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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ☐
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
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Definitive Proxy Statement
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Definitive Additional Materials
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-11(c) or §240.14a-2
VirnetX Holding Corporation
(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):
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No fee required.
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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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):
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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Total fee paid:
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as providedFee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2)Rules 14a6(i)(1) and identify the filing for 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.
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Amount Previously Paid:
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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Date Filed:
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VirnetX Holding Corporation
308 Dorla Ct.Court
Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
www.virnetx.com
April 13, 2021  20, 2022
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To the Stockholders of VirnetX Holding Corporation:
You are cordially invited to attend the 20212022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and any adjournment or postponement thereof (the “Annual Meeting”) of VirnetX Holding Corporation (“VirnetX,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or similar term) to be held on Thursday,Friday, June 3, 2021,2022, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Due to the continued public health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, theThe Annual Meeting will be held in virtual format this year to support the health and well-being of our stockholders, and to afford the same rights and opportunities to participate as would be available at an in-person meeting. You may attend the Annual Meeting by visiting https://agm.issuerdirect.com/vhc, where you will be able to listen to the meeting live and submit questions limited to the proposals described in the proxy statement accompanying this letter (the “Proxy Statement”).
If you are an objecting or non-objecting beneficial owner (that is, if your shares are held at a brokerage), you must respond to this Annual Meeting invitation by emailing info@virnetx.com for verification and to receive your control identification number and a company-issued password from us to attend the Annual Meeting. To vote, online by entering thevisit https://central.proxyvote.com/pv/web, where you will also be asked to enter your control and request identification numbersnumber located on your proxy card. Proxy Card, received from Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
If you are a registered stockholder, you will only need to enter the control identification number, request identification number, and password located on your Notice of Internet Availability (Notice and Access) Card, received from Issuer Direct Corporation, to both attend the meeting by visiting https://agm.issuerdirect.com/vhc and vote by visiting www.iproxydirect.com/VHC.
If it is unclear whether you are an objecting or non-objecting beneficial owner or whether you are a registered stockholder, you may email info@virnetx.com to confirm.
Prior to the Annual Meeting, you may also submit questions relating to the proposals and VirnetX's business generally by emailing ir@virnetx.cominfo@virnetx.com by June 1, 2021.2022. We will review these questions and answer as many as possible in the time allotted for the meeting.
At the Annual Meeting, we will ask you to consider the following proposals:
1.
To elect Thomas M. O’Brien and Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.Michael F. Angelo as our Class II directors;III director;
2.
To ratify the appointment of Farber Hass Hurley LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021;2022; and
3.
To approve an amendment and restatement to our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the share reserve by 2,500,000 shares of common stock; and
4.
To transact such other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
Our board of directors has fixed the close of business on April 9, 20218, 2022 as the record date for the Annual Meeting (the “Record Date”). Only stockholders of record as of the Record Date may vote at the Annual Meeting. Further information regarding voting rights and matters to be voted upon is presented in the accompanying proxy statement.
On or about April 13, 2021,20, 2022, we expect to mail to our stockholders of record as of the Record Date a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) containing instructions on how to access our Proxy Statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20202021 (the “Annual Report”) online. The Notice provides instructions on how to vote online or by telephone and includes instructions on how to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials by mail. The Proxy Statement and the Annual Report can be accessed directly atwww.iproxydirect.com/VHCVHC. . All you have to do is enter the control and request identification numbers located on your proxy card.
Your vote is important to us. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to submit your vote online, by telephone or by mail.

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Sincerely,

 
Kendall Larsen
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Zephyr Cove, Nevada
April 13, 202120, 2022

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 3, 20212022
On Thursday,Friday, June 3, 2021,2022, VirnetX Holding Corporation will hold its 20212022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. We refer to the 20212022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, together with any postponements, adjournments or other delays thereof, as the Annual Meeting. You may attend the Annual Meeting by visiting https://agm.issuerdirect.com/vhc, where you will be able to listen to the meeting live and submit questions limited to the proposals described in the Proxy Statement,Statement.
If you are an objecting or non-objecting beneficial owner (that is, if your shares are held at a brokerage), please email info@virnetx.com for verification and to receive your control identification number and a company-issued password from us to attend the Annual Meeting. To vote, online by entering thevisit https://central.proxyvote.com/pv/web, where you will also be asked to enter your control and request identification numbersnumber located on your proxy card. Proxy Card, received from Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
If you are a registered stockholder, you will only need to enter the control identification number, request identification number, and password located on your Notice of Internet Availability (Notice and Access) Card, received from Issuer Direct Corporation, to both attend the meeting by visiting https://agm.issuerdirect.com/vhc and vote by visiting www.iproxydirect.com/VHC.
If it is unclear whether you are an objecting or non-objecting beneficial owner or whether you are a registered stockholder, you may email info@virnetx.com to confirm.
Prior to the Annual Meeting, you may also submit questions relating to the proposals and VirnetX's business generally by emailing ir@virnetx.cominfo@virnetx.com by June 1, 2021.2022. We will review these questions and answer as many as possible in the time allotted for the meeting.
The Annual Meeting will be held for the following purposes:
1.
To elect Thomas M. O’Brien and Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.Michael F. Angelo as our Class II directors;III director;
2.
To ratify the appointment of Farber Hass Hurley LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021;2022; and
3.
To approve an amendment and restatement to our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the share reserve by 2,500,000 shares of common stock; and
4.
To transact such other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
The foregoing items of business are further described in the proxy statement accompanying this notice (the “Proxy Statement”). Included with the Proxy Statement is a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020,2021 (“fiscal 2021”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 16, 20212022 (the “Annual Report”). We encourage you to read the Annual Report. It includes our audited financial statements and information about our operations, markets and products. The close of business on April 9, 20218, 2022 has been fixed by our board of directors as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, our Annual Meeting (the “Record Date”). As of the Record Date, there were 71,058,57071,232,856 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Stockholders of record as of April 9, 2021the Record Date may vote at the Annual Meeting.
Your vote is important to us. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please complete, sign, date and return the proxy card or voting instruction card as instructed or vote by telephone or using the internet as instructed on the proxy card or voting instruction card. Returning the proxy card, voting online or voting by telephone will ensure your representation at the meeting, but does not deprive you of your right to attend the meeting and vote your shares. The Proxy Statement explains more about the proxy voting process. Please read it carefully. We look forward to your attendance at the Annual Meeting.

 
Kathleen Larsen
Corporate Secretary
Zephyr Cove, Nevada
April 13, 202120, 2022

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Our Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 20202021 are available at www.iproxydirect.com/VHC.
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YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT TO US.
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WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD OR VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD AS INSTRUCTED OR VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR USING THE INTERNET AS INSTRUCTED ON THE PROXY CARD OR VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD.
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Page
PROXY STATEMENT
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1
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS AND THE ANNUAL MEETING
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1
IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL VOTING INFORMATION FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING
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Broker Voting
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7
Your Participation in Voting the Shares You Own Is Important
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Director Nominees and Continuing Directors
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Director NomineesRole of the Board
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Continuing DirectorsBoard Leadership Structure
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Corporate GovernanceRisk Oversight
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Composition of the Board
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Board and Committee Meetings and Annual Meeting Attendance
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Committees of the Board
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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Matters
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Audit Committee Matters
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Compensation Committee Matters
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Communications with the Board
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Director Compensation
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
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PROPOSAL I: ELECTION OF CLASS II DIRECTORS
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Nominees
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Vote RequiredIII DIRECTOR
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PROPOSAL II: RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
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Vote Required
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PROPOSAL III: APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED 2013 PLAN
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Amended 2013 Plan
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Why We Are Seeking Approval of the Amended 2013 Plan
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Description of the Amended 2013 Plan
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Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
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Number of Awards Granted to Employees, Consultants, and Directors
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Vote Required
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER MATTERS
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Compensation Program ObjectivesDiscussion and Analysis
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Executive Compensation Process
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Elements of Executive Compensation
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Named Executive Officers’ Compensation Decisions for Fiscal 20202021
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Compensation Committee Report
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Summary Compensation Table
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2021 Grants of Plan-based Awards
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Outstanding Equity Awards at 2021 Fiscal Year End
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Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2021
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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
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CEO Pay Ratio
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Base Salary
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Bonuses
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Equity Incentive Compensation
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Perquisites
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Severance and Change in Control Arrangements
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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2020 FISCAL YEAR END
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POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL
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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE AND DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
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OTHER BUSINESS
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AVAILABILITY OF FORM 10-K
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ANNUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
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APPENDIX A — VIRNETX HOLDING CORPORATION 2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
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ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
OF
VIRNETX HOLDING CORPORATION
PROXY STATEMENT
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of VirnetX Holding Corporation (“we,” “us,” the “Company” or “VirnetX”) is providing these proxy materials to you for use in connection with the 20212022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Thursday,Friday, June 3, 20212022 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, and at any postponement or adjournment thereof (the “Annual Meeting”). The Annual Meeting will be held virtually and you may attend by visiting https://agm.issuerdirect.com/vhc.
Stockholders of record as of April 9, 20218, 2022 (the “Record Date”) are invited to attend the Annual Meeting and are asked to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”).
The Notice of Internet Availability (the “Notice”) will be first mailed to stockholders of record as of the Record Date on or about April 13, 2021.20, 2022. These proxy solicitation materials combined with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20202021 (the “Annual Report”), including financial statements, were first made available online, on or about April 13, 2021.20, 2022. Our principal executive offices are located at 308 Dorla Ct.,Court, Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448, and our telephone number is (775) 548-1785. We maintain a website at www.virnetx.com.www.virnetx.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference in the Proxy Statement.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS
AND THE ANNUAL MEETING
Q:
Why am I receiving these materials?
A:
We have made these materials available to you online or, upon your request, have delivered versions of these materials to you by mail or email, in connection with our solicitation of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting, which will take place on Thursday,Friday, June 3, 2021.2022. As a VirnetX stockholder as of the Record Date, you are invited to attend the Annual Meeting and are entitled to and requested to vote on the items of business described in the Proxy Statement.
Q:
Why did I receive a one-page notice in the mail regarding the internet availability of proxy materials this year instead of a full set of proxy materials?
A:
Pursuant to rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we have elected to provide access to our proxy materials online. Accordingly, the Notice containing instructions on how to access our proxy materials is first being mailed on or around April 13, 2021.20, 2022. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the internet or to request a printed copy may be found in the Notice. In addition, stockholders may request to receive proxy materials in printed form by mail or electronically by email on an ongoing basis.
Q:
What is included in the proxy materials?
A:
The proxy materials include:
the Proxy Statement; and
the Annual Report, which includes our audited consolidated financial statements.
If you requested printed versions of these materials by mail, these materials also include the proxy card or voting instruction card for the Annual Meeting.
Q:
How can I get electronic access to the proxy materials?
A:
The Notice will provide you with instructions regarding how to:
view our proxy materials for the Annual Meeting online; and
instruct us to send future proxy materials to you electronically by email.
Choosing to access the proxy materials on the internet or receive future proxy materials by email will save us the cost of printing and mailing documents to you and will reduce the impact of our annual meetings on the
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environment. If you choose to receive future proxy materials by email, you will receive an email next year with instructions containing a link to those materials and a link to the proxy voting website. Your election to receive proxy materials by email will remain in effect until you terminate it.
Q:
How may I obtain the Annual Report?
A:
Stockholders may request a free copy of the Annual Report by writing to us at P.O. Box 439, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448 (Attention: Investor Relations). You may also obtain a copy free of charge from our website at www.virnetx.com.www.virnetx.com. You may also obtain a copy of the Annual Report filed with the SEC on March 16, 20212022 online at www.sec.gov.
www.sec.gov.
Q:
Who pays for the expenses of soliciting proxies and what are the means of solicitation?
A:
The expenses associated with the Company’s solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting are to be paid by the Company. Such solicitation of proxies may be made by means of personal calls to, or telephonic, facsimile or electronic communications with, stockholders or their representatives by our directors, officers and employees, who will not be specially compensated for such services. We may, on request, reimburse brokerage firms and other nominees for their expenses in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners.
Q:
How can I attend the Annual Meeting?
A:
The Annual Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting of stockholders, which we believe provides the opportunity for participation by a broader group of stockholders while reducing the environmental impact and the costs associated with in-person meetings. Stockholders of record and street name stockholders with a legal proxy from their broker, bank or other nominee will be able to attend the Annual Meeting by visiting https://agm.issuerdirect.com/vhc, which will allow such stockholders to submit questions during the meeting and vote shares electronically at the meeting.
We designed the format of the virtual Annual Meeting to ensure that our stockholders are afforded the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would at an in-person meeting and to enhance stockholder access, participation and communication through online tools. The virtual format facilitates stockholder attendance and participation by enabling stockholders to participate fully and equally from any location around the world. During the meeting, you will have the ability to submit questions real-time via the virtual meeting website. Prior to the meeting, you may also submit questions relating to the proposals and VirnetX's business generally by emailing ir@virnetx.cominfo@virnetx.com by June 1, 2021.2022. We will review these questions and answer as many as possible in the time allotted for the meeting.
To participate in the Annual Meeting, you will need the control and request identification numbers included on your Notice, proxy card or the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials to attend the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting webcast will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. We encourage you to access the meeting prior to the start time. Online check-in will begin at 9:45 a.m. Pacific Time, and you should allow ample time for the check-in procedures.
Q:
Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?
A:
Stockholders who our records show owned shares of VirnetX as of the close of business on the Record Date may vote at the Annual Meeting. On the Record Date, we had a total of 71,058,57071,232,856 shares of common stock outstanding. The stock transfer books will not be closed between the Record Date and the date of the Annual Meeting.
Q:
What is the difference between holding shares as a registered stockholder and as a street name stockholder?
A:
Registered Stockholders. If your shares are registered directly in your name with VirnetX’s transfer agent, you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares, and the Proxy Statement was provided to you directly. As a stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to the individuals listed on the proxy card or to vote at the Annual Meeting.
Street Name Stockholders. If your shares are held by a broker, bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name and the Proxy Statement should be forwarded to you by your
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broker, bank or other nominee, who is considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other nominee how to vote your shares. Beneficial owners are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares at the Annual Meeting unless you obtain a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee. If you request a printed copy of the proxy materials by mail, your broker, bank or other nominee will provide a voting instruction card for you to use.
Q:
What am I voting on?
A:
Our stockholders will vote on the following matters at the Annual Meeting:
1.
Election of Thomas M. O’Brien and Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.Michael F. Angelo as our Class II directors;III director;
2.
Ratification of the appointment of Farber Hass Hurley LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021;2022; and
3.
Approval of an amendment and restatement to our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan to increaseAny other business that may properly come before the share reserve by 2,500,000 shares of common stock.Annual Meeting.
Q:
How does the Board recommend I vote on these proposals?
A:
The Board recommends a vote:
1.
FOR the election of Thomas M. O’Brien and Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.Michael F. Angelo as our Class II directors;III director; and
2.
FOR the ratification of the appointment of Farber Hass Hurley LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021; and
3.
FOR the amendment and restatement of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.2022.
Q:
How do I vote?
A:
You may either vote “FOR” the nomineesnominee to the Board or you may “WITHHOLD” your vote for the nomineesnominee to the Board. For each of the other matters to be voted on, you may vote “FOR” or “AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN” from voting.
Registered Stockholders: Registered stockholders may vote by one of the following methods:
At the Annual Meeting. Stockholders who attend the Annual Meeting may vote at the Meeting. Please see “How can I attend the Annual Meeting?” above for further information;
By Mail. If printed copies of the proxy materials were mailed to you, you can complete, sign and date the proxy card and return it in the prepaid envelope provided;
By Telephone. Stockholders of record as of the Record Date who live in the United States or Canada may submit proxies by following the “Vote by Phone” instructions on their proxy cards or the Notice or by following the voting instructions provided by email or over the internet; or
Online. Stockholders of record with internet access may submit proxies via the internet by following the “Vote by Internet” instructions described in the Notice.
Please note that online and telephone voting facilities for registered stockholders will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 2, 2021.2022.
Street Name Stockholders: If your shares are held by a broker, bank or other nominee, you should have received instructions from your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote or instruct your broker, bank or other nominee to vote your shares. Please follow their instructions carefully. Also, please note that if the holder of record of your shares is a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you must request and obtain a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee.
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Street name stockholders may generally vote by one of the following methods:
By Mail. If printed copies of the proxy materials were mailed to you, you may vote by signing, dating and returning your voting instruction card in the enclosed pre-addressed envelope provided to you;
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By Methods Listed on Voting Instruction Card. Please refer to your voting instruction card or other information provided by your bank, broker or other nominee to determine whether you may vote by telephone or electronically on the internet, and follow the instructions on the voting instruction card or other information provided by the record holder; or
At the Annual Meeting with a Proxy from the Record Holder. A street name stockholder who wishes to vote at the Annual Meeting will need to obtain a legal proxy from his or her broker, bank or other nominee. Please consult the voting instruction card provided to you by your broker, bank or other nominee to determine how to obtain a legal proxy in order to vote at the Annual Meeting.
Q:
How many votes do I have?
A:
On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote for each share of common stock you own as of the Record Date. Stockholders may not cumulate votes.
Q:
Will there be any other items of business on the agenda?
A:
We do not know of any business to be considered at the Annual Meeting other than the proposals described in the Proxy Statement. However, if any other business is properly presented at the Annual Meeting pursuant to guidelines described in our bylaws, the accompanying proxy gives discretionary authority to the persons named on the proxy with respect to any other matters that might be brought before the Annual Meeting. Such matters include, among other things, consideration of a motion to adjourn the Annual Meeting to another time or place, including without limitation, for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies.
Q:
If I submit a proxy, how will it be voted?
A:
When proxies are properly dated, executed and returned, the shares represented by such proxies will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions of the stockholder. If no specific instructions are given, however, the shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board, as follows:
1.
FOR the election of Thomas M. O’Brien and Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.Michael F. Angelo as our Class II directors;III director; and
2.
FOR the ratification of the appointment of Farber Hass Hurley LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021; and
3.
FOR the amendment and restatement of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.2022.
Q:
Can I change my vote after submitting my proxy?
A:
Yes. You can revoke your proxy at any time before the final vote at the Annual Meeting. If you are the record holder of your shares, you may revoke your proxy in any of the following ways:
you may submit another properly completed proxy card with a later date;
you may send a written notice that you are revoking your proxy to VirnetX Holding Corporation, P.O. Box 439, Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448;
you may vote again on a later date online or by telephone (only your latest online or telephone proxy submitted prior to the Annual Meeting will be counted); or
you may attend the Annual Meeting and vote (attendance at the Annual Meeting will not by itself revoke a previously granted proxy).
If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name, you may change your vote:
by submitting new voting instructions to your broker, bank or nominee; or
if you have obtained a legal proxy from the broker, bank or other nominee that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares, by attending the Annual Meeting and voting (attendance at the Annual Meeting will not by itself revoke a previously granted proxy).
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Q:
How are votes counted?
A:
For Proposal I - Election of TwoOne Class II DirectorsIII Director, you may vote “FOR” the nomineesnominee or your vote may be “WITHHELD” with respect to the nominees.nominee. Votes that are withheld will be excluded entirely and will have
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no effect in the election of the director. If you hold your shares in street name, please note that your broker, bank or other nominee may not vote your shares in the election of the director without instructions from you. Thus, if you hold your shares in street name and you do not instruct your broker, bank or other nominee how to vote in the election of the director, no votes will be cast on your behalf, but your proxy will be counted for the purpose of establishing a quorum.
The director nomineesnominee receiving the highest number of votes cast by the shares present (including virtually) or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting on this matter will be elected to the Board.
For Proposal II - Ratification of Farber Hass Hurley LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN.” If you abstain from voting on Proposal II, your shares will be counted as present and entitled to vote for the purpose of establishing a quorum and your abstention will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. If you hold your shares in street name, your broker, bank or nominee will have discretionary authority to vote on Proposal II if they do not receive instructions from you.
Ratification of Farber Hass Hurley LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 20212022 will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present (including virtually) or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting on this matter.
For Proposal III – Approval of the Amended 2013 Plan, you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN.” If you abstain from voting on Proposal III, your shares will be counted as present and entitled to vote for the purpose of establishing a quorum, but your abstention will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. If you hold your shares in street name, your broker, bank or other nominee may not vote your shares on Proposal III without instructions from you. Thus, if you hold your shares in street name and you do not instruct your broker how to vote with regard to Proposal III, no votes will be cast on your behalf, but your proxy will be counted for the purpose of establishing a quorum.
The approval of the amendment and restatement of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting on this matter.
Finally, if you sign and return your proxy card with no further instructions, your shares will be counted as a vote “FOR” boththe Class IIIII director nominees;nominee and “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Farber Hass Hurley LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021; and “FOR” the amendment and restatement of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.2022. In addition, the proxy also delegates discretionary authority to vote with respect to any other business which may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Q:
What is the quorum requirement?
A:
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if at least a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock are represented by stockholders as of the Record Date present at the meeting (including virtually) or by proxy.
Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy or if you vote at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions will be counted towards the quorum requirement. If there is no quorum, a majority of the votes present at the meeting may adjourn the meeting to another date.
Q:
What effect do abstentions and broker non-votes have on quorum requirements?
A:
Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present for establishing a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. A “broker non-vote” occurs when a broker votes on a matter it does not have authority to vote on.
Under the rules that govern brokers who have record ownership of shares that are held in “street name” for their clients, the beneficial owners of the shares, brokers have discretion to vote these shares on routine matters but not on non-routine matters. If you hold common stock through a broker and you have not given voting instructions to the broker, the broker will be prevented from voting shares on non-routine matters, resulting in a “broker non-vote.” Thus, if you do not otherwise instruct your broker, the broker may turn in a proxy card voting your shares on routine matters but expressly instructing that the broker is NOT voting on non-routine
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matters. Ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal II) contained in this Proxy Statement is considered a routine matter. However, Proposal I and Proposal III areis considered a non-routine matters.matter.
Brokers do not have discretionary authority to vote on the election of directors (Proposal I) or the approval of the amendment and restatement of the 2013 Plan (Proposal III), so it is very important that you instruct your broker how to vote with respect to these proposals.
Q:
I share an address with another stockholder, and we received only one copy of the Notice. How may I obtain an additional copy of the Notice or proxy materials?
A:
In an effort to reduce printing costs and postage fees, we have adopted a practice approved by the SEC called “householding.” Under this practice, stockholders who have the same address and last name and do not participate in electronic delivery of proxy materials will receive only one copy of the Notice or our proxy materials if a full set is requested, unless one or more of these stockholders notifies us that he or she wishes to continue receiving individual copies. Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to receive separate proxy cards.
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participate in electronic delivery of proxy materials will receive only one copy of the Notice or our proxy materials if a full set is requested, unless one or more of these stockholders notifies us that he or she wishes to continue receiving individual copies. Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to receive separate proxy cards.
If you share an address with another stockholder and received only one Notice or set of proxy materials and would like to request a separate copy of these materials, please: (1) mail your written request to VirnetX Holding Corporation, P.O. Box 439, Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448 (Attention: Investor Relations), or (2) call our Investor Relations department at (775) 548-1785. Additional copies of the proxy materials will be sent promptly after receipt of your request. Similarly, you may also contact us if you received multiple copies of the proxy materials and would prefer to receive a single copy in the future.
Q:
What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice?
A:
It means that you hold shares in more than one account. To ensure that all your shares are voted, sign, date and return each proxy card.
Q:
Who tabulates the votes and how will I know the results of the voting at the Annual Meeting?
A:
The votes will be tabulated by an independent inspector of election, who will be a representative of Issuer Direct Corporation.
We will announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting. We will publish the preliminary, or if available, final, voting results in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the SEC on or before the fourth business day following the date of the Annual Meeting. If not published in an earlier Current Report on Form 8-K, we will publish the final voting results in an amendment to the Current Report on Form 8-K reporting the preliminary voting results within four business days after the final voting results are available. You may obtain a copy free of charge on our website at www.virnetx.com,, by contacting our Investor Relations Department at (775) 548-1785, or online at www.sec.gov.www.sec.gov.
Q:
How do I contact the Board?
A:
You can send written communications to the Board or any individual director in accordance with our bylaws, addressed to:
Board of Directors, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee,
or name of individual director
c/o Corporate Secretary
VirnetX Holding Corporation
P.O. Box 439
Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448
Our Corporate Secretary will then direct such communications (except for solicitations or other matters unrelated to us) to the relevant director(s).
Q:
Where are your principal executive offices?
A:
Our principal executive offices are located at 308 Dorla Ct.,Court, Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448. Our telephone number is (775) 548-1785.
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Q:
How do I submit a stockholder proposal for the 20222023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders?
A:
Stockholders may present proper proposals for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement and for consideration at the next annual meeting of its stockholders by submitting their proposals in writing to the Company in a timely manner. In order to be included in the proxy statement for the 2022 annual meeting2023 Annual Meeting of stockholders,Stockholders, stockholder proposals must be received by the Company no later than December 13, 202114, 2022 and must otherwise comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
In addition, the Company’s bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholders who wish to present certain matters, including the nomination of directors, before an annual meeting of stockholders without
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including those matters in the Company’s proxy statement. In general, such proposals, including the information required by the Company’s bylaws, must be received by the Company no earlier than February 3, 20222023 and no later than March 5, 2022.2023.
If the date of the stockholder meeting is moved more than 30 days before or 60 days after the anniversary of the 2021 annual meetingAnnual Meeting and less than 60 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to stockholders, the Company’s advance notice procedure requires that such proposal including certain information, as described in the Company’s bylaws, must be received by the Company not later than the 10th day following the day on which such notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made. Our Bylaws have been publicly filed with the SEC and can be obtained online at www.sec.gov.www.sec.gov.
If a stockholder fails to give notice of a stockholder proposal as required by our bylaws or other applicable requirements, then the proposal will not be included in the proxy statement for our 20222023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the stockholder will not be permitted to present the proposal to the stockholders for a vote at our 20222023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Q:
What if I have questions about lost stock certificates or need to change my mailing address?
A:
You may contact our transfer agent, Equiniti Trust Company, by telephone at 1-866-877-6270, or by facsimile at 1-866-729-7680, if you have lost your stock certificate or need to change your mailing address.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL VOTING INFORMATION FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING
Broker Voting
Stockholders who hold shares of the Company through a broker, bank or other nominee receive proxy materials before each stockholder meeting. Your broker is not permitted to vote on your behalf on Proposal I, or Proposal III, unless you follow the instructions provided by your broker. For your vote to be counted, you will need to communicate your voting decisions to your broker, bank or other nominee before the date of the Annual Meeting.
Your Participation in Voting the Shares You Own Is Important
Voting your shares is important to ensure that you have a say in the governance of the Company and to fulfill the objectives of the plurality voting standard that we apply in the election of directors. Please review the proxy materials and follow the instructions on the proxy card to vote your shares. We hope you will exercise your rights and fully participate as a stockholder in the Company’s future.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board is presently composed of five members: Michael F. Angelo, Gary W. Feiner, Kendall Larsen, Thomas M. O’Brien and Robert D. Short III, Ph.D. Mr. Larsen serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the directors on our Board shall be divided into three classes, with the classes serving for staggered, three-year terms. Currently, we have two Class I directors, two Class II directors and one Class III director. One class is elected each year at the annual meeting of stockholders. The term of each class of directors expires as follows: Class I at the 2023 annual meetingAnnual Meeting of stockholders,Stockholders, Class II at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and Class III at the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders.Annual Meeting. Each director shall hold office until his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.
Director Nominees and Continuing Directors
Set forth below are the names and certain information about the nomineesnominee for Class II directors.III director. The names of, and certain information about, the current Class I and Class IIIII directors with unexpired terms are also set forth below. All information is as of March 1, 2021.2022.
Name
​
Age
​
Class
​
Current
Term
Expires
​
Position
​
Director
Since
​
Age
​
Class
​
Current
Term
Expires
​
Position
​
Director
Since
Director Nominees
​
 
