Zhongchao Inc 6-K, filed Aug 22, 2025
Zhongchao Inc. (ZCMD)
About this 6-K
Zhongchao Inc filed this 6-K on August 22, 2025.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO
RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of August 2025
Commission File Number: 001-39229
ZHONGCHAO INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Room 2504, OOCL Tower
841 Yan’an Middle Road
Jing’An District, Shanghai, China 200040
Tel: 021-32205987
(Address of Principal Executive Office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐
Adoption of 2025 Equity Incentive Plan
On August 4, 2025, the board of directors of Zhongchao Inc. (the “Company”) approved the adoption of the Company’s 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2025 Plan”), which became effective on the same day. The 2025 Plan provides for discretionary grants of, among the others, options, share appreciation right, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance units and performance shares to employees, directors and consultants of the Company. The number of ordinary shares that may be issued under the 2025 Plan is limited to 10,000,000 shares to be increased on the first trading day of each calendar year of the Company beginning on the first trading day in January 2026, by an amount equal to 2.0% of the total number of issued and outstanding ordinary shares as of the last trading day in the immediately preceding calendar year. Notwithstanding, the aggregate maximum number of ordinary shares that may be issue under the Plan is 50,000,000 shares.
Copy of the 2025 Plan is being furnished as Exhibit 4.1 with this Current Report on Form 6-K. The foregoing description of the 2025 Plan does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the 2025 Plan.
As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted, in lieu of certain requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market Marketplace Rules (the “Nasdaq Rules”) and subject to certain exceptions, to follow the practices of our home country, which for the purpose of such rules is the Cayman Islands, pursuant to the home country rule exemption set forth under Nasdaq Rules 5615(a)(3).
We elected to be exempt from the requirements under Nasdaq Rules 5635. Nasdaq Rules 5635 generally provides that shareholder approval is required prior to issuance (or potential issuance) of securities in relation to (i) the acquisition of the stock or assets of another company; (ii) equity-based compensation of officers, directors, employees or consultants; (iii) a change of control; and (iv) transactions other than public offerings whereby there is a 20% Issuance at a price that is less than the Minimum Price, as defined in Nasdaq Rules 5635(d). Our Cayman Islands counsel, Ogier, has provided a letter to Nasdaq certifying that under Cayman Islands law and our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, we are not prohibited from issuing securities without first obtaining shareholder approval where such issuance of securities otherwise requires shareholder approval under Nasdaq Rules 5635.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
This report on Form 6-K is hereby incorporated by reference in the registration statements of the Company on Form F-3 (No. 333-279667) and Form F-3 (No. 333-283916) to the extent not superseded by documents or reports subsequently filed or furnished.
EXHIBIT INDEX
| Exhibit No. | Description | |
| 4.1 | Zhongchao Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| Zhongchao Inc. | ||
| Date: August 22, 2025 | By: | /s/ Weiguang Yang |
| Weiguang Yang | ||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||
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Exhibit 4.1
ZHONGCHAO INC.
2025 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1. Purposes of the Plan. Zhongchao Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Company”) hereby establishes the Zhongchao Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The purpose of the Plan is to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation of shareholder value by (a) encouraging Employees, Directors and Consultants to focus on the Company’s performance, (b) encouraging the attraction and retention of Employees, Directors and Consultants with exceptional qualifications, and (c) providing incentives that align the interests of Employees, Directors and Consultants with those of the shareholders of the Company. The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Share Options, Nonstatutory Share Options, Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units, Share Appreciation Rights, Performance Units, and Performance Shares as the Administrator may determine.
2. Definitions. The following definitions will apply to the terms in the Plan:
“Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4.
“Affiliate” means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, business trust, or other entity or person controlling, controlled by or under common control of the Company, as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
“Applicable Laws” means the legal requirements relating to the Plan and the Awards under applicable provisions of the corporate, securities, tax and other laws, rules, regulations and government order, and the rules of any applicable stock exchange, of any jurisdiction applicable to Awards granted to residents therein.
“Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, SARs, Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units, Performance Units, and Performance Shares.
“Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted from time to time.
