plan or any instrument evidencing an Award provides for issuance of stock certificates to reflect the issuance of shares of Common Stock, the issuance may be effected on a noncertificated basis, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law or the applicable rules of any stock exchange.

 

16.3

Indemnification

Each person who is or shall have been a member of the Board or a committee appointed by the Board or an officer of the Company to whom authority was delegated in accordance with Section 3, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such person in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit or proceeding to which such person may be a party or in which such person may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by such person in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by such person in satisfaction of any judgment in any such claim, action, suit or proceeding against such person; provided, however, that such person shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before such person undertakes to handle and defend it on such person’s own behalf, unless such loss, cost, liability or expense is a result of such person’s own willful misconduct or except as expressly provided by statute.

The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such person may be entitled under the Company’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or of any power that the Company may have to indemnify or hold harmless.

 

16.4

No Rights as a Shareholder

Unless otherwise provided by the instrument evidencing the Award or, if not provided in such instrument, in a written employment or services agreement, no Award other than a Stock Award shall entitle the Participant to any cash dividend, voting or other right of a shareholder unless and until the date of issuance under the Plan of the shares that are the subject of such Award.

 

16.5

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

 

(a)

In interpreting and applying the provisions of the Plan, any Option granted as an Incentive Stock Option pursuant to the Plan shall, to the extent permitted by law, be construed as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

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(b)

The Plan and Awards granted under the Plan are intended to be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A to the maximum extent possible, whether pursuant to the short-term deferral exception described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), the exclusion applicable to stock options, stock appreciation rights and certain other equity-based compensation under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(5), or otherwise. To the extent Section 409A is applicable to the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan, it is intended that the Plan and any Awards granted under the Plan comply with the deferral, payout and other limitations and restrictions imposed under Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan to the contrary, the Plan and any Award granted under the Plan shall be interpreted, operated and administered in a manner consistent with such intentions.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan to the contrary, with respect to any payments and benefits under the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan to which Section 409A applies, all references in the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan to the termination of the Participant’s employment or service are intended to mean the Participant’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i). In addition, if the Participant is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A, then to the extent necessary to avoid subjecting the Participant to the imposition of any additional tax under Section 409A, amounts that would otherwise be payable under the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan during the six-month period immediately following the Participant’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i), shall not be paid to the Participant during such period, but shall instead be accumulated and paid to the Participant (or, in the event of the Participant’s death, the Participant’s estate) in a lump sum on the first business day after the earlier of the date that is six months following the Participant’s separation from service or the Participant’s death.

Notwithstanding any other provision in the Plan to the contrary, the Committee, to the extent it deems necessary or advisable in its sole discretion, reserves the right, but shall not be required, to unilaterally amend or modify the Plan and any Award granted under the Plan so that the Award qualifies for exemption from or complies with Section 409A; provided, however, that the Committee makes no representations that Awards granted under the Plan shall be exempt from or comply with Section 409A and makes no undertaking to preclude Section 409A from applying to Awards granted under the Plan.

 

16.6

Participants in Other Countries

Without amending the Plan, the Committee may grant Awards to Eligible Persons who are foreign nationals on such terms and conditions different from those specified in the Plan as may, in the judgment of the Committee, be necessary or desirable to foster and promote achievement of the purposes of the Plan and shall have the authority to adopt such modifications, procedures and subplans and the like as may be necessary or desirable to comply with provisions of the laws of other countries in which the Company or any Related Company may operate or have employees to ensure the viability of the benefits from Awards granted to Participants employed in such countries or jurisdictions, meet the requirements that permit the Plan to operate in a

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qualified or tax-efficient manner, comply with applicable foreign laws and to meet the objectives of the Plan.

 

16.7

No Trust or Fund

The Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan. Nothing contained herein shall require the Company to segregate any monies or other property, or shares of Common Stock, or to create any trusts, or to make any special deposits for any immediate or deferred amounts payable to any Participant, and no Participant shall have any rights that are greater than those of a general unsecured creditor of the Company.

 

16.8

Successors

All obligations of the Company under the Plan with respect to Awards shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all the business or assets of the Company.

 

16.9

Severability

If any provision of the Plan or any Award is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or as to any person, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or, if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in the Committee’s determination, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, person or Award, and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.

 

16.10

Choice of Law

The Plan, all Awards granted under the Plan and all determinations made and actions taken pursuant hereto, to the extent not otherwise governed by the laws of the United States, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Washington without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. Participants irrevocably consent to the nonexclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in the State of Washington.

 

16.11

Legal Requirements

The granting of Awards and the issuance of shares of Common Stock under the Plan are subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.

 

 

16.12

Recoupment

All Awards granted under the Plan will be subject to recoupment in accordance with the Company’s clawback policy, as may be adopted and/or amended from time to time (including the Company’s current incentive compensation clawback policy, as amended from time to time), and any future clawback policy that the Company is required to adopt (and/or amend) pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Company’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other applicable law. In addition, the Board may impose

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such other clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions in an Award agreement as the Board or Committee determines necessary or appropriate. No recovery of compensation under such a clawback policy will be an event giving rise to a right to voluntarily terminate employment upon a “resignation for good reason,” or for a “constructive termination” or any similar term under any plan of or agreement with the Company.

Section  17. EFFECTIVE DATE

The effective date (the “Effective Date”) is the date on which the Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company. If the shareholders of the Company do not approve the Plan within 12 months after the Board’s adoption of the Plan, any Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan will be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options.

 

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