UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
The board of directors of Gogo Inc. (the “Company”) previously adopted, subject to stockholder approval, (i) the 2024 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2024 ESPP”), which replaces the Company’s prior employee stock purchase plan that expired according to its terms on June 26, 2023, and (ii) the 2024 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2024 Plan”), which replaces the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The Company’s stockholders approved each of the 2024 ESPP and the 2024 Plan at the Company’s 2024 annual meeting of stockholders held on June 4, 2024 (the “2024 Annual Meeting”). The 2024 ESPP and the 2024 Plan each became effective as of the date of such stockholder approval.
The material features of the 2024 ESPP and the 2024 Plan are described in the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for the 2024 Annual Meeting (the “2024 Proxy Statement”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in the sections titled “Proposal 3: Approval of the 2024 Employee Stock Purchase Plan” and “Proposal 4: Approval of the 2024 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan,” which are incorporated herein by reference. Such descriptions are qualified entirely by reference to the 2024 ESPP and the 2024 Plan, copies of which are filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 5.07 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
On June 4, 2024, the Company held its 2024 Annual Meeting. Stockholders representing 118,131,662 shares, or 92.26%, of the Company’s common stock outstanding as of the April 5, 2024 record date were present in person or were represented at the meeting by proxy. Each proposal subject to a vote at the 2024 Annual Meeting was described in detail in the Company’s 2024 Proxy Statement. At the Annual Meeting, five items were acted upon by the stockholders. Final voting results are shown below.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Stockholders elected each of the following Class II directors to serve a three-year term expiring at the Company’s 2027 annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
NOMINEE |
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FOR |
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WITHHOLD |
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BROKER NON-VOTES |
Michele Coleman Mayes |
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91,440,583 |
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10,387,717 |
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16,303,362 |
Harris N. Williams |
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100,329,865 |
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1,498,435 |
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16,303,362 |
PROPOSAL 2
ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Stockholders approved the non-binding advisory resolution approving 2023 executive compensation.
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VOTES FOR |
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100,541,683 |
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VOTES AGAINST |
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1,208,108 |
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ABSTENTIONS |
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78,509 |
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BROKER NON-VOTES |
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16,303,362 |
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PROPOSAL 3
VOTE TO APPROVE 2024 ESPP
Stockholders approved the 2024 ESPP.
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VOTES FOR |
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101,680,903 |
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VOTES AGAINST |
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138,692 |
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ABSTENTIONS |
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8,705 |
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BROKER NON-VOTES |
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16,303,362 |
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PROPOSAL 4
VOTE TO APPROVE 2024 PLAN
Stockholders approved the 2024 Plan.
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VOTES FOR |
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100,476,796 |
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VOTES AGAINST |
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1,325,802 |
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ABSTENTIONS |
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25,702 |
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BROKER NON-VOTES |
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16,303,362 |
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PROPOSAL 5
RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Stockholders ratified the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.
VOTES FOR |
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117,848,819 |
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VOTES AGAINST |
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256,302 |
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ABSTENTIONS |
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26,541 |
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Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No. |
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Description |
10.1# |
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10.2# |
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104 |
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Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). |
# Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
GOGO INC.
By: /s/ Crystal L. Gordon
Crystal L. Gordon
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Administrative Officer, and Secretary
Date: June 6, 2024
Exhibit 10.1
GOGO INC.
2024 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Article I
Purpose
Purpose
The purpose of the Gogo Inc. 2024 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) is to provide Employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase Common Stock of the Company through payroll deductions or contributions. This Plan includes two components: a Code Section 423 Component (the “423 Component”) and a non-Code Section 423 Component (the “Non-423 Component”). It is intention of the Company to have the 423 Component qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Accordingly, the provisions of the 423 Component shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code. In addition, this Plan authorizes the grant of Share Purchase Rights under the Non-423 Component that do not qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code; such Share Purchase Rights shall be granted pursuant to rules, procedures or subplans adopted by the Committee designed to achieve tax, securities laws or other objectives for Employees and the Company. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Non-423 Component will be operated and administered in the same manner as the 423 Component.
Article II
Definitions
Definitions
Whenever used herein, the following terms shall have the respective meanings set forth below:
(a)
“Acquisition Date” means the last day of each Offering Period at which time the Shares subject to a Share Purchase Right granted under the Plan may be purchased by or on behalf of the Participant.
(b)
“Administrator” means, as applicable, the Board or any committee of the Board designated by the Board to administer the Plan. If the Board or any such committee delegates administrative authority hereunder to any other person or group of persons pursuant to Section 10.2, such person or group of persons shall be deemed to be the Administrator hereunder to such extent, except that further delegation by such persons shall not be permitted hereunder.
(c)
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with, such Person where “control” shall have the meaning given such term under Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
(d)
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(i)
“Change in Control” shall mean: the acquisition by any person, entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2), of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either the then outstanding equity interests in the Company or the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or
(ii)
the consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, in each case with respect to which the persons who held equity interests in the Company immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale do not immediately thereafter own, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the surviving or resulting corporation or other entity; provided, however , that any such transaction consummated in connection with, or for the purpose of facilitating, a underwritten public offering shall not constitute a Change in Control hereunder;
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in each case, provided that such event constitutes a “change in control” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to occur if the Company files for bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization under the United States Bankruptcy Code or as a result of any restructuring that occurs as a result of any such proceeding.
(e)
“Change in Control Date” shall mean the first date as of which a Change in Control occurs.
(f)
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(g)
“Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company and such other stock or securities into which such common stock is hereafter converted or for which such common stock is exchanged.
(h)
“Company” means Gogo Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.
(i)
“Compensation” means the base salary or wages and overtime of an Employee. Compensation shall be determined prior to the Employee’s pre-tax contributions pursuant to Section 125 or 401(k) of the Code. If determined by the Administrator, other forms of compensation may be included in or excluded from the definition of Compensation as permitted by Section 423 of the Code.
(j)
“Contribution” means the amount of an after-tax payroll deduction an Employee has made, as set out in such Employee’s payroll deduction authorization form or direct contributions made by the Employee where permitted for the Non-423 Component. If the Administrator so determines, a Contribution for Employees on a Company-approved leave of absence shall include a cash contribution equal to the amount of the after-tax payroll deduction an Employee would have made if such Employee had been receiving Compensation during the Company-approved leave of absence.
(k)
“Designated Subsidiary” means the Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Company that have been designated from time to time by the Administrator in its sole discretion as eligible to participate in the Plan.
(l)
“Effective Date” means the date on which the Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company, which date shall be within the twelve months before or after the date the Plan is approved by the Board.
(m)
“Employee” means any individual who is treated as an active employee in the records of, the Company or any Designated Subsidiary, regardless of any subsequent reclassification by the Company or by any Designated Subsidiary, any governmental agency, or any court. For purposes of the 423 Component, the employment relationship shall be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on military or sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence approved by the Company or Designated Subsidiary and meeting the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.421-1(h)(2). For purposes of the 423 Component, where the period of leave exceeds three (3) months and the individual’s right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by contract, the employment relationship shall be deemed to have terminated on the first day immediately following such three (3)-month period. The employment relationship shall be treated as continuing intact where an Employee transfers employment between the Company and/or Designated Subsidiaries; provided, however, that an individual who is not employed by the Company or a Designated Subsidiary on the Offer Date and through a date that is no more than three (3) months prior to the Acquisition Date will participate only in the Non-423 Component unless the individual continues to have a right to reemployment with the Company or a Designated Subsidiary provided by statute or contract or in a written policy of the Company which provides for a right of reemployment following the leave of absence. The Committee shall establish rules to govern other transfers into the 423 Component, and between any separate offerings established thereunder, consistent with the applicable requirements of Section 423 of the Code.
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(n)
“Fair Market Value” of a Share as of any date of determination shall be:
(i)
If the Company Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, the closing price for such date per share of Company Common Stock as reported on such stock exchange or system;
(ii)
If there are no transactions in the Company Common Stock that are available on any date of determination pursuant to clause (a), but transactions are available to the Company as of the immediately preceding trading date, then the Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the immediately preceding trading date; or
(iii)
If neither Clause (a) nor clause (b) shall apply on any date of determination, then the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Administrator with reference to (x) the most recent valuation of the Company Common Stock performed by an independent valuation consultant or appraiser of nationally recognized standing, if any, (y) sales prices of securities issued to investors in any recent arm’s length transactions, and (z) any other factors determined to be relevant by the Administrator.
(o)
“Offer Date” means the first day of each Offering Period.
(p)
“Offering Period” means a period of time specified by the Administrator, consistent with Section 423 of the Code, beginning on the Offer Date and ending on the Acquisition Date, which, in any event, shall not be more than twenty-seven (27) months after the Offer Date.
(q)
“Participant” means an Employee who becomes a participant in the Plan pursuant to Article V.
(r)
“Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture, governmental authority or any other entity of whatever nature.
(s)
“Purchase Price” means the purchase price per Share subject to the Share Purchase Right determined pursuant to Section 6.3.
(t)
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(u)
“Share” means a share of Common Stock.
(v)
“Share Purchase Right” means a right that entitles the holder to purchase from the Company a stated number of Shares in accordance with, and subject to, the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(w)
“Subsidiary” of an entity means any corporation in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with such entity if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain then owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
Article III
Available Shares and Adjustments
Available Shares and Adjustments
Section 3.1
Available Shares. Subject to adjustments as provided in this Article III, the maximum number of Shares available for purchase under the Plan on or after the Effective Date is 700,000 Shares. Shares issued under the Plan may be authorized but unissued Shares, Shares held in treasury or reacquired Common Stock. The limitations set forth in this section apply to purchases of Shares under either the 423 Component or the Non-423 Component.
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Section 3.2
Adjustments.
(a)
Changes in Capitalization. If and to the extent necessary or appropriate to reflect any stock dividend, extraordinary dividend, stock split or share recombination or any recapitalization, merger, consolidation, exchange of shares, spin-off, liquidation or dissolution of the Company or other similar transaction affecting the Company Common Stock (each, a “Corporate Event”), the Administrator shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable to prevent the diminution or enlargement or the rights of the Company and Participants hereunder by reason of such Corporate Event, adjust any or all of the number and kind of Shares (or other securities or property) with respect to which a Share Purchase Right may be granted under the Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section 3.1 on the maximum number and kind of Shares that may be issued under the Plan). All determinations and adjustments made by the Administrator in good faith pursuant to this Section 3.2 shall be final and binding on the affected Participants and the Company. Any adjustment of a Share Purchase Right pursuant to this Section 3.2 shall be effected in compliance with Section 423 of the Code.
