OMNIQ Corp PRE 14A, filed Oct 18, 2021
OMNIQ Corp. (OMQS)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
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| ☐ | Definitive Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | Definitive Additional Materials |
| ☐ | Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
| OMNIQ Corp. |
| (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) |
| (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) |
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[ ], 2021
Dear Stockholder:
We would like to extend a personal invitation for you to join us at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at 12:00 Eastern Time at the offices of the Company, 1865 West 2100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119.
Your attention is directed to the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement enclosed with this letter which describes the formal business to be transacted at the meeting. If you would like another copy of this Proxy Statement, please send your request to: Niv Nissenson, Corporate Secretary, 1865 West 2100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119, the offices of the Company.
At this year’s Annual Meeting, the agenda includes: (1) the election of the six (6) directors named in the accompanying Proxy Statement; (2) a proposal to ratify the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm; and (3) a proposal to approve the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan; and
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR each of the four proposals noted above.
It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting, regardless of the size of your holdings. To ensure that your vote is recorded promptly, please vote as soon as possible, even if you plan to attend the meeting in person. You may vote by completing, signing, dating and returning the Proxy Card that accompanies these printed materials. Submitting your vote by Proxy Card will not affect your right to vote in person if you decide to attend the meeting.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholder.
| Shai Lustgarten, Chief Executive Officer | |
| and Chairman |
OMNIQ CORP.
1865 West 2100 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84119
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO
BE HELD ON DECEMBER 16, 2021
| To: | Shareholders of OMNIQ Corp. |
The annual meeting of the shareholders of OMNIQ Corp. (the “Company”) will be held at the offices of the Company, 1865 West 2100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119, on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at 12:00 p.m.., Eastern Time, for the following purposes:
| 1. | To elect six (6) directors to hold office during the year following the annual meeting or until their successors are elected; | |
| 2. | To ratify the appointment of Haynie & Company as auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021; | |
| 3. | To adopt the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan; and | |
| 4. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting |
The close of business on October 18, 2021, has been fixed as the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the annual meeting.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| [ ], 2021 | /s/ Shai Lustgarten |
Shai Lustgarten, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman |
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
It is important that as many shares as possible be represented at the annual meeting. Please date, sign, and promptly return the proxy in the enclosed envelope or you may submit your proxy via the Internet or by using the toll-free number provided on your proxy card. Your proxy may be revoked by you at any time before it has been voted.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROXY STATEMENT
2021 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
PROXY STATEMENT
Information Concerning the Solicitation
PROPOSAL 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Information Concerning Nominees
Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and Skills of our Director Nominees
Corporate Governance and the Board of Directors
Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight
Director Independence
Meetings
Board Committees
Audit Committee
Report of the Audit Committee
Compensation Committee
Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee
Board Leadership Structure
Compensation of Directors and Officers
Executive Compensation
Bonuses
Employment Contracts
Outstanding Equity Awards
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Director Compensation
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Code of Ethics
Insider Trading Policy
Conflicts of Interest
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control
Current Relationships and Related Transactions
Related Party Transactions
Anti-Hedging Policy
PROPOSAL 2 – RATIFICATION OF AUDITORS
Haynie & Company
RBSM LLP
Audit and Non-Audit Fees
PROPOSAL 3 – ADOPTION OF EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Approval
Purpose of the Plan
Administration
Eligibility to Receive Awards
Types of Awards
Shares Authorized for Issuance
Stock Options
Stock Awards and Restricted Stock
Shares Subject to the Plan
Change in Control
Term
Federal Income Tax Consequences
Nonqualified Stock Options
Incentive Stock Options
Restricted Stock
Tax Effect for the Company
Shareholder Proposals for the 2022 Proxy Statement
Proxy Statement and Annual Report Delivery
Stockholder Communications
OMNIQ CORP.
1865 West 2100 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84119
PROXY STATEMENT
Information Concerning the Solicitation
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of OMNIQ Corp. (the “Company”) is furnishing this proxy statement for the solicitation of proxies to be used at the Annual Shareholders Meeting (the “Annual Meeting”) of the Company to be held at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 16, 2021, at the Company’s principal executive offices located at 1865 West 2100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119. The proxy materials are being mailed on [ ], 2021 to shareholders of record on October 18, 2021. This proxy statement has been posted on the Internet and may be viewed at www.proxyvote.com.
The cost of preparing, assembling and mailing the proxy material and of reimbursing brokers, nominees and fiduciaries for the out-of-pocket and clerical expenses of transmitting copies of the proxy material to the beneficial owners of shares held of record by such persons will be borne by the Company. The Company does not intend to solicit proxies other than by use of the mail, but certain officers and employees of the Company or its subsidiaries, without additional compensation, may use their personal efforts, by telephone or otherwise, to obtain proxies.
Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend our Annual Meeting, please take the time to either (i) vote by completing and mailing the proxy card enclosed with the Proxy Materials as soon as possible, (ii) vote via the Internet in accordance with the instructions on the proxy card or (iii) vote by telephone by using the toll-free number on the proxy card. If you elect to vote using the proxy card please indicate on the card how you wish to vote, sign and send it in the enclosed envelope. If you do return the proxy card and do not indicate how you wish to vote, your proxy card will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors.
Quorum and Voting
Only holders of our common stock and holders of our Series C preferred stock of the Company (the “Series C Preferred Stock”) on the close of business on October 18, 2021 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to receive notice of the Annual Meeting and to vote the shares that they held on that date at the Annual Meeting. Each outstanding share of common stock entitles its holder to cast one vote on each matter to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. Each outstanding share of Series C Preferred Stock entitles its holder to cast one-twentieth (1/20) of one vote on each matter to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. Holders of our common stock and our Series C preferred stock will vote together as a single class on all proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.
As of the Record Date, there were 7,459,045 shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share, (the “Common Stock”) outstanding and 544,500 shares of Series C Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding. As of the Record Date, there were no shares of Series A and Series B Preferred Stock of the Company issued and outstanding. All references to “stockholders” herein shall mean holders of Common Stock and Series C Preferred Stock collectively, unless otherwise stated.
A simple majority of the issued and outstanding shares of our voting capital stock is required to be present in person or by proxy at the meeting for there to be a quorum for purposes of proceeding with the Annual Meeting, but in no event shall a quorum consist of less than a majority of the shares required to constitute a quorum. Four directors will be elected by the Company’s shareholders of record at the Annual Meeting. Our Common Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, respectively, do not contain cumulative voting rights. The election of directors will be by the vote of a plurality of votes cast in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present. The ratification of auditors will require the vote of a simple majority of the shares of our voting capital stock present at the Annual Meeting by person or proxy. The approval of the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares voted on the proposal at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and withheld votes have the effect of votes against these matters. Broker non-votes (shares of record held by a broker for which a proxy is not given) will be counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum, but will not be counted as present for purposes of determining the vote on any matter considered at the Annual Meeting.
If a shareholder specifies how the proxy is to be voted with respect to any of the proposals for which a choice is provided, the proxy will be voted in accordance with such specifications. If a shareholder fails to so specify with respect to such proposals, the proxy will be voted “FOR” the nominees for directors contained in these proxy materials, and “FOR” the appointment of Haynie & Company as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. If a shareholder fails to specify with respect to the proposal for the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, the proxy will not be voted for such proposals.
A shareholder submitting a proxy prior to the Annual Meeting may revoke the proxy at any time before the shares subject to it are voted by (i) sending a written statement to that effect to the Secretary of the Company, (ii) submitting a valid proxy having a later date, or (iii) voting in person at the Annual Meeting.
You may receive more than one copy of the proxy materials, this Proxy Statement and the proxy card or voting instruction card. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you will receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. Similarly, if you are a stockholder of record and hold shares in a brokerage account, you will receive a copy of the proxy materials and a proxy card for shares held in your name and a voting instruction card for shares held in “street name.” Please follow the separate voting instructions that you received for your shares of common stock held in each of your different accounts to ensure that all of your shares are voted.
Discretionary Voting Power
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be presented for shareholder action at the Annual Meeting. On matters which may be raised at the Annual Meeting that are not covered by this proxy statement, the persons named in the proxy will have full discretionary authority to vote.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES BY MANAGEMENT
AND SIGNIFICANT SHAREHOLDERS
The following table provides information concerning the beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock by each director and nominee for director, certain executive officers, and by all directors and officers of the Company as a group as of the Record Date. In addition, the table provides information concerning the current beneficial owners, if any, known to the Company to hold more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company.
The amounts and percentage of stock beneficially owned are reported based on regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the rules of the SEC, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares “voting power,” which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days after October 18, 2021. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed a beneficial owner of the same securities and a person may be deemed a beneficial owner of securities in which he has no economic interest. The percentage of Common Stock beneficially owned is based on 7,459,045 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of the October 18, 2021.
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) | Amount of Beneficial Ownership | Percentage of Shares Outstanding | ||||||
| Shai Lustgarten (Chairman and CEO) (1) | 1,403,217 | 16.47 | % | |||||
| Andrew MacMillan (2) | 68,996 | 0.92 | % | |||||
| Yaron Shalem (2) | 69,025 | 0.93 | % | |||||
| Neev Nissenson (CFO) (3) | 136,689 | 1.82 | % | |||||
| All Executive Officers and Directors as a group (4 individuals) | 1,677,927 | 20.13 | % | |||||
| Carlos Nissenson (4) | 1,037,641 | 13.42 | % | |||||
| 1. | Includes 319,050 shares issuable upon the exercise of options. Also includes (i) 746,808 shares and (ii) 33,333 shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants held by Walefar Investments Ltd., which is beneficially owned by Mr. Lustgarten. | |
| 2. | Represents shares issuable upon exercise of options. Also includes 18,996 shares of Common Stock. | |
| 3. | Represents shares issuable upon exercise of options. Also includes 19,025 shares of Common Stock. | |
| 4. | Includes 107,500 shares issuable upon exercise of options. Also includes 29,189 shares of Common Stock. | |
| 5. | Includes 150,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options. The address of the shareholder is Vasili Michailidi 9, 3206 Limassol, Cyprus. Includes 729,308 shares held by Campbeltown Consulting Ltd., which is beneficially owned by Mr. Carlos J. Nissenson. Also includes 158,333 shares underlying warrants. |
To our knowledge, all beneficial owners named in this table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them.
PROPOSAL ONE – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Six (6) directors will be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for one-year terms expiring on the date of the Annual Meeting in 2022. All directors will be elected by holders of the Company’s Common Stock and Series C Preferred Stock. Each director elected will continue in office until a successor has been elected. If a nominee is unable to serve, which the Board of Directors has no reason to expect, the persons named in the accompanying proxy intend to vote for the balance of those named and, if they deem it advisable, for a substitute nominee selected by the Board of Directors.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE FOUR NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR NAMED IN PROPOSAL ONE.
Information Concerning Nominees
The following is information concerning nominees for election as directors of the Company as of the Record Date. Shai Lustgarten, Neev Nissenson, Andrew J. MacMillan, Yaron Shalem, Guy Elhanani, and Itzhak Almog are all presently directors of the Company.
Shai Lustgarten, 51, was appointed the Company’s CEO in April 2017 and served as the Company’s interim CFO from December 2018 through September 4, 2019. Mr. Lustgarten had been the Chief Executive Officer of Teamtronics, Inc. beginning June 2016. Teamtronics manufactures rugged computers and electronic equipment mainly used in the Gas and oil industry. From 2014 to 2017, Mr. Lustgarten was the Chief Executive Officer at Micronet Limited Inc., a developer and manufacturer of mobile computing platforms for integration into fleet management and mobile workforce solutions listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. From 2013 to 2014, Mr. Lustgarten served as EVP Business Development and Head of the Aerospace and defense Division of Micronet EnertecTechnologies, a technology company listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market. From 2009 to 2013 Mr. Lustgarten was VP of Sales, Marketing and CMO of TAT Technologies, a world leading supplier of electronic systems to the commercial and defense markets, from. His prior experience also includes serving as CEO of T.C.E. Aviation Ltd. in Belgium and serving from 1993 to 1997 as the assistant to the Military Attaché at the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC from. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management & Computer Science from the University of Maryland.
Neev Nissenson, 43, was appointed as a director of the Company in April 2017 and was appointed as our CFO on September 5, 2019, effective October 10, 2019. He is an experienced entrepreneur and financial officer. In 2015, Mr. Nissenson founded Hotwine, Inc., a California based wine startup company. Since August 2016 and until October 10, 2019, Mr. Nissenson served as the Chief Financial Officer of Hypnocore, Ltd., an Israeli based startup company that develops mobile applications for sleep monitoring and therapy. During 2011 to 2015, Mr. Nissenson was the Chief Financial Officer of GMW, Inc., a high-end wine retailer from Napa, California. Before that, Mr. Nissenson served as the Vice President from 2006 to 2011 and the Chief Financial Officer from 2009 to 2011 at Phoenix International Ventures, Inc., an aerospace defense company. Mr. Nissenson was also a member of the Municipal Committee for Business from 2004 to 2007 and a member of Municipal Committee for Street Naming from 2005 to 2007 in the City of Herzliya, Israel. He is also an armored platoon commander in the Israeli Defense Forces (Reserve) Armored Corps with a rank of Captain. Mr. Nissenson graduated from Tel Aviv University in 2005 with a B.A. majoring in General History and Political Science. In 2007, he graduated from the Hebrew University with an Executive Master’s degree in Business Administration specializing in Integrative Management.
