UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant x | Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ¨ |
Check the appropriate box:
¨ | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
¨ | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
¨ | Definitive Proxy Statement |
x | Definitive Additional Materials |
¨ | Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12 |
ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
x | No fee required. |
¨ | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i) (1) and 0-11. |
(1) | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
(2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
(3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
(4) | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
(5) | Total fee paid: |
¨ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials: |
¨ | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing of which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
(1) | Amount previously paid: |
(2) | Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
(3) | Filing Party: |
(4) | Date Filed: |
Reference is made to the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed by Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (the Company) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 25, 2013 (the Original Filing) and made available to the Companys stockholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Companys Board of Directors for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Annual Meeting) and any adjournment and postponement of such meeting.
Proposal 3 in the Original Filing requested stockholder approval for the amendment and restatement of the Companys 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2004 Plan), to make certain changes to the 2004 Plan, including, among other things, an increase in the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under said plan by 19,500,000.
The Company revises Proposal 3 to reduce the size of the requested increase in the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2004 Plan from 19,500,000 to 16,500,000.
All references to 19,500,000 shares in the Original Filing are hereby replaced with 16,500,000 shares.
This filing does not modify or update any other proposals or information presented in the Original Filing. A copy of the Original Filing and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012 is available online at www.sec.gov.
A copy of the full text of the amended Proposal 3 marked to show changes from the text in the Original Filing is attached hereto as Annex 1.
If a stockholder returns his or her proxy or votes via the Internet or by telephone at any time (either before or after the date of this filing) indicating FOR Proposal 3, such vote will constitute a vote in favor of Proposal 3, as modified hereby. If any stockholder has already returned his or her properly executed proxy card or voted via the Internet or by telephone and would like to change his or her vote on any matter, such stockholder may revoke his or her proxy before it is voted at the Annual Meeting by (1) delivering a written notice of revocation to our Assistant Corporate Secretary at One AMD Place, Sunnyvale, California 94088, (2) submitting a new proxy card with a later date via the Internet, by telephone or by mail or (3) by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. However, the stockholders attendance in person at the Annual Meeting will not automatically revoke his or her proxy unless he or she votes again at the Annual Meeting or specifically request in writing that his or her prior proxy be revoked. If any stockholder would like to request a new proxy, he or she should contact our Assistant Corporate Secretary at One AMD Place, Sunnyvale, California 94088.
Supplemental Disclosure In Proposal 3 of the Original Filing
As of March 7, 2013, the number of shares subject to outstanding equity compensation awards under all Company equity compensation plans and shares available for future grants under all Company equity compensation plans are as follows:
| 37,023,228 options to purchase shares are outstanding, with a weighted average exercise price of $5.40 and a weighted average remaining term of 4.44 years. |
| 26,045,813 restricted stock units are outstanding. |
| 15,186,464 shares were left available for issuance under the 2004 Plan, which is the sole equity compensation plan under which the Company grants equity awards. |
The updated information provided above is consistent with the information described in the Original Filing, as updated to reflect the shares outstanding and shares available for future grants under our equity compensation plans as of March 7, 2013. The complete text of the 2004 Plan, as amended and restated, is attached as Exhibit A.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote FOR all of the nominees for director in Proposal 1, and FOR Proposals 2, 3 and 4.
It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the meeting whether or not you plan to attend. Therefore, we urge you to vote your shares as soon as possible.
Annex 1
ITEM 3APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE 2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
We are asking our stockholders to approve the amendment and restatement of our 2004 Plan to:
| Increase the number of authorized shares that can be awarded to our employees, consultants and advisors under the 2004 Plan by
|
| Amend the definition of performance goals that may be used in connection with performance-based awards granted under the 2004 Plan as described in the section titled Eligibility to Receive Awards; Performance Criteria, below; and |
| Implement certain administrative amendments. |
Our Named Executive Officers who are current employees of AMD and members of our Board will be eligible to receive Awards under the 2004 Plan and therefore have an interest in this proposal. In the event that the amendment and restatement of our 2004 Plan is not approved by our stockholders, the 2004 Plan will continue to be in full force in accordance with its terms.
We are also asking our stockholders to approve the amendment and restatement of our 2004 Plan to satisfy the stockholder approval requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and to approve the material terms of the performance goals for awards that may be granted under the 2004 Plan as required for grants of awards intended to comply with the performance-based compensation exemption under Section 162(m) of the Code. In general, Section 162(m) of the Code, which is discussed in more detail below, denies a tax deduction to public companies for compensation paid to certain covered employees within a taxable year to the extent such compensation exceeds $1,000,000. However, compensation that qualifies as performance-based under Section 162(m) of the Code does not count against this $1,000,000 limit. In order for awards under the 2004 Plan to be treated as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, the material terms of the plan under which such awards may be granted must be disclosed to and approved by the stockholders. For purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, the material terms include (a) the employees eligible to receive compensation, (b) a description of the business criteria on which the performance goals may be based and (c) the maximum amount of compensation that can be paid to an employee under the performance goals. Each of these aspects of the 2004 Plan is discussed below, and stockholder approval of the proposal in this Item 3 will constitute approval of the material terms of the Plan and the performance goals for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.
Stockholder approval of the amendment and restatement is only one of several requirements under Section 162(m) that must be satisfied for amounts realized under the 2004 Plan to qualify for the performance-based compensation exemption under Section 162(m), and submission of the material terms of the 2004 Plans performance goals for stockholder approval should not be viewed as a guarantee that we will be able to deduct all compensation under the 2004 Plan. Nothing in this proposal or any prior proposals relating to the 2004 Plan precludes us or the Compensation Committee from making any payment or granting awards that do not qualify for tax deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Code or any other provision of the Code.
If stockholders do not approve the proposal in this Item 3, the 2004 Plan, which was previously approved by our stockholders, will continue in full force and effect without the amended performance goals definition described above. We may continue to grant performance-vesting and other equity awards under the 2004 Plan but will only provide for awards under the 2004 Plan that vest or pay out based upon the existing definition of performance goals, which consists of achievement relating to annual revenue, cash position, earnings per share, operating cash flow, market share, new product releases, net income, operating income, return on assets, return on equity, return on investment, other financial measures or any other performance related goal that the 2004 Plan administrator deems appropriate.
Introduction and Background for Current Request to Increase the Share Reserve
Awards of shares of our common stock are a major part of long-term incentive program for our employees, consultants and members of our Board. As noted in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we have long
recognized that having an ownership interest in AMD is critical to aligning the financial interests of our employees with the interests of our stockholders. In order to ensure that shares continue to be available for future grants, in 2013, the Board of Directors amended our 2004 Plan, subject to stockholder approval, to increase the number of shares that may be granted under the 2004 Plan.
The Board of Directors believes it is important to obtain an
additional 19,500,00016,500,000 shares for grant under the 2004 Plan. In this proxy statement, we refer to any grant from the 2004 Plan as an Award.
As of March 7, 2013, stock options covering
31,701,88837,023,228 shares of our common stock with a weighted average exercise price of
$5.845.40 and a weighted average remaining term of 4.074.44 years were outstanding
under the 2004 Planall our equity compensation plans. As of March 7, 2013, unvested RSUs covering 26,045,813 shares of our common stock were outstanding under
the 2004 Planall our equity compensation plans. These numbers include performance-based options and performance-based RSUs assuming achievement of the market-based
component.
In addition, as of March 7, 2013, 15,186,464 shares were available for grant under the 2004 Plan, which is the sole equity compensation plan under which we grant equity compensation awards. We do not believe that this amount is sufficient to meet AMDs anticipated grants of Awards through the date of our 2014 annual meeting of stockholders. As of March 7, 2013, approximately 8,100 or 74% of our employees, officers, consultants and directors were eligible to participate in the 2004 Plan, of which 6 were executive officers, 11 were non-employee directors and none were consultants. If stockholders do not approve the amendment and restatement of the 2004 Plan, the 2004 Plan will remain in effect; however, the shares available for equity-based compensation may be quickly depleted, and we may lose our ability to use equity as a compensation tool. The Board anticipates that the additional shares requested will enable AMD to fund its current equity compensation program for at least the next year, accommodating anticipated grants related to the hiring, retention and promotion of employees.
In its determination to recommend that the Board approve the amendment and restatement of the 2004 Plan, the Compensation Committee reviewed the burn rate, dilution and overhang metrics disclosed in the section titled Key Equity Metrics, below.
YOU ARE URGED TO READ THIS ENTIRE PROPOSAL, WHICH EXPLAINS OUR REASONS FOR SUPPORTING THE 2004 PLAN AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT.
