false000162219400016221942024-05-172024-05-17
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 17, 2024 |
Easterly Government Properties, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Maryland |
001-36834 |
47-2047728 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer
Identification No.) |
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2001 K Street NW Suite 775 North |
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Washington, District of Columbia |
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20006 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
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Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (202) 595-9500 |
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
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:
☐Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐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:
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Title of each class
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Trading
Symbol(s) |
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Name of each exchange on which registered
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Common Stock |
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DEA |
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The New York Stock Exchange |
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).
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 Arrangement of Certain Officers.
As described below in Item 5.07 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, on May 17, 2024 at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Easterly Government Properties, Inc. (the “Company”), the stockholders of the Company approved the Easterly Government Properties, Inc. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2024 Plan”). The 2024 Plan replaced the Company’s 2015 Equity Incentive Plan, as last amended on May 9, 2017 (the “Prior Plan”), and upon effectiveness of the 2024 Plan no awards may be granted under the Prior Plan. The 2024 Plan is designed to enhance the flexibility to grant equity awards to the Company’s officers, employees, non-employee directors, and consultants and to ensure that the Company can continue to grant equity awards to eligible recipients at levels determined to be appropriate by the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) and/or the compensation committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”).
The material features of the 2024 Plan are as follows:
•The maximum number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2024 Plan is 3,600,000.
•The award of stock options (both incentive and non-qualified options), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, unrestricted stock, cash-based awards, dividend equivalent rights, and other equity-based awards is permitted.
•Shares tendered or held back for taxes will not be added back to the reserved pool under the 2024 Plan. Upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right that is settled in shares of common stock, the full number of shares underlying the award will be charged to the reserved pool. Additionally, shares the Company reacquires on the open market will not be added to the reserved pool under the 2024 Plan.
•Stock options and stock appreciation rights will not be repriced in any manner without stockholder approval.
•Any material amendment to the 2024 Plan is subject to approval by the Company’s stockholders.
•The term of the 2024 Plan will expire on May 17, 2034.
The 2024 Plan previously had been approved, subject to stockholder approval, by the Board on April 3, 2024. The 2024 Plan became effective upon receipt of stockholder approval on May 17, 2024 at the Annual Meeting.
All officers, employees, non-employee directors, and consultants of the Company, the Company’s operating partnership and their subsidiaries as selected from time to time by the Compensation Committee are eligible to participate in the 2024 Plan.
A detailed summary of the material features of the 2024 Plan is set forth in proposal 4 to the Company’s definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 5, 2024. That detailed summary of the 2024 Plan and the foregoing description are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the 2024 Plan, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 5.07 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
On May 17, 2024, the Company held the Annual Meeting, at which the stockholders voted on the proposals as follows:
Proposal No. 1: The election of seven director nominees, each to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
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Nominee |
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For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
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Broker Non-Votes |
Darrell W. Crate |
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74,135,521 |
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885,289 |
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126,638 |
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15,226,655 |
William H. Binnie |
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68,114,411 |
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6,908,442 |
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124,595 |
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15,226,655 |
Michael P. Ibe |
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74,083,027 |
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939,262 |
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125,159 |
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15,226,655 |
Cynthia A. Fisher |
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59,109,102 |
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15,913,878 |
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124,468 |
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15,226,655 |
Scott D. Freeman |
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72,551,322 |
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2,469,617 |
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126,509 |
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15,226,655 |
Emil W. Henry, Jr. |
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68,653,723 |
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6,364,987 |
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128,738 |
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15,226,655 |
Tara S. Innes |
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72,525,412 |
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2,499,549 |
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122,487 |
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15,226,655 |
Proposal No. 2: Approval, on a non-binding advisory basis, of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.
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For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
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Broker Non-Votes |
59,321,826 |
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15,566,183 |
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259,439 |
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15,226,655 |
Proposal No. 3: Recommendation, on a non-binding advisory basis, of the frequency of non-binding advisory votes on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.
The Company currently intends to hold an advisory vote on the compensation of its named executive officers every year until the next required advisory vote on the frequency of holding the advisory vote on named executive officer compensation.
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1 Year |
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2 Years |
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3 Years |
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Abstain |
73,351,205 |
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130,237 |
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1,453,587 |
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212,419 |
Proposal No. 4: Approval of the 2024 Plan.
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For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
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Broker Non-Votes |
70,400,669 |
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4,492,413 |
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254,366 |
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15,226,655 |
Proposal No. 5: Ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.
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For |
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Against |
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Abstain |
87,328,272 |
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2,819,193 |
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226,638 |
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits:
SIGNATURES
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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EASTERLY GOVERNMENT PROPERTIES, INC. |
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By: |
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/s/ Franklin V. Logan |
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Name: |
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Franklin V. Logan |
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Title: |
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Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
Date: May 21, 2024
EASTERLY GOVERNMENT PROPERTIES, INC.