Andrew J. MacMillan, 74, was appointed as a director of the Company in April 2017. He is a corporate communications professional with 20 years of corporate communications experience in the global securities industry, plus 18 years of direct investment banking and related experience. He was a director of NTS, Inc. since December 20, 2012 and since December 27, 2012 served as the Chairman of its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee until NTS’ sale to a private equity firm in June 2014. Since 2010, Mr. MacMillan has served as an independent management consultant providing marketing and communications advisory to clients. Prior to that from 2007 until 2010, Mr. MacMillan served as Director, Global Communications & Marketing of AXA Rosenberg, a leading equity asset management firm. Prior to that, Mr. MacMillan served in a variety of corporate communication roles including Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications & Government Affairs at Ameriprise Financial, Head of Corporate Communications (Americas) at Barclays Capital, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications of The NASDAQ Stock Market and Director of Corporate Communications at Credit Suisse First Boston. Mr. MacMillan previously served as an investment banker, acquisition officer, and consultant directly involved with capital raising, acquisitions, and financial feasibility studies. Mr. MacMillan holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Iowa and a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard.
Yaron Shalem, 49, was appointed as a director of the Company in April 2017. He has extensive experience in financial and business management. Mr. Shalem has served as the Chief Financial Officer at Saga Foundation since January 2018. Prior to that Mr. Shalem served as the Chief Financial Officer at Singulariteam VC since January 2014 till January 2018. He also worked as the Chief Financial Officer at Mobli Media Inc. from January 2014 to December 2016. Mr. Shalem’s experience also includes serving as the Chief Financial Officer of TAT Technologies Ltd., a NASDAQ listing company, from April 2008 to December 2013. Mr. Shalem is a CPA in Israel. He received his B.A. in Economy & Accounting from Tel Aviv University in 1999 and an MBA degree from Bar-Ilan University 2004.
Guy Elhanani, 47, was appointed as a director of the Company in August 2021. He is a qualified CFO with experience leading financial strategies to facilitate a company’s growth plans. Mr. Elhanani has been the CFO and a partner of Singulariteam VC, a venture capital firm, since 2017. Mr. Elhananai has been the CFO of Sirin Labs since 2017. Sirin Labs is a multinational, high-tech company specializing in secured mobile phones. From 2015 to 2017, Mr. Elhanani was the CFO of SalesTech, an online internet technology servicing company. Mr. Elhanani has also served as the CFO of other companies, including: Micronet Ltd. (2012-2015); InterLogic Ltd. (2007-2012); and Finotec Group Inc. (2006-2007). From 2003 to 2006, Mr. Elhanani was the corporate controller of On Track Innovations Ltd. From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Elhanani was a senior auditor at Kesselman and Kesselman (PWC Israel). Mr. Elhanani was a lecturer at IVC College in Israel from 2014 to 2018 and at Hebrew University in Jerusalem from 2001 to 2003. Mr. Elhanani has also served as a board member for various companies, including: General Robotics (2017-Present); Effective Space Solutions (2017-Present); Octopus Systems (2017-Present); and Infinity AR (2017-2019). Mr. Elhanani received a B.A. in Accounting and Economics, and a Master of Business Administration, specializing in finance, from Hebrew University.
Itzhak Almog, 83, was appointed as a director of the Company in August 2021. He has served in various management positions and board roles over the years. From May 2006 to March 2014, Mr. Almog served as an independent director and the chairman of the audit committee of NTS, Inc., an advanced communication company based in the United States. From 2002 to 2006, Mr. Almog was the executive vice president of engineering of Comverge Inc., a company based in Atlanta, Georgia, which offers solutions to electric utilities. From 1993 to 2002, Mr. Almog served as the president and CEO of Comverge Control Systems Ltd., an Israel based startup company which develops innovative solutions for electric utilities. From 1995 to 1998, Mr. Almog was an independent director of Rada Company, a high tech Israeli based company specializing in advanced systems for commercial and military aviation. From 1990 to 1993, Mr. Almog was the president and CEO of Tasco Electronic Services, Inc., a U.S. based company specializing in automatic test machines for commercial and military aviation. Prior to that, Mr. Almog served in the Israeli Navy for 32 years reaching the position of Rear Admiral. Mr. Almog received a B.A. in Modern Middle East History, and a Master of Business Administration from the Tel Aviv University.
Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and Skills of Our Director Nominees
Each of our directors brings a strong and unique set of experience, qualifications, attributes and skills in a variety of areas. Set forth below are the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of our directors that led to the conclusion that each director should serve as a member of our Board of Directors.
We believe that Mr. Lustgartens’s management, operations, and business knowledge and experience qualify him to serve on the Board. In particular, Mr. Lustgarten has served with public companies in the technology sector over the years. Mr. Lustgarten has experience with companies of a size similar to the Company’s, as well as banking, financial, and board of director experience.
We believe that Mr. MacMillan’s management, operations, and business knowledge and experience qualify him to serve on the Board. In particular, Mr. MacMillan has served with public and private companies over the years. Mr. MacMillan has experience with companies of a size similar to the Company’s, as well as banking, financial, board of director, and investment banking experience.
We believe that Mr. Nissenson’s management, operations, and business knowledge and experience qualify him to serve on the Board. In particular, Mr. Nissenson has served with public and private companies over the years. Mr. Nissenson has experience with companies of a size similar to the Company’s, as well as banking, financial, and accounting experience.
We believe that Mr. Shalem’s management, operations, and business knowledge and experience qualify him to serve on the Board. In particular, Mr. Shalem has served with public and private companies over the years. Mr. Shalem has experience with companies of a size similar to the Company’s, as well as banking, financial, board of director, and accounting experience.
We believe that Mr. Elhanani’s management, operations, and business knowledge and experience qualify him to serve on the Board. In particular, Mr. Elhanani has served with public and private companies over the years. Mr. Shalem has experience with companies of a size similar to the Company’s, as well as banking, financial, board of director, and accounting experience
We believe that Mr. Almog’s management, operations, and business knowledge and experience qualify him to serve on the Board. In particular, Mr. Almog has served with public and private companies over the years. Mr. Shalem has experience with companies of a size similar to the Company’s, as well as banking, financial, board of director, and accounting experience
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight
Our Board currently consists of four members, Shai Lustgarten, Neev Nisenson, Andrew J. MacMillan Yaron Shalem, Guy Elhanani and Itzhak Almog. Mr. Lustgarten also serves as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, and Neev Nissenson also serves as our Chief Financial Officer.
One of the key functions of our Board is to provide oversight of our risk management process. Our Board administers this oversight function directly, with support from its three standing committees—the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee.
Director Independence
Pursuant to Item 407(a)(1)(ii) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act, we have adopted the definition of “independent director” as set forth in Rules 5000(a)(19) and 5605(a)(2) of the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market. The Board determined that Mr. Andrew J. MacMillan, Mr. Yaron Shalem, Mr. Guy Elhanani, and Mr. Itzhak Almog qualify as “independent directors” pursuant to such rules.
We intend that a majority of our directors will be independent directors if and when we elect to seek a listing on a national securities exchange we may add an additional independent director.
Meetings
Our Board of Directors met three (3) times during 2021. Each member of our Board of Directors, except for Mr. Elhanani and Mr. Almog, both of whom recently joined the Board, attended 100% of the total number of meetings of our Board and its committees on which he served during 2021.
Board Committees
We have three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee. We believe that Andrew J. MacMillan and Yaron Shalem, each a member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee, are deemed to be “independent” pursuant to the NASDAQ listing standards and applicable SEC rules. We believe that all members of our Board of Directors have been and remain qualified to serve on the committees of our Board and have the experience and knowledge to perform the duties required of the committees.
We intend to comply with the corporate governance requirements imposed by a national securities exchange if and when we elect to seek a listing on a national securities exchange.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee consists of Yaron Shalem, Andy MacMillan, and Itzhak Almog, whereby Mr. Shalem is the Chairman. Our Board has determined that Mr. Shalem qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under the rules of the SEC.
The primary responsibility of the Audit Committee is to oversee the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board and report the results of their activities to the Board. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include providing assistance to the Board in fulfilling the Board’s oversight responsibility relating to:
| ● | the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and the related public reports, | |
| ● | disclosures and regulatory filings in which they appear; | |
| ● | the systems of internal control over financial reporting, operations, and legal/regulatory compliance; | |
| ● | the performance, qualifications and independence of the Company’s independent accountants; | |
| ● | the performance, qualifications and independence of the Company’s internal audit function, and | |
| ● | compliance with the Company’s ethics policies and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. |
Our Audit Committee charter is available on the “About” subpage of our website (www.omniq.com) under the link “Corporate Governance”.
Report of the Audit Committee
Our Audit Committee has the responsibilities and powers set forth in its charter, which include the responsibility to assist our Board in its oversight of our accounting and financial reporting principles and policies and internal audit controls and procedures, the integrity of our financial statements, our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence, and the performance of the independent auditor and our internal audit function. The Audit Committee is also required to prepare this report to be included in our annual Proxy Statement pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC.
Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of our financial statements and for maintaining appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles and policies and internal controls and procedures to provide for compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. Our independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for planning and carrying out a proper audit of our annual financial statements, reviews of our quarterly financial statements prior to the filing of each quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and other procedures.
The Audit Committee reviews our financial reporting process. In this context, the Audit Committee:
| ● | has reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019; | |
| ● | has discussed with Hayne & Company, our independent registered public accountants, the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 16, Communications with Audit Committees, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; and | |
| ● | has received the written disclosures and the letter from Hayne & Company required by PCAOB Rule 3526, as modified or supplemented, and has discussed with Hayne & Company the independent accountant’s independence. |
Based on this review and the discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended that our Board of Directors include the audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, for filing with the SEC. The Audit Committee has also recommended the reappointment, subject to stockholder ratification, of Hayne & Company as our independent registered public accountants for 2020.
This report is submitted on behalf of the members of the Audit Committee and shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall it be incorporated by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this information by reference and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under these Acts.
Yaron Shalem (Chairman)
Andrew J. MacMillan
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee consists of Andrew J. MacMillan, Guy Elhanani and Yaron Shalem. Mr. MacMillan is the Chairman.
The Compensation Committee’s responsibilities include, among others:
| ● | approve annually the corporate goals and objectives applicable to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and/or President, evaluate at least annually the Chief Executive Officer’s and/or President’s performance in light of those goals and objectives, and determine and approve the Chief Executive Officer’s and/or President’s compensation level based on this evaluation; | |
| ● | review matters relating to executive succession and management development; | |
| ● | formulate, evaluate, and approve compensation for the Company’s officers; | |
| ● | formulate, evaluate, and approve cash incentives and deferred compensation plans for executives; | |
| ● | formulate, approve, and administer and, when appropriate, recommend to the Board for approval, incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans; and | |
| ● | approve employment contracts, severance agreements, change in control provisions, and other compensatory arrangements with Company executives |
The Compensation Committee has the authority, in its sole discretion, to select, retain and obtain the advice of a compensation consultant as necessary to assist with the execution of its duties and responsibilities.
Our Compensation Committee charter is available on the “About” subpage of our website (www.omniq.com) under the link “Corporate Governance”.
Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee
The Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee consists of Andrew J. MacMillan and Yaron Shalem, whereby Mr. MacMillan is the Chairman.
The Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee’s responsibilities include, among others:
| ● | develop and oversee the Company’s corporate governance practices and procedures, including identifying best practices and reviewing and recommending to the Board for approval any changes to the documents, policies and procedures in the Company’s corporate governance framework; | |
| ● | establish procedures for the director nomination and to determine the qualifications, qualities, skills, and other expertise required to be a director and to develop, and recommend to the Board for its approval, criteria to be considered in selecting nominees for director; | |
| ● | identify and screen individuals qualified to become members of the Board, consistent with the above criteria, considering any director candidates recommended by the Company’s stockholders; | |
| ● | oversee a process for an annual evaluation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and/or President; and | |
| ● | develop and oversee a process for an annual evaluation of the Board and its committees, including a formal assessment of each individual director. |
Our Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee charter is available on the “About” subpage of our website (www.omniq.com) under the link “Corporate Governance”.
Board Leadership Structure
The positions of our principal executive officer and the chairman of our Board of Directors are served by one individual, Christopher Bunka. We have determined that the leadership structure of our Board of Directors is appropriate, especially given the early stage of our development and the size of our Company.
The Board of Directors oversees our exposure to risk through its interaction with management and receipt from management of periodic reports outlining matters related to financial, operational, regulatory, legal and strategic risks. Risk assessment and oversight are an integral part of our governance and management processes. Our Board of Directors encourages management to promote a culture that incorporates risk management into our corporate strategy and day-to-day business operations. Management discusses strategic and operational risks at regular management meetings, and conducts specific strategic planning and review sessions during the year that include a focused discussion and analysis of the risks facing us. Throughout the year, senior management reviews these risks with the Board of Directors at regular board meetings as part of management presentations that focus on particular business functions, operations or strategies and presents the steps taken by management to mitigate or eliminate such risks.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Company is a “smaller reporting company” under Item 10 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and has elected to comply with certain of the requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies in connection with this proxy statement.