​
 
​
 
​
 
​
 
​
 
​
 
​
 
​
 
​
 
Thomas M. O’Brien
​
54
​
II
​
2021
​
Director
​
2007
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
​
69
​
II
​
2021
​
Chief Technology Officer, Chief Scientist and Director
​
2010
Michael F. Angelo
​
62
​
III
​
2022
​
Director
​
2007
Continuing Directors
​
 
​
 
​
 
​
 
​
 
​
 
​
 
​
 
​
 
​
 
Kendall Larsen
​
64
​
I
​
2023
​
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors
​
2007
​
64
​
I
​
2023
​
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board of Directors
​
2007
Gary W. Feiner
​
58
​
I
​
2023
​
Director
​
2014
​
59
​
I
​
2023
​
Director
​
2014
Michael F. Angelo
​
61
​
III
​
2022
​
Director
​
2007
Thomas M. O’Brien
​
55
​
II
​
2024
​
Director
​
2007
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
​
70
​
II
​
2024
​
Chief Scientist and Director
​
2010
Director NomineesNominee
Class II DirectorsIII Director
Thomas M. O’BrienMichael F. Angelo, CRISC CISSP CDPSE, has been a director since July 5, 2007. He is currently a private investor and founder of private companies engaged in areas such as real estate, youth sports, fitness, and travel. Mr. O’Brien also serves as a director for two nonprofit entities. Until December 31, 2017, he was Chief Executive Officer and President of TravelCenters of America LLC (NASDAQ: TA) since February 2007 and a Managing Director of TA since October 2006. Until December 31, 2017, he was an employee of The RMR Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: RMR) (“RMR”) since May 1996 and served as an Executive Vice President of that company since September 2008, prior to which he served in various roles since May 1996, including holding various positions with public entities related to RMR. From 1988 to 1996, Mr. O’Brien was a senior manager with Arthur Andersen LLP where he served a number of public company clients. Mr. O’Brien graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business, with a B.S. in Economics.
As a former certified public accountant, chief financial officer, chief executive officer, and director of public companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and NASDAQ, Mr. O’Brien brings to the audit committee, of which he is Chairman, and the Board, a deep understanding of complex accounting and finance issues faced by the Company and can provide critical insight into the financial and other reporting requirements of a U.S. public company. In addition, his extensive capital markets experience is an invaluable resource as the Company regularly assesses its capital and liquidity needs.
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D. has been a director since July 9, 2010. He has been the Chief ScientistSecurity Architect at the Security Products Division of Micro Focus International, a global, enterprise software company since August 2005. From October 2003 to August 2005, Mr. Angelo was a Security Architect and Manager, Government Engagements SBU with Microsoft Corporation. From July 1989 to October 2003, Mr. Angelo was a Staff Fellow at both Hewlett Packard Company and Compaq Computer Corp. Mr. Angelo also served as Senior Systems Programmer at the John von Neumann National Supercomputer Center from September 1985 to July 1989. He was a Sub-Chairman of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Board of Assessment for Programs/National Research Council responsible for the Company since May 2006CISD review for fiscal years 2001 and in June 2010, became the Company’s Chief Technical Officer as well. From February 2000 to April 2007, Dr. Short was Assistant Vice President2002, and Division Manager at Science Applications International Corporation, or SAIC, from which we acquired certain patents in 2006. From 1994 to February 2000, he also held various other positions at SAIC. Prior to SAIC, he worked at ARCO Power Technologies, Inc. (Atlantic Richfield Petroleum), Sperry Corporate Technology Centerhas been a technology contributor and Sperry Research Center. He has a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University along with a M.S. in Mathematics and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech.
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As co-inventorparticipant on the majorityU.S. Commerce Department’s Information Systems Technical Advisory Council (ISTAC) from 1999 to the present. Mr. Angelo was named a distinguished lecturer for 2004 and 2005 by Sigma XI, the Scientific Research Society. He currently holds 69 patents, most in the area of security and authentication, and was named the 2003 Inventor of the Year for the City of Houston by the Houston Intellectual Property Lawyers Association. Mr. Angelo is also an Information Systems Security Association (“ISSA”) Distinguished Fellow and ISSA Hall of Fame recipient.
As a holder of many patents in the Company’s patent portfolio, Dr. Shortfields of security and authentication, and as a result of his long and distinguished industry and scholarly background in the area of computer security and networking, Mr. Angelo brings to the Board extraordinarycritical technical and industry knowledge and a deep understandingexpertise. With his extensive industry knowledge and having successfully served in multiple leadership capacities in various types of organizations, Mr. Angelo is uniquely qualified to serve as chair of the Company’s business, historynominating and organization and the field of information security.corporate governance committee.
Continuing Directors
Class I Directors
Kendall Larsen has been Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer since July 5, 2007 and held the same positions with VirnetX Inc. since its inception in August 2005. Mr. Larsen does not hold director positions with any other reporting or registered investment companies. From April 2003 to July 2005, Mr. Larsen
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focused on pre-incorporation activities related to VirnetX Inc. From April 2002 to April 2003, Mr. Larsen was a Limited Partner at Osprey Ventures, L.P., a venture fund that makes investments primarily in business and consumer technology companies. From October 2000 to April 2002, he was Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Security Products Division of Phoenix Technologies Ltd., a software and firmware developer, and he has also held senior executive positions over a period of over twenty years at various leading technology companies, including RSA Security, Inc., Xerox Corporation, Rolm/International Business Machines Corporation, Novell, Inc., General Magic, Inc., and Ramp Networks. Mr. Larsen holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Utah.
With his years of managerial experience, Mr. Larsen brings to the Board demonstrated management ability at senior levels. Mr. Larsen’s day-to-day leadership and intimate knowledge of our business and operations provide the Board with Company-specific experience and expertise. Mr. Larsen’s drive for innovation and excellence position him well to serve as our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Gary W. Feiner has been a director since 2014. Mr. Feiner has served as President at Feiner Financial Inc since 1993, an accounting and financial planning services company founded in 1977. Mr. Feiner has a wide breadth of business leadership knowledge covering tax law, audit, corporate planning, securities regulation, and finance. He advises on structuring comprehensive and creative strategies for achieving profitable growth and establishing effective relationships between companies and investment bankers. He is a recognized industry expert with a reputation for a “hands on” client-focused approach. He has provided personalized services in the fields of finance, medicine, law, real estate, education and technology. Mr. Feiner was selected to serve on the Board for his unique qualifications.
Class III DirectorII Directors
Michael F. Angelo, CRISC CISSP CDPSE,Thomas M. O’Brien has been a director since July 5, 2007. He is currently a private investor and founder of private companies engaged in areas such as real estate, youth sports, fitness, hospitality and travel. Mr. O’Brien also serves as a director for two nonprofit entities. Until December 31, 2017, he was Chief Executive Officer and President of TravelCenters of America LLC (NASDAQ: TA) since February 2007 and a Managing Director of TA since October 2006. Until December 31, 2017, he was an employee of The RMR Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: RMR) (“RMR”) since May 1996 and served as an Executive Vice President of that company since September 2008, prior to which he served in various roles since May 1996, including holding various positions with public entities related to RMR. From 1988 to 1996, Mr. O’Brien was a senior manager with Arthur Andersen LLP where he served a number of public company clients. Mr. O’Brien graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business, with a B.S. in Economics.
As a former certified public accountant, chief financial officer, chief executive officer, and director of public companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and NASDAQ, Mr. O’Brien brings to the audit committee, of which he is Chairman, and the Board, a deep understanding of complex accounting and finance issues faced by the Company and can provide critical insight into the financial and other reporting requirements of a U.S. public company. In addition, his extensive capital markets experience is an invaluable resource as the Company regularly assesses its capital and liquidity needs.
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D. has been a director since July 9, 2010. He has been the Chief Security Architect at NetIQ Corporation/Micro Focus Security Products Division, a global, enterprise software company since August 2005. From October 2003 to August 2005, Mr. Angelo was a Security Architect and Manager, Government Engagements SBU with Microsoft Corporation. From July 1989 to October 2003, Mr. Angelo was a Staff Fellow at both Hewlett Packard Company and Compaq Computer Corp. Mr. Angelo also served as Senior Systems Programmer at the John von Neumann National Supercomputer Center from September 1985 to July 1989. He was a Sub-Chairman of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Board of Assessment for Programs/National Research Council responsibleScientist for the CISD review for fiscal years 2001Company since May 2006 and 2002,was the Chief Technical Officer from June 2010 to September 2021. From February 2000 to April 2007, Dr. Short was Assistant Vice President and Division Manager at Science Applications International Corporation, or SAIC, from which we acquired certain patents in 2006. From 1994 to February 2000, he also held various other positions at SAIC. Prior to SAIC, he worked at ARCO Power Technologies, Inc. (Atlantic Richfield Petroleum), Sperry Corporate Technology Center and Sperry Research Center. He has been a technology contributorPh.D. in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University along with a M.S. in Mathematics and participanta B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech.
As co-inventor on the U.S. Commerce Department’s Information Systems Technical Advisory Council (ISTAC) from 1999 to the present. Mr. Angelo was named a distinguished lecturer for 2004 and 2005 by Sigma XI, the Scientific Research Society. He currently holds 66 patents, most in the area of security and authentication, and was named the 2003 Inventormajority of the Year for the City of Houston by the Houston Intellectual Property Lawyers Association. Mr. Angelo is also an Information Systems Security Association (“ISSA”) Fellow and ISSA Hall of Fame recipient.
As a holder of many patents in the fields of security and authentication, and as a result of his long and distinguished industry and scholarly background in the area of computer security and networking, Mr. AngeloCompany’s patent portfolio, Dr. Short brings to the Board criticalextraordinary technical and industry knowledge and expertise. With his extensive industry knowledge and having successfully served in multiple leadership capacities in various types of organizations, Mr. Angelo is uniquely qualified to serve as chaira deep understanding of the Company’s nominatingbusiness, history and corporate governance committee.organization and the field of information security.
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Corporate Governance
Role of the Board
Our directors are appointed to oversee the actions and results of our management. They were selected for their educational background, professional experience, knowledge of our business, integrity, professional reputation, independence, wisdom and ability to represent the best interests of our stockholders. Their responsibilities include but are not limited to:
providing general oversight of the business;
approving corporate strategy;
approving major management initiatives;
providing oversight of legal and ethical conduct;
overseeing our management of cybersecurity and technology risks;
overseeing our management of significant business risks;
selecting, compensating, and evaluating director nominees;
evaluating Board processes and performance; and
reviewing and implementing recommendations and reports of the committees of the Board.
Board Leadership Structure
The Board believes that the Company’s Chief Executive Officer is best situated to serve as Chairman of the Board because he is the director most familiar with the Company’s business and industry, and most capable of effectively identifying strategic priorities and leading the execution of strategy. Independent directors and management have different perspectives and roles in strategy development. The Company’s independent directors bring experience, oversight and expertise from outside the Company and industry, while the Chief Executive Officer brings company-specific experience and expertise. The Board believes that the combined role of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer promotes strategy development and execution, and facilitates information flow between management and the Board, which is essential to effective governance.
The Company does not currently have a lead independent director. To ensure effective independent oversight, the Board has designed its leadership structure so that independent directors exercise oversight of the Company’s management and key issues related to strategy and risk. Only independent directors serve on and chair the audit committee, the compensation committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee of the Board. As a result of the Board’s committee system and majority of independent directors, the Board maintains effective oversight of our business operations, including independent oversight of our financial statements, executive compensation, selection of director candidates, and corporate governance programs. Accordingly, we believe that our current leadership structure is appropriate and enhances the Board’s ability to effectively carry out its roles and responsibilities on behalf of our stockholders.
Risk Oversight
Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks that the Company faces, while the Board, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management. In its risk oversight role, the Board has the responsibility to satisfy itself that the risk management processes designed and implemented by management are adequate and functioning, as designed. The Board believes that establishing the right “tone at the top” and full and open communication between management and the Board are essential for effective risk management and oversight. Senior management attends Board meetings quarterly and is available to address any questions or concerns raised by the Board on risk management and any other matters. Each quarter, the Board receives presentations from senior management on strategic matters involving our operations. The Board holds strategic planning sessions with senior management to discuss strategies, key challenges, risks, including risks related to product, go-to-market and sales strategies, competitive risks, financial risks, brand and reputation risks, legal, compliance, governance and geo-political risks, operational risks and cybersecurity and technology risks, and opportunities for the Company. Throughout the year, our Board and each committee spend a portion of their time reviewing and discussing these specific risk topics.
While the Board is ultimately responsible for risk oversight for the Company, our three Board committees assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to certain areas of risk. The audit committee assists
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the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to risk management in the areas of financial reporting, internal controls and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Our compensation committee assists the
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Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the management of risks arising from our compensation policies and programs. The nominating and corporate governance committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the management of risks associated with Board organization, membership and structure, succession planning for our directors and executive officers, and corporate governance.
Risk Assessment of Compensation Policies
The Company notes that:
the Company’s annual incentive compensation is based on performance that promotes disciplined progress towards longer-term Company goals;
the Company does not offer significant short-term incentives that might drive high-risk investments at the expense of long-term Company value;
the Company’s compensation programs are weighted toward offering long-term incentives that reward sustainable performance; and
the Company’s compensation awards are established at reasonable and sustainable levels, as determined by a review of the Company’s economic position and prospects, as well as the compensation offered by comparable companies.
The Company’s compensation policies and practices are intended not to foster risk taking above the level of risk associated with the Company’s business model. Accordingly, the Company believes it has a balanced pay and performance program that does not promote excessive risk taking.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Ethics for all employees and directors in accordance with the requirements of Item 406 of Regulation S-K and the NYSE Listed Company Manual. A copy of our Code of Ethics is available on our website at www.virnetx.com inwww.ir.virnetx.com under the “Highlights” link“Investors” tab in the “Corporate Governance” subcategory, under the “Investors” tab, or by writing to us at VirnetX Holding Corporation, P.O. Box 439, Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448 (Attention: Investor Relations).
We intend to post on our website any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of our Code of Ethics within four business days of such amendment or waiver.
Composition of the Board
Mix of Independent Directors and Officer-Directors
The Board has a majority of independent directors and has determined that it is beneficial for us and our stockholders for our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientist to also be Board members. Other officers may, from time to time, serve as Board members, but no officer other than the Chief Executive Officer should be expected to be elected to the Board by virtue of his or her office.
Independence Determinations
The Board annually determines the independence of directors based on a review by the directors and the nominating and corporate governance committee. No director is considered independent unless the Board has determined that he or she has no material relationship with the Company, either directly or as a partner, stockholder, or officer of an organization that has a material relationship with the Company.
Audit committee members must also satisfy the additional independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, and the listing standards of NYSE. Compensation committee members must also satisfy the additional independence criteria set forth in Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act and the listing standards of NYSE.
We have adopted rules for director independence standards of NYSE corporate governance listing standards and the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Board has determined that Michael F. Angelo, Gary W. Feiner and Thomas M. O’Brien meet the aforementioned independence standards.
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Board and Committee Meetings and Annual Meeting Attendance
The Board held a total of ninesix meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020,2021, and no director attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board and the committees of which he was a member.
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Since November 6, 2007, the Board has had a standing audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee. Our audit committee charter, compensation committee charter, and nominating and corporate governance committee charter, each as adopted by the Board, and as may be amended from time to time, are posted on our website at www.virnetx.com inwww.ir.virnetx.com under the “Highlights” link“Investors” tab in the “Corporate Governance” subcategory under the “Investors” tab.subcategory.
We encourage, but do not require, the Board members to attend our annual meetings of stockholders. All of our current Board members were in attendance for our 20202021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Committees of the Board
The Board has the following standing committees: audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee. The following table details the membership of each standing committee and the number of meetings of each standing committee conducted during fiscal 2020:2021:
Name of Director
​
Audit
​
Compensation
​
Nominating
&
Corporate
Governance
​
Audit
​
Compensation
​
Nominating
&
Corporate
Governance
Michael F. Angelo
​
M
​
M
​
C
​
M
​
M
​
C
Kendall Larsen
​
—
​
—
​
—
​
—
​
—
​
—
Thomas M. O’Brien
​
C
​
M
​
M
​
C
​
M
​
M
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
​
—
​
—
​
—
​
—
​
—
​
—
Gary W. Feiner
​
M
​
C
​
M
​
M
​
C
​
M
Number of Meetings in Fiscal 2020
​
7
​
8
​
7
Number of Meetings in Fiscal 2021
​
8
​
8
​
6
M = Member
C = Chair
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Matters
Membership and Independence
Messrs. Angelo, Feiner and O’Brien comprise our nominating and corporate governance committee, or nominating and governance committee, with Mr. Angelo serving as the chairman. The Board has determined that each of Messrs. Angelo, Feiner and O’Brien meets NYSE requirements for independence. Our nominating and corporate governance committee met sevensix times during fiscal 2020.2021.
Responsibilities
Our nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for, among other things:
assisting the Board in identifying prospective director nominees and recommending to the Board director nominees for each annual meeting of stockholders, vacancy, or newly created director position;
providing oversight with respect to corporate governance and ethical conduct;
developing and recommending to the Board the Code of Ethics and assessing such Code of Ethics and recommending changes; and
delegating such of its authority and responsibilities as it deems proper to members of the nominating and corporate governance committee or a subcommittee thereof.
A more detailed description of our nominating and corporate governance committee’s functions can be found in our nominating and corporate governance committee charter at www.virnetx.com inwww.ir.virnetx.com under the “Highlights” link“Investors” tab in the “Corporate Governance” subcategory under the “Investors” tab,, or by writing to us at VirnetX Holding Corporation, P.O. Box 439, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448 (Attention: Investor Relations).
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Stockholder Recommendations and Nominees
The policy of our nominating and corporate governance committee is to consider properly submitted recommendations for candidates to the Board from stockholders. In evaluating such recommendations, our nominating and corporate governance committee seeks to achieve a balance of experience, knowledge, integrity, and
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capability on the Board and to address the membership criteria set forth under “Director Qualifications” below. Any stockholder recommendations for consideration by our nominating and corporate governance committee should include (1) the name, age, business address and residence address of such person, (2) the principal occupation or employment of such person, (3) the class and number of shares of the Company that are beneficially owned by such person, and (4) any other information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act (including, without limitation, such person’s written consent to being named in the Proxy Statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected).