(b)
Change in Control. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, in the event of a Change in Control of the Company, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may take whatever action it deems necessary or appropriate in connection therewith, including, but not limited to (i) shortening any Offering Period then in progress such that the Acquisition Date is on or prior to the Change in Control Date, (ii)shortening any Offering Period then in progress and refunding any amounts accumulated in a Participant’s account for such Offering Period, (iii) cancelling all outstanding Share Purchase Rights as of the Change in Control Date and paying each holder thereof an amount equal to the difference between the per Share Fair Market Value as of the Change in Control Date and the Purchase Price determined in accordance with Section 6.3, or (iv) for each outstanding Share Purchase Right, granting a substitute right to purchase shares in accordance with Section 424 of the Code. Nothing in this Section 3.2(b) shall affect in any way the Company’s right to terminate the Plan at any time pursuant to Section 10.7 or 10.8.
(c)
Insufficient Shares. If the Administrator determines that, on a given Acquisition Date, the number of Shares that may be purchased under the outstanding Share Purchase Rights for the applicable Offering Period may exceed (i) the number of Shares that were available for issuance under the Plan on the Offer Date of the applicable Offering Period or (ii) the number of Shares available for sale under the Plan on such Acquisition Date, including but not limited to by reason of a limitation on the maximum number of Shares that may be purchased set by the Administrator pursuant to Section 6.2(a) or (b), the Administrator shall make a pro rata allocation of the Shares available for issuance on such Acquisition Date in as uniform a manner as shall be practicable and as it shall determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all Participants purchasing Shares on such Acquisition Date, and unless additional Shares are authorized for issuance under the Plan, no further Offering Periods shall take place and the Plan shall terminate pursuant to Section 10.7 hereof. If the Plan is so terminated, then the balance of the amount credited to the Participant’s account which has not been applied to the purchase of Shares shall be paid to such Participant in one lump sum in cash as soon as reasonably practicable without any interest thereon. The Company may make a pro rata allocation of the Shares available on the Offer Date of any applicable Offering Period pursuant to the first sentence of this section, notwithstanding any authorization of additional Shares for issuance under the Plan by the Company’s shareholders subsequent to such Offer Date.
Article IV
Eligibility
Eligibility
Section 4.1
Eligible Employees. Any person who is an Employee of the Company or a Designated Subsidiary as of the Offer Date for a given Offering Period shall be eligible to participate in the Plan for such Offering Period, subject to the requirements of this Article IV and for the 423 Component, the limitations imposed by Section 423(b) of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator
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may, on a prospective basis, (i) exclude from participation in the Plan Employees (a) whose customary employment is for not more than 20 hours per week or five months per year or (b) who are citizens or residents of a non-U.S. jurisdiction if grant of a Share Purchase Right under the Plan is prohibited under the laws of such non-U.S. jurisdiction or compliance with the laws of such non-U.S. jurisdiction would cause the Plan or any actions under the Plan to violate Section 423 of the Code and (ii) impose a generally applicable eligibility service requirement of up to two years of employment. The Administrator may also determine that a designated group of highly compensated employees (within the meaning of Section 414(q) of the Code) are ineligible to participate in the 423 Component.
Section 4.2
Five Percent Shareholders. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, no Employee shall be eligible to participate in the Plan if, after giving effect to the grant of a Share Purchase Right in the next Offering Period, the Employee (or any other person whose stock would be attributed to the Employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) owns and/or holds Common Stock and outstanding rights to purchase Common Stock possessing, in the aggregate, five percent or more of the total combined voting power or value of all issued and outstanding stock of the Company.
Article V
Participation
Participation
Section V.1 An eligible Employee may become a Participant in the Plan by completing a payroll deduction authorization form, direct contribution forms, and any other required enrollment documents provided by the Administrator (including, Participants’ joint UK National Insurance Contributions election) or its designee and submitting them to the Administrator or its designee in accordance with the rules established by the Administrator. The enrollment documents, which may be in electronic form, shall set forth the portion of the Participant’s Compensation, including any minimum or maximum Contribution percentage and any minimum or maximum percentage increments, to be paid as Contributions pursuant to the Plan. An Employee’s payroll deduction authorization shall become effective on the Offer Date. Amounts deducted from a Participant’s Compensation pursuant to this Article V shall be credited to the Participant’s Plan account. No interest shall be payable on the amounts credited to the Participant’s Plan account.
Section V.2 A Participant’s election to participate in the Plan with respect to an Offering Period shall enroll such Participant in the Plan for each successive Offering period at the same payroll deduction or contribution percentages as in effect at the termination of the prior Offering Period, unless (i) such Participant delivers to the Company a different election with respect to the successive Offering Period by such time and in such manner as is designated by the Administrator for enrollment in the Plan for such successive Offering Period, (ii) such Participant withdraws from the Plan pursuant to Article IX or becomes ineligible for participation in the Plan or (iii) the Administrator determines that elections for all Participants shall cease at the end of an applicable Offering Period.
Section V.3 Each Employee who is granted a Share Purchase Right under the 423 Component for any Offering Period shall have the same rights and privileges as all other Employees granted Share Purchase Rights under the Plan for such Offering Period.
Article VI
Share Purchase Rights
Share Purchase Rights
Section 6.1
Number of Shares. Each eligible Employee who on the Offer Date is a Participant participating in such Offering Period shall be granted a Share Purchase Right to purchase Shares on the Acquisition Date for such Offering Period. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 6.2, the number of Shares subject to such Share Purchase Right shall be the number of whole Shares determined by dividing the Purchase Price into the balance credited to the Participant’s account as of the Acquisition Date.
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Section 6.2
Limitation on Purchases. Participant purchases are subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3.2(c) and to the following limitations:
(a)
Offering Period Limitation. Subject to the calendar year limits provided in Section 6.2(b), the Administrator shall have the right to set a maximum value of Shares that a Participant shall have the right to purchase or a maximum Contribution percentage of the Participant’s Compensation earned during such Offering Period that the Participant may use to purchase Shares in any Offering Period pursuant to a Share Purchase Right or right intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Code. The Administrator may also set a maximum aggregate number of Shares or maximum aggregate Fair Market Value of Shares that may be purchased pursuant to Share Purchase Rights with respect to any Offering Period or on any Acquisition Date (subject to the $25,000 limitation in Section 6.2(b)).
(b)
Calendar Year Limitation. Notwithstanding Section 6.2 (a), in the event that a Participant is granted a Share Purchase Right that permits such Participant to purchase Shares that, together with all other Share Purchase Rights granted to the Participant during the same calendar year under this Plan and any other plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company that are qualified under Section 423 of the Code, has an aggregate value in excess of $25,000 (determined on the date of grant), such Share Purchase Right shall be reduced such that the aggregate value of all Share Purchase Rights granted to or exercisable by the Participant during the same calendar year under any plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company that are qualified under Section 423 of the Code is $25,000. The Administrator may also set a maximum aggregate number of Shares or maximum aggregate Fair Market Value of Shares, which is less than the $25,000 limitation set forth in this Section 6.2(b), that may be purchased pursuant to Share Purchase Rights in a calendar year.
(c)
Refunds. As of the first date on which a Participant’s ability to purchase Shares is limited by this Section 6.2, the Participant’s payroll deductions shall terminate, and any excess payroll deductions credited to his or her account shall be paid to the Participant in a lump sum as soon as reasonably practicable without any interest thereon.
Section 6.3
Purchase Price. The purchase price per Share with respect to an Offering Period shall be determined by the Administrator; provided that such purchase price shall not be less than the lesser of (x) eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date on which an Offering Period commences and (y) eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Acquisition Date.
Article VII
Purchase of Shares Under Share Purchase Rights
Purchase of Shares Under Share Purchase Rights
Section 7.1
Purchase. Unless a Participant withdraws from the Plan as provided in Article IX, each Participant shall automatically purchase and acquire as of the Acquisition Date the number of whole Shares subject to the Share Purchase Right that may be purchased at the Purchase Price for that Share Purchase Right with the Contributions in such Participant’s account. Any surplus in the account that is insufficient to purchase a whole Share shall be carried forward into the next Offering Period unless the Participant has elected to withdraw from the Plan pursuant to Article IX or the Administrator determines that surplus amounts for Participants shall not be carried forward, in which case such surplus amount shall be distributed to the Participant in a lump sum as soon as reasonably practicable without any interest thereon.
Section 7.2
Registration Compliance.
(a)
No Shares may be purchased under a Share Purchase Right unless the Shares to be issued or transferred upon purchase are covered by an effective registration statement pursuant to the Securities Act or are eligible for an exemption from the registration requirements, and the Plan is in material compliance with all applicable federal, state, foreign and other securities and other laws applicable to the Plan.
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(b)
If, on an Acquisition Date of any Offering Period, the Shares are not registered or exempt or the Plan is not in such compliance, no Shares under the Share Purchase Rights granted under the Plan shall be purchased on the Acquisition Date. The Acquisition Date shall be delayed until the Shares are subject to such an effective registration statement or exempt, and the Plan is in such compliance. The Acquisition Date shall in no event be more than five years from the Offer Date or, if applicable, such lesser time as permitted under Section 423 of the Code.
(c)
If, on the Acquisition Date of any Offering Period, as delayed to the maximum extent permissible, the Shares are not registered or exempt and the Plan is not in such compliance, no Shares under the Share Purchase Rights shall be purchased, and all Contributions accumulated during the Offering Period (reduced to the extent, if any, such deductions have been used to acquire Shares) shall be distributed to the Participants in a lump sum as soon as reasonably practicable without any interest thereon.
Section 7.3
Delivery of Shares. As soon as practicable after each Acquisition Date, the Company shall deliver the Shares acquired by each Participant during an Offering Period to the Participant or an account established in the Participant’s name at a stock brokerage or other financial services firm designated by the Company. No certificates shall be delivered with respect to the Shares acquired by a Participant.
Section 7.4
Vesting. A Participant’s interest in the Common Stock purchased upon the purchase of Shares under a Share Purchase Right shall be immediately vested and nonforfeitable.
Section 7.5
Nontransferability. Each Share Purchase Right granted under this Plan shall be nontransferable. During the lifetime of the Participant to whom the Share Purchase Right is granted, the Shares under a Share Purchase Right may be purchased only by the Participant. No right or interest of a Participant in any Share Purchase Right shall be liable for, or subject to, any lien, obligation, or liability of such Participant.
Article VIII
Restrictions on Sale
Restrictions on Sale
Shares of Common Stock purchased under the Plan may be subject to any such holding restrictions that the Administrator shall determine to be appropriate with respect to any Offering Period consistent with Section 423 of the Code.