Executive Compensation
The table below shows the compensation for services in all capacities we paid during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 to the individuals serving as our principal executive officers during the last completed fiscal year and our other two most highly paid executive officers at the end of the last completed fiscal year (whom we refer to collectively as our “named executive officers”);
| Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Stock Awards | Option Awards | All Other Compensation | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
| In thousands | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shai Lustgarten(1) | 2020 | 523 | - | - | 1,136 | 9 | $ | 1,668 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer | 2019 | 489 | - | 250 | 43 | - | $ | 782 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Neev Nissenson (2) | 2020 | 180 | - | - | 198 | - | $ | 378 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer | 2019 | 32 | 3 | 90 | - | - | $ | 125 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. | The fair market value of the options awarded to Mr. Lustgarten for 2020 is $1.1 million. | |
| 2. | Neev Nissenson was appointed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer in September 2019, effective October 10, 2019. |
Bonuses
Any bonuses granted in the future will relate to meeting certain performance criteria that are directly related to areas within the named executive’s responsibilities with the Company. As we continue to grow, more defined bonus programs may be established to attract and retain our employees at all levels.
Employment Contracts
In February 2020, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Lustgarten, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, (the “Lustgarten Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. Lustgarten shall continue to serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Lustgarten Agreement has a four (4) year term and automatically renews for additional one (1) year periods unless either party elects to terminate the Lustgarten Agreement. Pursuant to the Lustgarten Agreement, the Company shall pay Mr. Lustgarten an annual base salary of $560,000. Mr. Lustgarten shall also be eligible to receive i) equity awards pursuant to the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan and ii) certain milestone bonuses as set forth in the Lustgarten Agreement. In the event Mr. Lustgarten’s employment is terminated by Mr. Lustgarten for good reason, or terminated by the Company without cause, Mr. Lustgarten shall be entitled to the greater of (i) the unpaid base salary or (ii) one (1) year’s base salary.
In September 2019, the Company and HTS Image Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Neev Nissenson to serve as the Chief Financial Officer of each the Company and HTS Image Ltd., effective October 10, 2019, pursuant to which the Company shall pay Mr. Neev Nissenson a monthly base salary of NIS (New Israeli Shekels) 44 thousand. Mr. Nissenson is eligible to earn certain bonuses upon the Company’s achievement of certain performance milestones as set forth in his employment agreement. Mr. Nissenson’s employment agreement has an initial term of two (2) years and shall automatically renew for one (1) year periods. As consideration and pursuant to the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company issued to Mr. Nissenson an option to purchase 35,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share. Mr. Nissenson is eligible to receive equity awards pursuant to the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan.
In February 2020, OMNIQ entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Carlos J. Nissensohn and/or an entity under his control, a consultant to the Company and principal stockholder, (the “Nissensohn Agreement”) pursuant to Mr. Carlos J. Nissensohn and/or an entity under his control will provide certain consulting services to the Company. The Nissensohn Agreement has a four (4) year term and automatically renews for additional one (1) year periods unless either party elects to terminate the Nissensohn Agreement. Pursuant to the Nissensohn Agreement, we will pay Mr. Nissensohn a monthly fee of $30,000. Mr. Nissensohn shall also be eligible to receive certain milestone bonuses as set forth in the Nissensohn Agreement. Mr. Nissensohn is a principal stockholder of the Company. Mr. Carlos J. Nissensohn is the father of Neev Nissenson, our CFO and board member.
At the sole discretion of our Board of Directors, all officers are entitled to merit-based cash and equity bonuses.
Outstanding Equity Awards
The following chart sets forth all outstanding equity awards to Named Executive Officers of the Company as of December 31, 2019. All awards are in the form of options to purchase Common Stock of the Company.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS
| Number of | Number of | |||||||||||||||
| Securities | Securities | |||||||||||||||
| underlying | underlying | |||||||||||||||
| Unexercised | Unexercised | Option | Option | |||||||||||||
| Options (#) | Options (#) | Exercise | Expiration | |||||||||||||
| Name | Exercisable | Unexercisable | Price ($/Sh) | Date | ||||||||||||
| Shai Lustgarten | 76,033 | None | 1.80 | 2/17/2022 | ||||||||||||
| Shai Lustgarten | 38,017 | None | 1.50 | 2/17/2022 | ||||||||||||
| Shai Lustgarten | 75,000 | None | 2.20 | 8/2/2021 | ||||||||||||
| Shai Lustgarten | 100,000 | None | 2.40 | 3/5/2023 | ||||||||||||
| Shai Lustgarten | 30,000 | None | 5.40 | 11/30/2023 | ||||||||||||
| Neev Nissenson | 25,000 | None | 2.20 | 8/2/2021 | ||||||||||||
| Neev Nissenson | 20,000 | None | 2.40 | 3/5/2023 | ||||||||||||
| Neev Nissenson | 10,000 | None | 5.40 | 11/30/2023 | ||||||||||||
| Neev Nissenson | 8,750 | 26,250 | 5.00 | 7/31/2023 | ||||||||||||
Certain columnar information required by Item 402(p)(2) of Regulation S-K has been omitted for categories where there was no compensation awarded to, or paid to, the named directors during the year ended December 31, 2019.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table sets forth the Common Stock of the Company authorized for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2020.
| Plan category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a) | |||
| (a) | (b) | (c) | ||||
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | ||||||
| Total |
On September 30, 2020, the Company received shareholder approval to adopt its 2020 Equity Incentive Plan.
Director Compensation
| Name | Year | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | Stock Awards | Option(1) Awards | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation | All Other Compensation | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In thousands | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Neev Nissenson (1) | 2019 | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Andrew MacMillan (1) | 2019 | 17 | 32 | - | - | - | 49 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | - | 10 | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Yaron Shalem (1) | 2019 | 17 | - | 32 | - | - | - | 49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 24 | - | 10 | - | - | - | 34 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. | The fair value of the options awarded to Mr. Nissenson, Mr. MacMillan and Mr. Shalem in 2020 and 2019 was determined to be $100 thousand and $266 thousand, respectively using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, which uses certain assumptions related to risk-free interest rates, expected volatility, expected life of the stock options or warrants, and future dividends |
There are no agreements or arrangements by which any directors or nominees are to receive compensation or other payments from third parties in return for serving on the Board of Directors.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission and with the NASDAQ Stock Market. Officers, directors and greater than ten-percent shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on a review of such forms furnished to the Company, the Company believes that during calendar year 2019, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to the officers, directors and ten-percent beneficial shareholders were satisfied.
Code of Ethics
The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) in order to: (a) promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest; (b) promote full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Company; (c) promote compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations; (d) promote the protection of Company assets, including corporate opportunities and confidential information; (e) promote fair dealing practices; (f) deter wrongdoing; and (g) ensure accountability for adherence to the Code. All directors, officers and employees of the Company are required to be familiar with the Code, comply with its provisions and report any suspected violations.
The Code is available on the “About” subpage of our website (www.omniq.com) under the link “Corporate Governance.” The information on our website, however, is not a part of this Proxy Statement.
Insider Trading Policy
Our Board adopted an insider trading policy that applies to all of its directors, officers and employees including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer that applies to all trading except the exercise of stock options for cash under our stock option plan and the purchase of shares under an employee stock purchase plan, should we adopt such a plan. The insider trading policy addresses trading on material nonpublic information, tipping, confidentiality, 10b5-1 programs, disciplinary actions, trading windows, pre-clearance of trades, prohibition against short swing profits and individual responsibilities under the policy.
Conflicts of Interest
Certain conflicts of interest exist and may continue to exist between the Company and its officers and directors due to the fact that each has other business interests to which they devote their primary attention. Each officer and director may continue to do so notwithstanding the fact that management time should be devoted to the business of the Company.
Certain conflicts of interest may exist between the Company and its management, and conflicts may develop in the future. The Company has not established policies or procedures for the resolution of current or potential conflicts of interest between the Company, its officers and directors or affiliated entities. There can be no assurance that management will resolve all conflicts of interest in favor of the Company, and conflicts of interest may arise that can be resolved only through the exercise by management their best judgment as may be consistent with their fiduciary duties. Management will try to resolve conflicts to the best advantage of all concerned.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change In Control
The employment agreement for our named executive officer generally provides that in the event of termination of such executive’s employment for any reason, or if the executive resigns, the Company is required pay certain separation benefits, including (i) unpaid annual salary earned through the termination date; (ii) unused vacation; (iii) accrued and unpaid expenses; and (iv) other vested and accrued benefits to which he is entitled under the Company’s employee benefit plan. In the event the executive voluntarily resigns for “good reason” (as defined in each executive’s respective Employment Agreement) or the Company terminates their employment for any reason other than for cause (as defined in each executive’s respective Employment Agreement), the Company will be required to pay certain termination benefits, including (i) a lump sum payment equal to the greater of (A) unpaid annual salary through the end of the Initial Term or Renewal Term (as those terms are defined in each executive’s respective Employment Agreement) or (B) two years of annual salary and (ii) COBRA reimbursement.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Related Party Transactions
We describe below all transactions and series of similar transactions, other than compensation arrangements, since January 1, 2020, to which we were a party or will be a party, in which:
| ● | the amounts involved exceeded or will exceed $120,000; and | |
| ● | any of our directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of our capital stock, or | |
| ● | any member of the immediate family of the foregoing persons, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest |
2020
In February 2020, OMNIQ entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Carlos J. Nissensohn and/or an entity under his control, a consultant to the Company and principal stockholder, (the “Nissensohn Agreement”) pursuant to Mr. Carlos J. Nissensohn and/or an entity under his control will provide certain consulting services to the Company. The Nissensohn Agreement has a four (4) year term and automatically renews for additional one (1) year periods unless either party elects to terminate the Nissensohn Agreement. Pursuant to the Nissensohn Agreement, we will pay Mr. Nissensohn a monthly fee of $30,000. Mr. Nissensohn shall also be eligible to receive certain milestone bonuses as set forth in the Nissensohn Agreement. Mr. Nissensohn is a principal stockholder of the Company. Mr. Carlos J. Nissensohn is the father of Neev Nissenson, our CFO and board member.
Certain conflicts of interest exist and may continue to exist between the Company and its officers and directors due to the fact that each has other business interests to which they devote significant attention. Each officer and director may continue to do so notwithstanding the fact that management time should be devoted to the business of the Company.
Anti-Hedging Policy
We have not established any sort of anti-hedging policy that would prohibit our executive officers and Directors from hedging the economic interest of their stock ownership and holding shares of the Company’s common stock in a margin account or pledging shares as collateral for a loan.
PROPOSAL TWO – RATIFICATION OF AUDITORS
Our Board has selected Haynie & Company as the independent auditor to perform the audit of our consolidated financial statements for 2021. Haynie & Company is a registered public accounting firm.
Our Board of Directors is asking our stockholders to ratify the selection of Haynie & Company as our independent auditor for 2021. Although not required by law or our Amended and Restated Bylaws, our Board of Directors is submitting the selection of Haynie & Company to our stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. Even if the selection is ratified, our Board of Directors, in its discretion, may select a different registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders. A representative of Haynie & Company is not expected to attend the Annual Meeting. If a representative does attend, the representative will have the opportunity to make a statement and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Haynie & Company
On June 6, 2019, the Board authorized management of the Company to engage Haynie & Company as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the Company’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. On June 6, 2019, the Company entered into an engagement agreement with Haynie & Company to provide audit services for the year ending December 31, 2019.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf consulted with Haynie & Company regarding (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction either completed or proposed or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided that Haynie & Company concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue, or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement between the Company and its predecessor auditor as described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K or a reportable event as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.
The Audit Committee and Board of Directors has selected and approved Haynie & Company as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements for the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, subject to ratification by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting.
During the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, there were no disagreements with Haynie & Company on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Haynie & Company, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports on the financial statements for such periods.
As disclosed in Item 9A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, management determined a material weakness in in our controls related to segregation of duties and other immaterial weaknesses in several areas of data management and documentation.
The Company maintains “disclosure controls and procedures”, as such terms are defined under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. The Company acknowledges that any controls and procedures can provide only reasonable assurances of achieving the desired control objectives.
We have carried out an evaluation as required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedure as of December 31, 2020. Based upon their evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2019, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective. Although we have determined that the existing controls and procedures are not effective, the deficiencies identified have not been deemed material to our reporting disclosures.
Management’s Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Internal control over financial reporting refers to the process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving their objectives. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgement and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Due to their inherent limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. It is possible to design safeguards to reduce, but not eliminate, this risk. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company.
Management has used the framework set forth in the report entitled Internal Control—Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), known as COSO, to evaluate the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Based on such evaluation, our CEO concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective.
As a result of our evaluation, we identified a material weakness in our controls related to segregation of duties and other immaterial weaknesses in several areas of data management and documentation.
The Company’s management is composed of a small number of professionals resulting in a situation where limitations on segregation of duties exist. Accordingly, as a result of the material weakness identified above, we have concluded that the control deficiencies result in a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements may not be prevented on a timely basis by the Company’s internal controls. The Company continues to employ and refine a structure in which critical accounting policies, issues and estimates are identified, and together with other complex areas, are subject to multiple reviews by executives. In addition, the Company evaluates and assesses its internal controls and procedures regarding its financial reporting, utilizing standards incorporating applicable portions of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s 2009 Guidance for Smaller Public Companies in Auditing Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting as necessary on an on-going basis. The Company has hired additional finance department staff during the year ending December 31, 2020 which allows for a higher level of segregation and improve the Company’s overall compliance with COSO but the deficiency is still present. The hiring of additional staff is dependent upon the Company obtaining sufficient cash flows from operations or financings.