The Importance of Equity Compensation
The Board believes that long-term equity awards in the form of stock options and RSUs are an extremely important way to attract and retain key employees, including a talented executive team, and align the employees and executives interests with AMDs stockholders. The Board also believes that long-term equity compensation is essential to link executive compensation with long-term stockholder value creation. Equity compensation represents a significant portion of the compensation package for our key employees. Since our equity awards generally vest over several years, the value ultimately realized from these awards depends on the long-term value of our common stock. In addition, in 2012, our Compensation Committee revised the 2012 equity award mix to include PRSUs for our senior officers. The introduction of PRSUs is intended to reinforce our objective that senior officers direct their efforts towards the creation of stockholder value because the vesting of the PRSUs awarded is contingent on a significant increase in our share price over a multi-year performance period. We strongly believe that granting equity awards motivates employees to think and act like owners, rewarding them when value is created for stockholders.
Key Equity Metrics
Approval of the amendment and restatement of the 2004 Plan will enable us to compete effectively in the competitive market for employee talent over the coming years, while maintaining reasonable burn rates and overhang.
The following table shows key equity metrics under the 2004 Plan:
Key Equity Metrics |
2012 |
3-Year Average (2010-2012) |
||||||
Shares subject to awards granted(1) |
27.44 million | 22.1 million | ||||||
Gross burn rate(2) |
3.85 | % | 3.16 | % | ||||
Net burn rate(3) |
2.12 | % | 1.75 | % | ||||
Dilution at Fiscal Year End(4) |
11.11 | % | 11.12 | % | ||||
Overhang at Fiscal Year End(5) |
8.86 | % | 8.69 | % |
(1) | Reflects total number of shares subject to equity awards granted during the fiscal year and excludes any cancelled or forfeited equity awards. |
(2) | Gross burn rate is calculated by dividing the total number of shares subject to equity awards granted during the fiscal year by the total weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period, and excludes any cancelled or forfeited equity awards. |
(3) | Net burn rate is calculated by dividing the total number of shares subject to equity awards granted during the fiscal year by the total weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period, and takes into account any cancelled or forfeited equity awards. |
(4) | Dilution is calculated by dividing the sum of (x) the number of shares subject to equity awards outstanding at the end of the fiscal year and (y) the number of shares available for future grants, by the number of shares outstanding at the end of the fiscal year. |
(5) | Overhang is calculated by dividing the number of shares subject to equity awards outstanding at the end of the fiscal year by the number of shares outstanding at the end of the fiscal year. |
We believe strongly that the approval of the amendment and restatement of the 2004 Plan is essential to our continued success. Our employees are our most valuable asset. Awards such as those provided under the 2004 Plan are vital to our ability to attract and retain outstanding and highly skilled individuals in the extremely competitive labor markets in which we must compete. Such Awards also are crucial to our ability to motivate employees to achieve AMDs goals.
Summary of the 2004 Plan
The following paragraphs provide a brief summary of the principal features of the 2004 Plan and its operation. Because the following is a summary, it may not contain all of the information that is important to you. A copy of the 2004 Plan as amended and restated is attached as Exhibit A to this proxy statement. The description that follows is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2004 Plan as set forth in Exhibit A. The closing price of AMDs common stock on March 7, 2013 was $2.55.
Background and Purpose of the Plan
The 2004 Plan permits the grant of the following types of
Awards: (1) nonstatutory stock options that are not intended to qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 422 of the Code, incentive stock options that are intended to qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 422 of
the Code and stock appreciation rights granted at the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant (Fair Market Value Awards), and (2) restricted stock awards and RSU (Full Value Awards). This amendment and restatement will
increase the total number of shares remaining available for grant under the 2004 Plan to 34,686,46431,686,464 (based on 15,186,464 shares remaining available for grant
as of March 7, 2013). If an Award or an award currently outstanding under any of the following prior equity compensation plans: 1995 Stock Plan of NexGen, Inc., 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and 2000 Stock Incentive Plan
(the Prior Plans) expires or is cancelled without having been fully exercised or vested, the unvested or cancelled shares generally will be returned to the available pool of shares reserved for issuance under the 2004 Plan. As of March 7, 2013,
there were 748,146 awards outstanding under the Prior Plans.
The 2004 Plan is intended to attract, motivate, and retain employees, consultants, and non-employee directors who provide significant services to us. The 2004 Plan also is intended to further our growth and profitability.
Administration of the Plan
Our Board of Directors or a delegate or committee appointed by our Board of Directors (the Committee) administers the 2004 Plan. Awards will also be made pursuant to the Outside Director Equity Compensation Policy.
Subject to the terms of the 2004 Plan, the Committee has the sole discretion to select the employees and consultants who will receive Awards, determine the terms and conditions of Awards (for example, the exercise price and vesting schedule), and interpret the provisions of the 2004 Plan and outstanding Awards. The Committee may delegate any part of its authority and powers under the 2004 Plan to one or more directors and/or officers of AMD, but only the Committee itself can make Awards to participants who are officers of AMD. In addition, Awards that are intended to be qualified performance-based compensation as described under Section 162(m) of the Code may only be granted by a committee comprised exclusively of non-employee independent directors.
If we experience a stock dividend, reorganization or other change in our capital structure, the Committee has the discretion to adjust the number of shares available for issuance under the 2004 Plan, the outstanding Awards, and the per-person limits on Awards, as appropriate to reflect the stock dividend or other change.
Eligibility to Receive Awards; Performance Criteria
The Committee selects the employees and consultants who will be granted Awards under the 2004 Plan. Nonstatutory stock options, restricted stock, RSUs and stock appreciation rights may be granted to employees, directors and consultants. Incentive stock options can only be granted to employees. The actual number of individuals who will receive an Award under the 2004 Plan cannot be determined in advance because the Committee has the discretion to select the participants. No individual may receive Award(s) covering more than 3,000,000 shares under the 2004 Plan in any calendar year, except that an individual may receive Award(s) covering up to 6,000,000 shares during the first 12 months of employment.
In determining whether an Award should be made, and/or the vesting schedule for any such Award, the Committee may impose whatever conditions to vesting that it determines to be appropriate. For example, the Committee may decide to grant an Award only if the participant satisfies performance goals established by the Committee. The Committee may set performance periods and performance goals that differ from participant to participant. The Committee may choose performance goals based on either company-wide or business unit results, as deemed appropriate in light of the participants specific responsibilities. For purposes of qualifying awards as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee may (but is not required to) specify performance goals for the entire company and/or a business unit. Currently, performance goals may be based on business criteria including: cash position, earnings per share, operating cash flow, market share, new product releases, net income, operating income, return on assets, return on equity, return on investment, other financial measures or any other performance-related goal that the Committee deems appropriate. The amendment and restatement amends the definition of performance goals under the 2004 Plan to consist of the following, which may be measured on a GAAP or non-GAAP basis: net income, operating income, earnings before interest and taxes, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, earnings per share, return on investment, return on capital, return on invested capital, return on capital compared to cost of capital, return on capital employed, return on equity, return on assets, return on net assets, total shareholder return, cash return on capitalization, revenue, revenue ratios (per employee or per customer), stock price, market share, shareholder value, net cash flow, cash flow, cash flow from operations, cash balance, cash conversion cycle, cost reductions and cost ratios (per employee or per customer), new product releases and strategic positioning programs, including the achievement of specified milestones or the completion of specified projects. The performance goals may differ from participant to participant and from award to award. Such performance goals also may (but is not required to) be based solely by reference to the performance of the individual, the Company as a whole or any subsidiary, division, business segment or business unit of the Company, or any combination thereof or based upon the relative performance of other companies or upon comparisons of any of the indicators of performance relative to a peer group of other companies. Unless otherwise stated, a performance goal need not be based upon an increase or positive result under a particular
business criterion and could include, for example, maintaining the status quo or limiting economic losses (measured, in each case, by reference to specific business criteria). The Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide that one or more objectively determinable adjustments will be made to one or more of the performance goals. Such adjustments may include one or more of the following: (i) items related to a change in accounting principle; (ii) items relating to financing activities; (iii) expenses for restructuring or productivity initiatives; (iv) other non-operating items; (v) items related to acquisitions; (vi) items attributable to the business operations of any entity acquired by the Company during the applicable performance period; (vii) items related to the disposal of a business or segment of a business; (viii) items related to discontinued operations that do not qualify as a segment of a business under applicable accounting standards; (ix) items attributable to any stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of stock occurring during the applicable performance period; (x) any other items of significant income or expense which are determined to be appropriate adjustments; (xi) items relating to unusual or extraordinary corporate transactions, events or developments, (xii) items related to amortization of acquired intangible assets; (xiii) items that are outside the scope of the Companys core, on-going business activities; (xiv) items related to acquired in-process research and development; (xv) items relating to changes in tax laws; (xvi) items relating to major licensing or partnership arrangements; (xvii) items relating to asset impairment charges; (xviii) items relating to gains or losses for litigation, arbitration and contractual settlements; or (xix) items relating to any other unusual or nonrecurring events or changes in applicable law, accounting principles or business conditions. To the extent that the Committee determines it to be desirable to qualify awards granted under the 2004 Plan as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the performance goals will be set by the Committee within the time period prescribed by, and will otherwise comply with the requirements of, Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations thereunder.