Article IX
Withdrawal From Participation and Termination of Employment
Withdrawal From Participation and Termination of Employment
A Participant may revoke his or her payroll deduction authorization or direct contribution form for an Offering Period and withdraw from participation in the Plan for that Offering Period by giving written or electronic notice to the Administrator in such form and at such time before the Acquisition Date as may be established by the Administrator. In the event of a Participant’s withdrawal in accordance with the preceding sentence, all of the Contributions credited to his or her account shall be paid to the Participant in a lump sum as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of the notice of withdrawal, without any interest thereon unless required by local law, and no further payroll deductions shall be made from his or her Compensation for that Offering Period. A Participant shall be deemed to have elected to withdraw from the Plan in accordance with this Article IX if he or she ceases to be an employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any reason. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise consistent with Section 423 of the Code, a Participant’s withdrawal (other than due to a termination of employment) during an Offering Period shall not have any effect upon the Participant’s eligibility to participate in the Plan during a subsequent Offering Period.
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Article X
General Provisions
General Provisions
Section 10.1
Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the Administrator. The Administrator may prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the administration of the Plan and make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration and interpretation of the Plan. Any authority exercised by the Administrator under the Plan shall be exercised by the Administrator in its sole discretion. Determinations, interpretations, or other actions made or taken by the Administrator under the Plan shall be final, binding, and conclusive for all purposes and upon all persons. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Plan, the Administrator may adopt rules or procedures relating to the operation and administration of the Plan to accommodate the specific requirements of local laws and procedures for jurisdictions outside of the United States. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrator specifically is authorized to adopt rules, procedures and subplans, which, for purposes of the Non-423 Component, may be outside the scope of Section 423 of the Code and the regulations thereunder, as amended from time to time, regarding, without limitation, eligibility to participate, the definition of Compensation, handling of payroll deductions, making of contributions to the Plan (including, without limitation, in forms other than payroll deductions), establishment of bank or trust accounts to hold payroll deductions, payment of interest, conversion of local currency, obligations to pay payroll tax, withholding procedures and handling of Share issuances, which may vary according to local requirements
Section 10.2
Delegation by the Administrator. Any or all of the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Administrator hereunder may be delegated by the Administrator to, and thereafter exercised by, one or more persons designated by the Administrator, including members of management of the Company and/or members of the human resources function of the Company, and any determination, interpretation, or other action taken by such designee shall have the same effect hereunder as if made or taken by the Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, only the Compensation Committee shall have the power to determine the Purchase Price for any Offering Period.
Section 10.3
Tax Withholding. The Company and/or Designated Subsidiary shall have the power to withhold, or to require the Participant to remit to the Company, an amount in cash sufficient to satisfy all U.S. federal, state, local, and any non-U.S. withholding tax or other governmental tax, charge or fee requirements in respect of any payment under the Plan.
Section 10.4
At-Will Employment. Nothing in the Plan shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and any of its Subsidiaries, which are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge any Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause.
Section 10.5
Unfunded Plan; Plan Not Subject to ERISA. The Plan is an unfunded plan and Participants shall have the status of unsecured creditors of the Company. The Plan is not intended to be subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
Section 10.6
Freedom of Action. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed as limiting or preventing the Company or any of its affiliates from taking any action that it deems appropriate or in its best interest (as determined in its sole and absolute discretion) and no Participant (or person claiming by or through a Participant) shall have any right relating to the diminishment in the value of any account or any associated return as a result of any such action. The foregoing shall not constitute a waiver by a Participant of the terms and provisions of the Plan.
Section 10.7
Term of Plan. The Plan shall be effective upon the Effective Date. The Plan shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the termination of the Plan pursuant to Section 10.8 and (ii) the date on which no more Shares are available for issuance under the Plan. Upon termination of the Plan, all funds accumulated in a Participant’s
8
account shall be paid to such Participant in a lump sum as soon as reasonably practicable, and all Share Purchase Rights shall automatically terminate.
Section 10.8
Amendment or Alteration. The Board or the Administrator may at any time amend, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Plan; provided that if the Plan is amended in a manner that is considered the adoption of a new plan pursuant to Section 423 of the Code, including (i) an increase in the aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan pursuant to Section 3.1 (other than an increase merely reflecting a change in the number of outstanding Shares pursuant to Section 3.2), (ii) a change in the granting Company or the stock available for purchase under the Plan or (iii) a change in the designation of corporations whose Employees may be offered Share Purchase Rights under the Plan, the shareholders of the Company must reapprove the Plan as if such action were the adoption of a new plan within the time prescribed under Section 423 of the Code. The Board or the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may terminate the Plan at any time. Upon such termination, all funds accumulated in a Participant’s account at such time shall be paid to such Participant in a lump sum as soon as reasonably practicable without any interest thereon, and all Share Purchase Rights shall automatically terminate.
Section 10.9
Severability. In the event any portion of the Plan or any action taken pursuant thereto shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provisions had not been included, and the illegal or invalid action shall be null and void.
Section 10.10
Assignment. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 10.10, this Plan shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, representatives, successors, and assigns. Neither this Plan nor any right or interest hereunder shall be assignable by the Participant, his beneficiaries, or legal representatives; provided hat nothing in this Section 10.10 shall preclude the Participant from designating a beneficiary to receive any benefit payable hereunder upon his death, or the executors, administrators, or other legal representatives of the Participant or his estate from assigning any rights hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereunto. This Plan shall be assignable by the Company to a Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company; to any corporation, partnership, or other entity that may be organized by the Company, its general partners, or its Participants, as a separate business unit in connection with the business activities of the Company or Participants; or to any corporation, partnership, or other entity resulting from the reorganization, merger, or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, partnership, or other entity, or any corporation, partnership, or other entity to or with which all or any portion of the Company’s business or assets may be sold, exchanged, or transferred, in each case to the extent permitted under Section 423 of the Code.
Section 10.11
Non-Transferability of Rights. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Administrator, no rights or interests hereunder or part thereof shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of the Participant or his or her successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law, by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect; provided, however , that nothing in this Section 10.11 shall prevent transfers by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution.
Section 10.12
Headings. The Section headings appearing in this Plan are used for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered a part of this Plan or in any way modify, amend, or affect the meaning of any of its provisions.
Section 10.13
Rules of Construction. Whenever the context so requires, the use of the masculine gender shall be deemed to include the feminine and vice versa, and the use of the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa. The fact that this Plan was drafted by the Company shall not be taken into account in interpreting or construing any provision of this Plan.
9
Section 10.14
Governing Law. To the extent not preempted by federal law, the Plan shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware regardless of the application of rules of conflict of law that would apply the laws of any other jurisdiction.
Section 10.15
Conformity to Securities Laws. The Plan is intended to conform to the extent necessary with all provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and any and all regulations and rules promulgated under any of the foregoing, to the extent the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any Participant is subject to the provisions thereof. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan shall be administered only in such a manner as to conform to such laws, rules and regulations. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such laws, rules and regulations.
Section 10.16
Tax Reporting Information. At the Company’s request, Participants will be required to provide the Company and any Affiliates with any information reasonably required for tax reporting purposes.
Section 10.17
Code Section 409A; Tax Qualification.
(a)
Share Purchase Rights granted under the 423 Component are exempt from the application of Section 409A of the Code. Purchase rights granted under the Non-423 Component to U.S. taxpayers are intended to be exempt from the application of Section 409A under the short-term deferral exception and any ambiguities shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent. Subject to Section 10.17(b), Share Purchase Rights granted to U.S. taxpayers under the Non-423 Component are subject to such terms and conditions that will permit such purchase rights to satisfy the requirements of the short- term deferral exception available under Section 409A of the Code, including the requirement that the Common Stock subject to an option be delivered within the short-term deferral period. Subject to Section 10.17(b), in the case of a participating Employee who would otherwise be subject to Section 409A of the Code, to the extent the Company determines that a Share Purchase Right or the exercise, payment, settlement or deferral is subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Share Purchase Right shall be granted, exercised, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will comply with Section 409A of the Code, including U.S. Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the Initial Effective Date. Anything in the foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall have no liability to a participating Employee or any other party if the Share Purchase Right that is intended to be exempt from, or compliant with Section 409A of the Code is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Company with respect thereto.
(b)
Although the Company may endeavor to (i) qualify a Share Purchase Right for favorable tax treatment under the laws of the U.S. or jurisdictions outside of the U.S. or (ii) avoid adverse tax treatment (e.g., under Section 409A of the Code), the Company makes no representation to that effect and expressly disavows any covenant to maintain favorable or avoid unfavorable tax treatment, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, including Section 10.17(a). The Company is not constrained in its corporate activities by any potential negative tax impact on Participants under the Plan.
Section 10.18
Participant Acknowledgment. By electing to participate in an Offering Period, Participants acknowledge and agree that (i) Participants may be required to hold Shares during any holding periods to which such Shares are subject; (ii) the Shares acquired under the Plan may lose some or all of their value in the future; and (iii) Participants are able to afford to bear the economic risk of holding the Shares for any holding period and of any loss in value of the Shares.
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Exhibit 10.2
THE GOGO INC. 2024
OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Section 1.
PURPOSE
The purposes of the Gogo Inc. 2024 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) are to promote the interests of Gogo Inc. and its shareholders by (i) attracting and retaining executive personnel and other key employees and directors of outstanding ability; (ii) motivating executive personnel and other key employees and directors by means of performance-related incentives, to achieve longer-range performance goals; and (iii) enabling such individuals to participate in the long-term growth and financial success of Gogo Inc.
Section 2.
DEFINITIONS
(a)
Certain Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the respective meanings set forth below:
“Adjustment Event” has the meaning given in Section 4(e).
“Adoption Date” means the date this Plan is adopted by the Board.
“Affiliate” means, (i) for purposes of Incentive Stock Options, any corporation that is a “parent corporation” (as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code) or a “subsidiary corporation” (as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code) of the Company, and (ii) for all other purposes, with respect to any person, any other person that (directly or indirectly) is controlled by, controlling or under common control with such person.
“Alternative Award” has the meaning given in Section 13(a).
“Award” means any Performance Award, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Deferred Share Unit, Dividend Equivalent or other Stock-Based Award granted to a Participant pursuant to the Plan, including an Award combining two or more types in a single grant.
“Award Agreement” means any written agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing an Award granted under the Plan.
“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Cause” with respect to a Participant, (A) if the Participant is a party to an employment or similar agreement with the Company or an Employer that defines such term, shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in such agreement and (B) if the Participant is not a party to such agreement shall mean (i) the Participant’s refusal to perform or the disregard of the Participant’s duties or responsibilities, or of specific directives of the officer or other executive of the Company to whom the Participant reports; (ii) the Participant’s willful, reckless or negligent commission of act(s) or omission(s) which have resulted in or are likely to result in, a loss to, or damage to the reputation of, the Company or any of its affiliates, or that compromise the safety of any employee or other person; (iii) the Participant’s act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with the Participant’s duties to the Company or in the course of his or her employment, or the Participant’s commission of a felony or any crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude; (iv) the Participant’s material violation of the Company’s policies or standards or of any statutory or common law duty of loyalty to the Company; or (v) any material breach by the Participant of any one or more noncompetition, nonsolicitation, confidentiality or other restrictive covenants to which the Participant is subject.