While the material weakness set forth above were the result of the scale of the Company’s operations and is intrinsic to its small size, the Company believes the risk of material misstatements relative to financial reporting are minimal.
During the Company’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the auditors informed the Company that there had not been any reportable events.
RBSM LLP
On June 6, 2019, RBSM LLP (“RBSM”) notified the Company of its resignation, effective immediately, as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. RBSM served as the auditors of the Company’s financial statements for the period from the Company’s fiscal year end December 31, 2014 through the date of resignation.
The reports of RBSM on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the Company’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 did not contain any adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principle.
During the Company’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and the subsequent interim period through June 5, 2019, there were (i) no disagreements with RBSM on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of RBSM, would have caused RBSM to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements as defined in Item 304 of Regulation S-K in connection with any reports its reports, and (ii) there were no “reportable events” as such term is described in Item 304 of Regulation S-K.
Audit and Non-Audit Fees
Our Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of our independent auditor. It is the policy of our Audit Committee to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accountants. On June 6, 2019, RBSM notified the Company of its resignation, effective immediately, as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. RBSM served as the auditors of the Company’s financial statements for the period from the Company’s fiscal year end December 31, 2014 through the date of dismissal. On June 6, 2019, the Company entered into an engagement agreement with Haynie & Company to provide audit services for the year ending December 31, 2019. Our Audit Committee has considered whether the provision by Haynie & Company of services of the varieties described below is compatible with maintaining the independence of Haynie & Company. Our Audit Committee believes that Haynie & Company only provided audit services. We use another firm to provide tax compliance services.
The fees shown in the table under the 2020 column reflect fess billed to us only by and Haynie & Company while the 2019 column reflect fees billed by RBSM and Haynie & Company.
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| In thousands | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||
| Audit fees | $ | 155 | $ | 207 | ||||
| Audit related fees | - | - | ||||||
| Tax fees | - | - | ||||||
| All other fees | - | - | ||||||
| Totals | $ | $ | 207 | |||||
In the above table, in accordance with the SEC’s definitions and rules, “audit fees” are fees for professional services for the audit of a company’s financial statements included in the annual report on Form 10-K, for the review of a company’s financial statements included in the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and for services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements; “audit-related fees” are fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of a company’s financial statements; “tax fees” are fees for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning; and “all other fees” are fees for any services not included in the first three categories.
Our policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services performed by the independent accountants. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Under our Audit Committee’s policy, pre-approval is generally provided for particular services or categories of services, including planned services, project-based services and routine consultations. In addition, the Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis. Our Audit Committee approved all services that our independent accountants provided to us in the past two fiscal years.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS SHAREHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” SUCH RATIFICATION.
PROPOSAL THREE– ADOPTION OF EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Approval
On October 17, 2021, the Board approved the OMNIQ Corp. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Approval of the Plan by the stockholders of the Company as of the Record Date requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares actually cast, in person or by proxy, on proposal six.
Purpose of the Plan
The purpose of the Plan is to provide long-term incentives and rewards to directors, officers, consultants, advisors and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries (“Participants”) in order to assist the Company to attract and retain individuals with experience and/or ability on a basis competitive with industry practices and to associate the interest of these individuals with those of the Company’s shareholders by providing for the issuance of stock-based awards (“Awards”).
The principal features of the Plan are discussed below. The discussion is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Plan, a copy of which is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix A.
Administration
The Plan is generally administered by the Board or a committee of two (2) or more independent, non-employee directors (the “Committee”). The Board or the Committee, as applicable, has the power to determine the Participants to whom Awards shall be made. The Board of Directors also has the power to determine and administer Awards to the directors.
Awards under the Plan will generally be made pursuant to a written agreement between the Company and the Participant (the “Agreement”). In administering the Plan, the Board or the Committee has the express power, subject to the provisions of the Plan, to determine the terms and conditions upon which Awards may be made and exercised and to determine the terms and provisions of each Agreement.
Our directors or the members of the Committee, as applicable, are indemnified by the Company against the reasonable expenses incurred by them, including attorneys’ fees, in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding, or any appeal therein to which they may be a party by reasons of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan.
The Board may, insofar as permitted by law, from time to time, with respect to any shares at the time not subject to outstanding grants, suspend or terminate the Plan or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever, except that without the approval of the shareholders of the Company, no such revision or amendment shall (i) decrease the price at which grants may be granted; (ii) materially increase the benefits accruing to the Participants under the Plan or (iii) change the class of persons eligible to receive grants under the Plan; provided, however, no such action shall alter or impair the rights and obligations under any Option (as defined below), stock award (“Stock Award”) or restricted stock purchase offer (“Restricted Stock Purchase Offer”) outstanding as of the date thereof without the written consent of the Participant thereunder. No Grant may be issued while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated, but the rights and obligations under any Grant issued while the Plan is in effect shall not be impaired by suspension or termination of the Plan.
Eligibility to Receive Awards
The Board selects the directors, officers, employees and consultants who will be granted Awards under the Plan. As of the Record Date, the Company had approximately [ ] officers, consultants and employees, including all of the Company’s named executive officers and non-employee directors who were eligible to receive Awards under the Plan. The actual number of individuals who will receive an Award under the Plan cannot be determined in advance because the Board has the discretion to select the participants.
Types of Awards
The Plan allows for the award of stock options and shares of restricted stock. Stock options granted under the Plan may be either incentive stock options (an “ISO”) qualifying under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Codes of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or non-qualified stock options (a “NQSO”).
An ISO may only be issued to employees of the Company. ISOs may be granted to officers or directors, provided they are also employees of the Company. Payment of a director’s fee shall not be sufficient to constitute employment by the Company.
Shares Authorized for Issuance
The total number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the Plan is 1,118,856 shares.
Stock Options
The Plan authorizes the grant of ISOs and NQSOs (collectively, “Options”). The terms applicable to such Options will be determined by the Board or the Committee, as applicable, but an Option generally will not be exercisable after ten (10) years from its grant. All Options granted as ISOs shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Code and all other applicable rules and regulations governing ISOs. The exercise price for each ISO shall not be less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. However, any ISO granted to a person who at the time the Option is granted owns (or is deemed to own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company (“Ten Percent Holder”) shall have an exercise price of no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Stock as of the date of grant. The exercise price of each NQSO shall be determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Corporation and shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such share of Common Stock on the date the Option is granted. All other Option terms will be determined by the Board or Committee, as applicable, in their sole discretion.
Any Option granted to an employee of the Company shall become exercisable over a period of no longer than five (5) years. In no event shall any Option be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date it is granted, and no ISO granted to a Ten Percent Holder shall, by its terms, be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of the Option.
The aggregate fair market value of the shares (determined on the grant date) covered by ISOs which first become exercisable by any participant during any calendar year may not exceed $100,000. Should it be determined that an Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan exceeds such maximum for any reason other than a failure in good faith to value the Stock subject to such option, the excess portion of such option shall be considered a Nonstatutory Option. To the extent the employee holds two (2) or more such Options which become exercisable for the first time in the same calendar year, the foregoing limitation on the exercisability of such Option as Incentive Stock Options under the Federal tax laws shall be applied on the basis of the order in which such Options are granted. If, for any reason, an entire Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option by reason of exceeding such maximum, such Option shall be considered a Nonstatutory Option.
Stock Awards and Restricted Stock
All or part of any Stock Award under the Plan may be subject to conditions established by the Board, and set forth in the Stock Award Agreement, which may include, but are not limited to, continuous service with the Company, achievement of specific business objectives, increases in specified indices, attaining growth rates and other comparable measurements of Company performance. Such Awards may be based on Fair Market Value or other specified valuation.
A Grant of a Restricted Stock Purchase Offer under the Plan shall be subject to such (i) vesting contingencies related to the Participant’s continued association with the Company for a specified time and (ii) other specified conditions as the Board shall determine, in their sole discretion, consistent with the provisions of the Plan.
Shares Subject to the Plan
Except as set forth below, shares of Common Stock issued in connection with the exercise of, or as other payment for, an Award will be charged against the total number of shares issuable under the Plan.
In order to reflect such events as stock dividends, stock splits, recapitalization, mergers, consolidations or reorganizations by the Company, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, adjust the number of shares subject to each outstanding Award, the exercise price and the aggregate number of shares from which grants or awards may be made.
Change in Control
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Agreement between the Company and Participant, in the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), 50% of the vesting restrictions applicable to each Participant’s grant(s) shall terminate fully and the Participant shall immediately have the right to the delivery of share certificates or exercise of Options, i.e. to the extent that a Participant’s Option(s) are unvested, 50% of such unvested portion shall vest.
Term
No Award shall be granted pursuant to the Plan on or after the date which is ten (10) years from the date the Plan is approved by the shareholders, but Awards theretofore granted may extend beyond that date.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a brief summary of the general federal income tax consequences to U.S. taxpayers and the Company with respect to the grant, vesting and exercise of Awards granted under the Plan. This summary does not purport to be complete and does not discuss the tax consequences of a participant’s death, the tax consequences of an Award that is subject to but does not satisfy the deferred compensation rules of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, or the tax laws of any locality, state or foreign country in which the participant may reside. Tax consequences for any particular individual may be different.
Nonqualified Stock Options
No taxable income is recognized when a nonqualified stock option is granted to a participant. Upon exercise of a nonqualified stock option with respect to vested shares, the participant will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value (on the exercise date) of the shares purchased over the exercise price of the option. Any taxable income recognized in connection with exercise of a nonqualified stock option would be added to the tax basis of the shares and, with respect to an employee, is subject to tax withholding by the Company. Any additional gain or loss recognized upon any later disposition of the shares would be either long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on how long the stock was held.
Incentive Stock Options
No taxable income is recognized when an incentive stock option is granted or exercised, although the excess (if any) of the fair market value of the shares at exercise over the exercise price paid is treated as an item of income for alternative minimum tax purposes in the year of the exercise, and may subject the participant to alternative minimum tax. Alternative minimum tax is an alternative method of calculating the income tax that must be paid each year, which includes certain additional items of income and tax preferences and disallows or limits certain deductions otherwise allowable for regular tax purposes. Alternative minimum tax is payable only to the extent that the alternative minimum tax exceeds “ordinary” federal income tax for the year (computed without regard to certain credits and special taxes).
If the participant exercises the incentive stock option and then later sells or otherwise disposes of the shares more than two years after the grant date and more than one year after the exercise date, the difference between the sale price and the exercise price will be taxed as long-term capital gain or loss. If the participant exercises the option and then later sells or otherwise disposes of the shares before the end of the two- or one-year holding periods described above, (a) if the sale price exceeds the exercise price, he or she generally will have ordinary income at the time of the sale equal to the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date (or the sale price, if less) minus the exercise price of the option, and the excess (if any) between the sales price and the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date will be taxed as capital gain or (b) if the sale price is less than the exercise price, the participant will recognize a capital loss equal to the difference between the exercise price and the sale price.
In the case of both nonqualified stock options and incentive stock options, special federal income tax rules apply if the Company’s Common Stock is used to pay all or part of the option exercise price, and different rules than those described above will apply if unvested shares are purchased on exercise of the option.
Restricted Stock
No taxable income is generally recognized when restricted stock or restricted stock units are granted to a participant if the shares are subject to vesting requirements. Upon vesting (or at grant as to any shares that are vested at grant), the participant will generally recognize income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares over any amount the participant paid for the shares.
A participant who receives unvested shares of restricted stock under a stock Award may make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code at the time of transfer of the shares to recognize income based upon the fair market value of the stock on the date of transfer. Any additional gain or loss recognized upon any later disposition of the shares would be either long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on how long the stock was held.
Tax Effect for the Company
The Company generally will be entitled to a tax deduction in connection with an Award under the Plan in an amount equal to the ordinary income realized by a participant at the time the participant recognizes such income (for example, upon the exercise of a nonqualified stock option).
Shareholder Proposals for 2022 Proxy Statement
Under the procedures established by the Securities and Exchange Commission, certain requirements exist for submitting shareholder proposals for inclusion at an annual meeting. Among other things, a shareholder must give written notice of the proposal to the Secretary of the Company not less than 120 days nor more than 150 days prior to the one-year anniversary of the date of mailing proxies for the prior year’s annual meeting, provided, however, that if the date of the next annual meeting is moved by more than thirty (30) days from the date of this year’s annual meeting, shareholders must give written notice a reasonable time before the Company begins to print and send its proxy materials for such annual meeting. Delivery to the Secretary shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.
Additionally, our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide the requirements for the calling of a special meeting. The request shall be in writing, specifying the time of such meeting, the place where it is to be held and the general nature of the business proposed to be transacted, and shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail or by telegraphic or other facsimile transmission to the Chairman, President, any Vice President or the Secretary of the Company.
Proposals by shareholders for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy relating to the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is tentatively scheduled to be held on September 30, 2022, should be addressed to the Secretary, OMNIQ Corp., 1865 West 2100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119, and must be received at such address no earlier than April 30, 2022 and no later than June 2, 2022, unless the date of the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders has been changed by more than 30 days from the date of this year’s meeting, in which case then the proposal must be received a reasonable time before the Company begins to print and send its proxy materials
Upon receipt of any such proposal, the Company will determine whether or not to include such proposal in the proxy statement and proxy in accordance with applicable law. It is suggested that such proposal be forwarded by certified mail return receipt requested.