After the end of each performance period, a determination will be made as to the extent to which the performance goals applicable to each participant were achieved or exceeded. The actual award (if any) for each participant will be determined by the level of actual performance.
Fair Market Value Awards
Stock Options. A stock option is the right to purchase shares of AMDs common stock at a fixed exercise price for a fixed period of time. Under the 2004 Plan, the Committee may grant nonstatutory and incentive stock options. The Committee will determine the number of shares covered by each option.
The exercise price of the shares subject to each nonstatutory stock option and incentive stock option cannot be less than 100 percent of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of the grant. The 2004 Plan prohibits any repricing of options after their grant, other than with stockholder approval.
Any option granted under the 2004 Plan cannot be exercised until it becomes vested. The Committee establishes the vesting schedule of each option at the time of the grant. Options become exercisable at the times and on the terms established by the Committee. Options granted under the 2004 Plan expire at the times established by the Committee, but not later than 10 years after the grant date.
The exercise price of each option granted under the 2004 Plan must be paid in full at the time of the exercise. The Committee may also permit payment by check, the tender of shares that are already owned by the participant, a broker-assisted cashless exercise, any combination of the foregoing, or by any other means that the Committee determines to be consistent with the purpose of the 2004 Plan.
Stock Appreciation Rights. Awards of stock appreciation rights may be granted pursuant to the 2004 Plan. The Committee determines the terms and conditions of stock appreciation rights. However, no stock appreciation right may be granted at less than fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant or have a term of over ten (10) years from the date of grant. Upon exercising a stock appreciation right, the holder of such right shall be entitled to receive payment from AMD in an amount determined by multiplying (i) the difference between the closing price of a share of our common stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price by (ii) the number of shares with respect to which the stock appreciation right is exercised. AMDs obligation arising upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right may be paid in shares or in cash, or any combination thereof, as the
Committee may determine. The Committee may choose to grant stock appreciation rights in tandem with the grant of stock options, such that the exercise of either the stock option or the stock appreciation right would cancel the other.
Awards to Outside Directors
Non-employee directors initial and annual equity awards are made in the form of RSUs. See Directors Compensation and Benefits section above for discussion relating to our Outside Director Equity Compensation Policy.
Full Value Awards
Under the 2004 Plan, the Committee can make the following Full Value Awards:
Restricted Stock. Awards of restricted stock are shares that vest in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the Committee. The purchase price for an award of restricted stock will be $0.00 per share. The Committee will determine the number of shares of restricted stock granted to any employee or consultant. Once the restricted stock is issued, voting, dividend and other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the restricted stock. However, the restricted stock will not be transferable until the restricted stock vests.
Restricted Stock Units. RSUs are awards that obligate AMD to pay the recipient of the award a value equal to the fair market value of a specific number of shares of AMD common stock in the future if the vesting terms and conditions scheduled by the Committee are satisfied. Payment under an RSU may be made in cash or in shares of our common stock. The purchase price for the shares will be $0.00 per share. The Committee will determine the number of shares that are subject to such RSUs. A holder of an RSU does not have any rights as a stockholder until shares of common stock, if any, are issued with respect to the RSU. Payment under a RSU will be made at a time that is permissible under or exempt from Section 409A of the Code. The Committee may permit a participant to defer the receipt of cash or shares pursuant to a RSU under the 2004 Plan. Any such deferral will be administered as determined by the Committee and in a manner that is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code.
Change of Control
Awards. In the event of a merger or sale of substantially all of our assets, the successor corporation will either assume or provide a substitute award for each outstanding Award. In the event the successor corporation refuses to assume or provide a substitute award, the Committee will provide at least 15 days notice that the Award will immediately vest and become exercisable as applicable as to all of the shares subject to such Award and that such Award will terminate upon the expiration of such notice period.
Outside Director Awards. In the event of a change of control of AMD, the Awards described above will vest 100 percent immediately upon the change of control.
Acceleration in Connection with a Termination of Employment. If, within one year after a change of control, a participants employment is terminated for any reason other than for misconduct (as defined in the 2004 Plan) or, with respect to certain participants who are executive officers, there is a constructive termination of their employment, all Awards held by that participant become fully vested. A constructive termination generally occurs if the executive officer resigns because of a diminution or adverse change in his or her conditions of employment. In general, a Change of Control will be deemed to have occurred upon the acquisition of more than 20 percent of either the then-outstanding shares of AMD common stock or the combined voting power of our then outstanding securities, a change in the majority of the Board of Directors over a two-year period (generally excluding any new directors approved by two-thirds of the existing members of the Board of Directors), certain mergers or corporate transactions in which we are not the surviving entity, or our liquidation or a sale of substantially all of our assets.
Non-Transferability of Awards
Unless a participants employment or award agreement provides otherwise, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the participant, only by the participant.
Federal Tax Aspects
The following is a general summary under current law of the material federal income tax consequences of the grant, vesting and exercise of Awards under the 2004 Plan. This summary deals with general tax principles that apply only to employees who are citizens or residents of the United States and is provided only for general information purposes. The following discussion does not address the tax consequences of Awards that may be subject to and do not comply with the rules and guidance issued pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. Section 409A has implications that affect traditional deferred compensation plans, as well as certain equity awards. Accordingly, additional adverse tax consequences could apply to certain equity awards as a result of Section 409A based on the terms of the equity awards or modifications that have been made to the provisions of the equity awards.
The following discussion does not purport to be complete, and does not cover, among other things, federal employment tax and state and local income and employment tax treatment of participants in the 2004 Plan. Tax laws are complex and subject to change and may vary depending on individual circumstances and from locality to locality. The summary does not discuss all aspects of income taxation that may be relevant in light of personal investment circumstances. This summarized tax information is not tax advice.
Incentive Stock Options. No taxable income is reportable when an incentive stock option is granted to a participant, when that option vests or when that option is exercised. However, the amount by which the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise exceeds the option price will be an item of adjustment for a participant for purposes of the alternative minimum tax. Gain realized on the sale of shares issued under an incentive stock option is taxable at capital gains rates, unless the participant disposes of the shares within (1) two years after the date of grant of the option or (2) within one year of the date the shares were transferred to the participant. If the shares of common stock are sold or otherwise disposed of before the end of the one-year or two-year periods specified above, the difference between the option exercise price and the fair market value of the shares on the date of the options exercise will be taxed at ordinary income rates. If such a sale or disposition takes place in the year in which the participant exercises the option, the income recognized upon the sale or disposition of the shares will not be considered income for alternative minimum tax purposes. If the participant sells or otherwise disposes the shares before the end of the one-year or two-year periods specified above, the maximum amount that will be included as alternative minimum tax income is the gain, if any, the participant recognizes on the disposition of the shares.
Nonstatutory Stock Options. No taxable income is reportable when a nonstatutory stock option is granted to a participant or when the option vests. Upon exercise, the participant will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value (on the exercise date) of the shares purchased over the exercise price of the option.
Stock Appreciation Rights. No taxable income is reportable when a stock appreciation right is granted to a participant or when the stock appreciation right vests. Upon exercise, the participant will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the amount of cash received and the fair market value of any shares received. Any additional gain or loss recognized upon any later disposition of any shares issued would be capital gain or loss.
Restricted Stock. Generally, a participant will not have taxable income upon grant of restricted stock. Instead, he or she will recognize ordinary income, if any, at the time of vesting equal to the fair market value of the shares received (determined as of the date of vesting) minus any amount paid for the shares.
Restricted Stock Units. A participant will generally not recognize taxable income at the time of the grant of a RSU or when the RSU vests. When an award is paid (whether it is at or after the time that the award vests),
the participant will recognize ordinary income. In the event of an award that is paid or settled at a time following the vesting date, income tax may be deferred beyond vesting and until shares are actually delivered or payment is made to the participant if deferred in compliance with the timing of distributions and other requirements under Section 409A of the Code.
