Alkermes plc 8-K, filed Jul 6, 2023
Alkermes plc. (ALKS)
About this 8-K
Alkermes plc filed this 8-K on July 6, 2023, reporting on events of June 29, 2023.
Items reported
- Item 5.02: Director or officer change, or executive pay
- Item 5.07: Shareholder vote results
- Item 9.01: Financial statements and exhibits
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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(Address of principal executive offices) |
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Registrant's telephone number, including area code: +
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
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Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
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Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
On June 29, 2023, at the 2023 annual general meeting of shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Alkermes plc (the “Company”), the Company’s shareholders approved amendments to the Alkermes plc 2018 Stock Option and Incentive Plan to, among other things, increase the number of the Company’s ordinary shares authorized for issuance thereunder by 6,500,000 (the plan as so amended, the “2018 Plan”).
The preceding summary is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2018 Plan, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
Item 5.07 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
On June 29, 2023, the Company held its Annual Meeting. Based on the certified voting report provided by the inspector of elections for the Annual Meeting, the final voting results are as follows:
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For: |
Withheld: |
Emily Peterson Alva |
133,264,886 |
13,721,892** |
Shane M. Cooke |
109,649,902 |
37,336,876* |
Richard B. Gaynor, M.D. |
85,056,971 |
61,929,807* |
Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D. |
132,349,967 |
14,636,811** |
Brian P. McKeon |
133,130,612 |
13,856,166** |
Richard F. Pops |
107,961,225 |
39,025,553* |
Christopher I. Wright, M.D., Ph.D. |
132,681,062 |
14,305,716** |
* Includes more than 13 million votes withheld by dissident shareholder Sarissa Capital Management LP and its affiliates (“Sarissa”).
** Includes more than 13 million votes withheld by dissident shareholder Sarissa. Sarissa cast these votes in a manner contrary to its recommendation, set forth in its proxy statement dated June 2, 2023, that shareholders vote FOR this nominee.
Shareholders did not elect any of the following director nominees nominated by dissident shareholder Sarissa Capital Offshore Master Fund LP, with the votes cast as follows:
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For: |
Withheld: |
Patrice Bonfiglio |
32,285,241 |
114,701,537 |
Alexander J. Denner, Ph.D. |
36,173,356 |
110,813,422 |
Sarah J. Schlesinger, M.D. |
68,814,685 |
78,170,621 |
* Includes more than 13 million votes “against” cast by dissident shareholder Sarissa.
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** Includes more than 13 million votes “against” cast by dissident shareholder Sarissa. Sarissa cast these votes in a manner contrary to both its stated voting intent and its recommendation to shareholders as to how to vote on this proposal, each as set forth in its proxy statement dated June 2, 2023.
** Includes more than 13 million votes “against” cast by dissident shareholder Sarissa. Sarissa cast these votes in a manner contrary to both its stated voting intent and its recommendation to shareholders as to how to vote on this proposal, each as set forth in its proxy statement dated June 2, 2023.
** Includes more than 13 million votes “against” cast by dissident shareholder Sarissa. Sarissa cast these votes in a manner contrary to both its stated voting intent and its recommendation to shareholders as to how to vote on this proposal, each as set forth in its proxy statement dated June 2, 2023.
Statements related to Sarissa’s voting set forth in this Item 5.07 are based on information provided by the Company’s advisors, which the Company believes to be reliable.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
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Description |
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10.1 |
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Alkermes plc 2018 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended. |
104 |
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Cover page interactive data file (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). |
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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ALKERMES PLC |
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Date: July 5, 2023 |
By: |
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/s/ David J. Gaffin |
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David J. Gaffin |
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Secretary |
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Exhibit 10.1
ALKERMES PLC
2018 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended
SECTION 1. GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE PLAN; DEFINITIONS
The name of the plan is the Alkermes plc 2018 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The purpose of the Plan is to encourage and enable the officers, employees, Non-Employee Directors and consultants of Alkermes plc, an Irish public limited company (the “Company”), and its Subsidiaries upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts the Company and its Subsidiaries largely depend for the successful conduct of their business to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company. It is anticipated that providing such persons with a direct stake in the Company's welfare will assure a closer alignment of their interests with those of the Company and its shareholders, thereby stimulating their efforts on the Company's and its Subsidiaries' behalf and strengthening their desire to remain with the Company and its Subsidiaries.
The following terms shall be defined as set forth below:
“2008 Plan” means the Alkermes plc Amended and Restated 2008 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended.
“2011 Plan” means the Alkermes plc 2011 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended.