Proxy Statement and Annual Report Delivery
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy delivery requirements for annual reports and proxy statements with respect to two or more shareholders sharing the same address by delivering a single annual report and/or proxy statement addressed to those shareholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially provides extra convenience for shareholders and cost savings for companies. The Company and some brokers household annual reports and proxy materials, delivering a single annual report and/or proxy statement to multiple shareholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected shareholders.
Once you have received notice from your broker or the Company that your broker or the Company will be householding materials to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate annual report and/or proxy statement in the future, please notify your broker if your shares are held in a brokerage account or the Company if you hold registered shares. If, at any time, you and another shareholder sharing the same address wish to participate in householding and prefer to receive a single copy of the Company’s annual report and/or proxy statement, please notify your broker if your shares are held in a brokerage account or the Company if you hold registered shares.
You may request to receive at any time a separate copy of our annual report or proxy statement, or notify the Company that you do or do not wish to participate in householding by sending a written request to the Corporate Secretary at 1865 West 2100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119 or by telephoning (714) 899-4800.
Stockholder Communications
There has not been any defined policy or procedure requirements for stockholders to submit recommendations or nomination for directors. The Board does not believe that a defined policy with regard to the consideration of candidates recommended by stockholders is necessary at this time because it believes that, given the limited scope of the Company’s operations, a specific nominating policy would be premature and of little assistance until the Company’s business operations are at a more advanced level. There are no specific, minimum qualifications that the Board believes must be met by a candidate recommended by the Board. The Board may consider the diversity of qualities and skills of a nominee, but the Board has no formal policy in this regard. Currently, the entire Board decides on nominees, on the recommendation of any member of the Board followed by the Board’s review of the candidates’ qualifications and interview of candidates. Based on the information gathered, the Board then makes a decision on whether to recommend the candidates as nominees for director. The Company does not pay any fee to any third party or parties to identify or evaluate or assist in identifying or evaluating potential nominee.
The Company does not have any restrictions on stockholder nominations under its Certificate of Incorporation or Amended and Restated Bylaws. The only restrictions are those applicable generally under Delaware corporate law and the federal proxy rules, to the extent such rules are or become applicable. The Board will consider suggestions from individual stockholders, subject to evaluation of the person’s merits. Stockholders may communicate nominee suggestions directly to the Board, accompanied by biographical details and a statement of support for the nominees. The suggested nominee must also provide a statement of consent to being considered for nomination. There are no formal criteria for nominees
Dated: [ ], 2021
| BY ORDER OF THE | |
| BOARD OF DIRECTORS | |
| /s/ Shai Lustgarten | |
| Shai Lustgarten, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman |
OMNIQ CORP.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
| 1. | Purpose of the Plan. |
This 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is intended as an incentive, to retain in the employ of and as directors, officers, consultants, advisors and employees to Quest Solution Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and any Subsidiary of the Company, within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), persons of training, experience and ability, to attract new directors, officers, consultants, advisors and employees whose services are considered valuable, to encourage the sense of proprietorship and to stimulate the active interest of such persons in the development and financial success of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
It is further intended that certain options granted pursuant to the Plan shall constitute incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code (the “Incentive Options”) while certain other options granted pursuant to the Plan shall be nonqualified stock options (the “Nonqualified Options”). Incentive Options and Nonqualified Options are hereinafter referred to collectively as “Options.”
The Company intends that the Plan meet the requirements of Rule 16b-3 (“Rule 16b-3”) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and that transactions of the type specified in subparagraphs (c) to (f) inclusive of Rule 16b-3 by officers and directors of the Company pursuant to the Plan will be exempt from the operation of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. In all cases, the terms, provisions, conditions and limitations of the Plan shall be construed and interpreted consistent with the Company’s intent as stated in this Section 1. Appendix A to the Plan
| 2. | Administration of the Plan. |
The authority to manage the operation of and administer the Plan shall be vested in the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) or a Committee (the “Committee”) consisting of two or more directors who are (i) “Independent Directors” (as such term is defined under the rules of the Nasdaq Capital Markets) and (ii) “Non-Employee Directors” (as such term is defined in Rule 16b-3), which shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Committee, subject to Sections 3, 5 and 6 hereof, shall have full power and authority to designate recipients of Options and restricted stock (“Restricted Stock”), and to determine the terms and conditions of the respective Option and Restricted Stock agreements (which need not be identical) and to interpret the provisions and supervise the administration of the Plan. The Committee shall have the authority, without limitation, to designate which Options granted under the Plan shall be Incentive Options and which shall be Nonqualified Options. To the extent any Option does not qualify as an Incentive Option, it shall constitute a separate Nonqualified Option.
Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall interpret the Plan and all Options and Restricted Stock (the “Securities”) granted under the Plan, shall make such rules as it deems necessary for the proper administration of the Plan, shall make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan and shall correct any defects or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any Securities granted under the Plan in the manner and to the extent that the Committee deems desirable to carry into effect the Plan or any Securities. The act or determination of a majority of the Committee shall be the act or determination of the Committee and any decision reduced to writing and signed by all of the members of the Committee shall be fully effective as if it had been made by a majority of the Committee at a meeting duly held for such purpose. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, any action taken or determination made by the Committee pursuant to this and the other Sections of the Plan shall be conclusive on all parties.
In the event that for any reason the Committee is unable to act or if the Committee at the time of any grant, award or other acquisition under the Plan does not consist of two or more Non-Employee Directors, or if there shall be no such Committee, or if the Board otherwise determines to administer the Plan, then the Plan shall be administered by the Board, and references herein to the Committee (except in the proviso to this sentence) shall be deemed to be references to the Board, and any such grant, award or other acquisition may be approved or ratified in any other manner contemplated by subparagraph (d) of Rule 16b-3.
| 3. | Designation of Optionees and Grantees. |
The persons eligible for participation in the Plan as recipients of Options (the “Optionees”) or Restricted Stock (the “Grantees” and together with Optionees, the “Participants”) shall include directors, officers and employees of, and consultants and advisors to, the Company or any Subsidiary; provided that Incentive Options may only be granted to employees of the Company and any Subsidiary. In selecting Participants, and in determining the number of shares to be covered by each Option or award of Restricted Stock granted to Participants, the Committee may consider any factors it deems relevant, including, without limitation, the office or position held by the Participant or the Participant’s relationship to the Company, the Participant’s degree of responsibility for and contribution to the growth and success of the Company or any Subsidiary, the Participant’s length of service, promotions and potential. A Participant who has been granted an Option or Restricted Stock hereunder may be granted an additional Option or Options, or Restricted Stock if the Committee shall so determine.
| 4. | Stock Reserved for the Plan. |
Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 8 hereof, a total of 1,118,856 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), shall be subject to the Plan. The shares of Common Stock subject to the Plan shall consist of unissued shares, treasury shares or previously issued shares held by any Subsidiary of the Company, and such number of shares of Common Stock shall be and is hereby reserved for such purpose. Any of such shares of Common Stock that may remain unissued and that are not subject to outstanding Options at the termination of the Plan shall cease to be reserved for the purposes of the Plan, but until termination of the Plan the Company shall at all times reserve a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock to meet the requirements of the Plan. Should any Securities expire or be canceled prior to its exercise, satisfaction of conditions or vesting in full, as applicable, or should the number of shares of Common Stock to be delivered upon the exercise or vesting in full of an Option or award of Restricted Stock be reduced for any reason, the shares of Common Stock theretofore subject to such Option or Restricted Stock, as applicable, may be subject to future Options or Restricted Stock under the Plan.
| 5. | Terms and Conditions of Options. |
Options granted under the Plan shall be subject to the following conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable:
(a) Option Price. The purchase price of each share of Common Stock purchasable under an Incentive Option shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant, but shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of such share of Common Stock on the date the Option is granted; provided, however, that with respect to an Optionee who, at the time such Incentive Option is granted, owns (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary, the purchase price per share of Common Stock shall be at least 110% of the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the date of grant. The purchase price of each share of Common Stock purchasable under a Nonqualified Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such share of Common Stock on the date the Option is granted. The exercise price for each Option shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 8 below. “Fair Market Value” means the closing price on the final trading day immediately prior to the grant date of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market, LLC or other principal securities exchange on which shares of Common Stock are listed (if the shares of Common Stock are so listed), or, if not so listed, the mean between the closing bid and asked prices of publicly traded shares of Common Stock in the over the counter market, or, if such bid and asked prices shall not be available, as reported by any nationally recognized quotation service selected by the Company, or as determined by the Committee in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Code. Anything in this Section 5(a) to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall the purchase price of a share of Common Stock be less than the minimum price permitted under the rules and policies of any national securities exchange on which the shares of Common Stock are listed.
(b) Option Term. The term of each Option shall be fixed by the Committee, but no Option shall be exercisable more than ten years after the date such Option is granted and in the case of an Incentive Option granted to an Optionee who, at the time such Incentive Option is granted, owns (within the meaning of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary, no such Incentive Option shall be exercisable more than five years after the date such Incentive Option is granted.
(c) Exercisability. Subject to Section 5(j) hereof, Options shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant; provided, however, that in the absence of any Option vesting periods designated by the Committee at the time of grant, Options shall vest and become exercisable as to one-third of the total number of shares subject to the Option on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant; and provided further that no Options shall be exercisable until such time as any vesting limitation required by Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and related rules, shall be satisfied if such limitation shall be required for continued validity of the exemption provided under Rule 16b-3(d)(3).
Upon the occurrence of a “Change in Control” (as hereinafter defined), the Committee may accelerate the vesting and exercisability of outstanding Options, in whole or in part, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. In its sole discretion, the Committee may also determine that, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, each outstanding Option shall terminate within a specified number of days after notice to the Optionee thereunder, and each such Optionee shall receive, with respect to each share of Common Stock subject to such Option, an amount equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of such shares immediately prior to such Change in Control over the exercise price per share of such Option; such amount shall be payable in cash, in one or more kinds of property (including the property, if any, payable in the transaction) or a combination thereof, as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion.
For purposes of the Plan, unless otherwise defined in an employment agreement between the Company and the relevant Optionee, a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred if:
(i) a tender offer (or series of related offers) shall be made and consummated for the ownership of 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Company, unless as a result of such tender offer more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be owned in the aggregate by the stockholders of the Company (as of the time immediately prior to the commencement of such offer), any employee benefit plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries, and their affiliates;
(ii) the Company shall be merged or consolidated with another corporation, unless as a result of such merger or consolidation more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be owned in the aggregate by the stockholders of the Company (as of the time immediately prior to such transaction), any employee benefit plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries, and their affiliates;
(iii) the Company shall sell substantially all of its assets to another corporation that is not wholly owned by the Company, unless as a result of such sale more than 50% of such assets shall be owned in the aggregate by the stockholders of the Company (as of the time immediately prior to such transaction), any employee benefit plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries and their affiliates; or
(iv) a Person (as defined below) shall acquire 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Company (whether directly, indirectly, beneficially or of record), unless as a result of such acquisition more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the surviving or resulting corporation shall be owned in the aggregate by the stockholders of the Company (as of the time immediately prior to the first acquisition of such securities by such Person), any employee benefit plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries, and their affiliates.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Change of Control is defined in an employment agreement between the Company and the relevant Optionee, then, with respect to such Optionee, Change of Control shall have the meaning ascribed to it in such employment agreement.
For purposes of this Section 5(c), ownership of voting securities shall take into account and shall include ownership as determined by applying the provisions of Rule 13d-3(d)(I)(i) (as in effect on the date hereof) under the Exchange Act. In addition, for such purposes, “Person” shall have the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof; provided, however, that a Person shall not include (A) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (B) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (C) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities; or (D) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of stock of the Company.
(d) Method of Exercise. Options to the extent then exercisable may be exercised in whole or in part at any time during the option period, by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased, accompanied by payment in full of the purchase price, in cash, or by check or such other instrument as may be acceptable to the Committee. As determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, at or after grant, payment in full or in part may be made at the election of the Optionee (i) in the form of Common Stock owned by the Optionee (based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock which is not the subject of any pledge or security interest, (ii) in the form of shares of Common Stock withheld by the Company from the shares of Common Stock otherwise to be received with such withheld shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the exercise price of the Option, or (iii) by a combination of the foregoing, such Fair Market Value determined by applying the principles set forth in Section 5(a), provided that the combined value of all cash and cash equivalents and the Fair Market Value of any shares surrendered to the Company is at least equal to such exercise price and except with respect to (ii) above, such method of payment will not cause a disqualifying disposition of all or a portion of the Common Stock received upon exercise of an Incentive Option. An Optionee shall have the right to dividends and other rights of a stockholder with respect to shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of an Option at such time as the Optionee (i) has given written notice of exercise and has paid in full for such shares, and (ii) has satisfied such conditions that may be imposed by the Company with respect to the withholding of taxes.
(e) Non-transferability of Options. Options are not transferable and may be exercised solely by the Optionee during his lifetime or after his death by the person or persons entitled thereto under his will or the laws of descent and distribution. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may permit a transfer of a Nonqualified Option to (i) a trust for the benefit of the Optionee, (ii) a member of the Optionee’s immediate family (or a trust for his or her benefit) or (iii) pursuant to a domestic relations order. Any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise dispose of, or to subject to execution, attachment or similar process, any Option contrary to the provisions hereof shall be void and ineffective and shall give no right to the purported transferee.