Gain or Loss on Sale or Disposition of Shares. In general, gain or loss from the sale or disposition of shares granted or awarded under the 2004 Plan will be treated as capital gain or loss, provided that the shares are held as capital assets at the time of the sale or exchange.
Withholding. Where an award results in income subject to withholding, AMD may require the participant to remit the withholding amount to the Company or cause shares of common stock to be withheld or sold in order to satisfy the tax withholding obligations.
Tax Effect for AMD. Generally we will be entitled to a tax deduction in connection with an Award under the 2004 Plan in an amount equal to the ordinary income realized by a participant and at the time the participant recognizes such income (for example, the exercise of a nonstatutory stock option), provided that, among other things, the income meets the test of reasonableness, is an ordinary and necessary business expense, is not an excess parachute payment within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and is not disallowed by the $1,000,000 limitation on certain executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code.
Special rules under Section 162(m) of the Code limit the deductibility of compensation paid by a public company during a tax year to its chief executive officer and its other three most highly compensated executive officers for that tax year. Under Section 162(m) of the Code, the annual compensation paid to any of these specified executives will be deductible only to the extent that it does not exceed $1,000,000. However, under Section 162(m) of the Code qualifying performance-based compensation, including income from stock options and other performance based awards, may be deductible if the conditions of Section 162(m) are met. These conditions include, among other things, stockholder approval of the material terms of the 2004 Plan as discussed above, setting limits on the number of Awards that any individual may receive and establishing performance criteria that must be met before the Award (other than certain stock options) actually will vest or be paid. The amendment and restatement has been designed to permit the Committee in its discretion to grant Awards which may qualify as performance-based for purposes of satisfying the conditions of Section 162(m) which may permit AMD to receive a federal income tax deduction in connection with such Awards.
Additionally, under the so-called golden parachute provisions of Section 280G of the Code, the accelerated vesting of options and benefits paid under other Awards in connection with a change of control of a corporation may be required to be valued and taken into account in determining whether participants have received compensatory payments contingent on the change of control, in excess of certain limits. If these limits are exceeded, a portion of the amounts payable to the participant may be subject to an additional 20% federal tax and may be nondeductible by AMD.
Amendment and Termination of the 2004 Plan and Prohibition on Repricing or Exchange of Awards Without Stockholder Approval
The Board generally may amend or terminate the 2004 Plan at any time and for any reason; provided, however, that the Board cannot reprice or otherwise exchange awards under the 2004 Plan, amend the 2004 Plan to increase the number of shares available under the 2004 Plan, or change the class of employees eligible to participate in the 2004 Plan without stockholder consent.
New Plan Benefits
The amount, if any, of equity compensation to be awarded to officers, directors, employees and consultants is determined from time to time by the Compensation Committee or the Board, as applicable, and is not presently determinable.
Historically, our non-employee directors have received annual equity grants under our 2004 Plan. Commencing with the 2012 annual meeting of stockholders, under our current Outside Director Equity Compensation Policy, each non-employee director who has served on the Board for at least six months prior to the respective annual meeting, will automatically be granted the number of RSUs equal to the quotient of (i) $225,000 divided by (ii) the trailing average closing price of our common stock for the 30-day period preceding and ending with the date of the respective RSU grant. If a non-employee director has served on the Board for less than six months prior to the respective annual meeting, his or her grant will be pro-rated based on the number of months of service divided by 12. For purposes of the pro-rata calculation, service during any portion of a month, counts as a full month of service. See Directors Compensation and Benefits section, above, for equity grants received by our non-employee directors in 2012.
The following table sets forth summary information concerning the number of shares of our common stock subject to stock option and RSUs made under the 2004 Plan to our Named Executive Officers and director nominees as of March 7, 2013:
Name and Position |
Number of Shares Underlying Option Grants (#) |
Number of Shares Underlying Performance- based Option Grants (#) |
Number of Shares Underlying RSU Grants (#) |
Number of Shares Underlying PRSU Grants (#) |
||||||||||||
Rory P. Read |
2,543,969 | 739,000 | 1,131,957 | 830,914 | ||||||||||||
Devinder Kumar |
1,421,999 | (1) | 0 | 577,051 | 112,089 | (2) | ||||||||||
Thomas J. Seifert |
1,112,342 | (3) | 0 | 522,616 | (4) | 238,485 | (5) | |||||||||
John Byrne |
579,769 | (6) | 0 | 470,865 | 83,679 | |||||||||||
Mark D. Papermaster |
661,445 | 0 | 568,790 | 167,358 | ||||||||||||
Lisa Su |
931,424 | 0 | 656,663 | 167,358 | ||||||||||||
Bruce L. Claflin |
100,000 | 0 | 353,588 | 0 | ||||||||||||
W. Michael Barnes |
100,000 | 0 | 163,454 | 0 | ||||||||||||
John E. Caldwell |
50,000 | 0 | 163,454 | 0 | ||||||||||||
Henry WK Chow |
0 | 0 | 58,205 | 0 | ||||||||||||
Nicholas M. Donofrio |
0 | 0 | 107,204 | 0 | ||||||||||||
H. Paulett Eberhart |
100,000 | 0 | 163,454 | 0 | ||||||||||||
Martin L. Edelman |
0 | 0 | 30,080 | 0 | ||||||||||||
John R. Harding |
0 | 0 | 30,080 | 0 | ||||||||||||
Ahmed Yahia |
0 | 0 | 30,080 | 0 | ||||||||||||
All current directors who are not executive officers as a group (11 persons) |
425,000 | 0 | 1,398,382 | 0 | ||||||||||||
All employees, including current officers who are not executive officers, as a group |
72,521,659 | (7) | 0 | 72,080,361 | (8) | 3,408,377 | (9) |
(1) | Number includes 151,250 shares subject to stock option grants that were cancelled in connection with a stock option exchange in 2009. We granted 64,160 replacement stock options in connection with the stock option exchange. |
(2) | Number includes 46,075 shares subject to PRSUs that were cancelled/forfeited. |
(3) | Number includes 567,878 shares subject to stock option grants that were cancelled/forfeited upon Mr. Seiferts resignation. |
(4) | Number includes 304,844 shares subject to RSUs that were cancelled/forfeited upon Mr. Seiferts resignation. |
(5) | All of these PRSUs were cancelled/forfeited upon Mr. Seiferts resignation. |
(6) | Number includes 20,000 shares subject to a stock option grant that was cancelled in connection with a stock option exchange in 2009. We granted 4,000 replacement stock options in connection with the stock option exchange. |
(7) | Number includes 30,125,374 shares subject to stock option grants that were cancelled/forfeited. Of this amount, 7,747,124 stock options were cancelled in connection with a stock option exchange in 2009, and we granted 3,921,819 replacement stock options in connection with the stock option exchange. |
(8) | Number includes 15,974,021 shares subject to RSUs that were cancelled/forfeited. |
(9) | Number includes 2,243,964 shares subject to PRSUs that were cancelled/forfeited. |
Summary
We believe strongly that the approval of the amendment and restatement of the 2004 Plan is essential to our success. Awards such as those provided under the 2004 Plan constitute an important incentive for key employees and other service providers of AMD and help us to attract, retain and motivate people whose skills and performance are critical to our success. Our employees are our most valuable asset. We strongly believe that the amendment and restatement to the 2004 Plan is essential for us to compete for talent in the very difficult labor markets in which we operate.
Required Vote
The affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast by holders of our common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting will be required to approve the amendment and restatement of the 2004 Plan, provided that the total votes cast on the proposal represent over 50% of the outstanding stock entitled to vote on the proposal.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the approval of the amendment and restatement of the AMD 2004 Equity Incentive Plan.
EXHIBIT A
ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES, INC.
2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(Amendment and Restatement Adopted by the Board of Directors on March 22, 2006)
(Approved by the Stockholders on May 5, 2006)
(Amendment Adopted by the Board of Directors on October 13, 2006)
(Second Amendment and Restatement Adopted by the Board of Directors on February 26, 2009)
(Approved by Stockholders on May 7, 2009)
(Third Amendment and Restatement Adopted by the Board of Directors on March 5, 2010)
(Approved by Stockholders on April 29, 2010)
(Fourth Amendment and Restatement Adopted by the Board of Directors on March 14, 2012)
(Approved by Stockholders on May 10, 2012)
1. | Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan) are: |
| to attract and retain the best available personnel, |
| to compete effectively for the best personnel, and |
| to promote the success of the Companys business by motivating Employees, Directors and Consultants to superior performance. |
Awards granted under the Plan may be Nonstatutory Stock Options (NSOs), Incentive Stock Options (ISOs), Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs), Restricted Stock, or Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant.
2. | Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply: |
(a) | Administrator means the Board or any of its delegates, including committees, administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan. |
(b) | Affiliate means any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other entity in which the Company holds an equity, profit or voting interest of thirty percent (30%) or more; provided, however, that with respect to Awards granted on or after May 5, 2006 Affiliate shall mean any corporation, partnership, joint venture or other entity in which the Company holds an equity, profit or voting interest of more than fifty percent (50%). |
(c) | Applicable Laws means the requirements relating to the administration of equity compensation plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan. |
(d) | Award means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of NSOs, ISOs, SARs, Restricted Stock, or RSUs. |
(e) | Award Documentation means any written agreement or documentation published by the Company setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Documentation is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan. |
(f) | Awarded Stock means the Common Stock subject to an Award. |
(g) | Board means the Board of Directors of the Company or its delegate. |
(h) | Change of Control Unless otherwise defined in Award Documentation or a Participants employment agreement, the term Change of Control shall mean any of the following events: |
(i) | any person (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including the securities beneficially owned by such person any securities acquired directly from the Company or any of its Affiliates) representing more than 20% of either the then outstanding shares of the Common Stock of the Company or the combined voting power of the Companys then outstanding voting securities; |
(ii) | during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement or arrangement with the Company to effect a transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) of this sentence) whose appointment, election, or nomination for election by the Companys stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board; |
(iii) | there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company or subsidiary thereof with or into any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the holders of the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto holding securities which represent immediately after such merger or consolidation more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of either the Company or the other entity which survives such merger or consolidation or the parent of the entity which survives such merger or consolidation; or |
(iv) | the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Company and such plan of complete liquidation of the Company is consummated or there is consummated the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Companys assets, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Companys assets to an entity, at least 80% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by persons in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing: (y) unless otherwise provided in a Participants employment agreement, no Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred if there is consummated any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the Common Stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions and (z) unless otherwise provided in a Participants employment agreement, Change of Control shall exclude the acquisition of securities representing more than 20% of either the then outstanding shares of the Common Stock of the Company or the combined voting power of the Companys then outstanding voting securities by the Company or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries, or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities of the Company under an employee benefit plan now or hereafter established by the Company.
(i) | Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. |
(j) | Committee means a committee of Directors appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan. |
(k) | Common Stock means the common stock of the Company. |
(l) | Company means Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., a Delaware corporation. |
(m) | Constructive Termination shall mean a resignation by a Participant who has been selected by the Board as a corporate officer of the Company due to diminution or adverse change in the circumstances of such Participants service as such a corporate officer, as determined in good faith by the Participant; including, without limitation, reporting relationships, job description, duties, responsibilities, compensation, perquisites, office or location of employment. Constructive Termination shall be communicated by written notice to the Company (or successor to the Company), and such termination shall be deemed to occur on the date such notice is so delivered. |
(n) | Consultant means any natural person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or Affiliate to render services to such entity. |
(o) | Director means a member of the Board of Directors of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. |
(p) | Disability means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. |
(q) | Employee means any person, including Officers and Directors, who is an employee of the Company or any Affiliate. An Employee shall not cease to be treated as an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, any Affiliate, or any successor corporation. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a directors fee by the Company or any Affiliate shall be sufficient to constitute status as an Employee. |
(r) | Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
(s) | Fair Market Value means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows: |
(i) | If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange, including without limitation the New York Stock Exchange, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange (or the exchange with the greatest volume of trading in the Common Stock) for such date, or if no bids or sales were reported for such date, then the closing sales price (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) on the trading date immediately prior to such date during which a bid or sale occurred, in each case, as reported by Bloomberg.com or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; |
(ii) | If the Common 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 Common Stock for such date, or if no bid or asked prices were reported for such date, then the bid and asked prices on the date immediately prior to such date during which bid and asked prices were reported; or |
(iii) | In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, its Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Administrator. |
(t) | Incentive Stock Option or ISO means an option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. |
(u) | Independent Director means a Director of the Company who is not also an Employee of the Company and who qualifies as an outside director for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, and/or as a Non-Employee Director for purposes of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. |
(v) | Misconduct means a Participant is determined by the Administrator to have: |
(i) | committed an act of theft, embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty or other criminal act, |
(ii) | breached a fiduciary duty owed to the Company (or Affiliate), |
(iii) | deliberately disregarded rules of the Company (or Affiliate), |
(iv) | made any unauthorized disclosure of any of the trade secrets or confidential information of the Company (or Affiliate), |
(v) | engaged in any conduct constituting unfair competition with the Company (or Affiliate), |
(vi) | induced any customer of the Company (or Affiliate) to break any contract with the Company (or Affiliate), or |
(vii) | induced any principal for whom the Company (or Affiliate) acts as agent to terminate such agency relationship |
(w) | Nonstatutory Stock Option or NSO means an Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option. |
(x) | Notice of Grant means a written or electronic notice evidencing certain terms and conditions of an individual Award. The Notice of Grant is part of the Award Documentation. |
(y) | Officer means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. |
(z) | Option means an NSO or ISO granted pursuant to Section 8 of the Plan. |
(aa) | Option Agreement means an agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan. |
(bb) | Parent means a parent corporation, whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code. |
(cc) | Participant means the holder of an outstanding Award granted under the Plan. |
(dd) | Performance Goals means the goal(s) (or combined goal(s)) determined by the Administrator (in its discretion) to be applicable to a Participant with respect to an Award. As determined by the Administrator, the Performance Goals applicable to an Award may provide for a targeted level or levels of achievement, measured on a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or non-GAAP basis, relating to net income, operating income, earnings before interest and taxes, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, earnings per share, return on investment, return on capital, return on invested capital, return on capital compared to cost of capital, return on capital employed, return on equity, return on assets, return on net assets, total shareholder return, cash return on capitalization, revenue, revenue ratios (per employee or per customer), stock price, market share, shareholder value, net cash flow, cash flow, cash flow from operations, cash balance, cash conversion cycle, cost reductions and cost ratios (per employee or per customer), new product releases and strategic positioning programs, including the achievement of specified milestones or the completion of specified projects. The Performance Goals may differ from Participant to Participant and from Award to Award. Such Performance Goals also may (but is not required to) be based solely by reference to the performance of the individual, the Company as a whole or any subsidiary, division, business segment or business unit of the Company, or any combination thereof or based upon the relative performance of other companies or upon comparisons of any of the indicators of performance relative to a peer group of other companies. Unless otherwise stated, such a Performance Goal need not be based upon an increase or positive result under a particular business criterion and could include, for example, |
maintaining the status quo or limiting economic losses (measured, in each case, by reference to specific business criteria). The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may provide that one or more objectively determinable adjustments shall be made to one or more of the Performance Goals. Such adjustments may include one or more of the following: (i) items related to a change in accounting principle; (ii) items relating to financing activities; (iii) expenses for restructuring or productivity initiatives; (iv) other non-operating items; (v) items related to acquisitions; (vi) items attributable to the business operations of any entity acquired by the Company during the applicable performance period; (vii) items related to the disposal of a business or segment of a business; (viii) items related to discontinued operations that do not qualify as a segment of a business under applicable accounting standards; (ix) items attributable to any stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of stock occurring during the applicable performance period; (x) any other items of significant income or expense which are determined to be appropriate adjustments; (xi) items relating to unusual or extraordinary corporate transactions, events or developments, (xii) items related to amortization of acquired intangible assets; (xiii) items that are outside the scope of the Companys core, on-going business activities; (xiv) items related to acquired in-process research and development; (xv) items relating to changes in tax laws; (xvi) items relating to major licensing or partnership arrangements; (xvii) items relating to asset impairment charges; (xviii) items relating to gains or losses for litigation, arbitration and contractual settlements; or (xix) items relating to any other unusual or nonrecurring events or changes in applicable law, accounting principles or business conditions. To the extent that the Administrator determines it to be desirable to qualify Awards granted hereunder as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, such Performance Goals shall be set by the Committee within the time period prescribed by, and shall otherwise comply with the requirements of, Section 162(m) of the Code, and the regulations thereunder. |
(ee) | Plan means this Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. |
(ff) | Restricted Stock means shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan that are subject to vesting, if any, based on continuing as a Service Provider and/or based on Performance Goals. |
(gg) | Restricted Stock Unit or RSU means an Award, granted pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan. |
(hh) | Rule 16b-3 means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan. |
(ii) | Stock Appreciation Right or SAR means an Award, granted alone or in connection with a related Option that is granted pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan. |