2024 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
SECTION 1. GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE PLAN; DEFINITIONS
The name of the plan is the Easterly Government Properties, Inc. 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”). The purpose of the Plan is to encourage and enable the officers, employees, Non-Employee Directors and Consultants of Easterly Government Properties, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), the Operating Partnership (as defined below), and their Affiliates upon whose judgment, initiative, and efforts the Company and the Operating Partnership 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 identification of their interests with those of the Company and its stockholders, thereby stimulating their efforts on the Company’s behalf and strengthening their desire to remain with the Company.
The following terms shall be defined as set forth below:
“Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
“Administrator” means either the Board or 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.
“Affiliate” means, at the time of determination, any “parent” or “subsidiary” of the Company or the Operating Partnership, as applicable, as such terms are defined in Rule 405 of the Act. The Board will have the authority to determine the time or times at which “parent” or “subsidiary” status is determined within the foregoing definition.
“Award” or “Awards,” except where referring to a particular category of grant under the Plan, includes Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units, Unrestricted Stock Awards, Cash-Based Awards, Dividend Equivalent Rights, and Other Equity-Based Awards contemplated herein.
“Award Certificate” means a written or electronic document 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 upon the attainment of specified performance goals, which goals may include individual performance objectives as well as financial or operational measurements of
the performance of the Company (including, but not limited to, any unit, division, group or Affiliate of the Company) such as total shareholder return; net income (loss) (either before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization); changes in the market price of the Stock; funds from operations or similar measures; leverage ratios; sales or revenue; acquisitions or strategic transactions; operating income; return on capital, assets, equity, or investment; lease or occupancy rates; expense; margins; earnings (loss) per share of Stock; market share; and/or any other goal established by the Administrator, any of which goals may be measured in absolute terms, as compared to any incremental increase, as compared to results of a peer group or on any other basis determined by the Administrator.
Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor Code, and related rules, regulations and interpretations.
“Consultant” means a consultant or adviser who provides bona fide services to the Company or an Affiliate as an independent contractor and who qualifies as a consultant or advisor under Instruction A.1.(a)(1) of Form S-8 under the Act.
Dividend Equivalent Right” means an Award entitling the grantee to receive credits based on ordinary cash dividends that would have been paid on the shares of Stock specified in the Dividend Equivalent Right (or other award to which it relates) if such shares had been issued to and held by the grantee.
“Effective Date” means the date on which the Plan becomes effective as set forth in Section 20.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
“Fair Market Value” of the Stock on any given date means the fair market value of the Stock determined in good faith by the Administrator; provided, however, that if the Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange or another national securities exchange or traded on any established market, the determination shall be made by reference to the closing price of the Stock on such primary exchange. If there is no closing price for such date, the determination shall be made by reference to the last date preceding such date for which there is a closing price.
“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, the Operating Partnership or any Subsidiary.
“Non-Qualified Stock Option” means any Stock Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.
“Operating Partnership” means Easterly Government Properties LP, a Delaware limited partnership.
“Option” or “Stock Option” means any option to purchase shares of Stock.
“Prior Plan” means the Easterly Government Properties, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
“Restricted Shares” means the shares of Stock underlying a Restricted Stock Award that remain subject to a risk of forfeiture or the Company’s right of repurchase.
“Restricted Stock Award” means an Award of Restricted Shares.
“Restricted Stock Units” means an Award of stock units.
“Sale Event” means (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 pursuant to which the holders of the Company’s outstanding voting power and outstanding stock immediately prior to such transaction do not own a majority of the outstanding voting power and outstanding stock or other equity interests of the resulting or successor entity (or its ultimate parent, if applicable) immediately upon completion of such transaction, (iii) the sale of all of the Stock of the Company to an unrelated person, entity, or group thereof acting in concert, or (iv) any other transaction in which the owners of the Company’s outstanding voting power immediately prior to such transaction do not own at least a majority of the outstanding voting power of the Company or any successor entity immediately upon completion of the transaction other than as a result of the acquisition of securities directly from the Company.
“Sale Price” means the value as determined by the Administrator of the consideration payable, or otherwise to be received by stockholders, per share of Stock pursuant to a Sale Event.
“Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder.
“Service Relationship” means any relationship as an officer, employee, director, or Consultant of the Company, the Operating Partnership, or any Affiliate (e.g., a Service Relationship shall be deemed to continue without interruption in the event an individual’s status changes from full-time employee to part-time employee or Consultant or vice versa).
“Stock” means the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company, subject to adjustments pursuant to Section 3.
“Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award entitling the recipient to receive shares of Stock (or cash, to the extent explicitly provided for in the applicable Award Certificate) having a value equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the Stock Appreciation Right multiplied by the number of shares of Stock with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.
“Subsidiary” means any corporation or other entity (other than the Company) in which the Company has at least a 50 percent interest, either directly or indirectly.
“Substitute Awards” means Awards granted or Stock issued by the Company in assumption of, or in substitution or exchange for, awards previously granted, in each case by a
company acquired by the Company, the Operating Partnership, or any Affiliate or with which the Company, the Operating Partnership, or any Affiliate combines.
“Ten Percent Owner” means an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary that is a “subsidiary corporation” within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code 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 stock of the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation.
“Units” means units of partnership interest, including one or more classes of profits interests, in the Operating Partnership.
“Unrestricted Stock Award” means an Award of shares of Stock free of any restrictions.