(f) Termination by Death. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if any Optionee’s employment with or service to the Company or any Subsidiary terminates by reason of death, the Option may thereafter be exercised, to the extent then exercisable (or on such accelerated basis as the Committee shall determine at or after grant), by the legal representative of the estate or by the legatee of the Optionee under the will of the Optionee, for a period of one (1) year after the date of such death (or, if later, such time as the Option may be exercised pursuant to Section 14(d) hereof) or until the expiration of the stated term of such Option as provided under the Plan, whichever period is shorter.
(g) Termination by Reason of Disability. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if any Optionee’s employment with or service to the Company or any Subsidiary terminates by reason of Disability (as defined below), then any Option held by such Optionee may thereafter be exercised, to the extent it was exercisable at the time of termination due to Disability (or on such accelerated basis as the Committee shall determine at or after grant), but may not be exercised after ninety (90) days after the date of such termination of employment or service (or, if later, such time as the Option may be exercised pursuant to Section 14(d) hereof) or the expiration of the stated term of such Option, whichever period is shorter; provided, however, that, if the Optionee dies within such ninety (90) day period, any unexercised Option held by such Optionee shall thereafter be exercisable to the extent to which it was exercisable at the time of death for a period of one (1) year after the date of such death (or, if later, such time as the Option may be exercised pursuant to Section 14(d) hereof) or for the stated term of such Option, whichever period is shorter. “Disability” shall mean an Optionee’s total and permanent disability; provided, that if Disability is defined in an employment agreement between the Company and the relevant Optionee, then, with respect to such Optionee, Disability shall have the meaning ascribed to it in such employment agreement
(h) Termination by Reason of Retirement. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if any Optionee’s employment with or service to the Company or any Subsidiary terminates by reason of Normal or Early Retirement (as such terms are defined below), any Option held by such Optionee may thereafter be exercised to the extent it was exercisable at the time of such Retirement (or on such accelerated basis as the Committee shall determine at or after grant), but may not be exercised after ninety (90) days after the date of such termination of employment or service (or, if later, such time as the Option may be exercised pursuant to Section 14(d) hereof) or the expiration of the stated term of such Option, whichever date is earlier; provided, however, that, if the Optionee dies within such ninety (90) day period, any unexercised Option held by such Optionee shall thereafter be exercisable, to the extent to which it was exercisable at the time of death, for a period of one (1) year after the date of such death (or, if later, such time as the Option may be exercised pursuant to Section 14(d) hereof) or for the stated term of such Option, whichever period is shorter.
For purposes of this paragraph (h), “Normal Retirement” shall mean retirement from active employment with the Company or any Subsidiary on or after the normal retirement date specified in the applicable Company or Subsidiary pension plan or if no such pension plan, age 65, and “Early Retirement” shall mean retirement from active employment with the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to the early retirement provisions of the applicable Company or Subsidiary pension plan or if no such pension plan, age 55.
(i) Other Terminations. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee upon grant, if any Optionee’s employment with or service to the Company or any Subsidiary is terminated by such Optionee for any reason other than death, Disability, Normal or Early Retirement or Good Reason (as defined below), the Option shall thereupon terminate, except that the portion of any Option that was exercisable on the date of such termination of employment or service may be exercised for the lesser of ninety (90) days after the date of termination (or, if later, such time as the Option may be exercised pursuant to Section 14(d) hereof) or the balance of such Option’s term, which ever period is shorter. The transfer of an Optionee from the employ of or service to the Company to the employ of or service to a Subsidiary, or vice versa, or from one Subsidiary to another, shall not be deemed to constitute a termination of employment or service for purposes of the Plan.
(i) In the event that the Optionee’s employment or service with the Company or any Subsidiary is terminated by the Company or such Subsidiary for “cause” any unexercised portion of any Option shall immediately terminate in its entirety. For purposes hereof, unless otherwise defined in an employment agreement between the Company and the relevant Optionee, “Cause” shall exist upon a good-faith determination by the Board, following a hearing before the Board at which an Optionee was represented by counsel and given an opportunity to be heard, that such Optionee has been accused of fraud, dishonesty or act detrimental to the interests of the Company or any Subsidiary of Company or that such Optionee has been accused of or convicted of an act of willful and material embezzlement or fraud against the Company or of a felony under any state or federal statute; provided, however, that it is specifically understood that “Cause” shall not include any act of commission or omission in the good-faith exercise of such Optionee’s business judgment as a director, officer or employee of the Company, as the case may be, or upon the advice of counsel to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Cause is defined in an employment agreement between the Company and the relevant Optionee, then, with respect to such Optionee, Cause shall have the meaning ascribed to it in such employment agreement.
(ii) In the event that an Optionee is removed as a director, officer or employee by the Company at any time other than for “Cause” or resigns as a director, officer or employee for “Good Reason” the Option granted to such Optionee may be exercised by the Optionee, to the extent the Option was exercisable on the date such Optionee ceases to be a director, officer or employee. Such Option may be exercised at any time within one (1) year after the date the Optionee ceases to be a director, officer or employee (or, if later, such time as the Option may be exercised pursuant to Section 14(d) hereof), or the date on which the Option otherwise expires by its terms; whichever period is shorter, at which time the Option shall terminate; provided, however, if the Optionee dies before the Options terminate and are no longer exercisable, the terms and provisions of Section 5(f) shall control. For purposes of this Section 5(i), and unless otherwise defined in an employment agreement between the Company and the relevant Optionee, Good Reason shall exist upon the occurrence of the following:
| (A) | the assignment to Optionee of any duties inconsistent with the position in the Company that Optionee held immediately prior to the assignment; | |
| (B) | a Change of Control resulting in a significant adverse alteration in the status or conditions of Optionee’s participation with the Company or other nature of Optionee’s responsibilities from those in effect prior to such Change of Control, including any significant alteration in Optionee’s responsibilities immediately prior to such Change in Control; and | |
| (C) | the failure by the Company to continue to provide Optionee with benefits substantially similar to those enjoyed by Optionee prior to such failure. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Good Reason is defined in an employment agreement between the Company and the relevant Optionee, then, with respect to such Optionee, Good Reason shall have the meaning ascribed to it in such employment agreement.
(j) Limit on Value of Incentive Option. The aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the date the Incentive Option is granted, of Common Stock for which Incentive Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionee during any calendar year under the Plan (and/or any other stock option plans of the Company or any Subsidiary) shall not exceed $100,000. Should it be determined that an Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan exceeds such maximum for any reason other than a failure in good faith to value the Stock subject to such option, the excess portion of such option shall be considered a Nonqualified Option. To the extent the employee holds two (2) or more such Options which become exercisable for the first time in the same calendar year, the foregoing limitation on the exercisability of such Option as Incentive Stock Options under the Federal tax laws shall be applied on the basis of the order in which such Options are granted. If, for any reason, an entire Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option by reason of exceeding such maximum, such Option shall be considered a Nonqualified Option.
| 6. | Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock. |
Restricted Stock may be granted under this Plan aside from, or in association with, any other award and shall be subject to the following conditions and shall contain such additional terms and conditions (including provisions relating to the acceleration of vesting of Restricted Stock upon a Change of Control), not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable:
(a) Grantee rights. A Grantee shall have no rights to an award of Restricted Stock unless and until Grantee accepts the award within the period prescribed by the Committee and, if the Committee shall deem desirable, makes payment to the Company in cash, or by check or such other instrument as may be acceptable to the Committee. After acceptance and issuance of a certificate or certificates, as provided for below, the Grantee shall have the rights of a stockholder with respect to Restricted Stock subject to the non-transferability and forfeiture restrictions described in Section 6(d) below.
(b) Issuance of Certificates. The Company shall issue in the Grantee’s name a certificate or certificates for the shares of Common Stock associated with the award promptly after the Grantee accepts such award.
(c) Delivery of Certificates. Unless otherwise provided, any certificate or certificates issued evidencing shares of Restricted Stock shall not be delivered to the Grantee until such shares are free of any restrictions specified by the Committee at the time of grant.
(d) Forfeitability, Non-transferability of Restricted Stock. Shares of Restricted Stock are forfeitable until the terms of the Restricted Stock grant have been satisfied. Shares of Restricted Stock are not transferable until the date on which the Committee has specified such restrictions have lapsed. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee at or after grant, distributions in the form of dividends or otherwise of additional shares or property in respect of shares of Restricted Stock shall be subject to the same restrictions as such shares of Restricted Stock.
(e) Change of Control. Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control as defined in Section 5(c), the Committee may accelerate the vesting of outstanding Restricted Stock, in whole or in part, as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion.
(f) Termination of Employment. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at or after grant, in the event the Grantee ceases to be an employee or otherwise associated with the Company for any other reason, all shares of Restricted Stock theretofore awarded to him which are still subject to restrictions shall be forfeited and the Company shall have the right to complete the blank stock power. The Committee may provide (on or after grant) that restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to shares of Restricted Stock will be waived in whole or in part in the event of termination resulting from specified causes, and the Committee may in other cases waive in whole or in part restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to Restricted Stock.
| 7. | Term of Plan. |
No Securities shall be granted pursuant to the Plan on or after the date which is ten years from the effective date of the Plan, but Options and awards of Restricted Stock theretofore granted may extend beyond that date.
| 8. | Capital Change of the Company. |
In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, stock dividend, or other change in corporate structure affecting the Common Stock of the Company, the Committee shall make an appropriate and equitable adjustment in the number and kind of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan and (A) in the number and option price of shares subject to outstanding Options granted under the Plan, to the end that after such event each Optionee’s proportionate interest shall be maintained (to the extent possible) as immediately before the occurrence of such event. The Committee shall, to the extent feasible, make such other adjustments as may be required under the tax laws so that any Incentive Options previously granted shall not be deemed modified within the meaning of Section 424(h) of the Code. Appropriate adjustments shall also be made in the case of outstanding Restricted Stock granted under the Plan.
The adjustments described above will be made only to the extent consistent with continued qualification of the Option under Section 422 of the Code (in the case of an Incentive Option) and Section 409A of the Code.
| 9. | Purchase for Investment/Conditions. |
Unless the Options and shares covered by the Plan have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Company has determined that such registration is unnecessary, each person exercising or receiving Securities under the Plan may be required by the Company to give a representation in writing that he is acquiring the securities for his own account for investment and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, the distribution of any part thereof. The Committee may impose any additional or further restrictions on awards of Securities as shall be determined by the Committee at the time of award.
| 10. | Taxes. |
(a) The Company may make such provisions as it may deem appropriate, consistent with applicable law, in connection with any Securities granted under the Plan with respect to the withholding of any taxes (including income or employment taxes) or any other tax matters.
(b) If any Grantee, in connection with the acquisition of Restricted Stock, makes the election permitted under Section 83(b) of the Code (that is, an election to include in gross income in the year of transfer the amounts specified in Section 83(b)), such Grantee shall notify the Company of the election with the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to regulations issued under the authority of Code Section 83(b).
(c) If any Grantee shall make any disposition of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Option under the circumstances described in Section 421(b) of the Code (relating to certain disqualifying dispositions), such Grantee shall notify the Company of such disposition within ten (10) days hereof.
| 11. | Effective Date of Plan. |
The Plan shall be effective on October 18, 2021; provided, however, that the Plan must subsequently be approved by majority vote of the Company’s stockholders in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Capital Markets no later than December 31, 2021.
| 12. | Amendment and Termination. |
The Board may amend, suspend, or terminate the Plan, except that no amendment shall be made that would impair the rights of any Participant under Securities theretofore granted without the Participant’s consent, and except that no amendment shall be made which, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company would:
(a) materially increase the number of shares that may be issued under the Plan, except as is provided in Section 8;
(b) materially increase the benefits accruing to the Participants under the Plan;
(c) materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan;
(d) decrease the exercise price of an Incentive Option to less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the date of grant thereof or the exercise price of a Nonqualified Option to less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the date of grant thereof;
(e) extend the term of any Option beyond that provided for in Section 5(b);
(f) except as otherwise provided in Sections 5(d) and 8 hereof, reduce the exercise price of outstanding Options or effect repricing through cancellations and re-grants of new Options;
(g) increase the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued or issuable under the Plan to an amount that is equal to or in excess of 19.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding before the issuance of the stock or securities; or
(h) otherwise require stockholder approval pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Capital Markets.
Subject to the forgoing, the Committee may amend the terms of any Option theretofore granted, prospectively or retrospectively, but no such amendment shall impair the rights of any Optionee without the Optionee’s consent.
It is the intention of the Board that the Plan comply strictly with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and Treasury Regulations and other Internal Revenue Service guidance promulgated thereunder (the “Section 409A Rules”) and the Committee shall exercise its discretion in granting awards hereunder (and the terms of such awards), accordingly. The Plan and any grant of an award hereunder may be amended from time to time (without, in the case of an award, the consent of the Participant) as may be necessary or appropriate to comply with the Section 409A Rules.
| 13. | Government Regulations. |
The Plan, and the grant and exercise or conversion, as applicable, of Securities hereunder, and the obligation of the Company to issue and deliver shares under such Securities shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies, national securities exchanges and interdealer quotation systems as may be required.
| 14. | General Provisions. |
(a) Certificates. All certificates for shares of Common Stock delivered under the Plan shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or other securities commission having jurisdiction, any applicable Federal or state securities law, any stock exchange or interdealer quotation system upon which the Common Stock is then listed or traded and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be placed on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.