Stockholder recommendations to the Board should be sent to our Corporate Secretary at VirnetX Holding Corporation, P.O. Box 439, Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448.
In addition, our Bylaws permit stockholders to nominate directors for consideration at an annual meeting of stockholders. For a description of the process for nominating directors in accordance with our Bylaws, see “How do I submit a stockholder proposal for the 20222023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders?” of this Proxy Statement and our Bylaws which have been filed with the SEC.
Director Qualifications
Our nominating and corporate governance committee evaluates and recommends candidates for membership on the Board consistent with criteria established by the Board. The Board has not formally established any specific, minimum qualifications that must be met by each candidate for the Board or specific qualities or skills that are necessary for one or more of the members of the Board. However, our nominating and corporate governance committee, when considering a potential candidate, will factor into its determination the following qualities of a candidate, among others: educational background, professional experience, including whether the person is a current or former chief executive officer or chief financial officer of a public company or the head of a division of a large international organization, knowledge of our business, integrity, professional reputation, independence, wisdom, and ability to represent the best interests of our stockholders, diversity, and with respect to diversity, such factors as gender, race, ethnicity and experience, area of expertise, potential conflicts of interest and other commitments and other individual qualities and attributes that contribute to the total mix of viewpoints and experience represented on the Board.
Identification and Evaluation of Nominees for Directors
Our nominating and corporate governance committee uses a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees for any position on the Board. Our nominating and corporate governance committee regularly assesses the appropriate size and composition of the Board, the needs of the Board, the respective committees of the Board, and the qualifications of candidates in light of these needs. Candidates may come to the attention of the nominating and corporate governance committee through stockholders, management, current members of the Board, or third-party search firms engaged by the nominating and corporate governance committee.
Once the nominating and corporate governance committee has identified a prospective nominee, the nominating and corporate governance committee makes an initial determination as to whether to conduct a full evaluation of the candidate. This initial determination is based on the information provided to the nominating and corporate governance committee concerning the prospective candidate, as well as the nominating and corporate governance committee’s own knowledge of the prospective candidate, which may be supplemented by inquiries to the person making the recommendation or others. If the nominating and corporate governance committee determines, in consultation with other Board members as appropriate, that additional consideration is warranted, it may gather or request the third-party search firm to gather additional information about the prospective nominee’s background and experience. The nominating and corporate governance committee then evaluates the prospective nominee, taking into account whether the prospective nominee is independent within the meaning of the listing standards of NYSE and such other factors as it deems relevant, including the current composition of the Board, the balance of management and independent directors, the need for audit committee or compensation committee expertise, the prospective nominee’s qualifications as discussed above, the diversity of the member’s skills and experience in areas that are
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relevant to the Company’s businesses and activities, and its evaluations of other prospective nominees. In connection with this evaluation, the nominating and corporate governance committee determines whether to interview the prospective nominee and, if warranted, one or more members of the nominating and corporate governance committee and others, as appropriate, conduct interviews in person or by telephone. After completing this process, the
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nominating and corporate governance committee makes a recommendation to the full Board as to the persons who should be nominated by the Board, and the Board determines the nominees after considering the recommendation and report of the nominating and corporate governance committee. The nominating and corporate governance committee follows the same process and uses the same criteria for evaluating candidates proposed by stockholders, members of the Board, and members of management.
The nominating and corporate governance committee considers diversity as one of a number of factors in identifying nominees for director. It does not, however, have a formal policy in this regard. The nominating and corporate governance committee views diversity broadly to include diversity of experience, skills, and viewpoint as well as traditional diversity concepts such as race or gender.
Audit Committee Matters
Membership and Independence
Messrs. Angelo, Feiner and O’Brien comprise our audit committee, with Mr. O’Brien serving as the chairman. The Board has determined that each of Messrs. Angelo, Feiner and O’Brien satisfies the requirements for independence under the rules and regulations of NYSE and the SEC, including the enhanced standards for audit committee members. The Board has also determined that Mr. O’Brien qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in the SEC rules and satisfies the financial sophistication requirements of NYSE. Our audit committee met seveneight times during fiscal 2020.2021.
Responsibilities
Our audit committee is responsible for, among other things:
appointment of and approval of compensation for our independent public accounting firm and overseeing its performance and independence;
overseeing our accounting and financial reporting processes;
overseeing the audits of our financial statements;
overseeing the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting; and
preparing the audit committee report that the SEC requires in our annual proxy statement.
A more detailed description of our audit committee’s functions can be found in our audit committee charter at www.virnetx.com inwww.ir.virnetx.com under the “Highlights” link“Investors” tab in the “Corporate Governance” subcategory, under the “Investors” tab, or by writing to us at VirnetX Holding Corporation, P.O. Box 439, Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448 (Attention: Investor Relations).
Principal Accountant Fees & Services
The following table sets forth the costs we incurred for services provided by Farber Hass Hurley LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, which audited our financials for the years ended December 31, 20202021 and December 31, 2019.2020.
​​
Year Ended December 31(1)
​​
Year Ended December 31(1)
​​
2020
​
2019
​​
2021
​
2020
Audit Fees
​
$209,000
​
$177,785
​
$196,850
​
$209,000
Audit-Related Fees
​
$59,530
​
$35,807
​
$34,230
​
$59,530
Tax Fees
​
$—
​
$—
​
$—
​
$—
All Other Fees
​
$—
​
$—
​
$—
​
$—
Total Fees
​
$268,530
​
$213,592
​
$231,080
​
$268,530
(1)
Reflects the fees approved by the Company and billed or to be billed by Farber Hass Hurley LLP with respect to services performed for the audit and other services for the applicable fiscal year.
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Audit Fees. Consists of fees billed for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements, including the audit of internal control over financial reporting, review of the interim consolidated financial statements included in our quarterly reports, and accounting services in connection with securities offerings.
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Audit-Related Fees. Consists of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These services include consultations in connection with financial accounting and reporting standards.
Tax Fees. Consists of fees billed for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. We have nothing to report in this line item as we did not engage Farber Hass Hurley LLP to perform tax-related services for the Company.
All Other Fees. We have nothing to report in this line item as we did not engage Farber Hass Hurley LLP to perform services not covered by the preceding three categories.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Our audit committee’s policy is to pre-approve all services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. For fiscal 2020,2021, our audit committee pre-approved 100% of all services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. These services include audit services and audit-related services. Our independent registered public accounting firm is required to periodically report to our audit committee regarding the extent of services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with this pre-approval policy. Our audit committee may also delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. Such member(s) must report any such pre-approval to our audit committee at the next scheduled meeting.
Compensation Committee Matters
Membership and Independence
Messrs. Angelo, Feiner and O’Brien comprise our compensation committee, with Mr. Feiner serving as the chairman. The Board has determined that each of Messrs. Angelo, Feiner and O’Brien satisfies the requirements for independence under the rules of NYSE including the enhanced standards for compensation committee members, and is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Our compensation committee met eight times during fiscal 2020.2021.
Responsibilities, Processes and Procedures
Our compensation committee’s responsibilities and primary processes for establishing and overseeing executive compensation include, among other things:
exclusive authority to determine the amount and form of compensation paid to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer;
determining the amount and form of compensation paid to the Company’s executive officers, officers, employees, consultants and advisors;
administering our equity incentive plans;
engaging, compensating and terminating compensation consultants, legal counsel and such other advisors to assist the compensation committee;
reviewing and discussing with management to Company’s proposed disclosure under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” as set forth in Regulation S-K and recommending to the Board whether such disclosure should be included in the Company’s public filings, as applicable;
preparing the compensation committee report that the SEC requires in our annual proxy statement, as applicable;
recommending the compensation of non-employee directors to the Board; and
making regular reports to the Board with respect to significant actions and determinations made by the compensation committee.
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Our Chief Executive Officer generally attends compensation committee meetings and makes recommendations to our compensation committee regarding the amount and form of the compensation of the other executive officers and key employees. He is not present for any of the executive sessions or for any decisions regarding his own compensation.
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Except with respect to determining the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, the compensation committee may delegate its authority to a subcommittee thereof and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the compensation committee may delegate to officers or appropriate supervisory personnel the authority to grant stock awards to non-executive, non-director employees.
A more detailed description of our compensation committee’s functions can be found in our compensation committee charter at www.virnetx.com inwww.ir.virnetx.com under the “Highlights” link“Investors” tab in the “Corporate Governance” subcategory, under the “Investors” tab, or by writing to us at VirnetX Holding Corporation, P.O. Box 439, Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448 (Attention: Investor Relations).
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During fiscal 2020,2021, Messrs. Angelo, Feiner and O’Brien served as members of our compensation committee. No member of our compensation committee was an officer or employee of VirnetX during fiscal 2020.2021. In addition, no member of our compensation committee or executive officer of the Company served as a member of the Boardboard or compensation committee of any entity that has an executive officer serving as a member of the Board or our compensation committee.
Communications with the Board
Any of our stockholders who wish to communicate with the Board, a committee of the Board, the non-management directors as a group, or any individual member of the Board, may send correspondence to our Corporate Secretary at VirnetX Holding Corporation, P.O. Box 439, Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448.
Our Corporate Secretary will compile and submit on a periodic basis all stockholder correspondence to our entire Board, or, if and as designated in the communication, to a committee of the Board, our non-management directors as a group, or an individual Board member. The independent directors of the Board review and approve the stockholders’ communications process periodically to ensure effective communication with stockholders.
Director Compensation
Directors who are also our employees are not compensated for serving on the Board. Information regarding compensation otherwise received by our directors, who are also named executive officers, is provided under the heading “Executive Compensation.”
Our compensation committee periodically reviews director compensation in consultation with its independent compensation consultant, Compensia, Inc., or Compensia. Any recommendations for changes are made to our full Board by our compensation committee. Our compensation committee last reviewed our director compensation program with Compensia in April 2018March 2022 and determined that the program remains competitive and didcompetitive. Our compensation committee has not recommendrecommended any changes to the full Board in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2020.2022 (other than in connection with the potential formation of the cyber subcommittee within the nomination and corporate governance committee as discussed below).
Our amended and restated 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2013 Plan, which was last approved by our stockholders in 2017,2021, contains maximum limits on the size of the equity awards that can be granted to each of our non-employee directors in any fiscal year. Those maximum limits do not reflect the intended size of any potential grants or a commitment to make any equity award grants to our non-employee directors in the future. These maximum limits provide that no non-employee director may be granted, in any fiscal year, equity awards covering more than 100,000 shares, in the aggregate. Equity awards granted to an individual while he or she was an employee or a consultant, but not a non-employee director, do not count for purposes of these limits.
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Cash Compensation of Non-employee Directors
Consistent with our compensation policy, we provide the following cash compensation for non-employee directors:
each non-employee director receives an annual cash retainer of $44,000;
each non-employee director who serves as a member of our audit committee receives an annual cash retainer of $6,600; each non-employee director who serves as a member of our compensation committee receives an annual cash retainer of $5,500; and each non-employee director who serves as a member of our nominating and corporate governance committee receives an annual cash retainer of $2,200; and
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each non-employee director who serves as a chair of our audit committee receives an annual cash retainer of $18,150; each non-employee director who serves as a chair of our compensation committee receives an annual cash retainer of $9,900; and each non-employee director who serves as a chair of our nominating and corporate governance committees receives an annual cash retainer of $5,500.
We do not pay cash-based meeting fees for Board or committee meetings.
Changes to Director Compensation for 2022
Our nominating and corporate governance committee intends to establish a cyber subcommittee within our nominating and corporate governance committee in fiscal 2022, with Mr. Angelo serving as the chairman. Effective upon formation of the cyber subcommittee, each non-employee director who serves as the cyber subcommittee chair will receive an additional annual cash retainer of $10,000. This increase would be in connection with the added responsibilities of being chair of the cyber subcommittee. There have been no other changes to director compensation other than as described above.
Stock Compensation of Non-Employee Directors
Consistent with our compensation policy, we provide the following stock compensation for non-employee directors:
Upon the initial election or appointment to the Board of a new non-employee director, such individual will be granted, under our 2013 Plan, an option to purchase 30,000 shares of our Common Stock with a per-share exercise price equal to the fair market value of that stock on the date of grant and which will vest monthly with respect to 1/36th of the total number of shares subject to the option, conditioned upon continued service as a director; provided that all vesting shall be accelerated such that the shares underlying such option shall be vested and become exercisable in full on the close of business on the day prior to the Company’s third annual meeting of stockholders to take place after the director’s initial election or appointment to the Board; and provided further that these options automatically become fully vested immediately prior to a “change in control” of the Company.
each existing non-employee director will be automatically granted, under the 2013 Plan, an option to purchase 12,500 shares of our Common Stock at each year’s annual meeting of stockholders with a per-share exercise price equal to the fair market value of that stock on the date of grant and which will fully vest upon the earlier of (a) the one-year anniversary of such a grant or (b) the close of business on the day prior to the following year’s annual meeting of stockholders, conditioned upon continued service as a director; provided that these options automatically become fully vested immediately prior to a “change in control” of the Company.
each existing non-employee director will be automatically granted, under the 2013 Plan, an award for 8,333 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) at each year’s annual meeting of stockholders, which will fully vest upon the earlier of (a) the one-year anniversary of such grant or (b) the close of business on the day prior to the following year’s annual meeting of stockholders, conditioned upon continued service as a director; provided that these RSUs automatically become fully vested immediately prior to a “change in control” of the Company.
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The following table shows the compensation earned by or paid to each of our non-employee directors for fiscal 2020:2021:
Name(1)
​
Fees
Earned or
Paid in Cash
​
Stock
Awards(2)
​
Option
Awards(2)
​
All Other
Compensation(3)
​
Total
​
Fees
Earned or
Paid in Cash
​
Stock
Awards(2)
​
Option
Awards(2)
​
All Other
Compensation
​
Total
Michael F. Angelo
​
$61,600
​
$55,414
​
$61,388
​
$133,333
​
$311,735
​
$61,600
​
$39,665
​
$43,750
​
—
​
$145,015
Gary W. Feiner
​
$62,700
​
$55,414
​
$61,388
​
$100,833
​
$280,335
​
$62,700
​
$39,665
​
$43,750
​
—
​
$146,115
Thomas M. O’Brien
​
$69,850
​
$55,414
​
$61,388
​
$123,333
​
$309,985
​
$69,850
​
$39,665
​
$43,750
​
—
​
$153,265
(1)
This table includes the compensation of only non-employee directors. For compensation of Mr. Larsen and Dr. Short, please see “Executive Compensation and Other Matters” of this Proxy Statement.
(2)
The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock awards and option awards computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or FASB ASC Topic 718. There can be no assurance that these amounts will ever be realized. For information on the valuation assumptions used in valuing these stock option awards, refer to Note 6 titled “Stock-Based Compensation” in the Notes to the Financial Statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2020.2021.
(3)
The amounts in this column reflect the Adjustment Payments paid to our non-employee directors related to the 2020 Dividend. For additional information relating to such payments, please see “Fiscal 2020 Dividend” below.
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The following table lists all outstanding equity awards held by our non-employee directors as of December 31, 2020:2021:
Name
​​
Aggregate Number of
Shares Underlying
Outstanding Options
​​
Number of Securities
Underlying Unvested
Stock Awards
Michael F. Angelo
​​
127,500
​​
8,333
Gary W. Feiner
​​
105,000
​​
8,333
Thomas M. O’Brien
​​
127,500
​​
8,333
Fiscal 2020 Dividend
In May 2020, the Board declared a special cash dividend to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 18, 2020 of $1.00 per share of common stock, payable on May 26, 2020 (the “2020 Dividend”).
In connection with the 2020 Dividend, the Board further approved equitable adjustments to all outstanding stock options and RSUs (the “Awards”) granted under the 2007 Plan and the 2013 Plan (together, the “Plans”) in its capacity as plan administrator under each Plan. Such adjustments resulted in a cash payment of $1.00 per share to each holder of outstanding Awards as of May 18, 2020 (the “Adjustment Payments”). Such Adjustment Payments resulted in payments to (1) each of Mr. Angelo, Mr. Feiner, and Mr. O’Brien of approximately $133,333, $100,833, and $123,333 respectively, and (2) each of Mr. Larsen, Dr. Short, and Mr. Nance of approximately $691,666, $1,368,334, and $107,996, respectively.
The timing and amounts of future dividends, if any, will depend on market conditions, corporate business and financial considerations and regulatory requirements.
Name
​​
Aggregate Number of
Shares Underlying
Outstanding Options
​​
Number of Securities
Underlying Unvested
Stock Awards
Michael F. Angelo
​​
112,500
​​
8,333
Gary W. Feiner
​​
105,000
​​
8,333
Thomas M. O’Brien
​​
112,500
​​
8,333
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of March 1, 20212022 by:
all persons known to us, based on statements filed by such persons pursuant to Section 13(d) or 13(g) of the Exchange Act or in statements made to us, to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of our Common Stock;
each director and nominee for director;
each of our named executive officers as listed in the “Summary Compensation Table” of this Proxy Statement; and
all current directors and executive officers as a group.
This table lists applicable percentage ownership based on 71,058,57071,232,856 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 1, 2021.2022. Securities that a person has a right to acquire pursuant to SEC rules within 60 days of March 1, 20212022 are deemed to be beneficially owned by the persons holding these securities for the purpose of computing the number of shares owned by, and percentage ownership of, that person, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing any other person’s number of shares owned or ownership percentage.
Except as indicated by footnote, and subject to applicable community property laws, each person identified in the table possesses, to the best of our knowledge, sole voting and investment power with respect to all capital stock shown to be held by that person. The address of each executive officer and director, unless indicated otherwise, is c/o VirnetX Holding Corporation, P.O. Box 439, Zephyr Cove, NV, 89448.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
​​
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership(1)
​​
Percent of
Class
5% or Greater Stockholders:
​​
 
​​
 
Kendall Larsen
​​
8,066,3628,132,817(2)
​​
11.20%11.25%
BlackRock, Inc.
​​
4,698,8274,467,963(3)
​​
6.61%6.27%
The Vanguard Group
​​
3,677,2963,181,610(4)
​​
5.18%4.47%
Directors and Named Executive Officers:
​​
 