(jj) | Section 16(b) means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. |
(kk) | Service Provider means an Employee, Director or Consultant; subject to the limitations in Section 12 of the Plan with regard to Awards granted to Outside Directors. |
(ll) | Share means each share of Common Stock reserved under the Plan or subject to an Award, and as adjusted in accordance with Section 15(a) of the Plan. |
(mm) | Subsidiary means a subsidiary corporation, whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code. |
3. | Stock Subject to the Plan. |
(a) | Reserve. Subject to the provisions of Section 15(a) of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is 133,650,000 Shares plus: (i) the number of shares of Common Stock reserved under the Companys the 1995 Stock Plan of NexGen, Inc., 1996 Stock |
Incentive Plan, the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the Prior Plans) that are not subject to outstanding awards under the Prior Plans on April 29, 2004 (the Effective Date), and (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock that are released from, or reacquired by the Company from, awards outstanding under the Prior Plans at the Effective Date. Shares reserved under this Plan that correspond to shares of Common Stock covered by part (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall not be available for grant and issuance pursuant to this Plan except as such shares of Common Stock cease to be subject to such outstanding awards, or are repurchased at the original issue price by the Company, or are forfeited. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock. |
(b) | Reissuance. If Shares are: (i) subject to an Award that terminates without such Shares being issued, or (ii) issued pursuant to an Award, but are repurchased at the original issue price by the Company, or (iii) forfeited; then such Shares will again be available for grant and issuance under this Plan. At all times the Company will reserve and keep available the number of Shares necessary to satisfy the requirements of all Awards then vested and outstanding under this Plan. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than stock, such cash payment shall not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 3(b), no Shares may again be optioned, granted or awarded if such action would cause an ISO to fail to qualify as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code. In no event shall the total number of Shares issued (counting each reissuance of a Share that was previously issued and then forfeited or repurchased by the Company as a separate issuance) under the Plan upon exercise of Awards exceed one hundred eighty (180) million Shares (adjusted in proportion to any adjustments under Section 15(a)) over the term of the Plan. |
(c) | Non-Reissuance. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the following Shares shall not be added back to the Shares authorized for grant under this Section 3: (i) Shares tendered by the Participant or withheld by the Company in payment of the exercise price of an Option, (ii) Shares tendered by the Participant or withheld by the Company to satisfy any tax withholding obligation with respect to an Award and (iii) Shares that were subject to a stock-settled SAR and were not issued upon the net settlement or net exercise of such SAR. |
4. | Administration of the Plan. |
(a) | Procedure. |
(i) | Section 162(m). To the extent that the Administrator determines it to be desirable to qualify Awards granted hereunder as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the transactions contemplated hereunder shall be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption of performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code and related regulations. |
(ii) | Rule 16b-3. To the extent that the Administrator determines it to be desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder shall be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3. |
(iii) | Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan shall be administered by the Administrator in a manner to satisfy Applicable Laws. |
(b) | Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, including, without limitation Section 17, and in the case of a Board delegate, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Board delegate, the Administrator shall have the authority, in its discretion: |
(i) | to determine the Fair Market Value as defined above; |
(ii) | to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder; |
(iii) | to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each Award granted hereunder; |
(iv) | to approve forms of agreement and documentation for use under the Plan; |
(v) | to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Options or SARs may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), transferability, any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture or repurchase restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the shares of Common Stock relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine; |
(vi) | to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan; |
(vii) | to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under foreign tax laws; |
(viii) | to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 17 of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Options or SARs; |
(ix) | to allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares or cash to be issued upon exercise or vesting of an Award that number of Shares or cash having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of any Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by a Participant to have Shares or cash withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable; |
(x) | to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator; |
(xi) | to ensure that all Awards granted pursuant to the Plan comply with or are exempt from the provisions of Section 409A of the Code; and |
(xii) | to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan. |
(c) | Effect of Administrators Decision. The Administrators decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all Participants. |
5. | Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to employees of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. |
6. | Limitations on Awards. |
(a) | No Rights as a Service Provider. Neither the Plan nor any Award shall confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing their relationship as a Service Provider, nor shall they interfere in any way with the right of the Participant or the right of the Company or any Affiliate to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause or to adjust the compensation of any Participant. |
(b) | Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder; Effect of Exercise. |
(i) | Any Award granted hereunder shall be exercisable or vest according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Documentation, including, without limitation, Participants continuous status as a Service Provider and/or Participants satisfaction of Performance Goals. An Award may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. An Award shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Award Documentation) from the person entitled to exercise the Award. The Participant must remit to the Company full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Award is exercised. Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Documentation and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Award shall be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and Participants spouse, or after the death of the Participant in the name of the Participants beneficiaries or heirs or as directed by the executor of Participants estate under Applicable Laws. |
(ii) | Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Awarded Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Award. The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Award is exercised or vests. No adjustment of an Award will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 15(a) of the Plan or specified in such Awards Award Documentation. |
(iii) | Exercising an Award in any manner that results in the issuance of Shares shall decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for issuance under the Award, by the number of Shares as to which the Award is exercised. |
(c) | Misconduct. If a Participant is determined by the Administrator to have committed Misconduct then, unless otherwise provided in a Participants agreement for services as a Service Provider, neither the Participant, the Participants estate nor such other person who may then hold any Award granted to the Participant shall be entitled to exercise any such Award with respect to any Shares, after termination of status as a Service Provider, whether or not the Participant may receive from the Company (or Affiliate) payment for: vacation pay, services rendered prior to termination, services rendered for the day on which termination occurs, salary in lieu of notice, or any other benefits. In making such determination, the Administrator shall give the Participant an opportunity to present evidence to the Administrator. Unless otherwise provided in a Participants agreement for services as a Service Provider, termination of status as a Service Provider shall be deemed to occur on the date when the Company (or Affiliate) dispatches notice or advice to the Participant that status as a Service Provider is terminated. |
(d) | 162(m) Limitations. |
(i) | Except in connection with his or her initial service, no Service Provider shall be granted, in any calendar year, Awards covering in the aggregate more than 3,000,000 Shares. |
(ii) | In connection with his or her initial service, a Service Provider may be granted Awards covering in the aggregate up to 6,000,000 Shares in the first twelve (12) months of such Service Providers service, rather than the limit set forth in subsection (i) above. |
(iii) | The foregoing limitations shall be adjusted proportionately in connection with any change in the Companys capitalization as described in Section 15(a). |
(iv) | If an Award is cancelled in the same fiscal year of the Company in which it was granted (other than in connection with a transaction described in Section 15(b), the cancelled Award will be counted against the limits set forth in subsections (i) and (ii) above. |
(e) | Tax Withholding. |
(i) | Where, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, the Company has or will have an obligation to withhold foreign, federal, state or local taxes relating to the exercise of any Award, the Administrator may in its discretion require that such tax obligation be satisfied in a manner satisfactory to the Company. With respect to the exercise of an Award, the Company may require the payment of such taxes before Shares deliverable pursuant to such exercise are transferred to the holder of the Award. |
(ii) | With respect to the exercise of an Award, a Participant may elect (a Withholding Election) to pay the minimum statutory withholding tax obligation by the withholding of Shares from the total number of Shares deliverable pursuant to the exercise of such Award, or by delivering to the Company a sufficient number of previously acquired shares of Common Stock, and may elect to have additional taxes paid by the delivery of previously acquired shares of Common Stock, in each case in accordance with rules and procedures established by the Administrator. Previously owned shares of Common Stock delivered in payment for such additional taxes may be subject to conditions as the Administrator may require. The value of each Share withheld, or share of Common Stock delivered, shall be the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the date the Award becomes taxable. All Withholding Elections are subject to the approval of the Administrator and must be made in compliance with rules and procedures established by the Administrator. |
7. | Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the Board, subject to stockholder approval. It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless terminated earlier under Section 17 of the Plan. |
8. | Options. |
(a) | Term of Options. The term of each Option shall be not greater than ten (10) years from the date it was granted. |
(b) | Option Exercise Price and Consideration. |
(i) | Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the Administrator, subject to the following: |
(ii) | In the case of an ISO granted to any Employee who, at the time the ISO is granted owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Affiliate, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. |
(iii) | In the case of an ISO granted to any Employee other than an Employee described in subsection (ii) immediately above, the per Share price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of the grant. |
(iv) | In the case of a NSO, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. |
(v) | The exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to an already granted Option may not be changed without the consent of the Companys stockholders. This shall include, without limitation, a repricing of the Option as well as an option exchange program whereby the Participant agrees to cancel an existing Option in exchange for an Option, SAR or other Award. |
(c) | Form of Consideration. The Administrator shall determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator shall determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such consideration, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, may consist entirely of: |