“Cause” means, with respect to a Participant, unless in the case of a particular Award, the particular Award Agreement states otherwise, (a) the Company or the relevant Subsidiary, having “cause,” “just cause” or term of similar meaning or import, to terminate a Participant’s employment or service, as defined in any employment, consulting or services agreement with the Participant in effect at the time of such termination, or (b) in the absence of any such employment, consulting or services agreement (or the absence of any definition of “cause,” “just cause” or term of similar meaning or import contained therein), the following events or conditions, as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion:
| (i) |
any commission of an act of theft, embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty, ethical breach or other similar acts, or commission of a criminal offense; |
| (ii) | any material breach of any agreement or understanding between the Participant and the Company or the relevant Subsidiary including, without limitation, any applicable intellectual property and/or invention assignment, employment, non-competition, confidentiality or other similar agreement or the Company’s or the relevant Subsidiary’s code of conduct or other workplace rules; |
| (iii) | any material misrepresentation or omission of any material fact in connection with the Participant’s employment with the Company or the relevant Subsidiary or service as a Service Provider; |
| (iv) | any material failure to perform the customary duties as an Employee or Director, to obey the reasonable directions of a supervisor or to abide by the policies or codes of conduct of the Company or the relevant Subsidiary or to satisfy the requirements or working standards of the Company or the relevant Subsidiary during any applicable probationary employment period; or |
| (v) | any conduct that is materially adverse to the name, reputation or interests of the Company or any Subsidiary. |
“Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
| (i) | Any transaction as a result of which any person is the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing at least 50% of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities. For purposes of this subsection (i), the term “person” shall have the same meaning as when used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act but shall exclude (A) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or of a Parent or Subsidiary, and (B) a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the shares of the Company. For purposes of this subsection (i), the acquisition of additional shares by any one person, who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the securities of the Company will not be considered an additional Change in Control; |
| (ii) | A change in the composition of the Board occurring within a two-year period, as a result of which fewer than a majority of the directors are Incumbent Directors. “Incumbent Directors” means directors who either (A) are Directors as of the effective date of the Plan, or (B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the Directors at the time of such election or nomination (except where such election or nomination is in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election of directors to the Company); |
| (iii) | The consummation of the sale, transfer or other disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, except with respect to a sale, transfer or other disposition of assets to a Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate; or |
| (iv) | The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity or any other corporate reorganization, if persons who were not shareholders of the Company immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or other reorganization own immediately after such merger, consolidation or other reorganization 50% or more of the voting power of the outstanding securities of each of (i) the continuing or surviving entity and, (ii) any direct or indirect Parent corporation of such continuing or surviving entity. |
For avoidance of doubt, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if: (i) its sole purpose is to change the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation, or (ii) its sole purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction. The foregoing notwithstanding, if the Award constitutes non-qualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, in no event shall a Change in Control be deemed to have occurred unless such change shall satisfy the definition of a change in control under Section 409A of the Code.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any reference in the Plan to a section of the Code will be a reference to any successor or amended section of the Code.
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“Committee” means a committee appointed by the Board that consists of one or more Board members or other individuals satisfying all Applicable Laws. As of the Effective Date, and until otherwise determined by the Board, the Compensation Committee of the Board will serve as the Committee.
“Company” means Zhongchao Inc., a Cayman Islands company, or any successor thereto. For purposes of the Plan, the term “Company” shall include any present or future Parent and Subsidiary.
“Consultant” means any person, including an advisor, but who is not an Employee or a Director, engaged by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to render services to such entity if: (i) such person renders bona fide services to the Company or any Subsidiary; (ii) the services rendered by such person are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities; and (iii) such person is a natural person who has contracted directly with the Company or any Subsidiary to render such services.
“Director” means a member of the Board or any board of directors (or similar governing authority) of any Subsidiary, including a non-employee Director.
“Disability” unless otherwise defined in an Award Agreement, means that the Participant qualifies to receive long-term disability payments under the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s long-term disability insurance program, as it may be amended from time to time, to which the Participant provides services regardless of whether the Participant is covered by such policy. If the Company or a Subsidiary to which the Participant provides service does not have a long-term disability plan in place, “Disability” means that a Participant is unable to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the position held by the Participant by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment for a period of not less than ninety (90) consecutive days. A Participant will not be considered to have incurred a Disability unless he or she furnishes proof of such impairment sufficient to satisfy the Administrator in its discretion.
“Employee” means any natural person employed by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Exercise Price” in the case of an Option, means the amount for which one Share may be purchased upon exercise of such Option, as specified in the applicable Option Award Agreement. “Exercise Price,” in the case of a SAR, means an amount, as specified in the applicable SAR Agreement, which is subtracted from the Fair Market Value of one Share in determining the amount payable upon exercise of such SAR.
“Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Shares determined as follows:
| (i) | If the Shares are listed on one or more established stock exchanges or national market systems, including without limitation, the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such Shares (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on the principal exchange or system on which the Shares are listed on the date of determination (or, if no closing sales price or closing bid was reported on that date, as applicable, on the last trading date such closing sales price or closing bid was reported), as reported on the website maintained by such exchange or market system or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; |
| (ii) | If the Shares are regularly quoted on an automated quotation system (including the OTC Bulletin Board) or by a recognized securities dealer, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such Shares as quoted on such system or by such securities dealer on the date of determination, but if selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Shares on the date of determination (or, if no such prices were reported on that date, on the last date such prices were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or |
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| (iii) | In the absence of an established market for the Shares of the type described in (i) and (ii) above, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined by the Administrator in good faith and in its discretion, and such determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons; provided that if an Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, then the Fair Market Value shall be determined in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. |
“Grant Date” means, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator completes the corporate action authorizing the grant of an Award or such later date specified by the Administrator, provided that conditions to the exercisability or vesting of Awards shall not defer the Grant Date. Notice of the Administrator’s determination to grant an Award will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the Grant Date.
“Incentive Share Option” or “ISO” means an Option that by its terms qualifies and is otherwise intended to qualify as an Incentive Share Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Memorandum and Articles of Association” means the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association effective February 29, 2024, and the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Association adopted on and effective December 18, 2024, including any amendments to either of the foregoing.
“Nonstatutory Share Option” or “NSO” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an ISO.
“Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Option” means a share option granted pursuant to the Plan.
“Optionee” means the holder of an outstanding Option.
“Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
“Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.
“Performance Period” means any fiscal year of the Company or such other period as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
“Performance Share” means an Award denominated in Shares which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine pursuant to Section 10 hereof.
“Period of Restriction” means the period during which Restricted Shares or Restricted Share Units are subject to forfeiture.
“Performance Unit” means an Award which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine and which may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing pursuant to Section 10 hereof.
“Plan” means this Zhongchao Inc. 2025 Equity Incentive Plan, as it may be amended from time to time.
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“Restricted Shares” means Shares awarded to a Participant subject to forfeiture in accordance with Section 7.
“Restricted Share Unit” or “RSU” means the right to receive one Share at or after the end of the Period of Restriction, which right is subject to forfeiture in accordance with Section 8 of the Plan.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
“Share” means an ordinary share in the Company, including Class A ordinary share, par value $0.001 per share, and Class B ordinary share, par value $0.001 per share, as adjusted in accordance with Section 11.
“Share Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means the right to receive payment from the Company in an amount no greater than the excess of the Fair Market Value of a Share at the date the SAR is exercised over a specified price fixed by the Administrator in the Award Agreement, which shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date. In the case of a SAR which is granted in connection with an Option, the specified price shall be the Option Exercise Price.
“Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
3. Shares Subject to the Plan.
| a. | Shares Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 3(b), Section 3(c) and Section 11, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is ten million (10,000,000). | |
| b. | Annual Increase. The number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan shall automatically increase on the first trading day in January of each calendar year during the term of the Plan, beginning on the first trading day in January 2026, by an amount equal to two percent (2%) of the total number of issued and outstanding ordinary shares of the Company as measured as of the last trading day in the immediately preceding calendar year (calculated on an as-converted basis, treating each Class B ordinary share as one Class A ordinary share for this purpose). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may act prior to January 1 of a given calendar year to provide that there will be no such increase in the Share reserve for that year or that the increase in the Share reserve for such year will be a lesser number of Shares than provided herein. | |
| c. | Maximum Limit During the Term of the Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3, and subject to the provisions of Section 11, during the term of the Plan the aggregate maximum number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan shall be 50,000,000 Shares. |
| d. | Shares Returned to Reserve. If Restricted Shares or Shares issued upon the exercise of an Award under the Plan are forfeited or repurchased, then such shares shall again become available for Awards under the Plan. Any Shares subject to an Award that expires or is canceled, forfeited, or terminated without issuance of the full number of Shares to which the Award related will again be available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following Shares shall not again become available for Awards or increase the number of Shares available for grant under the Plan: (i) Shares tendered by the Participant or withheld by the Company in payment of the purchase price of an Option issued under the Plan, (ii) Shares tendered by the Participant or withheld by the Company to satisfy any tax withholding obligation with respect to an Award, (iii) Shares repurchased by the Company with proceeds received from the exercise of an Option issued under the Plan, and (iv) Shares subject to a SAR issued under this Plan that are not issued in connection with the share settlement of that SAR upon its exercise. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment shall not reduce the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. |
| e. | Share Reserve. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. |
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4. Administration of the Plan.
| a. | Administrator. The Committee shall serve as Administrator of the Plan. The Committee shall consist of no less than two (2) non-employee directors who shall be appointed by the Board. The Committee shall be comprised solely of non-employee director who are (a) “outside directors” under Section 162(m) of the Code, (b) “non-employee directors” under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, and (c) who meet any listing standards prescribed by the principal securities market on which the Company’s equity securities are traded. |
| b. | Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan and the approval of any relevant authorities, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion: |
| i. | to determine the Fair Market Value; |
| ii. | to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder; |
| iii. | to determine the type of Award and number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder; |
| iv. | to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan; |
| v. | to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the Exercise Price, the time or times when Awards may be exercised (which may be based on continued employment, continued service or performance criteria), any vesting acceleration (whether by reason of a Change of Control or otherwise) or waiver of forfeiture, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine; |
| vi. | to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan, Awards granted pursuant to the Plan, and any Award Agreements, including the right to construe disputed or doubtful Plan, Award, or Award Agreement provisions; |
| vii. | to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan; |
| viii. | to modify or amend each Award to the extent any modification or amendment is consistent with the terms of the Plan, and does not materially impair the rights of any Participant unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company; |
| ix. | to allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations in such manner as prescribed in Section 12; |
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| x. | to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator; |
| xi. | to delay issuance of Shares or suspend Participant’s right to exercise an Award as deemed necessary to comply with Applicable Laws; |
| xii. | to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, to delegate, as it may deem appropriate, to one or more Officers of the Company the authority to grant Awards to Service Providers who are not Officers and Directors, and exercise such other powers under the Plan as the Administrator may determine, in accordance with such guidelines as the Administrator shall set forth at any time or from time to time; and |
| xiii. | to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan. |
| c. | Effect of Administrator’s Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards. Any decision or action taken or to be taken by the Administrator, arising out of or in connection with the construction, administration, interpretation and effect of the Plan and of its rules and regulations, shall, to the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Laws, be within its absolute discretion (except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan) and shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the Company, all Participants and any person claiming under or through any Participant. |