​​
 
Kendall Larsen
​​
8,066,3628,132,817(2)
​​
11.20%11.25%
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
​​
1,361,4761,483,776(5)
​​
1.88%2.05%
Thomas M. O’Brien
​​
278,328284,161(6)
​​
*
Michael F. Angelo
​​
205,393211,226(7)
​​
*
Gary W. Feiner
​​
134,165154,998(8)
​​
*
Richard H. NanceKatherine Allanson
​​
101,8313,333(9)
​​
*
All directors and current executive officers as a group (6 persons):
​​
10,147,55510,270,311(10)
​​
13.79%13.89%
(*)
Less than 1%.
(1)
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Securities whichthat are exercisable, convertible or to which a holder has a right to acquire within 60 days of March 1, 20212022 are deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage of the person holding such securities but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. The indication herein that shares are beneficially owned is not an admission on the part of the listed stockholder that he, she or it is or will be a direct or indirect beneficial owner of those shares.
(2)
Includes (i) 963,1231,079,578 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2021,2022, of which, 434,480494,893 are held by Mrs.Kathleen Larsen, (ii) 300,000 shares held of record by K2 Investment Fund, LLC, of which Mr. Larsen and Mrs. Larsen are the sole member-managers, and (iii) 486,861460,194 shares of common stock held by Mrs. Larsen. Excludes 613,530 shares obtained prior to fiscal 20202021 and held by the Kathleen Sheehan Revocable Trust dated 2/5/2009 and shares, stock options, and RSUs held by Mr. and Mrs. Larsen’s adult children. Mr. Larsen disclaims beneficial ownership of the excluded shares.
(3)
The information is based solely on a Schedule 13G filed by this stockholder on February 1, 2021.3, 2022. The stockholder’s business address is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NYNew York 10055. This stockholder has sole dispositive power over all such shares.
(4)
The information is based solely on a Schedule 13G filed by this stockholder on February 10, 2021.2022. The stockholder’s business address is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PAPennsylvania 19355. This stockholder has sole dispositive power with respect to 3,497,2663,116,784 of such shares and shared dispositive power over 180,03064,826 of such shares.
(5)
Includes (i) 1,182,3931,294,893 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 20212022 and (ii) 179,083188,883 shares of common stock owned by the Short Revocable Living Trust.
(6)
Includes 115,000112,500 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2021.2022.
(7)
Includes 115,000112,500 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2021.2022.
(8)
Includes 92,500105,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2021.2022.
(9)
Includes 85,9153,333 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2021.2022.
(10)
Includes the following securities beneficially held by our current directors and executive officers as a group: 2,553,9312,707,804 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 1, 2021.2022.
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PROPOSAL I:
ELECTION OF CLASS II DIRECTORSIII DIRECTOR
The Board consists of five members. In accordance with our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board is divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. At the Annual Meeting, twoone Class II directorsIII director will be elected for a three-year termsterm to serve until the 20242025 annual meeting and until their respective successor is qualified and elected, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal.
Nominees
The nominating and corporate governance committee of the Board recommended, and the Board approved, Thomas M. O’Brien and Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.Michael F. Angelo as the Class IIIII director nomineesnominee for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting. If elected, Messrs. O’Brien and ShortMr. Angelo will serve as directorsdirector until our annual meeting in 2024,2025, and until their respective successors arehis successor is qualified and elected or until theirhis earlier death, resignation or removal. Messrs. O’Brien and Short are bothMr. Angelo is a current directorsdirector of the Company. Please see “Director Nominees”Nominee” of this Proxy Statement for information concerning Messrs. O’Brien and Short.Mr. Angelo.
Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them FOR Messrs. O’Brien and ShortMr. Angelo as the Class II directors.III director. If the nominees arenominee is unable or decline to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, the proxies will be voted for another nominee(s)nominee designated by the Board. We are not aware of any reason that the nomineesnominee would be unable or unwilling to serve as a director.
Vote Required
The two director nomineesnominee receiving the highest number of votes cast by the shares present (including virtually) or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting on this matter will be elected to the Board. Votes that are withheld will be excluded entirely and will have no effect in the election of directors.the director.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” the election of Thomas M. O’Brien and Robert D. ShortMichael F. Angelo as the Class III Ph.D. as Class II Directors.Director.
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PROPOSAL II:
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The audit committee has selected Farber Hass Hurley LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 20212022 and recommends that stockholders vote for ratification of such selection. Although ratification by stockholders is not required by law, the Company has determined that it is desirable to request ratification by the stockholders of this selection. If the stockholders do not ratify the selection of Farber Hass Hurley LLP, the audit committee may reconsider its selection. Notwithstanding its selection or voting results, the audit committee, in its discretion, may appoint a new independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if the audit committee believes that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
Farber Hass Hurley LLP has audited our consolidated financial statements annually since it was first appointed in fiscal year 2007. We expect that representatives of Farber Hass Hurley LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.
Vote Required
Ratification of Farber Hass Hurley LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 20212022 will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present (including virtually) or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting on this matter. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote “against” the ratification of Farber Hass Hurley LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.
The Board of Directors, on behalf of the audit committee, recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” the ratification of the selection of Farber Hass Hurley LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.2022.
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PROPOSAL III:
APPROVAL OF THE AMENDED 2013 PLAN
Our stockholders are being asked to approve an amendment and restatement of the 2013 Plan. In particular, we are seeking stockholder to approve an increase in the shares reserved under the 2013 Plan by 2,500,000 shares (the “Additional Shares”) from 5,000,000 shares to 7,500,000 shares (as amended, the “Amended 2013 Plan”).
If our stockholders approve this proposal, the addition of the Additional Shares to the Amended 2013 Plan will not result in the immediate grant of those Additional Shares to employees and other service providers. Instead, approval of this proposal will allow us the flexibility to issue competitive equity awards over approximately the next three years so that we can continue to incentivize and retain the key contributors to our business, as described in greater detail in this proposal.
Amended 2013 Plan
Our Board has approved the Amended 2013 Plan, subject to the approval of our stockholders at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and recommends that our stockholders to approve the Amended 2013 Plan.
If our stockholders approve the Amended 2013 Plan, it will replace the 2013 Plan and it will become effective as of the date of stockholder approval.
If our stockholders do not approve this proposal, the 2013 Plan will not be replaced with the Amended 2013 Plan. In that case, the existing shares reserved for issuance under the 2013 Plan may be insufficient to achieve our personnel incentive, recruiting and retention objectives following this year, making it more difficult to meet these objectives. This ultimately may undermine our success as a company.
Our executive officers and directors have an interest in the approval of the Amended 2013 Plan because they are eligible for awards under the 2013 Plan, as proposed to be amended by the Amended 2013 Plan.
A copy of the Amended 2013 Plan is included as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement. No amendments other than the proposed Authorized Shares amendment have been made to the 2013 Plan.
Why We Are Seeking Approval of the Amended 2013 Plan
The 2013 Plan Will No Longer Have Enough Shares Available for Grant
As of March 1, 2021, a total of 545,210 shares were available for issuance under the 2013 Plan. Under our current forecasts and taking into account our historical forfeiture rates, we expect that the number of shares still available for grant under the 2013 Plan will not provide a sufficient number of shares to meet the needs of our equity compensation program this year. As a result, we may not be able to issue equity to our employees, directors and consultants in amounts that we believe are necessary to attract, retain and motivate them unless our stockholders approve the Amended 2013 Plan.
This proposal seeks an authorization of an increase of 2,500,000 shares. The number of shares under the Amended 2013 Plan for which we are seeking authorization represents approximately 3.5% of our outstanding shares as of March 1, 2021. The proposed increase of 2,500,000 shares is to the number of shares available for issuance and such shares may be subject to awards as the Board or our compensation committee determines over the next several years. If our stockholders approve this proposal, the addition of these shares to the Amended 2013 Plan will not result in the immediate grant of these shares to employees and other service providers.
In setting the Additional Shares, our compensation committee and our Board considered the following:
Historical Grant Practices. The historical amounts of equity awards the Company has granted in the past three years. In fiscal years 2018 through 2020, the Company granted equity awards representing a total of 2,907,488 shares. Our three-year gross average annual “burn rate” is 28%, which is significantly below industry guidelines published by Institutional Shareholder Services. The actual number of shares the Company routinely grants to its employees each fiscal year varies based upon factors such as our headcount, the ratio between full value awards (which generally involve less shares) and options, the number of employees hired each year, our stock price performance and benchmarking against market data (which includes the Company’s peer group for executive compensation) to assist in determining individual grant values and our aggregate equity budget. These factors make exact forecasting of share usage speculative, and thus our Board relied primarily upon the Company’s historical share usage as a reasonable predictor of future needs.
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Forecasted Grant Practices. The Additional Shares, if approved, are projected to provide enough shares for future equity award grants for the next three years. However, future circumstances and business needs may dictate a different result and our proposed increase in the share reserve under the Amended 2013 Plan is designed to give the Company flexibility to address those circumstances or needs as they arise. We have not provided an estimate for forfeitures because we have had nominal forfeited options and RSUs and believe that all outstanding options and RSUs at December 31, 2020, will vest. In the future, we may change this estimate based on actual and expected future forfeiture rates.
Awards Outstanding Under Existing Grants. The Company has outstanding, as of March 1, 2021, grants of 5,812,521 stock options, of which 1,266,958 are unvested, and 504,323 unvested restricted stock units. Accordingly, our approximately 6,316,844 outstanding awards (commonly referred to as the “overhang”) represent approximately 9% of our outstanding shares.
Long-Term Equity is a Key Component of our Compensation Philosophy
As described in “Executive Compensation and Other Matters,” we implement and maintain compensation plans that tie a substantial portion of each employee’s overall compensation to key strategic financial and operational goals such as revenue generating activities, product and technical development, corporate public relations and stockholder value creation. Long-term equity awards are critical vehicle for helping us achieve this objective.
Our Board believes that the Company must offer a competitive equity incentive program if it is to continue to successfully attract and retain the best possible candidates for positions within the Company. Our Board expects that the Additional Shares under our Amended 2013 Plan will be vital in continuing to attract, retain and reward high caliber employees who are essential to our success and to provide incentives to these individuals to promote the success of the Company thereby aligning their interests with the interests of the Company’s stockholders.
The alternative to using equity for retention and incentive purposes would be to significantly increase cash compensation. We do not believe increasing cash compensation to make up for any shortfall in equity awards would be practical or advisable because, as a high-technology company, we believe that equity awards provide a more effective compensation vehicle than cash for attracting, retaining and motivating our employees and that equity awards align employees and stockholder long-term interests with a reduced impact on cash flow.
Description of the Amended 2013 Plan
A description of the 2013 Plan, as amended by the Amended 2013 Plan, is included below. The 2013 Plan as proposed to be amended by this Proposal is otherwise unchanged from the 2013 Plan as previously approved by our Board and stockholders, except for the increase in the total authorized shares thereunder.
The full text of the 2013 Plan was annexed as Appendix A to our 2017 Proxy Statement, filed on April 14, 2017 with the SEC, which is available at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov. The Amended 2013 Plan is annexed as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement, a copy of which is also available at the SEC’s website. If approved by our stockholders, the Amended 2013 Plan will be effective on the date of the Annual Meeting, June 3, 2021.
General
The purposes of the Amended 2013 Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel, to provide incentives to individuals who perform services to the Company, to align the interests of such individuals with the interests of the Company’s stockholders and to promote the success of the Company’s business. These incentives are provided through the grant of an option to purchase common stock of the Company, or stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, and performance shares, as the Administrator (as defined in the Amended 2013 Plan) may determine.
Authorized Shares
Subject to the adjustment provisions contained in the Amended 2013 Plan, stockholders are being asked to approve 2,500,000 shares of Company Common Stock for issuance under the Amended 2013 Plan so that the maximum shares of Company Common Stock reserved for issuance is 7,500,000, plus any shares subject to awards granted under the 2007 Stock Plan (the “2007 Plan”) that expire or otherwise terminate without having been exercised in full and shares issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2007 Plan that are forfeited to or repurchased
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by the Company, with the shares subject to such awards credited to the share reserve as one share for every one share subject to such award and with the maximum number of shares to be added from the 2007 Plan equal to 3,736,946 shares. The shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.
If any award granted under the Amended 2013 Plan expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, the expired, unexercised, forfeited or repurchased shares subject to such award will become available for future grant or sale under the Amended 2013 Plan. With respect to the exercise of stock appreciation rights, the net number of shares covered by the portion of the exercised award will cease to be available under the Amended 2013 Plan. If unvested shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares or performance units are repurchased by or forfeited to the Company, such shares will become available for future grant under the Amended 2013 Plan. Shares used to pay the tax and/or exercise price of an award will become available for future grant or sale under the Amended 2013 Plan. Payment of cash rather than shares pursuant to an award will not result in reducing the number of shares available for issuance under the Amended 2013 Plan.
Adjustments to Shares Subject to the Amended 2013 Plan
In the event of any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure affecting the Company’s common stock occurs, the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Amended 2013 Plan, will adjust the number and class of shares that may be delivered under the Amended 2013 Plan, and/or the number, class and price of shares of stock subject to outstanding awards, and the award grant limitations discussed below.
Limitations (including Non-Employee Directors Award Limitations)
The Amended 2013 Plan contains annual grant limits intended to satisfy Section 162(m). Specifically, the maximum number of shares and/or dollars which could be issued to any one individual in any fiscal year of the Company pursuant to the Amended 2013 Plan is set forth below:
Award Type
​​
Annual Number of Shares or
Dollar Value
Stock Option
​​
1,000,000
Stock Appreciation Right
​​
1,000,000
Restricted Stock
​​
1,000,000
Restricted Stock Units
​​
1,000,000
Performance Shares
​​
1,000,000
Performance Units
​​
Initial Value of $5,000,000
Separately, apart from Section 162(m), the Amended 2013 Plan provides that a non-employee Board member may not receive awards under the Plan covering more than 100,000 number of shares in any calendar year.
The Administrator will adjust the share limitations in this section in the event of any adjustment to the Company’s shares discussed above in the “Adjustment to Shares Subject to the Amended 2013 Plan” section.
Additionally, subject to the terms of the Amended 2013 Plan, the terms of outstanding awards may not be amended to reduce the exercise price of outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights or cancel outstanding stock options or stock appreciation rights in exchange for cash, other awards or stock options or stock appreciation rights with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original options or stock appreciation rights without stockholder approval.
Administration
The Board has delegated administration of the Amended 2013 Plan to the Board’s compensation committee. The Board and the compensation committee may further delegate administration of the Amended 2013 Plan to any committee of the Board, or a committee of individuals satisfying applicable laws appointed by the Board in accordance with the terms of the Amended 2013 Plan. For purposes of this description of the Amended 2013 Plan, the term “Administrator” will refer to the Board or any committee designated by the Board to administer the
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Amended 2013 Plan. To make grants to certain officers and key employees of the Company, the members of the committee must qualify as “non-employee directors” under Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In the case of awards intended to qualify for the performance-based compensation exemption under Section 162(m), administration must be by a committee comprised solely of two or more “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m).
Subject to the terms of the Amended 2013 Plan, the Administrator has the sole discretion to select the service providers who will receive awards, to determine the terms and conditions of awards, to modify or amend each award (subject to the repricing restrictions of the Amended 2013 Plan), including to accelerate vesting or waive forfeiture restrictions, and to interpret the provisions of the Amended 2013 Plan and outstanding awards. The Administrator may allow a participant to defer the receipt of payment of cash or delivery of shares that otherwise would be due to such participant. The Administrator may make rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws and may make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Amended 2013 Plan.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator cannot institute, without prior stockholder approval, an exchange program whereby the exercise prices of outstanding awards may be reduced, outstanding awards may be surrendered or cancelled in exchange for awards with a higher or lower exercise price, or outstanding awards may be transferred to a third party.
Eligibility
Awards may be granted to service providers of the Company and employees and consultants of any parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees who, as of the time of grant, are employees of the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company. As of March 1, 2021, we had approximately 25 service providers (including 22 employees who are not directors, 2 employee directors, 3 non-employee directors and 1 consultant. While consultants are eligible to participate pursuant to the terms of the Amended 2013 Plan, the Company has not generally made equity grants to its consultants.
Stock Options
Each option granted under the Amended 2013 Plan will be evidenced by a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a participant specifying the number of shares subject to the option and the other terms and conditions of the option, consistent with the requirements of the Amended 2013 Plan.
The exercise price per share of each option may not be less than the fair market value of a share of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant. However, any incentive stock option granted to a person who at the time of grant owns stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company (a “Ten Percent Stockholder”) must have an exercise price per share equal to at least 110% of the fair market value of a share on the date of grant. The aggregate fair market value of the shares (determined on the grant date) covered by incentive stock options which first become exercisable by any participant during any calendar year also may not exceed $100,000. Generally, the fair market value of the Common Stock is the closing sales price of our stock as reported on the NYSE or such other national securities exchange or automated inter-dealer quotation system on which the shares are listed.
The Amended 2013 Plan provides that the Administrator will determine the acceptable form(s) of consideration for exercising an option. An option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives the notice of exercise and full payment for the shares to be exercised, together with applicable tax withholdings.
Options will be exercisable at such times or under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the award agreement. The maximum term of an option will be specified in the award agreement, provided that options will have a maximum term of no more than ten (10) years, and provided further that an incentive stock option granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder must have a term not exceeding five (5) years.
The Administrator will determine and specify in each award agreement, and solely in its discretion, the period of post-termination exercise applicable to each option following the participant’s cessation of service with the Company. In the absence of such a determination by the Administrator, the participant generally will be able to exercise his or her option for (i) three (3) months following his or her cessation of service for reasons other than death or cause and (ii) three (3) years following his or her death (with all shares subject to the option becoming fully vested and exercisable); provided, however, that the option immediately will terminate upon a cessation of service for cause.
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In addition, if the participant is terminated for cause, the Company has the option to repurchase at cost any shares previously acquired through the exercise of an option under the Amended 2013 Plan.
Stock Appreciation Rights
A stock appreciation right gives a participant the right to receive the appreciation in the fair market value of Company Common Stock between the date of grant of the award and the date of its exercise. Each stock appreciation right granted under the Amended 2013 Plan will be evidenced by a written or electronic agreement between the Company and the participant specifying the exercise price and the other terms and conditions of the award, consistent with the requirements of the Amended 2013 Plan.
The exercise price per share of each stock appreciation right may not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date of grant. Upon exercise of a stock appreciation right, the holder of the award will be entitled to receive 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 by (ii) the number of exercised shares. The Company may pay the appreciation in cash, in shares, or in some combination thereof. The term of a stock appreciation right will be no more than ten (10) years from the date of grant. The terms and conditions relating to the period of post-termination exercise and the Company repurchase rights with respect to options described above also apply to stock appreciation rights.
Restricted Stock Awards
Awards of restricted stock are rights to acquire or purchase shares, which vest in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the Administrator in its sole discretion. Each restricted stock award granted will be evidenced by a written or electronic agreement between the Company and the participant specifying the number of shares subject to the award and the other terms and conditions of the award, consistent with the requirements of the Amended 2013 Plan. Restricted stock awards may be subject to vesting conditions as the Administrator specified, and the shares acquired may not be transferred by the participant until vested. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Administrator desires that the award qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m), any restrictions will be based on a specified list of performance goals and certain other requirements (see “Performance Goals” below for more information).
Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, a participant will forfeit any shares of restricted stock as to which the restrictions have not lapsed prior to the participant’s termination of service. In addition, if the participant is terminated for cause, the Company has the option to repurchase at cost any vested shares previously acquired through an award of restricted stock under the Amended 2013 Plan.
Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, participants holding restricted stock will have the right to vote the shares and to receive any dividends paid, except that dividends or other distributions paid in shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the original award. The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, reduce or waive any restrictions and may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed.
Restricted Stock Units
The Administrator may grant restricted stock units which represent a right to receive shares at a future date as set forth in the participant’s award agreement. Each restricted stock unit granted under the Amended 2013 Plan will be evidenced by a written or electronic agreement between the Company and the participant specifying the number of shares subject to the award and other terms and conditions of the award, consistent with the requirements of the Amended 2013 Plan.
Restricted stock units will result in a payment to a participant only if the performance goals or other vesting criteria the Administrator may establish are achieved or the awards otherwise vest. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Administrator desires that the award qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m), any restrictions will be based on a specified list of performance goals and certain other requirements (see “Performance Goals” below for more information).
After the grant of a restricted stock unit award, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any restrictions or vesting criteria that must be met to receive a payout and may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed. A participant will forfeit any unearned restricted stock units as of the date set forth in the award agreement. The Administrator in its sole discretion may pay earned restricted stock units in cash, shares of the Company’s Common Stock, or a combination of cash and shares.
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Performance Units and Performance Shares
Performance units and performance shares may also be granted under the Amended 2013 Plan. Each award of performance units or shares granted under the Amended 2013 Plan will be evidenced by a written or electronic agreement between the Company and the participant specifying the performance period and other terms and conditions of the award, consistent with the requirements of the Amended 2013 Plan. Performance units and performance shares will result in a payment to a participant only if the performance goals or other vesting criteria the Administrator may establish are achieved or the awards otherwise vest.
Earned performance units and performance shares will be paid, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, in the form of cash, shares (which will have an aggregate fair market value equal to the earned performance units or shares at the close of the applicable performance period), or in a combination thereof. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, business unit, or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), or any other basis determined by the Administrator, in its discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Administrator desires that the award qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m), any restrictions will be based on a specified list of performance goals and certain other requirements (see “Performance Goals” below for more information).
After the grant of a performance unit or performance share, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may accelerate, reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for such performance units or shares. Performance units will have an initial value established by the Administrator on or before the date of grant. Each performance share will have an initial value equal to the fair market value of a share on the grant date. A participant will forfeit any performance shares or units that are unearned or unvested as of the date set forth in the award agreement.
Performance Goals
The granting and/or vesting of awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units, and other incentives under the Amended 2013 Plan may be made subject to the attainment of performance goals relating to one or more business criteria within the meaning of Section 162(m) and may provide for a targeted level or levels of achievement (“performance goals”) including: earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), earnings before taxes and net earnings, earnings per Share, gross margin, new product development or innovation, net income, operating income, quality, operating margin, return on capital, return on equity, revenue, revenue growth, and total stockholder return. The performance goals may differ from participant to participant and from award to award. Any criteria used may be measured (as applicable), in absolute terms, in combination with another performance goal or goals (for example, as a ratio or matrix), in relative terms (including, but not limited to, results for other periods, passage of time and/or against another company or companies or an index or indices), on a per-share or per-capita basis, against the performance of the Company as a whole or a segment of the Company (including, but not limited to, any combination of the Company and any subsidiary, division, joint venture, affiliate, and/or other segment), and/or on a pre-tax or after-tax basis. Prior to latest date by which would meet the requirements under Section 162(m), the Administrator will determine whether any significant element(s) or item(s) will be included or excluded from the calculation of performance goals with respect to any award recipient. As determined in the discretion of the Administrator latest date by which would meet the requirements under Section 162(m), achievement of performance goals for a particular award may be calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), or on a basis other than GAAP.
To the extent necessary to comply with the performance-based compensation provisions of Section 162(m), with respect to any award granted subject to performance goals, and no later than the latest possible date that could be used and still comply with the performance-based compensation provisions of Section 162(m), the Administrator will, in writing: (i) designate one or more participants, who would be considered a “covered employee” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m), to whom an award will be made, (ii) select the performance goals applicable to the performance period, (iii) establish the performance goals, and amounts or methods of computation of the awards which may be earned for the performance period, and (iv) specify the relationship between performance goals and the amounts or methods of computation of such awards, as applicable, to be earned by each participant for such performance period. Following the completion of each performance period, the Administrator will certify in writing whether the applicable performance goals have been achieved for such performance period. In determining the amounts earned by a participant, the Administrator may reduce or eliminate (but not increase) the amount payable
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at a given level of performance to take into account additional factors that the Administrator may deem relevant to the assessment of individual or corporate performance for the performance period. A participant will be eligible to receive payment pursuant to an award for a performance period only if the performance goals for such period are achieved.
Transferability of Awards
Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, awards granted under the Amended 2013 Plan generally are not transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution, and all rights with respect to an award granted to a participant generally will be available during a participant’s lifetime only to the participant.
Dissolution or Liquidation
In the event of the Company’s proposed dissolution or liquidation, the Administrator will notify each participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. An award will terminate immediately prior to consummation of such proposed action to the extent the award has not been previously exercised.
Change in Control
The Amended 2013 Plan provides that, in the event of a merger or a “change in control” (as defined in the Amended 2013 Plan), each award will be treated as the Administrator determines, including that each award be assumed or substantially equivalent awards substituted by the acquiring or succeeding corporation or its affiliate. The Administrator will not be required to treat all outstanding awards the same in the transaction.
If the successor corporation does not assume or substitute for the award, the participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding options and stock appreciation rights, all restrictions on restricted stock will lapse, and, with respect to restricted stock units, performance shares, and performance units, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved target levels and all other terms and conditions met. In addition, if an option or stock appreciation right is not assumed or substituted for, the Administrator will notify the participant in writing or electronically that the option or stock appreciation right will be fully vested and exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the option or stock appreciation right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.
If the successor corporation assumes or substitutes outstanding awards held by a non-employee director and the non-employee director ceases to be a director prior to or on the closing of the merger or change in control or within twelve months following the merger or change in control, then his or her options and stock appreciation rights will fully vest and become immediately exercisable. In addition, all restrictions on restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, or performance units held by such non-employee director will lapse, and all performance goals or other vesting requirements will be deemed achieved at 100%, and all other terms and conditions met.
Forfeiture Events
The Administrator may specify in an award agreement under the Amended 2013 Plan that a participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to an award will be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an award. Such events may include, but are not limited to, fraud, breach of a fiduciary duty, restatement of financial statements as a result of fraud or willful errors or omissions, termination of employment for cause, violation of our material policies, breach of non-competition, confidentiality, or other restrictive covenants that may apply to the participant, or other conduct by the participant that is detrimental to our business or reputation.
Termination or Amendment
The Amended 2013 Plan will automatically terminate ten (10) years from the date of its original adoption by the Board in 2013, unless terminated at an earlier time by the Board. The Administrator may amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Amended 2013 Plan at any time, provided that no amendment may be made without stockholder approval to the extent approval is necessary or desirable to comply with any applicable laws. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination may impair the rights of any participant unless mutually agreed otherwise between the participant and the Administrator.
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Summary of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following summary is intended only as a general guide to the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of participation in the Amended 2013 Plan as of March 2021. The summary is based on existing U.S. laws and regulations, and there can be no assurance that those laws and regulations will not change in the future. The summary does not purport to be complete and does not discuss the tax consequences upon a participant’s death, or the provisions of the income tax laws of any municipality, state or foreign country in which the participant may reside. As a result, tax consequences for any particular participant may vary based on individual circumstances.
Incentive Stock Options