“2011 Plan Available Shares” means the 1,199,965 Shares that remained available for grant under the 2011 Plan as of the 2020 Annual Meeting (which Shares, as of the 2020 Annual Meeting, ceased to be available for grant under the 2011 Plan and became available for issuance pursuant to Awards under this Plan).
“2020 Annual Meeting” means the 2020 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company.
“Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
“Administrator” means the compensation committee of the Board or a similar committee performing the functions of the compensation committee and which is comprised of not less than two Non-Employee Directors who are independent.
“Award” or “Awards,” except where referring to a particular category of grant under the Plan, shall include Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Unit Awards, Cash-Based Awards and Performance Share Awards.
“Award Certificate” means a written or electronic certificate setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an Award granted under the Plan. Each Award Certificate is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Cash-Based Award” means an Award entitling the recipient to receive a cash-denominated payment.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor Code, and related rules, regulations and interpretations.
“Companies Act” means the Irish Companies Act 2014, all enactments which are to be read as one, or construed or read together as one with the Irish Companies Act 2014 and every statutory modification or reenactment thereof for the time being in force.
“Disability” means, with respect to a grantee, the inability of such grantee to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or that has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, as provided in Sections 22(e)(3) and 409A(a)(2)(c)(i) of the Code, and will be determined by the Company on the basis of such medical evidence as the Company deems warranted under the circumstances. For clarity, any reference to “disability” or “permanent disability” in any Award Certificate shall mean “Disability,” as defined herein.
“Effective Date” means the date set forth in Section 18.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
“Fair Market Value” of the Shares on any given date for purposes of the Plan, unless otherwise required by any applicable provision of the Code or any regulations issued thereunder, means the fair market value of the Shares determined in good faith by the Administrator; provided, however, that if the Shares are admitted to quotation on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) or another national securities exchange, the determination shall be made by reference to the closing price reported by Nasdaq or such other exchange for such date. If the market is closed on such date, the determination shall be made by reference to the last date preceding such date for which the market is open.
“Incentive Stock Option” means any Stock Option designated and qualified as an “incentive stock option” as defined in Section 422 of the Code.
“Non-Employee Director” means a member of the Board who is not also an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.
“Non-Qualified Stock Option” means any Stock Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.
“Option" or “Stock Option” means any option to purchase Shares granted pursuant to Section 5.
“Performance-Based Award” means any Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award, Performance Share Award or Cash-Based Award granted pursuant to Section 10.
“Performance Criteria” means the criteria that the Administrator selects for purposes of establishing the Performance Goal or Performance Goals for an individual for a Performance Cycle. The Performance Criteria (which shall be applicable to the organizational level specified by the Administrator, including, but not limited to, the Company or a unit, division, group, or a Subsidiary) that will be used to establish Performance Goals are the following: earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, net income (loss) (either before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization), changes in the market price of the Shares, economic value-added, initiation or completion of clinical trials, results of clinical trials, drug development or commercialization milestones, collaboration milestones, operational measures including production capacity and capability, hiring and retention of key managers, expense management, capital raising transactions, sales or revenue, acquisitions or strategic transactions, operating income (loss), cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow and free cash flow), return on capital, assets, equity, or investment, shareholder returns, gross or net profit levels, operating margins, earnings (loss) per Share, sales or market shares, and any other measures of performance selected by the Administrator, any of which may be measured either in absolute terms or as compared to any incremental increase or as compared to results of a peer group.
“Performance Cycle” means one or more periods of time, which may be of varying and overlapping durations, as the Administrator may select, over which the attainment of one or more Performance Criteria will be measured for the purpose of determining a grantee’s right to and the payment of a Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award, Performance Share Award or Cash-Based Award. Each such period shall not be less than 12 months.
“Performance Goals” means the specific goals established in writing by the Administrator for a Performance Cycle based upon the Performance Criteria.
“Performance Share Award” means an Award entitling the recipient to acquire Shares upon the attainment of specified Performance Goals.
“Prior Plans Returning Shares” means any Shares underlying any outstanding awards granted under the 2011 Plan or the 2008 Plan, in each case that are forfeited, canceled, repurchased or otherwise terminated (other than by exercise) from and after the 2020 Annual Meeting (which Shares, as and when they become Prior Plans Returning Shares, shall become available for issuance pursuant to Awards under this Plan, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the terms of the 2011 Plan or the 2008 Plan).
“Restricted Stock Award” means an Award entitling the recipient to acquire, at such purchase price (which may be zero) as determined by the Administrator, Shares subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Administrator may determine at the time of grant.