5. Provisions Appliable to Awards.
| a. | Eligibility. As determined by the Administrator, NSOs, Restricted Shares, Restricted Share Units, SARs, Performance Units, or Performance Shares may be granted to Service Providers either alone or in combination with any other Awards and ISOs may be granted to Employees of the Company, and of any Subsidiary. |
| b. | Award Agreement. Awards under the Plan shall be evidenced by Award Agreements that set forth the terms, conditions and limitations for each Award which may include the term of an Award, the provisions applicable in the event the Participant’s employment or service terminates, and the Company’s authority to unilaterally or bilaterally amend, modify, suspend, cancel or rescind an Award. |
| c. | Termination for Cause. Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, if a Participant’s employment or service is terminated for Cause, the Participant’s unexercised Awards will terminate upon such termination for Cause, whether or not the Award is then vested and/or exercisable. |
| d. | Transfer; Approved Leave of Absence. For purposes of the Plan, no termination of employment by an Employee shall be deemed to result from either (a) a transfer of employment to the Company from a Subsidiary or from the Company to a Subsidiary, or from one Subsidiary to another, or (b) an approved leave of absence for military service or sickness, or for any other purpose approved by the Company, if the Employee’s right to reemployment is guaranteed either by a statute or by contract or under the policy pursuant to which the leave of absence was granted or if the Administrator otherwise so provides in writing, in either case, except to the extent inconsistent with Section 409A of the Code if the applicable Award is subject thereto. |
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| e. | No Transferability; Limited Exception to Transfer Restrictions. |
| i. | Limits on Transfer. Unless otherwise expressly provided in (or pursuant to) this Section 5e, by Applicable Law and by the Award Agreement, as the same may be amended: |
| (a) | all Awards are non-transferable and will not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge; |
| (b) | Awards will be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant; and |
| (c) | amounts payable or shares issuable pursuant to an Award will be delivered only to (or for the account of), and, in the case of Shares, registered in the name of, the Participant. |
In addition, the shares shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
| ii. | Exceptions to Limits on Transfer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon notice to the Administrator no provision herein shall prevent or forbid transfers to a trust that was established solely for tax planning purposes and not for purposes of profit or commercial activity or, to one or more “family members” (as such term is defined in SEC Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) by gift or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order. |
| f. | Beneficiaries. Notwithstanding Section 5e, a Participant may, in the manner determined by the Administrator, designate a beneficiary to exercise the rights of the Participant and to receive any distribution with respect to any Award upon the Participant’s death. A beneficiary, legal guardian, legal representative, or other person claiming any rights pursuant to the Plan is subject to all terms and conditions of the Plan and any Award Agreement applicable to the Participant, except to the extent the Plan and Award Agreement otherwise provide, and to any additional restrictions deemed necessary or appropriate by the Administrator. If the Participant is married and resides in a community property state, a designation of a person other than the Participant’s spouse as his or her beneficiary with respect to more than 50% of the Participant’s interest in the Award shall not be effective without the prior written consent of the Participant’s spouse. If no beneficiary has been designated or survives the Participant, payment shall be made to the person entitled thereto pursuant to the Participant’s will or the laws of descent and distribution. Subject to the foregoing, a beneficiary designation may be changed or revoked by a Participant at any time provided the change or revocation is filed with the Administrator. |
| g. | Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall be issued and the Administrator shall determine, in its discretion, whether cash shall be given in lieu of fractional Shares or whether such fractional Shares shall be eliminated by rounding up or down as appropriate. |
| h. | Share Certificate. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates evidencing Shares pursuant to the exercise of any Award, unless and until the Administrator has determined, with advice of counsel, that the issuance and delivery of such Shares is in compliance with the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, all Applicable Laws, regulations of governmental authorities and, if applicable, the requirements of any exchange on which the Shares are listed or traded. All Share certificates delivered pursuant to the Plan are subject to any stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as the Administrator deems necessary or advisable to comply with all Applicable Laws, and the rules of any national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares are listed, quoted, or traded. The Administrator may place legends on any Share certificate to reference restrictions applicable to the Share. In addition to the terms and conditions provided herein, the Administrator may require that a Participant make such reasonable covenants, agreements, and representations as the Administrator, in its discretion, deems advisable in order to comply with any such laws, regulations, or requirements. The Administrator shall have the right to require any Participant to comply with any timing or other restrictions with respect to the settlement or exercise of any Award, including a window-period limitation, as may be imposed in the discretion of the Administrator. |
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| i. | Repricing. To the extent not prohibited by Appliable Laws (including any applicable stock exchange rule), the repricing or termination and subsequent repricing of Options or SARs at a lower purchase price per Share than the original grant is permitted without prior shareholder approval. The Administrator may authorize the Company to issue new Option or SAR Awards in exchange for the surrender and cancellation of any or all outstanding Awards, subject to the consent of any Participant whose rights would be impaired. The Administrator may at any time repurchase Options with payment in cash, Shares or other consideration, based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator and the Participant shall agree. |