“Change in Control” shall mean
(i)
the acquisition by any person, entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2)), of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either the then outstanding equity interests in the Company or the combined Voting Power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or
(ii)
the consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, in each case with respect to which the persons who held equity interests in the Company immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale do not immediately thereafter own, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the combined Voting Power of the then outstanding securities of the surviving or resulting corporation or other entity;
in each case, provided that such event constitutes a “change in control” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to occur if the Company files for bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization under the United States Bankruptcy Code or as a result of any restructuring that occurs as a result of any such proceeding.
“Change in Control Price” means the price per share of Stock offered in conjunction with any transaction resulting in a Change in Control. If any part of the offered price is payable other than in cash, or if more than one price per share of Stock is paid in conjunction with such transaction, the Change in Control Price shall be determined in good faith by the Committee as constituted immediately prior to the Change in Control.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
“Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee of the Board as the Board or the Compensation Committee shall designate from time to time, which Committee shall be comprised of two or more members of the Board, each of whom is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3, as promulgated under the Exchange Act and an “independent member” of the Board to the extent required by applicable law or stock exchange rule.
“Company” means Gogo Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.
“Consultant” means consultants and advisors who are natural persons who provide bona fide services to the Company and its Subsidiaries (other than services in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital raising transaction or that promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities).
“Deferred Annual Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(a).
“Deferred Award” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(a).
“Deferred Share Unit” means a unit credited to a Participant’s account on the books of the Company under Section 9 that represents the right to receive Stock or cash with a value equal to the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on settlement of the account.
“Designated Beneficiary” means the beneficiary designated by the Participant, in a manner determined by the Committee, to receive amounts due the Participant in the event of the Participant’s death. In the absence of an effective designation by the Participant, Designated Beneficiary shall mean the Participant’s estate.
“Disability” means, unless another definition is incorporated into the applicable Award Agreement, Disability as specified under the Company’s long-term disability insurance policy and any other termination of a Participant’s employment or service under such circumstances that the Committee determines to qualify as a Disability for purposes of this Plan; provided, that if a Participant is a party to an employment or individual severance agreement with an Employer that defines the term “Disability” then, with respect to any Award made to such Participant, “Disability” shall have the meaning set forth in such agreement; provided, further, that in the case of any Award subject to Section 409A of the Code, Disability shall have the meaning set forth in Section 409A of the Code.
“Dividend Equivalent” means the right, granted under Section 11 of the Plan, to receive payments in cash or in shares of Stock, based on dividends with respect to shares of Stock.
“Effective Date” means the date, following adoption of this Plan by the Board, on which this Plan is approved or reapproved by a majority of the votes cast at a duly constituted meeting of the shareholders of the Company or by a duly effective written consent of the shareholders in lieu thereof.
“Elective Deferred Share Unit” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9(a).
“Eligible Director” means a member of the Board who is not an Employee.
“Employee” means any officer or employee of the Company, any Subsidiary or any other Employer (as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion).
“Employer” means the Company and any Subsidiary, and, in the discretion of the Committee, may also mean any business organization designated as an Employer; provided that the Company directly or indirectly owns at least 20% of the combined voting power of all classes of voting securities of such entity.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Executive Officer” means any “officer” within the meaning of Rule 16(a)-1(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act.
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“Fair Market Value” means,
(iii)
If the Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, the closing sales price for a share of Stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the date of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or, if not so reported, such other source as the Committee deems reliable;
(iv)
If the Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Stock on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination.
(v)
If the Stock is not listed on an established stock exchange or national market system, its Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Committee pursuant to a reasonable valuation method in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, including without limitation by reliance on an independent appraisal completed within the preceding 12 months.
“Freestanding SAR” means a Stock Appreciation Right granted independently of any Options.
“Good Reason” means, with respect to any Participant (A) if the Participant is a party to an employment or similar agreement with the Company or an Employer that defines such term, the meaning ascribed thereto in such agreement and (B) if the Participant is not a party to such agreement, the occurrence of any one of the following events (without the Participant’s consent):
(vi)
a material reduction in such Participant’s base salary;
(vii)
a material reduction in such Participant’s annual incentive opportunity (including a material adverse change in the method of calculating such Participant’s annual incentive);
(viii)
a material diminution of such Participant’s duties, responsibilities, or authority; or
(ix)
a relocation of more than 50 miles from such Participant’s principal place of employment immediately prior to the Change in Control;
provided that such Participant provides the Company with written notice of his or her intent to terminate his or her employment for Good Reason within 60 days of such Participant becoming aware of any circumstances set forth above (with such notice indicating the specific termination provision above on which such Participant is relying and describing in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of his or her employment under the indicated provision), that such Participant provides the Company with at least 30 days following receipt of such notice to remedy such circumstances and that the Company has not remedied such circumstances within such timeframe.
“Incentive Stock Option” means an option to purchase Stock granted under Section 7 of the Plan that is designated as an Incentive Stock Option that meets the requirements of Section 422 of the Code.
“New Employer” means, after a Change in Control, a Participant’s employer, or any direct or indirect parent or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of such employer.
“Non-statutory Stock Option” means an option to purchase shares of Stock granted under Section 7 of the Plan that is not intended to be an Incentive Stock Option.
“Non-U.S. Award(s)” has the meaning given in Section 3(f).
“Option” means an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-statutory Stock Option.
“Participant” means an Employee, Eligible Director or Consultant who is selected by the Committee to receive an Award under the Plan.
“Performance Award” means an Award of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Options, Performance Shares, Deferred Share Units, Performance Units, SARs, other Stock-Based Awards or other Awards, the grant, exercise, voting or settlement of which is subject (in whole or in part) to the achievement of specified Performance Goals.
“Performance Cycle” means the period of time selected by the Committee during which performance is measured for the purpose of determining the extent to which a Performance Award has been earned or vested.
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“Performance Goals” means the objectives established by the Committee for a Performance Cycle for the purpose of determining the extent to which a Performance Award has been earned or vested.
“Performance Share” means a Performance Award that is a contractual right to receive a share of Stock (or the cash equivalent thereof) granted pursuant to Section 5 of the Plan.
“Performance Unit” means a Performance Award that is a dollar denominated unit (or a unit denominated in the Participant’s local currency) granted pursuant to Section 5 of the Plan.
“Permitted Transferees” has the meaning given it in Section 15(b).
“Plan” has the meaning given it in the preamble to this Agreement.
“Preexisting Plan” means the Gogo Inc. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan and the Gogo 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
“Preexisting Plan Award” means an Award, as defined in, and granted to a Participant under, the Gogo Inc. 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan and Gogo 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”).
“Restriction Period” means the period of time selected by the Committee during which a grant of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Deferred Share Units, as the case may be, is subject to forfeiture and/or restrictions on transfer pursuant to the terms of the Plan.
“Restricted Stock” means shares of Stock contingently granted to a Participant under Section 6 of the Plan.
“Restricted Stock Unit” means a stock denominated unit contingently awarded under Section 6 of the Plan.
“Section 409A of the Code” means Section 409A of the Code and the applicable rules, regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder.
“Service” means, with respect to Employees and Consultants, continued employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates or, with respect to Eligible Directors, service on the Board of Directors.
“Service Award” means an Award that vests solely based on the passage of time or continued Service over a fixed period of time.
“Share Reserve” has the meaning given in Section 4(a).
“Specified Award” means an Award of non-qualified deferred compensation within the meaning of and that is subject to Section 409A of the Code, and which may include other Awards granted pursuant to the Plan (including, but not limited to, Restricted Stock Units and Deferred Awards) that do not otherwise qualify for an exemption from Section 409A of the Code.
“Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share.
“Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means the right to receive a payment from the Company in cash and/or shares of Stock equal to the product of (i) the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on the exercise date over a specified price fixed by the Committee on the grant date, multiplied by (ii) a stated number of shares of Stock.
“Stock-Based Awards” has the meaning given in Section 10.
“Subplan” has the meaning given in Section 3(f).
“Subsidiary” means any business entity in which the Company owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote, and any other business organization, regardless of form, in which the Company possesses, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total combined equity interests in such organization.
“Ten Percent Holder” has the meaning given in Section 7(b).
“Termination of Service” means with respect to an Eligible Director, the date upon which such Eligible Director ceases to be a member of the Board, with respect to an Employee, the date the Participant ceases to be an Employee and, with respect to a Consultant, the date the Consultant ceases to provide services to the Company or any Employer, in each case as determined by the Committee; provided, that, with respect to any Specified Award, Termination of Service shall mean “separation from service”, as defined in Section 409A of the Code and the rules, regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder.
4
“Voting Power” when used in the definition of Change in Control shall mean such specified number of the Voting Securities as shall enable the holders thereof to cast such percentage of all the votes which could be cast in an annual election of directors and “Voting Securities” shall mean all securities of a company entitling the holders thereof to vote in an annual election of directors.
(b)
Gender and Number. Except when otherwise indicated by the context, words in the masculine gender used in the Plan shall include the feminine gender, the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular.
Section 3.
POWERS OF THE COMMITTEE
(a)
Eligibility. Participants in the Plan shall consist of such Employees (including any officer of the Company), Consultants and Eligible Directors as the Committee in its sole discretion may select from time to time.
(b)
Power to Grant and Establish Terms of Awards. The Committee shall have the discretionary authority, subject to the terms of the Plan, to determine the Participants, if any, to whom Awards shall be granted, the type or types of Awards to be granted, and the terms and conditions of any and all Awards including, without limitation, the number of shares of Stock subject to an Award, the time or times at which Awards shall be granted, and the terms and conditions of the Awards and the applicable Award Agreements. The Committee may establish different terms and conditions for different types of Awards, for different Participants receiving the same type of Award, and for the same Participant for each type of Award such Participant may receive, whether or not granted at the same or different times.
(c)
Administration. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall have sole and complete authority and discretion to adopt, alter and repeal such administrative rules, guidelines and practices governing the operation of the Plan as it shall from time to time deem advisable, and to interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan. The Committee’s decisions (including any failure to make decisions) shall be binding upon all persons, including but not limited to the Company, shareholders, Employers and each Employee, Director, Consultant, Participant, Designated Beneficiary and such person’s heirs, successors or assigns, and shall be given deference in any proceeding with respect thereto.
(d)
Delegation by the Committee. The Committee may delegate to the chief executive officer of the Company the power and authority to make Awards to Participants who are not Executive Officers, pursuant to such conditions and limitations as the Committee may establish. The Committee may also appoint agents (who may be officers or employees of the Company) to assist in the administration of the Plan and may grant authority to such persons to execute agreements, including Award Agreements, or other documents on its behalf. All expenses incurred in the administration of the Plan, including, without limitation, for the engagement of any counsel, consultant or agent, shall be paid by the Company.