SECTION 2. ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN; ADMINISTRATOR AUTHORITY TO SELECT GRANTEES AND DETERMINE AWARDS
(a)Administration of Plan. The Plan shall be administered by the Administrator.
(b)Powers of Administrator. The Administrator shall have the power and authority to grant Awards consistent with the terms of the Plan, including the power and authority:
(i)to select the individuals to whom Awards may from time to time be granted;
(ii)to determine the time or times of grant, and the extent, if any, of Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units, Unrestricted Stock Awards, Cash-Based Awards, Dividend Equivalent Rights, and Other Equity-Based Awards, or any combination of the foregoing, granted to any one or more grantees;
(iii)to determine the number of shares of Stock or, in the case of a Cash-Based Award, the amount of cash, to be covered by any Award;
(iv)to determine and, subject to Section 17, modify from time to time the terms and conditions, including restrictions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award, which terms and conditions may differ among individual Awards and grantees, and to approve the forms of Award Certificates;
(v)to accelerate at any time the exercisability or vesting of all or any portion of any Award;
(vi)subject to the provisions of Section 5(c) or Section 6(d), as applicable, to extend at any time the period in which Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised;
(vii)at any time to adopt, alter, and repeal such rules, guidelines, and practices for administration of the Plan and for its own acts and proceedings as it deems advisable;
(viii)to interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan and any Award (including related written instruments);
(ix)to make all determinations it deems advisable for the administration of the Plan;
(x)to decide all disputes arising in connection with the Plan; and
(xi)to otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan.
All decisions and interpretations of the Administrator made in good faith shall be binding on all persons, including the Company and Plan grantees.
(c)Delegation of Authority to Grant Awards. Subject to applicable law, the Administrator, in its discretion, may delegate to a committee consisting of one or more officers of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, all or part of the Administrator’s authority and duties with respect to the granting of Awards to individuals who are (i) not subject to the reporting and other provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and (ii) not members of the delegated committee. Any such delegation by the Administrator shall include a limitation as to the amount of Stock underlying Awards that may be granted during the period of the delegation and shall contain guidelines as to the determination of the exercise price and the vesting criteria. The Administrator may revoke or amend the terms of a delegation at any time but such action shall not invalidate any prior actions of the Administrator’s delegate or delegates that were consistent with the terms of the Plan.
(d)Award Certificate. Other than with respect to Cash-Based Awards, Awards under the Plan shall be evidenced by Award Certificates that set forth the terms, conditions, and limitations for each Award which may include, without limitation, the term of an Award and the provisions applicable in the event employment or service terminates.
(e)Indemnification. Neither the Board nor the Administrator, nor any member of either, or any delegate thereof, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction, or determination made in good faith in connection with the Plan, and the members of the Board and the Administrator (and any delegate thereof) shall be entitled in all cases to indemnification and reimbursement by the Company in respect of any claim, loss, damage or expense (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising or resulting therefrom to the fullest extent permitted by law and/or under the Company’s articles or bylaws or any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage that may be in effect from time to time and/or any indemnification agreement between such individual and the Company.
(f)Non-U.S. Award Recipients. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in order to comply with the laws in other countries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate or have employees or other individuals eligible for Awards, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to: (i) determine which Subsidiaries shall be covered by the Plan; (ii) determine which individuals outside the United States are eligible to participate in the Plan; (iii) modify the terms and conditions of any Award granted to individuals outside the United States to comply with applicable non-U.S. laws; (iv) establish subplans and modify exercise procedures and other terms and procedures, to the extent
the Administrator determines such actions to be necessary or advisable (and such subplans and/or modifications shall be attached to this Plan as appendices); provided, however, that no such subplans and/or modifications shall increase the share limitations contained in Section 3(a) hereof; and (v) take any action, before or after an Award is made, that the Administrator determines to be necessary or advisable to obtain approval or comply with any local governmental regulatory exemptions or approvals. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may not take any actions hereunder, and no Awards shall be granted, that would violate the Exchange Act or any other applicable United States securities law, the Code, or any other applicable United States governing statute or law.
SECTION 3. STOCK ISSUABLE UNDER THE PLAN; MERGERS; SUBSTITUTION
(a)Stock Issuable. Subject to adjustment as provided in this Section 3, the maximum number of shares of Stock reserved and available for issuance under the Plan shall be 3,600,000 shares less one share for every one share of Stock subject to an award granted under the Prior Plan after April 5, 2024. For purposes of this limitation, the shares of Stock underlying any awards under the Plan and under the Prior Plan that are forfeited, canceled, cash-settled, or otherwise terminated (other than by exercise) shall be added back to the shares of Stock available for issuance under the Plan and, to the extent permitted under Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder, the shares of Stock that may be issued as Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shares shall not be added to the shares authorized for grant under the Plan: (i) shares tendered or held back upon exercise of an Option or settlement of an Award to cover the exercise price or tax withholding and (ii) shares subject to a Stock Appreciation Right that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the Stock Appreciation Right upon exercise thereof. In the event the Company repurchases shares of Stock on the open market, such shares shall not be added to the shares of Stock available for issuance under the Plan. Subject to such overall limitations, shares of Stock may be issued up to such maximum number pursuant to any type or types of Award; provided, however, that no more than 3,600,000 shares of the Stock may be issued in the form of Incentive Stock Options. The shares available for issuance under the Plan may be authorized but unissued shares of Stock, treasury Stock, or shares of Stock reacquired by the Company. Upon effectiveness of the Plan, no new awards shall be granted under the Prior Plan.