6. Share Options.
| a. | Grant of Options. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Options to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator will determine in its sole discretion. |
| b. | Option Award Agreement. Each Option shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the type of Option granted, the Exercise Price, the exercise date, the term of the Option, the number of Shares to which the Option pertains, vesting criteria and such other terms and conditions (which need not be identical among Participants) as the Administrator shall determine in its sole discretion. |
| c. | Exercise Price. The Exercise Price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option will be no less than the Fair Market Value per Share on the Grant Date. Notwithstanding the above or any other provision of this Plan or any Award Agreement, Shares shall be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option at a price at least equal to their par value. |
| d. | Term of Options. The term of each Option will be stated in any Award Agreements. Unless terminated sooner in accordance with the Plan or Award Agreement, no Option shall be exercisable on or after the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date. |
| e. | Time and Form of Payment. |
| i. | Exercise Date. Each Award Agreement shall specify how and when Shares covered by an Option may be purchased. The Award Agreement may specify waiting periods, the dates on which Options become exercisable or “vested” and, subject to the termination provisions of the Option, exercise periods. The Administrator may accelerate the exercisability of any Option or portion thereof. |
| ii. | Exercise of Option. Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (1) notice of exercise (in such form as the Administrator shall specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (2) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with all applicable withholding taxes). Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan (together with all applicable withholding taxes). Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry in the register of members of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to the Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 11. |
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| iii. | Payment. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. |
| (1) | General Rule. The entire Exercise Price of Shares issued upon exercise of Options shall be payable in cash or cash equivalents at the time when such Shares are purchased, except that the Administrator at its sole discretion may accept payment of the Exercise Price in any other form(s) described in this Section 6.e.iii. However, if the Optionee is a Director or an Officer of the Company, he or she may pay the Exercise Price in a form other than cash or cash equivalents only to the extent permitted by Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act; |
| (2) | Surrender of Shares. With the Administrator’s consent, all or any part of the Exercise Price may be paid by surrendering, or attesting to the ownership of, Shares that are already owned by the Optionee. Such Shares shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date when the new Shares are purchased under the Plan. |
| (3) | Exercise/Sale. With the Administrator’s consent, all or any part of the Exercise Price and any withholding taxes may be paid by delivering (on a form prescribed by the Company) an irrevocable direction to a securities broker approved by the Company to sell all or part of the Shares being purchased under the Plan and to deliver all or part of the sales proceeds to the Company. |
| (4) | Promissory Note. With the Administrator’s consent, all or any part of the Exercise Price and any withholding taxes may be paid by delivering (on a form prescribed by the Company) a full-recourse promissory note that is consistent with Applicable Laws. |
| (5) | Other Forms of Payment. With the Administrator’s consent, all or any part of the Exercise Price and any withholding taxes may be paid in any other form that is consistent with Applicable Laws. |
| f. | Effects of Termination of Employment or Service on Options. Termination of employment or service shall have the following effects on Options granted to the Participants: |
| i. | Termination for Cause. Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, if a Participant’s employment or service is terminated by the Company or any Subsidiary for Cause, the Participant’s Options will terminate upon such termination, whether or not the Option is then vested and/or exercisable; |
| ii. | Death or Disability. Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, if a Participant’s employment or service terminates as a result of the Participant’s death or Disability: |
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(1) to the extent that such Options were vested and exercisable on the date of the Participant’s termination on account of death or Disability, the Participant (or his or her legal representative or beneficiary, in the case of the Participant’s Disability or death, respectively) may exercise his or her Option within such period of time ending on the earlier of (a) the date 12 months following such termination or (b) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after termination, the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement, the Option shall terminate; and
(2) the Options, to the extent not vested and exercisable on the date of the Participant’s termination of employment or service, shall terminate upon the Participant’s termination of employment or service on account of death or Disability.
| iii. | Other Terminations of Employment or Service. Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, if a Participant’s employment by or service to the Company or any Subsidiary terminates for any reason other than a termination by the Company or any Subsidiary for Cause or because of the Participant’s death or Disability: |
(1) to the extent that such Options were vested and exercisable on the date of the Participant’s such termination of employment or service, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time ending on the earlier of (a) the date 3 months following such termination or (b) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Award Agreement. If, after termination, the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein or in the Award Agreement, the Option shall terminate; and
(2) the Options, to the extent not vested and exercisable on the date of the Participant’s termination of employment or service, shall terminate upon the Participant’s termination of employment or service.
| j. | Forfeiture of Options. All unexercised Options shall be forfeited to the Company in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Award Agreement and again will become available for grant under the Plan. |
| h. | Incentive Share Options. Incentive Share Options may be granted to Employees of the Company or any Subsidiary. The terms of any Incentive Share Options granted pursuant to the Plan, must comply with the following additional provisions: |
| i. | Individual Dollar Limitation. The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time the Option is granted) of all Shares with respect to which Incentive Share Options are first exercisable by a Participant in any calendar year may not exceed $100,000 or such other limitation as imposed by Section 422(d) of the Code, or any successor provision. To the extent that Incentive Share Options are first exercisable by a Participant in excess of such limitation, the excess shall be considered Non-Qualified Share Options. |
| ii. | Exercise Price. The exercise price of an Incentive Share Option shall be equal to the Fair Market Value on the date of grant. However, the exercise price of any Incentive Share Option granted to any individual who, at the date of grant, owns Shares possessing more than ten percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company may not be less than 110% of Fair Market Value on the date of grant and such Option may not be exercisable for more than five years from the date of grant. |
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| iii. | Expiration of Incentive Share Options. No Award of an Incentive Share Option may be made pursuant to this Plan after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. |
| iv. | Right to Exercise. During a Participant’s lifetime, an Incentive Share Option may be exercised only by the Participant. |