An optionee recognizes no taxable income for regular income tax purposes as a result of the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option qualifying under Section 422 of the Code. Optionees who neither dispose of their shares within two (2) years following the date the option was granted nor within one (1) year following the exercise of the option normally will recognize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the sale price and the purchase price of the shares. If an optionee satisfies such holding periods upon a sale of the shares, the Company will not be entitled to any deduction for federal income tax purposes. If an optionee disposes of shares within two (2) years after the date of grant or within one (1) year after the date of exercise (a “disqualifying disposition”), the difference between the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date and the option exercise price (not to exceed the gain realized on the sale if the disposition is a transaction with respect to which a loss, if sustained, would be recognized) will be taxed as ordinary income at the time of disposition. Any gain in excess of that amount will be a capital gain. If a loss is recognized, there will be no ordinary income, and such loss will be a capital loss. Any ordinary income recognized by the optionee upon the disqualifying disposition of the shares generally should be deductible by the Company for federal income tax purposes, except to the extent such deduction is limited by applicable provisions of the Code.
The difference between the option exercise price and the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date is treated as an adjustment in computing the optionee’s alternative minimum taxable income and may be subject to an alternative minimum tax which is paid if such tax exceeds the regular tax for the year. Special rules may apply with respect to certain subsequent sales of the shares in a disqualifying disposition, certain basis adjustments for purposes of computing the alternative minimum taxable income on a subsequent sale of the shares and certain tax credits which may arise with respect to optionees subject to the alternative minimum tax.
Nonstatutory Stock Options
Options not designated or qualifying as incentive stock options will be nonstatutory stock options having no special U.S. tax status. An optionee generally recognizes no taxable income as the result of the grant of such an option. Upon exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, the optionee normally recognizes ordinary income equal to the amount that the fair market value of the shares on such date exceeds the exercise price. If the optionee is an employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. Upon the sale of stock acquired by the exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, any gain or loss, based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market value on the exercise date, will be taxed as capital gain or loss. No tax deduction is available to the Company with respect to the grant of a nonstatutory stock option or the sale of the stock acquired pursuant to such grant.
Stock Appreciation Rights
In general, no taxable income is reportable when a stock appreciation right is granted to a participant. Upon exercise, the participant generally will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market value of any shares of our Common Stock received. Any additional gain or loss recognized upon any later disposition of the shares would be capital gain or loss.
Restricted Stock Awards
A participant acquiring restricted stock generally will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the shares on the vesting date. If the participant is an employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. The participant may elect, pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code, to accelerate the ordinary income tax event to the date of acquisition by filing an election with the Internal Revenue
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Service no later than thirty (30) days after the date the shares are acquired. Upon the sale of shares acquired pursuant to a restricted stock award, any gain or loss, based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market value on the date the ordinary income tax event occurs, will be taxed as capital gain or loss.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards
There are no immediate tax consequences of receiving an award of restricted stock units. A participant who is awarded restricted stock units generally will be required to recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market value of shares issued to such participant at the end of the applicable vesting period or, if later, the settlement date elected by the Administrator or a participant. Any additional gain or loss recognized upon any later disposition of any shares received would be capital gain or loss.
Performance Shares and Performance Unit Awards
A participant generally will recognize no income upon the grant of a performance share or a performance unit award. Upon the settlement of such awards, participants normally will recognize ordinary income in the year of receipt in an amount equal to the cash received and the fair market value of any cash or nonrestricted shares received. If the participant is an employee, such ordinary income generally is subject to withholding of income and employment taxes. Upon the sale of any shares received, any gain or loss, based on the difference between the sale price and the fair market value on the date the ordinary income tax event occurs, will be taxed as capital gain or loss.
Section 409A
Section 409A of the Code provides certain new requirements for nonstatutory deferred compensation arrangements with respect to an individual’s deferral and distribution elections and permissible distribution events. Awards granted under the Amended 2013 Plan with a deferral feature will be subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. If an award is subject to and fails to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, the recipient of that award may recognize ordinary income on the amounts deferred under the award, to the extent vested, which may be prior to when the compensation is actually or constructively received. Also, if an award that is subject to Section 409A fails to comply with Section 409A’s provisions, Section 409A imposes an additional 20% federal income tax on compensation recognized as ordinary income, as well as interest on such deferred compensation. Certain states have enacted laws similar to Section 409A which impose additional taxes, interest and penalties on nonstatutory deferred compensation arrangements. The Company will also have withholding and reporting requirements with respect to such amounts.
Tax Effect for the Company
The Company generally will be entitled to a tax deduction in connection with an award under the Amended 2013 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). Special rules limit the deductibility of compensation paid to our Chief Executive Officer and other “covered employees” as determined under Section 162(m) and applicable guidance. Under Section 162(m), 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, we can preserve the deductibility of certain compensation in excess of $1,000,000 if the conditions of Section 162(m) are met. These conditions include (among others) stockholder approval of the Amended 2013 Plan, setting limits on the number of awards that any individual may receive and for awards other than certain stock options, establishing performance criteria that must be met before the award actually will vest or be paid. The Amended 2013 Plan has been designed to permit (but not require) the Administrator to grant awards are intended to qualify as performance-based for purposes of satisfying the conditions of Section 162(m).
THE FOREGOING IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE EFFECTS OF FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION UPON PARTICIPANTS AND THE COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO AWARDS UNDER THE AMENDED 2013 PLAN. IT DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE, AND DOES NOT DISCUSS THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF A PARTICIPANT’S DEATH OR THE PROVISIONS OF THE INCOME TAX LAWS OF ANY MUNICIPALITY, STATE OR FOREIGN COUNTRY IN WHICH THE PARTICIPANT MAY RESIDE.
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Number of Awards Granted to Employees, Consultants, and Directors
The number of Awards that an employee, director or consultant may receive under the Amended 2013 Plan is in the discretion of the Administrator and therefore cannot be determined in advance. The following table sets forth for each of our named executive officers, executive officers as a group, non-employee directors, as a group, all employees (other than executive officers, as a group) and all non-employee service providers, as a group (i) the aggregate number of shares of common stock subject to options granted under the 2013 Plan during the last fiscal year, (ii) the average per share exercise price of such options, (iii) the aggregate number of RSUs granted under the 2013 Plan and (iv) the grant date value of these RSUs.
Name of Individual or Group
​​
Number
of
Options
Granted
​​
Per Share
Exercise
Price
​​
Number
of
RSUs
Granted
​​
Grant
Date
Value of
RSUs
Kendall Larsen
​​
75,000
​​
$6.28
​​
26,667
​​
$6.92
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
​​
55,000
​​
$6.28
​​
13,333
​​
$6.92
Richard H. Nance
​​
10,000
​​
$6.92
​​
6,666
​​
$6.92
All executive officers, as a group
​​
140,000
​​
$6.40
​​
46,666
​​
$6.92
All non-employee directors, as a group
​​
37,500
​​
$6.65
​​
24,999
​​
$6.65
All employees who are not executive officers, as a group
​​
560,000
​​
$6.44
​​
146,664
​​
$6.92
All non-employee service providers, as a group
​​
10,000
​​
$5.18
​​
—
​​
$—
Vote Required
The approval of the amendment and restatement of the 2013 Plan will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting on this matter. Abstentions will have the same effect of a vote “against” the amendment and restatement of the 2013 Plan.
We strongly believe that the approval of the amendment and restatement of the 2013 Plan is essential to our continued success. Our employees are one of our most valuable assets. Stock options and other awards such as those provided under the 2013 Plan are vital to our ability to attract and retain outstanding and highly skilled individuals. Such awards also are crucial to our ability to motivate employees to achieve the Company’s goals. For the reasons stated above, the stockholders are being asked to approve the amendment and restatement of the 2013 Plan.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the amendment and restatement of the 2013 Plan.
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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth the respective names, ages and positions of our named executive officers as of March 1, 2021.2022.
Name
​​
Age
​​
Position
Kendall Larsen
​​
64
​​
Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer
Richard H. NanceRobert D. Short III, Ph.D.
​​
7270
​​
Chief Scientist and Director
Katherine Allanson
​​
61
​​
Chief Financial Officer
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
​​
69
​​
Chief Technology Officer, Chief Scientist and Director
The biographies of Mr. Larsen and Dr. Short are set forth under the heading “Board of Directors” in this Proxy Statement.
Richard H. Nance has been our Chief Financial Officer on a part-time basis since April 2012. Mr. Nance has served clients in his private practice, which is involved in raising capital for companies in various industries, since 2011. Mr. Nance has also worked as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for both public and private companies involved in software technology, manufacturing and international sales and distribution, and is a Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA, CGMA). His work experience includes working as a bank examiner with the U.S. Comptroller of the Currency, as senior lending officer in commercial banking, and he has decades of experience in business consulting, strategic planning, and advisory services. Mr. Nance earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking & Finance from North Texas State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Central State University of Oklahoma. He holds memberships in the American Institute of CPAs and California Society of CPAs.
Each officer serves at the discretion of the Board and holds office until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER MATTERS
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes our compensation program as it relates to our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Scientist and our Chief Financial Officer, our three executive officers whom we refer to as our named executive officers as of the filing of this Proxy Statement. Our former Chief Financial Officer, Richard Nance, passed away in July 2021, but is also included in this discussion as a fourth named executive officer because of the relevant securities laws. This Compensation Discussion and Analysis should be read together with the compensation tables beginning on page 31 of this Proxy Statement. In this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we first discuss certain of our business highlights that informed compensation decisions in fiscal 2021, and the objectives and philosophy of our executive compensation program. Next, we review the process our compensation committee follows in deciding how to compensate our named executive officers. We then provide a brief overview of the specific elements of our compensation program. Lastly, we present a detailed discussion and analysis of the compensation committee’s specific decisions about the compensation of our named executive officers for fiscal 2021.
Business Highlights
In fiscal 2021, the Company achieved significant milestones in the development of its business. With only 24 employees, the Company depends heavily on its executive officers to drive achievement of its strategic, operational and financial goals. The Company’s notable achievements in fiscal 2021 include:
Ongoing market development by the sales team for adoption of Gabriel Secure Communication Platform™ and Gabriel Collaboration Suite™, including recognition of Gabriel as the “Standard for Secure Communications” for the Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations (ISAOs) and expansion in multiple vertical markets such as healthcare, government, financial services, home security automation and manufacturing;
Application of Gabriel technology as the foundation for our new VirnetX One, our security-as-a-service platform that protects communications using Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for enterprise applications, services and infrastructure from cyber-attacks;
Continuous development of VirnetX One in preparation for launching of the War Room™ software in March 2022, the first product on the VirnetX One platform that builds upon our patented Gabriel technology to further enhance the security and efficiency of our patented secure communication links;
Continuing to expand the exploration of alternative strategies with opportunities to work with third parties in Japan, including adding a Chief Operating Officer to our Japanese team to further technology licensing efforts in Japan, and elsewhere;
Employing a leveraged, partner-oriented, marketing strategy for our technology license and software product offerings;
Management of multiple legal proceedings; and
Significant growth in our patent portfolio, including grant of multiple new U.S. and foreign patents and filing of numerous new U.S. and foreign patent applications.
Compensation Program Objectives
The primary objectives of our executive compensation program are:
attracting and retaining the most talented and dedicated executives possible;
correlating annual and long-term cash and stock incentives to achievement of measurable performance objectives; and
aligning executives’ incentives with stockholder value creation.
To achieve these objectives, we implement and maintain compensation plans that tie a substantial portion of each executive officer’s overall compensation to key strategic financial and operational goals, such as revenue-generating
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activities, product and technical development, corporate public relations and stockholder value creation. The compensation committee’s approach emphasizes the setting of compensation at levels it believes are competitive with executives at other companies of similar size and stage of development who are operating in the information technology industry while taking into account our relative performance, key qualitative factors such as executive performance, criticality and tenure and our own strategic goals.
Executive Compensation Process
Role of the Compensation Committee
We maintain an executive compensation program comprised of multiple elements. The compensation committee typically reviews the elements of compensation for our named executive officers annually. The compensation committee makes all compensation decisions with regard to our Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s other named executive officers. In addition, the compensation committee is responsible for determining for all executive officers: annual base salary, annual incentive bonus, including specific goals, as applicable, and amount, equity compensation, employment agreements, severance arrangements and change in control agreements/provisions, if any, and any other benefits or compensation arrangement; evaluating and recommending to the Board compensation plans, policies, and programs for our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers; administering our equity incentive plans; and preparing the compensation committee report that the SEC requires in our annual proxy statement, as applicable.
Our success largely depends on the skills, experience and efforts of our key personnel, including Mr. Larsen, Dr. Short and Mr. Nance.Ms. Allanson. Generally, the compensation committee seeks to provide compensation for our executive officers that is market competitive and provides incentives for our executive officers to remain with the Company and to drive development in the Company’s business. In setting compensation, the compensation committee considers various factors such as Company performance and individual performance, the importance of the officer’s role and the scope of the officer’s responsibilities (for example, job responsibilities that are broader than the specific position may suggest), current executive equity holdings and retention hold and competitive market data provided by Compensia for executives in similar positions. When determining compensation for the named executive officers, the compensation committee took into account that Mr. Nance works for us on a part-time basis.
Role of the Chief Executive Officer and Management in Compensation Decisions
Our Chief Executive Officer generally attends the compensation committee’s meetings and makes recommendations to the compensation committee regarding the amount and form of the compensation of the other named executive officers and employees. He is not present for any of the executive sessions or for discussion related to his own compensation.
Compensation Consultant
The compensation committee retains sole authority to hire a compensation consultant, approve its compensation, determine the nature and scope of its services, evaluate its performance, and terminate its engagement.
In fiscal 2020,2021, the compensation committee engaged Compensia as its compensation consultant to:
review the Company’s current compensation practices;
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review and compare proposed cash and equity compensation adjustments for named executive officers in fiscal 20202021 relative to competitive market data previously developed by Compensia for the compensation committee; and
provide the compensation committee with input on the proposed cash and equity compensation adjustments for named executive officers in fiscal 20202021 based, in part, on the competitive market data previously developed by Compensia.
Compensation Consultant Independence
The compensation committee has reviewed our relationship with Compensia pursuant to NYSE and SEC rules and has found no conflict of interest in Compensia continuing to provide advice to the compensation committee. The compensation committee is also regularly advised by our primary outside corporate and compensation and benefits legal counsel, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation (“WSGR”). The compensation committee has reviewed our relationship with WSGR pursuant to NYSE and SEC rules and has found no conflict of interest in WSGR continuing to provide advice to the compensation committee.
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Prior Say-on-Pay Advisory Approval
The Company held its most recent say-on-pay advisory vote in fiscal 2020. Over 67% of the stockholder votes cast on the proposal (excluding broker non-votes) were voted in favor of our compensation of our named executive officers. The compensation committee believes these results affirm stockholder support for our executive compensation decisions and policies, and as such, the compensation committee has not materially changed its approach to fiscal 2021 compensation. The compensation committee will continue to consider the results of say-on-pay proposals along with material shareholder feedback when making executive compensation policies and decisions.
Compensation Process and Elements of Executive Compensation
Our success largely depends on the skills, experience and efforts of our key personnel, including Mr. Larsen, Dr. Short, Mr. Nance, prior to his passing, and Ms. Allanson. Generally, the compensation committee seeks to provide compensation for our executive officers that is market competitive and provides incentives for our executive officers to remain with the Company and to drive development in the Company’s business. We do not annually review peer compensation data or benchmark our overall total compensation to any specific percentile but instead maintain a flexible approach to setting executive compensation for achieving our objectives and use prior assessments of peer compensation data as a reference point in setting executive compensation. In setting compensation, the compensation committee considers various factors such as Company performance and individual performance, the importance of the officer’s role and the scope of the officer’s responsibilities (for example, job responsibilities that are broader than the specific position may suggest), current executive equity holdings and retention hold and competitive market data previously provided by Compensia for executives in similar positions. When determining compensation for Mr. Nance, the compensation committee took into account that he worked on a part-time basis.
The compensation committee believes this approach to setting executive compensation is important for driving achievement towards our financial and operational milestones and recognizing the importance of our named executive officers to the Company.
Our executive compensation program consists of the following elements:
Base Salary. Base salaries for our named executive officers are established based on the scope of their responsibilities, taking into account competitive market compensation paid by other companies for similar positions. Generally, the program is designed to deliver executive base salaries within the range of salaries for executives with the requisite skills in similar positions with similar responsibilities at comparable companies, in line with our compensation philosophy. Executives with more experience, critical skills, and/or considered key performers may be compensated above the range as part of our strategy for attracting, motivating and retaining highly experienced and high performing employees. Base salaries are reviewed annually and adjusted from time to time after taking into account relevant market data, individual responsibilities, performance, and experience.
Annual Incentive Bonus. Each year, the compensation committee establishes a target annual incentive bonus amount for each named executive officer based on a percentage of the executive’s base salary. The target bonus, combined with base salary, is intended to provide our executive officers with a competitive cash compensation package that will aid in the retention of the employee, as well as provide an incentive and a reward for strong Company and individual performance. The chief executive officer and the compensation committee agree on general performance objectives for our named executive officers for the year, but the compensation committee has the sole discretion to determine following the end of the fiscal year whether, and the extent to which, the performance objectives were met and the amount of the annual incentive bonuses to be paid. Given the Company’s rapidly evolving business model, this structure provides the compensation committee with flexibility to reward strategic and operational goals that may not be quantifiable and allows the compensation committee to take into account the Company’s overall performance based on a multitude of factors. The compensation committee generally utilizes the annual incentive bonuses to compensate officers for achieving financial and operational goals and for individual performance. Performance factors considered when determining bonuses typically include strategic factors such as establishment and maintenance of key strategic relationships, development and implementation of our licensing strategy, development of our product, identification and advancement of additional products, successful litigation strategies and financial factors such as improving our results of operations, and increasing the price per share of our Common Stock.
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Long-Term Incentive Program. We believe that long-term performance is achieved through an ownership culture that encourages high performance by our named executive officers through the use of stock-based awards. Our 2013 Plan was established to provide our employees, including our named executive officers, with incentives to help align those employees’ interests with the interests of stockholders. Our compensation committee believes that the use of stock-based awards offers the best approach to achieving our compensation goals. Our 2013 Plan allows for stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, stock appreciation rights, performance units, performance shares and performance bonus awards. In fiscal 2020,2021, we granted both stock options and RSUs under our 2013 Plan to our named executive officers.
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Stock-based awards are made at the commencement of employment, may be made annually based upon performance and, occasionally, following a significant change in job responsibilities or to meet other special retention objectives. The compensation committee reviews and approves stock-based awards to named executive officers based upon a review of competitive compensation data, its assessment of individual performance, a review of each executive’s existing long-term incentives, and retention considerations. In determining the number of stock options and RSUs to be granted to our named executive officers, we take into account the individual’s position, scope of responsibility, ability to affect profits and stockholder value, the individual’s historic and recent performance, the value of stock options and RSUs and percent of company granted in relation to other elements of the individual executive’s total compensation and relative to comparable companies. We expect to continue to use stock options and RSUs as a long-term incentive vehicle, potentially in combination with equity award types, because we believe that stock options and RSUs:
align the interests of executives with those of the stockholders, support a pay-for-performance culture, foster employee stock ownership, and focus the management team on increasing value for the stockholders;
are performance-based in that any value received by the recipient from a stock option is based on the growth of the stock price from the grant date and value received from RSUs is tied directly to our stock price performance over time and declines if our price declines;
help to provide a balance to the overall executive compensation program as base salary and our annual bonus program focus on short-term compensation, while the vesting of stock options and RSUs provide incentives to increase stockholder value over the longer term; and
include vesting restrictions that encourage executive retention and the preservation of stockholder value.
Named Executive Officers’ Compensation Decisions for Fiscal 20202021
In fiscal 2020,2021, the compensation committee undertook a full review of the compensation of our named executive officers, and following this review, in June 2020,2021, the compensation committee made the following decisions (as described in greater detail in the sections below):
increases to the base salaries for fiscal 20202021 for each of our named executive officers;
increases to the target percentages for calculating cash incentive opportunities from fiscal 2019; and
grants of new equity awards with the number of shares underlying stock option grants for fiscal 2021; and RSU grants
no increases to our executive officers in fiscal 2020 for the same number of shares as the correspondingunderlying RSU grants made infor fiscal 2019.2021.
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The compensation for our named executive officers for fiscal 20202021 is presented in the table below.
Name
​​
Base
Salary
Fiscal
2020
​​
Targeted
Cash
Incentive
Opportunity
for Fiscal
2020(1)
​​
Actual Cash
Incentive Paid
for Fiscal
2020(2)
​​
Annual
Incentive
Bonus
Fiscal
2020(3)
​​
Number of
Shares
Underlying
Stock
Option Grants
for Fiscal
2020(4)
​​
Number of
Shares
Underlying
Stock Awards
for Fiscal
2020(4)
​​
All Other
Compensation
Kendall Larsen
President & Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer
​​
$702,189
​​
75%
​​
75%
​​
$526,642
​​
75,000
​​
26,667
​​
$797,617(5)
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
Chief Technology Officer,
Chief Scientist and Director
​​
$446,768
​​
75%
​​
75%
​​
$335,076
​​
55,000
​​
13,333
​​
$1,368,334(6)
Richard Nance
Chief Financial Officer
​​
$180,709
​​
75%
​​
75%
​​
$135,532
​​
10,000
​​
6,666
​​
$121,897(7)
Name
​​
Base
Salary
Fiscal
2021
​​
Targeted
Cash
Incentive
Opportunity
for Fiscal
2021(1)
​​
Actual Cash
Incentive Paid
for Fiscal
2021(2)
​​
Annual
Incentive
Bonus
Fiscal
2021(3)
​​
Number of
Shares
Underlying
Stock
Option Grants
for Fiscal
2021(4)
​​
Number of
Shares
Underlying
Stock Awards
for Fiscal
2021(4)
​​
All Other
Compensation
Kendall Larsen
President & Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer
​​
$730,276
​​
75%
​​
50%
​​
$365,138
​​
95,000
​​
26,667
​​
$56,175(5)
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
Chief Scientist
and Director
​​
$464,639
​​
75%
​​
50%
​​
$232,319
​​
64,000
​​
13,333
​​
—
Katherine Allanson
Chief Financial Officer
​​
$295,000(6)
​​
75%
​​
15%
​​
$44,250
​​
120,000
​​
—
​​
—
Richard Nance
Former Chief Financial Officer
​​
$187,938(7)
​​
75%
​​
—
​​
—
​​
10,000(8)
​​
6,666(8)
​​
$2,052(9)
(1)
The target bonus level for cash incentive opportunities is calculated as a percentage of base salary.
(2)
The actual bonus level for cash incentive opportunities is calculated as a percentage of base salary.
(3)
The bonus amounts in this column only reflect the annual incentive bonuses paid for fiscal 2020. For information on the special bonuses paid in March 2020, please see “March 2020 Special Bonus” in this Proxy Statement.2021.
(4)
Stock option grants and stock awards made under the 2013 Plan.
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(5)
Reflects (i) an Adjustment Payment of $691,666 related to the 2020 Dividend (for additional information relating to such payment, please see “Fiscal 2020 Dividend” in this Proxy Statement) and (ii)a payment of $51,937 and $54,014 in fiscal 2020$56,175 for accrued, but unused vacation in fiscal 2019 and 2020, respectively.2021.
(6)
Reflects an Adjustment Payment of $1,368,334 relatedMs. Allanson’s base salary is $295,000, but because she joined us in September 2021, her compensation for fiscal 2021 was pro-rated to the 2020 Dividend.$98,333.
(7)
Reflects (i) an Adjustment Payment of $107,996 relatedMr. Nance’s base salary was $187,938, but his compensation for fiscal 2021 was in fact $109,630.
(8)
Mr. Nance’s unvested options and RSUs, including these grants made in June 2021, were returned to the 2020 Dividend and (ii)Company’s 2013 Plan.
(9)
Reflects a payment of $13,901 in fiscal 2020$2,052 for accrued, but unused vacation in fiscal 2020.2021.
Base Salary
Mr. Larsen is our President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Larsen, a founder of VirnetX Inc., has driven the organization’s performance, leading it from inception, through the early start-up phase and through several rounds of financing. He has also helped drive significant growth in our revenues and market capitalization, as well as achievement of our operational and strategic milestones. The compensation committee believes that Mr. Larsen is critical to our ability to pursue our licensing strategy going forward. In light of these considerations and the other factors described above, in JuneDecember 2020, the compensation committee increased Mr. Larsen’s base salary from $675,182$702,189 to $702,189,$730,276 for fiscal 2021, an increase of approximately $27,000,$28,087 or 4%, overfrom fiscal 2019.2020. The compensation committee felt this salary increase was warranted due to the value Mr. Larsen brings to the Company through his key role in the management of the Company during his long tenure, as well as our successes under his leadership in product development, licensing, and litigation matters.
Dr. Short has significant scientific and technological expertise, and the compensation committee considered his technical, scientific and management skills, his level of responsibility and expected contributions to intellectual property and product development. In light of these considerations and the other factors described above, in JuneDecember 2020, the compensation committee increased Dr. Short’s base salary from $429,585$446,768 to $446,768,$464,639 for fiscal 2021, an increase of approximately $17,000,$17,871, or 4%, overfrom fiscal 2019.2020. The compensation committee felt this salary increase was appropriate given his long tenure with us and contributions to our business.
Ms. Allanson has significant public company experience as well as institutional knowledge of the Company, having provided independent consultant accounting and reporting services to the Company since October 2011, and the compensation committee considered her technical and strategic skills, her level of responsibility and expected contributions to our further success. In accordance with her hiring as our Chief Financial Officer, the compensation committee approved a base salary of $295,000 for Ms. Allanson, which the compensation committee believed was appropriate given her experience with us and contributions to our business.
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Mr. Nance hashad significant public company experience, and the compensation committee considered his technical and strategic skills, his level of responsibility and expected contributions to our further success. In accordance with his continuedformer role as CFOChief Financial Officer on a part-time basis, the compensation committee had approved a base salary of $180,709$187,938 for Mr. Nance, which the compensation committee believed was appropriate given his long tenure with us and contributions to our business.
Bonuses
Fiscal 20202021 Annual Incentive Bonus
In fiscal 2020,2021, the compensation committee increasedset the fiscal 20202021 target incentive opportunity percentages for Mr. Larsen, Dr. Short and Mr. NanceMs. Allanson to 75% of fiscal 20202021 base salary, compared to 50% of base salary in fiscal 2019.2020. In December 2020,November 2021, the compensation committee reviewed the Company’s performance in fiscal 20202021 and the contributions that our named executive officers made to such performance. The compensation committee determined to pay each of Mr. Larsen, Dr. Short and Mr. Nance 75%Ms. Allanson 50%, 50% and 15%, respectively, of their respective fiscal 20202021 base salary in light of the Company’s overall performance for fiscal 2020.2021. In making such payments, the compensation committee considered various factors, including advances in product development and their contributions in achieving this performance, the achievement of certain licensing, technical, and litigation milestones, and the development of the Company’s patent portfolio, none of which were given any particular weight or assigned a dollar value. The resulting aggregate fiscal 20202021 annual incentive bonus payments paid to Mr. Larsen, Dr. Short and Mr. NanceMs. Allanson were $526,642, $335,076$365,138, $232,319 and $135,532,$44,250, respectively.
March 2020 Special Bonus
In fiscal 2019, the compensation committee maintained the fiscal 2018 target incentive opportunity percentages for Mr. Larsen, Dr. Short and Mr. Nance at 50% of fiscal 2019 base salary. Due to the state of the market and the position of the Company, the compensation committee did not pay any annual incentive bonuses to our named executive officers in fiscal 2019. In March 2020, the compensation committee determined to pay each of Mr. Larsen, Dr. Short and Mr. Nance a special bonus representing 75% of their respective fiscal 2019 base salary. In making such payments, the compensation committee considered various factors, including (1) the Company’s performance at the time, (2) payment of approximately $500 million from Apple, Inc. as a result of a judgment in the Company’s ongoing litigation against Apple and the contributions that our named executive officers made to this significant
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achievement, and (3) that annual incentive bonuses were not paid in fiscal 2019. The resulting aggregate special bonus payments paid to Mr. Larsen, Dr. Short and Mr. Nance were $506,386, $322,189 and $130,319, respectively (each, a “March Special Bonus”).
Equity Incentive Compensation
In fiscal 2020,2021, the compensation committee approved grants of stock options and RSUs to Mr. Larsen, Dr. Short and Mr. NanceMs. Allanson as shown in the table below. The compensation committee also approved grants of stock options and RSUs to Mr. Nance while he was the Company’s Chief Financial Officer; however, because he passed away within one month of the grants, in July 2021, none of those grants vested and were thus returned to the 2013 Plan. Mr. Nance’s grants are described in the summary compensation table and other required tables below.
In determining fiscal 20202021 stock option awards and stock awards for Mr. Larsen, Dr. Short and Mr. Nance,Ms. Allanson, the compensation committee reviewed various factors, including the Company’s performance, each officer’s performance and perceived criticality to future success, market practices with respect to long-term incentives, and total annual equity allocations at the Company for fiscal 2020.2021.
Name
​
Position
​
Grant Date
​
Number of
Shares
Underlying
Option
Grant(1)(2)
​
Option
Grant Date
Fair Value
​
Number of
Shares
Underlying
Stock
Award(3)
​
Stock Award
Grant Date
Fair Value
​
Position
​
Grant Date
​
Number of
Shares
Underlying
Option
Grant(1)(2)
​
Option
Grant Date
Fair Value
​
Number of
Shares
Underlying
Stock
Award(3)
​
Stock Award
Grant Date
Fair Value
Kendall Larsen
​
Chief Executive Officer,
President and Chairman
​​
3/19/2020
​
35,000
​
td50,395
​
 