(e)
Restrictive Covenants and Other Conditions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee may condition the grant of any Award under the Plan upon the Participant to whom such Award would be granted agreeing in writing to certain conditions (such as restrictions on the ability to transfer the underlying shares of Stock) or covenants in favor of the Company and/or one or more Affiliates thereof (including, without limitation, covenants not to compete, not to solicit employees and customers and not to disclose confidential information, that may have effect following the Termination of Service and after the Stock subject to the Award has been transferred to the Participant), including, without limitation, the requirement that the Participant disgorge any profit, gain or other benefit received in respect of the Award prior to any breach of any such covenant.
(f)
Participants Based Outside the United States. To conform with the provisions of local laws and regulations, or with local compensation practices and policies, in foreign countries in which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates operate, but subject to the limitations set forth herein regarding the maximum number of shares issuable hereunder and the maximum award to any single Participant, the Committee may (i) modify the terms and conditions of Awards granted to Participants employed outside the United States (“Non-US Awards”), (ii) establish subplans with modified exercise procedures and such other modifications as may be necessary or advisable under the circumstances (“Subplans”), (iii) take any action which it deems advisable to obtain, comply with or otherwise reflect any necessary governmental regulatory procedures, exemptions or approvals with respect to the Plan, and (iv) require UK Participants to enter into a joint election under s431 ITEPA 2003. The Committee’s decision to grant Non-US Awards or to establish Subplans is entirely voluntary, and at the complete discretion of the Committee. The Committee may amend, modify or terminate any Subplans at any time, and such amendment, modification or termination may be made without prior notice to the Participants. The Company, Subsidiaries, Affiliates and members of the Committee shall not incur any liability of any kind to any Participant as a result of any change, amendment or termination of any Subplan at any time. The benefits and rights provided under any Subplan or by any Non-US Award (i) are wholly discretionary and, although provided by either the Company, a Subsidiary or Affiliate, do not constitute regular or periodic payments and (ii) are not to be considered part of the Participant’s salary or compensation under the Participant’s employment with the Participant’s local employer for purposes of calculating any severance, resignation, redundancy or other end of service payments, vacation, bonuses, long-term service awards, indemnification, pension or retirement benefits, or any other payments, benefits or rights of any kind. If a Subplan is terminated, the Committee may direct the payment of Non-US Awards (or direct
5
the deferral of payments whose amount shall be determined) prior to the dates on which payments would otherwise have been made, and, in the Committee’s discretion, such payments may be made in a lump sum or in installments.
Section 4.
MAXIMUM AMOUNT AVAILABLE FOR AWARDS
(a)
Number. Subject in all cases to the provisions of this Section 4, the maximum number of shares of Stock that are available for Awards granted under the Plan shall be the sum of (i) 5,200,000 shares of Stock plus (ii) shares of Stock available for issuance under the 2016 Plan as of the Effective Date (the “Share Reserve”). Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4(b), the maximum number of shares of Stock that may be issued in respect of Incentive Stock Options shall not exceed 5,200,000 shares of Stock. Any shares of Stock granted in connection with Awards other than Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall be counted against this limit as 1.45 shares of Stock for every one share of Stock granted in connection with such Award. Shares of Stock may be made available from Stock held in treasury or authorized but unissued shares of the Company not reserved for any other purpose.
(b)
Canceled, Terminated, or Forfeited Awards, etc. In addition to the number of shares of Stock provided for in Section 4(a), any shares of Stock subject to an Award or a Preexisting Plan Award which for any reason expires without having been exercised, is canceled or terminated or otherwise is settled without the issuance of any Stock shall be available for grant under the Plan (and any such shares of Stock subject to a Preexisting Plan Award shall no longer be available for grant under a Preexisting plan); provided, however, that (i) vested shares of Stock that are repurchased after being issued from the Plan (or Preexisting Plan), (ii) shares of Stock otherwise issuable or issued in respect of, or as part of, any Award (or Preexisting Plan Award) that are withheld to cover applicable taxes and (iii) shares of Stock that are tendered to exercise outstanding Options or other Awards (or Preexisting Plan Awards) or to cover applicable taxes shall not be available for future issuance under the Plan. If a Stock Appreciation Right is granted in tandem with an Option so that only one may be exercised with the other being surrendered in such exercise in accordance with Section 8(b), the number of shares subject to the tandem Option and Stock Appreciation Right shall only be taken into account once (and not as to both Awards). Shares of Stock subject to Awards that are assumed, converted or substituted pursuant to an Adjustment Event will not further reduce the maximum limitation set forth in Section 4(a). For the avoidance of doubt, the number of shares of Stock that become available for grant under this Section 4(b) shall be determined in a manner consistent with how such shares of Stock were initially counted against the applicable share reserve.
(c)
Eligible Director Award Limitations. In each calendar year during any part of which this Plan is in effect, an Eligible Director may not receive Awards for such individual’s service on the Board that, taken together with any cash fees paid to such Eligible Director during such calendar year for such individual’s service on the Board, have a value in excess of $1,000,000 (calculating the value of any such Awards based on the grant date fair value of such Awards for financial reporting purposes); provided that, the Committee may make exceptions to this limit, except that the Eligible Director receiving such additional compensation may not participate in the decision to award such compensation or in other contemporaneous decisions involving compensation for Eligible Directors.
(d)
Minimum Vesting Requirements. Except for any accelerated vesting permitted under Section 13 or upon the death, Disability or retirement of a Participant, and subject to such additional vesting requirements or conditions as the Committee may establish with respect to an Award, each Award shall be subject to a minimum vesting period of one year from the date of grant. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the minimum vesting requirements shall not apply to Awards involving an aggregate number of shares not in excess of 5% of the Share Reserve
(e)
Adjustment in Capitalization. The number and kind of shares of Stock available for issuance under the Plan and the number, class, exercise price, Performance Goals or other terms of any outstanding Award shall be adjusted by the Board to reflect any extraordinary dividend or distribution, stock dividend, stock split or share combination or any reorganization, recapitalization, business combination, merger, consolidation, spin-off, exchange of shares, liquidation or dissolution of the Company or other similar transaction or event affecting the Stock (any such transaction or event, an “Adjustment Event”) in such manner as it determines in its sole discretion.
(f)
Prohibition Against Repricing. Except to the extent (i) approved in advance by holders of a majority of the shares of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or (ii) as a result of any Adjustment Event, the Committee shall not have the power or authority to reduce, whether through amendment or otherwise, the exercise price of any outstanding Option or base price of any outstanding Stock Appreciation Right or to grant any new Award, or make any cash payment, in substitution for or upon the cancellation of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights previously granted.
Section 5.
PERFORMANCE AWARDS
(a)
Generally. The Committee shall have the authority to determine the Participants who shall receive Performance Awards, the number and type of Performance Awards and the number of shares of Stock and/or value of Performance Units or other cash-based Performance Award each Participant receives for each or any Performance Cycle, and the Performance Goals applicable in respect of such Performance Awards. Any adjustments to such Performance Goals shall be approved by the Committee. The
6
Committee shall determine the duration of each Performance Cycle (the duration of Performance Cycles may differ from each other), and there may be more than one Performance Cycle in existence at any one time. Performance Awards shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the kind of Award, the number of shares of Stock and/or value of Awards awarded to the Participant, the Performance Goals applicable thereto, and such other terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee shall determine. No shares of Stock will be issued at the time an Award of Performance Shares is made, and the Company shall not be required to set aside a fund for the payment of Performance Shares, Performance Units or other Performance Awards.
(b)
Earned Performance Awards. Performance Awards shall become earned, in whole or in part, based upon the attainment of specified Performance Goals or the occurrence of any event or events, including a Change in Control, as the Committee shall determine, either before, at or after the grant date. In addition to the achievement of the specified Performance Goals, the Committee may, at the grant date, condition payment of Performance Awards on such conditions as the Committee shall specify. The Committee may also require the completion of a minimum period of service (in addition to the achievement of any applicable Performance Goals) as a condition to the vesting of any Performance Award.
(c)
Adjustment of Performance Goals. The Committee may adjust the Performance Goals for any Performance Cycle as it deems equitable in recognition of unusual or non-recurring events affecting the Company, changes in applicable tax laws or accounting principles, or such other factors as the Committee may determine (including, without limitation, any adjustments that would result in the Company paying non-deductible compensation to a Participant).
(d)
Discretion. Notwithstanding any other provision in the Plan to the contrary, but subject to the maximum number of shares available for issuance under Section 4(a) of the Plan, the Committee shall have the right, in its discretion, to grant a bonus in cash, in shares of Stock or in any combination thereof, to any Participant, based on individual performance or any other criteria that the Committee deems appropriate.
(e)
Payment of Awards. Payment or delivery of Stock with respect to earned Performance Awards shall be distributed to the Participant or, if the Participant has died, to the Participant’s Designated Beneficiary, as soon as practicable after the completion of the Performance Cycle and the Committee’s determination of performance, provided that payment or delivery of Stock with respect to earned Performance Awards shall not be distributed to a Participant until any other conditions on payment of such Awards established by the Committee have been satisfied. The Committee shall determine whether earned Performance Awards are distributed in the form of cash, shares of Stock or in a combination thereof. The Committee shall have the right to impose whatever conditions it deems appropriate with respect to the award or delivery of shares of Stock, including conditioning the vesting of such shares on the performance of additional service.
Section 6.
RESTRICTED STOCK AND RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
(a)
Grant. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units may be granted to Participants at such time or times as shall be determined by the Committee. The grant date of any Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units under the Plan will be the date on which such Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units are awarded by the Committee, or on such other date as the Committee shall determine. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify (i) the number of shares of Restricted Stock and the number of Restricted Stock Units to be granted to each Participant, (ii) the Restriction Period(s) and (iii) such other terms and conditions, including rights to dividends or Dividend Equivalents, not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee shall determine, including customary representations, warranties and covenants with respect to securities law matters. Grants of Restricted Stock shall be evidenced by issuance of certificates representing the shares registered in the name of the Participant or a bookkeeping entry in the Company’s records (or by such other reasonable method as the Company shall determine from time to time). No shares of Stock will be issued at the time an Award of Restricted Stock Units is made and the Company shall not be required to set aside a fund for the payment of any such Awards.
(b)
Vesting. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units granted to Participants under the Plan shall be subject to a Restriction Period. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee at or after grant, and subject to the Participant’s continued employment with the Company on such date, the Restriction Period shall lapse in accordance with the schedule provided in the Participant’s Award Agreement. In its discretion, the Committee may also establish performance-based vesting conditions with respect to Awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (in lieu of, or in addition to, time-based vesting) based on one or more of the Performance Goals.