7. Restricted Shares.
| a. | Grant of Restricted Shares. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Restricted Shares to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator will determine in its sole discretion. |
| b. | Restricted Shares Award Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Shares will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction, the number of Shares granted, the purchase price of the Shares, if any, and the means of payment for the Shares, vesting criteria, transferability restrictions, and such other terms and conditions (which need not be identical among Participants) as the Administrator will determine in its sole discretion. Restricted Shares granted pursuant to the Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Administrator shall determine. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Company shall instruct the transfer agent to register the Restricted Shares under the name of the Participants when the restrictions on such Restricted Shares have lapsed. If at the approval of the Administrator certificates representing Restricted Shares are registered in the name of the Participant before the restrictions on such Restricted Shares have lapsed, certificates must bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Shares, and the Company may, at its discretion, retain physical possession of the certificate until such time as all applicable restrictions lapse. |
| c. | Terms and Conditions. |
| i. | Vesting Conditions. During the Period of Restriction, Restricted Shares shall be subject to forfeiture arising on the basis of such conditions as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion. Any such risk of forfeiture may be waived or terminated, or the Period of Restriction shortened, at any time by the Administrator on such basis as it deems appropriate. |
| ii. | Sale Price. Restricted Shares may be sold or awarded under the Plan for such consideration as the Administrator may determine, including (without limitation) cash, cash equivalents, property, full-recourse promissory notes, past services and future services. If the Participant is a Director or an Officer of the Company, he or she may pay for Restricted Shares with a promissory note only to the extent permitted by Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act. Within the limitations of the Plan, the Administrator may accept the cancellation of outstanding Options or SARs in return for the grant of Restricted Shares. |
| iii. | No Voting or Dividend Rights. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, until the restrictions on the Restricted Shares have lapsed, no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder will exist with respect to the Restricted Shares. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, no adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date when the restrictions on the Restricted Shares have lapsed, except as provided in Section 11. |
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| iv. | Transferability. Except as provided in the Plan, Restricted Shares may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction. |
| d. | Removal of Restrictions. All restrictions imposed on Restricted Shares shall lapse and the Period of Restriction shall end upon the satisfaction of the vesting conditions imposed by the Administrator. Restricted Shares not previously forfeited will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction or at such other time as the Administrator may determine. The Administrator (in its discretion) may establish procedures regarding the release of Shares from escrow and the removal of legends, as necessary or appropriate to minimize administrative burdens on the Company. |
8. Restricted Share Units.
| a. | Grant of Restricted Share Units. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Restricted Share Units to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator will determine in its sole discretion. |
| b. | Restricted Share Units Award Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Share Units will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the number of Restricted Share Units granted, vesting criteria, form of payout, vesting criteria and such other terms and conditions (which need not be identical among Participants) as the Administrator will determine in its sole discretion. The Administrator may include among such conditions the requirement that the performance of the Company or a business unit of the Company for a specified period of time. |
| c. | Vesting Conditions. During the Period of Restriction, Restricted Shares Units shall be subject to forfeiture arising on the basis of such conditions as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion. Any such risk of forfeiture may be waived or terminated, or the Period of Restriction shortened, at any time by the Administrator on such basis as it deems appropriate. |
| d. | Time and Form of Payment. Upon satisfaction of the applicable vesting conditions, payment of vested Restricted Share Units shall occur in the manner and at the time provided in the Award Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, Restricted Share Units may be paid in cash (equal to the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares underlying the vested Restricted Share Units), Shares, or a combination thereof at the sole discretion of the Administrator. Restricted Share Units that are fully paid in cash will not reduce the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. |
| e. | No Voting or Dividend Rights. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry in the register of members of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to the Restricted Share Units. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 11. |
9. Share Appreciation Rights.
| a. | Grant of SARs. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant SARs to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator will determine in its sole discretion. |
| b. | Award Agreement. Each SAR grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the number of Shares underlying the SAR grant, the term of the SAR, the conditions of exercise, vesting criteria and such other terms and conditions (which need not be identical among Participants) as the Administrator will determine in its sole discretion. |
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| c. | Exercise Price and Other Terms. The Exercise Price for the exercise of an SAR will be no less than the Fair Market Value per Share on the Grant Date. No SAR shall be exercisable on or after the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date. Notwithstanding the above or any other term in this Plan or any Award Agreement, Shares shall be issued pursuant to exercise of an SAR at a price at least equal to their par value. |
| d. | Time and Form of Payment of SAR Amount. Upon exercise of a SAR, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount no greater than: (i) the difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price; times (ii) the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised. An Award Agreement may provide for a SAR to be paid in cash, Shares of equivalent value, or a combination thereof. |
10. Performance Units and Performance Shares.
| a. | Grant of Performance Units/Shares. Performance Units and Performance Shares may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time, as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator will have complete discretion in determining the number of Performance Units/Shares granted to each Participant. |
| b. | Value of Performance Units/Shares. Each Performance Unit will have an initial value that is established by the Administrator on or before the date of grant. Each Performance Share will have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant. |
| c. | Performance Objectives and Other Terms. The Administrator will set performance objectives or other vesting provisions. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, business unit, or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment), or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion. Each Award of Performance Units/Shares will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. |
| d. | Earning of Performance Units/Shares. After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units/Shares will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Performance Units/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives or other vesting provisions have been achieved. After the grant of a Performance Unit/Share, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for such Performance Unit/Share. |
| e. | Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares. Payment of earned Performance Units/Shares will be made as soon as practicable after the expiration of the applicable Performance Period. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Units/Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the value of the earned Performance Units/Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or in a combination thereof. |
| f. | Cancellation of Performance Units/Shares. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Units/Shares will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for grant under the Plan. |
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11. Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control.