(b)Substitute Awards. Substitute Awards shall not reduce the shares of Stock authorized for grant under the Plan, nor shall shares subject to a Substitute Award be added to the shares of Stock available for Awards under the Plan as provided in Section 3(a) above. Additionally, in the event that a company acquired by the Company, the Operating Partnership, or any Affiliate or with which the Company, the Operating Partnership, or any Affiliate combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by stockholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of common stock of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the shares authorized for grant under the Plan (and shares subject to such Awards shall not be added to the shares available for Awards under the Plan as provided in Section 3(a) above); provided that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the
date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not employees or directors prior to such acquisition or combination.
(c)Changes in Stock. Subject to Section 3(d) hereof, if, as a result of any reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, or other similar change in the Company’s capital stock, the outstanding shares of Stock 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 of Stock 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 of Stock 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 exercise 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 Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights) 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 absent manifest error. No fractional shares of Stock 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 Certificate, in the case of and subject to the consummation of a Sale Event, the parties thereto may cause 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. To the extent the parties to such Sale Event do not provide for the assumption, continuation, or substitution of Awards, upon the effective time of the Sale Event, the Plan and all outstanding Awards granted hereunder shall terminate. In such case, except as may be otherwise provided in the relevant Award Certificate, all Awards with time-based vesting conditions or restrictions that are not vested and/or exercisable immediately prior to the effective time of the Sale Event shall become fully vested and exercisable or nonforfeitable as of the effective time of the Sale Event, and all Awards with conditions and restrictions relating to the attainment of performance goals shall become vested and exercisable or nonforfeitable in connection with a Sale Event to the extent specified in the relevant Award Certificate. In the event of such termination, (i) the Company shall have the option (in its sole discretion) to make or provide for a payment, in cash or in kind, to the grantees holding Options and 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 of Stock subject to outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (to the extent then exercisable at prices not in excess of the Sale Price) and (B) the aggregate exercise price of all such outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (provided that, in the case of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right with an exercise price equal to or greater than the Sale Price, such Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be cancelled for no consideration); or (ii) each grantee shall be permitted, within a specified period of time prior to the consummation of the Sale Event as determined by the Administrator, to exercise all outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (to the extent then exercisable) held by such grantee. In the event of such termination, the Company shall also have the option (in its sole discretion) to make or provide for a payment, in cash or in kind, to the grantees holding other Awards in an amount equal to the Sale Price multiplied by the number of vested shares of Stock under such Awards.
Grantees under the Plan will be such officers, employees, Non-Employee Directors, or Consultants of the Company and its Affiliates as are selected from time to time by the Administrator in its sole discretion; provided that Awards may not be granted to officers, employees, Non-Employee Directors, or Consultants who are providing services only to any “parent” of the Company, as such term is defined in Rule 405 of the Act, unless (i) the stock underlying the Awards is treated as “service recipient stock” under Section 409A or (ii) the Company has determined that such Awards are exempt from or otherwise comply with Section 409A.
(a)Award of Stock Options. The Administrator may grant Stock Options under the Plan, subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Administrator may determine. Conditions may be based on continuing employment (or other Service Relationship) and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals and objectives. 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. Stock Options shall be subject to the following terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Administrator deems desirable. If the Administrator so determines, Stock Options may be granted in lieu of cash compensation at the grantee’s election, subject to such terms and conditions as the Administrator may establish.
(b)Exercise Price. The exercise price per share for the Stock covered by a Stock Option shall be determined by the Administrator at the time of grant but shall not be less than 100 percent of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option that is granted to a Ten Percent Owner, the exercise price of such Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than 110 percent of the Fair Market Value on the grant date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Stock Options may be granted with an exercise price per share that is less than 100 percent of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant (i) pursuant to a transaction described in,
and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code, (ii) to individuals who are not subject to U.S. income tax on the date of grant, or (iii) if the Stock Option is otherwise compliant with Section 409A.
(c)Option Term. The term of each Stock Option shall be fixed by the Administrator, but no Stock Option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date the Stock Option is granted. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option that is granted to a Ten Percent Owner, the term of such Stock Option shall be no more than five years from the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted by Section 409A of the Code, in the event that on the last business day of the term of a Stock Option other than an Incentive Stock Option (x) the exercise of the Stock Option is prohibited by applicable law or (y) Stock may not be purchased or sold by the holder of such Stock Option due to the “black-out period” of a Company policy or a “lock-up” agreement undertaken in connection with an issuance of securities by the Company, the term of the Stock Option shall be extended to the date that is 30 days following the end of the legal prohibition, black-out period, or lock-up agreement and provided further that no extension will be made if the exercise price of such Stock Option at the date the initial term would otherwise expire is equal to or in excess of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on such date.