​
 
​
6/3/2020
​
40,000
​
$211,640
​
​
​
Chief Executive Officer,
President and Chairman
​​
6/14/2021
​
95,000
​
$327,275
​
 
​
 
​
6/3/2020
​
 
​
 
​
26,667
​
td84,536
​
​6/14/2021
​
​
​
26,667
​
td22,402
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
​
Chief Technology Officer
and Chief Scientist
​​
3/19/2020
​
35,000
​
td50,395
​
 
​
 
​
Chief Scientist
​​
6/14/2021
​
​64,000
​
td20,480
​
​
​
6/3/2020
​
20,000
​
td05,820
​
​
​
​6/14/2021
​
​
​
13,333
​
$61,198
​
6/3/2020
​
 
​
 
​
13,333
​
$92,264
Richard Nance
​
Chief Financial Officer
​​
6/3/2020
​
10,000
​
$52,910
​
 
​
 
​
6/3/2020
​
​
​
6,666
​
$46,129
Katherine Allanson
​
Chief Financial Officer
​
9/15/2021
​
120,000
​
$370,800
​
​
(1)
Subject to the continued service of the named executive officer, the option shall vest and become exercisable in accordance with the following schedule: 1/484 of the total number of sharesShares subject to the optionOption shall vest and become exercisable on the one-monthone-year anniversary of the grant date, and 1/48 of the total number of sharesShares subject to the optionOption shall vest and become exercisable on each monthly anniversary thereafter.
(2)
All stock options indicated in the table have an exercise price equal to the closing sales price of our common stock traded on NYSE as of the applicable grant date.
(3)
Subject to the continued service of the named executive officer, the stock award shall vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the one-year anniversary of the grant date.
Perquisites
Our named executive officers participate in the same group insurance and employee benefit plans as our other salaried employees. At this time, we do not provide special benefits or other perquisites to our named executive officers.
Severance and Change in Control Arrangements
We do not provide change in control agreements or employment agreements providing formal cash or equity severance rights to any of our named executive officers. Our 2013 Plan allows the Board to determine the terms and
28

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condition of awards issued thereunder. The Board has made the determination that all equity awards issued under our 2013 Plan will include the provision that in the event of a “Change in Control” (as defined in our 2013 Plan), all unvested shares underlying the option and all unvested RSUs will vest and become exercisable immediately prior to the consummation of such Change in Control transaction.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
We have not adopted stock ownership guidelines, and we currently do not require our directors or executive officers to own a particular amount of our Common Stock. The compensation committee is satisfied that stock and option holdings among our directors and executive officers are sufficient at this time to provide ongoing motivation to align this group’s interests with those of our stockholders.
The Company has adopted policies that prohibits employee, officers, directors, and consultants from engaging in any short sale, “sale against the box” or any equivalent transaction involving the Company’s stock. Additionally, the Company’s directors and officers are prohibited from engaging in hedging or derivative transactions, such as “cashless” collars, forward contracts, equity swaps or other similar or related transactions, and all other Company employees and consultants may only engage in such transactions after obtaining approval from the Company’s compliance officer.
Tax and Accounting Considerations
The compensation committee considers the possible tax consequences to the Company and to its executives of our compensation programs, the accounting consequences to the Company of different compensation decisions and the impact of such decisions on stockholder dilution. With respect to the tax consequences to the Company, the compensation committee considers the potential future effects of Section 162(m) on the compensation paid to our named executive officers. Section 162(m) disallows a tax deduction for any publicly held corporation for individual compensation exceeding $1.0 million in any taxable year for the chief executive officer and certain other highly compensated officers.
We follow ASC Topic 718 for our options and stock awards. ASC Topic 718 requires companies to measure the compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including stock options and other stock awards, based on the grant date “fair value” of these awards. This calculation is performed for accounting purposes and reported in the compensation tables below. ASC Topic 718 also requires companies to recognize the compensation cost of their stock-based compensation awards in their income statements over the period that a named executive officer is required to render service in exchange for the option or other award.
In approving the amount and form of compensation for our named executive officers, our compensation committee may consider all elements of the cost to us of providing such compensation, including the potential tax and accounting consequences. However, to maintain maximum flexibility in designing compensation programs, the compensation committee will not limit compensation to those levels or types of compensation that lead to a particular accounting result or level of stockholder dilution.
3729

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SUMMARY COMPENSATION Compensation Committee Report
The compensation committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for fiscal 2021 required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management. Based on such review and discussions, the compensation committee has recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and this Proxy Statement.
​​
Respectfully submitted by the members of the
compensation committee of the Board of Directors:
​​
​​
Gary Feiner (Chair)
Michael F. Angelo
Thomas M. O’Brien
30

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth summary information concerning compensation earned by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Technology OfficerScientist and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.
Name and Principal Position
​
Year
​
Salary(1)
​
Bonus
​
Stock
Awards(2)
​
Option
Awards(2)
​
All Other
Compensation
​
Total
​
Year
​
Salary(1)
​
Bonus
​
Stock
Awards(2)
​
Option
Awards(2)
​
All Other
Compensation
​
Total
Kendall Larsen
Chief Executive Officer,
President and Chairman
​​
2020
​
$702,189
​
td,033,028(3)
​
td84,536
​
$362,035
​
$797,617(4)
​
$3,079,405
​​
2021
​
$730,276
​
$365,138
​
td22,402
​
$327,275
​
$56,175(3)
​
td,601,266
​
2019
​
$725,121(5)
​
$—
​
td62,936
​
td86,960
​
$—
​
td,075,019
​
2020
​
$702,189
​
td,033,028(4)
​
td84,536
​
$362,035
​
$797,617(5)
​
$3,079,405
​
2018
​
$696,775(6)
​
$405,758
​
$85,334
​
$665,200
​
$—
​
td,853,068
​
2019
​
$725,121(6)
​
$—
​
td62,936
​
td86,960
​
$—
​
td,075,019
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
Chief Technology Officer and
Chief Scientist
​​
2020
​
$446,768
​
$657,265(7)
​
$92,264
​
td56,215
​
td,368,334(8)
​
td,820,846
​
2019
​
$429,585
​
$—
​
$81,465
​
$93,480
​
$—
​
$604,529
​
2018
​
$413,062
​
$258,164
​
$42,666
​
$355,720
​
$—
​
td,069,612
Richard H. Nance
Chief Financial Officer
​​
2020
​
td80,709
​
$265,851(9)
​
$46,129
​
$52,910
​
$121,897(10)
​
$667,496
​
2019
​
td73,759
​
$—
​
$40,729
​
$46,740
​
$—
​
$261,228
​
2018
​
td67,076
​
$104,422
​
$21,331
​
$23,300
​
$—
​
$316,129
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
Chief Scientist
​​
2021
​
$464,639
​
$232,319
​
$61,198
​
td20,480
​
$—
​
$978,636
​
2020
​
$446,768
​
$657,265(7)
​
$92,264
​
td56,215
​
td,368,334(8)
​
td,820,846
​
2019
​
$429,585
​
$—
​
$81,465
​
$93,480
​
$—
​
$604,529
Katherine Allanson
Chief Financial Officer
​
2021
​
$98,333(9)
​
$44,250
​
$—
​
$370,800
​
$—
​
$513,383
Richard Nance(10)
Former Chief Finanical Officer
​​
2021
​
td09,630
​
$—
​
$​30,597
​
$​34,450
​
$2,052(11)
​
$176,729
​
2020
​
td80,709
​
$265,851(12)
​
$46,129
​
$52,910
​
$121,897(13)
​
$667,496
​
2019
​
td73,759
​
$—
​
$40,729
​
$46,740
​
$—
​
$261,228
(1)
Actual salary earned during fiscal years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2020.2021.
(2)
These amounts reflect the grant date fair value of such award computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and do not reflect the actual amounts earned. For information on the valuation assumptions used in valuing these awards, refer to Note 6 titled “Stock-Based Compensation” in the Notes to the Financial Statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2020.2021.
(3)
Includes payment of $56,175 for accrued, but unused vacation in fiscal 2021.
(4)
Reflects (i) a March Special Bonusspecial bonus payment of $506,386, approved by the Board in March 2020 (the “March Special Bonus”), and (ii) an annual incentive bonus payment of $526,642 for fiscal 2020.
(4)(5)
Reflects (i) an Adjustment Paymentadjustment payment of $691,666 related to the 2020 Dividend (defined below) and (ii) payment of $51,937 and $54,014 in fiscal 2020 for accrued, but unused vacation in fiscal 2019 and 2020, respectively. Mr. Larsen additionally received a dividend payment of $1.00 per share of common stock held by him in connection with the 2020 Dividend, which is not reflected in this amount. In May 2020, the Board declared a special cash dividend to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 18, 2020 of $1.00 per share of common stock, payable on May 26, 2020 (the “2020 Dividend”). For additional information relating to the 2020 Dividend, please see “Fiscal 2020 Dividend” in this Proxy Statement.the 2021 proxy statement.
(5)(6)
Includes payment of $49,940 for accrued, but unused vacation in fiscal 2018.
(6)
Includes payment of $47,562 for accrued, but unused vacation in fiscal 2017.
(7)
Reflects (i) a March Special Bonus payment of $322,189 and (ii) an annual incentive bonus payment of $335,076 for fiscal 2020.
(8)
Reflects an Adjustment Paymentadjustment payment of $1,368,334 related to the 2020 Dividend. Dr. Short additionally received a dividend payment of $1.00 per share of common stock held by him in connection with the 2020 Dividend, which is not reflected in this amount.
(9)
Ms. Allanson’s base salary is $295,000, but because she joined us in September 2021, her compensation for fiscal 2021 was pro-rated to $98,333.
(10)
Mr. Nance’s base salary was $187,938, but his compensation for fiscal 2021 was in fact $109,630. These options and RSUs, granted in June 2021, were unvested and returned to the Company’s 2013 Plan.
(11)
Includes payment of $2,052 for accrued, but unused vacation in fiscal 2021.
(12)
Reflects (i) a March Special Bonus payment of $130,319 and (ii) an annual incentive bonus payment of $135,532 for fiscal 2020.
(10)(13)
Reflects (i) an Adjustment Paymentadjustment payment of $107,996 related to the 2020 Dividend and (ii) payment of $13,901 in fiscal 2020 for accrued, but unused vacation in fiscal 2020. Mr. Nance additionally received a dividend payment of $1.00 per share of common stock held by him in connection with the 2020 Dividend, which is not reflected in this amount.
38

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2021 Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table shows all plan-based awards granted to the named executive officers during fiscal 2021. The compensation committee also approved plan-based awards to Mr. Nance while he was the Company’s Chief Financial Officer; however, in July 2021, none of those grants vested and were thus returned to the 2013 Plan. The equity awards identified in the table below are also reported in the “Outstanding Equity Awards at 2021 Fiscal Year-End” table below.
Name
​​
Grant Date
​​
Name of Plan
​​
All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units
​​
All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
​​
Exercise or
Base Price of
Option
Awards
($/sh)
​​
Grant Date
Fair Value(1)
Kendall Larsen
​​
6/14/2021
​​
2013 Equity Incentive Plan
​​
 
​​
95,000
​​
$4.59
​​
$327,275
 
​​
6/14/2021
​​
2013 Equity Incentive Plan
​​
26,667
​​
​​
$4.59
​​
$122,402
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
​​
6/14/2021
​​
2013 Equity Incentive Plan
​​
​​
​64,000
​​
$4.59
​​
$220,480
 