| a. | Adjustments. In the event of any dividend, share split, combination or exchange of Shares, amalgamation, arrangement or consolidation, spin-off, recapitalization or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to its shareholders, or any other change affecting the Shares or the share price of a Share, the Administrator shall make such proportionate adjustments, if any, as the Administrator in its discretion may deem appropriate to reflect such change with respect to (i) the aggregate number and type of shares that may be issued under the Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section 3); (ii) the terms and conditions of any outstanding Awards (including, without limitation, any applicable performance targets or criteria with respect thereto); and (iii) the grant or exercise price per share for any outstanding Awards under the Plan. |
| b. | Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action. |
| c. | Change in Control. In the event of a Change in Control, all outstanding Awards shall be treated as the Administrator (in its discretion) determines, which need provide for treatment of all outstanding Awards (or a portion thereof) in an identical manner and may be effected without consent of a Participant. Such treatment shall provide for one or more of the following: |
| (i) | The Administrator shall have the discretion, exercisable either at the time an Award is granted or at any time the Award remains outstanding, to provide for automatic acceleration of vesting upon occurrence of a Change in Control, whether or not the Award is assumed or replaced in the Change in Control, or in connection with a termination of a Participant’s Service following a Change in Control. |
| (ii) | The assumption of any outstanding Awards by the surviving, continuing, successor or purchasing entity or its Parent, provided that the assumption of Options or SARs shall comply with section 424(a) of the Code (whether or not the Options are ISOs). |
| (iii) | The substitution by the surviving corporation or its Parent of new awards for any outstanding Awards, provided that the substitution of Options or SARs shall comply with section 424(a) of the Code (whether or not the Options are ISOs). |
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| (iv) | Full exercisability of any outstanding Options and SARs and full vesting of the number of Shares subject to such Options and SARs, followed by the cancellation of such Options and SARs. The full exercisability of any Options and SARs and full vesting of such number of Shares may be contingent on the closing of the Change in Control. The Optionees shall be able to exercise such Options and SARs during a period preceding the closing date of the Change in Control. Any exercise of such Options and SARs during such period may be contingent on the closing of the Change in Control. |
| (v) | The cancellation of any outstanding Options and SARs and a payment to the Optionees equal to the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of the number of Shares subject to such Options and SARs (whether or not such Options and SARs are then exercisable or such number of Shares are then vested) as of the closing date of such Change in Control over (ii) their Exercise Price. Such payment shall be made in the form of cash, cash equivalents, or securities of the surviving corporation or its Parent with a Fair Market Value equal to the required amount. Such payment may be made in installments and may be deferred until the date or dates when such Options and SARs would have become exercisable or such number of Shares would have vested. Such payment may be subject to vesting based on the Optionee’s continuing Service, provided that the vesting schedule shall not be less favorable to the Optionee than the schedule under which such Options and SARs would have become exercisable or such number of Shares would have vested. If the Exercise Price of the number of Shares subject to such Options and SARs exceeds the Fair Market Value of such number of Shares, then such Options and SARs may be cancelled without making a payment to the Optionees. For purposes of this subsection (v), the Fair Market Value of any security shall be determined without regard to any vesting conditions that may apply to such security. |
| (vi) | The cancellation of any outstanding Restricted Share Units and a payment to the Participants equal to the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to such Restricted Share Units (whether or not such Restricted Share Units are then vested) as of the closing date of such Change in Control. Such payment shall be made in the form of cash, cash equivalents, or securities of the surviving corporation or its Parent with a Fair Market Value equal to the required amount. Such payment may be made in installments and may be deferred until the date or dates when such Restricted Share Units would have vested. Such payment may be subject to vesting based on the Participant’s continuing Service, provided that the vesting schedule shall not be less favorable to the Participant than the schedule under which such Restricted Share Units would have vested. For purposes of this subsection (vi), the Fair Market Value of any security shall be determined without regard to any vesting conditions that may apply to such security. |
12. Taxes. No Shares or cash shall be delivered under the Plan to any Participant until such Participant has made arrangements acceptable to the Administrator for the satisfaction of any income and employment tax withholding obligations under Applicable Laws. The Company or any Subsidiary shall have the authority and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy all applicable taxes (including the Participant’s payroll tax obligations) required or permitted by Applicable Law to be withheld with respect to any taxable event concerning a Participant arising as a result of this Plan. The Administrator may in its discretion and in satisfaction of the foregoing requirement allow a Participant to elect to have the Company withhold Shares otherwise issuable under an Award (or allow the return of Shares) having a Fair Market Value equal to the sums required to be withheld. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the number of Shares which may be withheld with respect to the issuance, vesting, exercise or payment of any Award (or which may be repurchased from the Participant of such Award after such Shares were acquired by the Participant from the Company) in order to satisfy all of the Participant’s income and payroll tax liabilities with respect to the issuance, vesting, exercise or payment of the Award shall, unless specifically approved by the Administrator, be limited to the number of Shares which have a Fair Market Value on the date of withholding or repurchase equal to the aggregate amount of such liabilities based on the minimum statutory income and payroll tax withholding rates that are applicable to such supplemental taxable income under Applicable Laws.