(b) Employment Matters. Neither the adoption of the Plan nor any grant or award under the Plan shall confer upon any Participant who is an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary any right to continued employment or, in the case of a Participant who is a director, continued service as a director, with the Company or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate the employment of any of its employees, the service of any of its directors or the retention of any of its consultants or advisors at any time.
(c) Limitation of Liability. No member of the Committee, or any officer or employee of the Company acting on behalf of the Committee, shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation taken or made in good faith with respect to the Plan, and all members of the Committee and each and any officer or employee of the Company acting on their behalf shall, to the extent permitted by law, be fully indemnified and protected by the Company in respect of any such action, determination or interpretation.
(d) Registration of Stock. Notwithstanding any other provision in the Plan, no Option may be exercised unless and until the Common Stock to be issued upon the exercise thereof has been registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or are, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, exempt from such registration in the United States. The Company shall not be under any obligation to register under applicable federal or state securities laws any Common Stock to be issued upon the exercise of an Option granted hereunder in order to permit the exercise of an Option and the issuance and sale of the Common Stock subject to such Option, although the Company may in its sole discretion register such Common Stock at such time as the Company shall determine. If the Company chooses to comply with such an exemption from registration, the Common Stock issued under the Plan may, at the direction of the Committee, bear an appropriate restrictive legend restricting the transfer or pledge of the Common Stock represented thereby, and the Committee may also give appropriate stop transfer instructions with respect to such Common Stock to the Company’s transfer agent.
| 15. | Non-Uniform Determinations. |
The Committee’s determinations under the Plan, including, without limitation, (i) the determination of the Participants to receive awards, (ii) the form, amount and timing of such awards, (iii) the terms and provisions of such awards and (ii) the agreements evidencing the same, need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among Participants who receive, or who are eligible to receive, awards under the Plan, whether or not such Participants are similarly situated.
| 16. | Governing Law. |
The validity, construction, and effect of the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws, and applicable federal law.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
ISRAELI APPENDIX
This Israeli Appendix (the “Appendix”) to the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the “Plan”) of OMNIQ Corp. (formerly: Quest Solution, Inc.) (the “Company”) shall apply only to Participants (as defined in the Plan) who are, or are deemed to be, residents of the State of Israel for Israeli tax purposes. This Appendix is to be read as a continuation of the Plan; for the avoidance of doubt, this Appendix does not add to or modify the Plan in respect of any other category of grantees.
The Plan and this Appendix are complimentary to each other and shall be deemed as one. In any case of contradiction, whether explicit or implied, between the provisions of this Appendix and the Plan, the provisions set out in this Appendix shall prevail.
1. GENERAL
1.1. The Committee, in its discretion, may grant Awards to eligible Participants and shall determine whether such Awards intended to be 102 Awards or 3(i) Awards. Each Award shall be evidenced by an award agreement (“Award Agreement”), which shall expressly identify the Award type, and be in such form and contain such provisions, as the Committee shall from time to time deem appropriate.
1.2. The Plan shall apply to any Awards granted pursuant to this Appendix, provided, that the provisions of this Appendix shall supersede and govern in the case of any inconsistency or conflict, either explicit or implied, arising between the provisions of this Appendix and the Plan.
1.3. Unless otherwise defined in this Appendix, capitalized terms contained herein shall have the same meanings given to them in the Plan.
| 2. | DEFINITIONS. |
2.1. “3(i) Award” means any Award representing a right to purchase shares of Common Stock granted by the Company to any Participant who is not an Employee pursuant to Section 3(i) of the Ordinance.
2.2. “102 Award” means any Award intended to qualify, as set forth in the Award Agreement, and which qualifies under Section 102, provided it is settled only in shares of Common Stock.
2.3. “102 Capital Gain Track Award” means any Award granted by the Company to an Employee pursuant to Section 102(b)(2) or (3) (as applicable) of the Ordinance under the capital gain track.
2.4. “102 Non-Trustee Award” means any Award granted by the Company to an Employee pursuant to Section 102(c) of the Ordinance without a Trustee.
2.5. “102 Ordinary Income Track Award” means any Award granted by the Company to an Employee pursuant to Section 102(b)(1) of the Ordinance under the ordinary income track.
2.6. “102 Trustee Awards” means, collectively, 102 Capital Gain Track Awards and 102 Ordinary Income Track Awards.
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2.7. “Affiliate” means, for purposes of a 102 Trustee Award, an “employing company” within the meaning and subject to the conditions of Section 102(a) of the Ordinance.
2.8. “Award Agreement” as defined in Section 1.1 above.
2.9. “Controlling Stockholder”“ means as such term is defined in Section 32(9)(a) of the Ordinance.
2.10. “Election” as defined in Section 3.2 below.
2.11. “Employee” means an “employee” within the meaning of Section 102(a) of the Ordinance (which as of the date of the adoption of this Appendix means (i) an individual employed by an Israeli company being an Affiliate, and (ii) an individual who is serving and is engaged personally (and not through an entity) as an “office holder” by an Affiliate, excluding, in any event, Controlling Stockholders).
2.12. “ITA” means the Israel Tax Authority.
2.13. “Ordinance” means the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance (New Version), 1961, including the Rules and any other regulations, rules, orders or procedures promulgated thereunder, as may be amended or replaced from time to time.
2.14. “Proxy” as defined in Section 7 below.
2.15. “Proxy Holder” as defined in Section 7 below.
2.16. “Required Holding Period” as defined in Section 3.5.1 below.
2.17. “Rules” means the Income Tax Rules (Tax Reliefs in Stock Issuance to Employees) 5763-2003.
2.18. “Section 102” means Section 102 of the Ordinance.
2.19. “Trust Agreement” means the agreement to be signed between the Company, an Affiliate and the Trustee for the purposes of Section 102.
2.20. “Trustee” means the trustee appointed by the Company’s Board of Directors and/or by the Committee to hold the Awards and approved by the ITA.
2.21. “Withholding Obligations” as defined in Section 5.5 below.
3. 102 AWARDS
3.1. Tracks. Awards granted pursuant to this Section 3 are intended to be granted as either 102 Capital Gain Track Awards or 102 Ordinary Income Track Awards. 102 Trustee Awards shall be granted subject to the special terms and conditions contained in this Section 3 and the general terms and conditions of the Plan, except for any provisions of the Plan applying to Awards under different tax laws or regulations.
3.2. Election of Track. Subject to Applicable Law, the Company may grant only one type of 102 Trustee Award at any given time to all Participants who are to be granted 102 Trustee Awards pursuant to this Appendix, and shall file an election with the ITA regarding the type of 102 Trustee Award it elects to grant before the date of grant of any 102 Trustee Award (the “Election”). Such Election shall also apply to any other securities received by any Participant as a result of holding the 102 Trustee Awards. The Company may change the type of 102 Trustee Award that it elects to grant only after the expiration of at least 12 months from the end of the year in which the first grant was made in accordance with the previous Election, or as otherwise provided by Applicable Law. Any Election shall not prevent the Company from granting 102 Non-Trustee Awards.
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3.3. Eligibility for Awards. Subject to applicable law, 102 Awards may only be granted to Employees. Such 102 Awards may either be granted to a Trustee or granted under Section 102 without a Trustee.
3.4. 102 Award Grant Date.
3.4.1. Each 102 Award will be deemed granted on the date determined by the Committee, subject to the provisions of the Plan, provided that (i) the Participant has signed all documents required by the Company or pursuant to applicable law, and (ii) with respect to any 102 Trustee Award, the Company has provided all applicable documents to the Trustee in accordance with the guidelines published by the ITA.
3.4.2. Unless otherwise permitted by the Ordinance, any grants of 102 Trustee Awards that are made on or after the date of the adoption of the Plan and this Appendix or an amendment to the Plan or this Appendix, as the case may be, that may become effective only at the expiration of thirty (30) days after the filing of the Plan and this Appendix or any amendment thereof (as the case may be) with the ITA in accordance with the Ordinance shall be conditional upon the expiration of such 30-day period, and such condition shall be read and is incorporated by reference into any corporate resolutions approving such grants and into any Award Agreement evidencing such grants (whether or not explicitly referring to such condition), and the date of grant shall be at the expiration of such 30-day period, whether or not the date of grant indicated therein corresponds with this Section. In the case of any contradiction, this provision and the date of grant determined pursuant hereto shall supersede and be deemed to amend any date of grant indicated in any corporate resolution or Award Agreement. Nevertheless, this 30-day period may be waived subject to a special tax ruling to be obtained from the ITA and pursuant to its terms, or may not apply to any exchange of equity pursuant to a special tax ruling and its terms.
3.5. 102 Trustee Awards.
3.5.1. Each 102 Trustee Award, each share of Common Stock issued pursuant to the grant, exercise or vesting of any 102 Trustee Award and any rights granted thereunder, shall be allocated or issued to and registered in the name of the Trustee and shall be held in trust or controlled by the Trustee (pursuant to an approval from the ITA) for the benefit of the Participant for the requisite period prescribed by the Ordinance or such longer period as set by the Committee (the “Required Holding Period”). In the event that the requirements under Section 102 to qualify an Award as a 102 Trustee Award are not met, then the Award may be treated as a 102 Non-Trustee Award or 3(i) Award (as determined by the Company), all in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance. After the expiration of the Required Holding Period, the Trustee may release such 102 Trustee Awards and any such shares of Common Stock, provided that (i) the Trustee has received an acknowledgment from the ITA that the Participant has paid any applicable taxes due pursuant to the Ordinance, or (ii) the Trustee and/or the Company and/or the Affiliate withhold(s) all applicable taxes and compulsory payments due pursuant to the Ordinance arising from the 102 Trustee Awards and/or any shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise or (if applicable) vesting of such 102 Trustee Awards. The Trustee shall not release any 102 Trustee Awards or shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise or (if applicable) vesting thereof, or any rights received with respect to such Awards, prior to the payment in full of the Participant’s tax and compulsory payments arising from such 102 Trustee Awards and/or shares of Common Stock or the withholding referred to in (ii) above.
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3.5.2. Each 102 Trustee Award shall be subject to the relevant terms of the Ordinance, the Rules and any determinations, rulings or approvals issued by the ITA, which shall be deemed an integral part of the 102 Trustee Awards and shall prevail over any term contained in the Plan, this Appendix or the Award Agreement that is not consistent therewith. Any provision of the Ordinance, the Rules and any determinations, rulings or approvals by the ITA not expressly specified in the Plan, this Appendix or Award Agreement that are necessary to receive or maintain any tax benefit pursuant to Section 102 shall be binding on the Participant. The Participant granted a 102 Trustee Award shall comply with the Ordinance and the terms and conditions of the Trust Agreement entered into between the Company and the Trustee. The Participant shall execute any and all documents that the Company and/or the Affiliate and/or the Trustee shall determine from time to time to be necessary in order to comply with the Ordinance and the Rules.
3.5.3. During the Required Holding Period, the Participant shall not release from trust or sell, assign, transfer or give as collateral, the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise or (if applicable) vesting of a 102 Trustee Award and/or any securities issued or distributed with respect thereto, until the expiration of the Required Holding Period. Notwithstanding the above, if any such sale, release or other action occurs during the Required Holding Period it may result in adverse tax consequences to the Participant under Section 102 and the Rules, which shall apply to and shall be borne solely by such Participant. Subject to the foregoing, the Trustee may, pursuant to a written request from the Participant, but subject to the terms of the Plan and this Appendix, release and transfer such shares of Common Stock to a designated third party, provided that both of the following conditions have been fulfilled prior to such release or transfer: (i) payment has been made to the ITA of all taxes and compulsory payments required to be paid upon the release and transfer of the shares of Common Stock, and confirmation of such payment has been received by the Trustee and the Company, and (ii) the Trustee has received written confirmation from the Company that all requirements for such release and transfer have been fulfilled according to the terms of the Company’s corporate documents, any agreement governing the shares of Common Stock, the Plan, this Appendix, the Award Agreement and any Applicable Law.
3.5.4. If a 102 Trustee Award is exercised or (if applicable) vested, the shares of Common Stock issued upon such exercise or (if applicable) vesting shall be issued in the name of the Trustee for the benefit of the Participant, or shall be deposited with the Trustee, or be subject to the Trustee’s control, if approved by the ITA.
3.5.5. Upon or after receipt of a 102 Trustee Award, if required, the Participant may be required to sign an undertaking to release the Trustee from any liability with respect to any action or decision duly taken and executed in good faith by the Trustee in relation to the Plan, this Appendix, or any 102 Trustee Awards granted to such Participant hereunder.
3.6. 102 Non-Trustee Awards. The foregoing provisions of this Section 3 relating to 102 Trustee Awards shall not apply with respect to 102 Non-Trustee Awards, which shall, however, be subject to the relevant provisions of Section 102 and the applicable Rules. The Committee may determine that 102 Non-Trustee Awards, the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise or (if applicable) vesting of a 102 Non-Trustee Award and/or any securities issued or distributed with respect thereto, shall be allocated or issued to the Trustee, who shall hold such 102 Non-Trustee Award and all accrued rights thereon (if any) in trust for the benefit of the Participant and/or the Company, as the case may be, until the full payment of tax arising from the 102 Non-Trustee Awards, the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise or (if applicable) vesting of a 102 Non-Trustee Award and/or any securities issued or distributed with respect thereto. The Company may choose, alternatively, to require the Participant to provide the Company with a guarantee or other security, to the satisfaction of each of the Trustee and the Company, until the full payment of the applicable taxes.