(d)Exercisability; Rights of a Stockholder. Stock Options shall become exercisable at such time or times, whether or not in installments, as determined by the Administrator at or after the grant date. A grantee shall have the rights of a stockholder only as to shares acquired upon the exercise of a Stock Option and not as to unexercised Stock Options.
(e)Method of Exercise. Stock Options may be exercised in whole or in part, by giving written or electronic notice of exercise to the Company, specifying the number of shares to be purchased. Payment of the purchase price may be made by one or more of the following methods except to the extent otherwise provided in the Award Certificate:
(i)In cash, by certified or bank check, or other instrument acceptable to the Administrator;
(ii)Through the delivery (or attestation to the ownership following such procedures as the Company may prescribe) of shares of Stock that are owned by the grantee and not then subject to restrictions under any Company plan. Such surrendered shares shall be valued at Fair Market Value on the exercise date;
(iii)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 grantee chooses to pay the purchase price as so provided, the grantee and the broker shall comply with such procedures and enter into such agreements of indemnity and other agreements as the Company reasonably prescribes as a condition of such payment procedure; or
(iv)With respect to Stock Options that are not Incentive Stock Options, by a “net exercise” arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of shares of
Stock issuable upon exercise by the largest whole number of shares with a Fair Market Value that does not exceed the aggregate exercise price.
Payment instruments will be received subject to collection. The transfer to the grantee on the records of the Company or of the transfer agent of the shares of Stock to be purchased pursuant to the exercise of a Stock Option will be contingent upon receipt from the grantee (or a purchaser acting in the grantee’s 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 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 grantee). In the event an grantee chooses to pay the purchase price by previously-owned shares of Stock through the attestation method, the number of shares of Stock transferred to the grantee 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.
(f)Annual Limit on Incentive Stock Options. To the extent required for “incentive stock option” treatment under Section 422 of the Code, the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time of grant) of the shares of Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options granted under this Plan and any other plan of the Company or its parent and subsidiary corporations become exercisable for the first time by an grantee during any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000. To the extent that any Stock Option exceeds this limit, it shall constitute a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
SECTION 6. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
(a)Award of Stock Appreciation Rights. The Administrator may grant Stock Appreciation Rights under the Plan, subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Administrator may determine. Conditions may be based on continuing employment (or other Service Relationship) and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals and objectives.
(b)Exercise Price of Stock Appreciation Rights. The exercise price of a Stock Appreciation Right shall not be less than 100 percent of the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted with an exercise price per share that is less than 100 percent of the Fair Market Value on the date of grant (i) pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code, (ii) to individuals who are not subject to U.S. income tax on the date of grant, or (iii) if the Stock Appreciation Right is otherwise compliant with Section 409A.
(c)Grant and Exercise of Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted by the Administrator independently of any Stock Option.
(d)Terms and Conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock Appreciation Rights shall be subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined on or after the date of grant by the Administrator, and such terms and conditions may differ among individual Awards and
grantees. The term of a Stock Appreciation Right may not exceed ten years. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted by Section 409A of the Code, in the event that on the last business day of the term of a Stock Appreciation Right (x) the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right is prohibited by applicable law or (y) shares may not be purchased or sold by the holder of such Stock Appreciation Right due to the “black-out period” of a Company policy or a “lock-up” agreement undertaken in connection with an issuance of securities by the Company, the term of the Stock Appreciation Right shall be extended to the date that is 30 days following the end of the legal prohibition, black-out period, or lock-up agreement and provided further that no extension will be made if the exercise price of such Stock Appreciation Right at the date the initial term would otherwise expire is equal to or in excess of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on such date.
SECTION 7. RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
(a)Nature of Restricted Stock Awards. The Administrator may grant Restricted Stock Awards under the Plan, subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Administrator may determine. Conditions may be based on continuing employment (or other Service Relationship) and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals and objectives.
(b)Rights as a Stockholder. Upon the grant of the Restricted Stock Award and payment of any applicable purchase price, a grantee shall have the rights of a stockholder with respect to the voting of the Restricted Shares and receipt of dividends; provided that if the lapse of restrictions with respect to the Restricted Stock Award is tied to the attainment of performance goals, any dividends paid by the Company during the performance period shall accrue and shall not be paid to the grantee until and only to the extent the performance goals are met with respect to Restricted Stock Award. Unless the Administrator otherwise determines, (i) uncertificated Restricted Shares shall be accompanied by a notation on the records of the Company or the transfer agent to the effect that they are subject to forfeiture until such Restricted Shares are vested as provided in Section 7(d) below and (ii) certificated Restricted Shares shall remain in the possession of the Company until such Restricted Shares are vested as provided in Section 7(d) below, and the grantee shall be required, as a condition of the grant, to deliver to the Company such instruments of transfer as the Administrator prescribes.