​​
6/14/2021
​​
2013 Equity Incentive Plan
​​
13,333
​​
​​
$4.59
​​
$61,198
Katherine Allanson
​​
9/15/2021
​​
2013 Equity Incentive Plan
​​
​​
120,000
​​
$4.12
​​
$370,800
Richard Nance
​​
6/14/2021
​​
2013 Equity Incentive Plan
​​
​​
10,000
​​
$4.59
​​
$34,450
 
​​
6/14/2021
​​
2013 Equity Incentive Plan
​​
6,666
​​
​​
$4.59
​​
$30,597
(1)
These amounts reflect the grant date fair value of such award computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and do not reflect the actual amounts earned. For information on the valuation assumptions used in valuing these awards, refer to Note 6 titled “Stock-Based Compensation” in the Notes to the Financial Statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2021.
32

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2020 FISCAL YEAR ENDOutstanding Equity Awards at 2021 Fiscal Year End
The following table shows all outstanding equity awards held by the named executive officers as of December 31, 2020.2021.
​​
Option Awards
​​
Stock Awards
Name
​​
# of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
​​
# of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
​​
Option
Exercise
Price
​​
Option
Expiration
Date
​​
# of Shares
or Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
​​
Market Value
of Shares
or Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
Kendall Larsen(1)
​​
50,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$23.62
​​
5/13/2021
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
40,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$24.75
​​
4/13/2022
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
40,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$23.72
​​
6/6/2023
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
40,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$15.40
​​
7/8/2024
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
40,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$5.41
​​
5/20/2025
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
40,000(3)
​​
—
​​
$4.74
​​
5/23/2026
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
35,000(3)
​​
5,000
​​
$3.85
​​
6/2/2027
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
155,833(3)
​​
64,167
​​
$3.55
​​
2/16/2028
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
25,833(3)
​​
14,167
​​
$3.20
​​
5/31/2028
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
15,833(3)
​​
24,167
​​
$6.11
​​
5/30/2029
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
6,563(3)
​​
28,437
​​
$5.63
​​
3/18/2030
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
5,000(3)
​​
35,000
​​
$6.92
​​
6/2/2030
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
6,666(4)
​​
$33,597
​​
—
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
13,333(4)
​​
$67,198
​​
—
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
20,000(4)
​​
$100,800
​​
—
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
26,667(4)
​​
$134,402
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
​​
40,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$23.62
​​
5/13/2021
​​
—
​​
$—
 
​​
20,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$24.75
​​
4/13/2022
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
20,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$23.72
​​
6/6/2023
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
20,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$15.40
​​
7/8/2024
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
20,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$5.41
​​
5/20/2025
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
20,000(3)
​​
—
​​
$4.74
​​
5/23/2026
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
17,500(3)
​​
2,500
​​
$3.85
​​
6/2/2027
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
796,250(3)
​​
183,750
​​
$4.15
​​
9/14/2027
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
97,500(5)
​​
22,500
​​
$3.55
​​
2/16/2028
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
12,917(3)
​​
7,083
​​
$3.20
​​
5/31/2028
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
7,917(3)
​​
12,083
​​
$6.11
​​
5/30/2029
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
6,562(2)
​​
28,437
​​
$5.63
​​
​3/18/2030
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
2,500(2)
​​
17,500
​​
$6.92
​​
6/2/2030
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
3,334(4)
​​
$16,803
​​
—
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
6,667(4)
​​
$33,602
​​
—
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
10,000(4)
​​
$50,400
​​
—
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
13,333(4)
​​
$67,198
Richard H. Nance
​​
50,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$23.84
​​
4/5/2022
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
4,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$23.72
​​
6/6/2023
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
4,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$15.40
​​
7/8/2024
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
4,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$5.41
​​
5/20/2025
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
4,000(3)
​​
—
​​
$4.74
​​
5/23/2026
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
5,250(3)
​​
750
​​
$3.85
​​
6/2/2027
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
6,458(3)
​​
3,542
​​
$3.20
​​
5/31/2028
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
3,958(3)
​​
6,042
​​
$6.11
​​
5/30/2029
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
1,250(3)
​​
8,750
​​
$6.92
​​
6/2/2030
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
1,000(4)
​​
$5,040
​​
—
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
3,332(4)
​​
$16,793
​​
—
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
4,999(4)
​​
$25,195
​​
—
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
6,666(4)
​​
$33,597
​​
Option Awards
​​
Stock Awards
Name
​​
# of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
​​
# of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
​​
Option
Exercise
Price
​​
Option
Expiration
Date
​​
# of Shares
or Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
​​
Market Value
of Shares
or Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
Kendall Larsen(1)
​​
40,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$24.75
​​
4/13/2022
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
40,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$23.72
​​
6/6/2023
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
40,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$15.40
​​
7/8/2024
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
40,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$5.41
​​
5/20/2025
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
40,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$4.74
​​
5/23/2026
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
40,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$3.85
​​
6/2/2027
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
210,833(3)
​​
9,167
​​
$3.55
​​
2/16/2028
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
35,833(3)
​​
4,167
​​
$3.20
​​
5/31/2028
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
25,833(3)
​​
14,167
​​
$6.11
​​
5/30/2029
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
15,313(3)
​​
19,687
​​
$5.63
​​
3/18/2030
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
15,000(3)
​​
25,000
​​
$6.92
​​
6/2/2030
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
5,000(3)
​​
35,000
​​
$4.59
​​
6/14/2031
​​
​​
$—
​​
6,875(3)
​​
48,125
​​
$4.59
​​
6/14/2031
​​
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
6,666(4)
​​
$17,332
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
13,333(4)
​​
$34,666
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
20,000(4)
​​
$52,000
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
26,667(4)
​​
$69,334
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
​​
20,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$24.75
​​
4/13/2022
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
20,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$23.72
​​
6/6/2023
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
20,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$15.40
​​
7/8/2024
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
20,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$5.41
​​
5/20/2025
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
20,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$4.74
​​
5/23/2026
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
20,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$3.85
​​
6/2/2027
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
980,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$4.15
​​
9/14/2027
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
120,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$3.55
​​
2/16/2028
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
17,917(3)
​​
2,083
​​
$3.20
​​
5/31/2028
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
12,917(3)
​​
7,083
​​
$6.11
​​
5/30/2029
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
15,313(3)
​​
19,687
​​
$5.63
​​
3/18/2030
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
7,500(3)
​​
12,500
​​
$6.92
​​
6/2/2030
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
2,500(3)
​​
17,500
​​
$4.59
​​
6/14/2031
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
5,500(3)
​​
38,500
​​
$4.59
​​
6/14/2031
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
3,334(4)
​​
$8,668
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
6,667(4)
​​
$17,334
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
10,000(4)
​​
$26,000
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
13,333(4)
​​
$34,666
Katherine Allanson
​​
2,500(5)
​​
7,500
​​
$5.18
​​
12/18/30
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
—
​​
120,000(5)
​​
$4.12
​​
9/15/31
​​
—
​​
$—
Richard Nance(6)
​​
4,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$23.72
​​
7/4/2022
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
4,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$15.40
​​
7/4/2022
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
4,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$5.41
​​
​7/4/2022
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
4,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$4.74
​​
​7/4/2022
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
6,000(2)
​​
—
​​
$3.85
​​
​7/4/2022
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
7,708(3)
​​
—(6)
​​
$3.20
​​
​7/4/2022
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
5,208(3)
​​
—(6)
​​
$6.11
​​
​7/4/2022
​​
—
​​
$—
​​
2,500(3)
​​
—(6)
​​
$6.92
​​
​7/4/2022
​​
—
​​
$—
(1)
This table does not include options or RSUs granted to Mrs. Larsen, aswhich are discussed in the notes to the Beneficial Ownership Table, included in this Proxy Statement at page 19.
(2)
The shares subject to this option are fully vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2020.2021.
(3)
The shares subject to the option vest and become exercisable in 48 equal monthly installments beginning on the one month anniversary of the grant date, subject to the optionee’s continued status as a service provider of the Company on each such date.
(4)
The RSUs shall vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the one year anniversary of the grant date.
(5)
The25% of the shares subject to this option vest and become exercisable as follows: 12,500on the one-year anniversary of the total numbergrant date, and the remaining vest in 36 equal installments on the one month anniversary of sharesthe grant date, subject to the option are vested and exercisable on the grant date. 1/43optionee’s continued status as a service provider of the remaining number of shares subject to the option shall vest and become exercisableCompany on each monthly anniversary thereafter.date.
(6)
The shares subjectMr. Nance ceased to this optionbe a service provider of the Company on July 4, 2021; his unvested options and RSUs were returned to the Company’s 2013 Plan, and his vested options remained outstanding and exercisable asmay be exercised until first anniversary of December 31, 2020.his death.
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Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2021
The following table presents information regarding the exercise of option awards and vesting of stock awards during fiscal 2021.
Name
​​
Option Awards
​​
Stock Awards
​
Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
​​
Value Realized on
Exercise
​​
Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
​​
Value Realized on
Vesting(1)
Kendall Larsen(2)
​​
—
​​
—
​​
26,667
​​
$127,933
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
​​
—
​​
—
​​
13,333(3)
​​
$​62,732
Katherine Allanson
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
Richard Nance
​​
—
​​
—
​​
5,997(4)
​​
$28,763(4)
(1)
Reflects the market value of our common stock on the vesting date.
(2)
Excludes Mrs. Larsen’s options exercised and stock awards vested, which are discussed in the notes to the Beneficial Ownership Table, included in this Proxy Statement at page 19.
(3)
Includes the 3,533 shares that Dr. Short had withheld for tax purposes.
(4)
Includes only stock awards that vested up to June 2021.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
As stated elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, we do not provide change in control agreements or employment agreements providing formal cash or equity severance rights to any of our named executive officers. However, the Board has made the determination that all equity awards issued under our 2013 Plan will include the provision that in the event of a “Change in Control” (as defined in our 2013 Plan), all unvested shares underlying the option and all unvested RSUs will vest and become exercisable immediately prior to the consummation of such Change in Control transaction.
The table below provides an estimate of the value of the equity awards that will vest and become immediately exercisable prior to the consummation of such Change in Control transaction for each of our named executive officers for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, assuming that the change in control was effective on December 31, 2021. The amounts reported in the table reflect the aggregate market value of the unvested shares of our common stock underlying outstanding stock options and restricted stock unit awards.
Name
​​
Option Awards
​​
Stock Awards
​
Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
​​
Value Realized on
Exercise(1)
​​
Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
​​
Value Realized on
Vesting(2)
Kendall Larsen
​​
155,313
​​
—
​​
66,666
​​
$173,332
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D.
​​
97,353
​​
—
​​
33,334
​​
$86,668
Katherine Allanson
​​
127,500
​​
—
​​
—
​​
—
(1)
The aggregate market value is computed by multiplying (i) the number of shares of our common stock underlying unvested and outstanding stock options on December 31, 2021, that would become vested by (ii) the positive difference, if any, between $2.60 (the closing market price of our common stock on the NYSE on December 31, 2021, the last trading day in fiscal 2021) and the exercise price of such option. Because no options had an exercise price below $2.60, there would have been no value associated with their acceleration.
(2)
The aggregate market value is computed by multiplying (i) the number of unvested shares of our common stock subject to outstanding restricted stock unit awards on December 31, 2021 that would become vested by (ii) $2.60 (the closing market price of our common stock on the NYSE on December 31, 2021, the last trading day in fiscal 2021).
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CEO Pay Ratio
As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”), we are providing the following disclosure that compares the annual total compensation of our “median employee” to the annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Larsen.
The annual total compensation of the employee identified as our median employee as of December 31, 2021 (other than our Chief Executive Officer) was $333,391;
The annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table in this Proxy Statement, was $1,601,266; and
Based on this information, the ratio of the annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer to the annual total compensation of our median employee was 4.8:1.
This pay ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with SEC rules based on our payroll and employment records and the methodology described below. The SEC’s rules for identifying the median compensated employee and calculating the pay ratio based on that employee’s annual total compensation allow companies to adopt a variety of methodologies, to apply certain exclusions, and to make reasonable estimates and assumptions that reflect their employee populations and compensation practices. As a result, the pay ratio reported by other companies may not be comparable to the pay ratio reported below, as other companies have different employee populations and compensation practices and may utilize different methodologies, exclusions, estimates and assumptions in calculating their own pay ratios.
To identify the median of the annual total compensation of all our employees, as well as to determine the annual total compensation of the “median employee,” the methodology and the material assumptions, adjustments, and estimates that we used were as follows:
To identify the median employee, we calculated compensation of our employees using their fiscal 2021 annual base salaries, cash bonus amounts earned for performance in fiscal 2021 and the aggregate grant date fair value of equity awards granted in fiscal 2021.
We determined that as of December 31, 2021, our employee population consisted of 24 full-time and part-time employees.
We did not exclude any employees from our employee population.
Once the median employee was identified, we calculated the total compensation for our median employee using the same methodology we used to calculate Mr. Larsen’s total compensation as disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table.
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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE AND DELINQUENT 16(a) REPORTS
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that our executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of our common stock, file reports of ownership and changes of ownership with the SEC. Such directors, executive officers and 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
SEC regulations require us to identify in this proxy statementProxy Statement anyone who filed a required report late during the most recent fiscal year. Based on our review of forms filed with the SEC, or written representations from reporting persons stating that they were not required to file these forms, we believe that during our fiscal year ended December 31, 2020,2021, all Section 16(a) filing requirements were satisfied on a timely basis, with the exception of the failure to timely file FormsForm 4 for Richard Nance and Robert D. Short III, Ph.D., reporting the withholding of shares to satisfy income tax and withholding and remittance obligations in connection with the net settlement of RSUs (both filed(filed with the SEC June 23, 2020)April 11, 2022).
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Other than compensation arrangements of non-employee directors and named executive officers, we describe below transactions and series of similar transactions, duringsince the beginning of our last two fiscal years,year, to which we were a party or will be a party, in which:
the amounts involved exceeded or will exceed $120,000; and
any of our directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of our common stock, or any member of the immediate family of the foregoing persons, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
The audit committee is responsible for reviewing and approving in advance any proposed related person transactions. The audit committee reviews any such proposed related person transactions on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as appropriate. In cases in which a transaction has been identified as a potential related person transaction, management must present information regarding the proposed transaction to the audit committee for consideration and approval or ratification. The audit committee is also responsible for reviewing the Company’s policies with respect to related person transactions and overseeing compliance with such practices.
Kendall Larsen, the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer, is married to the Company’s Chief Administrative Officer, Kathleen Larsen. Kathleen Larsen is not an executive officer of the Company. In addition, Kathleen Larsen’s sons, Dustan Sheehan and Joshua Sheehan, are employed by the Company as a (1) Web, Graphics, and Testing Engineer and (2) Director of Global Engineering Operations and Customer Relations, respectively. Neither Dustan Sheehan nor Joshua Sheehan are executive officers of the Company.
Mr. Larsen’s son, Parker Larsen, is employed bywas promoted to the Company as a Product Support Engineer.Integration Engineer in September 2021. Parker Larsen is not an executive officer of the Company.
Robert D. Short III, Ph.D., the Company’s Chief Technical Officer and Chief Scientist, is the father-in-law of Corby Hoback, who is employed by the Company as a Director of Software Project Engineer. Corby Hoback is not an executive officer of the Company.
Dr. Short’s son, Dunham Short, was hired by the Company as a Senior Software Engineer in January 2022. Dunham Short is not an executive officer of the Company.
The compensation for all such related persons was approved by the compensation committee, and all such related persons are compensated at a level that the Company believes is comparable to other employees in similar positions of responsibility at comparable companies. Compensation amounts below reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The values of the option grants and stock awards include the value of unvested shares. There can be no assurance that these amounts will ever be
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realized. For information on the valuation assumptions used in valuing these stock option awards, refer to Note 6 titled “Stock-Based Compensation” in the Note to the Financial Statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2020.2021.
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Fiscal 20202021
During fiscal 2020,2021, Kathleen Larsen received an aggregate of (1) $446,873$500,498 in the form of salary, (2)of which $35,750 constitutes a special bonus payment of $322,264, and an annual incentive bonus of $335,155, (3) payments of $33,053 and $34,374 in fiscal 2020 for accrued but unused vacation in fiscal 2019 and 2020, respectively, and (4) $256,2152021, an annual incentive bonus of $232,374, $220,480 in the form of option grants and $92,264$61,198 in the form of stock awards.
During fiscal 2020,2021, Dustan Sheehan received an aggregate of (1) $125,000$128,750 in the form of salary, (2) a special bonus payment of $34,499, and an annual incentive bonus of $43,750, and (3) $26,455$45,063, $186,030 in the form of option grants, and $23,064$30,597 in the form of stock awards.
During fiscal 2020,2021, Joshua Sheehan received an aggregate of (1) $125,000$128,750 in the form of salary, (2) a special bonus payment of $40,579, and an annual incentive bonus of $43,750, and (3) $52,910$45,063, $34,450 shares in the form of option grants and $46,129$30,597 in the form of stock awards.
During fiscal 2020,2021, Parker Larsen received an aggregate of (1) $69,628$77,932 in the form of salary, (2) a special bonus payment of $23,660, and an annual incentive bonus of $24,370, and (3) $26,450$31,627, $34,450 in the form of option grants and $23,064$30,597 in the form of stock awards.
During fiscal 2020,2021, Corby Hoback received an aggregate of (1) $200,000$206,000 in the form of salary, (2) a special bonus payment of $87,405, and an annual incentive bonus of $70,000, and (3) $66,138$72,100, $86,125 in the form of option grants and $57,664$38,248 in the form of stock awards.
During fiscal 2020,2021, the Company leased the use of an aircraft from K2 Investment Fund LLC (“LLC”) for business travel for employees of the Company (the “Aircraft”). The Company incurred approximately $791,000, $324,000, and $1,790,000 in rental fees (including fees and other reimbursements)reimbursements to the LLC during fiscalin 2021, 2020 for such use.and 2019, respectively. Kendall Larsen and Kathleen Larsen are the sole member-managers of the LLC and control the equity interests of the LLC. On January 31, 2015, the Company entered into a 12-month non-exclusive lease with the LLC for use of the plane at a rate of $8,100approximately $8,000 per flight hour, with no minimum usage requirement. The agreement contains other terms and conditions normal in such transactions and can be cancelled by either the Company or the LLC with 30-days’ notice. The agreement renews on an annual basis unless terminated by either party. Neither party has exercised their termination rights. The audit committee has approved the rental fees and lease agreement.
Fiscal 2019
During fiscal 2019, Kathleen Larsen received an aggregate of (1) $461,466 in the form of salary (including payment of $31,781 for accrued, but unused vacation in fiscal 2018), and (2) $93,480 in the form of option grants and $81,465 in the form of stock awards.
During fiscal 2019, Dustan Sheehan received an aggregate of (1) $98,568 in the form of salary, and (2) $23,370 in the form of option grants and $20,365 in the form of stock awards. During fiscal 2019, Joshua Sheehan received an aggregate of (1) $115,940 in the form of salary, and (2) $46,740 in the form of option grants and $40,729 in the form of stock awards.
During fiscal 2019, Parker Larsen received an aggregate of (1) $67,600 in the form of salary, and (2) $23,370 in the form of option grants and $20,365 in the form of stock awards.
During fiscal 2019, Corby Hoback received an aggregate of (1) $174,811 in the form of salary, and (2) $58,425 in the form of option grants and $50,915 in the form of stock awards.
During fiscal 2019, the Company leased the use of the Aircraft and incurred approximately $1,790,000 in rental fees (including fees and other reimbursements) to the LLC during fiscal 2019 for such use.
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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The following is the report of the audit committee of the Board of Directors. In connection with the financial statements for fiscal 2020,2021, our audit committee has:
reviewed and discussed our audited financial statements for fiscal 20202021 with our management and our independent registered public accounting firm, including discussions related to critical accounting policies, financial reporting principles and practices, the reasonableness of significant estimates, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting;
discussed with our independent registered accountants, the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and the Commission; and
received the written disclosures and the letter from our independent registered public accounting firm discussing the matters required by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and has discussed with our independent registered public accounting firm its independence.
Based on the audit committee’s review of the matters noted above and its discussions with our independent accountants and our management, the audit committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2020.2021.
Respectfully submitted by:
Thomas M. O’Brien (Chair)
Michael F. Angelo
Gary W. Feiner
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that might incorporate future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any such filings, unless we specifically incorporate these reports by reference in some other filed document.
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OTHER BUSINESS
The Board is not aware of any other matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting. If, however, any other matter should properly come before the Annual Meeting, the enclosed proxy card confers discretionary authority with respect to such matter.
AVAILABILITY OF FORM 10-K
We will provide upon request without charge to each person solicited by this Proxy Statement a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2020,2021, including our financial statements but excluding the exhibits to Form 10-K. The Form 10-K includes a list of the exhibits that were filed with it, and we will furnish a copy of any such exhibit to any person who requests it upon the payment of our reasonable expenses in providing the requested exhibit. For further information, please send a request to: Corporate Secretary, VirnetX Holding Corporation, P.O. Box 439, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448, telephone (775) 548-1785. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC, including exhibits, are also available for free online at www.virnetx.com under the “SEC Filings” link in the “Investors” tab and at the SEC’s internet site, www.sec.gov.website, www.sec.gov.
Sincerely,

 
Kathleen Larsen
Corporate Secretary
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ANNUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
Attendance at the Annual Meeting is limited to stockholders of record as of April 9, 2021.8, 2022. Registration will begin at 9:45 a.m. Pacific Time on June 3, 2021,2022.
Each objecting or non-objecting beneficial owner must email info@virnetx.com for verification and each stockholder will need to providereceive a control identification number and a company-issued password to attend the Annual Meeting by visiting https://agm.issuerdirect.com/vhc. To vote, visit https://central.proxyvote.com/pv/web and enter the control andidentification number located on the Proxy Card, received from Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
Each registered stockholder must enter the control identification number, request identification numbersnumber, and password located on their proxy card.Notice of Internet Availability (Notice and Access) Card, received from Issuer Direct Corporation, to both attend the meeting by visiting https://agm.issuerdirect.com/vhc and vote by visiting www.iproxydirect.com/VHC.
If it is unclear whether a stockholder is an objecting or non-objecting beneficial owner or whether a stockholder is a registered stockholder, email info@virnetx.com to confirm.
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APPENDIX A