“Restricted Stock Unit Award” means an Award of phantom stock units to a grantee.
“Sale Event” shall mean (i) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company on a consolidated basis to an unrelated person or entity, (ii) a merger, reorganization or consolidation in which the outstanding Shares are converted into or exchanged for securities of the successor entity and the holders of the Company's outstanding voting power immediately prior to such transaction do not own a majority of the outstanding voting power of the successor entity immediately upon completion of such transaction, or (iii) the sale of all of the Shares to an unrelated person or entity.
“Sale Price” means the value as determined by the Administrator of the consideration payable, or otherwise to be received by shareholders, per Share pursuant to a Sale Event.
“Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder.
“Share” or “Shares” means the ordinary shares, par value $.01 per share, of the Company, subject to adjustments pursuant to Section 3.
“Stock Appreciation Right” means a right to receive the appreciation on Shares granted pursuant to Section 5.
“Subsidiary” means any corporation or other entity in which the Company has at least a 50 percent interest, either directly or indirectly.
“Ten Percent Owner” means an employee who owns or is deemed to own (by reason of the attribution rules of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10 percent of the combined voting power of all classes of shares of the Company or any subsidiary corporation of the Company, within the meaning of Section 424 of the Code.
SECTION 2. ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN; ADMINISTRATOR AUTHORITY TO SELECT GRANTEES AND DETERMINE AWARDS
All decisions and interpretations of the Administrator shall be binding on all persons, including the Company, Subsidiaries and Plan grantees.
SECTION 3. SHARES ISSUABLE UNDER THE PLAN; MERGERS; SUBSTITUTION
(a) Shares Issuable. The maximum number of Shares reserved and available for issuance under the Plan shall be equal to the sum of: (i) 42,400,000 Shares; (ii) 1,199,965 Shares, which is the number of 2011 Plan Available Shares; and (iii) the Prior Plans Returning Shares, as such Shares become available from time to time. For purposes of this limitation, the Shares underlying any Awards that are forfeited, canceled, repurchased or otherwise terminated (other than by exercise) shall be added back to the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Shares tendered or held back upon exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or settlement of an Award to cover the exercise price or tax withholding shall not be added back to the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. In addition, upon net exercise of Options, the gross number of Shares exercised shall be deducted from the total number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Shares purchased in the open market with proceeds from the exercise of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall not be added to the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. In the event that a Stock Appreciation Right is settled in Shares, the gross number of Shares subject to the Stock Appreciation Right shall be deducted from the total number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Subject to such overall limitations, Shares may be issued up to such maximum number pursuant to any type or types of Award; provided, however, that no more than 52,400,000 Shares may be issued in the form of Incentive Stock Options. The Shares issued under the Plan may be issued from treasury or otherwise.
(b) Effect of Awards. The grant of any full value Award (i.e., an Award other than an Option or Stock Appreciation Right) shall be deemed, for purposes of determining the number of Shares available for issuance under Section 3(a), as an Award of 1.8 Shares for each such Share actually subject to the Award and shall be treated similarly if added back to the number of Shares available for issuance when forfeited, canceled, repurchased or otherwise terminated as provided in Section 3(a). Any Prior Plans Returning Share subject to a full value award (i.e., an award other than a stock option or stock appreciation right with respect to which the exercise price is at least 100% of the fair market value of the shares subject to such stock option or stock appreciation right on the date of grant) shall be added to the number of Shares available for issuance under Section 3(a) as 1.8 Shares. The grant of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be deemed, for purposes of determining the number of Shares available for issuance under Section 3(a), as an Award for one Share for each such Share actually subject to the Award and shall be treated similarly if added back to the number of Shares available for issuance when forfeited, canceled, repurchased or otherwise terminated as provided in Section 3(a). Any Prior Plans Returning Share subject to a stock option or stock appreciation right with respect to which the exercise price is at least 100% of the fair market value of the shares subject to such stock option or stock appreciation right on the date of grant shall be added to the number of Shares available for issuance under Section 3(a) as one Share.