(c)Restrictions. Restricted Shares may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, or otherwise encumbered or disposed of except as specifically provided herein or in the Restricted Stock Award Certificate. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator either in the Award Certificate or, subject to Section 17 below, in writing after the Award is issued, if a grantee’s employment (or other Service Relationship) with the Company and its Affiliates terminates for any reason, any Restricted Shares that have not vested at the time of termination shall automatically and without any requirement of notice to such grantee from or other action by or on behalf of, the Company be deemed to have been reacquired by the Company at its original purchase price (if any) from such grantee or such grantee’s legal representative simultaneously with such termination of employment (or other Service Relationship), and thereafter shall cease to represent any ownership of the Company by the grantee or rights of the grantee as a stockholder. Following such deemed reacquisition of Restricted Shares that are represented by physical certificates, a grantee shall surrender such certificates to the Company upon request without consideration.
(d)Vesting of Restricted Shares. The Administrator shall specify the date or dates and/or the attainment of pre-established performance goals, objectives, and other conditions on which the non-transferability of the Restricted Shares and the Company’s right of repurchase or forfeiture shall lapse. Subsequent to such date or dates and/or the attainment of such pre-established performance goals, objectives, and other conditions, the shares on which all restrictions have lapsed shall no longer be Restricted Shares and shall be deemed “vested.”
SECTION 8. RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
(a)Nature of Restricted Stock Units. The Administrator may grant Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Administrator may determine. Conditions may be based on continuing employment (or other Service Relationship) and/or achievement of pre-established performance goals and objectives. Restricted Stock Units may be settled in shares of Stock (or cash, to the extent explicitly provided for in the Award Certificate) upon the satisfaction of such restrictions and conditions. Except in the case of Restricted Stock Units with a deferred settlement date that complies with Section 409A, at the end of the vesting period, the Restricted Stock Units, to the extent vested, shall be settled in the form of shares of Stock (or cash, to the extent explicitly provided for in the applicable Award Certificate). Restricted Stock Units with deferred settlement dates are subject to Section 409A and shall contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine in its sole discretion in order to comply with the requirements of Section 409A.
(b)Election to Receive Restricted Stock Units in Lieu of Compensation. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, permit a grantee to elect to receive a portion of future cash compensation otherwise due to such grantee in the form of an award of Restricted Stock Units. Any such election shall be made in writing and shall be delivered to the Company no later than the date specified by the Administrator and in accordance with Section 409A and such other rules and procedures established by the Administrator. Any such future cash compensation that the grantee elects to defer shall be converted to a fixed number of Restricted Stock Units based on the Fair Market Value of Stock on the date the compensation would otherwise have been paid to the grantee if such payment had not been deferred as provided herein. The Administrator shall have the sole right to determine whether and under what circumstances to permit such elections and to impose such limitations and other terms and conditions thereon as the Administrator deems appropriate. Any Restricted Stock Units that are elected to be received in lieu of cash compensation shall be fully vested, unless otherwise provided in the Award Certificate.
(c)Rights as a Stockholder. A grantee shall have the rights as a stockholder only as to shares of Stock acquired by the grantee upon settlement of Restricted Stock Units; provided, however, that the grantee may be credited with Dividend Equivalent Rights with respect to the grantee’s Restricted Stock Units, subject to the provisions of Section 11 and such terms and conditions as the Administrator may determine.
(d)Termination. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator either in the Award Certificate or, subject to Section 17 below, in writing after the Award is issued, a grantee’s right in all Restricted Stock Units that have not vested shall automatically terminate upon the grantee’s termination of employment (or cessation of Service Relationship) with the Company and its Affiliates for any reason.
SECTION 9. UNRESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS
Grant or Sale of Unrestricted Stock. The Administrator may grant (or sell at par value or such higher purchase price determined by the Administrator) an Unrestricted Stock Award under the Plan. An Unrestricted Stock Award is an Award pursuant to which the grantee may receive shares of Stock free of any restrictions under the Plan. Unrestricted Stock Awards may be granted in respect of past services or other valid consideration, or in lieu of cash compensation due to such grantee.
SECTION 10. CASH-BASED AWARDS
Grant of Cash-Based Awards. The Administrator may grant Cash-Based Awards under the Plan. 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.
SECTION 11. DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT RIGHTS
(a)Dividend Equivalent Rights. The Administrator may grant Dividend Equivalent Rights under the Plan. A Dividend Equivalent Right may be granted hereunder to any grantee as a component of an award of Restricted Stock Units, Other Equity-Based Awards, or as a freestanding award. The terms and conditions of Dividend Equivalent Rights shall be specified in the Award Certificate. Dividend equivalents credited to the holder of a Dividend Equivalent Right may be paid currently or may be deemed to be reinvested in additional shares of Stock, which may thereafter accrue additional equivalents. Any such reinvestment shall be at Fair Market Value on the date of reinvestment or such other price as may then apply under a dividend reinvestment plan sponsored by the Company, if any. Dividend Equivalent Rights may be settled in cash or shares of Stock or a combination thereof, in a single installment or installments. A Dividend Equivalent Right granted as a component of an Award of Restricted Stock Units or Other Equity-Based Award with performance-based vesting shall provide that such Dividend Equivalent Right shall be settled only upon settlement or payment of, or lapse of restrictions on, such other Award, and that such Dividend Equivalent Right shall expire or be forfeited or annulled under the same conditions as such other Award. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, no Dividend Equivalent Rights shall be granted with respect to any Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.