13. Grants to Foreign Nationals. Awards may be granted to Service Providers who are foreign nationals or employed outside the United States, or both, on such terms and conditions different from those applicable to grants to Services Providers in the United States as in the judgment of the Administrator may be necessary or desirable in order to recognize differences in local law or tax policy, and such Awards shall be considered granted pursuant to a non-U.S. sub-plan. The Administrator also may impose conditions on the exercise or vesting of Awards in order to minimize the Company’s obligation with respect to tax equalization for employees on assignments outside their home country.
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14. No Rights to Awards. No Participant, employee, or other person shall have any claim to be granted any Award pursuant to the Plan, and neither the Company nor the Administrator is obligated to treat Participants, employees, and other persons uniformly.
15. No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon any Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider with the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
16. Effective Date. The Plan is effective as of the date it is adopted and approved by the Board in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (the “Effective Date”). The Company will obtain shareholder approval of the Plan only to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws (including any applicable exchange rule).
17. Term of Plan. The Plan will expire on, and no Award may be granted pursuant to the Plan after, the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. Any Awards that are outstanding on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date shall remain in force according to the terms of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.
18. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
| a. | Amendment and Termination. The Board in its sole discretion may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan. |
| b. | Shareholder Approval. The Company will obtain shareholder approval of any Plan amendment only to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws (including any applicable exchange rule). |
| c. | Effect of Amendment or Termination. Except with respect to amendments made to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws (including any applicable stock exchange rules), no termination, amendment, or modification of the Plan shall adversely affect in any material way any Award previously granted pursuant to the Plan without the prior written consent of the Participant. |
19. Government and Other Regulations. The obligation of the Company to make payment of awards in Shares or otherwise shall be subject to all Applicable Laws and to such approvals by government agencies as may be required. The Company shall be under no obligation to register any of the Shares paid pursuant to the Plan under the Securities Act or any other similar law in any applicable jurisdiction. If the Shares paid pursuant to the Plan may in certain circumstances be exempt from registration pursuant to the Securities Act or other Applicable Laws, the Company may restrict the transfer of such Shares in such manner as it deems advisable to ensure the availability of any such exemption. In addition, the Administrator may delay or suspend the issuance and delivery of Shares, suspend the exercise of Options or SARs, or suspend the Plan as necessary to comply with Applicable Laws. Shares will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority will not have been obtained.
20. Corporate Restrictions on Rights in Shares. Any Shares to be issued pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan shall be subject to all restrictions upon the transfer thereof which may be now or hereafter imposed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association. In addition, either at the time an Award is granted or by subsequent action, the Administrator may, but need not, impose such restrictions, conditions or limitations as it determines appropriate as to the timing and manner of any resales or other subsequent transfers by a Participant, or a holder of Shares acquired pursuant to the Plan, of any Share issued under an Award, including without limitation (a) restrictions under an insider trading policy, (b) restrictions designed to delay and/or coordinate the timing and manner of transfers, sales or otherwise dispositions by the Participant(s) (e.g., a lock-up arrangement with an underwriter of the Company), and (c) restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales or other transfers.
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21. Clawback Policy. Awards granted under the Plan and any gross proceeds received by Participants with respect to Awards granted under the Plan shall be subject to the Company’s clawback policy, as amended from time to time, to comply with regulations related to recoupment or clawback of compensation adopted pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the listing standards of any national securities exchange on which the Company’s securities are listed or any other applicable law, rule, or regulation. Clawback can, if applicable and where permitted by applicable local law, be made by deducting payments that will be due in the future (including salary, bonuses, and other forms of compensation). A Participant’s acceptance of an Award under the Plan shall constitute such Participant’s acknowledgement and recognition that the Participant’s compliance with this Section 21 is a condition for the Participant’s receipt of the Award.
22. 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 New York, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws.
23. Section 409A. To the extent that the Administrator determines that any Award granted under the Plan is or may become subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Award Agreement evidencing such Award shall incorporate the terms and conditions required by Section 409A of the Code. To the extent applicable, the Plan and the Award Agreements shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and the U.S. Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretative guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulation or other guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event that following the Effective Date the Administrator determines that any Award may be subject to Section 409A of the Code and related U.S. Department of Treasury guidance (including such U.S. Department of Treasury guidance as may be issued after the Effective Date), the Administrator may adopt such amendments to the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Administrator determines is necessary or appropriate to (a) exempt the Award from Section 409A of the Code and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided with respect to the Award, or (b) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and related U.S. Department of Treasury guidance.
Adopted by the Board of Directors on August 4, 2025.
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