(c)
Settlement of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. At the expiration of the Restriction Period for any Restricted Stock Awards, the Company shall remove the restrictions applicable to share certificates or the bookkeeping entry evidencing the Restricted Stock Awards, and shall, upon request, deliver the stock certificates evidencing such Restricted Stock Awards to the Participant or the Participant’s legal representative (or otherwise evidence the issuance of such shares free of any restrictions imposed under the Plan). At the expiration of the Restriction Period for any Restricted Stock Units, for each such Restricted Stock Unit, the Participant shall receive, in the Committee’s discretion, (i) a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock as of such payment date, (ii) one share of Stock or (iii) any combination of cash and shares of Stock.
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(d)
Restrictions on Transfer. Except as provided herein or in an Award Agreement, shares of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hedged or otherwise encumbered during the Restriction Period. Any such attempt by the Participant to sell, assign, transfer, pledge, hedge or encumber shares of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units without complying with the provisions of the Plan shall be void and of no effect.
Section 7.
STOCK OPTIONS
(a)
Grant. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Options to purchase shares of Stock to such eligible persons as may be selected by the Committee. Each Option, or portion thereof, that is not an Incentive Stock Option shall be a Non-Statutory Stock Option. An Incentive Stock Option may not be granted to any person who is not an employee of the Company or any parent or subsidiary (as defined in Section 424 of the Code). Each Incentive Stock Option shall be granted within ten years of the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. The aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares of Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000 or such higher limit as may be permitted under Section 422 of the Code. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date of grant) of shares of Stock with respect to which Options designated as Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a participant during any calendar year (under this Plan or any other plan of the Company or any parent or subsidiary as defined in Section 424 of the Code) exceeds $100,000 or such higher limit established by the Code, such Options shall constitute Non-Statutory Stock Options. Each Option shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify the number of shares of Stock subject to such Option, the exercise price associated with the Option, the time and conditions of exercise of the Option and all other terms and conditions of the Option.
(b)
Number of Shares and Purchase Price. The number of shares of Stock subject to an Option and the purchase price per share of Stock purchasable upon exercise of the Option shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that the purchase price per share of Stock purchasable upon exercise of an Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the date of grant of such Option; provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any person who, at the time such Option is granted, owns capital stock possessing more than ten percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of capital stock of the Company (or of any parent or subsidiary as defined in Section 424 of the Code) (a “Ten Percent Holder”), the purchase price per share of Stock shall be the price (currently 110% of Fair Market Value) required by the Code in order to constitute an Incentive Stock Option.
(c)
Exercise Period and Exercisability. The period during which an Option may be exercised shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that no Option shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant; and provided further, that if an Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to a Ten Percent Holder, such Option shall not be exercised later than five years after its date of grant. The Committee shall determine whether an Option shall become exercisable in cumulative or non- cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. The Committee may require that an exercisable Option, or portion thereof, be exercised only with respect to whole shares of Stock.
(d)
Method of Exercise. An Option may be exercised (i) by giving written notice to the Company specifying the number of shares of Stock to be purchased and by accompanying such notice with a payment therefor in full (or by arranging for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction) and (ii) by executing such documents as the Company may reasonably request. If the Company’s Stock is not listed on an established stock exchange or national market system at the time an Option is exercised, then the option holder shall pay the exercise price of such Option in cash. If the Company’s Stock is listed on an established stock exchange or national market system at the time an option is exercised, then the option holder may pay the exercise price of such Option either (A) in cash, (B) by delivery (either actual delivery or by attestation procedures established by the Company) of shares of Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the aggregate purchase price payable by reason of such exercise, (C) authorizing the Company to withhold whole shares of Stock which would otherwise be delivered having an aggregate Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of exercise, equal to the amount necessary to satisfy such obligation, provided that the Committee determines that such withholding of shares does not cause the Company to recognize an increased compensation expense under applicable accounting principles, (D) in cash by a broker-dealer acceptable to the Company to whom the optionee has submitted an irrevocable notice of exercise or (E) a combination of (A), (B), (C) and (D), in each case to the extent set forth in the Award Agreement relating to the Option. The Company shall have sole discretion to disapprove of an election pursuant to any of clauses (B) through (E). Any fraction of a share of Stock which would be required to pay such purchase price shall be disregarded and the remaining amount due shall be paid in cash by the optionee. No certificate representing Stock shall be delivered until the full purchase price therefor and any withholding taxes (as determined, pursuant to Section 15(a)), have been paid (or arrangement made for such payment to the Company’s satisfaction).
Section 8.
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
(a)
Grant. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted to Participants at such time or times as shall be determined by the Committee. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted in tandem with Options which, unless otherwise determined by the Committee at or after the grant date, shall have substantially similar terms and conditions to such Options to the extent applicable, or may be
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granted on a freestanding basis, not related to any Option (“Freestanding SARs”). The grant date of any Stock Appreciation Right under the Plan will be the date on which the Stock Appreciation Right is awarded by the Committee or such other future date as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion. No Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable on or after the tenth anniversary of its grant date. Stock Appreciation Rights shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, whether as part of the Award Agreement governing the terms of the Options, if any, to which such Stock Appreciation Right relates or pursuant to a separate Award Agreement with respect to Freestanding SARs, in each case containing such provisions not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee shall determine, including customary representations, warranties and covenants with respect to securities law matters.
(b)
Exercise Period and Exercisability. The period during which a Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that no Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercised later than ten years after its date of grant. The Committee shall determine whether a Stock Appreciation Right shall become exercisable in cumulative or non- cumulative installments and in part or in full at any time. Stock Appreciation Rights granted in tandem with an Option shall become exercisable on the same date or dates as the Options with which such Stock Appreciation Rights are associated become exercisable. Stock Appreciation Rights that are granted in tandem with an Option may only be exercised upon the surrender of the right to exercise such Option for an equivalent number of shares of Stock and may be exercised only with respect to the shares of Stock for which the related Option is then exercisable.
(c)
Settlement. Subject to Section 13, upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, the Participant shall be entitled to receive payment in the form, determined by the Committee, of cash or shares of Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to such cash amount, or a combination of shares of Stock and cash having an aggregate value equal to such amount, determined by multiplying:
(i)
any increase in the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on the exercise date over the price fixed by the Committee on the grant date of such Stock Appreciation Right, which may not be less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the grant date of such Stock Appreciation Right, by
(ii)
the number of shares of Stock with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised;
provided, however, that on the grant date, the Committee may establish, in its sole discretion, a maximum amount per share which will be payable upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right.
Section 9.
DEFERRED SHARE UNITS
(a)
Grant. Freestanding Deferred Share Units may be granted to Participants at such time or times as shall be determined by the Committee without regard to any election by the Participant to defer receipt of any compensation or bonus amount payable to him. The grant date of any freestanding Deferred Share Unit under the Plan will be the date on which such freestanding Deferred Share Unit is awarded by the Committee or on such other future date as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion. In addition, on fixed dates established by the Committee and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine, the Committee may permit a Participant to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of his annual compensation and/or annual incentive bonus (“Deferred Annual Amount”) payable by the Company or a Subsidiary and any other Award (“Deferred Award”) and receive in lieu thereof an Award of elective Deferred Share Units (“Elective Deferred Share Units”) equal to, in the case of a Deferred Annual Amount, the greatest whole number which may be obtained by dividing (i) the amount of the Deferred Annual Amount, by (ii) the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on the date of payment of such compensation and/or annual bonus or, in the case of a Deferred Award under the Plan, the number of shares of Stock subject to the Deferred Award. Each Award of Deferred Share Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify (x) the number of shares of Stock to which the Deferred Share Units pertain, (y) the time and form of payment of the Deferred Share Units and (z) such terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee shall determine, including customary representations, warranties and covenants with respect to securities law matters and such provisions as may be required pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. Upon the grant of Deferred Share Units pursuant to the Plan, the Company shall establish a notional account for the Participant and will record in such account the number of Deferred Share Units awarded to the Participant. No shares of Stock will be issued to the Participant at the time an award of Deferred Share Units is granted. Deferred Share Units may become payable on a Change in Control, Termination of Service or on a specified date or dates set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing such Deferred Share Units.
(b)
Rights as a Stockholder. The Committee shall determine whether and to what extent Dividend Equivalents will be credited to the account of, or paid currently to, a Participant receiving an Award of Deferred Share Units. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee at or after the grant date, (i) any cash dividends or distributions credited to the Participant’s account shall be deemed to have been invested in additional Deferred Share Units on the record date established for the related dividend or distribution in an amount equal to the greatest whole number which may be obtained by dividing (A) the value of such dividend or distribution on the record date by (B) the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on such date, and such additional Deferred Share Unit shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as are applicable in respect of the Deferred Share Unit with respect
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to which such dividends or distributions were payable, and (ii) if any such dividends or distributions are paid in shares of Stock or other securities, such shares and other securities shall be subject to the same vesting, performance and other restrictions as apply to the Deferred Share Unit with respect to which they were paid. A Participant shall not have any rights as a stockholder in respect of Deferred Share Units awarded pursuant to the Plan (including, without limitation, the right to vote on any matter submitted to the Company’s stockholders) until such time as the shares of Stock attributable to such Deferred Share Units have been issued to such Participant or his beneficiary.
(c)
Vesting. Unless the Committee provides otherwise at or after the grant date, the portion of each Award of Deferred Share Units that consists of freestanding Deferred Share Units, together with any Dividend Equivalents credited with respect thereto, will be subject to a Restriction Period. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of grant, and subject to the Participant’s continued Service with his or her Employer on such date, the Restriction Period with respect to Deferred Share Units shall lapse as provided in the Participant’s Award Agreement. In its discretion, the Committee may establish performance-based vesting conditions with respect to Awards of Deferred Share Units (in lieu of, or in addition to, time-based vesting) based on one more of the Performance Goals. The portion of each Award of Deferred Share Units that consists of Elective Deferred Share Units, together with any Dividend Equivalents credited with respect thereto, need not be subject to any Restriction Period and may be non-forfeitable.
(d)
Further Deferral Elections. A Participant may elect to further defer receipt of shares of Stock issuable in respect of Deferred Share Units or other Award (or an installment of an Award) for a specified period or until a specified event, subject in each case to the Committee’s approval and to such terms as are determined by the Committee, all in its sole discretion. Subject to any exceptions adopted by the Committee, such election must generally be made at least 12 months before the prior settlement date of such Deferred Share Units (or any such installment thereof) whether pursuant to this Section 9 or Section 13 and must defer settlement for at least five years. A further deferral opportunity is not required to be made available to all Participants, and different terms and conditions may apply with respect to the further deferral opportunities made available to different Participants.
(e)
Settlement. Subject to this Section 9 and Section 13, upon the date specified in the Award Agreement evidencing the Deferred Share Units for each such Deferred Share Unit the Participant shall receive, in the Committee’s discretion, (i) a cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock as of such payment date, (ii) one share of Stock or (iii) any combination of cash and shares of Stock.