(b)Termination. Except as may otherwise be provided by the Administrator either in the Award Certificate or, subject to Section 17 below, in writing after the Award is issued, a grantee’s rights in all Dividend Equivalent Rights shall automatically terminate upon the grantee’s termination of employment (or cessation of Service Relationship) with the Company and its Subsidiaries for any reason.
SECTION 12. OTHER EQUITY-BASED Awards
(a)The Administrator shall have the right to grant Units or any other membership or ownership interests (which may be expressed as units or otherwise) in the Operating Partnership or an Affiliate, with any shares of Stock being issued in connection with the conversion of (or other distribution on account of) an interest granted under the authority of this Section 12 to be subject to Section 3 and the other provisions of the Plan.
SECTION 13. Transferability of Awards
(a)Transferability. Except as provided in Section 13(b) below, during a grantee’s lifetime, such grantee’s Awards shall be exercisable only by the grantee, or by the grantee’s legal representative or guardian in the event of the grantee’s incapacity. No Awards shall be sold, assigned, transferred, or otherwise encumbered or disposed of by a grantee other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a domestic relations order. No Awards shall be subject, in whole or in part, to attachment, execution, or levy of any kind, and any purported transfer in violation hereof shall be null and void.
(b)Administrator Action. Notwithstanding Section 13(a), the Administrator, in its discretion, may provide either in the Award Certificate regarding a given Award or by subsequent written approval that the grantee may transfer the grantee’s Awards (other than Incentive Stock Options) to the grantee’s immediate family members, to trusts for the benefit of such family members or to partnerships in which such family members are the only partners, provided that the transferee agrees in writing with the Company to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Plan and the applicable Award. In no event may an Award be transferred by a grantee for value.
(c)Family Member. For purposes of Section 13(b), “family member” means a grantee’s child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships, any person sharing the grantee’s household (other than a tenant of the grantee), a trust in which these persons (or the grantee) have more than 50 percent of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons (or the grantee) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons (or the grantee) own more than 50 percent of the voting interests.
(d)Designation of Beneficiary. To the extent permitted by the Company, each grantee to whom an Award has been made under the Plan may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to exercise any Award or receive any payment under any Award payable on or after the grantee’s death. Any such designation shall be on a form provided for that purpose by the Administrator and shall not be effective until received by the Administrator. If no beneficiary has been designated by a deceased grantee, or if the designated beneficiaries have predeceased the grantee, the beneficiary shall be the grantee’s estate.
SECTION 14. TAX WITHHOLDING
(a)Payment by Grantee. Each grantee shall, no later than the date as of which the value of an Award or of any Stock or other amounts received thereunder first becomes
includable in the gross income of the grantee for federal income tax purposes, pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Administrator regarding payment of, any Federal, state, or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld by the Company with respect to such income. The Company and its Affiliates shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the grantee. The Company’s obligation to deliver evidence of book entry (or stock certificates) to any grantee is subject to and conditioned on tax withholding obligations being satisfied by the grantee.
(b)Payment in Stock. The Administrator may require the Company or any Affiliate’s tax withholding obligation to be satisfied, in whole or in part, by the Company withholding from shares of Stock to be issued pursuant to any Award a number of shares with an aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date the withholding is effected) that would satisfy the withholding amount due; provided, however, that the amount withheld does not exceed the maximum statutory tax rate or such lesser amount as is necessary to avoid liability accounting treatment. For purposes of share withholding, the Fair Market Value of withheld shares shall be determined in the same manner as the value of Stock includible in income of the grantees. The Administrator may also require the Company or any Affiliate’s tax withholding obligation to be satisfied, in whole or in part, by an arrangement whereby a certain number of shares of Stock issued pursuant to any Award are immediately sold and proceeds from such sale are remitted to the Company in an amount that would satisfy the withholding amount due.
SECTION 15. Section 409A awards
Awards are intended to be exempt from Section 409A to the greatest extent possible and to otherwise comply with Section 409A. The Plan and all Awards shall be interpreted in accordance with such intent. 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. 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 409A Award may not be accelerated except to the extent permitted by Section 409A. The Company makes no representation that any or all of the payments or benefits described in the Plan will be exempt from or comply with Section 409A and makes no undertaking to preclude Section 409A from applying to any such payment. The grantee shall be solely responsible for the payment of any taxes and penalties incurred with respect to Awards under the Plan, including under Section 409A.
SECTION 16. TERMINATION OF SERVICE RELATIONSHIP, TRANSFER, LEAVE OF ABSENCE, ETC.
(a)Termination of Service Relationship. If the grantee’s Service Relationship is with an Affiliate and such Affiliate ceases to be an Affiliate, the grantee shall be deemed to have terminated the grantee’s Service Relationship for purposes of the Plan.