VIRNETX HOLDING CORPORATION

2013 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1.
Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Plan are:
to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility,
to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and
to promote the success of the Company’s business.
The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units and Performance Shares.
2.
Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions will apply:
(a) “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(b) “Affiliate” means an entity other than a Subsidiary which, together with the Company, is under common control of a third person or entity.
(c) “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards 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 Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units or Performance Shares.
(e) “Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(f) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(g) “Cause” will have the meaning set forth in the applicable Participant’s Award Agreement, employment agreement, or other applicable written agreement. If such agreement does not contain a definition of “Cause”, Cause will mean the following: (i) Participant’s willful failure substantially to perform his or her duties and responsibilities to the Company or deliberate violation of a Company policy; (ii) Participant’s commission of any act of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty or any other willful misconduct that has caused or is reasonably expected to result in material injury to the Company; (iii) unauthorized use or disclosure by Participant of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom the Participant owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of his or her relationship with the Company; or (iv) Participant’s willful breach of any of his or her obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company. The determination as to whether a Participant is being terminated for Cause shall be made in good faith by the Company and shall be final and binding on the Participant. The term “Company” as used in this Section 2(g) will be interpreted to include any Subsidiary, Parent, Affiliate, or any successor thereto, if appropriate.
(h) “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection, the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company will not be considered a Change in Control; or
(ii) A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not
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endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this clause (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or
(iii) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (iii)(B)(3). For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
For purposes of this definition, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as it has been and may be amended from time to time, and any proposed or final Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance that has been promulgated or may be promulgated thereunder from time to time.
Further and for the avoidance of doubt, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if: (i) its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company’s incorporation, or (ii) its sole purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.
(i) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code or regulation thereunder shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.
(j) “Committee” means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board, or a duly authorized committee of the Board, in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
(k) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
(l) “Company” means VirnetX Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.
(m) “Consultant” means any natural person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary or other Affiliate to render bona fide services to such entity, provided the services (i) are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction, and (ii) do not directly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities, in each case, within the meaning of Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act and provided further that a Consultant will only include those persons to whom the issuance of Shares may be registered under Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act.
(n) “Determination Date” means the latest possible date that will not jeopardize the qualification of an Award granted under the Plan as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.
(o) “Director” means a member of the Board.
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(p) “Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.
(q) “Employee” means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary or other Affiliate. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
(r) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(s) “Exchange Program” means a program under which (i) outstanding Awards are surrendered or cancelled in exchange for awards of the same type (which may have higher or lower exercise prices and different terms), awards of a different type, and/or cash, (ii) Participants would have the opportunity to transfer any outstanding Awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the Administrator, and/or (iii) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is increased or reduced. The Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of any Exchange Program in its sole discretion.
(t) “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 or a national market system, including without limitation the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE MKT, LLC, Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal 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, the Fair Market Value of a Share will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination (or, if no bids and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last trading date such bids and asks were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the determination date for the Fair Market Value occurs on a weekend or holiday, the Fair Market Value will be the price as determined in accordance with subsections (i) through (iii) above (as applicable) on the next business day, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator.
(u) “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.
(v) “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms qualifies and is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(w) “Inside Director” means a Director who is an Employee.
(x) “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(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 a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
(aa) “Outside Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.
(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.
(dd) “Performance Goals” will have the meaning set forth in Section 11 of the Plan.
(ee) “Performance Period” will have the meaning set forth in Section 10 of the Plan.
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(ff) “Performance Share” means an Award denominated in Shares which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine pursuant to Section 10.
(gg) “Performance Unit” means an Award which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine and which may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing pursuant to Section 10.
(hh) “Period of Restriction” means the period during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock are subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.
(ii) “Plan” means this 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.
(jj) “Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to a Restricted Stock award under Section 7 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.
(kk) “Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 8 of the Plan. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.
(ll) “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.
(mm) “Section 16(b)” means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(nn) “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
(oo) “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 15 of the Plan.
(pp) “Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan is designated as a Stock Appreciation Right.
(qq) “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) Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is 7,500,000 Shares, plus any Shares subject to stock options or similar awards granted under the Company’s 2007 Stock Plan, as amended (the “Existing Plan”) that expire or otherwise terminate without having been exercised in full and Shares issued pursuant to awards granted under the Existing Plan that are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, with the maximum number of Shares to be added to the Plan from awards issued pursuant to the 2007 Plan equal to 3,736,946 Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.
(b) Lapsed Awards. If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, is surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program, or, with respect to Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units or Performance Shares, is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company due to failure to vest, the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options or Stock Appreciation Rights the forfeited or repurchased Shares), which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). With respect to Stock Appreciation Rights, only Shares actually issued (i.e., the net Shares issued) pursuant to a Stock Appreciation Right will cease to be available under the Plan; all remaining Shares under Stock Appreciation Rights will remain available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan under any Award will not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the Plan; provided, however, that if Shares issued pursuant to Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Performance Units are repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to the Company, such Shares will become available for future grant under the Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an Award or to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an Award will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under
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the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the aggregate Share number stated in Section 3(a), plus, to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Section 3(b).
(c) Share Reserve. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
4.
Administration of the Plan.
(a) Procedure.
(i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. Different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers may administer the Plan.
(ii) 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 Plan will be administered by a Committee of two (2) or more “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(iii) Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.
(iv) Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan will be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee will be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.
(b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion:
(i) to determine the Fair Market Value;
(ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;
(iii) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(iv) to approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan;
(v) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Awards may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator will determine;
(vi) to determine the terms and conditions of any, and with the approval of the Company’s stockholders, to institute an Exchange Program;
(vii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan;
(viii) 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 satisfying applicable foreign laws or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable foreign laws;
(ix) to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 20 of the Plan), including but not limited to the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Awards and to extend the maximum term of an Option (subject to Section 6(b) of the Plan regarding Incentive Stock Options); provided, however, that the Administrator may not, without the prior approval of the Company’s stockholders: (A) modify or amend an Option or Stock Appreciation Right to reduce the exercise price of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right after it has been granted (except for adjustments made pursuant to Section 15), or (B) cancel any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right and immediately replace it with a new Option or Stock Appreciation Right with a lower exercise price;
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(x) to allow Participants to satisfy tax withholding obligations in such manner as prescribed in Section 16 of the Plan;
(xi) 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;
(xii) to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that would otherwise be due to such Participant under an Award; and
(xiii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.
(c) Effect of Administrator’s Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards.
5.
Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary.
6.
Stock Options.
(a) Grant of Options. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, Option may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. Subject to Section 12 and the other terms and conditions of the Plan, the Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Shares granted to any Service Provider. Each Option shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement (which may be in electronic form) that shall specify the exercise price, the expiration date of the Option, the number of Shares covered by the Option, any conditions to exercise the Option, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its discretion, shall determine.
(b) Term of Option. The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the term will be ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.
(c) 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 will be determined by the Administrator, subject to the following:
(1) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option
(A) granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(B) granted to any Employee other than an Employee described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(2) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code.
(ii) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.
(iii) Form of Consideration. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the
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Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such consideration may consist entirely of: (1) cash; (2) check; (3) promissory note, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, (4) other Shares, provided that such Shares have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option will be exercised and provided that accepting such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion; (5) consideration received by the Company under a broker-assisted (or other) cashless exercise program (whether through a broker or otherwise) implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; (6) by net exercise; (7) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; or (8) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.
(d) Exercise of Option.
(i) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) a notice of exercise (in such form as the Administrator may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with applicable withholding taxes). Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. 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 will exist with respect to the Shares subject to an Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 15 of the Plan.
Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.
(ii) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Participant’s termination as the result of the Participant’s death or Disability or termination for Cause, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for thirty (30) days following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iii) Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for six (6) months following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iv) Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, or dies within thirty (30) days following the day Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised following the Participant’s death within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death (but in no event may the option be exercised later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the
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Administrator. If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following Participant’s death. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if at the time of death Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will immediately revert to the Plan. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(v) Termination for Cause. In the event a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s termination for Cause, the Option shall immediately terminate in its entirety upon first notification to the Participant of Participant’s termination for Cause. If a Participant Service Provider status is suspended pending an investigation of whether the Participant shall be terminated for Cause, all of the Participant’s rights under the Option likewise shall be suspended during the investigation period and the Participant shall have no right to exercise the Option. This Section 6(d)(v) shall apply with equal effect to vested Shares acquired upon exercise of the Option granted on any date on which the Common Stock is not listed on any established stock exchange or national market system, in that the Company shall have the right to repurchase such Shares from the Participant upon the following terms: (A) the repurchase is made within ninety (90) days of the date Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, at the Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the date of such termination, (B) consideration for the repurchase consists of cash or cancellation of purchase money indebtedness, and (C) the repurchase right terminates upon the effective date of the Company’s initial public offering of its Common Stock on any established stock exchange or national market system. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to vested Shares issued upon exercise of an Option granted to any Officer, Director or Consultant, the Company’s right to repurchase such Shares upon the date that Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of termination for Cause shall be made at the Participant’s original cost for the Shares and shall be effected pursuant to such terms and conditions, and at such time, as the Administrator shall determine. Nothing in this Section 6(d)(v) shall in any way limit the Company’s right to purchase unvested Shares issued upon exercise of an Option as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
7.
Restricted Stock.
(a) Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(b) Restricted Stock Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction, the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Company as escrow agent will hold Shares of Restricted Stock until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed.
(c) Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 7 or the Award Agreement, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction.
(d) Other Restrictions. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate.
(e) Removal of Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 7, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction or at such other time as the Administrator may determine. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed.
(f) Voting Rights. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.
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(g) Dividends and Other Distributions. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares, unless the Administrator provides otherwise. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.
(h) Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under the Plan.
(i) Termination for Cause. In the event a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s termination for Cause, the Participant paid consideration to purchase Shares granted pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, and the Administrator granted the Award to purchase Restricted Stock on any date on which the Common Stock is not listed on any established stock exchange or national market system, the Company shall have the right to repurchase from the Participant the Shares of Restricted Stock purchased by Participant for which restrictions have lapsed upon the following terms: (A) the repurchase is made within ninety (90) days of the date Participant ceases to be a Service Provider at the Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the date of such termination, (B) consideration for the repurchase consists of cash or cancellation of purchase money indebtedness, and (C) the repurchase right terminates upon the effective date of the Company’s initial public offering of its Common Stock on any established stock exchange or national market system. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to Restricted Stock issued to any Officer, Director or Consultant, the Company’s right to repurchase Shares of Restricted Stock for which restrictions have lapsed upon the date that Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of termination for Cause shall be made at the Participant’s original cost for the Shares and shall be effected pursuant to such terms and conditions, and at such time, as the Administrator shall determine. Nothing in this Section 7(i) shall in any way limit the Company’s right to purchase Shares of Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed as set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing the applicable Award of Restricted Stock.
(j) Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions. For purposes of qualifying grants of Restricted Stock as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals will be set by the Administrator on or before the Determination Date. In granting Restricted Stock which is intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator will follow any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Award under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals).
8.
Restricted Stock Units.
(a) Grant. Restricted Stock Units may be granted at any time and from time to time as determined by the Administrator. After the Administrator determines that it will grant Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, it will advise the Participant in an Award Agreement of the terms, conditions, and restrictions related to the grant, including the number of Restricted Stock Units.
(b) Vesting Criteria and Other Terms. The Administrator will set vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participant. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit, or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.
(c) Earning Restricted Stock Units. Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as determined by the Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any vesting criteria that must be met to receive a payout.
(d) Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units will be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may only settle earned Restricted Stock Units in cash, Shares, or a combination of both.
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(e) Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the Company.
(f) Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions. For purposes of qualifying grants of Restricted Stock Units as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals will be set by the Administrator on or before the Determination Date. In granting Restricted Stock Units which are intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator will follow any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Award under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals).
9.
Stock Appreciation Rights.
(a) Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.
(b) Number of Shares. The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Stock Appreciation Rights granted to any Service Provider.
(c) Exercise Price and Other Terms. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right will be determined by the Administrator and will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Otherwise, the Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan.
(d) Stock Appreciation Right Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Stock Appreciation Right, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(e) Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan will expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6(b) relating to the maximum term and Section 6(d) relating to exercise and repurchase also will apply to Stock Appreciation Rights.
(f) Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount. Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant will 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 Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.
At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon Stock Appreciation Right exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.
10.
Performance Units and Performance Shares.
(a) Grant of Performance Units/Shares. Performance Units and Performance Shares may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time, as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator will have complete discretion in determining the number of Performance Units and Performance Shares granted to each Participant.
(b) Value of Performance Units/Shares. Each Performance Unit will have an initial value that is established by the Administrator on or before the date of grant. Each Performance Share will have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.
(c) Performance Objectives and Other Terms. The Administrator will set performance objectives or other vesting provisions (including, without limitation, continued status as a Service Provider) in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or value of Performance Units/Shares that will be paid out to the Service Providers. The time period during which the performance objectives or other vesting provisions must be met will be called the “Performance Period”, and will consist of any Fiscal Year of the Company or such other period as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion. Each Award of Performance
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Units/Shares will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. The Administrator may set performance objectives based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.
(d) Earning of Performance Units/Shares. After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units/Shares will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Performance Units/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives or other vesting provisions have been achieved. After the grant of a Performance Unit/Share, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for such Performance Unit/Share.
(e) Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares. Payment of earned Performance Units/Shares will be made as soon as practicable after the expiration of the applicable Performance Period. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Units/Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the value of the earned Performance Units/Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or in a combination thereof.
(f) Cancellation of Performance Units/Shares. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Units/Shares will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for grant under the Plan.
(g) Section 162(m) Performance Restrictions. For purposes of qualifying grants of Performance Units/Shares as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator, in its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Performance Goals will be set by the Administrator on or before the Determination Date. In granting Performance Units/Shares which are intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Administrator will follow any procedures determined by it from time to time to be necessary or appropriate to ensure qualification of the Award under Section 162(m) of the Code (e.g., in determining the Performance Goals).
11.
Performance-Based Compensation Under Code Section 162(m).
(a) General. If the Administrator, in its discretion, decides to grant an Award intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m), the provisions of this Section 11 will control over any contrary provision in the Plan; provided, however, that the Administrator may in its discretion grant Awards that are not intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code to such Participants that are based on Performance Goals or other specific criteria or goals but that do not satisfy the requirements of this Section 11.
(b) Performance Goals. The granting and/or vesting of Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units and other incentives under the Plan may be made subject to the attainment of performance goals relating to one or more business criteria within the meaning of Code Section 162(m). As determined by the Administrator, the Performance Goals applicable to an Award may provide for a targeted level or levels of achievement using one or more of the following measures: earnings (which may include earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), earnings before taxes and net earnings), earnings per share, gross margin, new product development or innovation, net income, operating income, quality, operating margin, return on capital, return on equity, revenue, revenue growth, and total stockholder return. The Performance Goals may differ from Participant to Participant and from Award to Award. Any criteria used may be measured, as applicable, (i) in absolute terms, (ii) in combination with another Performance Goal or Goals (for example, but not by way of limitation, as a ratio or matrix), (iii) in relative terms (including, but not limited to, results for other periods, passage of time and/or against another company or companies or an index or indices), (iv) on a per-share basis, (v) against the performance of the Company as a whole or a segment of the Company and/or (vi) on a pre-tax or after-tax basis. Prior to the Determination Date, the Administrator shall determine whether any element(s) or item(s) shall be included in or excluded from the calculation of any Performance Goal with respect to any Participants and whether a Performance Goal shall be measured in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) or a basis other than GAAP.
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(c) Procedures. To the extent necessary to comply with the performance-based compensation provisions of Code Section 162(m), with respect to any Award granted subject to Performance Goals, within the first twenty-five percent (25%) of the Performance Period, but in no event more than ninety (90) days following the commencement of any Performance Period (or such other time as may be required or permitted by Code Section 162(m)), the Administrator will, in writing, (i) designate one or more Participants to whom an Award will be made, (ii) select the Performance Goals applicable to the Performance Period, (iii) establish the Performance Goals, and amounts of such Awards, as applicable, which may be earned for such Performance Period, and (iv) specify the relationship between Performance Goals and the amounts of such Awards, as applicable, to be earned by each Participant for such Performance Period. Following the completion of each Performance Period, the Administrator will certify in writing whether the applicable Performance Goals have been achieved for such Performance Period. In determining the amounts earned by a Participant, the Administrator will have the right to reduce or eliminate (but not to increase) the amount payable at a given level of performance to take into account additional factors that the Administrator may deem relevant to the assessment of individual or corporate performance for the Performance Period. A Participant will be eligible to receive payment pursuant to an Award for a Performance Period only if the Performance Goals for such period are achieved.
(d) Additional Limitations. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, any Award which is granted to a Participant and is intended to constitute qualified performance based compensation under Code Section 162(m) will be subject to any additional limitations set forth in the Code (including any amendment to Section 162(m)) or any regulations and ruling issued thereunder that are requirements for qualification as qualified performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m) of the Code, and the Plan will be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such requirements.
12.
Limitations.
(a) Incentive Stock Option Limitations. Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), such Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 12(a), Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.
(b) Section 162(m) Limitations. The following limitations shall apply to Awards under the Plan: Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15, during any Fiscal Year, no Employee will be granted:
(i) Options and/or SARs covering more than a total of 1,000,000 Shares; provided, however, that in connection with his or her initial employment, an Employee may be granted Options and/or SARs covering up to a total of 1,000,000 additional Shares in the Fiscal Year in which his or her service as an Employee first commences;
(ii) Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units and/or Performance Shares covering more than 1,000,000 Shares; provided, however, that in connection with his or her initial employment, an Employee may be granted Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and/or Performance Shares covering up to a total of 1,000,000 additional Shares in the Fiscal Year in which his or her service as an Employee first commences; and
(iii) Performance Units having a grant date fair value (determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles) greater than $5,000,000; provided, however, that in connection with his or her initial employment, an Employee may be granted additional Performance Units in the Fiscal Year in which his or her service as an Employee first commences having a grant date fair value (determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles) no greater than $10,000,000.
(iv) If an Award is cancelled in the same Fiscal Year in which it was granted (other than in connection with a transaction described in Section 15(c)), the cancelled Award will be counted against the limits set forth in this subsection (a).
(c) Outside Director Limitations. No Outside Director may be granted, in any Fiscal Year, Awards covering more than 100,000 Shares. Awards granted to an individual while he or she was an Employee or Consultant, but not an Outside Director, shall not count for purposes of this limitation.
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13.
Leaves of Absence/Transfer Between Locations. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence. A Participant will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any military leave of absence, sick leave of absence, or other leave of absence approved by the Company, provided that such leave is not for a period of more than ninety (90) days unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract, statute, or Company policy, or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed three (3) months, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then six (6) months following the first (1st) day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
14.
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 Participant, only by the Participant. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.
15.
Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control.
(a) Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs, the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, will adjust the number and class of Shares that may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number, class, and price of Shares covered by each outstanding Award, and the numerical Share limits in Section 3 of the Plan.
(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
(c) Change in Control. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or other entity or a Change in Control, each outstanding Award will be treated as the Administrator determines, including, without limitation, that each Award be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. The Administrator will not be required to treat all Awards similarly in the transaction.
In the event that the successor corporation does not assume or substitute for the Award, the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will lapse, and, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met. In addition, if an Option or Stock Appreciation Right is not assumed or substituted in the event of a Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.
For the purposes of this subsection (c), an Award will be considered assumed if, following the Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the Change in Control 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 the Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right
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or upon the payout of a Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Unit or Performance Share, for each Share subject to such Award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 15(c) to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.
16.
Tax.
(a) Withholding Requirements. Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof) or such earlier time as any tax withholding obligations are due, the Company will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes (including the Participant’s FICA obligation) required to be withheld with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof).
(b) Withholding Arrangements. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit a Participant to satisfy such tax withholding obligation, in whole or in part by (without limitation) (a) paying cash, (b) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine if such amount would not have adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion, or (c) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a fair market value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld or such greater amount as the Administrator may determine if such amount would not have adverse accounting consequences, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion. The fair market value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld.
(c) Compliance With Code Section 409A. Awards will be designed and operated in such a manner that they are either exempt from the application of, or comply with, the requirements of Code Section 409A such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Code Section 409A, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. The Plan and each Award Agreement under the Plan are intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. To the extent that an Award or payment, or the settlement or deferral thereof, is subject to Code Section 409A the Award will be granted, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will meet the requirements of Code Section 409A, such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Code Section 409A.
17.
No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the Company’s right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
18.
Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award will 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 will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.
19.
Term of Plan. Subject to Section 20 of the Plan, the Plan will become effective upon its approval by the Company’s stockholders. It will continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years from the date it was initially adopted by the Board, unless terminated earlier under Section 20 of the Plan.
20.
Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
(a) Amendment and Termination. The Administrator may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.
(b) Stockholder Approval. The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.
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(c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan will 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 will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
21.
Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
(a) Legal Compliance. The granting of Awards and the issuance and delivery of Shares under the Plan shall be subject to all Applicable Laws, rule and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required. Shares will not be issued pursuant to the exercise or vesting of an Award unless the exercise or vesting of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws, rules and regulations and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance
(b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise 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.
22.
Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction or to complete or comply with the requirements of any registration or other qualification of the Shares under any state, federal or foreign law or under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the stock exchange on which Shares of the same class are then listed, or any other governmental or regulatory body, which authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary or advisable for the issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance will not have been obtained.
23.
Stockholder Approval. The Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.
24.
Forfeiture Events. The Administrator may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. Such events may include, but shall not be limited to, fraud, breach of a fiduciary duty, restatement of financial statements as a result of fraud or willful errors or omissions, termination of employment for cause, violation of material Company and/or Subsidiary policies, breach of non-competition, confidentiality, or other restrictive covenants that may apply to the Participant, or other conduct by the Participant that is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company and/or its Subsidiaries. The Administrator may also require the application of this Section with respect to any Award previously granted to a Participant even without any specified terms being included in any applicable Award Agreement to the extent required under Applicable Laws.
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