(c) Changes in Shares. Subject to Section 3(d) hereof, if, as a result of any reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, share dividend, share split, reverse share split or other similar change in the Company's capital shares, the outstanding Shares are increased or decreased or are exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities of the Company, or additional shares or new or different shares or other securities of the Company or other non-cash assets are distributed with respect to such Shares or other securities, or, if, as a result of any merger or consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, the outstanding Shares are converted into or exchanged for securities of the Company or any successor entity (or a parent or subsidiary thereof), the Administrator shall make an appropriate or proportionate adjustment in (i) the maximum number of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan, including the maximum number of Shares that may be issued in the form of Incentive Stock Options, (ii) the number and kind of Shares or other securities subject to any then outstanding Awards under the Plan, (iii) the repurchase price, if any, per Share subject to each outstanding Restricted Stock Award, and (iv) the price for each Share subject to any then outstanding Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights under the Plan, without changing the aggregate exercise price (i.e., the exercise price multiplied by the number of Shares subject to the Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right) as to which such Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights remain exercisable. The Administrator shall also make equitable or proportionate adjustments in the number of Shares subject to outstanding Awards and the exercise price and the terms of outstanding Awards to take into consideration cash dividends paid other than in the ordinary course or any other extraordinary corporate event. The adjustment by the Administrator shall be final, binding and conclusive. No fractional Shares shall be issued under the Plan resulting from any such adjustment, but the Administrator in its discretion may make a cash payment in lieu of fractional Shares.
(d) Mergers and Other Transactions. Except as the Administrator may otherwise specify with respect to particular Awards in the relevant Award documentation, in the case of and subject to the consummation of a Sale Event, all Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that are not vested and exercisable immediately prior to the effective time of the Sale Event shall become fully vested and exercisable as of the effective time of the Sale Event, all other Awards with time-based vesting, conditions or restrictions shall become fully vested and nonforfeitable as of the effective time of the Sale Event and all other Awards with conditions and restrictions relating to the attainment of performance goals may become vested and nonforfeitable in connection with a Sale Event in the Administrator's discretion. Upon the effective time of the Sale Event, the Plan and all outstanding Awards granted hereunder shall terminate, unless provision is made in connection with the Sale Event in the sole discretion of the parties thereto for the assumption or continuation of Awards theretofore granted by the successor entity, or the substitution of such Awards with new Awards of the successor entity or parent thereof, with appropriate adjustment as to the number and kind of shares and, if appropriate, the per share exercise prices, as such parties shall agree (after taking into account any acceleration hereunder). In the event of such termination, the Company shall make or provide for a cash payment to the grantees holding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, in exchange for the cancellation thereof, in an amount equal to the difference between (A) the Sale Price multiplied by the number of Shares subject to outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights (to the extent then exercisable (after taking into account any acceleration hereunder) at prices not in excess of the Sale Price) and (B) the aggregate exercise price of all such outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.
(e) Substitute Awards. The Administrator may grant Awards under the Plan in substitution for stock and stock-based awards held by employees, directors or consultants of another corporation in connection with the merger or consolidation of the employing corporation with the Company or a Subsidiary or the acquisition by the Company or a Subsidiary of property or stock of the employing corporation. The Administrator may direct that the substitute awards be granted on such terms and conditions as the Administrator considers appropriate in the circumstances. Any substitute Awards granted under the Plan shall not count against the Share limitation set forth in Section 3(a).
SECTION 4. ELIGIBILITY
Grantees under the Plan will be such full or part-time officers and other employees, Non-Employee Directors and consultants of the Company and its Subsidiaries as are selected from time to time by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
SECTION 5. STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
Any Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall be in such form as the Administrator may from time to time approve.
Stock Options granted under the Plan may be either Incentive Stock Options or Non-Qualified Stock Options. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to employees of the Company or any Subsidiary that is a “subsidiary corporation” within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code. To the extent that any Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, it shall be deemed a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
(A) In cash, by certified or bank check or other instrument acceptable to the Administrator;
(B) Subject to the consent of the Administrator and on the basis of such form of surrender agreement as the Administrator may specify, through the delivery (or attestation to the ownership) of Shares owned by the optionee. Such surrendered Shares shall be valued at Fair Market Value on the exercise date; or
(C) By the optionee delivering to the Company a properly executed exercise notice together with irrevocable instructions to a broker to promptly deliver to the Company cash or a check payable and acceptable to the Company for the purchase price; provided that in the event the optionee chooses to pay the purchase price as so provided, the optionee and the broker shall comply with such procedures and enter into such agreements of indemnity and other agreements as the Administrator shall prescribe as a condition of such payment procedure.