(b)For purposes of the Plan, the following events shall not be deemed a termination of a Service Relationship:
(i)a transfer of employment from the Company to an Affiliate or vice versa, or from one Affiliate to another; or
(ii)an approved leave of absence for military service or sickness, or for any other purpose approved by the Company, if the employee’s right to re-employment is guaranteed either by a statute or by contract or under the policy pursuant to which the leave of absence was granted or if the Administrator otherwise so provides in writing.
SECTION 17. AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION
The Board 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 materially and adversely affect rights under any outstanding Award without the holder’s consent. Except as provided in Section 3(c) or 3(d), without prior stockholder 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 of Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights in exchange for cash or other Awards or take any other action with respect to a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right that would be treated as a repricing under the rules and regulations of the principal U.S. national securities exchange on which the Stock is listed. To the extent determined by the Administrator to be required under the rules of any securities exchange or market system on which the Stock is listed, or 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 Company stockholders entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders. Nothing in this Section 17 shall limit the Administrator’s authority to take any action permitted pursuant to Section 3(c) or 3(d).
SECTION 18. STATUS OF PLAN
With respect to the portion of any Award that has not been exercised and any payments in cash, Stock, 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 otherwise expressly determines 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 Stock 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 19. GENERAL PROVISIONS
(a)No Distribution. The Administrator may require each person acquiring Stock pursuant to an Award to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that such person is acquiring the shares without a view to distribution thereof.
(b)Issuance of Stock. To the extent certificated, stock certificates to grantees under this Plan shall be deemed delivered for all purposes when the Company or a stock transfer agent of the Company has mailed such certificates in the United States mail, addressed to the grantee, at the grantee’s last known address on file with the Company. Uncertificated Stock shall be deemed delivered for all purposes when the Company or a Stock transfer agent of the Company has given to the grantee by electronic mail (with proof of receipt) or by United States mail, addressed to the grantee, at the grantee’s last known address on file with the Company, notice of issuance and recorded the issuance in its records (which may include electronic “book entry” records). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any evidence of book entry or certificates evidencing shares of Stock pursuant to the exercise or settlement of any Award, unless and until the Administrator has determined, with advice of counsel (to the extent the Administrator deems such advice necessary or advisable), that the issuance and delivery is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of governmental authorities, and, if applicable, the requirements of any exchange on which the shares of Stock are listed, quoted or traded. Any Stock issued pursuant to the Plan shall be subject to any stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Administrator deems necessary or advisable to comply with federal, state, or foreign jurisdiction securities or other laws, rules and quotation system on which the Stock is listed, quoted, or traded. The Administrator may place legends on any Stock certificate or notations on any book entry to reference restrictions applicable to the Stock. In addition to the terms and conditions provided herein, the Administrator may require that an individual make such reasonable covenants, agreements, and representations as the Administrator, in its discretion, deems necessary or advisable in order to comply with any such laws, regulations, or requirements. The Administrator has the right to require any individual to comply with any timing or other restrictions with respect to the settlement or exercise of any Award, including a window-period limitation, as may be imposed in the discretion of the Administrator.
(c)No Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Administrator shall determine whether cash, other securities, or other property shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional shares, or whether such fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be canceled, terminated, or otherwise eliminated.
(d)Stockholder Rights. Except as otherwise provided in this Plan or an Award Certificate, until Stock is deemed delivered in accordance with Section 19(b), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights of a stockholder will exist with respect to shares of Stock to be issued in connection with an Award, notwithstanding the exercise of a Stock Option or any other action by the grantee with respect to an Award; provided, however, that if the record date for a dividend on the Stock occurs after exercise of an option or after Stock otherwise should have been delivered to a grantee pursuant to the terms of the Plan and an Award Agreement,
such dividend will be delivered to the grantee promptly upon payment to the Company’s stockholders generally.
(e)Other Compensation Arrangements; No Employment Rights. Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, including trusts, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases. The adoption of this Plan and the grant of Awards do not confer upon any employee any right to continued employment with the Company or any Subsidiary.
(f)Trading Policy Restrictions. Option exercises and other Awards under the Plan shall be subject to the Company’s insider trading policies and procedures, as in effect from time to time.
(g)Clawback Policy. All Awards shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with (i) any clawback, forfeiture or other similar policy adopted by the Board or Administrator and as in effect from time to time, including the Company’s Compensation Recovery Policy (as such policy may be amended and/or restated from time to time) and (ii) applicable law. Further, to the extent that the grantee receives any amount in excess of the amount that the grantee should otherwise have received under the terms of the Award for any reason (including, without limitation, by reason of a financial restatement, mistake in calculations or other administrative error), the grantee shall be required to repay any such excess amount to the Company.
SECTION 20. EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN
This Plan shall become effective upon stockholder approval in accordance with applicable state law, the Company’s bylaws and articles of incorporation and applicable stock exchange rules. No Awards may be granted hereunder after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date and no Incentive Stock Options may be granted hereunder after the tenth anniversary of the date the Plan is approved by the Board.
SECTION 21. GOVERNING LAW
This Plan and all Awards and actions taken thereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Maryland, applied without regard to conflict of law principles.
DATE APPROVED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS: April 3, 2024
DATE APPROVED BY STOCKHOLDERS: May 17, 2024