(i) | Check; |
(ii) | other Shares which have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said Option shall be exercised; |
(iii) | broker-assisted cashless exercise; or |
(iv) | any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or |
(v) | such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws. |
(d) | Termination of Relationship as Service Provider. When a Participants status as a Service Provider terminates, other than from Misconduct, death or Disability, the Participants Option may be exercised within the period of time specified in the Option Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination or such longer period of time determined by the Administrator (which may so specify after the date of the termination but before expiration of the Option) not to exceed five (5) years (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified period of time in the Plan or the Award Documentation, the Option shall remain exercisable for three (3) months following the date Participant ceased to be a Service Provider. If, on the date of termination, such Participants Option is not fully vested, then the unvested Shares shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Participants Option is not fully exercised within the time specified, then the unexercised Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan and such Option shall terminate. |
(e) | Death or Disability of Participant. If a Participants status as a Service Provider terminates from death or Disability, then the Participant or the Participants estate, or such other person as may hold the Option, as the case may be, shall have the right for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of death or termination of status as a Service Provider for Disability, or for such other period as the Administrator may fix, to exercise the Option to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise such Option on the date of death or termination of status as a Service Provider for Disability, or to such extent as may otherwise be specified by the Administrator (which may so specify after the date of death or Disability but before expiration of the Option), provided the actual date of exercise is in no event after the expiration of the term of the Option. A Participants estate shall mean his legal representative or any person who acquires the right to exercise an Option by reason of the Participants death or Disability. |
(f) | Events Not Deemed Terminations: Unless otherwise provided in a Participants agreement for services as a Service Provider, such Participants status as a Service Provider shall not be considered interrupted in the case of (i) a leave of absence (approved by the Administrator) by a Participant who intends throughout such leave to return to providing services as a Director, Employee, or Consultant; (ii) sick leave; (iii) military leave; (iv) any other leave of absence approved by the Administrator, provided such leave is for a period of not more than ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to formal policy adopted from time to time by the Company and issued and promulgated to employees in writing; or (v) in the case of transfer between locations of the Company or among the Company and its Affiliates. In the case of any Participant on an approved leave of absence, the Administrator may make such provisions respecting suspension of vesting of the Option while on a leave described in subparts (i) through (v) above and/or resumption of vesting on return from such leave as it may deem appropriate, except that in no event shall an Option be exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in the Option. |
(g) | ISO Rules. The Option Agreement for each ISO shall contain a statement that the Option it documents is an ISO. However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which all ISOs held by a Participant are exercisable for the first time by such Participant during any calendar year exceeds $100,000, such excess Shares shall be treated as Shares subject to an NSO. For purposes of this Section 8(g), ISOs shall be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to an ISO shall be determined as of the time the ISO with respect to such Shares is granted. |
(h) | Buyout Provisions. Subject to Section 8(b)(v), the Administrator may offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares an Option previously granted based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to the Participant at the time that such offer is made; provided that the Administrator shall not make such offer without the consent of the Companys stockholders with respect to an Option with a per share exercise price that is greater than Fair Market Value on the date of such offer. |
9. | Stock Appreciation Rights. |
(a) | Grant of SARs. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, SARs may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator shall have complete discretion to determine the number of SARs granted to any Participant. |
(b) | Exercise Price and other Terms. The Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, shall have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of SARs granted under the Plan; provided, however, that no SAR may have a term of more than ten (10) years from the date of grant. In the case of an SAR, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. The exercise price for the Shares or cash to be issued pursuant to an already granted SAR may not be changed without the consent of the Companys stockholders. This shall include, without limitation, a repricing of the SAR as well as an SAR exchange program whereby the Participant agrees to cancel an existing SAR in exchange for an Option, SAR or other Award. |
(c) | Payment of SAR Amount. Upon exercise of an SAR, a Participant shall be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying: |
(i) | the difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times |
(ii) | the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised. |
(d) | Payment upon Exercise of SAR. At the discretion of the Administrator, payment for an SAR may be in cash, Shares or a combination thereof. |
(e) | SAR Agreement. Each SAR grant shall be evidenced by Award Documentation (a SAR Agreement) that shall specify the exercise price, the term of the SAR, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine. |
(f) | Expiration of SARs. An SAR granted under the Plan shall expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Documentation. |
(g) | Termination of Relationship as Service Provider. When a Participants status as a Service Provider terminates, other than from Misconduct, death or Disability, the Participants SAR may be exercised within the period of time specified in the SAR Agreement to the extent that the SAR is vested on the date of termination or such longer period of time determined by the Administrator (which may so specify after the date of the termination but before expiration of the SAR) not to exceed five (5) years |
(but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such SAR as set forth in the SAR Agreement). In the absence of a specified period of time in the Plan or the SAR Agreement, the SAR shall remain exercisable for three (3) months following the date Participant ceased to be a Service Provider. If, on the date of termination, such Participants SAR is not fully vested, then the unvested Shares shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Participants SAR is not fully exercised within the time specified, then the unexercised Shares covered by such SAR shall revert to the Plan and such SAR shall terminate. |
(h) | Death or Disability of Participant. If a Participants status as a Service Provider terminates from death or Disability, then the Participant or the Participants estate, or such other person as may hold the SAR, as the case may be, shall have the right for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of death or termination of status as a Service Provider for Disability, or for such other period as the Administrator may fix, to exercise the SAR to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise such SAR on the date of death or termination of status as a Service Provider for Disability, or to such extent as may otherwise be specified by the Administrator (which may so specify after the date of death or Disability but before expiration of the SAR), provided the actual date of exercise is in no event after the expiration of the term of the SAR. A Participants estate shall mean his legal representative or any person who acquires the right to exercise an SAR by reason of the Participants death or Disability. |
(i) | Events Not Deemed Terminations. Unless otherwise provided in a Participants agreement for services as a Service Provider, such Participants status as a Service Provider shall not be considered interrupted in the case of (i) a leave of absence (approved by the Administrator) by a Participant who intends throughout such leave to return to providing services as a Director, Employee, or Consultant; (ii) sick leave; (iii) military leave; (iv) any other leave of absence approved by the Administrator, provided such leave is for a period of not more than ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute, or unless provided otherwise pursuant to formal policy adopted from time to time by the Company and issued and promulgated to employees in writing; or (v) in the case of transfer between locations of the Company or among the Company and its Affiliates. In the case of any Participant on an approved leave of absence, the Administrator may make such provisions respecting suspension of vesting of the SAR while on a leave described in subparts (i) through (v) above and/or resumption of vesting on return from such leave as it may deem appropriate, except that in no event shall a SAR be exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in the SAR. |
(j) | Buyout Provisions. Subject to Section 9(b), the Administrator may offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares an SAR previously granted based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to the Participant at the time that such offer is made; provided that the Administrator shall not make such offer without the consent of the Companys stockholders with respect to an SAR with a per share exercise price that is greater than Fair Market Value on the date of such offer. |
10. | Restricted Stock. |
(a) | Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, Restricted Stock may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator shall have complete discretion to determine (i) the number of Shares subject to a Restricted Stock Award granted to any Participant, and (ii) the conditions that must be satisfied, the vesting of which typically will be based on continued provision of services and/or satisfaction of Performance Goals. Once the Shares are issued, voting, dividend and other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to Restricted Stock. |
(b) | Other Terms. The Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, shall have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions, including the purchase price, if any, of Restricted Stock granted under the Plan. Restricted Stock grants shall be subject to the terms, conditions, and restrictions |
determined by the Administrator at the time the Restricted Stock is granted. Any certificates representing the Restricted Stock shall bear such legends as shall be determined by the Administrator. |
(c) | Restricted Stock Award Documentation. Each Restricted Stock grant shall be evidenced by Award Documentation (a Restricted Stock Award Documentation) that shall specify the purchase price (if any) and such other terms conditions, and restrictions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine. |
11. | Restricted Stock Units. |
(a) | Grant of Restricted Stock Units. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, Restricted Stock Units may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator shall have complete discretion to determine (i) the number of Shares subject to each Restricted Stock Units Award, and (ii) the conditions that must be satisfied, the vesting of which typically will be based on continued provision of services and/or satisfaction of Performance Goals. Until the Shares are issued, no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to Restricted Stock Units. |
(b) | Other Terms. The Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, shall have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions, including the purchase price, if any, of Restricted Stock Units granted under the Plan. Restricted Stock Units Awards shall be subject to the terms, conditions, and restrictions determined by the Administrator at the time the Restricted Stock Units Award is granted. Restricted Stock Units shall be denominated in units with each unit equivalent to one Share for purposes of determining the number of Shares subject to any Restricted Stock Units Award. |
(c) | Restricted Stock Units Agreement. Each Restricted Stock Units grant shall be evidenced by Award Documentation (a Restricted Stock Units Agreement) that shall specify the purchase price, if any, and such other terms conditions, and restrictions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine. Each Restricted Stock Units Agreement shall be subject to all applicable terms of the Plan and may be subject to any other terms that are not inconsistent with the Plan. A Restricted Stock Units Agreement may provide for dividend equivalent units. |