Payment instruments will be received subject to collection. The transfer to the optionee on the records of the Company or of the transfer agent of the Shares to be purchased pursuant to the exercise of a Stock Option will be contingent upon receipt from the optionee (or a purchaser acting in his stead in accordance with the provisions of
the Stock Option) by the Company of the full purchase price for such Shares and the fulfillment of any other requirements contained in the Option Award Certificate or applicable provisions of laws (including the satisfaction of any withholding taxes that the Company is obligated to withhold with respect to the optionee). In the event an optionee chooses to pay the purchase price by previously-owned Shares through the attestation method, the number of Shares transferred to the optionee upon the exercise of the Stock Option shall be net of the number of attested Shares. In the event that the Company establishes, for itself or using the services of a third party, an automated system for the exercise of Stock Options, such as a system using an internet website or interactive voice response, then the paperless exercise of Stock Options may be permitted through the use of such an automated system.
SECTION 6. RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
SECTION 7. RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARDS
SECTION 8. CASH-BASED AWARDS
Grant of Cash-Based Awards. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, grant Cash-Based Awards to any grantee in such number or amount and upon such terms, and subject to such conditions, as the Administrator shall determine at the time of grant. The Administrator shall determine the maximum duration of the Cash-Based Award, the amount of cash to which the Cash-Based Award pertains, the conditions upon which the Cash-Based Award shall become vested or payable, and such other provisions as the Administrator shall determine. Each Cash-Based Award shall specify a cash-denominated payment amount, formula or payment ranges as determined by the Administrator. Payment, if any, with respect to a Cash-Based Award shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Award and may be made in cash or in Shares, as the Administrator determines. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator pursuant to the authority reserved in this Section 8, a grantee's right in all Cash-Based Awards that have not vested shall automatically terminate upon the grantee's termination of employment (or cessation of service relationship) with the Company and its Subsidiaries for any reason (including if a Subsidiary ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Company).
SECTION 9. PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARDS
SECTION 10. PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS
SECTION 11. TRANSFERABILITY OF AWARDS
SECTION 12. TAX WITHHOLDING
SECTION 13. SECTION 409A AWARDS
To the extent that any Award is determined to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A (a “409A Award”), the Award shall be subject to such additional rules and requirements as specified by the Administrator from time to time in order to comply with Section 409A. In this regard, if any amount under a 409A Award is payable upon a “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A) to a grantee who is then considered a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A), then no such payment shall be made prior to the date that is the earlier of (i) six months and one day after the grantee's separation from service, or (ii) the grantee's death, but only to the extent such delay is necessary to prevent such payment from being subject to interest, penalties and/or additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A. Further, the settlement of any such Award may not be accelerated except to the extent permitted by Section 409A.
SECTION 14. TRANSFER, LEAVE OF ABSENCE, ETC.
For purposes of the Plan, the following events shall not be deemed a termination of employment:
SECTION 15. AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION
The Board or the Administrator may, at any time, amend or discontinue the Plan and the Administrator may, at any time, amend or cancel any outstanding Award for the purpose of satisfying changes in law or for any other lawful purpose, but no such action shall adversely affect rights under any outstanding Award without the holder's consent. Except as provided in Section 3(c) or 3(d), without prior shareholder approval, in no event may the Administrator exercise its discretion to reduce the exercise price of outstanding Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, or effect repricing through cancellation and re-grants or cancellation in exchange for cash or another Award. To the extent required under the rules of any securities exchange or market system on which the Shares are listed or any other applicable rules, or to the extent approval by shareholders is determined by the Administrator to be required by the Code to ensure that Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan are qualified under Section 422 of the Code, Plan amendments shall be subject to approval by the shareholders of the Company entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders. Nothing in this Section 15 shall limit the Administrator's authority to take any action permitted pursuant to Section 3(d).
SECTION 16. STATUS OF PLAN
With respect to the portion of any Award that has not been exercised and any payments in cash, Shares or other consideration not received by a grantee, a grantee shall have no rights greater than those of a general creditor of the Company unless the Administrator shall otherwise expressly determine in connection with any Award or Awards. In its sole discretion, the Administrator may authorize the creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the Company's obligations to deliver Shares or make payments with respect to Awards
hereunder, provided that the existence of such trusts or other arrangements is consistent with the foregoing sentence.
SECTION 17. GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 18. EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN
The Plan was approved by the Board on March 29, 2018. The Plan became effective upon approval by the holders of a majority of the votes cast at the 2018 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company. No grants of Incentive Stock Options may be made hereunder after March 29, 2028, which is the tenth anniversary of the date that the Plan was approved by the Board.
SECTION 19. GOVERNING LAW
This Plan and all Awards and actions taken thereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, applied without regard to conflict of law principles.
SECTION 20. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
All disputes and differences arising out of the Plan or otherwise in connection therewith may be referred by the Company to arbitration pursuant to the procedures set forth in the applicable grant agreement of any grantee so affected.