Section 10.
OTHER STOCK-BASED AWARDS
Generally. The Committee is authorized to make Awards of other types of equity-based or equity-related awards (“Stock-Based Awards”) not otherwise described by the terms of the Plan in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine. All Stock-Based Awards shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Such Stock-Based Awards may be granted as an inducement to enter the employ of the Company or any Subsidiary or in satisfaction of any obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary to an officer or other key employee, whether pursuant to this Plan or otherwise, that would otherwise have been payable in cash or in respect of any other obligation of the Company. Such Stock-Based Awards may entail the transfer of actual share of Stock, or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts based on the value of share of Stock and may include, without limitation, Awards designed to comply with or take advantage of the applicable local laws of jurisdictions other than the United States. The terms of any other Stock-Based Award need not be uniform in application to all (or any class of) Participants, and each other Stock-Based award granted to any Participant (whether or not at the same time) may have different terms.
Section 11.
DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS
Generally. Dividend Equivalents may be granted to Participants at such time or times as shall be determined by the Committee. Dividend Equivalents may be granted in tandem with other Awards other than Options or SARs, in addition to other Awards, or freestanding and unrelated to other Awards. The grant date of any Dividend Equivalents under the Plan will be the date on which the Dividend Equivalent is awarded by the Committee, or such other date as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion. Dividend Equivalents shall be evidenced in writing, whether as part of the Award Agreement governing the terms of the Award, if any, to which such Dividend Equivalent relates, or pursuant to a separate Award Agreement with respect to freestanding Dividend Equivalents, in each case, containing such provisions not inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee shall determine, including customary representations, warranties and covenants with respect to securities law matters. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event will dividends or Dividend Equivalents be paid to a Participant with respect to an Award unless and until the date such Award becomes vested.
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Section 12.
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE.
(a)
Subject to the requirements of the Code, all of the terms relating to the exercise, cancellation or other disposition of an Award upon a termination of employment with or service to the Company of the Participant, whether due to disability, death or under any other circumstances, shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)
Termination in Connection with a Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 12, Section 13 shall determine the treatment of Awards upon a Change in Control.
Section 13.
CHANGE IN CONTROL
(a)
Change in Control. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, or as provided in Section 13(b) or 13(d), in the event of a Change in Control,
(i)
no cancellation, termination, acceleration of exercisability or vesting, lapse of any Restriction Period or settlement or other payment shall occur with respect to any such outstanding Awards, provided that such outstanding Awards shall be honored or assumed, or new rights substituted therefore (such honored, assumed or substituted Award, an “Alternative Award”) by the New Employer, provided that any Alternative Award must:
(A)
be based on shares of Stock that are traded on an established U.S. securities market or such other equity securities as are received by the holders of Stock in the Change in Control transaction;
(B)
provide the Participant (or each Participant in a class of Participants) with rights and entitlements substantially equivalent to or better than the rights, terms and conditions applicable under such Award, including, but not limited to, an identical or better exercise or vesting schedule and identical or better timing and methods of payment; provided, however, that Performance Awards may be exchanged for time-based Alternative Awards, with performance deemed satisfied at a level determined by the Committee as of the Change in Control;
(C)
have substantially equivalent economic value to such Award (determined at the time of the Change in Control), it being understood that the economic value of any Option or SAR need not reflect any value other than the spread value of the Award at such time;
(D)
not cause the Award to become subject to any additional taxes, interest or penalties imposed by Section 409A of the Code; and
(E)
have terms and conditions which provide that in the event that the Participant’s employment is terminated without Cause or the Participant resigns for Good Reason within 24 months after the occurrence of a Change in Control:
(I)
all outstanding Awards other than Performance Awards held by a terminated Participant shall become vested and exercisable and the Restriction Period on all such outstanding Service Awards shall lapse; and
(II)
each outstanding Performance Award held by a terminated Participant with a Performance Cycle in progress at the time of both the Change in Control and the Termination of Service, shall be deemed to be earned and become vested and/or paid out in an amount equal to the product of (x) such Participant’s target award opportunity with respect to such Award for the Performance Cycle in question and (y) the greater of the percentage of Performance Goals (which Performance Goals shall be prorated, if necessary or appropriate, to reflect the portion of the Performance Cycle that has been completed) achieved as of the date of the Change in Control and as of the last day of the fiscal quarter ended on or immediately prior to the date of Termination of Service. The portion of any Performance Award that does not vest in accordance with the preceding sentence shall immediately be forfeited and canceled without any payment therefor.
(III)
Payments. To the extent permitted under Section 15(n), all amounts payable hereunder shall be payable in full, as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event later than 10 business days, following termination.
(ii)
subject to Section 13(b), if no Alternative Awards are available or in the event of a Change in Control in which all of the Stock is exchanged for or converted into cash or the right to receive cash, then immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction constituting the Change in Control, (A) all unvested Awards (other than Performance Awards) shall vest and the Restriction Period on all such outstanding Awards shall lapse; (B) each outstanding
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Performance Award with a Performance Cycle in progress at the time of the Change in Control shall be deemed to be earned and become vested and/or paid out in an amount equal to the product of (x) such Participant’s target award opportunity with respect to such Award for the Performance Cycle in question and (y) the percentage of Performance Goals achieved as of the date of the Change in Control (which Performance Goals shall be pro-rated or adjusted, if necessary or appropriate, to reflect the portion of the Performance Cycle that has been completed), and all other Performance Awards shall lapse and be canceled and forfeited upon consummation of the Change in Control; and (C) shares of Stock underlying all Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Awards, Deferred Share Units and other Stock-Based Awards that are vested or for which the Restriction Period has lapsed (as provided in this Section 13(a) or otherwise) shall be issued or released to the Participant holding such Award.
(iii)
subject to Section 13(b), in the event of a Change in Control pursuant to which shares of Stock are exchanged for a combination of (i) the securities of another corporation or other entity and (ii) cash or property other than the securities of another corporation or other entity, then the Committee, as constituted prior to the Change in Control, may determine in its sole discretion that some or all of the Awards shall be assumed or substituted in accordance with Section 13(a)(i), and any remaining portion of the Award shall be surrendered and cancelled in exchange for a cash payment in accordance with Section 13(a)(ii).
(b)
Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in Section 13(a), if with respect to any Specified Award an Alternative Award would be deemed a non-compliant material modification (as defined in Section 409A of the Code) of such Award or would otherwise violate Section 409A, then no Alternative Award shall be provided and such Award shall instead be treated as provided in Section 13(a)(ii) or as otherwise provided in the Award Agreement.
(c)
Termination Without Cause Prior to a Change in Control. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at or after the time of grant, any Participant whose employment or service is terminated without Cause within 3 months prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control shall be treated, solely for the purposes of this Plan (including, without limitation, this Section 13) as continuing in the Company’s employment or service until the occurrence of such Change in Control, and to have been terminated immediately thereafter.
(d)
Committee Discretion. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 13 to the contrary, except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, if the Committee as constituted immediately prior to the Change in Control determines in its sole discretion, then all Awards shall be canceled in exchange for a cash payment equal to (x)(A) in the case of Option and SAR Awards that are vested (as provided in Section 13(a) or otherwise), the excess, if any, of the Change in Control Price over the exercise price for such Option or SAR and (B) in the case of all other Awards that are vested or for which the Restriction Period has lapsed (as provided in Section 13(a) or otherwise), the Change in Control Price, multiplied by (y) the aggregate number of shares of Stock covered by such Award, provided, however, that no Specified Award shall be cancelled in exchange for a cash payment unless such payment may be made without the imposition of any additional taxes or interest under Section 409A of the Code. For the avoidance of doubt, the prior sentence authorizes the Committee to provide for the cancellation for no consideration of any Option or SAR Award that has an exercise price that is equal to or higher than the Change in Control Price. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the exercisability or vesting or lapse of any Restriction Period with respect to all or any portion of any outstanding Award immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction constituting the Change in Control, provided, however, that no such acceleration or vesting or lapse may be exercised with respect to any Specified Award to the extent that such exercise would result in the imposition of any additional tax, interest or penalty under Section 409A of the Code.
Section 14.
EFFECTIVE DATE, AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION,
AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN
AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN
The Plan shall be effective on the Adoption Date, subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date, and shall continue in effect, unless sooner terminated pursuant to this Section 14, until the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. The Board or the Committee may at any time in its sole discretion, for any reason whatsoever, terminate or suspend the Plan, and from time to time, subject to obtaining any regulatory approval, including that of a stock exchange on which the Stock is then listed, if applicable, may amend or modify the Plan; provided that without the approval by a majority of the votes cast at a duly constituted meeting of shareholders of the Company, no amendment or modification to the Plan may (i) materially increase the benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan, (ii) except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 4(e), increase the number of shares of Stock subject to the Plan, (iii) modify the class of persons eligible for participation in the Plan, (iv) allow Options or Stock Appreciation Rights to be issued with an exercise price or reference price below Fair Market Value on the date of grant (v) extend the term of any Award granted under the Plan beyond its original expiry date or (vi) materially modify the Plan in any other way that would require shareholder approval under any regulatory requirement that the Committee determines to be applicable, including, without limitation, the rules of any exchange on which the Stock is then listed. Notwithstanding any provisions of the Plan to the contrary, neither the Board nor the Committee may, without the consent of the affected Participant, amend, modify or terminate the Plan in any manner that would adversely affect any Award theretofore granted under the Plan or result in the imposition of an additional tax, interest or penalty under Section 409A of the Code.
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Section 15.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
(a)
Withholding. The Employer shall have the right to deduct from all amounts paid to a Participant in cash (whether under this Plan or otherwise) any amount of taxes required by law to be withheld in respect of Awards under this Plan as may be necessary in the opinion of the Employer to satisfy tax withholding required under the laws of any country, state, province, city or other jurisdiction, including but not limited to income taxes, capital gains taxes, transfer taxes, and social security contributions that are required by law to be withheld. In the case of payments of Awards in the form of Stock, at the Committee’s discretion, the Participant shall be required to either pay to the Employer the amount of any taxes required to be withheld with respect to such Stock or, in lieu thereof, the Employer shall have the right to retain (or the Participant may be offered the opportunity to elect to tender) the number of shares of Stock whose Fair Market Value equals such amount required to be withheld, provided, however, that in the event that the Company withholds shares of Stock issued or issuable to the Participant to satisfy the withholding taxes, the Company shall withhold a number of whole shares of Stock having a Fair Market Value, determined as of the date of withholding, not in excess of such amount as may be necessary to avoid liability award accounting; and provided, further, that with respect to any Specified Award, in no event shall shares of Stock or other amounts receivable under a Specified Award be withheld pursuant to this Section 15(a) (other than upon or immediately prior to settlement in accordance with the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement) other than to pay taxes imposed under the U.S. Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) and any associated U.S. federal withholding tax imposed under Section 3401 of the Code and in no event shall the value of such shares of Stock or other amounts receivable under a Specified Award (other than upon or immediately prior to settlement) exceed the amount of the tax imposed under FICA and any associated U.S. federal withholding tax imposed under Section 3401 of the Code. The Participant shall be responsible for all withholding taxes and other tax consequences of any Award granted under this Plan.