(d) | Settlement. Settlement of vested Restricted Stock Units may be made in the form of (i) cash, (ii) Shares or (iii) any combination, as determined by the Administrator and may be settled in a lump sum or in installments. Distribution to a Participant of an amount (or amounts) from settlement of vested Restricted Stock Units may be deferred to a date after settlement as determined by the Administrator and in such manner as shall comply with Section 409A of the Code. The amount of a deferred distribution may be increased by an interest factor or by dividend equivalents. Until an Award of Restricted Stock Units is settled, the number of such Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, settlement of vested Restricted Stock Units held by Participants who are residents of Canada or employed in Canada may be made only in the form of Shares. |
12. | Awards to Outside Directors. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the grant of any Award to a Director who is not also an Employee (an Outside Director) shall be made by the Board pursuant to a written non-discretionary formula established by the Board (the Outside Director Equity Compensation Policy). The Outside Director Equity Compensation Policy shall set forth the type of Award(s) to be granted to Outside Directors, the number of shares of Common Stock to be subject to Outside Director Awards, the conditions on which such Awards shall be granted, become exercisable and/or payable and expire, and such other terms and conditions as the Board determines in its discretion. For the avoidance of doubt, Awards granted to Outside Directors shall be subject to all of the limitations set forth in the Plan. |
13. | Non-Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the |
laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the recipient, only by the recipient. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may an Award be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of for consideration absent stockholder approval. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable in accordance with this Section 13, the Award Documentation for such Award shall contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate. |
14. | Reserved. |
15. | Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or Asset Sale. |
(a) | Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each outstanding Award, the number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Awards have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Award, in each case as set forth in Section 3, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Award and the 162(m) annual share issuance limits under Section 6(d) shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been effected without receipt of consideration. Such adjustment shall be made by the Compensation Committee, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Award. |
(b) | Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for a Participant to have the right to exercise his or her Award until ten (10) days prior to such transaction as to all of the Awarded Stock covered thereby, including Shares as to which the Award would not otherwise be exercisable. In addition, the Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option or forfeiture rights applicable to any Award shall lapse 100%, and that any Award vesting shall accelerate 100%, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at the time and in the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been previously exercised or vested an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action. |
(c) | Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation (as such merger is described in Section 2(h) herein), or the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company (as such sale is described in Section 2(h) herein), each outstanding Award shall be assumed or an equivalent Award substituted by the successor corporation or related corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Award, the Participant shall fully vest in and have the right to fully exercise the Awards and all forfeiture restrictions on any or all of such Awards shall lapse, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. If an Award becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of such a merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Award shall be fully vested and exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and the Award shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the purposes of this subsection, the Award shall be considered assumed if, following such merger or sale of assets, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Awarded Stock subject to the Award immediately prior to such merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in such merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of |
consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in such merger or sale of assets is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or related corporation, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Award, for each Share of Awarded Stock subject to the Award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or related corporation equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in such merger or sale of assets. |
(d) | Change of Control. Unless otherwise provided in a Participants agreement for services as an employee of the Company, if, within one year after a Change of Control has occurred, such Participants status as an employee of the Company is terminated by the Company (including for this purpose any successor to the Company due to such Change of Control and any employer that is an Affiliate of such successor) for any reason other than for Misconduct or, if applicable, terminated by such Participant as a Constructive Termination, then all Awards held by such Participant shall become fully vested for exercise upon the date of termination of such status, irrespective of the vesting provisions of such Participants Award Documentations. |
(e) | Other Terms. |
(i) | The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, include such further provisions and limitations in any Award, agreement or certificate, as it may deem equitable and in the best interests of the Company that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan. |
(ii) | With respect to Awards which are granted to covered employees within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, no adjustment or action described in this Section 15 or in any other provision of the Plan shall be authorized to the extent that such adjustment or action would cause such Award to fail to so qualify as performance-based compensation, unless the Administrator determines that the Award should not so qualify. No adjustment or action described in this Section 15 or in any other provision of the Plan shall be authorized to the extent that such adjustment or action would cause the Plan to violate Section 422(b)(1) of the Code. Furthermore, no such adjustment or action shall be authorized to the extent such adjustment or action would result in short-swing profits liability under Section 16(b) or violate the exemptive conditions of Rule 16b-3 unless the Administrator determines that the Award is not to comply with such exemptive conditions. |
(iii) | The existence of the Plan, the Award Documentation and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect or restrict in any way the right or power of the Company or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or other change in the Companys capital structure or its business, any merger or consolidation of the Company, any issue of stock or of options, warrants or rights to purchase stock or of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stocks whose rights are superior to or affect the Common Stock or the rights thereof or which are convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise. |
(iv) | No action shall be taken under this Section 15 which shall cause an Award to fail to comply with Section 409A of the Code or the Treasury Regulations thereunder, to the extent applicable to such Award. |
16. | Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award shall be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination shall be provided to each recipient within a reasonable time after the date of such grant. The date of grant of an Option or SAR shall be the date the Company completes the |
corporate action constituting an offer of stock for sale to a Participant under the terms and conditions of the Option or SAR; provided that such corporate action shall not be considered complete until the date on which the maximum number of shares that can be purchased under the Option and the minimum Option price are fixed or determinable. |
17. | Amendment and Termination of the Plan. |
(a) | Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan. |
(b) | Stockholder Approval. The Company shall obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws and shall obtain stockholder approval for any amendment to the Plan to increase the number of shares available under the Plan, to change the class of employees eligible to participate in the Plan, to permit the Administrator to grant Options and SARs with an exercise price that is below Fair Market Value on the date of grant, to permit the Administrator to extend the exercise period for an Option or SAR beyond ten years from the date of grant, or to provide for additional material benefits under the Plan. |
(c) | Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrators ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination. |
18. | Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. |
(a) | Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the exercise of the Award or the issuance and delivery of such Shares (or the cash equivalent thereof) shall comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, the Company will have no obligation to issue or deliver certificates for Shares under this Plan prior to: (a) obtaining any approvals from governmental agencies that the Company determines are necessary or advisable; and/or (b) completion of any registration or other qualification of such Shares under Applicable Laws. The Company will be under no obligation to register the Shares with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or to effect compliance with the registration, qualification or listing requirements of any state securities laws, stock exchange or automated quotation system, and the Company will have no liability for any inability or failure to do so. |
(b) | Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise or receipt of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising or receiving such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise or receipt that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required. |
19. | Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Companys counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder (or the cash equivalent thereof), shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares (or the cash equivalent thereof) as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. |
20. | Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. |
21. | Stockholder Approval. This Plan shall be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date of adoption by the Board. Such stockholder approval shall be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws. |
22. | Section 409A. To the extent that the Administrator determines that any Award granted under the Plan is subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Award Documentation evidencing such Award shall incorporate the terms and conditions required by Section 409A of the Code. To the extent applicable, the Plan and Award Documentations shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and 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 Effective Date. Accordingly, with respect to an Award that the Administrator determines is subject to Section 409A of the Code, (a) termination of services as a Service Provider shall be determined based on the principles under Section 409A of the Code regarding a separation from service, (b) if the Change of Control definition contained in the Award Documentation does not comport with the definition of change of control for purposes of a distribution under Section 409A of the Code, then any payment due under such Award shall be delayed until the earliest time that such payment would be permitted under Section 409A of the Code and (c) if the Administrator determines that the Participant granted such Award is a specified employee as defined under Section 409A of the Code, then any payment due under such Award upon the Participants separation from service shall not be paid until the first business day following the date that is 6 months following the date of the Participants separation from service. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in the event that following the Effective Date the Administrator determines that any Award may be subject to Section 409A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance (including such Department of Treasury guidance as may be issued after the Effective Date), the Administrator may adopt such amendments to the Plan and the applicable Award Documentation or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate to (a) exempt the Award from Section 409A of the Code and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided with respect to the Award, or (b) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance and thereby avoid the application of any penalty taxes under such Section. |