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3.7. Written Participant Undertaking. With respect to any 102 Trustee Award, as required by Section 102 and the Rules, by virtue of the receipt of such Award, the Participant is deemed to have undertaken and confirmed in writing the following (and such undertaking is deemed incorporated into any documents signed by the Participant in connection with the employment or service of the Participant and/or the grant of such Award). The following written undertaking shall be deemed to apply and relate to all 102 Trustee Awards granted to the Participant, whether under the Plan and this Appendix or other plans maintained by the Company, and whether prior to or after the date hereof:
3.7.1. The Participant shall comply with all terms and conditions set forth in Section 102 with regard to the “Capital Gain Track” or the “Ordinary Income Track”, as applicable, and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended from time to time;
3.7.2. The Participant is familiar with, and understands the provisions of, Section 102 in general, and the tax arrangement under the “Capital Gain Track” or the “Ordinary Income Track” in particular, and its tax consequences; the Participant agrees that the 102 Trustee Awards and shares of Common Stock that may be issued upon exercise or (if applicable) vesting of the 102 Trustee Awards (or otherwise in relation to the Awards), will be held by a trustee appointed pursuant to Section 102 for at least the duration of the “Holding Period” (as such term is defined in Section 102) under the “Capital Gain Track” or the “Ordinary Income Track”, as applicable. The Participant understands that any release of such 102 Trustee Awards or shares of Common Stock from trust, or any sale of the shares of Common Stock prior to the termination of the Holding Period, as defined above, will result in taxation at the marginal tax rate, in addition to deductions of appropriate social security, health tax contributions or other compulsory payments; and
3.7.3. The Participant agrees to the trust deed signed between the Company, his or her employing company and the trustee appointed pursuant to Section 102.
4. 3(i) AWARDS
4.1. Awards granted pursuant to this Section 4 are intended to constitute 3(i) Awards and shall be granted subject to the general terms and conditions of the Plan, except for any provisions of the Plan applying to Awards under different tax laws or regulations. In the event of any inconsistency or contradictions between the provisions of this Section 4 and the other terms of the Plan, this Section 4 shall prevail.
4.2. To the extent required by the Ordinance or the ITA or otherwise deemed by the Committee to be advisable, the 3(i) Awards and/or any shares of Common Stock or other securities issued or distributed with respect thereto granted pursuant to the Plan and this Appendix shall be issued to a trustee nominated by the Committee in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance. In such event, the trustee shall hold such Awards and/or any shares of Common Stock or other securities issued or distributed with respect thereto in trust, until exercised by the Participant or (if applicable) vested, and the full payment of tax arising therefrom, pursuant to the Company’s instructions from time to time as set forth in a trust agreement, which will have been entered into between the Company and the trustee. If determined by the Committee, and subject to such trust agreement, the Trustee shall be responsible for withholding any taxes to which a Participant may become liable upon issuance of shares of Common Stock, whether due to the exercise or (if applicable) vesting of Awards.
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4.3. Shares of Common Stock pursuant to a 3(i) Award shall not be issued, unless the Participant delivers to the Company payment in cash or by bank check or such other form acceptable to the Committee of all withholding taxes due, if any, on account of the Participant acquiring shares of Common Stock under the Award or the Participant provides other assurance satisfactory to the Committee of the payment of those withholding taxes.
5. AGREEMENT REGARDING TAXES; DISCLAIMER
5.1. If the Committee shall so require, as a condition of exercise of an Award or the release of shares of Common Stock by the Trustee, a Participant shall agree that, no later than the date of such occurrence, the Participant will pay to the Company (or the Trustee, as applicable) or make arrangements satisfactory to the Committee and the Trustee (if applicable) regarding payment of any applicable taxes and compulsory payments of any kind required by Applicable Law to be withheld or paid.
5.2. TAX LIABILITY. ALL TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER ANY APPLICABLE LAW WHICH MAY ARISE FROM THE GRANT OF ANY AWARDS OR THE EXERCISE THEREOF, THE SALE OR DISPOSITION OF ANY SHARES OF COMMON STOCK GRANTED HEREUNDER OR ISSUED UPON EXERCISE OR (IF APPLICABLE) VESTING OF ANY AWARD, THE ASSUMPTION, SUBSTITUTION, CANCELLATION OR PAYMENT IN LIEU OF AWARDS OR FROM ANY OTHER ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY TAXES AND COMPULSORY PAYMENTS, SUCH AS SOCIAL SECURITY OR HEALTH TAX PAYABLE BY THE PARTICIPANT OR THE COMPANY IN CONNECTION THEREWITH) SHALL BE BORNE AND PAID SOLELY BY THE PARTICIPANT, AND THE PARTICIPANT SHALL INDEMNIFY THE COMPANY, THE AFFILIATE AND THE TRUSTEE, AND SHALL HOLD THEM HARMLESS AGAINST AND FROM ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SUCH TAX OR PAYMENT OR ANY PENALTY, INTEREST OR INDEXATION THEREON. EACH PARTICIPANT AGREES TO, AND UNDERTAKES TO COMPLY WITH, ANY RULING, SETTLEMENT, CLOSING AGREEMENT OR OTHER SIMILAR AGREEMENT OR ARRANGEMENT WITH ANY TAX AUTHORITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING WHICH IS APPROVED BY THE COMPANY.
5.3. NO TAX ADVICE. THE PARTICIPANT IS ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH A TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF RECEIVING, EXERCISING OR DISPOSING OF AWARDS HEREUNDER. THE COMPANY DOES NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO ADVISE THE PARTICIPANT ON SUCH MATTERS, WHICH SHALL REMAIN SOLELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARTICIPANT.
5.4. TAX TREATMENT. THE COMPANY DOES NOT UNDERTAKE OR ASSUME ANY LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE EFFECT THAT ANY AWARD SHALL QUALIFY WITH ANY PARTICULAR TAX REGIME OR RULES APPLYING TO PARTICULAR TAX TREATMENT, OR BENEFIT FROM ANY PARTICULAR TAX TREATMENT OR TAX ADVANTAGE OF ANY TYPE AND THE COMPANY SHALL BEAR NO LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE MANNER IN WHICH ANY AWARD IS EVENTUALLY TREATED FOR TAX PURPOSES, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE AWARD WAS GRANTED OR WAS INTENDED TO QUALIFY UNDER ANY PARTICULAR TAX REGIME OR TREATMENT. THIS PROVISION SHALL SUPERSEDE ANY DESIGNATION OF AWARDS OR TAX QUALIFICATION INDICATED IN ANY CORPORATE RESOLUTION OR AWARD AGREEMENT, WHICH SHALL AT ALL TIMES BE SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF APPLICABLE LAW. THE COMPANY DOES NOT UNDERTAKE AND SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO TAKE ANY ACTION IN ORDER TO QUALIFY ANY AWARD WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF ANY PARTICULAR TAX TREATMENT AND NO INDICATION IN ANY DOCUMENT TO THE EFFECT THAT ANY AWARD IS INTENDED TO QUALIFY FOR ANY TAX TREATMENT SHALL IMPLY SUCH AN UNDERTAKING. NO ASSURANCE IS MADE BY THE COMPANY OR THE AFFILIATE THAT ANY PARTICULAR TAX TREATMENT ON THE DATE OF GRANT WILL CONTINUE TO EXIST OR THAT THE AWARD WILL QUALIFY AT THE TIME OF EXERCISE OR DISPOSITION THEREOF WITH ANY PARTICULAR TAX TREATMENT. THE COMPANY AND THE AFFILIATE SHALL NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY OR OBLIGATION OF ANY NATURE IN THE EVENT THAT AN AWARD DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR ANY PARTICULAR TAX TREATMENT, REGARDLESS WHETHER THE COMPANY COULD HAVE TAKEN ANY ACTION TO CAUSE SUCH QUALIFICATION TO BE MET AND SUCH QUALIFICATION REMAINS AT ALL TIMES AND UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES AT THE RISK OF THE PARTICIPANT. THE COMPANY DOES NOT UNDERTAKE OR ASSUME ANY LIABILITY TO CONTEST A DETERMINATION OR INTERPRETATION (WHETHER WRITTEN OR UNWRITTEN) OF ANY TAX AUTHORITY, INCLUDING IN RESPECT OF THE QUALIFICATION UNDER ANY PARTICULAR TAX REGIME OR RULES APPLYING TO PARTICULAR TAX TREATMENT. IF THE AWARDS DO NOT QUALIFY UNDER ANY PARTICULAR TAX TREATMENT IT COULD RESULT IN ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THE PARTICIPANT.
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5.5. The Company or the Affiliate may take such action as it may deem necessary or appropriate, in its discretion, for the purpose of or in connection with withholding of any taxes and compulsory payments which the Trustee, the Company or the Affiliate is required by any applicable law to withhold in connection with any Awards (collectively, “Withholding Obligations”). Such actions may include (i) requiring Participants to remit to the Company in cash an amount sufficient to satisfy such Withholding Obligations and any other taxes and compulsory payments, payable by the Company in connection with the Award or the exercise or (if applicable) vesting thereof; (ii) subject to applicable law, allowing the Participants to provide shares of Common Stock, in an amount that at such time, reflects a value that the Committee determines to be sufficient to satisfy such Withholding Obligations; (iii) withholding shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable upon the exercise of an Award at a value which is determined by the Committee to be sufficient to satisfy such Withholding Obligations; or (iv) any combination of the foregoing. The Company shall not be obligated to allow the exercise of any Award by or on behalf of a Participant until all tax consequences arising from the exercise of such Award are resolved in a manner acceptable to the Company.
5.6. Each Participant shall notify the Company in writing promptly and in any event within ten (10) days after the date on which such Participant first obtains knowledge of any tax bureau inquiry, audit, assertion, determination, investigation, or question relating in any manner to the Awards granted or received hereunder or shares of Common Stock issued thereunder and shall continuously inform the Company of any developments, proceedings, discussions and negotiations relating to such matter, and shall allow the Company and its representatives to participate in any proceedings and discussions concerning such matters. Upon request, a Participant shall provide to the Company any information or document relating to any matter described in the preceding sentence, which the Company, in its discretion, requires.
5.7. With respect to 102 Non-Trustee Awards, if the Participant ceases to be employed by the Company or any Affiliate, the Participant shall extend to the Company and/or the Affiliate with whom the Participant is employed a security or guarantee for the payment of taxes due at the time of sale of shares of Common Stock, all in accordance with the provisions of Section 102 and the Rules.
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6. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS AS A STOCKHOLDER
6.1. A Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock covered by an Award until the Participant exercises the Award, pays the exercise price therefor and becomes the record holder of the subject shares of Common Stock. In the case of 102 Awards or 3(i) Awards (if such Awards are being held by a Trustee), the Trustee shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock covered by such Award until the Trustee becomes the record holder for such Common Stock for the Participant’s benefit, and the Participant shall not be deemed to be a stockholder and shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock covered by the Award until the date of the release of such shares of Common Stock from the Trustee to the Participant and the transfer of record ownership of such shares of Common Stock to the Participant (provided however that the Participant shall be entitled to receive from the Trustee any cash dividend or distribution made on account of the shares of Common Stock held by the Trustee for such Participant’s benefit, subject to any tax withholding and compulsory payment). No adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash, securities or other property) or distribution of other rights for which the record date is prior to the date on which the Participant or Trustee (as applicable) becomes the record holder of the shares of Common Stock covered by an Award, except as provided in the Plan.
6.2. With respect to shares of Common Stock issued upon the exercise or (if applicable) vesting of Awards hereunder, any and all voting rights attached to such Common Stock shall be subject to the provisions of the Plan, and the Participant shall be entitled to receive dividends distributed with respect to such shares of Common Stock, subject to the provisions of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws, as amended from time to time, and subject to any applicable law (after deduction of all applicable tax payments).
7. Without derogating from the definition of “Fair Market Value” enclosed in the Plan and solely for the purpose of determining the tax liability pursuant to Section 102(b)(3) of the Ordinance, if at the date of grant the Company’s shares are listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system or if the Company’s shares will be registered for trading within 90 days following the date of grant of the CGOs, the fair market value of the Shares at the date of grant shall be determined in accordance with the average value of the Company’s shares on the 30 trading days preceding the date of grant or on the 30 trading days following the date of registration for trading, as the case may be.
8. GOVERNING LAW. The Plan shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Israel applicable to contracts made and to be performed therein, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws. Notwithstanding anything stated herein to the contrary, if and to the extent any issue or matter arises hereunder which involves the application of another jurisdiction or the requirements relating to the administration of share Awards of any stock exchange or quotation system, then such laws and requirements shall apply and shall govern such issues or matters, in accordance with any applicable laws. The competent courts of Tel-Aviv, Israel shall have sole jurisdiction to adjudicate any dispute that may arise in connection with the application, interpretation or enforcement of tax matters hereunder, including (without limitation) matters involving the Trustee and the Israeli tax consequences of the restriction of the Awards or the Shares in trust and the release and transfer of such Awards or Shares by the Trustee.
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