(b)
Nontransferability of Awards. Except as provided herein or in an Award Agreement, no Award may be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hedged or otherwise encumbered except by will or the laws of descent and distribution; provided that the Committee may permit (on such terms and conditions as it shall establish) a Participant to transfer an Award for no consideration to the Participant’s child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships, any person sharing the Participant’s household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which these persons have more than fifty percent of the beneficial interest and any other entity in which these persons (or the Participant) own more than fifty percent of the voting interests (“Permitted Transferees”). A Participant may not enter into any transaction which hedges or otherwise transfers the risk of price movements with regard to the Stock subject to any unvested or unearned Award. No amendment to the Plan or to any Award shall permit transfers other than in accordance with the preceding sentence. Any attempt by a Participant to sell, assign, transfer, pledge, hedge or encumber an Award without complying with the provisions of the Plan shall be void and of no effect. Except to the extent required by law, no right or interest of any Participant shall be subject to any lien, obligation or liability of the Participant. All rights with respect to Awards granted to a Participant under the Plan shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by such Participant or, if applicable, his or her Permitted Transferee(s). The rights of a Permitted Transferee shall be limited to the rights conveyed to such Permitted Transferee, who shall be subject to and bound by the terms of the agreement or agreements between the Participant and the Company.
(c)
No Limitation on Compensation. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Company to establish other plans or to pay compensation to its Employees, in cash or property, in a manner which is not expressly authorized under the Plan.
(d)
No Right to Employment. No person shall have any claim or right to be granted an Award, and the grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Employer. The grant of an Award hereunder, and any future grant of Awards under the Plan is entirely voluntary, and at the complete discretion of the Company. Neither the grant of an Award nor any future grant of Awards by the Company shall be deemed to create any obligation to grant any further Awards, whether or not such a reservation is explicitly stated at the time of such a grant. The Plan shall not be deemed to constitute, and shall not be construed by the Participant to constitute, part of the terms and conditions of employment and participation in the Plan shall not be deemed to constitute, and shall not be deemed by the Participant to constitute, an employment or labor relationship of any kind with the Company. The Employer expressly reserves the right at any time to dismiss a Participant free from any liability, or any claim under the Plan, except as provided herein and in any agreement entered into with respect to an Award. The Company expressly reserves the right to require, as a condition of participation in the Plan, that Award recipients agree and acknowledge the above in writing. Further, the Company expressly reserves the right to require Award recipients, as a condition of participation, to consent in writing to the collection, transfer from the Employer to the Company and third parties, storage and use of personal data for purposes of administering the Plan.
(e)
No Rights as Shareholder. Subject to the provisions of the applicable Award contained in the Plan and in the Award Agreement, no Participant, Permitted Transferee or Designated Beneficiary shall have any rights as a shareholder with inspect to any shares of Stock to be distributed under the Plan until he or she has become the holder thereof.
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(f)
Forfeiture, Cancellation or “Clawback” of Awards under Applicable Laws, Regulations or Company Policy. The Company may cancel or reduce, or require a Participant to forfeit and disgorge to the Company or reimburse the Company for, any Awards granted or vested and any gains earned or accrued, due to the exercise, vesting or settlement of Awards or sale of any Stock issued pursuant to an Award under the Plan, to the extent permitted or required by, or pursuant to any Company policy implemented as required by, applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule in effect on or after the Effective Date. Awards granted under the Plan (and gains earned or accrued in connection with Awards or the sale of any Stock issued pursuant to Awards under the Plan) shall also be subject to such generally applicable policies as to forfeiture and recoupment as may be adopted by the Committee from time to time and communicated to Participants. Any such policies may (in the discretion of the Committee) be applied to outstanding Awards at the time of adoption of such policies, or on a prospective basis only.
(g)
Construction of the Plan. The validity, construction, interpretation, administration and effect of the Plan and of its rules and regulations, and rights relating to the Plan, shall be determined solely in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware (without reference to the principles of conflicts of law or choice of law that might otherwise refer the construction or interpretation of this Plan to the substantive laws of another jurisdiction).
(h)
Rules of Construction. Whenever the context so requires, the use of the masculine gender shall be deemed to include the feminine and vice versa, and the use of the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa. That this plan was drafted by the Company shall not be taken into account in interpreting or construing any provision of this Plan.
(i)
Compliance with Legal and Exchange Requirements. The Plan, the granting and exercising of Awards thereunder, and any obligations of the Company under the Plan, shall be subject to all applicable federal, state, and foreign country laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any regulatory or governmental agency as may be required, and to any rules or regulations of any exchange on which the Stock is listed. The Company, in its discretion, may postpone the granting and exercising of Awards, the issuance or delivery of Stock under any Award or any other action permitted under the Plan to permit the Company, with reasonable diligence, to complete such stock exchange listing or registration or qualification of such Stock or other required action under any federal, state or foreign country law, rule, or regulation and may require any Participant to make such representations and furnish such information as it may consider appropriate in connection with the issuance or delivery of Stock in compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The Company shall not be obligated by virtue of any provision of the Plan to recognize the exercise of any Award or to otherwise sell or issue Stock in violation of any such laws, rules, or regulations, and any postponement of the exercise or settlement of any Award under this provision shall not extend the term of such Awards. Neither the Company nor its directors or officers shall have any obligation or liability to a Participant with respect to any Award (or Stock issuable thereunder) that shall lapse because of such postponement.
(j)
Deferrals. Subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, the Committee may postpone the exercising of Awards, the issuance or delivery of Stock under, or the payment of cash in respect of, any Award or any action permitted under the Plan, upon such terms and conditions as the Committee may establish from time to time. Subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, a Participant may electively defer receipt of the shares of Stock or cash otherwise payable in respect of any Award (including, without limitation, any shares of Stock issuable upon the exercise of an Option other than an Incentive Stock Option) upon such terms and conditions as the Committee may establish from time to time.
(k)
Limitation on Liability; Indemnification. No member of the Board or Committee, and none of the chief executive officer or any other delegate or agent of the Committee shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in connection with the Plan in good faith, and each person who is or shall have been a member of the Board or Committee, the chief executive officer and each delegate or agent of the Committee shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability, or expense (including attorneys’ fees) that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be made a party or in which he or she may be involved in by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan to the full extent permitted by law, except as otherwise provided in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and/or Bylaws, and under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that may be in effect from time to time. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive and shall be independent of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or By-laws, by contract, as a matter of law, or otherwise.
(l)
Amendment of Award. In the event that the Committee shall determine that such action would, taking into account such factors as it deems relevant, be beneficial to the Company, the Committee may affirmatively act to amend, modify or terminate any outstanding Award at any time prior to payment or exercise in any manner not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, including without limitation, change the date or dates as of which (A) an Option or Stock Appreciation Right becomes exercisable, (B) a Performance Share or Performance Unit is deemed earned, or (C) Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Deferred Share Units and other Stock-Based Awards becomes nonforfeitable, except that no outstanding Option may be amended or otherwise modified or exchanged (other than in connection with a transaction described in Section 4(e)) in a manner that would have the effect of reducing its original exercise price or otherwise constitute repricing. Any such action by the Committee shall be subject to the Participant’s consent if the Committee determines that such action would adversely affect the Participant’s rights
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under such Award, whether in whole or in part. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the exercisability or vesting or lapse of any Restriction Period with respect to all or any portion of any outstanding Award at any time. Notwithstanding any provisions of the Plan to the contrary, the Committee may not, without the consent of the affected Participant, amend, modify or terminate an outstanding Award or exercise any discretion in any manner that would result in the imposition of an additional tax, interest or penalty under Section 409A of the Code.
(m)
409A Compliance. The Plan is intended to be administered in a manner consistent with the requirements, where applicable, of Section 409A of the Code. Where reasonably possible and practicable, the Plan shall be administered in a manner to avoid the imposition on Participants of immediate tax recognition and additional taxes pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. In the case of any Specified Award that may be treated as payable in the form of “a series of installment payments,” as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii), a Participant’s or Designated Beneficiary’s right to receive such payments shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate payments for purposes of such Treasury Regulation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor the Committee, nor any of the Company’s directors, officers or employees shall have any liability to any person in the event Section 409A of the Code applies to any such Award in a manner that results in adverse tax consequences for the Participant or any of his beneficiaries or transferees. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, the Board or the Committee may unilaterally amend, modify or terminate the Plan or any outstanding Award, including but not limited to changing the form of Award or the exercise price of any Option or SAR, if the Board or Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that such amendment, modification or termination is necessary or advisable to comply with applicable U.S. law, as a result of changes in law or regulation or to avoid the imposition of an additional tax, interest or penalty under Section 409A of the Code.
(n)
Certain Provisions Applicable to Specified Employees. Notwithstanding the terms of this Plan or any Award Agreement to the contrary, if at the time of Participant’s Termination of Service he or she is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, any payment of any “nonqualified deferred compensation” amounts (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and after taking into account all exclusions applicable to such payments under Section 409A of the Code) required to be made to the Participant upon or as a result of the Termination of Service (as defined in Section 409A) shall be delayed until after the six-month anniversary of the Termination of Service to the extent necessary to comply with and avoid the imposition of taxes, interest and penalties under Section 409A of the Code. Any such payments to which he or she would otherwise be entitled during the first six months following his or her Termination of Service will be accumulated and paid without interest on the first payroll date after the six-month anniversary of the Termination of Service (unless another Section 409A-compliant payment date applies) or within thirty days thereafter. These provisions will only apply if and to the extent required to avoid the imposition of taxes, interest and penalties under Section 409A of the Code.
(o)
No Impact on Benefits. Except as may otherwise be specifically stated under any employee benefit plan, policy or program, no amount payable in respect of any Award shall be treated as compensation for purposes of calculating a Participant’s right under any such plan, policy or program.
(p)
No Constraint on Corporate Action. Nothing in this Plan shall be construed (a) to limit, impair or otherwise affect the Company’s right or power to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations or changes of its capital or business structure, or to merge or consolidate, or dissolve, liquidate, sell, or transfer all or any part of its business or assets or (b) to limit the right or power of the Company, or any Subsidiary, to take any action which such entity deems to be necessary or appropriate.
(q)
Headings and Captions. The headings and captions herein are provided for reference and convenience only, shall not be considered part of this Plan, and shall not be employed in the construction of this Plan.
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